Wole Soyinka - Why I hate Snakes

Wole Soyinka: Why I hate snakes: http://youtu.be/x4iYjZVUcYc

Japan millionaire quizzed over cyanide death

CNN) - A 67-year-old woman who reportedly received millions in life insurance money from at least five of her previous partners has been arrested on suspicion of poisoning her last husband with cyanide -- the latest high-profile case in Japan involving so-called "black widows."

Chisako Kakehi, who benefited to the tune of 800 million yen ($6.8 million) over the past 20 years, according to Japanese media, denies any wrongdoing.

"I didn't kill him. I don't know how to kill ..." she told police, according to CNN affiliate TV Asahi.

But an autopsy report on Iso Kakehi, her fourth husband to die, found cyanide in his stomach and blood.

The 75-year old died in December, less than two months after their wedding. It triggered a police investigation into the case, which culminated in Kakehi's arrest in Kyoto on Wednesday.

A previous fiancé, who died when he crashed his motorcycle, was also found to have traces of cyanide in his body.

Police would only say "many" of her previous partners -- who were aged between 54 and 75 -- had died in the past two decades.

Autopsies rare

However, authorities may be unable to prove she killed her other lovers because autopsies are generally rare in Japan. Her first husband died back in 1994.

Kakehi is the latest "black widow" to make the headlines in Japan. Kanae Kijima is currently in prison after being found guilty of killing three men she met on dating websites in 2009 and making it look like suicide in each case. She was 37 at the time.

How Paul Walker's Father Is Still Struggling One Year After Actor's Death

It's been almost a year since Paul Walker tragically died in a car accident.

On Monday, Entertainment Tonight sat down with the late actor's father Paul Walker III, who shared sweet memories of his famous son.

"Well, I'm not looking forward to Thanksgiving," Walker said. "He died two days after that and I guess it'll probably be that way until I'm with him. It's a sad time. We're a very close, loving family and Paul is a piece that's missing now."

The 40-year-old "Fast & Furious" star died last Nov. 30 near an event for his charity Reach Out Worldwide, after the Porsche he was riding in crashed and killed both him and his friend Roger Rodas.

"I miss him even more now ... it's not getting any better for me," Walker added.

When asked about Paul's daughter Meadow, 16, Walker said, "We don't talk enough. The family's in shock, we are afraid to talk to each other ... the only thing I think is it hurts too much, especially the holidays are coming."

Walker also talked about how great of a father the actor was and showed some great family videos of when Paul was just a little boy. He also revealed the moment he found out his son was gone.

"I was on my motorcycle. I kept getting calls," he said. "My brother says, 'Paul has been killed.' ... There was this young guy next to me and I just turned to him and said, 'My son was just killed.' He looked at me and just reached up and gave me a big hug."

You can see the intense love Paul Walker III has for his late son.

ABC News

OBJ is Nigeria’s problem —Bakare

PASTOR and founder of Latter Rain Assembly in Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Sunday, said former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, would be told some home truth in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Bakare said this was necessary before the nation collapses on him (OBJ), accusing him of being responsible for the numerous problems Nigeria is passing through now.

The cleric, who spoke about the lofty dreams of the country’s founding fathers, as well as his growing up and personal dreams for same Nigeria, but which had become unattainable due to antics of some cabals, strongly canvassed that a transition arrangement be put in place, stressing that holding election in 2015 was not feasible because of Boko Haram insurgency.

Bakare said this while speaking with newsmen, shortly after delivering a speech, entitled: “The Nigeria of My Dream” at a well attended church service to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, was among the dignitaries that attended the service, which took place at the Latter Rain Assembly in Ogba, Lagos.

The pastor, who said he would be a keynote speaker at the 176th anniversary of International Student Day, courtesy of Ogun State government, said: “He who wants to hear, let him hear. I am going to drum what needs to be drummed. I think Obasanjo needs to hear some things before the house collapses on him, because he is responsible for the problems we face now.”

The event, holding at the Cultural Centre, is expected to be attended by dignitaries, including the former head of state, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, who is also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Professor Pat Utomi, among others.

Speaking further, Pastor Bakare, who is also the convener of Save Nigeria Group (SNG), while expressing fears about the possibility of holding 2015 general election, contended that it was better that the country took care of 2014 before talking about 2015.

According to him, there is no wisdom holding an election without dealing with the fundamental problems of the country, suggesting that what should be of concern now should be how to put in place a transition government, with a mandate of a maximum of two years, during which it would address the problems confronting the country currently.

Bakare, who insisted that the current security challenges in the country did not support holding a nationwide poll in 2015, declared that “it appears we are putting the cart before the horse. With the situation in the country, I do not think our primary concern should be 2015 elections.

Scanewsnigeria

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, said residents should "acquire what they need" to protect themselves. The Emir, who until earlier this year was governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, made the comments at a prayer meeting. The BBC's Will Ross, in Nigeria, says such an intervention is very unusual. The Emir normally stays silent on political matters. Jihadists from Boko Haram continue to cause havoc in parts of north-east Nigeria, capturing towns and villages where they have been imposing their own strict interpretation of Islamic law. Primary schools in one of the worst-affected areas have begun reopening after being closed for the past eight months. Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden", often attacks educational establishments. Some of the schools are to be protected by self-defence groups. The Emir, who was an outspoken critic of the government when he was a banker, said people should not be afraid of the militants and should prepare to defend themselves. "These terrorists slaughter our boys and abduct our girls to force them into slavery. People should not be afraid of them because of the recent success they seem to have achieved," he said. "People should not sit idle and say prayer is the only solution. People should be made aware of the importance of being in a state of preparedness and make sure they acquire what they need to protect themselves. "We should be ready to give our lives," he said. The Emir said residents should not wait for help from the military. "There are soldiers who even throw away their guns and flee," he said. There have been numerous reports of soldiers deserting, saying they are not as well equipped as the militants. Our correspondent says that although the Emir did not refer to Boko Haram by name, it was highly unusual for such an influential figure to suggest people should arm themselves against the group. He says it is a sign of just how desperate the situation in north-east Nigeria has become. Over the weekend a local vigilante group helped the military recapture the town of Chibok which Boko Haram had seized 48 hours earlier. Boko Haram fighters kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from the town in April, sparking global outrage.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, said residents should "acquire what they need" to protect themselves.

The Emir, who until earlier this year was governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, made the comments at a prayer meeting.

The BBC's Will Ross, in Nigeria, says such an intervention is very unusual.

The Emir normally stays silent on political matters.

Jihadists from Boko Haram continue to cause havoc in parts of north-east Nigeria, capturing towns and villages where they have been imposing their own strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Primary schools in one of the worst-affected areas have begun reopening after being closed for the past eight months.

Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden", often attacks educational establishments.

Some of the schools are to be protected by self-defence groups.

The Emir, who was an outspoken critic of the government when he was a banker, said people should not be afraid of the militants and should prepare to defend themselves.

"These terrorists slaughter our boys and abduct our girls to force them into slavery. People should not be afraid of them because of the recent success they seem to have achieved," he said.

"People should not sit idle and say prayer is the only solution. People should be made aware of the importance of being in a state of preparedness and make sure they acquire what they need to protect themselves.

"We should be ready to give our lives," he said.

The Emir said residents should not wait for help from the military. "There are soldiers who even throw away their guns and flee," he said.

There have been numerous reports of soldiers deserting, saying they are not as well equipped as the militants.

Our correspondent says that although the Emir did not refer to Boko Haram by name, it was highly unusual for such an influential figure to suggest people should arm themselves against the group.

He says it is a sign of just how desperate the situation in north-east Nigeria has become.

Over the weekend a local vigilante group helped the military recapture the town of Chibok which Boko Haram had seized 48 hours earlier.

Boko Haram fighters kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from the town in April, sparking global outrage.

Aitnews

Ombatse Leader ‘Killed’ In Dawn Raid

Baba Alakyo, the spiritual leader of the Ombatse, an Eggon group, was feared killed alongside the village head in an early morning raid on Alakyo, near Lafia, Nasarawa State yesterday, Daily Trust learnt.

Alakyo is the village where about 74 security operatives were ambushed and killed on May 7, 2013. It was burnt down along with other Eggon settlements of Fadaman Bauna and Akura, displaced persons said. Scores were said to have been killed.

The invasion happened barely a day after Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura led a peace walk round Lafia, the state capital in celebration of his 62nd birthday.

Barrister Zachary Zamani Allumaga, Legal Adviser of the Ombatse group which has been proscribed by the state government, said information available to him showed that Baba Alakyo and the village head of Alakyo were killed in the raid which he blamed on the Fulani. He however later sent a text message to say the information on the killing of Baba Alakyo may have been cooked by “those who don’t mean well for peace”.

He said Fulani gunmen stormed Alakyo from four directions, killed scores and burnt property.

Villagers said the raid was carried out at about 5:30am, taking the villagers by surprise. It was difficult to locate any source within the village, but persons displaced from neighbouring settlements told Daily Trust that heavy and sustained gunfire was heard at dawn in the village.

They said a large band of militia group suspected to be members of the Ombatse tried to enter Alakyo to save the settlement but went late as it had already been taken by the Fulani militia. They said the Fulani militia also burned down four brand new Toyota Hilux vans. The militia was said to have also entered Fadaman Bauna and Akura, two other Eggon settlements and raided them, killing dozens. An Eggon leader who hails from Akura told Daily Trust on phone that he narrowly escaped death, calling it genocide against his tribe.

He said: “From the information we have received, Baba Alakyo was killed”. Allumaga, the Ombatse leader, alleged that the Fulani came from Wamba, a neighbouring local government area.

Hussaini Mohammed, the state secretary of the Miyetti Allah, a Fulani group, denied that Fulani people were on genocide against the Eggon people, just as he  denied knowledge of any invasion by his tribesmen.

The state’s Head of Service, Dr. Dominic Bako, escaped death when he ran into a road block mounted by gunmen along the Lafia-Akwanga road during the bloody violence. Bako was shot on his left arm and was rushed to Lafia where he was treated at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital.  He could not identify the gunmen, but said they were in a large number and had gathered along the road.

Aitnews

President Jonathan Unveils N100 Commemorative Notes

President Goodluck Jonathan has formally unveiled the new N100 commemorative notes at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The ceremony was initially to take place on Wednesday last week but was postponed due to the president's visit to Burkina Faso. 

Joining Mr. President to unveil the note was Vice President, Namadi Sambo and the Central bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele during the Federal Executive Council meeting.

Emefiele said it was issued to commemorate the 100 years of the nation’s amalgamation also listing some countries that had before now issued currencies to mark epochal events to include Morocco, Russia and Costa Rica among others. He added that the new notes were produced with advanced security features listing the design platforms, the note was made to include security, durability, attractiveness, cultural heritage and transfromation.

Jonathan lauded the CBN for coming up with the commemorative note, though it was coming a bit late since activities marking the nation’s centenary had been concluded. He recalled that commemorative N50 notes were also introduced to mark the nation’s 50th independence anniversary.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance also commended the CBN for coming up with the notes specifically lauding the QRC feature on the back of the note.

The code, if scanned with smart phones, leads users to a website where the nation’s history could be accessed. The minister also raised questions on the amount the CBN will use to print the new notes and whether it would be done locally.

Jonathan however said the questions would be answered when a memorandum on the issue is presented to the council.

Source: aitnews

US Catholic bishops try to calm anxiety over pope

ByBALTIMORE (AP) — America's Catholic bishops came together Monday to project an image of unity, after a Vatican meeting on the family unleashed an uproar over the direction of the church.

Last month's gathering in Rome on more compassionately ministering to families featured open debate — alarming many traditional Catholics, who argued it would undermine public understanding of church teaching. Pope Francis encouraged a free exchange of ideas at the assembly, or synod, in contrast to previous years, when such events were tightly scripted.

It was a synod of consensus," Dolan said. The pope, he said, has a God-given gift "for attentive listening."

The bishops made the remarks at their fourth national meeting since Francis was elected. While many Catholics have praised Francis' new emphasis on mercy over the culture wars, many theological conservatives have said Francis is failing to carry out his duty as defender of the faith. Some U.S. bishops have resisted turning their focus away from gay marriage, abortion and other contentious social issues to take up Francis' focus on the poor, immigrants and those who feel unwelcome in the church.

The papal ambassador to Washington, Archbishop Carlo Vigano, said in a wide-ranging speech bishops "must not be afraid to work with our Holy Father."

The public sessions at the U.S. bishops' meeting are focused on religious liberty, upholding marriage between a man and a woman, and moral issues in health care. In his speech, Kurtz said the bishops would continue to fight the Obama administration over the birth control coverage requirement in the Affordable Care Act. The administration has made several changes to accommodate the bishops' concerns, but church leaders say the White House hasn't gone far enough. Dozens of dioceses and Catholic nonprofits have sued over the mandate.

At the Rome gathering, tensions arose when Vatican officials released a mid-meeting report that contained language more welcoming to gays and people in civil heterosexual unions. The language was not included in the final report.

At a meeting Monday in Baltimore, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, signaled there was no conflict between a gentler approach and upholding church orthodoxy. Kurtz cited his home visits to parishioners, where he wouldn't give them "a list of rules to follow firsthand," but would instead "spend time with them trying to appreciate the good that I saw in their hearts," before inviting them to follow Christ.

"Such an approach isn't in opposition to church teachings. It's an affirmation of them," said Kurtz, who attended the Vatican gathering.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, who also participated in the Vatican gathering, emphasized that last month's meeting was only the start of a discussion before a larger gathering on the family next year, where bishops will more concretely advise the pope on developing any new church practices. New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the divisiveness he read in media accounts did not reflect the collegial discussion inside the event.

The Rev. Tom Rosica, a Vatican press office official for English-language media, attended the American bishops' assembly. He said an in interview that Catholic church leaders and lay people, as well as those outside the church, are reacting strongly to the Vatican meeting because they aren't accustomed to addressing issues the way Francis advocates.

"The pope made it clear doctrine would remain untouched," Rosica said.

He said Francis "is traveling at high altitude," above the backlash to his leadership, as he tries to revive discussion and move the church forward.

Yahoonews

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