Two Charged With Terror Violations in Connection With New York Subway Plot

25 Feb 2010 17:15 Africa/Lagos


Two Charged With Terror Violations in Connection With New York Subway Plot

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Justice Department announced that a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York has returned a superseding indictment charging Zarein Ahmedzay and Adis Medunjanin with terrorism violations stemming from, among other activities, their alleged roles in the plot involving Najibullah Zazi to attack the New York subway system in mid-September 2009. Ahmedzay and Medunjanin are scheduled to appear in federal court today in Brooklyn at 11:00 a.m.


Ahmedzay, 25, a U.S. citizen and resident of Queens, N.Y., was previously indicted on Jan. 8, 2010 in the Eastern District of New York on charges of making material false statements to the FBI about his travels to Pakistan and Afghanistan and about his conversations with a fellow traveler. Medunjanin, 25, a U.S. citizen and resident of Queens, N.Y., was previously indicted on Jan. 8, 2010 in the Eastern District of New York on charges of conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country and receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization, namely al-Qaeda.


The five-count superseding indictment unsealed this morning charges both Ahmedzay and Medunjanin with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction (explosive bombs) against persons or property in the United States. Specifically, they are charged with conspiring with Zazi to conduct an attack on Manhattan subway lines that would take place on Sept. 14, Sept. 15, or Sept. 16, 2009. The maximum statutory penalty for this offense is life in prison.


"The facts alleged in this indictment shed further light on the scope of this attempted attack and underscore the importance of using every tool we have available to both disrupt plots against our nation and hold suspected terrorists accountable for their actions," said Attorney General Holder. "This attack would have been deadly, and the many agents, prosecutors and intelligence professionals who worked together seamlessly to thwart it deserve our thanks."


Both defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country. Specifically, the superseding indictment alleges that on or about Aug. 28, 2008, both Ahmedzay and Medunjanin accompanied Zazi on a flight from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., to Peshawar, Pakistan, in furtherance of the conspiracy. The maximum statutory penalty for this offense is life in prison.


The superseding indictment also charges both defendants with providing material support, including currency, training, communications equipment and personnel, to a foreign terrorist organization, namely al-Qaeda. The maximum statutory penalty for this offense is 15 years in prison.


In addition, Ahmedzay and Medunjanin are charged with receiving military-type training from al-Qaeda. The maximum statutory penalty for this offense is ten years in prison.


Finally, Ahmedzay is further charged with making false statements to the FBI in a terrorism investigation. According to the indictment, Ahmedzay falsely told the FBI he had disclosed all the locations he visited during his trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan, when he had failed to disclose all these locations. The maximum statutory penalty for this offense is eight years in prison.


This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado and the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department's National Security Division. The investigation is being conducted by the New York and Denver FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces, which combined have investigators from more than fifty federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.


The public is reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation of a crime, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


Source: U.S. Department of Justice

CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2007, TDD: +1-202-514-1888


Web Site: http://www.justice.gov/

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The Political Bottom Power of Turai Yar'Adua

The Political Bottom Power of Turai Yar'Adua

Hajia Turai Yar'Adua is the wife of President Umaru Yar'Adua and she has been more popular as the First Lady of Nigeria since her husband fell ill and was hospitalized in Saudi Arabia. She has done all she could to save her husband from being repalced by the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.

Hajia Turai Yar'Adua has used all her wits to frustrate Goodluck Jonathan and make him unstable as the Acting President of the nation.

She has employed used her crocodile tears and played on the fears of the gullible masses to raise doubts over the security and stability of Nigeria in the absence of her sick husband.

The political bottom power of the desperate First Lady was well reported on 234 NEXT and there is no need to repeat the details here. But she is hiding under the force majeure of the ill health of her husband to steer the ship of state against the will of most Nigerians.

Her pretty face and sexy figure has turned the Brigade of Guards and men of the State Security Service (SSS) and political top dogs to dance to her tune. They are willing to kiss her bottom and take turns to play her "hubby" for as long as President Umaru Yar'Adua is still incapacitated.

What can a bedridden man do when his wife is an Iron Lady?

Joan Okorodudu Makes Nigeria Proud at Washington, D.C. Fashion Week

Joan Okorodudu and one of her models at the DC Fashion Week


Joan Okorodudu is fast becoming a top African fashion designer as shown by the most recent display of her latest designs at the 12th International Couture Collections Show that is popularly known as the DC Fashion Week held at the La Maison Francaise (Embassy of France) in Washington, D.C.


Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu


Nigeria is blessed with highly gifted fashion designers like the celebrated Deola Sagoe, Frank Osodi, Dakova, Mudi, Zizi Cardow, Hallero, Estella Ogbonna, Bayo Adegbe of Modela Couture and others who can walk tall among the best in the world.


The DC Fashion Week is seen by over 10 million people all over the world.


The last time I saw the ever beautiful and charming Joan Okorodudu was at Linda Ikeji’s Style Night held at the Jade Palace on Adeola Odeku Street on Victoria Island, Lagos. She was full of smiles and dimples as she admired the awesome designs of Bayo Adegbe of Modela Couture and other creative designers. She has been doing her best to promote Nigerian haute couture locally and internationally.

Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu

Joan Okorodudu was showcased with Corjor International, Andrew Nowell, Van Maela, Thinkking Hats, Cameron Gray, Kalaa and Destiny’s Creations & Designs, Saman Zar, Tatjana and other fashion designers who were from the US, Pakistan, Serbia, Nigeria and other countries.


Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu

About Joan Okorodudu

Joan Okorodudu was born on October 28, 1958. She hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. She graduated from the prestigious Boston University with a political science degree in 1981, and returned to Nigeria to fulfill her Youth Service commitment. During that same year, she was named first runner-up and later Miss Nigeria. This was also the year she became a fashion designer. Okorodudu showcased her House of J’ola Clothing lines in many African nations’ fashion weeks. She is a well tested fashion designer and also the Chief Executive of House of J’ola Designs, which produces exotic designs for all ages and occasions. House of J’ola stocks original fabrics from Gucci and Roberto Cavalli, including silk and taffeta, French and original woodin. Her sojourn into fashion designing dates back to 1990 when she opened her first fashion house in Wilmington, Delaware, which she ran for three years before returning to Nigeria. Joan, or “Mama J” as she is fondly called by close friends and relatives, is a mother and wife of 26 years.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, February 25, 2010.

Ivory Coast's Suspension of France 24 is politicized

25 Feb 2010 12:42 Africa/Lagos

Ivory Coast's suspension of France 24 is politicized


ABIDJAN, February 25, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about politically motivated censorship in Ivory Coast after authorities banned international French broadcaster France 24 on Monday on bogus allegations of unprofessionalism over coverage of political unrest in the West African nation.

Speaking to Reuters today, Frank Anderson Kouassi, the president of Ivory Coast's National Broadcasting Council (known by its French acronym as CNCA) accused the Paris-based satellite station of reporting “many deaths in a peremptory manner” after security forces opened fire on an anti-government protest in the southwestern city of Gagnoa on Friday. Ivorian military chief Gen. Philippe Mangou declared in a public statement to the media the same day that five people had been killed and several injured in the clashes, according to news reports. Kouassi told CPJ that France 24 had aired “unbalanced information.” In a press statement on its Web site on Monday, France 24 said it hoped the CNCA would reconsider the ban, saying that it “seemed unjustified.”

“The ban on France 24 deprives Ivorians of an essential source of information on the critical political situation in the country,” said CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney. “We call on the authorities to reverse this ban and refrain from censorship.”

Several local journalists CPJ interviewed said they believed the ruling appeared to be meant to suppress France 24's exclusive coverage of opposition movements across the country. The government-controlled national broadcaster Radio Télévision Ivoirienne (RTI) has not carried demonstrations or interviews with demonstrators, they said.

Thousands of Ivorian opposition supporters marched to the studios of RTI in the economic capital, Abidjan, in January to protest against what they described as President Laurent Gbagbo's monopoly of publicly funded state media, according to news reports. Earlier this month, the official National Press Council suspended private daily Le Patriote for three days over several stories critical of members of the government, according to news reports.


Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

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IFQC Ranks Top 100 Countries by Gasoline Benzene Standards; South Korea Ranks First

25 Feb 2010 12:00 Africa/Lagos


IFQC Ranks Top 100 Countries by Gasoline Benzene Standards; South Korea Ranks First

HOUSTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Fuel Quality Center (IFQC) has ranked the top 100 countries based on gasoline benzene content standards. South Korea came in first with the earliest nationwide implementation of the lowest benzene limit - 0.7 vol% since January 2009, down from 1 vol%. Colombia followed in second and Canada was third.


Benzene is found naturally in crude oil and thus passes into refined products, including transportation fuels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies benzene as a Group A known human carcinogen. Controlling benzene levels in gasoline is the most direct way to limit evaporative and exhaust emissions of benzene from vehicles.


"It is delightful to see that the first 50 countries in the ranking have a limit of 1 vol% or less. The improvements in Asia and Latin America are very encouraging and show that the world is making efforts to improve fuel quality and reduce emissions," said Liisa Kiuru, executive director, IFQC.


European countries ranked high (Luxembourg in fourth, Belgium in fifth and nine others tied for sixth), as did with several Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, tied at 19th with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.


The U.S. ranked 73rd, primarily because these rankings are based on national maximum allowance standards - U.S. standards have not been updated since 1997. California would have actually ranked first if it was a country - its state limit is 0.7 vol%. The U.S. is now in the process of implementing tighter limits under the Mobile Source Air Toxics-2 (MSAT 2) rule, which will reduce benzene levels in gasoline to an annual average of 0.62 vol% beginning in 2011 with a cap of 1.3 vol%. U.S. reformulated gasoline (RFG) has a lower limit, requiring an annual average of 0.95 vol%.


"We at Hart recognize the key role that government, refining and automakers have played in reducing benzene content in gasoline. Airborne toxics have long been a key global concern in major urban centers for many decades. It is gratifying to see the steady progress being made in reducing benzene content in fuel and related air toxics emissions," said Frederick L. Potter, executive vice president, Hart Energy Publishing.


The complete ranking is available on IFQC's Web site (http://www.ifqc.org/).


Hart Energy Consulting is a division of Hart Energy Publishing, LP, one of the world's largest energy industry publishers, with a diverse array of informational products for the worldwide energy industry. Multi-client consulting services include the International Fuel Quality Center, the Global Biofuels Center and an annual Crude, Refining & Clean Transportation Fuel Outlook to 2030. Headquartered in Houston, with offices in New York, London, Washington, D.C., Brussels, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro, Hart Energy Publishing's market-leading publications include Oil and Gas Investor, E&P, FUEL and PipeLine & Gas Technology. Hart also produces newsletters, custom publishing products, conferences, and unique multi-and single-client consulting services.


Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.


Terrence S. Higgins






Press Contact: Florence Kosmala
Director of Marketing
Hart Energy Consulting
fkosmala@Hartenergy.com
+1-713-260-6400

Source: Hart Energy Consulting

CONTACT: Florence Kosmala, Director of Marketing of Hart Energy
Consulting, +1-713-260-6400, fkosmala@Hartenergy.com


Web Site: http://www.ifqc.org/

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American Government Speaks On the Seizure of Power in Niger

25 Feb 2010 12:24 Africa/Lagos


Seizure of Power in Niger


WASHINGTON, February 24, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- William Fitzgerald, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs


Taken questions:


QUESTION: What is the U.S. reaction to the reported overthrow of Mamadou Tandja in Niger?


MR. FITZGERALD: Well, it's very disappointing on the one hand, because we never countenance the violent overthrow of any government. So far, the new government seems to be saying the right things. They call themselves the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy. And if anything, today, we would encourage them to move as quickly as possible if they are serious, and we hold them to that, to restore, in fact, the democracy that existed before Mamadou Tandja himself had begun to modify the constitution and extend his rule extrajudicially.


So at this point, what we're doing is – the ball is in their court. We are telling them, in our statement today, that they need to move as quickly as possible to restoring civilian democratic rule in Niger.


QUESTION: Have we seen signs that they're doing that?


MR. FITZGERALD: Well, I think we've seen some encouraging signs, first being that they actually call themselves the – (laughter) – council for the restoration of democracy. My understanding from press accounts is that curfew has been lifted. We understand that President Tandja is being held along with General (Moumouni) Boureima, who has been a long supporter of him, and that the violence has stopped.


We've heard from folks in Niger that once the shooting stopped yesterday afternoon in Niger time, it really hasn't started again – in other words, that they're consolidating their power and control of the government. In fact, curfew which was put into effect yesterday – again, according to press accounts – seems to have been lifted already, so that's a good sign.


QUESTION: So between the possible violence on the ground and curfew, are we satisfied that the situation on the ground is indeed calm?


MR. FITZGERALD: Well, I think it is calm. We've been speaking with the Embassy out there and they report, in fact, that it is calm.


QUESTION: Is the U.S. Embassy open and operating?


MR. FITZGERALD: The U.S. Embassy is open for consular services. Friday is typically a shortened day for many posts, including Niamey. We're not operating normally, but we are open and we are basically helping out American citizens who need assistance and keeping an eye on things.


QUESTION: What do we know about the group behind the overthrow?


MR. FITZGERALD: Well, some of them – that's a very good question because the leaders are a group of three colonels so far as we know. Again, this is – the overthrow of the government less than 48 hours ago, so a lot of this is not confirmed. It's a very sterile, very fluid situation. There are three colonels, two of whom participated or were involved in the coup in 1999, which was, frankly, much more violent. Two of them, like I said, were in the – have participated in the '99 coup. The other fellow did not, but what we heard in their statement last night is that they were tired of what they perceived as President Tandja's moves away from the constitution and away from democracy.


QUESTION: Where is President Tandja now?


MR. FITZGERALD: We believe President Tandja – again, press accounts – we have not spoken with him. We believe that he is being held at a military base along with some members of his cabinet, as well as perhaps General Boureima, the equivalent of our Joint Chiefs of Staff – the head of our Joint Chiefs of Staff – are being held at a military base outside of Niamey, just on the outside – just on the outskirts of Niamey.


QUESTION: First, what is it that we expect of the CSRD?


MR. FITZGERALD: Here's what we expect from the CSRD. They have to make – they have to return to civilian democratic rule as quickly as possible.


QUESTION: What have we – what has been the international reaction? What have we heard from some of our friends in the region?


MR. FITZGERALD: Right. Well, the ECOWAS – the West African organization – we support completely, and have been supporting. They've already been trying to facilitate the difficulties within the Nigerien Government since Mamadou Tandja tried to extend his rule. They are – again, they have sent up a team to Niamey to meet with the de facto government, and we support all of their efforts. They are likely to be telling them how to go about getting back to democratic rule.


QUESTION: Are there any overriding concerns for citizens, whether it's foreigners, United States citizens, or obviously Niger citizens?


MR. FITZGERALD: That's an excellent question. Really, what we're seeing and what is going on here in Niger is amongst the Nigeriens. The only danger I could see, frankly, is if Americans get out in the middle and are caught in the crossfire and get in the middle of stuff that they don't need to be. As I said before, it is calm, but still, Americans, as we say in our Warden Message to them, should just stick around the house for the next few days.


Again, it's an overthrow of a government. It's a very fluid situation. While the government – the de facto government appears to be taking measures to establish control, there's always that chance that there could be some other sort of difficulties and other sort of conflicts emerging. So I think if Americans stick close to their houses, I think everything will be fine.


QUESTION: Are we satisfied this is a path to democracy for Niger?


MR. FITZGERALD: We're given a set of circumstances that we have very little control over. Nevertheless, we do have some leverage. We do want to see Niger return to democratic rule. Frankly, I think the majority of the people in Niger want to return to democracy. And we are telling the de facto government that that is absolutely essential for them to be – to return to the international community. It's to return to civilian democratic rule.


QUESTION: With the latest occurrences over there, what about elections?


MR. FITZGERALD: That's a good question. Elections and – would be obviously a key benchmark in showing that they are successfully returning to civilian democratic rule. Nevertheless, elections can be a difficult and onerous task for any government, much less in Niger, which is considered to be one of the poorest countries of the world.


Yes, I think that it's possible to have elections by the end of the year, and certainly, we would push this government – this de facto government into doing that as quickly as possible. Again, with help from ECOWAS, perhaps the African Union, and Niger's international partners, I think that is a possibility and I think frankly, it's an important – it would be an important step.

Source: US Department of State



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Video: US Secretary of State for African Affairs Warns Nigeria and Niger

Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in the office of President Barack Obama has warned the politicians in Nigeria and Niger to beware of undemocratic actions that can destabilize the two nations.


24 Feb 2010 22:57 Africa/Lagos

State Department's Top Diplomat for Africa Encourages Nigeria and Niger to Stay with the Democratic Processes that have Proven Successful in the Two Countries.

DATELINE/CITY: February 24, 2010 - Washington, DC

FORMAT: Soundbites


STORY SUMMARY: Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, briefed journalists on current issues in Africa.


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, hard copy requests, contact information and more available at http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1532-state-departments-top-diplomat-for-a frica-encourages-nigeria-and-niger-to-stay-with-the-democratic-processes-that- have-proven-successful-in-the-two-countries


www.state.gov

CLIP CONTAINING 2 SOUNDBITES (TRT: 1:57)

SOUNDBITES:

Soundbite #1 Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs


Summary: Carson cautions Nigerians in responsible positions, not to use the situation surrounding the health of their President, for personal political gain.


Verbatim: We hope very, very much that the President has recuperated and is healthy and is able to resume his normal duties as President. But it is very important that those who are in responsible positions, put the health of the President of Nigeria first, that they think of the interests, of the stability, and the continued democracy of the country as a primary focal point of interest. This is not a time where personal political ambitions should in fact take precedence over the stability and continued democracy and adherence to the constitutional rule that governs Nigeria today.


TRT: 56 seconds


Soundbite #2 Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs


Summary: Carson sees restoring of democracy in Niger very possible and comments on recent actions taken by junta to force new elections.


Verbatim: If they did this to restore democracy and liberty to the country then they should move forward with doing so very quickly. Niger has had very successful political elections in the past. They have had multi-political parties. There are established parties. There are institutions that were working, institutions that were defending democracy against President Tandja. It should be very easy for that country to move back towards a democratic process. If it does, we will be in the forefront of restoring as quickly as possible, our support for that, for that country.


TRT: 48 seconds

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: U.S. Department of State


FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR HARD COPY, PLEASE E-MAIL: digitalcenter@multivu.com


Media Contact: Joan Storck, (202) 504-6411, storcklj@state.gov


/PRNewswire -- Feb. 24/


Video: http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1532-state-departments-top-diplomat-for-africa-encourages-nigeria-and-niger-to-stay-with-the-democratic-processes-that-have-proven-successful-in-the-two-countries
Source: U.S. Department of State

Web Site: http://www.state.gov/

Photo Report: Academy Board of Governors Bestows 2009 Scientific and Engineering Award to DLP Cinema Team for Color Accuracy

CAPTION: Academy Board of Governors Bestows 2009 Scientific and Engineering Award to DLP Cinema Team for Color Accuracy. (PRNewsFoto/Texas Instruments)
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Photo of the Day: Payless Shoes

Payless ShoeSource unveiled its designer label, Christian Siriano for Payless, at the Fall (TM) 10 NY Fashion Week. The shoes are designed to complement the designer's RTW collection, pulling inspiration from antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century with its filigree and clawfoot detailing. A focal shoe from the collection is the Rocaille style -- a platform pump featuring a signature artisan heel reminiscent of a clawfoot. The collection is expected in Payless stores in September. www.paylessontherunway.com. (PRNewsFoto/Payless ShoeSource, Getty Images)

Gospel Truth Music Ministry Condemns Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill

24 Feb 2010 14:35 Africa/Lagos


Gospel Truth Music Ministry Condemns Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rev. Rizi Nasele Timane' and the Gospel Truth Music Ministry (http://www.rizigospel.com/) are voicing their support for Uganda's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their distress at the new perils that the community faces under the country's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill.


Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda, but the proposed legislation would create a new offense of "aggravated homosexuality," punishable by death. An extraterritorial clause would require that even Ugandans living in other countries be extradited to face prosecution for offenses listed within the bill. The bill also proposes jail sentences for failure to report a homosexual act and for "promoting homosexuality," which could cover the activities of human rights groups, including organizations working on HIV and AIDS prevention.


Christianity is the most widespread religion in Uganda. In an open letter addressed to President Obama, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Timane' points out the disparity between the proposed legislation and God's law. She draws attention to the command in Micah 6:8 "to do justice, and to love kindness" as well as Mark 12:28-31 where "Jesus spells out the two commandments that encompass every other commandment," the second of which is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." "The proposed anti-homosexuality bill is in direct violation," Timane' states.


A lesbian reverend from Nigeria, West Africa, Timane' was one of the first people to identify as openly gay in Africa and knows firsthand the life-threatening effects of homophobia. Her letter continues, "The Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill is anti-human, anti-Christian and in violation of the fundamental rights that ALL people living in our world today are entitled to. It is in essence, government-legislated genocide." Timane' calls on all Christians to oppose the proposed law. She also writes, "I ask Uganda's president (Yoweri Museveni) and all Ugandan lawmakers, to please engage in dialogue with the rest of the world on the importance of protecting the rights of minorities."


On February 21, 2010, the ministry took spiritual action by conducting a prayer vigil at the Unity Fellowship of Christ church in Riverside, Calif., praying against the passage of the bill. A record of the vigil is posted in the video section of the Gospel Truth Music Ministry Web site.


In addition, the ministry will be offering monthly video devotionals at its Web site, starting Sunday, March 7, 2010. The devotionals will be video responses to the most often asked questions the ministry receives and occasional sermons on God's inclusive love for all people. "Gospel Truth Music Ministry is available to LGBT individuals 24 hours a day worldwide, including those suffering in Uganda," said Timane'. "We are a resource for anyone in need of encouragement or struggling to reconcile their sexuality with their spiritual faith."


The full text of the open letter is available at http://www.rizigospel.com/.


Contact:

Christina Thach
Gospel Truth Music Ministry
25876 The Old Road, Suite 247
Newhall, CA 91381
888-474-9423
thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com




This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.


Source: The Gospel Truth Music Ministry

CONTACT: Christina Thach of Gospel Truth Music Ministry,
+1-888-474-9423, thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com


Web Site: http://www.rizigospel.com/


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