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Politics: Trump set to shuffle top generals

As President Donald Trump grapples with a number of huge foreign policy challenges over the coming months, he is going to have to make some key decisions on the generals who advise him and lead the US military.


Behind the scenes, the White House and Pentagon are looking for a new slate of senior officers to fill several key jobs with several senior military figures set to retire.
Defense Secretary James Mattis is playing a central role in making recommendations for nominations that will have to be confirmed by the Senate. No one knows how long Mattis will stay in his job or the names he is recommending. But the new crop of senior commanders could help shape military operations and policy for some years to come.
    A key vacancy will be filled in early 2019, when the highly respected four-star Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, currently the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is scheduled to retire. As vice chairman, Selva holds significant responsibilities overseeing highly classified nuclear weapons procedures, as well as military oversight of billions of dollars in budgeting and new weapons acquisitions.
    Some defense officials believe Army four-star Gen. Vincent Brooks, who heads the US military command in South Korea, could be a leading candidate to replace Selva.
    Brooks is scheduled for rotation out of South Korea in the coming weeks, but in a potentially crucial signal, his retirement has not been announced and some believe he is being considered for a higher-level job. Brooks would provide President Trump with valuable military expertise on North Korea as denuclearization talks are ramping up.
    Trump also has to pick a new chairman of the joint chiefs, the top military adviser to the president later in 2019. The current Chairman, Gen. Joseph Dunford, is scheduled to complete his second two-year term in the fall of 2019.
    The jobs of chairman and vice chairman must be filled by personnel from different services, so if Brooks is the new number two, President Trump will have to nominate a new chairman from a different service. That would shut out Gen. Mark Milley, the Army Chief of Staff and combat veteran who Trump has interacted with in the past, from the top job.
    Defense officials emphasize they don't know who the President will pick as the next chairman, but there are suggestions that Gen. David Goldfein, the current Chief of Staff of the Air Force, could be a frontrunner for nomination to the top job. It would put in place a top military official to push through Congress the President's idea for a new Space Force. Goldfein was shot down over Serbia in his F-16 and rescued from behind enemy lines in 1999.
    Another contender for the top job would be Air Force Gen. John Hyten, currently head of the Strategic Command who has crucial expertise on nuclear weapons. An Air Force officer has not served in the top job since 2005, so there is a sense in the senior ranks that it's the Air Force's turn to fill the role.
    If neither of them are selected, it could open up the vice chairman job to Milley.
    All of this comes as other key senior commanders overseeing key geographic areas are scheduled for retirement. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie is slated to take over at US Central Command from Gen. Joseph Votel, overseeing operations in the Middle East including Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan—all combat operations that President Trump has criticized.
      Army Lt. Gen. Richard Clarke has been selected to lead US Special Operations Command, replacing Gen. Raymond Thomas and overseeing thousands of special forces deployed around the world.
      Air Force Gen. Tod Walters is now considered the top candidate to lead the European command and become NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, essentially the President's point man on military interactions with Russia. Walters currently heads US Air Force operations in Europe. He would replace Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, who is also scheduled to retire
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      Foreign: Brazilians vote after months of presidential election drama

      Brazilians are voting Sunday in a presidential election seen as the most polarizing since the country's return to democracy three decades ago.

      The campaign has been marked by the rise of a once-fringe right-wing lawmaker, the disqualification of a populist former president who was campaigning from jail, and ongoing revelations from the four-year-long "Car Wash" anti-graft probe rocking mainstream political parties in the country of 200 million people.
      What in The World: Fareed Zakaria explains Brazil's "Car Wash" scandal.

      Brazil is also suffering from a prolonged economic recession and extreme violence, with murder rates reaching a record high last year.
      Former army captain and congressman Jair Bolsonaro and ex-Sao Paulo Mayor Fernando Haddad are leading the polls in a field of 13 candidates.
      Opinion polls released before the campaigns closed this week projected Bolsonaro could capture as much as 35% of the vote Sunday. At least 50% is necessary to avoid a runoff on October 28.
      Bolsonaro cast his ballot in the Vila Militar district of Rio de Janeiro, wearing a bulletproof vest and surrounded by a heavy security detail. On his way in to vote, he told supporters and journalists gathered outside that he was confident he would get a majority.
      "First round, first round! On October 28, let's go to the beach!" he said.
      Haddad and his wife cast their ballots at a school in São Paulo. Haddad said he looked forwarding to broadening political alliances before the second round of voting.
      Bolsonaro has left few unscathed in his flame-throwing attacks on Brazil's progressive movement. He's often been compared to US President Donald Trump and the Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte.
      He's been accused by his opponents of being a misogynist and a homophobe. He once told a congresswoman during a parliamentary hearing that she did not deserve to be raped because she was "very ugly," Brazil's TV Globo reported.
      He also has publicly said he'd prefer to see his son "die in an accident" than show up with another man.
      During a campaign stop in the city of Juiz de Fora last month, Bolsonaro was stabbed in the stomach. The incident seemed to symbolize the uncharted territory into which the election was heading and landed the frontrunner in the hospital for several weeks.
      Bolsonaro began to rise in the polls after the stabbing, but his increased viability also prompted a social media campaign known as #elenao, or #nothim.
      Thousands of people took to the streets throughout Brazil last weekend to voice their opposition to Bolsonaro, often comparing him to Adolf Hitler in posters and chants.
      Others see him as an anti-establishment candidate who will fight corruption and tackle violence.
      David Lerner, a businessman in Sao Paulo, said he backs Bolsonaro because he "represents a change" in the country. "He has never been in any (federal) government. He never took part in any corruption scandal," Lerner said.
      In addition to conservative elements in the police and armed forces, Bolsonaro is backed by powerful evangelical and agrobusiness lobbies.
      Haddad, a former Sao Paulo mayor, heads the ticket for the Workers' Party. He became the default candidate after his running mate and former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was barred from running by the country's highest electoral court.
      "Lula," as the former leader is popularly known, had been leading in the polls despite being in jail since April, where he is serving a 12-year sentence for corruption and money laundering.
      Claudine Dutra Melo, a historian, said she will vote for Haddad because "there is no other candidate" to respond to the "mediatic-parliamentary-judicial coup" against popular politicians in the country. "People think that voting for Bolsonaro is a protest vote," she said, "and they do not realize the risk they are taking on in being favorable to this kind of ideology."

      Election likely headed for a runoff

      Neither of the leading candidates is expected to get the 50% majority required by law, so a runoff vote has already been scheduled for October 28.
      Voting is mandatory in Brazil for all citizens who are 18 to 70 years old. People who fail to vote without any justification often face fines and risk bureaucratic hurdles when renewing passports or IDs.
      At least 11% of voters will leave their ballots blank or mark them as undecided, according to a recent statistics from the Ibope polling agency.
      Brazilians will also vote Sunday on 27 governors and nearly 1,600 lawmakers.
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      World: Another deadly earthquake in Haiti kills at least 12 people

      Once again, nature has dealt a deadly blow to Haiti.

      At least 12 people were killed and 188 were wounded after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck northern Haiti on Saturday night, the country's interior ministry said Sunday.
      On Sunday, President Jovenel Moïse visited the coastal city of Port-de-Paix, just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the quake's epicenter.
      "I will make sure the proper state systems are fully mobilized to help the victims," Moïse tweeted

      Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, is still recovering from the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that killed at least 220,000 people and destroyed much of the capital city.
      In 2016, Hurricane Matthew shredded parts of the country and left at least 336 people dead.
      Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant said a crisis team has been created to coordinate all emergency responses to Saturday night's earthquake.
      "Damage has been recorded mainly in the Far North. All my sympathies to the victims," Céant tweeted. "The executive at the highest level is mobilized to provide appropriate answers. I call on the population to be cautious and calm."
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      Tech: Selfie Quadcopter Conquers—Takes Nigeria by Storm

      Did you know a new Nigeria selfie trend has taken off worldwide?

      Phone selfies are a thing of the past. The truth is, people are bored of taking phone selfies...

      At first you had your standard phone selfie, after that the 'selfie stick', and now selfies have evolved to a whole new level!

      Before anyone knew what was happening, thousands of people in Nigeria started uploading jaw dropping selfies from every angle. These selfies went viral over social media and soon everyone wanted in! 

      It did not take long before this new type of selfie went viral worldwide! 

      What is it?


      It's the brand new Drone X Pro, a breakthrough in drone technology that's made so that anyone can fly it with ease. It's makes taking breathtaking selfies fun and easy! 

      Two German engineers found that drones were heavy and hard to travel with. 

      So, they put their heads together and designed an ultra-compact, lightweight drone, with all the benefits of a top HD model. 

      The Drone X Pro is born—it's easy to control, stable and it can live-stream and record to your phone.

      People starting using it to take 'the ultimate selfies' - the results are astonishing...

      How does Drone X Pro work?

      We were surprised by how fast and easy it was to get up and running! Start by installing an app (just scan the QR code in the manual). It's take just minutes.

      After that, just install the battery in your your drone and launch the app. You're now ready to fly your Drone X Pro!

      Here's the best part: flying is extremely easy. Flying the drone is smooth and natural as riding a bike. Our friend's son came over the office, and he figured how to fly the drone in just minutes. It's remarkable how stable and smooth the controls are!

      Once the drone is in the air engage the built-in camera. You can now take jaw dropping selfies, and even videos. Take pictures from angles that are impossible with a phone selfie. You're friend will be in awe!

      How Much Does it Cost?

      If you're like me, you're probably guessing a breakthrough drone like this must go for $300, even $400. To my amazement they only sell for only $99, (deal only available online, $199 in shops). It's an amazing deal for drone of this level.

      Where to Get a Drone X Pro

      That's simple. You can get yours from the official website.

      Some amazing features of this drone...



      Why is this drone so special?

      The Drone X Pro is portable, affordable, easy to use, and has a stunning HD camera.

      The drone is about the size of a large screen smartphone. Its so compact it fits in any pocket or handbag!

      There's no experience required to fly this drone. You can easily control, fly and take amazing pictures and videos with this phone, even if you've never phone a drone in your life.

      Just take a look at some of the amazing pictures and videos you can start taking...

      Did you know this drone is made of cutting edge ABS plastic? Making it lighter and stronger than most drones on the market.

      Conclusion: Is Drone X Pro worth it?

      Because of the easy of use, portability, low price, and compact size, it's absolutely worth it! Just imagine amazing pictures and videos you'll be taking with your new Drone X Pro. If you've never flown a drone before, this is the time to start!

      How Can I Get a Drone X Pro?

      If it's still in stock, here is how you can get yours:

      1) Order your Drone X Pro from the official website.

      2) Install the Drone app your smartphone (Android and iOS). Then connect to your Drone.

      3) Start taking stunning photos and videos of you and your friends or family!

      It's That Simple!

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      Limo crash kills 20 people in upstate New York

      Authorities are trying to figure out what caused a catastrophic wreck in upstate New York that killed 20 people.

      The two-car crash happened shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday in Schoharie, town supervisor Alan Tavenner said. One of the vehicles involved was a limo, the National Transportation Safety Board said.
      The NTSB tweeted Sunday that it is sending a team to investigate.

      The crash happened outside an Apple Barrel Country Store & Cafe. Nearby resident Bridey Finnagen said the crash was loud enough to hear from down the road.
      "I heard a loud bang. I came out my front door to see what was going on," Finnagen told CNN affiliate WTEN.
      "I saw a lot of people here at the Apple Barrel out in the parking lot. Then I heard screaming. Then I saw this large van, a very unusual looking vehicle, out here in Schoharie in the bushes and really wrecked, hit a tree."
      "State police are working with federal and local authorities to investigate the crash, and I have directed State agencies to provide every resource necessary to aid in this investigation and determine what led to this tragedy," Cuomo said in a statement.
      "I join all New Yorkers in mourning these deaths and share in the unspeakable sorrow experienced by their families and loved ones during this extremely difficult time."
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      POLITICS: PDP PRESIDENTIAL FLAG-BEARER TO BE UNVEILED SOON

      VOTING COMPLETED AND SORTING ONGOING

      NUMBER OF DELEGATES THAT VOTED PER STATE
      Abia 106
      Adamawa 76
      Akwa Ibom 153 but 151 voted
      Anambra 54
      Bauchi 73
      Bayelsa 74
      Benue 121
      Borno 57
      Cross Rivers 95
      Delta 141
      Edo 79
      Eboyin 101
      Enugu 121
      Ekiti 109 but 107 voted
      Gombe 89
      Kaduna 103
      Kano 129 but 128 voted
      Imo 117 but 104 voted
      FCT 36 but 35 voted
      Jigawa 84
      Katsina 102 but 101 voted
      Kebbi 68 but 65 voted
      Kogi 94 but 93 voted
      Kwara 102
      Lagos 64
      Nasarawa 62
      Niger 83
      Ondo 64
      Osun 88
      Ogun 21
      Oyo 88 but 87 voted
      Plateau 76 but only 74 voted
      Rivers 131
      Sokoto 95
      Taraba 93
      Yobe 59 but only 58 voted
      Zamfara 48
      TOTAL DELEGATES ACCREDITED AT THE CONVENTION 3,274

      All agents to the presidential aspirants have openly confirmed to the whole world that the process is free, fair, transparent and that they are all satisfied with the entire voting processes.
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      ENTERTAINMENT: MTV EMA 2018 - DAVIDO AND TIWA SAVAGE MAKES NOMINATION LIST

      Top most rated actists from the African continent; Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Davido (Nigeria), Distruction Boyz (South Africa), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Nyanshinski (Kenya) and Shekinah (South Africa) have made 2018 MTV EMA nomination list. The award night is scheduled to hold at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Barakaldo, Biscay on Sunday, November 4.

      According to the Vice President for Youth, Music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks, Monde Twala, the 2018 MTV EMA features Africa's topnotch entertainers who have the opportunity to showcase their talent through the MTV EMA Best Africa Act category at the annual awards.

      "Our nominees reflect the continents diversity and talent on par with international artists. Congratulations to all our Africa nominees, who continue to affirm Africa's place on the global stage." He said.

      See the complete list of 2018 MTV EMA nominees:

      BEST AFRICAN ACT
      Davido (Nigeria)
      Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
      Distruction Boyz (South Africa)
      Fally Ipupa (DRC)
      Nyashinski (Kenya)
      Shekinah (South Africa)

      BEST ARTIST
      Ariana Grande
      Camila Cabello
      Drake
      Dua Lipa
      Post Malone

      BEST VIDEO
      Ariana Grande – No tears left to cry
      Camila Cabello – Havana ft. Young Thug
      Childish Gambino – This Is America
      Lil Dicky – Freaky Friday ft. Chris Brown
      The Carters – APES**T

      BEST SONG
      Ariana Grande – No tears left to cry
      Bebe Rexha – Meant To Be ft. Florida Georgia Line
      Camila Cabello – Havana ft. Young Thug
      Drake – God's Plan
      Post Malone – Rockstar ft. 21 Savage

      BEST POP
      Ariana Grande
      Camila Cabello
      Dua Lipa
      Hailee Steinfeld
      Shawn Mendes

      BEST NEW
      Anne-Marie
      Bazzi
      Cardi B
      Hayley Kiyoko
      Jessie Reyez

      BEST LOOK
      Cardi B
      Dua Lipa
      Migos
      Nicki Minaj
      Post Malone

      BEST HIP HOP
      Drake
      Eminem
      Migos
      Nicki Minaj
      Travis Scott

      BEST LIVE
      Ed Sheeran
      Muse
      P!nk
      Shawn Mendes
      The Carters

      BEST ROCK
      5 Seconds Of Summer
      Foo Fighters
      Imagine Dragons
      Muse
      U2

      BEST ALTERNATIVE
      Fall Out Boy
      Panic! At The Disco
      The 1975
      Thirty Seconds To Mars
      Twenty one pilots

      BEST ELECTRONIC
      Calvin Harris
      David Guetta
      Marshmello
      Martin Garrix
      The Chainsmokers

      BIGGEST FANS
      BTS
      Camila Cabello
      Selena Gomez
      Shawn Mendes
      Taylor Swift

      BEST WORLD STAGE
      Clean Bandit – MTV Crashes Plymouth, UK 2017
      Charli XCX – MTV Crashes Plymouth,UK 2017
      David Guetta – Trafalgar Square, UK 2017
      Jason Derulo – Isle of MTV Malta 201
      Post Malone – Wireless Festival, UK 2018
      Migos – Wireless Festival, UK 2018
      J Cole – Wireless Festival, UK 2018
      Nick Jonas – MTV Spotlight @ Hyperplay, Singapore 2018
      Alessia Cara – MTV Spotlight @ Hyperplay, Singapore 2018

      BEST PUSH
      PRETTYMUCH (October 2017)
      Why Don't We (November 2017)
      Grace VanderWaal (December 2017)
      Bishop Briggs (January 2018)
      Superorganism (February 2018)
      Jessie Reyez (March 2018)
      Hayley Kiyoko (April 2018)
      Lil Xan (May 2018)
      Sigrid (June 2018)
      Chloe x Halle (July 2018)
      Bazzi (August 2018)
      Jorja Smith (September 2018)

      BEST US ACT
      Ariana Grande
      Camila Cabello
      Cardi B
      Imagine Dragons
      Post Malone


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      POLITICS: SARAKI'S CHANCES OF EMERGING AS PDP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDAT

      Senate president saraki is a quintessential leader with an intimidating track record of achievements. We have arrived the garden city where the presidential candidate of PDP will be elected. It is a great event that will determine and shape the future of Nigeria.

       His Excellency Dr. Bukola Saraki is a man that has been aptly described as a man for this season. A man that has inborn proclivity for leadership.
      Let's draw comparison between the depth achievements and antecedents of both Dr. Bukola Saraki and his late father Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki. He has an exemplary pedigree that is important for this type of post. 

      His late father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki was a medical practitioner and Bukola Saraki is a medical doctor. His father was a leader of the Senate and he is the Senate President. His father was Waziri of Ilorin and he is the Waziri of Ilorin.

      Only a very few successful politician can point to such a magnificent record. Besides, he has been a two term governor of Kwara State. He was a Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum. As a senator, he is currently the Senate President and the Chairman of the National Assembly. Prior to that, he was a Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Budget Affairs.

      On the virtues of Saraki and the impression of Nigerians, particularly the youth about the Senate President, he is a great, confident, courageous, competent and cerebral personality. He is a shining light in the political firmament of the PDP.  Having gone round the country with Dr. Saraki, I am amazed at the level of his acceptability in virtually every zone of the nation. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has become a national phenomenon and his ideology and policy to grow Nigeria has become a doctrine especially amongst young Nigerians.

      Even some of the Northern elders are fully in support of Bukola Saraki because many of them feel that his late father lived and died for the north. 

      When there were signs of disunity in the north, the late Oloye traversed the length and breadth of the north to bring everyone together. Many people in the north, particularly elders now feel that it is about time to pay back the late Olusola Saraki with a good measure by supporting his son.

      On the chances of Saraki in the convention on Saturday, we are here to compete fairly and contest with all seriousness. We recognize the obvious potentials of fellow aspirants. Virtually every of PDP aspirant is incomparable with leadership of the incumbent political party. Bukola Saraki has a wide range of support within the rank and file of the PDP.  A clear majority of serving state governors in the PDP are backing Bukola Saraki. And this is a very determinant factor on who emerges the party's flag bearer on Sunday.
      The message of Saraki, which is inclusiveness, equity and the programme to grow Nigeria is unrivaled and this is what he has consistently preached all over the nation. This has no doubt found great acceptability amongst the delegates and the people of Nigeria.

      The convention is a contest of champions. Each of the aspirants is a champion in his own and what we are having on Saturday is a battle of champions from which one will invariably emerge. And the overall champion at the end will be Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
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      ENTERTAINMENT: BB NAIJA STAR, ANTO LECKY SEEN CARRYING A PYTHON AROUND HER NECK (PHOTOS)

      Far from being a beautiful young woman who is adored by her numerous fans on social media, Anto is definitely not a lady to be scared of things.

      While many people are sure to run away from snakes at the sight of the scary reptiles, Anto has shown she does not fear the reptile. The young woman was recently seen in new photos with a python wrapped around her neck.

      The BB Naija star shared the new photos on her Instagram page and got her fans talking about her bravery.

      Anto revealed that the photos were taken in Benin Republic during her visit to the Temple of Python.

      She wrote: "At The Temple of Python during my trip to Ouidah, Benin Republic with @irinajo_ng"
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      FOREIGN: NIGERIAN WOMEN ARE FORCED INTO PROSTITUTION IN PARIS PARK

      A shocking video of Nigerian women who are forced by human traffickers in Paris into prostitution has emerged.

      The Bois de Vincennes, a sprawling park on the outskirts of eastern Paris, is home to horse riding schools and a zoo. It has also been part-commandered by human traffickers and sex slaves, 80 percent of whom are Nigerian women.

      The sex slaves are brought from various African countries especially Nigeria, and made to stand by the park, waiting for customers. At the end of the day, they return the money they made to their traffickers.

      9 out of 10 women in the park are not free women. They belong to a network of human traffickers. The women have no identity and no means of escaping their predicament for several reasons.

      Most of them are made to take an oath before leaving Nigeria. They are also branded on their skin by their traffickers, then transported to Europe like a"bag of fruits." Most have no means of starting a new life because their ID's have been seized by their traffickers.

      When prison police were asked how this could be allowed to continue, they told CNN there simply isn't very much they can do.
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      2019: EMEKA IHEDIOHA WINS IMO PDP GUBERNATORIAL TICKET

      The immediate past Deputy Speaker Federal House Of Representatives and also a frontrunner of Imo 2019 Guber election, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha has clinched the opposition party, the People's Democratic Party, PDP Guber ticket beating his closest rival, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu 'Sam Daddy' in a hotly contested party primary.

      Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha said the victory recorded was a victory for the PDP while maintaining that there was no victor -no vanquished!

      He vowed to rally all the members of the party to one page and indeed all Imolites of various political persuasion to end filthy and disastrous reigns of the outgoing Governor which according to him, has brought so much pain and anguish to Imo people.
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      Spectranet 4G LTE Rocks Nigeria's independence with launch of Blue Freedom MiFi

      As part of its product development strategy to improve consumers' internet service experience, Premier Internet Service Provider, Spectranet, introduces new Blue Freedom MiFi with 25GB free data for just 16,000 naira.
      The entry of Blue Freedom MiFi is premised on the celebration of Nigeria's 58th independence anniversary just as Spectranet aims to deepen internet penetration in the country.
      Blue Freedom MiFi offers consumers the opportunity to enjoy seamless internet connectivity for business, personal and allied purposes. The new MiFi comes with a lot of benefits:
      • Connect up to 10 users at a time – help connecting several devices or users at a time
      • Child lock facility -customers can block unwanted websites. A very important feature for families where children are exposed to internet"
      Head of Marketing, Mike Ogor, speaking on the brand aspiration said "The Blue Freedom MiFi is uniquely beautiful, pocket-friendly and trendy, fitting into everyday life of consumers who appreciates elegance and quality services. The battery life can stay up to 8 hours without power source. It has a front display screen that shows your data usage and the balance. It is very easy to carry in your bag or pocket.
      "In a nutshell, the Blue Freedom MiFi upgrades the customer to the next level of internet connection and makes him stay ahead of others in style while enjoying additional benefit of fast, reliable and value-for-money internet connectivity. The cost of the Blue Freedom MiFi is N16, 000 only with free 25GB data and free night browsing," he said.
      Spectranet Limited was the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria. The brand is known for providing an affordable, faster and more reliable internet broadband to Nigerian homes and offices. Its internet service is currently available across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. Its state of the art network ensures high speed internet connectivity for the customers.
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      Okonjo Iwela wins six years libel suit against news platform

      Nigeria's former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has won a six year legal battle of libel against Point blank news, an online newspaper.  



      An Abuja High Court of FCT has ordered Point blank news to pay a total of N200m in damages to the plaintiff over a libelous story it published. 

      Point blank news had published a false story  against Okonjo-Iweala in 2012, and refused to retract, even after it was proved to be false.

      The judgment by Justice Chizoba N. Oji in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/2602/12 also included an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants – the platform and its founders Jackson Ude and Churchill Umoren – from defaming Dr Okonjo-Iweala in the future.

      Point blank news had published the false story, OKONJO-IWEALA BUYS N1.2 BILLION ABUJA MANSION in its edition of January 10, 2012 in which it alleged that Okonjo-Iweala had purchased "a massive home in Maitama, Abuja for a whopping N1.2 billion".

      According to the news platform, Okonjo-Iweala was also "pocketing $2 billion (two billion dollars) in commission in the last debt buy-back deal under the presidency of the Olusegun Obasanjo's administration" (sic) without any proof. 

      The story according to investigation proved to be false as the owner, Mr Fabian Nwaora, who was mentioned in the report denied selling any property to Dr Okonjo-Iweala.

      The court in its judgement imposed general damages in the sum of N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) and Exemplary damages in the sum of N150,000,000 (One hundred and fifty million Naira) against the Defendants jointly and severally.

      Reacting to the news, the former minister expressed her joy at the judgement, stating that it was important for the media to maintain professionalism and transparency always.

      She wrote via her twitter handle on Tuesday, thus:

      Happy to finally get justice in the libel case against PointBlank News. It is important our media maintain high standards of accuracy, transparency and professionalism.

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      7 years Girl's alleged rape triggers protests.

      Protesters gathered on Tuesday outside a court in South African, where a man who is accused of raping a 7-year-old girl in a restaurant appeared for a bail hearing, activists and officials told CNN.

      Carrying placards with messages such as, "No bail for rape and murder," "Don't hurt us" and "Do not rape our sister," the demonstrators gathered outside the Pretoria Magistrate Court, where the suspect appeared for the second time in connection with the charges.
      Dozens of bikers, some waving South Africa's national flag, also rode around the court premises shouting, "No bail!"



      The 20-year-old man, who has not been named publicly, was denied bail and will remain in custody pending further investigation, the South African Police Service tweeted. His next hearing is November 1.
      The accused has been charged with rape and drug possession, police have said. He has not entered a plea, South African Police Service spokesman Lt. Lungelo Dlamini told CNN on Tuesday.
      The man was arrested on September 22, the date of the alleged crime, in Pretoria at Dros, a restaurant popular with families. He allegedly followed the girl to the restroom, grabbed her and raped her in the men's bathroom, according to police and local news reports.
      South Africa's justice system must demonstrate "zero-tolerance" when prosecuting cases of sexual violence, especially those perpetrated against children, said Vincentia Dlamini, director of Johannesburg-based Women and Men Against Child Abuse. She and the police spokesman are not related, he said.
      "We need life sentences, and those accused should not be given parole," Dlamini told CNN. "The justice system should protect the victim because not every child raped in South Africa will have the whole country protesting for justice in their case."
      Last month, a 17-year-old girl who had just given birth at a hospital reportedly was raped by a man posing as a doctor. The incident happened at a hospital in the Eastern Cape province, authorities said.
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      it's 'a very scary time for young men in America' - Trump

      President of the United States of America, Donald Trump on Tuesday said he believes the reaction to the allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh makes it "a very scary time for young men in America."

      "It is a very scary time for young men in America, where you can be guilty of something you may not be guilty of," Trump said.
      "This is a very, very -- this is a very difficult time. What's happening here has much more to do than even the appointment of a Supreme Court justice."
      The allegations against Kavanaugh -- including sexual assault and exposing himself to a young woman in college -- have sparked the latest reckoning in America about sexual assault and men's treatment of women, bringing the #MeToo movement back to the fore. And while Trump has called Christine Blasey Ford, who testified to Congress that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while they were in high school, "credible" and "compelling," he has continued to support Kavanaugh's confirmation and emphatically defend his character.
      Trump's comments on Tuesday were just the latest instance of the President expressing concern about the public outcry resulting from the allegations against Kavanaugh and the impact on other men.
      "It's a very scary situation where you're guilty until proven innocent. My whole life I've heard you're innocent until proven guilty, but now you're guilty until proven innocent. That is a very, very difficult standard," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House. "You could be somebody that was perfect your entire life and somebody could accuse you of something."
      During the 2016 campaign, at least 15 women accused Trump of misbehavior ranging from sexual harassment and sexual assault to lewd behavior around women. They came forward in the wake of a 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape that was released in October 2016 in which he is caught saying on a hot mic: "And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything ... Grab them by the p****. You can do anything."
      The White House -- through press secretary Sarah Sanders and others -- has dismissed all the allegations against him as old news that had been litigated during the campaign.
      While many prominent public figures have seized on the latest resurgence of the #MeToo movement to send a message to women and victims of sexual assault that their voices are being heard, Trump has focused on backing up the accused. He's offered few words to women.

      Moments after he addressed his concerns for young men in America, the President was asked if he had a message for young women.
      "Women are doing great," Trump replied, before walking off to board Marine One.
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      See The Huge Billboard Popular TV Host, Ellen Degeneres Rented To Beg Beyonce For Followback On Instagram

      See The Huge Billboard Popular TV Host, Ellen Degeneres Rented To Beg Beyonce For Followback On InstagramPopular TV Host/comedian, Ellen Degeneres does not want to leave any stone unturned as she rented a huge billboard to beg Beyonce for a followback on Instagram.

      On one of the latest episodes of Ellen DeGeneres’ show, the comedian/host pointed out that Beyoncé has more than 106 million Instagram followers — even though she’s following zero people.

      So Ellen announced she has a new goal in life:

      ” I want to become the one person that Beyoncé follows.”

      To make it come to pass, Ellen got the entire audience, about 400 people, at the taping of her show to do the “Single Ladies” dance, in hopes that her instavideo of it would catch Beyoncé’s eye.

      The crowd did the dance, but there was no word from Beyonce.

      Ellen Degeneres isn’t giving up! Check the billboard she now put up in front of Beyonce’s house begging her to follow her on Instagram. lol.

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      Young Girl caught after she stole N70k from woman’s account via ATM In Delta (Photos)

      A young girl, SS2 student in a secondary school in Delta state, was humiliated after she was caught stealing N70,000 from a woman via ATM.

      According to reports, this young girl’s victim wanted to withdraw money from an ATM but was discouraged on seeing the long queue already waiting to use the Automated Teller Machine before her.

      So she decided to pull a fast one by giving her ATM card to the alleged thief who was at the top of the queue – to help her withdraw N10,000.

      Unfortunately for her, the young girl at the top of the queue decided to rbb her and withdrew N70,000 instead of N10,000. The alleged thief allegedly transferred N50,000 to her own account then kept N20k in her pocket.

      As she made to disappear after her broad daylight robbery, her victim, (the account owner), gave her a chase with a motorcycle, shouting ‘thief-thief’.

      The girl was immediately nabbed and mobbed by eye-witnesses.

      Photos below:

       

       

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      Photos from the Lagos wedding that had strippers at an afterparty and bundles of money as gift souvenirs

      Photos from the Lagos wedding that had strippers at an afterparty and bundles of money as gift souvenirsThere was a white wedding reception at Landmark event centre, Oniru on Saturday that has got Nigerians talking.

      Days ago, the couple had their traditional wedding and the racy aso-ebi outfits worn by ladies to the event had the internet shook. (See here)

      Turns out they had a bigger plan for their white wedding reception. Not only was the decor lavish, but strippers were hired to entertain guests at their afterparty, and money bundles given out as souvenir.

      The bride is Adesola Adepoju of House of Jahdara

      See more photos below;

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      Super Eagles pour water on Mikel Obi to celebrate World Cup qualification victory (Photos/Video)

      Super Eagles pour water on Mikel Obi to celebrate World Cup qualification victory (Photos/Video)The Super Eagles celebrated their victory over Zambia yesterday and qualification for Russia 2018 World Cup by pouring water on John Mikel Obi.

      Press play to watch the video below and see the players led by Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, shower a surprised Mikel Obi while they were changing outfits in their locker room.

      Watch the video below;

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      Blame Davido For The Missing $26 Billion NNPC Scam- Reno Omokri

      Blame Davido For The Missing $26 Billion NNPC Scam- Reno OmokriMedia personality, Reno Omokri believes Nigerian singer, Davido should be blamed for the $26 billion NNPC corruption scam.

      Reno Omokri, via his Twitter page, stated that Davido should be blamed for the $26 billion (N923 trillion naira) scam rocking NNPC.

      He wrote;

      Blame @iam_davido for the PMB $26 billion NNPC corruption scam. When they heard that a young man had 30 billion, they wanted to do their own

      Bemigho Reno Omokri is a Nigerian author, lawyer and host of Christian teaching TV show broadcast on San Francisco’s KTLN and Detroit’s Impact Network.

      He is also known to be a major critic of the President Muhammad Buhari’s administration.

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