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.

Cocaine Tea Sold For Years In Italian Shops – Newspaper

© Stefano Rellandini / Reuters

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.

Zambia Under Fire For Appointing Pardoned Rapist As Ambassador In Gender Violence Fight

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.

Arson Suspected At Bill Clinton's Birthplace

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 Suspends 63 Civil Servants Over Stolen US Funds

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.

ISIS Sanctions Organ Harvesting From Living ‘Apostates’… Even If It Kills Them

© Petr Josek Snr / Reuters

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.

Nnewi Gas Plant Explosion: Obi Condoles Victims’ Families

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.

Archaeologists Unearth 1,500 Years Old Viking Settlement Beneath Airbase

© gemini.no

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.

Season's Greetings From GRAPHITTI NEWS

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!!!

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.  

Barcelona FC Go To CAS After UEFA Turn Down Appeal

Neymar holding Barcelona FC banner

Barcelona will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after UEFA dismissed the club's appeal against a €40,000 fine imposed after its fans chanted in support of Catalan independence at a Champions League match in September.

European governing body UEFA, which takes a tough stance against political messages, acted after Barca's match against German club Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool's Marko Grujic Move Plunged Into Doubt Despite Agreed £5m Deal As His Father Says: 'His Passport Is With Me, He Is Going Nowhere... I Won't Let Them Destroy My Boy!'

Grujic's father has said he thinks Red Star are forcing his son out of the club as they want the transfer fee

*Goran Grujic thinks Red Star Belgrade are forcing his son out of the club *He thinks the club are desperate for the transfer fee from Liverpool *Grujic even claims players have been told their wages depend on the move

The father of Liverpool target Marko Grujic says he is resisting a move to Anfield, despite the clubs agreeing a £5million transfer. Goran Grujic believes his son has been forced out of Red Star Belgrade as the Serbian club need the money and is refusing to allow the transfer to go through.

Somalia Bans Christmas And New Year Festivities; Christians Exempted From Mogadishu Christmas Ban

iStock

Somalia's government has banned celebrations of Christmas and New Year in the Muslim majority country, saying the festivities might attract Islamist attacks.

"All events related to Christmas and New Year celebrations are contrary to Islamic culture, which could damage the faith of the Muslim community," the director general of the religious affairs ministry told reporters on Tuesday.

Burkina Faso Issues Arrest Warrant For Ex-Leader's Killing

Col. Sita Sangare

Burkina Faso's military court says it has issued an arrest warrant against the former head of the presidential guard for the assassination of the country's former revolutionary leader in 1987.

2-IN-1 STORY: Manchester United Manager Louis Van Gaal Walks Out Of Pre-Match Press Conference

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal walked out of a press conference on Wednesday

Louis van Gaal has walked out of a press conference after becoming annoyed about speculation regarding his future as Manchester United manager. Rumours have been rife this week that the Dutchman is about to be sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed by Chelsea last Thursday.

Top Sierra Leone Politician Accused Of Bigamy

The invitation letter the police sent to Mr Kabbah. BBC

The main opposition presidential candidate in Sierra Leone is being questioned by police following bigamy allegations filed against him by his wife.  Allie Kabbah is married to Local Govt Minister Diana Finda Konomany, who belongs to the governing party. 

Stolen: US Actor, Nicolas Cage To Return US$276k Dino Skull To Mongolia

© raywinstagram / Instagram; Michael Caronna / Reuters

Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage has agreed to hand back a rare Tyrannosaurus bataar skull to Mongolia after learning the national treasure was illegally shipped from the country.

The skull has been in the actor’s possession for nearly 10 years: Cage bought it in March 2007 from the I.M. Chait Gallery in Beverly Hills. Cage’s publicist Alex Schack told Reuters the Tyrannosaurus bataar skull had come with a certificate of authenticity.

Man Pulled Alive From Rubble Three Days After China Mudslide

A survivor is carried on a stretcher on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, after being pulled out by rescuers more than 60 hours after a landslide hit an industrial park on Sunday in China, Dec. 23, 2015. (China Daily/Reuters)

A man was pulled out alive from rubble in a southern Chinese city on Wednesday, more than 60 hours after a waste heap collapsed and buried dozens of buildings in mud and construction debris, state media said.

Tian Zeming, who was found at 3:30 a.m., was in a coherent state but his legs had been crushed in Sunday’s landslide at an industrial park in Shenzhen, a boomtown near Hong Kong.

Burundi Rebels Organize 'Forebu' Force To Oust President

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza won a controversial third term in power following months of political violence ©Marco Longari (AFP)

Burundi's rebels came together Wednesday for the first time as a force aimed at ousting President Pierre Nkurunziza, after months of bloodshed in the troubled central African country. The formation of the 'Forebu' insurgency comes amid mounting regional pressure on the government to accept African Union peacekeepers it calls an "invasion force".

HRW: Killed Nigeria Shias Buried In 'Mass Graves'

Nigeria Shias took to the streets to protest against the military (Image credits: Ahmed Musa; Image source: BBC Africa Live)

Nigeria's military "quickly buried" at least 300 Shia Muslims in mass graves after killing them in what appeared to be a "wholly unjustified" attack in northern Zaria city, a leading human rights group has said. 

2-IN-1 STORY: Four Militants Detonate Suicide Bombs On Lake Chad Island

Four militants detonated suicide bombs after being found out by a group of locals on a Lake Chad island, killing three of the attackers but no one else, official and security sources said on Wednesday.

The maze of islands and waterways on the shrinking shores of Lake Chad are a favourite hiding place for Islamist Boko Haram fighters who are mostly based in neighbouring Nigeria's northeast but often cross into Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

After Outcry Over Presidents' Faces On Ghanaian Buses, Mahama Bans First Class Travel For Public Officials

Image credits: BBC

Past Ghanaian presidents’ faces (including Mahama, Atta Mills, Kuffour & Rawlings) on these buses have been causing controversy in Ghana's capital, Accra. It cost almost US$1m to get pictures of the country's presidents' bust shots plastered on 116 buses.

Tokyo Sexwale: FIFA Candidate Questioned Over World Cup Bribes

Tokyo Sexwale

FIFA presidential candidate Tokyo Sexwale has appeared before a US grand jury in New York as part of an on-going investigation into World Cup bribes. The BBC has learned that he was questioned in relation to an alleged US$10m corrupt payment from South Africa to ex-FIFA vice president Jack Warner.

Sexwale appeared as a potential witness at the FBI's request on December 17.

Superbug Crisis Warning Issued Over Antibiotics Resistance

The unnecessary prescription and use of antibiotics as a form of treatment is believed to be an aggravating factor

It is "almost too late" to stop a global superbug crisis caused by the misuse of antibiotics, a leading expert has warned. Scientists have a "50-50" chance of salvaging existing antibiotics from bacteria which has become resistant to its effects, according to Dr David Brown.

The director at Antibiotic Research UK, whose discoveries helped make more than 30 billion US dollars (£20 billion) in pharmaceutical sales, said efforts to find new antibiotics are "totally failing" despite significant investment and research.

‘Sharia Compliant’: Malaysia Launches Its First Airline Governed By Islamic Law

Maiden Sharia compliant flight took place on Sunday ferrying 150 passengers from the capital Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

A new airline has launched in Malaysia which follows the rules of Islamic law in a first for the country. During flights, there is no alcohol served and only halal food is provided.

Rayani Air’s maiden flight took place on Sunday ferrying 150 passengers from the capital Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, a popular tourist destination where the airline is headquartered.

₦1.4trn Fine: FG Calls MTN’s Bluff, Says Dec 31 Deadline Subsists

NCC sanctioned MTN over failure to remove 5.1 million unregistered subscribers from its network

The Federal Government, yesterday, said it would neither be cowed nor threatened by MTN’s court action against the ₦1.4trn fine which was later reduced to ₦780 billion, insisting that the telecommunications company risks another fine if it fails to pay on deadline. Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, made the statement yesterday in reaction to the suit instituted by the telecom operator at a Lagos High Court, weekend.

Boko Haram Keeps A Million Children Out Of School: UNICEF

Children stand next to a UNICEF tent in the refugee camp in Assaga, southeast Niger ©Boureima Hama (AFP)

The Boko Haram insurgency has kept more than one million children out of school, the UN children's agency reported on Tuesday, highlighting fears that a lack of education will fuel further radicalism in and around Nigeria. Over 2,000 schools are closed across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, while hundreds of others have been attacked, looted, or set on fire by Boko Haram jihadists in their quest to create an independent Islamic state, said UNICEF.

Costa Rica Closes 2015 With 99% Renewable Energy

Water gushes out of a floodgate at the hydroelectric dam Cachi in Ujarras de Cartago, 60 miles of San Jose, Costa Rica © Juan Carlos Ulate / Reuters

Costa Rica has boasted that almost all of the energy it has produced in 2015 came from renewable sources, making the small Central America country a global leader in green energy. “We close 2015 with 99 percent of clean energy!” announced the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) on Facebook, saying that “the energy produced … in 2015 reaches 98.95 % with renewable sources as of December 17.”

EGYPTIAN FOOTBALL: Zamalek FC Quit Egyptian League Over Refereeing

Getty Images

Egyptian champions Zamalek have quit the current Premier League season, the club has announced on its website.  Zamalek's board met after a 3-2 loss to El-Gaish on Sunday evening and decided not to complete the competition.

The board are due to meet again on Monday to discuss the matter further.

2-IN-1 STORY: Oil Prices Crash To Epic Lows After US Vote As Nigerian Oil Workers Reject PIB

OPEC Logo

Crude oil prices on the global market crashed on Monday to epic lows, as they beat 2008 global economic crisis prices and sank beyond 11-year low with the US vote to lift ban on oil exports. New data released on Monday, revealed that the price of crude oil in the OPEC basket of twelve crude, stood at 31.63 dollars – an 11-year-low.

The last time the OPEC basket stood at a daily low of less than US$32 was in April 2004, when it traded at US$31.32.

Burundi MPs Debate AU Force

Burundi has been in turmoil since April Reuters

Burundi's parliament is debating the plan by the African Union to send 5,000 peacekeepers to the country to protect civilians in Burundi. The parliament is expected to back the government's rejection of the force, which it has described as an "invasion force". 

South African King 'Tries To Avoid Jail'

King Dalindyebo waged a reign of terror against some of his subjects Reuters

A convicted king in South Africa should be given clemency by President Jacob Zuma or preferential treatment in prison, an influential traditional leaders body has said, the local News24 site reports.  King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo - a monarch of Nelson Mandela's Thembu ethnic group - is due to report to police on Wednesday to start a 12-year jail sentence after a court convicted him of kidnapping, assault and arson. 

FIFA: Sepp Blatter And Michel Platini Get Lengthy Bans

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini have been suspended for eight years from all football-related activities following an ethics investigation. The bans come into force immediately.