Big Bammy's Blog: 2015-05-24

Saturday, May 30, 2015

#BBB NEWS| US Vice President Joe Biden’s Son, Beau Biden, Passes Away At Age 46 After Battle With Brain Cancer [PHOTO]

United States Vice President Joe Biden’s son, Joseph R. Biden III, died at the age of 46 following his battle with brain cancer, the New York Times reports.

News broke evening (May 30) that the former attorney general of Delaware, affectionately known as Beau, passed away, who also suffered a minor stroke in 2010. In previous years, doctors at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas “removed a small lesion from his brain.” Reports also state that the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center treated Biden for over a week.

A statement by the Vice President was released following the saddening news, reading “Beau’s life was defined by service to others.”

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have declared their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau as required by the Constitution.

The head of Buhari’s media team, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Saturday, said the President and Vice President submitted their assets declaration forms separately on Thursday.

Shehu added that the CCB, through its Chairman, Sam Saba, on Friday acknowledged the receipt of the forms.

He said Buhari’s declarant identity was given as: President: 000001/2015.

Shehu however did not disclose the contents of the assets declaration forms.

“By declaring their assets, President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo may have not only fulfilled the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution, but also fulfilled the first of their many campaign promises.

It was an evening of fun and relaxation as fans, celebrities and lovers of music converged in Lagos to meet with the 2015 MTN Ambassadors.

The highpoint of the meet and greet party was the presentation of certificates of endorsement to the Ambassadors.

Hafiz Oyetoro Aka “Saka,” who made the famous move at the peak of “I don port” campaign, also joined others to renew his contract.

See more pics after the cut..

PRESS RELEASE: Abuja, Nigeria, 30 May 2015: President Muhammadu Buhari says officials of past administrations including ministers are entitled to their full rights and privileges under the constitution and must not be subjected to any undue harassment and intimidation at the airports or at other points of entry and exit.

"We have not banned anyone from travelling," said the President.

Responding to some cases of "V.I.P stoppages" at the airports as reported to him on Saturday, President Buhari directed all agencies under the government to run their affairs in full compliance with extant rules, regulations and the constitution of the country.

FOX’s addictive show Empire will return Sept. 23, actress Taraji P. Henson announced Friday (May 29). The hourlong musical drama had spectators returning every Wednesday at 9 p.m. to see what happens next with Lucious Lyons’ entity, Cookie’s snap-tastic lines, and the latest melody that’ll have us flocking to iTunes to purchase.

The Lee Daniels co-created reel saw a historic rise in ratings every week, and even pulled in 16.5 million viewers for its finale in March.

This forthcoming installment is reportedly set to feature Chris Rock, Lenny Kravitz and Alicia Keys.

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said that Nigeria has been liberated from years of the Peoples Democratic Party’s misrule as Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the new President of the country.

In a statement issued on Friday to mark Democracy Day titled, ‘A new Nigeria is possible beginning today,’ Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue to hold public office holders responsible to ensure that their struggle is not in vain.

He said, “Today, the old Nigeria is no longer in chains as we move into a new era and take hold of our new selves. From President (Muhammadu) Buhari to the state governors inaugurated this day, I wish them well and pray they govern in an open, democratic way that assures your optimal wellbeing.

Inaugural speech by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, following his swearing-in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29th May, 2015

I am immensely grateful to God Who Has preserved us to witness this day and this occasion. Today marks a triumph for Nigeria and an occasion to celebrate her freedom and cherish her democracy. Nigerians have shown their commitment to democracy and are determined to entrench its culture. Our journey has not been easy but thanks to the determination of our people and strong support from friends abroad we have today a truly democratically elected government in place.

I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and cooperation he has given to the transition process, he has made it possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria. I hope this act of graciously accepting defeat by the outgoing President will become the standard of political conduct in the country.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter, has won his bid for re-election in a vote that has been overshadowed by the arrest of top FIFA officials accused of corruption.

Blatter's opponent, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, pulled his name out of the election after the first round of voting. Blatter fell seven votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to win the election in the first round.

FIFA elections took place just as an international scandal burst open, with seven top FIFA officials were arrested in Switzerland on Wednesday as part of a US prosecution that indicted 14 people.

Blatter, 79, has been facing significant pressure to resign, including from the UK Prime Minister David Cameron who said in Berlin that “the sooner he quits the better.”

#BBB NEWS| Tracy Morgan Settles Walmart Suit, Books ‘Today Show’ For First Interview Since Accident

Tracy Morgan: After suffering from a severe brain injury following a fatal six-vehicle crash that killed his friend, comedian James McNair, last June, the comic also sued Walmart for negligence after one of its employees behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer rear-ended Morgan’s limo bus and caused the accident.

While updates on Morgan’s condition have trickled through the past few months—some borderline heart-wrenching, reports have emerged that the 30 Rock star has settled the crash suit.

According to BBC News, Morgan’s lawyer, Benedict Morelli, said Walmart “took full responsibility for the accident” after prosecutors alleged the driver had not slept for more than 24 hours.

Morgan added in a statement that Walmart “did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families”.

King Baddo was recently in Nairobi recording the third season of Coke Studio Africa. Coca-Cola hosted Olamide on Facebook in an exclusive session dubbed, the Artist Takeover.

This one-hour session online enabled fans to interact and ask Olamide questions using the hashtag #AskOlamide which he was required to respond to in real time.

Hit the jump to see the top 5 things Olamide revealed to his fans:

Formerly known as Dwayne Johnson, the entertainer hit the red carpet in Hollywood, Calif. (May 26) for the premiere of his forthcoming film San Andreas.

Enlisting a fire truck to stick with the theme of the doomsday-type film, The Rock was accompanied by his daughter and other A-listers in the cinema world including actresses Emmanuelle Chriqui, Malin Akerman, and alongside director Brad Peyton and producer Beau Flynn.

San Andreas will rock theaters on May 29, but for now check out the photos of the red carpet extravaganza below..

Nigeria’s president-elect, Muhammad Buhari returned to Nigeria early today in time to attend the beginning of handing over ceremonies in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Buhari left Nigeria abruptly last week on a British Airways flight with Diezani Allison-Madueke, a controversial minister in the outgoing regime of President Goodluck Jonathan considered to be highly corrupt.

Party officials told Saharareporters last week that the abrupt trip caught them unawares, however, family sources stated Buhari had scheduled the trip as a way of taking a short break before he takes over the reigns of power on Friday.

Buhari arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at exactly 5:25am accompanied by a former civilian president, Shehu Shagari and his daughter, Zahra.

See more photos below..

I have just confirmed that a total of 290 soldiers were dismissed yesterday by the Authorities of the Nigerian Army. The letters of dismissal were distributed in Jos, Plateau State and Ibadan, Oyo state. Before the dismissal, the soldiers were subjected to orderly room trial. (pictured above) Soldiers facing trial for mutiny

Even though they pleaded not guilty to the charges of cowardice and failure to fight the Boko Haram sect the dismissed soldiers were not tried by any court-martial in line with the provisions of the Armed Forces Act. It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army also sacked another batch of 200 soldiers in similar circumstances in December last year.

As the country transits from one democratic dispensation to another, there is no gainsaying that the state of the nation’s economy is the focal point, especially with the unending fuel scarcity, which is gradually grinding the nation to a halt. No doubt, the best person to explain the state of the economy today is Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, whose management of the nation’s resources in these past four years has elicited different reactions from Nigerians.

As a member of the National Economic Council, I had spoken out at different times at NEC meetings and even in public on the way the economy is managed under Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, again, I want to share my views with the public on some of the issues affecting the Nigerian nation.

Recently, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy (CME) has been all over the place, pointing in the wrong directions and blaming everybody but herself for the parlous state of the Nigerian economy. Coming after her deafening silence on the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit of NNPC crude oil sales and receipts, which revealed massive abuse of public trust and stealing of our common patrimony in high places under her watch and the government she serves, it is quite intriguing that with barely few days left in office, she has suddenly woken up from her slumber to realize that oil marketers have been all along falsifying subsidy claims and defrauding the nation of billions of naira and dollars.

President Goodluck Jonathan has advised the incoming president, Muhammadu Buhari, not to single his administration out for probe.

He said if Mr. Buhari must investigate him and his administration, he should do the same for the past governments.

A probe centred only on the Jonathan administration will amount to a “witch hunt”, the president said Wednesday at a valedictory cabinet meeting attended by ministers ahead of his handing over to Mr. Buhari on Friday.

Mr. Jonathan said his comments followed calls from different quarters for his administration to be investigated.

“Some people are even calling for the probe of the government, but I think in Nigeria, there are a lot of many things that will be probed, very many things, even debts owed by states and debts owed by this country from 1960 up to this time.

#BBB NEWS| Sports: U.S. Indicts World Soccer Officials in Alleged $150 Million FIFA Bribery Scandal

The Justice Department unsealed a 47 count indictment early Wednesday charging 14 world soccer figures, including officials of FIFA, with racketeering, bribery, money laundering and fraud. Four of those accused, including two sports marketing companies, have already pleaded guilty and are likely to be cooperating.

Among the “alleged schemes,” said the Justice Department, were kickbacks to FIFA officials by executives and companies involved in soccer marketing and “bribes and kickbacks in connection” with “the selection of the host country for the 2010 World Cup and the 2011 FIFA presidential election,” the Justice Department said.

Swiss prosecutors, in a related announcement, said they had opened criminal proceedings against unidentified individuals on suspicion of mismanagement and money laundering related to the awarding of rights to host the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Nigerian National Women’s Team footballer, Asisat Oshoala, was announced winner of BBC’s Inaugural Women’s Footballer of the Year award. Oshoala also plays for Liverpool based in the United Kingdom.

The 20-year-old was a key player in the Under-20s World Cup Tournament in Canada last summer, and helped the senior Nigerian team win the African Women's Championship in October.

Oshoala beat Spain's Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Scot Kim Little, and Brazilian Marta in the BBC World Service honour, which was voted on by football fans around the world.

Forbes released their annual list of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,” and 2015’s lineup featured 34 women of color, including internationally-known powerhouses, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

The business magazine winded down an extensive catalog with well over 300 names to just 100 in eight areas: billionaires, business, celebrity, finance, media, philanthropy and intergovernmental organizations, politics and technology. It then concluded who ranks at which spot on the final list based on international impact and influence, and finances.

The first black First Lady of the United States fell two spots and landed at number 10, with Forbes citing Michelle Obama’s efforts in aiding homeless veterans in America and young women around the world. Oprah Winfrey was bumped up two spots, ranking at number 12 as a self-made billionaire with a growing $3 billion net worth.

Young women looking to learn more about the feminist wave without wordy articles and extensive think pieces, look no further.

Freelance illustrator, Ellen T. Crenshaw took cartoons to another level when she contributed to The Nib‘s “We Are Entitled To Wear Cowboy Boots To Our Own Revolution” series, featuring quotes from 10 women in American history who spoke on gender equality and serve as some of the countless faces of feminism.

The cartoonists’ work spotlights powerful words from Sojourner Truth in 1851, to Coretta Scott King’s support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994, to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s infamous TEDx talk “We Should All Be Feminists,” in 2012. Other notables made into caricatures include Malala Yousafzai, Beyoncé, Jessica Valenti (feminist writer), Faith Whittlesey (politician), Naomi Wolf (author), and Bette Davis (actress) with their thoughts on power, language, and women’s rights.

Crenshaw spoke to The Huffington Post about her latest work and the importance of intersectionalism and including women of color.

Not only is Yeezy a famous rapper with countless classic hit-songs, but he’s also an extremely devoted and caring father. Tha Snow Man recently attended his oldest son Jadarius Jenkins’ high school graduation from Georgia’s RiverWood Academy just one week ago.

Jadarius’ plans are to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to dip and dab in the fashion world. His long-term goal is tostart his own line, which he has already done, called IFA Clothing.

Since it’s still in the beginning stages, he still has a long way to go which is where his college career can assist him in doing so.

BBB wishwes Jadarius the best as he starts this new chapter in his life! Check out some photos of Jeezy x Jadarius at the graduation below..

After 31 years on the run, one of Italy’s most feared mafiosos has been arrested on a quiet street in north-eastern Brazil. (pictured above) Italian Pasquale Scotti is seen in this undated handout photo distributed by Brazil's Federal Police after his arrest in Recife, Brazil, May 26, 2015.

Pasquale Scotti, a leader of the Camorra syndicate who is wanted for more than two dozen murders, was detained by police while taking his children to school in Recife.

Police believe his Brazilian family were unaware of his identity, which was exposed by Interpol through fingerprint examination.

He had been living under the false name Francisco de Castro Visconti. Reinventing himself as a businessman, he had local identity papers, registered as a voter and partly owned a nightclub and food import business.

Photographs of the 56-year-old suspect in handcuffs show a man very different from the figure seen on Italian wanted posters. The gangster in his twenties with thick hair and dark bushy brows is now a balding middle-aged man with a beard, glasses and a slight paunch.

Ahead of his inauguration as Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on Wednesday announced the appointments of key officials in his incoming government.

El-Rufai, in a statement he personally signed in Kaduna, named Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The statement further said that Malam Salisu Suleiman has been appointed Principal Private Secretary, while Mr. Abu Musa Sheyin will serve as Private Secretary to Mr. Barnabas Yusuf Bala, the deputy governor-elect.

The Governor-elect also announced the appointment of Hon. Bala Yunusa as deputy Chief Of Staff (Legislative Affairs) and Samuel Aruwan as his Special Assistant, Media

A group, Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, has instituted a fresh suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, from swearing the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday.

The suit filed on Tuesday is also seeking an order nullifying the certificate of return issued to Buhari by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The plaintiff hinged the suit on the allegation that Buhari did not qualify to contest the presidential election on the grounds that he gave false information about his academic qualification to INEC.

Between January and February 2015 there were about 10 cases instituted by various plaintiffs challenging Buhari’s eligibility to stand for the poll on the grounds of his academic qualification controversy. But after he won, the cases were withdrawn.

Lionel “Chinx” Pickens was laid to rest yesterday in his hometown of Queens, New York with a public service for family, friends and fans. His good friend and Coke Boys CEO French Montana of course came to pay his respects, and while sharing a photo with Chinx’s son, French said a few words about his late friend:

Always smiling even when it’s hard, just like his father! This home of ours ain’t perfect, but rest in peace in your perfect home now, my brother. Sometimes life hurts more than death when you lose a loved one. Terrible to love something that death can touch. #ripchinx #realone

See his post below..

Actress Jessica Alba recently did a sexy shoot for Shape Magazine, showing off her sexy body. She is such a MILF!

Check out some photos from her shoot after the jump..

President Alpha Conde of Guinea has expressed confidence in the ability of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to fight corruption, adding that Buhari will fight corruption like he has done in his country.

The Guinean President said this while speaking with journalists after a meeting with the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the Lagos State Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode, in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said, “I came to Lagos to meet my brother, Tinubu before I meet with President Buhari. With the election of Buhari, who is a straight forward person that will fight corruption like me, I believe his emergence as President will culminate in a stronger relationship between Guinea and Nigeria.

“Before the last general elections in Nigeria, there were anxiety, fear and uncertainty over the land. It was the belief that the country would disintegrate. This is also drawn from the fact that Nigeria fought the Biafra war. The war against Boko Haram was also there which Africa has to jointly fight.”

Hip-Hop heads far and wide can be rest assured the inaugural One Love Hip-Hop Festival will bring something special to the summer festival season.

Organizers announced the lineup for the festival, which will take place in Canada’s Shaw Millennium Park. J.Cole, Wale, Raekwon, Queens native and hip-hop legend Nas, Machine Gun Kelly, and Travis $cott will all grace the stage.

The festivities will take place Sept. 5 and tickets for the outside event go on sale May 29 and range from $79.95 to V.I.P. passes for those 18 and older at $129.

#BBB NEWS| APC Denies Zoning Senate President to North-Central

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied a report that its National Working Committee (NWC) met on Monday night and decided to zone the presidency of the Senate to Nigeria’s north central zone and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the southwest.

In a statement released today, the party said nothing of the sort reported by some media happened.

The statement, which was issued in Abuja by the APC’s national secretary, Mai Mala Buni, disclosed that the party was deeply embarrassed by the report. It speculated that the report was apparently planted in the media to sow the seeds of instability in the party.

“The NWC never discussed the issue of zoning at its meeting,” the statement remarked. It added, “Therefore, the report of its decision on zoning is a figment of the imagination of whoever concocted the story.”

Hearing in the N150 billion libel suit filed against DAAR Communications by a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, has been fixed for May 27.

Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman of the broadcast outfit, is one of the witnesses to testify at the resumed hearing of the suit.

Others listed to testify against Mr. Tinubu are Namure Edoimioya, Medan Tenke, Ajibola Adewusi, Olumide Idowu, Stanley Odidi, Nwabueze and Stanley Bassey.

Mr. Tinubu had instituted the N150 billion suit against Daar Communications Plc, owners of AIT, over the documentary titled “Lion of Bourdilion’’.

He had alleged that the documentary, which the station started, airing on March 1, was libelous and aimed at tarnishing his image.

Nearly two weeks after the passing of B.B. King, the blue legend’s family is suspecting foul play in his death.

King’s daughters, Karen Williams and Patty King, filed affidavits in court, accusing their late father’s aides of poisoning him. According to the Associated Press, the attorney for the singer’s estate, Brent Bryson, calls the claims “ridiculous.”

King’s daughters allege that his family was prevented from seeing him in his final days. Primarily cared for by his business manager, LaVerne Toney and personal assistant Myron Johnson, the singer’s estate – worth tens of millions of dollars – has been pointed to as a motive. Toney, who served as King’s power-of-attorney, was named executor of the estate, according to King’s will. Johnson was present at the time of King’s death.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today May 26, 2015, arraigned Mohammed Dogonyaro Audu (aka Abdullahi Dogonyaro Mohammed) and Yahaya Ayodeji, both staff of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF, before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Jabi, Abuja, on a ten count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and complicity in award of contact.

The duo allegedly abused their offices by floating companies through which they cornered contracts emanating from the Economic Reform and Governance Project, ERGP, domiciled in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.

Count three of the charge reads;

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the more than 50 operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to immediately vacate the Lagos residence of the senator-elect for Ogun East Senatorial District, Mr. Buruji Kashamu.

The NDLEA, whose operatives had laid siege on Kashamu’s residence in Lagos since Saturday, said it had received a formal extradition request on Kashamu from the government of the United States of America and was coming to court to secure an extradition order.

A super-supple farmer has smashed a bizarre world record by breaking CDs between his shoulder blades after pushing them forward to meet in front of his chest.

Mega-flexible Rammehar Punia was given his super hero sounding nickname thanks to his remarkable ability to thrust his shoulders in front of his body.

And the 35-year-old has used his unique 'power' to set a new world record.

Rammehar has smashed the Guinness World Record for the number of CDs broken between the shoulders - by crushing a whopping 60 in just one minute.

The National Association of Nigerian Students has advised South African President, Jacob Zuma, to stay away from the inauguration of the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

The organisation also threatened to storm the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, should Zuma step into the country’s airport.

According to the association, Zuma should keep off as his visit will be an insult to the sensibility of Nigerians over his alleged poor handling of the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other migrant foreigners in South Africa.

A statement by NANS President, Tijani Usman, noted that Zuma’s inability to “apologise to Nigerians like he did to Mozambique”, despite the sacrifices the country made for South Africa, was unfortunate.

#BBB NEWS| Pearl Look 2015 Beauty Pageant

ARE YOU GOOD LOOKING? Do you have what it takes to be the next pearl look queen? Opportunity is here for you!!!

Download application form on www.pearllook.com, print it out, fill it and come with it during casting.

Registration is free!!!

Criteria: Participant must be between the age of 18 and 26 years old

Enugu casting; 18th of June 2015 @ Cookies Garden and Lounge. Winners Chapel Road off Presidential Road by Nkpokiti Junction Enugu.

Lakers forward Carlos Boozer just copped a brand new 2015 Mercedes Benz G63 for $200k, but before cracking the door he shipped the whip down to the Auto Firm in Miami to get it totally blacked out.

Alex Vega, who runs the joint tells TMZ Sports, Boozer had them paint the whole thing “satin black” and then jacked it up to add Avorza 22-inch wheels and a brand new body kit.

The only non-black items added to Boozer’s ride were some sweet LED lamps embeded in the front bumper. See photos below..

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo fired a fresh salvo the way of President Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday, when he looked back at the last eight years and returned with a verdict: The country had been poorly managed under Jonathan.

Obasanjo said this when the Iyalode of Yoruba land, Chief Alaba Lawson, led a delegation of South-West women leaders on a visit to his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta.

The 78-year-old leader said owing to the mismanagement of the country in the last eight years, the incoming administration of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, should be prepared to face the daunting challenges that lay ahead.

He said, “The country had been poorly managed in the last eight years and it would take some time for Buhari’s government to correct the anomalies. But I want to tell him not to be frightened.”

#BBB NEWS| 50 Cent Files Lawsuit Against Rick Ross For 2009 Sex Tape Leak

The seemingly never-ending saga that is 50 Cent and Rick Ross’ 2009 beef has taken yet another turn. At the height of their quarrel, a sex tape featuring Ross’ child’s mother Lastonia Leviston was released, and is now at the center of two lawsuits.

Just before heading to trial to square off against Leviston – who filed a suit against 50 – the G-Unit general has filed a motion of his own, against Ross.

According to TMZ, Fif is now suing Rozay for being the one to initially release the tape on a third-party site that he owns.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Monday, May 25, 2015

Sunday, May 24, 2015