January 29, 2013.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Motshabi Hoaeane.

Making headlines

Judge Willie Seriti challenges lawyer Norman Moabi to provide proof of a 'second agenda' in the arms inquiry.

The World Trade Organisation starts its director-general selection process.

And, a Boko Haram commander declares a unilateral ceasefire in Nigeria.

Arms deal inquiry chairperson Judge Willie Seriti on Monday challenged lawyer Norman Moabi to provide proof that the commission had a "second agenda" in the arms deal inquiry. Seriti said that if Moabi had proof of the second agenda that he alleged, he should have produced it, as he can’t rely on his misplaced perceptions.

According to Moabi, Seriti ruled the commission with an iron fist and facts were manipulated or withheld from commissioners. Further, he said contributions from commissioners who didn't pursue the "second agenda" were frequently ignored.

Moabi on Friday challenged Seriti to take a lie detector test, saying he would also take one. This was after Seriti denied Moabi's allegations. However, Seriti on Monday said he did not intend on engaging in a public spat with Moabi.

Seriti said Moabi's allegations against the evidence leaders were "unbelievable and appalling" and that the commission wouldn’t respond to any further media questions relating to Moabi's allegations.

Each of the nine candidates nominated for the position of World Trade Organisation (or WTO) director-general will this week deliver presentations outlining their vision for the organisation during a WTO general council meeting.

The global body announced earlier this month that it had received nine nominations for possible successors to outgoing director-general Pascal Lamy.

Following their presentations, each of the candidates would face a question and answer session, where they would each hold a press conference.The WTO is expected to choose a successor by May 31.

A proclaimed commander of Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram declared a unilateral ceasefire on Monday. This raised fresh questions about possible rifts within the secretive militant movement, as it wasn’t clear if he was speaking for the group.

A man local security sources say is a sect member, Sheik Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, twice made statements last year saying Boko Haram is ready for peace talks with the government.

However, the group, whose attacks have left hundreds dead since it launched an uprising to try to carve an Islamic state out of Nigeria in 2009, has continued its insurgency unabated. The latest statement is likely to be greeted with scepticism.

The timing of the alleged ceasefire is likely to be seen as odd given Nigeria's involvement in military efforts to dislodge Islamists in neighbouring Mali, with whom Boko Haram are known to have links. Nigeria's participation in Mali was expected to provoke a violent backlash from Boko Haram.

Also making headlines:

Egyptian protesters defy an overnight curfew and attack police stations over President Mohamed Mursi’s imposed state of emergency.

Opposition parties are dismayed over money spent on security upgrades at President Jacob Zuma's private home in Nkandla.

And, fleeing Islamists leave a legacy of destruction in Timbuktu.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today.