Saturday, 28 November 2015

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

NCC versus MTN

NCC versus MTN
I know a few Nigerians who would declare that the regulatory hammer which fell on MTN was overkill. That would be perfectly understandable in an environment where regulators are permanently on sleep mode and where those who are paid to protect us from the routine infractions by service providers have just about enough reasons to look the other way while we are being mugged. That would also partly explain the shock – and perhaps the bewilderment –expressed by many at what they considered as an “impossible” fine slammed by the telecoms regulator on the telecommunications firm last week.
Coming in the wake of a similar punitive fine on two of the nation’s leading banks – First Bank and UBA – both of which were slammed with N4.6 billion by the apex bank for running foul of the directive on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) – a new dawn for regulation may well be here already.
By the standards of our much abused and devalued naira, the N1.04 trillion $5.2bn) involved is certainly a lot of money. Even if the environment were to be less inclement, a punitive fine of nearly a quarter of the entire federal budget would come close to the proverbial pound of flesh. I therefore appreciate some of the feelings being expressed on the matter – particularly the context in a clime where regulations have come to mean nothing. After all, MTN isn’t a small fry, but a prolific goose that not only spins off revenue into the national treasury by way of taxes by the second, a major source of livelihood to hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.  And so Nigeria, a country sorely in dire need of cash – particularly from Foreign Direct Investment cannot be seen to adopt such measures that would be perceived as “disincentive”!
The saga reminds of the old African folklore about the tortoise and his in-law. You know the story of the tortoise’s in-law who tied him to a tree by the market square on the discovery that he stole a family ornament? Passers-by who saw him tied to the stake early in the morning gleefully chanted that it served him right. By evening, the same passers-by on their homeward journey – on seeing the tortoise still tied up – were no longer persuaded that the punishment was fair.  An in-law, they later reasoned, deserved better!
The lesson here is that nothing – more so in our shifting terrain of morality – is given; today’s much maligned sinner – can in different set of circumstances – become the sinned against – all things being permanently unequal!
In the case under reference, the hefty fine is supposed to be the big thing. Several questions – most of them merely variants of the same question – have done nothing else than to decry the regulatory action: ‘Where in the world is the telecom giant expected to raise that kind of money at this time?’ ‘Instead of the crippling fine, would it not better serve the public cause to ask them to deploy the fund to upgrade services?’
Even otherwise highly informed commentators have recommended punishments considered less disruptive – or more bearable – this ostensibly flowing from the assumption that the regulatory action was arbitrary – a case of killing an ant with a sledge-hammer!
It was as if no infractions took place! Or was it a case of witch-hunt?
Let me confess that yours truly was also alarmed when I first heard the amount involved. The challenge for me however, was not so much about the sum involved, but whether NCC was acting in a manner as to suggest arbitrariness. The inability to give the regulator the benefit of the doubt seems to me the point where most of the commentators missed it. A quick check by yours truly would reveal the premises of the regulatory action: It is located in Section 19 of the SIM Registration Regulations 2011. That section, to be clear, specifies a fine of N200,000 per unregistered SIM; and with 5.2million MTN SIM found to be in breach of the regulation, it was simply a question of doing the tally! Yes, the sentencing not only fitted snugly with the violation, it was at sync with the regulation!
So where is the ground for the so-called heavy-handedness?
The heavy regulatory action, we are told by the NCC did not even come out of the blues.  On September 4, the chief of staff to the President reportedly hosted a high level meeting of telecom chief executives, the heads of the main security agencies – Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Security (DSS), Directorate of Military Intelligence, (DMI) and the NCC where the issue was exhaustively discussed. The context was the current security challenges particularly the issues of terrorism and kidnapping. There, the operators were duly informed that continued non-compliance with the directive to deactivate unregistered SIM cards would lead to the imposition of penalties or possible revocation of licences. They were to immediately reconcile the records of their deactivations against the list of invalid registrations earlier shared with operators by the NCC by September 7.
Question therefore is – would MTN disagree that it was in breach of the regulation? More worrisome however is that the NCC insists that the latest incident, rather than being an isolated case, is merely one out of a generalised “pattern of non-compliance with regulatory directives”.
I understand the temptation to bring extraneous issues into what is ordinarily a regulatory issue – particularly at this time when established law-breakers have been known to take shelter behind technicalities to escape the sanctions prescribed by law. We certainly know of the penchant by smart operators to mock our institutions given their traditionally tepid, weak-kneed approaches to enforcing regulations.
If I may be clear: my problem is finding accommodation for an out-of-control operator without risking irreparable damage to our national interest. For while the finding of guilt may or may not matter to MTN, the issues, to the extent that they touch on the business of our national security is hardly one can be trifled with.
So what to do? Ask MTN to go and sin no more? Would this not smack of an endorsement of blatant outlawry simply because big business is involved? How about procuring a lesser penalty to keep the golden goose alive as suggested by some? Would that not also be tantamount to arbitrariness?
Whichever the matter is resolved – it seems clear to me that the telecoms sector will never remain the same again.

Diezani: EFCC seizes associates’ bullet-proof cars

Diezani: EFCC seizes associates’ bullet-proof cars
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized bullet-proof vehicles, huge cash and jewellery from five prominent Nigerians fingered in the money laundering allegation against former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.
EFCC and its British counterpart, National Crime Agency (NCA), are probing the suspects for allegedly conniving with Alison-Madueke to commit the crime, it was learnt yesterday.
The former minister was arrested in London on October 2 for alleged money laundering, bribery and corruption.
EFCC has restricted the movement of the ”high-profile” suspects to Nigeria, pending the conclusion of investigation.
Some of them may be extradited to the United Kingdom (UK), if the former minister is going to face trial.
According to investigation, EFCC is still searching the companies and homes of more suspects linked with the former minister, following fresh clues.
Most of the areas under surveillance are in Abuja and Lagos.
A top source said: ‘’It is too early to declare whether they are guilty or not. But in line with international best practices, the EFCC has invoked the assets forfeiture clause in its Act to seize some choice bullet-proof vehicles, huge cash and jewellery from these suspects.
‘’The movement of the affected suspects has also been restricted to Nigeria pending the conclusion of investigation.
‘’The case at hand involves a high-net worth syndicate with tentacles across the strata of the society. But we are already cracking the investigation.’’
Asked if the suspects will be tried in Nigeria, the source added: ‘’It is uncertain or remote because the NCA has initiated a process in the UK, we will not want to duplicate the process.
‘’ If necessary, some of the suspects might be extradited to the UK for trial. This depends on NCA because EFCC is only collaborating with the agency.’’
It was learnt that some NCA officials are in the country to work with EFCC on the case.
A source said: ‘’Some officials of the NCA are in the country for collaboration with the EFCC on this investigation of the allegations against the ex-minister.
‘’The EFCC has more knowledge of the terrain than the NCA in tracking down some of these suspects.’’
Neither the EFCC nor the NCA was willing to speak on record last night.
Alison-Madueke and four others have been under investigation. On October 2, they appeared before the NCA team in the UK.
The names of the four remaining suspects are being kept under wraps in ‘’order not to jeopardise investigation.’’

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HID Awolowo to be buried in a gold casket and a white damask cloth she bought and kept 36 years ago

HID Awolowo to be buried in a gold casket and a white damask cloth she bought and kept 36 years ago


Wife of Late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Mrs H.I.D Awolowo who died on September 19th, will be buried on November 25th in a white damask cloth she bought and kept for this purpose 36 years ago. Her daughter, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, revealed this, saying
“Mama in her unique way had kept a white damask to be laid in her casket whenever she died since the day she stopped her fabric sales business. And if I am not mistaken, I think she stopped selling fabrics around 1979; meaning that since then, she had kept that damask for that purpose. That is her wish and it will be like that.”she said
Oyediran also revealed that Mama will be buried in a gold casket which will be brought in from the United States of America. She will be buried beside her husband inside the Awolowo mausoleum in the family compound in Okenne, Ogun state.

LATEST GOSSIP,ENTERTAINMENT NEWS,SPORTS,MUSICS: Goodluck Jonathan pays president Buhari a visit in...

LATEST GOSSIP,ENTERTAINMENT NEWS,SPORTS,MUSICS: Goodluck Jonathan pays president Buhari a visit in...: Goodluck Jonathan pays president Buhari a visit in Aso Villa (PHOTOS)   Former President Goodluck Jonathan had a closed door meeti...

Monday, 2 November 2015

Goodluck Jonathan pays president Buhari a visit in Aso Villa (PHOTOS)

Goodluck Jonathan pays president Buhari a visit in Aso Villa (PHOTOS)
 
Former President Goodluck Jonathan had a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the state house today November 2nd. Continue to see more photos ..

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Ice Prince's Boss video becomes first African video to premiere on Jay Z's Tidal

Ice Prince's Boss video becomes first African video to premiere on Jay Z's Tidal

The music video for Ice Prince Zamani's new single, Boss, has become the first ever African video to premiere on Jay Z's music streaming service, Tidal. Congrats to him. Watch the video after the cut...

FG says it needs N233bn to rehabilitate Boko Haram ravaged states

FG says it needs N233bn to rehabilitate Boko Haram ravaged states

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the North-East Humanitarian Multi-Stakeholders Engagement on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on North-East Intervention, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, said N233bn was needed for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the communities ravaged by the Boko Haram sect.

The chairman of PCNI, who was represented by a member of the committee, Mohammed Danjuma, said the rebuilding of the ravaged states needed proper coordination to alleviate the sufferings of the Internally Displaced Persons.
 
He said the Federal Government and other stakeholders are determined to manage the humanitarian crisis in the region, adding that the IDPs would return to their communities after the reconstruction of their destroyed communities.
 
VP Osinbajo said:
“This region has suffered tremendously in the past six years. It has suffered from the destruction of infrastructure, farmlands, businesses, trades, the destruction of schools and the loss of school years.
“Rebuilding, restoring and rehabilitation will cost money and time. But neither money nor time can fix the trauma of loss of family members, relations and friends, the shame of the raped, the scars and fears of parents of the abducted and the kidnapped, the bewilderment that comes with loss of homes, possessions and livelihoods and the pains of hundreds of thousands of orphaned children.”
“The tasks before us are many and profound, to fix brick and mortar and to mend hearts and minds damaged by senseless murderous violence. But we are called not just to mend the hearts and minds of the victims but also of their traducers, and killers.
“The young men and women who have been brainwashed to kill, maim and destroy in the warped belief that by so doing they please God, they are also victims. Indeed, these perpetrators are themselves victims, trapped in the vortex of evil manipulation, compelled to dehumanise themselves as they shed the blood of the innocent.
“It is our duty to deconstruct the narrative that causes men to kill children on their beds at a boarding school at night even as we degrade the military capacity of the insurgents. The tasks are indeed many and profound.
“But while there is still so much to do, much has been done already. The many civil society groups, funding partners, regional and international partners who have given of their time, resources and even their lives in some cases, deserve to be commended. But for you, first responders, we would have been far worse off than we are today.”
He added, “We are in Maiduguri to show humanity and to give milk of human kindness to our brothers and sisters who for six years have been ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency by killing, maiming and abduction of innocent people.”

Michael Jackson is world’s top-earning dead celebrity, earned $115m this year

Michael Jackson is world’s top-earning dead celebrity, earned $115m this year

According to Forbes, Michael Jackson is the top earning dead celebrity, earning an astonishing $115million this year. In his more 30 years solo career, the King of Pop made an impressive over $1.1 billion. But it seems he has proved even more lucrative since his death, making a further $999 billion since 2009.

The impressive sum comes from two Cirque du Soleil shows, his own music and publishing revenues, and his half of the Sony/ATV publishing catalogue.

I didn’t get contract, oil block, anything from Jonathan- Edwin Clark, says his statement on Jonathan was misconstrued

I didn’t get contract, oil block, anything from Jonathan- Edwin Clark, says his statement on Jonathan was misconstrued

Weeks after he was quoted as saying that former president Jonathan lacked the political will to fight corruption, notable Ijaw leader and a former Minister, Edwin Clarke has released a statement describing the media interpretation of his statement as wicked and sensationally presented. 

Clarke said what he meant was that the former President was willing to fight corruption but wanted it to be done according to laid down rules. He said contrary to stories being peddled, he never got any contract, oil block or anything whatsoever from Jonathan who many believed had a father-son relationship with him. Part of the statement which he released yesterday reads;

"My statements on President Jonathan and my quitting partisan politics were wickedly, sensationally presented. It must be admitted that President Jonathan was very willing to fight corruption, but he believed that due process should and must be followed otherwise he could have initiated investigations into the scandals of Halliburton, Siemens and other serious alleged corruption charges levelled against some former Heads of State and other prominent Nigerians. Jonathan believed that there are institutions set up by the government, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC, and other anti-graft agencies. Regrettably, some of those who surrounded him led by the Attorney General, Alhaji Hassan Tukur, made it impossible for these institutions to work either by stopping them from arresting offenders or prosecuting some of the cases.

Over 50 high profile corruption cases are still pending in the various courts for over eight years now. Laughable plea bargains and out of court settlements became the order of the day. It was at this juncture, when there was general complaint about the government not aggressively fighting corruption, that I addressed an open petition to the then Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, November 2 , 2011, complaining that most of those charged to court, especially former governors who have become senators, were still pending. He promptly replied my letter on November 3. Most of the petitions written against some prominent Nigerians, addressed to the anti-graft agencies, did not see the light of the day. Ironically, the perpetrators of these corrupt actions were the same persons who attacked Jonathan’s inability to eradicate corruption.

It is indeed most disingenuous to insinuate that my relationship with the former President was based on what benefits accrued to me. That is far from the truth as I never benefited any material thing from President Jonathan in all his six years as President. With all modesty, I am at this age contented. I state publicly therefore, that I never sought nor obtained any contract, oil block, oil lifting allocation or financial gratification from the ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, during his years of administration. Similarly, I never solicited for appointments or special placements for any of my children or relations in any government or private concern on account of my relationship with President Jonathan.

It is, therefore, ludicrous and totally ill-motived for these wicked and mischievous persons to sell to the public that my decision portends a plan to seek any special favours from President Muhammadu Buhari and his government, or to protect those gains which I acquired from Jonathan’s government, which never existed. On the contrary, my public service in this country, which spans over 60 years, had given me the opportunity to seek the political, social and economic development of my people and Nigeria in general.

I remain committed more than ever before to the economic, political and social emancipation of the people of the Niger Delta, South-South, the entire minorities and the development and unity of this great nation. My support for Goodluck Jonathan predates his presidency. It dates back to the period when he was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. So, for people, who are thinking that I only knew Dr. Jonathan when he became the President or that I was one of his hangers on, I think there will be need to give them a little information.

“My relevance and leadership of my people as an elder statesman and a critical stakeholder in this Nigeria project far pre-dates Dr. Jonathan’s public life and presidency. I have been relevant in politics and I have served my people honestly and creditably well. I became very close to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan when he was Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. I was present in London when the late former Governor of Bayelsa State, the Governor General of the Ijaw Nation, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, was arrested at the prompting of the Nigerian government under Olusegun Obasanjo because of his hatred for Alamieyeseigha. I had to cancel my flight to Nigeria at the London airport when news of the arrest of Alamieyeseigha was conveyed to me by Ambassador Pereware from Paris. I went with a few well meaning Nigerians to Essex where we had been informed that he was kept, but could not find him.

We went to a few other places before we were able to locate where he was. I remained in London for one week with him to put in place machineries for his bail. I recall the large heartedness of Lady Ann Iyoha, who brought out the title deed of her property in London to secure his bail and also the magnanimity of another woman from Amasoma, the home town of Chief Alamieyeseigha in Bayelsa State. I still believe that Jonathan performed creditably well in various areas. I am very proud of him and so are millions of other Nigerians. He did many good things for this nation.

Ordinarily, at my age and position in life, I should not have to justify myself in a press controversy on my voluntary decision to quit partisan politics, particularly when this personal and well intended act has come under unfair politicization of persons of mediocre temperament.

Boko Haram: Buhari’s December Deadline Is Unrealistic – Gowon


john promise at POTRIX NEWS - 8 minutes ago
Former military Head of State, general Yakubu Gowon has dismissed the December 2015 deadline given by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military to overcome the Boko Haram terror group. Speaking in Abakaliki when he led an advocacy visit to Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, Gowon said although he believed in the ability of the Nigerian military to wipe of the insurgents, the deadline given by the president was not feasible. He said: “I can tell you this, nobody can really talk about when any particular operation is going to end. And as a (former) Co... more »

Oge Okoye stuns in Denim on Denim.

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john promise at POTRIX NEWS - 11 minutes ago
The actress and mother of two looking good on her outfit. *READ ALSO:* Potrix Media Give Away! Win 20,000

Monday, 28 September 2015

Hi Enugu! We are about to host the most exciting and most intense Orijinal Nite party. It’s going to be a night of fun and entertainment, as Orijin kicks off its Orijinal Nite party series. Orijin is an alcoholic blend with the flavours of African herbs and fruits, combined to give a refreshing bitter-sweet [&hellip

Friday, 31 July 2015

ENEMIES.DIO FIT MART




From the stables of Huston Music Nation comes this hot tunes featuring talented rapper Martz and new act, Deo.
The song titled enemies is another collaboration from the Huston duo, the song was mixed, mastered and produced by popular producer Dj wizard.
The song is said to be a shout out to his enemies and fans alike, to continue in their support for him, Mr Deo is currently working on another track and is expecting more great works for his fans soon.
Huston music Nation keeps taking major strides in the industry with their artists taking the bull by the horn with their amazing works

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Thursday, 30 July 2015

EyeCandy Photos: Basketmouth And Family Spotted Having Fun in Boston


PotrixBlog at POTRIX NEWS - 14 hours ago
Basketmouth, 36, has been in the USA for weeks now for his comedy tour and last week his wife of five years, Elsie took their two kids to join him in Boston and they seem to be having a swell time. See another photo after the cut

Sunday, 26 July 2015

LATEST GOSSIP,ENTERTAINMENT NEWS,SPORTS,MUSICS: FOR YOUR HOME ,WEDDING CAKE AND DECORATION.

LATEST GOSSIP,ENTERTAINMENT NEWS,SPORTS,MUSICS: FOR YOUR HOME ,WEDDING CAKE AND DECORATION.: Make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible and then get on with living. There's more to life than d...

FOR YOUR HOME ,WEDDING CAKE AND DECORATION.








Make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible and then get on with living. There's more to life than decorating.”
“If you wait until you have enough money to decorate and make your home your own, it will never happen. If you wait until you can afford to buy everything new, you are missing the point. It is the old, the new, the hand-me-down, the collected, the worn but loved things in your home that make it your own.”

Friday, 24 July 2015

Fake South Africa Pastor Who Made his Members Eat Snake, Cloth Arrested

Pastor Penuel Mnguni, the controversial South African pastor of the End Times Disciples Ministries who is known for subjecting his congregation to all kinds of craziness, including swallowing snakes, eating cloth/grass, etc. And all in the name of performing deliverance, was arrested by the South African police over the weekend but was granted bail today July 20th. The South African Society for Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals opened a case against the controversial pastor late last week. The association say they will pursue a criminal case against him.


Chris Brown bought a new house in LA last month, and has been posting his stuff on instagram - His art work, closet, jewelries etc. Well, ..

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