2nd Bomb Blast explosion on New Year eve at Dunamis Church, Abuja

Recent report reaching us from Abuja states that a second bomb explosion has occured in a Church (Dunamis Church). Details later.
What is happening in our country? Bomb blast just happened in Donamis Church in Abuja. Which way Nigeria? Which way Muslim people? Must we go to war?

Disgraced ex-Israeli president convicted of rape

AP – Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav, center, leaves a court in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Dec. 30, …

By JOSEF FEDERMAN, Associated Press Josef Federman, Associated Press – 7 mins ago

JERUSALEM – Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav was convicted of rape Thursday, a dramatic fall from grace for a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of achievement for the nation's Jewish underclass.
The disgraced politician, who had rejected a plea bargain that would have kept him out of jail, will likely be sentenced to four to 16 years in prison. The verdict was seen as a victory for the Israeli legal system and for women's rights in a decades-long struggle to chip away at the nation's macho culture, which once permitted political and military leaders great liberties.
"The court sent two clear and sharp messages: that everyone is equal and every woman has the full right to her body," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. But he added that it was "a sad day for Israel and its citizens."
The Tel Aviv District Court found Katsav, 65, guilty of two counts of raping an employee in 1998, when he was Israel's tourism minister. It also convicted him of lesser counts of indecent acts; sexual harassment involving two other women who worked for him when he was president, from 2000 to 2007; and obstruction of justice.
Katsav denied all allegations, claiming he was a victim of a political witch hunt and suggesting he was targeted because he is a Sephardic Jew — a Jew of Middle Eastern origin. But in Thursday's ruling, the three-judge panel said his version of events was "strewn with lies."
A somber Katsav left the courtroom without commenting, surrounded by his legal team, security guards and family members. His wife, Gila, didn't appear in court.
He was ordered to surrender his passport while awaiting sentencing on a date that was not immediately set. Late Thursday, he was holed up in his home with his family.
Israel's presidency is a largely ceremonial post, traditionally given to elder statesmen as a reward for a lifetime of public service. Winning the office capped a career in which Katsav became a model of success for Sephardic Jews, who for decades were a Jewish underclass in Israel.
Katsav's world began to crumble late in his presidency when he complained that a female employee was trying to extort him. The woman went to police with her side of the story, detailing a series of sexual assaults. Other women came forward with similar complaints.
According to the indictment, Katsav forced one woman to the floor of his office at the Tourism Ministry in 1998 and raped her. Later that year, he summoned her to a Jerusalem hotel to go over paperwork and raped her on the bed in his room. The indictment alleged that Katsav tried to calm his victim by saying: "Relax, you'll enjoy it."
The indictment alleged that he harassed two women while he was president, embracing them against their will and making unwanted sexual comments. He also was charged with obstruction of justice: The indictment said Katsav tried to persuade one of the women to change her testimony.
Under heavy public pressure, Katsav resigned in 2007, two weeks before his term expired, under a plea bargain that would have required him to admit to lesser charges of sexual misconduct. But in a dramatic reversal, Katsav subsequently rejected the deal and vowed to clear his name in court.
Around that time, he held a bizarre news conference in which he lashed out at prosecutors and the media and denied any wrongdoing. His erratic behavior, in which he shook in anger, waved a computer disc that he said proved his innocence and screamed at reporters, raised questions about his state of mind.
The Israeli public has closely followed the case's twists and salacious details.
The conviction of a former president on rape charges — virtually unheard of anywhere in the developed world — was the latest victory for women's rights groups against the male-dominated military and political establishment.
In the early years of the state, some male leaders were known for womanizing and freewheeling ways, though that culture has gradually changed.
Women's rights groups had rallied against Katsav. On Thursday, hundreds of women stood outside the courtroom holding signs against him and chanting: "The whole nation knows Katsav is a criminal."
Emmanuel Gross, a law professor at Haifa University, said the verdict was a testament to the independence of Israel's legal system. "Our judiciary is not afraid of anyone," he said. "It is one of our greatest strengths."
In recent years, a former finance minister was sent to prison for embezzling funds, a justice minister was convicted of forcibly kissing a female soldier, and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was forced to resign to face corruption charges. His trial is still in court.
Katsav was born in Iran and immigrated to Israel as a child, growing up in immigrant tent encampments and then in Kiryat Malachi, one of the failed "development" towns that Israel's earliest governments built to populate the desert. Katsav, who is married and has five grown children, still resides in Kiryat Malachi, a hardscrabble town in southern Israel.
Katsav was elected mayor of Kiryat Malachi at the age of 24 — becoming the youngest mayor in Israel's history — as part of a nationwide backlash by Jews of Middle Eastern descent against the well-off, European-rooted establishment.
Katsav rose through the ranks of the rightist Likud Party to hold a series of Cabinet posts before parliament selected him to be president in 2000. He engineered the upset victory over Nobel peace laureate Shimon Peres by rallying ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties behind him.
Katsav's presidency was largely uneventful. In one of his moments of glory, he shook hands and chatted briefly with the president of archenemy Iran at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005. He also appealed for calm and unity during Israel's traumatic withdrawal from the Gaza Strip a few months later.
On Thursday, Katsav's son Boaz vowed his father would clear his name.
"We will continue to walk with our heads high and all the nation ... with God's help, will know that (my) father, the eighth president of the state of Israel, is innocent," he said.
But one of Katsav's lawyers, Avigdor Feldman, said his client had not yet decided whether to appeal.
Any appeal would likely focus on witness credibility — an area that Israel Radio legal analyst Moshe Negbi said Israel's Supreme Court rarely reverses.
"He has nothing to lose. He will probably appeal, but he doesn't have much of a chance," Negbi said.
A presidential pardon also appears unlikely because of the severity of the offenses. The office of Peres, who became president when Katsav resigned, declined to comment.

Strange birth: Woman delivers ‘twin’ padlocks

From HENRY CHUKWURAH, Port Harcourt


There was pandemonium on Wednesday at a section of Mile 4 axis of Port Harcourt, as a housewife gave birth to two padlocks. The strange twin objects were delivered in the early hours of the day.

Although facts of the unusual delivery remained sketchy as at press time, it was gathered that the ‘mother’ and the padlocks had been taken to an undisclosed church for prayers.

Sources told Daily Sun that the expected joy of a mother and her husband turned to overwhelming pain and embarrassment when after a protracted labour, the woman delivered the two strange objects. After the initial shock and confusion, the husband of the woman (name withheld) was said to have contacted the leadership of his Pentecostal church for spiritual advice.

Consequently, the housewife and the strange objects were later taken to the church where the general overseer was said to be praying for her. When contacted, at their Chief Amadi Street, Mile 4 residence, the woman’s husband who identified himself simply as (name withheld) confirmed the incident. He told Daily Sun that his wife had been taken to the church and declined further comments, promising to give details later.

Expectedly, curious visitors had besieged the home of the couple when Daily Sun visited the area. It was gathered that the woman had been pregnant for 15 years. Family source told Daily Sun that her problem started after the woman, a graduate of Geography, gave money to a close relation who was in dire need of help.

Man Who Discovered Affair in Wife's Email Faces 5 Yrs. on Invasion of Privacy Charges

Michigan resident Leon Walker faces a peculiar predicament: he's been charged with a felony for secretly checking out his wife's email account.
Using his wife's password, Walker accessed her Gmail account and learned she allegedly was having an affair, according to this article in the Detroit Free Press.
State prosecutors in Michigan have charged Walker under a statute used typically to prosecute identity theft or theft of trade secrets, the Free Press Reports. (Hat tip: JonathanTurley.org)
Walker, who divorced his wife this month, faces a criminal trial in February and up to 5 years in prison.

15 African Breakout Artists of the Year: Iyeoka Okoawo ,Nneka, Ice Prince, Navio, Jojo, Diamond, X.O Senavoe & More!

15 African Breakout Artists of the Year: Nneka, Ice Prince, Navio, Jojo, Diamond, X.O Senavoe & More!

Posted on December 24, 2010 by DN member

2010 has been a terrific year for African music and its music industry. As a quick recap, the first World Cup held on African soil put African music center stage in the homes of millions, if not trillions across the globe. Who could forget K’naan’s ‘Wavin’ Flag’ or ‘Time for Africa’ by Shakira featuring South Africa’s Freshly Ground?
If we thought all the buzz about African music was over, we were reminded throughout the year to, “think again.” There were so many brilliant collaborations, award shows (MTV MAMAs, 4Stye, PAM, NMVA, Channel O and Sound City Music Video Awards) and exciting music deals.
But really, where it got even sweeter for Africa and its musicians was an effort by recognizable global brands, after the World Cup, to keep Africa’s music flag flying. Leading the way was the team at BET International, including Michael Armstrong, Ava Lizette Hall and Lilian Blankson. The team helped showcase Africa’s musicians P-Square, Kojo Antwi and M.I at the 2010 BET Awards across the globe: USA, Europe, Middle East and Africa. They took it a step further with a followup at the 2010 BET Hip-hop Awards where they showcased Africa’s finest, BET Ghana Cypher.
What Does the Future Hold for Africa’s Musicians and Music industry?Our predictions, which you read and heard first on Ladybrillemag.com, include: a) increased collaborations among African artists across the continent; b) increased collaborations with USA artists; c) the growth of e-retail music stores and purchase of digital downloads. Music is the quickest and easiest thing to sell online ; and d) we predict the African musicians that will be able to gain entrance into mainstream Western audiences will be those willing to create a new path when it comes to fusing traditional African music and genres with contemporary ones. Think Nneka, 2Face and Navio as examples.

Ladybrille Magazine’s 15 African Breakout Artists of the Year!
Against this exciting happenings in 2010, here is Ladybrille Magazine’s 15 African Breakout artists of the year. The veterans in music who broke new ground for Africa letting the world see what we are about; and the emerging ones poised to do the same. Enjoy and let us know your own top 15 in the comment section below.

#1 K’naan: (Somalia) A music veteran, K’Naan makes our list as one of the first African musicians to penetrate the homes of citizens worldwide at the first World Cup held on African soil.  ‘Wavin’ flag’ was a great song and proved to help K’Naan have a brilliant year in music. Kudos from us to him!

#2 Freshly Ground: (South Africa) Like K’Naan, Freshly Ground makes our list as one of our breakout artists of the year with ‘Time for Africa’ by Shakira ft. Freshlyground. This song was the third most watched song on Vevo for 2010 and also had the same effect in penetrating the homes of millions if not trillions, worldwide.

#3 Nneka: (Nigeria) After successfully conquering Europe and particularly Germany, Nneka seemed to come out of nowhere in 2010 to take both Africa and the USA by storm. The recipient of numerous prestigious awards and nominations, she organized her first USA tour, appeared and performed on the David Letterman showed, toured with Damian Marley and Nas, performed across Africa and signed with Hennessey as part of Hennessey Artistry Nigeria campaign, all in 2010. She is just getting warmed up.

#4 Emmanuel Jal: (Sudan) Africans have insisted our stories expand beyond the stereotypical poverty, war and HIV/AIDS stories seen in Western media. However, in spotlighting the beauty of Africa, the ugliness is definitely one we cannot ignore. Making sure of that is Sudanese musician Emmanuel Jal. A former child soldier at 11years old, he has caught the attention of the world and American musician Alicia Keys who recently featured in his latest release ‘We Want Peace.’ Expect even more from Jal in 2011.

#5 Iyeoka: (Nigeria) Contemporary African jazz music is really ignored in Africa’s mainstream music. That is one of the major criticisms we have with the current landscape of Africa’s music industry. Nevertheless, we carry on. In carrying on, Iyeoka makes our list. A first generation Nigerian-American, Iyeoka was a practicing pharmacist before she launched her career as a poet and singer. Her style is eclectic, charming, her lyrical content and compositions captivating and powerful. In 2010, Iyeoka’s latest single, ‘The Yellow Brick Road’ received national placement in an episode of the new hit HBO series “How To Make It In America.”

#6 Sonnie Badu: (Ghana) There are so many brilliant African Gospel artists that impressed us this year, but we could only select one. Our crown goes to British based Ghanaian gospel artist Sonnie Badu. Badu has collaborated with both European and African gospel colleagues in bringing African/African-inspired gospel music to the world. This year, he was on fire winning ten (10) awards in addition to the ones he won at the GUBA and African Music Awards.

#7 D-Black: (Ghana) If there is anyone who seems to understand, fundamentally, that music is business, it has to be Ghana’s D-Black and one of Ladybrille’s 2010 Artist to Watch. Never waiting for things to happen to him, he has grabbed the bull by the horns and taken control of his career as a one man shop. The result has been an amazing year for this talent: a feature as part of BET’s Ghana Cypher, several nominations for his work including at the Channel O, MAMAs, 4Syte and Ghana Music Video Awards, a few wins, tour across South Africa during the World Cup with other African musicians, among numerous accomplishments. His talent, tenacity, hunger and drive to succeed is infectious and underscores the old adage of “never giving up” on your passion and dreams. Look out for him in 2011.

#8 Navio: (Uganda) Uganda hip-hop has never looked so good, thanks to rapper Navio, also a Ladybrille Artist to Watch. Like D-Black, Navio is about the business of music. This year, Navio was chosen from Uganda to be a member of the African supergroup ONE8. As part of that group, he featured in ONE8’s ‘Hands Across the World’ hit single featuring the best of Africa’s musician. He was also the recipient of the 2010 Best Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at the Pearl Africa Music Awards (PAM). The best, we believe, is yet to come from Navio.

#9 Tear Gas: (South Africa) ‘Tear Gas’ has been ON FIRE in 2010! Taking South African hip-hop to the masses, the group made up of Ntokozo “K.O,” Mdluli, Ezee “Ma-E” Hanabe and Bantu “Ntukza” Hanabe, use their music to discuss socio-economic ills such as crime, HIV/Aids, poverty. In 2010 they won the Channel O ‘Most Gifted Music Video’ Award and closed out the year as nominees for ‘Best Group’ at the 2010 MTV MAMAs.

#10 Mo’cheddah: (Nigeria) In a country with a large youth population, Mo’Cheddah is the embodiment and definitive youth brand and music personality. She is Nigeria’s leading youth star and has the accolades to prove it including her recent win at the 2010 MTV Awards as ‘Brand New Artist.’ If Nigeria can export its contemporary music to the West, we think this young girl will be an integral part of achieving such success.

#11 Ice Prince: (Nigeria) Signed to Chocolate City Records Nigeria (the same record label as Nigerian rapper M.I), Ice Prince won the Hennessey Artistry in 2009; and like Nneka and Mo’Cheddah was part of the 2010 Hennessey’s Artistry campaign. However, his main accomplishment this year has to be his release of his hit single ‘Oleku.’ The song has literally propelled him to the tongues of millions; and most importantly, for our purposes, has crossed boundaries to artists in other countries who have made remixes of his song.

#12 X.O Senavoe (Ghana): Raise your cyber hands if you know any African artist, like American or Asian ones, that have been discovered, exclusively, through the online community? If you gave me a blank stare and left your hands to your sides, no worries. Just add X.O Senavoe as #1 on your list aka “Lyrical Contortionist.” About July 2010, X.O made his debut on a popular Nigerian music site called Notjustok.com. His potency and delivery caught the attention of many including us at Ladybrille. Since then, he has been featured across the net and beyond. With no album and only four singles to his name, he has managed to grab the attention of radio stations in Nigeria, Ghana and New York; all of which have played his songs to  their wide audiences. The best is yet to come in 2011.

#13 Jojo: (Gabon) Africa has such diversity and we would love to see that really reflected in the many Pan-African music events across the continent. Usually, it appears we get big servings of South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana at these events. This year, while there was still a lot of that, Jojo from Gabon made sure he secured a place for Gabon. Currently fifteen years old, Moussirou Josias Ariel aka Jojo found an affinity for rap at six years old, when he began penning lyrics. He was later discovered at a music show and by twelve, made his debut on various stages in his country, thrilling audiences. Also an actor, he is the recipient of numerous music recognitions and was recently nominated at the 2010 MAMA Awards.

#14 Diamond: (Tanzania) When it comes to fashion, names in Tanzania’s industry such as Supermodel Millen Magese and Fashion designer Mustafa Hassanali are common. Within its music industry, we have not really seen a leading name both on the continent and in the West . . . that is until Diamond. Diamond has put Tanzania on Africa’s music map and intends to continue. His recent nomination at MAMAs makes us believe he will.

#15 Nick Nola: (Uganda) Nick Nola has been singing since he was a child. In 2004, after completing high school, he entered music professionally. A year later he was nominated for an award for having the best ‘Hip-hop Single” of the year. Since then Nick Nola, determined to put Uganda on the map, has collaborated with so many artists and has been releasing hits after hits. We at Ladybrille and the rest of Africa are playing close attention.

African rights court a white elephant?

By Bernard James
When the African Court of Human and People’s Rights (AfCHPR) became fully operational in 2008, many thought it would soon be overwhelmed by cases due to widespread human rights violations in the continent.

To the contrary, the court headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, has received only one case so far, part of the reason being that many people, including Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) dealing with promotion and protection of human rights are unaware of its operations.

The situation has prompted the AfCHPR secretariat to launch a series of campaigns to sensitize relevant stakeholders and individuals about its mandate to make them better informed.

Why this situation?
The knowledge gap was evident at a one-day seminar which sought to sensitize organizations best placed to educate and inform people on their rights, and the remedies and procedures available to them when seeking the court’s intervention.
“It is apparent that the reason for not receiving cases is not so much that there are no human rights violations in Africa, but because stakeholders do not have adequate information about the court’s existence, location and its readiness to receive cases,” Zanzibar’s First Vice President Seif Sharif Hamad said when officiating the seminar.

Mr Hamad noted that stakeholders were not sufficiently aware of the mandate of the court and the procedures for submitting cases before it.
According to Mr Hamad, lack of cases at AfCHPR stems from the fact that many African Union (AU) member states have either not ratified the Protocol of the court, or have not deposited the declaration permitting individuals and non-governmental organizations to have direct access to it.

Tanzania is one of the 25 AU member states which have ratified the protocol of the court and one of the only four member states to have deposited the declaration allowing direct access to the court by individuals and NGOs. The rest of AU countries are yet to allow individuals and NGOs to access the court.

Presenting the general overview of the court, Judge Joseph Mulenga, one of its judges, said the court was making efforts to make more states ratify its protocol.
“The ratification process is more of a political decision by member states. The court cannot as such directly do anything about the decision except we are determined to continue sensitizing stakeholders to understand why this court was established and what support it needs in order to discharge its mandate,” says Justice Mulenga.

He observed that the court had been approaching and sensitizing individuals and organizations that have the role to push their government to ratify the protocol.
It also became evident during the meeting that the decision by many states to withhold access to the court was due to fear that people with human rights concerns will abandon local courts in favour of the AfCHPR, thus somehow jeopardizing state interests.

But Justice Mulenga allayed such fears on grounds that the existing procedures compel litigants to fully exhaust local remedies before going to AfCHPR.
“Politically the decision to withhold access to the court is out of fear by states. So we must work together to allay the fear that the operations of the court will jeopardize interests of the State. This is because we have a rule that those who are coming to us must first exhaust local remedies. So the fear that people will abandon local courts and rush to us is unfounded,” he said.

The executive director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Mr Francis Kiwanga also attributes lack of cases at the court mainly to the refusal by African government to allow individuals and NGOs to access the court, as they are not willing to be held accountable for human rights abuses. “There is a very high level of impunity among African leaders, and that is why they are not ready to allow NGOs to go there,” Mr Kiwanga said when contacted by telephone.

Another hindrance, according to Mr Kiwanga, was the requirement that those intending to utilize the court should first exhaust local remedies.

However, he said his organization would not hesitate to use the court as a last resort. “We have even advised reverend Mtikila to go there to challenge a decision barring independent candidates contesting elections in Tanzania,” Mr Kiwanga said.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the establishment of ACHPR gives the court jurisdiction over all matters and disputes brought to it relating to the interpretation and application of the charter, the protocol and any other relevant human rights instruments ratified by the states concerned.
It also has jurisdiction to give advisory opinion on any legal matter relating to the Charter, or any other relevant human rights instruments.

Judge Fatsah Ouguergouz of AfCHPR says in a paper on “Access To And Litigation Before The Court” that the rules of the court have been promulgated with the objective of facilitating access to the court to applicants.

“What remains is to test these provisions through submission of applications, so as to evaluate whether indeed they will provide recourse to applicants,” Justice Ouguergouz says.
He also feels that lack of cases to the court and a few number of member states ratifying the protocol of the court was eating on the legitimacy and effectiveness of the court.  

Entities that have direct access to the court include the Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights, a state which has lodged complaint to the commission, or a state the subject of the complaint, and a state whose citizen is a victim of human rights violation, as well as African inter-governmental organizations.

Under Article 5 (3) of the protocol, NGOs with observer status before the commission and individuals are also allowed to institute cases at AfHPR.

However, access by individuals or non-governmental organizations to the court is not automatic, as it has been proscribed by the protocol. This is not withstanding that individuals are the primary victims of human rights violations
“The lack of resources, geographical factors, illiteracy and many other constraints are some of the critical factors which are likely to affects access by individuals,” says advocate Bahame Nyanduga.

He observes: “If AfCHPR is to become effective, more states must ratify or accede to the protocol and submit a declarations guaranteeing direct access by victims and NGOs to the court, otherwise the African Court shall for a longtime remain a white elephant,” Mr Nyanduga says.

Political pressure
At the meeting, the director of advocacy and reforms with the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Mr Harold Sungusia was concerned about the mechanisms that the court has in place to withstand interference and political pressure from governments. He cited the suspension by governments of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tribunal after Zimbabwe rejected a ruling of the tribunal on a land grabbing case.

But AfCHPR’s Justice Mulenga said the court was well prepared to counter such moves: “Political pressure on the judiciary--whether international or national-- is not a new thing at all. Those are always there…but judges are sworn in to administer justice without fear or favour. We do the same at AfCHPR,” he said.

Mr Mulenga added that the best way of preventing interference was to succeed in sensitizing the masses on the work of the court and get moral consensus to tell the world that “this court has roots from the people”. “That will make governments refrain from abolishing the court,” he noted.

Contributing on the role of civil society organizations in promoting AfCHPR, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party and a distinguished human rights defender, Reverend Christopher Mtikila said the court was the best available weapon to defeat post colonial dictatorship and widespread human rights abuses in Africa.

Program manager at the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) Ms Pili Mtambalike told participants that the media provides the best opportunity to inform the public and organizations working to protect human rights in Tanzania how to access the court.

Premier League - Matchpack: Newcastle v Manchester City

Facts and stats of the Boxing Day Premier League clash between Newcastle and Manchester City at St James' Park.
TEAM NEWS:
Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is struggling to make the Boxing Day clash with Manchester City. Ameobi would have missed the postponed Barclays Premier League trip to Birmingham last weekend with a hamstring injury and is likely to sit out again. However, defender Sol Campbell has shaken off the bout of illness which threatened his participation at St Andrew`s and he and Steven Taylor will fight to keep their places as Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson belatedly return from suspension. Keeper Steve Harper, who was an unused substitute for the 3-1 victory over Liverpool on his return from shoulder surgery, is pushing to replace Tim Krul but Dan Gosling (knee), Ryan Taylor (ankle ligaments) and Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg fracture) are still out.
Nigel de Jong will return from suspension as Manchester City look to get their Premier League challenge back on track. Defeat to Everton on Monday cost City their chance to spend Christmas at the top of the table for the first time in 81 years. But they are undefeated away from Eastlands since the end of October and will fancy their chances of completing a league double over the Magpies. Mario Balotelli has shrugged off a minor knee ailment and is expected to be part of Roberto Mancini's squad, while Pablo Zabaleta (ankle) is also set to report fit.
FACTS:
Newcastle are without a win on Boxing Day in eight matches since 2001.
The Citizens are on a run of three straight wins on the 26th December.
Newcastle have won none of the last eight Premier League meetings with Man City
City have scored exactly two goals in each of their last four games against Newcastle.
Carlos Tevez has scored three goals in four Premier League appearances against Newcastle.
Kevin Nolan has now scored more goals at home this season (7) than ever before in a previous Premier League campaign.
The Magpies have been caught offside 24 times, fewer than any other team in the Premier League.
Newcastle have only kept one clean sheet in their last eight matches at St James Park.
Man City have won just one of the last six and none of their last four away games in the north east in the Premier League against Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
Manchester City have the best away record in the Premier League earning 17 points on the road with a goal difference of +8

Ligue 1 - Valbuena escapes crash unhurt

France and Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena escaped unhurt after writing off his car on Christmas Eve.

The diminutive playmaker crashed his Lamborghini near Bordeaux while returning to his family home for Christmas, a police source told AFP.

The reasons for the accident were unclear, although police noted that the road was slippery after heavy, icy rain.

Valbuena was able to return to his family after the accident, with the same source adding that the car was heavily damaged and unlikely to be roadworthy.

Eurosport

World Football - Almeida leaves Bremen for Besiktas

Portugal striker Hugo Almeida has agreed to leave Werder Bremen for Besiktas in a two million euro deal, the Turkish side said on their website
The 26-year-old, struggling Bremen’s top scorer with nine goals this season, will sign a three-and-a-half year contract with an annual salary of around 50,000 euros per week.
He will link up with ex-Real Madrid coach and former Germany international Bernd Schuster at the big-spending Istanbul club.
Besiktas also boast Almeida’s fellow Portugal stars Simao and Ricardo Quaresma in their ranks, along with former Real Madrid midfielder Guti.
Almeida’s final act for Bremen in Germany was a hat-trick against St Pauli on November 28 - he was shown a straight red card late on and missed the last three Bundesliga games before the winter break.
Eurosport

Premier League - Premier League previews

As soon as snow causes the postponement of a match in England, the annual national debate begins over having a winter break.
Unless the timing of the season is eventually changed to accommodate a winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022, a winter break is unlikely ever to happen for the reason that English fans are passionate about the Christmas and New Year holiday programme.
While footballers in other countries get time off, England's season goes into overdrive over Christmas and New Year, when attendances are traditionally higher than in the rest of the season.
Forty Premier League games are scheduled to be played on eight match days between December 26 and January 5, weather permitting.
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, whose team are due to play Blackpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers before an FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United on January 9, implied he was not the greatest fan of the busy holiday period.
"You talk about a winter break, but five games in 15 days is a season-changing period for every club in the Premier League," said Hodgson, who has worked extensively elsewhere in Europe and enjoyed winter breaks .
"You could ask why five games in 15 days is necessary when football could become a game that could go on all year round," he said at a news conference on Wednesday.
Snow badly disrupted last weekend's Premier League programme and continuing freezing weather could jeopardise some of the Christmas weekend matches. Blackpool's home game against Liverpool could be under threat if the cold snap continues as the Bloomfield Road pitch has no undersoil heating.
Hodgson will be hoping the holiday period changes his club's season for the better as they are languishing in ninth place in the table, and he is delighted to have skipper Steven Gerrard back, after a month out with a hamstring injury, for the Boxing Day game with Blackpool.
"It's a big boost," he said.
Manchester United, who have 34 points, head into Christmas as league leaders, unbeaten in 16 matches but unable to pull away from the chasing pack with nine wins and seven draws. They start their programme with a home match against Sunderland.
United lead Arsenal (17 matches) and Manchester City (18 matches) by two points, with champions Chelsea a further point behind.

Kim Kardashian: Holiday Hospital Hottie

Doing her part to bring some serious holiday cheer, Kim Kardashian paid a visit to the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital to pass out presents.

The “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” babe spent her Thursday (December 23) schmoozing with sick kids and brightening up the Christmas season.

Kim tweeted, “Heading to the LA Children's Hospital to give out toys! Thank u Hobby Tron for the amazing donation! 500 toys! Wow.”

Meanwhile, Khloe was ready to party. She tweeted, “Who’s getting excited for Christmas?! I know I am. Every year my mom hosts a huge Christmas Eve party and all of our family and friends attend — it’s one of my favorite holiday traditions

Beyonce Knowles & Jay-Z: Big Earners on New Year’s Eve

They’re the most lucrative couple of 2010 and it looks like Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z will be ending out the year with the biggest paychecks, too.

According to a report, the “99 Problems” rapper has signed a $1 million contract to perform at the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino Launch Party in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve.

In addition, Beyonce is also said to be showing up at the gig, though it’s still yet to be seen if she’ll actually sing.

Also scheduled to perform at the gig is Coldplay, and Chris Martin may even invite his wife Gwyneth Paltrow to join him onstage

The Punch:: DDC machines theft: Minor’s age stalls trial of suspects

The Punch:: DDC machines theft: Minor’s age stalls trial of suspects

Chelsea spark Feyenoord fury as Blues lure 15-year-old defender Nathan Ake to London

Feyenoord's sporting director Leo Beenhakker has reacted angrily after Chelsea lured highly-rated teenager Nathan Ake to Stamford Bridge.
The Double winners have agreed a deal, understood to be in the region of £230,000, with the Dutch club to sign the 15-year-old defender.
They have pipped a host of European clubs - including Manchester City - to snap up Ake, who is set to sign professional terms on his 16th birthday in February.



Beenhakker is furious after seeing one of his club's brightest talents slip through the net. The former Real Madrid and Holland boss accused English clubs of arrogance, adding: 'It's driving me crazy that hot prospects are walking away from us like this.

Hands off: Feyenoord sporting director Leo Beenhakker is furious with Chelsea

'The Premier League clubs spoil the market with their behaviour. Other clubs in Europe don't behave like this but the English sides just don't care.
'It's obviously bad news for Feyenoord. We can't do anything about it if a foreign club comes up to sign one of our youngsters.'
Ake will join a list of young foreign players at Chelsea who have been signed thanks to the club's European scouting network.
They include Patrick van Aanholt, Jeffrey Bruma, Fabio Borini, Jacopo Sala and Gael Kakuta, who signed a new four-and-a-half year deal but could go out on loan next month to gain experience.
Their swoop for Kakuta from Lens in 2007 ended in a transfer ban after the French club accused Chelsea of 'tapping-up', although the sanction was overturned.
Chelsea were quick to deny any suggestion of an illegal approach for Ake, insisting the move was completed through the official channels.
A spokesman said: 'We've kept Feyenoord abreast with our interest and as such have reached an agreement with them.'
Having been at the centre of controversy with the Kakuta scandal last year, Chelsea are understood to have made their approach for Ake as above board as possible, making regular contact with Beenhakker to ensure they were not accused of any wrong doing.
Nicolas Anelka will consider walking out of Chelsea on a lucrative free transfer and joining the exodus to the United States at the end of his contract.
Anelka will be 33 when his current deal expires at the end of next season and is interested in the idea of following David Beckham, Freddie Ljungberg and Thierry Henry to the MLS.

Benitez stays" But Leonardo is on pole

These next few hours are decisive for Rafa Benitez's future at Inter. Tonight there were rumours of a meeting that were later denied by the Nerazzurro president, between Massimo Moratti and technical director Marco Branca, to discuss the future of the Spaniard, who seems to be more removed from the Nerazzurri as time goes by. The favourite candidate to replace him seems to be Leonardo, who spent last year at Milan's helm (his first experience as a coach). At the end of the meeting, Massimo Moratti commented: "At the moment, Benitez is the coach and I haven't contacted any other coaches. There hasn't been any marathon meeting and I had other things to do while other people met," explained Moratti. Moratti's son (and Inter vice-president) Angelomario Moratti, sports director Piero Ausilio and attorney Angelo Capellini arrived at the Saras offices in the late afternoon and were joined later on by technical director Marco Branca. Possibly, these denials have the purpose of buying time and assessing how to "free themselves" from Benitez in the least taxing way.

Mou's denial — This morning, the Spanish media were sure about it: Moratti was trying to bring José Mourinho back to Milan. However, Eladio Parames, the representative of the Portuguese coach, denied an alleged meeting between the Nerazzurro president and Mou in Madrid: "There hasn't been and there won't be any contact in Madrid between José Mourinho and Massimo Moratti—it wouldn't make any sense," said Parames. "José has a contract with Real Madrid and he will honour it. Will he leave at the end of the season? I think it would be difficult, although in football, you never know; it will depend on the season and the club, but it's not normal for Mou to leave a project after just one year. He has never done that."

Spalletti stays — In the meantime, Spalletti has been ruled out as a potential replacement. Maxim Mitrofanov, Zenit St. Petersburg's general director, commented this evening: "Spalletti has told us that he will stay with us at least for one more season and I believe him. Spalletti is unique," added the Zenit's general director, "and it would be simply impossible for him to deceive us or lie to us about his future."

Ryan Gosling Won't Admit That He's Dating Michelle Williams!

Sneaky, sneaky Ryan Gosling! Always so coy!

The actor and his Blue Valentine co-star, Michelle Williams, are speculated to be dating, and the pair didn't help rumors recently when they appeared on Nightline and wouldn't give a straight answer about their alleged romance!

After being asked, Gosling pretended not to hear the question and Williams just smiled. The seksi actor then put his arm around her, and finally said "no!"

When interviewer Cynthia McFadden claimed she didn't believe him, Ryan responded:

"I always look like I'm lying. It's just – that's my face."

Suuure, bb. You're lucky you're so effing cute, or we'd be getting impatient with this silliness!

Just be straight up. We like you two as a couple!

Here's hoping.

Matt Lauer will renegotiate his contract for a raise and four-day workweek - NYPOST.com

Matt Lauer will renegotiate his contract for a raise and four-day workweek - NYPOST.com

Did Lindsay Lohan Accuser Break the Law By Revealing Privileged Information?

Dawn Holland was already fired by the Betty Ford Center for talking about her melee with Lindsay Lohan to the media. Might criminal charges be next?

She is accused of selling documents and an interview about her fight with Lindsay to celebrity gossip site TMZ for at least $10,000 before she got fired.

For most people, this would be shady behavior, but legally a non-issue. The fact that she's a health care worker could land her in big trouble, though.

The cash-for-comment scandal could be considered a violation of HIPAA laws and lead to criminal probes into both Dawn Holland and TMZ.

In an (unpaid) interview with Radar Online, Holland said she had not yet decided whether she would legally challenge her sudden dismissal.

“I’m not quite sure [what my next step is]... I’m working on that,” she said. As for what TMZ paid her? “I’m not going to say (how much).”

Asked if “it was somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000,” she “If I give you a ballpark then... well, then... yeah (it was between that).”

NY governor fined $62K over Yankees Series tickets

New York Gov. David Paterson contradicted his staff, the Yankees and common sense when he falsely claimed he always intended to pay for five tickets to the first game of the 2009 World Series at Yankee Stadium, a state commission said in assessing him a $62,125 fine.
In a report released Monday, the Commission on Public Integrity said Paterson performed no ceremonial function at the game, which still would not have entitled him to free tickets for his son and son's friend. The others were used by the governor and the two staff members. He and two of his staff paid for four of the tickets a few days later.
"The moral and ethical tone of any organization is set at the top. Unfortunately, the governor set a totally inappropriate tone by his dishonest and unethical conduct," said commission Chairman Michael Cherkasky. "Such conduct cannot be tolerated by any New York State employee, particularly our governor."
The commission said the civil penalty consists of the $2,125 value of the tickets and $60,000 for three violations of the state's public officer's law.
Paterson had said it was his duty to attend the opening series game at the new Bronx stadium. A call to his lawyer Theodore Wells Jr. was not immediately returned Monday.
There was a question whether the Democratic governor gave "intentionally false testimony" to the commission about having written an $850 check in advance for two tickets, special counsel Judith Kaye, the state's former chief judge, said in an August report.
However, Kaye said the perjury issue was "clouded" by the way Paterson's commission testimony was given, with the entries read aloud to the legally blind governor, instead of him personally examining a check that was not filled out in his own handwriting.
Wells said then that Paterson didn't lie, and he noted Kaye's report didn't recommend bringing charges.
However, she said the evidence warranted consideration of criminal charges.
Albany County District Attorney P. David Soares said in August the case was under consideration but they would have no comment until the review was complete.
Calls to Soares' office were not immediately returned Monday.

British Medical Association Labels Gay Conversion Therapy Harmful, Discredited

Following a year-long undercover investigation by a reporter, the British Medical Association has determined that "gay conversion therapy" is not therapy, is more harmful to patients than helpful, and should be banned.
Journalist Patrick Strudwick posed as a patient seeking "gay conversion therapy" or "reparative therapy" for a year. In his report on his experience, he described what amounted to psychological torture… [from] … two conversion therapists.
Both of these "therapists" were licensed and receiving funds via the NHS. Strudwick learned that they use methods created by Joseph Nicolosi, the Christian Evangelical American founder of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.

Ford minivan will have new hands-free liftgate

Ford Motor Co.'s new C-Max small minivan will have an exclusive feature when it goes on sale in the U.S. next fall: A hands-free liftgate.

The C-Max liftgate opens with the wave of a foot under the back of the minivan. The van will only open for the person who's holding its key. Ford says the U.S. version of the C-Max will be the first vehicle on the market with this technology.
The C-Max marks Ford's return to the U.S. minivan market five years after it stopped selling its last minivan, the Freestar. The C-Max has been on sale in Europe since 2003, although a seven-seat version wasn't sold there until this year. The C-Max is built on the underpinnings of the Ford Focus, and is part of the company's plan to build 10 Focus-based vehicles worldwide by 2012.
Ford will sell the seven-seat C-Max in the U.S., a configuration that will make it unique in the small-minivan market. The Mazda5, its closest rival in size, seats six. Ford manages the extra body by giving the second row a middle seat that can be folded away under the right-hand seat. Buyers will be able to get the third row removed if they prefer to have five seats.
Derrick Kuzak, Ford's product development chief, said the company sent teams to live with young families and see how they used their vehicles. Ford tried hard to mask the twin sliding doors and make the C-Max fun to drive so it could overcome minivans' reputations as boring family haulers, he said.

"We wanted a minivan that would be aspirational, something they would actually choose," Kuzak told reporters at a recent preview for next month's Detroit auto show, where Ford will unveil the U.S. version of the C-Max.

The C-Max hits the market at a time when minivan sales have been growing. Minivan sales were up 9 percent through November over the same period in 2009, according to Autodata Corp. The Chrysler Town and Country was the top seller, followed closely by the Honda Odyssey

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo: Holiday Wedding Plans?

It took them four years of dating with a breakup in between before getting engaged, but it sounds as if a wedding may be right around the corner for Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo.

Unwilling to offer any specifics, the former 98 Degrees singer visited The Rachel Ray Show - during which time he hinted that nuptials may take place before we ring in 2011

Lachey dished, "We're going to be in Cincinnati with family, and hopefully having a white Christmas. We're going to be in Tuscany for New Year's. Who knows, we may be married in Tuscany, too!"

Having already been through the wedding planning process once with ex-wife Jessica Simpson, Nick said that he's leaving everything up to his bride-to-be.

"I just basically told her, I said, 'Tell me where to be, when to be there and what to wear, and I'll be there,'" Nick revealed.

Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron End Relationship

They've been one of Hollywood’s favorite couples for quite some time now, but it is being reported that Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron have called it quits on their relationship.

According to Us Magazine, the “High School Musical” co-stars have split after spending more than three years in the spotlight toget

With their romance having started as the two were paired up as co-star leads in Disney's "High School Musical," a source close to the couple now claims of the breakup, "It was mutual. They have been together for so long. It just ran its course."

And, the insider insists, "They are still talking and still friends. There's no drama. No one cheated. They just grew up."ts course."

And, the insider insists, "They are still talking and still friends. There's no drama. No one cheated. They just grew up.".

Ghana Becomes An Oil Producing Nation...

Ghana began production on Wednesday from one of the largest recent oil discoveries in West Africa, transforming it into a significant producer, but raising fears over the associated risks.

President John Atta-Mills flew by helicopter to an oil-processing vessel located at the offshore field and symbolically opened a valve signifying the start of production.

Atta-Mills pledged his government will ensure the oil becomes ”a blessing and not an oil curse,” with output set to result in revenue that has been estimated at as much as one billion dollars per year.

”We will not let you down,” he said, promising the oil will be used to catapult Ghana into a ”modern 21st-century prosperous industrial nation.”

A video of Atta-Mills performing the ceremonial opening was screened to dignitaries gathered at the nearby town of Takoradi, where traditional drumming greeted the start of production.

The occasion was called historic by local officials and the oil field‘s main operator, the Anglo-Irish firm Tullow.

But while the country, seen as a model of democracy in the region, has been counting its blessings because of the riches the oil will bring, it need only look to nearby Nigeria to understand the potential dangers.

In Nigeria and other countries, major oil production and the money that flows with it have been accompanied by widespread corruption and neglect of other industries.

”I hope we put this resource to good use,” Ghana ex-president Jerry Rawlings said. ”At the same time, we should not over-rely on this resource and neglect other areas of economic activity like other countries have done.”

The oil curse, some say, could well take hold in Ghana, reversing development and political gains highlighted when US President Barack Obama visited last year.

But other observers argue that if anybody can handle it in the region, Ghana can, precisely because of the development that has taken place. The country is already a major producer of cocoa and gold

Papa Tony Enahoro

HOW ENAHORO DIED.....

ONE of the titans of Nigeria’s struggle for political independence and pro-democracy icon, Chief Anthony Enahoro, finally took a bow on Wednesday at the age of 87 after a protracted battle with diabetes and other unspecified old age-related illnesses. The foremost nationalist was reported to have died at 6.00 a.m. with his wife beside him at his residence, 10 Aideyan Street, GRA, Benin City, the Edo State capital. Pa Enahoro’s death was confirmed by his second son, Eugene, who said that the family would issue an official statement in that regard after a meeting over the death of the family’s patriarch. Enahoro’s eldest son, Ken, was seen at the palace of the Oba of Benin at noon on Wednesday, where he was said to have gone to inform the palace of the death of his father and reportedly requested to know what the family would do with the Benin traditional bead of honour which Oba Akenzua II had presented to their father now that he was dead. However, the Benin monarch expressed sadness over the death of Enahoro and later directed some palace chiefs to tell Ken what to do with respect to the Benin traditional bead of honour Oba Akenzua presented to Enahoro. Chief Enahoro was admitted to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in early November, following the severity of his illness which, according to reports, landed him in a state of coma. But he was said to have been discharged from the hospital about three weeks later. Just on Tuesday, Chief Enahoro sent a condolence message to the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, over the recent death of his wife, Clara. Enahoro’s wife signed the condolence message. Enahoro entered history books at the age of 22 as one of the youngest editors Nigeria had ever known, when he became the editor of the Comet newspaper, one of the numerous titles under the stable of the famed West African Pilot, published by Nigeria’s first president, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. However, Enahoro came into greater national prominence when he moved a motion for self government in 1953. President Goodluck Jonathan said he received the death of Chief Enahoro with great sadness and urged the family to take solace in the knowledge that he lived a very fulfilled life of patriotic service to the nation. The president noted that the entire nation would always remember with appreciation Chief Enahoro’s immense contributions to the struggle for independence and freedom from colonialism, and thereafter, his notable inputs to national development and the growth of democracy. President Jonathan said that Chief Enahoro would also be remembered for remaining at the forefront of the struggle for freedom from dictatorship and protection of the civil rights of Nigerians long after most of his peers had left the national stage. The Edo State government, in a statement signed by the governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said the people and government of the state received with great shock and grief news of the passing of Chief Enahoro. “The death of Chief Enahoro is a loss not only to the Enahoro family, but also to the people of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. “Even while we mourn the loss of this outstanding icon, we are also inspired to celebrate his remarkable life and accomplishments. He was a leader of proven commitment, tenacity and courage in the struggle for a better Nigeria. His passion about a just, democratic and united Nigeria was a common thread that ran through his sterling career in journalism, public service, politics and pro-democracy activism. Nigeria was the centrepiece of Chief Enahoro’s thoughts and actions throughout his eventful life as a foremost nationalist, pro-democracy fighter and elder statesman,” the governor added. According to Oshiomhole, it was fitting to recall Enahoro’s outstanding contributions to the attainment of the country’s independence, saying “Although relatively much younger, he stood shoulder to shoulder with nationalist icons like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Mr Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Comrade Michael Imoudu, who provided leadership for the struggle against a vicious colonial order.” He further said “today, the story of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence is incomplete without his bold motion for independence in 1953. His motion for independence, entitled Let my People Go, was laced with a resounding denunciation of oppression and injustice, which reminds of the weighty thoughts of such revolutionary icons as Fidel Castro, Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela.” Oshiomhole said even at old age, Chief Enahoro continued to apply himself to the challenges of the nation, as an agent of change and progress. Also, deputy premier of the defunct Mid-West Region, Chief James Epkere Otobo, said the death of Enahoro was one of the things that were natural to human beings. “Now he is dead and the only person left who took part in the independence talks with Britain is Alhaji Shehu Shagari and I. I tried to reach him when he was in the hospital. I tried to reach him so that we could discuss 2011 election. Now he is gone,” Otobo added. Third Republic senator and deputy speaker in the defunct Bendel State, Senator Francis Okpozo, said the death of Enahoro was a big loss, because he was one of the nationalists to put Nigeria on the platform of democracy. The first civilian governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said “this is a monumental loss to the family and nation. Firstly, my condolences to the wife, children and family. May God give them the fortitude to bear the loss. Also, a former deputy Senate president, Albert Legogie, said “Enahoro’s death has brought to an end, an era of positive, political activism in Nigeria. Surely, Nigeria has missed a giant.” The Edo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, described the death of Enahoro as a sad day for democracy, saying that “we have lost one of the fearless and courageous democrats in Nigerian politics.” The Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, said the passing on of Pa Enahoro was a sad moment for the people of Edo State, Nigeria and the entire Black World. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, said the passage of Chief Anthony Enahoro was a great loss to the nation. He spoke with airport reporters shortly after his arrival from Algiers, the capital of Algeria, at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. According to him, Enahoro was a committed and dedicated politician, adding that it would be difficult to fill the vacuum created by his death. “It is a great loss to the nation. The likes of Enahoro will be very difficult to replace in Nigeria. He was committed, dedicated, patriotic and a nationalist,” he said. Governor Aliyu Babangida of Niger State said the late elder statesman would be remembered for his contribution to the development of the country, especially during the nation’s trying political period. He said the country would miss Chief Enahoro, especially now that the nation was going through some challenges in the political arena. Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State described Enahoro’s death as a low moment for Nigeria. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Usoro I. Usoro, he said Enahoro’s death robbed the nation of a political icon, whose experience and contributions were needed at this time of political development. The Kwara State governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, described the death of Enahoro as a great shock and national loss to the country. In a condolence message to the deceased’s family, the government and people of Edo State, Dr Saraki said the death of the foremost nationalist came at a time when the country needed his wealth of experience to further help in strengthening democratic governance in our country. Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State described the death of Enahoro as the exit of Nigeria’s independence beacon. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Public Communications, Dotun Oyelade, Alao-Akala said Chief Enahoro was the engine room that provided the intellectual bent to the independence struggle from the colonialists. Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, described the death of Enahoro, as “the end of an era of one of the pillars of the nation’s independence and the long fight to enthrone democracy.” Fayemi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mojeed Jamiu, said Enahoro etched his name in the hall of fame of Nigerian politics and evolution as a nation by moving the motion for independence as a young member of the federal parliament. The Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, described the death of Pa Enahoro as a great loss to the nation, describing him as an outstanding patriot and democracy activist. Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State described the death of Pa Enahoro as a major loss to the country at a critical juncture in the nation's history. The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, said with his death, the country had lost the last of the titans who fought for independence and a better society. Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, described the elder statesman as a principled and courageous nationalist. In a condolence letter to the widow of Pa Enahoro, Helen, Governor Fashola noted that that the political icon and the Adolo of Uromi, who, according to him, “bestrode the political landscape of our dear country for over six decades,” was selfless and committed to the cause of true federalism and a strong, united, prosperous Nigeria. Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, described Pa Enahoro as an undefiled nationalist and one of the fathers of the nation’s democracy. Aregbesola, in a statement signed by head of media and publicity, Gbenga Fayemiwo, said he lived a life of puritanical commitment to the ideals of democracy from his youthful years to adulthood. The Kano State governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, described the death of Chief Enahoro as shocking, saying that his death had robbed the country of a patriotic, principled person who fought for the unity of the country. Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State described the demise of Enahoro as the passage of an icon of Nigeria’s struggle for independence and pillar of democracy. The governor, in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Publication, Mr James Mannock, said Nigeria would miss a man of honour and integrity, who sacrificed for the birth of the nation. Governor Olusegun Mimiko described the death of the late nationalist as the death of the last of the titans; the demise of an exemplar of all that is good and commendable of the golden era of the country. The governor said the death of Enahoro at this critical point in the history of Nigeria was a huge loss; not only in terms of the loss of a great life, but the loss of a moderating factor, a stabilising quantity and a unifying personify. Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State lamented the death of Enahoro, saying it was a great loss to the nation. Obi, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday said “Nigeria has lost a patriot, a nationalist and an elder statesman par excellence.” Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara State described the death of Pa Enahoro as a colossal loss to the country. The governor, in a statement signed by the Director of Press, Government House, Gusau, Alhaji Adamu Sani Katuru and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, contended that for Enahoro to die when the country was heading for the polls in 2011 was a tragedy. Former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, described him as the last of the titans. Prince Oyinlola, in a statement, said Pa Enahoro lived a fulfilled life of service to Nigeria and to Nigerians. Also, the former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Olusegun Oni, described the death of the late Pa Enahoro as the exit of a man of historical destiny, who was created specially to make a particular mark in the political growth of Nigeria, saying that “a mighty tree has, indeed, fallen in Nigeria.” Also, a former minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, described the late Enahoro as one of the builders of Nigerian state, adding that he was a nationalist who never tolerated all the antics of the British colonialists. Babatope said apart from being the first to move the motion for independence of the country, it was under the leadership of Enahoro as Minister of Information and Home Affairs under the administration of Chief Obafemi Awolowo that the first television in Africa, the WNTV, was etablished.