TINUBU ADVOCATE UNIFIED ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM

 June 30, (THEWILL) - The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has called for a unified action against terrorism in the country.

Speaking on the topic, Poverty And Terrorism Threaten The Foundations Of Our Democracy, Tinubu made the call while declaring open the maiden edition of the Freedom House Democracy Lecture Series in Lagos on Monday.

According to Tinubu, poverty and terrorism have intertwined to form a terrible union against democracy. He also described Boko Haram as an extreme manifestation of the chronic and acute misgovernance that has spread gross injustice and mass poverty across the face of the country.

'Some claim the rise of Boko Haram has nothing to do with poverty. They blame it all on ideology. Some go as far as implying that Islam is at fault. Those who say this can be excused to some extent for they are as ignorant about Islam as Boko Haram is.

'However, Boko Haram cannot be excused. They are violent murders of both Muslim and Christians. There is not one word in Islam that supports the evil they do.

'It is obvious that Boko Haram terrorists have lashed themselves to a dangerous and desperate ideology. But we must ask who does such a thing and why do they seem to have so many adherents and supporters? Poverty is a big part of the answer,' Tinubu said.

Explaining further, the APC chieftain said: ' Poverty often distorts a person's humanity. The destitute and the ignorant, casting about on their last strand of hope, are susceptible to a mean and wicked interpretation of the world that labels everyone not in that group as expendable sacrifices and objects of terror.

'All nations have their wayward souls. However, in better governed, more prosperous societies, the number of anti-social actors is much less and even their extremism is somewhat muted. Because of their low numbers, they are confined to being a law enforcement problem.

'But here, abject poverty swells their ranks. Here, they have become a small army. With that, they are a national security threat and a political challenge to a free and open society.'

He therefore called for a decisive andwise action against terrorism, saying government must also be cautious in not using the fight against terrorism to truncate otherwise legitimate political activity by a legitimate and peaceful political opposition.

According to Tinubu, government must restrain itself from striking indiscriminately against people in the affected areas, in the process committing human rights abuses that undermine democracy and that become a recruiting tool for the terrorists.

'As such, poverty and terrorism are truly a compound threat to democracy. Not only do those who manufacture terror undermine democracy through their direct actions.

'We also must take care that government's response is not such a heavy-handed and indiscriminate one that it undermines civil liberties and chases people into the camp of the terrorists,' he said.

Doctors begin nationwide strike today

The Nigerian Medical Association, on Monday in Abuja, declared an indefinite nationwide strike which has been scheduled to commence today (Tuesday).

The President of the NMA, Dr. Kayode Obembe, during a press briefing on the failure of the Federal Government to address their demands and imperative of the strike, said there was no going back.

The NMA had sent 24-point demands to the government, including the discontinuation of recognition of non-medical doctors as Directors and Consultant title to any other health worker other than medical doctors.

The demands also include the appointment of a Surgeon-General of the Federation, payment of clinical duty and hazard allowances and withdrawal of the Central Bank of Nigeria circular on medical laboratory equipment.

'The NMA is taking this painful route because our silence and gentle approach to these contending issues have been taken for granted. We have to take this action in order to save the health care delivery system from anarchy that is palpably imminent. We hereby appeal to all Nigerians for their understanding and to press on the government to meet with our demands', he stated.

Obembe stated that the failure of the government to address NMA's demands has left the association with no other option than 'to call all its members to down tool in order to press home their demands.'

Obembe said there was no way non-doctors could be allowed to function as Consultants, given that they do not oversee patients in the hospital.

He said, 'A consultant is the owner of the patient; many health workers now go about acquiring Ph.D so that they can be called Doctors. The title should be restricted to only a medical doctor.'

According to him, last week's interim injunction by the National Industrial Court has no link with the NMA as it was merely an issue between Medical and Dental Consultants Association and the government.

'Every doctor is a member of the NMA; other affiliates are allowed to operate also. We sought legal advice on the court injunction, our legal opinion is that the court order did not mention any reference to the NMA and since it did not mention NMA, we don't want to dwell on it.'

On meetings it had with government, Obembe said, 'We had a meeting with the Federal Government. We tabled our minimal demands; the government did not agree with NMA, but there is no end point. Some were referred to the court. There was no end point. While this was going on, the government was issuing out circulars favouring other health workers.'

Trial resumes after defence and prosecution accept the findings of Pistorius's mental health evaluation

LAST UPDATED AT 10:53 ON Mon 30 Jun 2014

See related: 

Reeva Steenkamp: the life and death of a rising star

Is Oscar Pistorius anxious or just angry? An analyst's view

Oscar Pistorius trial: five best people to follow on Twitter

Oscar Pistorius did not suffer from a mental illness or defect that would have affected his actions on the night he shot Reeva Steenkamp, a psychiatric assessment has found. As the athlete's trial resumed in Pretoria today, the basic results of his 30-day mental health evaluation were announced in court by prosecutor Gerrie Nel. Pistorius "did not suffer from a mental illness or defect that would have rendered him criminally not responsible" when he killed his girlfriend on 14 February 2013 and he was "capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of his act", said the prosecutor. So what happens next? 

Evaluation results

Both the defence and prosecution have said they accept the findings of the report, although defence lawyer Barry Roux has asked for more time to read it through and carry out consultations. It is possible that either side could make a submission to the court relating to the results later on in the trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa was only handed the report for the first time this morning so she will also need time to read it. It is unclear if the testimony of defence witness Dr Merryll Vorster will be dismissed as a result of the evaluation's findings. Vorster triggered the 30-day mental health evaluation after claiming that Pistorius had a generalised anxiety disorder, which might have affected his behaviour on the night of the shooting. Even if Pistorius suffers the disorder now, it appears that he will not be able to use this diagnosis as a defence or mitigating factor in sentencing. 

Final defence witnesses

Pistorius's defence team has already resumed its case, with several more witnesses to be called. First up is Dr Gerald Versfeld, the orthopaedic surgeon who amputated Pistorius's legs. The Daily Telegraph suggests that another psychologist and potentially some friends of Pistorius and Steenkamp could also be called.

Final arguments

Once the defence has brought its final witnesses and closed its case, both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments as to why Pistorius should or should not be convicted. According to ABC News, the trial could be postponed for as long as six weeks to give the lawyers time to prepare their final written arguments. These documents will explain in detail each side’s version of events on the night of the shooting and how the evidence presented in court supports their account. The documents will be given to the judge, her assessors and the opposing sides. Both the defence and prosecution will also put their arguments verbally to the court.

Judgement

The case will be adjourned, possibly for a few weeks, to give Judge Masipa and her assessors time to consider the final written documents and the evidence they have heard in court. South Africa abolished jury trials under apartheid in 1969, due to fears of racial prejudice by white jurors. A judgement will therefore be passed by Masipa, who could take a day or more in court giving her summary and analysis of the evidence.

Sentencing

If Pistorius is found guilty then the court must consider an appropriate sentence. Both sides are entitled to present arguments or evidence for a longer or shorter sentence. If convicted of premeditated murder, the athlete faces up to 25 years in prison.

Pistorius cannot dodge jail with murder acquittal alone

Appeal

If Pistorius is convicted, he could still appeal to the supreme court, where three to five judges would listen to his case, and even eventually to South Africa’s constitutional court.

Oscar Pistorius: psychiatrist's heart attack delays report

27 June

The handover of Oscar Pistorius's mental health evaluation has been delayed after one of his psychiatrists had a heart attack.

Four experts, including three psychiatrists and one psychologist, were appointed to evaluate the athlete over a 30-day period at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital.

According to South African news channel eNCA, the psychologist's report was handed over to the prosecution and defence this morning. But the psychiatrists' joint report was delayed after Dr Leon Fine suffered a heart attack last night. Fine still needs to sign off the report, which has been unanimously agreed. Nevertheless, it is still expected to be handed over later today.

The document is expected to say whether or not Pistorius was able to appreciate the difference between right and wrong when he shot Reeva Steenkamp on 14 February 2013.

It also examines whether he has a generalised anxiety disorder and whether that disorder could have resulted in so-called "diminished capacity".

Fine is a psychiatrist appointed on behalf of the defence with a speciality in anxiety syndromes and has "extensive experience" in giving evidence in court, according to South Africa's Daily Maverick magazine.

The other two psychiatrists are Dr Herman Pretorius and Dr Carla Kotze, both appointed by the court. Professor Jonathan Scholtz, head of psychology at Weskoppies, is the fourth member of the panel.

Oscar Pistorius: seven key quotes from the murder trial

20 June

The Oscar Pistorius trial, which is expected to resume in Pretoria in just over a week, has had its fair share of dramatic moments. After all the tears and accusations, Judge Thokozile Masipa will soon have to decide the athlete's fate. The prosecution claims Pistorius intentionally killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, while the Paralympian insists he mistook her for a dangerous intruder and "did not intend to kill Reeva or anyone else". With the courtroom drama soon due to resume, here are seven key quotes from the trial so far: 

Oscar Pistorius: "I didn't have time to think, I discharged my firearm."

The ultimate question for Judge Masipa is what Pistorius was thinking when he opened fire. According to the athlete, he was thinking nothing at all. This claim suggests that his line of defence has changed from putative self defence, where the accused uses what he believes to be reasonable means to defend himself against a genuinely held fear of attack, to an involuntary defence, where his mind does not control his behaviour.

Michelle Burger: "It was bloodcurdling screams."

Pistorius's neighbour Michelle Burger was among several witnesses who claimed they heard a woman scream around the time Steenkamp was killed.  The prosecution says this shows that Pistorius knew Steenkamp was behind the toilet door when he opened fire. However, the athlete insists that he was the one screaming, first at the "intruder" to get out of his house and then again when he realised he had killed Steenkamp.

Reeva Steenkamp: "I'm scared of you sometimes and how you snap at me."

The court spent many hours examining WhatsApp messages between Pistorius and Steenkamp. The vast majority portrayed a "normal" and "loving" relationship, but a handful of messages painted a less happy picture. Particularly difficult for the defence was a message from Steenkamp claiming that she was "scared" of Pistorius and upset about his "jealous tantrums". The prosecution claims the message adds weight to its theory that Steenkamp had fled to the toilet and locked herself in because she was scared after an argument with Pistorius.

Oscar Pistorius: "It's not as soft as brains but f*** it's a zombie stopper."

Pistorius was heard saying these words on video showing him firing at a watermelon at a shooting range with "zombie-stopper" bullets, expanding ammunition designed to cause maximum tissue damage. The video, first uncovered by Sky News, was presented unexpectedly by the prosecution as part of its attempt to portray Pistorius as a reckless gun-lover. Pistorius said he regretted saying the words and insisted he was referring to zombies and not humans

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel: "Your version is not only untruthful but it's so improbable that it cannot be reasonably, possibly true."

The prosecution has repeatedly branded Pistorius's account far-fetched. The most "improbable" part of his story, said Nel, is that Steenkamp never uttered a word from the toilet before she was shot. The athlete said he presumed she kept quiet because she was "terrified", but Nel said the "only reasonable explanation" was that Steenkamp was standing, facing the door, talking to him and that he shot her knowing who he was aiming at. 

Oscar Pistorius: "I wake up and I can smell blood"

The emotional state of Pistorius has attracted much attention throughout the trial. He has repeatedly cried, vomited and broken down, forcing the court to adjourn on several occasions. On the first day of giving evidence, he said he still has "terrible nightmares" about what happened. "I wake up and I can smell blood and I wake up to being terrified," he said. "I hear a noise and I wake up in a complete state of terror, to the point that I would rather not sleep."

Dr Merryll Vorster: "It is my opinion, m'lady, that Mr Pistorius has an anxiety disorder."

It was this statement from defence witness Dr Merryll Vorster that prompted the judge to send Pistorius for a 30-day mental health evaluation. The athlete is currently at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, where a panel of experts are determining whether his state of mind played a part in the shooting on Valentine's Day last year. The results could mean a shorter prison sentence for Pistorius if he is convicted or it could mean he has fewer grounds for appeal.

Oscar Pistorius: how will psychiatric results affect his trial?

6 June

Oscar Pistorius could be committed to a mental institution against his will if experts decide that he was "mentally incapacitated" when he shot Reeva Steenkamp. The athlete is currently being assessed by three psychiatrists and one psychologist at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital to determine his mental state when he fired at his girlfriend on Valentine's Day last year.

Judge Thokozile Masipa sent him for the 30-day evaluation after defence witness Dr Merryll Vorster diagnosed him with "generalised anxiety disorder". The results could mean a shorter prison sentence for Pistorius if he is convicted or it could mean he has fewer grounds for appeal. Either way, the outcome is likely to have a big impact on how the trial will proceed. Here are the findings available to the experts who will report back to the court...

Pistorius was 'mentally incapacitated'

In theory, the expert panel could decide Pistorius was "mentally incapacitated" when he shot Steenkamp, meaning that he was unable to control his actions because of an underlying mental disorder. In this case, the trial would end and Pistorius would be committed to a mental institution against his will until he is found not to be a danger, reports CNN.

Pistorius had 'diminished capacity'

Professor Stephen Tucson, a criminal barrister in Johannesburg, tells the Daily Telegraph, that the experts are more likely to look at whether Pistorius has a disorder that "diminished" his capacity for criminal responsibility. In that case, the trial would resume, and the experts' finding would be taken into consideration during sentencing if he were found guilty. This would be the favoured option for the defence as it would mean Pistorius might be judged less harshly.  While murder and premeditated murder have mandatory jail terms, the sentencing for culpable homicide is discretionary, varying from fines to prison time of up to 15 years. For Pistorius to be convicted of the lesser charge of culpable homicide, Judge Masipa would have to believe that Pistorius did not plan or intend to commit murder but that he "negligently" killed Steenkamp.

Pistorius had no mental health problems

Alternatively, the experts might decide that Pistorius's mental health was not an issue at all and the court could therefore disregard the evidence of Dr Vorster. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel is likely to be rooting for this option, as it would mean Pistorius could not use his mental state as a defence or a mitigating factor in sentencing. Part of the reason Nel called for the evaluation in the first place was that he feared the defence could later use Pistorius's mental state to appeal against any conviction. A full state evaluation that gives him a clean bill of health would make this much more difficult.

RAMADAN KAREEM TO ALL MUSLIM

 R

Du'a (prayer) in the month of Ramadan Karim:

The month of Ramadan Kareem is an opportunity given by the gracious Creator for His servants to come close to Him, seek forgiveness for their sins, and fulfillment of their needs. In the Glorious Qur'an, amidst an important discussion on the month of Ramadan Karim, the following ayat (verse), which apparently has no direct connection with Ramadan Kareem, is included: "And when my servants ask you about me, then surely I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls upon me, so respond to me, and believe in me, so that they may be led right." (2:186) Commentators agree that this is the most poignant of all the verses on the Divine human connection. The whole verse is based on the singular first person pronoun, which is repeated seven (7) times. It is a confirmation of the close relationship between man and His creator, and an assurance that he will be listened to when he calls upon Him. That such a verse should be included among the ayats discussing the importance of Ramadan Kareem, and some of its rules (see 2:183-187), are an indication of the important role of Du'a in the month of Ramadan Kareem. Abstaining from fulfillment of physical desires stimulates an increase in spirituality, and creates an inclination for prayers and worship. Believers feel close to Allah (SWT), and Allah (SWT) reminds them that He too is close, and will answer their prayers. The nights of Ramadan Kareem are spent in prayers and supplications. Even those believers, who normally do not have much time for prayers, try to do so during this month. This is because of the emphasis on the sanctity of the month, the promise of multiplied rewards, as well as the assurance of a favorable response. Says the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): ". . . do supplicate with your hands raised . . . as these are the best of times, during which the Almighty looks at His servants with mercy, answers if they supplicate, responds if they call, grants if they ask, and accepts if they plead . . ." (Prophet's sermon welcoming the month of Ramadan Al-Mubarak). The best thing a believer can pray for during this month is forgiveness for his past sins. Many of the Du'as special to the month of Ramadan Kareem plead for forgiveness of the huge burden of sins which man carries. Ramadan Al-Mubarak is a glorious chance given to him to have his sins erased, and gain a higher position in the eyes of Allah (SWT). So many people are forgiven in this month that it is only the unfortunates who are deprived. Says the Prophet in the same sermon: "Indeed, miserable is he who is deprived of Allah's forgiveness in this great month." Other things to pray for include fulfillment of needs, removal of afflictions, and success in the hereafter.

The Glorious month of Ramadan Kareem: Fasting and Worship

It was reserved for Islam to prescribe and perfect a formula for spiritual purification for every one of its followers, notwithstanding the state of society he may belong to, and which can be followed without interfering with his normal avocations a Muslim may be engaged in, it does not hinder him from obeying this divine commandment which is one of the five fundamental tenets of Islam. The Muslim fast means a complete abstinence from eating or drinking between daybreak and sunset. The sighting of the thin sickle of the new moon of Ramadan Kareem heralds for the Muslim the beginning of a month of glory and of spiritual elevation, when, Allah's command he voluntarily and of his own free will, denies himself, between daybreak and sunset the blessings of food and drink for a whole month and surrenders himself wholly to Allah (SWT), exercising at the same time complete control over his thoughts, speech and actions. This month (Ramadan Kareem) means for the Muslims, the triumph of the spiritual and the pure in his nature over all the gross and carnal desires which are an inevitable component of our human structure. The proper observance of the fast is beautifully explained by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the following words: "One who, while fasting, does not guard his tongue from telling lies, does not refrain from doing bad deeds, is not respecting his fast and Allah does not approve of mere abstention from food." "When you are fasting you should not speak ill of anybody, nor should you be boisterous and noisy. If anybody, speaks ill of you or tries to pick a quarrel with you, return him not, but say unto him that you are fasting." Ramadan Kareem, however, has another special significance for the Muslims, for it was in this month that the first revelation of the Glorious Qur'an was made to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This month, therefore, is dear to the heart of every Muslim. During this month the Muslim applies himself more assiduously to the reading of the Holy Book, which shall remain for all time as the standing miracle of Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet. (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Throughout this month is heard, in every Muslim home, during the day and night, the pleasant and beautiful cadences of Qur'anic recitation. The fact that great spiritual benefit is derived from the reading of the Glorious Qur'an in this month can be seen in the following saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): "A man gets the same reward by reading in this month one verse of the Glorious Qur'an as others do by reading the whole of the Glorious Qur'an in other months." In this Holy month of Ramadan Karim it should therefore be the duty of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Glorious Qur'an, and thereby gain an insight into the divine secrets enshrined therein. It brings peace and illumination to the mind, imparts purity to the soul and removes many a curtain hanging between man and God. Only consistent reading can produce the tremendous amount of joy and pleasure one experience in reading the Glorious Qur'an. Ramadan Kareem is the month of fasting and intensive prayer, a month of sacrifice and divine worship. In this month a devout Muslim spends hours every night in prayer and meditation, realizing all the time the presence of Allah Who is all pervading. Along with the prayers, he fasts during the day for a whole month in the true sense of the word, i.e. not merely denying himself food and water, but also, as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained, exercising strict control over his tongue, his eyes, his ears, his mind, his thoughts and his deeds and canalizing every activity of his towards and for the love of God. Living such a life is an immense spiritual peak and it also realizes the joy and happiness experienced by living a life which is in tune with the Infinite. In short, these joys and these pleasures can be earned by any Muslim who devotes himself to prayer and fasting in the manner taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Glorious Qur'an says "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace" Sura 13 verse 28. Peace of mind that passes understanding can only be attained by sincere and continuous remembrance of Allah. When a man fasts and prays in this holy month of Ramadan Kareem as thought and practiced by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he can truly say, as stated in the Glorious Qur'an, "Say, lo! My worship and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds" Sura 6 verse 162, and when a good Muslim reaches this stage, he gets into divine circuits and he can exclaim along with the holy men of Islam as follows: "We take our colour from Allah and who is better than Allah at colouring. We are His worshippers" Sura 2 verse 138.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Monday draggedNews of the People, a soft sell weekly magazine before a Benin High Court, asking for N250m as damages, for alleged libel.

Oshiomhole, in suit No B/556/2011, against Dockland Communications Limited, publishers of News of the Peoplemagazine, alleged that the content of a material published by the magazine in 2011, on the front page and page 19, with the headline, ‘Oshiomhole’s sex power exposed: Impregnates young girl six months after death of wife’, libeled his person.

He further alleged that the defendant, among other things falsely wrote that he bought the said girl a jeep, that he was interfering in the academic activities of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, on behalf of the girl, that he used sexual performance enhancement drugs and that he had performed traditional marriage rites precedent to marriage between him and the said girl.

Oshiomhole, whose suit is before Justice (Mrs.) Efe Ikponmwonba, alleged that the said edition containing the libellous piece was widely circulated, to coincide with preparations for one of his daughter’s wedding.

Asked by his lead counsel K.O. Igiebor why he was demanding damages, the governor, who testified as Principal Witness 1, said the publication caused him and his children psychological trauma, six months after the death of his wife.

He said, “When I called a brother governor to sponsor my daughter’s wedding, the governor said he was confused, and asked me if I was the one doing the marriage or my daughter.

“He added that he was reading a magazine which said that I was about getting married to a university student, and that the said wife-to-be was already pregnant.”

ABOUT ANKARA
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NIGERIA VERSUS FRANCE 2014
After 19 minutes of the ball a goal scored by Nigeria which was counted offside. After 21 minutes a short was throne by france player in which Nigerian keeper makes a good effort and keep goods . The best keeper