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National Mirror didn ’t receive slush funds from former NSA …NPAN conrms newspaper made no claims

How safe are our Airports?

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Vol. 5 No. 49

December 13, 2015

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I ’ll redeem Nigeria ’s image, says Buhari

…insists all looted national assets must be recovered Kogi traders protest APC ’s decision to pick Bello

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APC has mismanaged Nigeria ’s economy –Ekweremadu P.44

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Kaduna State University, Prof. William Barnabas; President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Shehu Usman Adamu during the conferment of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on the President at the 2nd Convocation of the University in Kaduna, yesterday.

Army chief escapes assassination in Kaduna

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Adeboye tasks Christians on serving God News

Bayelsa poll: Military parades 17 thugs, arms, ammunition

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What ’s new Politics

Bayelsa, Kogi polls: Acid test for new-look INEC

Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK December 13, 2015

Passion

‘I ’ve never opened my legs for any man in Nollywood ’ –Ebere Agu Wellness

How to control Epilepsy

Lawmaker slams Senate over anti-social media bill The member representing Epe constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade, has described as insensitive and unfortunate, the plan by the Nigerian Senate to restrict Nigerians from criticising political and public office holders through the social media. In a statement, Olulade expressed disappointment at the move by the sena-

tors, and advised them, in the interest of the nation, to do away with the bill when it comes to the floor of the Senate for the third reading. Olulade, who chairs the House Committee on Health, explained that such a bill if passed into law, will amount to gagging the media and free speech, which is enshrined in the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Death sentence: Supreme Court decides Rev. King ’s fate Feb. 26 Supreme Court yesterday fixed February 26, 2016 for judgement in the appeal filed by General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Reverend King, challenging the judgement of a Lagos High Court, which sentenced him to death by hanging. The apex court, sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Walter Onoghen adjourned for

judgment after entertaining arguments from counsels to prosecution and defence in the matter. Lagos State Attorney General and Commission er for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, who appeared before the court, alongside Mrs. Idowu Alakija, Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, and other senior state counsel, urged the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the judgment of the lower courts.

CBN unveils special intervention fund for youths in SMEs most common neurological condition, epilepsy is a brain disorder which clusters the nerve cells or neurons and signals abnormally. The neurons often generate electrochemical impulses that act on other neurons, glands and muscles to produce human thoughts, feelings and actions.

In a bid to support efforts of the Federal Government to create jobs for teeming youths of the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said it would soon unveil a special intervention fund to encourage fresh and young graduates in small and medium enterprises, SMEs. Speaking yesterday in Lagos at the opening ceremony of the 7th annual Bankers ’ Committee Retreat, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who

made this known, said the SMEs hold the key for growth and development of the economy, adding that the economies that have withstood the global challenges are those with strong SMEs focus. He said the fund, which has nothing to do with the N220bn fund for SMEs launched by the CBN in 2014, was targeted at young graduates who would want to employ themselves and even create jobs for others.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dayo Mobereola, has said about 99 per cent of Danfo drivers operating in Lagos metropolis are hypertensive. The commissioner, who spoke in Lagos at the first annual stakeholders ’ forum organised by Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, said the health challenge was as a result of issues associated with traffic congestion, noise

pollution and environmental issues. Mobereola, who was represented by Dr. Olufemi Salam, Director of Transportation, Planning, Policy and Coordination in the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, said the statistics came about two years ago after a survey carried out by the ministry. He therefore, advocated the need for residents to embrace water transportation.

Court of Appeal reserves ruling in Ladoja ’s suit against Ajimobi The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, yesterday reserved ruling in the appeals filed before it by Senator Ra¬sheed Ladoja and Accord party, through their counsel, Chief Robert Clark, SAN, and Prince Aderemi Olatubora. Ladoja and Accord in the suits no CA/IB/EPT/ GOV/31/2015 and CA/IB/ EPT/ GOV/31A/2015, are challenging the judgment delivered on October 27, 2015 by the three-man

Oyo State Election Petitions Tribunal headed by Justice Muhammed Maiyaki. During yesterday ’s sit¬ting which lasted for over five hours and presided over by Justice H.M. Ogun¬jimiju with four other judges, Justices H.S. Tsam¬mani, Uchechukwu Oy¬emenam, J.O.K Oyewole and M.L. Shuaibu, each counsel was allotted 15 minutes each to argue their briefs.

Apapa gridlock: Senate to resolve N1.5bn truck terminal contract The Senate, Nigeria ’s up¬per legislative chamber, has stepped into the N1.5bn truck terminal, which is expected to clear the port access roads and rid the area of the perennial traffic congestion. Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport; Senator Sani Yerima, who spoke in Lagos shortly after the inspection of the Tin Can Island Port truck terminal located opposite the port, disclosed that the Senate was concerned by increas-

ing reports on the poor state of the port access roads, which has given rise to pe¬rennial gridlock in Apapa, thus subjecting Nigerians to untold hardships. It was gathered that the truck terminal contract awarded to Broni Proni was abandoned over the failure of the Federal Government to meet it financial obligation to the contractors, which could not continue with the con¬tract due to paucity of funds.

Evaezi Ogoro MUSICIAN AND ACTRESS

MON

new national commissioners for the electoral body late October many Nigerians agreed that the litmus test for the new team would be the conduct of governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa.

allegedly collected for airing the FIFA U-17 championship which Nigeria hosted in 2009. Justice Gabriel Kolawale, who heard the motion for his bail yesterday, said the ruling could not be immediately delivered because the process filed by the Federal Government and Dokpesi ’s lawyer were delivered to him yesterday in the open court. The judge said he needed time to study the argument canvassed for and against bail application so as to arrive at a just conclusion in his ruling.

I ’m sure you will expect me to say that I hold board meetings on Mondays with my staff. Far from that, because the life of an entertainer is unpredictable. Our time and energy are channeled to the latest projects we embark on. This therefore makes my weekly schedules different. Being both a musician and an actress, my schedules are somewhat flexible to accommodate which side has more goings on at the moment.

TUE

When President Muhammadu Buhari announced the appointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and also named five

For the second time, the Federal High Court sitting, in Abuja yesterday ordered that the founder of DAAR Communication PLC, Chief Raymond Dekpesi, be remanded in the custody of Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC, till December 14, when ruling on his application for bail would be delivered. This was even as the Federal Government said it is investigating fresh allegations of N8.4bn Dokpesi

99% ‘danfo ’ drivers in Lagos hypertensive –Commissioner

My Tuesdays are somehow similar to my Mondays. I start the day with prayers and exercise. Then I ’m off to hold meeting with production crew and then pick some new scripts and go through them.

SUN SAT FRI THU WED

$2.1bn armsgate: Dokpesi loses bail bid

Same with Monday and Tuesday, except that Wednesday is my shooting day, especially short films. Today is what I call my cinema-watching day. I get my mind set for the weekend by going to the cinemas to watch good movies. After, I hang out with friends, especially at open Mic Night As a musician, on Fridays, I do intensive rehearsals with my band. Later, I try to schedule meetings with my production crew for new projects. If I don ’t have any event to attend, I try to keep myself busy with movies. I watch a lot of movies, including mine. After, I would appear at women ’s empowerment programme; I do this often to empower women. It is my resting day. I go to church and come back to rest. I ’m only out on Sundays if I have an important event to attend or if I ’m invited to perform which, of course, is work for me.

*By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

DECEMBER 13, 2015

Global terror: How safe are our Airports?

Global terror has become a threat to air safety, especially with the downing of airplanes in recent times allegedly by ISIS. Nigeria is not immune to this threat in the face of lingering Boko Haram activity. PAUL OMO OBADAN writes on the need for security agencies to be on the alert to curb any attempt to cause mayhem in our airports.

irlines and travel companies are bracing themselves for a potential drop in customers as the full impact of the Paris terror attacks and other events sinks home among a normally flying-hungry public. It hasn’t been helped by a sudden series of bomb threats against aircraft since the evening of bloody horror in the French capital. Hoax threats against airlines were probably to be expected and they began when three Air France jets were grounded in the days following the attacks. The first was an Amsterdam-Paris flight, which

‘COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY MUST BE FOOL-PROOF’

stopped because of a threatening tweet. The second had left Los Angeles and was diverted to Salt Lake City after a bomb threat. The third had left Dulles Airport in Washington DC; it was diverted to Halifax Stansfield International in Nova Scotia following a similar threat. But the situation has worsened as non-French carriers also become embroiled. Singapore Airlines disclosed there was a bomb threat to one of its flights originating in San Francisco. It landed safely at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Then, also in Halifax, a Turkish Airlines jet was delayed after a threat. Nothing was found and it was cleared to continue its journey. In another incident four passengers were removed from a Spirit Airlines flight at Baltimore’s BWI airport after a flight attendant reported “suspicious activity”. Three men and a woman of Middle Eastern ancestry carrying several backpacks were escorted from the plane. Checks found nothing suspicious and they were released. While it involved military action, the latest downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber by Turkish fighters has only added to the growing fear that airlines have become a prime target for ISIL terrorists. Added to the downing of a Russian Metrojet plane returning to St Petersburg from the Sharm el-Sheikh resort in Egypt by a terrorist bomb over the Sinai Peninsula on October 31, and last year’s shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over the Ukraine, it is hardly surprising that hosts of flyers will be giving serious thought to their travel plans. With the current global tide, insecurity in Nigeria and other parts of the world, Airport safety has been on the spotlight. The potential threat to Nigerian airports is a CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

‘NIGERIAN AIRPORTS READY TO COMBAT GLOBAL TERROR THREAT’ 5

The Big Read

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Comprehensive security must be fool-proof’

Police bomb disposal vehicle

Dati

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 cause for concern accentuates the need to urgently ensure well developed safety nets at our airports. Experts believe that the Aviation Authorities must adopt proactive measures to nip any planned attack in the bud. There have been several security breaches like people gaining unauthorised access to the tarmacs of even the major airfields in the country. It will be recalled that the August 24, 2013 episode in which 13-year-old Daniel Ihekina sneaked into the undercarriage of a Lagos-bound Arik aircraft from Benin City airport, undoubtedly, exposed the perilous security situation at all airports in this country. Ihekina had Saturday evaded supposedly alert security agents and crept into the wheel well of the aircraft, clutching a traveling bag. Luckily for him, he made the 35 minutes flight from Benin to Lagos unhurt, and without causing a tragedy. The teenage boy reportedly nursed a dream of relocating to the United States where he thought the plane was headed. Ten days after the disturbing incident on October 1, 2013, another suspected stowaway was arrested at the same airport. Leroy Ugaga, 25, said to be a psychiatric patient, was arrested by a joint patrol team of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, security operatives and Nigerian Air Force personnel while attempting to gain access to the airside of the Benin airport. Also, many can’t still believe the unfortunate air disaster in which the remains of the former governor of Ondo State and a former Minister of Aviation, Olusegun Agagu, being conveyed for burial in Ondo State. Several family heads and their children needlessly perished in the crash involving a plane that shouldn’t have been flying at all or a company, like many in Nigeria, that shouldn’t have been registered to operate as an airline company if some people had been doing their job. Since that crash, there have been such scary episodes as plane tires bursting midair, planes crash landing or being forced to land and stray animals entering active airfields. Sunday Mirror investigation gathered that rather than paying attention to the Nitty gritty of security watch, Security officers in our airports are busy soliciting for tips and other kinds of unauthorised tolls from the passengers. As a result, many passengers familiar with the Lagos Airport route weren’t surprised that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the young man accused of trying to blow up Northwest Flight 253 over Detroit, could have boarded his flight with liquid explosives on and evaded security watch. According to a frequent Air traveler, “You take off your shoes, take your belt off, but in reality, the woman who is looking at the X-ray machine is looking at

Investigation also revealed that at the airport in Lagos, as well as around the country, passengers are now subjected to extra screening. you to give her a tip,” says an anonymous source. Other passengers say the screening processes, particularly at Lagos, are geared toward looking for drugs. In fact, there is an additional checkpoint for local drug enforcement once passengers have passed customs and immigration. Investigation also revealed that at the airport in Lagos, as well as around the country, passengers are now subjected to extra screening, with officials there saying everyone will now be subjected to bodyscreening. Some passengers also know that liquid gels in plastic containers less than 100 ml don’t set off magnetometers. They say they simply put them in their pockets and let their shirts hang over them as they walk through airport checkpoints in Nigeria and head for Europe and the U.S. To douse tension about the growing anxiety over Air travelling, the Nigerian Police Force deployed its Bomb Detection Unit to help beef up security at various Airports in the country ahead of the forthcoming Christmas celebration. According to General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mr.Yakubu Dati, in a statement issued in Lagos last week, he said that the deployment was part of the security and safety measures. It said that the deployment of the police bomb detection unit to the airports was to complement the effort of FAAN’s security personnel at various security screening points to ensure a hitch-free celebration. Dati pointed out that necessary operational and security measures had been put in place at all the airports to ensure free flow of passengers and cargo during the yuletide. “Passenger facilitation at all our airports has also been enhanced by the installation of more modern and bigger conveyor belts and metal walk-through detectors. “The expansion and modernization of all the airport terminals now provide better ambience and more space for restaurants at the terminals, as well as newly opened duty free shops,” he added. According to him, this will help passengers to relax comfortably while waiting for their flights. “No security system is foolproof the world over” Aviation Expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) observed that the African air transport industry has been experiencing growth in the last two decades, which has led to terminal density exceeding critical

Demuren

design levels as such rise in security challenges associated with an overcrowded terminal building. The minds of terrorists and criminals are working round the clock churning out innovative ways to beat the security system. It is therefore necessary for African air transport industry to use high technological equipment to enhance surveillance and detection of criminal activities. Such as the 3D Full Body Scanner (FBS), EDS, Millimeter wave scanners etc. Most of the equipment are expensive and therefore not readily affordable at our airports.” He noted that inadequate funding is another challenge, remarking that presently, funding issues have become quite critical, however, there are a lot of safety/ security critical issues that urgently need the attention of government to curb aviation security threat across Nigeria, adding that the this paucity of fund invariably affects “our capacity to implement global standards required to enhance Aviation security.” For safety in air transport in Nigeria, there must be comprehensive security apparatus that would guaranty foolproof system. This can be actualized with the mobilization of human and material resources, which are presently lacking in the system. ICAO gives Nigeria pass mark However, there is a ray of hope as the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, recently gave a pass mark to Nigeria after a thorough audit of the nation’s aviation industry. The audit team discovered there have been massive improvements in the security systems at the airports. Disclosing this development to newsmen, leader of the team of the ICAO auditors, Mr. Steven Neu said that Nigeria performed excellently in the nine days audit conducted on the nation’s aviation security system. Neu noted that Nigeria scored a pass mark of 90 per cent stressing that he was very impressed with CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, December 13, 2015

The Big Read

‘Nigerian Airports ready to combat global terror threat’ Saleh Dunoma is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the corporate headquarters in Lagos. He sheds more light on the security situation in Nigerian Airports in this interview with PAUL OMO OBADAN What measures have been put in place by FAAN nip in the bud threats posed by Boko Haram in our airports? Security at the airport is multi-dimensional, consisting of the military, the police and other paramilitary agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Customs, Immigration, Directorate of State Security (DSS), etc. And we rely on timely intelligence for the success of our security operations. This has been intensified. Safety measures are already in place at the airports, members of the Bomb Detection Unit of the Nigerian Police Force have also been deployed at the airports, to compliment the effort of our Aviation Security personnel at the various security screening points. The Aviation industry has experienced major challenges and changes including technological advancement as well as criminal activity of international dimension and terrorism. These have called for reassessment of security measures by all players beyond national, territorial and regional scope. Passenger welfare at all our airports has also been enhanced by the installation of modern and bigger conveyor belts and metal walk-through detectors. The expansion and modernisation of our airport terminals now provide better ambience and space. The truth of the matter is that safety at our Airports requires that all stockholders be involved. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the airline operators themselves must collaborate to

The Aviation industry has experienced major challenges and changes including technological advancement as well as criminal activity of international dimension and terrorism.

curity agencies to ensure a strict enforcement and adherence to the safety regulations.

Dunoma

ensure safety in our airports and airspace. We believe that they are all part of the airport ramp safety group that aims to identifying hazards and creating a better and safe work environment at the airports across the country. We are working hand in hand with other se-

How successful have you been in terms of safety and security? Recently the Aviation Security staff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, apprehended a suspected Boko Haram member on surveillance mission at the airport. The performance of the officers is a demonstration that the investment in human resources development and government’s huge investments in facility upgrade were already yielding results. And management is determined to reward excellence among them.

‘Aviation security requires adequate funding’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 the National Security Programmes as there were very minimal “open items to be closed”. He said, “Nigeria surpassed our expectations. We reviewed the 2008 audit before we commenced this exercise but we discovered there have been massive improvements in the security systems at the airports. To Nigeria’s credit all the minimal open items were closed immediately. The audit focused on the eight critical elements”, he added. According to him, Nigeria is one of the first countries in the world to go through the Universal Safety Audit Program, USAP, Continuous Monitoring Assessment ,CMA, Audit. While applauding all the security agencies at the airports across the country, the likes of the Nigerian police airport command, DSS, Port Health Services, Air Force, Nigerian Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Quarantine services, The ICAO boss stressed that the USAP CMA activity had been completed while draft findings and recommendations would be provided to the Regulatory Authority. Curbing insecurity at Nigeria’s airports Technology has helped to advance airport security but as the aviation Security expert and former Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren noted, as the world manufactures the latest equipment to checkmate the activities of terrorists, they are inventing new ways to avert such equipment in order to carry out their nefarious activities. “Technology alone cannot safeguard worldwide security without an active involvement of the human element; a highly trained and properly motivated professional staff is required at all levels. “High emphasis is therefore placed on the con-

tinuing high level professional training of the staff worldwide and this requires that each country must make appropriate resources available,” he said. The challenge in airport security is the ability of a security program to avert persons with bad intentions from gaining access to sensitive areas of the airport and the overall prevention of any kind of security breach. So it is the responsibility of airport managers to ensure that certain security elements are in place. Dr. Demuren speaks further: “The introduction of the machine-readable travel document (MRTD) program by most African countries Immigration Services which became a mandatory global standard by April 2010 is also a vital tool in addressing aviation terrorism. This program has been acknowledged as one of the most important available tools for enhancing the security of global civil aviation and promoting global inter-operability, and an essential tool for preventing terrorist movement across borders.” Every terror incident, including bombing, kidnap and other major security breaches that had taken place had created an opportunity for security upgrade, technology development and safety programme to avert such incident from happening again. According to Demuren, the Federal Government should pay greater attention to security in the nation’s airports because they are gateways and play key roles in the nation’s economy. Those who invest in the aviation sector pay huge revenue to the Federal Government or federation account in form of duties, taxation and import charges. Insecurity at the airports could scare investors from the country and hamper airport operations taking into account the

spate of terrorism and bombings in some parts of the country. Large investment opportunities capable of determining the nation’s economy position are available in the airports and this speaks volumes about the strategic position the aviation industry occupies in investment trade, such that a significant part of export and import are done through the sector. Government should fund airports Nigeria is a country whose economic activities depend solely on the exportation and importation of finished products and raw materials including crude oil as well as refined petroleum products. All these contribute to the volume of import and export in the country and underscores how lucrative investments in the country’s airport business is. The Federal Government should make enough budgetary provision for the agencies in-charge of the airports such as the FAAN, NCAA, NAMA and others to effectively develop the airports and guide the airspace and aircraft flying Nigerian and international routes. This is necessary to save one of the nation’s big sources of revenue. The aviation industry has a very huge revenue potential and employment generation and the country cannot afford to lose it.” Insecurity will threaten FDI inflows Airports are very crucial gateways that connect a country with other international communities and if left in a very bad shape and exposed the activities of terrorists and other criminal acts, foreigners would not like to do business in our country for fear of insecurity. The anti-terrorism law should be seriously enforced, irrespective of who is involved just as the security scope, methodology and effectiveness of security officers and their functions should be redefined.

News

Sunday December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ll redeem Nigeria’s image, says Buhari

…insists all looted national assets must be recovered

Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said the major point of concern to him was redeeming Nigeria’s image among nations of the world by eradicating corruption.

The President, who spoke in Ile Ife, during the grand finale of the 41st Convocation of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, said efforts are on to recover all national assets that have been looted by various individuals and bodies in the past. He however urged all

Nigerians, especially job seekers to shun corruption in its entirety, even in the face of living condition that is below optimum; assuring that his administration was working assiduously to better the lot of Nigerians. Regarding high level of unemployment in the country, President Buhari, who was represented at the event by Prof. Julius Okojie, the National Universities Commission, NUC boss, said his administration had made it a top priority to address by bringing on board several entrepre-

neurship initiatives that would create an enabling environment for job creators to not only thrive but excel. He added: “Promotion of local product, encouragement of export market, tapping of indigenous raw materials are some of the avenues for this to operate. As fresh graduates with multitude of invigorating ideas, you are encouraged to forward your proposals under the appropriate parastatals and agencies.” “To the fresh graduates as representatives

of your alma mater, OAU, you have a lot to contribute to making this country a place worth living and reducing the brain drain that has plagued us for many years in the past. “A major point of concern is the need to redeem our image in the comity of nations by a complete eradication of the hydra-headed monster of corruption that has lived among us for several years. “Embracing corruption will only take us backwards, soil our good name and destroy our

common heritage. I want to believe that I can count on you to individually and collectively improve the image of the country by being worthy ambassadors of your families and of this great and noble institution.” On security, which has been a major source of challenge to the country, President Buhari said he is determined that insurgency in the country will be a thing of the past in very near future. In his remarks, the newly appointed chancellor of the university, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, lauded the anti-corruption war of the Federal Govern-

ment, saying tackling the scourge of indiscipline and corruption which had driven the country to the brink of oblivion must be of great importance to all Nigerians. The traditional ruler, who was conferred with Doctor of Letters, D.Litt, Honoris Causa alongside, President, African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who got honorary degree of Doctor of Science, D.Sc, Honoris Causa, however appealed to government to sustain industrial harmony and peace by fulfilling wholeheartedly all conditions of its agreement with union staff.

Army chief escapes assassination in Kaduna Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

hief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday afternoon, escaped being killed by members of the Shiite Islamic Sect in Zaria, Kaduna State.

CEO, Economics Associate, Ayodele Teriba (3rd left); President, Institute of Certified Sale Professionals,ICSP, Arthur Ozoigbo; Chairman of the event/ CEO, Vision and Talent International, Paul Uduk; Mrs. Bukky Fabelurin; dignitaries, members and new inductees, during the 2015 NISE Award/Induction of new members by ICSP, held in Lagos yesterday.

National Mirror did not receive slush funds from former NSA …NPAN confirms newspaper made no claims Ayo Esan

he management of National Mirror has said that the company was not one of the beneficiaries of the so-called compensations said to have been paid to some media houses for losses incurred when soldiers prevented circulation of newspapers on June 2014 citing orders from above.

In a statement issued yesterday, Managing Director, Global Media Mirror Limited, publishers of the Mirror titles, Mr. Sunday Olajide, insisted that the newspaper never sought or received such compensation, which was said to have been paid from the Office of the erstwhile National Security Adviser, Col

Sambo Dasuki (rtd), who is currently standing trial on corruption-related charges. The statement reads: “Following controversies that some newspapers were financially compensated for disruption of circulation and seizure of newspapers by military personnel under the immediate past administration; we wish to make the following clarifications. “National Mirror did not at any material time seek or receive any compensation for seizure of our newspapers and disruption of our circulation. “Indeed, we were never part of any arrangement to seek or collect compensation funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser under the aegis of

the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria. “While it is true that we incurred huge losses as a result of the seizure of our newspapers and the disruption of our circulation in the affected areas, we believed such losses pale into insignificance when compared with the loss of lives and property due to the insurgency. “We believed our situation was part of the general insecurity which the insurgency had brought upon millions of Nigerians who had lost and are still losing loved ones, breadwinners, homes, properties and businesses as a direct result of the insurgency. “We bore our losses

with dignity and continued our business with our head held up high, with the full assurance that this too, like all the problems that have faced our nation, will pass. The last thing on our mind was seeking compensation. Who would compensate the millions of Nigerians who were and are still suffering as a result of the insurgency? And how are we different from these hapless Nigerians? “We wish to stress categorically that the Executive Secretary of NPAN, Mr. Feyi Smith, has acknowledged in an email sent to our publisher that National Mirror did not make any claims with respect to this subject matter and was not paid a kobo.

Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement, said that hundreds of the sect members took over and barricaded the Zaria road and opened fire on the convoy of Buratai as well as advanced towards hum with dangerous weapons. Usman alleged that the Sect members went on the assassination mission at the instance of their leader, Ibrahim Alzak-zaky. Said the DAPR, “The Shiite Sect on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim Alzakzaky today afternoon in Zaria attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff.” The Army spokesman said that his boss was on his way to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and attend the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, when he encountered the unfortunate scene. “The sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres. “They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects. “The barricade was obvi-

ously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as Special Guest of Honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicized.” Usman stated that it took the troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff to save him from that untimely death. “On hearing explosion and firing were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost as well as open up the barricaded road for law abiding citizens. “This is in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct. “This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself. “We wish to implore all Nigerians to continue to be law abiding and remain conscious of other people’s right to life, freedom of movement and passage. “The Chief of Army Staff escaped unhurt and continued with his duties”, he stated. A resident of the area, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said a truckload of soldiers came to the Husainiya area and surrounded it and “all of a sudden we heard gun shots and many people died”.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

December 13, 2015

Adeboye urges Christians to remain resolute in serving God …55 nations represented at Shiloh –Oyedepo

he General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Christians to remain resolute in their service to God, in spite of the challenges experienced in the country. He gave the advice in a telecast to the congregation at the 2015 Holy Ghost Congress, tagged: “Flood-

gates of Heaven ”, an annual event of the church at the Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway yesterday. He encouraged the Christians not to despair, saying that the challenges would “soon be over ”. The religious leader, who made reference to the Book of Kings, Chapter 7, verse 1 to 11, noted that

it was not God ’s will for Christians to experience stagnation in life. He described stagnation as a setback in man ’s life which should not be allowed to thrive, saying that stagnation could be caused by the mindset of an individual. “Stagnation could also be caused by forces beyond a person ’s control, ”

he said. The general overseer, however, said that “when God opens the windows of Heaven, stagnation will be put to an end and progress will become evident in the life of the believers. “With the windows of Heaven open, destitution will give way to abundance and abundance is not just having billions;

Nigerian Air Force basic military training course 34/2015 recruits, passing out parade in Kaduna, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Do business with IPOB ’s Kanu, Kukah tells FG BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO.

he Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has advised the Federal Government on why it should positively explore ability of Nnamdi Kanu of Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, to mobilise people. Kanu, the director, Radio Biafra, is currently being held by the security agents over the growing agitations for the declaration of Republic of Biafra. The clergyman, who spoke in Ife while delivering the 41st Convocation Lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University, titled: “The Pursuit of Happiness: Some Thoughts On Human Rights, Freedom And Justice In Nigeria ”, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to partner with the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi

Kanu in order to ensure peace. He added that the ongoing agitation for the Republic of Biafra by Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, was legitimate because the constitution permits freedom of expression and association. But despite the dangerous trend the agitation for an Independent Biafra was assuming, the clergy said for an ordinary citizen to pull together such a crowd of supporters, government must find means to positively explore Kanu ’s unique ability to mobilise the youth. He cited an incident during a visit of the late Pope John Paul to the United States of America during the reign of President Ronald Reagan, when satellite images of the crowd at the Mass held by the pontiff became binding cord between US and

the Holy See. Kukah said “After the visit, satellite images of the crowd at the Mass got President Reagan thinking and he concluded that for the personality of Pope to attract such crowd, it would be wise to do business with him. “When the Pope also saw the images, he was quite impressed that a country could be so good with its technology to be able to capture perfectly such a huge event and resolved that doing business with such a country was worth it. “The reality of the moment is that the President of Nigeria or any governor, unless he pays, cannot bring the number of people that Kanu brought out. “The anxiety of Nigeria should be that a young man, who can bring out this great number of people is worth doing business with. ”

According to him, the nation ’s constitution is a plagiarised document, thus making it impossible for the promises made to Nigerians through the constitution to be achieved. Kukah then called on all Nigerians especially politicians to purge themselves of lust for power and greed for material wealth, saying they do not bring happiness. Positing that some greedy individuals have been impeding the peace and happiness due to the world, he emphasised that “the world can provide for the need of everybody but cannot provide for the greed of everybody. ” He however urged individuals to strive towards making changes that would bring happiness to the world saying the pursuit of happiness is not in the custody of the president or governor of a nation.

rather it is having more than you need. “The hopeless will begin to sing new songs of victory as a result of a turnaround in the scheme of things, ” he said. Adeboye identified Sarah and Martha in the Bible as examples of people who rejoiced with songs of victory as a result of God ’s miracles in their life. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that many dignitaries including the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, Lagos State Governor and his counterpart in Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko also attended the programme. Meanwhile, at least 55 countries across the globe were represented at the annual Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) prayer convention held at Canaan Land at Ota, Ogun state. Bishop David Oyedepo, the President and founder of the church disclosed this yesterday at the close of the five-day prayer convention titled: “Shiloh 2015 ”. A NAN correspondent, who monitored the live telecast of the programme in Abuja reports that Oyedepo appreciated God for the successful conclusion of the convention.

The clergy disclosed that delegation from the foreign nations to the camping ground was more than 3,000. Oyedepo said that from the church records, more than one million worshippers participated in the convention at various local churches telecast centres across the globe. He said that the church would embark on the construction of a multimillion naira “Faith Theatre ”. The project, according to the clergyman is “novel ”, and will have a 100,000 seating capacityauditorium. NAN reports that the architectural design of the project provides for shopping malls, modern camping accommodation, fuelling station, car parks, bookshops, baptismal pool, among others. Oyedepo expressed the belief in God that the project would be completed in good time. He recalled that the church had recorded a similar feat in 1999, with the construction of its present site with a 50,000 capacity auditorium within 12 months. The clergy also disclosed that the next year prayer convention would hold from December 6 to 10.

Hotel owners ’ forum laments multiple taxation

he Hotel Owners Forum Abuja, HOFA, has decried the issue of multiple taxation imposed on its members by government. The President of HOFA, Dr Bola Onigbogi made this known at the annual dinner of the forum in Abuja at the weekend. She said that because if the visibility of hotel business, it was easy for government agencies to track them down for the enforcement of numerous taxes. “A quick count of the amount of taxes we pay shows that we pay over 30 different taxes in Abuja. Can anyone survive this onslaught? Can any business survive under this regulatory environment? The answer is no. “The year started with a 40 per cent increase on our electricity tariffs, then we were asked to pay an additional five per cent

of our revenue to a new body call FCT Entertainment and Events Centre Department. “We have had to enter into discussion with Abuja Municipal Council to discuss some of these tariffs and taxes that they have levied on us this year. “A combination of this punitive regulatory regime and low sales has resulted in a cocktail of hardship for hotels in 2015, ’ ’ she said. Onigbogi urged hotel regulators to be mindful of all taxes levied on them, adding that as stakeholders in the business, the association should be consulted before such imposition of taxes. According to her, if HOFA is consulted before the taxes are imposed, the forum will be able to advise the regulatory bodies on what to do and how best to implement them.

News

Sunday December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Labour tasks Buhari on PIB, minimum wage Sebastine Ebhuomhan

rganised Labour has tasked President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, and the Minimum Wage Act that has been due for review since October.

General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, and Chairman of IndustriALL Global Union (SubSahara Africa), Comrade

Issa Aremu, advised the President to be wary of the antics of legislative mischief makers seeking to undermine his democratic ideals. Aremu also advised the Senate to be more focused on the quick passage of the PIB and Minimum Wage Act review, which have been waiting on them for some years now, instead of wasting useful time on the passage of Social Media Bill. Aremu, who likened the much criticised Social Media Bill to Decree 4, warned

that the organised labour under the NUTGTWN and IndustriALL would not hesitate to join any mass action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress against any unpopular move of the Federal Government. Aremu said, “The 8th Assembly inherited scores of bills, which if passed would complement the efforts of PMB to deliver on the change promises not unsolicited Social Media bill. For instance, two critical bills begging for 8th Senate’s urgent attention are the 2010 Minimum Wage

Act due for a review in October this year and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has been gathering dust since 1999. “Senators should avoid alienation from those who elected them, buy in into the change agenda and pass selfless legislations for national agenda instead of pushing emergency selfserving laws. Nigeria and Nigerians are desperate for promised development and prosperity and only legislations that foster development agenda make sense at this time of perennial fuel

scarcity and non-payment of miserable wages of working men and women.” “President Muhammadu Buhari should be weary of legislative mischief aimed at undermining his promise to deepen democracy. The controversial Social Media Bill is a mischievous caricature of the discredited Decree 4 of 1984. No elected official

Human Rights Day: Group canvasses better life for the needy Paul Omo Obadan

s the world marks Human Rights Day, Executive Director, Social and Economic Rights Centre (SERAC), Mr. Felix Mouka, has advocated the right of the poor and under privileged to have a better life. Speaking at a seminar to mark 2015 World Human Rights Day at the office of LACOMFOR at Ondo street (WEST) Apapa, Mouka said government should rise up to the cries of the exploited, and uphold the right to human dignity for all. “In Nigeria, the most disL-R: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga; President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina; Minister of Agri- turbing human rights violaculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Mrs. Oluyemisi Adesina during the convocation of postgraduate students and conferment on Honourary Doctor of Science tion is the abuse of the right to Degree on Adesina at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday. life and the activities of terrorists, who wantonly waste the lives of innocent and law-abiding Nigerians,’’ he says. “Besides, the total lack of and writers - from different other musicians. peace and hope leading to Rotimi Fadeyi welfare packages for the poor strand and in various styles “You - our artistes gave democratic change.

Buhari thanks musicians for contributing to APC’s victory

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Kaduna formally expressed his gratitude and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the tremendous contributions artistes made to the party’s victory in this year’s general elections.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, stated that Buhari said this while declaring the Kaduna Music Festival (KADAMFEST) open. The President said that the story of the 2015 elections could not be honestly told without acknowledging the great contribution of some artistes to APC’s success. “Many were the efforts made to build a strong party and persuade people that an alternative exists to the incompetence of the PDP. We politicians did our best. But the story of 2015 cannot be honestly told without acknowledging the contributions of creative people to the APC’s success. “Many actors, musicians

- drew Nigerians to the banner of change. In speaking the language of the people, enlightening and mobilising them with words and images they could understand, I doubt if any politician surpassed the likes of Dauda Rarara and

hope to our people and persuaded them to believe that things could really change. Musicians and actors across the length and breadth of Nigeria mobilised the citizenry to stand up for peaceful, orderly and transparent elections. You preached both

“This application of creative talent to the cause of political change in a dire moment for our country deserves eternal gratitude. As President, I say a formal thank you today on behalf of myself, the APC and our victorious candidates.

Unongo tells Ndigbo to stop agitation for Biafra Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

eputy leader of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Wantaregh Paul Unongo, has cautioned those sponsoring youths for agitation to actualise the sovereignty of Biafra to henceforth desist from their diabolical intentions.

Unongo, a Second Republic minister for Power and Steel while addressing journalists at the weekend in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, frowned at those beating the drums of secession and fuelling the youth with peanuts to create a situation of chaos and anarchy for their selfish gains. He said that Nigerians of Igbo extraction should take

into cognisance the fact that most Igbo live in other parts of the country, while many have intermarried and have inlaws among other tribes and wondered why the sudden change of heart. The elder statesman noted with dismay that in recent times agitators had blockaded the famous Onitsha - Asaba Bridge where thousands of pedestrians as well as motorists were at times stranded for over 11 hours under the guise of attempting to seek self actualisation. The septuagenarian further maintained that during the civil war that ended 45 years ago, Nigerians witnessed the spilling of innocent blood of over three million men, women and

children and warned that the episode should not be revisited. “Many years ago I worked for the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of blessed memory to become the President of Nigeria due to his sterling qualities. I believe he was one indispensable Nigerian eminently qualified to steer the ship of this nation. “I supported him until the cold hands of death took him away unnoticed from some of us who were his diehard supporters as he was a detribalised Nigerian, a founding father and one of the arrow heads of those who championed democratic rule in the country and I urge the Igbo to borrow a leaf from the late legend.”

campaigned with a promise to take Nigerians on the road long rejected under military dictatorship.” Aremu warned: “As an affiliate of the NLC, we will join any mass action of the NLC to defend freedom of expression and above all we will support any mass action for progressive legislations for good governance.”

in Nigeria can be described as human rights abuses, on the part of government at all levels.” We would also continue to organise lectures and carry out vigorous advocacy campaigns to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to cases of human rights abuse across the country by partnering with with relevant organisations in its crusade to sensitise Nigerians to their rights, privileges and duties as citizens. Also speaking, Chairman of the Lagos Marginalised Communities Forum, LAMCOFOR, Reverend Ayo-Oluwa Yemi Ogunyemi JP, said respect for freedom continues to be the foundation for peace, security, and development for all. “The declaration and subsequent human rights treaties have played an important role in securing better respect and recognition of rights during the past five turbulent decades.”

Ekiti Assembly to APC: Face inconclusive issues at federal level Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

kiti State House of Assembly has cautioned the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state against misleading people of the state with unfounded allegations. The 26 members of the Assembly said rather than creating confusion in the state, the APC should face issues, especially the “government of inconclusiveness being run in Abuja by the party”. Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Gboyega Aribisogan, said in Ado Ekiti at the weekend that the allegation by the APC that the state governor desecrated the Assembly with the way he dressed during the presentation of the 2016 Appropriation Bill was unfounded. Aribisogan said the gov-

ernor did not breach either the country’s Constitution or the Standing Order of the House as there was no code of dressing for visitors to the Assembly. The lawmakers said they had no apology for showing absolute loyalty to the governor, adding that “nothing will forever prevent us from standing by Ekiti people and the governor”. He described the APC State spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, a former Deputy Speaker, as a hypocrite who saw what obtained in the Assembly under the immediate past APC government and refused to comment or offer to correct it. Aribisogan said the APC should know that “the present House of Assembly is not one that will collaborate with the executive to run the State aground as done under the APC government of Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kogi Assembly crisis deepens as two speakers emerge P 10

Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES

December 13, 2015

NOBODY CONSULTED ME BEFORE MAKING ME A DEPUTY TO BELLO. BELLO TOO DID NOT CONSULT ME. I HAVE MADE MY POSITION KNOWN TO THE PARTY LEADERSHIP. I AM NOT READY TO BETRAY AND DISAPPOINT AUDU –JAMES FALEKE, KOGI APC DEPUTY GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE.

Bayelsa, Kogi polls:

Acid test for new look INEC

Bayelsa 2015:

Intrigues and stalemate

P 38&39

Briefly

Group set to immortalise Audu

group, Prince Abubakar Audu political family, has resolved to immortalise the late politician by floating a foundation in his remembrance because of his legacy projects that have imparted tremendously on the people of the state and the country in general. The foundation which will have legal backings is aimed at promoting the virtues, ideals and political sagacity of the celebrated leader. The foundation will soon be inaugurated by the initiators and a committee is being set up to work out the scope of its activities as it will cover all aspects of humanity. Its members who came from the three senatorial districts of the state met recently in the compound of the deceased and they have resolved to involve the political associates of the late politician within and across the states of the federation. The group said the only way Audu can be immortalised is through the setting up of a foundation where his legacies will be propagated. Among the initiators are Dr Tom Ohikere, Rotimi Sunday, Hon Mustapha Abdulkareem, Imam Kassim, Mrs Favour Asogura, Mrs Hannatu Odiba, Hajia Amina Audu as well as Ojoma Emmanuel, Bamidele Sunday, Oludare Joe, Tim Ejiga and Mohammed Adama

Audu

Yakubu

AYO ESAN

hen President Muhammadu Buhari announced the appointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and also named five new national commissioners for the electoral body late October many Nigerians agreed that the litmus test for the new team would be the conduct of governorship elections in

Ajulo resigns as LP scribe

Zakari

Kogi and Bayelsa. Their appointments which was consequently approved at the first meeting of the Council of State presided over by Buhari gave the names of the new national commissioners to include: Mrs. Amina Zakari, who was made the Acting National Chairman of INEC following the retirement of former Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega in June, was appointed a National Commissioner representing the North-West. The four other Commissioners appointed by Buhari includes: Dr. An-

thonia Okoosi-Simbine, North Central, Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo (North-East); Dr. Mohammed Mustafa Lecky (SouthSouth) and Mr. Soyebi Adedeji Solomon (South-West). The South-East is believed to be left out because it still has a sitting national commissioner. The timing of Mahmood ’s appointment was to many political analysts and watchers of political events too close to the two elections slated for Kogi in NoCONTINUED ON PAGE 37

he National Secretary of the Labour Party, LP, Barrister Olukayode Ajulo, has resigned from his position. In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party informing him of his resignation, the legal luminary said the move was to enable him concentrate on his law practice, business and engage in projects that would promote humanity. Ajulo was the Abuja-FCT senatorial candidate of the party in 2011. He was also the founder of the acclaimed Egalitarian Mission for Africa.

Politics

December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kogi Assembly crisis deepens as two speakers emerge WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

s Kogi State House of Assembly crisis deepens, two speakers have emerged and each laid claim to the leadership of the house along with members of their factions The embattled Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Momoh-Jimoh Lawal disclosed that he still remained the authentic speaker of the State Assembly despite an alleged impeachment said to have been carried out against him last Thursday . Lawal who was speaking during a chat with Journalists in Lokoja yesterday, stated that the ill motivated move to hijack the leadership of Kogi State House of Assembly by some few members was most unpatriotic and at variance with the legislative practice and principle all over the world. He explained that the attempt to remove him, his deputy and minority leader was foiled urging the aggrieved members to note that power comes from God and God alone . He stated that he is still in firm control of the state House Assembly , noting that he has written to the State Commissioner of Police that the State House of Assembly Complex should not be opened until 2nd February,2016 Lawal called on the members of the house to remain focus and be committed to the ideals of the founding fathers of the state. “It is important to let the public know that though Ukwubile Achanu Ochejenunu of Idah Constituency attempted to move an impeachment motion with some other members ”. The speaker added that when the attempt was made to impeach the principal officers, there was chaos in the house, noting that a peace loving leader quickly adjourned till February 2, 2016. Lawal noted that even if he has to step down based on the arrangement of the incoming administration for governor to come from central senatorial district ,it has to be through dialogue and not by force or impeachment and forging the signature of Honourable members who were not part of the impeachment process. Earlier on Thursday, December 10, 2015, 17 members of Kogi State House of Assembly while addressing newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital, stated that the speaker has been impeached and replaced by Godwin Osiyi as the new Speaker. They said the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Momoh Jimoh Lawal has been impeached along with two other principal officers, the Deputy Speaker and Minority leader. While addressing pressmen yesterday in Lokoja, the Chairman , House Committee on information, Honourable John Abbah stated that the action of 17 members of the House became imperative in view of the demand to remove the speaker before now. Abbah explained that before now there have been several moves to re-

La awal

Os siyi

EARLIER ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015, 17 MEMBERS OF KOGI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY WHILE ADDRESSING NEWSMEN IN LOKOJA, THE STATE CAPITAL, STATED THAT THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN IMPEACHED

move him, but that they have been managing him, stating that when the 17 members could no longer manage him and others, they have to call for his impeachment. Abbah who is the new Deputy Speaker stated that the speaker was impeached because of incompetence, greedy and betrayal of the members. Those who were removed along with Speaker Lawal are the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Alih Akuh and Minority Leader, Hon. Hassan Bello. Meanwhile, the house has elected a new speaker, Hon. Godwin Osiyi, while Hon. John Abbah was elected as Deputy Speaker and Hon. Eneche Ojochemenemi Linus is the new the Minority. Speaking to the newsmen yesterday, the newly elected speaker, Godwin Osiyi stated that the impeachment exercise has nothing to do with the political situation in the state. He pointed out that all the 25 member s are capable of becoming the speaker

of the house, stressing that if anyone is not competent such can be removed. Osiyi stated that the house has been adjourned to December 16. The 17 members that signed the impeachment of Alhaji Momoh Jimoh Lawal are : Hon. Osiyi Godwin Ojo, Hon. Ibrahim Abdulmumini, Hon. (Bar) Oluwatoyin Lawal, Hon. Eneche Ojochenemi Linus, Hon. (Alh) Musa Jimoh Omiata. Hon. Prince M. O. Kolawole, Prince Zakari Osewu Mohammed, Hon. Omofaye Victor Adewale and Hon. John M. U. Abah. Other are Hon. Edoko Moses Ododo, Hon. Obaro A. S. Pedro, Hon. Alfa Momoh Rabiu, Hon. Ndako Idris, Hon. Salifu Isah Idachaba, Hon. Hassan Abdullah, Hon. Ukubile OchijeneAcharu. an Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam. Meanwhile, member representing Lokoja constituency, Hon. Ahmed Umar Immam told journalists that he was not part of the impeachment saga that came up earlier in the day on

Thursday. Umar pointed out that he was supporting the leadership of Lawal, calling on other members to give peace a chance, noting that this period calls for sober reflection in the state. He added that Kogi had been in the news in recent times and there is no need for another round of crisis in the state. Also speaking, the member representing Igalamela/ Odolu ,Hon. Friday Sanni stated that the whole process of the impeachment was a charade, noting that the rule of the house was not strictly followed. Sanni maintained Ukwubile could not laid claim to have the mandate of all members, saying it was erroneous to say so. He lamented that it was sad that the some honourable members resulted to forging of signature of others, noting that those behind the move intend to cause another crisis in the state. The lawmaker pointed out that the integrity and progressive group rose to the occasion to frustrated the attempt to throw the House Assembly into deep crisis. stressing that Kogi cannot afford to go through crisis again based on the recent crisis arising from the just concluded election. However, a new twist may have been added to the impeachment saga as the Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the election of three out of 17 members that carried out the impeachment, thereby raising the question of whether the purported impeachment will still stand.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 13, 2015

Man in the News Dr. Raymond Dokpesi

Caught in anti-corruption web AYO ESAN

his may not be the best of times for the founder of Daar Communications Plc., Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi. He has been a guest of the antigraft body, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for more than 12 days facing interrogation from operatives of the agency for the huge sums he allegedly collected from the office of the former National Security Adviser, NSA. Dokpesi, who is the owner of African Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower Radio, was docked before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja by the Federal Government which brought a criminal charge of N2.1bn money laundering crime charge against him. He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the 6-count charge, which also involved breach of public trust and procurement fraud. Dokpesi was alleged to have between October 2014 and March 2015 conducted procurement fraud by fraudulently receiving N2,120,000,000 into the account of Daar Investment and Holding Company for the purported funding of media activities for the 2015 presidential election campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The alleged offence is contrary to section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and punishable under section 58 (6) and 7 of the same Act. Part of the 6-count charge reads: “That you Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited between October 2014 and 19 March, 2015 in Abuja, conducted procurement fraud by means of fraudulent and corrupt act, to wit: receipt of payment into the account of Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited with First Bank of Nigeria Plc. of public funds in the sum of N2,120,000,000 from the account of the office of National Security Adviser, NSA, with the Central Bank of Nigeria for the funding of media activities for the 2015 presidential election campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 58 (6) & (7) of the same Act. That you Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited between October 2014 and 19 March, 2015 in Abuja, entered into a purported contract on presidential media initiative and received payment in the sum of N2,120,000,000 into the account of Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited with First Bank of Nigeria Plc. from the account of the office of National Security Adviser, NSA, with the Central

Bank of Nigeria on account of the purported contract without a ‘Certificate of No Objection to Contract Award ’ duly issued by Public Procurement Bureau and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 16 (1) (b), (4) & (5) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 58 (6) of the same Act. ” And last Thursday for the second time, the court ordered that Dekpesi be remanded in the custody of EFCC, till tomorrow, December 14, when ruling on his application for bail would be delivered. Justice Gabriel Kolawale, who heard the motion for his bail Thursday said the ruling could not be immediately delivered because the process filed by the Federal Government and Dokpesi ’s lawyer were delivered to him in the open court. The judge said he needed time to study the argument canvassed for and against bail application so as to arrive at a just

conclusion in his ruling. He subsequently ordered that he remain in EFCC custody and must be produced tomorrow when the ruling in his bail application would be decided. Dokpesi ’s lawyers led by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, had last Wednesday moved application for his bail but were unsuccessful as the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, insisted that he had just been served with a copy of the bail application. Jacobs told the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, that he needed time to study and react to the fundamental issues raised by the accused person in the bail application. By consent of the two lawyers, Justice Kolawole fixed Thursday for argument on whether to grant the bail to Dokpesi or not. However, the trial of the charge has been fixed for January 17, 18 and February 2 and 3, 2016. As if he is in for more trouble, the Feder-

al Government has said it was investigating fresh allegations of N8.4bn he allegedly collected for airing the FIFA U-17 championship which Nigeria hosted in 2009. Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi was born in 1951 in Ibadan. His parents are from Agenebode, Edo State in a family including six sister siblings. He entered the Nigerian mass media industry with his company Daar Communications and set up the Nigerian TV network Africa Independent Television or AIT. He was the organising committee chairman of the PDP national conference in 2015.[ Dokpesi started his early schooling with Loyola College Ibadan. After which he joined the Immaculate Conception College (ICC) Benin where he was the pioneer member of Ozolua Play house, a dance/drama group. He did his undergraduate studies in the University of Benin, Edo State and completed his studies in University of Gdansk, Poland where he earned his doctorate degree in Marine Engineering. His studies from secondary school to university level was sponsored by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. He started as the personal assistant to Alhaji Tukur, one of the general managers of the Nigerian Ports Authority. Dokpesi also served as a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Transport under Alhaji Umaru Dikko and General Garba Wushishi. The association of Dokpesi with the likes of the Tukurs and the late Abiola resulted in the birth of African Ocean Lines (AOL). He also has his hands in politics. One of his first political assignments was as a political campaign manager for the Alhaji Tukur, which saw Tukur into the then Gongola State government house. He also assumed the same role during Alhaji Adamu Ciroma presidential campaign and Alharji Tukur ’s presidential campaign in 1993. Likewise during Dr Peter Odili ’s presidential campaign. Dokpesi was one of the leaders of the South-South People Assembly, SSPA, an organisation that seeks to promote South-South people of Nigeria. On November 11, Dokpesi, on behalf of the PDP, made a public apology due to the mismanagement of Nigeria under the PDP governments. “Make no mistake, the PDP is aware that there were errors made along the way. We admit that at certain times in our past, mistakes have been made; we did not meet the expectations of Nigerians. We tender an apology. But the past is exactly what it is. We call on all party faithful, supporters and sympathizers to partner us going forward. He also criticised the PDP for fielding Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate in the March 2015 elections.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES December 13, 2015

How to control epilepsy

Epilepsy patients

TITILOPE MORAKINYO

pilepsy is one of the first brain disorders in ancient days Records show that it was often discussed in Babylon for about 3,000 years. The strange behaviour caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to superstitions and prejudices. The fourth most common neurological condition, epilepsy is a brain disorder which clusters the nerve cells or neurons and signals abnormally. The neurons often generate electrochemical impulses that act on other neurons, glands and muscles to produce human thoughts, feelings and actions. In the illness, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotional behaviour or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms and loss of consciousness. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for “attack “, when people believed that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400B.C, the early physician, Hippocrates, suggested that epilepsy was a disorder of the brain, and was right. Seizures and epilepsy are not the same when epileptic seizures is a transient occurrence of signs and symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain, while epilepsy is a disease characterised by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and by cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of the condition. It varies for each individual. During a seizure, neurons may let off as many as 500 times a second, much

faster than normal and in some this happens only occasionally but for others, it may happen up to hundred times a day. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the ailment rates are increasing in countries around the world and it currently affects more than 65 million people worldwide. It can develop in any person at any age and is more common in young children and older people. In an interview with Sunday Mirror, a medical practitioner with Living Grace Hospital, Isolo, Lagos, Dr Peter Awini, defines epilepsy as a disorder of the brain that causes recurring seizures. It can be triggered by illness or injury, but most of the time there is no known cause because it is a disorder of the central nervous system that effects and can be felt throughout the body. “The brain is the source of human epilepsy although the symptoms may affect any part of the body. The electrical events that produce the symptoms occur in the brain. The location of that event, how it spreads and how the brain is affected, and how long it lasts, all have profound effects. These factors determine the character of a seizure and its impact on an individual, ” he explained. Dr Awini said people with epilepsy tend to have recurrent convulsion which occur because of a sudden surge of an overload electrical activity in the brain. This causes a temporary disturbance in the messaging systems between the brain cells. During a seizure the patient ’s brain becomes cut short or mixed up. “Epilepsy is not contagious and is not caused by mental illness or retardation but hereditary. Those

who develop the disorder may be more likely to have a history of seizures in their family. This family history suggests that it is easier for an individual to develop epilepsy than those with no genetic tendency. When an individual with mental retardation experiences seizures, it does not necessarily mean the person has or will develop mental impairment, ” he added The medic disclosed that the ailment could be triggered by medical conditions, which include low oxygen during birth, head injuries that occur during birth or from accidents during youth or adulthood, brain tumors, genetic conditions that result in brain injury such as tuberous sclerosis or infections such as meningitis or encephalitis. He stressed that the symptoms of epilepsy are repeated seizures; they include convulsion with no temperature, short spells of blackout or confused memory, intermittent fainting spells during which bowel or bladder control is lost. The sufferer becomes stiff for no obvious reason, seems dazed and unable to communicate. About the treatment, he said epileptic seizures are controlled through drug therapy, particularly anticonvulsant drugs. The type of treatment prescribed would depend on several factors including the frequency and severity of the seizures as well as the person ’s age, overall health and medical history of the treatment. Dr Awini noted that, “drugs are available to treat the illness several of which have only recently been released over the counter. The choice of drug is most often based on factor such as the patient ’s side effect.

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EDIFYING GOD

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Bishop David Oyedepo

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

Preparing for the divine visitation 16

QUOTE

Praise is one of the principal commands for supernatural breakthroughs: We must understand that while natural breakthroughs are limited to the human realm, supernatural breakthroughs have no human limitations.

Disregard leads to destruction 17

The Word of God guarantees life 32

Keeping vigil: The Christian view

14 & 15

Cover

he term Vigil, which is coined from the Latin word vigilia meaning wakefulness, is the act of keeping awake, or the state of being awake or to keep watch throughout the night in prayer or other devotions.

The notion of Christians keeping vigil at night time was first conceived in Exodus 12:42 which states; ‘On this night, the Lord kept His promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation. From the above statement, the Israelites were expected to observe a once in a year vigil to God, in remembrance of the night He (God) delivered them out of slavery in the land of Egypt. But when it comes to the regular observance of night vigil in Christendom, many Christian scholars believe that it as an ascetic practice instituted by Jesus Christ, valued by His Apostles, and passed to Christians for observance throughout the ages. In his account on night vigil, Saint John Chrysostom pointed out to the faithful that Christ frequently went up into the mountain to pray in order to teach His followers to keep vigil in a special place where they can be alone with God and at a special time in which distractions are less intrusive. In other words, praying during the night can be said to be a divinely-ordained practice established by Jesus Christ Himself and handed down to Christians to partake in at every opportune time. Likewise, other scripture teachers of old, giving examples of the power of prayer throughout the night, noted how the Apostles kept vigil, singing the psalms until the earth quaked and the guards who were at watch at the prison they were locked in, believed in the God they (Apostles) served. Therefore, harping on the importance of vigils, they harp on the need for Christians to assemble together in their worship places, watch, pray and beseech God, in their night-long vigil, reading the Law, words of the Prophets, and the Psalms, until the rooster crows. It is a common for Christians to stay up at night either in their houses or gather with other members in worship centres at night for vigil prayers in Africa, where darkness and night time is associated with diabolical practices. For this reason, Christians in this region are encouraged to also stay awake when these evil forces are operating to pray against their operations and make ineffective through prayers whatever evil machination that has been planned against their perceived victims. According to Rev Father Paschal Obioma, Director of Catholic Apostolate, Abbi, Delta State, the idea of Christians keeping vigil during the night, began with the vigil held by the followers of Jesus Christ in anticipation for His (Jesus) resurrection after He was crucified on the cross. “The biggest vigil that we Christians have is the Easter vigil. It is in imitation of that greatest vigil which Jesus’ followers kept and which by extension, we the present day Christians keep on Holy Saturday to await the resurrection of our Lord, and this is where other vig-

Sunday, December 13, 2015

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Keeping vigil:

Members at the Vigil

For the Israelites, keeping vigil one night in the year was a way of commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Jesus Christ himself kept watch and later and his followers observed such to herald both His death and resurrection. For modern day Christians, keeping vigil is a way of fighting back or avoiding attacks from perceived enemies that operate at night. ODINAKA URUAKPA speaks to clerics to get their view on this. ils been observed presently took their root”, he claimed. Obioma further claimed that though, it is good for Christians to keep vigil in order to pray and carry out some other devotions, but people abuse it. “It is a good practice to keep vigil, but these days, many people abuse the whole thing and use vigil for so many other things. Vigil is meant for people to pray. Jesus Himself also kept vigil on the night before He died. He kept awake; praying at the garden of Gethsemane. For the Israelites, the vigil of the great liberation i.e. commemoration of their freedom from slavery in Egypt which was recorded in Exodus was a pre-figurement of Holiday Saturday. That vigil is the figure of the one we keep during Holy Saturday; it was the vigil of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and hence, the vigil of their salvation. During the Easter vigil, we in the Catholic Church sing about that vigil of Israelites of old during the exulted; we sing about the vigil of the Israelites in Egypt in a song called the exulted. In the process, we carry our light to sing, after lighting the candles during the procession of Holy Saturday, the first song the priest would sing as everyone carry their candle is what is called the exulted in the church”, he explained. On the reason people keep vigil, He

It is a good practice to keep vigil, but these days, many people abuse the whole thing and use vigil for so many other

things.

Vigil is meant for people to pray.

Jesus Himself also kept vigil on the night before He died. said: “The only thing is that if you keep vigil, when temptation come your way, during the dark hour of your life; when the devil is most active in your life, you need prayer; you need vigil that is what you need. The church encourages us to keep vigil, to pray, just like Jesus encouraged His disciples to stay awake and pray. It is good to stay awake and pray even if it is for one hour, so that you won’t fall into temptation. It demands a lot of sacrifice and when you are really in need, you need to make that sacrifice for your prayers to be answered. God can answer your prayers at any time, but when you really need God’s attention, you do it in a way to attract His attention. These days, the Catholic Church in Nigeria is against the all night vigil; they say that if you can begin and end around 11pm that would be the best thing. The church never meant it

right from the beginning that vigil should be an all night affair because if we check it closely, we would realize that the day begins by 12 midnight i.e. another day begins; so, your vigil should end before the break of another day. Speaking on the power of the night vigil, Pastor Peter Nwaru claimed that for Christians be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, they need to observe from time to time, the all night vigil which enables them to be armed and enabled to stand against the wiles of the devil. “As instructed in Ephesians 6:10-12, Christians need to put on the whole armour of God so that they may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; for they wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of

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Cover

Sunday, December 13, 2015

The Christian view

this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Do you know why many Christians are not strong in the Lord? Have you ever wondered why many are not mighty in God as they ought to be? The reasons are in verses 11 and 12. Today, you can see Christians who are weak, businesses that are not making it, ministries decreasing in power and population; no doubt, there are uncountable marriages where love is at its lowest level. These things so because Christians have left themselves unarmed; they don’t keep watch and engage these powers that operate at night. There are powers, there are forces, there are principalities, and there are rulers of the darkness of this world that are determined to stand in people’s way. These forces are determined that Christians won’t be strong in any area of life and they will undertake whatever it would take to prevent supposed children of God from achieving success in life. On how Christians can be really be strong in the Lord, Nwaru said: “Christians have to concentrate on frustrating every demonic effort that is out to weaken them by understanding and working against the enemy’s method of operation. The majority of the evil put together by the enemy against a man is done in the night between the hours of 12 and 3 a.m. That is when the enemy’s attacks usually come. I do not know why they choose these hours, but this is the truth. Therefore, to frustrate the evil efforts of the enemies against them, Christians need to be up when their enemies are up. You need to be awake when they are awake; you need to be at work when they are at work. You have to learn the secret of putting your spiritual ammunition into operation when the enemy is firing at you. In other words, if you will understand night time warfare, if you will learn the secret of getting up in the midnight hours for spiritual warfare, you will be as strong as strong can be.

You must know what it means to be up at 12 midnight and pray until you are tired. I assure those who already are not doing this, that each time they carry out this exercise, they will wake up in the morning feeling spiritually taller, bigger and stronger because they were up when the enemies were up. As a Christian it is advisable that you have your spiritual guns at work when the enemies are shooting their arrows. It would be fire for fire and the Lord’s fire always prevails.” Quoting Acts 16:25, Pastor Kunle Adeniyi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Assembly, Lagos advised that just like Paul and Silas, Christians should take the cue by praying and singing praises to God who would surely hear them at the dark hour and deliver them from the snares of the enemy. “Acts 16:25 states ‘And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them’; like this servants of God, Christians should take the cue by praying and singing praises to God at all times because God who would surely hear them at the dark hour and deliver them from the snares of the enemy as He did in the case of Paul and Silas. For the king of Syria to arrest Elisha in 2 Kings 6:13-14, he came in the night. For the kingdom of darkness, night time is conference time. It is when the enemies meet to deliver their reports, strategise and take decisions concerning the fate of many; including Christians. It is also when they renew covenants, curses and sacrifices. It is the time they supervise the burdens, punishment and yokes already placed on their victims. More importantly, it is also the time they alter the destiny of many; Christians included. To wage war against this nightly activity of the satanic kingdom against them so they won’t have effect in their life, Christians must be active participants in the spiritual realm. They should form the habit of praying for at

A lot can happen in one night. In Judges 16:2-3, it was at night that the gates of Gaza shut against Samson, were uprooted and dumped at the mountain

top.

Through effective night prayers,

every gate of blessing the enemies have shut against the children of

God can

easily be opened in the twinkle of an eye.

least one hour at night because this alone has great effect on the operations of the dark kingdom; much more they would see what would happen when they engage in all night prayer. As a child of God, you ought to reduce your sleep, so that when they meet to determine your fate, you would be on your knee in prayers as you determine that of the enemy and scatter their meeting and strip them powerless”, he admonished. Adeniyi also explained that a lot can happen in one night in the life of a Christian, like the gates of Gaza shut against Samson, were uprooted and dumped at mountain top in just in one night. “A lot can happen in one night. In Judges 16:2-3, it was at night that the gates of Gaza shut against Samson, were uprooted and dumped at the mountain top. Through effective night prayers, every gate of blessing the enemies have shut against the children of God can easily be opened in the twinkle of an eye. Also, taking a cue from Paul and Silas in prison, night time is when to effectively use the weapon of praise to break every yoke in your life, and set other captives free. Going by Peter’s experience in Acts 12:5-10, midnight prayers can easily attract angelic presence and intervene in preventing the unwanted from occurring in our life. Like Peter, we must rise to pray at midnight, so we can experience angelic visitations

as well as termination of every undesirable situation in our life. The power of a vigil should never be underestimated. In 2 Kings 19:35-37, the chief oppressor of nations, King Senacherib lost an army of 185,000 in one night to an angel. If you can stay awake to pray and worship God at night, you can destroy all your enemies in one night. In other words, night time is a period of stress-less and total victory. In Daniel’s case it was the time to tame wild lions and beasts that were meant to attack him. In one night, he saw God turn wild hungry lions to domesticated and satisfied lambs. I assure that as we rise and pray at night, God will tame all lions and oppressors that have been sent after His people. Through our prayerful watch at night, enemies will perish and we will receive divine visitation and stay on top. What the enemies do in their covens the Christian can do much more when they keep vigil rendering praises and worship unto God at night. I challenge those who are not in the habit of keeping vigil, to declare a period of continuous vigils of at least two hours from 12 midnight-2am for some weeks that they would see the gains afterwards, as the God the most high who they call unto at the same hour the enemies have gathered to carry out their evil machinations, would fight the battle and give His people victory”, he claimed.

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From the

Pulpit Sunday, December 13, 2015

Preparing for the divine visitation General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, teaches on preparing for intervention of God. Excerpts:

mos 4:12 says, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel”

Whenever it falls on us to receive any visitor in our homes or offices, one thing that will be paramount in our mind and schedule is to prepare ourselves for the visitation. We all know that the level of our preparation is always according to the respect we have for the expected visitor. There are classes of visitors which range from kings, Presidents to Governors, mayors, traditional rulers, etc. In all these classes of people, the measure of preparation for each is determined by the respect, expectation and passion we have for the visitor. If a president is scheduled to pay a visit to somebody who is in need of food, it is expected that the host will be better off after the visit. This is because it will be very unethical for a President to pay a visit to a needy without meeting him at the point of his need. The only essence of the visit of the President or superiors is to give succour to the less privileged host. And because he is expected to give succour to his host, the degree of preparation for his visit will be done magnificently than any other. When this splendid preparation described above is meant for an immortal man, what then will be our preparation when the visitor is no other person than the King of Kings? It is a thing of joy to state that comes this weekend; God is coming in His Majesty to address the need of His people in a 2-day Special program titled, ‘IT IS GOD’S TIME’. Indeed, it will be God’s time to change your situation after all the toiling this year which has not produced your desired expectation. It is time for your expectation to receive divine touch. This divine visitation will definitely bring succor to as many as are prepared for the visit and actually participated in the program. I am very sure God will intervene in their circumstances. But before we get to know the type of preparation that should be made for our God, it is very important we should have the knowledge of His nature to enable us meet Him and have Him bless us. Lev. 19:2 says, “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy” Moses was commanded by God to let the people He has called and made special people to Himself to be on familiar terms with His nature and ensure

they conform to that nature. He made Moses understand that He is one who is devoid of all pollution, idolatry and superstition both of soul and body. Thus He required all that will come to Him to conform to His nature. Moses must make known God’s statutes to the entire congregation, and proclaim such through the camp. It is required that Israel should be a holy people, because the God who called them is holy. Their distinction from other people by laws and customs was intended to teach them a real separation from the world and the flesh, and an entire devotedness to God. 1PT 1: 15-16 says, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” We should remember that God is not a man. While men have sinful nature, God has a holy nature. He is pure and holy and thus no unholy person can be allowed to be in His presence. We are the followers of the holy Jesus, and therefore must be, according to our capacity, consecrated to God’s honour, and conformed to His nature and will. So, for us to be among those He is coming to address their problems and bring succor to their needs comes this special program this weekend, we must prepare to be holy. If you wish to be blessed by the Holy God you must endeavour to be holy. If you desire to be delivered on the day of His visitation, you must endeavour to clean yourself from all pollution both of the heart and body. If your case is disappointment and lack of promotion, and you want to experience favour, you must prepare to be holy in order to be allowed in His presence. If you are a pertinacious sinner and you are looking for mercy, He is coming toward us in mercy but you must be holy to meet Him. If you are barren, and you wish to be fruitful, you must be holy. He has given us promises to encourage us to prepare, we must therefore prepare to meet Him. The will of God in the Old as well as the

New Testament Church was not locked up in the repositories of an unknown tongue, but communicated plainly and openly to the people. He said, ‘Ye shall be holy, for I am holy’. There is no ambiguity in God’s requirement. The people of God must be separated from the world, for they are required to be holy, for His character, His laws, and services are holy. 1Thes. 4: 7 says, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” When He called us to be His followers, it was not that we should lead lives of impurity, but of holiness. We should, therefore, fulfill the purposes for which we are called into His kingdom. The Christian calling demands purity of life both in the physical and spiritual. Holiness is the sure foundation on which our hopes of perseverance and eternal life are built upon. God is the creator of male and female and He has called men and women to the state of holiness. Exodus 19: 10-11 says, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, 11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai” In the days of Moses, whenever God proposed to visit the Children of Israel, He must direct Moses to sanctify them to conform to His nature of holiness. This is because without holiness no eye shall see the Lord. Moses accordingly would cause them to cleanse and prepare themselves. The outward washing of clothes commanded was a sign of the inward cleansing of the heart from sin, which God required of every one. During those Bible days, two things particularly were prescribed as instances of their preparation. First, in token of cleansing of themselves from all sinful pollutions, they must wash their clothes. Not that God regards their clothes, but while they were washing their clothes, He would have them think of washing their souls by repentance. It becomes us to appear in clean clothes when we wait upon great men; so clean hearts are required in our attendance when preparing for the coming of our God. Secondly, in token of their devoting themselves entirely to spiritual exercises like evangelism, fasting and prayers upon this occasion, they must abstain even from lawful enjoyments Pastor Muoka during

these three days, and not even come at their wives. In so doing the Lord visited as He promised and blessed them. This we ought to do now that God has remembered us and has promised to visit and give us answer to our prayers. For we are very sure His visit will change our lives and make us better, because when He comes into a situation, there is always a solution. Jer. 29: 11-14 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive”. The Lord will give you in this His coming, not the expectations of your fears, or the expectations of your fancies, but the expectations of your faith in preparation. The various packages of blessing He is coming to deliver to us will not depend upon our merits, but upon His own mercy, and kind thoughts and purposes He has for the seed of Abraham His servant. OUR REQUIRED PREPARATION AND EXAMPLE OF OLD Amos 4: 12 says, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” Everybody must be in attention to receive God’s blessing of intervention comes this program ‘IT IS GOD’S TIME’. There is no doubt that after that day our lives shall never be the same again. The dumb shall speak; lame shall walk, blind shall see and the afflicted delivered. If we could honour human beings, the honour we have for God should be higher. If we believe that God is higher than the President, we must therefore prepare to honour Him in a special way. We must not come alone as that will amount to greediness. We must all go out to invite people that are deaf, insane, blind, afflicted etc. When we invite them with faith and believe that God will heal them, am assuring you my God will give answer to their problems. It is no longer in doubt what our God can do. This is because testimonies are everywhere to attest to what He can do. Mt 9:32 -33 says, “As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. 33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel”

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From the Pulpit

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Disregard leads to destruction

General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, teaches on the havoc caused by disregard in people’s lives. Excerpts:

isregard is a thing that people should not allow to be part of their life. What does disregard do? It destroys and kills people. Disregard has done a lot of havoc in the lives of many people. For person to think something will not happen and it eventually happens. Disregard leads to destruction. A person cannot be destroyed if he/she is innocent. Before he or she could be cursed, the person must have done something that warrants a curse. That behaviour that brought about the curse is what is called disregard. There is the saying of the elders that disregard comes before destruction. Some people are fond of night crawling, and this is not a good act because it is said that darkness does not respect honourable person. When a person keeps disregarding the warning not to night crawl, a day will come when the person will encounter the danger of darkness. It is pertinent to share with people true life stories experienced in the course of my counseling and interaction with people as a Prophet of God. This is to encourage and influence people to amend their ungodly behaviours. There was this elderly man in my town who invited me to his house while I was passing by; we had many discussions with other people present. He informed me that there is no court case, particularly murder case that is brought to him that sees the light of the day. He told me what he does is to use charm which he nails to a tree. His claims were con-

Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

o the glory of God alone, you have been preserved in the year 2015 and I pray for you that nothing shall stop you from a triumphant entry into 2016 in Jesus name. I hope you understand my prayer? A triumphant entry connotes an entry without backlogs of promises and prophecies, an entry without sicknesses, worries or debts. This will be possible because God will show up for you within the last two weeks remaining in this year and settle you in Jesus name. How big are your challenges before the Alpha and Omega who manages the affairs of the entire and the earth? If you can believe and say a believing amen, God will speedily perfect all that concerns you in Jesus name.

However, sequel to some of the topics we have been looking at over the past few weeks, I want us to once again look at the place of preparation for the New Year. In this scenario, I will liken the year 2016 to a house. How do you build a house? First and foremost, you count the cost according to the scripture above and ensure that you have what it takes to complete it. All around you will see unfinished housing projects, started but without the necessary means to complete; receive the grace and the means to complete yours in the name of Jesus. For which of you, intending to build a

firmed by those present when the discussion was going on, that he had the power to change the course of justice in murder cases. Instantly I told him that there are some murder cases that he cannot change the course of justice and I admonished him to stop doing such things and I warned him seriously. In the evening of the same day, he reciprocated my visit to his house. While we were discussing and enjoying ourselves, I reminded him of the warning and made him realize that it was the spirit of God that was speaking through me. Unfortunately he disregarded the warning and continued with his b e h av i o u r until a time when thunder struck and uprooted the tree where he nailed the cases. Immediately the tree was destroyed, he fell sick and was shouting that his body, from the toes to his head

had been nailed. Furthermore, he lived in this painful condition for seven years and when he was about to die, he complained of feeling heat I his heart and that it seemed as if his voice was nailed with the same nail he used to perpetrate his evil acts. He said he preferred to die than to be subjected to further pains and agony and alas, he died that same day. Why? He disregarded things a lot. Another experience was a lady who came with her mother for spiritual counseling concerning her traveling abroad to join her husband. What was revealed to me by the Lord was not about her trip to London but what was to happen to her after joining her husband. I told her that I did not see her with any husband and children that she should do a victory work immediately. She promised to come back and do it. It was a pity she failed to heed the message of God and even took me to be a fake prophet. Four years later, she came back to the country with her husband and two kids for the burial of her father-in-law. On their way back to Lagos, they had an accident and her husband and one of the kids died instantly while she and the other kid were hospitalized. A few days later the other kid also died. Now she was left alone and her Prophet Oloruntimilehin

Count the cost tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Luke 14:28-30 An uncompleted project connotes an abandoned dream and a frustrated effort. It also connotes wasted resources both time and material. An uncompleted project is a symbol of frustration and mockery. You will not suffer shame again in Jesus name. A completed project connotes achievement, accomplishment, a gratifying effort and a symbol of pride and completion. Sir/Ma, I will like you to compare the year 2015 in your life to a building project and critically appraise to see if it will fall under completed or uncompleted. When the year is likened to an uncompleted project, it means the year was frustrating, it means the efforts put in to get quality results all through the year only led to mediocre results, it means it was a year of worries, of unfulfilled promises and many closed doors. It also means it was a year where it seemed as if the heavens were shut and the earth was made of brass. A year that help either trickled down or it was completely unavailable. However, when a year is likened to a completed project, it means satisfaction is a word to describe it with. It means you were able to accomplish your dreams, you enjoyed favour, you saw the fulfilment of promises and prophecies, you enjoyed showers of blessings and the book of that year can be closed satisfactorily. Sir/Ma, honestly speaking how is the year 2015, completed or uncompleted? Either ways, the God who is never late but

shows up to wipe away the tears of man will show up within the next two weeks and deliver your balance for the year in Jesus name. Listen to this, prayers made on this platform are inspired but they will not accomplish themselves except man is ready to take responsibility for theirfulfilmentand own them.If you can own these prayers just like Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 owned his destiny and prayed down turn around for his own situation, God will perfect all that concerns you in Jesus name. Amen. Ladies and Gentlemen, for 2016 to become a completed project and not an abandoned one, the Bible says YOU MUST COUNT THE COST. The question to ask at this junction therefore is this, how do I count the cost? Whatever you can settle in the spiritual is already solved in the physical. The lack of preparation we suffer from is more of spiritual preparation than physical. As we speak or read now, quite a number of us have already determined and decided how to come about children’s school fees; how to feed in 2016, what project to invest in etc.; however how prepared are you spiritually? Have you prayed and fasted? Have you meditated through the word of God on what God wants you to accomplish for the year 2016? This is the time to sharpen your spiritual antenna and pick up signals early in preparation for a grand year. Yes, you have decided on certain resolutions but that is not enough!! Count the cost of a fulfilling year in the place of prayer and fasting. Not just church prayer and fasting, be disciplined to call a personal fast and pray. This is how to count the cost. Buy over 2016 for your favour in prayers, clear the year as you clear the land for building in the place of prayer; any powers that will want to stop you from actualizing the plan of God, let the Holy Ghost fire deal with them

mother passed on because of the disaster that befell her daughter. Imagine how she allowed her disregard to make the message of the Lord through his servant to come to pass. After five years she now moved to another man’s house unceremoniously and unnoticed. Now she is always requesting me to pray for her so that God can forgive her for disregarding what his servant told her. The incident is indelible in her mind till date. The secret of people would not have been exposed. But excessive ways of doing things and disregard nature of the people expose their secret. If a person persistently does something secretly e.g. stealing, the secret may not be exposed if the person quickly has a rethink that there is need to stop stealing and he or she does; the person’s secret may never be exposed. But if he or she continues with the act, the secret will be exposed one day. In the same vein, if a prophet of God should tell somebody to desist from a certain behavior and the person says someone has told him or her same before and nothing happened. He or she is supposed to have the mind that if something happens or not they have do what the Lord says through His prophet because there is nothing God does that is not revealed to his prophets. Amos 3 verse 7 states “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophet.” Anything that leads to destruction does not have time of duration before God and there is no correction for destruction. Do whatever the Prophet of God tells you to do and when it is done then you will have peace of mind.

early. Begin to nurture a sure foundation for the year 2016 as you prayerfully receive scriptures that will be the backbone and the cornerstone of your year. Your 2016 building will not be an abandoned project but a completed one in the name of Jesus. However, an unbeliever or one who has lost touch with God is allowed to be a victim of uncompleted projects. If your 2015 was not what it should be and you know in your heart right now that is due to the fact that you need Jesus then get ready to say yes to Him Now!!!!! The process is simple: Believe in your heart that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself. Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary paying the price for your sins and rose from the dead the third day to establish your victory Confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord and saviour. Repent of all sins before the Lord and forsake them. Welcome into God’s family. Now you can enjoy and experience true healing of the soul. Please locate a bible believing church and share you new-birth experience with the church leaders. For further prayer & counseling, pleases contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Plot A22 Power Crescent, Arab road, Kubwa. Abuja 2348030752799, 2348053695097 •For further prayer & counseling, Please contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Plot A22 Power Crescent, Arab road, Kubwa. Abuja, +2348030752799, +2348053695097, Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER All the Facts, All the Sides

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR OBIORA IFOH AG ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Senate ’s self-serving media censorship bill

he Senate ’s current engagement is to criminalise any perceivable unwholesome use of both the traditional and social media in the country. A bill to that effect is already in the works and has passed the second reading. Unsurprisingly, Nigeria ’s vibrant civil society organisations have sustained strident opposition to the development. Surprisingly, they have support in President Muhammadu Buhari, who has dissociated himself from the drive, saying that “free speech is central to democratic societies anywhere in the world ”. Both the drive by the senators and the strident opposition is democracy at work. This newspaper believes the ensuing robust engagement of all stakeholders in the conversation would lead to superior arguments prevailing at the end of the day. The bill, titled ‘A bill for an Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petitions and Other Matters Connected Therewith 2015 ’, is sponsored by the Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na ’Allah of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Kebbi South Senatorial District. Section 1 of the Bill makes petitions against the conduct of any person for the purpose of an investigation, enquiry and/or inquest without a duly sworn affidavit in the High Court of a State or Federal High Court unlawful. Section 2 prohibits any government institution, body or agency from using petitions that do not meet the requirement in section 1. Section 3(1) penalises anybody who uses, publishes or causes to be published any petition or complaint not supported by a duly sworn affidavit with a penalty of six months imprisonment without an option of fine, upon conviction. For any person who acts, uses or causes unsupported petitions to be used, section 3(2) provides a 2-year jail term or N200, 000 fine or both. Section 3(3) prohibits any person from maliciously making allegations or publishing petitions within both print and electronic media with intent to discredit or set the petitioned person against any person, group of persons, or government institution. The punishment for doing so is a 2-year imprisonment or N4, 000, 000 fine. Section 3(4) of the Bill clearly restricts social media user ’s freedom of expression when it provided that: “Where any person through text message, tweets, WhatsApp or through any social media, post any abu-

INTERESTINGLY, SECTION 39 OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED) GUARANTEES THE RIGHT OF EVERY NIGERIAN TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE RIGHT TO OWN, ESTABLISH, AND OPERATE ANY MEDIUM

sive statement knowing same to be false with intent to set the public against any person and/or group of persons, an institution of government or such other bodies established by law shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to an imprisonment for two years or a fine of N2,000,000.00 or both such [sic] fine and imprisonment. ” Defending the bill, Senator Na ’Allah in his submission before the Senate expressed concern that with such frivolous petitions, the right of an individual to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, would have eroded such presumption of innocence as these petitions lead to media trials that hamper the rule of law. On this he has the support of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who said they would go ahead with the bill, saying that Nigerians will have the opportunity to “shape its final outcome as there is an elaborate process which the bill must undergo before it becomes a law ”. Expectedly, cacophonous criticisms by several stakeholders have greeted the development. The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), while making a case for the unconditional suspension of all proceedings

with respect to the proposed bill, said its broad objective “is to outlaw the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens and freedom of speech of all media organisations operating in print, electronic and on-line platforms in Nigeria and beyond ”. It advised the senators to “consolidate or strengthen the existing laws and enforce implementation ”. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and many other civil society organisations have similarly kicked against the bill. In particular, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. David Kaye, to prevail on the National Assembly to withdraw a bill, which it said if passed into law, would undermine Nigerians ’ internationally recognised rights to freedom of expression and press freedom on the internet. We find very intriguing and interesting the positions of the two sides on the debate divide. The Senate appears more concerned about balancing in the use of the social media hence its drive for regulation. However, the opponents of the new proposed regulation are apprehensive about the damage such regulation could do to national psyche. Our position as a responsible media organisation is that Nigeria has enough statutes within her legal framework to address the fears of the senators. We have extant laws that cover libel and slander; treason, sedition, incitement etc. Interestingly, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right of every Nigerian to freedom of expression and the right to own, establish, and operate any medium [including social media] for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions. It also sets the tone for the National Assembly to justifiably make any law that will reasonably restrict this freedom. But with a caveat: The areas are well spelt out; definitely not in the way conceived by the Senate. While we acknowledge that the social media are susceptible to abuse, any proposed regulation must be within framework of our extant constitution. The current drive for such a new regulation intended does not fall within such framework. So, the senators should drop their legislative rascality.

Reminiscences DECEMBER 13 IN HISTORY 1903: Britain seeks control of Tibet Great Britain wanted to maintain dominance in Tibet to counteract the Soviet Union ’s control over Manchuria and other parts of Asia. Tibet would also act as a buffer between Soviet controlled zones and India. 1924: France wartime debt to UK, US enormous France ’s World War I wartime debt to Great Britain amounted to 623,000,000 pounds and the French also owed the United States 798,000,000 pounds. Although the British government was going to approach France about repaying its debts, the British public was skeptical that France would ever pay anything back. 1937: Japan captures Chinese city of Nanking Japanese forces capture the city of Nanking and Japanese General Matsui Iwane orders the city of Nanking to be destroyed. Japanese troops launched a campaign of atrocities against civilians. 1944: Allied prisoners of war freed In Sarreguemines, France one thousand allied soldiers who had been German captives became free as the 39th division stormed their prison. The liberated group included Russian, Polish, Italian, Serbian and Yugoslavian soldiers who smiled at their new liberty. 1953: Italian architecture enjoying revival After being repressed and occupied by Germans during World War II, Italian architecture is enjoying a renaissance. 1959: Cyprus - Archbishop Makarios elected president Archbishop Makarios is elected as the first President of the Republic of Cyprus in free elections winning with over 66 per cent of the vote. His vice-president is Dr Fazil Kutchuk, a leading political figure from the Turkish community. 1966: Saudi Arabia - King Saud overthrown by brother King Saud, previous king of Saudi Arabia, was overthrown by his brother, Fiesal. Saud was ailing and wanted to live in Egypt. Egypt ’s President, Abdul Gamel Nasser, who King Saud is suspected of trying to assassinate, allowed the ailing former king to come to Egypt.

PASSION

A Lifestyle Magazine

Sunday, December 13, 2015

APPLAUSE

‘Women should not put all hope in their husbands’

>>21

‘I’ve never opened my legs for any man in Nollywood’ >>20

>>20

25 19

Passion

Sunday, December 13, 2015

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‘I’ve never opened my legs for any man in Nollywood’ High-flying Nollywood actress, Ebere Agu, is blunt but fair, not given to equivocation. In this interview with ADAEZE AMOS, she talks about her integrity in Nollywood and how she would never fall victim of sexual harassment, among others. As an actress, what movie roles or scripts do you prefer? As an actress, my duty is to interpret every role given to me. So, I’m at home with every role whether rugged or wacko. That is why when I’m on my own, I could be soliloquising as if I’m on set with another actor. That is my own way of self rehearsal. How far can you go to get prepared or equipped for a role? I can go far. I wouldn’t mind going to different states to learn their cultures and manner of communication so that language wouldn’t pose a problem. I can even go to market places to interact with the women if my role has to do with that.

good. I’m sure we can do better by bringing in different colourful costumes. Do you think Igbo movies can help teach our children the language as some of them can’t express themselves well in that language? Igbo movies can be a great influence on our new generation because many of them don’t even understand the language, custom and tradition when given a role to do. That is why I love watching Yoruba movies because they put in their best and you must learn something from them no matter how little. So, I’m sure if more efforts are put in our Igbo movies, we would do better.

Who are the movie producers you would love to work for? Do you watch movies you starred in? I have so many of them. First is Mega Movies by Arinze Yes, I watch movies that I starred in so I can know my Egezimba and Onye Eze. I love to work with them because lapses or where I did not do well. I may not know I did it their movies are rare and not like the ones that are common wrongly until I see it. in the movie shops. Have you interpreted a role that later looked as if it maniWhere do you think scriptwriters are not getting it right? fested in your life? Some scriptwriters have problems of repetition of movNo, I have never experienced that and it would ies. I must also mention that their titles seldom tally with the never happen by the grace of God. movies. These get people confused. What is the movie role you dread? When you are on a movie set, what do you find fascinatI dread nude roles. This is the role I won’t be ing? able to interpret because I value my body. It is When I’m on a movie set, what I find fascinating is the strictly for my future husband because if I start way and manner production is being done. How united ac- such roles, I would have to continue and the man tors are on location and how prayers are being said first be- that would marry me in future may not like it. I wouldn’t fore shooting begins. want to involve myself in what would cause problem for me and my family. It’s better avoided than trying to fix it African costumes in some Nigerian movies are indeed when it is too late and difficult. This is one of the things colourful, what is your view on this? that cause lack of trust in marriage. Yes our African costumes are really colourful but I’m sure we When you are on location, can make it more colourwho are those you are ful by avoiding repetition happy to see? of same costumes in When I’m on the different movies. set or location, The reason is that the people I I’m a movie perfeel happy son and many to see are times I see so many. the same First, I clothes would being like wor n to or used repeate d l y. That isn’t

see my g o d m u m Mama G e e , Brown Igbokwu, Ejiro Okurame, Pascaline Alex and Uncle Don P. Not forgetting Ebere Okaro, Cha-cha Eke Fanni and so many of them that I love. These people I listed even when I’m not doing well or when tensed by the director, they

are there to cheer me up. Some directors can be very mean and always want to put you under pressure. Can anything make you quit acting? What do you remember acting for? Nothing for now can make me quit my acting career because it’s my passion except God blesses me and I become a producer. I’m in love with the entertainment industry as it has always been my passion and I want to make an impact on it no matter how long it takes.

What message do you have for the young ones desperate for movie roles? They shouldn’t cheapen themselves for roles and begin to sleep with movie producers. I say this because I can’t do it. I’m someone that values her integrity so much. No man in the entertainment world or Nollywood can ever say Ebere Agu has ever opened her legs for him for a movie role. But is that not happening? It’s a trend, it is happening, but that is not done by big producers because they have far outgrown that. So, my advice is ‘don’t open your legs for anyone who is promising to help project you in Nollywood because as soon as you start you would continue. But when you are known for being responsible, you would be respected. Though getting roles won’t be as easy as you think, patience matters a lot in life, also one’s future

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Applause

Sunday, December 13, 2015

is very important . Keep going for auditions and put in more effort and when you are given one scene, give in your best. How do you overcome sexual harassment which of course is seen in every profession? It’s not a do-or-die affair. If you don’t want it, there is a polite manner in which one can address the issue and I’m sure if well handled, you and that same person may even become best of friends. This has happened to me and the maturity with which I handled it made the person respect me to this day. Have you ever been tempted to fall in love with an actor after a movie? No, I haven’t ever been tempted to fall in love with an actor because when I’m on set, I do my job and leave. That’s what I was taught by my god-mother. I don’t put emotions in my job, I do what I was sent to do, and leave. If I start putting emotions then I would fall in love with every man I shoot a movie with. So, how many of them would I fall in love with? There is no need for that and it’s never crossed my mind. What’s your striking prayer point concerning your acting career? My striking prayer point in my career is that no one should take my place and as I have come into Nollywood what belongs to me I will take it by faith. What kind of clothes do you take to the move sets or locations? I go with a lot of clothes, different types depending on the role I’m being given. It’s not like the costume given isn’t good but most times, I may not like what is given to me or it may not be my size. I always go with my clothes because the way you appear on set matters a lot. People are watching you and your manner of dressing depicts how you carry yourself. A good cloth has a way of projecting you in the entertainment world. The year is about to wind up, what are you grateful to God for? I’m grateful to God for my health, life, open doors, His grace and mercy. Most importantly, I was able to make new friends and discarded old ones who were not adding any value to my life.

‘Women should not put all hope in their husbands’ Adaeze Amos

orpori crooner, Queen Ure Okezie, whose residential apartment in Lagos got burnt barely a month ago, paid a visit to Wellspring Rehabilitation Centre, Olowora, Lagos, recently. She was there to show love to the needy. She also provided them with some food items. This music diva, CEO, Dream and Become International as well as ex-pastor, who used to have her own church, counselled the inhabitants of the centre and encouraged them as she quoted copiously from the scriptures. In her philanthropic work, Queen Ure does this charity outing four times a year and, as usual, she was accompanied by her fans. But you may wonder why she didn’t postpone the outing having lost a lot in the fire incident that engulfed her home. She said, “Before the fire incident, I had already set aside a date for this visitation/charity outing. My fire got burnt on the 5th of November and I had already chosen 5th of December for my outing. So, that was it. And there was no need to postpone it. I n fact, this is even a better reason to do it. “ T h e f a c t that

God s ave d me from being burnt is even a cogent reason to come out to do charity work. I was inside my house when it started burning in the early hours of the morning, around 1. I was inhaling the smoke and got weak in the process. It was when I heard my television explode that I managed to scurry out and started shouting for help. God saved my life. So, I need to thank Him by doing the usual charity I normally times in a year.” When she spoke to the inthe rehabilitation centre who tions, she poured out her mind them that there is life after “Yes, there is in fact greater tation. I mean I would use Juanita study. She is a popular evangelist at the rehabilitation centre for a she came out, she got into the minreaching out. So, if Juanita could doing after rehab, it means anybody ever she or he wasn’t after rehabili“So to answer your questions, surely a better life after rehabilitation.

four

habitants of asked quesand advised rehabilitation. life after rehabiliBynum as a case now. But she was while and after istry and she is do what she is can be whattation. there is It doesn’t

matter if you had been there. It’s just like somebody being sick and going to the hospital. People who had been through one kind of rehabilitation or the other, please don’t feel disappointed. When people point at you and say you were at a rehab sometime ago, your answer should be ‘and so what?’ “Others who have not gone through such institution shouldn’t look down on people who had been there for one reason or the other. You know the way people look and say this person or that was at a rehab centre, it doesn’t matter. Oh, not at all! You can still start afresh and live a meaningful life. There is an Igbo adage that says ‘whenever one wakes up is her morning,” she stressed. This philanthropist left some words of advice for the youth: “My advice is that you should not let drugs or alcoholism to ruin you, just as happened to some people here. This is actually a rehabilitation centre basically meant for people who were ruined by alcoholism; some were prostitutes, others so emotionally disturbed that they snapped and had to be here to be secured. I want to say that everyone created by God has a lot to offer. You have got dreams, things you have passionate interest in, don’t just let those things go. No matter the bad state you are right now, you can come out of it! “Some ladies who are in rehabs are there because of emotional traumas like heartbreak and disappointments in relationships. My advice to women is that there is no reason to make another human being your God, which is what some people do. They have made boyfriends, lovers, husbands their God which is the reason when something happens, you see some of them getting so emotionally disturbed that they would have to be rehabilitated. When you know who you are, no matter the kind of disappointment you had, you should use it as a stepping stone rather than a stopping block,” she counselled.

Opinion

Sunday December 13, 2015

Uncensored

Sheriff Folarin

E-mail: sheffie2004@yahoo.co.uk 08094217972 (SMS only)

he history of Europe that will be written for 2015 will be the tales and celebration of uncommon human magnanimity, humanitarianism and expectedly, an analysis of the ceaseless flow of the milk of human kindness, as far the opening of the gates of the continent for refugees from war-hit Syria, is concerned. Never had Europe been so generous and so considerate in its history since 1400, as it has been in 2015. As the Syrian crisis reached a head and hundreds of thousands of families trapped in the middle of a country with multiple theatres of war searched in vain for safe haven, European governments offered the unexpected respite and one after the other, reeled out the numbers in terms of refugees acceptable by them. With the exception of Britain, a country known in history for being t most calculative and cautious on matters of European and international concern, big powers in the continent, including Italy, Germany and Greece flung their doors wide open for Syrian refugees. Germany’s Merkel indicated her willingness to receive between 500,000 and 800,000 within a year. Within a short period, with staggering figures mentioned by governments as their own quotas to solving the Middle East refugee question, the refugee issue appeared like another opportunity for European states to outdo one another. It was nice indeed to help a nation in critical need. For idealists, the demonstration of love, compassion and kindness by these European

Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

Email: j.agwu@Ofrsc.gov.ng Tel: -8033026491, 8077690055

ith just about eleven days to Christmas, how would you rate your driving on a normal day and especially during this festive season? Civil and responsible or aggressive and irresponsible? It is crucial that you face the man in the mirror and tell yourself the truth about how you think your driving really is. If you did not read my piece a fortnight ago on the same subject, then you may wish to take as an appetizer, the fact that road rage which I wrote on, refers to an extreme state of anger that often precipitates aggressive behavior. It refers to words and gestures or to assault and battery. Back home in our clime all of these tendencies are prevalent even though they may not be as pronounced. We know the testimonies of people who crossed the path of men in uniform or daily occurrence on the Lagos and Akwanga/Keffi road where supposed corporate drivers indulge in open show of shame just because of minor infractions that can easily be settled with a smile and an apology. Since Shakespeare had warned that you cannot read a man’s mind through his forehead, a drivers good looking corporate mein, his fancy car, age or sex or even his vocation is not enough assurance that the fellow starring at you is not capable of battering you for daring to wrongly overtake him with the weather beaten coffin you call a car.

Ask the average Federal Road Safety Marshal on patrol and he will fill your ear-

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European refugee policy and the dangers ahead countries justify the position that international politics is not, after all, just about power struggle, inordinate and selfish ambitions, immorality and conflict-mongering. The show of magnanimity underscores the idealist viewpoint that morality is the baseline of world politics as long as the global political space is occupied by humans with a heart, mind and emotions. But the question is, did Europe reflect well enough on the decision to accept hundreds of thousands of Syrian and Arab refugees? Aside the economic and social implications of the troops of Syrian refugees, which will include an overstretching of the economic and social resources and the weight the Arabic and Islamic culture would have on a predominantly Christian society, it is interesting to toy with the idea of whether these magnanimous act took cognizance of the security implications as well. Syria is one unique country with a unique kind of problem- it is a critical case of “confusion”. Anyone seeking the definition of “confusion” needs to check too far. Syria is that required simple but classis definition. Al-Assad’s madness peaked four years ago, when, in the face of the Arab Spring, tightened the ropes around him to secure himself and not go the way of leaderships in the Middle East, such as Egypt and Libya. As social activism first from opposition grew against him, he sought his ally, American help to secure himself. Thus, the United States initially looked away from Assad’s unpopular rule because he was their friend. This got the tyrant so drunk that when the crisis heightened, he mobilized his regular military forces against the hapless civilians and a year later, allegedly used chemical weapons on them, killing tens of thousands Syrian civilians, particularly children, women and old people. The murderous rage of Al-Assad attracted a global outcry and irked the American government, which rebuked him and sponsored a global (mostly western) campaign against him. This propelled a

paradigm shift on the part of Syria, as Russia became the new bride to safeguard a dying regime. Promptly, rebels were raised and armed by the west led by the US, to bring down the dictatorship. The war thus started between Al-Assad/Russia and US/rebels. Capitalizing on the irredeemably broken down order, the Islamic State saw in Syria, a fertile ground to operate, and make its base. This led to the Islamic State in Syria (ISIS). Naturally, the Islamic State, a group of Islamist anarchists with the worst record of murderous instincts and acts in global history, who have been seeking the downfall of western style-based, democratic and Christian governments (if there is anything like that), considered Syria, Libya, Iraq and the likes as places to begin their “caliphate”. What makes the case of Syria more critical was the emergence of several antagonistic rebel cells that arose from the existing cohesive ones. The factor in the complicated state of confusion in Syria is this: US and the allied rebel groups are fighting Al-Assad and Russia; Al-Assad is contending with the presence of ISIS in his domain, a dire strait indeed as the Islamic State instills as much fear as he does in the ravaged country; rebel groups loyal to Al-Assad are fighting rebels disloyal to him but which are sponsored by the west; US and Russia have a special axe to grind in Syria as they see the country as another platform to continue their old ideological rivalry and only use Al-Assad as a pawn; the Islamic State is fighting both US/rebels and Russia/Al-Assad. Thus, Syria is not just sitting on a keg of gunpowder; it is the gunpowder keg itself, which has exploded multiple times and offers a typical example of a Hollywood cowboy movie in which everyone with a gun is a master, who feels that the town is not big enough for another master. He consequently pulls his trigger at random and establishes his own kingdom in the Kingdom. Syria presents this picture; every party is just shooting, destroying, maiming, killing and tearing the

country apart. Those who must retreat are the people of Syria. And this explains the millions seeking refuge in Europe. The innocents are fleeing for dear life! But among those fleeing Syria are also the civilian supporters of Al-Assad, flattened rebel members of the western-backed groups, and of course ISIS members, who are Syrians but cannot stand the confusion and threat to life any longer. But they are all Syrians and they do not have identity cards or tags on their foreheads to show which camp each refugee of the millions, belongs to. It is a perfect opportunity for terrorists to inflate the ranks and enter into Europe. Like the ease with which Greeks entered into fortified Troy, using the Trojan Horse gift, IS infiltrators have a very easy leeway into the heart of Europe. One would have thought that the dangers of this diplomatic and security carelessness would be a thing of the distant future, may be five or ten years from now. But in their traditional fashion, terrorists do not waste time whenever an opportunity presents itself. Paris came under attack and some of the identified IS members are Syrians. It cannot be said whether the infiltrators committed the act, but because the attack, unprecedented came on the heels of ‘European magnanimity’, it can be argued or at least, postulated. May be Europe thought being nice to the Arab world would placate the ravenous terror wolves; but they might be wrong as the unrepentant Islamists have made it clear time and again, that they do not want patronage of dialogue. All they want is maximum hurt on whomever they consider their enemy. May be Europe should have a rethink and sustain their secure domain.

Sheriff Folarin (PhD), an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, writes from Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Rushing mania and its consequences

drums with terrifying stories of physical and verbal assault from motorists including uniform personnel who are quick to pull out loaded guns with threat to shoot or like some would say, waste your miserable life for daring to stop and slow down their crazy rushing maniac driving In that piece, I explained that road rage or aggressive driving could be caused by factors such as traffic congestion, feeling endangered, being insulted, frustration, time pressure, fatigue, competitiveness, and lapses in attention are potential causes. I must add here that complex or financial austerity are all capable of aggravating this just like the emotional state of the driver borne out of failed marriage, inability to meet up with self centered and overbearing landlords among others can play a great part too. I must tell you that during seasons such as this, driving in a hurry or rushing mania as one writer aptly captures it, is one of the most common driving obsessions, yet its connection to road rage or aggressive driving is often not noticed or understood: What happens most time is that the mind of drivers in the name of celebrating with loved ones is focused on getting to their destination in a certain amount of time, and they don’t seem to care how they do it as long as they don’t crash. To such drivers, even if they don’t have to get somewhere by a certain time, they are always in a hurry. This driving style has two dangerous complementary elements; one is an extraordinary anxiety to avoid slowing down. The other is the consequent anger against anyone who causes a slow down.

In this mindset, such drivers are perpetually anxious on the road, berating themselves for being slow, being late, being behind others. Such drivers get into a habit of lane hopping, always trying to figure out which lane is faster. In most cases these set of drivers are the ones who do not care if they are approaching a build up area that requires that you kill your speed to between 20 to 50km/ph depending on what the traffic signs indicates. They are the same who indulge in creating additional lanes, driving against traffic or overtaking multiple cars at the same time even if it is at the crest of a hill which is regarded as extreme dangerous driving. They are the same drivers who indulge in multi tasking-phoning, texting, eating and yet over speeding all in the same of arriving at the desired destination. This mental attitude creates impulsive driving that is unpredictable and difficult for other drivers to read. These same drivers become the victims of their own fantasies about beating traffic or avoiding congestion-They tell you that when they are driving in really heavy traffic during festivities such as the Christmas season or they are in a hurry because they are late for work, appointment or heading for a cherished vacation, they get irritated if they get in a slow moving lane or are caught up in slow traffic. They tell you that if cars are passing by them on the other lane and nobody acknowledge their turn signal they just bully their way through. Yet these same drivers confess that when the they are the one on the fast lane, they are too selfish and impatient to

allow others cut into their lane; in fact, when they sight such drivers, they aggressively accelerate, blaring their horn to intimidate you and like the case in Lagos, drivers ensure they close the lane to deny any other driver the opportunity to join the lane on which they are in. As you drive this season, always remember that running red lights and ignoring stop or yield signs, are the most frequent causes of urban crashes while lane hopping, over speeding, dangerous and illegal overtaking are some of the reasons for highway crashes. You must know that being late is not a legal reason to drive aggressively. Drivers give these typical reasons and justifications for rushing all the time: being late for work, an appointment or an important interview when traffic is slow, leaving home too late to make it on time, busy schedule like the case with bankers or marketers makes them rush while multitasking. In driving there is a culture of rage that pervades. In the US, it is estimated that there are billions of road rage exchanges annually among the 177 million drivers, not including the 1200 yearly road rage assault and battery deaths. Majority of these road rage exchanges, last for mere seconds or minutes, without shootings and battering. However, each of these hostile mini-exchanges involves the two symptoms that define road rage: the feeling of rage accompanied by mental violence, and the desire to punish and retaliate. As you drive this season, watch out for these symptoms as few of us can claim to be free of hostile encounters when we drive.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday December 13, 2015

Teachers and the society Tunde Olofintila

ust recently, Nigeria joined its peers all over the world to roll out the drums to celebrate teachers, who to all intents and purpose, constitute the engine room through which society overcomes ignorance and disease, conquers poverty and the environment as well as overcomes tribalism and extremism, among others. With the up-beat global celebration of teachers, there can be no better time to x-ray the place and import of teachers in the society than now.

The questions then arise as to who is a teacher and who is a teacher properly so called? There are so many definitions/ descriptions of a teacher: For example, a parent is a teacher to his children because he inculcates the virtues of morality, discipline, industry, humility and respect for constituted authorities in them. Equally, coaches in different vocations teach their apprentices the nittygritty of their trade. This is the same way the clergyman teaches his congregation. But then, there are good, average and bad teachers. It is not however everybody that holds a University degree that is ipso facto a good teacher. In the colonial days, teachers were categorized

as CD, C, CA and A. Colleges were established for the training of teachers. Nevertheless it may still be said that the first factor in the making of a good teacher is a requisite qualification. This is why there are several academic programs designed towards the production of teachers. Many Universities in Nigeria today offer degree programs in Education while some are out-rightly designated as Universities of Education. However the making of a teacher does not and cannot end at mere acquisition of academic degrees: constant training and retraining of teachers must of necessity follow. Teachers must constantly acquaint themselves with modern teaching methods so that they don’t disseminate ignorance and half knowledge to their students, thereby producing a bunch of unemployable graduates. A teacher, after all can only teach what he knows and in a manner in which he knows how best to. Haven said this, who then is a teacher properly so called? He/she is that person trained in the art of teaching, especially in the art of imparting knowledge in students in different schools starting from primary to tertiary institutions. Among those who teach in formal schools today are two categories: those

who are gifted, who find teaching interesting and therefore love it and radiate it and those who fortuitously find themselves in teaching because they could not find any other form of employment. That brings one to the issue of teachers properly so called: teachers properly so called must have quality education, must be masters of the Subject Matter, must be interested in the art of teaching, not seeing it as means of making ends meet and must also be able to arouse the interest of their students. Other qualities of teachers properly so called are that they must be able to keep students awake during the duration of their class, keep a Register for attendance, prepare their lesson notes in advance and give advance notice of the Subject Matter to enable their students prepare ahead and do some research. They must also be timeous in class, must be firm, fair, frank and friendly, must be able to use modern teaching equipment, including the Interactive Boards and all forms of ICT platforms, must be audible, confident, affectionate and approachable and above all, they must be disciplined. As was the practice in those days, they must be well-dressed and clean, keep records of what they do, be original and innovative, be cooperative and collabora-

tive and move with trends as well as give assignments to their students It is all these parameters put together that qualify teachers to be described as teachers properly so called and above all, it is only by being teachers so properly called that they will be able to stand in their position to change the face of education in Nigeria, entrench quality and functional education and restore the lost glory of education in Nigeria. For this to happen however, the Federal Government must make deliberate efforts to comply with UNESCO’s recommendation of devoting 26% of the country’s yearly budget allocation to education and put teaching under essential services like the Army, Police, Fire Service and Water Corporation and make it a punishable offence for them to go on strike. After all, whenever children are in school, their teachers automatically become in loco parentis. And standing in the position of parents for these children should ordinarily deactivate them from going on strike because no reasonable father/mother goes on strike against his/her own children the same way the shepherd, the clergy, does not abandon his sheep (church) for pecuniary reasons. •

Olofintila wrote from Lagos.

Ambode, leading Lagos in the age of social media Temitope Ajayi

he jury is still out on how well Governor Ambode has fared as the Chief Executive of Lagos in the last five months. The perception of the Governor and the government he leads has not been too good for some, especially among the vocal middle class, who only use their personal experiences as the only performance measurement of a government. For me, all factors considered, the Governor has done very well compared with his two illustrious predecessors since 1999 within same periods of 5 months. The two sore points many have raised against the Governor are traffic management and insecurity. I can never wish away the right of any person to complain about service delivery wherever lapses are identified. What I don’t readily accept is the misplaced and uninformed charge of incompetence against the governor and the mischievous comparisons with his immediate past predecessor. Those in the middle class in Nigeria could be sometimes boisterous and often times selfish. Just because of traffic inconvenience, some people are writing off Ambode within 5 months without any recourse to some of the great strides the administration has made across major sectors in the state. While those who commute to and fro Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Mainland axis complain of traffic those who suffer the nightmare of commuting around Ayobo-Ipaja, Ijegun, Okota and other parts of Lagos due to the deplorable level of the roads are rejoicing that the state government is fixing the abandoned roads. The State pensioners who were paid their 4 years accumulated pensions and gratuities in an N11billion pay out the Governor ordered within his 30days in office sure have a very good opinion of the administration. Within the five months in office, Governor Ambode has retooled the emergency ambulance service in the state with 40 new well-kitted-mobilehospital Vehicles for optimal service delivery and all General Hospitals in the state have also got new Vehicles and necessary equipment.

In the area of proper husbandry of the state resources in the face of current depressing economic situation of the country where virtually all the states in Nigeria are bankrupt, Ambode, a chartered accountant has proved to be a better manager than the man he took over from. The governor recently announced that through his financial re-engineering the state has been saved N3billion monthly hole in its finances. What Ambode did was to simply renegotiate all the debts of the state incurred by his predecessor with the banks and blocked some of the leakages in the state public finance. Anyway, one can say the Governor is only living up to his reputation as a brilliant accountant and auditor. The attempt to whitewash the last eight years of his predecessor as one free of traffic snarl and security breaches is a complete baloney. In the best of time, traffic snarl has always been a part of commuting in Lagos. Let us take the traffic issue as a starting point. I will say the recent traffic upsurge is a progressive challenge that will soon go away. I can safely say that 60% of the traffic issue is as a result of road repairs and reconstruction going on simultaneously across the state. We must all accept the fact that road repairs naturally will affect free flow of traffic. There was almost a 3-week traffic lock-down at Ogba, PenCinema, Agidingbi and Ikeja environs because of the reconstruction of Acme Road and the road linking Acme and Wempco roads. Now that the Wempco and Acme link road had been fixed and Acme road, though still ongoing but reasonably fixed, the traffic within the axis has disappeared in the last week. I know this because it is my daily route. On security, I am of the view that it is not as bad as the peddlers of the anti-Ambode rhetoric and some social media pundits are making it look. Social Media is always a mad house. You see so much intelligence, so much ignorance and outright stupidity in equal measures. This is what leaders in both private and public service will have to live with. Social media has become part of us and those on social media are the demographics no serious leader can ignore. The

demographics can only be engaged. It can’t be ignored. Public communications managers of the Governor have a job to do across social media platforms. It will amount to a wishful thinking for anyone to think that a city-state like Lagos with almost 20million residents will be crime free. Government must improve on the security situation through proper mobilization of necessary logistics- materials and men. Yet, I dare say it is not an Armageddon yet as far as security situation in Lagos is concerned. There have been no major robbery operations that the security agencies had not responded to swiftly and gallantly too. The two major incidents at Ikorodu and Festac were decisively dealt with and the criminal gang apprehended. While the criminals need to get it right once to make news headlines, the security agencies must get it right all the time. I read few posts on Facebook recently where some guys said Ambode is incompetent and should, therefore, resign because all the roads in Lagos are bad. I then asked if Fashola fixed all the roads in Lagos in his 8 years and Ambode made all the roads bad in 5 months. As much as I agree that the bar of governance should be raised a notch higher in Lagos by Ambode, I am also realistic in my expectations, more so when the challenges of leadership and time are not the same. A Governor of Lagos is naturally expected to do far better than his peers. One, because Lagos is more resourced and two, Lagos is the headquarters of media in Nigeria coupled with a very cosmopolitan population. Fashola and Ambode are operating under a totally different socio-political atmosphere. Fashola ruled in a time of boom except for his last few months in office. Ambode is ruling in a time of austerity. Under Fashola Lagos was netting average of N10b every month as Federal Allocation. I am not sure if Ambode is getting N4b per month now. The need to invest heavily in media and publicity to prop up Fashola as

the poster boy of ACN later APC during PDPcontrolled Federal Government was understandable. Now, APC is in charge of the FG, Ambode I was told, does not see any need for him to spend money he should spend on development on media just to get applause. He may have to reconsider his position on media and publicity in this age of social media. People want information per seconds even if they can’t make sense of it. Just give information about what you are doing and plan to do. Social media has not gained this level of ascendancy and influence in shaping public discourse with its attendant pressure on leaders at all levels during the first term of Fashola between years 2007-2011. May be the conversation then would have been that Fashola should resign within his first 5 months because he couldn’t measure up to Asiwaju Tinubu. Like I opined in my social media interventions and submissions on Lagos under Ambode, he has done very well when we look at the aggregate of what he has done across all sectors/facets of governance in the state. He may not have got a pass mark in all but he has surely proved that he is capable to lead the state to prosperity and greater development. It is not for nothing that virtually all the High Commissioners in Nigeria, especially those of the Western Europe and the United States have visited the Lagos State Governor in the last 5 months pledging more investments in Lagos with many multinationals coming in tow. This shows their belief in Lagos and in the competence of Ambode, the Fulbright Scholar to steer the ship of the state aright. Now that his commissioners and Advisers have resumed work with a Leadership Retreat where he shared his vision and pace of work with them and the body of Permanent Secretaries, including Heads of key MDAs, I am sure service delivery across board will only get better and better. Ajayi is the Executive Director of Portion Consult Limited, a Lagos-based communications outfit.

Perfect Cut

African Look Adaeze Amos

Splash African fabrics this Yuletide

hristmas is a few days away; how prepared are you! If you are a great lover of African print fabrics fondly known as Ankara, this is the season you should get some colourful stuff for simple but mind-blowing dresses. As you well know, Xmas goes with bright and splendid colours such as red, green, purple and a touch of white. Amazingly, there are African fabrics of such rich and bold colours mentioned. Check out what the divas on this page wear and let your print fabrics splash more colours this yuletide.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Head spar

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Perfect Cut

rklers add glamour to your style Adaeze Amos

here is a particular fashion accessory you must be very fond of. Indeed, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fashion item you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be seen without. Have you for once pondered over this? Something you would happily spend a fortune on. Can you remember yours? For celebrated Gina Cephas, a diva and one of the Lagos socialites/fashionistas that paparazzi love to capture on red carpets of glamorous events, hers is head sparklers. You may call it head jewellery. Head sparklers are fad of the moment. Ladies wear it to pep up their hairstyles. Have you got any? Try, get one. They are seen in different colours and designs.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Dude Style

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

‘I can’t be seen in torn jeans’ Nkang Ini Dan is a visual artist and an event planner. The CEO, Brotherart Productions, in this interview with VICTOR UDOH, speaks about the significance of art and his dress sense, among others. Excerpts: Why did you choose art as a vocation? I never chose art, it chose me. I remember at about age 14, one of my uncles, who I lived with, saw my drawings and advised me to develop it and make a career in art. Right from a very young age, art has been a part of me, and it will ever be with and in me. What’s the difference between painting and art? At this point, we define clearly what type you are referring to. Art comprises music, theatre arts, architecture, visual arts also known as fine and applied arts, poetry, etc. It should be known that this interview is majorly focused on visual arts, attached to it is the art of events which gave birth to “ARTru”. So, my responses will be directed towards that angle. There is no difference between painting and art. This is because painting is an aspect of art, just like drawing, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, etc.

aimed at promoting and projecting the visual arts and artists in Nigeria, and as well projecting the relationships that exist between the visual arts and other performing arts. It is an exhibition of an extreme sense of creativity in the fields of art. It was also our little contribution to ensure more love and patronage for visual arts in Nigeria. The theme of 2015 edition was, ‘HEAR US’. This theme was selected in consideration of the present political, economic, religious and sociopolitical state of the country. ARTru is a celebration of arts and culture which is also intended to bring back an enhanced version of FESTAC 77 Who is your mentor? Koffi Idowu Nuel is one of my mentors.

What is your philosophy of life? I believe everybody needs somebody because without somebody, everybody is nobody. Everybody needs somebody because somebody has a Role to play in the life of everybody.

How then would you define art? To me, art is the way and means in which What kind of books do you read? I communicate my ideas and/or feelings to I read mostly books that help me think betpeople. ter in times of providing solutions and solving problems or challenges. I also read books that Currently, what jobs do you have at hand? make me see and have reasons to go on in life no I wouldn’t want to mention the jobs be- matter what may come my way, as well as books cause they are not yet confirmed. But for that make me improve my relationships with now, I am working with a company to pro- people around me. mote and project a form of art which is new in Nigeria. This is Handmade Paper Flow- Which of the Nigerian artist do you admire? ers. I have also started the planning for ‘ARI admire a number of Nigerian artists and Tru 2016’. their works. They include Kelani Abass, DuWhat do you think stands you out among your contemporaries? In the course of studying and practising arts, especially visual arts and the art of event planning and management, I have met a handful of young people, each person with his or her unique way of perception and expression. I believe the things that make me stand out among these people include my ability to express an extreme sense of patience, my “never-give-up” attitude, adventurous way of life as well as my very strong belief in “a better tomorrow”. What inspires you? I get my inspirations mostly when faced with challenge or when in difficulty. I also get inspired a lot listening to the kind of music that appeals to me. How was your first experience on art? I can’t state a definite first experience of art. As I mentioned earlier, art has always been a part of me right from my early age. And what thrills me about art is the fact that it is life, and no one on earth can ever exist or do without art. What was the concept and aim behind your last event in UNILAG? The event on September 26, 2015 at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, was called “ARTru”. ARTru is an acronym of the phrase “Art Through” which means visualising the visual arts in respect to the performing arts. It was a concert which brought together visual artists to perform live on stage with the musical, theatre and other performing artists. This was also

rodola Yusuf, Omoligho Udenta, Isimi Taiwo, Musa Hassan, Oso Kehinde, Bolaji Ogunwo, Victoria Udondian and Ephraim Ugochukwu. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? An interesting question! In the next five years, I see myself to have carved a niche for myself such that I would have been able to impact positively on the lives of many more people. I also see myself running a company (Brotherart Productions) with loads of international endorsements. What are your achievements? By God’s grace, for some years now, I have been able to give my clients a good value for their money in terms of producing artwork, as well as planning and managing their events. I have acquired the necessary training and educational qualifications that have made me stand out, even if I am still in the process of learning more. I have been able to attain the status of an “employer of labour” therefore helping to reduce the level of unemployment in the country. I have also been able to use my platform to create where I could contribute my quota to the development, promotion and projection of the visual arts and artists in Nigeria. What are the new opportunities you are creating in the art world?

I won’t want to let the cat out of the bag now. I have “ARTru” and “Zona Zichi Handmade Paper Flowers” at present. I need Nigerians and the world at large to expect more great ideas from me by God’s grace. There is so much in the incubator of plans. How would you relate art in Nigeria and Europe? A comprehensive answer to this question could be as much as a voluminous book. This is because it has so much to do with history. This history will highlight the fact that the European art came in and transformed the Nigerian art otherwise known as African art from its traditional state (Traditional African Art) to a modern state (Modern Art) and now to what is known as “Contemporary African or Nigerian Art”. It will also highlight the great contributions of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Contemporary Art. Among these artists are Aina Onabolu (1881-1963), Akinola Lasekan (1921-1972) and Ben Enwonwu (1921 -1994). Others are Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Demas Nwoko, Emmanuel Odita, Jimoh Akolo, Dele Jegede, Ola Oloidi, Olu Oguibe, Sylvester Ogbechie, Mike Omoighe, Chika Okeke, Cyprian Ekwensi, Okpu Eze and Uche Okeke. In brief, I will like to conclude that the Nigerian art (African Art) has achieved a whole lot over the years, but the European art is far more a d vanced than the Nigerian art.

Are there opportunities you think the govern-

ment could exploit in the art world? Visual arts is a very viable source of revenue creation to any government that values its worth. It has a whole lot of tourism attractions around it. This is why the government of many Western nations invest so much in the development of this sector. It is so sad that the Nigerian governments do know all these, and have failed to take advantage of it all. This is one of the major reasons why the visual arts in Nigeria has been so much relegated to the background, and this is why Brotherart Productions came up with an awareness campaign in its own unique style and called it “ARTru”.

What is the style you cannot be caught in? I just can’t be caught putting on so many styles. These styles include sagging, torn jean trousers, and so on. My kind of dressing is either very simple, corporate, semi corporate or native. Where do you think that Nigerian guys and ladies are not getting it right in fashion? Nigerian guys and ladies copy from the West and apply very wrongly. They also try to be what they are not. A black who wants to eat, talk, walk and dress like a white. It could be crazy seeing all these unfold. Tell us more about your background. I am the first son and second child from a family of seven including mum and dad. I come from Itu Local Government of Akwa Ibom State. I was born in Kaduna State where I started my educational journey. I was later taken to my home town to start my secondary education and as well learn my native language (Ibibio). I was later transferred to continue my secondary education at St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos. I am a graduate of Fine & Applied Arts from the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, and also a graduate of Creative Arts from University of Lagos, Akoka.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 13, 2015

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I ’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos

Ene Ochu

߾ࠆ߾ࠀࠁ߾߿ࠀࠀࠇࠁ ߶ࠡࠛࠡ ࠝࠜࠚࠧ߷

Eat clean this festive season!

e ’s s l e e n o e m o s k ‘I too a ’ m e n i c e h t t a k n dri

he festive season has arrived. With it comes overhauling of your wardrobe and your cupboard for the new year. While you ’re getting ready to clean out old stored items and organise closet spaces, why not overhaul your diet as well by throwing out processed foods in your kitchen and replacing them with fresh fruits and vegetables? Overhaul your metabolism by eating right and improve your life. Remember you are heavy with child, so one meal at a time is ideal. Don ’t eat to be purged at last, endeavour to ‘clean-eat ’.

What exactly is ‘clean eating ’? ‘Clean eating ’ is a trend that is suddenly everywhere, but what does ‘clean eating ’ really mean? The term means to eat the best and healthiest options in each of the food groups, embracing foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins. This includes staying away from junk and processed foods. When you are eating clean, you try to give your body the best fuel that is out there, which are foods that will keep you healthy and at a healthy weight. Clean eating is not necessarily about weight loss, but it focuses on gen-

eral health. The current craze of ‘cleansing ’ or eating only raw food or fresh juices for a set period of time is not the same as clean eating. In fact, our organs are what cleanse our bodies of toxins. The main idea is to replace processed foods, pastries and fried foods with more fruits and vegetables. You ’ll definitely feel the difference! Tips to get you started on clean eating: Try fresh fruits and vegetables instead of salty and sugary packaged foods to eat as snacks. Instead of buying blueberry yogurt

with added sweeteners and less than five per cent real blueberries, buy unsweetened yogurt and add your own fresh fruit. •Instead of margarine, try substituting it with avocados to have with your whole grains or veggies. •When you ’re screaming for ice cream, save calories and fat by drinking a fruit and low-fat yogurt smoothie instead. •If you love to savor the crunch, skip the full-fat chips and try more satisfying crunchy snacks such as pretzel chips, nuts, or whole-grain tortilla chips.

have always cherished watching movies. I therefore went to view a movie at the cinema some time ago and I put my drink (Sprite) in the hole on the right hand of the chair that I was sitting. The lady sitting by my right put hers (Coke) on her left side and was also watching with rapt attention. I was carried away that I forgot that my soft drink bottle was on the right side of the table. So, I unknowingly drank the girl ’s coke who was sitting beside me. She, too, was watching and smiling. I wasn ’t aware of what I did until I belched and the gas from my stomach was let out

through the mouth and it was the smell of coke that I perceived. I suddenly became curious and wondered where I got the Coke from when it was Sprite that I bought. On a check, I realised I had drank the girl ’s coke. She too didn ’t notice. She made same mistake, busy sipping from the bottle of my Sprite. I didn ’t want to tell her initially but I did later and both of us laughed confusedly. That was indeed naughty of us. •Ochu is an actress -ADAEZE AMOS

Movies & Music

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

& usic M Movies With Victor Udoh 07067124302 e-mail: victorudoh804@yahoo.com

Phyno, Reminisce, others to perform at MTV Base Xmas gig

o celebrate the Christmas season and reward music lovers for their support throughout the year, MTV Base has announced that it will be hosting fans to a free Christmas party tagged, ‘MTV Base presents the White Christmas Party’. The event, which is in partnership with Ikeja City Mall, would feature great performances from Nigerian top acts including Reminisce, Phyno, Kiss Daniel, Orezi and Jagaban hitmaker, YCee, on Friday, December 18 at the Ikeja City Mall grounds in Lagos. Other performers include Lil Kesh, Niniola, May D,

CDQ and many others to be announced later. Speaking on the concert, Head of Marketing and Events, Colette Otusheso commented, “This year has been a memorable one for all of us at MTV Base and we will like to end it celebrating with our viewers who have shown us support. This is also our tenth-year anniversary and what better way to end the year than reward our fans with the biggest Christmas party ever - and it is totally free! We have such an amazing lineup and I’m sure our viewers will have the time of their lives.”

Gina Cephas drops Sugar Baby

Phyno

Korede Bello, Yemi Alade lead on MTV special

Yemi Alade

avin Records artiste, Korede Bello, and songstress, Yemi Alade, are the early front runners on the ongoing MTV Base special, #BaseNaijaHottestArtist, which ranks the 10 hottest performing artistes in Nigeria for 2015. After a successful year that saw him release his international smash hit ‘Godwin’ as well as the favourably-received duet with Asa ‘Somebody Great’, Bello currently occupies the number two spot on the list which is being compiled by a panel of Nigeria’s most influential music and showbiz personalities including Olisa Adibua, Sade Ladipo, Omalicha, DJ Spinall, Osagie Alonge, Do2dtun and VJ Ehiz. Multiple award-winner and Afropop singer, Alade, also occupies the number three position on the chart for her impeccable performances and monster tracks. Other names on the chart include Cynthia Morgan, Phyno and Harry Songz. The chart is still subject to change and will be reshuffled during tomorrow’s final airing of the two-part special.

Gina

umerous fans of Gina Cephas will be delighted to read this. The musical diva finally drops her long-awaited single entitled, ‘Sugar Baby’. Speaking on the title of the song, she said, “Why it is called Sugar Baby is because it talks about how special my man is to me and how I’m ever ready to do anything for him.” The producer is Ralph B who also produced the latest hit entitled, ‘Ihuoma’ by Splash and engineered by Indomix.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Omoni Oboli unveiled as Nunu brand ambassador

utricima Limited, a subsidiary of PZ Cussons, has re-launched its premium nutritional milk brand, Nunu, in its bid to actively support the daily growth of the Nigerian child with a new nutrition campaign tagged, ‘Grow Everyday’. The campaign which is centred on mothers placing high priority on their children’s nutrition also unveiled popular Nollywood actress and producer, Omoni Oboli, as the brand ambassador. The event hosted by young Tobe Oboli and Mannie of Cool FM, saw children take charge and coordinate all the activities in a very unique way. it was fun to see children serve as bouncers, ushers, chefs, photographers and even red carpet hosts. Chairman, PZ, Mr. Tunde Oyelola, while speaking at the fun-packed event said that Nunu milk had been relaunched to serve

Omoni Oboli

the ever growing needs of the Nigerian family. “Although the new improved Nunu is primarily formulated for growing children, even adults are not exempted from the goodness that comes from its active nutrients,” he said. Held at Tickle Bay Events Centre Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos, the kiddies’ event featured lively and bright teenagers taking turns to engage in several games; bouncing castles, climbing wall, face paintings and a lot of other exciting outdoor and indoor activities. Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the new Nunu milk which came out in grand style following a magical stunt performed by one of the amazing kids amidst smokes and confetti. The event also featured brilliant performances from Amarachi, the winner of ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent Season 1’ and the ‘Kedike’ crooner, Chidinma. Speaking on the choice of the award-winning Nollywood actress and producer as the

Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards unveils 2016 nominees

reparations for the fourth edition of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) start as nominees would be announced on Friday, December 11. DStv and GOtv audiences should tune in to catch the announcement which airs on all Africa Magic channels at 21:30 CAT. Public voting opens immediately after the announcement and closes on February26, 2016. The nominee announcement, which would be hosted by ace Kenyan broadcaster Larry Madowo, and popular Nigerian comedienne, Chigurl, is once again brought to viewers across the continent by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice and the headline sponsor, Amstel Malta. Director, M-Net (West) Wangi MbaUzoukwu, said: “We are pleased to invite our viewers to tune in as Africa Magic an-

nounces nominees for the 2016 AMVCAs. The AMVCAs remain the most important celebration of film and television talent across Africa, and for the 2016 edition we have received over 2,500 entries. Everyone is undoubtedly excited and I urge viewers to tune in as we find out those who made the final cut.” Since the maiden edition in 2013, the AMVCAs have celebrated the contributions of African filmmakers, actors and technicians to the success of the continent’s film and television industry. With the fourth edition, which is scheduled to hold in March 2016, viewers can expect to see awards in categories ranging from acting, directing to scriptwriting and cinematography, to newly announced categories like the Best Movie for West Africa, Best Movie for East Africa, and Best Movie for Southern Africa. W Davino

One Campaign co-founder, BONO, lauds AFRIMA

Bono

o-founder of ONE Campaign, Paul David Hewson, popularly known as ‘Bono’ has congratulated and commended AFRIMA for the s u c cessful hosting of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA 2015. T h e event took place on N ove m b e r 15 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Bono was happyd with AFRIMA, especially for bringing Africa under one roof at this year’s award ceremony. He made this statement at an interaction with the Managing Director of PRM Africa and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike

Dada, during the meeting of the Africa Policy and Advisory Board (APAB) members of ONE Campaign Africa and Mo Ibrahim Foundation high-level Annual Governance at Labadi Beach Resort and International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana recently. Dada is a member of APAB for ONE Campaign Africa. Speaking at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation high-level Annual Governance held on November 20-22, the Irish singer, songwriter, musician, venture capitalist, businessman, philanthropist and front man of Dublin-based rock band, U2, Bono, who has been involved in benefits concerts to raise aid and awareness on the deplorable conditions of the poor in Africa stated, “I congratulate the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, for a successful show and unifying Africa through music and pulling it off in spite of the challenges.” This year’s topic focused on urban issues in Africa and the ceremony celebrated excellence in African leadership which honoured the 2014 Ibrahim laureate, President Hifikipunye Pohamba, former President of Namibia (2005 -2015). In his speech delivered on behalf of the International Committee of AFRIMA at the APAB conference, Dada reinforced AFRIMA’s commitment to work closely with organisations across Africa and the world at large to achieve social change through creative arts and culture for Africa.

Brand Ambassador, Category Marketing Manager, Nunu, Mrs. Charity Ilevbare-Adeniji, explained that, “despite her celebrity status, Omoni Oboli’s exemplary motherhood experience as an everyday mum is what a typical Nigerian mother go through and she is in the best position to drive this campaign”. According to Ilevbare-Adeniji, “the ‘Grow Everyday campaign’ is Nutricima’s way of encouraging mothers to embrace good nutrition for their kids. At Nutricima, we believe that good nutrition for children is vital for good health and wellbeing.” On her part, Oboli, who had earlier started a campaign on grow every day, thanked Nutricima for choosing her for this role, and for the privilege to champion the cause of mothers and their growing children. Expressing her motherhood experience, she stated that “every mother’s biggest concern is centred on their children growing mentally and physically and achieving their full potential and my concern is no different. With a brand like Nunu, you are assured that your kids get all the right nutrients needed to grow healthy every day.” Music and Movie learnt that Nunu milk is specially formulated for children and contains nine active ingredients that make kids have strong bone and sharp minds. It is said to contain vitamins to keep children focused and essential proteins required for everyday growth.

Foretaste holds first musical concert

oretaste musical outreach inspired to reach out to widows, orphans and the girl-child in the society has held its debut musical concert to give praises to God. Tagged: ‘Hope for tomorrow’ and still in the development stage took place at the Agip hall of the Museum Centre, Lagos. It was organised by gospel artiste, Dupsy, and other anointed singers who thrilled guests from all walks of life with inspirational praises to God. It featured Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Segun Obe, Akinpelu, Asseta and other gospel artistes in Lagos. Speaking with the organiser of the concert Modupe Oyeneyin (stage name ‘Dupsy’), an indigene of Ogun State, she said it was an event to set conducive atmosphere for God to dwell in the lost ones. “I gave my life to Christ in 1987 and since then I have a divine call to spread the gospel in various forms, especially through music. I have always had a personal burden and passion to touch the lives of widows and the downtrodden children, especially the girl-child within my immediate society, so I decided to fulfill my calling and passion through my natural God-given talent – music. “If we must get God down to meet our respective needs, we must create an atmosphere conducive for Him to inhabit and dwell in. In the midst of praises, God does wonders and everybody needs God, but creating that environment is where the challenge lies. “It is a forum to help people have that kind of atmosphere to encounter God and their miracle,” Dupsy said. The multi-talented gospel singer with a first degree in Microbiology from the University of Lagos and a master’s degree from the University of Liverpool, said she had released two albums already and was presently working on the third.

Segun Obe

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 13, 2015

Lessons of Life TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART

ADAEZE AMOS Adanneamos@gmail.com 08023012293 (sms only)

Help! Widows in my neighbourhood ght over my husband (2) We conclude in this edition the story of Alexander and Victoria started last Sunday.

Oluwabunmi, 46, a widow, needs a man between 50 and 60 for serious relationship. I reside in Lagos. 08160790405. Samuel, an up-and-coming artiste, lives in Lagos nees a sugar mummy. 07086447436. Tola, 28, graduate, good looking, humble and reliable. Wants a God-fearing and honest man between 35-50 for a serious relationship. 08067335446.

he duo had been married for 12 years and their marriage could have been described as perfect had it not been for the fact that Victoria ’s husband had been sleeping with young, beautiful widows. This is Alexander ’s major fault! “I noticed this at first and cautioned him, he promised to stop. But he warned me not to be too pushy about it so that what happened to those women would not happen to me. That statement scared me and I softened. He said he tried to help them asmost of them were going through hard times and desperately needed help. Although I agreed yet must it be young widows in their 30s and mid-30s that deserved his help? That was the question he was reluctant to answer because he usually warmed their beds. The two widows in my neighbourhood did something that baffled me recently, ” Victoria said. She had been trying to cope with what her husband had been doing with widows. “I couldn ’t cope with it. I tried to soft-pedal as my husband warned me so that they wouldn ’t shrink back in their closet and cry against me or curse me naked. My husband said when a widow cursed a fellow woman in tears, stark naked, that it was usually effective and spiritually acidic. I dread that so much that I wouldn ’t want what happened to them to occur to me. That was what I dread. Hence, he would tell me while holding his right ear that he wasn ’t ready to die, so I should take things easy with them. Even when they visited my husband at home in pretence of coming to give him invitation card for their events, I didn ’t complain about that. But what baffled me was the fight two young widows had right in front of my gate. The fight and verbal banter attracted neighbours who listened and laughed. What happened was that one of the widows I knew had been enjoying my husband came with an invitation card. My gatekeeper opened the gate because my husband instructed him that any day any widow came looking for him, he shouldn ’t stop the

In need of a serious relationship/marriage Alao, 38,single, based in Lagos, needs a single religious and Yoruba Muslim girl below 30 for marriage. 08170141833.

Olatunji 55, needs a woman between 48-50 for marriage. 09097380357. Gbenga, 43, lives and works in Katsina state government, needs a Muslim lady from 30 and above for a relationship. 07059239559. My name is Gbenga, I need a nurse or fashion designer between 30-35 for marriage. 08151011938. Micheal is my name, 50. I need a lady. 08111440960.

Ola, 45, a technician and a good driver, lives in Lagos. Needs a rich, sexy, busty and caring sugar mummy between 45-60. 08062221643. Sam, 36 needs a caring and supportive lady who is 45 years and above. 08068553322.

Prince Olamide, 23, lives in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy for fun. 08187641034. Jokotade, 20, lives in Oyo and a mother of one. She needs a 35-45 bouyant sugar daddy who resides either in Lagos, Idbadan or Oyo state. 08167622738. Michael, 33, needs a lady between 22-26 for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage. 07031138330. Moses, 27, needs a serious relationship that can lead to marriage. She should be between 21 and 28 years old. She should be a workingclass, dark-skinned and beautiful. She should be living in Lagos -07087764057.

A model

person. One Saturday morning, I was still in bed past 11 a.m. I usually do not wake up early on Saturdays. I thought my hubby was in his study reading newspapers as he was fond of doing. But I was surprised when I saw him chatting merrily with the widow I had been eyeing scornfully for being too close to him. When my man saw me, he invited me to join them take a tea. His visitor greeted me cheerfully and I managed to respond, ” she recalled. When the young widow with Alexander noticed Victoria wasn ’t cheerful, she started explaining why she came even without waiting to be asked. “Madam, I ’m only here to give Mr Alexander this invitation card. You too can come. It is specified on the invite. When I wanted to leave, he said I should come in for a cup of tea. The weather had been very cold lately. You never know how lucky some of you whose husbands are still alive are. Cold nights can be awful without a husband by your side, ” she said. Alexander in his usual manner laughed. “He had always loved dirty jokes which I detested. Vulgarity to me is sinful and dirty to God as the

Ola, needs a girl of 18-25 for friendship. 08054836335

Bible says we would all give account of every word we say. I didn ’t laugh at what she said because it wasn ’t funny to me. The only thing I understood from what she said was that she had been having my husband on her bed to keep her warm. And because of that she was only a thief stealing care, regards, affection and romance that belonged to me. Most often Alexander would come home tired and wouldn ’t be ready to have me all to himself as a husband would have his wife. He would be giving me one excuse or the other. If he wasn ’t having headache, he would have body aches or feeling sleepy, ” she said. When Alexander ’s visitor noticed that madam of the house wasn ’t comfortable with her presence, “she scurried out of my house and my husband followed her. When they got to the gate, another younger widow was waiting and fuming. She was shouting at the one that was sipping tea with my husband. When I heard shouts at my gate, I came out and I heard her clearly. ‘Agnes, you are looking for my trouble all these while. Am I not the one that was sent to bring invitation card to Mr Alexander? But you chose to do so without telling me. Are you not tired of having him? I took you to his office and introduced him to you, now you

I ’m Sunday, dark, 35 years old and 6ft tall. I ’m a civil servant from Ondo State. I need a God-fearing lady between 25 and 32years old. She has to be a working-class from any part of the world -07031151927. My name is Agbamue Samson, 2 7years old and a working-class. I need a sugar mummy between 30 and 40 years of age -08061540752. Gabby is my name, 45, a media officer in Makurdi. I need a mature lady of 55 years old and above for companionship -08178717095. I ’m Alex, 29 years old living in Abuja. I ’m fair in complexion. I need a sugar mummy who is 38 years old for a relationship -08061500561. e cards. I ’m 27 years old. I need a good wife -08028922937.

NOTICE: Please note that we don ’t do personal connections outside this column. Calls to connect privately are not allowed. Just send an SMS or email and we ’ll get your request published. The request is published on first come first served basis. Thank you!

are having him all alone, all to yourself. All I know is that your ‘thing ’ cannot be sweeter than mine. ’ At that, the street urchins in my street laughed and hailed at my husband for ‘servicing ’ three women. Instead of my husband being embarrassed, he too laughed. He only said that ‘women can be funny! I see them as nature ’s gifts to men. ’ The urchins concurred and I felt like vanishing into thin air. He begged the two widows not to worry and gave them some money for their transportat fare, promising to attend their event. How can I cope with this shortcoming of my husband? I love him so dearly that even after deciding to be on my own, he would come, pamper me like a baby, even when you avoid him and tell him off. He would remind me of the marital vows of loving him for better and for worse. I ’m not ready to let go, I love my husband though he is now a prey in the hands of young beautiful, widows. How do I go about this? How do I stop him? •Readers, you have heard her question. Please advise her.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona

Continued from topic 5 of last week I will divide the spoil When he said I will divide the spoil what he is saying is that he would lay hold on the destiny, fulfilment, glory, fame, and testimony of his victim and share it in his kingdom. Which is why, sometimes, you would notice a young man or young lady who came out from school but could not use their certificate to work. The glory and or destiny of such one attached to the certificate had been taken by the familiar spirits. Recently I met a young man, whose appearance was tattered unschooled and uncomposed. During counselling the Holy Spirit revealed that he was on a wrong profession, because of frustration. That the reason behind his frustration was that powers in his father’s house had stolen his glory. Responding back to the spirit of revelation, the man admitted that what was said about him was true. He continued, that as he sat down with me, he had master’s degree in business administration in a very reputable university of this country. However, since he graduated every effort to secure a good job with that certificate had failed. He was finally forced by the pressure of hardship to be a clearing agent. Even as a clearing agent, he had not been finding life easy. No client, no connection, no contract. All efforts he had made to keep contacts and have clients, always ended up in disagreement and hatred. That means the enemy had divided him as a spoll. My lust shall be satisfied upon them It has been the pleasure of the enemy to have his lust satisfied upon the children of God. The lust of the devil are his wicked schemes, intentions and purposes. Just as the Bible says, it is the pleasure of God our father to give us the kingdom. The kingdom of God are the thoughts of God for us. Ephesian 1:3-12 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the

Familiar spirits (6) adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself; that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him; in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will; that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” The thoughts and blessings of god packaged for us in the heavenlies as contained in the above scriptures are: 1) We are special and the chosen of the Lord 2) We have been adopted into the family of God in Christ Jesus 3) He has bestowed special grace on us. One of the grace among many is that we should ask, seek, and knock. That when we ask, we shall receive when we seek us shall find, and when we knock the door of opportunities, riches, connections, favours and a lot more shall be opened to us. Through this open door, he promised us that we shall suck, the milk of the Gentiles and that the hidden treasures of darkness shall be freely given to us. 4) We are the redeemed. 5) He has given us wisdom and insight into his future plan. 6) That we shall share in his Glory after this life. 7) We have been made God treasure. The apple eyes of God. 8) We have been sealed with the Holy Ghost for that day of rapture. 9) Finally we are heavenly citizens candidates of the Kingdom, licensed for salvation. Beloveth, what other glories can be compared with these? Our God is wholesome, our God is a good God. If you have not made peace with God in his Son Jesus, you among all men on earth is the most pitiable. Beloveth rise now and make peace with God. While the lust of the devil upon us are his wicked schemes evil intentions bitterness of his heart and snares. This

could be itemized as follows: 1) Untimely death – Devil want you to die unfulfilled 2) He wants you to be a widow or a widower 3) He wants you to live a life of joblessness 4) He wants you to stay unmarried even after reaching the age of marriage 5) He wants you to keep having miscarriages 6) He wants you barren, unfruitful, unproductive 7) He wants you to lose your children 8) He wants to see you weep and sorrowful 9) He wants people to always pity you 10) He wants people to visit you every year and tell you sorry 11) He does not want your certificate to be useful to you 12) He wants you to have a broken home, which is why he causes frequent misunderstanding between you and your spouse. 13) He wants your job terminated 14) He wants your business or shop folded-up 15) He does not want to hear your progress. Therefore, he puts set back on your way to progress. When any of these his wicked schemes is achieved in your life as he had purposed, then his lust is satisfied upon you. I will draw my sword When the victim of the devil, fall into his trap. Then he draws his sword to destroy. The trap of the devil is temptation. When he has put temptation on your way and you fell into it, you are at the mercy of the devil. And you know that there is nothing like mercy in the language of the devil. James 1:13-15 “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither temptedth he any man; but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” It is the devil that draws one’s heart away in lusts to commit sin. And when sin is committed, the enemy draws sword to slay. Dear child of God, run away from sin. Anytime you commit sin, your life is vulner-

able to the destruction of the devil. My hand shall destroy them When the devil strike one who committed sin and the person dies a natural death. Then the soul of the person would be casted away from God in eternity. It is then the devil would say my hand shall destroy them. The destruction the devil is talking about here is destruction of a rejected soul in eternity. Therefore child of God, run away from sin, follow righteousness so that the hand of the enemy will not destroy your soul in eternity. What are the lifestyles and experiences of those who are oppressed or possessed by familiar spirits 1) They experience failures as the edge of breakthroughs 2) They always experience hanging opportunities that will never materialize 3) They keep running without reaching 4) They always stretch out their hands to receive without receiving 5) They can see their testimonies very close to them but they can never share the testimony 6) Like Moses, they see the promised land from a distance without entering it 7) They experience leaking hands. Which means opportunities always leak out through their hands Prayer point – Whatever familiar spirit has constructed in my life, marriage, careers, profession, and or business as a stronghold to control me, be pulled down by fire in the name of Jesus. Testimonies Breaking through the gate of jamb For three years now, I have tried in vain to secure admission but failed. When I came to this church the man of God prophesied on me that this year’s admission will not pass me by. Behold today, I have secured admission to the University of Calabar. Praise the Lord! Sis. Ifeoma Address: Pastor Kingson I. Bona, General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries, No. 6, David Egbetuyi Street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos. Tel: 08023404926, 08038206508 Website: wwwchapelofholiness.org facebook: pstbona@chapelofholiness.org

News

Cleric tasks leaders to imbibe fear of God

According to him, leaders who have the fear of God are needed not just in churches but also in the nation. “When a leader understands the fundamentals of God in leading, then we will have the right society. Then we He said this at the leadership summit would have the right environment. That organised by CAN in collaboration with is why it is important for the church to the University of Leadership and Sound have the right environment, the right Doctrine, in the US. structure, and then the church would be he Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, has urged leaders to imbibe the virtue of `godly leadership to attain a prosperous society.

the salt and the light in our society. “We have been crying onto God for years since we had independent, God had heard our prayers, and things are changing. “We have come a long way and we are getting there as a nation. “The church is praying, Muslims are also praying, and God is answering our prayers. I believe in my heart that we will

get there,’’ he said. The head of Motailatu Movement of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Israel Akinadewo, said that good leadership has always been one of the major problems the country was facing. “When you have bad leadership in a country, it affects the development of the country,’’ he said

From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

Email: profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com (08023032698, sms pls)

ife is a state of living. I once read in the Bible where Jesus said, ‘’I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.’’ Jn10 ; 10b Some careless and unlearned pastors assure people that Jesus has guaranteed life, so everybody should go and enjoy life to the fullest. They encourage people to go and have the best in life and live like princes and princesses. No wonder, some Christians do not consider the coming of Jesus and the kingdom of God as important any more. It is unfortunate that many are deceived to the point that they even steal or do something irrational to live this fake life.

There is no doubt that the separation of man from God because of the sin of Adam leads to suffering, confusion and chaos that man and the nations of the world experience daily. God sent his Son Jesus to come and reconcile man to himself through the death of his Son on the Cross. The death and resurrection of Jesus guarantee life. The Bible said that in this world, believers will enjoy life according to the will of God and in heaven it will be an eternal life where sorrow, sickness, pains and death are eliminated. The message of Jesus is one that calls people to salvation – freedom from the forces of Satan and his agents and freedom from eternal death. It is unfortunate that Sunday schools do not function in some churches any more. Teaching and preaching that bring the Word of God to give people spiritual direction have been replaced with worldly music and entertainment. I have mentioned it severally that indepth bible study is vital to good life of any Christian. You do not need to go to any

Miracle Arena with Bishop

Theo Ugochukwu

omans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The rate at which people are now taking their life is so alarming. I have by the grace of God counseled many people who have had the thought of taking their life. No matter what you have lost or even what terrible thing you have done in the past, don’t take it as a reason for contemplating suicide. In my interaction with these set of people, I have told them that suicide is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. Sometimes the situation of our life and the things we go through only comes to test our ability and our staying strong in the face of difficult moments of our life. Some people right now could not believe what they are seeing or the difficulties they are encountering, because God has told them He is going to make them great and

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Word of God guarantees life

Bible college to earn a degree in theology or Divinity before you can know Bible and have a relationship with God. Christians are called ‘’men and women of the Book’’. Some people attend revivals and church services to find God but in actual fact, it is in the Bible that you can find God as he speaks to you. The Bible is the ‘’mind’’ of God that reveals the will of God for mankind. God demands total obedience to his Word which can only be found in the Bible. The Bible confirmed that when the Bereans first heard the Word of God, they quickly went home to search the Scriptures to confirm whether what they heard was true or not. We learned that people who wrote the Bible were inspired by Holy Spirit but God himself backed up his Word. It is a life guarantee. God is not a liar. The prophets of the old spoke as they were moved by the Spirit of God. The Bible said, ‘’ In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son….’’ Heb1 : 1 – 2. Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit in all believers will take from the Father and give to all believers the knowledge of the Word of God that is not of this world. The knowledge of the Word of God is more important than the ability to perform miracle. The Bible said, ‘’ ….you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free’’. Jn8 : 32. Paul who wrote 13 books out of the many books of the Bible never taught ‘’ spiritual development course’’ but taught people how to thank God for his gracious gift of life and that they should eliminate sin from their lives. Many spiritual programmes of the modern church do not lay emphasis on the Word of God and its application. Nowadays, many Christians buy and read books that guarantee Christian technique that can give them satisfaction.

I can assure you that this has led to more frustration because God cannot be found in any motivational book. He can only be found in the Bible where he still speaks to his people today. It is true that Jesus healed and did good things. The apostles too after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ went about preaching and performing miracles but their main focus was that people should be saved and come to know God. Jesus taught more than he preached and he commissioned his disciples including the modern Christians to go into the world to ‘’ preach and teach’’. We can only teach from the Word given to us which is the Scripture. Jesus said,. ‘’But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well’’. Matt 6: 33. The encouragement here is about doing the will of God first and it is guaranteed that God will take care of those who seek him first. The Bible said, ‘’ The young lions do lack and suffer hunger. But those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing’’. Ps 34 : 10. Jesus assures us that God will take care of his children, therefore,Christians must understand that life is not aboutpossessing all the good things of life. The teaching of the first century Christians is about living ‘’ a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God’’. Col 1 : 10 Jeremiah said, ‘’I know O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own, it is not for a man to direct his steps’’ Jere 10 : 23 This confirms what God himself said, ‘’ I ( God ) will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you’’. Ps 32 : 8 It is essential to know that life belongs to God. The world and everything in it also

belong to God. Ps 24 : 1. Even gold and silver which we call money today belongs to him. Hag 2 : 8 Paul taught about Christians living ‘’ in Christ ‘’, meaning that everything we do is directed by God and that all we have are gifts from God to glorify his name and for our personal enjoyment. Living in God requires total dependence on God and obedience to his will. God does not stop people from being professionals – lawyers, doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, accountants or even being traders but he expects us to do whatever we do with the fear of the Lord. Since the Bible talks about ‘’ a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die ‘’ Eccl 1: 1 – 2, we must therefore know that the time we have on earth is between our birth and death. The life of a Christian is controlled from the day he gives his life to Christ to his last day on earth. The Bible exhorts believers, ‘’Trust in the Lord and be good, dwell in the land and enjoy the safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him and he will do this’’. Ps 37 : 3 – 5. What I want my reader to know is that wealth does not determine our position in heaven or our level of spiritual favour with God. Christians should detach themselves from material world which will have its end in the consuming fire. They must seek after God’s way, conducting their lives as God directs through the Word. The Word of God guarantees life here on earth and thereafter. •Prof. Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Lagos. Phone: 0802 – 303 – 2698; email : profkunlemacaulay@yahoo.com; Twitter. com/Kunle Macaulay1

I disagree with your suicide option

then after hearing from God quite alright, the next thing that will happen is that they will start encountering some challenging situations that look quite contradicting to the visions of God for their life. Joseph had a wonderful dream in Gen. 37:5. The next moment he was surrounded by people who have developed a very deep hatred against his destiny. Gen. 37:20 says “Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, some wild beast has devoured him. We shall see what will become of his dreams”. Sometimes, God can give one an assurance of great future, but at the time you expect Him to begin to manifest all that He has promised you. It seems at that point that God has gone silent. This is the point many begins to see darkness all over. At this point, some people would start thinking nothing but the negative aspect of the journey ahead. The thought of impossibility will fill their minds. No matter what you do to get God’s attention. He would still not speak, why? Because He has shown you fantastic ending, the glory of your manifestation. When you come to this point, believe and trust what He had said to you.

He many not give you answers when you need them, because His ways are not your ways and His thoughts are not your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord”. The period when God seems silent in one’s life, it’s that time Satan comes to sow bad seeds in their lives. If you do not watch out at this moment, Satan would send his children to become your friends. He will engage you with thoughts and provoking words like these; ‘with all you have labored, God does not like you, or may be God is punishing you for your sins, can anything good come out of this situation?, if God really loves you, He would not have you lose your beloved ones, He would not allowed this sickness and everyday toiling. So why don’t you kill yourself and be free from all these calamities that have befallen you?’ All these are the evil tricks of Satan to terminate God’s mandate upon your life. When Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, he realized what he has done and he could not bear the shame. Satan suggested the suicide option in order to end his life and he gave heed to the voice of the devil.

Today, as a result of the global economic meltdown, the devil has been sowing this evil seed in the heart of many people. Child of God, no matter what you have lost or whatever terrible things you might have done in the past, this is not the time for you to start contemplating suicide. Because whatever pain you are experiencing right now, which emanated from your past is temporary. I counseled a cult guy some months ago, who told me that he wasted eight years in the university with fellow cult members. That he squandered all the money that the father sent to him, but he never graduated. Now his father has died as a result of high blood pressure because he felt that there was nothing to live for anymore. Suicide is not the option, but to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. ALLELUYAH •For more information, contact: Bishop Theo Ugochukwu – General Overseer, Miracle Assembly Bible Church, a.k.a. The City of Joy, 80, Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos; Tel: 08033461482. Email: bishopgracemiracle@ ymail.com

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Vineyard

Briefly

Celebration

Super Freedom Night at MABC

iracle Assembly Bible Church Incorporated (The City of Joy) Super Freedom Night 2015 which began on Friday, December 4, 2015 tagged “Destroying every generational family curses and evil Altars” will hold till December 31, 2015 with cross over night at 80, Ajose Street, Mende, Mary land, Lagos..

speaking on the programme, the Presiding Bishop, Theophilus Ugochukwu said the programme will come in two folds; namely, destroying generational family curses transferred from fore-fathers to their children, adding that any attendee affected by this curses which has caused limitation will be made whole through fervent prayers and they would exceed such limit in their lives. Citing an example of a lady who was picked out, but after prayer intervention she regained her freedom.

Believer’s convention holds

ll is set for The Believer’s Convention (TBC) 2015 of Word House also known as Releasing Champions.

The programme tagged “Great faith” which started on December 10, 2015 will end with a grand thanksgiving service today, Sunday13 from 9am at Champion’s House located at 20A, Moses Adebisi Street, Oshogun, Alapere-Ketu, Lagos. According to the host, Rev. Mapa Allamogu, the programme is all about supernatural edge for mega achievements. He urged attendees to come along with their faith. The programme which will feature Business Summit has as guest speakers, Apostle Gift Uwubanmen (Thronelife Ministers, South Africa), Pastor (Mrs.) Kate Allamogu among others.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Nigerians urged to fear God

•as BSN plans 50th anniversary

Odinaka Uruakpa

he chairman, National Planning Committee of Bible Society of Nigeria, BSN at 50, Mr. Gbenga Olayeye has urged Nigerians to embrace the fear of God claiming that it is only when they do this that corruption, and many other vices prevalent in the country will come to an end.

Olayeye gave this charge at a press conference held recently in Lagos, to officially announce plans for the organisation’s 50th anniversary. He called on Nigerians irrespective of religion, sex, tribe and profession to embrace to seek God and put Him first in all that they do if they are going to survive as a nation. “It is only the fear of God that will end corruption, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and many other vices prevalent in our country. We cannot succeed as a nation if we push God behind us. The Bible states in John 15, verse 5 ‘Without me you can do nothing’, therefore, we must seek God in all that we do”, he admonished . Olayeye also explained that the Bible Society of Nigeria which has been meeting the scriptural needs of Nigerians, as well as helping people to interact with the Word of God, will record its 50th year of existence, come February 8, 2016.

L-R: AGS Publishing, The Bible Society of Nigeria, Pastor Victor Damilare; AGS, Finance, BSN, Pastor Kola Sokunbi, BSN Chairman, National Planning Committee of BSN @50,Mr. Gbenga Olayeye and General Secretary, The Bible Society of Nigeria, Rev Dare Ajiboye on the occasion.

“In BSN, we carry out our mission through five cardinal functions which are Bible Translation, Publishing, Distribution, Fund-raising and Programmes. We translate the Bible into Nigerian Languages for the benefit of those who cannot read the Bible in English Language. So far, the complete Bible is now available in 24 Nigerian Languages. At the moment Bible translation/revision is going on in over 12 Nigerian Languages. We desire to translate the Bible into all Nigerian Languages reported to be over 500, but we are being constrained by lack of funds. It costs a minimum of

News

Christians urged to offer praises to God

he Pastor-in-Charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Bethel Zone, Lagos Province 50, Pastor Abayomi Ijietemi has urged Christians to continually offer sacrifice of praise to God as he claimed that praises are the fruit of lips that openly profess God’s name.

Ijietemi gave this charge at the zone’s Praise Night tagged “Sacrificial of praise” adopted from Daniel 6:6-16, held recently in the Church Auditorium KoyeOke, Lambe, Ogun State. Quoting Hebrews 13:15 explained that the terms sacrifice and praise literally might be opposites, but spiritually the two words are intertwined. “We think of sacrifice as offering something at great cost to ourselves. Praise, on the other hand, sounds joyful as it bubbles from a grateful heart. However, in the spiritual realm, sacrifice and praise are intertwined”, he explained. He further explained that praising God does not always cost man anything, adding that people praise their pets, dogs especially, for retrieving things for them and their fellow humans for doing their job well. “Praise is often our response to some action that directly benefits us, and we feel generous because we extend it. We of-

ten find it easy to praise God from the same motivation. When He has blessed us, helped us, and protected us, we feel generous toward Him. We can sing, worship, and talk about how good He is because we can see it. That kind of praise, although worthwhile, does not cost us anything. It is not a sacrifice”, he claimed. The cleric explained that there are times when negative things keep coming to people and they think God has forgotten them and praise may be the last thing they have in their mind. “Sometimes, things may turn out negative for us; the medical test comes back positive. The spouse wants a divorce. A child is wayward. The mortgage company calls in the loan. God seems very far away, and praise is the last thing to bubble up from our hearts. We can’t see His goodness, and circumstances scream that He has forgotten us. Praising God in those times requires personal sacrifice. It takes an act of will to lay our all on the altar before a God we don’t understand. When we bring our sacrifice of praise, we choose to believe that, even though life is not going as we think it should, God is still good and can be trusted (Psalm

135:1-6; Nahum 1:7). When we choose to praise God in spite of the storms, He is honoured, and our faith grows deeper as stated in Malachi 3:13-17 and Job 13:15”, he stated. On instructed in Hebrews 13:15 that the sacrifice of praise is to be offered continually’, Ijietemi said: “Our praise of God is not to be based on our opinion of His job performance. Praise cannot be treated as a reward we give God for His obvious blessings. Isaiah 29:13 states, ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’ Real praise continues regardless of circumstances. It flows continually from a worshiping heart in good times and bad (Acts 16:2325). The sacrifice of praise comes from a humble heart that has been purified by fire. It rises from a spirit that has chosen to honor God in spite of the pain that life is causing. Psalm 51:16-17 expresses this idea best when it states, ‘You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. The night was rounded up with high praises from the Zonal Mass Choir.

N40 million to complete a Bible translation project”, he revealed. On the reason for celebrating, Olaleye said: “We want to thank God for His faithfulness to The Bible Society of Nigeria. You will agree with me that not all organizations or individuals born about 50 years ago are alive today. In spite of the very difficult operating conditions, our God has kept us in the business of making His Word available to Nigerians. For our 50th anniversary, we have plans to donate 100,000 copies of the Bible free to less privileged Nigerians if the funds are available. This will cost us N50 million. We therefore call on Nigerian Christians to partner with us to fund this noble project. We are also introducing a special Bible which we call the Legacy Bible. It is a special parallel Bible of five translations; English, Efik, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. The Bible, which is the first of its kind in Africa, will have the translation history of the Bible in each of the four Nigerian Languages”, he revealed Also speaking on the occasion, General Secretary of BSN, Rev Dare Ajiboye expounded on the benefits and quality of the Legacy Bible which he claimed would be passed from generation to generation. He revealed the activities planned ahead of the anniversary to include Bible Exhibitions and Symposia on February 2 and 4, 2016, in Enugu and Abuja respectively. He further revealed that there would be Bible Exhibition on February 5, 2016 as well as Youth Rally in Lagos, which will include a walk titled “Mary Jones’ Walk”. “This walk is in memory of Mary Jones, a nine year-old Welsh who at the time,1804 needed a Bible at a period when the Bible was very scarce and expensive and could only be found in churches and houses of wealthy Christians. Her parents did not have any copy and could also not buy for her. Determined to own a copy, she saved money for six years and trekked a distance of 40 miles to obtain a copy of the Bible and at the time she got the money, she was already 15 years old. We intend to replicate this act of hers”, he revealed.

From the Pulpit

The voice of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo

n last week’s teaching, we discovered that praise is the mystery behind our continuous and unending breakthroughs in life. This is why the devil wants us to complain, murmur or be depressed. Therefore, we must praise God continually, if we desire continuous breakthroughs in life. In this week’s edition, we shall explore, Why we need to engage in Praise. The reasons we must praise God include: Praise is one of the principal commands for supernatural breakthroughs: We must understand that while natural breakthroughs are limited to the human realm, supernatural breakthroughs have no human limitations. As it written: Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him(Psalms 67:5-7). ‘Fearful blessings’ connotes supernatural breakthroughs. The Bible records that David carried divine presence because he praised God seven times daily; and when his wife despised him, she was smitten with incurable barrenness. God’s presence is the master key to our breakthroughs. That means when we in-

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

y husband raped me. This is like the third time of doing this. I have already taken all the necessary steps to get a lawyer, because I am taking him to court. He has to be punished for this terrible action of his. But l wish to hear your view before going on. Thanks. If am really clear with what you are saying, you are talking about your HUSBAND, not his brother, uncle or father. If you really mean your husband that shows that you are misplacing your priorities. Luke 14:28 says, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Before you go into that marriage you are expected to count he cost. Be sure that you are ready for all it takes; you can’t now get into it and start dodging out in some of what it involves. For your husband to have gotten to the extent of raping you, it’s either you have been denying him of sex or he is highly under the influence of alcohol or drug. If he is high on alcohol or drugs, and you are a child of God, it’s your cross which you must carry, because you are not supposed to find yourself in such a situation if of a truth you are a Christian. It means that you didn’t seek the face of the Lord before going into that relationship. God will always give the best to his children, and even if anything will happen along the way, the Spirit of the Lord will have led you as to what to do to avert this. You didn’t have the patience to wait for someone that is of the same fold with you, someone that fears the Lord and is ready to walk according to His dictates. If he had been that kind of person he wouldn’t have been an addict or drunkard. So if that is the case, what you have to do now is what you should have done at the beginning. PRAY.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

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Invoking the Miracle Power of Praise! (2) voke God’s presence through praise, anyone or anything challenging us, has challenged God (Psalms 119:164). It is the platform for the rise of giants and nobles in the Kingdom: As it is written: And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them. And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord (Jeremiah 30:19-21). From the above scripture, we understand that engaging our hearts in celebrating God makes celebrities out of nonentities. For instance, David praised God on the field to the point that when the king needed someone to play the harp in the palace, he was recommended. In addition, when the Israelites needed a king, David was not considered by men but he was God’s candidate. That means in the midst of praise, God turns His celebrators into celebrities, nonentities into nobles and makes those without identity, governors (1 Samuel 16:1-23). We must recognise that the advancement of the righteous always stirs jealousy, but the desires of the wicked shall perish when we engage in high praises. This is because our praise does not only guarantee our rise but also protects us in our new position (Psalms 112:10).

It is the covenant platform for the rise of new generation Abraham: Abraham is a symbol of supernatural breakthrough in scriptures. We understand from scriptures that at the age of 75, God launched him into his journey of greatness. It is also worthy of note that “worship” was the mystery behind the rise of Abraham into a world of unlimited breakthroughs. For instance, when he went to the mountain to sacrifice his son, he told his servants that he and the lad were going to worship God. That means worship was Abraham’s lifestyle. The Bible also says that Abraham did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; because he was fully persuaded that God would perform what He had promised (Genesis 22:5-18; Romans 4:19-21). However, the Bible admonishes us that:If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham (John 8:39; See also Isaiah 51:1-3; Galatians3:13-14). That means there is no shortcut to our advancement; if Abraham was a praise-addict and that addiction brought him into realms of distinction, then we must embrace praise as a lifestyle until our blessings in Christ are defined as the blessings of Abraham. We must understand that there are still places higher than where we are today and praise is the key that empowers us for continuous and unending change of levels. I see God taking you from your present level to your high places! In conclusion, we must understand that the battles of life are real, but our God is more real.

When we invoke His presence through praise, He intervenes in our favour and our breakthroughs are guaranteed. Thus, it is only what God cannot do that can withstand the power of praise in any battle. That is what makes praise the ultimate spiritual weapon available to the redeemed in any battle of life. Therefore, as you engage in praise warfare as a lifestyle, I decree every obstacle on the way to your Promised Land destroyed and your miracles delivered in the name of Jesus! However, until you become born again, your praises will not be acceptable to Him. To become born again means to accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and He will in turn accept you as His child. If you wish to become a child of God, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Exploits of Faith, The Law Of Faith. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 014548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@ lfcww.org

Couple should not deny themselves of sex Commit his heart into the hands of his creator so that he can work on him to bring the best out of him. Taking him to court will not solve anything, don’t forget you are one. He is still part of you. On the other hand, if it’s that you are the one that has been denying him of sex, you have yourself to blame. 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. In the Christendom, the time SEXUAL intercourse is permitted to be restrained in your marriage, is when both of you have agreed to embark on ‘Fasting and Prayers’ in seeking the Face of the LORD for a certain period and maybe, when a woman is on her menstrual periods Ezekiel 18:6, Leviticus 18:19. Any other argument outside this that will make you to think of denying your husband sex, which is your marital responsibility and obligations, is un-biblical, unacceptable and wicked, and therefore it’s a sin. Wisdom, the bible says is profitable to direct Ecclesiastes 10:10. Therefore woman, apply the wisdom of God in your marriage, so as not to give room for the devil to come into your home and wreck the ship of your home Ephesians 4:27. Many broken homes today are the result of denying their partners sex when they demand for it. For example, many ‘unfaithful men’ today finds solace with their house helps, when their wives become ‘unresponsive’, ‘tired’ and ‘busy’ to satisfy their husbands of sex. If you want to keep your home, please, don’t deny your husband sex. Woman, you that is denying your husband SEX in your matrimonial home, under whatever pretense or, because you are now a woman pastor, you are committing a great and grievous sin against your husband, and you are telling God that, He does not know what He was doing by creating man and woman. You better repent now and cry unto God for mercy, He will forgive you. Also, you must apologize to your husband and promise him that, you will never again deny

him of his matrimonial responsibility as your husband. Five reasons why you must not deny your husband sex: 1. If you deny your husband sex, you are missing out on what God has in store for YOU sexually. The word of God is clear that sex is a gift to both a husband and a wife. God wants you both to experience all the benefits of sexual connection. Consistent and nurtured sexual intimacy endears you to one another, making it easier to extend each other grace. It has so much potential to be a place of tenderness, passion, fun and even stress relief! 2. If you deny your husband sex, you are breaking God’s heart. Okay, I get that you and your husband have issues. At least I’m guessing that’s the reason behind all the non-existent sex. Or possibly you are the one with big issues that you have been unwilling to address. Those could be physical issues with hormones, depression or poor health. They could be emotional issues, such as past betrayals, sadness, family of origin struggles, or sexual abuse from which you haven’t sought healing. Or maybe they are misinformation issues. You were always told sex was “dirty” or “obligation” or “wrong.” Whatever the issues, whether they are within your marriage or within your own journey, if they are negatively impacting your sexual desire for your husband, stop pretending like they will resolve themselves. Do something. Pray and read God’s Word about marriage and sex. Have a heart-to-heart talk with your husband. Go to counseling. Read a Christian marriage book. Stop staying stuck in stagnant status quo. 3. If you deny your husband sex, you are handing Satan the keys to your marriage. Oh it sounds so harsh to say it this way, but it tragically is true. Satan is hell bent on destroying marriages because marriage is a covenant relationship God created. And division is Satan’s go-to tactic. (Divide

husbands and wives. Divide families. Divide communities. Divide friends.) That being the case, why on earth would you give Satan any more opportunity to sabotage your marriage than he is already taking all on his own? When you regularly deny sex to your husband -- or when you half-heartedly go through the motions sexually -- you are opening your marriage up to unfathomable attack. You are making it easier for your husband to fall into temptation and sin with pornography and adultery. You are watering the breeding ground of resentment and bitterness. In no way am I removing a husband’s accountability to obey God, remain faithful to his marriage vows and steer clear of sexual temptation. I’m just saying that if a man is starving, he will be drawn to any food within his reach, even if it is food that is dreadfully bad for him. You give your marriage a much better fighting chance if you stop leaving so many doors open to Satan. Having and enjoying sex with your husband helps keep the doors from flying wide open. 4. If you deny your husband sex, you are setting a crappy example for your kids. If you have kids, they are looking at you and your husband and constantly picking up insights about marriage. This isn’t about giving your kids the impression that marriage is always perfect, because let’s face it, it’s not. But I can only imagine that your heart’s cry is to give them the truth, and the truth is that marriage is a sacred union that is worth tending to. Sure, your kids are not privy to the details of your sexual intimacy, but they pay close attention to how you interact and how you show respect and affection. They get things that we don’t think they get. •You can send in your QUESTIONS and the Holy Spirit will be set to give you the ANSWERS. Barr. (Mrs.) Favour Tioluwani Tel: 08050272259 or 07062738213. Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

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From the Pulpit 35

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Prompt response to His high and heavenly calling (2) MOMENT OF MIRACLES with Pastor W.F

Kumuyi Continued next week

hus, to achieve his goal, he recognised the need to labour and partner with the wise, hardworking, faithful, courageous, noble, zealous, passionate, single-minded and purposeful people. We must watch the kind of company we keep. When we live and relate with champions and nobles, our thoughts, ideas and thinking will become noble. But those who enjoy walking with lazy, indolent, ignorant, unfaithful, careless, carefree and scorners who are resistant to God’s word cannot be committed to getting His work done. Through commitment, Nehemiah and his brethren repaired the gates and built the walls of Jerusalem. There is still a gate for us to repair today. This gate refers to the church and the congregation of God’s people. The house of God is the gate of heaven, a place where believers are prepared for heaven. It is necessary for us to take a cue from Nehemiah and start building our gates today. In building the gates of salvation, repentance, righteousness and life eternal, we must learn from their cooperation, coordination and concentration until they finished the task. It is only people of praise, power and purity that can build for God’s glory. Nehemiah and his brethren repaired those gates and restored them to their original state, security, height, beauty and glory. They also fortified

the walls. We need to rise and build our personal lives, faith, family, church and ministry the Lord has given us. 1. God-given responsibility demanding the saint’s consecration Nehemiah 3:1-6,8,9,12; Jeremiah 45:5; John 3:30; Philippians 3:13; Nehemiah 2:20; 4:19-23. Nehemiah had a great responsibility which he concentrated on. He divided Jerusalem into two for easy completion of the work. The people did not question his action because they believed he was led by God and did everything for their interest. Believers should avoid arguing on non-essentials and concentrate on the work the Lord has given them to do. There are seven lessons we need to learn from Nehemiah: (1) Devotion to the Lord. Nehemiah recognised that his devotion was to God, not to any man or himself. He knew his calling was from the Lord. Hence, he gave the work adequate concentration to get it done. We should be devoted to building the gate of ministry, righteousness and purity. Devotion to the Lord entails that we do everything to His glory. (2) Decision and directives by Leadership. The portion for each worker was assigned, recorded and supervised by Nehemiah and leaders delegated by him. Each section was built according to the same standard and specification to meet the expectation of a perfect piece. Nehemiah had the whole picture of the work in his mind. There is a global picture of God’s work. Leaders should help believers who are engaged in different sections to bring the work to global perfection and limit. We should give the leadership the liberty and freedom to give direction and take decision. (3) Division of Labour. The priests, Levites, rulers, merchants, tradesmen, families all took their share in this glorious work. Selfishness has made some believers to be too over-protective. They don’t want anybody to interfere with their area of work in the ministry. This kind of attitude is detrimental to getting the task of the great commission done. We should be concerned about the eternal destiny of sinners and collectively carry the message of hope to

them. Division of labour with the spirit of unity helped Nehemiah and his brethren to get the task done. Everyone was happy when the different sections were making progress in the work. There was no rivalry or dispute among people working in the different sections. (4) Dedication to their Lot. Concentration is an important principle in Christian work. The greatest results were achieved because God’s people continued to expend all their energy towards the divinely assigned work. It is of greater consequence to do one thing well than to do many things indifferently. A man of one Book, one goal, one ministry and one pursuit will succeed. (5) Demonstration of Loyalty. No man is omnipresent. Although Nehemiah was not everywhere at the same time, through loyalty from the people they were able to face their enemies squarely. Through loyalty, they expressed their purpose to build the wall and they proceeded immediately to carry out the resolution to build the fallen capital to restore the lost glory. (6) Discernment by the Leadership. There was discernment on the part of the leadership to enlist those who had the mind to work. Although Nehemiah was new in town, he was able to recognize those with contrary spirit. We must have Nehemiah’s kind of discernment so that we don’t commit the work of God in the hands of people with contrary spirit. The labour of the hand is not acceptable when not accompanied with the circumcision of the heart. To take part in God’s work, our hearts must be circumcised. (7) Devotion of the Leader. As a leader, Nehemiah was dedicated and devoted to the work. He did not abdicate his office or responsibility: he was constantly available until the work was completed. He was an exemplary leader who laboured with the people. 2. Glorious restoration through sustained concentration Nehemiah 3:16-32; Judges 8:4; Acts 14:21,22; 26:19-22; Revelation 2:25,26. Nehemiah and his people had a mind to work. And through sustained concentration, they were able to finish it. When the work of

God is divided for us to be able to finish it within a specified period, we don’t need to argue as sanctified people. Sanctified people are selfless: they do not engage in carnal comparison or judgmental spirit. Like Nehemiah and his people, we must make ourselves available and continue with the work of God until it is finished. This is not the time for relaxation and recess in doing God’s work. Leaving the work undone is dangerous. We must reject every form of tiredness, fearfulness, discouragement, disappointment, pressure, conflict, pain or pleasure and continue with the work. The Lord expects us to continue with His work till He comes. 3. Great revelation for our solemn consideration Nehemiah 3:1; 13:4-9; Jude 1:3. Christ’s warning that the first shall be last and the last shall be first calls for solemn consideration. The departure of Eliashib, the priest, from the faith and going into alliance with Tobiah towards the end of his life and ministry should be given a serious thought by every believer. He used his privilege as one having the oversight of the chamber of the house of God to make a place for the enemy in God’s house. As believers, we should be watchful so that we will not abandon Christ and His word, and team up with the anti-christs and false prophets in the latter part of our lives and ministry. It is dangerous when believers compromise or shift ground to suit their selfish interest. We must not enlist people with contrary spirit into God’s work. We must uphold the same standard of teaching and preach the same message of salvation to sinners. We must “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”. And with unity, concentration, agreement and cooperation among us, we will be able to finish well and get rewarded both now and in eternity. Continued from next week

Restoring your lost inheritance

here are many people living in this world with a mere shadow of their originals because they have lost out their real beings to the devil. Their inheritance has been stolen by the arch-foe, the devil. The devil has three cardinal agendas against the body of Christ, which are to steal, kill and destroy. The devil is a thief. He is not just an ordinary thief but an experienced one. However, when the devil comes to steal, he does not steal the most invaluable and perhaps the precious material in the house, what he steals is your inheritance. The devil is not after perishable things but he is only after your inheritance. Your inheritance connotes your health, your wealth, your prosperity, your finances, your children, your peace, your promotion and everything other good things in this life. These things are the targets of the devil. His stealing search light is always on them. Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob’s tents, and have mercy on his dwelling places; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. Jeremiah 30:18 Therefore, restoration in this context means the return of all the blessings that have been marked for you by the Lord Jesus but which have been stolen by the enemy. Restoration is the return of the original. It is bringing back what has been stolen. In this season, God has promised

to reinstate you in your lost glory. He is set to re-establish you on the path of destiny. God wants to refurbish you so that you can shine again even as never before. God is out to repair you back to your genuine status if (perhaps) the devil has damaged your life. There is no better yesterday in the season of restoration as each passing day provides opportunity for laughter. Restoration births celebration. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10 Restoration, as seen in one of the passages above (Jeremiah 30:18a), is a function of grace. The word ‘mercy’ used in the above Bible passage means grace. It implies therefore that, grace is the only God’s ordained vehicle that delivers restoration to your hand. The first step into enjoying restoration is to get closer to the giver of grace, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:8). Jesus came to restore that which was lost and it is only those who come to Him that enjoy restoration (Mathew 11:28-30). The experience of The Sons of the Prophets in 2 Kings 6: 1-7 further explains what restoration means. In an attempt to improve on their living conditions and expand their dwelling place, the sons of the prophets under Elisha’s prophetic tutelage went with a borrowed axe head to cut wood. However, it was unfortunate for them that they met their waterloo as the axe head (the iron part) they borrowed fell into water, signifying a seemingly hopeless situation. But

Opayinka

with the power of God, they were able to recover it through the prayer of the man of God. The devil was responsible for the loss of this axe head. He wanted them to use wood to cut wood. He wanted to increase their suffering and make them to sweat unnecessarily. But, Elisha’s prayer was not for replacement of another axe head, rather it restored back the actual axe head that fell into the water. That is what restoration does. There are many people that have lost the iron part of their lives. They seem to have lost the actual contents that make them human. They fight the battle of life with the arm of flesh which in turn complicates their problems. They

have lost the iron part of their spiritual life, the iron part of their trades, the iron part of their marriage, the iron part of their vocations and even their careers, so that they have been reduced to empty shafts. But, I declared today as the Oracle of the Most High, that your original will be restored back to you, in the name of Jesus (Amen). There are other instances in the bible where the people of God enjoyed restorations: Naaman enjoyed the restoration of his health through the intervention of the servant of God (2Kings 5:1-14). The Shunammite Woman also enjoyed the restoration of the life of her child through the power of God (2king 4:34-36). The same way that God did it for those people, He will also do it for you if you rely on Him. It should be noted that, there is no partial restoration. Restoration is always in full. God only sponsors total restoration and that is what you should trust God for. The Lord has promised us that we shall recover all as soon as we engage the enemy to get back what belongs to us (1 Samuel 30: 7-8). Pursue them. Go after them. Satanic thief must restore back all they have stolen from you. Be active in prayer. Be alert in the spirit. Be ready to obey God. Bishop Joshua K. Opayinka Glorious Tabernacle International, Behind Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State. 08060297831 glorioustabernacle@gmail.com

From the Pulpit

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Receiving the full reward

s another year draws to a close, it is time to take stock of what we have done and what we failed to do. We started the year with enthusiastic ambitious resolutions, goals and aspirations. It is time to evaluate how we have fared. So many waters have gone under the bridge of our lives. Whether we look back with trepidations and regrets would depend on what we invested during the course of the year. I want to join my voice with the Apostle John who postulated: “Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that we may receive the full reward” (2 John 1:8).

Many people have lost their rewards for what they laboured for and earned. There is an expanding list of athletes who were stripped of their rewards stemming from doping and drug testing and other infractions of the rules of the sport. At least two athletes were stripped of their bronze medals because they angrily hurled their bronze medals to the ground and stormed of the stage during the Awards ceremony! The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has done so many of these stripping of medals. The most notably guilty party seems to be Marion Jones of USA in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia who was stripped of three gold medals and two bronze medals in Women’s 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100 meters relay, 4x400 meters relay, and Women long jump. She admitted to use of steroid. She was also disqualified from her four medals in 2001 for World championships and Goodwill games in 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay. Seven years after winning five Olympic medals, and receiving multimillion dollar endorsements deals, Marion Jones was broke and heavily in debt.

hen you give the devil attention, he will give you direction. There is no free gift in life; any free gift has a hidden agen-

da. There is no success without sacrifice. You must be awake when others are asleep if you want to get to the top. Deut 31:6 -8 Every truth twisted or trampled upon can only grow stronger by time. It is sweat plus sacrifice that equals success. •Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out, Deut 31:23. Remember that your life is your message to the world, make it inspiring. •Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful in life. 1. You must be strong 2. You must be courageous 3. You must be fearless 4. You must be lover of God and his words. Service is not coming to the church on Sunday and other days of worship, but on active involvement in the advancement and promotion of God’s affairs with the gifts God has given to you. Faithfulness is a major ingredient for kingdom service. Service promotes and brings honour. Until you stand up for God you cannot stand out in life. Those who seek God for bread and butter will end up becoming bitter. Those who serve God for who He is will become better.

Another person is Lance Edward Armstrong stripped of his Olympic cycling medal also in 2000 Summer Olympics and of all his seven consecutive Tourde-France road racing cycling winnings from 1999-2005; all for doping! United States Anti-Doping Agency named him as the ringleader of “the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen.” He received a lifetime ban from competing in all sports! He was stripped of all his achievements obtained after 1998. After his fall from grace, a CNN article writes: “The epic downfall of cycling’s star, once an idolized icon of millions around the globe, stands out in the history of professional sports.” [CNN.com, October 22, 2012]. God is the ultimate Rewarder! Remember that! God rewards “those who diligently seek Him” (Heb 11:6). You do not have to fret, God will reward you, no matter what people do or say! He is too faithful to forget His own (Heb 6:10). God may not pay at the end of the day. God may not pay at the end of the week. God may not pay at the end of the month. But at the end, He pays! The Apostle insists: “Look to yourself ” (2 John 1:8); “Keep yourself ” (I John 5:21). Jesus concurs: “watch yourself ” (Mark 13:9). Paul taught: “let a man examine himself ” (1 Cor 11:28). “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith. Prove your own selves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Cor 13:5). How do you watch? I look to myself; you look to yourself. We watch for each other. One person can mess things up for all others. All team members because of one member’s infraction lose competitions medals! Let us look out for one another. Look to yourselves lest you lose what you have worked, laboured, and even suffered for. Paul chides: “Have you suffered so many things in vain? (Gal 3:4).

The Christian journey is an endurance race and we need much patience to make it from day to day and from year to year (Heb 10:35-36; Rom 15:4-5). Jesus warns: “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19). The crux of the matter is this: be careful so that after your have served God, you will not end up receiving “no” reward or “partial” reward, but rather the “full” reward! The Bible is replete with those who ended up with no reward; their works were burnt! Reuben lost his firstborn heritage and preeminence for sleeping with his father’s wife (Gen 35:22). Esau lost full reward for bread and a pot of lentils stew because he “despised his birthright” (Gen 25:34). In the Israelite economy, the firstborn inherited two-third of the father’s belongings, while all the other children (no matter their number) had to share the remaining one-third among themselves. The firstborn was also the priest of the family. Reuben and Esau lost so much and they could not get it back even with tears (Heb 12:16-17). That will not be your portion in Jesus’ name. Amen. Prophet Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, lost the opportunity of inheriting from Elisha what Elisha inherited from his mentor, Prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2). Why? Gehazi coveted the gifts brought by their spiritual client, General Naaman of Syria, against the command of Elisha. Gehazi lied! Consequently, Gehazi had to content himself with the leprosy that Naaman was healed from. Gehazi passed leprosy on as inheritance to his descendants forever (2 Kings 5). That is the reward of greed! Demas had been a faithful co-labourer with Paul and other spiritual giants in the early church, suffering the reproach of the gospel (Col 4:14; Philemon 1:24). Unfortunately, Demas failed to receive his full reward. “For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world,” testified Paul (2 Tim 4:10). Similarly, despite all the

suffering of General Joab with fugitive David, military escapades with him, and utmost loyalty to the Davidic dynasty, Joab was executed upon David’s instruction for assassination and plot (1 Kings 2:1-6, 28-34). Some people got only partial reward for their labour. That was the case with Samson who perished with the Philistines and Gideon who also had the legacy of idolatry in spite of his great deliverances (Judges 16). Lot lost all his belongings and his married daughters in the Sodom and Gomorrah inferno. Furthermore, his wife became a pillar of salt while his virgin daughter got him drunk and produced incestuous offsprings thereby (Gen 19). Indulgent Prophet Eli and his recalcitrant sons died on the same day in battle (1 Sam 4:12-18). The partial performing King Joash of Israel could not get the full reward of victory over his enemy Syria (2 Kings 13:14-19). May your portion be like those who received the full reward. Some of them are listed in the “hall of faith” in Hebrew 11. Not to mention Ruth, Esther, Nehemiah, and Patriarch Job. May you receive the full reward in your family, relationships, education, profession, spiritual walk, mission, and all aspects of your life. The end of a thing is more important than the beginning. “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls” (1 Cor 10:12). Standing is just one step removed from falling! Cankerworm, evil bird, and evil wind would not destroy your harvest in Jesus’ name. God shall deliver you from pre-mature harvest and non-thriving harvest. You shall receive the full reward. Amen. Tunde Ojewole, PhD, is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. Get your copy of the newly released book: GOD’S FOOTPRINTS. For enquiries, contact: ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng or call/SMS 08058299434/08060376577

Your pathway to successful life - LK 12:15-21, JOSHUA 1:5-8 Prophet Lai Bamidele, General Overseer of Christ Glorious Endtime Evangelical Ministry, Abule-Egba, Lagos, in this exhortation, teaches on Your pathway to successful life. Excerpts: John 6:26-28. Stop serving God conditionally, ‘movementally’, occasionally, temporarily. Serve him continually and eternally. Are you a commentator, a speck inspector, a septic, a critic Ps 1:1-13. Commitment is not just doing a thing but caring about what you do and how you do it. Ps 92 :13-14 Kingdom service simply means using your divine endowment in promoting God’s kingdom on earth. Commitment means to be sold out in service to God; it is your commitment to the things of God that determines how distinguished you will become in life. 1. Obedience to God – John 14:15; you cannot keep his commandments without obeying him. 2. You must make yourself available and be punctual. You must arrange your schedule and priorities to make God first. You are committed if you don’t choose

when to come for service and meetings, but when stipulated. 3. You must be enthusiastic, express your commitment with joy concerning any service in God’s house, until you are exited you cannot excel. Ps 122:1 4. We must have love for God. 1 John3:18, 1 John 2:5, 15:16. When you love God you will keep his commandments and serve him with your resources. 5. You must walk with God, learn to choose his ways and not your ways’ Isaiah 55:8. If you come to church and you don’t pay your tithe, you have not chosen the right way. Zach 3:7 6. You must have the fear of God in you. When you choose not to sin, you have chosen the fear of God, which is an indication of your commitment to God. Romans 12:1. You cannot be committed to God and committed to sin, Prov 16:6b. When you make God your commander,

Pastor Bamidele

you will remain in command. When you honour God for who he is, he will make you to be honoured. Rendering acceptable service unto God Kingdom service simply means making useful contribution for the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth. Mal 3;18. There are three types of service: spiritual service, physical service and financial service. •Pastor Moses Alu; The Bride Assembly, Odofin Park Estate, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Ijesha Bus stop 08033524903 : Email: pastormosesalu@yahoo.

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Politics

December 13, 2015

Bayelsa, Kogi polls: Acid test for new look INEC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

vember and Bayelsa in December. To them, earlier delay in the appointment of a substantive Chairman of INEC as well as national commissioners put the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections on a slippery ground. Many also felt that a substantive INEC boss should have been put in place earlier than October but President Buhari had made Mrs. Amina Zakari as the Acting National Chairman of INEC after the retirement of Professor Attahiru Jegah in June. Thus before the new entrant, Mahmood assumed office, a lot of preparation for the two elections were carried out by Zakari-led INEC. Mahmood ’s background as a former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, and being an expert in guerrilla warfare, terrorism and counter-terrorism was too many people not fit enough for the position of INEC Chairman. The new INEC boss and his team were expected to raise the bar because his predecessor in office, Professor Attahiru Jega who conducted the 2011 presidential election won by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and the 2015 presidential poll won by the then opposition All Progressives Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari was believed to have performed creditably well. To many Nigerians therefore, Mahmood and his team ought to build on the exemplary performance of Jega in the 2015 general elections. The innovations introduced by the university teacher such as smart card reader and permanent voters card were considered as some of the ingenuities that contributed to the success of the last general elections. They also expected Mahmood to use the two governorship elections to address the inadequacies noticed in the last polls especially by ensuring that voters ’ registers are ready and card readers are functioning before the polls. Then come the Kogi election and the INEC ’s preparation were find shoddy as there were late arrival of personnel and materials for the election. What caused more controversy was the INEC decision to declare the election inconclusive. This drew wild reactions from Nigerians who felt INEC turned itself to a court of law instead of limiting itself to its role of conducting credible elections. The All Progressives Congress, APC criticised the decision of the INEC to declare the November 21 gubernatorial election in Kogi state inconclusive, a decision that has been rejected by its legal experts The APC said the Returning Officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, erred by not declaring its candidate, late Prince Abubakar Audu, the winner of Saturday poll. “Our preliminary findings revealed that although Kucha said there are 49,953 registered voters in 91 polling units, those actually eligible to vote with Permanent Voter Cards are actually 25,000 ”, the party said.

Odigie-Oyegun

Secondus

THE INNOVATIONS INTRODUCED BY THE UNIVERSITY TEACHER SUCH AS SMART CARD READER AND PERMANENT VOTERS CARD WERE CONSIDERED AS SOME OF THE INGENUITIES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE LAST GENERAL ELECTIONS

“We think that Kucha, being an academic, was not well-guided by the National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Kogi governorship poll, Mrs. Amina Zakari, and the State Resident Electoral Commissioner ’., the party further said. In Bayelsa, there were also reports of late deployment of personnel and materials to various polling units across the entire state. In addition, there were several incidents of failure of the card reader machines to authenticate fingerprints of voters. The cancellation of election in Southern Ijaw local government where elections had taken place and collation of results was expected before cancellation was another failure on the part of INEC. This has caused a protest by thousands of youths and women calling for the release of the result of last Sunday ’s election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. They were angry that the local government was singled out for cancellation when there were reports of alleged malpractices and violence in other councils, including Yenagoa. The youths barricaded major roads in the city, criticising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for annulling the election. They demanded the sack of the Resi-

dent Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Baritor Kpagir, and release of the election results. Despite the observed lapses in the election process in the two states, the INEC has given itself pass mark especially in Kogi state where it said the last governorship election was an improvement on previous exercises conducted in the state. Mr. Nick Dazang, Deputy Director of Publicity in the commission, said that though there were few challenges with regard to card readers ’ performance, security, accreditation and voting processes were successful. He said that there were some minor challenges of the card readers malfunctioning but disclosed that mechanism were immediately deployed to correct them. “There was also an incident in Dekina where a ballot box was snatched even when voting had not started, ” he said “There was also one ward, 27, at Anyigba, where ballot and result sheets were torn, otherwise, I think the election went well, ” he said. Dazang said that the incidence of violence that was anticipated during the polls was not much when compared with the cases in previous elections in the state.

“In the time past we had situations where our staff were abducted, people were killed. “There is no incident of violence at that level; we have not heard about anybody ’s death or abduction. “There is an improvement compared to previous elections in the state which is considered to be volatile, ” he said. Dazang added that efficiency of the card reader was above average on Saturday as the use of incident form was negligible. “There was one particular area in Dekina where our officials were not proficient in the use of card reader and we are investigating what happened. “Otherwise, I think generally, the election went on well; we have technical teams in all the 239 wards and in all the wards, we have ICT staff moved in to troubleshoot any challenges. ” But if INEC said deaths were not recorded in Kogi elections, violence and deaths characterised the Bayelsa governorship election. In its reaction to the performance of INEC in the just concluded election, National Democratic Front, NDF through its National Secretary, Sunnybright Attah, said the group was saddened by the conduct of INEC in all the elections it has conducted so far. He said the group has observed with disdain the inconclusive nature of elections in recent times, a practice that portends injustice and malpractice which has the very potential to take back the nation ’s progressing democracy to the dark ages of rigging and electoral fraud which have nearly been surmounted by the former leadership of the election umpire. He blamed the commission for the current stalemate in Bayelsa where all political parties that participated in the elections are laying claim to, the highest votes cast in southern Ijaw Local Government. According to him, it is unconstitutional for political parties to constitute themselves into electoral umpires by declaring results, stating that such situation has been occasioned by the lacuna created by INEC. The group which feared a case of civil breakdown if the issues of elections are not resolved on time, warned the electoral umpire of the consequences of such reaction from the people from that area which has already been known to be volatile and such should not be provoked into a new regime of unwarranted violence. He also accused INEC of overstepping its limits and acting as a law court in its recent outings while condemning it and describing it as an abuse of the concept of separation of powers. “ Let it be established that it is an abuse of the concept of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, for INEC to abrogate herself the powers of the law court. “It behoves on us as patriotic citizens to defend the constitution irrespective of the actors or how highly placed they are ”, he said. A public affairs analyst, Mr. Sola Olawale in assessing INEC ’s performance in the two elections said it performs below expectations.

Politics

December 13, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa 2015: Intrigues and stalemate OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

t is no longer news that the Bayelsa gubernatorial poll was marred by violence, intimidation, rigging, excessive bribery of electoral officials and security operatives, thuggery and general apathy, what is news is the controversies and intrigues that has trailed the cancellation of election in one of the local governments. As early as Monday morning, residents of the state were in palpable fear and anxiety as the election results of the rescheduled South Ijaw Local Government was been awaited while the results of other local governments released so far show that the People ’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate and incumbent Governor, Seriake Dickson was leading with over 30, 000 votes. Despite the fact that the results for the two other local government areas,namely Nembe and Ogbia were still being expected too, people were much more concerned about the S/Ijaw results for obvious reasons. If the body language of the state Government officials are to be taken into consideration, it seems as if they were aware that the result from Sothern Ijaw Local Government might neutralize those of the other six local government areas , where Governor Dickson has won. The number of voters in the Local Government was officially put at about 120, 000 which is the largest and it is always the last to be announced in all the elections ever held in the state. This is because the local government is surrounded by creeks, rivers and in the midst of the ocean, and so like a jinxed area, success in the area has always translated to success overall at all times. While the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC were optimistic despite trailing by over 30,000 votes in the seven already declared areas, those in the PDP camp were visibly agitated and nervous. The Governor had on Sunday evening addressed the people of the state, hinting on what he calls the antics of the opposition to rig the election via the local government. Some who listened to the programme said that the state ’s number one citizen, was close to tears, while making the allegations. ‘ ’We wondered why he would be in that state, when he was leading by over 20,000 ’ ’. BarikeThomas, a civil servant told newsmen ‘ ’But then when he said the opposition were planning to rig the election, we understood ’ ’, he added. However, earlier on Sunday, the Police at a press briefing by the Police authorities, had insisted that the cancelled Southern Ijaw election will hold that day saying that they were capable of maintaining security in the troubled militant enclave. While confirming the arrest of 10 persons involved in connection with the violence that took place there,

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IT IS A KNOWN FACT THAT PDP HAD PERPETRATED ALL THE VIOLENCE IN THE

SATURDAY GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN

AREAS CONSIDERED TO BE A STRONGHOLD OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS,

APC

TO SCARE ITS TEEMING SUPPORTERS FROM CASTING THEIR VOTES IN THE ELECTION the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Arugugun, who briefed newsmen, said, nobody was killed in the area as reported by some media, while insisting that the police was ready to provide the necessary security for the election to hold. The police boss said it has deployed two commissioners of police, two Brigade commander, five Battalion Commander and deputy commissioner of the NSCDC to Southern Ijaw to ensure safety of lives and property in the area He urged the electorates not to entertain any atom of fear , but should go out and exercise their franchise in today ’s rescheduled poll. On why election could not take place in Southern Ijaw on Saturday, Arurugun blamed the course on logistic problems. He said the command has recovered five AK47 rifles and one barrister pistol from some hoodlums, noting that all the arrest made were in connection with possession of firearms and other electoral violence. But despite the assurance, reports that election materials were yet to get to their destinations as at 2 pm on Sunday, raised questions of how INEC will handle the situation if election spills into the night amidst the fear that

lurks were waiting in the creeks. This fears perhaps prompted some PDP National Chieftains including the National Vice Chairman, South, Mr. Cairo Ojuogbo and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Foster Ogola, to raise an alarm that the opposition, APC, through security agents was doing everything possible to rig the election in favour of the APC candidate. The State Acting Chairman of the Party, King Serena Dokubo-Spiff, who spoke on their behalf, claimed that the opposition APC, has resorted to using federal might to swing the pendulum of the election to favour the APC in the remaining local government area and twenty five units in three local government areas. Dokubo-Spiff also alleged that Sylva had already gone to Abuja to consult with some senior government officials on how to perfect the rigging to give him an edge over Governor Seriake Dickson. The PDP chairman, who narrated how he was gruesomely attacked in his home in Twon-Brass, accused the police of looking the other way when he alerted them of his ordeal which lasted for more than two hours. While saying the PDP would resist

any plot to rig the election, he noted that the state and national working committee of the PDP were irrevocably committed to ensuring that the election was conducted properly. “ We will not accept any irregularity. Enough is enough, ” he warned. This is as the APC in the state through the Slyva/Igiri campaign organization had also called for the cancellation of results from Ekeremor and Sagbama local government areas, following what they described as widespread violence, security breaches and election manipulation that were carried out by Governor Seriake Dickson and the PDP. The Sylva-Igiri Campaign also condemned in very strong terms, the continuous breach of electoral laws by Gov. Dickson when he stormed the Yenagoa LGA Collation Centre on Saturday to threaten APC Collation Agents and did the same when he went to Oporoma the following day. They also described the reasons given by the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, calling for the postponement of rescheduled governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa State as baseless and without any substance. “It is a known fact that PDP had perpetrated all the violence in the Saturday governorship election in areas considered to be a stronghold of the All Progressive Congress, APC to scare its teeming supporters from casting their votes in the election. Having not succeeded in their violent acts and intimidation of the electorate due to the increased presence of security at the rescheduled election in SILGA, the PDP is now crying wolf. The Sylva/Igiri Campaign Organisation is confident that with the pronouncement made by Deputy Inspector General ( DIG) in charge of security in the state for the purpose of the election that there was adequate security to protect men and materials as well as the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to go ahead with the election which has already gone half way there is no need for this call ” The statement read. By Monday morning, the state governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. Seriake Dickson has called for the immediate withdrawal of soldiers deployed to monitor the ongoing governorship election and accused them of colluding with the All Progressives Congress and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to rig election in seven wards in Southern Ijaw local government area. Making the allegation during a live radio interview on Monday in Yenagoa, the governor said in spite of the calls by the stakeholders for postponement of the election as a result of the security challenges, which led to the death of no fewer than five persons, INEC went ahead without addressing the issue. CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Politics

December 13, 2015

Bayelsa 2015: Intrigues and stalemate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 According to the governor, electoral materials meant for the election were distributed late in the night and subsequently hijacked by suspected APC thugs aided by military personnel. He disclosed that some INEC adhoc staff and corps members are still being held hostage for failure to accede to the request of some APC chieftains in the affected wards. Apart from intimidating and harassing eligible voters, members of the leading opposition party hide under the cover of darkness to perpetrate electoral fraud, which includes thumb printing of election materials and filling of the election result sheets. Expressing concern over what he described as undemocratic act and a flagrant violation of the fundamental human rights of law abiding people of the state by the INEC officials and security operatives, Governor Dickson called for timely intervention of the international community to prevail on the Buhari- led Federal government to ensure fairness. According to him, “what the Nigerian government is doing is a coup against democracy and subversion of my authority as governor and even of the peace and security of this state. “If you asked, who is creating this mess, it is the APC- led Federal government deploying for the first time, the military personnel to humiliate and attack people and forcing them to vote midnight. It has never happened anywhere in this country. “The reason for this avoidable mess in Southern Ijaw is because by the calculation of the APC-led government and with tacit support of the military to forcefully hijack some election materials on that Sunday so that they can aid APC to write results without voting ” he submitted. And by mid day on Monday, some youths, bearing placards suggesting that South Ijaw Local Government election should be cancelled attempted to storm the Yenagoa Local Government Headquarters collation centre. They were turned back by stern-looking, heavily –armed soldiers and police men. This was just few hours after the Police has banned public procession after an earlier protest by APC youths and women who had also staged a protest to allow the election continue but asked for the cancellation of the Ekeremor and Sagbama results announced by INEC. An apprehensive PDP also on Monday morning issued a statement in which it stated that an APC chieftain in Amassoma, Abel Opomowe, aka T.O ’s first son, Divam died in an accident, while running away with stolen electoral materials. However, in a swift reaction, the APC through its Campaign ’s Director of Media and Publicity, Nathan Egba refuted the story and advised its supporters to remain calm, while awaiting the results of Southern Ijaw Local Government. But the Deputy Inspector General of Police, drafted to supervise the Bay-

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THE PARTY SAID INEC MUST DECLARE SOUTHERN IJAW RESULTS OR ALSO CANCEL THE RESULTS OF EKEREMOR, SAGBAMA AND YENAGOA, WHICH THEY CLAIMED WERE ALSO MARRED BY EXTREME VIOLENCE AND IRREGULARITIES

elsa State Governorship , Mr. Argungu, on Monday, said that his command received intelligence reports that some people are planning to disrupt the electoral process by organizing protest in order to foment trouble. He warned that nobody is above the law and that anybody found breaking the law would be summarily disciplined. He also expressed displeasure with certain section of the media that have variously reported some killings in some part of the state. He challenged anybody that has a contrary view or evidence to prove him wrong to do so. ‘ ’There are certain code of conducts that guide the way certain professionals conduct theur business. Even the media has its own code of conduct. You people shouldn ’t just report things without investigating or cross -checking your facts. ‘ ’Where are the dead bodies?, show me proof of these supposed killings.

On the order banning public protests and procession, he said.: ” I gave the order because of the security situation. Nigeria is bigger than everybody, regardless of their position. ‘ ’The protest that you witnessed earlier was stage-managed. Can you imagine, even women were part of it?, why bring women into this? ’ ’. On what his command would do if the order is continually flouted, he said his men would tackle the situation according to the dictates of their profession. ‘ ’we shall employ minimum force to ward off any illegal procession. Section 22 (3) of the international Police convention dealing with rules of engagement, instructs us to use minimum force. The laws are there and we shall follow them to the letter ’ ’. He explained. But despite the assurance of the DIG and optimism from the APC, the PDP still carried the day as the election in Southern Ijaw was finally cancelled

by the Bayelsa state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, citing violence and other related electoral offences. The commission announced that a new date will be announced which prompted another swift reaction from the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Chief Timipreye Sylva, who said that such decision was unacceptable, adding that the REC, has no power to cancel an election that has already taking place. Sylva, who addressed a Press Conference immediately after the announcement by the REC, said the APC will rejected the decision of the INEC Resident Commissioner, describing it as a rape of democracy and unacceptable and will probably go to court if there was need to redress the anomalies and reclaim his mandate. While rejecting the decision to cancel the poll, the former governor queried the rationale behind the move to cancel election in places where the APC was leading and allowing electoral malpractices to go on in PDP dominated areas. While the Governor of the State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson applauded the REC ’s decision to cancel the Southern Ijaw results, just as he commended the good people of Bayelsa State for standing up to be counted by protecting their votes so far in the December 5governorship election. Governor Dickson was full of praise for the people for their courage, stressing that, the cancellation of the elections in Southern Ijaw could not have happened without the resilience and courage of Bayelsans in defending democracy and the Ijaw nation. Immediately after the cancellation there was wild jubilation at the government house as the governor and his aides went on dancing till the night while the opposition kicks against the decision. The party said INEC must declare Southern Ijaw results or also cancel the results of Ekeremor, Sagbama and Yenagoa, which they claimed were also marred by extreme violence and irregularities. They also accused the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, of been behind the rigging and bribery of voters and electoral officials in Nenme, Yenagoa, Ogbia local government areas. According to Sylva, at a press conference, the former President has expressed fear that he will be dead politically if he (Sylva) and the APC, win the election in Bayelsa, and thus had released huge amount of money to induce voters. What will happen next as the World waits on the INEC to conclude an election that has taken them months to organize, is better imagine as the APC supporters have vowed to resist any attempt to declare Dickson winner of the election, while the PDP on its own is rejoicing though with bated breath as they await the final verdict the electoral umpire.

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STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU December 13, 2015

Perfect murder:

Wife kills husband, then kept him in plastic for 18 years A

wife is believed to have killed her husband, wrapped his body in plastic in their garden and kept it secret for 18 years. The mystery skeleton found in plastic sheets in a quiet village have been identified as missing husband John Sabine last seen in 1997. His body was found last month just three weeks after his own wife Leigh Ann Sabine died aged 74 from cancer. Detectives investigating the grim discovery say his wife is the ‘main suspect ’ in their probe. Mrs Sabine had carried on living in the same apartment block in Beddau, near Pontypridd, South Wales, since her husband was last seen in 1997. His body was found in plastic wrapping in the street called Trem-Y-Cwm three weeks after her death. Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Morgan said: ‘This is an extraordinary set of circumstances and we are working tirelessly to put together the pieces of what is a complex investigation. ’ Police say John Sabine, understood to have been a local fireman would now have been 85 years of age. Mr Sabine was never reported as a missing person despite not being seen for 18 years - and was still listed on the electoral register as living at the same house. Police later revealed the couple had ‘estranged children ’ who did not list Mr Sabine as being missing. A spokesman said: ‘Their estranged children have been located and informed. Mr Sabine was not reporteed as being missing. The circumstances of where the body was concealed is part of the ongoing investigation. ’ A police spokesman said: ‘He is believed to have moved to Trem-Y-Cwm with his wife Leigh Ann Sabine in February 1997. ‘DNA evidence has confirmed the identity of Mr Sabine, who was last seen in 1997. ‘Mrs Sabine passed away on 30th October 2015 and is currently the main suspect in this investigation. ’ A post-mortem examination established John Sabine had injuries consistent with an assault. Neighbours are believed to have found the human remains in grounds at the apartment block. DCI Morgan said: ‘We would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew John and Leigh Sabine and who may have socialised with them or met them back in 1996-1997. ‘We would also appeal directly to the community in and around Trem-Y-Cwm to contact us with any information they

...body was only found after she died …Police still investigating

Leigh Ann Sabine, who in October, is believed to have killed her husband before hiding his body in the garden

Police were seen searching in the back garden in the centre of his photo, which has a shed in it

Locals were shocked by the development, which led to the police announcing the body has been found

may have in relation to the plastic wrapping that Mr Sabine was concealed in. ’ Police confirmed the body was lying above ground but was wrapped in plastic sheeting. Neighbour Violet Scott, 75, said: ‘It is a complete mystery but I cannot believe the body has been there for all these years. ’ Ms Scott added: ‘Leigh was a very talkative and outgoing woman but it is hard to comprehend what has happened. ‘I didn ’t know her husband but I know he was a fireman and we all thought he died a dozen or so years ago. ‘It could be that she kept his body in her home and then decided to move it when she knew her own end was close. ‘It was found on ground between two of the flats next to her home. I can ’t believe it has been there for all these years. ‘Leigh could be very straightforward

but it is difficult to think she could have killed someone. She had another man living for for a few years but he left - I don ’t know what happened to him. ‘I asked Leigh if she would ever go back to New Zealand. But she told me: ‘No - I could never leave here. ’ Police confirmed Mrs Sabine died of cancer and her death was not being investigated by the coroner. Her funeral has already taken place. A local hairdresser, who asked not to be named, told MailOnline: ‘We couldn ’t believe the police announcement. ‘We all knew her. She would come in here and even used to bring us presents at Christmas. We called her “Mad Leigh ” because she had her funny ways. ‘She had a heart of gold though. She is the last person you would expect to be accused of something like this. ‘We knew she had had a husband, and

John Sabine went missing in 1997

that they were separated. We thought that he had gone away. ‘We found out she was ill and sent her a message to the hospital she was at telling her we were all thinking of her. The next day we were told she had died. ’ Another neighbour added: ‘I ’ve never been into her home or had her to visit me but I saw her in the street and said hello. She was always saying “hello darling ”, like some people talk. ‘I knew that she had come here from Australia or New Zealand. I didn ’t know her husband as I moved in after he was gone. ’ Local resident Sharon Rowlands, 42, added: ‘It is terrible to think what has gone on - without any of us knowing. We had no idea there was a dead body there until police arrived. ’ Culled from www.dailymail.co.uk

December 13, 2015

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6 dismissed policemen appeal to IG for reinstatement

ix policemen dismissed from the Ondo State Police Command over alleged extortion have appealed to the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, to reinstate them, claiming that they were framed. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos on Saturday on their trial before dismissal, the team leader, Insp. Ogun-

borode Oluremi, claimed they were innocent and urged Arase to take a second look at their case. Oluremi listed the affected policemen as Insp. Ogunborode Oluremi (team leader), Sgt. Osho Akindayo, Cpl. Adesina Olarewaju, Cpl. Simon Osademe, Cpl. Gabriel Adejoro and Cpl. Oluwamunewa Tope. Narrating the circumstances of the case, Ogun-

borode said the team was on bank patrol in the Akure metropolis, when they were summoned to appear before the Ondo Command ’s Police Provost for allegedly extorting money from one Mohammed Isah. “As I speak with you, the person in question and my team have never met face to face. We are shocked that we were dismissed for doing nothing. We were

dismissed on July 4 and detained for four months in the cell. “We were dismissed after two days of Orderly Room Trial. The Commissioner of Police, then in Ondo State, CP Isaac Eke, approved the dismissal of five of my colleagues, while AIG Helen Adeyemi of Zone 11 approved my dismissal as an Inspector, ’ ’ he said.

The Inspector said the team was attached to the Area Command, Akure, when the incident happened on July 3, 2015. He added that time had proved their innocence, as the fellow who made the complaint against them was later arrested in Lagos over a similar incident. Ogunborode said he was unhappy with the way the matter was handled by officers of the Ondo Command, including DC Isola Dambaruba, who was in charge of Operations, Alhassan Mamuda, DC Administration and Anthony Omeh, a CSP. He claimed that the

above-mentioned senior officers never believed in the team, even when it was clear then that the complainant was lying. The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the arrest of the complainant in Lagos for attempting to implicate some policemen in Lagos, just as he had done in Akure. Owoseni said intelligence reports had showed that the man was a fraudster. He said Mohammed Isah was specialised in lying against policemen, with a view to defrauding the Force.

We are committed to pensioners ’ welfare –OGSG

Pensioners at the 14th Pensioners Day celebration in Abuja on Friday.ww

FG appeals to GIS interns over backlog of stipends WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

he Federal Ministry of Finance has appealed to outgoing participants of the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) who have been owed backlog of their monthly stipends to exercise more patience as their payment would soon commence. This appeal was made yesterday at the beginning of a three day exit training

workshop for participants of the GIS held at the Maidugu Guest Palace Hotel Gombe. Victoria Gyang, an Assistant Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Finance who represented the Project Director of the GIS, Peter Papka, stated during an interview that though there have been some issues with some of the interns, all arrangements have been concluded to start the payment of all

stipends owed the interns. She stated that the Career Development and Entrepreneurship skills Training for the interns in the State is intended to engage them in a review of their past one year experiences, assess their progress and plan for their entry into their planned business or career. According to her, the training is also expected to among others help them develop an action

plan that will guide them in their next few years of life to be productive in all their endeavours. She explained that the GIS has been one of the Federal Government ’s success stories in reducing graduate unemployment, as such, many Nigerians are already clamouring for the sustenance of the scheme beyond 2015 by developing a National Policy to guide its implementation.

he Ogun State Government has stated that it does not owe pensioners in the state any arrears of their monthly pensions. Reacting to claims in some sections of the media that the state government was owing the pensioners, the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Oshinowo said “The Senator Ibikunle Amosunled administration takes the welfare of senior citizens and pensioners very seriously and does not owe them any arrears of their monthly pensions. ” He added that “as at Friday, December 11, the Ogun State government had paid up the monthly pensions of all retirees. ” Beyond this, the Finance Commissioner said although the Senator Ibi-

kunle Amosun administration inherited a backlog of unpaid gratuities from the previous administration, it has so far reduced this backlog. “We are making efforts to fully pay the backlog within available resources. Unfortunately, due to the current economic crisis, we have had to prioritise the regular payment of monthly pensions for our senior citizens while we ensure that the backlogs are paid in accordance with the cash flow situation of the state, ” Oshinowo said. The Ogun State government further assured that it is deeply committed to the welfare of Pensioners and would do everything within its powers to ensure their comfort and well being.

Jigawa plans ying school to make Dutse Airport viable

ov. Mohammed Abubakar of Jigawa on Saturday said that his administration would partner with investors to establish a flying training school in Dutse. He told the News Agen-

cy of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the step was part of several measures adopted to enhance the economic viability of Dutse International Airport. He said that the state government had approached various inves-

tors in the aviation sector to establish a flying school in Dutse. This, he said, was part of measures initiated by his administration to ensure effective utilisation of the airport for the benefit of the people of the

state. “We have been discussing on how best to utilise the airport. “The state government is approaching investors who plan to have a flying school in Nigeria with a view to using our airport

for training and build the school around the airport. “We are also looking at the option of hanger development as well, to fix aeroplanes. We have already approached a lot companies around the

globe, ’ ’ he said. Abubakar added that government was also inviting commercial farmers to set up green houses and cold rooms around the airport to stimulate export of perishable produce from the state.

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‘Religious organisations can bail out the economy’ Sunday December 13, 2015

Prophet Segun Adewunmi is the National President, Nigeria Cassava Growers Association. In this interview with journalists, he speaks about the role of Cassava Farming as a big revenue generator in Nigeria’s economic development. What are the steps you would like to see the new minister of agriculture implement immediately to drive the sector forward? First, on behalf of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association and the farmers in Nigeria, we commend the President Muhammadu Buhari for taking his time to find the round peg fit for the round hole in the agric sector with the appointment of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a seasoned and active farmer as Minister of Agriculture. We also, congratulate the new minister as we are of the firm belief that his appointment will bring more good tidings as already begun in the agric sector by the immediate past minister, who is now the president of Africa Development Bank, AfDB, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina. As an association, we have penciled down some recommendations for consideration of the minister, and as you know, he has just resumed office and we want to give him time to acclimatise before going to him with our position and agenda for the sector. At the moment, he is being briefed on what is on the ground and I’m sure the officials of the ministry must have mentioned us (NCGA) to him in their briefing because we played active key roles in the last administration. Before now, the farmers’ leadership did not have enough understanding of the operations of the sector like a profession, but today all those have changed because we now have real farmers at the helm of the affairs of the association. What is your take on the Agricultural Transformation Agenda looking back at the activities of the last administration? I will say that the last administration got it right because there was a round peg in the round hole, when the right man, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina was assigned the job. We are happy today he has transcended to the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), a continental development finance institution established to contribute to the socio economic development of African countries as president. It is not an over statement to say that Dr Adesina as the erstwhile minister of agriculture, laid a very good foundation for the Nigerian Agric sector and I believe the new government under President Buhari and the new minister, Chief Ogbeh, both of whom are active farmers of repute will consolidate on the foundation and move the sector to a greater height, making it a money spinning sector as obtainable in other climes of the world. For the first time, under Dr. Adesina’s administration, the farmers were incorporated into national policy making in the agricultural sector. He did not only revolutionize the sector but also restored the dignity of Nigerian farmers, bringing them to the limelight and to the attention of government, where previously it had been a master-servant relationship. For instance, I’m a member of the High Qual-

Adewunmi

ity Cassava Initiative/Oversight Committee, so also, are the leaders of Cassava Processors and the Master Bakers. That singular action made it impossible for the farmers in Nigeria to criticise government policies the process of which they were part of. Again, by that singular act, the Nigerian farmers were brought together to tinker and synergise together for the good of the sector as well as the welfare of the members of the farmers’ associations. This gave us insight into how the government was thinking and how they often arrived at policy formulation and implementation. I must admit here also that Adesina fought a serious battle as he was checkmated by the system when he brought his reforms. We all know that Nigeria is not an ideal society. For anyone who has worked in other parts of the world to succeed that much in Nigeria is a miracle. We definitely do not have enough cassava bread on our table today; we cannot also ascertain the quantity of cassava flour sold directly by HQCF producers to the master bakers for production of bread. But the foundation for the targeted 20 per cent inclusion is already laid.

There have been calls for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and revenue generation platform to other sources, particularly into the agricultural sector with respect to cassava farming. What is your opinion about this? Cassava has five major Industrial products, namely ethanol, industrial starch, cassava flour, glucose syrup and sweetener. Each of the above is a raw material to numerous utility products with limitless domestic export market potential. This is to say, cassava can trigger massive industrial revolution that will employ millions of nige-

rians in farming and industry. Nigeria has over 84 million hectares of arable land out of which, if only additional five million is devoted to the cultivation of cassava, we shall have additional 200 million metric tonnes yearly. This will give us 50 million metric tonnes of industrial starch, which is presently sold for N180,000 per tonne. This translates to N9 trillion in one year. The above can be achieved within four years. I am happy to tell you that our association has started the process. We have requested for and got 6,000 hectares of land for ethanol production from many states. We are starting with Ekiti State where Governor Ayodele Fayose has kindly and graciously granted 6,000 hectares of farmland to NCGA for cultivation of cassava for the production of ethanol. The only constraint is Agricultural Land Development programme, which is part of the dream of the current Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe expressed several years ago when he was the Chairman of PDP. If we have contiguous farmland demarcated into 10 hectare blocks and allocated to farmers across the country under keen supervision of competent Extension Officers, we shall begin to reap 40MT and above from a hectare of farmland as against 10MT that our small holder famers get at present. This is how cassava products can penetrate the international market.

Many pundits are of the opinion that it will be business as usual, more paper work and less implementation. Do you think the current administration will get it right, particularly making agriculture the next biggest revenue source for the country? Let me state clearly here that this government came into existence as an answer to the prayer of the Nigerian people. This is evident in the manner of choice of those saddled with the responsibility for the much desired change. For example the choice of Raji Fashola to handle three important ministries is reminiscent of that of Joseph who was appointed by Pharaoh to manage the economy of Egypt. Raji Fashola has interpreted the dream of the statesman “Muhammadu Buhari” in turning Lagos State around; let him do it for the entire nation. We cannot but pay the incessant tribute to Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his wonderful power of identifying talents. We have spoken about the new Minister for Agriculture as the best choice that can actualize the dream of Nigeria in Agricultural sector. We already know the destination; we are just waiting for the event to unfold. The Angel of God is actually partnering with Muhammadu Buhari to take us to the next level. What has been your achievement so far as president of the NCGA? Our association is the only farmers’ body in

Nigeria that has befitting offices equipped with modern furniture and other office needs. We also have modern guest houses in Abuja and Akure Ondo State. We have landed properties including a house next to the office of the deputy governor of Kogi State in Lokoja. We have over 20 utility vehicles used for tracking farms. We have over 100 graduate extension staff equipped with GPS and laptops who ensure that every cassava farm especially for HQCF is tracked and recorded in our database. We have just made arrangements to float a Cassava Development Microfinance Bank. Our new HMA will be requested to declare it open in February 2016. All beneficiaries of loan and grant are listed with their full identities in our website (www.ncgaonline.org) and can be reached on phone for confirmation. We have strong administrative structure from ward to the national level. All the above were achieved within three years of our administration. The credit does not belong to me as a person but the entire national and state executives because it was as a result of team work.

How do you create a balance in between your tasking schedules of managing the Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria, the Ministry (Church), and your farming business? I see the cassava project campaign as part of my church ministry assignment. Firstly, we must acknowledge that the only thing that God did personally and practically was inspection of the Garden of Eden. It is therefore relevant for a man of God like me to farm. Point number two is that today in Nigeria there are too many pastors that have become parasites on the economy a situation that is not good for the country. Most of our professionally qualified medical doctors, engineers, accountants and people in other professions are no longer creating wealth. Realising that Paul the Apostle was also a tent maker, we should work and encourage our followers to also work and not see the church as a place for 419 miracles. I must commend our senior colleagues in the church ministry whose academic background show why they are creating opportunities in educational sectors by building good universities. Unfortunately, the need to maintain good standard for their school made most of the universities unaffordable for the ordinary church members. Agriculture now creates a good opportunity for these church leaders to put millions of Nigerians on good jobs in farming and industry. Religious organisations alone can bail Nigeria out of her economic challenges. Thirdly, we pastors must demonstrate what we preach especially why and how to prosper in what we do. We got into Cassava Growers Association less than four years ago. I met the total assets of 14 plastic chairs the financial worth of which was less than N10,000. Today we have assets of over N500 million and population of over 1.5 million. Believers are people created to make impact, as the bible says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). It is not difficult to demonstrate as above and prosper.

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Sunday December 13, 2015

Kogi traders protest APC’s decision to pick Bello Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

embers of the Market Men and Women Association of Nigeria, MMWAN, Kabba branch took to the street, protesting the outcome of Kogi State governorship election declared in favour of Mr. Yahaya Bello.

The protesters in their hundreds took to the streets in Kabba complaining of the decision

of APC at national level to jettison the clarion call to allow Audu/Faleke ticket to stand in the just-concluded poll in the state. A lingering political crisis had engulfed the state following the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, APC flag bearer in the November 21 gubernatorial elections, which was declared inconclusive. His running mate, James Faleke, had laid

claim to the ticket but the APC hierarchy chose Bello, the first runner-up in the primaries to replace Audu in the supplementary election, a decision that has not gone down well with the late politician’s supporters. The association, which was led by an 82-year-old woman, Felicia, stated that it was protesting because INEC ‘goofed’ in resolving the gubernato-

rial impasse in favour of Bello and thereby denying Faleke his ‘rights’. Speaking in vernacular, Madam Felicia said that Audu and Faleke visited them on two occasions in the market and convinced them on their programme for the state; a development she said made them vote for the APC at the governorship poll. In his remarks, spokesperson of the men’s

Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army, Bauchi, Brig-Gen Abraham Dusu (right), District Head of Bura, Alhaji Yau Abubakar (2nd right) with soldiers and villagers moving to the scene of handing over cows and rams recovered from rustlers by soldiers at Kyata village in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State, at the weekend.

Farmers begin harvest of organically grown rice Abolaji Adebayo

istory is being made in Emigi, a remote farming village in Katcha Local Government of Niger State, as farmers have begun the harvest of rice produced by using bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides, two critical inputs used in organic farming.

The over 30 hectares farmlands of rain-fed rice were tended by 30 farmers drawn from 10 communities, including Emigi Village with bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides provided by Contec Global Agro Limited in a multistakeholders collaborative scheme involving the Agriculture Graduates Association of Nigeria, AGAN, and the Niger State Fadama Coordination office. The harvest which was officially started on December 5 in Emigi, is consequent upon the remarkable results obtained from using the purely organic inputs with guidance from reputable agronomists and other experts. Niger State Coordina-

tor of AGAN, Mr. Hussaini Iliyasu, who gave a testimonial of the success recorded from using the innovative products, said going back to nature in food production as the alternative means in sustainable food security considering the benefit inherent in it was what mo-

tivated AGAN to demonstrate rice growing using organic/bio-fertiliser in collaboration with Contec Global Agro. He listed some of the benefits to include cost effectiveness, better health for the people and the soil, environmental sustenance, among others.

Citing some of the successes recorded from the use of the products, Iliyasu said, “The farmers’ field day is to bring into limelight the achievements of farmers whose crop was under demonstration plots for analysing the efficacy of bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides.

Healthcare: Foundation tasks Nasarawa on prompt release of funds Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

ealth Reform Foundation of Nigeria, HERFON, yesterday tasked the Nasarawa State government to guarantee the allocation and prompt release of the one per cent consolidated revenue of the federation account for the smooth take-off of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in 2016.

Chairman of the foundation in the state, Suleiman Mohammed, gave the charge during the commemoration of the 2015 Universal Health Coverage, UHC, Day by HERFON in Nigeria. The HERFON chair-

man also urged the state government to prioritise the health sector in the annual fiscal allocations and commit to the fulfilment of the 2001 Abuja Declaration of allocating 15 per cent to the health sector. He said: “The state government should provide the necessary financial and technical resources for the full implementation of the key provisions of the 2014 National Health Act, and reorganise the health system to become more patient-centred. Government should also clearly define the components of the com-

pulsory basic health care package and exemption scheme to ensure that it adequately addresses the health needs of women and children, as well as the poor and vulnerable who often lack access to essential health services.” To this end, Mohammed called on the government to set up mechanisms and strictly adhere to guidelines for governance, management, monitoring and evaluation of the Basic Health Care Fund to ensure ethical and efficient use of the resources for the provision of essential health services in the state as guaranteed in the 2014 National Health Act.

NorthNews 43

group, Bamidele Joloko, said INEC and the APC goofed in their decision to replace the late Audu with Bello. His words: “APC goofed in their decision. What they did was like shaving Faleke’s head in his absence, and such a decision should not have stood in a decent environment. “APC has made a mistake. Whenever there is a lacuna, the best thing to do is to approach the court for interpretation. They didn’t do that, they just turned themselves to judiciary and made a decision based on their interest. “Their interest has continued to hurt the state. For someone who did not partake in the campaign train nor supported the APC dream in the governorship poll to suddenly become the beneficiary is an aberration.” Meanwhile, stakeholders of the APC in Kogi

West senatorial district have rejected the nomination of Bello as the late Prince Audu’s replacement in the polls. This was contained in communiqué signed by Hon Dare Olatunde and made available in Lokoja yesterday. The stakeholders’ meeting in the Kogi West Senatorial axis was conveyed by Hon Buba Jubril in Lokoja, the state capital. They reiterated their loyalty and support for the Faleke/Audu ticket contrary to the APC national secretariat’s imposed Yahaya Bello ticket. The stakeholders resolved that Faleke should continue with his suit against the party over the nomination of Bello. Jubril expressed the belief in a peaceful resolution of the present political logjam in the state branch of the party.

Plateau LG boss kidnapped, killed 2 days after sworn in James Abraham JOS

he people of Jos East local council of Plateau State were yesterday thrown into mourning following the death of Mr Hosea Azi, who only two days ago was sworn in as the chairman of the council by the state Governor, Simon Lalong. It was gathered that the LG boss who was kidnapped yesterday was killed alongside his kidnappers in a tragic motor accident along Keffi- Abuja road as his abductors were escaping with him. A source close to the deceased said he was kidnapped at Miango road, in Kufang, Jos South Local Government Area of the state, and as they escaped with him, their car had an accident near Keffi in Nasarawa State, killing Azi and some of his abductors. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed the development, but added that he was waiting for detailed information from the DPO in charge of the area. Another family source said two of the

suspects, who suffered serious injuries in the accident, confessed to the crime while receiving treatment in an unnamed hospital. The spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis, Capt Ikedichi Iweha, who also confirmed the incident, simply said the deceased died in an accident around Nasarawa State on his way to Abuja. Azi was sworn in as the transition committee chairman of Jos East on Thursday by Governor Lalong after he sacked Mr. Sanda Agwom Daura. The sacked council boss was one of those drafted last July to oversee Jos East LGA after the governor dissolved the 17 council executives in the state. Sources at the Jos East Council headquarters said Daura was a victim of internal wrangling and blackmail by other committee members in the council but Lalong during the swearing-in ceremony of the new council boss yesterday said his sack was in line with the yearnings of the people and the resolution of the House of Assembly as mandated by law.

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December 13, 2015

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Bayelsa poll: Military parades 17 thugs, arms, ammunition OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

he Nigerian Army yesterday said its troops, Operation Safe Conduct, arrested 17 suspected political thugs and recovered arms and

ammunition during the governorship election in Bayelsa State. It will be recalled that military and other security agencies have been receiving a backlash from the state government and the Peoples Democratic

Party, PDP, over the alleged complicity in widespread violence, ballot snatching and hostage taking that characterised the poll in the state. But addressing newsmen yesterday, the military recalled that elec-

tion in Southern Ijaw was shifted to December 6 to enable the tension in the area to calm down, but noted that unfortunately the sudden appearance of one of the candidates fuelled the already charged atmosphere in Oporoma.

Dr. Siji Olajide (left) and other children of Deaconess Mekolani Olajide Adetimehin, during the burial of their other in Ondo State, yesterday.

APC has mismanaged Nigeria ’s economy –Ekweremadu EMMANUEL EZEH ENUGU

eputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday in Enugu accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of poorly handling the nation ’s economy, a situation he said had brought the value of the naira to an all time low. While expressing worry over the poor situation of the country ’s economy, he hinted that businesses may collapse within the next six months. Ekweremadu, who spoke at the meeting of the South-East caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said the ruling APC had shown that it was not a good manager of the economy, stressing

that, “there has been an unchecked downfall in our currency; naira has depreciated to the point of N260 to a dollar; it has never happened in the history of this country ”. This is also as a motion for vote of confidence was passed in him and the members of the South-East Zonal Working Committee of the party. The motion moved by the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chuchu Onyema, was seconded by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Azubuike. The meeting was equally attended by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as well as the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State and several National As-

sembly members. Ekweremadu in his speech, cautioned that if something was not done urgently, the Onitsha and Alaba markets would close down in the next six months because the traders would run out of stock. “So many people are worried over the situation of Nigerians in the hand of the APC; I don ’t know what will happen between now and 2019, ” he stated, adding “unless APC changes their style, Nigerians will be begging PDP to come back. ” On the fight against corruption, Ekweremadu accused the President Muhammadu Buhari administration of adopting a selective approach in its anti-corruption war.

According to him, “The fight against corruption is selective, most of them media orchestrated; we are prepared to join hands with the government to fight corruption but it must be done in a civilised way. Even the international community is no longer taking us seriously. ” He also called on the Buhari government to urgently address all cries of injustice in the country, noting that “there is a lot of complaints in this country and there is no way injustice and peace can co-exist. Government should address complaints no matter where it is coming from. It should be ensured that everybody has a sense of belonging. ”

My mandate comes from Rivers people, says Wike DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that the mandate he has as governor comes directly from the people of the state who trooped out in their numbers to vote for him in the last general elections. He maintained that the

acceptance his administration enjoyed has been further consolidated by the celebrations on the streets of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre local council areas during his regular project inspections. Addressing journalists after inspecting road and school projects in Obio/ Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas, Wike declared that he was

further inspired to deliver on his covenant with the people by their appreciation of his good works. He assured the people that he would never be distracted as he had made a commitment to serve them and ensure that they got the benefits of standing by him. He pledged that he would drive the revival of Port Harcourt city to its logical

conclusion, noting that the old Garden City would reemerge at the end of the urban renewal programme of his administration. He said: “The people are happy. They appreciate what we are doing for them. We want to turn Port Harcourt and its environs around and re-establish the Garden City that will be a pride of the nation. “We will use the dry

Though Olabanji failed to mention the name of the candidate, he nevertheless said it was at the point of appearance of the candidate that the INEC staff in the area made it clear to him (candidate) that his action was a breach of the Electoral Act. Addressing newsmen at its 2 Brigade Headquarters on Otiotio Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, said the troops conducted themselves professionally during the contest on December 5 and 6. He said the briefing was to create awareness in the public on the arrest of political thugs with stolen Permanent Voter Cards and recovery of arms and ammunition during the election. Olabanji said troops were deployed in all local government areas of the state to support the police and secure Independent National Electoral Commission ’s materials and officials as well as to boost the confidence of the civilian populace. The brigade commander said despite the presence of troops and other security agencies, some thugs, armed with dangerous weapons, tried to disrupt the smooth process of the election. He said in Clough Creek military checkpoint in Ekeremor area of the state, three youths were apprehended with suspected 30 PVCs. He said the suspects were duly handed over to the Police for further investigation adding that in Southern Ijaw, the area that has now become contentious, the troops met a highly tensed situation caused by members of contending political parties.

Olabanji said there was also information on the high influx of arms into the communities, particularly in Oporoma, the headquarters of the LGA. His words: “Sporadic gunshots were later heard from Oporoma where it was discovered that unidentified rival gunmen had entered the community in an attempt to storm the INEC collation centre and hijack sensitive materials. “It was as a result of this action that led to the swift response by troops of Operation Safe Conduct to track down the miscreants. “Consequently, there was exchange of fire which led to the arrest of five suspects and recovery of five AK 47 rifles and some ammunition. The suspects were also handed over to the Police. ” The Brigade Commander added, “The military officer in charge of the troops deployed in Oporoma also met the candidate and advised him to leave the area because his personal security could not be guaranteed at that time. ” Similarly, Olabanji said on December 6, along Olugbobiri River, a speed boat conveying nine persons was intercepted carrying five AK 47 rifles and some ammunition. He said the suspects were promptly arrested and handed over to the Police, while the weapons and ammunition were handed over to the Police after the press briefing. He assured the general public of the readiness of the military to act in line with the provision of the Constitution in providing adequate security for lives and property during elections.

season to accomplish the revival programme within the limits of available resources. In Diobu, of the 22 kilometres being reconstructed, we have achieved 17 kilometres. “The remaining aspects of the Diobu roads have reached 70 per cent completion. “The mandate the people freely gave to us will be utilised effectively for their

wellbeing. People came out overwhelmingly and voted for us and we are doing what they want, ” the governor said. The projects inspected by Wike include rehabilitation of Government Girls ’ Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Rumuagholu Road, Nkpolu Road, Obiwali street, Afikpo Street, Njemanze Street and Silverbird-UTC Junction.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday, December 13, 2015

I have never doubted I can score goals –Emenike

PAGE 47

Sport

Wenger: Giroud will always be questioned

KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS SUNDAY DECEMBER 13, 2015

PAGE 46

NFF’s policy on Eaglets: Onigbinde: Give players what they need Adepoju: Give the boys cash Pius Anakali

hirty years ago, Nigeria football hit the limelight when the then Golden Eaglets won the maiden edition of Fifa organised U-17 World Youth Championship in China. Buoyed by the performance, the then military Head of State, General Mohamodu Buhari gave the victors a rousing welcome, gave them N10, 000.00 worth of shares in quoted company, sponsored the team on a trip to watch the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, they were given Houses, scholarships and streets were named after each player in their respective states of origin. Apart from the largesse that came from the federal government, some of the players were even honoured in their home states. Ever since such good showing at the international level often attracts some kind of financial largesse from the U-17 to the senior national sides. Now with so much cash attached to the in football every young lad who can kick the round leather ball and even those who have passed the age bracket of U-14 now want to be part of the team. Weeks back, the Golden Eaglets consoli-

dated its hold in youth competitions winning their fifth World Youth Championship title in far away Chile. Led by ex-international Emmanuel Amuneke, the Golden Eaglets proved that they are indeed, a force to be reckoned with in the world when it comes to underage competition after another Africa co-finalist, Mali by 3-2 to win the title. And as has always be the case, the juniors had scouts running after them. There were reports of Chelsea, Wolfsburg, Manchester City, and even Arsenal showing interest in some of the players. While they were dreaming of a new life in the United Kingdom, USA, Spain and Germany, they were also expectant of the usual government financial reward. But all those dreams may come to naught soon as the Nigeria Football Federation; (NFF) custodian of the game in Nigeria has declared that none of the boys would be given Clearance Certificate by the FA, foreclosing the quick cash rewards come from signing by foreign club. That FA’s argument was that the country that groom the players and must benefit, including their parent from their talent. A proposed Bill to be sent to National Assembly through the National Sports Com-

mission, (NSC) revealed that henceforth no cash incentive would be given to any player under the age of Seventeenth, even though the FA says it will look for other ways to reward them. While parents who see their wards playing in the junior competition see it as an opportunity to help the family does not seem be comfortable with the thinking in the Glasshouse, even as former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde, Kashimawo Laloko and Mutiu Adepoju differ on the issue. Reacting urged Onigbinde simply plead for caution even though he sees nothing wrong with the policy, saying the best approach should on meeting the players need not necessarily cash. He said, “The new policy should be handled with caution especially as it is a national issue. This is country that, even if you bled yourself to death nobody sees you, can be tempted to say give them what you can, but then you can also other things not necessarily money or even house. So, I will give the boys what they need. The FA should work closely with the boys to find out they need. On his part, former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, said while no one can query government policies they also need to understand the prevailing economic hard-

ship in the country means that cash reward will go a long way in ameliorate lot of sufferings, especially whne you realize that most of these boys are from very poor homes. “The situation in Nigeria needs support, these players deserve cash reward so that they too can assist their parent even though I cannot question government policy, Adepoju said, adding that, the FA and government should understand that most of these players are from very poor background. Lots of them contribute to the upkeep of their family. Most of these boys parent are not rich, he explained further, while urging the FA not to rush out the bill without serious deliberations. Pepsi Academy coordinator, Laloko whose academy contributes regularly to underage teams, simply said, as long as its government policy, he cannot come against. But analysts are of the opinion that the new policy may have negative effect of on underage competitions in the country as both the players and their parent might be discourage from putting their all in the game as they do presently.

Sport

Sunday, December 13, 2015

I have never doubted I can score goals –Emenike

l Ain striker Emmanuel Emenike has said he has never doubted his ability to score goals despite criticisms. And the Fenerbahce loanee said he is looking forward to end the year on a higher note after scoring two goals against Al Shaab in a 4-2 win. The former Spartak Moscow striker has been criticised for going through a rough patch, but seems he has been able to block out the critics to concentrate on his performance and score goals after he returned from injury. “I always believe in what I can do most, I don’t doubt myself and it has always worked for me,” Emenike said. “My last goal at home against Al Ahli has really boosted my spirit and I am building on it with these two goals. “We are playing well every week, it’s a sign of good form and hopefully working towards being champions again. But it’s not all about an individual but everybody in the team.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Knockout with

IFEANYI Eduzor

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

Capo eyes national title, N1.5m jackpot

unday “Capo” Olalekan, the dreadlocked, hard-punching Light welterweight boxer, has declared that he will win the national Light welterweight boxing title at the GOtv Boxing Night on 26 December. He also sees himself winning the N1.5million cash prize for the best boxer of the tournament. Capo will be fighting Stanley “Edo Boy” Eribo at the tournament billed to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The prize was introduced during the first edition of GOtv boxing night in March 2014

and became more attractive when a cash of NI million and the Mojisola Ogunsanya memorial trophy were introduced as accompaniments. GOtv, headline sponsors of the tournament, have added an extra half a million naira for the forthcoming edition. Speaking in Lagos during the week, Capo, who is currently in a training camp, said: “I heard that Eribo has been boasting that he will beat me. He will eat his words when we go into the ring. I have beaten better boxers and I do not see how Eribo can stand between me and the title,” he said.

Emenike

“Every game is important, we need more points before the year runs out, it will enable us to resume with high confi-

dence to continue from where we stopped, and for me, I aim to end it on high and resume with more goals next year.

Bello urges Niger Flickers to win Africa Hockey Club Championship Priscilla Dennis MINNA.

iger state Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has charged the Niger Flickers Hockey Team to make the country proud by winning the Africa Hockey Club Championship in Lusaka, Zambia. In a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bello, Jibrin Baba Ndace, and made available to Sports Writers, said speaking to the players and officials of the team in their camp in Lusaka through phone, the governor admonished them to be worthy

ambassadors of the state and country. Bello commended the doggedness of the team which he said has positioned them over the years as a force to reckon with in the game of hockey not just in Nigeria but Africa at large. He spurred the team to remain focused, disciplined and show the resilience throughout the championship and ensure that they return to the country with the coveted trophy as the African champions. ‘‘I want you to play your best throughout the tournament, concentrate on the reason why you are there. You have done it before and I am sure you do it again, remember you are not only represent Ni-

ger state but the entire Nigeria. ‘‘Let me assure you that all your legitimate dues will always get to you. We are proud of you, the officials with you have said much of your good conduct over there, so keep it up’’, he said. Similarly, chairman Niger State Handball Association, Hon. Mohammed Sani Idris appluaded the support the governor Bello led administration has given the team and promised that the team will do their best not let the state and country down. Hon. Idris said that the camping programme approved by the state governor for the team has assisted them to keep the players in top shape ahead of the tournament.

Ighalo will remain a Hornet –Flores

atford manager, Quique Sanchez Flores expects offers to flood in for his Nigerian charge, Odion Ighalo but insists the striker is happy at the club.

Ighalo has been in superb form for the Hornets this season scoring important goals that has shot the newly-promoted club to the top half of the Barclays Premier League standings.

Flores however believes the impressive forward will not be leaving the club anytime soon. “We know the offers will start coming in for Odion and Watford captain, Troy Deeney but we are confident they will stay.

IAAF President, top athletes for Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

ome of the world’s top marathoners as well as the International Association of Athletics Federation’s President, Lord Sebastian Coe are expected to storm Nigeria ahead of the maiden edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon slated to hold on February 6, 2016. At the world press conference held at the Access Bank Corporate Headquarters on Friday December 11, the organizers reeled out modalities for the marathon which among other things is targeted at reviving a healthy life style among Nigerians whilst showcasing major sights in the city of La-

gos. Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports and Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Ayodeji Tinubu pledged the unwavering support of the government while appreciating the efforts of Access Bank in bankrolling the event. Tinubu revealed that a lot of work has already gone into making the event a success as this will be the first time in a long while that a full marathon would be held in the city and indeed Nigeria. He also stated that the world’s top athletes have already indicated their interest in participating in the 42km race. Executive Director, Personal Banking of Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu announced

that mouth watering cash prizes will be won at the epoch making event, with the winners of both men and women’s events expected to go home with $50,000 each while second and third place finishers will take $40,000 and $30,000 respectively. The top 20 Nigerians will also be rewarded with cash prizes starting from N1 million, while the second and third positions will settle for N750, 000 and N500, 000 respectively. The race will kick off from the National Stadium, Surulere, en route Ojota, the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikoyi Bridge and Lekki toll gate, before terminating at the Eko Atlantic City.

Skoro

GOtv boxing night: Skoro vows to knock out Kakembo

s the December 26 date for their African Boxing Union featherweight title fight approaches, national and West African Boxing Union featherweight champion, Waidi “Skoro” Usman says there will be no hiding place for his Ugandan opponent, Edward Kakembo. He told Knockout that the fight coming on the bills of GOtv boxing night slated to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos will be an opportunity for him to announce his arrival at the continental level and as such will not allow his East African opponent to stand

between him and victory. “I am preparing very well for the fight because I know that my opponent is a very good boxer but my promise to Nigerians is that I will knock him out and by the time I finishes with him, he will definitely miss his way to Kampala. Other fights billed for the GOtv boxing night are two national title bouts and a national challenge contest. Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, the rising star of Nigerian boxing, will take a shot at the national light welterweight crown when he takes on Sadiq Ahmed in a 12-rounder.

… as Kakembo promises to shock him before Nigerians

gandan boxer, Edward Kakembo, has vowed not to leave Nigeria with the African Boxing Union featherweight title later this month. Kakembo is billed to take on Nigeria’s Waidi “Skoro” Usman, national and West African Boxing Union Featherweight champion, in the headline bout at the GOtv Boxing Night on 26 December in Lagos. “Uganda has many top boxers and I will prove it

by putting Skoro where he belongs. I don’t see Skoro as an obstacle. I am the champion in waiting. It does not matter that the fight is taking place in Nigeria because even in Skoro’s room, I will beat him. “The only favour Nigerians can do to me is to come to the venue early because the fight won’t last the distance,” boasted the Ugandan, who has a fight record of nine wins in as many fights.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Clock ticking for Van Gaal - Forlan

Van Gaal

ormer Manchester United striker Diego Forlan says the clock is ticking on Louis van Gaal following the club’s exit from the Champions League. United crashed out in the group stage on Tuesday, falling into the Europa League after finishing third in Group B following a dramatic 3-2 defeat at Wolfsburg. Failing to get out of a group featuring Wolfsburg, PSV and CSKA Moscow has unsurprisingly increased the pressure on Van Gaal, who has been criticised regularly for the brand of football United have played this season. And, writing in a column for The National, Forlan said: “Louis van Gaal needs to win the Premier League this season.

Forlan

Wenger: Giroud will always be questioned

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned maligned striker Olivier Giroud he must accept that he will always be questioned, despite his red-hot form. Giroud helped Arsenal qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 after scoring a hat-trick in Wednesday’s 3-0 win at Olympiacos. The France international, who has divided opinion among fans and pundits, has now scored 10 goals in his past 12 matches for the club. While Wenger believes Giroud should be mentioned in the same breath as Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski and Sergio Aguero, he said his countryman will always be the target of criticism. “The style of player he is, the problem you have is if he doesn’t play regularly is he happy enough to continue to be the man you want him to be?” said Wenger. “But I never questioned the fact he will be a very needed striker here. If you go on the counter-attack of course he is not the kind of player that you want or select first.

Giroud

Bergkamp

Bergkamp not interested in Swansea job

ennis Bergkamp has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant manager’s job at Swansea City. The former Arsenal forward has been linked with the position following the sacking of Garry Monk. Swansea parted company with Monk on Wednesday following a run of just one win in 11 Premier League matches, a streak that has left the Welsh club only one point above the relegation zone. Bergkamp has served as an assistant with Ajax since 2011, but is not interested in taking the step up at this point in his coaching career. He told Voetbal International: “I currently have no ambition to become a head coach. There’s a job to do at Ajax and I see my role here in the next few years.” Former Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss David Moyes has already ruled himself out of contention, while United manager Louis van Gaal has said he does not expect assistant Ryan Giggs to replace Monk.

Klopp

Costa

Liverpool don´t need to spend in January – Klopp

iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted he is willing to give his crop of players a chance rather than splash the cash in the January transfer window. Klopp is prepared to spend money but with several players returning from injury it may not be necessary. Captain Jordan Henderson is back after several weeks out, while Jon Flanagan and Mamadou Sakho are expected to return soon. “It’s much more important to work with people and if you trust them they have to feel it – and not just for two days but for a longer time,” Klopp said.

Atletico rule out Costa return from Chelsea

tletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has reportedly dismissed Chelsea striker Diego Costa’s suggestion he could return to the Vicente Calderon. Costa left Atletico for Chelsea in 2014 and played a starring role in last season’s Premier League title success, but the 27-year-old has been linked with a move back for several months. The Spain international did not rule out a return when asked about Atletico in September, and this week he again left the door open to a potential reunion when interviewed on Onda Cero. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho quashes the notion that he and Blues striker Diego Costa have fallen out. However, Marca and Mundo Deportivo quote Cerezo as telling an awards dinner in San Sebastian de los Reyes: “He can slam that door shut again -- it’s mighty cold in here.” There have been reports that Costa is not happy in London and speculation over his future increased when he was recently left out of the Chelsea team and threw his bib towards boss Jose Mourinho.

N I G E R I A I N -The amount of drugs NAFDAC destroyed in Kebbi State

N15m Vol. 5 No. 49

Sunday, DECEMBER 13, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Comment

E-mail: jimunahlive@gmail.com Jim Unah is Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos

with Jim Unah

irplane visibility issues and flight cancellation problems compelled me, last Wednesday, to use road transport to attend the Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation’s 15th Lecture series, originally scheduled for Thursday 10th December, 2015 but finally rescheduled for Friday last, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. The last time I used the road from Abuja to Lagos, prior to last week, was in the first quarter of 2013, exactly for the same reason—flight cancellation. Nothing has changed except for the Lokoja-Abuja section of the expressway due to the rehabilitation effort of the former Goodluck Jonathan administration. That portion of the expressway leading from Lokoja into the Federal Capital Territory—FCT—Abuja is now very motor-able. But the rest of the expressway from Lagos through Ibadan and Okene up to the southern part of Kogi State is in a very sorry state, taking more than 9 man-hours to get to Abuja from Lagos. The same condition obtains in the Shagamu-Ore portion of the expressway

N150

- the sum Delta

N265bnState Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, presented as budget to the State Assembly.

Fashola roads, Buhari corruption fight leading to Edo, Delta and the South-eastern states of the country. The wear and tear of vehicles, the stress on road users, and the frequent accidents caused by potholes and gulley on the highways resulting in deaths of Nigerians in thousands annually are sad narratives of the nation’s expressways. With the appointment of the former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola as Works, Power and Housing Minister, the hope and expectation of Nigerians is that the roads will receive priority attention from the triple-barrel state actor. For Fashiola to hit the ground running, he needs to do on-the-spot assessment of the state of the nation’s expressways. This will entail doing a tour of the major highways to take stock of the extent of damage and neglect of the roads. This preliminary assessment is to be carried out by a team of engineers in the Works Ministry headed by the Minister himself. This sort of task is not to be left in the hands of subordinates alone. The Minister must be part of the road assessment and visitation team. That is the only way an accurate assessment can be made of the state of the roads. Accurate assessment of the condition of the roads is necessary for proper costing to take place. Proper costing is necessary to ensure that once the contracts for the roads have been awarded, the roads will be delivered in solid state and good quality to the government and Nigerians who will use the roads. Beside making the roads functional and putting an end to the trauma to which

road users are exposed daily, well delivered road infrastructure will buoy economic activities by facilitating movement of agricultural produce to urban markets where they are needed, as well as raw-materials and finished products to and from the industrial hubs nation-wide. Massive road projects will create jobs for millions of young people nation-wide. Instead of distributing N5, 000.00 monthly to some 25 million jobless Nigerians as fulfillment of welfare-electoral promise to voters, the dispensation should add minimum wage to the welfare package and turn it into enduring and gainful employment for the beneficiaries. Apart from road construction projects, the youths should be seconded to agricultural federating units and cooperatives as a form of subsidy to boost the revolution and investment in agriculture. Cooperatives and established farm accounts should be funded by government through the Central Bank, which agricultural proprietors could draw down on to engage adequate labor force in the farming units, in a kind of private public partnership, PPP, in the agricultural sector. This would be a kind of National Youth Scheme, NYS, in the agricultural sector— an arrangement in which minimum wage is added to the national welfare package-only for youths who enlist in federating agric units or farming cooperatives where combined or pooled resources would provide regular salaries for gainfully occupied persons, not idlers. This is how the Fashola

Kroos: Everyone was sorry when Ancelotti left

F I G U R E S

oni Kroos says every single player at Real Madrid was sorry to see the departure of coach Carlo Ancelotti. Despite ending Madrid’s long wait for their 10th European title in 2014, Ancelotti was fired by president Florentino Perez after failing to deliver the Liga title or the Copa del Rey last season, with Rafael Benitez installed in his place. While Benitez has been forced to battle constant rumours of player unrest this season, Cristiano Ronaldo described Ancelotti as “a big bear” in an interview with ESPN and admitted he would relish the chance to play for the former AC Milan head coach again. And Kroos, who considers Ancelotti to be the perfect example of how to coach a top side, has claimed the Italian

continues to be missed in the Madrid dressing room. “He’s the one coach who best succeeds in combining the key ingredients to success: tactical nous and a humane side, which is far from easy, particularly at Real Madrid,” he told Die Zeit. “When he

left everyone was sorry and was saddened by it, even those players who weren’t being played. I haven’t got a single bad word to say about him.”

roads, when constructed and put to effect will connect developments in the agricultural sector. Buhari on anti-corruption fight Until you watch and listen to President Muhammadu Buhari live in close range, outside the usual media presentation and coloration, you would never begin to imagine how dead serious he is about the fight against corruption. That happened, once again, on the occasion of his keynote address to the Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation, in Abuja, last Friday. Contrary to what many might think, President Buhari is fully aware of all the obstacles and limitations to the war against corruption; which are attitudinal, political, constitutional and legal. Yet, he appears to be working quietly and tirelessly to achieve the objective of discouraging the whisking away of public funds by public officers into private pockets. He assured all of us in the Abuja global conference centre that funds are re-appearing daily into public coffers in the Central Bank, even as reform of the criminal justice system to deliver effective justice to rein in corruption in public office in quietly happening. The task of the media is to call on all Nigerians and foreigners who had fraudulently diverted or laundered public funds to quietly return such funds to the designated account in the Central Bank, before it is too late.

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