Charges against two people accused of trying to extort money from actor John Travolta, following the death of his son in the Bahamas, have been dropped.
The case was dismissed after a motion was submitted at the request of the Pulp Fiction star and his family.
Pleasant Bridgewater and Tarino Lightbourne were accused of trying to extort $25m (£16m) from the actor following his son's death last year.
Jett Travolta, 16, died in the Bahamas in January 2009 following a seizure.
Ms Bridgewater and Mr Lightbourne's first trial was declared a mistrial last October and a retrial was set to begin shortly.
On Monday, however, prosecutor Neil Braithwaite said the Travoltas wished "to put this whole thing behind them".
"The Travolta family has said that this matter has caused them unbelievable stress and pain," he said.
Mr Lightbourne - a paramedic - and his attorney Ms Bridgewater were accused of threatening to release private information about Jett Travolta's death at the family vacation home in Grand Bahama.
It was alleged that Mr Lightbourne threatened to sell stories suggesting Mr Travolta was at fault over Jett's death.
Ms Bridgewater, a former member of the Bahamian Senate, was accused of trying to negotiate a $25m (£16m) payout for Mr Lightbourne.
A judge declared a mistrial in October after a Bahamian MP suggested the still-deliberating jury had acquitted one of the suspects.
In a statement to the Associated Press agency, John Travolta said "the long-pending status of this matter" had taken "a heavy emotional toll" on his family.
"After much reflection, I concluded it was in my family's best interest for me not to voluntarily return to the Bahamas to testify a second time at trial."
Both Ms Bridgewater and Mr Lightbourne denied the original charges
This Story is extracted from BBC World News
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Gunmen behind massacre of 72 have been killed
Six of the suspected gunmen responsible for the killings of 72 migrants in Mexico have been identified, Mexican authorities said Monday, the state-run Notimex news agency reported.
However, all of the suspects are dead, said Alejandro Poire, the spokesman for Mexico's president on security issues.
Three were killed in a confrontation with the Mexican navy after the bodies were discovered, and three others were found dead inside a vehicle on the side of a highway, Poire said
The dead suspects were identified by the survivors of last month's massacre at a ranch near the town of San Fernando in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.
Three people are believed to have survived the mass killings, although only one -- an Ecuadorean man -- has spoken publicly. Mexican authorities have withheld details about survivors, citing safety concerns.
A seventh suspect was arrested and is being held by authorities while they investigate possible charges against him, Poire said.
Of the 72 migrants who were killed, 27 had been identified and their bodies returned to their home countries in Honduras and El Salvador, he said.
The official said the preliminary investigation shows that the Zetas drug cartel was responsible for the killings.
This Story is extracted from CNN
However, all of the suspects are dead, said Alejandro Poire, the spokesman for Mexico's president on security issues.
Three were killed in a confrontation with the Mexican navy after the bodies were discovered, and three others were found dead inside a vehicle on the side of a highway, Poire said
The dead suspects were identified by the survivors of last month's massacre at a ranch near the town of San Fernando in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.
Three people are believed to have survived the mass killings, although only one -- an Ecuadorean man -- has spoken publicly. Mexican authorities have withheld details about survivors, citing safety concerns.
A seventh suspect was arrested and is being held by authorities while they investigate possible charges against him, Poire said.
Of the 72 migrants who were killed, 27 had been identified and their bodies returned to their home countries in Honduras and El Salvador, he said.
The official said the preliminary investigation shows that the Zetas drug cartel was responsible for the killings.
This Story is extracted from CNN
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Basque separatist group announces ceasefire
The Basque separatist group ETA released a ceasefire statement Sunday to various media, including the Basque newspaper Gara, where it typically releases information.
ETA has announced ceasefires before and broken them, notably the unilateral 2006 ceasefire that was announced as "permanent," only to be broken months later with a car bomb at Madrid's airport that killed two people.
In a statement published on the Gara website on Sunday, ETA --- which is blamed for more than 800 deaths in its long fight for Basque independence in northern Spain and southwest France -- calls on the Spanish government to "agree to the minimum democratic solutions necessary to start a democratic process."
Officials at Spain's Interior Ministry said the ceasefire announcement was being studied cautiously but that no senior officials were due to speak publicly about it, CNN affiliate CNN+ reported.
The prime minister's office told CNN it had no comment.
The latest ceasefire announcement was not unexpected, following weeks of calls for a new peace process by some smaller leftist Basque political parties.
The ceasefire announcement also follows months of what is widely regarded as a successful police crackdown against ETA operatives in Spain and also in ETA's hideouts in neighboring France and Portugal.
Police have arrested many of ETA's suspected top operatives, as well as many ETA foot soliders, and seized bomb-making materials and weapons from hidden arms caches, virtually shutting off ETA attacks.
In its ceasefire announcement Sunday, ETA said that "months ago it decided not to carry out armed offensive actions," but made no mention of what it might consider a "defensive" action.
The announcement was accompanied an ETA video which showed three apparent ETA members seated at a table in front of an ETA banner and facing a camera. They wore white face hoods with eye holes but their mouths covered, black berets and black jerseys.
The person in the middle apeared to do all the speaking in the ancient Basque language -- not in Spanish -- and the voice seemed to be that of a woman.
ETA is listed as a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union for its campaign of car bombings and shootings.
The Spanish government of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero began a peace process in 2006 during the last unilateral ETA ceasefire, but after ETA's airport bomb, the government called off negotiations.
Since then, officials of Zapatero's government have said they would accept only a definitive statement from ETA to end its armed fight, and to announce when and where it would lay down its arms forever, and not simply a ceasefire.
Only then would the government be willing to consider leniency for some of the more than 500 ETA prisoners in jail.
The Basque region in northern Spain already has considerable home-rule authority, with its own police, parliament, taxing power and control of health and education. But ETA rejects those as partial steps, and has fought for full independence.
ETA's goal is an independent Basque nation comprising the three-province Basque region and the neighboring Navarra region in Spain, along with three departments in southwest France that also have Basque roots. About three million people live in those areas now.
ETA's ceasefire statement called on the international community to get involved in the Basque peace process.
On Sunday, the leader of the Sinn Fein party in Northern Ireland said he supported the ceasefire.
"Gerry Adams has welcomed ETA ceasefire announcement," the Sinn Fein party said on its Twitter page.
This Story Was Extracted From CNN
ETA has announced ceasefires before and broken them, notably the unilateral 2006 ceasefire that was announced as "permanent," only to be broken months later with a car bomb at Madrid's airport that killed two people.
In a statement published on the Gara website on Sunday, ETA --- which is blamed for more than 800 deaths in its long fight for Basque independence in northern Spain and southwest France -- calls on the Spanish government to "agree to the minimum democratic solutions necessary to start a democratic process."
Officials at Spain's Interior Ministry said the ceasefire announcement was being studied cautiously but that no senior officials were due to speak publicly about it, CNN affiliate CNN+ reported.
The prime minister's office told CNN it had no comment.
The latest ceasefire announcement was not unexpected, following weeks of calls for a new peace process by some smaller leftist Basque political parties.
The ceasefire announcement also follows months of what is widely regarded as a successful police crackdown against ETA operatives in Spain and also in ETA's hideouts in neighboring France and Portugal.
Police have arrested many of ETA's suspected top operatives, as well as many ETA foot soliders, and seized bomb-making materials and weapons from hidden arms caches, virtually shutting off ETA attacks.
In its ceasefire announcement Sunday, ETA said that "months ago it decided not to carry out armed offensive actions," but made no mention of what it might consider a "defensive" action.
The announcement was accompanied an ETA video which showed three apparent ETA members seated at a table in front of an ETA banner and facing a camera. They wore white face hoods with eye holes but their mouths covered, black berets and black jerseys.
The person in the middle apeared to do all the speaking in the ancient Basque language -- not in Spanish -- and the voice seemed to be that of a woman.
ETA is listed as a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union for its campaign of car bombings and shootings.
The Spanish government of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero began a peace process in 2006 during the last unilateral ETA ceasefire, but after ETA's airport bomb, the government called off negotiations.
Since then, officials of Zapatero's government have said they would accept only a definitive statement from ETA to end its armed fight, and to announce when and where it would lay down its arms forever, and not simply a ceasefire.
Only then would the government be willing to consider leniency for some of the more than 500 ETA prisoners in jail.
The Basque region in northern Spain already has considerable home-rule authority, with its own police, parliament, taxing power and control of health and education. But ETA rejects those as partial steps, and has fought for full independence.
ETA's goal is an independent Basque nation comprising the three-province Basque region and the neighboring Navarra region in Spain, along with three departments in southwest France that also have Basque roots. About three million people live in those areas now.
ETA's ceasefire statement called on the international community to get involved in the Basque peace process.
On Sunday, the leader of the Sinn Fein party in Northern Ireland said he supported the ceasefire.
"Gerry Adams has welcomed ETA ceasefire announcement," the Sinn Fein party said on its Twitter page.
This Story Was Extracted From CNN
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Children among hundreds raped in Congo, U.N. says
More than two dozen children were among the hundreds raped by armed rebels in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations said.
Twenty-seven minors, including one boy, were among the victims, the U.N. said Friday. One attempted rape was also reported.
The children were among 240 people raped by Rwandan and Congolese rebels who raided villages in North Kivu province between July 30 and August 3, aid groups said. Attackers blocked roads and prevented villagers from reaching outside communications. Many homes were also looted.
Many of the victims were raped by two to six men, according to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping force in the country, raised the number of victims after earlier reports put it at 156.
Since the rapes were first publicly reported on August 22, more victims have come forward, the force said.
The United Nations has said it did not learn about the attacks until August 12, when it was alerted by International Medical Corps.
International Medical Corps said it first told the United Nations about the rapes on August 6.
A July 30 internal U.N. e-mail that was relayed to relief agencies working in the area warned that the rebels had taken over the villages, and had already committed one instance of rape.
The town of Mpofi, 52 kilometers from Walikale, had just fallen into the hands of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a rebel group.
"A woman was raped there," the e-mail said in French. "Humanitarian workers are said not to go there."
On August 10, the United Nations posted an online bulletin saying that 25 women had been raped in the villages, contradicting statements made by U.N. military spokesman Madnoje Mounoubai and special representative Roger Meece.
Asked to explain the discrepancy, deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters this week: "We are aware of the existence of a number of e-mails and we are trying to trace exactly how those e-mails were responded to."
He said that about 80 peacekeepers were conducting patrols in an area about four times the size of Manhattan.
"The question is -- how much area could they cover, and were they able to get into the areas where they needed to be, where the relevant information was?"
U.N. officials have said they will toughen efforts to stop rapes in the region.
"The recent mass rapes underscores the need for an end to impunity for perpetrators of such crimes," said Margot Wallstrom, a U.N. special representative for sexual violence in conflict.
These attacks reinforce that "you cannot have a policy of zero tolerance backed by zero consequences," she said.
This Story Was Extracted From CNN
Twenty-seven minors, including one boy, were among the victims, the U.N. said Friday. One attempted rape was also reported.
The children were among 240 people raped by Rwandan and Congolese rebels who raided villages in North Kivu province between July 30 and August 3, aid groups said. Attackers blocked roads and prevented villagers from reaching outside communications. Many homes were also looted.
Many of the victims were raped by two to six men, according to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping force in the country, raised the number of victims after earlier reports put it at 156.
Since the rapes were first publicly reported on August 22, more victims have come forward, the force said.
The United Nations has said it did not learn about the attacks until August 12, when it was alerted by International Medical Corps.
International Medical Corps said it first told the United Nations about the rapes on August 6.
A July 30 internal U.N. e-mail that was relayed to relief agencies working in the area warned that the rebels had taken over the villages, and had already committed one instance of rape.
The town of Mpofi, 52 kilometers from Walikale, had just fallen into the hands of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a rebel group.
"A woman was raped there," the e-mail said in French. "Humanitarian workers are said not to go there."
On August 10, the United Nations posted an online bulletin saying that 25 women had been raped in the villages, contradicting statements made by U.N. military spokesman Madnoje Mounoubai and special representative Roger Meece.
Asked to explain the discrepancy, deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters this week: "We are aware of the existence of a number of e-mails and we are trying to trace exactly how those e-mails were responded to."
He said that about 80 peacekeepers were conducting patrols in an area about four times the size of Manhattan.
"The question is -- how much area could they cover, and were they able to get into the areas where they needed to be, where the relevant information was?"
U.N. officials have said they will toughen efforts to stop rapes in the region.
"The recent mass rapes underscores the need for an end to impunity for perpetrators of such crimes," said Margot Wallstrom, a U.N. special representative for sexual violence in conflict.
These attacks reinforce that "you cannot have a policy of zero tolerance backed by zero consequences," she said.
This Story Was Extracted From CNN
Nine dead in New Zealand skydive plane crash
Nine people, including four foreigners, have been killed in a light aircraft crash in New Zealand, police say.
The plane, owned by a skydiving company, crashed soon after taking off from the tourist spot of Fox Glacier on the South Island.
The dead were from Britain, Ireland, Australia and Germany, said police. The pilot and the other four passengers were all local.
The names of the passengers have not been released.
The plane was reported to be a Fletcher fixed-wing aircraft, commonly used in the area.
'Engulfed in flames'
Officials said it crashed shortly after leaving the Fox Glacier airstrip at about 1330 local time (0130GMT).
An eyewitness told the New Zealand Herald: "It was like a fireball and then there was big puffs of smoke going up. [The plane] was engulfed in flames immediately."
The five New Zealanders on board were all from Fox Glacier and well-known in the town.
"Fox only has about 200 people in the community and it is in shock," said Matt Ewen, of Tourism West Coast, told television channel ONE News.
"I know the owners, they are very nice people and this is a tragedy for them."
'Perfect weather'
There is only one skydiving company operating from the Fox Glacier airstrip, Skydive New Zealand. But a spokeswoman for the company refused to comment, according to news website stuff.co.nz.
A message on the company's answerphone said: "Unfortunately, we will not be skydiving for the rest of the day."
Maureen Pugh, mayor of Westland District, told ONE News that the tourists were going up with instructors to do a tandem skydive in perfect weather conditions.
"It's a well-established company down here and has a huge reputation," she said.
"Nobody is even trying to guess what went wrong. We're just so devastated."
It is thought to be the country's worst aviation accident since a plane crashed on landing near Christchurch in 2003, killing eight people.
This Story Was Extracted From BBC World News
The plane, owned by a skydiving company, crashed soon after taking off from the tourist spot of Fox Glacier on the South Island.
The dead were from Britain, Ireland, Australia and Germany, said police. The pilot and the other four passengers were all local.
The names of the passengers have not been released.
The plane was reported to be a Fletcher fixed-wing aircraft, commonly used in the area.
'Engulfed in flames'
Officials said it crashed shortly after leaving the Fox Glacier airstrip at about 1330 local time (0130GMT).
An eyewitness told the New Zealand Herald: "It was like a fireball and then there was big puffs of smoke going up. [The plane] was engulfed in flames immediately."
The five New Zealanders on board were all from Fox Glacier and well-known in the town.
"Fox only has about 200 people in the community and it is in shock," said Matt Ewen, of Tourism West Coast, told television channel ONE News.
"I know the owners, they are very nice people and this is a tragedy for them."
'Perfect weather'
There is only one skydiving company operating from the Fox Glacier airstrip, Skydive New Zealand. But a spokeswoman for the company refused to comment, according to news website stuff.co.nz.
A message on the company's answerphone said: "Unfortunately, we will not be skydiving for the rest of the day."
Maureen Pugh, mayor of Westland District, told ONE News that the tourists were going up with instructors to do a tandem skydive in perfect weather conditions.
"It's a well-established company down here and has a huge reputation," she said.
"Nobody is even trying to guess what went wrong. We're just so devastated."
It is thought to be the country's worst aviation accident since a plane crashed on landing near Christchurch in 2003, killing eight people.
This Story Was Extracted From BBC World News
Friday, September 3, 2010
Mexican shootout leaves 25 drug suspects dead
A shootout between soldiers and suspected drug dealers in northeast Mexico left 25 of the suspects dead, the regional military said Thursday.
After the fighting ended, soldiers captured a cache of weaponry, including 25 rifles, four .40-caliber grenades, 4,200 cartridges of different calibers, 532 magazines for diverse arms and 23 vehicles, two of them painted to look like military vehicles, the military said in a news release.
The incident began when anti-drug forces flying over Ciudad Mier, just south of the Rio Grande, observed armed people in front of a building, it said.
Once they saw they were being observed, the armed people drove off in various vehicles, the military said.
Soldiers were dispatched on the ground and, when they approached the building, they were greeted with gunfire and responded with their own, the military said.
The soldiers also freed three people who were being held by the suspects, the military said.
Two of the soldiers were wounded.
This Story Was Extracted From CNN
After the fighting ended, soldiers captured a cache of weaponry, including 25 rifles, four .40-caliber grenades, 4,200 cartridges of different calibers, 532 magazines for diverse arms and 23 vehicles, two of them painted to look like military vehicles, the military said in a news release.
The incident began when anti-drug forces flying over Ciudad Mier, just south of the Rio Grande, observed armed people in front of a building, it said.
Once they saw they were being observed, the armed people drove off in various vehicles, the military said.
Soldiers were dispatched on the ground and, when they approached the building, they were greeted with gunfire and responded with their own, the military said.
The soldiers also freed three people who were being held by the suspects, the military said.
Two of the soldiers were wounded.
This Story Was Extracted From CNN
Thursday, September 2, 2010
10 killed in NATO airstrike in Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Ten parliamentary campaign workers were killed in a NATO airstrike in northeastern Afghanistan on Thursday, a provincial official said.
The incident -- which took place ahead of the September 18 parliamentary election -- occurred in the Rostaq district of Takhar province, where NATO says it was targeting a militant.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who has consistently deplored civilian casualties in the war, condemned the strike, which occurred on the same day he's scheduled to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Faiz Mohammad, spokesman for the provincial governor, said the event happened because NATO-led and Afghan security forces are not coordinating their activities properly.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force told CNN it is "still looking into this situation" and "gathering the facts."
"We're aware of the allegations that this strike caused civilian causalities and we'll do our best to get to the bottom of the accusations," U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, an ISAF official, said in a press release.
"What I can say is these vehicles were nowhere near a populated area and we're confident this strike hit only the targeted vehicle after days of tracking the occupants' activity."
Along with the deaths, candidate Abdul Wahid Khorazani and another campaign worker were injured, Mohammad said. He said the civilians were campaigning for Khorazani at the time.
ISAF said it carried out "a precision airstrike targeting an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior member," determined to be the deputy shadow governor for Takhar.
"Intelligence tracked the insurgents traveling in a sedan on a series of remote roads in Rustaq district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft conducted a precision airstrike on one sedan and later followed with direct fire from an aerial platform. The vehicle was traveling as part of a six-car convoy, but no other vehicles were hit in the strike," the military said.
ISAF wasn't able to get a ground force to the region right away, but "initial reflections indicate eight to 12 insurgents were killed or injured in the strike, including a Taliban commander."
THIS STORY WAS EXTRACTED FROM CNN
The incident -- which took place ahead of the September 18 parliamentary election -- occurred in the Rostaq district of Takhar province, where NATO says it was targeting a militant.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who has consistently deplored civilian casualties in the war, condemned the strike, which occurred on the same day he's scheduled to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Faiz Mohammad, spokesman for the provincial governor, said the event happened because NATO-led and Afghan security forces are not coordinating their activities properly.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force told CNN it is "still looking into this situation" and "gathering the facts."
"We're aware of the allegations that this strike caused civilian causalities and we'll do our best to get to the bottom of the accusations," U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, an ISAF official, said in a press release.
"What I can say is these vehicles were nowhere near a populated area and we're confident this strike hit only the targeted vehicle after days of tracking the occupants' activity."
Along with the deaths, candidate Abdul Wahid Khorazani and another campaign worker were injured, Mohammad said. He said the civilians were campaigning for Khorazani at the time.
ISAF said it carried out "a precision airstrike targeting an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior member," determined to be the deputy shadow governor for Takhar.
"Intelligence tracked the insurgents traveling in a sedan on a series of remote roads in Rustaq district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft conducted a precision airstrike on one sedan and later followed with direct fire from an aerial platform. The vehicle was traveling as part of a six-car convoy, but no other vehicles were hit in the strike," the military said.
ISAF wasn't able to get a ground force to the region right away, but "initial reflections indicate eight to 12 insurgents were killed or injured in the strike, including a Taliban commander."
THIS STORY WAS EXTRACTED FROM CNN
Apple launches social network for music called Ping
Apple has launched a social network as part of the latest version of its iTunes software.
Ping, as it is known, allows users to build networks of friends and professional musicians, in a similar way to services such as Twitter.
The service also builds playlists based on what friends are listening to.
Analysts said it represents a challenge to existing music-based social networks such as MySpace.
"It's a social network all about music," said Mr Jobs, launching the application at an event in San Francisco.
Continue reading the main story
"We think this will be really popular very fast because 160 million people can switch it on today," he said.
The service will be accessible through iTunes 10 software on Macs and PCs as well as through the iTunes application on iPhones and the iPod Touch.
This Story Is Extracted From BBC World News. For Full Story Click Here
Ping, as it is known, allows users to build networks of friends and professional musicians, in a similar way to services such as Twitter.
The service also builds playlists based on what friends are listening to.
Analysts said it represents a challenge to existing music-based social networks such as MySpace.
"It's a social network all about music," said Mr Jobs, launching the application at an event in San Francisco.
Continue reading the main story
"We think this will be really popular very fast because 160 million people can switch it on today," he said.
The service will be accessible through iTunes 10 software on Macs and PCs as well as through the iTunes application on iPhones and the iPod Touch.
This Story Is Extracted From BBC World News. For Full Story Click Here
Three dead babies found at Dutch home
Dutch investigators were trying to determine Thursday whether the bodies of three babies found at a home in the Netherlands belong to the woman who lived there.
The 41-year-old woman has been in custody since Friday, when the first baby's corpse was found at her home in Geleen, in the southern Netherlands, the Justice Department said.
Two more bodies were found in the home's garden late Wednesday, the department said.
Further forensic tests are required to find out how and when the babies died, they said.
Officials said the woman will be held in custody for at least another two weeks.
This Story Is Extracted From CCN
The 41-year-old woman has been in custody since Friday, when the first baby's corpse was found at her home in Geleen, in the southern Netherlands, the Justice Department said.
Two more bodies were found in the home's garden late Wednesday, the department said.
Further forensic tests are required to find out how and when the babies died, they said.
Officials said the woman will be held in custody for at least another two weeks.
This Story Is Extracted From CCN
Discovery Channel HQ hostages freed as gunman shot dead
A gunman who took three hostages at the Discovery Communications headquarters in the US
The man had canisters strapped to his chest and a handgun when he entered the building near Washington DC
Officers opened fire because they thought the gunman was about to detonate his explosives, they added.
The police had held several hours of talks with the man.
Discovery employees were evacuated from the building shortly after the incident began at about 1700 GMT.
The area around the building in Silver Spring , Maryland
He said a man had entered the Discovery headquarters through the main entrance wearing what appeared to be "metallic canisters" on his clothes.
The man then pulled out a handgun and told everyone to remain still.
Unnamed police officials quoted by the US
The US
This Story is Extracted from BBC World News. For Full Story Click Here
Hurricane Earl prompts US East Coast evacuations
Evacuations have begun in areas of the US East Coast likely to be hit by Hurricane Earl.
The hurricane has strengthened to a category four storm again, generating sustained winds of 215km/h (135mph).
President Barack Obama said officials needed to be ready for a "worst case" scenario in a call to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).
Both islands are part of North Carolina
Fema has warned people along much of the the Eastern Seaboard of the US
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center
They temporarily downgraded Earl to a category three storm on Wednesday, but the hurricane strengthened to a category four again later in the day.
"The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials," Fema administrator Craig Fugate said.
This Story Was Extracted From BBC For Complete Story Visit BBC World News
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Secrete of Making Your PC Work Better and Faster.
In the world today almost all fields require the use of computer; it is being used in our day to day activity. For us to actually get the best out of our day’s work. Our computer needs give us the best.
The computer sometimes behaves very vaguely. Some days it is absolutely fine whereas on some days it behaves the opposite. In case your computer has started functioning abnormally, you would be spending considerable amount of time getting it repaired which leads to waste of time and we all know that TIME IS MONEY. There is a solution out; you need to study a little about computers and the techniques which would come in handy if your PC misbehaves.
Knowledge is power, getting educated on even the basics would be of great use.
Prevention is always better than care. In the first place, you should prevent occurrence of such problems. I will give you some out of many ways in which you could get the best out of your PC.
Preventative maintenance can be categorized on two very useful facets. First is the hardware maintenance and software maintenance.
Hardware problems can be prevented by keeping the PC neat and tidy by dusting the components regularly. You can use a soft brush for cleaning the components. These products are readily available with any computer retailer.
The exterior parts of the computer need to be cleaned with a slightly moist cloth. A milk Detergent helps to get rid of the dust and dirt. As far as possible, make sure that that computer is not subject to excessive heat, humidity or smoke. In case you have your own business, you need to necessarily go in for high class and sophisticated computer machinery. For a normal home user, simple surge protectors would take care of the computer.
You also need to do some internal maintenance on a regular basis. These Include:
- Repairing PC Errors: Our computer get lots of problems when online and these leads to lots of errors. These errors should be fixed on a regular basis just as you check the level of water in your car radiator.
- Fixing and Updating Drivers: Always check online for driver updates. Some times your PC drivers could develop faults; all you need to do is to fix them. Click here to Fix Driver Errors and Update to the Latest Driver Now
- Uninstall any Unwanted Program.
- Remove Spyware, Virus or Malware: Spywares, Viruses and Malwares have caused lot of havoc to million of PCs world wide. You need to get strong anti-virus programs on your PC. You could visit this linkRemove Spyware, Virus or Malware by Experts
now.
- PC Health Checkup: You always need to do a regular PC health checkup. For information on how to do this click here PC>>> Start FREE PC Health Checkup Now!
To ensure that your computer functions effectively, you need to do regular maintenance, so that the computer works properly without giving problems on and off. It is advised that you perform monthly maintenance registry and backups (Back up and Recover Your Data and Files with Ease
). In case the computer crashes, all the data can be transferred to another computer.
Monday, August 23, 2010
COMMAND PR
COMMAND PR
Established in 1999 by PR powerhouse Jonathan Cheban, Command Public Relations has developed national media campaigns for a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment clients with a special focus on media buzz. Our clientele sets trends, reflects popular culture and influences the course of public consciousness.
for more visit www.buzzpik.com
Established in 1999 by PR powerhouse Jonathan Cheban, Command Public Relations has developed national media campaigns for a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment clients with a special focus on media buzz. Our clientele sets trends, reflects popular culture and influences the course of public consciousness.
for more visit www.buzzpik.com
83 Global Beauty Queens Seek Miss Universe Title
A set of 83 beauty queens plan to show off swimsuits, evening gowns and quick-thinking interview skills in hopes of impressing a panel of celebrity judges and winning the 2010 Miss Universe crown.
From Albania to Zambia, contestants from six continents were expected to strut across a stage Monday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
The winner will replace Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, who gave Venezuela a second consecutive win by taking the title at age 18 last year. The South American country has won six titles since the pageant started in 1952.
Fernandez says it's clear in her mind who's contending in this year's contest — but she won't give her picks until after the telecast.
The pageant hosted by rocker Bret Michaels and NBC correspondent Natalie Morales will air live on NBC and Telemundo and be distributed in some 190 countries and territories. The contest, co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, will be judged by celebrities including 2010 Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek and actress Jane Seymour.
Fans of Miss Universe gave high ratings to Miss Philippines Venus Raj, Miss Bolivia Claudia Arce Lemaitre and Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson in an online vote.
If Gibson wins, it would give Venezuela an unprecedented third consecutive win.
The pageant started as a local bathing revue in Long Beach, Calif., organized by a swimwear company. It now skips over the world; it was held last year in the Bahamas and in Vietnam in 2008.
Representing the United States is Miss USA Rima Fakih.
by The Associated Press
for more info visit www.npr.org
From Albania to Zambia, contestants from six continents were expected to strut across a stage Monday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
The winner will replace Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, who gave Venezuela a second consecutive win by taking the title at age 18 last year. The South American country has won six titles since the pageant started in 1952.
Fernandez says it's clear in her mind who's contending in this year's contest — but she won't give her picks until after the telecast.
The pageant hosted by rocker Bret Michaels and NBC correspondent Natalie Morales will air live on NBC and Telemundo and be distributed in some 190 countries and territories. The contest, co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, will be judged by celebrities including 2010 Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek and actress Jane Seymour.
Fans of Miss Universe gave high ratings to Miss Philippines Venus Raj, Miss Bolivia Claudia Arce Lemaitre and Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson in an online vote.
If Gibson wins, it would give Venezuela an unprecedented third consecutive win.
The pageant started as a local bathing revue in Long Beach, Calif., organized by a swimwear company. It now skips over the world; it was held last year in the Bahamas and in Vietnam in 2008.
Representing the United States is Miss USA Rima Fakih.
by The Associated Press
for more info visit www.npr.org
Computer blow to Europe's Goce gravity satellite
A flagship European Earth observation satellite has been struck by a second computer glitch and cannot send its scientific data down to the ground.
The Goce spacecraft is on a mission to make the most precise maps yet of how gravity varies across the globe.
In February, a processor fault forced operators to switch the satellite over to its back-up computer system.
This too has now developed a problem and engineers are toiling to make the spacecraft fully functional again.
The European Space Agency (Esa) remains confident the situation can be recovered, however.
"There's no doubt about it: we're in a difficult situation, but we are not without ideas," Goce mission manager Dr Rune Floberghagen told BBC News.
Continue reading the main story
Only last year, Esa lost the use of an instrument on its billion-euro Herschel space telescope but still managed to find a way to bring it back online even though engineers were separated from the malfunctioning hardware by more than a million kilometres of space.
By Jonathan Amos
Science correspondent, BBC News
For full story visit www.bbc.co.uk
The Goce spacecraft is on a mission to make the most precise maps yet of how gravity varies across the globe.
In February, a processor fault forced operators to switch the satellite over to its back-up computer system.
This too has now developed a problem and engineers are toiling to make the spacecraft fully functional again.
The European Space Agency (Esa) remains confident the situation can be recovered, however.
"There's no doubt about it: we're in a difficult situation, but we are not without ideas," Goce mission manager Dr Rune Floberghagen told BBC News.
Continue reading the main story
Only last year, Esa lost the use of an instrument on its billion-euro Herschel space telescope but still managed to find a way to bring it back online even though engineers were separated from the malfunctioning hardware by more than a million kilometres of space.
By Jonathan Amos
Science correspondent, BBC News
For full story visit www.bbc.co.uk
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange accused of rape
This Story was extracted from BBC News
Swedish authorities say they have issued an arrest warrant for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, on accusations of rape and molestation.
The warrant was issued late on Friday, said Karin Rosander, communications head at Sweden's prosecutors' office.
Swedish police have been trying to contact Mr Assange, but have been unable to so far, she told the BBC.
On Twitter, Wikileaks, which has leaked Afghan war documents, quoted him saying the charges were "without basis".
The message, attributed directly to Mr Assange, said the appearance of the allegations "at this moment is deeply disturbing".
In a series of other messages posted on the Wikileaks Twitter feed, the whistle-blowing website said: "No-one here has been contacted by Swedish police" and said it had been warned to expect "dirty tricks".
For more visit BBC World News
Swedish authorities say they have issued an arrest warrant for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, on accusations of rape and molestation.
The warrant was issued late on Friday, said Karin Rosander, communications head at Sweden's prosecutors' office.
Swedish police have been trying to contact Mr Assange, but have been unable to so far, she told the BBC.
On Twitter, Wikileaks, which has leaked Afghan war documents, quoted him saying the charges were "without basis".
The message, attributed directly to Mr Assange, said the appearance of the allegations "at this moment is deeply disturbing".
In a series of other messages posted on the Wikileaks Twitter feed, the whistle-blowing website said: "No-one here has been contacted by Swedish police" and said it had been warned to expect "dirty tricks".
For more visit BBC World News
Australians cast ballots in 'cliff-hanger' election
By the CNN Wire Staff
(This story was extracted from CNN)
Sydney, Australia (CNN) -- The first polls closed Saturday in Australia's tightly contested federal election to decide the next leader of the country.
Polls closed at 6 p.m. (4 a.m. ET) in the east, but voting was still taking place in western Australia.
Voting is mandatory for adults in Australia, and more than 14 million were expected to cast ballots. A spokesman for Australia's Electoral Commission said results would be posted online as they come in, but he could not say when final results would be released.
Labor Party incumbent Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition challenger Tony Abbott were neck and neck ahead of the voting, which Gillard -- Australia's first female prime minister -- had described a "cliff-hanger."
Economic issues figured prominently in the campaign. Both candidates tried to convince a skeptical public that they could get the country back in the black within three years.
Australia's economy has been relatively healthy, with the country avoiding the painful recession other developed countries have been fighting to free themselves.
Abbott leads the Liberal Party, which is nevertheless conservative and forms a center-right coalition with The Nationals. A fourth party, The Greens, is much smaller and has strong environmental ethos.
Gillard was born in Wales in 1961 and moved to Australia with her family in 1966. After graduating with an arts and law degree in Melbourne, she worked as a lawyer before being elected to Parliament in the seat of Lalor, Victoria in 1998. She became deputy prime minister and minister for education, employment and workplace relations when Labor was voted into power in November 2007.
For Full Story Visit www.cnn.com
(This story was extracted from CNN)
Sydney, Australia (CNN) -- The first polls closed Saturday in Australia's tightly contested federal election to decide the next leader of the country.
Polls closed at 6 p.m. (4 a.m. ET) in the east, but voting was still taking place in western Australia.
Voting is mandatory for adults in Australia, and more than 14 million were expected to cast ballots. A spokesman for Australia's Electoral Commission said results would be posted online as they come in, but he could not say when final results would be released.
Labor Party incumbent Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition challenger Tony Abbott were neck and neck ahead of the voting, which Gillard -- Australia's first female prime minister -- had described a "cliff-hanger."
Economic issues figured prominently in the campaign. Both candidates tried to convince a skeptical public that they could get the country back in the black within three years.
Australia's economy has been relatively healthy, with the country avoiding the painful recession other developed countries have been fighting to free themselves.
Abbott leads the Liberal Party, which is nevertheless conservative and forms a center-right coalition with The Nationals. A fourth party, The Greens, is much smaller and has strong environmental ethos.
Gillard was born in Wales in 1961 and moved to Australia with her family in 1966. After graduating with an arts and law degree in Melbourne, she worked as a lawyer before being elected to Parliament in the seat of Lalor, Victoria in 1998. She became deputy prime minister and minister for education, employment and workplace relations when Labor was voted into power in November 2007.
For Full Story Visit www.cnn.com
Haitian officials: Wyclef Jean will not be on presidential ballot
By the CNN Wire Staff
(This Story was gotten from CNN)
Port-Au-Prince, Haiti -- Haitian election officials have rejected hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean's bid to run for president of the Caribbean nation.
Jean's name was not on the list of 19 approved candidates released by Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council on Friday night.
"I respectfully accept the committee's final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same," Jean said in a statement.
In an interview with CNN shortly after the approved candidates' list was announced, Jean said he was surprised by the news.
"This has come to our party and to our group as a total shock," he said.
Jean was among 15 prospective candidates rejected. Elections officials did not provide a reason to reporters, but Jean's statement said they had ruled he was not a resident of the country.
"I want to assure my countrymen that I will continue to work for Haiti's renewal; though the board has determined that I am not a resident of Haiti, home is where the heart is -- and my heart has and will always be in Haiti," Jean's statement said. "This ruling just tells me that I can't officially seek the office of president."
On August 5, Jean announced on CNN's "Larry King Live" that he had submitted paperwork to run for president.
Since then, his possible candidacy has met with some criticism.
Haitian-American rapper Pras, who once performed alongside Jean and Lauryn Hill in the '90s group The Fugees, said he supported Jean's opponent.
FOR FUL STORY VISIT www.cnn.com
(This Story was gotten from CNN)
Port-Au-Prince, Haiti -- Haitian election officials have rejected hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean's bid to run for president of the Caribbean nation.
Jean's name was not on the list of 19 approved candidates released by Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council on Friday night.
"I respectfully accept the committee's final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same," Jean said in a statement.
In an interview with CNN shortly after the approved candidates' list was announced, Jean said he was surprised by the news.
"This has come to our party and to our group as a total shock," he said.
Jean was among 15 prospective candidates rejected. Elections officials did not provide a reason to reporters, but Jean's statement said they had ruled he was not a resident of the country.
"I want to assure my countrymen that I will continue to work for Haiti's renewal; though the board has determined that I am not a resident of Haiti, home is where the heart is -- and my heart has and will always be in Haiti," Jean's statement said. "This ruling just tells me that I can't officially seek the office of president."
On August 5, Jean announced on CNN's "Larry King Live" that he had submitted paperwork to run for president.
Since then, his possible candidacy has met with some criticism.
Haitian-American rapper Pras, who once performed alongside Jean and Lauryn Hill in the '90s group The Fugees, said he supported Jean's opponent.
FOR FUL STORY VISIT www.cnn.com
Half a billion eggs have been recalled
By the CNN Wire Staff
(This Story was gotten from CNN)
(CNN) -- The number of eggs recalled in a nationwide salmonella scare has grown to more than half a billion.
Iowa egg producer Hillandale Farms of Iowa is voluntarily recalling some 170.4 million eggs distributed to stores and companies that service, or are located in, 14 states, a spokeswoman at the Egg Safety Center said on Friday.
The Hillandale eggs were distributed under the Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow brand names in six-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg packages, and five-dozen-egg cases, the website for the Egg Safety Center said.
Loose eggs, which could be repackaged by customers, were packaged under the Wholesome Farms and West Creek brands in 15- and 30-dozen tray packs, according to the Egg Safety Center.
The eggs affected by this recall either have plant number P1860 with date codes ranging from 099 to 230, or plant number P1663 and date codes ranging from 137 to 230, the website said.
The salmonella outbreak prompted Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa, which began recalling eggs last week, to increase its recall to 380 million eggs on Wednesday.
The number of salmonella cases is expected to grow because infections after July 17 may not have been reported yet due to a two- to three-week lag between when a person becomes sick and when the case gets reported in the system, the CDC said.
"We would certainly characterize this as one of the largest shell egg recalls in recent history," Sherri McGarry of the Food and Drug Administration said in a conference call Thursday.
FOR FUL STORY VISIT www.cnn.com
(This Story was gotten from CNN)
(CNN) -- The number of eggs recalled in a nationwide salmonella scare has grown to more than half a billion.
Iowa egg producer Hillandale Farms of Iowa is voluntarily recalling some 170.4 million eggs distributed to stores and companies that service, or are located in, 14 states, a spokeswoman at the Egg Safety Center said on Friday.
The Hillandale eggs were distributed under the Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow brand names in six-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg packages, and five-dozen-egg cases, the website for the Egg Safety Center said.
Loose eggs, which could be repackaged by customers, were packaged under the Wholesome Farms and West Creek brands in 15- and 30-dozen tray packs, according to the Egg Safety Center.
The eggs affected by this recall either have plant number P1860 with date codes ranging from 099 to 230, or plant number P1663 and date codes ranging from 137 to 230, the website said.
The salmonella outbreak prompted Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa, which began recalling eggs last week, to increase its recall to 380 million eggs on Wednesday.
The number of salmonella cases is expected to grow because infections after July 17 may not have been reported yet due to a two- to three-week lag between when a person becomes sick and when the case gets reported in the system, the CDC said.
"We would certainly characterize this as one of the largest shell egg recalls in recent history," Sherri McGarry of the Food and Drug Administration said in a conference call Thursday.
FOR FUL STORY VISIT www.cnn.com
Friday, August 20, 2010
Philip Treacy - Project Runway there was an elimination of one of the competitors
The project Runway has become the famous drama series on the televisions of many people. A new addition to the cast of the Project Runway has made the series more interesting and amazing for the fans. Philip Treacy is the new member of the designers who will compete with the other designers of this show. His work is full of art and his skills are specialized in hat making. Philip Treacy is one of the best hat makers of the United Kingdom. Philip has recently made a place in the competition on the Project Runway television show and the fans were quite impressed to see his work on his first day. In the recent episode of Project Runway there was an elimination of one of the competitors of this show.
Kristin Haskins is a black colored person who had been eliminated by the show which in turn became the target of the African American fans. These fans thought that Kristin had been eliminated due to the race problem. The Project Runway Season 8 episode 4 was very interesting and this reality show had again displayed the talents of the competitors. Sunday Night was a sad one for Kristin and a lucky one for Philip Treacy who has qualified for the next week episode. The fans of Project Runway also made some great comments on their Twitter Accounts and they said that they want to own a fabulous hat like the one that Philip Treacy had made on the latest episode of the project Runway reality show.
Written By: John
Kristin Haskins is a black colored person who had been eliminated by the show which in turn became the target of the African American fans. These fans thought that Kristin had been eliminated due to the race problem. The Project Runway Season 8 episode 4 was very interesting and this reality show had again displayed the talents of the competitors. Sunday Night was a sad one for Kristin and a lucky one for Philip Treacy who has qualified for the next week episode. The fans of Project Runway also made some great comments on their Twitter Accounts and they said that they want to own a fabulous hat like the one that Philip Treacy had made on the latest episode of the project Runway reality show.
Written By: John
IS IT A MISTAKE?
Is it a mistake? How is it a mistake? Why is it a mistake?
Many have always asked this question at various point through their journey in life. At various junction of their life they ask this critical question “is it a mistake?”
I know that by now you may be asking yourself what led to this question “is it a mistake?” Many things could lead to this question at various points in life. The main reactants that produce this question are our choices in life. These choices could be in choosing friend, lover, career, school, husband or wife just to mention a few out of thousands of choices we make in life.
This question does not arise when all things are well with the choices we have made, but arises when problems (I prefer to call it a challenge) springs forth due to the choice we have made. When we have a problem with our choice we ask;
Is it a mistake for going into a relationship with him?
Is it a mistake for choosing you as a husband?
Is it a mistake to have chosen to work in this company?
Is it a mistake I made to study nursing?
Let me ask why do you think it is a mistake? Is it because you don’t derive the joy you used to derive from your relationship? Or your spouse has done something wrong? Or your boss does not appreciate all your effort? And this made you think you have made a mistake in choosing that friend, husband/wife or job.
In the first place it could really be a mistake. Probably you never took your time before making that choice you made. Making choices and taking decision in life especially in regards to relationship, one need to take a lot of time so as not to make a mistake with your choice and decision.
Many rush into marriage without taking their time to find out who their spouse really is and after marriage they discover the bad part of their partner and now gets a full understanding that they have made a mistake in choosing who they married. So why don’t you take good time before you make a choice in life so as not to be of those who end up asking themselves IS IT A MISTAKE?
In the other hand, you might think it is a mistake but it is really not a mistake. The reason you thinks it is a mistake is because you have not taken time to understand the choice you made. Many relationships lack understanding, many marriages have lost understanding and so is it with many organizations. When there is understanding in your relationship you would stand firm through all kind of storms that may lead to the question “is it a mistake”.
Take time out to understand your partner, spouse, friend and boss. You will then find out “IT IS NOT A MISTAKE”.
Many have always asked this question at various point through their journey in life. At various junction of their life they ask this critical question “is it a mistake?”
I know that by now you may be asking yourself what led to this question “is it a mistake?” Many things could lead to this question at various points in life. The main reactants that produce this question are our choices in life. These choices could be in choosing friend, lover, career, school, husband or wife just to mention a few out of thousands of choices we make in life.
This question does not arise when all things are well with the choices we have made, but arises when problems (I prefer to call it a challenge) springs forth due to the choice we have made. When we have a problem with our choice we ask;
Is it a mistake for going into a relationship with him?
Is it a mistake for choosing you as a husband?
Is it a mistake to have chosen to work in this company?
Is it a mistake I made to study nursing?
Let me ask why do you think it is a mistake? Is it because you don’t derive the joy you used to derive from your relationship? Or your spouse has done something wrong? Or your boss does not appreciate all your effort? And this made you think you have made a mistake in choosing that friend, husband/wife or job.
In the first place it could really be a mistake. Probably you never took your time before making that choice you made. Making choices and taking decision in life especially in regards to relationship, one need to take a lot of time so as not to make a mistake with your choice and decision.
Many rush into marriage without taking their time to find out who their spouse really is and after marriage they discover the bad part of their partner and now gets a full understanding that they have made a mistake in choosing who they married. So why don’t you take good time before you make a choice in life so as not to be of those who end up asking themselves IS IT A MISTAKE?
In the other hand, you might think it is a mistake but it is really not a mistake. The reason you thinks it is a mistake is because you have not taken time to understand the choice you made. Many relationships lack understanding, many marriages have lost understanding and so is it with many organizations. When there is understanding in your relationship you would stand firm through all kind of storms that may lead to the question “is it a mistake”.
Take time out to understand your partner, spouse, friend and boss. You will then find out “IT IS NOT A MISTAKE”.
The Arrest of Okereke-Onyiuke —EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes has told a Lagos High Court in Igbosere that it lacked the jurisdiction to restrain it from arresting the former Director- General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Prof Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke.
The anti-graft agency had also challenged the jurisdiction of the court, restraining it from arresting her.
The commission stated this in its preliminary objection, challenging the interim order of the court on the former NSE boss.
Justice Mojisola Obadina had on August 12 stopped the EFCC from harassing, embarrassing, intimidating or threatening to arrest and detain Okereke-Onyiuke.
When the case came up on Thursday before a vacation judge, Justice W.A.E. Ayo, lawyer to the EFCC, Mr. Godwin Obla, told the court that his client had filed a notice of preliminary objection against the order of the court.
According to him, the preliminary objection was brought pursuant to Order V111 Rule 1,2,4 and 5 of the Fundamental Human Rights Procedure Rules, 2009 .
He added that the court lacked the jurisdiction to make orders restraining the EFCC from performing its statutory duty of investigation, arrest and prosecution.
The EFCC also claimed that Nigeria courts lacked the competence and jurisdiction to base decisions on speculative, hypothetical or moot issues, saying that the materials provided by Okereke-Onyiuke did not disclose a cause of action against the commission.
It described the suit as speculative, vexatious and an abuse of the process of court.
Lawyer to Okereke-Onyiuke, Chief Robert Clarke (SAN), had earlier informed the court that all the respondents were served with court processes except the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, who refused to accept them.
Clarke added that all efforts made by him, including writing a personal letter to the CP, proved abortive.
At this juncture, Justice Ayo directed that all the processes should be taken to the Legal Department of the Lagos State Police Command.
The court also consolidated the substantial application and the Notice of Preliminary Objection and adjourned the case till September 7.
By Tony Amokeodo From:www.punchng.com
Friday, 20 Aug 2010
The anti-graft agency had also challenged the jurisdiction of the court, restraining it from arresting her.
The commission stated this in its preliminary objection, challenging the interim order of the court on the former NSE boss.
Justice Mojisola Obadina had on August 12 stopped the EFCC from harassing, embarrassing, intimidating or threatening to arrest and detain Okereke-Onyiuke.
When the case came up on Thursday before a vacation judge, Justice W.A.E. Ayo, lawyer to the EFCC, Mr. Godwin Obla, told the court that his client had filed a notice of preliminary objection against the order of the court.
According to him, the preliminary objection was brought pursuant to Order V111 Rule 1,2,4 and 5 of the Fundamental Human Rights Procedure Rules, 2009 .
He added that the court lacked the jurisdiction to make orders restraining the EFCC from performing its statutory duty of investigation, arrest and prosecution.
The EFCC also claimed that Nigeria courts lacked the competence and jurisdiction to base decisions on speculative, hypothetical or moot issues, saying that the materials provided by Okereke-Onyiuke did not disclose a cause of action against the commission.
It described the suit as speculative, vexatious and an abuse of the process of court.
Lawyer to Okereke-Onyiuke, Chief Robert Clarke (SAN), had earlier informed the court that all the respondents were served with court processes except the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, who refused to accept them.
Clarke added that all efforts made by him, including writing a personal letter to the CP, proved abortive.
At this juncture, Justice Ayo directed that all the processes should be taken to the Legal Department of the Lagos State Police Command.
The court also consolidated the substantial application and the Notice of Preliminary Objection and adjourned the case till September 7.
By Tony Amokeodo From:www.punchng.com
Friday, 20 Aug 2010
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