Pistorius: Reeva Steenkamp Was Scared of Me

Oscar Pistorius, South Africa’s Star Paralympian, returned to the witness box at his murder trial on Tuesday, insisting he and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp had a loving relationship and saw a future together before he shot her dead on Valentine’s Day.

Pistorius sat before a packed courtroom wearing a dark grey suit describing how the couple met and gradually began to plan their future, a day after an emotional first day on the stand that saw him issue a tearful apology to the victim’s family.

The Paralympic gold medallist is accused of premeditated murder over Steenkamp’s murder in February 2013, but claims he shot her through a locked toilet door believing she was an intruder.

On Tuesday the athlete known as the “Blade Runner” described how he met the model at a track day car event.

“The first six days we knew each other we called each other every day,” he said.

“I was very keen on Reeva,” he said. “I think if anything I was more into her, than she was at times with me.”

“We started really seeing a future with each other,” he said.

Called as witness in his own defence, Pistorius has insisted he and the 29-year-old law graduate, model and aspiring actress had a loving relationship and sought to explain text messages in which Steenkamp said she was scared of him.

“I just think it was a bad hour in our relationship,” he said, describing a fight at an engagement party.

Steenkamp had sent Pistorius a message saying: “I’m scared of you sometimes and how you snap at me and how you will act towards me.”

June, Steenkamp’s mother, attended Tuesday’s hearing along with Steenkamp’s friend Gina Myers, who was wearing tags that bore a black-and-white print of the model.

On Monday Pistorius had made a tearful apology to Steenkamp’s family.

“I can promise that when she went to bed that night she felt loved,” he said choking back tears, his voice faltering.

“There isn’t a moment, or hasn’t been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven’t thought about your family.”

- Fast cars and guns -

Pistorius’s initial evidence has focused on countering the prosecution’s portrayal of him as reckless and obsessed with fast cars and guns.

He has spoken of a difficult childhood, exposure to crime and challenges of his disability.

He is likely to remain on the stand most of the week as his extensive testimony is expected to be following by gruelling and likely lengthy cross-examination.

Besides answering a charge of murder, Pistorius also has to testify about three unrelated charges: two of firing a gun in separate incidents and one for the possession of illegal ammunition, found in a safe at his home.

Cape Town-based criminal advocate William Booth said much will depend on how Pistorius stands up to cross-examination.

“Oscar’s evidence can only be properly assessed once he’s been cross-examined,” Booth said.

In the five weeks since the trial began, Pistorius has appeared fragile and sometimes annoyed, frequently crying in court.

He was physically sick when the gruesome details of Steenkamp’s death were discussed.

A key question will be, “Is he emotionally stable to testify if he’s breaking down all the time?” Booth said.

“One would rather have him in a better state of mind when he testifies.”

Pistorius has hired an extensive team of forensic experts, including an American animation firm that will visually depict the crime scene using three-dimensional computer-generated images.

The experts will have to cast doubt on the state’s version of events, including testimony from witnesses who said they heard a woman screaming on the night of the killing, which would show Pistorius knew his target was Steenkamp.

His lawyer Barry Roux said he will call 14 to 17 witnesses in his case to testify on ballistics, urine emptying, damage to the toilet door, sound, and “disability and vulnerability.”

The case continues to grip South Africa despite going on much longer than its original length of three weeks.

Newspapers feature front-pages of Pistorius almost every day, and radio talk shows invite callers to speculate on the athlete’s innocence or guilt.

Prominent figures in the case, notably defence lawyer Barry Roux, have become household names and spawned Internet memes.

Crowds of people queue outside the courthouse, jostling between the line of international media to get a picture of Pistorius.

The trial is slated to run to at least mid-May.

Jeb Bush Says Illegal Immigration Often 'An Act Of Love'

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Jeb Bush, a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2016, said on Sunday that illegal immigrants who come to the United States to provide for their families are not committing a felony but an "act of love."

In comments at odds with the views of many in his party, Bush, the son of the 41st president and brother of the 43rd, said of the divisive immigration issue: "I think we need to kind of get beyond the harsh political rhetoric to a better place.

"I'm going to say this and it will be on tape and so be it," Bush said in an interview with Fox News host Shannon Bream in an event at the Texas presidential library of his father, George H.W. Bush.

"The way I look at this is someone who comes to our country because they couldn't come legally ... and they crossed the border because they had no other means to work, to be able to provide for their family, yes, they broke the law, but it's not a felony.

"It's an act of love, it's an act of commitment to your family.

Bush, 61, added: "I honestly think that that is a different kind of crime. There should be a price paid, but it shouldn't rile people up that people are actually coming to this country to provide for their families."

Bush repeated at the event that he would decide on a presidential bid by the end of the year.

A comprehensive immigration reform bill passed the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate in June 2013 but has stalled in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Republican lawmakers have cited deep divisions in the party over the issue, including granting legal status to 11 million undocumented immigrants.

A Republican Party review after the last presidential election had urged the party to embrace immigration reform to attract more Hispanic support. Democratic President Barack Obama, who was re-elected in 2012, won 71 percent of the Hispanic vote to Republican challenger Mitt Romney's 27 percent.

Recent polls have suggested that if he were to run, Bush, a former Florida governor, would be weighed down by Americans' lingering attitudes toward his brother, George W. Bush, who left office in January 2009 as one of the least popular presidents in U.S. history.

In a Washington Post/ABC News poll last month, nearly half the voters surveyed said they "definitely would not" vote for Jeb Bush in 2016 - a level of disapproval matched only by Romney. Even Bush's mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, has been lukewarm about the notion of another son running for president.

Asked by Bream about the critical considerations that would go into his decision on whether to run for the presidency, Bush said one was whether he could do it with a "hopeful, optimistic message" that avoids drawing him into a political "mudfight."

The other consideration, he said, "is it OK for my family?

Is it something that isn't a huge sacrifice for our family."

He added: "It turns out that not running has generated more interest than if I said I was running."

Source

Ortiz-Obama Selfie May Be 'End Of All Selfies' At White House, Senior Adviser Says

A controversial selfie taken by David Ortiz during a visit by the Boston Red Sox to the White House last week may be the last, senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer said on Sunday.

It was later revealed that the image of Ortiz and President Barack Obama snapped by the Red Sox slugger was part of a promotion for Samsung.

“Well, [President Obama] obviously didn't know anything about Samsung's connection to this,” Pfeiffer said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “And perhaps maybe this will be the end of all selfies.”

White House officials have "had conversations with Samsung about this and expressed our concerns," Pfeiffer said, declining to give specifics. “We'll leave that conversation between the lawyers."

During the ceremony, as the Red Sox presented a commemorative No. 44 jersey to Obama, Ortiz pulled out his phone to snap the photo with the president.

“He wants to take a selfie!” Obama said. “It's the Big Papi selfie.”

What an honor! Thanks for the #selfie, @BarackObama pic.twitter.com/y5Ww74sEID

— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) April 1, 2014

Ortiz later tweeted the selfie from his Twitter account. Samsung retweeted the photo, saying it was “thrilled to see the special, historic moment David Ortiz captured with his Galaxy Note 3 during his White House visit."

"When we heard about the visit to the White House, we worked with David and the team on how to share images with fans," the company said in a statement. "We didn’t know if or what he would be able to capture using his Note 3 device."

According to Sports Business Journal, the All Star designated hitter recently signed an endorsement deal with Samsung to be its "MLB social media insider."

"So when the Red Sox visit the White House this week to commemorate their World Series victory, 'Big Papi' will be tweeting and sending photos on Samsung’s behalf," the publication reported Monday, the day before Papi snapped the presidential selfie.

On Wednesday, Ortiz denied the selfie was part of his new endorsement deal.

"It wasn't anything promotional, anything like that," Ortiz said. "I mean, who knows that you're going to take a picture with the president? How many people can guarantee that? It was something we don't even have to talk about.

"It just came out right in the moment when I gave him the jersey and he asked to take pictures," Ortiz continued. "It was like, 'Oh, wait a minute, let me see if I can get away with this.' I was lucky that I was right there. It was fun. It was something I'll never forget."

The White House isn't forgetting, either.

"As a rule, the White House objects to attempts to use the president's likeness for commercial purposes," White House press secretary Jay Carney said during his daily news briefing on Thursday. "And we certainly object in this case."

Last month, Samsung benefited from viral success when Oscars host Ellen DeGeneres took a star-studded selfie with her Samsung phone. The photo was retweeted more than 3 million times, a new Twitter record. The previous record holder: Barack Obama.

Source

BREAKING: Gunmen Kill Tola Okuneye Inside Church In Ijebu Igbo

Ten armed men suspected to be assassins, on this morning, invaded the premises of St. John's Anglican Church, Oke-Sopen, Ijebu-Igbo, in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State and killed a 70-year-old man, Chief Tola Okuneye, popularly known as "Ajagajigi".

Naija Chit-Chat learnt that the assailants stormed the premises of the church in two vehicles at about 11.00a.m, while the Sunday service was still on and they went directly to the pew where the deceased was sitting and shot him on the head.

An eyewitness at the church informed our Correspondent that Okuneye's assailants only took his life and fled the scene without taking anything away from him.

He said, " The service was on when we noticed that some boys numbering about ten armed to teeth entered the church and headed straight to where Chief Okuneye was sitting and shot him on the head. It was the time our preacher was about.

Another source informed Naija Chit-Chat that the deceased could have been killed due to many legal matters he has before the court.

Okuneye is a well known man in the town and neighbouring towns.He was among the earliest furniture makers in Ijebu area.

He is survived by six wives and over 20 children while his remains had been deposited at the mortuary of the General hospital in Ijebu-Igbo.

Excel Set to Release Her Gospel CD Celebrating God’s Excellence!

Seriously, when you are looking for an unassuming person, look no further! If you seek someone with the beauty of God radiating all around, we are glad to introduce to you, South Africa based Nigerian Gospel Artist, EXCEL. A lady that continues to dazzle the Christian music industry with her voice and style. Naija Chit-Chat wasted no time in setting up an Exclusive Interview with her. Enjoy the chit-chat as sent in by our Representative in the Rainbow country, Mantombi Makhubele.

Give us a little info about your person; like Background

My name is Excel Emoshoke Elijah; but I only use my first name, EXCEL in my music carrer.  I’m a Nigerian, born into a Royal family of Auchi in Edo state. My father was a pastor who departed this world some 7 years ago, my mum still lives and doing great works in God’s Vineyard as a Pastor.  As children, we are 7 in number and by the special grace of God, we are blessed and doing well.

I did my primary education in Kano State (Northern Nigeria) while my secondary education was in Auchi where I also obtained my Higher National Diploma in Auchi Polytechnic in Marketing/ Business Administration.

How long have you been in music and what are your motivations?

I have being in the music industry for 10yrs.

Has gospel music always been your first choice or it is just something you dabbled into?

Gospel music has always being my choice of music; it’s my own way of wining souls into God’s Kingdom and giving people hope that Jesus cares through the songs that I sing.

You are a Nigerian, what prompted your relocation to South Africa?

South Africa has always been a country I love so much; it’s my dream country. I’ve always loved the people, the colorful traditional wears, language, people and the way they sing and dance.  In 2010 my father in the-Lord and Mentor, Apostle Johnson Suleman, sent for me and told me that I’ll be joining the team he is sending to South Africa to start a branch of the church, Omega Fire Ministry. It became a dream come true for me; here I was, falling in love with a country I have never been to and her people and God divinely using someone to send me there! That was how I came into South Africa in August 8^th 2012.

You have some songs on ReverbNation that really made Christians take a second look at you; what is the story behind the flavor in your songs?

The story behind my story is the special grace of God. He loves me so much. When I look back from where I came from and my present state, I cannot but to give the Lord all the praise with every fiber of my being hence all I can do is to express it through my songs.

Mantombi Makhubele & Excel

You were once #1 in the ReverbNation Charts for Nigeria for quite some time before changing your Country to South Africa. We have observed you have not climbed to #1 in South Africa. Is it fair to say the music industry is tighter than Nigeria?

Yes, I was No. 1 on the RevebNation Charts for Nigeria for quite some time. However since I am based in South Africa, I decided to change my country to where I live. God has been faithful thus taking me to No. 1 within a week and remaining there for over a month; it was quite an experience because Nigeria has thousands, if not millions of gospel Artists and to become No. 1 in a short time, was quite a blessing and an experience.

I wouldn't say the music industry in South Africa is tighter than Nigeria because music depends on the efforts you put in it.

We see there is a big thing coming up for you on April 20, 2014. Give us the full gist.

I’m so excited because on that day, my CD will be officially released! I will also be having a Concert on that special day in my life, April 20th. God laid in my heart for a very long time to put up a Concert and have my CD released as a joint project. I am about to move into a new phase in my life, and as I take this next step by obeying the call of God, as a Worship Leader with a mandate to recruit and develop an army of worshipers, that will worship Him in spirit and in truth. The Concert and CD release event is tagged. "In The Throne Room"

People are excited and looking forward to it. My father in the-Lord Apostle Johnson Suleman gave me his blessings and support and also my pastor here in south Africa Pastor Emma and Tomi Sule also gave me their blessings and great support as well. My church Omega Fire Ministry is also not left out, the members are so excited and supporting me in their own little way. I feel so happy and honored knowing I’m loved and cared for and people are celebrating the grace of God in my life. I’m truly blessed!

So who are the other Artists coming to share the stage with you? Tell us about them

Wow...... what excited me the most is that God presence will definitely be manifested. As you can see, It’s actually going to be an international event with great ministers of God sharing the stage to give God all the praise. Four of the Artist South African based and the other Two are coming in from Nigeria a week before the programme. The amazing part of it is that they are footing their expenses; this is another show of God’s love upon my life. They just want to support their sister and friend in the gospel music industry I am so proud yet humbled by their love.

James Okon, is one of South Africa best of the best. A Nigerian who has brought pride to every Nigerian based here; he a Songwriter, Pastor, Composer, Teacher and Dancer.  He’s widely travelled blessing people with his gift of ministering in songs; he’s been to the United States, Canada, Europe, and other parts of Africa. He collaborated with Pastor Benjamin Dube, Judith Sephuma, Rebecca Malope, Lionel Piertersen, Solly Mahlangu, and so many others in the South African music industry and all over the world. His latest album is titled:  Mambo Sawa Sawa.

Ayo Solanke, is the newest Saxophone sensation in Johannesburg music scene, with a unique soulful style that distinguishes him from the rest. His sound touches the mind and reaches deeply into the soul; always leaving his audience and followers yearning for more. He has been in the industry for over two decades and has featured in dozens of performances and albums as both leader and sideman. He performed and recorded with some of the finest like,  Zahara, Asa, Pastor Benjamin Dube, Danny K, Vusi Kumalo, Judith Sephuma, Oyenka Owennu, Hugh Masakela, Pops Mohammed, Mimi Mtetwa, Tee Mac, Wole Oni just to mention a few. And he’s currently working on his album titled:  "The Journey Still".

Stev Afro Plus, is a great singer and Keyboardist he has performed along side some great musicians like  Adlan Cruise, Shola Allyson Obaniyi, Samsong, Panam Percy Paul, Chobalms and many more. He is presently working on this new album title:  "The White Project".

 

Pastor Anthony Ceemony, is an inspirational singer who he carries the presence of God. He is a word-depth singer. Presently pasturing a branch of Omega Fire Ministry in Pretoria, South Africa. He is currently working on his soon to be release album titled; "Praise Revealed".

Marvel Wisdom aka Marvel Joks is a Composer, Songwriter and a man of the Word. He has performed alongside Asu Ekiye, Buchi, Frank Edward, Samsung, Sammy Okposo, Midnight Crew, Victor Atenaga, Chioma Jesus and so may others.

Johnson Jerry, is taking the gospel of Jesus through music to another level through his Hip-hop gospel style. He has performed alongside Chris Morgan, Samson, Dr Panam Percy paul and a host of others.

I can go on however for time constraint; I have been very brief with a synopsis of the Acts coming to jam with me.

Any special thing you want your fans and loved ones to expect on that day?

Hmm, that day is going to be a day to remember in the history of South Africa.  God is going to show off Himself and pour out His blessings.

Is there any one you would live to give a shout-out to? If “yes” what influence have they in your life?

I would like to give a shout-out to my father and mother in the-Lord Apostle Johnson and Rev. Lizzy Suleman for believing in the gift of God in me and providing the platform to reach millions of souls through music. They have always encouraged and supported me all the way. Also to my mother, Rev. Victoria Elijah Momoh; I say; “Thank you my sweet mummy for your love and understanding. Also to the good people of South Africa for accepting me in their country, which has become my home and also accepting my music. Lastly, to a very dear friend of mine in the United States, Aita, you are indeed a God sent to my life! Thank you for all the wonderful ideas and great work you and your family are doing in my musical career. God bless you and a Happy birthday to you in advance; Aita’s birthday is also on the day of my Concert and CD Release, April 20^th; what a divine coincidence!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

That’s tough because everything in life is in God’s hands. In answering your question, I see myself becoming a house hold name in South Africa and the world at large. I see the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear and lots of Miracle happening in all my concerts and ministrations. This is from my heart and the Lord shall put His stamp of authority in it in Jesus name, amen.

Any special message to your fans?

There is no me without my fans. I love them so much. Thank you my fans for believing in me and standing by me through thick and thin, to see that the name of the Lord is being lifted high. I love u all.

Thank you for doing this interview with Naija Chit-Chat

Thank you for your time. Your guys are doing a great job. God bless you.

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Contact: naijachitchat@gmail.com

An Exclusive Interview With Matthew C. Martino: Renowed Author & Film Producer

It's hard getting to sit down with an accomplished person these day especially when it comes to someone who is in the movie industry. Getting to meet Matthew Martino, a renowned Author and Film Producer likened it to the biblical Camel going through the eye of a needle. However, Naija Chit-Chat had the rare opportunity of having a one-on-one with him of the popular Cafes in London today. Enjoy the read. 

 

When did you first get into the movie or entertainment business?
 
I first got into entertainment in February 2012 where I was an extra in some short films then later that year I began moving towards producing and other crew roles.
 

At a very young age, you seem to have hit it off well considering the limitations people with African descent have. What’s the secret?

Thank you , there is no real secret apart from the ethos that everyone seeking success should have , hard work - sacrificing and also putting the career first. With most people in entertainment they great it as a side job or a hobby and they aim for success and this never works.

What other films and videos have you completed?

I've completed Lets Fly Documentary, Ortega and many short films . I also produced music videos for rapper Ki Faro.

Now, let’s focus on your latest work, “Ortega & His Enemies” since it was released today; how does the trajectory appear to you?
 
It's all looking very well with Ortega at the moment and I'm proud of everyone who had a part it in. I think the message coming from the film is very touching and people can relate to it. 

Do you think each film is better than the last or is there a high mark somewhere along the way you’d like to hit?

Well it doesn't always work that way, sometimes I do a feature film and everything looks like it's gone perfectly but a few weeks later I'm working on a short film and everything just falls apart. There is a high mark that I'm aiming for which would ideally see me produce a high budget film. 

When do story ideas usually hit you or is it that writers just come to you with their stores?
 
It's a mixture of both, I often make films based on stories that have happened to people I know and the idea just pops up when I'm in bed one evening and the next day I'm getting writers in to pen it . I do have some writers approach me with screenplays , the trouble with that is everyone believes their idea is the best so when you critique them that doesn't always go down well.
 

What are your expectations for the movie Ortega?

I'm expecting the film to be picked up by distributors and to hopefully reach a wider audience as the story that was told by Malcolm is very powerful.
 

What was different about being in the Producers role (so to speak) this time around than actually acting in any of your movies?
 
The workload is more as a producer, I used to moan about having so many lines to read and also having early call times as an actor but when you produce the work is just more and more and you find yourself having to fix everyone's problems.
 

In one word, what is the new film, “Ortega & His Enemies” about?

Family
 

Who is the lead character? We see the movie has an assemblage of actors from different backgrounds
 
The lead actor is the character of John Ortega played by Darrell Las Quevas. It was a very diverse cast to also help in telling the story effectively.
 

What is your favorite part of the process?

I think it's more interesting during pre-production as you're putting everything and everyone together and surprisingly a movie is more exciting and stress free in pre-production. Once shooting begins, it's stress and arguments.
 

Movie making can be a time consuming job what do you do for hobbies? Do you have any peculiar interests?
 
It does take up so much time, my hobbies are mainly golf, going to the gym and traveling. I actually can't seem to stay in one place I love exploring the world. My interests are reading and watching the opera
 

Most actors and aspiring producers never achieve modest success. You have had scenes in a movie with some established actors. You have had some success with your independent films. What do you say to other young people out there struggling to get into the film industry?

It's a tough world in entertainment and only gets tougher. My advise to young people is they need to use the advantage of their youthfulness to get some progress in their career and they need to realize the level of investment a career in entertainment requires. Some of the biggest names in the industry have remortgaged houses and gone into debt just make it in the movie industry. So sacrifice is key and also hard-work is essential. 

Are there any links where readers can read more about you?

Yes;

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_C_Martino
Links - www.imdb.me/Matthew
allstarcelebrity.com/?page_id=33&p_id=1186080

Thanks for your time

Thanks for having me

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Contact: naijachitchat@gmail.com

Uganda Police Detain US-Funded Project Staffer Over Gay Law

KAMPALA — A U.S.-funded health project in Uganda has suspended operations after police arrested a staff member on suspicion of promoting homosexuality, highlighting the mounting legal risks confronting the gay community in the east African state.

Uganda enacted legislation in February that strengthened punishments for anyone caught having gay sex, imposing jail terms of up to life for "aggravated homosexuality" — including sex with a minor or while HIV-positive.

The United States, one of Uganda's major bilateral sources of aid, and other Western donors have halted or re-directed some $118 million in aid since President Yoweri Museveni signed the law, which also criminalized lesbianism for the first time.

In a notice on its website on Friday, Makerere University's Walter Reed Project, a collaboration between Uganda's biggest public institute of higher learning and the U.S. Military HIV Research Program, said it would temporarily halt its work until it established the legal basis for the arrest.

The project said a Ugandan staff member was taken into custody by police at its offices in Kampala, and released without charge the same day.

It said that "until we have greater clarity as to the legal basis for the police action, the operations of the program are temporarily suspended" to ensure the safety of staff.

Police said they had been following an unnamed individual for days after getting reports he was involved in "gay-related activities," spokesman Ibn Ssekumbi said. "For some time we have been following an individual whom we learnt has been conducting promotion and training activities related to homosexuality."

Ssekumbi said the individual was then arrested, interrogated and released on bond but that an investigation was continuing into the suspect's alleged acts.

A U.S. State Department official said the health project conducts important research into Ebola, Marburg disease and HIV. One of the project's aims is to develop vaccines for these diseases. It has been in operation since 2002.

The project is fully funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Department of Defense, and the annual cost is $9.4 million.

Museveni has accused the West of seeking to impose social imperialism on Africa and told a rally on Monday that Uganda could live without humanitarian aid.

Critics say Museveni may have in part been prompted to back the legal crackdown on gays to shore up support. He is widely expected to seek another presidential term in 2016. He has ruled Uganda since 1986, a nation that now has some of the toughest anti-gay laws on a continent where 37 states ban homosexuality.

Rights groups say the new law is causing discrimination.

"How can Ugandans seek what should be confidential medical services when police appear without a legal basis and question and detain staff?" said Maria Burnett, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch's Africa Division.