THE NATION THURSNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
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FOREIGN NEWS NATO planes hit Gaddafi’s stronghold of Sirte
Michael Jackson full of energy before death, promoter tells court
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ATO planes have bombed targets in one of the last proGaddafi strongholds, Sirte, as government forces continue their assault on the city. Soldiers of the National Transitional Council (NTC) have been facing fierce resistance and deployed tanks to fend off sniper fire by Gaddafi loyalists. NTC forces have seized the port as they move towards the centre of Sirte - the birthplace of Libya’s ousted leader. Civilians have been leaving the city, as water, food and medicine run low. Britain’s ministry of defence said Royal Air Force and Nato aircraft had been “very active” over Sirte on Tuesday, destroying military targets including ammunition storage facilities. They also conducted strikes on a vehicle storage depot that has been serving as one of the main pro-Gaddafi bases. The air strikes continued on Wednesday. Along with the city of Bani Walid, Sirte is the last major area under the control of Gaddafi loyalists. Both cities have been the scene of intense fighting in recent weeks. In Bani Walid, according to one report, at least 11 NTC fighters were killed by rockets fired by pro-Gaddafi troops on Wednesday. All night bombs struck the centre of Sirte as Nato aircraft tried to weaken defensive positions held by pro-Gaddafi troops. More civilians left the city at first light, but people are still reporting food and water shortages, as well as the obvious dangers of being caught up in the battle for Sirte.
MEND vows to bomb Eagle Square
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T A TIME the Federal Government is making efforts to end bombings by Islamic Sect Boko Haram, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has said it will bomb Eagle Square, Abuja on October 1, during the 51st independence celebration. Explosions near the Eagle Square on October 1 last year during the country’s 50th anniversary celebration led to the death of many persons and destruction of valuable property. MEND claimed responsibility for the Eagle Square attacks, leading to the arrest of one of its leaders, Henry Okah, who is still standing trial in South Africa. MEND, in an online statement yesterday night by its Spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said that the militant group intended to place bombs within and in the immediate vicinity of Eagle Square.
From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt
It said: “After 51 years of Independence, Nigerians still have nothing to celebrate. “The general public is strongly advised to consider this as a first and final warning. “No additional warnings will be issued subsequent to deployment or detonation of these devices, which will be novel in nature.” Militancy subsided with the 2009 offer of amnesty to repentant militants by the Federal Government, with many of them either acquiring skills or schooling within and outside Nigeria. The Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Timothy Antigha, had earlier assured of peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that the main militants had embraced amnesty, while urging the people not to panic because of threats from some “disgruntled” elements.
•The late Jackson
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WO days before he died, Michael Jackson appeared strong during one of the final rehearsals for his highly anticipated comeback concerts, a promoter told jurors yesterday as the involuntary manslaughter trial of the pop superstar’s physician entered its second day. Paul Gongaware, an executive for AEG Live, said Jack-
son appeared engaged and energetic during the session. Prosecutors called Gongaware to show the importance of Jackson’s comeback concerts and in an apparent attempt to show that both the singer and his physician were deeply engaged in preparations for the show before Jackson died on 25 June 2009. Gongaware also testified that he saw Dr Conrad Murray at one of Jackson’s rehearsals after people affiliated with the planned concerts complained that the singer had been missing some of the sessions. Prosecutors wrapped up their direct questioning of Gongaware before defense attorney Ed Chernoff briefly questioned the executive. Under the cross-examination, Gongaware acknowledged the concert giant is being sued by Jackson’s mother for negligent supervision of defendant Murray when he
worked with Jackson. Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson’s death. Prosecutors allege Murray caused Jackson’s death by providing him with a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives without the proper lifesaving equipment or skills. Another AEG employee, attorney Kathy Jorrie, testified about drafting a contract for Murray to work as Jackson’s personal physician. At one point in negotiations, Murray requested his contract be modified to allow him to hire another physician in case he was tired or unavailable while Jackson was performing in London, she testified. “He wanted to make sure that there was somebody else available to be of assistance,” Jarrie said. Prosecutors also planned to
call one of Jackson’s bodyguards and his personal assistant, who Murray frantically called after he found the singer unconscious. In opening statements on Tuesday, deputy district attorney David Walgren said Murray delayed summoning emergency crews and lied to doctors and medics when he failed to reveal he had been giving Jackson the medications to try to help the entertainer sleep. Chernoff claimed Jackson gave himself a fatal dose of medication in a desperate attempt to get some sleep. He said Murray had been trying to wean Jackson off propofol, but the entertainer kept requesting it on the day he died. “Michael Jackson started begging,” Chernoff said. “When Michael Jackson told Dr Murray, ‘I have to sleep. They will cancel my performance,’ he meant it.”
US Embassy warns of abduction in Saudi Arabia
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HE United States embassy in Saudi Arabia said yesterday it had received information that a terrorist group may be planning to abduct Westerners in the capital, Riyadh, and
urged US citizens to exercise caution. “US Embassy in Riyadh advises US citizens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that we have received information that a terrorist
group in Saudi Arabia may be planning to abduct Westerners in Riyadh,” the embassy said in a message posted on its website. “The US Embassy in Riyadh reminds all U.S. citizens
to exercise prudence and enhanced security awareness at all times,” the message said. The message goes on to suggest “good personal security practices”.