WhatsApp Is Set To Introduce Free Calls by April.

WhatsApp Inc., the mobile messaging service that agreed to be acquired last week by Facebook Inc. for $19 billion, said Monday that it would offer voice calling as early as April, allowing free phone calls among WhatsApp's 465 million users. Jan Koum, the co-founder and chief executive of WhatsApp, also said during a speech at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that he is hoping to grow the service to one or two billion users. Mr. Koum said that the WhatsApp voice product would "focus on simplicity" as it has with its text-based messaging service. He said that WhatsApp would first release a version of the voice service for Apple Inc.'s
iPhone and Google Inc.'s Android platforms,
followed by services for Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Phone, as well as some phones by BlackBerry Ltd. and Nokia Corp.

"We want to continue to have that minimalistic approach to the product," he said. "We at WhatsApp want to get out of the way and let people communicate." Mr. Koum added that the voice product would "use the least amount of bandwidth, and we optimize the hell out of it."
Speaking about the Facebook acquisition announcement earlier this month, Mr. Koum said that the product wouldn't change, stressing that WhatsApp would remain independent. He cited Instagram's example, after the acquisition of the photo-sharing service by Facebook.

Mr. Koum said that WhatsApp was likely valuable to Facebook because "we both want to make the world more connected," though Mr. Koum stressed that WhatsApp wanted to know "as little as possible" about its users, including details such as a user's name. "There are no plans to change anything that we do with the product today," he said, using words like "minimalistic," "utilitarian" and "uncluttered" to describe his philosophy.

Source; http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB

Sanusi Lamido Should Be Charged For Murder; Femi Fani Kayode

Seems like the last has yet to be seen or heard of the estranged former governor of the CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. This is what FFK wrote on a photo link of sanusi, the CBN governor on his facebook page, .What role did Sanusi Lamido Sanusi have to play in the public beheading of Akaluka, the igbo man in Kano who was accused of ''desecrating the koran''?
Why was Sanusi locked up in a Sokoto prison for his alleged role in the incident and why , was he not brought to justice for being amongst those that incited the crowd to behead Akaluka? Where is the report and why has it been supressed? Who were the others that incited the crowd that were summarily executed for doing so by the government of the day and why was Sanusi spared?

The above are very serious questions that need to be answered and if it is true that Lamido was in any way involved he should not only be removed from the Central Bank immediately but he must also be charged with murder. It is left to the Nigerian people to either demand answers to these questions or just let this whole thing slip away. One thing that I know is that it appears that Akaluka's blood and his headless body is now speaking from the grave and haunting his murderers.

Today's Headlines:

Jonathan tells EFCC, ICPC to flaunt achievements http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/item/81992

Boko Haram razes Borno village, kills 39 http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/item/81990

Update: Maku names, give reasons for replacement of sacked ministers http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/item/81985

JAMB sensitises students on E-Testing http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/item/81996

PDP denies dollar inducement claim by APC http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/politics/item/81998

Reps to investigate NIS arrest of 400 Northerners in Yenegoa http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/item/81999

Money laundering: Prosecute ex-Army chief, Bamaiyi, Fred Ajudua tells EFCC http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/efcc/item/81984

NNPC, PPMC makes concerted effort to provide improved petroleum products, stable price regime http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/nnpc/item/81910

National Assembly commends PPPRA for saving N409b subsidy claims in 2012 http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/nnpc/item/81648

Sanusi Lamido's constant flip flop on kerosene subsidy http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/item/81961

Update: Boston bombing suspect trial set for November http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/america-news/item/82000

Thursday's Love and Sex: Even without money, you can still have a wonderful experience on Valentine's Day http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/entertainment/item/82003

Iyanya's manager insists Iyanya did not lie about the Lenovo deal http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/entertainment/item/81976

Manchester United held Arsenal to a goalless draws http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/sport/more-in-sport/english-premier-league/item/82001

"Faith makes all things possible... love makes all things easy." - Dwight L. Moody

Good morning.

Breaking!

Breaking News: Jonathan fires Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, 3 others

http:// www.ipaidabribenaija.com/index.php/news/item/81982

BREAKING: MEND Stakes Claim For Warri Refinery Fire Outbreak.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) says it is responsible for “the sabotage” today at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Refinery in Warri, Delta State. The facility was ravaged by fire.

According to MEND in a statement, ‘Hurricane Exodus’ was intended to burn down the entire refining refinery.

“As long as President Goodluck Jonathan continues to rely on an unsustainable and fraudulent Niger Delta Amnesty programme, peace and security will continue to elude his government in the region,” it said, adding, “‘Hurricane Exodus’ is on course!’”

Credit

REMARK.

We now know those enjoying Nigeria's continued importation of refined products .. Jonathan has been one of the most unfortunate President in Human history plagued by sabotage from his enemies, friends, brother, Ministers , wife and a very low IQ . I sympathise with him!

 

NEWS: Alleged Plot To Kidnap Amaechi Uncovered. Just How?

A plot allegedly directed at forcing Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State out of office in a way former Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State was subjected to in 2003 was unveiled, yesterday.

The plot, allegedly aimed at forcing Amaechi out of office through blackmail while being kept incommunicado, it was claimed yesterday, would also involve family members of the embattled governor as co-conspirators.

And He's Back TO School: Stowaway Kid, Daniel Ohikhena Resumes With Security Men

When 13-year-old Daniel Oikhena hid in the tyre compartment of a Lagos-bound Arik plane on August 24, little did he know he was going to become a hero. However, luck smiled on Daniel after a safe landing and he became the boy of the moment. Daniel’s mother, Evelyn, had earlier disclosed that her son had wanted to be a pilot. Since the incident, seeing Daniel now is like forcing the carmel through the eye of a needle.

The Blame Game Continues: Patience Jonathan Blames Elders For Fuelling Rivers Crisis.

Wife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, on Monday faulted the contributions of some unnamed persons she referred to as “otherwise respected elders” who, by their views, had been contributing to the crisis in Rivers State. While describing their utterances as unfortunate, she called on all feuding parties in the state to sheathe their swords in the interest of innocent women and children, who, she said, would naturally be victims of the mayhem.

Death Before Dishonour? Almustapha Promoted To Brigadier General.

Information available indicates that Major Hamza Al-Mustapha may have been Promoted to Brigadiers General. The Nigerian Army on Monday indicated that it would likely reinstate Maj. Al-Mustapha into the service following the dismissal of a murder suit against him. Al-Mustapha, the former Chief security Officer to former head of state, late Gen. Sani Abacha, regained his freedom on Friday after 14 years in detention.

A Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, discharged and acquitted him over an alleged conspiracy and the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, on June 4, 1996. The court had upturned a death sentence handed down on him on Jan. 30, 2013, by Justice Mojisola Dada, of a Lagos High Court.

Read The Details Of The Ruling That Set Free Al-mustapha

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Rita Pemu and supported by the presiding judge, Justice Amina Augie andJustice F. O. Akinbami respectively, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and that there was no nexus between the appellants and the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on June 4, 1993.

The Augie led all-female appeal panel had taken over the case from Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, who withdrew on April 29, for personal reasons.

Justice Pemu in setting aside the judgment of the lower court, held that the prosecution failed to establish the charge of conspiracy and murder against the appellants and that it was foolhardy and unreasonable for the lower court to have so swiftly convicted the appellants, when it was very evident that the prosecution had a bad case.

Breaking: FG Signs Ceasefire With Boko Haram

KANO – The Federal Government has announced signing of ceasefire
deal with Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lidda’awati wal Jihad, popularly known
as Boko Haram.

The major breakthroyugh is coming on the eve of the Muslim Holy
month due to commence Tuesday through the country.
The minister of Special duties Alhaji Tanimu Turaki announced the
ceasefire agreement on Radio France International Hausa services
monitored in Kano Monday afternoon.
 

DETAILS SOON

Source

Footnotes

My annoyance is on why the FG waited for so much lives to be lost before taking the bull by the horn. However a success is a success. Kudos to Jonathan for finally growing the balls to tackle the menace and congratulations to all Nigerians. Can't leave out the "civilian JTF" who finally played a key role that they failed to do from the beginning. 

 

Moreso, Hope this cease fire is not in anyway related to the Ramadan fast coming up . ..

I hope its a genuine plea from the haramite

U.S. President Barack Obama Offers $7 billion to Nigeria, others for Power Improvement

Funds from the initiative, dubbed Power Africa, will be distributed over the next five years. Obama made the announcement during his trip to South Africa, the continent's biggest economy.

"Access to electricity is fundamental to opportunity in this age. It's the light that children study by, the energy that allows an idea to be transformed into a real business. It's the lifeline for families to meet their most basic needs, and it's the connection that's needed to plug Africa into the grid of the global economy," he said.

Two-thirds of the population of sub-Saharan Africa lacks access to electricity, including more than 85% of those living in rural areas, the White House said.

FGN Assures of A Million Jobs Creation Through Online Initiative

*******
Another BS drum say? Only time can tell!
*******

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to create about 1 million jobs through an online initiative, the Integrated Youth Development Initiative. The Initiative which has been designed to address the nation’s high unemployment rate in a practical way aims at monitoring youth development in the country closely.

Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, Mr. Obi Adim said:

“We are looking at creating about one million jobs a year. We have various sectors we are looking at such as Information and Communication Technology, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition.”

Pictures & Video from Obama & Family Trip To Former Slaving Port In Senegal

President Barack Obama has spent the afternoon touring a Senegalese island where Africans were shipped across the Atlantic into slavery and he called the visit a 'very powerful moment.' Obama says visiting Goree Island Thursday with his family helps them fully appreciate the magnitude of the slave trade. They toured the museum at the Maison des Esclaves where slaves were gathered before going through the 'Door of No Return' and being forced onto ships bound for North America. Obama also said that, as an African American and an African-American president, the trip gaves him even greater motivation to stand up for human rights around the world, and the visit came just hours after he clashed with his Senegalese hosts over gay rights. He said the island is a reminder of what happens when civil rights are not protected.
How touching! I hope to visit this place with my family as well!

Video:

Pictures:

The Oba Of Lagos Officially Installs Tinubu’s Daughter As Traders’ Leader.

**********
It was previously reported here a few days back; Tinubu’s Daughter Succeeds Grandmother as Iyaloja. 
It is now official. Details below:

Daughter of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, officially succeeded her grandmother, the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, Thursday following her inauguration by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

Tinubu-Ojo, whose selection as the new President-General of the Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men, a post held by Tinubu’s mother who died on June 15, had generated controversy , was installed at a ceremony at the late Mogaji’s Ikeja house, which was attendedby market leaders from the state.

In U.S, Sum of $27Million Missing In Nigerian Embassy

The probe followed a petition over alleged misappropriation of funds by the officials of the Nigerian embassy in Washington D.C.

The Senate on Thursday began investigating the alleged disappearance of $27 million from the sale of Nigerian property in New York.

Two former Nigeria ambassadors and the incumbent appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Etisalat BIS Now Capped. Confirmed!

I think Etisalat Nigeria just shot themselves on the foot. Earlier today, i recieved a sms from them that i have used up the allocated BB10 data bundle allotted to me. The sms however ended by suggesting i subscribe to a data plan to keep enjoying the service. What ever that implies, leaves a lot to be desired. To be this, I was taken aback, I must confess; i am a heavy data user. Right after the sms, my BIS came to a halt. Email messages stopped, could not ping and browse.

After several failed attempts at reaching to a customer rep, i was made to understand i had crossed the said allotted bandwidth. According to the information, the development is quite recent and is not even enlisted on their website. The situation automatically implies that, every BIS package from the Etisalat network has been capped and is no longer unlimited as was the case. I however expressed my disappointment to the lady that attended to me, owning to the fact that, before such developments are staked and throwing at the customers, adequate awareness ought to be made. I find it offensive to live in the guise of silly changes of that nature. My loyalty and customership has just been jettisoned.

In all, it is quite easy to blame this change on the ample clamps the blackberry 10 series have with them, but the network providers are wrong to assume same platforms over all blackberry devices. For Etisalat, i believe they will lose a handful of loyal subscribers that were drawn to them all because they provided unlimited blackberry service in the true sense of the word.

Tinubu’s Daughter Succeeds Grandmother as Iyaloja, Lagos Traders Grumble.

PS: Here, as would most of my blog posts, please endeavour to read my thoughts presented as footnotes at the base of the article. In as much as i give credit to news/article sources in the cases of emergence, I also draw up introspects on what i think. They are contained at the end of each article. Thanks.

Tinubu’s Daughter Succeeds GrandmotherIt was a shock they never prepared for. Gathering at the home of their late leader, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, who until her death on June 14 at the age of 97, was the President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men, majority of them had only come to mourn their leader, for whom the family was holding the eighth-day fidau, a religious ritual for departed Muslims.

Truth or Dare: Patience Jonathan's Office Is Inseparable From The Presidency?

First Lady Patience Jonathan has slammed those describing her office as unconstitutionally, saying it cannot be separated from the Presidency.

The first lady, through her media aide, Ayo Oshinlu, was yesterday reacting to a newspaper editorial that criticised her for speaking from a podium with the nation’s official seal two years ago.According to Mrs Jonathan, her office, just like American First Lady Michelle Obama’s, derives from the Presidency and has responsibilities to discharge, whether ceremonial or official, in order to “smoothen the operations of the president and the Presidency”.

Source

Ohanaeze Parleys Middle Belt Youths For New Political Identity

By PETERCLAVER EGBOCHUE Ohanaeze Youth Council has vowed to support the current campaign for a new socio-political identity and cultural renaissance by the United Middle Belt Youth Congress (UMBYC.) The group reasoned that one way of actualising the new order is for the traditional rulers in the Middle Belt to unite under what it described as the Middle Belt council of traditional rulers, which will provide the needed synergy as well as traditional and ancestral links and guidance to the liberation movement.