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.

FG To World Powers: Cut Terrorists’ Sources Of Funds

The Federal Government on Wednesday urged the international community to assist in the current fight against terrorism ravaging the Northeastern part of Nigeria by cutting the sources of funds for the Boko Haram sect.

The Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, made the appeal while responding to questions from reporters in Lagos at the closing ceremony of Exercise Obangame Express 2014, held at the Western Naval Command (WNC), where he represented the Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau Mohammed (rtd).

While acknowledging that the extremist sect has international sponsors, Obanikoro said the nation was collaborating with the international community because no single nation can tame terrorism.

“Despite being the richest nation in the world, the United States has not been able to tame terrorism in Afghanistan, Libya…same experience is what we are going through in Nigeria today.

Biafrans In United Kingdom We Are Proud Of You

Biafrans in United Kingdom are evangelizing every day, as Biafra must be heard!! Now Politician's are coming out to evangelize with us including the Liberal Democratic Councilor for Manchester Cllr Norman Lewis and our thanks also goes to British Labour Party member for inviting us to speak at the House of Commons in June. Never relent!!! In Biafra we Stand!!

Michael Schumacher Sued While Still In Coma 

Schumacher, who has been in a medically induced coma since suffering the life-threatening head injuries, is accused of not giving way at a roundabout in Bormujos last November.

The Spanish man that he knocked off his bike  is now claiming compensation for his broken wrist as well as damage to his watch, clothes and motorbike.

The complaint names Schumacher, along with the company that hired him the rented Audi A4 he was driving and its insurers.

A trial will only take place if the insurance company contest the claim, but seven-time Formula 1 world champion Schumacher would not be required to attend.

The 45-year-old German has reportedly shown ‘small signs of progress’ in recent weeks, according to his manager Sabine Kehm.

“There are moments when he is awake and moments when he is conscious, which make us happy and give us great courage,” she said.

Marbella Fraudster Stole Dentities To Con Expat Out Of ‘Thousands’

A DUTCH fraudster stole the identity of a leading financial advisor to con tens of thousands of euros out of a British expat.

Operating in Malaga, the con-artist assumed the identity of a fund manager Harvey Sidhu at BlackRock – a globally recognised firm in London – even including an almost identical email address.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has now put a warning out on the scam following the Olive Press’s intervention.

It comes after retired businessman Mervyn Hopkins, who lives with his wife Cathy and children near Valencia, lost ‘tens of thousands of euros’ before realising he was being scammed.

He only rumbled the con when he was about to place another €10,000 into the investment fund and noticed that the account details were slightly different from previous times.

Then, after confirming the ruse from the real BlackRock company, he attempted to turn the tables on his scammer claiming he needed to withdraw money due to illness.

Barcelona’s Transfer Ban Suspended

The current La Liga champions were originally hit with a 14-month transfer ban, as a result of singing international players younger than 18.

But Fifa’s appeal committee has now granted the ‘suspensive effect’ sought by Barcelona.

This leaves the club free to sign target David Luiz of Chelsea this summer as a replacement for captain Carles Puyol, who is set to call time on his career.

The chairman of the appeal committee, Larry Mussenden, said the decision was made because they would not be able to hear the case early enough to permit a final appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport before the transfer window opens on July 1.

Barcelona fans will be thrilled by this news as they look to pout a forgettable season behind them, having been defeated in the Copa del Rey final by rivals Real Madrid and knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid.

 "I hope Cristiano Ronaldo plays"...PEP

Josep Guardiola expressed his desire for Cristiano Ronaldo to be passed fit for tomorrow's Champions League semi-final first leg: "I hope Cristiano plays. It's a match in which we want to put on a show for the fans; people want to see the best players and there's no doubt he's one of them", the Bayern coach told reporters ahead of the clash at the Bernabéu.

Nevertheless, Guardiola believes 'Los Blancos' have several back-up options should CR7 be unavailable: "If he doesn't play, someone else with different qualities will. Isco is more about getting the ball into feet, whereas Cristiano is about bursting into space; he scores a lot more goals than Isco, but Isco gives you more fluency in your play".

At Madrid 0  0 Chelsea

Gowan Said That Nigeria Is In A Civil War

 

General Yakubu Gowon, who led Nigeria through a 30-month civil war, yesterday, lamented that the country had fallen into full scale civil war with the spate of crises in the northeast.

His assertion was corroborated by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU.

The assertions came as the governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shetima lamented that the last seven days have been the worst in his life following the abduction of 129 girls from a secondary school in the state. He disclosed that seven more girls had escaped from the hideout of the Boko Haram insurgents bringing the number of those remaining in captivity of the Islamic insurgents to 77.

Human Rights Gruops To Close Over ‘FOreign Agent Label

The Constitutional Court, based in St. Petersburg, has upheld the controversial law requiring some nongovernmental organizations with foreign funding to register as “foreign agents,” while an affiliate of the prominent Memorial human rights group faces closure after being labeled a foreign agent by another St. Petersburg court.

The Kremlin has argued that the foreign agent law would prevent foreign governments from interfering in Russian politics, while its critics have described it as part of a massive government crackdown on civil society.

Almost all Russian NGOs targeted by the law, which was passed in 2012, have refused to comply with it, calling the legislation illegitimate and unconstitutional.

So far, the only organization that has registered as a foreign agent is a little-known group called the Promotion of Competition in CIS Countries. Some of the groups that have rejected the label have been ordered by courts to pay fines.

ST. PETERSBURG WINS 8 AWARDS AT GOLDEN MASK FESTIVAL

The Golden Mask Festival awards ceremony, which unfolded over a leisurely three hours on Friday at the Bolshoi Theater, had plenty of surprises.

The biggest jolt however came when guests entered the hall to find it absolutely empty. Instead of sitting in the stalls, spectators were directed to a grandstand on the stage itself. The backdrop for the entire evening was the spectacular sight of the curving balconies, the glistening chandeliers, the gold-embossed facades, and the rich velvet drapes hanging in prestigious boxes.

It was a sight most of us mere mortals will never forget.

So moving was it, that Dmitry Chernyakov, an opera director presenting awards, gave a humorous speech about the first time he attended the Bolshoi. He pointed to the last balcony and told of the time he bought a ticket with obstructed view for 80 kopeks, and was forever after enchanted by the magic of opera.

Lyudmila Maksakova, an actress announcing the best foreign production award, explained what a moving experience it was for her to stand on the Bolshoi stage where her mother was a soloist for 30 years.

China On Course To Become 'World's Most Christian Nation

It is said to be China's biggest church and on Easter Sunday thousands of worshippers will flock to this Asian mega-temple to pledge their allegiance – not to the Communist Party, but to the Cross.

The 5,000-capacity Liushi church, which boasts more than twice as many seats as Westminster Abbey and a 206ft crucifix that can be seen for miles around, opened last year with one theologian declaring it a "miracle that such a small town was able to build such a grand church".

The £8 million building is also one of the most visible symbols of Communist China's breakneck conversion as it evolves into one of the largest Christian congregations on earth.

"It is a wonderful thing to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It gives us great confidence," beamed Jin Hongxin, a 40-year-old visitor who was admiring the golden cross above Liushi's altar in the lead up to Holy Week.

"If everyone in China believed in Jesus then we would have no more need for police stations. There would be no more bad people and therefore no more crime," she added.

Spanish policemen Face Prison For 'Torturing' 2 Britons 

Four members of the Spanish police are on trial facing long prison sentences for allegedly torturing two British holidaymakers while in custody.

Public prosecutors in Majorca are pressing for a combined 26 year sentence for a captain and three officers of Spain’s Civil Guard who are said to have intimidated and brutally attacked the two detainees in 2009.

The two Brits were arrested after a pub brawl on the Balearic island during which one of them allegedly knocked out the off-duty sergeant, Spain's El País newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Once taken back to the custody suite, prosecutors say the three men under his command, and the sergeant himself then intimidated and brutally attacked the detainees.

The Brits were then purportedly beaten with a truncheon and bare fists and were also humiliated. Both sustained arm fractures, bruising and facial injures and had to be taken to hospital twice during the night of their arrest.

Atletico Maintain Title Push With Elche Win

After a poor opening period from the hosts, they wasted a great chance to go in front 10 minutes after the break as David Villa's penalty was saved by Manu Herrera.

The league leaders did eventually make the breakthrough 19 minutes from time when Miranda headed home Jose Sosa's cross and Diego Costa converted a second Atletico penalty of the night late on after Christian Sapunaru was sent-off for Elche.

Victory moves Atletico six points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table and within three wins of sealing the title.

Los Rojiblancos' attention now turns to facing Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

"The players put in a great effort and now we have to recover as best we can for the game on Tuesday," said Atletico boss Diego Simeone.

"It is a very important game for the club, the fans and the history of Atletico Madrid."

People Are Being Unfair To Messi: Barça Chief

Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted that Messi should not have been singled out for blame as Barcelona's season has slowly unravelled in recent weeks.

"I think people are being unfair to Leo Messi," Bartomeu told Spanish TV3.

"He has led us to so many wins in recent years. He has led the team, and done so very well and we have no doubt that he will continue to lead the club into the future.

"He's a young player, the best in the world and we have every faith in him."

Messi came in for flak after Barcelona were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid, lost 1-0 to Getafe and then slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey.

But Bartomeu said that the club would have no hesitation in handing Messi a new deal.

"He has a contract until 2018 but we want to make him an offer because we need to adapt to the current situation in football," said the president.

Jesus Not Coming Back By The Looks Of It ---Vatican

The Vatican has officially announced today that the second coming of Jesus, the only son of the God, may not happen now after all, but urged followers to still continue with their faith, regardless of the news.

Cardinal Giorgio Salvadore told WWN that this years 1,981st anniversary is to be the Vatican’s last in regards to waiting for the Lord to return to Earth.

“We just feel Jesus is not coming back by the looks of it.” he said. “It’s been ages like. He’s probably flat out doing other really good things for people somewhere else.”

Nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus promised his disciples that he would come again in chapter John 14:1-3 of the bible:

 “There are many homes up where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with Me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly”

US Senators Support Moldova Move To EU

U.S. Sens. John McCain, John Barrasso, John Hoeven and Ron Johnson met with Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca to discuss energy security and how to attract U.S. investments to Moldova.

McCain said the U.S. officials are preparing "much tougher sanctions against Putin and are ready to apply them if he doesn't stop the provocations in the region."

He said he did not think it was likely Russia would invade Moldova, but said it could not be ruled out.

"We will never ever, ever allow Russia and (President) Vladimir Putin to deprive the people of Moldova of their liberty and right to determine their own future," he told students at the Academy of Economic Studies.

Robbers Invade UNIOSUN Hostels, Church, Rape Students

SUSPECTED armed robbers invaded private hostels of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, in the early hours of Friday, beating the occupants and making away with their possessions like cash, laptops and mobile phones.

They said that some female occupants of the hostels, located outside the campus, were raped during the attack.

A source said efforts by some male students to resist the attack were futile, given the sophisticated arms carried by the bandits.

The bandits also visited a church in the area during a vigil and ransacked the place.

The head of the church, Reverend John Ojo, told Saturday Tribune that the robbers chased out the worshippers, who included students of the university, during the vigil.

Spanish Restaurant To Be World's Most Expensive

The Spanish party island of Ibiza will soon house the most expensive restaurant on the planet, where a meal for one will cost the (not so) lucky customer a staggering €1,500 ($2075).

Spain can already boast having the best restaurant in the world thanks to the Roca brothers’ Celler de Can Roca eatery (awarded first prize by prestigious UK magazine Restaurant).

A gourmet menu there costs foodies an average €165, a pittance compared to what customers at the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza will have to pay for their “avant-garde gastronomy”.

Set to open on June 1st, the Sublimotion’s €1,500 menus will be served up by Paco Roncero, a Spanish chef with two Michelin stars under his belt.

As a symbol of its exclusivity, only twelve guests will be served every night.

Spain Ejects Seven Illegal Migrants From Island

Spain on Wednesday sent back to Morocco seven sub-Saharan African migrants who arrived at an uninhabited Spanish island near the Moroccan coast on an inflatable boat, officials said.

The migrants were spotted by Spanish soldiers on Tuesday shortly after they landed on Congress Island about four kilometres (2.5 miles) off Morocco.

The soldiers gave the migrants food and water and they were returned to Morocco after medical checks determined they were in good health, the Spanish government's representative in Melilla, which is close to the island, said in a statement.

Spain has two exclaves on Africa's northern Mediterranean coast, Melilla and Ceuta, and several tiny islands off it.

Plot To Witchhunt Me –Sanusi

The suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has alleged that the planned investigation by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) was to witchhunt him.

Sanusi made this claim while adopting  and arguing his case in a suit he filed against FRCN and its secretary challenging the legality of the plan to investigate him over alleged financial recklessness at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

The plaintiff is also alleging that apart from the fact that the principle of fair hearing was ignored, he had been nailed already even before the commencement of the investigation against him.

APC Congress Turns Violent 

The  All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress to elect ward leaders yesterday in Kaduna turned violent, as hoodlums hijacked the ballot boxes and confronted each other with dangerous weapons.

At the LEA Primary School, Mallali, Kaduna North Local Government Area , thugs freely engaged in a free for all and several people sustained  machete cuts.

One of the victims, Sunday Ishaya Dauda said, he was  not a member of the APC and was not aware of the congress but when he heard that his younger brother went to the convention venue, he dashed to the spot only to find his brother being beaten by a group of people and was lying down in his own pool of blood.

Giving details of the incident, Hajiya Aisha Umar an INEC Official in Kaduna North Local Government said she was detailed from her office to monitor the convention at Malali ward.

Transdnestr Asks UN To Recognize Independence From Moldova

The parliament of Moldova's self-proclaimed Transdnestr republic has appealed to Russia, the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, or OSCE, to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed state following an earlier request to include it in legislation drafted to facilitate the annexation of Crimea.

The official appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the State Duma and the Federation Council, as well as the two international bodies, cited a 2006 referendum in the separatist region in favor of joining Russia, Interfax reported Thursday.

Some 97 percent of voters in Transdnestr, a breakaway strip of land wedged between Ukraine and Moldova with a population of less than half a million people, had cast ballots for the right to join Russia.

Turkey Open To South Stream Pipeline Discussions

Turkey would consider allowing the South Stream pipeline, which will carry natural gas from Russia to Europe, to pass through Turkish territory if Moscow made such a request, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said on Wednesday.

The subject is one of a series of issues ranging from increased gas supply and gas price revisions to nuclear power that Turkey and Russia are set to take up in talks in Ankara next week, according to Turkish officials.

The future of the 2,400 kilometers South Stream line from Russia via the Black Sea to Europe, avoiding Ukraine, has been cast into doubt because of the crisis over Russia's annexation of Crimea.

"We are open to assessing any request for the line to pass through Turkey's territory," Yildiz told reporters when asked about the South Stream project.

The Black And Orange Ribbon Of Putin's Army

Russian propaganda avows that the ribbon — known as the St. George ribbon in Russia — symbolizes the Soviet Union's "Great Victory" in World War II. Yet, the connection between President Vladimir Putin and "Putinism" to that victory remains unclear, especially because the St. George ribbon first gained use as a propaganda tool as recently as May 9, 2005. That was when the pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi had college students and school children hand out a huge amount of the ribbons to passers-by in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in World War II. 

That initiative set off an unexpected wave of patriotism across the country: Russians everywhere tied the ribbons to their jackets, cars and apartment balconies, and this fervor continued for a full year after the anniversary had passed. Those ribbons made headlines for a second time following the rigged State Duma elections in 2011, which sparked a series of mass anti-Putin demonstrations in Moscow.

Barcenas Begins To Crack Under Pressure Of PP Slush Fund Trial

The former government moneyman allegedly refused to put his handcuffs behind his back when he was led to a court hearing this week, insisting: ‘I am not a criminal’.

It comes as it emerged that every regional branch of the PP party around Spain had a separate secret cash accounting system, controlled by Barcenas.

And Judge Pablo Ruz declared that he and his wife amassed their personal fortune through the secret slush fund he controlled on behalf of the party.

Ruz, who has been investigating Barcenas and his secret ledgers detailing the payments, has issued a writ that states he diverted money from PP accounts to his own.

Swiss bank accounts holding more than €48.2 million were discovered in his name.

Barcenas has been in custody since June 27 for arranging illegal payments to politicians from the slush funds.

The funds were made up with donations from corrupt businessmen given in exchange for bumper contracts.

For as long as Barcenas managed finances for his party, key ministers, including Prime Minister Rajoy, would receive an envelope each month containing between €5,000 and €10,000 in cash.

Bale Scored The Wining Gaol

He came very close to scoring several times throughout the game, but eventually found the back of the net as a grand finale, precisely when his team were struggling the most. Gareth Bale put away one of those goals that mark a player's career, that prove their worth.

Minute 84. Barça had tightened their grip after scoring the equaliser. Madrid then found a way through on the left flank. Gareth Bale picked up the ball and raced full pelt past Bartra, who had netted for Barça. There was a foul by the central defender but Bale continued his sprint around on the outside of the pitch. Bartra recovered, but did not get there in time to close down the Real Madrid forward. The Welshman threw himself forward in front of the young centre-back and clipped the ball into the 'Azulgranas' goal with his toe, slipping the finish underneath Pinto. Euphoria erupted in the Madrid section of the Mestalla, the fans having watched with bated breath since Bartra's equaliser.

It was Bale's fifth goal opportunity of the match. He had two in the opening minutes of the first half and two after the interval. He had been on the brink of glory earlier, but saved the best for last. A historic goal that raised the roof at the Mestalla.

"It's A Very Heavy Blow For Barcelona"

Tata Martino was disappointed by the defeat: "Madrid won, period. We congratulate them. We have to fight for 'La Liga' after a bad week".

The Argentine was left feeling dejected: "It's a very heavy blow because we had high expectations for today's game".

His take on the game: "We had control, we lacked a bit of cutting edge, we paid dearly for two counterattacks".

The coach sees a positive future for the club: "People feel hurt when we lose and look at the age of these players, but Barça have a bright future".

Apologise Or Face Litigation

A former head of state and a chief of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has issued a seven-day

ultimatum to the Peoples Democratic Party, to retract its wild accusation linking him with the Boko Haram terrorist acts, tender an unreserved public apology to him or face a legal action.

In a statement personally signed in Kaduna on Thursday Buhari said, “I cannot sit back and allow my image, and that of my political party be smeared by falsehood in the name of politics.”

He said the widely publicised and very serious allegations made against him by the PDP and its spokesman, Olisa Metuh, to the effect that his utterances were responsible for the current state of insecurity and terrorism bedeviling Nigeria, were absolutely without basis.

Dr Orj Uzo Kalu Met With IBB Over Insecurity

Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu met with former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida(rtd) and Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State in Minna. Dr. Kalu and General Babangida met  behind closed doors.

According to Kalu, issues about 2015 and the future of Nigeria were also discussed during the parley. The duo had their meeting at the luxurious mansion of the former leader. Emerging from the talks which lasted for over two hours, Dr Kalu told anxious journalists  that he was in Minna to have a heart-to-heart parley with General Babaginda on how to end the bloodshed.

The former Abia governor faulted claims that the killings in the North-East were targeted at the Igbo. He said it was a Nigerian problem and therefore, needed the support of everyone to find lasting solutions.

Gunmen Suspected To Be Radical Islamist Abducted More Than 100 Schoolgirls

Gunmen suspected to be members of the radical Islamist movement Boko Haram swooped on Chibok town in Borno state and on its nearby all-girls government secondary school late on Monday, calling on the students to leave their beds in the hostel.

The mass abduction of schoolgirls aged between 15 and 18 has shocked Nigeria and showed how the five-year-old Boko Haram insurgency has brought lawlessness to swathes of the arid, poor northeast, killing hundreds of people in recent months.

It occurred the same day a bomb blast, also blamed on Boko Haram, killed 75 people on the edge of the capital Abuja, stirring fears of violence spreading from the north of Africa's No. 1 oil producer and most populous nation.

Nearly 300 People Were Still Missing

Nearly 300 people were still missing Wednesday several hours after a ferry carrying 477, most of them high school students, sank in cold waters off South Korea's southern coast, killing at least two and injuring seven, officials said.

A government official earlier said that more than 100 people were still unaccounted for, but officials later changed the number to 295.

There were fears of a big jump in the death toll, as dozens of boats, helicopters and divers scrambled to rescue passengers who had been on the ferry traveling to the southern tourist island of Jeju. One passenger said he believed that many people had been trapped inside the ferry when it sank.