Senate passes 2019 budget raises spending to N8.916 trillion

The Senate Tuesday has  approved the sum of N8.916 trillion as the budget for the 2019 fiscal year.

The amount passed by the apex legislative chamber is, however, N86 billion higher than the N8.83 trillion initially submitted to the National Assembly in December 2018 for approval by President Muhammadu Buhari.

N10billion be provided to assist victims of Zamfara State crises and should be added to the total figures.

More details later....

'Russian spy whale' found by Norway off Arctic coast

A beluga whale found off Norway's coast wearing a Russian harness most likely escaped from the Russian navy, according to a Norwegian expert.

Fishermen in waters near the Norwegian fishing village of Inga reported last week that a white "beluga whale" wearing a strange harness had begun to harass their fishing boats, and a video of the whale has since emerged.

The unusual harness — which appeared to be able to secure a camera or a weapon — was sporting a buckle that read “Equipment of St. Petersburg.”

Professor Audun Rikardsen, a professor at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology at the Arctic University of Norway, told the BBC that the harness "was attached really tightly round its head, in front of its pectoral fins and it had clips".

"A Russian colleague said they don't do such experiments, but she knows the navy has caught belugas for some years and trained them - most likely it's related to that," he also said.

It was not clear what the whale was being trained for, or whether it was part of Russian military activity in the region.

Whatever the whale is, it's very cute...

Islamic State leader Al-Baghdadi appears in new video for the first time in five years

The leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has appeared in a new video for the first time in five years  published by the Islamist terror group on Monday.

In the 18-minute clip, a bearded man is seen sitting in casual conversation with three other people, whose faces are blurred.

He discusses recent events, including the battle for Baghouz ending. IS was defeated there last month.
He also praises the Sri Lanka attacks earlier this month, although only his audio is heard in that section.

In the video, he says the Easter attacks in Sri Lanka were revenge for IS' defeat in Baghouz, the group's last stronghold in Syria.

"Your brothers in Sri Lanka have healed the hearts of monotheist Islamic State members with their suicide bombings, which shook the beds of the crusader Christians during Easter to avenge your brothers in Baghouz," he said.

"This is part of the revenge waiting for the crusaders."

It is the first time he has appeared on video since he declared a caliphate in Syria and Iraq five years ago.

However it is unclear when or where the video was filmed. Text at the start of the video dates it to earlier in April.

Watch video below:

US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein resigns

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department official who appointed special counsel Robert Mueller to lead the Russia investigation, is now, finally and officially, stepping down. 

Rosenstein submitted his not exactly subtle resignation letter to the president on April 29, indicating that his last day in office will be May 11. 

The announcement comes as no surprise to President Donald Trump, who had already nominated Deputy Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Rosen as his replacement. 

Rosenstein was expected to resign in March, but he chose to stay on longer to assist Attorney General William Barr with the public release of the Mueller investigation report. 

Following the recusal of then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in May 2017, Rosenstein appointed Mueller and oversaw much of his work. 

Over the past two years, the veteran Republican prosecutor defended Mueller's investigation against attacks from congressional Republicans and Trump, who had dubbed it as a "witch hunt." 

Ultimately, Mueller concluded that no one with Trump's campaign had conspired to collude with Russia. The report did not reach a conclusion on whether or not the president had committed obstruction of justice. 

Rosenstein then joined Attorney General Barr in determining on behalf of the Justice Department that the president had not obstructed justice. 

In his resignation letter, Rosenstein told Trump that he had helped bring officials into the Justice Department that were "devoted to the values that make America great," adding that he and others "always put America first." 

"I am grateful to you for the opportunity to serve; for the courtesy and humor you often display in our personal conversations; and for the goals you set in your inaugural address: patriotism, unity, safety, education and prosperity, because 'a nation exists to serve its citizens,'" he told the president. 

Rosenstein highlighted the positive aspects of the Mueller probe he oversaw, saying the country's elections were now "more secure" and that citizens were "better informed about covert foreign influence efforts." 

"We enforce the law without fear or favor because credible evidence is not partisan and truth is not determined by opinion polls," Rosenstein wrote.

John Singleton, ‘Boyz n the Hood’ director, dead at 51

John Singleton, writer-director of “Boyz n the Hood” and industry pioneer, who was the first African American to earn an Oscar nomination for best director, has died at the age of 51.

Singleton suffered a stroke after experiencing weakness in his legs, and was admitted to the hospital on April 17.

He was taken off life support on Monday and died a few hours later at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

His family issued a statement, saying: “We are sad to relay that John Singleton has died. John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends. We want to thank the amazing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for their expert care and kindness and we again want thank all of John’s fans, friends and colleagues for all of the love and support they showed him during this difficult time.” — The Singleton Family. 

He grew up in South-Central Los Angeles, which became the setting for much of his work as a writer and director.

He attended USC film school and turned his student thesis into the screenplay for 1991’s landmark “Boyz n the Hood.”

In 1992, he became the youngest Oscar-nominated director for Boyz N The Hood.

As a producer, Singleton was involved with the movies "Black Snake Moan" and "Hustle & Flow."

In 2011, Singleton sued Paramount Pictures for $20 million, claiming the company had violated an agreement with him related to the release of "Hustle & Flow." The parties settled for an undisclosed sum the next year, on the eve of trial.

German influencer Cathy Hummels wins court case over Instagram posts

German Instagram influencer Cathy Hummels, the wife of  Bayern Munich football player Mats Hummels, won a case on Monday after a court in the southern city of Munich dismissed a complaint that she had not disclosed some of her Instagram posts as paid advertisements.

The Social Competition Association (VSW) had complained about four posts on Hummels' Instagram account because they contained links to beauty companies without any advertisement labels.

In Germany, it is illegal not to disclose paid advertisements on social media.

The court ruled that the posts in the complaint were not unlabeled advertising.

It said there was no obligation to label the posts as such because there was no proof she had been paid for them.

Hummels, the 31-year-old wife of Bayern Munich football player Mats Hummels, has almost half a million followers on Instagram. 

The court said its decision should not be generalized to other bloggers or influencers.

Each case should be examined individually to determine whether advertising was recognizable, it said. From DW

Immigration begins issuance of new passport with 10-years validity

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has begun issuance of the new passport booklet with a 10-year validity period at the agency's Headquarters, Abuja.

The enhanced polycarbonate passport booklet which was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 15, 2019, was embedded with the National Identity Number (NIN).

Conducting newsmen round the passport office in Abuja, the NIS Public Relations Officer, Sunday James, said that the new booklet was part of a comprehensive passport reform approved by the Federal government to improve the quality and security of the travel document to reduce incidences of damage, counterfeit, and forgery.

He further explained that it was compulsory for passport applicants to have a NIN number, announcing that the service’s management had set up a desk for individuals to register for the NIN, describing it as mandatory.

James stated: "The National Identity Number is compulsory for all applicants of the new document. To make it easy for applicants, the Nigeria Immigration Service has provided space for National Identity Management Commission at the service headquarters, Abuja, to register applicants and issue to them NIN.

"The public are advised not to rush for the new booklet as the new enhanced passport will run concurrently with the old one".

The NIN spokesman further said that applicants holding a passport with more than six months validity are not eligible for the new booklet except in the case of damage, change of data and those whose booklets were exhausted.

Helen Paul defends Regina Daniels over her marriage to 59 years old billionaire

Popular Nigerian comedian, Dr. Helen Paul has jumped to the defense of popular actress Regina Daniels. The comedian has hit back at critics who continue to chastise Regina for her marriage to the 59 year old Ned Nwoko.

Both Ned and Regina have come under heavy criticism for their marriage but comedian Helen Paul has thrown her support behind them stating that Regina has the right to marry whoever she wants because she is of the legal age.

Helen called women who have spoken against Regina hypocrites and asked why they always want to tear each other down. She said:


“Hypocracy of the highest order, ladies are used to killing and condemning each other.
Do you know what she has gone through?

Do you know what pushed her and her family to go into such a marriage?
There are people who get married at an older age and their husbands are using them as punching bag.

Why are we quick to judge women? The woman did this, the woman did that, What about the men? Please let us leave issues that are sorted and focus on matters that truly need attention.

Nigeria is so big. Plenty problems to be solved o… Every body na sinner! Better matter no go trend o. #actor #react”

View this post on Instagram

Hypocrisy of the highest order, ladies are used to killing and condemning each other. Do you know what she has gone through? Do you know what pushed her and her family to go into such a marriage? There are people who get married at an older age and their husbands are using them as punching bag. Why are we quick to judge women? The woman did this, the woman did that, What about the men? Please let us leave issues that are sorted and focus on matters that truly need attention. Nigeria is so big. Plenty problems to be solved o... Every body na sinner! Better matter no go trend o. #actor #react

A post shared by Dr. Helen Paul(Psalm 71 & 91) (@itshelenpaul) on Apr 28, 2019 at 10:44am PDT

Nollywood actor Dammy Eke slumps to death at a bar

Popular Nollywood actor, Dammy Eke is dead.
According to multiple reports, the screen star reportedly slumped and died at a bar in Rivers State on April 28, 2019.

The deceased was a Justice of Peace, JP, an Ambassador for Peace of UPA, and an actor. He featured in various Nollywood films such as Reincarnated God of War, Pains of Sister Rose, Mysterious Events’ and a host of others. May his gentle soul rest in peace .

Police rescue two kidnapped Chinese citizens in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi Police Command has rescued the two kidnapped Chinese nationals who were abducted by unknown gunmen at a road construction site in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

The victims, Messrs Sun Zhi Xim and Wang Qinghu, were employees of Tongyi Chinese Group of Companies.

ASP Loveth Odah, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed on Sunday that the victims were rescued inside a thick forest around the site.

“The persistent pressure mounted by the police on the kidnappers made them abandon the victims inside the bush.

“The victims have been re-united with their fellow Chinese nationals working in the company as efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing gunmen,” she said.

The PPRO said that the state Commissioner of Police had convened an interactive meeting with all Chinese and other expatriates working or residing in Ebonyi on the need to take security matters serious.

Court fixes trial date for Sambo Dasuki, others

Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf of an FCT High Court, on Monday, fixed June 11 for the commencement of trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and Amb. Bashir Yuguda, in the alleged misappropriation of N19.4 billion arms funds.

The EFCC charged Dasuki, Yuguda alongside former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir and his company Dalhatu Investment Limited.

The EFCC charged them with 25 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public fund to the tune N19.4 billion.

Justice Baba-Yusuf adjourned the matter after Dr Lateef Fagbemi SAN, counsel for Bafarawa, briefed the court that Dauski’s lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu SAN, was bereaved.

Justice Baba-Yusuf after listening, said that the court agreed with the position of all the counsel that the death of a daughter-in-law was weighty enough to grant an adjournment, NAN reports.

“The matter is further adjourned until June 11 for trial.”

Earlier, EFCC’s counsel, Mr Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court that the case was scheduled for commencement of trial and they were in court with their witness.

He informed the court further that Dasuki’s lawyer informed them that Daudu was bereaved.

Counsel for Bafarawa, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, was asked by the judge to brief the court on the bereavement.

Fagbemi informed the court that it was true that the matter was slated for today for trial but their colleague, Daudu, lead counsel for Dauski, was bereaved and all counsels have been informed.

“The deceased was a staff of his chambers as well as his daughter-in-law.

"All counsels have met. This ugly situation has overshadowed everything. Accordingly, all counsels have agreed that the matter be adjourned until June 11, at the convenience of the court.

“All counsels in the matter agreed to that,” he said. From Dailypost 

Pics - UBA marks 70th anniversary, hosts CEO awards

United Bank of Africa (UBA)  held it's CEO awards ceremony on Saturday at the Eko Hotel and Suites.

The CEO awards which also coincided with the bank's 70th anniversary was attended by the creme de la creme of Nigerian high society.

The event also featured entertainers such as Tiwa Savage, Phyno, D'banj, Wizkid, Olamide, Waje amongst others.

Game of Thrones fans lament after yet another episode of the highly anticipated show is leaked

Ganes of Thrones fans took to social media to share their frustration after the Battle of Winterfell, episode three of the highly-anticipated drama, was leaked before it was broadcast on television on Sunday. 

Last night the show, which is now in its eighth and final season, aired one of its several outstanding battles and saw some of its key characters lose their lives at the hand of the Night King.

However even before the episode had aired, fans were left frustrated after being made aware of the deadly battle between the major houses online.  

Game of Thrones fan Tom97HD wrote on Twitter: 'Oh dear the Game of Thrones leaks are back...Including Ep 3 Battle of Winterfell oh jeeeeeez.'

United Nations gives Mozambique $13 million for Cyclone Kenneth damage

The United Nations will give Mozambique and the Comoros Islands $13 million in emergency funds to help provide food and water and repair damage to infrastructure, the organisation said late on Sunday, after the second cyclone in a month slammed into the region.

Cyclone Kenneth crashed into the northern province of the southern African nation on Thursday just as it was recovering from Cyclone Idai that hit further south last month.

Idai, the worst tropical storm to hit the region in decades, moved into neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, killing more than 1,000 people.

Weather experts are warning that Kenneth could dump twice as much rain on northern Mozambique as Idai did. It has already killed five people as it unleashed heavy rains and flooding that has seen rivers burst their banks and smash whole villages.

Cyclone Kenneth hit the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado late on Thursday, flattening entire villages with winds of up to 280 kph (174 mph).

The World Bank estimates Mozambique and other countries affected by the tropical storm will need over $2 billion to recover.

Mozambique also faces a cholera epidemic after the cyclone wiped out water and sanitation facilities.

“This new allocation of Central Emergency Response Fund funds will help humanitarian partners to scale up the response to address the needs of those most vulnerable in the aftermath of Cyclone Kenneth”, said UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock in a statement.

Reuters reports that earlier in April, The International Monetary Fund granted the southern African nation a $118.2 million credit facility.

Jihadists kill pastor, four others in Burkina church attack

Gunmen has killed five people and a pastor in an attack on a church in Burkina Faso, security and local sources said Monday.

Sunday's attack took place in the small northern town of Silgadji near Djibo, the capital of Soum province, and two others were reported missing.

“Unidentified armed individuals have attacked the Protestant church in Silgadji killing four members of the congregation and the pastor. At least two other people are missing,” a security source told AFP.

It was the first attack on a church since jihadist violence erupted in the west African nation. Muslim leaders and imams have been targeted as well.

"The attack happened around 1:00 pm, just as the faithful were leaving the church at the end of the service," a member of the church who did not want to be identified told AFP.

"The attackers were on motorbikes. They fired in the air before aiming at the members of the congregation," the witness added.

Actress Mercy Aigbe is the new boss in town

Actress and film maker Mercy Aigbe shared these dope looking photos from her recent photoshoot on Instagram to promote her upcoming movie "77 BULLETS". She was styled by Tiannah.

Mercy Johnson celebrates 5 million followers on Instagram

Actress Mercy Johnson Okojie now has 5 million people following her on Instagram... Congrats Mercy.....