Video U.S. President Barack Obama warns Russia against launching a military intervention against Ukraine.

As the situation in Ukraine's autonomous republic of Crimea escalated on Feb. 28, U.S. President Barack Obama warned that "there will be costs" for any military intervention in Ukraine.Watch the video

Chris Brown Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

Troubled singer Chris Brown has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders that he is receiving medications for. In other words, when Brown is off his meds he is a ticking time bomb.
Gossip blog TMZ reports Brown’s diagnoses was revealed in documents filed with the court by the in-patient treatment facility where he stayed for 95 days. Brown attended a hearing today at Los Angeles Superior Court. The new documents explained how well Brown responded to therapy for his anger-related issues.

Vic O Shows Off his very Beautiful Girlfriend on Twitter (Photo)

Vic O may not be as handsome as Alex Ekubo but his girlfriend, Cynthia, may definitely be finer than yours. lol. Singer Vic O just shared a wonderful picture of his very beautiful woman on Twitter.
See Cynthia's photo after the jump

Kidnappers Demand N500m Ransom To Free Jonathan's Uncle

 According to Sahara Reporters:
Abductors of Inengite Nitabai, the 70-year old uncle of President Goodluck Jonathan, have demanded a N500m ransom.
A security source said that the abductors threatened to kill him if the family fails to produce the money. And that the kidnappers had also warned against the involvement of security operatives in the matter.
Tension and panic set in when the kidnappers failed to establish any contact with the family of their victim three days after he was abducted. That development was said to have rattled the Presidency, which reportedly ordered a massive deployment of security in Otuoke, the hometown of the Jonathans, and the Niger Delta creeks. Eventually, the kidnappers contacted the family four days after and demanded a whopping sum of N500m.
It is believed that the family of the victim has begun negotiations with the hoodlums, the source said.

Russia may take away steep natural gas discount it was giving Ukraine, says former Kremlin adviser

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no incentive to interfere militarily in Ukraine and cannot be blamed for “inflaming the situation” that led to the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych, former Kremlin adviser Alexander Nekrassov told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday.

“Why would Putin want to have instability in Ukraine, which is bordering Russia?”

“The infighting has started” in the new interim government, Nekrassov said. “It will continue.”

Nekrassov worked for President Boris Yeltsin during the massive upheaval of the 90s, and more recently he's been an advisor to the Russian Government on closer ties with the west.
Ukraine remains in the grip of crisis three days after a popular uprising drove President Viktor Yanukovych from power.

The opposition has again delayed naming a new interim government after pledging to do so Tuesday.

There are discouraging reports of political disarray and parliamentary squabbling, and the ousted president is still missing.

Yanukovych “had only one year left in office,” Nekrassov said. “He would have probably lost that election. Why was there need for sudden change of power?”

“You know, President Hollande of France is even less popular. We don’t call on him to be removed.”
As if to say, ‘You made your bed, now lie in it,’ Nekrassov said that Russia cannot be blamed for not worrying about instability in the new Ukrainian government.

“I’m sorry, they decided to take power. They ousted an elected president. He can be a bad president, some people say, but he was elected.”

Near-constant protests in Ukraine were sparked last November when then-President Yanukovych made a sudden decision not to sign a trade agreement that he had negotiated with the European Union.

“The European Union started this debate after the deal was not signed by Yanukovych,” Nekrassov told Amanpour. “The EU started blackmailing the government in Ukraine, and saying you have to choose between Russia or us.”

Russia itself pledged the financially wrought Ukraine a $15 billion loan after Yanukovych backed out of the EU deal.

The EU-Ukraine trade deal, Nekrassov said, was a “very bad” one.

“I was advising the finance minister. I read that agreement. It was terrible. It would have destroyed Ukraine’s industry, and it would have caused a lot of grief. So that was his legal right not to sign it.”

Russia has in many ways been Ukraine’s lifeline, including a deal to give the country cheap  natural gas. Now that Yanukovych is no longer president, Nekrassov said that could all be off the table.

“The agreement with the previous regime was, yes, that the gas prices were, would be 30 per cent lower. Now this new regime has not discussed anything with Moscow.”

“So we don’t know what is going to happen, and Russia has all the right to sell the gas for world market prices.”

Acting Ukrainian President Olexander Turchinov warned that his country is “sliding into the abyss,” facing a catastrophic default because it is in such a deep financial hole.

“They are not professionals,” Nekrassov said of the interim government “I don’t really see how they are going to change anything.”

“The worst thing that could happen is that if it finds problems in raising money or getting a proper unity government, they will start using this sort of threat of attack by Russia as a policy, rather than just statement.”

“That would be dangerous.”

Russian threatens Ukraine as Yanukovych missing

Ukraine's president remained in hiding Monday with a mass murder arrest warrant on his head as Russia said the turmoil in Ukraine represented a threat to its own citizens.
Viktor Yanukovych was last seen in the pro-Russia region of Crimea on Sunday when he relinquished his official security detail and shut down communication, Interior Minister Arsen Avakhov said. He said Yanukovych and his aides were all being investigated for murder in anti-government protests in which more than 100 died.

Meanwhile, the parliament in Kiev set new elections of May, well ahead of the December ones that Yanukovych had agreed to, and it reached out to Europe and the West for financial assistance for its ailing economy.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton met Monday with Ukraine parliament speaker Oleksandr Turchinov, the country's acting president who said he hoped to form a unity government by Tuesday to calm a nation jittery over Russian threats and angry about an apparent lavish lifestyle led by the ousted regime.

"I wish he would be punished for all he did, all the blood he shed," said grandmother Tamara Pokyska, who was lining up to board a bus for a tour of Yanukovych's compound near Kiev.

"I was here from the first day and I was here with my grandson when they burned the square and I can't forget it," she said, crying.

"He should be executed," said Stanislaw Castaca, a volunteer  at a clothes distribution point for protesters. "But we should also thank him – he united the people in different regions – places that don't normally get along – against him."

Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev questioned the legitimacy of the new Ukrainian authorities on Monday and alleged that the new regime in Ukraine came to power as a result of "armed mutiny."

He lashed out at what he called the European Union's recognition of the new authorities as an "aberration of consciousness." He said Russia would be ready to resume relations with Ukraine once it sees a "normal, modern government based on laws and constitution of Ukraine."

"If you consider Kalashnikov-toting people in black masks who are roaming Kiev to be the government, then it will be hard for us to work with that government," he said.

He said Russia's decision to recall its ambassador in Kiev for consultations meant that "there is a threat for our interests, and for life and health of our people in the embassy."

But the new government in Ukraine was approved in a vote by a vast majority of the elected parliament, including many members of Yanukovych's ruling party. Those with the guns in the streets for months have been the government troops and its irregular forces, not protesters.
CULLED from USA TODAY

President of Uganda signs Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law

It's my job to keep you updated, so here's what's up at the moment, dearies - Uganda's President Museveni has signed the country's anti-gay bill into law, despite warnings from US President Barack Obama that it would “complicate our valued relationship” and will mark a “step backward” for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on the country’s commitment to protect the human rights of its people.”

The bill states that first-time offenders will be sentenced to 14 years in jail. Then life imprisonment for repeat
offenders, as well as acts involving a minor, a disabled person or where one partner is infected with HIV.
The bill originally proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts, but that was later removed amid international criticism.

In December last year, Uganda’s Parliament passed  the bill but President Yoweri Museveni said he would only sign the bill into law if he had proof that gay people are ‘made’ and ‘not born’ into their sexuality. And last week he changed his stand, saying a team of Ugandan scientists had reported that there is no evidence that homosexuality is caused by genetics.

However, over the weekend in South Africa, former archbishop Desmond Tutu had criticised President Museveni for supporting the bill, describing it as “evil”.

Australia's Next Top Model presenter commits suicide after receiving abuse on Twitter

Australian TV star and former model Charlotte Dawson killed herself after receiving abuse from vicious trolls on Twitter just hours before she died. (left is the last pic of her which she posted on her Instagram page on Friday, a day before she killed herself)

Famed for TV shows such as 'Australia's Next Top Model, the New Zealand-born star, 47, had a history of depression.

She was found dead in her Sydney apartment yesterday morning February 22nd. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances. She had taken prescription tablets with wine and tweeted: 'you win' in a suicide note to her cyber tormentors.

In 2012, she was admitted to a Sydney hospital after a suicide attempt following an ongoing tirade of abuse on Twitter.

 She later made fighting bullying her personal mission, waging an anti-bullying media campaign on television and radio and in newspapers and magazines as well as her beloved Twitter.

Her efforts and high public profile on the issue were recognised by the National Rugby League, a major Australian football association, which last year made her an anti-bullying ambassador.

 Dawson revealed in her 2012 autobiography 'Air Kiss & Tell' that she was frequently visited by the 'depression bogeyman'.

She had long graced the pages of women's gossip magazines and scenes in reality TV shows. Her modeling career had taken her to Italy, Britain and Germany during the 1980s. 

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key tweeted he was 'shocked and saddened' by the news of her death.

The Sun-Herald newspaper in Sydney reported Sunday that her body was found only minutes before her luxury waterside apartment was due to be sold at auction. 

Culled UK Daily Mail

Nigerian student murdered in Ghana

A Nigerian student studying in Ghana has been found murdered. Godwin Ayogu (pictured above), a 300level student of Social Sciences at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana was killed by unknown person/s and his body dumped by the roadside.

Godwin, said to be in his early 20s, was last seen on Tuesday February 18th at the university. His body was found on Wednesday February 19th. 

According to his friends, Godwin, who was the first child of his parents, had been planning to return to Nigeria on Wednesday to spend time with his family when his body was found. The Ghanaian police say they are investigating the case, but many of his friends fear the case will be swept under the carpet so they reached out to the Nigerian media. May his soul RIP

Pastor Cho Yong-gi of One of the World's Largest Churches Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Embezzlement

The Rev. Cho Yong-gi, founder and pastor emeritus of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world, has been sentenced to three years in prison for embezzling church funds.

Cho was found guilty of causing $12 million in losses to the church by having officials in 2002 buy stocks owned by his eldest son, Cho Hee-jun, at four times the market value, Yonhap reported on Thursday.

The 78-year-old pastor, who founded the church in 1958, will also have to pay about $4.6 million in fines. The junior Cho will also be serving a three-year prison term for colluding with his father, the Seoul Central District Court ruled.

According to The Gospel Herald, Cho was also found to have been evading 35 billion won (US $3.3 million) in taxes. The elderly pastor first came under investigation in 2011 when he was accused by 29 church elders of embezzling church funds and privatizing church assets.

Cho was apparently given a light sentence by the Seoul court because of his long-standing contributions to society, and will have a five-year stay of execution.

Video: Arowolo Bursts into Tears, Prayers after He was Sentenced to Death by hanging

On Friday 21st February 2014, Akolade Arowolo was sentenced to death by hanging at a Lagos High Court in Ikeja for the murder of his wife Titilayo in 2011.


Channels TV was present outside the courtroom. They filmed the 32-year old clutching his bible and singing praises, before breaking down in tears.

Chris Brown Extends His Rehab Stay

Back in October Chris Brown voluntarily entered rehab for anger management shortly after getting arrested in Washington D.C for attacking a fan
Though the program is compete Chris has opted to extend his stay...

A source tells E! News exclusively that even though the R&B superstar has completed his court-ordered 90 days in rehab, he has decided to stay at the facility for further treatment.

"It was his choice," the source reveals to E! News. "He will come out soon."

Yanukovych says he won't resign; parliament appoints Turchynov as acting prime minister

Despite numerous reports,that Ukraine’s embattled President Viktor Yanukovych has resigned on Feb. 22 and fled the country, Yanukovych appeared on television to say that he was in fact in Kharkiv and had no plan to leave office.

His multimillion-dollar Mezyhyria manson north of Kyiv was abandoned at 2 a.m. today, according to security guards.
However, his loyal adviser, member of parliament Hanna Herman, says Yanukovych has not resigned. The report that he quit came from opposition member of parliament Ivan Kyrylenko,
Police forces pulled out from the city, leaving many government buildings unguarded.

The Interior Ministry issued a statement today saying that the police support the people of Ukraine and mourn the nearly 100 lives lost in anti-government protests since January, including 49 on Feb. 20.

In a quick spate of votes during the emergency parliamentary session today, lawmakers - besides appointing Turchynov as speaker and prime minister and Arsen Avakov as interior minister - also voted to free imprisoned former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and were considering voting to impeach the president before breaking until 4 p.m.
“The failure to sign the laws is absolutely valid grounds for Yanukovych's immediate resignation,” Yatseniuk said, adding that the president was supposed to sign the bills “as early as yesterday.”

Rumors swirled in the morning that Yanukovych had flown by private jet to Kharkiv, his stronghold in eastern Ukraine, or perhaps abroad, someplace in the United Arab Emirates. None of these could be confirmed. However, he has not been seen in public and members of parliament said they don't know his whereabouts.

Herman, the Yanukovych advisor, told the Kyiv Post that the president was in Kharkiv but would not be taking part in a meeting planned by the regional governor to discuss separating the eastern part of the country from the west.


But her words conflicted with those of a top Party of Regions member of parliament and longtime Yanukovych loyalist, who said that the president was not in the country.
Culled from Kyivpost

6 Reasons Why Every Young Girl Should Date Older Men

The 20-something dating pool might have an abundance of tanned, toned, fist-pumping man candy. But if you really want a taste of the sweet life, girl, consider finding yourself an older hottie to date.

Growing up, I dated half a dozen guys who were all 10 to 15 years older than me (I drew the line at 17 years for some reason, anything over 20 began to feel a little too familial for me), before I found "the one" and finally felt like I was on the right track to finding love.

I know what you're thinking -- how could I give up the ripped hard-bodies, nowhere near bald-heads of directionless 20-something men, whose idea of a date was going Dutch at the local bar where their roving eyes would be forever scanning the room to see if someone better 

was about to walk by, for an older guy who would essentially possess none of those traits?

Well here's why dating and eventually marrying a financially stable, older guy truly does rock, and supersedes any of the drawbacks one might think go along with the older lover package.

1. YOUTH

He will always be older than you. There's nothing wrong with having a little leverage when it comes to your relationships -- youth will always be on your side. At least you'll never have to worry about him leaving you for a younger woman... unless he's interested in dating a fetus.

2. FINANCIAL SECURITY

I know it doesn't sound very sexy, but when bills need to be paid, those washboard abs will be the last thing you're thinking about.

3. YOU GET OFF:

 He’s confident in bed. He knows what he’s doing … and if he doesn’t by then, well, then he’s hopeless and you don’t have to waste your time trying to teach him.

4. WISDOM

Having a solid 10 to 15 years more experience of living on this planet than you do, he might be able to school you on a few historical facts (ones that happened way before you were even born) that will always supply you with great conversational tidbits at parties.

5. EXPERIENCE

Although he may be a little set in his ways, those "ways" are steeped in years of experience, and he has truly done the test-driving for you. He can teach you the best way to uncork a bottle of wine, he'll always remember to rotate the tires on your car and will have your anniversary date burned into his brain (having perhaps forgotten to do so with his previous relationship and having suffered the inevitable consequences).

6. DEVOTION

Feeling so incredibly lucky to have snagged a pretty young thing like you, and because he's waited so long to find his one true love, he will (for the most part) devote himself to you.

Now, I'm not recommending you find yourself a 90-year-old billionaire a la Anna Nicole Smith. But don’t spend another night lying on your couch eating ribs and ice-cream, lamenting about all the time, effort and money wasted on yet another failed relationship. Next time you find yourself pining over the young and the restless, take it from me: Having an older lover sure is sweet. 

Tymoshenko, ex-Ukraine prime minister, to go free after 30 months in prison

Parliament voted to free ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko from prison by decriminalizing the article in the criminal procedural code under which she was convicted.

 A constitutional majority of 310 lawmakers from a cross-section of different parties, including the Communists, voted for the measure. This makes the legislation veto-proof, preventing President Viktor Yanukovych from blocking the move. Yanukovych is widely blamed for ordering the imprisonment of his political rival.

The bill that parliament passed included other articles of the criminal procedural code that were decriminalized.

Batkivshchyna Party lawmaker Oleksandr Turchynov, a close ally of Tymoshenko and her former deputy prime minister, said the articles were not cancelled but "are being brought in line with European legislation" in accordance with recommendations from multiple international institutions.

Tymoshenko has been in prison since August 2011 and was convicted for abuse of office stemming from a gas deal she brokered two years earlier with Russia. Many leaders in the West and even in Russia questioned the veracity of her trial and labeled her conviction a sham.

Tymoshenko's lawyer, Serhiy Vlasenko, said that within 10 days after the law comes into effect the prosecutor general must file a petition in court to release her. Then the court must free her since there are no legal reasons to keep her behind bars anymore. The entire procedure may take up to two weeks. Once free, Tymoshenko will be able to run for political office again because she will have no criminal record.

Vlasenko said Tymoshenko will need at least two months of post-prison rehabilitation for her back problems in order to regain normal mobility.

"I hope Yulia Volodymyrivna walks free and comments to you in person," Vlasenko said.

However, Vlasenko raised the possible threat by Yanukovych and his "pet prosecutor" Viktor Pshonka of other criminal cases being opened against her. "It's easier for him to accuse her of a million new crimes than allow her to go free," the lawyer said.

Timothy Ash, head of research for emerging markets at Standard Bank in London, called today's developments -- return to 2004 constitution, presidential electiosn by December and the release of Tymoshenko -- as creating "staggering momentum now in Ukraine."

Ash wrote that Tymoshenko "was imprisoned in 2011 on spurious charges, in a case which was seen as the selective application of justice and has continued to sour relations with the West...I expect her to want to return to front line politics in Ukraine, after a brief spell of medical treatment, likely in Germeny. This will create some short term euphoria, but Russia's reactions remains key and critical still. It seems evident that Western assistance will now be forthcoming for the new administration - they may even sign the association agreement and free trade agreement with the European Union."

Ash also said that "events in Ukraine are proving to be a huge personal defeat for Putin - taking some of the shine off the Sochi Winter Olympics. I don't think he will take this likely and we should ultimately expect some counter reaction. Remember 2005, after the Orange Revolution, when Russia in effect imposed an economic blockade to undermine the first Orange administration (of President Viktor Yushchenko and Tymoshenko). Something similar is likely from Russia this time around, as Ukraine now tries to break free again from Putin's grip."

Skales joins Timaya’s Dem Mama Records, moves into his House

Skales has exited Banky W‘s Empire Mates Entertainment label.
The rising rap star’s 3-year contract expired and the label decided not to continue working with him.

Recent reports indicate that “Mukulu” singer is already an artiste under Timaya‘s Dem Mama Records.

A source reveals to Hip Hip World Magazine that there are strong indications that Skales and the self proclaimed Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, will be working together.

Skales is also said to have moved in with Timaya. “He may be signing with Dem Mama Records soon, he has moved in with him,” the source revealed.

In January, Skales shared this photo of Timaya at his house. “Look who came by ma crib DS morning of cus ma daddy” he captioned it.

EU announce sanctions and talks with President Viktor Yanukovych set to resume

The protesters started to bury the dead. Dozens were killed including a number of policemen as the clashes erupted. According to reports hundreds were treated in hospitals. Claims from the interior ministry said a number of police were being held hostage.

The anti-government protesters regained territory they had lost and started to dig in. President Viktor Yaunkovych it’s reported has agreed to elections this year after a meeting with the Polish, French and German foreign ministers. Talks are set to resume to discuss a roadmap for ending the crisis. “We hope for a result,” said one opposition leader, Vitaly Klitschko. On independence square fear was the over riding emotion.

“Of course I am afraid. Everyone is afraid but if people don’t do anything we will be even more afraid. Everybody understands this, that’s why we are here,” said one protester  while another added: “Bricks and Molotov cocktails are the self-defence weapons for people to protect themselves from the Berkut (riot police)who beat and kill people.”

There has been no definitive reason as to what sparked the bloodshed.

As night fell it was announced the European Union had agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the deadly violence with a warning it would ratchet up the pressure if the situation got worse.

Ukranian skier says country’s president should be ‘jailed’

KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia — A Ukrainian skier has withdrawn from the Olympics in response to the deaths of anti-government protesters in her country.
“I don’t want to participate when in my country people die,” Bogdana Matsotska told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The 24-year-old skier is refusing to ski Friday in the slalom, which is her third and best event at the Sochi Olympics.
Matsotska wants to leave the Olympics immediately to join protesters in the camp known as Maidan in Kiev's Independence Square, but said she has been unable to book a flight home.

“I am in Maidan but just with my soul,” she said.
The two-time Olympian explained her frustration with Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych in an interview conducted in English and Russian.
“I think as a minimum he has to be jailed, and for a long time,” Matsotska said. “For all the lives that he took, for all the lives of innocent people that came peacefully to stand for their opinion.
“I hope that I will be heard by the world and that probably somebody will step in and will help,” she said.
Matsotska is remaining with Oleg Matsotskyy, her father and coach, in the athletes village in the mountains above Sochi.
“We made this decision together. It is really hard for a sportsman and coach,” she said. “The people are dying and my friends and family are there and I cannot race after all this in Ukraine going on.”
Matsotskyy posted a message in Ukrainian on his Facebook page in which he assailed Yanukovych’s latest actions.
“Instead of resolving the conflict through negotiations (which we had hoped he would when we left for Sochi), he has drenched the last hopes of the nation in blood,” the message read.
Matsotska was alerted to the fresh escalation of violence in Kiev by friends on Tuesday, hours after she raced to a 43rd-place finish in the giant slalom. She finished 27th in super-G last Saturday.
She said she could not sleep Tuesday night while worrying about friends and watching footage from Kiev online.
“As every person (in Maidan), I am afraid for my life but I hope I will never, ever be sorry about this decision,” said Matsotska, who wore Ukraine Olympic team clothing in national colors of yellow and pale blue, and with her fingernails painted pale blue.
Culled from washingtontimes

Ukrainian banking system operating as normal

Ukraine 's banking system is operating as normal, the press service of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has said.
please don't panic

Sanusi arrives Nigeria, passport seized but later released

Recently suspended CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has arrived from Niger Republic where he went to attend an ECOWAS event and is currently in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Sahara Reporter reports that his passport was seized on arrival at the airport but it was later released back to him after he argued that he wasn't a criminal. He then left the airport premises in company of Mallam Nasir El Eufai. See another pic of his convoy and SR updates of his arrival after the cut...

Death toll rising on Feb. 20 with at least 37 people killed in Ukraine, City administrator Makeenko quits Party of Regions, pledges allegiance to people

 Kyiv City administrator Volodymyr Makeenko quit the Party of Regions and pledged allegiance to the people of Ukraine. In a strong-worded statement released on Youtube, he said no power is worth human victims, and called on parliament deputies to "stand as human shields" between two warring sides.

Makeenko was appointed by the president on Jan. 25 to replace Oleksandr Popov, who was accused of being a part of the command chain that gave orders to disperse a peaceful demonstration on Nov. 30. A loyal Party of Regions member until today, Makeenko has been a parliament deputy of all convocations of the Verkhovna Rada.

Below is the full text of his statement.

"I, Volodymyr Makeenko, am addressing you personally, Mr. President, and personally to the leaders of law enforcement structures. The events that took place today in the capital of Ukraine are a tragedy for the whole Ukrainian people.

I am responsibly declaring that I am prepared to do everything possible for stopping the bloodshed and brother-killing in the heart of Ukraine, on Independence Square. Human lives have to be the greatest value in our state and nothing should stand in the way of this principle.

I have taken a decision to quit the ranks of the Party of Regions and take personal responsibility for the vital activity of Kyiv city. This is how my fate turn out that in this difficult time great responsibility is placed on me for every Kyivan. We have to be governed only by the interests of the people, this is the only way to preserve people's lives.

No power is worth human victims. None of the oligarchs have died, none of the politicians died. I, as head of the city administration, am taking care of burying tens of bodies of common people every day. I suggest that every parliament deputy, regardless of their party ticket, has to stand like a human shield between the citizens of Ukraine in uniforms, and the citizens of Ukraine in civil clothes for the sake of stopping military actions and bloodshed.

My highest aim is to preserve the lives of Ukrainians. I will continue to act as head of the city state administration for as long as the people of Ukraine trust me. There is no other way."

Lamido Sanusi speaks out After Suspension: “I Will Not Go Back to the Job”!

Earlier today President Jonathan via his representative, announced the suspension of CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
CNBC Africa got in touch with Lamido Sanusi. He speaks about the recent allegations by the government, his thoughts on the Nigerian economy, and the memorable moment of his tenure.

Beyonce Performs “XO” at 2014 Brit Awards Wearing Bulky Hip and Butt Pads

Every now and then American singer Beyonce will dust off her famed butt pads for one special performance. That performance took place tonight (London time) at the 2014 Brit Awards. The 33-year-old mom wore bulky butt and hip pads to fill out her gorgeous shimmering floor length gown. Much has been made about Beyonce’s drastic weight loss —

Confirmed: Skales Leaves Banky W’s EME Label

BankyW has confirmed the story. Nigerian rapper Skales is no more with Banky W's record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). Skales' contract expired and EME has decided not to extend their initial three-year contract with the rapper. Reason given is that EME thinks it won't be profitable.

President Jonathan suspends CBN governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

President Jonathan has suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and has appointed an acting Governor, Dr Sarah Alade, the most senior Deputy Governor of the CBN. This was made known in a State House Press Statement released this morning. Find it below...
Having taken special notice of reports of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and other investigating bodies, which indicate clearly that Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s tenure has been characterized by various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline;
Being also deeply concerned about far-reaching irregularities under Mallam Sanusi’s watch which have distracted the Central Bank away from the pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate; and

Being determined to urgently re-position the Central Bank of Nigeria for greater efficiency, respect for due process and accountability, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from the Office of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.  

President Jonathan has further ordered that Mallam Sanusi should hand over to the most senior Deputy Governor of the CBN, Dr Sarah Alade who will serve as Acting Governor until the conclusion of on-going investigations into breaches of enabling laws, due process and mandate of  the CBN.

The President expects that as Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Alade will focus on the core mandate of the Bank and conduct its affairs with greater professionalism, prudence and propriety to restore domestic and international confidence in the country’s apex bank.

The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures all stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial and monetary system that this decision has been taken in absolute good faith, in the overall interest of the Nigerian economy and in accordance with our laws and due process.  

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

EU SAGA: Nine dead as Ukrainian protesters clashes with police

Ukraine's political crisis took a deadly turn today, with at least nine people reported killed and others injured in violent clashes between protesters and police outside Ukraine's parliament.
Two policemen died, probably from gunshot wounds, as well as seven civilians, including three who were shot, Kiev city police spokeswoman Olha Bilyk told the Associated Press.
As darkness fell, opposition leaders warned that security forces may be preparing to clear a sprawling protest tent camp on Kiev's Independence Square. Law enforcement agencies vowed to bring order to the streets and shut down subway stations in the capital.
Yet an evening deadline set by the authorities to end street clashes passed and there was no immediate action to clear the camp.
Thousands of protesters streamed to the square to defend the camp, where Orthodox priests prayed for peace.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT






'We see that this regime again has begun shooting people; they want to sink Ukraine in blood. We will not give in to a single provocation,' opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk told the protesters. 'We will not take one step back from this square. We have nowhere to retreat to. Ukraine is behind us, Ukraine's future is behind us.'
Thousands of anti-government protesters clashed with police outside parliament as opposition lawmakers accused the government of stalling constitutional reform that would decrease the president's powers.
Protesters set fire to vehicles and threw rocks at police, who responded by firing rubber bullets and stun and smoke grenades from trucks and from the tops of buildings, forcing the protesters back by about 100 metres.
Three protesters died in the clashes, Oleh Musiy, a top medic for the protesters, told The Associated Press. Opposition lawmaker Lesya Orobets made the same statement on Twitter.