Presiding officers of the National Assembly have rejected the official houses built for them by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The officers include; Senate President, David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha.
According to them, insecurity and delay in the provision of infrastructure were the reasons behind their refusal.FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, at the weekend, disclosed that following the development, the Ministry consequently discontinued the construction of the N3 billion official houses.

The project, being handled by Julius Berger, is located at the Maitama Extension (renamed Goodluck Jonathan District), behind Lungi Military Barracks.
The FCTA last year proposed to spend N1.5 billion on construction of the new official houses for the National Assembly’s presiding officers as well as another N1 billion for the completion of the official residence of the Vice President.
During the 2012 budget defense session before the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Mohammed said the total cost of the project was N3.044 billion.
He said while N324 million was appropriated in 2011 for the buildings, only N146millionhad been expended, leaving a balance of N178 million. He explained that for 2012, N1.5 billion would be required for the project.

Mohammed said that the National Assembly’s presiding officers that would benefit from the new residences were the Senate President and his Deputy as well as the Speaker of the House and his Deputy.
For the vice president’s residence, the Minister said N2.452 billion was required to complete the project, which was already 66. 8 per cent completed last year.
Citing insecurity as a reason , the Minister in February 2011 told the parliament during a budget defense that four principal officers of the National Assembly would benefit from a new set of residential accommodation being planned by the FCTA at the Maitama Extension Area in Abuja.
His word: “The National Assembly is the highest democratic body we have apart from the Presidency. And the National Assembly complex at Apo has been sold out to the public. The place is being inhabited by all sorts of people. Leaving them there will expose them to the vagaries of the society. And anybody can be a principal officer; so whoever is there and you leave him there, you are not being fair to him.”

On why the government was embarking on the multimillion naira project when the principal officers were already accommodated at the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja, the Minister had told the Sixth Assembly FCT Committee that the decision was predicated on the insecurity in Abuja and some parts of the country.
“Our decision is taken out of a sheer sense of responsibility. But with responsibility comes the issue of security, the issue of the latitude and leverage which officers holding certain offices must have.
“The National Assembly is the highest democratic body we have apart from the Presidency. And the National Assembly complex has been sold out to the public. The place is being inhabited by all sorts of people.

“We were there on inspection and so we cannot guarantee the safety and security of principal officers of the National Assembly who take decisions on very serious and sometimes critical issues that may impinge on the sensibilities, perception and feelings of others. We must, as a government, protect the principal officers of the National Assembly.
“Leaving them there will expose them to the vagaries of the society. And anybody can be a principal officer; so whoever is there and you leave him there, you are not being fair to him. That is why government decided that as a second tier of government, we will go to an area which is secure and safe for our principal officers to live”, the minister had said.
But fielding questions last weekend on the progress made so far on the project, the Minister, represented by the FCDA Director of Public Building, Bernard Lot, said work had already begun on the project before the recent rejection of the area by the principal officers.
“You will recall that we had started that project, and there is a contractor carrying out the road work. You can actually access the place because the contractor has actually commenced work and has also done reasonably well on that.
“But that too was affected by budgetary provisions. You know government has dwindling resources, but there is an issue there because development is not taking place fast in that area. And so the principal officers of the National Assembly have said that they don’t want that place because of the current security situation in the country.
“Though it is behind the army barracks, we cannot isolate them there, and government in its own wisdom has said that since they don’t want it, the authorities have decided to convert the buildings to guest houses and scale down the initial cost of the project. That is what we are doing now. We are scaling down the cost of the project to serve as guest houses to the principal officers of the National Assembly.
“As for their new residences, you are all aware that we have already cleared a new site located in the Three Arms Zone in the Central Area.

The President has already given his anticipatory approval and the contractor has been asked to commence work on the project,” he said.

On the Vice President’s residence, the Minister explained that paucity of funds in the 2012 budget was responsible for the delay in the completion of the project.
“For a whole year (2012), there was no budget for that project but under 2013, we had an appropriation and the contractor is working. We had a cause to seek a variation on the contract to implement the second phase of the project. But it was stood down on the grounds that no project will have a variation above 15 per cent.
“So, we are having an implementation strategy to ensure that we complete that project on time, including the very essential aspects of the work, including the holding, gatehouse, bedroom, storage, among others.
“The contract is ongoing and we are going to complete the contract while we leave the issue of furnishing. The issue of furnishing is part of the phase two of the project such as the banquet hall, guest houses, and some security installations which are very vital for the vice president to live in because of the current security situation in the FCT,” he said.

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"I Go Where the Love Is" - Condola Rashad on Interracial Relationships:

The actress talks Broadway's Romeo and Juliet.

Condola Rashad is taking Broadway by storm as the lovelorn Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. The gorgeous actress, who stars opposite Orlando Bloom in the production, is earning rave reviews for her portrayal of Shakespeare's most famous female character.

In our exclusive video, we talk to the two-time Tony nominee about the racial undertones of this version of Romeo and Juliet, 50 Cent's crush on her famous mother, Phylicia Rashad, and her views on interracial relationships. As the luminous actress tells us, "it's all about the love."

Plus, given Shakespeare's tendency to cast male actors to play the female parts back in the day, we ask Rashad to tell us which male celebrity she would want to play her.  Check out the interview below.

Romeo and Juliet is currently playing for a limited engagement at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in New York City

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Racist Facebook Rant:Hollywood Producer Calls Kanye West "Dumb N****"

John Palermo offends Yeezy, Kim Kardashian, Anderson Cooper and more.

Hollywood is no stranger to controversy, but producer John Palermo took it too far this week when he posted a series of rude, racist remarks on his Facebook page. Palermo, who was once Hugh Jackman's partner and produced films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, called out Kanye West, Anderson Cooper and TV host Julie Chen in his bigoted commentary on pop culture and entertainment news.

"There goes the neighborhood!!!" the Los Angeles native posted upon reading that Kim Kardashian and West had purchased a mansion in tony Bel-Air. "It looks like a Poor Persian Palace, where's Kris Jenner when you need her?! #MoneyCantBuyADumbN****Class"

In response to an article about Anderson Cooper attending the opening of his boyfriend's gay bar, he simply typed: "#SmellsLikeLubeAndHIV."

Of Julie Chen, the Chinese-American daytime talk show host, who is married to CBS chief Les Moonves and recently admitted having eyelid surgery to help her career, he wrote: "I'm crazy about Julie Chen!!! Now that her eyes are finally open, she should leave Monster Moonves."

Palermo's Facebook page has since been taken down, but the producer isn't keeping a low profile in the wake of the controversy. Instead, he is doubling down on his comments, claiming they were made to raise awareness about prejudice in Hollywood: "Maybe people [who take offense] will look in the mirror and say, ‘When was the last time I called Les Moonves and asked for an African-American to play opposite me?'"

The producer's last major film credit was 2012's Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, and he claims to now be taking a "sabbatical" from his career. We'd like to think that with views like these, he'll never work in this town again.

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African leaders discuss relationship with ICC

Possible mass withdrawal from Hague-based court being debated at two-day African Union summit in Ethiopia's capital.

The summit is to be held at the African Union headquarters in the Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa

African leaders have begun a two-day meeting to discuss the continent’s relationship with the International Criminal Court among other issues. The first meeting on Friday, dubbed the extraordinary session of the executive council of the African Union, is to be followed by the session of the assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital and headquarters of the continental bloc. The two-day summit is expected to be attended by Sudanese President Omar al Bashir, who has been indicted by the ICC on war crimes charges and genocide in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur. The AU has demanded that proceedings against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta linked to the 2007-2008 post-election violence be dropped. Kenyatta faces crimes against humanity along with his Vice President William Ruto, who is already on trial at the Hague, Netherlands. The meeting is also expected to discuss a possible mass withdrawal from the ICC, although leading African figures, including Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, and retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu, have urged African leaders not to withdraw support. In his opening speech at the summit, Ethiopia's foreign minister slammed the ICC for its "unfair" and "totally unacceptable" treatment of Africa. "The manner in which the Court has been operating, particularly its unfair treatment of Africa and Africans, leaves much to be desired," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told ministers and delegates at the opening of the meeting. Kenyatta's bid Many African countries, whose leaders have complained that the ICC only targets Africans, are signatories to the Rome Statute which set the stage for the formation of the court. Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb, reporting from Addis Ababa, said only a handful of countries were advocating a withdrawal from the court. He said countries like Nigeria did not have a problem with the court while South Africa had not decided on pulling out. Thirty-four African states are signatories to the Rome Statute. The summit comes as Kenyatta launches a fresh bid to have the ICC case against him stopped. He cited "serious, sustained and wide-ranging abuse on the process of the court carried out by" three witnesses against him in collaboration with the court’s investigators, according to Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper. Kenyatta alleges his witnesses have been intimidated or interfered with to change their testimony "for reward", the newspaper said. In an application made late on Thursday, the daily said, his defence team wants the judges to either stop the case permanently or hold a hearing where the issue will be resolved conclusively before his trial begins on November 12. Kenyatta's lawyers have said that if it is found that those involved abused the court process, "it would necessitate a permanent stay of the proceedings". In July two witnesses who were due to testify in Kenyatta's trial withdrew over security concerns, the ICC said. The court also dropped a third witness's evidence, saying it it did not consider it necessary. Fatou Bensouda, the ICC's chief prosecutor, has previously accused Kenya's government of not protecting witnesses

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Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Miley Cyrus's saucy twerking has won her
a very indecent proposal after the former Disney star was
offered to go one step further and shoot a porn movie in
return for a million dollars.

However, the racy 20-year-old wouldn't have to get too
down and dirty for her pay cheque as adult film firm
GameLink simply want the Wrecking Ball singer to direct
hardcore sex scenes for them.

The proposal submitted for Miley's consideration offered
her full 'creative control'.
The firm's vice president, Jeff Dillon, wrote to the We
Can't Stop singer:

"[You've] become an empowered young woman that is
unapologetic about your lifestyle, especially when it comes
to expressing your sexuality … you are the ideal choice to
show the world your vision as an artist in the world of
adult entertainment."

Alluding to Miley's spat with Irish singer Sinead O'Connor
- who dubbed Miley a pop prostitute - the firm added:
"We at Gamelink feel this gives you a chance to finally
show the world you are not a little girl anymore, and you
won't bow to the pressures of the likes of Sinead
O'Connor, who is jealous of your success."

Read More