FIFA bans Adamu

Amos Adamu

Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii have had their suspensions transmuted to bans and fines.

Claudio Sulser, the Head, Ethics Committee, in a press conference, stated that the two executive members were found guilty of contravening Articles 3 and 14 of FIFA's general rules.

Adamu and Temarii had been suspended on October 20, 2010 pending the end of these investigations. Adamu was banned from all football related activities for three years and fined 10,000 Swiss Francs, (N1.5million). Temarii was banned for a year and fined 5,000 Swiss Francs (N765, 000).

Other members of FIFA sanctioned by the committee include: Slim Aloulou from Tunisia, Amadu Diakite from Mali, Ahongalu Fusimalohi from Tonga and Ismael Bhamjee from Botswana, who was banned for four years.

Source: http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Sport/Football/5643815-146/fifa_bans_adamu___.csp

Fayemi appoints Adeoye as SSA

KAYODE FAYEMI

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has appointed a journalist, Mr. Adewale Adeoye, as his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, according to a statement from the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

Adeoye was until his appointment the Deputy Editor (Sunday) of The Nation Newspapers. A 1988 Philosophy graduate of the University of Nigeria, Adeoye holds Masters in Industrial and Labour Relations, University of Lagos (2000). He is an alumnus of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research based in Switzerland.

In 2009, he won the Distinguished Service Merit Award organised by the African Youth Society, based in Republic of Guinea on Mass Communication, International Friendship and Global Journalism. He began his journalism career in The Guardian in 1989, worked in THE PUNCH Newspapers as Deputy News Editor/Head of Investigation.

Adeoye won the CNN African Journalist of the Year, 2000, Nigerian Media Merit Award, Travel and Tourism Reporter of the Year (NMMA, 1999), Political Reporter of the Year (NMMA, 1999), Features Writer of the Year (NMMA, 2000) and DAME Award for Journalist of the Year (2009).


 Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011182484793

Eid-el Kabir tragedy: Saraki mourns death of PDP members

Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday commiserated with the Peoples Democratic Party in the state over the death of four of its members.

The four PDP members were said to have slumped and died during the Sallah celebration in the state on Tuesday as a result of excessive heat.

In a condolence message to the party leadership and the bereaved families, Saraki expressed shock over the sad event, noting that the deceased would be greatly missed by the party and their families.

He described the deaths as painful as well as a great loss to the state.


Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011183114726

Constitution amendment: NASS ’ll abide by court’s ruling -Bankole

 

 THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, has said that members of the National Assembly  would abide by the court judgment that constitutional amendment requires presidential assent to become operational.
However, the  former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, said presidential assent would give  too much power to  the president, and if not curtailed, could turn him to a monster.
Bankole made it clear that the National Assembly would resist any attempt to encroach on  its autonomy as an arm of government, and urged the executive and the judiciary to also adhere to the rule of law and the codes guiding inter-governmental relations.
“We will abide by the rule of law on court judgment. But we will also wish that the other arms of government abide by law and order,”
Bankole, who was speaking at a lecture organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy (OAIGPP) in Lagos, on electoral integrity  said, “we at the House of Representatives will ensure independence of the legislature. We will defend it at all cost, but we will also abide, at all time, by the rule of law.”
He remarked that the lecture series on electoral integrity was apt, but he added that the road map to credible ballots began with the electorate and all stakeholders changing their mindset or attitude and learning to play by the rule.
The guest speaker, Nnamani, who spoke on “Constitutional and Electoral Reform,” warned that those canvassing presidential assent for constitution amendment were unwittingly creating a stronger monster out of whoever occupied the presidential seat because their position subjected public wish to the whims of an individual.
Nnamani called the position of the lawyer canvassing presidential assent - and now the court verdict - a “strategic blunder” Nigeria could least contend with, given the country’s recent experiences in having an all-powerful president as exemplified in the constitutional logjam created by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua leaving the country for months without handing over to his deputy.
“The legal controversy regarding the need for the president to assent to a constitutional amendment is dangerous,” Nnamani warned.

Source:http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/13355-constitution-amendment-nass-ll-abide-by-courts-ruling-bankole

FG puts security on red alert •Jonathan’s effort to stop strike fails •Labour leaders meet today

AS the organised labour  begins a three-day nationwide strike today over agitations for a minimum wage, the Federal Government has put all security outfits on red alert.
This is just as labour leaders emerged from a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House on Tuesday night with a resolution to go back to consult with their internal organs before taking another position on the strike.
The labour leaders had been called for a meeting by the president as he attempted to avert the three-day warning strike.
No decision to immediately call off the strike was reached with the president which in essence means that the labour force would down tools as planned.
According to the acting President of the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, who briefed State House correspondents alongside the acting  President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Promise Adewusi, after the  meeting which lasted for less than 30 minutes, having heard from President  Jonathan, they had resolved to go back to brief their various organs.
An informed security source revealed to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday night that the action became necessary to prevent the situation from being hijacked by criminal-minded persons or group(s) which might want to capitalise on the situation to foment trouble or unleash mayhem in the country.
The source also said that government took the action to provide adequate security for life and property in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“Government is not leaving anything to chance, especially the current volatile political situation in the country and as well the fragile security situation which is giving government concern each day,” Nigerian Tribune source disclosed.
The source further revealed that adequate security personnel had been deployed in the nation’s land, seaports and airports while public places such as NITEL, PHCN, oil installations, Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Federal Secretariat, FRCN, NTA stations, among others, are also to be guarded to prevent hoodlums from wreaking possible havoc.
Nigerian Tribune further learnt that extra security had also been deployed in the Niger Delta to maintain law and order even as the MEND has threatened to attack several oil installations in the region during the period.
In fact, heads of various security outfits had held several consultations with the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Azazi, on the need for adequate security in the country during and after the warning strike.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Hafiz Ringim, was reported to have put all state commands on red alert with the strict warning to commissioners of police to maintain absolute peace and order in their areas of operations.
No decision to immediately call off the strike was reached with the president which in essence means that the labour force would down tools as planned.
According to the acting President of the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, who briefed State House correspondents alongside the acting  President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Promise Adewusi, after the  meeting which lasted for less than 30 minutes, having heard from President  Jonathan, they had resolved to go back to brief their various organs.
An informed security source revealed to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday night that the action became necessary to prevent the situation from being hijacked by criminal-minded persons or group(s) which might want to capitalise on the situation to foment trouble or unleash mayhem in the country.
The source also said that government took the action to provide adequate security for life and property in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“Government is not leaving anything to chance, especially the current volatile political situation in the country and as well the fragile security situation which is giving government concern each day,” Nigerian Tribune source disclosed.
The source further revealed that adequate security personnel had been deployed in the nation’s land, seaports and airports while public places such as NITEL, PHCN, oil installations, Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Federal Secretariat, FRCN, NTA stations, among others, are also to be guarded to prevent hoodlums from wreaking possible havoc.
Nigerian Tribune further learnt that extra security had also been deployed in the Niger Delta to maintain law and order even as the MEND has threatened to attack several oil installations in the region during the period.
In fact, heads of various security outfits had held several consultations with the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Azazi, on the need for adequate security in the country during and after the warning strike.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Hafiz Ringim, was reported to have put all state commands on red alert with the strict warning to commissioners of police to maintain absolute peace and order in their areas of operations.

Source:http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/13357-fg-puts-security-on-red-alert-jonathans-effort-to-stop-strike-fails-labour-leaders-meet-today

Court nullifies Uduaghan’s election

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

ASABA—DR. EMMANUELUduaghan’s tenure as Governor of Delta State was brought to an abrupt end, yesterday, after the five-man Court of Appeal panel presided over by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensah, in Benin annulled the process that brought him to power. The panel in a unanimous decision ruled that the election was marred with irregularities.
The court decision was upon the electoral petition filed by the gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, Chief Great Ogboru that there was no election in the State. The court in its ruling ordered that a fresh election should be conducted within 90 days.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Prince Sam Obi from Ika North East Constituency was ordered to be sworn in as Acting Governor in the interim. Obi was elected as Speaker only last July following the exit of the immediate past Speaker, Mr. Martins Okonta.
Yesterday’s action followed the persistent efforts of Mr. Ogboru to overturn the return of Dr. Uduaghan as the validly elected Governor of Delta State in the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial elections. To his chagrin, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Uduaghan as the winner, issued him certificate of return and he was subsequently sworn-in on may 29, 2007 thus setting the stage for the attendant series of legal combats.
Ogboru, like his Action Congress, AC counterpart, Mr. Peter Okocha approached the Election Tribunal sitting in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, to nullify Uduaghan’s election. While Ogboru anchored his petition on manipulation of the polls, Okocha hinged his on exclusion from the exercise. The tribunal led by Justice Lokulo dismissed his petition and Ogboru headed for the appeal court and got a judgment for the petition to be retried.

Read More:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/11/court-nullifies-uduaghans-election/

Zimbabwe charges diamond firm ACR with fraud

Zimbabwe-focused African Consolidated Resources Plc has been charged with fraud and violating the country's precious stones laws and will soon appear in the high court, the company said on Monday.

ACR said it faced allegations of unlawfully acquiring diamond claims in Marange by using subsidiary companies that were unregistered at the time, a process the authorities considered fraudulent.
"ACR has been legally advised that this should make no difference to the validity of the Marange Claims and accordingly that the charges are groundless," the company said.
London-listed ACR is already involved in a court battle with the Zimbabwean government which cancelled the company's claims in the Marange fields in the east of the country in 2006.
Zimbabwe's high court confirmed ACR's titles in a September 2009 ruling. It rescinded that decision this year, citing irregularities in the acquisition and registration of claims.
Last week, Zimbabwe police arrested six directors linked to a joint venture firm mining diamonds in Marange, also on allegations of fraudulently acquiring the concession.
The arrested executives include five officials from the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) and a Zimbabwean representative of its South African partner, Core Mining and Minerals, in the 50-50 diamond mining joint venture, Canadile Miners.
A magistrate will rule on Tuesday on the executives' bail application.

Source:http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/World/5640383-147/zimbabwe_charges_diamond_firm_acr_with.csp

DV lottery tops Google search in Nigeria

DV lottery

The fastest rising search in Nigeria for the month of October was the Diversity Visa lottery 2012, Google said in a statement on Monday.

The DV lottery is the American Diversity Visa lottery that is popularly known as the green card lottery.

The programme designed by the American government allows natives of other countries who meet certain eligibility requirements to gain immigrant visas to the United States.

The online registration began on October 5, 2010 and ended on November 3, 2010.

According to Google, the search emerged tops as thousands of hopefuls flocked to the Internet to find the website, apply online and also get the results of the 2011 lottery.

Nimbuzz, which offers free calls, chat and messaging, followed closely as the fifth rising search after the visa lottery showing the continuing popularity of social networking in Nigeria.

”We are noticing a definite shift from paper applications to online, for a lot of applications and processes in Nigeria. The Internet is increasingly becoming integrated into our lives as more and more application are done online,” Google Nigeria Officer, Mrs. Lola Masha, said.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011091201328

Libya arrests ally of reformist Gaddafi son: report

Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and chairman of the Al Qaddafi International Foundation for Charity and Development, addresses students and staff at the American University in Cairo May 5, 2010.

The deputy head of a media group founded by a son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has been arrested, local media said on Monday, in an apparent escalation of a power struggle inside the country's ruling elite.

Reform-minded Saif al-Islam Gaddafi is seen as a possible successor to his father as ruler of the oil exporting state but he has been waging a turf war with a conservative old guard within his father's entourage.
Parts of the Al Ghad media group founded by Saif al-Islam have come under pressure in the past week, with the print version of the Oea newspaper suspended and the Libya Press news agency saying some of its journalists have been arrested.
"For the fourth day in a row, the Libyan internal security agency is continuing to summon and detain journalists and contributors of Libya Press," the news agency said in a statement on its Internet site.
"The list of those detained has so far reached 20 journalists and contributors, including the deputy managing-director of Al Ghad group, Fawzi Batamr, for reasons that remain unclear."
The news agency had said on Sunday that 10 of its reporters had been detained. There was no confirmation of the arrests from Libyan officials.
The infighting in Libya, home to Africa's biggest proven oil reserves, is watched closely by Western oil majors including BP, Eni and Exxon Mobil.
They have poured billions of dollars into Libyan oil and gas projects and some analysts say their investments could be jeopardised by shifts in the political landscape.

Source:http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/World/5640379-147/libya_arrests_ally_of_reformist_gaddafi.csp

S.Africa's Gordhan worried about capital inflows

South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan speaks at a news conference during the annual IMF-World Bank meeting at the IMF headquarters building in Washington October 7, 2010.

South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Tuesday he was concerned about the rapid movement of capital inflows and said such large flows were having an impact on South Africa and other countries.

"In addition to concerns about the global recovery ... there's an additional factor... The rapid movement of huge capital flows around the world, which has an impact particularly on the currencies of developing countries like South Africa," Gordhan said at a news conference, ahead of his departure for a G20 summit in South Korea.
Gordhan said measures to handle capital inflows had to be found locally.
"We need to find tools in the domestic environment that ideally do not have a negative impact on other countries," he said.
Gordhan said all available funds would be used to help South Africa's Reserve Bank rebuild its reserves.
Emerging market currencies, including South Africa's rand, have soared in value as investors faced with minimal interest rates in crisis-hit developed economies seek higher returns elsewhere.
In its medium term budget statement last month, the Treasury said Africa's biggest economy had few options to devalue the rand in the face of increased capital inflows.
The rand has gained 28 percent since the start of 2009 and was trading 0.57 percent lower at 6.8640 to the dollar by 0733 GMT.

Source: http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/World/5640377-147/s.africas_gordhan_worried_about_capital_inflows.csp
 

2011: Battle for the soul of Borno hots up

GOING by history, Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff and his Deputy, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal (Sardaunan Biu), are the only politicians to break the jinx of second term in office. Both contested in 2003 and won on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP. They re-contested on the same platform in 2007  and won with an unprecedented victory.

Modu Sheriff, Abba Aji and Saidu Pindar 

The duo have recorded modest achievements in the  provision of democracy dividends via construction of roads, drainage, housing, hospitals, carrying out poverty alleviation and youth empowerment projects among others.
When the going was good, especially in 2003, Governor Sheriff said at a political gathering that based on the good relations and loyalty he enjoyed from Dibal, he had no option than to hand over to his deputy after he might have concluded his second tenure, specifically in 2011.
Sheriff was also quoted to have said that the issue of reserving the governorship slot for majority Kanuri would no longer be tolerated and promised that his administration would ensure power shifts to southern Borno, where Dibal hails from.
The declaration drew support for Sheriff, particularly those from southern Borno, which constitute about 47% of the state population with about nine local government areas of Biu, Gwoza, Askira_Uba, Hawul, Shani, Damboa, Kwaya_Kusar and Bayo.
Sheriff, deputy fall apart
That was the understanding until the  alleged plan by the governor to back another candidate, soured the relations between Sheri and his deputy. The governor was alleged to have sidelined Dibal in the running of the government.
 
Read More: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/11/2011-battle-for-the-soul-of-borno-hots-up/

Pandemonium as Abuja airport’s runway lights break down

Abuja airport

Runway lights at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, went off for over an hour thus creating pandemonium among air travellers at the airport.

The development, our correspondent gathered, led to disruption of flights across the country as airplanes could neither land nor take-off from the federal capital city airport while the darkness lasted.

Hundreds of passengers were temporarily stranded inside aircrafts on the tarmac and in the terminal building of the airport while engineers with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria battled to fix the problem.

While the darkness lasted between 7pm and 8pm, several airplanes from Lagos, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country were diverted to the Kano airport, according to airport sources.

Some passengers aboard a Lagos-bound Arik Air flight W3 061 said they spent over one hour on board the aircraft at the Abuja airport.

The Media Officer, Arik Air, Mr. Adebanji Ola, who confirmed the development, said passengers had boarded and the airplane was ready to take-off when the runway lights suddenly went off.

He also said that one of the airline’s planes coming from Port Harcourt to land at Abuja airport had to be diverted to Kano airport due to the problem.

“It is not only our airline. Other airlines were involved. No aircraft could land or take-off at Abuja airport while the problem persisted,” he said.

The General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mr. Akin Olukunle, who confirmed the development, attributed the problem to “electric fault.”


 Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011092472184

Police seize ammunition from robbery gang in Oyo

seized ammunition

The Oyo State police command has busted two gangs of armed robbers, seizing a cache of arms and ammunition in the process.

The cache included several rounds of ammunition, 51 magazines, seven machine guns, charms, among other weapons.

Parading the suspects before journalists, Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr. Adisa Bolanta, on Monday, said a member of one of the gangs, Chinedu Nwayanwu, was arrested with the arms and ammunition after the police halted the bus at a checkpoint in Awolowo area of Ibadan.

Only Nwayanwu was caught when the police halted the bus in which the suspects were driving and the occupants jumped down from the bus, taking to their heels.

When the police searched the vehicle, the arms, ammunition and charms were recovered.

The other gang, which comprised four suspects, Sikiru Jimoh (35), Tunde Ojo (50), Lateef Bello (27) and Kolade Ogunwonyi (38), confessed to robbing their victims in a bus they were using for transport.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101109325771

Minimum wage: FG, Labour meeting deadlocked •Strike to begin on schedule -NLC •Nigerians rush to banks for withdrawals

NLC President

A meeting of the Federal Government and the organised labour called in Abuja on Monday to resolve the disagreement on the implementation of the proposed minimum wage to Nigerian workers failed to achieve a middle ground as labour now looks set to press ahead with its planned three-day warning strike beginning from tomorrow (Wednesday).
Vice-President Namadi Sambo led the Federal Government negotiating team that also included Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, while the acting president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Promise Adewusi, and the President of Trade Union congress (TUC), Peter Esele, led the team from labour to the meeting which took place at the State House, Abuja.
Governor Oshiomhole, a former president of the NLC, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, pointed out that labour was forced into threatening a strike because of its perceived delay in forwarding the report on the minimum wage to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
He said  Monday’s meeting was to convince labour that the Federal Government was not delaying action unnecessarily just to buy time.
According to him, “Labour gave an ultimatum to the Federal Government to take action on the minimum wage report. They believe and I believe rightly that they didn’t see any action being taken on the report which was submitted in July and that is a long time now.
“But at the meeting, effort had been made to make the point that yes, some time had been lost and government now realised that we have to act fast and the meeting of the National Council of State has been slated for November 25 and the Council of State will finalise the decision and the report will be forwarded to the National Assembly,” he said.
Governor Oshiomhole was confident that once the report went to the legislature, it would be speedily dealt with, especially with the presence of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Council of State as members.
His words: “The good thing is that, members of the National Assembly are very well represented in the Council of State. We have the Senate President as a member, we have the Speaker as a member and therefore, all of us offer to ensure that once the Council of State does what it has to do, then the National Assembly will be encouraged to fast track the process so that we can have the outcome legislated into law.

Read More: http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/13303-minimum-wage-fg-labour-meeting-deadlocked-strike-to-begin-on-schedule-nlc-nigerians-rush-to-banks-for-withdrawals

Queen to launch Facebook page

The Queen of England

Britain - The Queen is set to have an official presence on Facebook when a British Monarchy page launches on the internet-based social networking site, the British Broadcasting Corporation reports.

Buckingham Palace says it is not a personal profile page, but users can ”like” the service and receive updates on their news feed.

The Queen has reportedly embraced the web and sends e-mails. A British Monarchy Twitter feed is also available

The Facebook page is due to go live from Monday morning.

The page will also feature the Court Circular, recording the previous day‘s official engagements.

Also featured will be information about royal events and ceremonies, searchable on a UK map.

Its creation is a collaboration between Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and the Royal Collection.

Although users of the social networking site will be unable to add The Queen as a ”friend” or attempt to virtually ”poke” her as they would with anyone with a personal profile, they will be able to find out what royal events are happening nearby.

The launch of the Facebook page follows the introduction of the Monarchy‘s Flickr account earlier this year.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110813241060

‘Neglect of 2, 000 communities responsible for crimes’

Border Communities Development Agency

The Executive Secretary of Border Communities Development Agency, Mr. Numoipre Wills, has said that the neglect of over 2, 000 international border communities in Nigeria is responsible for the increase in border crimes.

Wills said this in a paper titled “The Role of Border Communities in improving border security in Nigeria”, which he delivered during the border communities’ sensitisation workshop organised by the BCDA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Atarhe Akpohwaye, said the BCDA boss submitted that security consciousness and vigilance should be made a priority amongst the citizens of these communities who are the first casualties in the event of external aggression and cross border violence.

The workshop, which had the theme “Border Security: The challenges for Integration and development in Nigeria”, was held at Kemba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Citing his experiences with international border dwellers, Wills said, “The Agency has just embarked on a familiarisation tour of some border communities in five states of the federation to have first hand information regarding the needs of the citizens of these communities. Everywhere we went the story of suffering and serious neglect of these people was evident.

“Various tiers of governments have obviously denied them various developmental programs obtainable in the centre.”

He bemoaned the perception amongst security operations that postings to remote areas was a form of punishment.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110814153762

Jakande, Bakare for LTV anniversary lecture

Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande

Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; the incumbent, Mr. Raji Fashola; and the Convener, Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare, are billed to attend the 30th Anniversary Lecture of the Lagos Television slated for Wednesday.

A statement by the Corporate Affairs Manager, LTV, Mrs. Adeola Salako, in Lagos on Sunday, stated that Bakare would deliver a lecture on the Role of Media in Sustaining Democracy to mark the three decades of the establishment of the television station.

Salako added that the event, where past governors of Lagos, top media practitioners, captains of industries and other stakeholders in the broadcasting world would be in attendance, would equally feature an award ceremony.

The LTV was established in 1980 by the first civilian administration of Lagos State under Jakande.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101108215270

NUJ commends Mimiko on insurance scheme

he Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Sunday commended the State Government for evolving an insurance scheme for all registered journalists in the state.

The union gave the commendation in a statement by the Chairman of the State Council, Mr. Dele Atunbi.

He described the State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, as a good friend of the press who had showed enormous interest in the welfare of journalists.

According to the union, ”The Life Insurance Scheme evolved by the Mimiko’s Administration remains an imprint in the lives of practicing journalists in Ondo State.”

The union also commended the ongoing renovation of structures within the Press Centre Complex at the instance of the State Government.

It therefore assured the government of its support in the government’s resolve to develop the state to an enviable position.

It appealed to the national leadership of the NUJ to name Mimiko as the NUJ Man of the Year due to his unique contributions to the development of journalism in the country.

Source:  http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011081417843

E-registration: Court dismisses suit against JAMB, NECO

Abuja High Court

An Abuja High Court has dismissed a suit by a consortium of firms, the Converged Examinations Management Technology Platform Consortium, , seeking to compel the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to uphold an agreement for e-registration of candidates.

In his ruling Justice Sylvanus Oriji held that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

A copy of the ruling was obtained by our correspondent on Sunday.

The judge further held that the breaches complained about by the plaintiffs were administrative actions of the defendants which could only be challenged at the Federal High Court.

He said, “I do not, with due respect, agree with the submission of the learned senior counsel for the plaintiffs that the subject matter of this suit is a simple contract in respect of which this court has jurisdiction.”

CEMPT Consortium had filed the action and joined the Minister of Education, JAMB, the National Examinations Council, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board and the Attorney-General of the Federation as co-defendants to the suit.

The plantiffs also accused the defendants of breaching an agreement for the introduction of CEMPT e-registration.

The plantiffs claimed that their registration system was aimed at delivering best breed solutions of designated examinations in biometrics technology, registration and validation and data capture management.

The plaintiffs accused the Minister of Education of interfering with the CEMPT agreement in breach of the agreement duly entered into.

Accusing the minister of delaying the take-off of the e-registration on the CEMPT platform, the plaintiffs also accused JAMB of abandoning the e-registration on the CEMPT platform and commenced registration of its applicants on the old process by which it charged N3, 650 for its registration alone as against the N850 approved for all the examinations on the CEMPT platform.

The plaintiffs also accused JAMB, NECO and NBTEB of breaching the terms of agreement when they refused to implement the terms of the principal agreement on the grounds that the paper based biometrics e-registration was not acceptable to them.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke of a Federal High Court in Lagos had earlier restrained JAMB from retaining the services of Sidmach Technologies Limited and Electronic Test Company Limited for the registration of candidates for the 2011 examination.


 Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110814205868

Abuja explosions: Dokpesi replies SSS

Raymond Dokpesi


The Chairman of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Campaign Organisation, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has informed a Federal High Court in Abuja that he had nothing to do with the Independence Day bomb blasts which claimed the lives of 12 people in Abuja.

Dokpesi’s claim was contained in a sworn affidavit which he filed on Friday in response to a preliminary objection by the State Security Service.

Dokpesi had filed the action to enforce his fundamental human rights against the SSS and to stop the agency from further harassing or intimidating him.

Dokpesi was also seeking N100m damages.

The SSS had in its objection by its lawyer, Dr. Alex Iziyon (SAN), asked the court to dismiss Dokpesi’s suit on the grounds that it was frivolous and baseless.

The SSS had earlier invited Dokpesi for questioning over the October 1 explosions on the premise of some text messages which allegedly established a nexus between him and some persons suspected of complicity in the act.

But Dokpesi had in his response, said he was not aware of the person referred to in the text messages as there were several persons bearing the name, Dokpesi.

The parties will appear in court on November 11 for the hearing of Dokpesi’s application.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010110814224870

UN chief attacked over 'silence' on China dissidents

Ban Ki-moon (left) has defended his low-key style during the talks with President Hu Jintao in Beijing

 A human rights group has criticised UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for failing to raise human rights issues at talks with China's President Hu Jintao.

The New-York based Human Rights Watch had urged Mr Ban to publicly express concern about the imprisonment of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo.
It said Mr Ban's silence was shocking and sent a chilling message to Chinese activists rights activists.
Mr Ban's spokesman confirmed the matter was not discussed at Monday's talks.
The spokesman said the question of human rights did not come up even in a private meeting with President Hu, because, he said, there were many other issues to discuss.
He said Mr Ban had asked Beijing to play a greater role in solving African conflicts such as those in Somalia and Sudan.

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Britain And France Share Troops To Save Cash

The countries will share use of Britain's new fully-operational aircraft carrier

Britain and France will commit to share troops, aircraft carriers and nuclear testing facilities later today, in order to save cash.

David Cameron and president Nicolas Sarkozy will sign treaties tying British and French forces together for decades to come.
At an Anglo-French summit in London they will agree:
:: Co-ordination of aircraft carriers to ensure there is always a British or French vessel available for joint operations.
:: The creation of a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force training British and French troops to deploy on operations together.
:: The development of a new nuclear testing facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston and its French counterpart at Valduc.
It comes as both countries try to cut the cost of their armed forces.

Read More: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Britain-And-France-Agree-To-Share-Troops-Aircraft-Carriers-And-Nuclear-Testing-Facilities/Article/201011115789606?f=rss

UK and France agree to joint nuclear weapons tests

The two leaders will announce plans for French planes to use British refuelling aircraft

The UK and France are to sign a treaty agreeing to the joint development and testing of nuclear warheads.

The plans will see one centre set up in the UK to develop technology and another in France to carry out testing.
Prime Minister David Cameron and President Nicolas Sarkozy will also outline plans, at a London summit, for a joint army expeditionary force.
Downing Street called the measures "practical", but Labour said they left "big questions" over the UK's defences.

Read More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11670247

Top Gear's James May: 'Show Is Like A Sitcom'

James May

Top Gear is more like a sitcom and less like a show about cars, one of its presenters believes.

James May says he now plays a "character" in the show, something many viewers might have already suspected.

In an interview with the Radio Times, the 47-year-old said the aspect of the long-running show which inevitably featured the trio of presenters - Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and May - getting in a pickle, did annoy him.
"It's really almost a sitcom now, so we are characters," he said.
"When I started, Top Gear was a car show about cars, and I was interested not only in the technology but also the sociology and the artistry of them... the shapes and the colours.
"That was something I've always been into. But it's a different programme now, it's turned into something else."

Read More:http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20101102/ten-top-gear-s-james-may-show-is-like-a-8a3eada.html

Taylor Swift to launch own perfume line

 Taylor Swift

Country music star Taylor Swift has teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create her own line of perfume and fragrance products

Elizabeth Arden, makers of designer perfumes for fashion line Juicy Couture and celebrities such as Britney Spears and Elizabeth Taylor, said on Monday the first fragrance will be launched in late 2011.

Swift, 20, will be personally involved in all aspects of product development, packaging and advertising. There is no name as yet for the new line.
The announcement comes a week after the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Swift released her third album "Speak Now" to good reviews. Her previous album "Fearless" propelled a 10-month tour and was the biggest selling album of 2009.
"I have always loved how fragrance can shape a memory, the way certain scents remind you of events and people that are imprinted in your thoughts," Swift said in a statement.
Elizabeth Arden executive vice president Ronald Rolleston called Swift a "role model who inspires her fan base every day."

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20101102/ten-uk-taylorswift-3334b85.html

Pop star Demi Lovato quits tour, gets medical help

Demi Lovato poses at the premiere of Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience at El Capitan theatre in Hollywood

Demi Lovato, an 18-year-old Disney star who once dated a member of the Jonas Brothers, is seeking medical treatment for "emotional and physical issues," a spokeswoman said on Monday. 

The singer/actress was forced to pull out of a South American tour as the Jonas' opening act.

"Demi Lovato left her tour early this weekend in order to seek medical treatment for emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time," the spokeswoman said in a statement.
"Demi has decided to take personal responsibility for her actions and seek help. She is doing just that. Demi and her family ask that the media please respect their privacy during this difficult time. She regrets not being able to finish her tour, but is looking forward to getting back to work in the near future."
The Texan native rose to fame in the Disney Channel series "Sonny with a Chance" and the network's movie franchise "Camp Rock." She also released two albums, most recently last year's "Here We Go Again." She dated Joe Jonas earlier this year.
But despite her links with the Disney starmaking machine, Lovato has tried to distance herself from the frenzied, bubblegum pop purveyed by her peers and beloved by her fans.
She told Reuters last year that what she really wants to do is stand on stage with just a rug and a microphone "and still be able to sell out places like Madison Square Garden, like Bruce Springsteen does."

Source:http://uk.news.yahoo.com/entertainment.html

John F Kennedy‘s speechwriter dies at 82

Theodore ”Ted” Sorensen

USA – One of late United States President John F Kennedy‘s closest aides, Theodore ”Ted” Sorensen, has died at the age of 82.

As a top speech-writer, Sorensen was credited with writing some of Kennedy‘s most famous words, the British Broadcasting Corporation reports.

He was a key associate throughout Kennedy‘s political career and won particularly praise for his work during the Cuban missile crisis.

President Barack Obama paid tribute, saying Sorensen‘s ”legacy will live on in the words he wrote.”

Sorensen has been credited by some with writing one of Kennedy‘s most famous phrases - “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” - although Sorensen insisted those were Kennedy‘s words.

The “man on the moon speech” was said to be a close collaboration.

Sorensen was deeply involved in Kennedy‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage.

Kennedy called him “my intellectual blood bank"

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011023291920

2011: Registration exercise to hold in January —Jega

Prof. Attahiru Jega

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega has said the registration of voters for the 2011 election will hold in January.

Jega said this on the margins of the train the trainers’ workshop for INEC staff for the exercise which began in Abuja, on Monday.

He explained that the time extension the commission is to benefit from would afford it the needed time to acquire and fully deploy the data capturing machines needed for the exercise.

Jega said arrangements for the acquisition of the DDC machines had been concluded noting that sooner than later the machines would arrive.

According to him, “We do not want to pre-empt things, we’ve done our preparations and our planning.

“As soon as formalities are completed we will make an announcement on the new time table.

“We have finished everything about the procurement of the DDC machines.

“And I want to assure you that the machines will now be in our hands in good time before the commencement of the registration exercise.

“Despite the new time plan, the registration exercise will now be sometimes in January but when we announce the time table the details will be made available to the public.”

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101102284278

Ikorodu floodings: Group calls for alternative road

A flooded portion of Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

The Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association, Dr. Fatayi Olukoga, has urged the Federal Government to construct an alternative road to Ikorodu Road to reduce traffic congestion and attendant hazards road users experience on the current Ikorodu Road.

He also asked the government to urgently rehabilitate Ikorodu Road, especially the spots destroyed by the recent flooding in Lagos and Ogun states.

Olukoga made the statement on Monday, at the Ikorodu-Oga Day celebration. He said the association would use the opportunity of the celebration to revive the socio-cultural and educational activities in the area.

He also lauded the Lagos State Government for relocating some of the flood victims at Agbowa Resettlement Camp, Ikosi, Ejinrin Local Council Development Area.

Read More: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011021262785

Jesse Jackson arrives Nigeria, challenges African leaders

Reverend Jesse Jackson

Former United States Special Envoy for Africa, Reverend Jesse Jackson, on Monday arrived the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Jackson, a two-time US presidential candidate, told journalists he was in Nigeria to talk about urban development at the Kuramo Conference being organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the private sector.

He said there was hope for the Africa continent because of the sustained democratic rule in Nigeria.

He said, “One major future that Africa has in particular is that Nigeria had developed a stable democracy in this time that we are in.”

“I am here to be part of this conference (Kuramo) to talk about urban development, and what we need to rebuild and develop our city. Lagos is like a technological city in the world and the challenges are great here so this conference is meant to proffer steps in developing Africa.”

Jackson said that great nations were built by democracy, provision of drinkable water, universal health care and education.

The American envoy, however, lamented that Africa was yet to begin the process of building her citizens.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101102452273

Brazil elects first female president

L–R: Brazilian former President, Jose Samey; President-elect, Dilma Rousseff; and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, during the celebration of Rousseff, as first female president of Brazil, at Alvorada Palace, on Sunday.

As anticipated, Brazil’s ruling party candidate Dilma Rousseff beat her rival, a former Sao Paulo state governor, in Sunday’s second round of the presidential election to become the first woman ever to lead Latin American’s most powerful economy, France24 reports.

Rousseff, who has promised to continue the economic policies of her predecessor, President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, picked up almost 56 percent of the vote.

Sunday’s presidential contest pit Rousseff of the Workers‘ Party (PT) against Jose Serra of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB). Serra, a career politician, lost the 2002 presidential run-off against Lula.

Rousseff’s victory was largely owed to the endorsement of the popular outgoing president, who hand-picked Rousseff, 62, to succeed him, and is leaving the presidency in January with an approval rating above 80 percent.

Some 135 million people were eligible to vote, which is compulsory in Brazil. Among them, 15 million voters also cast ballots in run-off elections for governor in eight states and the federal district of Brasilia.

The election was the fifth democratic presidential poll since the end of the military dictatorship in 1985.

Read More: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011023272414

Haiti cholera 'resembles South Asian strain'

Nepalese peacekeepers have been blamed from the outbreak, allegations they deny

US health authorities have said that the cholera strain which has killed more than 330 people in Haiti most closely resembles a South Asian strain .

The US Centers for Disease Control found that Haitian cholera patients had all been infected with the same strain.
Haiti's health minister said the outbreak was unlikely to have originated in the country.
The UN is investigating allegations that excrement from Nepalese peacekeepers caused the epidemic.
But Health Minister Dr Alex Larsen said it was unlikely the outbreak's origin would ever be known.

"Although these results indicate that the strain is non-Haitian, cholera strains may move between different areas due to global travel and trade," he said, according to Agence France-Presse.

He added that the strain was probably transmitted by contaminated food or water, or an infected person.
Endemic The Nepalese camp had become the object of local suspicion partly because cholera is very rare in Haiti but endemic in Nepal.
The UN had said last week that tests taken from the peacekeepers' camp and adjacent waters were found to be negative but, following the announcement, a spokesman said the agency was looking into the matter.
The US federal health agency said that cholera does not normally spread widely within a country if drinking water and sewage treatment are adequate.

Read More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11669079

China conducts world’s biggest census

China kicked off a once-a-decade census on Monday

A whirlwind 10-day head count that sees 6 million census takers scrutinize apartment blocks, scour migrant areas and scan rural villages to document massive demographic changes in the world‘s most populous country, Associated Press reports.

And they aim to count every person.

The 2000 tally put China‘s official population at 1.295 billion people, but missed migrant workers living in cities for less than six months. In the 10 years since, there has been an extensive shift in the population base as tens of millions of migrant workers have poured into urban areas looking for work.

“Wherever you are living from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, you will be counted,” said Zhang Xueyuan, director of the publicity for the Beijing census committee.

It is the sixth time China has carried out a national census, but the first time it will count people where they live and not where their resident certificate, or hukou, is legally registered. The change will better track the demographic changes and find the true size of China‘s giant cities, the populations of which up to now have been only estimates.

China has gone to great lengths to promote the census this year. In Beijing, giant, colorful banners flying across neighborhood gates have slogans such as: ”The census is for the nation and each citizen,” and ”Everyone participates in the census.”

Read more:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011023232864

Facebook uncovers user data sales

Facebook has clamped down on the selling of user IDs 

Facebook has taken action against developers it caught selling user names and contact lists.


The sales were uncovered as Facebook investigated a web browser bug that let user IDs be shared inadvertently.
The user details were sold to data brokers who used the information to target adverts more precisely.
The developers have been banned for six months from connecting to Facebook and must be audited to check they comply with the social network's policies.
Facebook started investigating what was happening with user identifiers (UIDs) following media reports that the information and lists of contacts were being sold on to advertising firms.
In a blog post, Facebook said its investigation showed that the technical demands of some browsers meant that some user IDs were being leaked.
It also discovered that some developers that create applications for the social network were taking the user IDs of those who used their creations and selling them on.
Facebook said the investigation "determined that no private user data was sold and confirmed that transfer of these UIDs did not give access to any private data".
Despite this, it said, it took the breach "seriously" and had imposed a six-month ban on the developers it caught out.

Read More:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11665120

Zuma reshuffles cabinet, sacks seven ministers

Jacob Zuma

South African President Jacob Zuma sacked seven ministers on Sunday in a major cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening the government and seen as making some concessions to the left, Reuters reports.

Zuma told a news conference that the reshuffle -- the biggest change in the government since he became president in May 2009 -- was aimed at boosting government ministries, and improving basic services and the lives of the poor.

“Given the fact that we still face serious challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the country, government has to work at a faster pace to change the lives of the poor,” Zuma said.

The government‘s leftist allies in labour federation COSATU and the South African Communist Party have piled pressure on Zuma to create more jobs and lift economic growth in Africa‘s biggest economy.

Relations between the ruling ANC and COSATU have soured over a public sector strike which was settled in October with a 7.5 percent wage increase -- double that of the rate of inflation.

The government said last week it aimed to create 5 million jobs over the next decade.

The change was one of the most radical overhauls of the South African cabinet in several years and some of the changes could be due to Zuma making a concession to his leftist labour and communist allies, said Nel Marais, analyst at Executive Research Associates.

He cited the replacement of Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan -- responsible for state entities like power utility Eskom and rail and logistics group Transnet who has been criticised by labour federation

“There is clearly a cleansing process going on and one or two of the ministers have been criticised over ineffectiveness. Hogan was in a key portfolio and under pressure from the left, so it could be a concession to them,” Marais said.

Zuma‘s communist and labour allies have been pushing for economic policy to move to the left to benefit the poor.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011023282493

Air freight from Yemen and Somalia banned

Theresa May: "We will review all aspects of air freight security and work with international partners."

Unaccompanied freight flown to the UK from Somalia as well as Yemen will be banned in the wake of the cargo plane bombs, the home secretary has told MPs.

The move was based on possible contact between al-Qaeda in Yemen and Somali terrorist groups, Theresa May said.
Toner cartridges over 500g will also be banned from hand baggage on UK flights.
There was no information another attack was imminent, she said, but she confirmed a review of all aspects of air freight security.

Mrs May was speaking to MPs in the Commons after a meeting of the government's emergency planning committee Cobra.

It met on Monday following Friday's discovery of a bomb on a US-bound UPS cargo plane at East Midlands airport and a similar bomb on a FedEx plane in Dubai.
The explosive contained in the device was found after a tip-off and was not picked up by initial screening.
Investigators at East Midlands carried out a re-examination as a precaution and the bomb was found hidden in a printer cartridge posted in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

Two explosive devices were found on cargo planes

UK officials said the tip-off came from al-Qaeda member Jabr Al-Faifi who turned himself in to Saudi authorities two weeks ago.

Read More:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11669636

Tanzanians protest at delay announcing election results

Police fired water cannon in parts of Dar es Salaam

Opposition supporters have held protests in several parts of Tanzania at the slow pace of announcing the result of Sunday's general election.


Police fired tear gas in Mwanza, while there have also been protests in parts of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
The head of the election commission told the BBC that the problems have occurred in a small number of areas and overall, the vote passed off smoothly.

President Jakaya Kikwete says he is confident of winning.

But he faces a strong challenge from former priest Willibrod Slaa and university professor Ibrahim Lipumba, among six opposition candidates.
Voters were also electing 239 members of parliament

Read More:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11668588

Airports tighten security after bomb plot

Airliners sit on the tarmac at Dubai airport Oct. 31, a day after a parcel bomb was intercepted in Dubai originating in Yemen

Yemen is tightening security at all of its airports in the aftermath of a plot to send bombs from Yemen to the United States, the country's National Civil Aviation Security Committee said Monday.
"Every piece of cargo and luggage will go through extensive searching" at all of its airports, the agency said.
Cargo companies such as DHL, FedEx and UPS will be required to make more stringent checks before accepting any packages, according to the committee.
Other countries also put restrictions in place Monday in reaction to the security concern.
Germany banned all incoming flights from Yemen, air traffic control officials said.

Read More:http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/11/01/yemen.security.concern/index.html?hpt=T1

HP introduces new ProLiant servers

Hewllet Packard

Frontline computer maker, Hewllet Packard has introduced three HP ProLiant G7 server platforms that offer a significant performance boost and enhanced power savings over previous generations, the company said in a statement on Friday.

Delivering a 23:1 consolidation ratio, HP ProLiant G7 servers with AMD Opteron 6100 Series processors increase operational efficiencies.

The new line includes the HP ProLiant DL165 G7, HP ProLiant DL385 G7, with rack-optimised servers, and the HP ProLiant SL165z G7 scale-out ”skinless” server.

HP ProLiant servers are part of the HP Converged Infrastructure portfolio, which integrates servers, storage, network devices and facility resources into a common environment, allowing IT to rapidly respond to business demands. HP ProLiant servers provide modular, standards-based building blocks that advance clients toward a converged infrastructure.

MLS Property Information Network Incorporated is one of the largest multiple listing service companies in the United States, serving nearly 30,000 subscribers. The company turned to HP ProLiant servers on AMD processors to improve customer experience.

“We face seasonal demand that increases by more than 500 per cent during the spring and, until recently, this strain on our server infrastructure affected our ability to provide great service to our customers,” the Director, Technology, MLS PIN, Mr. Matt Lavallee, said.

“Now, we‘ve doubled the number of concurrent users we can support while delivering dramatically faster page load times. HP‘s integrated Thermal Logic technology will help us reduce our total power and cooling costs by 60 per cent over the long term,” he added.

HP ProLiant servers include HP Thermal Logic technologies to reduce power consumption by as much as 96 per cent. Power savings are achieved through the combination of the following energy-saving features.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101101173737

 

Apple joins world top five handset makers

Apple Incorporated
  

Apple Incorporated has become one of the world‘s top five mobile phone vendors in the third quarter, while market leader Nokia Oyj‘s share fell, Reuters reported on Friday, quoting two industry research groups.

Apple vaulted past Blackberry maker, Research In Motion Limited, to fourth place, helped by the introduction of the iPhone in new markets, International Data Corporation and Strategy Analytics said on Friday in reports.

If Apple produces an iPhone for Verizon Communications Incorporated‘s CDMA network, that could boost it further, Strategy Analytics wrote.

An IDC analyst, Mr. Kevin Restivo, said in the report, ”The entrance of Apple to the top five underscores the increased importance of smartphones to the overall market. Vendors that are not developing a strong portfolio of smartphones will be challenged to grow and retain market share in the future.”

Nokia, the world‘s biggest mobile-phone maker since 1998, slipped to 32.4 per cent of the market from 36.5 per cent a year earlier as Chinese brands challenged the Finnish company in emerging markets, according to IDC figures.

Samsung Electronics Company, the second-largest, rose to 21 per cent while the other big Korean handset vendor, LG Electronics, slipped by more than two percentage points to 8.3 per cent, IDC said.

Global shipments rose by 14.6 million to 340.5 million units according to Framingham, Massachusetts-based IDC.

Strategy Analytics pegged them lower, at 327 million units, noting that the rate of growth slowed from the first half as component shortages trimmed sales.

“Touchscreens, application processors and cameras are among the components experiencing volatile supply,” Mr. Neil Mawston of Strategy Analytics wrote in his report. ”Many component manufacturers reduced production output during the recession of 2009 and they are struggling, or even unwilling, to restore the capacity in the upturn of 2010,” he added.

The analysts‘ totals and market share figures differed because IDC counted a larger number of handsets for the ”other” category, which included new vendors in Asia.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011011285715

Bombs tip-off 'came from former al-Qaeda member'

Jabr al-Faifi

The crucial tip-off that led to the discovery of parcel bombs on two cargo planes came from a repentant al-Qaeda member, UK officials say.


Jabr al-Faifi handed himself in to authorities in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago, the officials told the BBC.
The US says its main suspect in the failed bomb plot is the chief bombmaker for al-Qaeda's Yemeni branch.
Yemeni officials said 14 suspected al-Qaeda members had surrendered in the restive southern province of Abyan.
Abyan's governor said five senior figures were among those who had handed themselves in, and more fighters were expected to surrender in the coming days.
Yemen is facing mounting multi-national pressure to battle al-Qaeda, says the BBC's Lina Sinjab in Sanaa, but some doubt its ability to do so as it faces social, economic and political problems at home.

US intelligence officials have suggested the Saudi bombmaker Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, said to be in his 20s, is the key suspect in last week's attempt to send the parcel bombs from Yemen to the US.

One bomb travelled on two passenger planes before being seized in Dubai. The other almost slipped through Britain, and UK authorities have been criticised for their initial failure to find the bomb on a plane at East Midlands airport.
UK Home Secretary Theresa May said the device was probably intended to detonate mid-air, and has announced a review of all aspects of the UK's air freight security, as well as restrictions on the transportation of ink cartridges.


Read More:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11666272