In the Studio , Game and NFL's Steve Johnson

Footballer Steve Johnson takes his talents to the studio as he records a brand new track with Game. The song is expected to appear on Jayceon’s upcoming mixtape California Republic. It sounds pretty good.

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B.O.B - "So Good"

B.o.B’s latest single ‘So Good’ is steadily rising in popularity and today, the rapper premieres the official video for the catchy single. The visual couldn’t have complimented the audio better. Strange Clouds arrives May 1st. After the jump, check out his performance of the single last week at SXSW.

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Ice Prince ft. Gyptian – Magician

We need diversity of sounds from our artists and the music brands they represent/sell, both on a local and international level. Accordingly, you all can only imagine how thrilled I am to see the new direction Chocolate City artist Ice Prince is going with the remix of his song ‘Magician’ ft. Reggae dance hall superstar Gyptian. Talks have been ongoing among industry insiders, for a minute. However, we now have the big reveal with actual proof of collaboration. Ice Prince unveiled, yesterday at the Industry Nite event series, his behind the scenes video clips of the ‘Magician’ remixed upcoming music video shot by Clarence Peters. I am happy for him and the Chocolate City gang. Let’s see how and if Clarence Peters pushes the creative envelope and the direction he takes Ice Prince with selling him to a much broader audience. There is a lot to talk about on collaborating with international music acts . . . For now . . . Finland’s Spinlet, a technology startup with Lagos and San Francisco offices, and new comer to digital distribution targeting Africa’s market, allegedly brokered the connection with Gyptian. As a newcomer proclaiming itself to be Africa’s #1 digital distributor with no track record, yet, of success, and a need to show true industry connections within and outside of Africa, Spinlet needs to put up some real numbers on the board. Gyptian is a potential showing of what they can do . . .but I am not sold, yet. I’ll save further discussions for when I take on Spinlet and IROKOing. Spinlet is digestable. Irokoing, Iroko on YouTube is simply nothing short of perplexing almost annoying and definitely weird on the part of the artists and labels signing agreements with Irokoing/ Iroko for Youtube marketing and blocking of content. Even with money offered by Irokoing/Iroko dealings on YouTube by Iroko, many artists should say, “no thank you” and keep it moving. The music industry is not the film industry, Iroko’s genesis and model, and trying to replicate the same business model used for distributors in the local markets with limited internet access is just like, “Huh?.” In any event, back to Ice Prince. I am happy and proud of the diversity of sound he is creating. I hope he continues to flex his music muscles and we see more solid work from him this year. P.S: Ice Prince, sir, don’t get too “flygerianwesternized” for Nigeria’s fashion industry because then you and I have a problem. Lol! I’m serious though. Cheers, Uduak

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Tension in Ojukwu’s family over property

Members of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu family may be setting for a showdown over the sharing formula of the ex-Biafran warlord’s property, THE PUNCH learnt on Tuesday. A prominent member of the Ojukwu family, who did not want his name in print, said, “About two weeks after the burial of Ezeigbo Gburugburu, family members are already forming groups against one another on how they can benefit from the property he (Ojukwu) left behind. “This is very disturbing because it has led to accusations and counter-accusations and then the hatred that was already in the family is even getting worse by the day. “Some of them felt that they were left out of the burial plans while the others ran the show with the aim of being close to the President and ensure that they benefit from the seat of power after the burial.” Debe, the eldest son of the deceased, had a fortnight ago told our correspondent that the problem in the family before the death of his father had to do with the large estate his grandfather left behind. He had alleged, “There have been litigation over the estate my grandfather left behind and other members of my family felt they were going to use the litigation to blackmail me. “That is why when they (family members) wanted to see President Goodluck Jonathan over the burial plans, they decided to be hostile towards me and ensured that I was not part of the team that visited the President. “Due to my nature, I decided not to allow the hostility impede the burial activities of my father, a man I still respect so much even in death.” Debe, however, promised on Tuesday to speak “soon”, where he would “unveil the true details surrounding the crisis in the family”. Meanwhile, the GRA, Enugu residence of the Igbo leader looked abandoned as no family member was around when our correspondent visited. Some of the domestic servants, who were seen at the gate, said they suspected trouble might be brewing having observed the consistent visits by friends and associates of Ojukwu, Prof. Okwu Okwu, who have been coming to settle differences among family members.

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How my teacher raped me, nine year-old pupil tells court

A nine-year-old pupil of Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has narrated before a High Court sitting in Ife how she was allegedly raped by her teacher, Francis Ijiwande. At the hearing on Friday, the pupil said that Mr Ijiwande raped her in 2010. She said that the teacher accosted her when she was urinating behind her classroom and subsequently raped her on the school premises – after the school hours. The pupil told the court that, “Mr Ijiwande was my teacher in primary four. I was in primary five when he raped me. When I was urinating behind the classroom, I saw uncle (Mr Ijiwande) standing at my front. “As I was urinating, uncle pushed me down. He removed my pant and threw it away. I shouted for help but no one came to my rescue. Uncle removed his trousers and boxer. He then lay on me and removed his private part and put it inside my private part. “I felt the pains in my thigh and back when uncle was on me. Uncle did not stay long on me. I also felt the pains after uncle stood up. I managed to stand up and stay with my younger brothers, who were waiting for my father at the front of my school.” When asked if she told her parents her ordeal, the victim replied, “I did not tell my parents because Uncle Ijiwande threatened to kill me. I only complained of back and thigh pains. My parents gave me Paracetamol, (a pain reliever), but the pains persisted.” She explained that her mother discovered the fate that had befallen her four days later when the pains did not subside, adding that she was subsequently taken to a hospital. The victim said, “My mother called me in the evening and ordered me to remove my pant. She discovered something like mucus and clotted blood at my private part. My mother shouted and she started crying. My father woke and we all prayed together and we went to sleep. “The day, my parents took me to a hospital. A doctor conducted a test on me. We later went to a police station where I made statement on what Uncle Ijiwande did to me and he was arrested. “Two policemen followed me to where uncle raped me. My parents and Aunty Bisi, the proprietress of the school, also followed us. Aunty Bisi called me aside and told me not to mention uncle Ijiwande’s name again. She told me the police would kill him and that I would not see him again.” Testifying before the court, a Professor of Gynecology, Orji Okechukwu, who conducted a test on the victim, confirmed that the pupil was actually raped. Mr Okechukwu accused the police of lack of diligent prosecution, saying they failed to conduct a test on the girl and the accused when the matter was reported. The gynaecologist said he refused to release the result of the test he conducted on the victim and the specimen he took, alleging that the police thereafter began to threaten him. However, the prosecuting counsel, Moses Faremi, prayed the court to adjourn the case for further hearing, saying he was not healthy. The Presiding Judge Justice O. Siyanbola granted Mr Faremi’s prayer and adjourned the matter till April 18, 2012, for further hearing.

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Jos: Gunmen kill two policemen, attack Police College

Two riot policemen attached to the Special Task Force in Jos have been killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. Corporals Safiyanu Suleman and Thomas Kozah were said to have been killed in Palang, Bachict, Riyom Local Government Area on Sunday. Also, two policemen were shot on Monday when gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram attacked the the Police Staff College, Jos. The two policemen, identified as Sgt. Bitrus Oloji, and CPL Japheth were wounded and admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos for treatment. One of them was said to be in a critical condition as he was shot on the forehead. Three other persons were said to have been injured by the same gunmen at Tahoss in Riyom. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Samuel Dabai, confirmed the incident. Our correspondent learnt that killings had become a daily occurrence in Riyom, despite the imposition of a state of emergency in the local government, along with three others – Barakin Ladi, Jos North, and Jos South. It was learnt that the gunmen, who came in convoy of five cars , stormed the Police College at about 11pm, shot into the air before they engaged the policemen at the gate in a gun duel. The attack was, however, repelled one hour after the siege. The attackers were said to have positioned themselves at various points before storming the gate, an action that took the policemen at the gate by surprise. The guards reportedly beat a retreat before reinforcement from the college came to their rescue. The attackers, according a source in the college, were about 20 in number. According to sources, the timely arrival of the Special Task Force prevented what would have been a bloodbath. Gunshots reportedly resounded in and around Kuru and Vom all through Monday night Police Public Relations Officer of the College, Mr. Akeke Emminidofa, told our correspondent on the telephone that the authorities of the college were in a meeting over the unfortunate incident, promising to call back but had not done so at the time of filing this report. The college was among the places mentioned as targets by Boko-Haram through text messages and letters some weeks before the attack on the headquarters of Church of Christ in Nigeria and St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church.

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Dialogue with Federal Government is Over – Boko Haram

Due to what it had allegedly termed insincerity of purpose by the Federal Government towards the current peace negotiation between the Boko Haram Sect members and the Federal Government, to bring to a halt the persistent violence and killings in different parts of the North as championed by the President of National Supreme Council on Sharia, Dr Datti Ahmed, the sect’s spokesperson, Abu Qaqa, affirmed yesterday that the peace talk was over and his group will continue with their attacks while ensuring that Sharia law was established across the entire country. This is development is coming as a result of a fresh clash between the members of the JTF and Boko Haram early yesterday when over four people were killed in the Sharada area of Kano metropolis. Eye witness said the sect members rode to the Freedom Radio junction where they engaged in a gun battle with the JTF members. Speaking to newsmen in Maiduguri via telephone conferencing, Qaqa described the failed dialogue as unfortunate, stating that the government was not sincere in its negotiation. He affirmed that the group agreed in th first place to engage in a dialogue with the government due to some notable and respectful individuals, but in the midst of the peace talk, the government was beginning to play on their intelligence. He said: “This is an important message on the issue that occupied the media in respect of negotiations between our group and the government. Not long ago, President Goodluck Jonathan made a public statement urging us to come forward for dialogue. He also said we should make our demands clear with a view to resolving the protracted problem in the country.’’ According to him, the first condition given to the federal government on the unconditional release of all detained sect members has not be met. He also said that it was during one of its meetings with the Federal Government that one of its spokeperson, Abu Dardaa, was arrested in Kaduna, stating that such development was capable of killing their trust in government. According to him, the acceptance of the group to dialogue with the government was due to appeals from some respected northern leaders. “These people said they would intercede between us and the government, they said they have the capacity and we trusted them, unfortunately however, the opportunity was messed up. ‘’Almighty God has told us repeatedly that the unbelievers will never respect the promises they make. As such, henceforth, we would never respect any proposal for dialogue”. Qaqa opined . He further stated thus, “In fact, we have closed all possible doors for negotiation. We would never listen to any call for negotiations. Let the government forces do whatever they feel they can do and we too would use all the wherewithal at our disposal and do what we can.” He also boasted that the almighty God will give them the power to capture and kill government forces who think that killing and arresting their members is the solution. He said: “We are optimistic that we would dismantle this government and establish Islamic government in Nigeria. Let the Federal Government and its agents do what they can; and we, in return, would also do what we can. The noble Prophet Mohammed was also tried and tested during the war of Uhud, he persevered and at the end of the day, he emerged victorious. ”The fact is that, we do not have an element of doubt in our minds that one day, we would surely emerge victorious from this onerous encounter,” Qaqa noted. Qaqa urged all Muslims to team up against those he had termed unbelievers. “We want all our people to come together and restore our lost glory.”

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Oteh’s one-day food bill stirs fresh controversy

A receipt obtained by THE PUNCH on Tuesday revealed how the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arumah Oteh, allegedly spent the sum of N850,000 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. There were, however, discrepancies in the figures on the receipt. The receipt, which was dated March 24, 2010, was issued at exactly 9.57pm to the SEC boss. The bill was issued by Zuma Grill Restaurant and it contained expenses incurred by Oteh in three distinct total figures. In the first category, the bill recorded that Oteh was served two Aquafina Large, at the rate of N1,000; one Teem Soda Water, N500; five bottles of Star, N3,000; one 7Up, N500; two Chapman Large, N1,700; three Fresh Crayfish, N13,500; one Classical Snail, N4,500; four Lobster, N18,400; three Trad. Nativ. Poten, N12,000; one Roast Pork Belly, N4,000 four Pan Salmon, N19,200; Food, N71,600; Beverage A, N3,000; and Beverage N4,100. The total in this category, according to Transcorp, was N78,700 as against a total of N157,000 computed by our correspondent. The second category had four crème Brulee, N10,000; one Fruit Salad, N1,800; Food N83,400; Beverage A, N3,000 and Beverage N, N4,100. The total due was placed at N90,500 in contrast to N102,300 computed by our correspondent. The last total revealed that Oteh spent N91,400, which is against N92,300 by our calculations. She was served two Tea Earl Grey at N900; Food, N84,300; Beverage A, N3,000; and Beverage N, N4,100. A comprehensive total of the three categories as revealed by the hotel showed that the SEC boss spent N260,600. This, however, is against the total computation of N351,600. Meanwhile, in a letter obtained by THE PUNCH from SEC, the commission refuted that its boss consumed meal worth N850,000 and never submitted such a bill to the SEC. The letter reads “The bill referred to at the public hearing related to Ms Oteh’s hotel expenses during her stay at the Hilton following her assumption of duty. “We have reviewed her hotel expenses during her stay, and the highest charge for food was N83,400 on March 24, 2010. This bill was in respect of an official dinner hosted by the SEC with a group of international capital market experts who were visiting Nigeria to provide technical assistance to SEC Nigeria.” Transcorp invoice breakdown Items Amount 2 Aquafina Large 1,400.00 1 Teem Soda Water 300.00 5 Star 3,000.00 1 7UP 500.00 2 Chapman Large 1,700.00 3 Fresh Crayfish 13,500.00 1 Classical Snail 4,500.00 4 Lobster 18,000.00 3 Trad Native Poten 12,000.00 1 Roast Pork Belly 4,000.00 4 Pan Salmon 19,200.00 Food 71,600.00 Beverages R 3,000.00 Beverage N 4,100.00 4 Creme Brulee 10,000.00 1 Fruit Salad 1,800.00 Food 83,400.00 Beverage R 3,000.00 Beverage N 4,100.00 Total Due 90,500.00 2 Tea Earl Grey 900.00 Food 84,300.00 Beverage R 3,000.00 Beverage N 4,100.00 Total Due 91,400.00 Room NR 1026 Signature Charge 91,400 Chech H/No.049785

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2kriss - "Tuale" Feat. Olamide

Finally the full song of Tuale by Big Boyz, 2kriss featuring olamide is released. We brought you the studio session, which made everyone eager to hear the full version of the song. Well no more Tuale, here it is, Listen Up and Enjoy!
You heard it here first.. No more tuale enjoy!!
Download here

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Bobby Ray speaks on his sophomore album Strange Clouds

B.o.B sat down with Hardknock TV for an exclusive interview at SXSW at Austin. Bobby Ray speaks on his sophomore album Strange Clouds and reveals that he has personally produced a lot of songs on the album, while other producers include Dr. Luke and Jim Jonsin.

B.o.B also says that the collaborative album The Man & The Martian will release after T.I. and his solo albums. As far as the favorite verse by other artist is concerned, it’s Kanye’s from ‘N***as In Paris’.

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Jahbless - "Tete lobere"

Brand New Video from Jahbless, Tete lobere is off his last Album Overground. The song pretty much talks about him being in the game for a Minute. (We can’t Argue that) and how the music industry has grown. The video has appearances of Ajasa, Dj Jimmy Jatt, jaywon Sound Sultan, mode 9 and reminisce. I am a bit surprised not to see 9ice in the video, well it’s a lovely video, i like the setting (The street) where it all started for him before he is now telling the story.
Watch and Enjoy…………

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Nicki Minaj covers the 10th anniversary special issue of Complex magazine

Nicki Minaj covers the 10th anniversary special issue of Complex magazine. Check out the alternate cover after the jump and go here for the entire cover story.

What’s your off-stage persona?
I’m the biggest homebody. But I’ve been like this. Nothing about me has changed since I got fame. I never liked to go to clubs. I never liked to go out. I don’t know where that public craziness came from. I was always like a comedian to my friends and family, but in a lot of ways I’m shy. I think people read my shyness as being mean. They misinterpret it. The first and only person who ever called me out for being shy was Wayne.

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Wande Coal - "Private trip "

Wow this Video is top class, i was not expecting a Video from the Mushin- to mohits crooner at this time, i guess he is back once again.
Private trip was one of the songs he released last December that made him trend worldwide once again. I must say SESAN is a good Video director. The video quality, everything is just superb. I bet you will watch this video over and over!
Private trips toh Bhad, enjoy!

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Slum Village -"Turning me off" Feat. De La Soul

Two legendary Hip-Hop groups on the same track. Doesn’t get any better than this. Here goes the first taste off Mick Boogie & Slum Village’s upcoming mixtape Dirty Slums releasing on March 27th. Produced by Young RJ.
Download here

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Don Jazzy doesn't get the respect he deserves

Amid the break up of Don Jazzy & Dbanj there have a lot stories and rumors as to who is to blame etc, and a few hours ago, Dr SID went on twitter and made a statement that pretty much makes him TeamDonJazzy.
Sources have also said that when Don Jazzy left the house he shared with Dbanj, he moved in with Dr. SID for a while until he relocated to his own place in Lekki.
Here is what Dr. SID had to say via his twitter page “DonJazzy is d most important piece of Mo hits, who doesnt get the credit he deserves, without his creativity a lot of things will not exist. that being said i will not be commenting on the issue of the mohits situation for now pls respect that its a very sensitive time for us all”

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50Cent Announces release date for 5th Album

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N74bn not enough for amnesty programme – Dokubo-Asari

Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council and Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, on Monday insisted that the Federal Government’s N74bn vote for the rehabilitation and retraining of the Niger Delta ex-militants in the 2012 budget was not enough.

In a statement, Dokubo-Asari demanded that a 10-day oil production proceeds should be allocated to the programme, since the country’s oil production had risen to 2.6 million barrels per day against 680, 000 before the amnesty programme was instituted by ex-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

According to him, the increase is part of the gains of the amnesty programme.

He said, “With all these gains, one expects that the operators of the amnesty project should have been encouraged and applauded. Instead, what we see is rebuke, recrimination and an attempt to scuttle the project by those who contribute next to nothing in the upkeep and maintenance of the Nigerian state but are now calling for a probe into the amnesty project.

“There is nothing wrong with probing a government institution if it is not done out of malice.

“It is important to state that going by the 2012 budget passed by the National Assembly, the amnesty project budget is about N74bn annually. Which means that amnesty project budget for a year is far less than two days oil production.

“I believe that the resources allocated to the amnesty project is inadequate and cannot dig deep to satisfy the aspirations and yearnings of the people of the oil-bearing communities. I hereby suggest that for a new start, 10 days oil production proceeds, after removing cost of product and percentage proceeds due to joint ventures partners, should be allocated to the training and education of the people of the oil-bearing communities through the amnesty project.”

The ex-militant alleged that the company of one of the allies of the late Gen. Sani Abacha offered oil operating licence on July 8, 1996 produces 400, 000 barrels of oil per day, meaning that the company makes N2.3bn annually, despite the death of the owner.

“If a dead individual is raking N2.3bn in 365 days, why should N74bn be allocated to the amnesty project from resources gotten from underneath their soil?,” he said.

“This is how the Nigerian state is been run and managed at the expense of the vast majority of her people. While some people pretend to be blind to these painful realities, some of us will not join the bandwagon of the blind men, these inequity, injustice and blatant insensitivity must be checked now if we are to have a stable polity.”

The NDPVF leader added, “Most people will be wondering why I have chosen to speak in favour of the amnesty project, even though I hate the tag amnesty, I know that the managers of the project have managed it so well to the benefit of the recipients.

“Today, thousands of young men and women are being trained as doctors, engineers and oil work men and I believe that if this project is expanded and the amnesty tag is dropped, the belief by most of us that we are been criminalized for standing up for our right will be removed and more people will benefit from the project.

“at present, most people who hitherto, would have been committing crimes in the creeks are now meaningfully engaged, learning and acquiring skills in various universities, polytechnics and technical institutions all over the world.

“As it is said, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop; the people managing the amnesty project have used the project to rehabilitate and readmit the ex-militants who lived the life of criminality into civil society.”

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Kennis Music easter festival,Lagos April 6th to 9th 2012

It’s that time of the year again for Kennis Music Easter Festival. Line is impressive as always, check it out.

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Don’t weep more than bereaved, Jonathan tells ACN

The Presidency on Monday advised the Action Congress of Nigeria not to weep more than the bereaved over the opposition party’s accusation that the Federal Government had not done enough for residents of Koloama, Bayelsa State, over the Chevron oil rig explosiion in the community.

The Presidency’s reaction was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

Abati said the party’s claim could not be farther from the truth.

He said, “Alhaji Mohammed (ACN’s spokesman) should resist the temptation to weep more than the bereaved.

“I would like to remind him that accidents involving oil spills and fires and other environmental disasters arising from the oil industry are complicated and are not matters that you rush over.”

He said although the explosion at the Chevron platform in Koluama occurred at the height of the fuel subsidy crisis, the government gave priority attention to the matter by setting the necessary machinery in motion to manage the disaster.

He recalled that the President promptly dispatched the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Maduekwe, to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

Abati added that this was to determine its extent and what needed to be done to relieve the suffering of the community and ensure that the threat to the people’s lives and livelihood was contained.

He said the President personally visited Koluama community on February 27 to among other things, empathise with the community and confirm the requirements for addressing the damage done to the community.

Abati said after the President’s visit, the Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Matters, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, visited the island on March 6 on the orders Jonathan to commence skill acquisition programme for youths and women in the affected communities.

The presidential spokesman said to meet the people’s immediate needs, NEMA, Chevron, the Ministries of Environment and Niger Delta Affairs, were also directed to assist the communities.

He said they have been doing so by providing relief materials and other forms of assistance.

Abati said, “It is not true that the Federal Government is treating Chevron with ‘kid gloves’. Jonathan has been actively involved with the Koluama communities since his days as Deputy Governor and Governor of Bayelsa State; he understands their plight.

“It is also not true that all the President ‘did was to praise the people for their peaceful reaction to the disaster that has befallen them’,” as claimed by Alhaji Mohammed.”

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I didn’t spend N850,000 on hotel food – SEC DG •Explains secondment of Access Bank staff

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, has responded to allegations that she incurred huge bills during her eight-month stay at the Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
She also explained the controversial secondment of two officials of Access Bank Plc to work in her office.
Oteh became the DG of SEC on January 7, 2010.
The issues came to the fore during last week’s public hearing organised by the the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Markets and Other Institutions.
In a statement issued by her spokesperson, Mr. Obi Adindu, and posted on the commission’s website, Oteh said she never incurred an alleged N850,000 feeding bill on a single day during her stay at the hotel.
She stated that the highest feeding bill generated on a single day during her stay was N83,000.
She said this bill was in respect of an official dinner hosted by the commission on March 24, 2010 for a group of international capital market experts who were visiting Nigeria to provide technical assistance to SEC.
Oteh did not, however, address the allegation that she incurred a bill of N30 million during her eight-month stay at the hotel.
The statement explained that she stayed at the hotel for an unstated period of time and “voluntarily left the hotel before an official residence could be provided, unhappy with the lack of privacy at a hotel accommodation and for security reasons.”
The statement said her stay at the hotel was “in line with the terms and conditions of her employment verbally communicated to her on January 7, 2010 and confirmed in writing on January 11, 2010.”
It said that prior to her stay at the hotel, Oteh had no home in Abuja.
It noted, “In accordance with its policy of providing official residential accommodation for its DG, the SEC began on January 7, 2010 to search for official residence for Ms Oteh.
“This policy on official accommodation was communicated to Ms Oteh in writing upon assumption of duty.
“The transaction referred to at the public hearing was in February 2011, in respect of rental property in Maitama, Abuja at N25 million per annum, actually lower than the going rate of similar property in the area. The transaction collapsed when the property owner required the SEC to pay as much as four years rent in advance.
“The issue of high rents has been a source of concern and been the subject of a bill debated on the floor of the House of Representatives.
“All the negotiations for an official accommodation failed for reasons relating to high cost, availability, and frequently changing terms.
“These transactions never materialized; the SEC NEVER leased any property for Ms Oteh.
“The SEC was not successful in finding accommodation for the DG. In line with its policy, the Commission offered rental allowance to Ms Oteh in lieu of official accommodation.”
It also denied that SEC procured four cars for Oteh at N42 million, saying she had been using pool cars belonging to the commission for official duties.
“Since the DG’s arrival, only two pool cars have been purchased by the SEC and assigned to the DG. The two pool cars were purchased to replace two old cars that were subject to frequent breakdowns.
The purchase of these cars followed due process and the provisions of the public procurement laws.”
She also defended herself against allegations that she compromised her position by seconding two members of staff of Access bank Plc to her office.
“No. Laid down rules, procedures and processes have been strictly complied with by the SEC since January 2010 (including in the processing of any transaction involving Access Bank). The seconded Access Bank staff were: a project adviser and a communications assistant, and these two areas are not at the core of the SEC’s regulatory function,” the statement explained.
It added, “Prior to Ms Oteh’s assumption of duty, two independent studies commissioned by the SEC’s Board indicated that there were human capacity gaps at the Commission.
“One of the initiatives she took to quickly address the capacity issues was to reach out to development agencies, sister regulators and the private sector for assistance.
“This way, the SEC received technical assistance from a multilateral development bank, a sister regulator and the private sector to revamp its sub-optimal ICT infrastructure, to complement the in-house ICT staff.
“Equally, the IFC/ESMID provided a Resident Bond Adviser, for 18 months, to help develop the fixed income market.
“In addition, the SEC requested and received pro bono secondment of two employees of Access Bank, one a project adviser (on facilities management), the other on brand communication support (communication assistant).
“These Access Bank employees have no connection with the core regulatory functions of the Commission in any manner as would create a conflict of interest.
“In fact, Access Bank has disclosed the details of the secondment in its 2010 annual report. The fact that the SEC has bank accounts and investments with a number of banks has not undermined our capacity to regulate or approve transactions relating to them.
“The Access Bank secondment in 2010 happened because recruiting full-time staff at the SEC, as in many government agencies, takes a long time. For instance, the SEC’s recent recruitment of 52 Young Professionals lasted one full year. Note also that Access Bank is primarily regulated by the CBN.
“The transaction involving Access Bank that has required the SEC’s approval was that bank’s recent acquisition of Intercontinental Bank.
Most significant securities transactions involving a bank, such as a merger or acquisition, involve shareholders, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, various departments at the SEC and the Federal High Court.
For a merger, an acquisition or takeover, there are laid down procedures for the SEC’s approval.
“The DG’s office receives all applications to the SEC, and in the case of a merger or acquisition, forwards it to the Executive Commissioner Operations (ECOP). The ECOP in turn forwards the application to the Director of the Securities and Investments Services (SIS) Division who then forwards the application to the Head, Mergers & Takeover department, the Head, Legal Division of SIS. The Director of SIS receives the analysis of the transaction from M&T and the legal opinion of the Legal Division, both of SIS. The Director SIS then makes a recommendation to the Executive Commissioner, Operations who in turn reviews and either endorses or disapproves the transaction and submits to the DG for final approval. The DG’s decision is based on the recommendations made and is communicated to the parties through the ECOP and Director SIS.
“The Access Bank transaction was recommended for approval by all the departments and officers of the SEC who reviewed it.
“The other stakeholders including the shareholders, the CBN, the Ministry of Finance and the Federal High Court also approved and endorsed the transaction.
On a review of the SEC’s records, we find that secondment is not a new practice and the public sector.
“Indeed as far back as 1988, the DG SEC as a member of the Technical Committee on Privatization endorsed the involvement and appointment of private sector officials in the privatization process.”
The statement said Oteh was willing to cooperate with relevant authorities in the investigation of its activities, processes and actions.
It also said the commission had refrained from responding to attacks in the media by ‘vested interests’ on the reputation of the DG and SEC.
It stated, “Since Ms. Oteh assumed office as SEC DG on 7th January, 2010 she has led a reform programme to restore market integrity and revive investors’ confidence.
“These reforms included charging over 260 individuals and entities before the Investment and Securities for market abuses that led to the downturn, and seeking orders of disgorgement and restitution of investors.
“Based on evidence of financial mismanagement and corporate governance lapses, the SEC in 2010 also replaced the leadership of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
“As a result, equity market capitalization now stands at N6.6 trillion.
“There are also new products, new listing requirements, greater capacity among operators and regulators and a drastic reduction in market infraction among others.”

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Crisis not a threat to Nigeria -Obasanjo

Former President OlusegunAremu Obasanjo has said that since Nigeria was able to survive the 1967 – 1970 civil war, it will surely survive the ongoing crisis ruining the nation.
Obasanjo gave this assurance yesterday in London, at The Times CEO Summit Africa: The Growth story.
According to the BoT Chairman of People Democratic Party (PDP): “If we can survive the civil war and you know I was part of those who were engaged in the war, I believe that we will survive this too.’’
“The uncertainty, instability and security challenges are passing phase and less than the civil war; the situation cannot be regarded as being worse than during the civil war.
“The challenges look formidable but I believe that President Goodluck Jonathan can do something about it.”
From his own opinion, in order to overcome the security challenges in the nation, government must take a second look at youth unemployment.
“Employment can solve youth restiveness, regardless of our demographic situation; it can be of advantage or disadvantage depending on how we use it.
“It also depends on how we handle our economy, fight corruption so that the economy will be buoyant and can sustain and create wealth for our population. That will be part of the solution to unemployment.’’
Speaking further, the Ogun-born political stalwart noted that the answer to the trade imbalance between Britain and Nigeria, Obasanjo lies with the British authorities.
“What have they left undone that they should have done; Britain should go and find out where they left, is Britain ready to support British companies that are willing to invest in Nigeria or Africa ?
“We are as concerned as the British on the rule of law, especially in our judicial system but that should not discourage them from investing in Nigeria.”
“I will say to our friends, you partner with us. Do not tell us not to allow the Indians, Chinese or Brazil to come because they will come.
“Now, what we are saying is this, we have old friends and we are mindful of that friendship but we beg, allow us to make new friends.” He submitted

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Slimzy - "Too Much Money"

Peep this young rapper named, he jumped on Godwon’s too much money and murked it. Apparently he is a warri boy, they can rap in that zone yo! He went off on this instrumental, you can’t go wrong on this beat at all. Nice one from slimzy, you should definitely look out for him. Lovely joint, listen up and share your thoughts!!
Too Much Money Yo!! Download here

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Another diplomatic row: South Africa sets to deport 56 Nigerians

The diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa government which led to deportation of over 125 Nigeria may not have come to an end as South Africa is set to deport 56 Nigerians who have over stayed their visa terms, it was learnt yesterday.

Already, the Federal Government has been notified of the planned deportation, which is coming barely two weeks after a row between the two countries.

The deportees, who have overstayed their visas, applied for asylum because of alleged political “crisis” in Nigeria. They appeared before an Asylum Panel in South Africa and their applications were rejected, it was learnt.

The South African Government checked and discovered that Nigeria is not experiencing any political problem to have warranted asylum for any of its citizens.

A source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who pleaded not to be named because he is not permitted to speak on the matter, said: “South Africa has informed us of a fresh deportation of 56 Nigerians.

The affected persons will be brought to Nigeria either on Wednesday or Thursday.

“Our senior officers in the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria were made to be part of the process to ascertain that none of the deportees is a victim of any form of injustice.

“The South African Government said it is granting asylum to those from war-torn countries and Nigeria is not on the list.

“In line with our new rapprochement, we cannot force these Nigerians on South Africa. So, we are expecting the deportees soon.

“Deportation is a normal thing when immigrants are found to have either entered a country illegally or overstayed their visas. Some are usually sent back each time they violate immigration laws or indulge in fraud. That is why you see Nigeria deporting illegal aliens like Nigeriens and Chadians.”

South Africa had a fortnight ago deported 125 Nigerians from the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg over alleged fake yellow fever vaccination cards.

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Karen Igho [BBA Amplified Winner] Shrugs off Misinterpretation

This just in from Karen Igho’s camp:
A press release allegedly by a representative of Vimbai Mutinhiri (former BBA housemate from Zimbabwe) on the viral social media story– which suggests that the effervescence Ms Karen Igho, deliberately refused to be part of a photo shoot session with her for ‘Miss Dee’ magazine.
While this release frowns on any form of ‘SHE SAID, HE SAID’ controversy, Ms Karen’s love for her ever supportive fans and media friends made her request that her position be made public.
Ms Igho was approached in Abuja on the 4th September, 2011 by the publisher of Miss Dee magazine at a casual meet to participate in a photo shoot for the magazine, but no exact time was proposed because at the time Ms Karen was preoccupied with spending quality time with her family in Jos; more so as she had just returned from the BigBrother Africa house and needed a relief from the Amplified euphoria.
However, Ms Karen recently got a call with respect to the photo shoot, but for her engagement with her friend, Mr Denrele Edun on the ‘Heavy Beauty’ movie production set she could have gladly obliged. Hence, it is not practical that Ms Igho who was on a movie set in Lagos refused or walked away from being part of a photo shoot session with Vimbai in Abuja.
Ms Karen has being in frequent communication with housemates, even proven with the time spent with Millicent (Kenya) when she came to Nigeria in spite of the ‘House’ confrontations between both during the BBA game episode.
To further reinforce Ms Karen Igho’s friendly disposition to her fellow housemates from BBA Amplified; Ms Karen had begun sending out official invites to WENDALL PARSON (Zimbabwe), LUCLAY ‘MR OTONO’ (S/Africa), WEZA SOLANGE (Angola), LOMWE (Malawi), MUMBA MWAKWA (Zambia), BERNADINA BUYS (Nambia) and their country counterparts in the BBA house in anticipation of a reunion party in Nigeria towards her April 6th birth date celebration. The weekend activity will feature the launch of Ms Karen’s T-shirt line, a BBA housemates’ media tour, charity visits to orphanage homes and the media launch of her upcoming reality TV shoot (details will be made explicit in a release towards the event).
It is Ms Karen’s view that if Vimbai has something to say to her friend, Mr Denrele Edun it’s best done through inter-personal communication and she frowns at any insinuation of ‘war’ with anyone, as in the words of the Destiny Child’s song ‘Survivor’ Miss Karen is better than that.
Finally, we like to empathize with ‘Miss Dee’ magazine and request that the media please redirect their channel of inquiry.
Thank you.

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Kendrick Lamar brought out Pharrell’s new artist Buddy on ‘Staircases’

Remember this picture taken around August 2011? Well, the studio session is now explained as Kendrick Lamar brought out Pharrell’s new artist Buddy to assist him on a new track called ‘Staircases’ live on the stage at SXSW. Produced by The Neptunes and it does sound really good.

K. Dot and Pharrell have more songs together so be on the lookout.

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IG Compensates Helicopter Crash Victims

The police Acting Inspector-General, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, was at the houses of the last week’s Helicopter crash victims to pay condolence visits to the widows. The crash claimed the lives of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Mr John Haruna, his orderly, the pilot and co-pilot.

The IG, who was highly emotional in his speech, regretted the unfortunate incident that occurred at the time his administration was embarking on a total police transformation for better results.

While showing his love and concern for the widows, Abubakar disclosed that henceforth, the police would take up the responsibility of the education of the children of the affected families.

He had declared that both families of the pilot and the co-pilots would remain in the police quarters for as long as they wish to stay, regretting that there was no amount of compensation that would be enough for the families.

Abubakar had earlier stopped at the residence of the widow of Assistant Commissioner of Police Garba Yakwu, for a brief Muslim prayer for the departed souls.

The cry from the deceased 8 year old daughter who had a discussion with the dad before he travelled interrupted the IG’s speech momentarily.

After having consoled the child, Abubakar said, “I am here on behalf of the Presidency to condole you on this very sad moment in the history of the Nigeria Police. This is the very first accident recorded in the history of the Air wing of the Nigeria Police. It is a very sad moment for me because it came at a time when I am pushing for better efficiency in the Force.

These officers, who died, were dedicated to serving the nation. One of them even flew me to Ila recently. In fact, they can be described as dedicated and loyal to the service. I pray that Allah give you the fortitude to bear the loss”.

The Acting IG also visited co-pilot’s apartment in the same quarters located in Ikeja almost immediately alongside some police top officials to include Deputy Inspector General of Police , Mr Marvel Akpoyibo, and a representative of the Police Service Commission, Comfort Obi, among others.

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Game was thugging it out In LA with Travis Barker , Warren G

While rest of the industry was in Austin, Game was thugging it out In LA. At his concert at the Key Club this past Friday, Jayceon brought out Travis Barker on the drums for ‘Dope Boys’, ‘No More Fun And Games’ and ‘Compton’. He also introduced the producers/band 1500 Or Nothin to the crowd and invited Warren G for ‘Regulate’.

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Wiz Khalifa - "Brainstorm"

Four days after releasing his new mixtape Taylor Allderdice, Wiz Khalifa gives video treatment to track #15, produced by Cardo.

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Kendrick Lamar talks about working with Dr. Dre in the studio

Fuse interviewed Kendrick Lamar at the South By Southwest festival in Austin couple of days back. Kendrick comments on the new deal with Aftermath/Interscope and if it will affect his music. He also talks about working with Dr. Dre in the studio, collaborating with Game and touring with Drake.

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Nas brought out AZ for track no. 3, ‘Life’s A B**ch’ and Pow-TV

Nas performed his entire classic album Illmatic at Austin’s W Hotel last night. He brought out AZ for track no. 3, ‘Life’s A B**ch’ and Pow-TV was at hand to capture the moment. VEVO will be releasing official footage from the event soon.

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