Four Heads of State, Archbishop of Canterbury, expected for Achebe's burial.

Anambra State Government on Tuesday said four Heads of State and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev. Justin Welby, would be attending the burial of the literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, at Ogidi.

The burial of Achebe, 82, who died in the United States on March 21, holds on Thursday.

Secretary to the Government of Anambra State, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, confirmed the coming of the foreign dignitaries on Tuesday while briefing reporters on Achebe’s burial arrangements.

Obaze said President John Mahama of Ghana would be joining President Goodluck Jonathan and two other heads of state, whose attendance has been secured but awaiting final confirmation at the burial.

Although the state government had not declared a public holiday for the burial, Obaze said it was mandatory for civil servants to attend the ceremonies slated for the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka on Wednesday.

Obaze said, “The whole effort is to give Prof. Achebe a burial that he deserves as a literary icon and a great Igbo hero. He was an international citizen.”

Achebe’s body, which arrived in Enugu on Tuesday, will be received in Awka on Wednesday (today).

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, on Tuesday  joined other stakeholders to receive Achebe’s corpse at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.

Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; and the National Chairman, All Nigeria Peoples Party, Dr. Ogobonaya Onu, were among eminent personalities at the airport to receive the corpse.

The British Airways aircraft, that conveyed his corpse, touched down at the airport about 4am.

The corpse, which was prayed for by an Anglican Bishop, was driven from the international wing of the airport to the local wing in a Mercedes Benz ambulance with  number plate CHINUA ACHEBE.

Different Igbo cultural groups were at the local wing of the airport to welcome the renowned author of Things Fall Apart.

Anyim, who said Achebe left an outstanding legacy, urged his family to bear the loss with fortitude.

Obi, who represented other governors, said Achebe was a man of truth.

He said, “I am representing the governors here. Achebe led a life of truth and humility. He tried to preach truth that will make us a better nation.”

Ike, the eldest son of Achebe, said his father worked tirelessly for the good of humanity.

He said, “My father, as you know, was a writer, social critic, family man and one who worked tirelessly for the uplifting of his people. The definition of his people is actually very broad. It is for those who do not have a voice; it is for those who are oppressed and for those who are not really favoured. He stood against corruption and government oppression.

“However, as a family, we will miss his presence and I will miss his guidance and advice. But it is not really a time for mourning. We are celebrating a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life. And we are very grateful that the world is better because Chinua Achebe was here.”

Achebe’s corpse, which arrived in Enugu about 12.36pm aboard a private aircraft, Overland Nigeria, marked 5N-BPE, was accompanied by his wife, Christy and children.

The author’s elder brother, Augustine, family members, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Mr. Amechi Okolo, and commissioners were among personalities that were at the airport to receive his body.

Okolo, who represented Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, said the deceased would be missed by all.

“We are mourning Achebe today because he was part of the state,’’ he said.

President of Ogidi Union Nigeria, Chief Obi Okaro, said Achebe exhibited true leadership qualities in the union, adding that the community would  immortalise him.

A university teacher, Prof. Ike Ndolo, canvassed that a national monument be named after the literary icon.

Ndolo, who decried the poor reading culture in the country, called for a collaborative effort to fight the menace.

Toronto Mayor Caught On Tape Smoking Crack Cocaine?

A cellphone video that appears to show Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine is being shopped around Toronto by a group of Somali men involved in the drug trade.

Two Toronto Star reporters have viewed the video three times. It appears to show Ford in a room, sitting in a chair, wearing a white shirt, top buttons open, inhaling from what appears to be a glass crack pipe. Ford is incoherent, trading jibes with an off-camera speaker who goads the clearly impaired mayor by raising topics including Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and the Don Bosco high school football team Ford coaches.

“I’m f---ing right-wing,” Ford appears to mutter at one point. “Everyone expects me to be right-wing. I’m just supposed to be this great.…” and his voice trails off. At another point he is heard calling Trudeau a “fag.” Later in the 90-second video he is asked about the football team and he appears to say (though he is mumbling), “they are just f---ing minorities.”

The Star had no way to verify the authenticity of the video, which appears to clearly show Ford in a well-lit room. The Star was told the video was shot during the past winter at a house south of Dixon Rd. and Kipling Avenue. What follows is an account based on what both reporters viewed on the video screen. Attempts to reach the mayor and members of his staff to get comment on this story were unsuccessful.

A lawyer retained by Ford, Dennis Morris, said that Thursday evening’s publication by the U.S.-based Gawker website of some details related to the video was “false and defamatory.” Morris told the Star that by viewing any video it is impossible to tell what a person is doing. “How can you indicate what the person is actually doing or smoking?” Morris said.

However.....

"Ridiculous" is pretty much all Mayor Rob Ford will say about claims he was caught on video smoking what appeared to be crack cocaine.

"These allegations are ridiculous," Ford told reporters at City Hall Friday. "It is another story with respect to the Toronto Star going after me and that's it. That's all I've got to say for now."

Ford refused to answer followup questions from reporters.

End it like Beckham: England legend calls time on glittering career and retires!

David Beckham has retired from football, bringing an end to a glittering career on the field.

Since his debut for Manchester United two decades ago, the 38-year-old has emerged as arguably the most iconic sportsman of his generation, captaining England, collecting 115 caps, and celebrated as a champion in four different countries - the only British footballer in history to do so.

Despite the offer of an extended one-year deal at Paris Saint-German, the 38-year-old has played his last game, bowing out on a high after helping Carlo Ancelotti's side win the French title for the first time in 19 years.

Confirming the blockbuster announcement, Beckham said: 'I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level.'

'If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams.' 

On the international stage, centurion Beckham holds the England record for appearances as an outfield player after his 115 caps. 

'To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country,' Beckham added. 

 

'I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. 

'I'm honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch ... I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. 

'I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.'

The trailblazing midfielder -  who played for some of the biggest clubs in the world such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan, as well as Los Angeles Galaxy - is now set to continue his ambassadorial duties with a variety of organisations, which include Sky Sports, adidas, Unicef and promoting football in China.

Beckham's last game of football will be on the synthetic pitch at Lorient's 18,110-capacity Stade du Moustoir, with the last home match of his career this Saturday against Brest at Parc des Princes.

He said: 'Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead.

'I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back.'

Having relocated from LA in January, Beckham is expected to set up a permanent base in London with his wife Victoria and children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.

'I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams,' he added. 

'I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period. I also want to thank Simon Fuller and his team for their continued support.

'I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.'

In a special interview with Sky Sports, conducted by best friend Gary Neville, Beckham said: 'You know when you're ready and I think I know I'm ready. It's a difficult decision because I still feel I could play at the top level and have done for the last six months.

'But I always secretly said to myself that I want to go out at the top and if you'd have said to me eight months ago that I'd be playing in the French league, winning the French cup and league and finishing like this I would have probably said "absolutely no chance". But I was given the opportunity to come to PSG and I just feel now is the time.

'I think it's every athletes dream, every footballers dream to go out at the top - on top form, or winning a trophy. It doesn't happen that often but I’ve been lucky. When I left United we won the league; when I left Madrid we won the league.

'Like you said, leaving the Galaxy after two years of winning the championship there and obviously coming here and winning the league; it’s nice to go out like that. 

'People look back and it's written, it's simple - you're leaving as a champion and that's why I think it's the right time.

'I just want people to see me as a hard working footballer. Someone that's passionate about the game and someone that every time I stepped on the pitch, I've given everything that I have because that's how I feel. 

'Going into games at the end of my career that's how I look back on it and hope people see me. I think over the years it's been my life and my career.'

His vast fortune of an estimated £165million comfortably makes him the richest athlete ever in British sport, with a host of lucrative sponsorship deals and salary payments over the last decade amassing his wealth.

Born in Leytonstone, east London, Beckham started out with Ridgeway Rovers before being singled out by Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton at a Soccer School in Barcelona.

At 14, he signed schoolboy terms at Old Trafford and joined the likes of Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in United's famous youth class of 1992, going on to make his first-team debut against Brighton in the League Cup that same year.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson sent him out on loan to Preston North End to gain first-team experience, before returning to make his Premier League debut for United in the draw with Leeds in April 1995.

His deadball ability became apparent at Deepdale and of the two goals he scored in five appearances, one was direct from a corner. 

Back at United, Beckham played a key role in a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first full season, the most notable achievement of which was the winner in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Villa Park. 

 

He missed the cut for Euro 96 but was promoted to United's No 10 - he took No 7 a year later - after Mark Hughes left, and he celebrated with arguably his most famous moment, the stunning halfway line goal against Wimbledon.

Beckham had landed. However, he and his reputation would come crashing down in the summer of 1998 when his red card against Argentina - petulently kicking out at Diego Simeone - ultimately cost his country their World Cup place.  

The controversy spurred Beckham on to one of the best seasons of his career, United's 'treble'. He was an integral part of the squad, scoring vital goals in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal, in the decisive game of the Premier League season against Tottenham, and providing the corners from which Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored in the Champions League final.

After the Treble success and six league titles, Beckham left United in 2003 shortly after the famous clash with manager Sir Alex Ferguson which resulted in a cut above the player's eye having been accidentally struck by a football boot.

The Englishman spent four years in Madrid - winning the 2007 Spanish title before making the surprise move to Major League Soccer, where he won the title twice.

He then made a surprise switch to PSG in January of this year and that move was vindicated when he lifted the French title last weekend, before announcing his retirement on Wednesday.

There were highs and lows in Beckham's international career. He was blamed for England's elimination from the 1998 World Cup for his petulant red card against Argentina, but scored the winning goal against the same team at the World Cup four years later.

Beckham responded to jeering at the 2000 European Championship with an obscene hand gesture to England fans but was lauded by the same supporters little more than a year later when his last-minute free kick against Greece secured a place at the 2002 World Cup.

England dropped Beckham in August 2006 in an effort to refresh the team with younger players after a quarter-final exit at that year's World Cup in Germany. 

But coach Steve McClaren recalled him the following year after a poor run of form, and he returned for the remainder of England's unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2008 European Championship.

His last England appearance came against Belarus in October 2009, and he missed the 2010 World Cup because of an achilles injury. 

He is the only Englishman to score at three World Cups.

He still went to South Africa as part of Fabio Capello's backroom staff and was often captured on camera.

State of Emergency- hundreds of troops deployed in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe!

Nigerian President: Goodluck Jonathan

The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday commenced deployment of troops in the three states under emergency rule, viz. Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

The PUNCH learnt from security sources in Abuja that at least 3,600 soldiers would be deployed in the three North-East states from where President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday said his government was determined to flush out insurgents.

“With the massive deployment of troops and the determination of the security chiefs to deal with the threat to the unity of the country, the exercise may involve deployment of about 3,600 men of the Armed Forces,” a top security source told one of our correspondents on Wednesday.

Reports on Wednesday said troops had already been sighted at the borders of the states. Also, residents and reporters in Yola, capital of Adamawa State; and Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, reportedly said there had already been an influx of troops and military hardware.

“I have never seen soldiers on the move quite like this before,” a Maiduguri resident, Ahmed Mari, told Reuters.

Sources indicated that the troops would be drawn from several formations, including the 22 Battalion, Ilorin; 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin; 82 Battalion, Jos; 2 Mechanised Division, Ibadan; and 81 Division, Lagos.

Another top security source also confided in one of our correspondents that the Defence Headquarters indeed commenced preparation for the deployment of troops on Monday night, after a series of security meetings between service chiefs and the President.

Jonathan in a national broadcast on Tuesday slammed emergency rule on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where the President said there had been breakdown of law and order. In fact, the President said insurgents had taken over the northern area of Borno State, home to members of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

It was during the meetings with security chiefs that the President arrived at the decision to put the affected states under emergency rule.

Investigations revealed that crack operatives of the Armed Forces, especially from the military intelligence, the military police and other areas known for proven capability in interrogation are expected to be moved from Lagos and Abuja and other areas.

Director of Defence Information, Brig.- Gen Chris Olukolade, said that the Armed Forces had swung into action to enforce the declaration of a state of emergency in the three most affected states.

He said in a statement that the operation was being jointly handled by the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the country.

However, the DDI was silent on the exact number of troops being deployed to carry out the presidential directive.

Olukolade said, “In furtherance of the Commander-in-Chief’s directive, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies have commenced operations to rid the nation’s border territories of terrorist bases and activities.

“The military operation will focus on tracking down criminal elements within the vicinity of border communities prone to terrorist activities.

“The operations which will involve massive deployment of men and resources aimed at asserting the nation’s territorial integrity and enhancing the security of constituted governmental structures in all territories within Nigeria’s borders.

“The operational plans have also briefed participating troops appropriately on arrests, cordon and search especially directed at apprehending those who have been violating sovereignty of Nigeria through terrorist training for insurgency and related activities.

“The operation is expected to put an end to insurgent activities in these parts of the country.”

He assured that necessary efforts had been made to ensure the safety of civilians and non-combatant elements during the period of the operation and urged the citizens to give the needed cooperation to the security operatives in the area by volunteering information to them.

Jonathan’s aide on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, however, told the BBC, “We’ve had a lot of problems (of) border crime, and criss-crossing of the border by the insurgents, and there’s also evidence that some of the insurgents really are non-Nigerians.

“So there is actually a need to properly police our borders, and part of that exercise will include ensuring that maximum security exists in that place. You see because as long as the terrorists can go in and out unchallenged, then we’re in big trouble.”

While, declaring the state-of-emergency in the states on Tuesday, Jonathans gave the soldiers wide powers to arrest and question suspects.

He said, “The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

“This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lockdown of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.”

Justice: DPO accused of murdering #OccupyNigeria protester now in Kirikiri!

The policeman alleged to be behind the murder of fuel subsidy removal protester, Adedamola Daramola in January last year was yesterday ordered to be remanded in Kirikiri prison by an Ikeja High Court.

Ex-Divisional Police Officer Segun Fabunmi of Yaya-Abatan, Agege Police Station, Lagos was charged by the state government but he pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge preferred against him.

According to reports, state prosecution led by the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Olabisi Ogungbesan, in the charge, alleged that Fabunmi committed the offence of murder, which contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law, No. 11, 2011, at about 9.30 a.m on January 9, 2012 at Yaya-Abatan area of Agege, Lagos.

He was also indicted of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm on some of the protesters in contravention of sections 228 and 243 of the same law.

The Vanguard reports:

The prosecution alleged that the ex-police officer murdered  Daramola  and attempted to murder others, adding that he also caused bodily injury to three others by shooting at them with his AK 47 rifle.

Fabunmi was accused of attempting to kill and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Alimi Abubakar, Egbujor Samuel, Chizorba Odoh by separately shooting at them with his gun.

He allegedly shot Abubakar and Samuel on their left legs and Odoh on his right index finger.

Subsequently, his plea was taken and his lawyer, Mr. Ike Okafor, prayed the court to move his bail application, which was turned down by the trial judge, who said it was not ripe for hearing.

Justice Olabisi Akinlade ordered the accused to be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prison, and adjourned the hearing of the application till June 14.

What baby? Beyonce is back to her best at rescheduled concert as she seems to dispel pregnancy rumours in tight costume!

The bump might not being showing yet, it has to be said. 

But there was nothing expectant looking about Beyonce when she took the stage at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, Belgium. 

Beyonce was wearing a custom, hand beaded white peplum one-piece by designers Ralph & Russo which left no room for a bump, not even a tiny bump. 

Beyonce cancelled the original Tuesday date on her Mrs Carter world tour amid persistent rumours she is pregnant with her second child.

The singer blamed the cancellation on 'dehydration and exhaustion' and said her doctor had advised her to rest.

Myriad reports suggest that the 31-year-old is expecting her second child with husband Jay Z.

The New York Post newspaper claims 'multiple sources' told them Beyonce is pregnant following her attendance at the star-studded Met Ball last week, where the star's rumoured pregnancy was the talk of the night.

The pop superstar is said to have 'carefully' hidden her baby bump in a high-waisted Givenchy gown, but multiple photos have since surfaced of Beyonce sporting a growing stomach on her 65-date Mrs Carter Show world tour, which touched down in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday.

Pictures of her on stage in London appear to show an uncharacteristically rounded tummy

She said: 'I would like more children. I think my daughter needs some company. I definitely love being a big sister.'

pressed on when she may have another child, she added: 'At some point, when it's supposed to happen.'

However a source tells People magazine the baby may not be on the way just yet: 'Beyonce and Jay are planning for another baby after her tour is over and things calm down just a bit.'

Macaulay Culkin smokes 60 cigarettes A DAY!

He was said to be close to death last year as he allegedly battled a devastating heroin addiction.

But he managed to clean himself up, and now it seems Macaulay Culkin has replaced drugs with another dangerous habit.

The 32-year-old is said to be smoking a whopping 60 cigarettes a day, leading to new health fears for the troubled former child star.

'He's put his nicotine addiction into overdrive,' a source told news men. 'Almost every time I see him, he has a cigarette dangling from his lips and is puffing furiously.'

The effects of his unhealthy habit are starting to show, said another source.

'He's coughing a lot, his teeth are yellowing, and friends and family are worried he's killing himself.'

Experts tell the publication that the actor's addiction puts him at serious risk of contracting lung cancer.

Jerome Spunberg, a radiation oncologist in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, (who has not treated the star) told the National Enquirer that Macaulay has '30 times the risk' of dying from the disease than someone who doesn't smoke.

Another doctor, Herman Kattlove, former spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, said Macaulay's lung cancer risk will 'eventually exceed 100 times that of a nonsmoker.'

Macualay is also chugging cognac, beer and energy drinks, say insiders.

Sources say his recent troubles are as a result of a recent breakup with an ex-stripper girlfriend, and he also had a run-in with a photographer outside a nightclub in Brighton, UK.

'All of this has Mac very stressed out, and that causes him to smoke more,' said a friend.

Macaulay's rep denied the MailOnline's request for a comment about the allegations against the star.

Last August, The National Enquirer reported that Macaulay had a $6000-a-month drug habit and that he was hooked on 'hillbilly heroin.'

But a spokeswoman for the actor branded the claims published in the National Enquirer as 'ridiculously fictitious' and 'insulting'.

The National Enquirer, however, issued a statement to say they were firmly standing by their story.

A source told the publication: 'Macaulay Culkin is hooked on drugs and it's killing him.

'He's been hooked for a year and a half, and his drug of choice is either heroin or oxycodone.

The source - described by the Enquirer as a 'close friend' - also claimed Macaulay has had a close brush with death in the past year and almost overdosed.

'Mac suffered a near overdose, and needed help,' the insider said.

Macaulay's half sister Jennifer Adamson died of a drug overdose in 2000.

Macaulay is best known for his roles as cheeky Kevin McCallister in the 1990 film Home Alone and the 1992 sequel, Home Alone: Lost In New York.

He also starred in the likes of Uncle Buck, My Girl and Richie Rich.

But his adult career has failed to match the blockbuster success of his childhood days.

In 2003 he played a drug-addled club hopper alongside Seth Green in Party Monster, while his last film role was in 2007 in the Indie flick Sex And Breakfast.

These days he earns a living deejaying at clubs around New York.