Èxit de la Jornada 'L'encaix de la immigració a Catalunya, tot preservant les arrels'

Barcelona /​Santa Coloma de Gramenet /​Redac­ció de nous​cata​lans​.cat /​Fotos de nous​cata​lans​.cat

Diss­abte pas­sat, dia 8 de novem­bre, just el dia abans del 9N, con­vo­cats per l’entitat “Per­sona i Democrà­cia" i per la Fun­dació Nous Cata­lans, unes 90 per­sones (la gran majo­ria, per­sones immi­grades) varen acudir a la sala Sant Jordi de la Fac­ul­tat de Teolo­gia de Barcelona, per assi­s­tir a un Sem­i­nari sobre “l’encaix de la immi­gració a Catalunya, tot preser­vant les arrels". La Jor­nada, que va durar tot el matí, va ser tot un èxit tant de con­vo­catòria com pel niv­ell de les aporta­cions i del debat que va cloure, ja al migdia, aquest espai de reflexió pro­posat per l’entitat democristiana.  http://www.nouscatalans.cat/index.php/fundacio/8695-exit-de-la-jornada-l-encaix-de-la-immigracio-a-catalunya-tot-preservant-les-arrels.html

The struggle continues, the indigenous people of Biafra and the calaonians on the issue of Biafra

Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Baix Besòs) /​Redac­ció de nous​cata​lans​.cat /​fotos de “Pobles Indí­genes de Biafra" i de nous​cata​lans​.cat

Aque­sta enti­tat s’acaba de for­mar a Catalunya i el proper dia 10 d’agost inau­gura una Ofic­ina d’acollida i infor­ma­ció a la conur­bació de Barcelona. Ahir, una del­e­gació d’aquesta asso­ciació va vis­i­tar la seu nacional de la Fun­dació Nous Cata­lans, a Santa Coloma de Gramenet i es va reunir amb el seu direc­tor, Àngel Colom; els acom­pa­nyava Ramon Rovira, de Valls, que dècades enrere –amb altres com­pa­nys de la cap­i­tal de l’Alt Camp– havia organ­itzat activ­i­tats d’agermanament entre Catalunya i la Biafra independent.

EKWE NCHE ORGANIZATION : EBO LANDING

There is not a rnonument or marker, most locals know the location of “Ebo Landing.” It’s along the bluffs of Dunbar Creek behind the waste water treatment plant on St. Simons Island. Many have also read accounts of the tragic event that occurred there in May, 1803 in books of Island history, lore and legend.

But now the story of the Igbo slaves who drowned themselves rather than face a life of slavery is gaining worldwide attention. And today they symbolically represent millions of Igbos in their homeland of Nigeria who are still not free. (Ebo is the English word for the Igbo people of West Africa and is pronounced the same.)

Boko Haram threatens to attack A’Ibom  

  

The Akwa Ibom State Government said it had received text messages from the Boko Haram terrorist group threatening to attack public places in the state.

A statement issued on Friday evening by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said the public places targeted include churches, markets and schools, among others.

Umanah advised members of the public to be security conscious and be extra-vigilant by reporting suspicious movements to security personnel for immediate action.

He assured residents of their safety, saying government had directed security agencies to step up surveillance to prevent likely attack on the state.

Biafra Independence by Terry Paulson

                     

What would you say to the Founding Fathers who gathered in Philadelphia to craft the Declaration of Independence knowing that it would mean war with England? Would you have told them to wait, to keep trying diplomacy, or to wait for England to leave them alone? Would you support their taking up arms to protect their people and their rights? Thank God, they justified and supported the war for independence that made America free.

While the world is once again preoccupied with tensions in the Middle East and in the Ukraine, there is a growing call for independence for Biafra. Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra, is the world-wide voice for the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) in the south

At least Three Union Members Were Injured In The Sao Paulo Clash, 

Brazilian police used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse striking workers inside a subway station on Friday, adding to fears that labor unrest could disrupt the World Cup that opens here in six days.

At least three union members were injured in the Sao Paulo clash, said Paulo Iannone, a union spokesman.

Operators of the subway and overland trains were in the second day of a strike for higher wages, with no indication that it would end soon. Late Friday, officials and the union representing workers said they had not reached an agreement to end the strike and it would continue into Saturday.

That's worrying for authorities because most soccer fans heading to Thursday's opening Cup match in Sao Paulo will need to use the subway.

Boko Haram: Soldiers Wage War On Newspapers

The fight against Boko Haram and its insurgency took a bizarre twist in the early hours of yesterday when armed soldiers unleashed their might on newspapers, disrupting their distribution, confiscating the newspapers and consequently stopping their sales in many parts of the country.

They, amazingly, said it was for security reasons.

Vanguard, The Leadership, and The Nation were notably affected across the country.

The distribution vans, conveying newspapers to various parts of the country were so delayed at military check-points that distribution of the papers failed. In some cases, the vehicles were detained till evening time.

As a result of the development, your favourite newspaper, Vanguard did not circulate in most parts of the South West, South East, Edo and Delta States and some parts of the North.

Reacting to ther incident, Vanguard, in a statement signed by its Editor-in-Chief and General Manager, Gbenga Adefaye, deplored “

IGP ‘Sweeps’ Igbo Policemen Into Boko Haram Caves

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubukar has used his very strong broom and swept away all the senior police officers of Igbo extraction serving in Anambra State into the caves of the Boko Haram, this according to concrete police source in Abuja was to pave way for the insurgents to have their way to Igboland.

Competent police sources said that over four hundred senior police officers from the rank of unconfirmed superintendent (one star) to Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP are affected in the said transfer. It was also gathered that the aim of IGP was to have the Igbos risen to the above stated ranks in police force to be killed by Mr. Abubuakr’s brothers who have been terrorizing the nation.

Biafrans AreThe Sacrificial Lamb              

When the white people came to Biafra land, they killed our people and was making show of our people heads, now their joint operation of killing Biafrans are over, then boko haram took it upon themself to speed up the killind of Biafrans that their master started, please who can tell me,do you know which group or people that will take over from boko haram after them?.Becouse i can see very clear they believe that Biafrans must be the sacrificial lamb to keep Nigeria one.Now Biafrans you can prove them wrong or right, but I know that Chukwuabiama will always prove them wrong. From this year 2014 we will tell them who will be the next sacrificial lamb.becouse Chukwuabiama have said that this time is the time we must stop them and tell them that we are Biafrans.

Time To Unite The Clan.

What about the half that never been told. As we approach May 30, Biafra Heroes day, do our brothers and sisters in Jamaica know that we two are One. Time to unite the Clan.

Igbo people in Jamaica were shipped by Europeans onto the island between the 17th and 18th as forced labour on plantations. Igbo people constituted a large portion of the African population in slave-importing Jamaica. Some slave censuses detailed the large amount of Igbo slaves on various plantations throughout the island on different dates throughout the 18th century.Their presence was a large part in forming Jamaican culture as their cultural influence remains in language, dance, music, folklore, cuisine, religion and mannerisms. Many words in Jamaican Patois have been traced to the Igbo language. In Jamaica the Igbo were referred to as either Eboe, or Ibo.

Obasanjo Moves To Free Abducted Chibok Girls

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a move to free the more than 200 girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

Obasanjo, who confirmed this last night, however, dismissed reports credited to a foreign news agency that he held talks with representatives of the sect in his Ota farm last weekend.

A screengrab taken on May 12, 2014, from a video of Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram obtained by AFP shows girls, wearing the full-length hijab and praying in an undisclosed rural location. Boko Haram released a new video on claiming to show the missing Nigerian schoolgirls, alleging they had converted to Islam and would not be released until

Four Policemen Rescued, Others Missing In Gun Duel With Oil Thieves

Fear yesterday gripped residents of Arepo community in Ogun State as some policemen were missing after one of the Nige­rian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines went up in flames.

The incident occurred during a gun duel with pipeline vandals However,four policemen were rescued, but some were still missing as at press time.

It was learnt that during the shoot-out, some bullets hit one of the pipelines which exploded, resulting in fire outbreak.

Some policemen attached to the Inspector-General of Police Anti-pipeline Task Force had stormed Arepo after a tip-off.

Eyewitness account said that at about 12am yesterday, suspected vandals stormed the area with about 12 boats containing not less than 30 heavily armed men each.

Man, 2 Others Jailed Over Attempt To Sell Son For N8m

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Akure , Ondo State yesterday sentenced three Benin nationals to three years in prison each for attempting to sell a 13-year-old boy. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the convicts were the boy’s father, Kareem Saibu (39), Abdullateef Mumuni (24) and Kadir Rasaq (24).

Chief Magistrate Adebanji Ayeomoni, who sentenced each of them without an option of fine, said:  “Having found the three accused guilty on the twocounts of conspiracy and attempt to sell a human being, the three are hereby sentenced to three years’ imprisonment each without an option of fine.”

The accused, of no fixed address, were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempt to sell a human being, and they all pleaded guilty to the charges.

Enyimba Condemn Attack On Their Supporter

Enyimba International Football Club has strongly condemned the violent attack on one of their supporters after the Matchday 11 Glo Premier League game against Sharks FC in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The Head of Media of Enyimba, Farriel Allaputa revealed this in an interview with SportingLife stating: “Our supporter suffered six stab wounds in an attack that occurred just after the game, lost massive amounts of blood and required urgent medical attention.

“As a club we condemn this violent assault completely and call on the League Management Company to take strong actions against such abhorrent behaviour. Nigerian football has come a long way and this show of shame and barbarity has no place at all in the Glo Premier League.”

Chibok girls: Protests In Ibadan, Osogbo, Yola, Jos

MORE cities hosted yesterday peaceful protests over the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.

In Ibadan, Jos, Katsina, Yola and Lagos, the message was the same: bring back the girls.

Oyo State Governor’s wife Mrs Florence Ajimobi led a prayer rally and a peaceful procession in Ibadan.

The rally began around 9am at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, with the women wearing their traditional Buba and Iro in the wrong way. They also wore red head gears to show their anger at the abduction.

Secondary school pupils turned up for the protest in their thousands.

The women and children cursed the abductors of the Government Secondary School, Chibok girls. They carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Release our girls”; “234 girls why”; “Ajimobi says enough is enough”; “We demand the immediate release of our girls”; “Oyo State women says bring back our girls”; “Security of children should be paramount”; “Put an end to the abduction of our girls”; and “Operation no more Boko Haram”; among others.

All shops, markets and offices were shut down till around 1pm in solidarity with the troubled girls.

Chibok Girls: ACF Backs Foreign Powers On Rescue Mission

Northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum ( ACF) has expressed support for the Federal Government over the invitation of foreign powers to assist in rescuing the over 200 schoolgirls abducted by  Islamist sect, Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State.

A statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of ACF, Muhammad Ibrahim, also urged the Presidential Committee on the abducted girls, to swing into action and work with security agencies, including the foreign powers to rescue the kidnapped female students.

“ACF appreciates the assistance being offered to Nigeria by the United States of America, Britain, China and other countries to rescue the abducted girls.

Igbo Ukwu Bronze

The Igbo-Ukwu objects which carbon-date to 9th AD is said to constitute one of the richest bronze treasures in Nigeria and best in the world though, they have not received relative publicity like those of Benin bronzes, Ife terra-cottas and Nok terra-cottas

IGBO–Ukwu is an ancient city of Igboland, located at a place, 30 kilometers South-East of Onitsha in the present Anambra State of Nigeria, lying between latitude 50 and 70 North of the equator and longitude 60 and 70 east on the Greenwich Meridien.

Igbo – Ukwu is described variously as the ancient bronze city; the ancestral land of the entire Igbo – race, and the cradle of black civilization. It is said to have the largest ancient local market in West Africa Sub – Saharan Africa. The modern day Igbo-Ukwu can be found in the Aguata Local Government area of Anambra State.

The Igbo believe in the existence of one Supreme Being (God) who they call Chukwu and they also believe that God is the Creator of the universe who they call, Chineke (meaning: The Spiritual Power who creates) or Onye Okike (He who is the Only Creator).

Panic Hits North As U.S Plans To Use 'DNA' To Reunite  Chibuck Girls With Families

There is panic in the north as the truth bout their conspiracy is about to be unraveled. A group of scientists at the University of North Texas have declared their willingness to deploy forensic (DNA) technology to identify and reunite the abducted Chibok girls with their families.

The panic is arising as most of the ‘parents’ of the abducted girls have been exposed as fake and rented crowds hired by some elements in the North to shade Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in bad light to the international community. The DNA test will be the final evidence that would expose them as frauds.

Naijanews Sweep gathered that the involvement of the western countries especially the United State was not anticipated by the northern elements who orchestrated the hoax. As a result they are planning counter moves to douse the situation. Already, they are begging the federal government not to use force to rescue the girls.

Gunmen Kidnapped 3 Dutch, 2 Nigerians

Facts have emerged how gunmen suspected to be Niger Delta militants seized members of a non-governmental organisation, NGO, Hope for Niger Delta Campaign.

The kidnapped members comprise three Dutch and two Nigerians, including The Netherlands- based Niger Delta activist, Sunny Ofehe. An eyewitness, one of the journalists who accompanied the team on a trip to Letugbene community, Bayelsa State, disclosed that the gunmen laid an ambush on the speed boats conveying members of the group immediately they were being bid farewell by the HRH Minna Omotete, the Ateri II, the Amananaweil of Bilabiri Kingdom. He said that about 10 gunmen shot at the crew members.

NFF Had Hand In My Mother’s Death —Okpala

The contract I have with the NFF says that I am entitled to 150 % of the amount paid the players of the Super Eagles. So if they get N100, I’m entitled to N150.

So when I received half of the money I was supposed to get, I called members of the NFF Board. I called Chief (Mike) Umeh, (Emeka) Inyama and (Alhaji Aminu) Maigari to ask why. Maigari told them that the money (the NFF had) was not enough and they told him that in that case it has to cut across board, not singling out one or two persons. But Maigari said he was not going to pay me.

I then called (Chief) Ekeji (who was then Director General of the National Sports Commission) to tell him what was going on and pleaded with him to help me call the NFF to know why I wasn’t paid  in full.

Male Twins Marry Same Day In Warri

It was fun, joy and pageantry on Saturday February 15, at First Baptist Church and The Good Shepherd Anglican Church both in Warri when the family of Mr. & Mrs. S. S. Okoya witnessed the joining of  their male identical twins, Victor Taiye Oritsetimeyin      Okoya and Victory Kehinde Oritseweyinmi  Okoya in holy matrimony to their heartthrobs, former Miss Uzezi Valerie Iteh, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Iteh of Ada-Irri Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area and former Miss Elizabeth Oghenetejiri Edematie, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Esiteru. A. Edematie of Okpe Kingdom in Okpe Local Government Area respectively. 

While Victor says "he is marrying Uzezi because he loves everything about her and advised bachelors to go and pick a wife for themselves", Uzezi in return said “she chose Victor as her hubby because he is the special part of her and advised spinsters to be of good character, be prayerful and patient until God’s time".

Derivation: Northern Demand For 5%’ll Not Fly—Anya

Chairman of Ndigbo Lagos and a delegate to the National Conference, Professor Anya O. Anya, told some journalists in Lagos, weekend, why the ongoing confab will not be business as usual. According to him, every part of the country is now in negotiation mood and the era of any part of the country playing the big boss has gone; now every part has challenges and needs the help of others to remain afloat. Excerpts:

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

Prof-Anya-O.-AnyaA National Conference Committee, last week recommended that an extra state should be created for the South-East zone. What is the hope that it will be achieved this time?

The obstacles of the state having not been created before now have been with the Igbo: Our inability to speak with one voice as to our choice. I served in the Belgore committee and I chaired the particular plenary session when that decision was taken to create an additional state in Igboland.

Jonathan Accepts U.S. Offer To Rescue Abducted Schoolgirls

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday accepted a definite offer from the U.S. government to locate and rescue the abducted schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, in Abuja.

The statement said that the offer from  President Barack Obama was conveyed to Jonathan by the U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, in a telephone conversation which began at 15.30 hours on Tuesday.

It said the assistance included the deployment of U.S. security personnel and assets in collaboration with their Nigerian counterparts for the search and rescue operation.

First Lady Weeps As Stakeholders Shun Meeting

First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan was all tears yesterday at a meeting she convened in Abuja over the abduction of school girls in Chibok, Borno State.

Her first meeting on Friday set up a committee headed by the Borno State governor’s wife to ensure attendance at yesterday’s meeting. But the governor’s wife did not attend.

Mrs Jonathan was said to have wept when she learnt that the school had no stand-by power generator.

Besides, no extra security was provided at the school, she was told.

She was devastated that the governor’s wife did not show up for the meeting on Friday and yesterday .

The First Lady  insisted that the state government and the Commissioner for Education should be blamed for the abduction of the girls as they allegedly failed to act on the letter from the Minister of Education for relocation of West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) candidates to Maiduguri or safer places.

Chukwudifu Oputa Died At 90

Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa,CFR and  a retired justice of the Supreme  Court of Nigeria, was a legal icon, Chukwudifu Oputa, as he was fondly called in the judicial circle, was born  into the family of Chief Oputa Uzukwu and Mrs. Nwametu Oputa on September 22, 1924.

Justice Oputa was born into a polygamous family at a time that a man’s wealth was measured by the number of wives in his harem. His father, Chief Oputa Uzukwu had ten wives, and Chukwudifu Oputa was the last of his children. Pa Oputa Uzukwu passed on when Chukwudifu was only three months old. His mother died when he was barely six months old.

The task of his welfare and education passed onto his grandmother who laid the foundation for his up-bringing.

He attended Sacred Heart School, Oguta; Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha for his Secondary education and later, High College, Yaba. He was a student of Achimota College, Ghana from where he proceeded to the University of London, England. He was called to the English Bar, the Gray’s Inn, London in 1953. Ten years later, he was appointed a judge of the then Eastern Region of Nigeria.

Enugu State, BOI launch N1bn MSME intervention fund

Enugu State Government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) has launched a N1 billion Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) intervention fund.

Speaking at the launch of the fund and presentation of cheques, Managing Director, BOI, Ms Evelyn Oputu, who was represented by the South/East Regional Manager, BOI, Mr. Balarabe Hassan, disclosed that the Governor of Enugu state, Sullivan Chime has approved a contribution of N500 million which has been equally matched in like sum by BOI towards the establishment of the fund.

” The uniqueness of this partnership from other matching funds we have had so far, is the contributions from the local government councils which would guarantee financial inclusion of all those in the local government areas of the state. The pool of funds shall be provided as loans to entrepreneurs in the state” she stated.

We’ll treat Okorocha As Saboteur In 2015 –APGA BoT Member

An Igbo leader and member of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has hinted that APGA would treat Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State as a saboteur during the 2015 governorship elec­tion in the State, if he failed to return to the party before the elec­tion and apologise for his wrong political calcula­tions.

Speaking to newsmen at his Rojenny Games Village, Oba in Anambra State, at the weekend, Ezeonwuka said Okorocha made the biggest mistake of his life by defecting from APGA to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He rea­soned that such a political miscalculation was capable of costing him a second tenure in Imo Government House in 2015.

Will Lydia And The LPGA Tour

At 17 years old Lydia Ko is making quite a mark on the LPGA Tour. She won the 2012 CN Canadian Women’s Open as a 15-year-old amateur and proved it was no fluke by repeating the feat in 2013.

In addition, she won two other professional tournaments in Australia and New Zealand as a teen-aged amateur.

Since declaring her professional status last October, the LPGA Tour granted her membership. She won the Swinging Skirts Ladies Masters in Taiwan in December on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Tour.

She just collected her first official win as an LPGA Tour member at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in San Francisco last Sunday.

Spanish Village To Hold Referendum Over 'Kill Jews' Name

A Spanish village is to hold a referendum over whether to change its name of Castrillo Matajudios, which translates as "Kill Jews"

The tiny Spanish village of Castrillo Matajudios, whose second name means "Kill Jews," will hold a referendum next month to decide if it should change the name that offends outsiders and embarrasses some residents, its mayor said on Tuesday.

The village's 56 registered voters will be asked on May 25 whether they want to keep the name or change it to the similar, but non-offensive name the town once had, Mayor Lorenzo Rodriguez Perez said.

Historical studies show the town's original name was Castrillo Motajudios. The second name of that translates to "Jews Hill" and dates back to 1035 when 66 Jews were killed in a nearby town and those expelled settled on the hill.

Messi Contract Saga Nearing 

This week could see Barcelona and Leo Messi sign the player's new contract, with the two sides all set to hold one last meeting to dot the i's and cross the t's. The Catalan club have been waiting for Jorge Messi to return from Argentina to schedule the meeting.

With no other commitments on the horizon, the player's father and Josep Maria Bartomeu will sign a deal which will see Leo Messi's wages significantly increased, making him the highest paid footballer in the world. The striker currently receives a net sum of 16 million including bonuses.

With this move Barcelona will drastically increase the player's pay packet. After a long tug of war, the basics of the deal have now been thrashed out. The biggest stumbling block for both sides was the amount the star should receive in bonuses every year. This has now been overcome and the deal could be made public sometime this week.

Diego Alves Blocks Real's Title Charge

Real Madrid's hopes of winning 'La Liga' were dashed after being held to a draw by Valencia, for whom two players were instrumental: former Real player Dani Parejo and goalkeeper Diego Alves.

The Brazilian keeper stopped everything he could, even some impossible shots but he couldn't prevent Real Madrid - who struggled to go through the gears following their display of power against Bayern - equalising twice, the second in injury time.

The Brazilian full-back, Marcelo, denied that the "hangover" from the match against Bayern was the reason they dropped two points on home turf. "We gave it everything we had on the pitch," he said after the match.

Who Said That We Will Not Get Biafra

Biafrans in denmark are on top of this game, they have proved to be more Biafra than you think.They are doing what Chukwuabiama have send them to do.You people are wonderful. Nduenuwa is saying Biafra, Biafra, Biafra and so shall it for ever and ever.30th may,all the falling heroes will be remembered.

Mourinho: "May The Best Team Win In The Final"

José Mourinho admitted that both Madrid sides were well worthy of their place in the Champions League final: "Real were better than Bayern and Atlético were better than Chelsea. They deserve to be in the final. I hope they enjoy it and may the best team win. I must have respect for the team that knocked us out".

The Chelsea coach felt the penalty changed the match: "They weren't on top until the penalty. That minute was critical, because before the penalty - and I've been told that it was a penalty - their goalkeeper made a decisive save and then they got the penalty, which was smartly won by the striker. After that there was only one team on the pitch".

All Eyes On Madrid At Estádio Da Luz

Madrid derby showdown for the Champions League final. For the first time in the tournament's history, two teams from the same city are to go head to head for the honour of lifting Ol' Big Ears. Atlético and Real Madrid will battle it out after masterfully triumphing in their respective ties against Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

It is a scenario that has never been seen before. There have been finals in the past involving two teams from the same country, as was the case with Bayern and Borussia last year, but a head to head between neighbours is a new phenomenon. All of Europe will be treated to a game which will see a fierce rivalry between the two finalists.

1500 Year Old Bible Confirms That Jesus Christ Was Not Crucified – Vatican In Awe

Much to the dismay of the Vatican, an approx. 1500-2000 year old bible was found in Turkey, in the Ethnography Museum of Ankara.  Discovered and kept secret in the year 2000, the book contains the Gospel of Barnabas – a disciple of Christ – which shows that Jesus was not crucified, nor was he the son of God, but a Prophet.  The book also calls Apostle Paul “The Impostor”.  The book also claims that Jesus ascended to heaven alive, and that Judas Iscariot was crucified in his place.

 John XXIII And John Paul II Become Saints

Pope Francis made history on Sunday, elevating to sainthood John XXIII and John Paul II, two of his most famous papal predecessors, in a ceremony bearing themes of hope and reconciliation for the world’s one billion Roman Catholics.

With crowds filling St. Peter’s Square and spilling out across Rome, Francis presided over an elaborate Mass beneath drizzly skies, canonizing the two towering figures of 20th-century Catholicism, men who also hold very different legacies in the church.

Francis, who made the decision to hold the joint canonization, portrayed the two former popes as “men of courage” who shared a place in history.

“They were priests, bishops and popes of the 20th century,” he said in his homily. “They lived through the tragic events of that century, but they were not overwhelmed by them. For them, God was more powerful; faith was more powerful.”

Barcelona Claim Emotional win

Barcelona overcame a 2-0 second half deficit thanks to a pair of own goals and a late Lionel Messi winner to take the three points.

Head coach Gerardo Martino pencilled in a back four of Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano, Marc Bartra and Adriano to protect goalkeeper Pinto. In midfield it was the trusted trio of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta while in attack Pedro and Alexis Sánchez joined Messi.

It was a fairly even first half hour with a 17th minute Messi chance being the best scoring opportunity for Barcelona.

Following a Xavi chance in the 41st minute, Villarreal's attack would spring to life in the moments right before halftime.

The action would come via the club's Mexican duo of Giovani dos Santos and Javier Aquino as Dos Santos did well on the left side before centering for Aquino whose shot was cleared off the line by Bartra.

From what I've read, Real think they're already in the final--PEP

Pep Guardiola reiterated that the pace of Real Madrid's frontmen makes them "impossible" to stop once they get into full flow. Instead, the Bayern Munich coach appealed to his players to show heart and sought to motivate them by suggesting Real believe they are already in the final.

On Franck Ribéry, he said: "It makes me very happy to see him playing well. He should have been named World Player of the Year this year and we'll need him at his best to knock Real Madrid out".

As for the different threat posed by Isco and Bale, he noted that "If Isco plays we'll be wary of certain things and if Bale plays, then we'll be mindful of others. My hunch is that all the big guns will play".

PDP Reps To Present Impeachment Motion Against Jonathan

             

THE battle for political supremacy in the House of Representatives is set to be rekindled with the plan by 37 former members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to present an impeachment motion against President Goodluck Jonathan.

The legislators, who are allegedly acting in concert with their governors who defected with them to All Progressives Congress, APC, are also following up their plans with a high profile sensitisation campaign against alleged misdeeds of the administration.

Jonathan-worried

The plan to present the impeachment motion Vanguard learnt is, however, being seriously opposed by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and some PDP loyalists in the House who have warned the 37 members that the plan could worsen their precarious position.

The impeachment notice, which has been articulated into 30 points according to sources in the camp of the legislators, is a narrative of alleged misdeeds of the administration including financial misappropriation, unaccountability, extra-budgetary spending, among others.

We Suspended Work On 2nd Niger Bridge — Minister

The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, admitted yesterday that

the Federal Government erred in commencing work on the construction of the

Second Niger Bridge without consideration for the Environmental Impact

Assessment Law, EIA.

Government,according to her, failed to comply with the requirements of the

EIA law in embarking on the project.

The ministry has consequently stopped work on the project.

The minister told a Turkish delegation during a courtesy call on her that the

bridge construction had to be suspended because “ they did not comply with

our ministry’s rule.”

“The Minister of works had to run to me so that we might give them

certificate to resume work,”Mrs Mallam said.

Lupita Nyong’O Joins Idris Elba In Disney's Jungle Book

This year’s “most beautiful” person, Lupita Nyong’o (pictured), will be joining Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson for the upcoming movie adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The Disney movie is envisioned to be a live-action/CG hybrid version directed by Jon Favreau.

According to Hollywood Reporter, “Nyong’o is in final negotiations to play Rakcha, a mother wolf who adopts Mowgli.”

Johansson is in earlier stages of talks to voice the character of Kaa, the python who eats other animals by hypnotizing them. Kaa is the movie’s second villain after Shere Khan, the man-eating tiger being voiced by Idris Elba.

Obama In South Korea

Arriving on Friday afternoon at the Blue House, South Korea's presidential residence, Obama presented Park with an American flag that flew over the White House on April 16 — a day of growing infamy for South Korea. Sitting down for meetings with Park, Obama expressed his condolences over the sunken ferry incident, which has consumed Park's government for more than a week as divers discover yet more bodies.

"As allies, but also friends, we join you in mourning the missing, and especially the young people," Obama said before the two leaders bowed their heads for a moment of silence.

Ukraine's Military Clashed With Pro-Russian Rebels

Ukraine's military has clashed with pro-Russian rebels in two eastern towns overnight, according to the Ukrainian interior and defence ministries, amid accusations by the US that Russia is going against "the spirit" of a deal to ease tensions.

Ukrainian soldiers retook control of the town hall in the southeastern port city of Mariupol on Thursday morning, and repelled an attack on an army base in the eastern town of Artemivsk, the ministries said.

Separatist sources also reported the loss of the town hall in Mariupol. The city was the scene of a rebel attack on troops last week that left three rebels dead. The separatists had held the town hall since April 13.

"The town hall is liberated and can function normally," Arsen Avakov, the interior minister, said on his Facebook page.

Fulani Herdsmen On Rampage In Enugu

Rampaging Fulani herdsmen have continued to terrorise Enugu State with reports of robbery attacks which led to the death of a victim while another who  was attacked in the state capital escaped with machete wounds.

The police in Enugu confirmed the death of one Theophilus Eneje, a businessman who was allegedly attacked by the herdsmen along the lonely Ibeagwa/Ezimo Road in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.  Eneje, who was carrying empty bottles with which he intended to buy drinks at Obollo-Afor reportedly ran into ambush laid by the herdsmen.

He was allegedly dealt a machete cut on the head when he resisted attempt to rob him of the cash he was carrying. He was said to have been robbed and left to bleed to death.

My Appeal To Akwa Ibom People...Laary Esin

I am compelled by the request of my fellow indigenes of Akwa Ibom and by recent  events in Akwa Ibom State, to share my views on the ongoing debate, surrounding the  zoning of the seat of Governor to Akwa Ibom to South Senatorial district, also known  as Eket Senatorial District.  My view on this very delicate issue was properly captured  in my December 2013 Christmas message to the people of Akwa Ibom State. I am,  therefore, reprinting relevant portions of that message for the purpose of restating my  position on the future direction I believe we as a people ought to consider, as we  prepare for the upcoming elections of 2015.

“As the year 2013 draws to an end and we celebrate the birth of the Prince of  Peace, we also must reflect on the  sights and sounds that defined our  experience in 2013. I am, therefore, confronted with the hope that I have  been deserving of your friendship. I thank you for your kind words, your  constructive criticisms and the  encouragement you have extended to  me in 2013 and in the years past. I hope you have found my friendship beneficial as well.

Deputy Gov Of Enugu Joins 2015 Senatorial Race

Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Sunday Onyebuchi, has joined the race for the 2015 Enugu East senatorial zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A top member of the ruling party in the state said yesterday that the deputy governor had already informed the leadership of the party that he would contest the senatorial seat, adding that the party stakeholders were aware of his ambition, though he is yet to make it public.

The deputy governor, according to the source, who pleaded anonymity, has also embarked on wide consultations with leaders of the party within and outside the six local government areas that make up Enugu East senatorial zone, including Enugu North, Enugu South, Enugu East,  Nkanu East, Nkanu West and Isi-Uzo.

“I can tell you authoritatively that the deputy governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, is in the race for Enugu East senatorial seat and he is very serious with his ambition.

“He is working underground and consulting with party stakeholders whom he has duly informed of his senatorial ambition and I believe at the right time, he would declare publicly,” he said.

Nigerians Want Referendum

A cross-section of Nigerians of all walks of life have urged the Federal Government to subject the outcome of the ongoing National Conference to a referendum.

A nationwide opinion survey of personalities conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday indicated that most respondents preferred ratification of conference decisions by referendum rather than Presidential or National Assembly endorsement.

It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan said while inaugurating the conference that its outcome may be subjected to a referendum.

“If the outcome of the National Conference is to be binding on Nigerians, the people must have a say in the final outcome,” said a Sokoto-based lawyer, Mr Ferdinand Okotote.

According to him, such an action would legitimise the decisions of the conference.

Enugu Govt Approves N759m For CCTV

Enugu State government, yesterday, ear-marked N759 million for the execution of various projects in the state, including installation of security gadgets, at the new state secretariat complex.

State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, who disclosed this at the end of the council’s meeting presided over by Governor Sullivan Chime at the Government House, Enugu, said N300 million was approved for the supply and installation of Close Circuit Television, CCTV, and Access Control Systems in various offices within the new secretariat.

He said the scope of work consisted of 579 cameras, 44 network video control systems that would be installed on 264 doors with 22 controllers, adding that the contract was awarded to Prolines Vision Limited.

South Sudan Sacks Army Chief After Rebels Seize Oil City

President Salva Kiir sacked his army chief after rebels seized a major oil hub, unleashing two days of ethnic slaughter in which the UN says hundreds of civilians were massacred.

Rebels loyal to sacked vice president Riek Machar seized Bentiu last week. The United Nations says they hunted down civilians sheltering in mosques, churches and a hospital, in a wave of ethnic killings.

The president gave no reason for removing general James Hoth Mai, a move announced on national television, but sources attributed the decision to recent military setbacks in the oil-rich north of the country. His successor was named as general Paul Malong.

Kiir also sacked his intelligence chief, General Paul Mach, replacing him with General Marial Nour Jok.

Firms Leaving Over Sanctions Can't Return Soon

Russia warned foreign companies working in the oil and gas sector that if they quit the country over Ukraine-related sanctions, they would not be able to return any time soon.

Natural Resources Minister Sergei Donskoy said on Thursday that foreign firms had not so far signaled they would withdraw from projects in Russia, the world's top crude oil producer, but that there would be a price to pay if they did.

"It is obvious that they won't return in the near future if they sever investment agreements with us, I mean there are consequences as well," Sergei Donskoy told reporters in the city of Birobidzhan in Russia's Far East.

"Russia is one of the most promising countries in terms of hydrocarbons production. If some contracts are severed here, then, colleagues, you lose a serious lump of your future pie."

Russia's oil and gas industry depends on foreign investment and technology, especially in projects involving hard-to-recover deposits.