ANPP condemns INEC over Yuguda, others’ defection to PDP

All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), on Monday, in Abuja expressed sadness with the roles played by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the defection of Bauchi State governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, and 17 lawmakers, describing the commission as an extension of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Honourable Emman Eneukwu, made the accusation in a telephone chat with the Nigerian Tribune, pointing out that the INEC was biased against the ANPP by ignoring request that the seats of the defected people, including that of the governor, be declared vacant.

According to the party’s spokesman, the refusal of INEC led by Professor Maurice Iwu to grant the request as allowed by the law setting it up led the ANPP to approach the court, asking it to declare Governor Yuguda and the 17 lawmakers’ seats vacant.

He noted with disappointment the attitude of INEC which it said was an extension of the PDP, pointing out that such on act of refusal by the commission portended great danger to the country’s democracy.

“We know why INEC is not cooperating, because it is an extension of PDP,” he said, even as he lamented that defection was capable of destroying the opposition and democracy in Nigeria.

Honourable Eneukwu, who regretted the weakening influence of the opposition in the country, attributed it to the alleged greedy, of the PDP, which he said had constituted itself into a cartel with only focus to empower those that were ready to hobnob with it with a view to defection later.

However, he disclosed that the ANPP was committed to the idea of forming a mega party and was already involved in dialogue with other parties and not individuals.

Alleged first aid rapist faces court

Claudio Osvaldo Martinez leaving Liverpool Court today after appearing on charges ofsexually assaulting a woman during a first aid course. Source: The Daily Telegraph

A St John's Ambulance Service superintendent who allegedly raped a young woman during a first aid class last month faced Liverpool Local Court today.

Claudio Osvaldo Martinez, 41, from Cecil Park did not speak during his brief appearance, with his solicitor Phil Wilkins saying “He will strenuously defend all allegations”.

Martinez was charged with aggravated sexual assault and three counts of aggravated indecent assault following the incident during an evening first aid class at Fairfield on June 20.

Police allege Martinez took the young woman, aged in her twenties, into a room away from the other students at about 9pm, using his authority as a St John’s Ambulance instructor.

Once inside he allegedly touched her vagina, placed her hand on his penis and then had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

Political figures' played role in post-vote unrest

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Weeks after Iran's post-election unrest receded, the Intelligence Ministry talks of evidence implicating certain Iranian political figures in provoking the turmoil.

Many political figures and activists were arrested in Iran, during days of unrest that followed the June 12 presidential election.

Iran's Intelligence Ministry responded to calls from opposition figures -- defeated presidential candidates Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi as well as former president Mohammad Khatami -- for the release of those arrested by saying that their cases were still under investigation.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Interior Minister Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejeie said the investigations have provided evidence that certain political figures had played a role in orchestrating the unrest in the country.

"The role of some of these political figures [in the recent unrest] has been proven and their case is nearing completion," said the minister.

Iran turned into a scene of opposition rallies after the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with nearly two-thirds of the vote.

President Ahmadinejad's rivals -- Mehdi Karroubi and Mir-Hossein Mousavi -- reject the election result as fraudulent and refuse to acknowledge the Iranian president's re-election.

On June 20, the unrest over the result of the vote took a new turn when protesters, who demand a re-run of the 10th presidential election, gathered to hold a rally without an official permission from the country's Interior Ministry.

The day turned bloody -- increasing the post-vote deaths to 20 -- when a number of protesters were killed by forces who Iranian officials say were organized and controlled by foreign powers.

Iran has blamed Western states, Britain in particular, for playing a significant role in fueling the post-vote violence.

Mohseni-Ejeie said that the cases of those arrested in the unrest are still under investigation and "no exact time can be announced for their release."

He went on to add that the confessions obtained from those arrested could be made public, should the country's judiciary decides to air their remarks.

Former president Khatami had previously criticized the state television for broadcasting confessions by detained protestors during the unrest, saying "confessions under pressure are futile and outdated."

Former vice president Mohammad-Ali Abtahi, former deputy interior minister Mostafa Tajzadeh, former deputy speaker of the Parliament Behzad Nabavi, prominent Iranian journalist Saeed Hajjarian, former deputy foreign minister Mohsen Aminzadeh head of the Association of Iranian Journalists Ali Mazroui are among political figures arrested in Iran's post-vote unrest.

China's economic growth reaches 7.9%

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The renewed expansion of China's economy puts the world's third-largest economy back on track to reach its objective -- 8.0 % growth.

China's economy has grown 7.9 % in the three months ended June 30 compared to the year-ago period, Chinese government data shows.

The world's third-largest economy grew 7.1% in the second quarter of 2009 after growing just 6.1 % in the first quarter, the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics said.

The renewed expansion puts the country back on track to reach its objective of 8.0 % growth for 20009, though China's government warned many economic dangers still exist.

"There are many difficulties and challenges existing in the current national economic performance," bureau spokesman Li Xiaochao told reporters.

"The base for recovery is still infirm. The momentum for picking up is unstable. The recovery pattern is unbalanced and thus there are still uncertain volatile factors," he added.

China's growth increased to more than 10 percent from 2003 to 2007 but it slowed dramatically during the global financial downturn.

MVZ/JG

Ex-Liberian leader Taylor denies aiding RUF

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Former Liberian president Charles Taylor

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor has appeared before the international court at The Hague, dismissing the charges brought against him as "lies".

In his first testimony at the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, Taylor denied 11 counts of war crimes including terrorism, murder, rape and torture.

"It is quite incredible that such descriptions of me would come about," he said in response to a question about charges of murder and rape.

"It is very, very, very unfortunate that the prosecution, because of disinformation, misinformation, lies, rumors, would associate me with such titles or descriptions," the BBC quoted him as saying.

Taylor -- the first African leader to stand trial at an international court -- is charged with arming and directing rebel groups from Liberia in return for Sierra Leone diamond, as well as recruiting child soldiers.

The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels committed grave atrocities during Sierra Leone's civil war, which ended in 2002, and were infamous for severing the limbs of civilians.

The 61-year-old Taylor denied the "false" and "malicious" charges, saying he had a "love for humanity" and that he fought all his life "in the interests of justice and fair play."

Taylor started a civil war in Liberia 1989 before he was elected president in 1997. He was extradited from Liberia in 2006 after a period of exile in Nigeria.

In May, judges rejected a request by Taylor's defense team to drop the brought charges against the former leader due to the lack of evidence.

The Special Court for Sierra Leone is being held at the International Criminal Court (ICC) building at The Hague, after the trial was relocated from the capital of Freetown for fears of creating instability in Sierra Leone and neighboring Liberia.

MRS/HGH

What do women want (1)

I have just returned from a meeting. A gathering of male Homo Sapiens – of Nigerian origin. It kicked off on a contentious note; failed attempts to name the ‘organisation’. Not for lack of suggestions though, the creative juices flowed like..

Obama Joins Your Struggle !! Fight-on Nigerians !!

Obama Joins Your Struggle !! Fight-on Nigerians !! *Reclaim Nigeria that is rightly yours. Send Out The Text Messages !! Victory Yours Soon !!
OBAMA ON YOUR SIDE: The president of the United States, Barack Obama is watching, worried, speaking and fighting for you. He is of African heritage and feels your pain as a relative would if the family is torn apart into laughing stock of others. There is nothing that is happening in Africa that Obama does not know. He knows that thieves steal the people's mandate in most of Africa. He sees Ghana as a true emerging democracy and economic power in Africa. True and not fake democracy brings about political and economic prosperity. Why did Obama snub Nigeria and Kenya on his planned first official visit to Africa? Here is what Obama told reporters on his planned African visit: "Part of the reason is because Ghana has now undergone a couple of successful elections in which power was transferred peacefully. Countries that are governed well, that are stable, where leadership recognizes that they are accountable to the people and that institutions are stronger than any one person, have a track record of producing results for the people. And we want to highlight that." You can read this statement by Oboma at - http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE5623A220090703 You see that even the president of the United States is fighting for you, the people. Why fold your arms doing nothing? Pick up your handset and blast( send ) our text message below ( refer to "ACTION #1 TO TAKE NOW" below ) to at least 100 people today. Do this right away. Power to the people !!
TARGET GOAL: We want every Nigerian to be told of the "Electoral Revolution" soon to sweep across Nigeria. Take action immediately you log-off the computer. We are receiving phone calls and emails from Nigerians both at home and abroad informing us of their compliance with our call for action. Help in rallying Nigerians and the rest will be good news for Nigerians starting 2011. We will be contacting all People's Mandate Volunteers ( PMVs ) soon. So far so good. Power to the people !!
ACTION #1 TO TAKE NOW : Use your handset( cell phone ) to text the following message below to friends, associates and relatives. Here is the message:- "Electoral Revolution Soon in Nigeria. Go Masterweb www.nigeriamasterweb.com Forward to Others." Send out this text message once or twice a week until further notice. Spread the news. We will continue mobilizing Nigerians here at Masterweb in reclaiming the country through the ballot box. We will put out detailed instructions on how to do this by the end of the year. Both Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora ( abroad ) will participate in the election of our leaders. Rigging will be made almost impossible. We will show you how to tell Nigeria and the world how you voted if the election is rigged. We promise you this !! Power to the people !!
ACTION #2 TO TAKE ANY TIME : Register as "People's Mandate Volunteer ( PMV )" by sending an email to info@nigeriamasterweb.com PMV's will assit in the implementation of programs towards the actualization of the people's electoral mandate that will usher in leaders elected by the people.
FACT #1: Anybody that takes what does not belong to him or her is a thief and this includes stealing of the people's electoral mandate. Election riggers are thieves and should be treated as such. We will show you how to rig them down to ridicule and shame. Power To The People !!
FACT #2: A thief steals anything of value that crosses his or her path both at home and outside. Election riggers being thieves will steal anywhere they find themselves, either on federal, state or local level. They will steal from their own tribe, state or region. They may cry marginalization of their people by the center to con their people they would deliver as they rig and steal their electoral mandate. They soon after their theft become 'armed' robbers of the treasury. They are armed with stolen mandates and sometimes with IMMUNITY provided by a flawed constitution. Who on earth will give immunity to rats in the pantry to eat-up all food only to pursue the rats as they are leaving the pantry. If you do not get them while in office, you will hardly get them after they leave office. They may flee the country to enjoy their loot abroad. They will use their loot to play cat and mouse game with EFCC. They will use their loot to stall or fight prosecution.
FACT #3: Nobody nor party can afford to pay all Nigerian eligible voters enough money for their votes. Nigeria herself can not even afford to do that because the nation's income per capita is approximately $400.00. What happens is that a few people( including some political leaders & traditional rulers ) are bribed in cash and/or kind and figures are assigned to declare surrogates election winners. Elections can genuinely be won by people being reached with the necessary information on the best people's candidate, and getting the people vote for such candidate.
Masterweb has what it takes to reach Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora. There are three sites constituting Masterweb namely - www.nigeriamasterweb.com, www.nigeriamasterweb.net and www.africamasterweb.com, generating tremendous traffic monthly. Masterweb generates a combined total of over 18 million hits a month. Click on the link below for Nigeria Masterweb traffic statistics:-
http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/BraveStatsFrmes.html
Nigeria Masterweb ranks first on Google "Nigerian Newspapers" search. Click the link below for proof of this:-
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us&q=nigerian+newspapers&btnG=Search
Nigerians are getting ready to vote for a change. The forthcoming electoral revolution will involve both Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. Be ready to answer when we call you. ......End of Alert.

Your Gold Wardrobe

Looking for your dream wardrobe this Spring? Never failing to get you noticed – gold is the real thing, and anything else just will not do.

Looking for your dream wardrobe this Spring? Earrings, chains, necklaces, rings, bracelets, bangles, cuffs, brooches, tie pins, button covers, cuff-links money clips, pendants: so long as it’s gold, it’s all you need to score in the fashion stakes this season. But remember, make sure the gold jewelry you are buying suits your mood and lifestyle. One of the amazing things about gold is simply its versatility. While other products may date and fade, gold jewelry makes an endless statement of quality and personal style.

Gold earrings, the face of modern glamour, an alluring blend of provocative style and sensual magnetism, epitomised by high-octane tactile drops, maximising movement, light, femininity, liquid gold. Earrings, the number one purchase can be worn in a multitude of ways. Whether long and dangling, studs, thread-through, geometric, circular or button shapes – take plenty of time to choose the style that will enhance your features and flatter your shape face.

Once you get into chains, you’ll never look back. Today’s close links between jewelry and fashion are expressed in a new celebration of the gold chain. Look for chains that have been re-invented with verve, volume and dynamism. Try on necklaces showering with fringes and clean cut pierced-out lines. A myriad of different forms, substantial, opulent and complex, gold chains can be worn anywhere, anytime, anyplace. Choker style necklaces accentuate necklines. Remember, stacking single strands and long chains worn together create visual impact and allow you to express your own individuality.

Gold rings are both magical and emotional; dating back through ancient history they’ve had symbolic significance. But apart from their obvious romantic connotations, rings have taken a new place in the fashion league, bringing a bold new aesthetic to jewelry design: strong, sculptural and architectural. The range of new designs is extensive; the cocktail ring has re-invented itself. Gold exquisitely decorative, organic, textural, woven, plaited, the effect is pure glamour.

Whether you are looking for light airy pieces, or playful bracelets, wrist wear is an absolute necessity which no gold jewelry wardrobe is complete without. And in case you were confused about what the difference is – bangles are made up of a continuous tube of gold with no joins so that they remain rigid, whereas a bracelet comprises of gold links that move when you do. Don’t forget the charm bracelet, though it may be an old favourite, there are many new gold charms to choose from – so why not mix the old with the new. Or for a linear bold look, why not go for wide curvaceous hammered gold cuffs.

Brooches are a more unusual purchase that cannot fail to get you noticed, if you wear them well. Chic and sophisticated for the evening, business-like for the office or fun and trendy for a party, there’s plenty to choose from.

Whether you choose vintage designs inspired by the historic splendour of ancient gold jewelry that is priceless, enduring and evocative or you are building up your gold jewelry wardrobe with easy to wear, always in fashion classic designs, you will find the perfect piece to suit your mood and personality. If you are buying a new style for the first time, it is advisable to try on different looks to see what suits you best. Why not plan ahead by looking at the latest styles and trends that can be found in the award winning online magazine, Gold Inspirations, which is a must for anyone thinking of treating themselves or someone they love with a new piece of gold jewelry.
For further information:
You and Your Gold Jewelry
The Color Story
A Dazzling History
Understanding Karatage
Caring for your Gold

Care for your gold

Any new piece of gold jewelry that you treasure and love may one day become a family heirloom.

In the fast lane of fashion, gold jewelry will never date or fade. Buying and wearing the real thing is stronger than ever. A reputable jeweler can make all the difference to your purchase and will offer you all the advice you need. It’s often a good idea to establish regular contact with your jeweler since he or she will be able to advise you about valuations, repairs, caring for your gold and even making jewelry to your own unique design. With increasing interest everywhere in gold jewelry, it is now available in more designs and patterns than ever before. While you might choose to have several designs or styles, it is important to remember that every gold piece needs to be cared for in a special way. For hot jewelry care tips, including cleaning, insurance, storage solutions, take advice from your local jeweler. It’s important to protect your gold jewelry and keep it looking as good as when you first wore it.
For further information:
You and Your Gold Jewelry
The Color Story
A Dazzling History
Understanding Karatage
Your Gold Wardrobe

You and your gold jewelry

Gold endlessly expressive, with its messages and meanings, is becoming a defining element of personal style.

The intimate relationship between you and your gold jewelry is a fascinating lifelong experience and making sure that your gold jewelry makes an endless statement of your personal style and individuality is important to you. No better way of getting useful tips and advice from the experts on enjoying and knowing more about your gold jewlry are expressed in up-to-the-minute features, fashion and lifestyle news in the award winning online magazine, Gold Inspirations, the only independent online magazine for gold jewelry. For further reading, why not dip into Color, A Dazzling History, Your Gold Wardrobe, Karatage, and Caring for Your Gold.
Your Gold Wardrobe

Looking for your dream wardrobe this winter? Never failing to get you noticed – gold is the real thing, and anything else just will not do.
Caring for your Gold

Any new piece of gold jewlry that you treasure and love may one day become a family heirloom.

Indians Taking Over Nigerian Jobs?

*Let us hear your views whether or not Indians are taking over Nigerian jobs, thereby worsening the unemployment situation in the country.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8:28 am Masterweb News Desk received an email from one Alhaji sabo Ibrahim Danbaba ( Email: danbaba@yahoo.com ) which read as follows:- "Why do we cry of unemployment in Nigeria and at the same time have so many Indians who are ordinary cleaners in Dubai taken over all the employment vacancies in Dangote industries, especialy in Obajana Cement Plc and Benue Cement Plc. Is that one of the benefits of Privatization?" Are Indians really taking over jobs in Nigeria? Send your comments to info@nigeriamasterweb.com or - Click Here -
To Send Comments To Masterweb

Latest Comments on Indians Taking Over Nigerian Jobs

Breaking News Alert - Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Latest Comments on Indians Taking Over Nigerian Jobs
[ Vitus Opara, a Marketer, writes from India ] - Comments are still coming in from Nigerians around the world in rejoinder to Alhaji Sabo Ibrahim Danbaba's email to Masterweb News Desk on Indians taking over jobs in Nigeria. Vitus Opara ( Email: vitusco@yahoo.com ), a Marketer and HND holder writing from India, wrote:- "I write in response to current Nigeria Master web opinion poll, concerning Indians taken over Nigerians Jobs, to be candid and splendid what is happening in Nigeria probity is abnormal to compare with what is obtainable in other organized Countries where laws are observed and respected. This is what I term "Nigeria Factor". Today, the rate of........" Click here to read Opara's Comments & Other Rejoinders.
Advertise On Nigerian TV
[ Advertise On NTA For Less ] - Masterweb in partnership with NTA International and North Star Multimedia have completed arrangements in making advertisements on NTA Network more affordable. You can now place advertisements on NTA with savings up to 20% and sometimes more, through..... Click here to read full story.

Latest Comments on Indians Taking Over Nigerian Jobs

Breaking News Alert - Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Latest Comments on Indians Taking Over Nigerian Jobs
[ Vitus Opara, a Marketer, writes from India ] - Comments are still coming in from Nigerians around the world in rejoinder to Alhaji Sabo Ibrahim Danbaba's email to Masterweb News Desk on Indians taking over jobs in Nigeria. Vitus Opara ( Email: vitusco@yahoo.com ), a Marketer and HND holder writing from India, wrote:- "I write in response to current Nigeria Master web opinion poll, concerning Indians taken over Nigerians Jobs, to be candid and splendid what is happening in Nigeria probity is abnormal to compare with what is obtainable in other organized Countries where laws are observed and respected. This is what I term "Nigeria Factor". Today, the rate of........" Click here to read Opara's Comments & Other Rejoinders.
Advertise On Nigerian TV
[ Advertise On NTA For Less ] - Masterweb in partnership with NTA International and North Star Multimedia have completed arrangements in making advertisements on NTA Network more affordable. You can now place advertisements on NTA with savings up to 20% and sometimes more, through..... Click here to read full story.

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Nigerian Bank Manager Killers Shot Dead

What many described as "Law Of Retributive Justice" came back to the killers of Udoka Ogbuagu, Manager of United Bank of Africa( UBA ), Umuahia Factory branch, Umuahia, Abia State. The duo, Chijioke Ekezie( alias Chin Chung ), an alleged kidnap kingpin and one of his gang members were ambushed by Abia State police command Saturday night as they came to collect a N200,000 ransom on a kidnapped victim along Aba Road in Umuahia. They were shot by police as they tried to flee on their motorcycle with the money relatives of the victim had left for them at the agreed spot. They were fatally wounded and rushed to The Federal Medical Centre( FMC ), Umuahia, where they died of their injuries.

The duo's unmasking as the killers of Mr. Ogbuagu came about with the discovery of the late bank manager's cell phone in the possession of Ekezie. Ekezie's kidnap victim when released by police, said his captors threatened to kill him the way they killed the UBA bank manger if their demanded ransom was not paid within the specified time frame.

Ogbuagu's body and those of his killers ironically are all at the morgue of The Federal Medical Centre( FMC ), Umuahia, as police finalize their investigations. The motorcycle the pair rode on the fateful day the police stuffed their criminal lives away was found to be unregistered.

Last week Thursday shortly after 6.00 pm, Udoka Ogbuagu was trailed and killed by masked gunmen on motorcycles along Igbere Street in Umuahia. Ogbuagu's car was not taken by the assailants. The latest development now adds another possible twist to why he was killed, which might have been an attempt to elude his trailers in his car or escape on foot when cornered. Police still do not rule out anything, including murder-for-hire.

African Night celebrates culture

Minnesota, USA: The spirit of Africa was upon the College of St. Catherine (CSC) community the evening of Nov. 17. With the theme "One love, One Contient, Mama Africa", the celebration was full of culture, spirit, dance, and expression. The event, presented by St. Catherine's International Student Organization (SCISO) and co-sponsored by MIPS, the Student of Color taskforce, concluded International Student Week. The entire week was devoted to the education and celebration of the many of cultures represented at CSC."Cultures are a wonderful thing to celebrate, in whatever form, from dance to food to language, and it's important to keep that going," Doubara Wis-Wolo, junior and SCISO co-president, said. "If it's taken away, it's no longer a part of a person."

The song "God Bless Africa" began the evening. Sung by four CSC students, the unofficial anthem represented the theme of the night. Written by Chief Charles O. Okereke in 2002, the song unites the 54 countries in Africa under one kingdom and one family. "Africa is community based. I give a little to you, you give a little to me.It's a united culture," said senior Eryn Schneider senior. "America is individualistic, me over you." The cuisine for the evening featured a sampling of traditional African food from African countries. Some of the meal was made by students although the majority was catered by local restaurants. Events for the evening included a fashion show, dance, spoken word performances, and jeopardy.

The night ended with dancing by all. Traditional apparel was modeled by students from their respective countries. Full of intricate designs, the garb was often brightly colored, with yellows, neon greens, hot pinks, and light blues.Dances from almost every country represented were performed. The amount of skill, dedication, and spirit was evident in the movement and details. Students performing a Nigerian dance incorporated the colors of the flag into their outfits. Other dances included complicated foot-work that impressed the crowd. One highlight was spoken word poet Sylvia Anufoco's performance of poems entitled "Purpose." Her work spoke to the joys and struggles of being in the United States. A jeopardy style quiz ended the formal part of African Night. Members of the audience shouted out answers to questions, ranging from geography to vocabulary. Afterwards, the stage was cleared and the music volume turned up for all to enjoy and get moving.

African Night provided an opportunity for international students to share their culture with other members of the CSC community."[As international students] it's harder to connect with people and often we don't have people from our country around, plus we are becoming oriented to a new culture all at the same time," Wis-Wolo said. "It's a chance to look back at who I am and what made me who I am today."

*College of St. Catherine (CSC) is U.S. Largest Women's College with campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis - Minnesota.

Jackson's will cuts out ex-wife Debbie Rowe

Michael Jackson's 7-year-old will was filed Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust and cutting out his former wife Debbie Rowe.

The will, dated July 7, 2002, estimated his estate at that time at more than $500 million.

It names his mother, Katherine Jackson, as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of Jackson's children, who are named in the will.

It also names entertainer Diana Ross as a successor guardian for the children and their estates if something happens to Katherine Jackson.

Ross introduced the Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan Show in the late 1960s and was instrumental in launching their career. She was a lifelong friend of Michael Jackson.

Meanwhile, a person familiar with the situation said no public Jackson memorial was planned for Neverland.

Santa Barbara officials had discussed the possibility a memorial or public viewing could occur Thursday.

But the person, who is not authorized to speak for the family and requested anonymity, said nothing was planned for Neverland at least through Friday. The source said it appears more likely a funeral and burial will take place in Los Angeles. The family has the final say.

The person says billionaire Thomas Barrack, who owns Neverland in a joint venture with Jackson, sought an exemption to bury the singer at the ranch. But the person says it's a complicated process and it couldn't be done for a burial this week.

The will gives the entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. Details of the trust will not be made public.

The documents said Jackson's estate consisted almost entirely of "non-cash, non-liquid assets, including primarily an interest in a catalog of music royalty rights which is currently being administered by Sony ATV, and the interests of various entities."

One of Jackson's most lucrative assets is his stake in the massive Sony-ATV Music Publishing Catalog, which includes music by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers, and is estimated to be worth as much as $2 billion.

Jackson's longtime lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend, are named in the will as co-executors.

In a statement, Branca and McClain said: "The most important element of Michael's will is his unwavering desire that his mother, Katherine, become the legal guardian for his three children. As we work to carry out Michael's instructions to safeguard both the future of his children as well as the remarkable legacy he left us as an artist we ask that all matters involving his estate be handled with the dignity and the respect that Michael and his family deserve."

The five-page will is signed by Jackson, and each paragraph includes Jackson's scrawling initials.

Jackson, who died Thursday at age 50, left behind three children: son Michael Joseph Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11; and son Prince Michael II, 7. Rowe was the mother of the two oldest children; the youngest was born to a surrogate mother, who has never been identified.

Katherine Jackson was granted temporary guardianship Monday of Jackson's three children. A judge held off on requests to control the children's estates, and gave her limited control over her son's property.

Rowe, who was married to Jackson in 1996 and filed for divorce three years later, surrendered her parental rights. An appeals court later found that was done in error, and Rowe and Jackson entered an out-of-court settlement in 2006.

Neither Rowe nor her attorneys have indicated whether she intends to seek custody of the two oldest children.

Funeral plans have not yet been announced.

On Tuesday, heavy construction equipment and workers passed through the gates of Neverland Ranch, fueling speculation that it could soon be hosting Jackson's funeral or even a permanent memorial.

Groups of gardeners and florists bearing huge wreaths were also spotted on the 2,500-acre Santa Barbara County property about 120 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Members of Jackson's family met Tuesday with officials from the Los Angeles police and California Highway Patrol about funeral services. But "details are still pending," according to Fran Clader, a spokeswoman for the patrol. The patrol would need to be consulted if the body was moved from Los Angeles to Neverland.

It was unclear whether Jackson could be legally buried at the ranch. The state's health and safety code makes interring any uncremated remains outside of a cemetery a misdemeanor. Cremated remains can be kept in a home or private mausoleum outside a cemetery.