GRAPHITTI NEWS : 2015

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Fire Engulfs Dubai Hotel Near World's Tallest Building

Screengrab of Instagram shot

Fire engulfed a 63-storey skyscraper in downtown Dubai on Thursday night, but there appeared to be no injuries, a civil defence official said.

Team Sky's Chris Froome has received an OBE

Tour de France winner Chris Froome says receiving an OBE is the perfect way to cap off an "amazing" 2015. The 30-year-old Team Sky rider, who welcomed his first child a fortnight ago, won the yellow jersey for the second time in July and has been recognized in the New Year's Honours List.

Didier Drogba carrying the Championship League trophy he won with Chelsea

Discussions have been held between Chelsea and Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact over Didier Drogba returning to Stamford Bridge. This was revealed by Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink who believes the Ivorian would be best suited to a hands-on coaching role.

Darius Ishaku, Taraba State Governor

The Court of Appeal In Abuja has cancelled the purported victory handed Aisha Alhassan, by an election tribunal, as the governor of Taraba State. Mrs. Alhassan, the candidate of the All Peoples Congress, was declared winner on November 7.

In doing so, the Taraba State Governorship Election Tribunal nullified the election of Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party.

World Welcomes 2016 With Lavish New Year Fireworks (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

New Year’s Eve celebrations have kicked off with lavish fireworks displays as people around the world usher in 2016. However, some cities remain on high alert in the wake of terror threats.

Cities around the world have started welcoming in 2016 with fireworks displays and huge parties, in countries such as Japan, Australia, China and New Zealand. In Sydney, top right, a spectacular display was centred around the world famous Harbour Bridge, which was lit up with colour, as revellers brought in the new year. In Hong Kong, bottom right, a flash of colour was sent across Victoria Harbour as the clock struck midnight and 2016 was ushered in. While in Taiwan, the country's largest skyscraper, Tapei 101, saw fireworks cascade down the side to welcome in the New Year. (Image source: mailonline.com)

Mobile phone subscriptions have boomed in India in recent years as aggressive cost-cutting by telecoms providers has driven down prices, leading to some of the cheapest tariffs in the world ©Manjunath Kiran (AFP)

India notched up its billionth mobile phone subscriber in October, the country's telecoms regulator said, underscoring the importance of its fast-growing mobile market, the world's second-largest after China. Mobile phone subscriptions have boomed in India in recent years as aggressive cost-cutting by telecoms providers has driven down prices, leading to some of the cheapest tariffs in the world.

Actress Imelda Staunton, made a Commander of the British Empire, for her stellar stage work (Image source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk)

UK Queen Elizabeth II's New Year honors list makes knights and dames out of some of Britain's best loved stage and screen stars even as it recognizes the sacrifices of doctors who treated Ebola victims and the everyday heroism of those who spent time helping others.

The new constitution removed barriers on Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso extending his rule by dropping a 70-year age limit and a ban on presidents serving more than two terms ©Alain Jocard (AFP)

The Republic of Congo will hold early presidential elections in March, authorities said, after a new constitution removed barriers to President Denis Sassou Nguesso extending his rule. Elections for a head of state were due to be held in July after the controversial new charter, which removed a 70-year age limit and ban on presidents serving more than two terms, was approved by a public vote.

• Air Force cadets – Abdullahi Fahad(left) and Peter Solomon – after they were apprehended by the convoy of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for locking an artisan, Dahiru Lawal, in a boot at Mile 12, Lagos ... on Wednesday. Photo: Lagos State Government House

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday arrested two Nigerian Air Force cadets in the Mile 12 area of the state. The cadets were nabbed while dehumanizing an artisan, Dahiru Lawal, for allegedly breaking the windscreen of a Chrysler Stratus car with number plate, KRD 267 DV.

Malian Prime Minister Modibo Keita (2nd R) stands next to Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (3rd R) during the funerals of five victims of a shooting rampage at the luxury Radisson hotel in Mali's capital on November 20

Mali has extended by three months a nationwide state of emergency initially imposed following a deadly jihadist attack on a hotel in the capital in November, officials said.

On Wednesday, December 30 President Muhammadu Buhari gave his first ever Presidential Media Chat. Four journalists, led by Kayode Akintemi of Channels Television, interviewed the president.

Dr. Cairo Ojugboh (C) speaking

The Peoples Democratic Party has said it did not ask any of its members who were indicted of corruption to steal while serving in different positions. It therefore urged any of its members who might be undergoing trial for corruption to be ready to face suspension if they were found guilty by the courts.

UPDATE: Tribal King In South Africa Faces Jail Time As Justice Minister Reject Petition

In this Dec. 14, 2013 photo AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo attends the state funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. (AP Photo/Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool)

A tribal king in South Africa faces lengthy jail time after being convicted of arson, kidnapping and other crimes in a case that highlighted tension between sovereignty of the state and traditional authority structures. Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, king of South Africa's Thembu people, appeared to have few legal options after the justice minister on Tuesday rejected a petition to reopen the case.

The Gunners are joint leaders and share same points with season’s surprise package Leicester at the top of the league table

Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger says he will be busy in the January transfer window as he seeks reinforcements to keep the Gunners on top of the Premier League. The Frenchman would not be drawn on names, however, despite British media reports that Basel's Egyptian international midfielder Mohamed Elneny was set to become his first signing of 2016.

"You know more than I do. Unfortunately we cannot announce anything at the moment about this player because nothing has been concluded," Wenger told a news conference ahead of Saturday's home game against struggling Newcastle United.

Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore (C) arrives at his swearing in ceremony in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December 29, 2015. Photo/Reuters

Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, a former banker and one-time prime minister, was sworn in as Burkina Faso’s new president on Tuesday (Dec. 29), the first time that the country has had an electoral transfer of power in almost three decades. Kaboré won over 53% of the vote in an election held last month, defeating former finance minister Zephirin Diabre.

The event caps a tumultuous year for Burkina Faso.

Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has tendered “an unreserved apology” to President Muhammadu Buhari for labelling him “evil and a paedophile and a terrorist” in his broadcasts on Biafra Radio.

Kanu, who is standing trial at a federal high court in Abuja on a six count charge of treason, importation of illegal good and possession of fire arms, also revealed his intention to send a private letter of apology to the president.

Police in Phoenix, Arizona responded to two 911 calls that there was a dead woman covered in a towel lying on suspect Anitra Braxton’s couch. Upon arrival at the murder scene Braxton told officers the unidentified body was a “shrine from God” and, that it was in fact her own body. Later, Braxton said the woman was shot in the eye because she didn’t believe in God.

In this Oct. 4, 2014 photo, Kim Yang Gon, centre, a secretary of North Korea’s ruling Workers' Party, arrives at the Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea. (Kim Do-hoon/Yonhap via AP) KOREA OUT

North Korea's top official in charge of relations with South Korea has died in a traffic accident, the country's state media announced Wednesday, potentially dimming the prospect for ties between the rival countries. He was 73.

Despite a suit in court, the Federal Government yesterday insisted that mobile giant MTN must pay the ₦780billion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) latest tomorrow. The government has also engaged a five-man team of Senior Advocates to defend the sanction in court.

The vote follows a referendum on constitutional change that was backed by 93 percent of voters, reflecting the popular desire for a return to normal life ©Issouf Sanogo (AFP)

The Central African Republic holds key presidential and parliamentary elections on Wednesday under tight security, hoping to finally usher in stability after nearly 50 years of coups, bloodshed and unrest. The vote follows a referendum on constitutional change that was backed by 93 percent of voters, reflecting the popular desire for a return to normal life.

Gelato © Shutterstock

A small Italian town has decided to pay tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley by selling cannabis-flavored ice cream. The producers claim that the “high” ice cream “tastes good and it does good.”

The exotic yummy will be issued by the ice cream shop in the small town of Alassio in northern Italy. And the producers hope their customers will try 'Bob Marley' ice cream before the New Year.

EBOLA OUTBREAK: WHO Declares Guinea Free Of Ebola

Baby Noubia, Guinea's last Ebola patient, was released from hospital in November AFP/Getty

Guinea has been declared free of Ebola by the World Health Organization (WHO), two years after the epidemic began there. Guineans are expected to celebrate the landmark with concerts and fireworks.

The disease killed more than 2,500 people in the country and a further 9,000 in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

From left: Suspected shooter Guarionex Candelario Rivera, Luz M. Soto Segarra, Rosario Hernandez de Hoyos and Frank Roman Rodriguez. (Puerto Rico Police)

An officer with the Puerto Rico Police took two high-ranking officers and a policewoman hostage at police headquarters in the city of Ponce on Monday morning, before shooting and killing them. Prior to the shooting, the officers had engaged in a dispute. The suspect, identified by police officials as Guarionex Candelario, held three hostages – a female lieutenant, a male commander, and a female officer – in the lieutenant’s office following an argument, police spokeswoman Mayra Ayala told the Associated Press.

Boko Haram fighters © AFP

*Troops kill seven bombers, *‘Residents must be security conscious’

No fewer than 52 people have died and 124 injured in multiple explosions in beleaguered Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, hospital officials said yesterday. The insurgent group Boko Haram is believed to be behind the attacks. The morgues at the Umaru Shehu Specialist Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) were flooded with bodies.

Angola FA Sacks Soccer Coach After Post-Holiday No Show

Romeu Filemon

The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) has sacked national team coach Romeu Filemon, the organization said on Monday, after he allegedly failed to turn up for work following the Christmas holiday. Filemon, however, said he was present at the team hotel in Luanda and that he would hold a news conference later in the week to clarify the reasons behind his dismissal on Sunday.

Lionel Zinsou was appointed prime minister in June Getty Images

Benin's Prime Minister walked away unscathed after the helicopter in which he was travelling crashed in the country's northwest, his daughter said. It is unclear why the helicopter carrying Lionel Zinsou crash-landed in a stadium.

"My father is fine. There were no victims in the helicopter accident in Djougou," Marie-Cecile Zinsou tweeted.

Boko Haram Islamic extremists struck the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri for the first time in months Monday with rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombers, witnesses said. At least 30 people were killed and the death toll could go higher. Nigerian troops "intercepted and destroyed" 10 suicide bombers and repelled the attackers, according to PR Nigeria, an agency that disseminates government news.

Mrs. Beatrice Oyesunle, the 75-year-old mother of the deceased twin brothers; The hotel where the policeman first confronted the victims (Image source: Vanguard.com)

* Narrates last conversation with deceased children

* We’ll investigate deceased killer cop — CP

Mrs Beatrice Oyesunle, the 75-year-old mother of the twin brothers who were shot to death by a drunk Mobile Police Sergeant, weekend, alongside their friend, in Ketu area of Lagos, yesterday said the death of her only surviving children had crumbled her world. This is just as one of the children, Taiwo Oyesunle, was discovered to be a Naval personnel attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship Wey, Satelite.

Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike

Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has sympathized with doctors and management of Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt over the fire that gutted the doctor’s quarters of the hospital, yesterday.

The fire which started from the top floor of the two-storey quarters at 3p.m. completely razed that floor.

World's Busiest Airport Welcomes 100 Millionth Passenger

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - The Atrium | by Eloketh

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said it hit a major milestone Sunday. The airport that calls itself the world's busiest announced on its social media sites said it served its 100 millionth passenger this year. That makes it the first single airport to serve that number of passengers in one calendar year.

Former shadow chancellor of the exchequer Ed Balls is the new Norwich chairman

Former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls has been named as the new chairman of Norwich. The 48-year-old, a lifelong Canaries fan, will take up the non-executive role with immediate effect, the Barclays Premier League club have announced. Majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones said Balls would bring considerable economic knowledge and experience to the position.

A statement read: "We're absolutely delighted to confirm that Ed Balls is the new chairman of Norwich City.

US scientists have developed a new polymer that has a unique capacity to remove pollutant substances from water “in seconds.” The discovery could revolutionize the water-purification industry, make the process cheaper, and involve minimum energy.

Christmas was "cancelled" in the southeastern Nigerian town where a huge explosion at an industrial gas plant killed nine people and left three critically injured. On a hot Christmas Eve morning Thursday, residents in the blue-collar city of Nnewi were filling bottles with cooking gas to be used to prepare their holiday feasts when the plant went up in flames.

Chinese miners hold pipes used for pumping out water from a flooded mine during rescue operation at a coal mine in Xintai, eastern Shandong province, on August 20, 2007 ©Teh Eng Koon (AFP)

The owner of a Chinese gypsum mine committed suicide Sunday after a cave-in which killed one person and left 17 trapped, state media said. Ma Congbo drowned himself while he was at the scene helping the rescue, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Over 700 rescuers are battling to save the workers after the Friday accident in the eastern province of Shandong, it said, adding that four had managed to escape and seven more had been pulled out of the mine.

The management of InterCorp Oil Limited (LPG Gas Plant), a member of Chicason Group in Nnewi, Anambra State, where the deadly gas explosion took place on Christmas eve, has debunked the number of casualties published in some national newspapers. Briefing reporters at the company’s headquarters, the Managing Director of the organization, Mr Linus Ilozue, said that the numbers of casualties were grossly exaggerated, while putting the actual figure at eight.

This assertion was, however, disputed by eyewitnesses who maintained that the casualty figures were far above the company’s claim.

Fuel To Cost ₦85 Per Litre As Subsidy Is Scrapped

Ibe Kachikwu

The Nigerian Government announced on Friday that it has scrapped the Petroleum Support Fund, also known as fuel subsidy. Speaking to journalists at the Port Harcourt refinery where he had spent Christmas inspecting the facility, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, said the government could no longer pay the subsidy due to the fraud tainting the scheme.

After having one for the road – a cup of tea from a local Peruvian food shop – a bus driver from an Italian city unexpectedly tested positive for cocaine and barely escaped being fired, local media reported. The 37-year-old bus driver from Genoa, named Roberto, tested positive for cocaine while undergoing a routine checkup, La Repubblica reported. However, considering Roberto’s spotless 10-year reputation at the Genovese transport authority, the company doctor decided to help him challenge the findings and prove his innocence.

Zambian president, Edward Lungu

Clifford Dimba, a singer who was convicted of the rape of a 14-year-old girl, has been appointed by Zambia as an ambassador in the fight against gender violence - provoking a backlash from the UN Human Rights office. Dimba, 30, known as General Kanene, was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, but was pardoned by President Lungu in July after spending a year behind bars. After his release, Dimba was involved in two further incidents of violence against women, but according to local media was released on bail.

A white frame house where former US president Bill Clinton spent the first few years of his life was ablaze on Christmas Day in a suspected arson attack ©Evaristo Sa (AFP)

Arson is suspected in a fire that broke out at former US president Bill Clinton's birthplace early Friday morning, damaging the historical site, police said. "It's pretty logical it was purposely set," J.R. Wilson, the police chief in Hope, Arkansas, told AFP.

The blaze ran up an exterior back wall of the white frame house where Clinton spent the first few years of his life, but the damage was minor, Wilson said.

A motorist reported the blaze in the early hours of Friday, which is Christmas Day, and police and fire crews arrived within minutes.

Malawi has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, straining the healthcare system and economy ©Marco Longari (AFP)

Malawi has suspended 63 civil servants who allegedly stole millions of dollars of US funds sent for fighting HIV and AIDS, local media reported on Friday.

Health Minister Peter Kumpalume told the Daily Times newspaper that senior officials from the health ministry’s finance, human resources and HIV and AIDS departments were "suspended to allow auditors to investigate and audit the accounts.

Islamic State’s human organ harvesting is sanctioned by a fatwa issued last January, when the group’s Islamic scholars explained that internals of ‘apostates’ could be extracted from their bodies for the needs of Muslims, even if the ‘donors’ die. A document obtained by Reuters reveals that organs harvesting is charitable deed by codes of Islamic State (IS, former ISIS/ISIL), maintains IS’ Research and Fatwa Committee.

A burning cistern and burnt cars in the aftermath of a blast at an industrial gas plant in Nnewi

The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has condoled with the families of victims of Thursday’s fire incidence at Nnewi. Describing the incidence as “tragic and regrettable”, Obi who said he was downcast, prayed to God to grant repose to the dead and courage to those they left behind to bear the loss with equanimity.

Buhari: No Group Will Hold Nigeria To Ransom Again

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday warned that any threat to Nigeria’s peace would not be tolerated. “We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise,” the President said in his Christmas message.

There has been an upsurge in the activities of separatist pro-Biafra groups, especially the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), which has coordinated protests in Southeast state capitals and other places, calling for Biafra State and the release of detained underground Biafra Radio director Nnamdi Kanu.

An airbase designed to accommodate Norway’s new fleet of F-35 jet fighters was once an Iron Age Viking settlement, dating back some 1,500 years, archaeologists have discovered. The ancient village was unearthed as experts from Norway’s NTNU University Museum in Trondheim examined the strategic site on Orland peninsula. Norwegian law requires a preliminary archaeological study of any site before construction works begin.

May you see a reason to celebrate in this season and give thanks to God Almighty Who freely loads us with benefits always. Compliments, dear readers!!!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Guinea Government Quits

Mr Condé was sworn in for a second term on 14 December AFP

Guinea's prime minister and government have resigned, President Alpha Condé has said, clearing the way for him to appoint a new administration two months after being elected to a second five-year term, AFP news agency reports. Mr Condé gave no reason for the departure of Prime Minister Mohamed Said Fofana, but a change of cabinet is typical after a presidential election.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Monday, December 28, 2015

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Friday, December 25, 2015

Thursday, December 24, 2015