Big Read News
THE
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Fast track or slowcoach:
Delivering on change mantra
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FG begins work on 2016 budget www.nationalmirroronline.net
Vol. 5 No. 48
December 6, 2015
Bayelsa
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Violence, apathy, faulty card readers mar poll
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…four killed in Southern Ijaw, INEC reschedules voting …Low turnout in Kogi supplementary election
4 buildings, 5 vehicles razed in Lagos tanker explosion
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A voter searches for his name on the register in Anyigba during the supplementary Kogi Voters displaying their voter ’s card during the election in Okene, Kogi State State Governorship Election yesterday. yesterday.
DSS uncovers plots to bomb Abuja during Christmas
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PDP former chairman, Tukur escapes assassination
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News Kogi: Bello vows to reconcile with aggrieved APC members
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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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What ’s new Politics
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Gale of arrests trail controversial $2.1bn arms deal
Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK December 6, 2015
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I can flaunt almost all parts of my body ’ Roseline Ogunyale Wellness
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Controlling the risks of Syphilis
Appeal court upholds Dankwambo ’s election The Court of Appeal sitting in Yola yesterday dismissed the petition of the All Progressive Congress, APC challenging the election of Gov. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe state. In the judgement delivered by Justice H. M. Ogunwumiju, the court dismissed for lack of merit, the appeal instituted by Alhaji Inuwa Mohammed Yahaya, APC gubernatorial candidate, challenging the elec-
tion of Dankwambo, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on the grounds of corrupt practices against the Electoral Act. The election into the governorship seat of Gombe state was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the third respondent in the Appeal, who returned Dankwambo, after polling the highest number of valid votes.
Buhari is cleansing 16-year of PDP ’s mess –Arewa-APC Chairman, ArewaAPC Lagos State, Alh Mohammadu DandamaYabo, has de¬fended President Muham¬madu Buhari over recent criticisms credited to Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose. Fayose had published in some national newspapers that Buhari administra¬tion in six months is clue¬less and has only recorded tremen-
dous achievements in areas of political per¬secution, disobedience of court order and desperate bid to turn the country to a one-party state. Following these allega¬tions, the Lagos ArewaAPC chairman however refuted the claims, stress¬ing that Fayose has always been opposing the presi¬dent in every move as he is best good at propaganda.
Kogi: Declare Wada winner, group tells INEC Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Spirochete Bacterium, a bacterial infection usually spread through sexual contact. The disease usually starts as a painless sore typically on the genitals, rectum or mouth, and the infection spreads from person to per-
son through the skin or the mucous membrane contact of the sores of an infected person. According to experts, at the initial infection of syphilis, the bacteria lie dormant in the body for decades before becoming active again while the early symptoms of syphilis can be cured.
A political group, the Nigerian Restora¬tion Group, NRG yesterday asked the Inde¬pendent National Electoral Commission, INEC to de¬clare the Kogi State Gover¬nor, Alhaji Idris Wada as the winner of the penulti¬mate Saturday ’s governor¬ship election in the state. The group in a state¬ment signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Kazaure (National President) and Senas Ukai¬we (National Secretary), also condemned the posi¬tion of INEC in ask-
ing the All Progressives Congress, APC to substitute the late Alhaji Abubakar Audu, as the party ’s flagbearer in the race for Lugard House. According to the body: “We wish to state that the statements purportedly credited to Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, Secretary of the commission, wherein she was said to have asked the APC to substitute Alhaji Audu, is to say the least, pre¬posterous, unconstitutional and therefore, abinitio void.
Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has attributed the absence of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at a public debate organized by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group, NEDG to the fear of the party ’s inevitable defeat in this Saturday ’s election. But the APC through its own campaign organization, while tendering apology to Bayelsans for not making it to the debate, explained that he was
held back on a campaign tour to some communities in Sagbama Local Government Area including Odoni and Agbere communities in line with the party ’s campaign schedule approved weeks ago. The party also claimed that their candidate, Chief Sylva, had expressed the reservation on having a close contact with Governor Seriake Dickson because of his aggressive posture in an early debate hosted by a private radio station in Yenagoa.
Intrigues in Kogi election impasse With just two days to the supplementary election in Kogi State, the situation is tense as events unfold and for the people of Kogi State, the gu¬bernatorial election conducted on Saturday, November 21 will go down in history as an event that they will not forget in a hurry. It was a day they went to the poll to elect a governor but as it turned out, no governor emerged as the election was declared inconclusive by the Inde¬pendent National Electoral Commission,
INEC which ordered a supplementary election in some local govern¬ment areas. The disappointment of the outcome of the election after they deferring the early morning cold weather to participate in the election was not even the main issue as they woke up the next day to learn of the death of leading contender for the governorship seat at the Lugard Government House and former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu.
Bayelsa poll: IPAC urges parties, supporters to shun violence Ahead Saturday ’s gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state, the national lead¬ership of the Inter Party Advisory Council of Nige¬ria, IPAC, yesterday urged all political parties in the race for the election to eschew violence and acts capable of breaching the peace of the state. Briefing newsmen in Yenagoa, the body noted that democracy still remain the best form of government and therefore said all stake¬holders, major
players and indeed Bayelsans must shun acts capable of derailing the process through electoral fraud and violence. Secretary General of the body, Chief Sam Eke, who led other national officers to monitor the Saturday ’s poll, said they are in the state to educate members of the public, political par¬ties and stakeholders in the Saturday ’s poll on the need to avoid any act inimical to democracy.
Siaka Nimat
A MODEL, BEAUTY QUEEN AND POTENTIAL WRITER
MON
Passion
ment insists was a devise to loot public funds. Dasuki, who was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as National Security Adviser in July 2012 was the Aide De Camp (ADC) to General Ibrahim Babangida as Head of State.
dressed in military uniform. While a version of the report claimed that the deceased was shot dead during a shoot-out between Policemen and the gunmen, numbering about eight in a failed kidnap attempt of Chief Watson Ogoriba, a businessman and senior brother of the former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Warman Ogoriba. The leadership of the APC in the state through the Sylva/Igiri campaign Organisation alleged that the killing was carried out by suspected thugs hired by the PDP.
As soon as I wake up, I say my prayers after which I go for workout just to keep fit and maintain my good physique. It might not necessarily mean going to the gym. Later, I ’ll get set and prepare for some outdoor and studio photo shoot and that keeps me busy all day.
TUE
This is certainly not the best of times for former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, a retired colonel of the Nigerian Army, who is being detained for questioning by security agents over a $2.1 billion arms deal which the govern-
There was palpable tension among members of the two contending political parties in Saturday ’s gubernatorial poll, the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, following the killing of the Deputy Ward Chairman of APC in Ward 1 in Odi Local Government Area of Bayelsa state by unidentified gunmen. The deceased, Dieseye Dickson was reportedly shot dead in Odi community at about 11pm on Wednesday by the gunmen who were reportedly
APC, PDP trade words over Sylva ’s absence at debate
Still like on Monday, but after I ’m back from my work out, I bathe and get set to go to the library, to get inspiration and write down some stuff. I love writing.
SUN SAT FRI THU WED
Tension as gunmen kill APC chieftain in Bayelsa
After my daily routine, I attend events or meetings that might have been fixed before time. I attend them as a beauty queen. After the daily routine, I sit down in my room to write; writing keeps me busy. This is the day I usually map out a lot of designs because as a fashionista, I design what people wear and choose how best it would blend. I visit the movies with friends, and thereafter we go for lunch and dinner together. This is the Sabbath day; I always remember to keep it holy. I don ’t do much, I rest today.
*By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)
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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
THE
Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
DECEMBER 6, 2015
Fast track or slowcoach:
Delivering on change mantra The euphoria that heralded the change in governance from the erstwhile PDP-led administration to Muhammadu Buhari era was unprecedented. Nigerians were expectant and wanted President Buhari to hit the ground running from day one. Seven months down the line, some say this change is in doubt, while other argue that it’s too early to judge. PAUL OMO OBADAN writes on the perceived slowcoach train ride government of PMB as he is fondly called.
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o whom much is given, much is expected. Nigerians in their millions decisively voted for change. However, the question that keeps tongues wagging these days is what has changed since Buhari became President? Last week, November 29 to be precise, made it six months since Muhammadu Buhari, flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last presidential election, assumed office as President. The fundamental slogan or catch phrase of his party during the election-
‘CHANGE SHOULD BE FAST-TRACKED’
eering campaigns was “change.” APC’s gospel of change was anchored on relentless castigation of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, and on the tantalising offer of positive change if the party was voted into power. On the other hand, the campaign machinery of the PDP,could not effectively repair the serious damage done to Jonathan’s electability arising from APC’s constant reminders of how Jonathan and his team mismanaged the country.
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The APC was more successful than its rival in projecting the hyperbolic narrative of a national party fielding a tested and trusted presidential candidate who is capable of rescuing the country from 16 years of PDP’s unimpressive leadership. The pertinent question on the lips of some Nigerians is what has changed since President Buhari assumed office? In order to ascertain whether there has been any real change since Buhari became President, it is essential to consider a number of factors, particularly the situation of things before he assumed office and the situation of things right now, together with the direction his administration is moving the country. Official reports from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that Nigeria’s GDP has plummeted to 2.35 per cent; a 40 per cent decline under Buhari. Job-creation has dropped by 69 per cent. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in its Monetary Policy Committee Report of August 2015, complained that: “lack of fiscal directives is behind (Nigeria’s) current economic woes.” The coming of Buhari has brought about stagnation in domestic and foreign direct investments. The stock market has nose-dived, with investors scared away due to uncertainties arising from the government’s indecisiveness in the face of national economic adversity. The naira as depreciated considerably under his short watch. His vaunted military experience has not been used to defeat Boko HaCONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ram.
‘THERE IS GESTATION PERIOD FOR EVERY SEED’
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The Big Read
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
‘Change should be fast-tracked’
Lai-Mohammed
Fayose
Buhari
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 On the contrary, the insurgency has become far more deadly, with over 1,000 innocent Nigerians killed within just three months of his inception. Buhari’s promised free meals for school-children, allowances for discharged Youth Corpers, and 5,000 naira monthly allowance for indigent Nigerians have all turned out to be an illusion. His boast to APC governors that he will recover billions of dollars of stolen funds within three months has proved to be a mirage. With the election over, he quickly backtracked on Chibok, saying: “We do not know if the Chibok girls can be rescued.” Buhari’s administration’s cluelessness Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose is one of Buhari’s most vociferous critics and has berated the last six months of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, describing it as clueless. He claims that the President was destroying the image of Nigeria and its people for cheap international recognition. The governor, who also described the claim by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun that the ministry does not have details of any fund recovered from officials of the immediate past government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan as a vindication of his position that the President was not saying the truth. He said Nigerians must ask the President where the so-called looted fund was paid and who made the payments. According to Fayose, “If the Ministry of Finance is not aware of any recovered fund, it is either those who purportedly made the refund did so by loading cash into Ghana-Must-Go bags and dropping the bags in the President’s bedroom or the fund was lodged into the Central Bank without records. The controversial governor said Nigerians were deceived to vote for the APC and are now bearing the brunt of the six months of lull. “It is painful that Nigerians are being made to suffer great hardships from fuel scarcity, thousands of people are still being killed in the North by Boko Haram, Chibok Girls are still not found, power supply has dropped, and above all; the unity of the country is being threatened as admitted by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, yet all our President does is junketing around the globe.” Speaking further, the governor said; “Honestly, this change promised by President Buhari and his party, APC is nothing other than ‘one chance change’ and this has been attested to even by highly respected international news media. “For instance, Bloomberg, in a report recently said hopes have fizzled out in Buhari’s ability to turn around Nigeria. Also, money that flowed into stocks and bonds in Nigeria, which McKinsey & Co. says could become one of the world’s 20 biggest economies by 2030, is now fleeing as growth prospects diminish along with oil prices. “Under President Buhari, the United States-based investment banking and financial services multinational J P Morgan ejected Nigeria from
There are some aspects of the 1999 Constitution that need to change now that the APC has a commanding majority
Senate and the House of Representatives.
in both the
its Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) with effect from the end of October this year. “Under Buhari, the future of workers are being threatened by the APC government plot to reduce minimum wage and retrench workers. “Under Buhari, oil subsidy is to be removed next year January, thereby causing further hardship for the people. “Under President Buhari, multi-national companies are laying-off thousands of workers while contractors working for the Federal Government have left their sites. Yet, what the President does is to junket from one country to another to cast aspersion on Nigeria and its people and one wonders how foreign investors will come to a country that its President says is peopled by rogues.” Some other Nigeria share similar views. “Today, the signs are everywhere that this country is sinking deeper and deeper. So far, the president and his party have not walked their talk, says Lanre Asaolu, a businessman who had been queuing up to buy fuel for four hours at filling station. According to him, petrol or fuel is no longer a free and easy buy and sell commodity. Those who are lucky to get it these days pay a minimum of N180 to N200 just per litre of it. The situation is the same from Sokoto to Ekiti, from Imo to Lagos, from Cross River to Katsina state except in Abuja where the price of N87 per litre is still operational but the queues in the few available dispensing filling stations are rather long. “I recall that this was the same government that promised during campaign to reduce the pump price of fuel to N50 within the first quarter of becoming President and that in fact the reduced N87 pump price of fuel by Jonathan was too high for a country that is the sixth largest oil producing nation in the world. In fact, what is presently befalling Nigeria is unprecedented as fuel is now selling at a record highest with its attendant high cost of transportation, high cost of food items beyond the reach of many and general hardship in the country. “Unfortunately, there is no sign of the situation abating in the nearest future. Presently, the economy is lying comatose. Nothing is moving and every day they keep insulting our sensibilities by consistently blaming the dwindling oil price in the global market forgetting that many countries like Israel and South Africa etc that do not have a single drop of oil in their backyard are surviving, he said. Economy under pressure A coalition of over 60 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in Nigeria, recently, decried what they termed “steady and continuous decline of the Nigerian economy” under the
watch of President Muhammadu Buhari. The groups, at a strategy meeting they held in Abuja recently under the aegis of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, said there was urgent need for President Buhari to evolve a sustainable economic plan that will attract foreign investors into the country. The leader of the coalition and Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Center, PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, said the “dwindling economic fortunes of Nigeria” could be a function of the inability of President Buhari to appoint his ministers six months after he assumed office. He said: “The major challenge we are currently facing is that we cannot see the urgency of this administration to improve the situation. It was unfortunate that after the six months that it took to come up with list of proposed ministers, those we saw are those that have always been around the hood. “Why it took so long to forward their names to the National Assembly is quite a puzzle to us. “Every day we hear on social media that some people have returned money they stole from the treasury. The government should do well by telling us who they are, the amount returned and since the money is unanticipated, we should be told what it will be used for. “So much information and misinformation is a major worry for us. We are desperately concerned to see the government begin to function”. Nwankwo also faulted the current foreign exchange regime operating in the country, saying, “a person who is attune with modern day economics cannot recommend such”. According to him, “We want to see change reflect in proper understanding of the Nigerian economy”. Likewise, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba, in a paper entitled ‘Towards a Policy Framework for Economic Inclusion in Nigeria”, noted that President Buhari inherited so many economic problems from the past administration. He however maintained that “this regime should do quick, wake up and address the problems”. He said: “Using six months just to share portfolios is not how to go about it. Currently, there is fiscal disconnect. The revenue of the government has declined, relative to the Gross Domestic Product. “Nigeria has the highest economy, yet the lowest revenue. The revenue has steadily declined. The revenue to GDP in 2014 was 11per cent, while 25 per cent is what non oil producing economies like South Africa, Egypt and Morocco, have. Other countries like Angola and Algeria that have oil, have higher revenue level of 33 per cent. “Nigeria should have about 40 per cent like it used to have in 2004. The reason for the decline is not that revenue are not collected, but the leak-out from government processes, e.g, crude oil theft, subsidy fraud, wide spread abuse of administration of import duty and tax waivers, abuses by autonomous income revenue collecting agencies that spend what they collect as they wish, only remitting about 80 per cent to the Federal Government. “There is also the issue of sectorial and regional exclusion. We currently have one of the worst unemployment rates in Africa. Our economy today compared to 1960 is weaker. Nigeria needs an orderly plan to raise revenue. There is need for this administration to not only stop the leakages, but to also institute periodic watch on impact of fiscal reforms on revenue inflows. “The new regime should have told us the situation they met at least by May, and what has changed within the first quarter since it took over. It should tell us if there is no more crude oil theft. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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The Big Read
Sunday, December 6, 2015
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‘There is gestation period for every seed’ Collins Edo Osayi is a dispassionate critic, civil rights leader and a policy analyst. He sheds more light on the perceived snail-like movement of the Buhari Administration in this interview with PAUL OMO OBADAN What do think about the perceived notion that the President is a slowcoach? “I supported Mr. President for his delay in appointing ministers because he wants to make sure the right people are in the right position, and by doing this, he has to take his time. “I’m so much optimistic he’s the messiah we Nigerians have been looking for. All we need to do is give him time to run his administration and be better citizens ourselves because that is where it starts from! I believe the change will come. Ours is a dynamic and changing world. “The change Nigerians want to see is the willingness and ability of the present administration to galvanize and mobilise the populace towards genuine national goals and development. And every machinery has been set in motion. For there to be lasting change, the people must cooperate with the change agents. The people want to be involved in an enterprise that is rewarding for both parties. They want to pay higher taxes, but they want to see pipe-borne water, constant power supply, good roads, functional hospitals and other ancillary infrastructure that would make for a better and respectable livelihood. They want their children to go to schools where all that is required for transfer of knowledge is not only available but also adequate, in terms of qualified and highly motivated teachers, spacious and airy classrooms, serene school environment with zero tolerance for cultism, good and conducive hostel accommodation and students having no need for ‘I pass my neighbour’ generating sets to be able to study or carry out necessary research. The change I envisage is a partnership that works. We know that government revenue has plummeted – owing to the fall in oil prices, massive theft of crude oil, corruption and illegal bunkering – and it is not going to triple overnight. But if it is only one bridge that the government can capture in its budget for the year, let the bridge be seen to have been built, completed and put to use at the end of the projected timeline. Even if it is not completed, let it be said that the government met all its financial obligations to the contracting firm handling the project, so that any failure would not be blamed on the government. “Going forward let such contractors be prosecuted and made to refund the sums collected without commensurate execution and blacklisted from government bids. If this model is used in all public capital expenditure, the change we seek would have come. “The change Nigerians want to see is a situation where they come to a government hospital and all their health challenges are promptly attended to without a doctor employed by government referring them to a private clinic, fully or partly owned by the doctor. Change requires that citizens are treated with decorum and respect henceforth. “I expect Buhari and the APC administration to shine the light and let the people find their way. Already, Buhari has started with inspiring examples by ordering all security personnel and official escorts attached to him to obey traffic rules, refusing to
There are some aspects of the 1999 Constitution that need to change now that
the
APC has a commanding
majority in both the
Senate and the House of Representatives.
Collins
ride a Rolls Royce in London, ordering the command and control centre for fighting against Boko Haram to relocate from Abuja to Maiduguri and the appointment of thoroughbred media professionals to head his media team. While zoning and federal character principle cannot immediately be jettisoned, seeing their stabilizing essence in a plural and diverse society like ours, Nigerians must be told the truth with love that the attitude of granting concessions on the basis of ethnicity and zone cannot lead to desirable change and development in the long run. Above all, since sustainable change in our lives and the affairs of our country can only be attained with all hands on deck, the government must let the people partake in the planning and design of programs that will be targeted at them. What the government needs at this time is a bottom-to-top approach in its developmental policies and programs and not the top-to-bottom approach that led to projects not yielding expected benefits in the past. Since studies have shown that there has been no correlation between poverty alleviation programs and the level of poverty in Nigeria in the last 16 years, the new administration must seek to and apply a more integrated strategy that will make the rural and urban poor actively involved in efforts to extricate them from poverty. This type of strategy if well conceptualised and implemented will lead us to national prosperity in no time. Buhari must begin to sow new seeds. We must not forget that there is a gestation period for every seed planted. Nothing should be expected to happen miraculously; quick fixes are mere illusions. A farmer plants his crops, nurtures his plants patiently and carefully and at the appropriate time harvests them. The same law applies to our circumstances today under the new administration. The APC has promised change and real change takes time. According to the holy writ, there is a time for everything. Nobody should expect a harvest when the administration is sowing. That would not help our cause. To see change is for all of us to change and be change agents – in our attitude, homes, immediate environment, communities, local governments, states and the country at large. The APC campaigned for change while the PDP rooted for continuity. If Buhari fails, Nigerians should reserve the right to turn to the
opposition if they come up with a better idea. The APC like the PDP has some well-known looters in their fold as well. What the President must do is to send them notice they cannot continue to steal and defraud in his Government because that would be counter-productive to his agenda and moral authority to drastically minimize or end corruption first in Government and later on in the public and private sector. There are some aspects of the 1999 Constitution that need to change now that the APC has a commanding majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The APC currently has more than the 2/3 majority in the 36 states of Nigeria. That majority is enough to change or drastically modify some of those obnoxious provisions like granting immunity from criminal prosecution to Governors and President and Vice Presidents while still in office. The President campaigned on that platform. Now that he has won, he must deliver on that change with immediate effect. Another pitfall in our system that needs to be corrected immediately is the long delay by our judiciary to dispense justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. That is one of the things that President Buhari and Osinbajo have to find some ways to change as soon as possible. What do you think the President should do to douse his critics’ worries? The challenge before the nation today is that of economy. The oil we all depend on is no longer sustainable, as its price in the world market is falling fast. There is the problem of corruption that has made billionaires out of the indolent and boot-lickers. They became billionaires, not because they were contractors or businessmen or women, but because they looted the commonwealth. So, the experts have suggested that Nigeria should look beyond oil economy. PMB himself has warned that except we divert from oil to agriculture, the economy will continue to be in trouble. Until we face the reality that agriculture was the first source of our revenue through which the nation was built from the colonial era till post-civil war years, we will continue to be at the mercy of western nations. Today, the country has one of the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the world. Similar impressive growth of the financial services sector is also evidence that Nigeria has not been exploiting the myriad of opportunities available to diversify.
‘Administration holds the key to future prosperity or otherwise’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 “Currently Nigeria has not been attracting foreign investment, we urge this administration to make the economy more attractive. Steady currency regime is required to spur growth. According to Teriba, “The new president is taking Nigerians for granted; he campaigned, promising to do things differently, but, after he was elected, he started saying different things. He promised, during the campaign period, that he will live up to his role as the president from the first day, but, after winning the election, he asked Nigerians to exercise patience, as the change he promised would take time before coming. He promised to declare his assets publicly if elected, but, now, he failed to do so. What he did, with the vice president, was to submit their assets declaration to the Code of Conduct Bureau without immediately making them public, promising to do that at a later time,” he added. The administration of Muhammadu Buhari holds the last card towards Nigeria’s future prosperity or continued state of poverty. Now is the time to make governance count for our people; now is the time to make that change happen. Overreliance on oil should stop A communications expert, Dele Olarenwaju who spoke to Sunday Mirror, lamented the overreliance of the country
on proceeds from oil. He wondered why Nigeria abandoned agriculture when it found oil. “We have cocoa, kolanut and several other cash crops. We cannot continue to rely on crude oil.” Although it is blessed with a wide array of natural resources, they remain underexploited. If mining can be the mainstay of some economies, it becoming just one of Nigeria’s many money spinners enhances the chance for more government revenue, jobs, influx of more foreign investment, among others. Already, agriculture accounts for more than 50 per cent of total employment. It will only be wise for the next president to build on the successes achieved in the sector and make it strong enough to feed the country and its neighbours. Remember, Nigeria has 38.4 per cent of arable land. The president will also be expected to build on gains made so far in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the automobile sub-sector. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2014, Nigeria is ranked 136 out of 175 most corrupt countries. The Nigeria Survey and Corruption Survey Study by the Institute for Development Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (IDR, ABU Zaria) also highlighted some corrupt institutions in the country.
The Nigerian Police tops the list, followed by political parties, National and State Assemblies, Local and Municipal Governments, Federal and State Executive Councils, among others. Although Nigeria has a population of more than 170 million, consistent power generation output stands at about 4,000 megawatts. For the country to cater for the power needs of its citizens, it would need to generate over 200,000 megawatts. Privatisation of the country’s power assets has not brought the required change with stable power supply still far-fetched. New power plants in recent times have been inaugurated though, but challenges like gas shortages and vandalisation have made the journey to uninterrupted power supply longer than envisaged. As unanimously pointed out by people who spoke to Ventures Africa recently, stable power supply is the most important commodity for national development. Therefore, if Buhari can fix power, he would have saved several other sectors. “Stable power supply reduces the cost of doing business. Imagine home much MTN spends on powering their masts,” he said
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News
December 6, 2015
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Bayelsa: Violence, apathy, faulty card readers mar poll …four killed in Southern Ijaw, INEC reschedules elections …Jonathan commends process, Sylva escapes attack, Dickson condemns violence OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA
W
idespread violence, voter apathy and malfunctioning card readers yesterday characterised the much-awaited Bayelsa gubernatorial poll as supporters of both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, engaged one another in supremacy battle. Four persons were killed in the Southern Ijaw area with violence pronounced in Nembe,
Ogbia and Brass local government areas. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, consequently cancelled and rescheduled the governorship election for the whole of troubled Southern Ijaw local government area for today, Sunday. A rehearsal of what was expected to happen in today ’s election began on Friday night in Odioma community, Brass local council area, when the convoy of the governorship candidate of the APC and former gover-
Traffic at the Alagbole Yakoyo Bridge, Ogun State, yesterday.
nor, Timipreye Sylva, escaped attack by gunmen, who were lying in wait for him. A security source said the armed youths had laid ambush for the former governor as he made effort to visit the community but their attempts was thwarted by men of the Operation Pulo Shield, stationed at the community who arrested 17 of them with sophisticated weapons. Elsewhere in Otueke, the home town of the immediate past president Goodluck Jonathan, the
process was peaceful and election went on smoothly without any rancour while the few voters who managed to come out in the hazy harmattan were seen voting across the centers. Jonathan, who voted at about 1: 40 p.m., however, described the conduct of the election as a sign of good things to come. The former president who stepped out of his palatial and expansive country home in company of his wife, Patience, and his mother, to the polling booth erected just
PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIEMHIN
Low turnout in Kogi supplementary election
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ogi State supplementary governorship election was marred by low turnout and apathy of the eligible voters in the 91 polling units across the 18 local government areas where election was cancelled by Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) during the November 21 ballot in the state. Following the presence of security personnel at strategic locations in the affected areas, there was no violence as witnessed in some units on November 21. However, with substitution of the APC candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, who died two weeks ago with Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, began the process
of a hitch-free conduct of the supplementary election. However, barely 24 hours to the election, INEC reported that suspected arsonists had set ablaze its office in Dekina local council area. This was contained in a statement signed by the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Halilu Pai, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Lokoja yesterday. He disclosed that the sensitive materials and card readers were in that office. Dekina Local Government is one of the 18 local council areas where the supplementary governorship poll took place. INEC had on November 22 declared the governor-
ship poll Inconclusive as a result of violence, over voting, refusal of some voters to use Smart Card Readers and violent destruction of election materials in about 91 polling units. The causes of the inferno which started about 2.00 a.m. at INEC office in Dekina town is yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, Pai disclosed that the commission had made arrangement for replacement of non -sensitive materials which were burnt ahead of yesterday ’s election. He stated that a makeshift office at THE Police Station haD been provided for the purpose of election in the polling units where election was cancelled in the local gov-
ernment. When contacted, the Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Williams Aya, confirmed the incident, noting that the cause of the fire haD not been made public. However, yesterday ’s ballot began with accreditation of all affected polling units with half of registered voters who came for accreditation as early as possible. In Angwa polling unit in Ankpa local government, the exercise commenced at 8 a.m., with a large turnout of voters recorded. Also report from Ojede unit of Ankpa indicated that the accreditation started earlier, though there was low turnout, the election was peaceful in the area.
opposite the main gate of his house, cast his vote at exactly 1.40 p.m. and was closely followed by Patience his wife and later, his mother. The former president in a chat with journalists after casting his vote, described “a peaceful, credible and free election as the hallmark of democracy. “I plead with my brothers and sisters in this state to take the election peaceful. For me, it is a great day for me and my family. We have all voted. “In every election, there must be a winner and there must be a loser. While the winner celebrates, the looser laments. But the winner must carry the loser along, ” he said. Apparently angered by the card reader that failed to recognise him earlier in the morning, Jonathan lamented what he called “the high rate of card reader failure ”, just as he canvassed for the review of the use of the card reader. “This is a learning process. I believe before the next elections, things will improve. The idea of the card reader is okay, but it must be acceptable. The card reader is creating more problem than it solves. He however appealed
to all Bayelsans to take things calmly and vote peacefully to elect a candidate of their choice to govern them. In Ekeremor Local Government Area, where the Minister of State, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, hails from, there were pockets of violence as the minister ’s house was reportedly invaded by gunmen allegedly hired from the neighbouring state of Delta. The gunmen were said to have invaded the country home of the minister and Director-General of the Sylva/Igiri campaign organisation a few hours before commencement of accreditation of voters. Sources said some thugs suspected to have been hired by the PDP from Delta State stormed the residence of the minister after they overpowered securitymen deployed in Ekeremor and made their way into the minister ’s compound causing mayhem with Senator Lokpobiri and others trapped inside the house. In Southern Ijaw local government, four persons were feared killed as violence marred the process in the local council, noted for its notorious criminal activities.
4 buildings, 5 vehicles razed in Lagos tanker explosion FRANCIS SUBERU
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o fewer than four buildings and five cars were burnt yesterday when a petrol tanker fell at Ojuelegba area of Lagos. The tanker, it was gathered, was ascending the bridge at the early hours of yesterday when it fell and spilled its content which led to the fire outbreak. Despite frantic efforts to prevent the spillage from resulting into fire outbreak, the tanker eventually burst into flame, burning four houses and five cars. There was confusion in the neighbourhood as
soon as the fire started as residents fled their houses to avert being burnt, even as the fire spread through the drainage into the affected houses. General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Michael Akindele said the incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. while the tanker was ascending the bridge. Akindele, who said no life was lost, confirmed that one house was completely razed while three others were partially burnt, adding that five vehicles were also burnt in the inferno. He thanked God that the tragedy occurred at night, saying that lives might have been lost if the fire had been in the day time.
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December 6, 2015
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Why I enlisted Obasanjo ’s help in Guinea Bissau crisis –Buhari ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA
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resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that he decided to enlist the assistance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to mediate in the political crisis in Guinea Bissau because of his wide political and military experience as well as
strong commitment to the unity of Nigeria and Africa. A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari revealed this during an audience he granted to the President of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Jose Mario Bavz at the sidelines of the
Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation , FOCAC, in Johannesburg, South Africa. “I sent President Olusegun Obasanjo because he is the only person living or dead that has ruled Nigeria for 11 years. I served under him as a military Head of State. He has a strong commitment to Nigeria and Africa. That was
why I looked for him and asked him to collaborate with President Macky Sall of Senegal to stabilize the situation of Guinea Bissau ”, Buhari said. While appreciating Bavz ’s expression of thanks for Nigeria ’s support during the crisis in his country, Buhari told his guest that the “least Nigeria could do is what
we did to stabilize your country, ” assuring him that, “You can count on our support at all times. ” Bavz had said he came to thank Buhari for everything Nigeria has been doing for his country, adding that he has been looking forward to such an opportunity. “I am not in a position to assist you but I pray for
you every day. I want to take you as my big brother and share from your experience, ” he said. While thanking Buhari for sending Obasanjo as a Special Envoy to restore peace to his country recently, the Guinea Bissau leader also noted that “Nigeria is part of the solution and stability ” of his country.
FG begins work on 2016 budget ...MTEF for approval at FEC meeting
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Fuel tanker explosion on Ojuelegba bridge that damaged properties and cars in the early hours of yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN
Buhari restates resolve to promote science and technology …as Okorocha, Tukur bag FUTO ’s doctorate degrees CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI
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ederal Government yesterday expressed its determination to encourage the promotion and acquisition of science and technology among the youths in line with the current global realities. President Muhammadu Buhari, who stated this at the 28th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO said that as a giant of Africa, Nigeria cannot afford to lack behind in the acquisition of technology since the world has become a global village. President Buhari who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, said that it was based on this that the Federal Government adopted an integrated information management system with a renewed vigour on anticorruption war.
He advised Nigerians to always remain steadfast to the provisions of the nation ’s constitution and the rule of law, adding that transparency and accountability would continue to enjoy a pride of place in his administration. The President commended the management and staff of the University for their pursuit in academic excellence advising the university to continue to explore more areas of internal revenue generation as funding of education is no longer the responsibility of the government alone. Buhari also warned the host communities to stop further encroachment of land belonging to the university, and to return any portion of the land belonging to the university which they had encroached upon. Expressing appreciation, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who
was conferred with a degree of Doctor of Management (DMT) honoris causa, congratulated the graduands and enjoined them to make very good use of their talent in order to create jobs for themselves in view of the persisted youth unemployment in the country. The governor, who was made his first appearance as visitor of the university after four years, noted that the nation had missed its wonderful days by her failure to maximize the revenue from oil for its development and growth. He stressed that diversification of the nation ’s economy is the only way forward as according to him most states of the federation cannot pay salaries. The governor implored the Federal Government to convert the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Owerri, into a federal medical school for FUTO. Governor Okorocha finally announced an auto-
matic employment and a cash prize of N200000 for the overall best graduating student of the university, Ifediora Elochukwu who scored 4.08 CGP. Also speaking, the Lamido Adamawa and Chancellor, FUTO, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliu Musdafa called on the nation ’s leaders to urgently addressed nagging problems of poverty, unemployment, youth restiveness, religious intolerance and ethic bigotry. The Lamido Adamawa who was installed as the 4th Chancellor of the university also charged the nation ’s leaders to focus more on the future of the nation and on issues that would not only promote unity among the citizenry but also enhanced the overall good of the populace, adding that deliberate efforts should be made to contain and to eliminate insurgency, brigandry, cultism and various forms of criminality and social vices.
he Federal Government has begun work on the 2016 budget. Already, there are plans to present the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for approval at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma spoke with State House Correspondents yesterday shortly after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa where officials are working on the budget. Udoma said, “This administration is introducing zero-based budgeting which means that every activity must be justified in accordance with the principle of this administration.
“We have camped people here to do data clean-up and integrity checking in preparation for the budget ” He further said, “We invited the Vice President to come and see what we are doing. When we finish this process, we will then start the bilaterals which is discussing with the various MDAs. (Ministries, Departments and Agencies). “Next week, we will get approval from council for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). After that, we will have numbers to give them ” “So we are working very hard to ensure that the budget is out before the end of the year ”, Udoma added.
Insurgency: Be security-conscious, CDS urges Nigerians INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI
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he Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Abayomi Olanisakin, has urged Nigerians to be “security conscious and report issues ” that have security implications to security agencies, so that the December, 2015 deadline on Boko Haram insurgency in the North East sub-region of the country could be met. Olanisakin gave the advice yesterday evening in Maiduguri, while addressing newsmen on the ongoing military Operation Lafiya Dole at the Maimalari Cantonment. He said the issues of security were the business of everyone so that the December deadline on ending Boko Haram insurgency could be achieved.
His words: “The people should continue to ensure that they are security conscious and ensure that they report any issue that is of security implications on their lives and property. And areas they feel that people are suspicious of activities in their respective communities, be reported immediately to the military and other security agencies; so that they could immediately nip in the bud. “Today ’s (Saturday) visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, was to inspect the ongoing Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations against Boko Haram terrorists, with a vow that this December deadline was met and sacrosanct on terrorism in this country, ” adding that the war against terrorism was a success so far.
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We ’ll shut down states that fail to pay N18,000 minimum wage –Wabba
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Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES
December 6, 2015
I WAS SHOCKED THE AMOUNT OF MONEY INVOLVED IN FAKE DEFENCE PROCUREMENTS. THE PDP HAS BEEN MILKING THIS COUNTRY TO THE EXTENT OF PARALYSING IT ECONOMICALLY, TRAUMATISED NIGERIANS PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND STIGMATISED NIGERIA AS A CORRUPT NATION. –SENATOR ROBERT AJAYI BORROFICE
Gale of arrests trail controversial $2.1bn arms deal
Dasuki
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Briefly
David Mark won ’t win in rerun –APC
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tate chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State Hon. Abba Yaro, says the people of Benue south senatorial district are not intimidated by the outburst of former senate president, David Mark of winning the rerun even if it was conducted again in the state. Yaro who spoke to Sunday Mirror at the weekend said, “Mark has for long exhausted his usefulness and people should not be cowed by his antics of flooring the APC Senatorial candidate Hon. Daniel Onjeh in the rerun in the zone. The APC chairman further maintained that PDP is buried alive in the entirety of the zone noting that if not for the sake of empty outbursts Senator Mark couldn ’t have been telling people that he will return to the senate again through the power of the ballot box. He reiterated that if not for deceit he shouldn ’t have been telling people that he will win convincingly for the sixth time, even when himself know that his days are numbered and foreclose any likelihood for his return to the senate. The APC chieftain maintained that the indices are very glaring among the people of the zone that the stakeholders as well as others were fed up with the continued stay of senator Mark in the senate without commiserated development with the number of years he has spent there. Yaro boasted that the senatorial candidate Onje one time NANS president will win with floor Mark with wide margin and enjoin the public never to panic over the empty threat being spread by Senator Mark and his loyalists. According to him we are sure of victory come rain or sunshine our election is forgone conclusion and by February Onjeh will dislodge and replace Mark in the senate through the transparency of the card reader.
Dokpesi
So far President Muhammadu Buhari ’s anti-corruption war appears to be in full swing starting from the investigation of controversial arms procurement contracts by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Rotimi Fadeyi looks at the accusations and the political bent being introduced into the on going saga. his is certainly not the best of times for former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, a retired colonel of the Nigerian Army, who is being detained for questioning by secu-
Paris Climate Summit: Buhari makes case for Lake Chad
rity agents over a $2.1 billion arms deal which the government insists was a devise to loot public funds. Dasuki, who was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as Nation-
al Security Adviser in July 2012 was the Aide De Camp (ADC) to General Ibrahim Babangida as Head of State. He was also a former Managing Director of the Security Printing and Minting Company Limited. Following the change of power on May 29 after President Muhammadu Buhari took over government from Jonathan; Dasuki was retained as NSA but was later sacked in July this year with the service chiefs that were inherited CONTINUED ON PAGE 37
Yaro
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Politics
December 6, 2015
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We ’ll shut down states that fail to pay N18,000 minimum wage –Wabba Comrade Ayuba Wabba is the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress. In a recent media chat he vowed that organised labour will resist any attempt by state governors to stop the payment of the minimum wage. Ayo Esan brings the excerpts: What is the latest on the face-off between the state governors, and the NLC over the threat by state governors to suspend the payment of N18,000 minimum wage? We are still in a state of shock that our governors could make such pronouncement. What is N18,000 in view of the current economic challenges in the country? Speaking realistically, what is N18,000 in a month? We were thinking that these governors will make an upward review of the minimum wage, but what we got in return was a shock, N18,000 is not a living wage, and our leaders know this and yet they are now saying they can ’t even pay it. But are Nigerian workers fools? No. It is not as if the governors don ’t have the financial wherewithal to pay this money, their problem is that of misplaced priorities. There are a lot of leakages in the system which when blocked will ensure that governors have more than sufficient funds to pay workers – look at duplication of political offices and political appointees by many state governors. What about jumbo salaries, allowances and other perks of offices these political appointees collects every month, the money runs into hundreds of millions of naira every month. Why should the NLC now fold its arms and allowed workers to be made sacrificial lambs by the governors? Never. Some of these governors apart from living opulent lifestyles have also embarked on projects that have no direct relevance to the lives of the people. The cost of governance at all levels needs to be drastically cut down. The hundreds of billions of naira our public office holders continue to fritter away in the name of governance is what is not sustainable. Have there been any moves for an amicable settlement of the crisis? We are open to dialogue. However the sustenance of N18,000 minimum wage is not negotiable. We are even planning to demand for an upward review of the minimum wage in view of the present economic hardships. Many states are in poor financial state they are in today largely on the developmental choices they have, largely on the basis of priorities they have chosen which has nothing to do with public good. We however believe and still insist that workers salaries can ’t be sacrificed on the altar of challenges of the economy which is not the making of workers. It has never happened in the history of our country and it will not be said that it is during our leadership of the NLC that this calamity was allowed to happen to Nigerian workers. The governors should reorder their priorities and again instead of waiting to go cap in hand to Abuja at the end of every month to collect allocation, they too should look inroads with a view of how to increase their Internally Generated Revenues, IGR. In the ’60s when Nigeria didn ’t have oil as the main source of our revenue, our founding fathers raised funds through efficient tax system, and other forms of internally generated revenue to provide development and also pay living wages to workers. Our current crop of leaders who put themselves up for election to differ-
Some people that are sympathetic or are on the same page with the state governors over this issue are saying that things are not rosy with the governors, and that it was one of the reasons why they sought and were given bail-outs by the Federal Government, how do you react to this? Like I said earlier, we strongly believe that there is no state in Nigeria today that can ’t pay N18,000 minimum wage. The problems with the governors is about getting or setting their priorities right. Even look at the bail-outs being talked about, NLC has to raise alarm when we discovered that some state governors were making attempts to divert the bail- outs to other uses instead of using it to pay workers ’ salaries and pensioners arrears. We raised alarm when we discovered that some of them were diverting the bail-outs into fixed deposit accounts for personal gains. It is sad that some of the governors elected play politics with the welfare of their workers with some of them even quoted to have said that they reserve the right to do whatever they like with the intervention fund from the federal government since it wasn ’t a loan. This kind of attitude is unacceptable to the NLC. What is your advice to the governors on the issue? It is very simple. They should endeavour to do the needful. As the saying goes, ‘a labourer deserves his wages ’. What workers earn as salaries is even a peanut compared to the jumbo pay these political office holders and their associates collect every month. NLC is there to protect the interest of Nigerian workers. We are not going to shirk our responsibilities. We are also reaching out to Trade Union Congress, TUC so that we can work together and we will be able to put smiles on the faces of Nigerian workers.
Wab bba
WHAT WORKERS EARN AS SALARIES IS EVEN A PEANUT COMPARED TO THE JUMBO PAY THESE POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS AND THEIR ASSOCIATES COLLECT EVERY MONTH
ent government positions must not only endeavour to deliver on their electoral promises, they must also pay workers living wages. This is not negotiable. But the state governors were reported to have claimed that apart from financial challenges they were having, that the minimum wage was imposed on them, what is your view on this? It is not correct that the minimum wage was imposed on the governors. For the records, the 2011 National Minimum Wage came into existence after almost two years of agitation and eventual negotiation by the tripartite of governments represented by the Federal and State governments.
The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association representing other employers in the private sector, and organized labour. As organised labour, we submitted a request for N52,000 minimum wage, but out of our patriotic disposition and consideration, we reluctantly agreed to the N18,000 minimum wage even as it was grossly inadequate as a living wage. Many of the state governments who submitted memoranda then to that tripartite committee even recommended figures that were far above the N18,000 that was eventually agreed upon. The governors can ’t therefore claim that the current national minimum wage was imposed on them. The records are there. We kept records of all these negotiations.
What is the way out of the recurring fuel scarcity like the one being experienced now? As an oil producing nation, we have no reason to suffer fuel crisis. I will like to appeal to the Federal Government to find a way to identify and deal with the cabal behind the energy crisis. Obviously, some interests are benefitting from the current import regime we are running. But is this supposed to be so? What are our business importing petroleum products when we are an oil producing nation? I also disagree with those clamouring for the removal of subsidy – these elements are anti-masses. Thank God, President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that subsidy is not going to be removed. He has not caved in to the pressure by anti-people elements. Removal of subsidy will trigger social unrest. To get out of the problem, federal government should build more refineries even outside Nigeria – this will make the product to always be in abundance. NLC is outraged by continued fuel scarcity resulting in skyrocketing prices and long queues at filling stations in different parts of the country. Federal government should set up more refineries. Enough is enough – why must Nigerians be made to experience this hardship towards the end of every year? It is unacceptable. I appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and bring an end to the agony being experienced by Nigerians in getting fuel.
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December 6, 2015
Man in the News Alhaji Yahaya Bello
Riding on the wings of fate AYO ESAN
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ollowing the death of its gubernatorial candidate in the November 21 election in Kogi State, Prince Audu Abubakar and the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC that Audu should be substituted by another candidate in the supplementary election billed for yesterday, the All Progressive Congress, APC picked Alhaji Yahaya Bello as its new candidate. Audu died shortly after INEC declared the governorship election inconclusive on Sunday, November 22, 2015. The death of Audu caused what is being referred to as a constitutional crisis but the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation ,Abubakar Malami, said that the All Progressives Congress, APC could substitute its candidate in the Kogi State governorship election, who died a day after the November 21 election. Malami said section 33 of the Electoral Act provided for such substitution. He explained that section 221 of the constitution was clear that the votes that were cast were cast in favour of the APC. Malami said since the primary election conducted by the APC prior to the governorship election was still valid, the candidate that came second may have to be considered as replacement. Following this explanation by Malami , the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC asked APC to substitute Audu for the supplementary elections in the 91 wards where election did not take place on the 21st of November. APC after a prolonged meeting adopted Yahaya Bello as replacement for Abubakar Audu. Bello came a distant second to late Mr. Audu in the APC ’s primary held August 13. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in declaring the governorship election inconclusive said elections did not take place in 91 polling units. The Chief Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, who announced the results, said the All Progressive Congress, APC candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, garnered 240, 867 votes, while the incumbent governor, Idris Wada of the PDP scored 199, 514. The difference between the two major candidates was 41, 353 votes. While announcing the INEC ’s decision on the poll, the Returning Officer quoted a relevant section of the Electoral Act, saying since the total number of cancelled votes exceeded the difference in vote between the two major candidates, the commission will order a supplemen-
tary poll in the affected areas. The total number of cancelled votes was 49, 953. In the election, the APC candidate defeated Wada in 16 of the 21 local government areas in the state. Audu won in Ijunnu, Kogi (KotonKarfe), Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Yagba West, Yagba East, Idah, Kabba/Bunu, Ofu, Ankpa,Olamabro, Igalamela-Odolu, Bassa, Lokoja and Ibaji local government areas. While voters in Ogori-Magongo, MopaMuro, Okene, Omala and Dekina LGAs pitched their tents with the PDP candidate. Last Monday, the deputy director of
information of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Nick Dazang, said that the APC sent the name of Mr. Bello as replacement for Mr. Audu in the supplementary election. “The party has sent the name of its replacement candidate, the second runnerup in their primaries, that is Yahaya Bello, to the commission, ” Mr. Dazang said. But this decision was rejected by James Faleke, who was the running mate to Audu, He argued that INEC erred in declaring the election inconclusive as the number of accredited voters who have permanent voter ’s cards in the 91 polling units is 25,000 – less than the margin of win
which is 41,000 votes. He asked that he be declared governor-elect in two letters to INEC and APC The announcement of Bello as the candidate for the supplementary poll did not resolve the constitutional crisis that followed Audu ’s death as Faleke said he is not a party to supplementary poll to decide the next governor of Kogi state after a leading candidate Prince Abubakar Audu died on Sunday, November 22. Faleke believes that since the November 21 governorship election produced the candidates of the APC as clear winners, there was no need for a supplementary poll.. He also declined to pair with Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Alhaji Yahaya Bello was born on 18th June 1975 in Agassa, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State to the family of Alhaji Bello Ipemida Ochi and Hajia Hawa Bello Oziohu. He is the last of six siblings. He started his early education in 1984 in LGEA Primary School, Agassa In Okene LGA. In 1989 he enrolled for College in Agassa Community Secondary School, Anyava, Agassa-Okene. His quest for qualitative education saw him changing schools five times until he finally settled for Government Secondary School, Suleja-Niger State, where he sat for his JSSCE. He came out with flying colours. He continued in the same school for his secondary education and wrote his SSCE Exams in 1994. He immediately enrolled for ‘A ’ level exams in Kaduna State Polytechnic Zaria in 1995 and proceeded to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University ABU Zaria in 1996 to study Accounting. He graduated in 1999. His unquenchable thirst for higher education took him back to Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria for Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2002. He bagged the degree in 2004. Whilst pursuing his Masters he also enrolled for professional certification with the Association of National Accountant of Nigeria (ANAN) at Jos (2002) and became a chattered fellow of ANAN in 2004. Alhaji Yahaya Bello working career started in 2001 when he was posted to Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC for his national mandatory service to his fatherland. He distinguished himself during the course of the service and was offered an appointment in the same office as Revenue Officer II. He was later transferred to head the Makurdi Zonal office Account Department. He has worked in various departments in the office and has risen to the post of Assistant Chief Accountant.
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Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES December 6, 2015
Controlling the risks of Syphilis TITILOPE MORAKINYO
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yphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Spirochete Bacterium, a bacterial infection usually spread through sexual contact. The disease usually starts as a painless sore typically on the genitals, rectum or mouth, and the infection spreads from person to person through the skin or the mucous membrane contact of the sores of an infected person. According to experts, at the initial infection of syphilis, the bacteria lie dormant in the body for decades before becoming active again while the early symptoms of syphilis can be cured. He added that without the treatment, the ailment can damage the hearing ability, brain and other organs in the body which can be life threatening. Experts also have it that Syphilis was common in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, while it has been on the increase in the developed and the developing world .Since the year 2000, rates of syphilis have been increasing in the USA, Canada, the U.K, and Australia primarily among men who have sexual intercourse with men, while in women, it increased due to transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or at birth, at a rate less than that of men. The spread of the diseases has also been attributed to unsafe sexual practices, increased promiscuity prostitution and decreasing use of barrier protection. In an interview with Sunday Mirror, medical practitioner with Divine Medical Centre Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Olakunle James, while defining Syphilis as a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium, noted that the primary form of transmission is sexual contact adding that it may also be transmitted from mother to fetus {child} during pregnancy or at birth, resulting in congenital syphilis. He said: “The signs vary depending on the stages while the stages overlap and symptoms don ’t always occur in the same order. Patients may become infected with the disease and not notice any symptoms. The Primary syphilis sign is a small sore called chancre which usually develop weeks before showing on the patient ’s body; the chancre is usually painless and may be hidden within the vagina or rectum while its heal on its own within six weeks. ” He further noted that in the secondary syphilis, rashes begin to appear on the patient ’s trunk and eventually covers the entire body, the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. “The rashes are usually not itchy and perhaps with wart-like sores in the mouth or genital areas, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes. The signs may disappear within a few weeks or repeatedly often for a year. The disease moves from the secondary to the latent stage, which lasts for year usually progresses to the next stage ”, he disclosed. He noted that about 30 percent of people infected with syphilis when not treated will develop into complications known as tertiary syphilis which can lead to the damage of the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and the joints. The medic reiterated that congenital syphilis infections that occur during pregnancy or birth are mostly transmitted through the placenta. He added that two-
Multiple discrete flat papules of lenticular syphilis
thirds of syphilitic infants are born without symptoms while some experience rashes on the palms, soles on the feet and symptoms may persist to deafness, teeth deformities and saddled nose. He further said: “The most common transmission is through contact with an infected person ’s sore during sexual activity. Syphilis as a contagious disease can spread through minor cuts or abrasions on the skin or m u c u s membrane; it can also spread by using the same toilet, bath tub, clothing or eating utensils, doorknobs, swimming pools or hot tub with an affected person. Once cured, syphilis does not recur, but can become re-infected if there is a contact with an infected person ’s sore ” “As of 2010, there was no vaccine effective for prevention while abstinence from physical contact with an infected person is effective at reducing the transmission of syphilis. It can be controlled with the proper use of a sexual barrier protection such as condom, though its usage does not completely eliminate the risk. It is advisable that a health care provider or doctor carry out test to diagnose a patient to know if the he has the disease with or without the symptoms, if there is an open sore, the doctor will need to test the patient ’s blood ” he further disclosed. In terms of treatment, Olakunle said the early
Mucous patches (A and B) are superficial mucosal erosions seen in secondary syphilis.
stages of syphilis are easy to treat adding that the patient need to take antibiotic drugs and also make sure that the partner is treated at the same time. He also recommended regular medical checkups at the hospital He maintained which he said will help treat the infection at its earliest while advising the patients to avoid sexual intercourse until the sores are healed. ‘ ’The World Health Organisation strongly recommends universal screening of all pregnant women tested at first antenatal visit and again in the third trimester, however, if they are positive, they recommend that their partners should also be treated. Congenital syphilis occasionally occurs in the women as those that acquire the disease do not receive care during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a long term, mutually monogamous relationship with an infected partner and avoidance of substances such as alcohol and other drugs that increase the risk in sexual behavior ’ ’, he submitted.
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Praise & Worship EDIFYING GOD
The horns of the Gentiles are the wicked forces manipulating the destinies of men and preventing them from amounting to anything in life.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015
Bishop David Oyedepo
E-mail:cossyodi@yahoo.com G-mail:ranke2015@gmail.com
‘We shall not rest until others are saved’ 16
QUOTE
Do your best in any circumstance, says Prophet Oloruntimilehin 17
The mystery of God who became a man 32
Pilgrimage: Significance for Christians
14 & 15
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he desire to be a pilgrim is said to be deeply rooted in human nature. Since the earliest times, pilgrimages to holy places have been made as acts of devotion, penance or thanksgiving, or to seek blessings or miracles.
A pilgrimage is a sacred journey in which the person (pilgrim) embarking on the journey is expected to have personal encounter with God through the places, people and situations they meet. During this period, the physical journey is also expected to coincide with an inner spiritual journey that reflects the concept of life itself as a pilgrimage towards heaven. The phenomenon of pilgrimage, which has a long and respected history among Jews, Christians and followers of many other faiths who travel to perceived Holy Lands of their faith, has long been enshrined in the traditions of the world’s major monotheistic religions i.e. those who believe in one God. The Bible in Exodus 34:23-24 states; ‘Three times a year, all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel; for I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no man shall covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the Lord your God. This part of scripture many claim was the starting point of pilgrimage for the Jews, and later Christians. According to ancient historical accounts, from the time of Solomon, which is over 900 years before Christ, pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem was a thrice yearly obligation for the Jews. They (Jews) also visited the tombs of the patriarchs and the Western Wall of the Temple Mount as a form of pilgrimage. As recorded in Luke 2:41-42, from the time he was 12, Jesus followed this practice of visiting the temple in Jerusalem with his family and Christians till date have come to walk in the footsteps of Jesus in that regard. From the early days of the Christian Church, prayerful pilgrims made their way to the sacred places where Jesus was born, lived and died and appeared after his Resurrection. Many of these pilgrims travelled on foot and their journeys involved enormous effort and selfsacrifice, as they faced great hardships and perils as they journeyed at the time. One could easily say that the ancient pilgrims from the mode of transport at the time, which was mainly by foot, and the rigours they passed through to visit these sacred sites, exhibited their willingness and intention for increased spirituality and thus, move closer to God. Same may not be said for pilgrims of the present time who travel in luxury and whom some religious experts claim go to these holy places either for pleasure or business purposes as against attaining higher spirituality and closeness to God. According to Professor Kunle Macaulay, Director of Studies, United Bible University, Ogun State, Christianity is not about going to a place regarded as holy site or land or visiting an old building or relic, but it is about one attaining utmost spirituality and closeness to God. “There is no biblical injunction concerning pilgrimage. The Bible is more interested in our spiritual journey,
Sunday, December 6, 2015
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Pilgrimage:
People at the pilgrimage
In ancient times, people, including Jesus went on pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem and today Christians go to sacred and venerable sites, in order to pay devotion to the relics of some deceased saints in the bid to pay pious devotion to the Saviour. ODINAKA URUAKPA speaks to clerics to throw light on the significance of pilgrimage and expectations of pilgrims at such time. which is the journey from inside to outside. Christianity is about spiritual matter, it is about your inner life; how your inner life i.e. the spirit of God in you, controls your outward behaviour. So, it has nothing to do with your journey to a place or visit to an old building or relic of any type. It is good for people in Europe to travel because travelling is part of their system. People plan to go on holiday, to see interesting places and things, but we Nigerians are different. Whatever we do, we want to add it to our profile; we want people to know that we have been to Jerusalem and therefore, should be addressed as JP or something like that. This is nonsense; it is not who you are, but what you are able to do in life that would lead you to the kingdom of heaven and not your position. We are very proud of telling people we have been to Jerusalem 20 times; it doesn’t make any difference. Whether you have the opportunity to go there once or twice, what matters is if you a Christian? A Christian is somebody that has the spirit of God inside him and who obeys the will of God. People should not take it as a do or die affair to visit Jerusalem. Let them study their Bible; everything they need to know about Christ and Christianity is already in the Bible. Let them have a deep relationship with God the father, and let them listen to the spirit in them
One could easily say that the ancient pilgrims from the mode of transport at the time, which was mainly by foot, and the
rigours they passed through to visit these sacred sites, exhibited their willingness and intention for increased spirituality and thus, move closer to
to carry them throughout their lifetime i.e. the time they would stay in this material world”, he admonished. When asked if he supports those Christians who instead of going far do their pilgrimage within the country as they visit perceived sacred sites in their faith; Macaulay said: “I don’t support anything except the study of the Bible, the understanding of the Bible and the application of the Bible to human life. Any visit to anywhere for any reason, I don’t support. If you want to enjoy yourself, if you have the money, you can go and visit so many places of interest, but to say you are going on pilgrimage is spiritual and it is going to lead you to heaven, is like deceiving yourself. For instance in the Catholic section, you find people going to Italy, Rome, visiting cathedrals and so on; it doesn’t increase their level of Christi-
God.
anity. Though it can increase their level of knowledge, it does not increase their spirituality, it does not bring them closer to God and it does not give them the key to open the door when the time comes.” On Christian leaders involving themselves and also embarking on such missions that would not yield spiritual benefits, the theologian said: “Sometimes, people do certain things for certain reasons. When I was in Jerusalem, I was just going round one day, and I went into a shop where they were selling so many things including crosses. I met a Nigerian pastor who was buying different types of crosses and I asked him what he was going to do with them. He asked, ‘Don’t you know that this (cross) is money in Nigeria?’ The fact that you travel to Jerusalem and you come back with a cross, for Nigerians, it is a lot of money. I was disturbed
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
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Significance for Christians
because this man came back to Nigeria to sell the cross to members of his church and other people who needed it. People go to River Jordan, they carry the water, they go to Bethlehem, they carry the sand; these are all nonsense. It is all manipulation; they would advertise oil they claim to have brought from Jerusalem; what is the difference between the oil in Jerusalem and the oil in Nigeria. I was trying to take water from River Jordan and one the people came to me and asked what I was doing and I said Jesus was baptized here. The man laughed and said that was then and that was quite a long time. You see, the power is in us; it is not inside the water anymore, the power is in us; it is not in the cross anymore. We see this thing (pilgrimage) as spiritual and something that would take us to heaven, but it is not true. The fact is that many pastors go there to make money because when they come back, they tell you many funny things and they make money out of you; they bring oil, cross and other things which you can easily get here in Nigeria.” In his submission, Pastor Afolarin Adebola of Freedom Christian Miracle Assembly, claimed that taking part in a pilgrimage not only enhances the partaker spiritually, but also enriches the mind as well as the soul of the pilgrim who comes in contact with people of cultures and history. “Taking part in a pilgrimage offers more than just spiritual benefits. It enriches the mind as well as the soul, by seeing how other people live, gaining an appreciation of their cultures and history, experiencing the sights and smells of their markets and bazaars, and sharing in what they eat and drink. And this can occur in the company of people of similar faith and interests, some of whom may remain friends long after the pilgrimage is over. The broadening experience of pilgrimage was expressed by 19th century French writer, FrançoisRené Chateaubriand who claimed that there never was a pilgrim who did not come back to his village with one less prejudice and one more idea. “For a Christian, a pilgrimage to the
Holy Land can be a life changing and challenging experience; an experience which then makes every Bible reading come alive and have new meaning. Just like one of the saints, Saint Jerome, who arrived in the Holy Land in AD 385 and spent more than 36 years there as a Bible translator, wrote ‘we understand scripture better when we have seen Judea with our own eyes, and discover what still remains of ancient towns.’ This declaration by the saint goes to show the benefits that await those who are opportune to visit these ancient sites”, he claimed Adebola while quoting Exodus 34:2324, further claimed that scripture supports Christians to visit Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover and this he said was exhibited by Christ Himself from age 12 because God had instituted the practice and those who worship Him are expected to follow it through. Exodus 34:23-24 states, ‘Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel; for I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders and no man shall covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God.’ In Luke 2:41-42, we were told that Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover and when He (Jesus) became twelve, they i.e. Jesus and His parents, went up there (Jerusalem) according to the custom of the feast. God Himself established this practice and it was even followed through by His son, Jesus Christ. People would claim that the part of the Bible was meant for the people of that time or that tribe, but this is not true, it applies to every Christian who is opportuned and willing to go to the Holy sites for pilgrimage. True, the ancient pilgrims travelled under harsh conditions and mostly on foot and this is because of the way things were during that period, no one expects a pilgrim to trek from anywhere to Jerusalem or Rome, this are modern times, but it does not mean that the benefits being sought for then and now differ”, he submitted. Pastor Paul Isong of God of Israel
Usually during pilgrimage, we receive testimonies of people confessing what
God has done for them. Many people
with different illnesses and challenges have at different times, confessed of
God’s faithfulness.
claimed that the journey made by Abraham and that of the Israelites from Egypt to the land God promise them are instances of God journeying with his people and stresses the importance of being willing to obey and trust God. “Abraham, a key figure in Judaism and Christianity is shown in Genesis 12:1-9 leaving his home to go in search of a land which God promises to show him, becoming a pilgrim or sojourner whose willingness to obey God makes him a model of faith and obedience. In the story of the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites travel through the wilderness to the land of Canaan, experiencing both hardships and God’s care and guidance. The Exodus motif plays a key role in Christian thought and the long journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land can be interpreted as a paradigm or model of the Christian journey or pilgrimage. The city of Jerusalem developed into a centre of pilgrimage, a place where God could be encountered in a special way. Pilgrimage to Jerusalem on the three feasts of Passover, Weeks and Booths became a requirement for all male as directed by God in Exodus 34:23-24’, he claimed. He also said that pilgrimage to Jerusalem brings additional emotional and spiritual significance because testimonies are usually recorded by the pil-
grims whom they share alongside other nice encounters in Jerusalem and other holy sites. “Usually during pilgrimage, we receive testimonies of people confessing what God has done for them. Many people with different illnesses and challenges have at different times, confessed of God’s faithfulness. Many of them have testified, even the dignitaries that embark on such journey. In these sacred grounds, everybody is equal; there is nothing like this person is a leader of a church or state or anything of such; everybody is same and people are expected to concentrate on prayers and communication with their maker”, he stated. On the pilgrims who use their sojourn to the Holy land to further financial gains rather pursue their spiritual well being, Isong said: “The spirituality of pilgrimage is very vital for pilgrims. Though there may be cases where people purchase things to resell when they get home, but pilgrimage exercise would be very much enriched and exciting for them when they purge their minds of all financial gains and concentrate on aspects of the journey that would enhance their spirituality. If at the end of pilgrimage, the person can get things to give to people at home as gifts, I believe that would even fetch more blessings to the pilgrim.”
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From the
Pulpit Sunday, December 6, 2015
‘We shall not rest until others are saved’ General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, preaches on salvation. Excerpts:
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cts 21: 13 says, “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Rom. 10: 1-3 says, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God”. Everybody in Christ should not relax because he/she is saved or members of he/her family are saved and are going to heaven. They should not rejoice for being the only people going to heaven while millions of other people are going to hell fire and among these people are their neighbours and friends. Such rejoicing is contrary to the will of God who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1Tim. 2:4). God does not want anybody to perish. He wants all men to be saved. 2 Pt 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” This is the mind of God. It is not His will that any should perish. That is why He is full of mercy and compassion and by this He demonstrates His love toward all. Jn 3: 16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” God gave Jesus to the whole world that they might be saved. It is never His will that any soul should perish. He loves every soul and wants everybody to be saved. He does not have pleasure in the death or destruction of any sinner. Ezek. 18: 31-32 says, “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye” God has no pleasure in the death of a sinner. So, our salvation and joy will not be completed until others are saved. No wonder those who were before us labours till death. Paul the Apostle was not perturbed when he was threatened with death. He told the people that brought the news that he was ready to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord’s sake. As a believer you must not be afraid of dying or doing the will of God so that others may be saved. Queen Esther said that it was not time to go to the king, but she had to go and as such declared ‘if I perish, I perish’. Hers was the same language of Paul the Apostle. A good disciple of Christ is never discouraged from doing everything to ensure that others are saved. If the will of God is that all shall be saved, our
actions and reactions must be geared to make others be saved. No wonder Apostle Paul said that his heart desire and prayer was that Israel might be saved. He had in mind that all should be saved. And that is the kind of mind we should have. So, we should not relax because we are born again but should labour that others might be saved. 1Cor. 10:31-33 says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” Paul emphasised that he was not seeking for his own profit but all he was doing was that others may be saved. I want you to understand that we should live our lives not relaxing or contented that we are saved but should make sure that all we do is that others should be saved. So you must not rest till others are saved. THE REASON AND EXAMPLE No one that is not saved can help others to be saved. When you do not have salvation, you cannot offer it to somebody because you do not have it. When one is not saved, he cannot help others to be saved. We should know that our salvation is a privilege to serve God and help others to be saved. That is why we must not see it as something meant for us alone. Freely we received it from God, freely we must give it out. It is a privilege so that we shall be instrument to save others. Mtt. 4: 10 says, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve”. All things were created to serve God. So, we are created and converted to serve God. So, we must see our salvation as an opportunity to serve God and ensure that others are saved. Jn 21: 15-17 says, “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou
knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep” I want to let you know that the injunction ‘feed my sheep’ was given to Peter and by annexation to believers that if we say we love God we must make sure that others are saved. No one can be qualified to feed the sheep and lambs of Christ, who does not love the good Shepherd and ready to bid His command more than any earthly advantage. It is the great concern of every Christian to feed the world with the word of God irrespective of the odds against him. Lk 22: 31-32 says, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” When you are converted, you are expected to help others be saved. Are you converted? The Lord has saved you so that you will be an instrument to help others to be saved. No one who claimed to be born again should relax or close his/her eyes to the souls that are perishing. We have been commanded to go to the whole world and preach to all creatures. That should be our duty as born again Christians. We must have compassion for the perishing souls like our Lord. All we are doing must be geared toward the point that others may be saved. This is because when Jesus Christ came into the world, He was preaching the gospel and did everything possible not for selfish interest but to serve God and ensure others are saved. Not for His own personal interest, but to do the will of God, He wants all to be saved. So if you are claiming to be saved and you don’t have the compassion of Christ, the love of Christ and the mind of Christ, cannot claim to be disciple of Christ or a truly converted believer without loving Christ and doing His will. If you claim to be born again while sinners are everywhere even in your house and office and you close your eyes on them not minding whether they are born again or not then you don’t have the mind of Christ or His love and thus that claim is false. If you are truly born again you must ensure others are saved. Mtt. 9: 35-37 says, “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;” Jesus had compassion when He saw multitude of people without the knowledge of salvation. And He began to seek for helpers that will join hands to ensure others are saved. And if you are there claiming to be saved, to be a child of God, and are relaxing, you are not doing the job which you are converted for. You are not doing the commandment of God. So if you are laying claim to Pastor Muoka be born
again you need to examine yourself for God commanded you to preach in season and out of season to all creatures. And if you don’t have the mind of God, you cannot go to preach to every creature or to the whole world. 2Tim. 4: 1-2 says, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”. We are admonished to preach in season and out of season that is preaching without season. Brethren, I want you to understand we should follow the step of our Lord Jesus Christ and those believers before us that went everywhere preaching even when their health and situation did not support it. I want to let you know that we are not doing enough to reach to the whole world with the pace we are going. With this pace we may not cover 10 percent before rapture takes place. If we do not go out to preach, how shall we meet sinners? This is because it is in the buses, streets, offices, markets etc that we can meet sinners and not in the comfort of our rooms. You cannot be claiming to be born again while the multitudes are wallowing in sin. Brethren, let’s go out and preach in season and out of season for there is no more time. Of course, sometimes your body may be aching you but never mind; you have assurance that when you serve Him, He will service you, He will take away sicknesses and diseases out of you and replaces any part that is paining you for He has all the duplicate of your body. God maintains those that serve Him. And if He doesn’t maintain us we will not lose anything. Remember we are created for His pleasure and making the whole world to know Him gives Him pleasure. The Lord said we should go into the world and preach the gospel to all people in season and out of season. So let us go out as people who have been commissioned by God. The ministry of soul winning has been committed into our hands by our Master Jesus Christ who laboured till death to win souls. So we cannot rest. Jesus laboured for souls; let us therefore follow His footstep. The greatest thing that could happen to us is that we labour till death/ rapture and that will be the greatest joy of the labour. If you are thinking what will happen to your family, job, business and as a result refuse to go and preach, then you are not a serious believer. So, let’s go out as evangelists, missionaries, pastors etc. Let us follow the step of Jesus who laboured till death. Remember the Scripture says except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone, but when it dies, it will bring forth much fruits. Let us labour to the point that we are sure that all we met have heard the gospel. The problem with us is that we always want to preserve ourselves to the detriment of our souls and others. We prefer to attend to our individual problem than the general problem of which we also will benefit from. 2Cor. 5: 20 says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” We are ambassadors of Christ and if so we should do what Christ did because we are representing Him on earth. If He preached until death, let us preach until rapture comes. Let us not rest so that others may be saved.
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From the Pulpit
Sunday, December 6, 2015
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Do your best in any circumstance, says Prophet Oloruntimilehin General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, preaches on doing right. Excerpts:
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eneral Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Oloruntimilehin, in this homily, enjoins the faithful to always do their best. He teaches that if you do your best you will break a big spell you have been under, adding that man cannot succeed or overcome obstacles except through the grace of the Almighty God.
My prayer is that God in His infinite mercy shall not leave us to suffer. Whatever problem or affliction we are going through, God will deliver us in Jesus’ name. God has knowledge of whatever situation we are facing at present. So, do things as you possibly can or to the best of your ability, be it prayer, pray accordingly, be it food, eat to your satisfaction and not in excess. Husband and wife should take care of themselves; love each other, but shouldn’t get obsessed; put God first in all you do in life. In any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. But keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next. Everything is alive and changing all the time, so your best will sometimes be of a high quality, and at other times it will not be as good. If you try too hard and do more than your best, you will spend more energy than is needed and in the end your best will not be enough. When you overdo things, you deplete your body and go against yourself, and it will take you longer to accomplish your goal. But if you do less than your
Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi
Lanre-Oke
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elcome to the last week in the year 2015, they thought you wouldn’t last till February, see you now, not only are you alive and well, you have surpassed the expectations of friends and enemies alike. In fact God has made it such that you have surpassed your own expectations and aspirations as well. Psalm 103:2 says, “Bless the Lord O My soul and forget not all His benefits….” Persons have lost their lives, some lost their sanity among other things but you are alive and well.
I have only come here this morning to provoke a thanksgiving spirit from within you; some persons are so focused on what did not go well in the year 2015 that they have forgotten to give God adequate thanks for what He did. Let me tell you something, the reason why we don’t see results in life is not because we did not do the right thing but because we have not adequately or sufficiently or consistently done the right thing. Yes, you have thanked God but how well, how sufficiently, have you thanked God? Let me tell you something about that great man David, Jesus is said to have the key of the house of David (Revelations 3:7), meaning
best, you subject yourself to frustration, guilt and regret. Just do your best in any circumstance in your life. It doesn’t matter if you are sick or tired, if you always do your best there is no way you can judge yourself. If you don’t judge yourself, there is no way you are going to suffer from guilt, blame, and selfpunishment. By always doing your best, you will break a big spell you have been under. Man cannot succeed or overcome obstacles except through the grace of the Almighty God. God has the power to elevate an orphan from the slum, 1 Sam-
uel 2:7-8: “The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and He hath set the world upon them”. As a good Christian, you shouldn’t lust over material things of this world because they are all vanity, but live the life God has in store for you. Imagine someone leaving home for work as early as 5 a.m., and coming back home as late at 11 p.m., putting his health in danger, not spending quality life with his family, all in the name of securing the family’s future. He displeases himself to please others. I never dispute the fact that a man should work hard because a hardworking and humble man is a friend of God, but al-
Prophet Oloruntimilehin
Be committed to praise King David remains relevant for all eternity. This king had a lot of secrets to his success but one major one was told us in the book of Psalms 119:164 that 7 times he praises God and 3 times he prays meaning your praise for the end of the year must surpass your prayers Read carefully, King Jehoshaphat had a troublesome battle ahead of him and he was perplexed, after going to seek the face of God, he knew that God will fight for Him but how did he provoke the hands of God to work wonders? It was by praises and thanksgiving 2 Chronicles 20. 2016 is like the battle ahead of King Jehoshaphat and just like him we have the word of God that says God will go ahead of us, He will make the crooked paths straight, create a path way in the wilderness, open unto us the leaved gates, loose the loins of kings for us, give us the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places. He has said His plans and thoughts for us are of good and not for evil to give us a glorious 2016. However, how do you enter the battle front? Through quality praise and thanksgiving; no wonder King David did not lose a battle although he had adversaries throughout his lifetime- his praise and thanksgiving were more than his prayers. I have noticed something in scriptures and in life and it is the fact that people who learn to praise and thank God ahead of any situation and even in the middle of a situation enjoy two things;
1. They enjoy peace of mind throughout the situation because their emotions, their mind is not focused on the issue at hand but they have decided to use their whole being to give thanks to God. Understand that God seeks people who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth meaning that when you become an intense ‘praiser’ you become a special creature, how? Many people will approach God this week with petitions and bombard His throne room with requests but be one of the few who will fill the cup of thanksgiving to overflowing in such a way that when God is seeking for relief from these requests He can turn to the place of praise and thanksgiving and be delighted by what you have to offer. 2. People who give thanks and praise God in situations enjoy consistent victory. When you thank God for His acts and praise Him for what He can and will do then you have committed Him to your situation and God is ‘faithful’. Do you know what this word faithful means? It is a strong word that means that God will never deny what He has said in His word concerning you. Irrespective of the situation or issue you can count on Him to show up in your favour. The bible says they look up unto Him and they were lightened and their faces were ashamed. God is the commander in Chief of the angel army, He is the mighty man of valour that turns the tide of any war just with His presence and a way to go with God into 2016is to be His praiser. Have you ever seen a king without the one that praises him by his side? Then become
ways have time for God and yourself. It takes the grace of God to reach your destination in life, not your effort and enthusiasm. Without the help of God, it is like trying to cut down a whole forest with a vegetable knife, you can imagine how effortless it will be. I implore you to do your best, leave the rest for God; be a goal-getter, an achiever but do not step on others in order to achieve your goals. There is a saying, “one step at a time”, crawl, walk and even run when you ought to but always remember that whoever stretches beyond his limits will definitely break into pieces or be shattered. Run a little and allow God Almighty to complete the race for you. Take the day as it comes, invite God into your life and worship Him but not your business, children, husband or your wife. Matthew 6:31-34 teaches: “Therefore take no thought saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself…” •For further enquiries call: 08023020108, 08058110288, 08023991354. www.facebook.com/pastoroloruntimilehin
a thankful person, commit yourself and decide today that henceforth you will make heaven notice you from the way you will praise and thank God. Apparently you have issues that are bothering you, you want to cry out to God but why don’t you forget about yourself and give quality praise to God and He will show up for you before the year ends in the name of Jesus. Amen. If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, this is an awesome opportunity to do so and praise God with great expectations as a child of God this final month in the year and 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 total wealth in Christ. Please locate a bible believing church and share you new-birth experience with the church leaders. •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
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December 6, 2015
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
SO IT ’S 6bn YOU TOOK? AND YOU, 10bn? CHAI! THERE IS GOD, O!
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
Find, prosecute the defence funds thieves
T
he President Muhammadu Buhari anti-corruption war is unravelling the darkest secrets of Nigeria ’s less than salutary prosecution of her counter-insurgency war against Boko Haram. It is also illuminating the dangers of the country ’s opaque defence spending. And it has also exposed the shenanigans among public officers entrusted with the high responsibility of securing the nation. This is the context this newspaper situates the sordid revelations contained in the interim report of the retired Air Vice Marshall J.O.N. Ode-led Presidential Investigation Committee looking into the immediate past Goodluck Jonathan administration ’s defence funds. Last August 31, President Buhari, in fulfilment of his campaign promise to turn the searchlight on all public institutions as part of his anticorruption war, set up a 13-member committee on defence funding. Mid November, an interim report it submitted to the President revealed extra budgetary interventions of N643.8 billion and foreign currency component of $2.2 billion in security spending for the period. The report also showed that 513 contracts valued at $8,356,525,184.32; N2, 189,265,724,404.55 and 54,000.00 were awarded during the period. Of these, 53 amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13, 729,342,329.87 were categorised as failed contracts, the parlance for treating unexecuted but paid for contracts. Equally disturbing is an alleged directive Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), President Jonathan ’s last National Security Adviser (NSA), gave the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer $132,050,486.97 and 9,905,473.55 to the accounts of Societe D ’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, the United Kingdom and United States of America for unascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions. Several phantom contracts running into trillions of naira were also allegedly linked to the former NSA. The Committee report confirmed Nigerians ’ worst fear when it said very little of the huge financial interventions went into defence procurement necessary to address Boko Haram-induced insurgency in parts of the country. The sizzling affair has expectedly
IT IS AN INCONTROVERTIBLE FACT THAT THE NATION IS CURRENTLY SADDLED WITH AN UNDERPERFORMING MILITARY, WHICH WAS ONCE THE PRIDE OF BLACK AFRICA
claimed several victims, including Colonel Dasuki; some of his aides; serving and retired military officers and top politicians, who the authorities say, would help in the ongoing investigation. Against public expectations, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has curiously condemned the arrest of some of its members. We do not see anything sinister in this development, which is a mere routine. We consider the conduct of the party a dubious preemptive measure that distracts significantly from opposition role. Perceptively, the ongoing probe is necessary because it will clear many fuzzy issues. It is an incontrovertible fact that the nation is currently saddled with an underperforming military, which was once the pride of black Africa. Since 2009, the exigency created by Boko Haram ’s launched insurgency jacked up the country ’s security spending to an all time high. For example, in 2006 it was $1.067 billion; but by 2009 it had climbed to $1.825 billion. In 2010 it was $2.143 billion and $2.386 billion in 2011. By 2012, it jumped to $2.327 billion, a development that ranked Nigeria as Africa ’s 6th highest spender on defence by the Swedenbased Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Algeria was
first with $9.3 billion; South Africa ($4.4 billion); Angola ($4.1 billion); Morocco ($3.4 billion); and Libya ($2.9 billion). Globally, wars and terrorism induce high defence spending, which puts a nation in better combat readiness. But for Nigeria, such high defence spending has only resulted in the dwindling capacity of our military to arrest the challenge of Boko Haram aggression with the resultant grave consequences. The lowest point of this sordid situation was when Borno State lost control of 20 of its 22 local government areas to the sect. So, the probe is expected to provide answers to the rot in the military; solve the riddle of huge defence spending with no commensurate capacity boost. It must not be forgotten that thousands of Nigerians, military and civilians, died unceremoniously because of various acts of omission and commission by military officers entrusted with high responsibilities and political leaders and their aides that compromised their privileged positions. What about the destroyed dreams of many Nigerians, ruined economies of states in the North-East region of the country, and all other chicaneries that are the product of the uncouth and unpatriotic conducts of some privileged individuals? The Committee ’s report has galvanised the needed impetus for further political responses. Several potential culprits have been uncovered; and more would be uncovered. However, we urge diligent investigation, and the federal authorities must avoid the temptation to turn the probe into vendetta circus show. Having said this, the full force of our laws must be brought to bear on all those found guilty. They must be treated as enemies of the Nigerian state. The pliant conduct of unnamed officials of the CBN involved in the transfer of huge sums should be investigated and heavy sanction meted out to everyone culpable. The operational processes of the apex bank must be strengthened to check such lapses. Nigeria is currently among 21 countries worldwide classified as very high risk in promoting corruption by Transparency International, a development it traced to the National Assembly ’s weak oversight functions in the defence sector. The leadership of NASS should do something about it to clean up this sordid image.
Reminiscences DECEMBER 6 IN HISTORY 1790: U.S. Capitol moves from New York to Philadelphia The United States Capitol moves from New York City to Philadelphia where it stays as the capitol until 1800 when the District of Columbia is completed and becomes the capitol. 1900: Queen appeals for funds The Earl of Halsbury read the queen ’s speech in the House of Lords. In this special session, the monarch appealed for funds to keep the British army going in South Africa and China. A sizable number of women were present and the meeting was brief. 1917: Canada - Munitions ship explodes in Halifax A French munitions ship filled with highly explosive munitions--2,300 tons of picric acid, 200 tons of TNT, 35 tons of highoctane gasoline, and 10 tons of gun cotton, explodes 20 minutes after colliding with another vessel in Halifax Harbour, Canada killing more than 1,800 people and destroying more than 1,600 homes. 1922: Irish Free State created The Irish Free State is created as a dominion with British sovereign authority under the terms of the Anglo Irish Treaty. Originally the agreement did cover Northern Ireland but Northern Ireland chose the option to opt out of the dominion. 1938: Germany rearranges Lithuania The Lithuanian government was rearranged because of Nazi German insistence. Bronius K Balutis, who worked as an editor for a Chicago Lithuanian-American newspaper became deputy prime minister in order to maintain German control. 1941: Nazis move into Tunisia The allies feared that German inroads in Tunisia would pave the way for Nazi control over Africa. President Petain of France let the Germans move into Tunisia, but he would not allow them to use the French navy against Britain. 1962: Deadly smog covers London, 90 dead The thick layer of smog which has covered London causing the death of 90 people for the last three days is spreading across the country. Due to the high concentration of sulfur dioxide in the smog the Ministry of Health has advised those who are vulnerable to stay indoors or make “do-it-yourself masks ”.
PASSION
A Lifestyle Magazine
Sunday, December 6, 2015
APPLAUSE
‘If hubby says no more movies, I would oblige, but…’ >>21
‘I can flaunt almost all parts of my body’ >>20
>>20
25 19
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Passion
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
‘I can flaunt almost all parts of my body’
Roseline Ogunyale is an ex-beauty queen. She was crowned Miss Odua in 2012. She is now into showbiz but plans to set up her beauty pageant soon. In this interview with ADAEZE AMOS, she unveils her thoughts and speaks about her ideal husband, among other issues. What is the latest about you? Nothing much! I have just been flowing with the breeze of life, embracing both the happy and sad moments. One cannot go through life without experiencing either of these two things.
her ability to remain humble during and after her tenure. A lot of newly crowned queens go about it the wrong way. They become pompous or arrogant because they feel the world is under their feet. I advise you to stay humble, don’t ignore your old friends and don’t let fame control your attitude. Remember that a lot of men would come What new things have you added to your profile since 2013 your way but keep your dignity intact during and after that your tenure as Miss Odua was over? your tenure. Seek guidance from your mentors. I have been working on my own little projects and partnering with event organisers for shows and contests. You handed over your crown in 2013 at Currently, I’m working on an event called ‘Play Niaja’. the end of a year tenure but you Nonetheless, Miss Odua Beauty Pageant was a door are even prettier now. What opener for me. are you doing right? You said Miss Odua Pageant was a door opener for you, how did it benefit your life? It was indeed a door opener because things became easier for me. I got to meet some important people in the country and also learned a lot in terms of building my personality. I started seeing things differently. Can you reach out to girls who are aspiring to one beauty pageant or the other? What do you think they should get ready with having experienced it? They should be ready to face disappointments because every girl enters the competition with the hope to win. That way one would be disappointed if one doesn’t triumph. Life is full of disappointments but when you have passion and faith in what you do, when it’s your time, God would definitely crown you. What’s your advice for those who are crowned so that they would retain their dignity throughout their tenure and afterwards? I
would say that one of the most important attributes of a queen i s
I make sure I eat healthy, exfoliate my skin and detoxify my system when needed. Nothing extraordinary! I love things natural, so I avoid the artificial. Some ex-beauties lose their shape and waistline because of unnecessary adding of weight in their tummy area. What are you doing to still remain slender and sexy? E a t i n g healthy and knowing my body
work better with lots of weight management. I definitely exercise both body and mind. Are you still hoping to attend bigger beauty pageants or are you done with such shows? Oh no! I’m done contesting for pageants. I think I have other things to focus on. Do you hope to own of beauty pageant someday and give young girls a platform that would empower them? Yes,I’m working on my pageant already. I’m half way there. The name has been registered; only a few things left and hoping to get sponsors. There are so many pageants out there and most of them only aim at scamming or ripping off young girls who only want to achieve their modelling goals in pageantry. I hope to make my pageant a free, fair contest and help groom the young minds to become the best they can. What experience thrilled you most when you were still reigning? My desire to be crowned started from childhood. However, it can quite be a nerve-wracking experience for a beauty queen to get everything her way these days in this country. For example in America or in UK, you would expect to be accompanied by our so-called ‘Omo Onile’ (street urchins) every time you drive by. This is because the car you are driving has giving you away as a winner and you would expect people to hail you and often they demand for a hand out if necessary most times. You can’t say no, no matter how small the amount would be. But, I think I really love the attention because it kind of promoted me. You are now an actress, what are you enjoying most about it? I’m not sure because I’m not 100 per cent into acting. I only act when I have free time. I have starred in Tinsel, a soap opera. What was the craziest thing a male fan had done to you? There was this guy that became very obsessed about me. He went to the extent of getting my mobile number (God knows who he paid to get it from) and even pix-mixed my pictures with his and posted loads of it on his facebook page. He went as far as opening a page for us as a c o u p l e. I felt very awkward and
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Sunday, December 6, 2015
scary. If you were to relive your life, would you still love to be a beauty queen? Yes, I wouldn’t mind being a beauty queen. You are doing well in showbiz, would you still love to be married one day and settle down? I definitely see myself being married sometime in the nearest future. Who knows it might be soon. What then are the qualities of your ideal man? I know as women, we also feel we can pursue our career to the fullest but let’s not forget also that we are women and we are home-makers. Therefore, we should draw our own limitations and set a target for ourselves…when to chase a career and money and when to start a family. Having said this, my ideal man should be God-fearing. He should be a man that knows and sees that I’m perfect and have my flaws but will love me regardless. He should be a man with zeal or drive to succeed, love to have a family, be decent and humble. Talking about fashion, can you define your personal style? I think I have a very simple style when it comes to fashion. I’m not a flashy dresser and I don’t wear too many accessories because I have a flashy skin tone. I think that’s enough attraction. I always keep it simple but with a little touch of my blonde hair and nice shoes. What fashion item forms a larger part of your wardrobe? I would say my shoes, hair, make-up and nails respectively. I’m a simple dresser but when it comes to my shoes and hair, I don’t keep it simple, not at. What part of your body can you flaunt with shoulders high? I can flaunt all parts of my body except those parts meant for my future husband. I’m a bit curvy and I love to wear shorts to show my legs and fitted wears to flaunt my curves.
Applause
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‘If hubby says no more movies, I would oblige, but…’ Adaeze Amos
P
opular actress, Martina Obi Okorare, has been in showbiz for a reasonable length of time. And she is still waxing stronger! Besides being an actress, she is also a businesswoman. When Martina got married, she never relented. Also, when she lost her beloved younger brother, she got back to the movie set just after a few days of mourning because, as she put it, “the grace of God and love I got from friends helped me”. As 2015 rolls to a close, she has a lot of things to tidy up. “I’m doing some businesses and short movies to close the year. one of the short movies I featured in is making waves. It is titled Truthful Lies. It is one of the Afri-movies. Honestly, I have been getting positive comments from fans. As the year comes to an end, I’m grateful to God for life and for all the projects I did this year. Next year will be better, I see myself doing projects that would wow the world. I thank God that as an actress, I have the ability to tell someone’s story and I get enormous attention,” Martina emphasised. With many accolades she has garnered owing to what she does for a living, which of course, is acting, she has been able to learn a lot of lessons about stardom. “Life as an actress has taught me to always believe I can do what I was meant to do and be who I want to be. I got prepared right from childhood that I would mange stardom well because even then, I knew there was and still something special in me. But to be frank, I didn’t know I would come this far or be on the screen. It’s all God’s plan,” she said. One major thing most successful women consider while rising in their career is their marriage or the home-front generally. These surely can clash, especially a situation where the husband of an actress would suddenly do a U-turn from supporting his wife as a result of some reasons and insist she dumps the
career that had given her fame. What happens in such a situation? “If my husband says no more movies, I will oblige him but I will be hurt because acting is my passion. But we talked about it before getting married and so far he has been supportive. If he suddenly wakes up one day and says I should quit, I would obey him and stop but honestly I would be hurt deep inside,” she said unambiguously. Buttressing her point, she said: “After all, my mentors in the acting world are also happily married and their husbands have been very supportive. People like Liz Benson. She is highly gifted in acting and she’s humble. In Hollywood I love Angelina Joli. She has deep passion and love for the game. She breaks leg in any role. It’s a booster for me,” she said smilingly. But the fact that Martina is doing fabulously well in her career does not rule out the fact that she still nurses some fears about life. “My worst fear in life is not making heaven. To overcome such a fear, I listen to gospel music and study the word of God. I also pray and my striking prayer point is for God’s mercy and grace to continue in my life,” she said. What price did she pay to get to where she is at the moment? Prayer, hard work and faith. No magic! But I suspended my Postgraduate diploma in education to pursue my career. Besides, however, I also read a lot…inspirational books, from Daniel Steel and John Gresham. Reading has empowered me in one way or the other,” she declared. What movies does she watch? “I love to watch epic movies with good storyline. I also watch cartoons because they make me laugh. I enjoy adventurous movies because adventure is fun. But, seriously, I hardly watch my movies. Not on purpose. But there isn’t time to really sit and see my jobs except premieres or when I’m on vacation or I bumped into it on TV. Most times my fans go on social media to tell me which one they saw. My family calls too to inform me. It’s really nice to have people appreciate what I do,” she said.
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Opinion
Sunday December 6, 2015
Uncensored
Sheriff Folarin
E-mail: sheffie2004@yahoo.co.uk 08094217972 (SMS only)
O
n Sunday, October 25, 2015, I did a piece on the heated subject of resuscitation efforts by Biafra separatists, which have led to lots of dramatic twists and turns. These include the rebirth of the Biafra pound currency, which the author found in circulation along the West African coast in August, restiveness of Independent State of Biafra and the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, lockdowns of roads and cities in Southeastern Nigeria by agitators for the re-emergence of Biafra in the 21st century, the birth and persistent menace of the Radio Biafra, and the mass arrests of the dissidents as well as the arrest of Kanu, the man behind Biafra ‘hate’ radio. Like the earlier piece by me, Biafra pound as Legal Tender in West Africa, which created fireworks on social media platforms, particularly Nairaland; “The Biafra Self-Determination Quest” too, prompted lots of enlightened and sophisticated debates and reactions from home and abroad. I found two of such reactions/contributions most fascinating. First, because they both are affiliated to the old Biafra Republic; and second, because both of them see it from two different perspectives, although the second contributor was modest and prudent in expressing his viewpoint, preferring to pose a significant and loaded question instead. The first contributor is Emeka Obiandu
Safety Tips with
Jonas Agwu
Email: j.agwu@Ofrsc.gov.ng Tel: -8033026491, 8077690055
Sunday Eze
Y
uletide, a season of hope, peace and joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ all over the world is again around the corner. The season and reason for the celebration means different things to different people. To most of the Christian faithful around the globe, the central theme of this joyous occasion finds a place in the fulfillment of the word of God as vividly captured in Isaiah 9:6 “ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace.” In another biblical stead, Jeremiah 33:14-16 declared, “behold, the days come, said the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.” Others view it as a time for annual celebration of friends and family reunion, of individuals and communal feats. Less than one month to Christmas, the world and Nigeria are looking forward to this annual Christian event. Many are billed to journey home to reunite with families, friends and well-wishers. In Nigeria, apart
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Re- The ‘Biafra’ self-determination quest who resides in, and wrote from London; the second person, Micheal Udegbenu did not really specify his location. I hereby reproduce the two pieces: Emeka Obiandu: “I read your brilliant article on the new Biafra craze. I totally agree with your views on the issue. Marginalization has become hackneyed and meaningless in the Nigerian context because everyone employs whenever their determined attempt to ‘move Nigeria forward’ in their own way does not yield the desired effect or when politicians wish to deliberately acquire the now desirable name tag- ‘Controversial’. To that extent, marginalization has become a free tool in the hands of anyone who wishes to cry wolf. The critical thing with the new Biafra idea is that the main dramatis personae are all post war babies, who did not witness the agonies of the war. The older generation of Ibo people who saw war or fought in the war are not enthused by the new craze but by not speaking up boldly against it may be deemed to be complicit in the fullness of time. But of far more interest to me a Rivers man (who though too young to have fought in the war was old enough to remember clearly what war was like – I still have the bitter taste of war in my mouth) is the issue of the geographical boundaries of the new Biafra project. Here are the Ibos again arrogantly presuming that once they start something the entire old Eastern Region comprising Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and part of Delta would simply fall in line. They forget that we are no longer Eastern Region where the Ibos held sway. They may well have pockets of support in these areas from politicians who are more interested in large audiences and horse trading than anything else but how do the generality of the nonIbo peoples of the former Eastern region feel about it this time? We may, like everyone else, be shouting marginalization; but does that translate to a burning desire to secede? If my memory serves me
right, the reason why the first Biafra came to grief so early was that majority of the non-Ibo elements of the region did not buy into Ojukwu’s Biafra. As a result, the fall of Port Harcourt very early in the struggle, which in my view, started a chain of catastrophic events that led to the eventual collapse of the enclave, was facilitated by the riverine communities of Rivers State. Nigeria came into Port Harcourt through Bonny and was known to have got serious assistance from the locals who knew all the creeks and waterways. Unless the intended geographical limits of the new Biafra would be confined to the core Ibo states of Imo, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi any unilateral attempt to include peoples who do not share their aspiration or how they wish to actualize that aspiration would spell even a greater disaster than the first one. Your article painted clear pictures of the plight of the Ibo man in Nigeria then and now and I totally agree with your conclusion that there are now no compelling grounds, nothing that remotely approximate to the Ibo man’s plight in the period immediately leading to the outbreak of hostilities to warrant what is being hyped as a groundswell of support for the Biafran idea. The danger in what they are doing is that the wrong handling of the ‘nothing’ could quickly bestow the status of ‘something’ on it. If for instance Nnamdi Kanu dies in detention albeit of natural causes, it would be difficult to explain to the Ibos that he had not been murdered. It is common knowledge that PMB has not really been fair to the Ibos in his short time in office. It is this kind of blatant MARGINALISATION that is conferring “somethingness” to radio station nuisance and gaining it popularity. Unless the current APC government takes the fuse out of this apparent timebomb by resisting the temptation of making the Biafran movement or their leaders instant enemies, they run the risk of making him more popular. The
government must take steps to defuse the tension by visibly redressing the imbalance which the presidency has admitted is an issue.”-Emeka Obiandu Micheal Udegbune: “I have read your article titled: ‘The Biafra self-determination quest’, from where this quote was taken: “‘There is no doubt about the fact that the Igbo people have always wanted to be a separate nation. Under the UN Charter, which recognizes the cause and agitations of belligerents and promotes the peaceable approach to self-determination of a distinct group of people within geo-political and sovereign entities, they are free and have the right to do so. Eritrea, South Sudan, Western Sahara and several European examples attest to this principle. They all gained self-determination under the careful watch of the UN. The Biafrans can be independent too’’. “The question I have for you is this: Could you please explain why the rest of Nigeria would want Biafrans to be part of Nigeria as created by the British when Biafrans have clearly expressed their wish to self-determination just like you pointed out that nations like Eritrea, South Sudan and Western Sahara have done.” -Michael M Udegbune The views of two of my readers have been passed across. If you have any reaction to these or any contrasting opinion to what have been said above, you may also inbox them to me. If you also wish to answer Michael’s “One Million Naira” question, I will be glad to know and share your views. Compliments of the Season!!
Sheriff Folarin (PhD), an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, writes from Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Yuletide: Significance and adherence to traffic rules from elaborately celebrating its significance in the birth of the saviour of the world, the season is often characterised by huge vehicular movement of people, goods and services within the length and breadth of the nation. However, the joy of the festive period is more often than not short-lived owing to some prevailing human and environmental circumstances. Therefore, before you embark on that journey to the waiting warm embrace of your family far away home this Christmas season, it will not be out of place to put the following factors into utmost consideration. Think safety first! A journey is considered safe only when passengers arrive safely to their various destinations. Nothing kills on Nigerian roads like over-speeding. The stipulated 80kph for passenger buses are flagrantly abused while 100kph for private vehicles are contemptuously ignored to the detriment of the passengers and the society. The law guiding speed limits should be strictly adhered to especially this season by road users while seat belts must always be put on when driving. The rate of road accidents recorded within the supposed joyous period is very alarming. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said; “120 persons were killed in road accidents between 19 - 28, December, 2014. This happened just within an interval of ten days. Interestingly, the figure translates to 42% reduction when compared to 2013 figure of 208 within the same period.” The Commission should be commended for the successes achieved through conscentising the road users on the dangers of road accidents and for bringing high level of sanity to our roads. Although the casualty figure has drastically reduced, more needs to be done to save human lives from road carnages. Most road users including drivers should be abreast of traffic rules. Therefore, before a driver inserts the key into the ignition of that vehicle he must be at home with the enabling traffic laws guiding his driving conduct. The literates
who can read and interpret road signs should be allowed to acquire drivers licence before plying our roads. It has been established that most road accidents are caused by impatience of the drivers and other road users. Garments of patience are recommended apparels for every one when using the road. The reality of the existence of objects, stray animals and the surprises they could spring are critical elements which deserve the patience of road users this season of celebration. Be aware of the fact that with the exception of you, every other driver on the road is deemed as insane. Therefore, drivers should be extremely cautious and possess defensive driving skills. American National Standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operation defines defensive driving skills as “driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.” It is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. This can be achieved through adherence to a variety of general guidelines, such as following the assured clear distance ahead and two second rules, as well as the practice of specific driving techniques.” Many drivers and transport operators desire to make much during Christmas. They embark on as many trips as possible and based on that throw caution to the wind while driving. In the final analysis, the unfortunate aftermath of impatience which would have taken may be five seconds of restraint often leads to untimely death, hospitalisation of casualties, hospital bill, trauma, litigation and takes more than one month to finally address. When was the last time you serviced that car you intend to travel home with? The state of private or public vehicles on our roads deserves adequate care for them to
give optimal performance. Evidences of old and rickety vehicles which have no business plying our roads are common sights to behold. One wonders what a moving caskets they all really are. There is always a noticeable attitude or tendency of primitive accumulation of more wealth for the season. The society witnesses increase in the nefarious activities of armed robbers and ritualists who are on the prowl to making evil money to prove that they have arrived. Moreover, unnecessary hike in the cost of goods and services unfortunately characterises the celebration of the birth of Christ. We have come to terms with the culture and make desperate effort to shop one or two weeks before the celebration because of the above anticipated upsurge in costs of goods and services. Christmas is a season of joy and Jesus Christ is the reason for the celebration. The above narratives demean the significances of the occasion. If one must drink and drive, it must be cold natural water. The state of mind of the driver goes a long way in shaping the fate of every journey. How healthy and mentally alert is the man behind the wheels? Some sick and tired drivers had depended on alcohol or other stimulants to stay alert while driving. The habit has led to unimaginable disaster and road carnages of monumental proportion. Nigerian roads are terribly in bad shape. This situation has negatively affected the condition of vehicles and made journeys regrettably cumbersome. Cautious meandering through these dilapidated roads has become the way out for commuters. Safety on roads should be the catchphrase as Nigerians prepare for this Yuletide season. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace. Christ is the reason for the season! Eze is a media and communications specialist
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Opinion
Sunday December 6, 2015
Ambode’s red card to criminals Ayodeji Afolabi
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f there had been doubts about Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s policy to rid Lagos State of Criminals, such was laid to rest on Friday, November 27, 2015. It is also instructive to note that for Ambode’s critics who have unfairly concluded he has no answer to the security challenges in the state, they have been proved wrong by the presentation of various security vehicles and equipment to the police to combat crime.
Here is a checklist of the N4.8billion worth of vehicles and equipment handed over to the police by Governor Ambode; 100 4-Door Salon Cars, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups, 15 BMW Power Bikes, 100 Power Bikes, Isuzu Trucks, three (3) Helicopters, two(2) Gun Boats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, Revolving Lights, Siren and Public Address System, Vehicular Radio Communicators, Security Gadgets including Bullet Proof Vests, Helmets, Handcuffs, etc, Uniforms, Kits and Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers. The above is a comprehensive package geared towards fighting crime in Lagos. While we cannot deny the fact that there was an upsurge of crime in Lagos in recent times after Ambode had hardly settled down as Governor, it is unfair to conclude that he is not doing anything about it. We should take cognisance of the fact that policing a citystate like Lagos can’t be a tea party. It indeed, involves huge investment in security equipment in assisting the police to effectively police the city. While we all know that previous governments also committed huge resources in assisting the police in the area of equipment, logistic and training, we
should not forget that this gesture must be continuous for the police to remain focused and active in combating crime. There is no doubt that most of the vehicles that were bought for the police in the past had become unserviceable; many of the equipment have either become outdated or faulty, gadgets have become faulty or obsolete. This means that these must be replenished and modern equipment must be provided for the police. What Ambode has done is to restore confidence in Lagosians that their safety as well as that of their property is assured. It is also a red card to criminals who have devised new ways of making life hellish for Lagos residents. These criminals suddenly found it easier to rob unchallenged inside traffic gridlock while they have also discovered that waterways have provided a shield for their nefarious activities. But the criminals who I am sure would watch the presentation ceremony which was televised live, would have had a rethink by now. The power bikes would come handy in apprehending traffic robbers while the helicopters would be used for surveillance and transmission of information to the security agents on ground. The gun boats will no doubt put the fear of God into the creek robbers who rely on speed boats to get away after robbing their victims. Helicopters and gunboats will put these creek robbers in check. Bank robbers will also have a rethink as the Armoured Personnel Carriers will be deployed at short notice. I cannot agree less with the Minister of the Interior, Lt Gen Abduraman Dambassau, who represented President Buhari at the occasion, when he called on men of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that the equipment is preserved through diligent
maintenance culture in order to justify the huge resources expended. The Inspector -General of Police, Solomon Arase who was also at the occasion was so impressed that he made a promise on behalf of his men that they will be more alive to their responsibilities with the new vehicles, equipment and gadgets presented by the state government because to whom much is given, much is expected. Ambode did not stop at providing vehicles and gadgets but he provide for the welfare and insurance of men and officers of the police. The involvement of the police high command and the Minister of Interior in the effort to combat crime in Lagos state underscores Ambode’s capability to confront the security challenges of Lagos state head-on as a team player who believes that the issue of security involves all critical stakeholders. The minister of the interior, who represented President Mohammadu Buhari, was so fascinated with Ambode’s gesture that he enjoined other Governors to emulate him. The first thing that comes to the mind of an average Lagosian with the display of the sophisticated equipment and weapons is psychological relief that alas, we can sleep with our eyes closed. There will be no more excuses on the part of the police that there is no patrol vehicle, no bullet proof vest, no gunboat to combat waterways robbers etc. The new items presented to the police have started yielding results as the State Commissioner of police, Mr Fatai Owoseni has increased the police presence at dark spots in the state from about 165 locations to over 200 by adding an addition 85 or thereabout. This is possible because of the new vehicles and gadgets. Apart from the vehicles and equipment presented to the police, Ambode still has a
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lot of job to do in terms of easing the traffic gridlock in the state which gave the robbers the chance to operate in the first place. While Lagosians have noticed a tremendous improvement in the traffic gridlock in the state in recent times due to the collaborative effort of the various drivers’ unions who are now Special Traffic Marshals and the enforcement of traffic rules, the situation could still be better if this tempo is maintained. Little wonder he told the police authorities that Lagosians would no longer accept any excuses after the huge investment his government has committed on the vehicles, equipment, gadgets, training and their insurance. What Ambode has done is to take the security agents to the public court and tell them that he has played his own part leaving the rest to the police. This is the best way to go as the whole world now shift attention on how the security agents utilise the items presented to them to the benefit of the general public. As the Chief security officer of the state on whose table the buck stops, Ambode has demonstrated that he is in charge and on top of the security situation in the state. Be that as it may, the Federal government whose responsibility it is to kit and supply equipment and gadget to the police should not abandon this role to state governments. If Lagos state government is buoyant to invest such a colossal sum on the police, what of other states that are not so buoyant but with security challenges? As Lagosians basked in the euphoria of the new equipment and gadgets presented to the police to secure them and their property, we hope the police will reciprocate the gesture as promised by the IGP by chasing the criminals out thereby making the state safe and secured. •Afolabi writes from Surulere
The Fayemi model for budget transparency Obadero Olanipekun
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s the federal government and states finalise their budgets for 2016, it is vital that citizens pay more than a passing notice to this very important part of the sacred covenant between the people and their elected leaders. In order to sustain and encourage conversation about budgets and their transparency, the Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) recently released its ‘Nigerian States Budget Transparency Survey 2015’. The survey was done with data collected in 2014.
In that survey, Ekiti State ranked first among the 36 states of the country. In the ‘Transparency Index 2015’, Ekiti ranked 79 – the highest score on the index. It is worth noting that apart from the second-placed state – Cross River – which ranked 73 on the index, no other state crossed the 60th mark. Third-placed Lagos State ranked 60. This survey, conducted with support from UKAid and the International Budget Partnership (IBP), is recommended reading for our federal and state lawmakers as they get set to undertake their constitutional scrutiny of the respective budgets laid before them. In determining what factors a budget must meet to ensure that it is a practical and transparent document, it is vital that we examine the model that was used in Ekiti State under former Governor Kayode Fayemi. In-
deed, the vibrant anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) receives a boost when we enthrone a culture of what CIRDDOC defines as an “open, inclusive and accountable budget and procurement process in which citizens, Auditors General, governors, civil society and the media play a vital role.” How did Dr Fayemi, who has since moved on to national assignment as Minister of Solid Minerals Development, achieve the feat in Ekiti? First, he enthroned a culture of transparency in the state; a culture that sadly seems to be dying a fast death since he left the governor’s seat. A few months after he assumed office as governor, Dr Fayemi ensured that Ekiti became the first state to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act. This was very symbolic as it paved the way for other efforts to ensure that the business of governance was done in the most transparent and proactive manner. On the ‘Availability of Key Budget Documents’ section of the survey, Ekiti topped with 75 points; a fitting testimony of the fact that the Fayemi Budget Model ensured that access to budget documents was guaranteed. Under this model, all state contracts were published online on the government’s website. Indeed, the website – ekiti.gov.ng – was adjudged the best state website in the country for proactive disclosure, among
the numerous awards it received. Not only were details of the budget and public procurement published on the website, they were also readily available for anyone who worked into the relevant offices to demand for them. Fayemi also introduced a more robust type of participatory budgeting; a development that sees Ekiti, along with Cross River, also topping the ‘Participation’ section of the survey with 78 points. Under this model, which was commenced in 2013, the state government ensured that all communities participated in the budget planning by examining the performance of the previous budget vis-à-vis the needs of the respective communities and incorporating new needs and practical solutions into the new budget. On ‘Procurement’, perhaps the most critical section of the ‘Nigerian States Budget Transparency Survey 2015’, Ekiti topped the list with 100 points. It is very telling that the state grabbed maximum points from this very critical section. Budgets are only as good as the procurement systems that drive their implementation. Therefore, the Fayemi Model is one that all stakeholders must insist that our states adapt to ensure that we begin to truly experience open governments in this new era. Under Dr Fayemi, all state government contracts were published online and
citizens could access relevant information about the government procurement chain. As Nigeria grapples with dwindling crude oil sales and prepares to aggressively explore other numerous areas of revenue, it is expected that governments across the various levels will be more prudent and proactive in the preparation and management of their budgets for 2016. It is also expected that all stakeholders will become more committed to establishing a more transparent budgeting and procurement process that will result in truly open governments. The Fayemi Model has opened a path that we should explore and widen in our quest to achieve this objective. CIRDDOC says it is committed to playing its part in the accountability ecosystem of Nigeria by releasing the survey every two years. Dr Fayemi has also played a critical part in establishing and sustaining this ecosystem. In the next survey that will be released by CIRDDOC, while Ekiti may not retain its enviable records for 2015 due to the sad state of government instituted by Dr Fayemi’s successor in office, it is hoped that more than half of the 36 states in Nigeria rise appreciably on the rankings. This rise will only be made possible by a thorough scrutiny and wholesome application of the Fayemi Model. •Olanipekun writes from Lagos.
Perfect Cut
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African Look Nigerian fashion designers have modernised African look Adaeze Amos
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igerian fashion designers are making our country and in fact Africa proud. When you take a critical look at today’s African look/styles, you would agree that there is a tremendous improvement. African styles no longer look primitive. Looking at the models on this page, for instance, isn’t it amazing that our fabrics are now used to design all sorts of wears: casual, dinner, beach and party dresses. Our designers have made it possible for us to proudly wear styles made from our local fabrics no matter the country we find ourselves. This is saying kudos to Nigerian fashion designers!
Sunday, December 6, 2015
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Flaunt you
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
Perfect Cut
ur curves in body-con dresses Adaeze Amos
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f you are plump and still have a flat tummy and firm waistline, you indeed have a fantastic body frame. You shouldn’t hide those awesome features of yours inside roomy dresses. You‘ve got to flaunt your curves, if need be, at least once in a while. You shouldn’t ‘swallow’ your figure up with those drab Bou-Bous in your wardrobe all the time. Try slipping into bodycon dresses that would flatter those striking curves for once and look girlish. But in case you are blessed with a strikingly slender body frame, you can also don body-con dresses, especially when you want to look dashing or debonair!
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
Dude Style
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‘I can’t be caught in female wear’
Mayiwa Omatsola is the current winner of Mr Universe Nigeria of University of Lagos. In this interview with VICTOR UDOH, he speaks about his passion for acting and fashion. Excerpts: Can we get to know more about you? I am Mayowa Omatsola, a student and Mr Universe 2015 of the University of Lagos. I am studying Natural Science, and we just finished our final year exam. Basically, I am a fun-loving and normal person. I love adventure and taking risks, I mean being a goal-getter. How do you feel being winner of Mr Universe? It was a very great feeling because for the past six months, I’ve been working on myself through physical workout, grooming, mentorship and all that. I really don’t know what I wanted to do this year, as for the past six months I have been doing my personal project. How would your winning this crown impact on the people? This year’s Mr Universe competition presaged cancer as its theme, and I am looking forward to working with the Mr Universe Nigeria team. I intend to be a good role model to the youth because in our country today, there are lots of issues affecting youths. I would really love to create that awareness and shine the light on some of the issues affecting the youth, at least through the social media. What inspired your participating in the competition? I had been working on myself for the past six months; that aside, in 2013 I had earlier contested for Mr Universe. I have always had the love for entertainment, pageantry, basically reality TV. A few months before the audition, I saw the Mr Universe Nigeria movement o n In-
stagram. It looked like a good platform for me and I decided to give it a try after consulting with some of my friends and uncles who gave me their support. Did you feel challenged or have the mindset that you would win? Usually, whenever I enter into any competition or contest I always have the mindset that I’d like to win. The major challenge, especially in camp, was just sleep and stress because we had so much work to do in just one week. We had to learn three different dance steps, how to come on stage for the segment, and most of the time we had to go to bed around 2 a.m. We would wake around 5 a.m. So, we were getting three to four hours sleep everyday and had to keep working hard at the same time. It was very tasking but it’s nothing too different from what I put myself through in the past six months. Regardless, it was a new experience for me as we were locked away from civilisation for about a week. It was tasking.
whole week trying to put the show together. Coming on stage that day after all the hours of rehearsals and all that, the whole show was about three hours. So it was very wonderful. Everyone had to go onstage and give his best performance. How was your growing up? I am from a Catholic family, comprising a brother and two sisters. Growing up was pretty strict because my mother wanted all her children to turn out alright. So, growing up in my family setting was like toeing the proverbial triangle, of from school to house, house to church and back to home.
How did your family feel seeing you on pants? Funnily, my entire family was there for me. When I told them my intention, they gave me their support. I think for a while they must have known I am in love with entertainment and fashion, and that it is something I really want to do. On what they must What do you think made you to have thought about me in mere pants, I can’t win? say for them. But when I won, everyone was Obviously, I know the Mr happy for me. It was a good experience and I Universe Nigeria people have enjoyed the fact that I made my family happy what they look for in a contes- at that moment. tant, but I believe God was really on my side. This is be- As Mr Universe, where are you taking your cause at the end of the day tenure to in the next one year? every single person that was In the next one year, I there was very talented in see myself being a their own way. I feel I was just very busy person. lucky to be what they wanted Remember, I am at that moment. in my final year
How did you feel the first day you climbed the Mr Universe stage? I felt like a star because we had been worki n g for a
and also the crown contend with. I strike a balbecause at
h ave t o must ance t h e
end of the day, education is still important to me at this point. I am looking up to finishing school, even as I also share passion for acting. In fact, I see myself going into acting fulltime after school. I am also a fitness instructor, which I have been doing for a while to build my fitness brand. How are you going to marry all these together? I don’t have an exact answer for that because at the end of the day, it has all been God; it has not been easy. I find it better to work when I have other things doing, rather than just sit at home idly. It’s good for me because I go out there doing different things, though it’s very tasking but I am happy doing them. What’s your philosophy of life? I believe life is a journey; it’s not a race or competition. You just have to take each day as it comes. When you are nice, the right thing will come at the right time. You said you want to go into acting, where do you see Nollywood in the next five years? Five years is even too long; in the next two years, the Nigerian movie industry will be very big. Five years ago, we used to go to the cinema to watch Nigerian movies, now we see lots of Nigerian movies making it to the silver screen and actually doing well on sales. And I am looking forward to being part of that industry because it has a very bright future. Like the music industry now that has gone out of proportion, Nollyhood is very big now, and I see the movie and film industry getting to that level very soon. Who is your mentor? In life generally, my mentor is my dad because he’s the kind of person I love to be; he’s very dedicated to work and family. He is the kind of person that would forgo self-gratification for his family to move forward. What’s your idea about colour blocking? Funnily enough, I am a very versatile person when it comes to fashion. I can wear anything that looks good. I like improvising with colours a lot; I did a bit of graphic design and painting in school, and thus know how to appreciate colours. For colour blocking, there has to be a system to it. While you can put on different colours, try to make sure there are at least complementary colours; those that go with each other. So, for colour blocking, I don’t mind so long as it looks good. What’s that fashion item you can’t be caught in? I wouldn’t wear anything that’s made for females. I think it’s becoming a trend these days to see guys donning female wears. What’s the fashion item you love to wear? What is that fashion item that appeals to you when you see both men and women wear it? They include shoes and wristwatches. I love wristwatches a lot. I also appreciate good quality shoes and love seeing them on people, even on myself. The type of timepiece (wristwatch) one wears says a lot about such a person.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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December 6, 2015
Pregnancy Talk
Naughtiest Thing
with
The naughtiest thing I ’ve ever done
Adaeze Amos
Ebere Agu
߾ࠆ߾ࠀࠁ߾߿ࠀࠀࠇࠁ ߶ࠡࠛࠡ ࠝࠜࠚࠧ߷
You can dance during pregnancy A
re you one of those pregnant women who love to sit and pity themselves in a party or in church refusing to dance because you are heavy with child? You may be getting it wrong. Who said dancing would cause abortion or damage to you and your unborn child? According to medics, dancing is another good way to exercise, strengthen your bones and joints happily. It keeps you active and makes the heart pump better. If you doubt this ask your doctor. It does no harm to dance when you are heavy provided you are not where other people would fling their hands or legs which may land seriously on your tummy. Aside from that, dancing is healthy while pregnant. Here are what medics say: Dancing is an excellent form of keeping you healthy, flexible and stress-free during your pregnancy. Gone are the days when age-old beliefs of being on bed rest and doing little or no work was prescribed to pregnant women. Nowadays, even doctors suggest that pregnant women should have some form of exercise to keep their body flexible, which will eventually help them during delivery. However, in case of complications, bed rest might be advised by your doctor. So before you undertake any form of physical activity, it is recommended that you consult your doctor and seek medical advice. Dancing can be a great stress buster during
en e w t e b t h g u a c ‘I was two lovers ’
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pregnancy. Of course you should not undertake strenuous dance forms or those that involve heavy jumping. Instead, you can take up dance forms
like samba, jazz, ballroom dance (without the lifts) and salsa that are especially tailored for expecting mothers. These are some of the
ideal dance forms that will help you maintain your fitness levels during your early pregnancy.
he naughtiest thing I did which, whenever I remember, I laugh is in fact crazy. It happened in those days when girls tried to hustle to make ends meet. I met a nice guy and we kept a date. Getting to the venue of the appointment, I met another guy I had something with. It seemed as a dream, but it was real. To worsen the situation, the two guys were close friends. I was dumbfounded when I saw them together discussing. Not knowing what to do in such a situation, all I did was to stand and look at them for a few minutes and then backed out without saying a word.
They too wondered what happened to me; they were shocked to have seen me react the way I did. I walked out not saying anything to them. I never expected to see both of them together. Because it suddenly happened, I wasn ’t prepared for it, I was short of words. I didn ’t have the courage to face both of them more so as I was seductively dressed …to appease the new catch. I had to walk away. Of course, no girl would want to be caught in such a dilemma. Ebere Agu, an actress, is from Enugu State. •ADAEZE AMOS
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Movies & Music
Sunday, December 6, 2015
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& usic M Movies With Victor Udoh 07067124302 e-mail: victorudoh804@yahoo.com
Kollington, Pasuma, others for Top One Carnival
Police unveil Korede Bello as youth ambassador
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Pasuma
ome Friday, December 11, it will be celebration galore and glass clinking all the way, as one of the fastmoving entertainment spots around, Top One Garden Podo Village, Ibadan, Oyo State, will host the first of its kind carnival, featuring-(music, dance and comedy etc), courtesy of Int’l Breweries Plc (makers of Trophy-Honourable-No Sugar), Ilesha, Osun State. According to the show promoter, Mr. Babatunde Agboola-Alubarika from TASCO Music Promotions, Nigeria & Overseas hinted that the carnival would begin from 12 noon with the veteran fuji artiste, Kollington Ayinla. Remi Aluko Igwe 1 alongside several artistes such as Tiri Trophy, Kunle Trophy, 9ja Boys, Salaye Awilo, Seye Kidi, Sherif Ayinde Simple, Kola Bata, Tunde King among others with Hip-Hop performance (Born To Rule Entertainment) among other acts, will take charge of the night show from 10 p.m. TDB. Grand theatrical performance comes from Fadeyi Oloro, and several magicians among others. Awards will also be presented to deserving personalities and corporate bodies for supporting entertainment in the state and Nigeria. They include Top One Garden Entertainment Centre, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Director of SSS Oyo State, CEO Int’l Breweries Plc Ilesha, Head of Immigration Services, Oyo State Command, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma among others.
Miss Curvy Nigeria set for pet project
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Miss Curvy
ueen Sandra Anthony has been busy since October that she was crowned the 2015 Miss Curvy Nigeria. Just a couple of weeks into her tenure, she travelled to Dubai to unwind after beating 34 beauty aspirants to have the crown. Aside from unwinding, she also went there to shop for dresses and jewellery. “I needed to overhaul my wardrobe,” she said. She came back to the country after spending a few weeks and pronto she plunged into press interviews to unveil her lineup of activities. She is one beauty queen who doesn’t believe that all a queen needs to do is just to look stunning, wear a diamond-studded crown and a sash across her shoulder and attend glamorous events. “There is more to being a beauty queen. I’m going to use this platform wisely. I will be busy throughout my one year tenure touching lives and reaching out to humanity. That is why I have been busy granting press interviews and unveiling my pet project.”
Korede
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he Nigeria Police have named Korede Bello as youth ambassador. Unveiling the youth ambassador and anti-crime jingles, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, said that youths were critical to the fight against crime in the country. Represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Danazumi Doma, Director, Finance and Administration, Arase said: “Korede Bello, you are the positive representation of Nigerian youths and on this occasion, the Nigeria Police celebrate you. “We believe Korede Bello’s exemplary behaviour and tenacity of purpose, like that of the Nigeria Police, will be the needed influence to change the wrong or misconceived habits of some of our youths. It is, therefore, my firm conviction that in fighting crimes in our system, the youth are critical elements that must be incorporated. The process of bringing the youth into our fold as crime-fighting channels is very critical to the policing of this country.’’ He said Nigerian youths deserve to play a more important and significant role in improving the country’s security framework. Arase said the idea was aimed at spreading security awareness and sensitisation to schools and universities in crime prevention. Police spokesperson, ACP Olabsisi Kolawole, said the opportunity would build awareness and foster development of the youth. “ I do hope that this new opportunity given the Nigerian youth will be judiciously utilised by preaching positive changes to their peers all over the country,” he said. In his acceptance speech, Bello promised to work with the police to ensure that youths do not engage in crimes. “I promise to do my best, we the youth of this country will not disappoint you,’’ he said. He disclosed that before now, there had not been any relation-
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Movies & Music
Sunday, December 6, 2015
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Glo Dance with Peter: Housemates in Battle face-off …as Funke Akindele stars as guest judge
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W Davino releases Worthy
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ultitalented gospel artiste, Adewale Abe, popularly known as W.Davino has dropped an outstanding album entitled Worthy. Davino,who is an evangelist, music director, instrumentalist, producer and motivational speaker is currently based in Italy. He relocated to Europe in the late 90s where he studied marketing in the University of Greenwich London.
His passion for writing songs lured him to communicate God’s love to mankind through music and teaching. He is the CEO, Armony Record with an outstanding album released in May 2015 titled Worthy which was lunched recently in the city of Parma and Casalmggiore Italy. His song is making and enjoying massive airplay across the nation. He is warming up to have a lunch in Nigeria.
W Davino
Review of Road to Yesterday
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Genevieve
oad to Yesterday is not a bad film. In fact it is an enjoyable first feature length picture by fast-rising director, Ishaya Bako. It is a l s o a first for Genevieve Nnaji as a producer. The story is about Vi c t o r i a , played by G e n e v i e ve and Izuchukwu, played by Oris Erhuerho. They take the opportunity to unburden baggage, hurts and frustrations of their failing marriage on a road trip in an attempt to save their ailing union. The story picks up the night before, when Victoria gets fed up with the strife and prepares
to have “the talk” with Izu once he gets back home. Izu on the other hand is also at the end of his tether and stays out late, binge drinking. The next sequence is a brilliant set of cuts between “today” and “yesterday”. Flashbacks expose that Victoria had caught Izu cheating (without his knowledge), but never said. We climax when we also discover that their daughter, Nicole, isn’t Izu’s. They have finally had the talk and findings from the discussion are very bitter. However, the couple finds a way back to the bliss of their yesterday. They forgive and renew their commitment to each other. This would have been an ideal ending but a flurry of rather confusing cuts reveal that Victoria has actually been dreaming all along – all is not well! Long “talking heads” scenes with uncreative dialogue and a sound design that could have been better were compensated for by the excellent cinematography and sterling supporting performances by Chioma “Chigurl” Omeruah, Ebele Okaro and Majid Michel. Road to Yesterday is a touching story of two flawed people who fight everything and each other in their animalistic desire to stay together. The tragic twist at the end makes Genevieve’s return to the big screen after a two year hiatus, a memorable one. Road to yesterday is not a bad film. In fact it is a good flick that will appeal to women and couples. I recommend you see it.
he battle for survival in the Glo-sponsored Dance with Peter reality T.V show grew even more intense on Saturday night as housemates challenged one another in a face-to-face, winor-go-home contest. The edition of the reality show focused on ‘Battle Face-off’ in which the remaining 10 housemates challenged themselves oneon-one, to avoid eviction. A contestant who lost to the other was put-up for eviction. Dance Director, Wale Rubber, said the idea of the challenge was to prepare the dancers for the challenges ahead of them as professionals. As a curtain-raiser, dance choreographer and one of the judges, Don Flexx, gave a star performance to lighten up the show. He did WizKid’s Juru. Kelvin from Team Flexx, who was clad in boxing gloves and hooded top, challenged top-rated C-Fly of Team Peter in a fierce contest which left the judges comprising dance choreographer, Don Flexx, dance queen, Kaffy and Peter Okoye of P-Square in a tight situation on which dancer to vote for. The dancers performed T-Pain and Chris Brown’s Freeze. Flexx, when asked to comment and make his choice said “I’ll stick with Kelvin because he is innovative and versatile”. Kaffy could not make decision as both dancers impressed her beyond imagination. “Both dancers are great and engaging. I can’t choose anyone because you are both awesome and it will be a great injustice for me to send anyone of you home”, she said. Glo ambassador, Funke Akindele, the guest judge on the show, who had earlier said she wanted to see creativity and strength from the dancers voted C-Fly for what she called a “zestful and energetic performance”. Peter Okoye described C-Fly’s performance as breath-taking and gave him a nod. With a vote of 3-1, Kelvin was consequently put on probation. Other housemates in the contest were G-Xtreme from Team Flexx who faced Teejay of Team Peter. This was an intense battle with Amazing Amy winning the head-to-head after the only tie of the day of 2-2 from the judges. Amy however won convincingly after another round of dancing to get the vote of all the judges. Other battles were between Miracle from Team Peter who faced Mali HotBoy of Team Kaffy; Amazing Amy of Team Kaffy who challenged T- Rubber of Team Flexx and Julius Faktah of Team Kaffy who went against Da Octopus of Team Peter. The contest ended with Kelvin, Teejay, Julius Faktah, T-Rubber and Miracle who all lost to their opponents put on probation for eviction. Globacom in a statement released from its headquarters in Lagos, urged viewers to tune in to the show on Africa Magic Urban on Saturday night and African Independent Television (AIT) on Sunday at 5 p.m. to watch the show. Dance with Peter also runs on MTV Base on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The company advised the public to vote for their preferred contestant by sending his or her code to 55518 at the cost of N50 per SMS. Those up for eviction are MX, Miracle, Messiah, Teejay and Nekky.
Bamitee drops fresh single, Protocol
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gun State-born Bamitefa Tunde popularly known as Bamitee is R&B soul hip-hop artist, songwriter, actor cum businessman who started his music career in 2009 and went fully professional in 2012. He is currently making wave in the m u s i c industry. His first single “IDERA” was fully launched in 2013 where he featured the popular Saka (Afex Oyelowo) in his music video which is enjoying massive airplay. Here comes a prayer song from Bamitee entitled ‘Protocol’.
Bamitee
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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
December 6, 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 Alexander was good-looking and comical, always ready to engage friends with his juicy stories. Though he may not be classified as very affluent or had much money to throw around, he had enough to entertain his friends and also provide for his family. He was raised that way, he saw his father made provisions for his family.
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. 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.
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hus, he learned from his father that one way which a man could retain his respect and integrity was to make provision for his family. When he met Victoria, a lady he later married, she fell head over heels in love with her. “Alexander my husband had known how to take care of me right from his family. Nobody taught him that. He followed the footsteps of his father who according to the story he told me felt it was an insult to eat a meal prepared by a woman without giving her money for it. He grew up knowing and practising it so much that when we were courting he would visit me and after eating, would never leave my house without giving me some money, no matter how little. “He would say that his father taught him that integrity was everything; and that every man should strive to keep his. One of his ways of maintaining his integrity was that according to him, ‘you don ’t eat a delicious meal in a woman ’s house without offering something. If you can ’t give it to her, give to her children. It ’s a good way of showing appreciation ’. He was always quoting his father copiously in so many things and, indeed, I loved that. His father too was known for having so many women longing to have him. I heard this from people who knew him. But that never bothered me; that was Alexander mother ’s problem. All I knew was that Alexander took care of me. He occupied a very special place in my heart, he would make me laugh because he was good in cracking jokes, he would take me out, made me happy, was always there with me when I was down, ” Victoria said. After 11 months of courtship, “he proposed marriage to me and I accepted wholeheartedly because I loved him and I still do. We wedded and that made me his wife. I moved into his house and life. I was able to give him three children within a space of six years. Now
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.
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.
A model
that I clocked 12 years in marriage and I still love my husband. Alexander was not a man you get tired of. There was no dull moment about him. When he was not home, home would be dull, even our children were aware of this. But when he ’s around, we would all feel his love. He was playful with his children and played football and lawn tennis with our children. It got to the extent that my children started telling me that ‘daddy is playful and jovial while mummy would spend so much time and money trying to look beautiful. She wouldn ’t mind spending the whole day in the hair salon doing her hair not caring if the entire family is starving ’. I knew they were right and I tried to make up somehow. I was aware that they loved their father, ” she
recalled. But one fault Alexander had was sleeping around with women. “Yes, sleeping with widows in particular! 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 that most of them were going through hard times and needed help desperately. I agreed but 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 used to warm their beds. The two widows in my neighborhood did something that baffled me recently, ” Victoria said. • To be continued
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. Ola, needs a girl of 18-25 for friendship. 08054836335 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!
RESPONSES
Re: ‘How would I forgive a hubby that wished me dead! ’ Dear Lurencia, I keenly followed your interesting and pathetic story, how you married Adolphus, who could not have education above primary school, yet you studied Business Administration in the university and had a good job. You had three children for him but suffered issue of blood from your cervix, which almost took your life. Doctors ’ prescriptions and medication could not bring healing, however your fervent faith and dedication to God brought you permanent healing, which also led to your father in-law ’s first wife to make open confession that she was the cause of your ailment, killed Adolphus mother
and made Adolphus not to go beyond primary school. This is bewitchment. It happened in the immemorial and prevalent today. As you forgave the woman who caused you ailment after open confession, I advise that you also forgive your husband, who had confessed. However, Naomi, his secretary who got pregnant for him, should not pack in to live with you and your husband in the same house. Your husband should get her an apartment elsewhere. In addition fortify yourself and family with the Word of God. Patrick Adiasor Surulere, Lagos 08033452087 Lurencia,
If Adolphus your hubby still loves you, then his secretary should abort the baby or rent a house for her. But marriage is out of it. Samuel from Ibadan 08056869975. Lurencia, It is at this period of your life that you need to put your faith in God to test. You need marathon prayers for God ’s divine mercy and favour so that He would complete what He has started in your life. Find a place in your heart to forgive him if he ’s repentant and remorseful. Apeji Pateince Eneyeme, Badagry. 07044445550
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.
Bona
Continued from topic 4 of last week
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hat statements of the enemy reveals to us the wickedness in his heart to unleach havoc to the children of God. It was exactly the voice of the familiar spirits determined to destroy the children of Israel. That is the mandate of satan against human race, particularly those who have the testimony of our Lord Jesus. Revelation 12:17 “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” The six mandate of satan against the children of God A) I will pursue B) I will overtake C) I will divide the spoil D) My lust shall be satisfied upon them E) I will draw my sword F) My hand shall destroy them From these six mandate of satan against humanity, the number of the beast was derived. Revelation 14:18 “Here is wisdom, let him that hath understanding count the numbers of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred three score and six” when the Bible say, that the number of the beast is the number of man, it means that man was created on the sixth day, the sixth number meaning the number of the beast. Figuratively man was created to have dominion and rulership of the devil and his work. Which was why devil hated man with passion and vowed to destroy the existence of man. Child of God, God created you and endowed in you enough virtue to defeat satan and the world. No wonder
Familiar spirits (5) in Ephesian chapter 6:10-12, the Bible encourages you to be strong in the word of God, and in his righteousness surely the prince of darkness must bow to you. To counter the mandate of satan God gave man five mandates according to Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” The five mandates of God on man are:1) Be fruitful 2) Multiply 3) Replenish 4) Subdue 5) Have dominion Consequently from these five mandates of God on humanity, the number of grace was derived. In Luke chapter 1:28-33 “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” The grace of God to human race is Jesus the number of grace is five. Which are:1) –J 2) –E 3) –S 4) –U 5) –S The mission of grace in this world is salvation. In John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Whosoever, believed and accepted the
grace of God, shall not only be given eternal life in God, but shall be empowered by grace to function actively on the five mandated of God to humanity and so overcome the world and satan. What a testimony: 1st John chapter 5:5 “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” I will pursue Remember that I did tell you earlier in this teaching that familiar spirits as a satanic department are not easily casted out through simple prayers. Which was why the Bible advised that we must be strong in the Lord. To successfully cast familiar spirits out of your life and domain, you must be a strong Christian. Meaning you must:a) Throughly be born again b) Rich in the word of God c) Live your daily life above sin by his grace d) Strong in prayer e) Dedicated to God and f) Committed strongly to the things of God. When the enemy says I will pursue. What he meant was to pursue his victim throughout his / her life time, and to continue the pursueth to his/her first, second and even third generation. Beloveth, the attack you are receiving today from the powers of darkness, may not have come from your past mistakes and failures, but from the mistakes, failures and sins of your parents who might have been late. You could now, judge the degree of determination of the prince of darkness to unleach wickedness to their captives. But we have a good news, in Isaiah 49:24-26 “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive be delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their
own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.” The mighty one of Jacob, has promised and assured us of deliverance, if we stand strong in his righteousness. Dear child of God take a decision today, embrace the faith of God in Christ Jesus and be strong in prayers. Surely every chains and yokes of familiar spirits on you must be broken in Jesus name. I will overtake When the devil says I will overtake what he is saying is that he would attack and oppress his victim, until he has overwhelmed them and they submitted and surrendered. Testimonies Spirit Of Divorce And Poverty Disgraced Out My marriage was at the edge of splitting. My husband had called my parents and told them he was tired of me. My parents told him to bring me back. I had already packed my things. I and my husband were no more talking to each other. In our minds the marriage had ended. Our house rent had expired, the landlord vowed to throw us out if we did not park out that month. There was no money to pay for the house rent. This was the situation of things when I was introduced to this church. The man of God who God revealed my situation without asking me anything, prayed for me and prophesized into my marriage. Brethren, when I got home that day, through the help of the friend who brought me to this church I and my husband made peace. Very strong peace. Our love came back. Before the end of that month God provided us money which we used to pack out. Today, I and my family are in peace, living in a comfortable place. God has also blessed me with fruit of the womb. Praise the Lord! Sis. Chioma 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
News
Govt urged to reintroduce Christian Religious Studies in schools Odinaka Uruakpa
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he General Secretary of Bible Society of Nigeria, Rev. Dare Ajiboye, has urged government at all levels to reenforce Christian Religious Studies in Nigerian schools as it would help the younger ones understand the word of God. Speaking at the national quiz competition organized for secondary schools recently in Lagos Ajiboye claimed that if government re-introduces Christian Religious Studies in schools, social vices will reduce in the country. “If this subject is reintroduced in our schools, all the ills we are witnessing; corruption, fornication, militancy will not be there. I keep saying this; read the word of God and keep the devil away, practice the word of God and Satan will be afraid of coming near you. Those who went to Christian schools in the past, were made to take the subject as compulsory subject and they ended up as good people; some of them are ministers of the gospel today”, he claimed. On the criteria for choosing schools for the competition, Ajiboye said: “There are no specific criteria for choosing the schools; we start from the grass root as we expect secondary schools from each of our auxiliary to participate in this event. They are given two books of the
…as BSN organises secondary school quiz
Bible to read well ahead of time, almost a year ahead, and then, they will have to start reading these books of the Bible as many times as they can such that they will know everything in those two books. When they set questions for them and they pass at the auxiliary level, the best schools will move to the area level, the best of the area will move to the zonal level and then, we have six zones and from these zones, we bring the best to the final. So, the criteria are you participate, you pass and then you get to the finals. The GS claimed that at times, it is difficult to evaluate the impact of the competition on students because those that participated this year might not be the same set that would participate the next year. On the aim of BSN in organizing the programme, Ajiboye said: “The Bible states that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God a workman that need not be ashamed, but rightly directed by the word of truth. The Bible also instructs us to let the word of God dwell us richly. What we are trying to do is to ensure that these students from their childhood have abundance of the word of God in them. Let me say this, when Jesus was
tempted by Satan, His response was always ‘it is written.’ What was written? If Christ did not have the word of God in Him, there was no how He would have been able to reply Satan to say it is written. We are making these children not only to read the word of God, but to commit it to memory and practice what is written therein as instructed in the book of Joshua. On government introducing Hebrew and Greek languages in schools, he said: “I encourage students to take these subjects because in Africa today, we have limited
number of Hebrew and Greek scholars and these are important areas that anybody can delve into and be sure of getting a job. When they study these languages, Christian students would not only have sound knowledge of the word of God, but they can also build a good career in biblical languages.” Baptist Heritage School, Kishi, Oyo State (Western zone) came tops out of the six schools that competed for the Quiz.
General Secretary, The Bible Society of Nigeria, Dare Ajiboye (m) presenting trophy to students of Baptist Heritage School, Kishi, Oyo State, winners of the Bible quiz competition, Mr. Olugbenga Fadiya, Chairman of the occasion (l) and Pastor Taiwo Adebisi, Youth Officer of BSN Oke-Ogun Area (r)
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From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle
Macaulay
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Email: profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com (08023032698, sms pls)
he month of December all over the world is considered the month of the year when Jesus was born and his birthday is recognised by many Christian nations and celebrated by all Christians.
This is the period when many people will be doing “shopping” that is, buying all things necessary to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a period especially in Nigeria when our roads will experience heavy vehicular movement. Many of the people who see this December as a period of special celebrate do not know the significance of the birth and death of Jesus Christ. I wish to theologically and biblically explain the pre-existence of God who became a man and how God the Father makes it possible for him to be born of a woman as a man. It is also important to know the relevance of his coming to our lives on earth. The Bible which is a revelation of God in many of its books and passages introduces him as “God who was with God”. The book of John said, “In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word was God”. Jn. 1:1. It is not right to speak of the incarnation of anybody who had no pre-existence. The “Word” is one of the titles of Jesus Christ. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament presented him as the One who is the Word and it is explained that he was with God “in the beginning”. It is difficult for anybody to date this “beginning” accurately. Research confirms that the beginning of the Bible was dated 4004BC because the Book of Genesis 1:1 said, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Definitely, God who created the heavens and the earth had been in existence before this beginning, which then means that the Word had also
Sunday, December 6, 2015
The mystery of God who became a man been with God before this beginning. Note that we are dealing with God who has no beginning or an end. He lives eternally. So from this discussion the Word had been in existence before the beginning of creation. The Bible confirmed that he was with God before the beginning. “The Word was with God’ confirms that he is separate and distinct from God, the Father because he is “with” God the Father. The great revelation here is “And the Word was God”, which means that the Word known as Jesus Christ is emphatically declared God. In verse 14 of the first chapter of the Book of John, he said, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and only One, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. The scientific world of our generation cannot change the fact that over 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ, the Word who was with God before the creation of the physical world was born by a woman to identify with humanity. To be more accurate, I will say “The Word was born flesh”. This is a mystery that can only be explained by God, the Father. Some of the New Testament books confirm that God comes to dwell among human beings not as a Spirit but as a living man. He was born in Bethlehem by a virgin woman called Mary. Many Christian experts and theologians will not be surprised concerning his presence in the flesh. A body of a man is the vehicle God uses to transport man through life’s journey. The next sentence is sometime difficult for an unlearned Christian to understand. “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and only One who came from the Father full of grace and truth”. What this indicates is that he is a deity that is full of grace and full of truth. He is also God. His divinity remains with him even though he clothed himself with the body of man. So Jesus is God and Man who has come to reveal God the Father. God is Spirit and Spirit
cannot be seen with human eyes hence his divinity cannot be recognized by an ordinary man except one with the Holy Spirit. The presence of Jesus as man on earth does not at any time take away his divinity, so while on earth he retains 100% his divinity. Many people including some theologians deny the deity of Jesus and consider him to be an ordinary man – the son of Joseph and Mary but some people cannot deny his son-ship of God because at his baptism he was called “My beloveth Son” by God when Holy Spirit descended on him. I see the need for Christian theologians especially apologetes to defend the doctrine of the deity of Christ. Many liberal theologians have questioned the efficiency of human reason for the interpretation of ultimate truth. Some bible verses in the chapter one of the book of John have explained who Jesus is, what he stands for, his pre-existence and his achievements. Vs. 1 mentioned where he was and who he was before the creation of the world. Vs. 14 said that he was God with God the Father. He is a separate person and that he became a man by being born of a woman. This gave him body to move and act in the physical world. The same verse said that his being a man does not make him less God as he retains his deity. Interestingly, the Bible said “He was in the world and though the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own but his own did not receive him”. Vs. 10 – 11. Many Christians see Christmas as a period to count their blessings and achievements, to thank God by presenting large gifts including money to their churches and celebrating the birth of Jesus with eating and drinking. I am not ashamed to say that many Christian leaders know very little about the divinity of Jesus Christ, so they see Jesus Christ as a man specially endowed with power who performed miracles on earth and was sentenced to death by a Ro-
My case is different (2)
Miracle Arena with Bishop
Theo Ugochukwu Continued from last week market, bought some baby wears, came home and washed them. My neighbours started wagging tongues, but I was not deterred in my faith because He that called me is more than faithful. It was not quite long my wife took in and gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. Today, we are blessed with 3 kids, while that my friend that asked me to start drinking beer still have only one. My case if different! Even God destroyed the lands of the Egyptians, and killed the all the Egyptians’ first born male children, but spared the land of the children of Israel
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and their male children simply because God showed the children of Israel that their case was different. I prayed for one of my daughters during one of our services, that she was going to be laughing while others will be weeping. She did not understand the power of that prophecy, until fire caught the big plaza at Mandilas Building, where she has a warehouse. She called me on that fateful day that their plaza was on fire and that every effort to quench the fire was proved abortive. I got there myself and behold, the whole building was ragging with fire. She was in tears when I got there. Immediately, I reminded God about that prophecy, and told Him to prove His words. When the fire finally died off, people started rushing to their shops to take stock of the damages, but when we got to her warehouse, to our greatest amazement, not even a single bag in the shop was touched by fire. The miracle there was that, even when the materials she was selling are fabrics and light materials that could have easily caught fire, not even the smoke of the
fire touched any of them. I said “God, how faithful are you?” It was then she recalled the prophecy that “while others will be weeping, that she was going to be laughing”. That was because her case was different. We enjoy numerous testimonies and miracles in our ministry. Our God has been gracious and faithful with his words concerning our ministry. An Engineer challenged me the day our church foundation was being laid, that he gave us just one month that the building will come down. I told him it is not me that sent myself to Mende Maryland to establish our ministry, that God Himself told me to go to Mende and deliver my people. Not minding the level of flood that disturbs houses in that environment, our Church is still standing firm today without any shaking for the past 10 years and more. I assure you that the Faithful God who knows everyone of us by our name has good plans for each of us, and no matter what affects others, you will always
man court. The Bible said, “yet to all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” Jn. 1:12. Those who know him have delegated power or authority not only to claim the son-ship of God but to have authority over evil forces. It is unfortunate that many modern Christian leaders cannot boldly discuss the pre-existence, incarnation and the virgin birth of Jesus because their knowledge of miraculous things is limited. So, they talk more about Jesus who walked round the city of Jerusalem, doing good. Knowing Jesus Christ is accepting the Holy Scriptures of Christians, believing that the Word came out of eternity to become a man who walked on the roads on this earth; he voluntarily went to the Cross to fulfill his purpose of coming to the world, that is, dying for your sin and destroying the power of Satan in your life. He did not only die, he also resurrected to give life and power to those who believe in him. If anybody believes this, he is no doubt a child of God. Therefore the period of his birthday will not be meant for eating, drinking, travelling and enjoying life but a period to reflect on the suffering of Christ on the Cross and a time to assess our readiness for his arrival which will be very soon.. As much as I do not want this write-up to be prescriptive, I also believe that it is good to warn people who believe that their pastors or the churches they attend are the reasons for their success and that they deserve expensive gifts at Christmas. I do not deny their being instrumental but your success is from God Almighty who deserves praises and honour. He needs your heart and not your gifts. •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
be delivered. The case of the three Jews who refused to bow to the King of Babylon is a clear reminder of how gracious and powerful our God is. When they were tied and thrown into the lake of fire, a fourth man appeared in the scene and delivered them from the furnace without any stain of smoke on their body. That same God is still doing wonders in Miracle Assembly Bible Church today. Join us in fellowship to God Almighty and experience His Mighty Hands of Grace. Remember, your case is different. Bishop Theo Ugochukwu. •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
38th Annual Mt. Jieaworrar Festival commences
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he 38th Annual Mount Jieaworrar Spiritual event has commenced at Mount Jieaworrar All Saints Church of Christ (Aladura), Odogbolu, Ogun State with seclusion at the mountain top by the church’s founder, Primate (Dr) Samuel Bisi Ademosu. According to a statement by the church, the 21-day spiritual programme will be attended by church members from United States, United Kingdom, France and Nigeria while special prayers will be offered for individuals, families and the nation’s political leaders.
CTHEM marks anniversary
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ctivities marking the anniversary thanksgiving celebration of Christ The Head Evangelical Ministries, Mercy Land will begin with three-day vigil deliverance tagged “His never failing presence adopted from Deuteronomy 31:8 and Isaiah 49:1-16 from Wednesday, December 9-11, 2015 from 12 midnight as the grand finale comes up on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 11am at 38, Ayenuwa Street, Owode Elede, Mile-12, Elede Busstop, Lagos.
Speaking ahead of the programme, the host, Rev. (Mrs.) Margaret Anjorin revealed that God gave the theme ‘in his presence’ to her as He gave the church testimonies and has promised to do more in the life of attendees irrespective of their problems. Pastor Dominic Obhiomen, Prophet John Animasahun and other notable men of God will be on hand to minister at the event.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Cleric urges Nigerians to trust God Odinaka Uruakpa
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…as TLCCRM hold crusade
he General Overseer of The Lords Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka has assured Nigerians that the present fuel crisis confronting the nation will soon be a thing of the past, as long as the leaders and citizens of the country put their trust in God.
Muoka gave this assurance at the two-day crusade of the ministry tagged “Hope for the needy” held last weekend at the Chosen Revival Ground, Ijesha, Lagos. “As we chose this theme ‘Hope for the needy’ at this period, we believe that the tension will be diffused; it will just fizzle away. What we ask of our leaders is to make sure that they put their trust in God because there is nothing God cannot do. Let them all make sure they show righteousness and put God first in all they do. These hardships are things that God allows to occur so that the people would call upon Him and as we do that at this time, the matter will be over”, he assured. On what people should look forward to, after the programme, Muoka said: “By the special grace of God, today shall be the climax of the miracle where people shall be saved; they will be delivered, they will be healed, and
Pastor Muoka and wife, Joy on the occasion
all their needs shall be met today and always by God who is the hope of the needy.” Speaking on the hindrances to people’s blessings, he said: “The hindrances to the needs of the needy is sin and in the course of this programme, those that are listening to me and also those that are
Develop a balanced view of money (2) Hour of Change with Primate
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Oyelowo
call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and causing and causing; therefore choose life both thou and thy seed may live’’ (Deut 30:19)
Last week series ended with the view paul expressed regarding money. This week efforts will be geared toward those who regard money as an end in itself. These groups of people have allowed money to become their master which influences their behavior. These people device all means of un-ethnical practices to acquire wealth and riches. This is as a result of teachings by their spiritual leaders that riches and or wealth is the exclusive right of a believer. Therefore any believer who is not rich or prosperous is a sinner or lazy. (Prov. 6:9-11; 20:13;23:21) This indoctrination is debunked by the scriptures. Proverbs 9:11 says ‘’I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise nor yet riches to man of understanding, nor yet favour to man of skill: but time and chance happeneth to them all’’ The Hebrew word translated as ‘’prosper-
ity’’ can mean peace, completeness, safety, tiable appetite, can go to any length to acquire satisfaction and blessing, but does not im- more wealth through un-ethnical means. If he ply financial prosperity. God’s faithful peo- is appointed a trustee to manage property on ple may be rich or poor (2 Chr. 17:3-5; job 11:3; behalf and for the benefit of the beneficiaries, Luke 6:20; 16:19-22) he can convert such property into his own and Wealth is not a sign of God’s favour con- if he is challenged, can terminate beneficiatrary to the general belief held in Jesus ries, lives to enjoy the ill gotten wealth. Such time and that poverty was God’s punish- a person should remember that he is going to ment for the sinner. However, Jesus denied give account of his stewardship at the end of it. This is clearly shown in his parable of the age. 2 Cor 5:10 says: For we must all appear the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyAt least part of the reason the man ended one may receive the things done in his body in hell was because of his hard hearted- according to that he hath done, whether it be ness toward the beggar Lazarus. His great good or bad’’ . A dishonest person employs varwealth was obviously not a sign of God’s ious means of cheating. He can use false balfavour. The beggar Lazarus ended up being ance to defraud. You buy a bag of 50kg cement, in heave although he was impoverished as a but you discover that it actually contains 48kg. man could be; his poverty was not a sign of Some companies produce inferior goods an sinfulness or foolishness. sell at premium price. Contract price is inflectAny person who money as an end itself ed with impunity without consideration for is either arrogant, greedy and dishonest. the interest of generality of the people. These Arrogant people always believe that it is people use their ill gotten wealth to oppress the their might that earned them riches. As a less privileged. They steal, kill, kidnap innoresult, they refuse to use their wealth for cent people to make money. They however fail God’s service and believe also that less for- to take into consideration the consequence of tunate people are in that condition because their dastardly acts. Deut 32:29 say: o that they they are not hardworking. This set of peo- were wise, that they understood this that they ple fail to know that it is God who gave them would consider their latter end. (John 8:44) power to ge wealth. (Deut 8:18). Nebuchaez- Another point of interest to note is that no one zar was in this category. As he was work- can put on two clothes at a time; cannot sleep ing in his palace to view it, he said: is not in two rooms at a time; cannot ride two cars at this great Babylon, that I have built for the a time. house of the kingdom by the might of my •You can contact us at: power, and for the honour of my majesty The Word of Life, Agbo Igbala Ti (Daniel 1:30). Immedately, he was banished for seven-years from the throne (Daniel 4:31- Kiish Aladura Church 70 Patey street 35) A greedy person because of his insa- Lagos State. Tel: 07040517413
watching from the screen; television or cable, I implore to do away with sin and give their life to Jesus Christ. I am assuring them that He is the hope of the needy; Jesus will take over their life and all their needs would be met. For our nation, if the people will come to God and seek Him in sincerity and turn away from lawlessness, corruption and wickedness, I am sure that our needs; those things we are crying for in this nation would be granted by God. God is in charge of Nigeria, and if we give our life to Jesus, I am sure that Nigeria will be blessed and all the needs of the people shall be provided. In this programme, God is going to meet the needs of His people.” On the evangelists who were contracted to raise the former governor of Kogi State, late Audu and how scriptural the act, Muoka said “The Bible states that as many that are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Maybe they acted in the flesh. If they were led by the spirit of God, he will surely come back to life. That means God told them ‘go and pray, I will restore the life.’ If they were directed by God and led by His spirit, they will succeed, but it could be that they acted out of zeal and weren’t led by the spirit of God.” The G.O also spoke on the Yuletide season, as he advised Nigerians not to be in a mad rush to acquire material things for the season, rather they should seek first the face of Godand He (God) in turn will take care of them and meet their needs. “There is no point for Christians to struggle and leave themselves out from the word of God and be deceived by the devil. I would advise them to focus on the Lord their God and make sure they have good relationship with God and he will grant them their hearts desire”, he submitted.
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From the Pulpit
The voice of wisdom
with Dr. David
Oyedepo
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ife is a battlefield and not a playground; a warfare not a funfair. Essentially, the battles of life are spiritual and they operate in form of spells, enchantments, generational curses and satanic manipulations. As it is written:
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns. And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me,These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. And the LORD shewed me four carpenters. Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it(Zechariah 1:18-21; See also Ephesians 6:12; 2Corinthians 10:3-5; 2 Chronicles 20:22-23). The horns of the Gentiles are the wicked forces manipulating the destinies of men and preventing them from amounting to anything in life. However, we must understand that God’s presence is the master key to a world of breakthroughs and praise is the medium through which we
Let’s go
BIBLE with Favour
Tioluwani
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Email: letsgobible@gmail.com
his is a write up by Kristel Acevedo that l really want to share with you. Take time to read and understand. United in Marriage, Divided by Faith: How to find common ground and raise a family with your unbelieving spouse Being married and raising a family isn’t easy, and doing so with a husband who doesn’t share your faith can add a whole new slew of challenges. How do you handle the difference in philosophies and perspectives? A friend of mine is in this very situation, and I’ve watched her handle it with grace. She and her husband met in college. They now have a daughter together. Although she has been a believer since her twenties, her husband does not claim a faith of any kind. They make it work by respecting each other’s differences and never belittling each other’s beliefs, especially in front of their daughter. When my friend needs Christian advice and encouragement, she’s sometimes at a loss. She can’t go to her husband because he doesn’t share her faith. It can be difficult for her to deal with, but she has Christian friends and a strong church family she can count on as she prays for her husband to experience God in a real way. A co-worker of my husband’s is also married to an unbeliever. He works for a church, so he has definitely felt the pressure of having a wife who isn’t a Christian. People often ask him how they make their marriage
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Invoking the miracle power of praise! invoke His presence. All barriers on the path to our Promised Land are cleared off at the instance of His presence through our praises. This is because God inhabits the praises of His people and if He is with us, no one can be against us (Romans 8:31; See also Psalms 22:3). Remember the Bible says: When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion. The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? Ye mountains that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob; Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters (Psalms 114:1-8). Also, we must understand that praise is what to do in any situation or circumstance, when we don’t know what else to do. This is because it is only what can resist God that can resist the power of praise. For instance, we learn from scriptures that when Judah was confronted by three nations and they engaged the weapon of praise, God set “ambushments” against those nations. As a result,the three nationshelped to destroy one another and Judah prevailed. This means that praise is our strongest weapon for victory against the toughest battles of life (2 Chronicles 20:1-
25). It is important to note that faith is a covenant guarantee for supernatural victory in the battles of life because it invokes the hand of God over our affairs. As it is written: Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? (Isaiah 53:1). The Bible also says: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16; See also1 John 5:4). Furthermore, we must understand that faith is doing whatever the Word commands, and one of the great commands of scriptures is to offer praise to God. As it is written: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places (Habakkuk 3:17-19; See also Deuteronomy 28:1). This simply means that when we praise God in any situation or circumstance, He steps into our affairs and opens new chapters to our destinies. Moreover, 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. He knows that when we do so, God takes His hands off our affairs. Therefore, our praises must be endless, if our advancement must continue (Psalms 34:1). As you engage in heart-felt praises to God, I see Him stepping in to that challenging situation and establishing a lasting peace in same, in Jesus’ name! Are you born again? If you are yet to be, please say this prayer and you shall be born again: “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. SHILOH 2015is here again with the theme, FromGlory To Glory and it holds at Faith Tabernacle Canaanland, Idiroko Road, Ota from December 8-12. The highlights of this great event include: specialized healing services, ministers’ conference and more. This promises to be a platform that will set the pace for what God has prepared for in 2016! Don’t miss it! 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 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org
United in marriage, divided by faith work. Now they have a baby boy, and a lot of questions have come up about how they will raise their son. Something he won’t budge on is that he wants his son to be raised in the faith. Despite the fact that his wife is not a Christian, she agrees—but how that will practically works itself out remains unseen. So how do these couples make it work? How do they stay together and raise their kids, despite disagreeing on something that’s so foundational? If you’re in an unequally yoked marriage, here are some insights to help you build and maintain a strong relationship. 1. Pray. The power of prayer is undeniable. We can’t force anyone to put his or her faith in Christ, but we can pray for a conversion of the soul. If your spouse is not a believer, pray for him. Remember that God hears your prayers. First John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (NIV). Don’t underestimate this! God can change anything and anyone. Pray without ceasing, even when you feel tired, worn out and hopeless. 2. Go to church together, but don’t go overboard. Ask your spouse to go to church with you and participate in other church activities, like small group or Bible studies, but don’t fill up the whole week with those events. Find a balance. If your spouse doesn’t want to go, that’s okay. Keep going yourself, and bring your children. Community is such an important aspect of faith, and it’s important to demonstrate that to your spouse. 4.Respect each other’s beliefs, especially in front of your children. Never belittle your spouse in front of your kids. You don’t want to pit your children against their father. Simi-
larly, you would not want your spouse to pit your kids against you. Agree to present both opinions with love and respect when your children have a question about faith. That means not going behind your spouse’s back to tell your children that the other parent is wrong or mistaken in his beliefs. You want to foster a good relationship between parents and children, and you also want your children to wrestle with tough questions and make up their own minds. Authentic faith is better than manipulated faith. 5. Focus on the good. My friend can’t obsess over her husband’s lack of faith. He is on his own faith journey, and she knows she needs to be patient with the process. Instead, she is thankful for the good partner he is to her and the excellent father he is to their daughter. So when you’re getting frustrated, ask yourself, what good things does my spouse bring to the table? Maybe he has an excellent work ethic and provides well for your family. Maybe he always gets the kids ready for bed without complaint. Maybe he cooks delicious dinners every night. Reflect on those things and thank God for them. 6. Be humble. Resist the temptation to feel superior to your spouse because of your faith. Remember, it’s only by God’s grace that you’ve been saved (Ephesians 2:8–9). And if you don’t have all the answers to your spouse’s questions, that’s okay. Humbly admit that you’re still learning and searching for answers too. Your spouse will respect you more if you are authentic and admit your weaknesses. You are still united in marriage, even if you’re not united in faith. Don’t allow anything to fracture that. 7. Ignore the naysayers. One of the most difficult parts about being in an unequally yoked relationship is actually dealing with
the thoughts and opinions of others. While some may show their support, others are quick to dole out negativity. Don’t listen to people speaking negatively about your spouse or marriage. Surround yourself with people who will pray for your family and who want to see you thrive. 8. Be patient. Your spouse may come to faith tomorrow, in ten years, or never. He’s on his own spiritual journey. Trust that God is working and things will happen as they are supposed to happen—in his own time. Take comfort in 2 Peter 3:8–9, which tells us, “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” Don’t be pushy or try to force things to happen. God has his perfect timing, even if it doesn’t make sense to us. 9. At the end of the day, you have to trust in the Lord. Your spouse may seem uninterested in your faith, but you never know what is brimming beneath the surface. Continue to be faithful to God and loving toward your spouse. Continue to make your relationship a priority. Pray for your spouse and your kids. Respect his views and focus on what you have in common rather than the differences. Stand united. Remember that God loves your spouse even more than you do, and he wants only good for you and your family. •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 6, 2015
News Daily Manna publisher celebrates birthday Victor Udoh
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ublisher of Our Daily Manna Devotional (ODM), Bishop Chris Kwakpowe has urged Christian couples to work at understanding each other, share secrets, respect each other as well as being patient and caring at all times. Kwakpowe gave this charge at his birthday celebration where members of his church, Manna Prayer Manna Mountain Interdenominational Ministry as well as users of ODM took out time to celebrate this servant of the most high. The event which was held at the Ogudu headquarters of the church was marked with various activities: the Manna Voices and the Children Orchestra of the Mountain thrilled the congregation with beautiful and inspiriting renditions. With dancing and rejoicing the members of the Pastorate, Board of Deacons and Deaconesses’ and members of the various departments took turns to make presentations of gifts to the celebrant while he in turn gave a warm hand shake to all. Flanked by his wife, Mrs Flora Kwakpowe ,children and members of his im-
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ttitude can generally mean the way a person views something or tends to behave towards it. When you make something a regular practise by you, then it becomes an attitude. Praise means genuine outflow of gratitude from you unto God (Ex.15:11): Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Everyone can praise God but where the praise does comes from matters unto God and it has to be from a genuine heart (Psalms 9:1)I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. When praises come from a genuine heart, it triggers a move of heaven upon such life and that life can never lack joy, laughter, and miracle. An attitude of praise is when a person has made praising God a regular disposition; when there is an outflow of gratitude from your heart unto God always without subjecting it to a particular condition. An attitude of praise is important because it creates around us an atmosphere of God’s presence. 2Ch 5:13: It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; Psalms 27:6: And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Psalms 28:7: The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Obed-edom became blessed because he praised the God of the Ark of covenant. He worshiped and honoured the God who has given them the Ark of Covenant (2Sa 6:11):
Bishop Chris
mediate family, the Bishop cut the beautiful cake which was a replica of the bishopric attire, Our Daily Manna Booklet and the Manna Mountain Building. It was a wonderful sight to behold Though the Bishop holds preference for low key celebration, users of ODM and well wishers would not be left out in felicitating with the Bishop on his special day. The event attracted cap-
tains of industries, celebrities from the entertainment industry, and legislative members amongst others Evangelist Eucharia Anunobi a popular Nollywood actress, who was present on the occasion, acknowledge that she has been amply blessed by her contact with the inspiring devotional (ODM) as well as the various Anointing Services held Bi-annually. Bishop Chris in his message ex-
pounded that the Lord’s blessing brings riches, but seed must be sown appropriately to attract fruitfulness. In what was a continuation of a series of teachings on marriage, he admonished couples to endeavour to enjoy their marital union as such institution only exists on earth. He urged them to work at understanding each other, sharing the secrets of maintaining marital bliss, he urged women to respect, adore, care for physical appearance(well shaven at all times), be patience and loving at all times. Singles were admonished to avoid anxiety in their quest for a spouse, but rather stay focused and faithful in the lord’s vineyard. Widows and widowers were not left out, as they were encouraged to remain comforted but in event of desire to remarry, they must do it with caution, prayerfulness and guidance from the church. The Bishop drew the service to a close with thanks to all who joined to mark this day and offered prayers for all.
An attitude of praise And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.God can fold His arms because the life of man lacks the attitude of praise. What a life may be missing because an attitude of praise is missing in that life is enormous. God regret bringing the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt because they refused to praise him but rather grumbled against God and his servant. Let’s develop an attitude of praise and worship instead of murmuring against God for what we think He has not done for us. When you begin to praise God sickness and diseases begin to leave your life and you can never remain small. Your attitude anytime you are standing before the Higher Rock which is God you be that of gratitude for all he done for you (Psalms:61:2 -3): From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3: For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Some people pray and don’t receive the answer because their attitude before God has formed barriers that prevent the answer to their prayer. Learn to always give thanks to God in whatsoever situation you find yourself. The leper men who worshiped Jesus in Mt. 8: 1-3, got his healing because of the right attitude he expressed before the Lord. Mt.8:1: When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2: And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3: And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Complaining and shifting blames on people will not help your situation to improve but rather give praise to God. As you praise God, the gate of heaven is opened upon you and all the things that you lack will come in abundance
Opayinka
unto you. David worshiped God when he was in deep sorrow instead of complaining and God granted in his prayer (2Sa:15:30-32). 30: And David went up by the ascent of Mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. 31: And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. 32: And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: 2Sa:17:23: And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. As you praise God
over your sickness, you receive healing; as you praise God over your lack you receive abundance; as you praise God over the attack of the enemy you receive victory over them because praise makes God to take over your battle. Learn to praise God and you will see your life changing in such a way too difficult for you to explain (2Ch 20:20-25). 21: And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22: And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. 23: For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. 24: And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. 25: And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much. Bishop Joshua K. Opayinka Glorious Tabernacle International, Behind Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State. 08060297831 glorioustabernacle@gmail.com
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From the Pulpit
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Priorities in life
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Concluded
t takes discipline to adhere to one’s priorities in life. If you don’t plan your life, other people would plan it for you. Paul caught the essence of a life of priorities: “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor 9:26-27).
Too many people have been disqualified in life because they missed or minimized their priorities in life. Be where God wants you to be at each time. Run the race God has given you to run, not another person’s. Don’t use another person’s clock to run your life. Do not be jealous of the plan of God for another person. What the Lord has for you is for you! Jesus straightened Peter on this matter when Jesus had hinted Peter of Peter’s way of dying and Peter inquired to know about John’s. Jesus insisted: “Follow Me . . . What is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:19-22). The story is told of two paddleboats traveling side-by-side the Mississippi River. Sailors from one ship taunted the sailors of the other about their snail’s pace. Words were exchanged. Challenges were made. And the race began. Competition became vicious as the two boats roared through river. One boat began falling behind. Not enough fuel. They had plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race. As one boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor began to take the ship’s cargo and toss it into the boiler. The sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as the coal. So, they fueled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, by destroying their cargo. If you were
SCRIPTURES THAT CHANGED ME with REV. OLUWAROTIMI
PETER
Continued from last week
W
hat fills the cup is not water, or oil, but what fills the cup is “prayers” of the” saint” and prayer of the saint alone that can fill the cup,1. Not anyhow prayer 2. Not anybody’s prayer, now each prayer we prayed and all the prayer exercise we do on earth goes into the cup until the cup is fill up.
The angel will leave the point at which he is standing, go to the presence of the lord, and shake the cup, the prayer in the golden cup will turn into an odor, and the odor will go to God, and immediately the smell goes to him (God) the same thing will happen on earth to the owner of the cup to make a change in his life. The bible said that earthquake will
the owner of that ship, what would you have done to the sailors? We are stewards, not owners of all that we have. The pace of our life often takes priority over the most important things God wants us to focus on. Are you running the race God asked you to run? Are you running on your lane or on another? Are you running at your God-given pace or another person’s pace? Are you running where God sent you or where your jealous and carnal heart is luring you? Are you trying to “be like the Jones?” Think! Think, before it is too late! Many people have hurried up to the top of a ladder only to find out that it was leaning against the wrong building. Some have run ahead to deliver a message that was not sent them; only to be put aside and put to shame like Ahimaaz (2 Sam 18:19-32). One pilot announced to his passengers: “I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that we are lost and have missed our way. The good news is that we are making good time!” Are you also speeding your life in the wrong direction? Check your priorities with God’s agenda! God’s priority of saving lives. God desires that all people “be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor 5:14) to cooperate with heaven in the seeking and saving of the lost souls. God has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” and “committed to us the word of reconciliation” as “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:18-20). A woman in Biloxi, Mississippi made the news. She had no purpose in life and decided to jump from the wharf to commit suicide. A young man saw her jump into the water. Forgetting that he didn’t know how to swim, he jumped in to save her. He immediately began to sink. The woman forgot her own problems, saved her “saviour” and pulled him to shore. She told news reporters; in that moment her life had purpose. She had something to live for. In saving someone else, she saved herself. You and I were saved to save! Bringing
another person to Jesus is exhilarating! It will impact your life! It is why God created you—to help save others. It is God’s priority and it ought to become our permanent priority too if we are truly His sons and daughters and representatives of His kingdom on earth. We must be constantly seeking to connect people with Jesus Christ. Seeking to save must be our passionate priority. “Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled,” says the Master (Luke 14:23). “God has planted eternity in the human heart” (Eccl 3:11; NLT). Human beings were created with a spiritual thirst that nobody and nothing can satisfy but God. There is a God-shaped vacuum in every human heart. That emptiness makes people search for who/what is missing. Our priority must be to connect them to God as their Source and see their excitement as the light bulb comes on to illuminate their inner darkness. Sinners have been blinded by the “god of this age” and only “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” can deliver them. God has COMMANDED us to shine that light (2 Cor 4:3-6). Witnessing and soul winning must not become an optional priority of the Church and Christians. Making disciples, not just converts, is the divine decree: “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:19-20). Our oath of allegiance to Jesus includes: “You shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). It is as we preach the gospel to the world “as a witness” that this world would end. You and I have the opportunity to hasten “the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12). It is time to get your priorities right. Prepare to meet your God! Someone said: God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but He’ll ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
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God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He’ll ask how many others you clothed. God won’t ask about your social class, but He’ll ask what kind of class you displayed. God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but He’ll ask if they dictated your life. God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but He’ll ask if you compromised your principles to obtain it. God won’t ask how much money you spent on yourself, but He’ll ask how much you gave back to Him. God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but He’ll ask if your overtime was for yourself or for your family. God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but He’ll ask how you promoted others. God won’t ask what your job title was, but He’ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability. God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but He’ll ask what you did to help others. God won’t ask how many friends you had, but He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but He’ll ask what you did to protect the rights of others. God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He’ll ask how you treated your neighbors. God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but He’ll ask about the content of your character. 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.
Scriptures that changed me (2) happen on the earth. Look at Rev 8v5, and the angel took the censer, and filled with fire of the alter, and cast it into the earth, and there were voices, and thundering, and an earthquake. Once more. So when I discover these I know that I must pray so hard and consistence in my prayers, since I got this secret I had never waste any time made available to me, I spent 50% of my time in prayers. Now let us ask our self, what kind of prayer precisely that can fill the cup? I have to pray, fast for many days before I discover that it is not anyhow prayer that can fill the golden cup. What are the concept of the message? 1 .the prayers: prayer is the secret of change, not until it is prayed and prayed correctly and passionately, it will not make a change, it is true that many do pray but not all get answers to their prayers, what some people call prayer today is just murmuring, complaining and
noise making. 2. prayer of the saint: starting from my last point of view, the prayer of anyone who is not a saint is just murmuring, complaining and noise making, the reason many are not having answer to their so called prayer is because they are not saints, you cannot become a saint until your born again. 3. kind of prayer: the kind of prayer you pray that will get into the golden cup is not self-prayers, but kingdom kind of prayers A .prayer for unsaved B. prayer for God’s work C. prayer for the leaders D. prayer for mission field E, prayer for the church F. prayer for our land, e.t.c 4.consistency: this kind of spiritual exercise is not what you do for a shorter time and stop even if it has not start working, you must keep doing it until it
erupt a change 5. And there were voices, and thundering, and an earthquake. A. voices: the voice of God will start coming to you that will lead you to a change B. thundering; whenever a thunder sticks, it appears to everybody, everybody will see when his begins E. earthquake: the earthquake simply mean social impart. I am able to sheer one out of the seven scriptures that make a change in my life and ministry, by the grace of God I will continue the rest in the next episode, and I wish you a change of life, Amen. To be continued…….. REV. OLUWAROTIMI PETER, (General Overseer), CHAPEL OF THE REALITY OF HIS POWER, 40 Olafisoye Street, Off Sholagbade, Oshinle, P.O. Box 2031, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Tel: +234 803 365 67977
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December 6, 2015
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Gale of arrests trail controversial $2.1bn arms deal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
from the former President. This was few days after Dasuki had clarified the directive of the President on the dismantling of checkpoints, saying that Buhari never ordered the dismantling of all military checkpoints in the country. The present travail of Dasuki started on July 16 when the Department of State Services, DSS, carried out a search operation on properties belonging to him in Abuja and Sokoto. The DSS spokesman, Tony Opuiyo, said Dasuki was charged for possession of fire arms without licence punishable under section 27(i)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004. The statement said the action was necessitated by credible intelligence, which linked him to acts capable of undermining national security. The search operation led to the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition among other things and for which further investigation was conducted. He was later charged to court based on evidence obtained. However, before the court could take final decision on the matter, Dasuki was put under house arrest even after the court ordered that he be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment. The former Security Adviser was under house arrest for some weeks until last Tuesday morning when DSS operatives took him to their office and began his interrogation over $2.1 billion arms deal scandal. There was also report of the arrest of about 22 aides and consultants to the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA). The action of the DSS followed the order issued by President Muhammadu Buhari that those indicted in the audit of the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date be arrested. Buhari had in August this year directed the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, to set up a 13-man committee to carry out the audit. Although the committee has not completed its work, a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said its interim report has unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions. The statement said: “On the authority of Mr. President, a 13 man committee was set up by the Office of the National Security Adviser to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date. “While the committee which was inaugurated on 31 August 2015 is yet to complete its work, its interim report has unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions. “As part of the findings, the committee has analyzed interventions from some organisations that provided funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, both
Bafarawa
Magu
ALTHOUGH THE COMMITTEE HAS NOT COMPLETED ITS WORK, A STATEMENT ISSUED BY SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT ON MEDIA AND PUBLICITY, MR. FEMI ADESINA SAID ITS INTERIM REPORT HAS UNEARTHED SEVERAL ILLICIT AND FRAUDULENT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
in local and foreign currencies. “So far the total extra budgetary interventions articulated by the committee is N643,817,955,885.18.The foreign currency component is to the tune of $2,193,815,000.83. “These amounts exclude grants from the State Governments and funds collected by the DSS and Police. It was observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defense procurement. “The committee also observed that of 513 contracts awarded at $8,356,525,184.32; N2,189,265,724,404.55 and C54,000.00; Fifty Three were failed contracts amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively. “Interestingly, it was noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the $1bn loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight the insurgency in the North East. “The committee also discovered that payments to the tune of N3,850,000,000 were made to a single company by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfilment of tax obligations to the FGN. “Further findings revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, the
erstwhile NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and C9,905,477.00. The contracts which were said to be for the purchase of 4 Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory. “Even more disturbing was the discovery that out of these figures, 2 companies, were awarded contracts to the tune of N350,000,000.00, $1,661,670,469.71 and C9,905,477.00 alone. This was without prejudice to the consistent non-performance of the companies in the previous contracts awarded. “Additionally, it was discovered that the former NSA directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer the sum of $132,050,486.97 and C9,905,473.55 to the accounts of Societe D ’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America for un-ascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions. “The findings made so far are extremely worrying considering that the interventions were granted within the
Yuguda
same period that our troops fighting the insurgency in the North East were in desperate need of platforms, military equipment and ammunition. Had the funds siphoned to these non performing companies been properly used for the purpose they were meant for, thousands of needless Nigerian deaths would have been avoided. “Furthermore, the ridicule Nigeria has faced in the international community would have been avoided. It is worrisome and disappointing that those entrusted with the security of this great nation were busy using proxies to siphon the national treasury, while innocent lives were wasted daily. “In light of these findings, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the relevant organizations arrest and bring to book, all individuals who have been found complicit in these illegal and fraudulent acts. ” However, Dasuki denied ever receiving any formal or informal invitation to appear before an Investigative panel on the procurement of hardware and munitions in the armed forces. The former Security Adviser said he has never been invited formally or informally to appear before the panel before the interim report which indicted him was issued Dasuki said “For the record I am proud to serve my nation with the best of intention and ensuring the recovery of more than 22 local government councils from Boko Haram terrorists. “Because of the pride on how we tackled terrorism and defeated Boko Haram terrorists through our gallant troops and partners in the twilight of the previous administration, that is the reason I have insisted on open and public trial of my stewardship rather than secret trial in the court as being canvassed by my prosecutors. “I wish Nigerians will go back and reflect on what we did with even little or no CONTINUED ON PAGE 39
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December 6, 2015
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Paris Climate Summit: Buhari makes case for Lake Chad GARBA SHEHU
A
SK PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI what he thinks is the chief reason for the violence and insecurity in Nigeria, including the Boko Haram terrorism in the north-east, bloody wars between cattle herdsman and farmers in central Nigeria, erosion in the east and the environmental catastrophe in the coastal regions and he will say, almost upon instinct that it ’s the climate change. The new Nigerian president who promised to tackle the problem of climate change in his inaugural speech has spun a compelling narrative on the disappearing Lake Chad, the environment around the Chad basin and how these have become the problem of the economy of the neighboring states through the failure of agriculture and joblessness which in turn have provided an easy recruitment into violent extremism. It was a narrative so compelling that it literally arrested the attention of the world as 190 countries met in Paris to agree on the first global agreement on climate change. President of the United States, Barack Obama took it from here, illustrating how the drying up of the lake is becoming a major factor in the migration of Africans to the west, and on account of which, he agreed with our President that the revival of the lake had become a global imperative. It will require 14 billion U.S. Dollars to divert East African rivers to empty into the lake, the kind of money President Buahri told world leaders that his country cannot pay. He therefore asked for global assistance. President Buhari ’s speech at the conference centered on two major planks: one, Nigeria under him has the political will to secure its ecological interests and two, we will work with the rest of the world to protect the environment without compromising industrial development. Starting with the Lake Chad, the President illustrated his awareness of the risk the changing climate presents to human security by recalling the richness of the waters and surrounding agriculture of the Lake Chad that attracted settlers, allowing the settled communities to enjoy education and comparable economic wellbeing. However, with prolonged drought and desertification, Lake Chad is now one-tenth of its original size, leading to poverty due to the failure of agriculture and fishing causing instability in the region that the insurgency of the Boko Haram has been able to cash in upon. The lake that once spread its territorial waters onto the four countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission has now been reduced to a miserly presence on the Chadian territory, denying thereby direct access to its waters to Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. Traders in Baga, the major trading hub which the army just recovered from the Boko Haram said on a good day, five truck-loads of fish are now transported out of town, in stark contrast to the 100 a day that carried fish from the interstate market in the past. Beyond the drought conditions of the Lake Chad, the President successfully showed the world Nigeria ’s vulnerability to climate change as manifested in the various ecological zones. He cited the problem of soil erosion in the South as a consequence of “climatechange-related heavier and steadier than normal rainfall ” that is worsening soil erosion in the sub region. “The recent increase in the number of reported severe
Bu B uh ha ari ri
THE MORAL UNDERPIN OF THE PARIS CONFERENCE STATES UNEQUIVOCALLY THAT THE RICH COUNTRIES MUST ACTUALLY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CURRENT MESS UP OF THE GLOBAL CLIMATE AND LEAD THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING THROUGH SEVERAL COMPENSATORY STEPS landslides in the South-Eastern states of the country is an attestation to the possible climate change-induced changes in erosion intensity. ” The President also reported on the sea-level rise, stating that Nigeria ’s coastline is already undergoing “ pronounced morphological changes as a result of natural extreme events, such as sea surges and tidal waves. ” He projected that 35 per cent of the highly-productive Niger Delta could be lost if nothing was done to stop the anticipated global warming-induced accelerated sea level rise of between halfa-meter to one meter. Much of Lagos, the nation ’s commercial capital will be abandoned if the sea waters rise by one meter. Forests and other ecosystems, he noted, which are already under significant pressure are being affected by the worsening climate change. In particular, he warned of persistent flooding and water logging that would make the coastal regeneration difficult and the Savannah region of Northern Nigeria becoming vulnerable to the reduction of rainfall. The recent violence wracking Kaduna, FCT, Plateau,Nassarawa and Benue states pitching herdsmen and farmers was equally cited, its primary factor, no doubt being the weather. The President listed myriad other implications arising for the climate change vulnerabilities of Nigeria including a major risk to access to potable water, increased energy demand for cooling; negative implications for tourism, one of the country ’s fastest growing industries, as well as consequences for agriculture and food security. In line with the principles of the Paris conference, Nigeria joined 179 other countries-which together are responsible for 97 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions- to submit voluntary commitments on how and when they plan to cut emissions.
In our specific case, the President submitted a two-stage proposal- an unconditional first phase to cut our own contribution to global warming by 20 percent, and this included a decisive plan to end the flaring of gas in our oil fields and a commitment to extending power supply to parts of the country that don ’t enjoy electricity using solar energy and other renewable sources. On account of the latter, President Buhari accepted an invitation by Narendra Modi to join an international alliance of 121 “solar-rich ” countries to advance the use of this clean source energy. The second phase of the Nigerian proposal described as equally bold would see the country cutting the emission by a total of 45 percent, however on condition of international support. The measures here include increased level of energy efficiency and a significant reduction in the use of generators while providing access to power to all Nigerians. To do this, Nigeria has asked for support from the rich countries accused by Indian Prime Minister Modi of “powering their way to prosperity on fossil fuel ” at the expense of the developing countries. The moral underpin of the Paris conference states unequivocally that the rich countries must actually take responsibility for the current mess up of the global climate and lead the fight against global warming through several compensatory steps, one of which is a proposal to fund redemptive activities with an annual fund of 100 million U.S Dollars. In addition to drawing from this, Nigeria is asking for further international support in the form of finance and investment, technology and capacity building. All these proposals are in a document Nigeria joined other countries to table as its “Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, INDC. ”
In these documents, the countries of the world each outlined their goals and action plans towards a redemption of the environment and the steps, going forward they will be taking to achieve sustainable development and delivering on government priorities. In the case of Nigeria, President Buhari approved several policies and measures that will deliver immediate development benefits which are in addition to the climate benefits. These policies and measures, according the government document, set out to alleviate poverty, increase social welfare and inclusion, as well as improving individual wellbeing in a healthy environment. President Buhari made clear the political will on the part of the government at the center in Nigeria to tackle the catastrophic problems associated with climate change. Some of these, as manifested by the dirty air in our cities deriving from the use of diesel generators, cars and trucks as well as the burning of wastes that in turn spew up toxic gases are matters he said government will tackle. To achieve this massive transformation (oh,no! Transformation again?), the approved policy document sets out what it calls sector-specific strategies, policies, programs to reduce the impact of climate change through actionable measures by the federal government ,the states, local governments, civil society, private sector, communities and individuals. In a nutshell, these measures will, hopefully improve awareness and preparedness for climate change impact; mobilize communities for climate change adaptation actions; reduce the impact of climate change on key sectors and vulnerable communities and integrate climate change adaptation into national, sectoral, state, local government planning and into the plans of universities, research and educational organizations, the civil society, the private sector and the media. Broken down, there are strategies for agriculture (crops and livestock); fresh water and coastal water resources and fisheries; forests; biodiversity; health and sanitation; human settlement and housing; energy; transport and communications; industry and commerce; disaster, migration and security. Equally, there are strategies for livelihoods which are about encouraging community participation including civil society organizations; the vulnerable groups who are not to be left out and strategies for education. The overall participation by Nigeria at the Conference of Parties to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-UNFCCC) agreement at the Paris Conference on Climate Change showed a rare type of seriousness on the part of our country. This is in terms of both preparation, pedagogy and actual participation. In the final analysis however, it is the resolutions taken and the actions that follow that will determine the success of Nigeria at the COP in Paris and the policies and actions that will be pursued. For now however, it is gratifying that the President ’s appeal to the rich nations, the UN and other world bodies has been heard and heeded, somewhat to a degree, with world leaders including India ’s Modi and Barack Obama coming in tow. Shehu is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.
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December 6, 2015
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Gale of arrests trail controversial $2.1bn arms deal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
supports from some countries, we performed miracles before the emergence of this administration. Even though the committee was to investigate procurement from 2007 to 2015, yet only my name is always being mentioned even when some of the issues were before I came into the government. I leave Nigerians to judge. ” Since his arrest by the DSS, Dasuki has been in the custody of security agents and have not been released or charged to court for the allegation regarding the arms deal. However, there was a new twist when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arrested the Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi and a former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa. They were alleged to have received huge sums of money from the office of the embattled former National Security Adviser for purposes which required explanations. The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren who confirmed the arrest of Dokpesi and Bafarawa said investigations are still going on. Dokpesi was said to have been arrested on the account of some money received from the office of the NSA under Dasuki to the tune of N2.1 billion. But while explaining what transpired during his interrogation by officials of the EFCC, Dokpesi said that the N2.1 billion he received from the former NSA was for the payment of media publicity for campaigns during the 2015 general election In a statement signed by the management of DAAR Communications Plc, he said around 2.00 p.m. that day, the acting chairman of the EFCC, Alhaji Ibrahim Magu, through a telephone call, invited him to the commission. “On getting there, I was requested to, ‘shed more light on some payments that were made to me through the office of the erstwhile National Security Adviser to the former president, Sambo Dasuki. “I made my statement on the various media exposures and campaign transactions which were dutifully carried out based essentially on contractual obligations/relationship. ”, Dokpesi said. But the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh condemned the arrest of Dokpesi saying that the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Dokpesi before any fair hearing, betrayed the fact that he was a victim of political persecution and mob trial by the government of All Progressives Congress APC) because of his association with the PDP. Metuh said, “While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country. “Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being given the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own side of the story,
Metuh
Adoke
DOKPESI WAS SAID TO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED ON THE ACCOUNT OF SOME MONEY RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE NSA UNDER
DASUKI TO THE TUNE OF N2.1 BILLION
the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders ” “The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their defence therein would also be in the public domain. ¨ “We demand a proper investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensible resort to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a military regime.
“We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment in holding this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office. “Finally, we call on the international community and rights bodies worldwide to note the growing impunity and gross violation of human rights by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government tailored to decimate the opposition and cow the media in Nigeria, ” Metuh added For Bafarawa, the former Sokoto State governor was said to have been arrested
by the EFCC in connection to the $2.1 billion arms deal because of some amount of money of about N4.6 billion that was traced to him said to have been collected for spiritual purposes However, Bafarawa denied any involvement and allegations that were leveled against him. According to him, he knows nothing about the arms deal. While stating his own side of the story through his former aide who served under him as Special Adviser on Youth and Students Matters, Alhaji Akibu Dalhatu, Bafarawa said he has no financial dealing with the former NSA nor collected any money from him for any purpose whatsoever. Dalhatu said, “The former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa did not receive any money from Col. Sambo Dasuki for any arms deal or for any purpose ” According to him, he visited the former governor at the EFCC headquarters, saying that his boss was never arrested but merely honoured an invitation by the Commission. There was another dimension to the arms deal saga with the arrest of Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance under the administration of former President Jonathan. Yuguda was arrested by officials of the EFCC over some payments made to him for the purpose of arms procurement but which raised some questions on whether the arms were procured of that payment was made for another purpose. But for Dasuki and those who served in the government of Jonathan as well as other associates that had been questioned by security agents over the $2.1 billion arms deal, the rule of law has to be enforced. The interest of Nigerians would be to unravel the truth about the arms deal in the face of the raging insurgency in which thousands of people had been killed while valuable property destroyed. The Buhari-led administration has always harped on the rule of law and due process which are entrenched in democratic setting where all the issues would be laid bare before the law court for the government and all those concerned in the arms deal to present their cases for judicial decision and for justice to prevail.
Politics News
High crime rate, product of bad leadership –Bishop BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO.
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atholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese and the Apostolic Administrator of Osogbo Diocese, His Grace, Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, has declared that Nigerian leaders are responsible for the high rate of criminal activities ravaging the country lately. Archbishop Abegunrin, stated this in his homily during the Mass to commemorate the centenary of Catholicism in Otan Aiyegbaju, the headquarters of
Boluwaduro local government area of Osun state. According to him, the hypocritical nature of leaders in the country, does not endear them to the youth, because they are involved in criminal acts like corruption and other fraudulent acts. Abegunrin added that many leaders in the country are far away from God in their act and administration, thus administering with wrong mindset. While berating the poor standard of education and immortality in secondary schools, the clergy noted that the take
over of mission schools by government without proper education, impartation of moral and discipline has made the schools substandard. He then charged religious leaders not to leave education to government alone to ensure that the lost culture of morality and discipline is regained. Abegunrin, who commended Otan community for the inter religious peaceful co-existence that exist among residents, charged traditional rulers to also play key role in maintaining peace across the country.
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STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU December 6, 2015
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scar Pistorius told a friend who ‘betrayed ’ him he was ‘terrified ’ of returning to prison days before he was convicted of murdering Reeva Steenkamp, MailOnline can reveal. The shamed sprinter, 29, broke down as he revealed he is haunted by the prospect of being sent back to such a ‘disgusting, terrible ’ place. In an emotional phone call to boxer Kevin Lerena, he said: ‘I don ’t want to go back to jail. It ’s a terrible place, so disgusting you can ’t imagine. ’ Pistorius, said he felt betrayed by Lerena, 23, after he gave evidence against him during his murder trial. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Lerena said the Paraylmpian is depressed, has lost all interest in training and women – and suggested he might ‘do something stupid ’ rather than go back to prison. Lerena said he fears for the sprinter ’s life after his incarceration left him ‘so low and without anything to live for ’. ‘He has been left so down and broken by just one year inside, I don ’t even want to think about what is going to happen to him if he goes back for any longer. I don ’t think he will be able to handle it, ’ Lerena, a professional boxer, said. ‘I am just worried he is going to do something stupid. He just seems to have given up on life. ‘I know they don ’t let them have anything in jail that they can harm themselves with, but, you know, this is South Africa, and you can buy stuff you want, even in jail. ’ After meeting at a sponsored event, the sportsmen became friends with a shared interest in training, cars and guns. The friendship soured after an incident at a trendy restaurant in Johannesburg – just weeks before Pistorius murdered Reeva Steenkamp – when the Paralympian accidentally let off a gun under a table, the bullet narrowly missing the fighter ’s foot. Pistorius, 29, was later charged with firearms offences over the episode and Lerena was called to give evidence against him at the sprinter ’s murder trial last year. Even during their charged reconciliation after Pistorius was released from jail into house arrest, the runner was still upset at what he felt was his old friend ’s ‘betrayal ’. ‘Oscar told me how let down he had felt because I had testified against him, ’ said Lerena, South Africa ’s cruiserweight champion. ‘I explained that I didn ’t have any choice, that I had been subpoenaed to give evidence and that it had been hard for me to do it. But he wouldn ’t accept it. He insisted that I could have refused to do it. ‘He told me I wasn ’t the only friend to have let him down, he was very upset that a lot of friends have dropped him and walked away. He thought people would be there for him, but they haven ’t been. He just sounded so lonely and sad. Friends were very important to Oscar. ’ Lerena recalled how the sprinter had taken him under his wing and gave him advice on training and nutrition. In return, the square-jawed boxer offered to help Pistorius, who lost more than 15lbs and most of his muscle behind bars, get back in shape while he is under house arrest.
Oscar Pistrous saga
‘I don ’t want to go back to jail ’ …disgraced Paralympian, now murder convict tells friend …fears Pistorius might ‘do something stupid ’ rather than go back
South Africa ’s Supreme Court of Appeal has overturned Pistorius ’ (right) manslaughter conviction and found him guilty of murdering Reeva Steenkamp (left) Oscar Pistorius poses for the camera surrounded by children at his 29th birthday party while under house arrest, just weeks before he was convicted of murder
‘I know there ’s a gym at the uncle ’s place and I offered to go for some training sessions together. But Oscar just wasn ’t interested. ‘He just kept saying how low he felt, how tired he was. He kept talking about how hard prison had been for him. ‘He has obviously been completely broken by it. He seemed despondent – as if there was no point in training because he didn ’t have any future in sport. ‘I was expecting him to want to get back into shape straight away. It ’s as if he has just given up on it. He ’s in a terrible space. ’ Pistorius told him: ‘I can ’t think about anything else right now apart from what ’s coming up next for me, it ’s big. ’ Lerena added: ‘He seemed to know that the odds were against him. ’ The Johannesburg-based fighter said he had met Reeva, a model, some time before she met Pistorius, describing her as ‘humble ’ and ‘down to earth ’. Aware that his old friend had been inundated with letters from mostly-female fans during his incarceration, Lerena asked the double amputee about any potential new relationship. Lerena said, ‘I asked him straight out – was there anyone in his life now that he was out? He said straight away “not at all, far from it ”. ‘He was quite firm about that. He told me how much he loved Reeva and how much he still missed her.
‘He really sounded in pain about it. He said he thought about her all the time. ‘Oscar used to love women and his training - it ’s as if he has lost all interest in the things that were once the most important things in the world to him, the things he lived for. ‘I know that his religion has now become very important to him, I hope it pulls him through this. ’ While Pistorius was in Kgosi Mampuru II jail in Pretoria, serving his sentence for Reeva ’s manslaughter, the fighter and his wife, a model, had a baby boy - news that reached his old friend behind bars. ‘I ’m now married with a kid and I think that ’s what Oscar thought he would have by now. He sounded really happy for me, but I think it hurt him as well. ‘He ’s obviously kept up with everyone ’s news while he was inside, and it must be painful to know that everyone else is getting on with their lives. ’ Yesterday, after South Africa ’s Supreme
Oscar Pistorius pictured running in London in 2012
Court of Appeal dramatically overturned Pistorius ’ manslaughter conviction and found him guilty of murdering Reeva instead, Lerena tried to phone him and sent a message of support. ‘I hope we get a chance to chat before he is back in court, or jail. I just wanted him to know that I am thinking of him. ‘No-one knows what happened that night Reeva was killed. I asked Oscar outright what had gone on. He told me “God knows what really happened that night ”. He said he didn ’t feel he had to justify his actions to anyone as he and God knew the tr ue story. ‘I remember all the good things that Oscar did for me when I was younger, and I really looked up to him. He gave me lots of encouragement and advice to help me with my career and my training. I use his advice every day of my life and when I do, I think to myself “Oscar told me that ”. ’ Culled from dailymailukonline
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CRUTECH lecturer organises HIV test for students RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR
A
n academic don in the department of computer science, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Otiko Tony has organized free HIV test for students of the institution. The medical checkup was for students of the institution to know their status so as to commence immediately treatment. The medical outreach took place at the main campus of the institution started on Monday, 30, December and ended on Saturday is made up of students from faculty of Engineering, Environmental Science, Communication Technology, Education, and Sciences. Apart from HIV test, the students were also tested for malariia,High blood pressure BP with several others receiving counsel on medical issues and how to sustain healthy lifestyle such as
having regular exercise to enable them keep fit. Speaking on the free health programme, sponsor of the medical outreach who is also an alumnus of the institution Otiko said that his gesture is bond out of his passion to give back to his alma mater having got enough from the institution. He said that going down memory lane when he was a student in the institution ”things used to be very tough,sometimes not even being able to afford even a square meal talkless of affording money to buy a piece of panadol extra when one have headache ” Otiko exclaimed. Otiko who is also a former Speaker of the Students ’ Union Government (SUG) Parliament CRUTECH maintained that what he did was not for him to receive applaud from praise singers but to add value to humanity stressing that the programme which had the team, “Re-Igniting the
Health Consciousness of CRUTECH Students in the 21st century ” was not his individual efforts as he collaborated with the university medical centre and the Forum of Past SUG Parliamentarians of the school to ensure that he achieve success. The former students leader stated that following the ever busy schedules of students, they seems not to pay adequate attention to their health condition adding that it he saw the need to take the medical outreach down to student`s door steps The CRUTECH lecturer called on private hospitals in Cross River state to subsidize medical charges for students,given the fact that students don ’t have money to meet up with the medical bill which has gone heywire nowadays and lamented that high medical services especially in private hospitals scare students away from making regualar check up and subsequent treatment.
Ekiti warns civil servants on discipline ...recalls suspended SSG
ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI
E
kiti State Government has lifted the suspension slammed on the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mrs Modupe Alade. The recall followed the intervention of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, who on the occasion of his 25th Coronation Anniversary yesterday pleaded with the state governor to pardon the SSG. The governor had on Thursday suspended the SSG for three months and directed the Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka, to oversee the office. However, while an-
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December 6, 2015
nouncing lifting of the suspension, the governor seized the opportunity to warn political office holders and civil servants in the state that he would not hesitate the wield the big stick against any erring worker. He said: “I will honour the Ewi of Ado Ekiti today on this issue. But to political office holders and civil servants, laws, obedience and loyalty must go hand in hand. “I defer to the Kabiyesi, I defer to this ceremony. I recall her. She can resume to her office on Monday, ” the governor said. The monarch, who expressed gratitude to God for the 25 years on the throne, charged the peo-
ple of Ado Ekiti to embrace peace, saying it was only in atmosphere of peace that growth and development could thrive. Oba Adejugbe also said the present economic realities had made return to agriculture imperative. Senator Fatimat RajiRasaki, in her message to the occasion, congratulated the monarch for the peace, unity and progress which the ancient town had witnessed in the last 25 years. Raji-Rasaki appealed to Ado indigenes to continue to cooperate with and support the monarch to ensure that more development accrued to the state capital and as well better lives for the indigenes and residents.
GOVERNMENT OF KANO SATE, NIGERIA RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION AGENCY NO 1 PHASE 1 SHARADA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE P.M.B 3368, KANO-NIGERIA INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF DHD RIG TRUCK The Kano State Government through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency is in pursuant to its policy thrust for the provision of adequate portable Water more especially in the rural areas of the State resolve to engage the service of competent and reliable contractor to supply 1no DHD RIG TRUCK with following specification. DHD RIG TRUCK MOUNTED SPECIFICATION No.
DescripƟon
01
Model (skid/trolley)
Unit
Data
02
Free air delivery
Cfm (m /min)
902 (24.5)
Psi (kgf/c m )
350 (24.5)
DS 900-350 3
03
Working pressure
04
No. of stages
Two
05
Engine make
Cummins
06
Engine model
07
OperaƟng speed
Rpm
1900
08
Min. operaƟon speed
Rpm
1100
09
Engine power out-net
Hp
430
10
Fan + alternator power
Hp
45
11
Engine lube oil capacity
litres
53
12
Engine coolant capacity
litres
21
13
Fuel consumƟon at full load
Litres/hour
76
14
BaƩery capacity, qty
Ah, nos.
180,2
15
Coupling model and make
L2613-2800 SERIES VULKAN
16
Flywheel housing
SEA 1
17
Type of trolley
-
18
Tyre size and ply raƟng
19
Recommended trolley speed
Kmph
80
20
Air-oil separator tank capacity
litres
440
21
Oil ll capacity (First ll)
litre
150
22
Fuel tank capacity
Litre
400
23
Tempreture of outlet air (Max)
Deg C
Amb+70
24
Air otlet port size & Qty.
Inches & Nos.
2 ½ ’ ’ – 1 No.
25
Overall dimensions (L X B X H)
mm
4200 X 2100 X 2690
2
NTA-855C Big cam water cooled
inches
10:00
Accordingly, interested contractor (s) must satisfy the Kano State due process requirement prerequisite for consideration as follows i. Evidence of registration with corporate affairs commission ii. Evidence of registration with Kano State Works registration Board, Ministry of Finance and in relevant category. iii. Evidence of VAT registration with TAX Identification Number. iv. Evidence of TAX clearance certificate for the last three years. v. Evidence of financial capability to undertake the project. vi. A comprehensive Company profile and arched account for the last three years (3) METHOD OF BIDDING Interested contractors are to obtain bid document from the office of the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, No 1 Sharada Phase 1 Industrial Estate, Kano at a non-refundable fee of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N 100,000) only Completed bid proposal (Technical and Financial) should be submitted in sealed package within ten days of this publication at the office of the Managing Director Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, No 1 Sharada Phase 1 Industrial Estate. Subsequently bids shall be open same day by 2:00pm at the conference hall of the Agency in the present of those who wish to attain. It should be noted that Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency is not obliged to award the contract to the lowest bidder, please. Yahaya Adamu Garunali Managing Director
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Business
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FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday December 6, 2015
CONTEC Agro launches ambitious N20bn agric project in Nigeria Abolaji Adebayo
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igeria’s agricultural rebirth has received a major boost with the successful trial of inputs that breathe life into depleted soils, shorten the period between breeding and harvest of crops and
livestock, as well as resist the incursion of pests. This is part of an ambitious N20 billion worth project launched by CONTEC Global Agro Limited to develop and deploy bio-fertilizers, bio-stimulants, soil biological conditioners and similar innovations intended to reinvent farming cultures through improved soil fertility and production of
crops and livestock. The products developed by globally spread experts in agricultural innovations are currently being used at pilot farms across the country. Chairman/President, CONTEC Global, the parent body of CONTEC Global Agro Limited, Dr. Benoy Berry, who disclosed this in Lagos, said the project has reached advanced stage with remarkable results from
farms in Lagos, Kaduna, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). “We are commencing a comprehensive agricultural programme for Africa that would be executed through series of innovative strategies. Of course, Nigeria is priority. So we are starting here in Nigeria. “One of such is the bio-fertilizer project, which basically aims to increase the fertility of
Arbitrary charges: Experts want CBN to tighten oversight function on banks
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ome financial experts have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to tighten its oversight function on Deposit Money Banks (DMB) to forestall levyling of arbitrary charges on customers. In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos at the weekend, the experts argued that DMBs were ripping off innocent Nigerians of huge amounts of money from these charges. A lecturer at the Department of Philosophy,
University of Benin, Dr Phillip Ujomu, said that DMBs were capitalizing on the weak socio-political structures in the country to make profits for themselves. Ujomu argued that people beseeched the banks to collect loans to improve their livelihood because government had not provided an alternative. “Developed economies have mortgage institutions which cater for the welfare of their citizens. If government had provided a system where civil servants could have access
to long term car and housing loans, they would not to go to DMBs for loans. “The banks are leveraging on the socio-political issues in the economy to make profit. It is a Federal Government issue and people have no alternatives. “There have not been provision for civil servants to obtain car/housing loans to better their life,’’ Ujomu said. Contributing, Dr Evans Osbouhien of the Department of Economics and Development Study, Covenant University, Ota,
said that most people were unaware of the hidden charges before collecting the loans. Osabouhien said that some banks charged as much as three per cent as administrative charges when the loan deal had reached an advanced stage. He urged the CBN to be alive to its responsibility of scrutinising the activities of DMBs to check such sharp practices. According to him, the growth of the economy should be rooted on a transparent people-oriented policy.
L-R: Partner KPMG, Kunle Elebute; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mahmoud Isa-Duste; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and Project Leader, Patience Oniha, during the inauguration of the Ministry of Finance Efficiency Unit Steering Committee in Abuja recently.
the soils, shorten crop production timeline and improve on quality of harvests and produce.” Speaking further, Dr. Berry said the bio-fertilizer project provides Nigeria an opportunity to leap-frog its food security status, filling up the gap caused by poor input and soil quality, which have been identified as some of the critical challenges facing the Nigerian farmer, as well as create employment. He said the company has trial farms in Niger State, Zaria, Makurdi, Sagamu, Lagos and a few other locations where the prowess of the fertilizer and other inputs have been proven beyond doubt, with the first set of harvests of crops grown using some of the inputs from farms in Niger State occurring on Saturday, December 5, 2015. Giving details on some of the products, Dr. Berry said the firm has the Siri GA, a biological granular formulation (biofertilizer) that is developed to enhance root growth in density and spread, enhance nutrient and water uptake, build resistance against insects, pests and diseases, helps the crop withstand stress from temperature and physiological changes. The ultimate being improved quality and yield volume. Speaking further on the bio-stimulants and organic soil conditioners, Berry said Sweed GA is “an organic liquid preparation formulated to help the plant enhance its growth and floral initiation, induce resistance against pests and diseases, promote new roots and leaves development and growth.” He disclosed that Growmore is a biological water soluble formulation that helps the plant to stimulate enzymes and metabolites, resists pests and diseases by inducing systemic resistance, maintain high
level of chlorophyll for better growth and increases the uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Iron and Magnesium. “All these are designed to adapt to be crop-specific in their actions,” he said. He said they have been partnering with big farms like Chi Farms, Dangote and others on how they could partner on this, adding that similar plans were at advance stages for fish farming and the dairy sub-sector in Nigeria. He also disclose CONTEC Agro’s plan for setting up high quality dairy farms across Nigeria. He hinted that experts from the United Kingdom are already in the country to map out and commence this leg of investment. On fish farming, he said the firm would concentrate on production of fingerlings to be available at next to zero cost. He also disclosed that the large farm campuses are going to serve as research bases that would offer experts assistance to Nigerians and others on plant and animal sciences. This, he said would help to make Nigeria an agricultural research hub for Africa. Meanwhile, the CONTEC boss said that government cooperation is key to the success of the programme, which he said has already caught the attention of partners and the governments in Burundi, Zimbabwe, Togo, Mali among others in Africa. “The Malawi government is already talking with us on how to help it achieve the onecow per family policy. “We want to use the Saudi Model, which currently ensures that 250,000 cows are being milked every day, and 300 calves are born everyday per farm,” he added.
that the road was completed on time while meeting all stipulated standards. The state’s Commissioner for Works, Mr. Fidelis Nweze, noted that the Umuhuali-Nkalagu road received government’s attention 52 years ago, leading to establishment of NIGERCEM company. “The road also connects Ebonyi to Enugu and the Northern parts of the country. Its deplorable condition has greatly affected business and social activities in the area,” he said.
The commissioner also noted that the Hilltop-Nwofe road had not received any government’s attention for many decades now. “The state governor should be highly commended for reconstructing this road as I will enhance the economic and social wellbeing of the people and generally develop the state,” he said. The governor also inaugurated the reconstruction of the 23.5km Amasairi-OkposiUburu road as all the roads cut across the three senato-
Ebonyi Govt, Ibeto Group to revitalise NIGERCEM
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ov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi said the state government would negotiate with the Ibeto Group of Companies to revitalise the moribund Nigerian Cement Company, NIGERCEM, Nkalagu. Umahi made the disclosure at the weekend in Abakaliki at the inauguration of the reconstruction of the 15.5 km UmuhualiNkalagu-NIGERCEM road which links Ehamufu in
Enugu state. According to the governor, the chairman of state committee on cement production has been given up till Dec. 7 to conclude all negotiations with the Ibeto Group. “This will be followed by the signing of the necessary agreements which will protect the rights of the indigenes, host local government area and the state government. “We will not accept any negotiation that will not cover the revitilisation of NIGE-
RCEM, because it will extend to the schools, hospitals and other infrastructure in the vicinity,” he said. The governor directed the LGA caretaker chairmen in the central senatorial zone to be involved in the supervision of the road and report daily on the progress of work to him. “You should also ensure that four engineers (three civil and one mechanical) are attached to the contractor China Zunghaoi - to get the necessary experience and es-
tablish themselves,” he said. The governor, who also inaugurated the multimillion naira, 23.7km Hillto/Nwofe/ Agbaja road, noted that the reconstruction was to honour the speaker of the state House of Assembly for his support to the executive arm of government. “We also want to honour Izzi people who gave us large percentage of votes during the elections despite several distractions,” he said. He urged the people to cooperate with the contractor to ensure
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North
December 6, 2015
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Kaduna APC passes condence vote in El-Rufai ...says only one APC in the state A ZA MSUE KADUNA
T
he All Progressives Congress in Kaduna State yesterday passed a confidence vote in Governor Nasir el-Rufai ’s policies. Speaking with journalists in Kaduna, the APC State Acting Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, said all El-Rufai ’s policies are in line with the ruling
party ’s manifestoes and agenda, urging members to remain loyal. Wusono who was reacting to a news briefing by a group, ‘True All Progressives Congress ’, advised some of its members to stop being deceived by opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to distract the good work of the governor. Wusono said: “APC as a party has a manifesto
and also has a constitution and we are working in line with the constitution of our party. We have only one APC in Kaduna State. The party in Kaduna has leadership and structure. “We are running the affairs of the party according to the manifesto, constitution and ideology of APC. It is laughable if somebody in Kaduna State says APC is not functioning because the party has
no governor in Kaduna, so if anybody who comes out to say APC in the state is in disarray, he is a joker. “As far as we are concerned, we worked together with Governor Nasir el-Rufai to make APC alive and remove PDP out of Kaduna State. Any party member that is questioning the policies and leadership of the governor is either ignorant or doing it deliberately. That person may also be working with external forces
in the PDP. Is it the free education policy, or the 255 primary centres that will be well built and equipped? Is that what somebody will call antipeople policies in the state? Is it verification of workers to have accurate data and fish out ghost workers created by PDP that is anti-people? Any party member who is talking about our governor ’s policies in a negative way is the person running anti-people advocacy in the state to deprive the masses of good things. Go through Governor El-Rufai ’s 2016 budget proposal recently presented to the State Assembly and you will see. “It is also laughable for anybody who claims to be APC member telling the
APC national leadership and the Presidency to disregard the governor of Kaduna State. Governor Nasir el-Rufai is the founding member of the APC, active in the merger committee and is signatory to the merger document on which basis INEC issued the certificate of registration to the APC. ” Meanwhile, a group under the auspices of True All Progressives Congress based in Kaduna has accused Governor El-Rufai of running anti-people policies in the state. Addressing newsmen recently, its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Murtala Abubakar, urged the APC national leadership to set up credible machinery to conduct elections into vacant offices in the party.
Nasarawa to spend N1bn on Laa neighbourhood market ...cuts LG workers ’ salaries by 50% IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA
N L-R: Chairman, South-East, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) Alhaji Ahmed Gobir; Vice-President, North-West, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, and General Secretary, National Union of textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Malam Issa Aremu, at the MAN Annual GeneralMeeting in Kaduna, on Thursday.
Saraki mourns Kef Emir, says he ’s a man of peace GEORGE OJI
S
enate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday described the late Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo-Yamusa II, as a man of peace whose long reign witnessed phenomenal development in the ancient Keffi Emirate in particular, and Nasarawa State in general. Special Adviser to the Senate President
on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in a statement in Abuja, said Saraki received the news of the passing on of the Emir with shock and sadness. He said while Saraki thanked God for the exemplary life and progressive disposition of the royal father, he commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Keffi Emirate as well as the government and people of Nasarawa
State on the irreparable loss. He urged them to be consoled by the fact that the late monarch lived a selfless life and was a father to all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. “The late Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo-Yamusa II was not only a man of peace but a lover of his people. He stood firmly for what he believed in. To him, the interest of the people of Keffi was
paramount in all his dealings. “The late Emir will be sorely be missed by all those who knew him. I pray to Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Jannatul firdaus, ” Saraki stated. He called on the people of Keffi and Nasarawa State to emulate the virtues of tolerance exhibited by their late traditional ruler throughout his earthly sojourn.
Osinbajo, Lalong urge Nigerians to embrace peace JAMES ABRAHAM JOS
V
ice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Jacob Gyang Buba, have called on Nigerians to embrace and live in unity with one another. The trio spoke yesterday in Jos during an occasion to mark one year
anniversary for the internally displaced persons and official launch of Coalition for Minority Rights CMR, a non-governmental organisation committed to championing the cause of minority ethnic group and the marginalised in the society. The programme was organised by Stefanos Foundation,an NGO working against ethno religious violence in Nige-
ria at the Zang IDP camp in Jos currently housing over 400 IDPs mostly from the northeast zone of the country. The Vice-President who was represented by Aso Rock Chaplain, Pastor Joseph Oluseyi, expressed regrets over the plight of the IDPs as a result of the activities of insurgents. He called on every community to embrace
peace and respect one another ’s values, culture and religion so that ethnic and religious clashes would be a thing of the past. He commended the NGO for working to alleviate the sufferings of the IDPs, adding that government would not only continue to identify with them but would do everything within its powers to end insurgency in the country.
asarawa State government has said it would spend about N1 billion to rebuild the over 100 years old ancient Lafia market to a modern status christened “neighbourhood market ”. Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura stated this when inspecting the site of the market which was recently pulled down by the government to pave the way for the reconstruction of a market of all purpose service and activities. He said: “This market would be a market like no other, if you remember what used to be 100 years ago which we demolished a month ago, you will know that this is an all purpose market. But we have tried to replicate all the services and activities in the market in the most modern way. The neighbourhood market would have over 1000 shops and the good side of it is that the market would be dedicated to very small and vulnerable traders to serve the entire Lafia old town where all the small traders would have a place they would call their own. ” The governor also said that the market would cost the state government about N 1 billion and government intended to get the market completed
with all the shops in place in about six months time. Meanwhile, the state government has announced a 50 per cent cut in the local government workers ’ salaries for the month of October due to shortfall in allocation from the federation account to council areas in the state. The state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Aliyu AhmedTinjani, disclosed this to journalists after the state/local governments Joint Account Allocation Committee, JAAC, meeting held in Lafia, the state capital. Tijani however assured the workers that government would revert to full payment of the local government workers ’ salaries immediately the situation improves from the federation account. His words: “The allocation of what the local governments received from federation account has reduced in October this year from N1.2 billion to N2.2 billion as against what it used to receive in the past. It is on this note that we all resolved that workers in all the 13 local government and 16 Development Areas in the state will from October this year be paid 50 per cent of their monthly salary. ”
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South
December 6, 2015
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Apostolic Church embraces Osun ’s road expansion project ...Collects N87.9m compensation for church ’s removal
N
ational President, The Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Pastor Gabriel Oladele Olutola, has expressed the Church ’s readiness to support the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on infra-
structural development by giving up a branch of the church at the heart of the state capital for road construction. The cleric stated this while receiving a N87,932,510 cheque as compensation for the Church whose branch
at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo has been marked for dismantling to allow for the construction of Olaiya-Ita Olokan dual carriageway. Pastor Olutola held that the church was a partner with the governor in his quest to turn Osun ’s fortune
around for good, thus the agreement by the church on the separation of her branch for the project to enhance free flow of traffic at the popular Olaiya Junction. He also expressed satisfaction with the decision
L-R: Speakers, Ven. Dr. Yemi Agbelusi; Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd.Dr. James Olusola Odedeji; Panel Moderator, Mr. Richie Dayo Johnson and another Speaker, Mr. Rufus Olaniyan, during Youth Parliament 2.0 with theme, Expanding the Frontiers of PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN Evangelism through New Media, yesterday.
NEMA lauds SEMA for resettling displaced people RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR
D
irector General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Sani Sidi, has lauded the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, for resettling displaced people of Aguegwuna who suffered a landslide in Cross River. The NEMA boss made the remark when he embarked on an inspection tour to the resettlement sites in Agwagune. The DG, who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator, South-South, Mr. Benjamin Oghenah, said he was impressed by the prompt and proper utilisation of the building ma-
terials given to SEMA by NEMA as was efficiently utilised by SEMA. He said that building materials donated by NEMA through the state agency to assist the landslide displaced people rebuild their homes included cement, zinc, nails and wood to enable. Sidi said the commitment of the state government through its humanitarian agency (SEMA) had manifested in the construction of over 200 housing units in the area. According to him, the sites and quality of buildings some of which were in advanced stages of completion were satisfactory and urged the Cross River State Government to sustain the collaborative capacity by making funds
available for the completion of the project on record time. Reacting, Director General, SEMA, Mr. Vincent Aquah, who conducted the NEMA boss round the project sites commended the agency for its collaborative efforts with the state government to actualise the construction project The DG said that some of them were in advanced stage of completion. Aquah said as soon as funds were made available by the state government, the project would be completed. Paramount chief of Agwagune, Onun, Efime Ogban described the development as a dream come true stressing that his people had suffered the perennial double tragedy-
flooding and landslide for over 45 years which had decimated the community to about 15 percent of the total land mass. Efime said that the over 3,000 families displaced over the years had sought refuse in neighboring villages and with neighbours whose houses were still surviving the disaster though in precarious situations. Mr. Solomon Etim (80) said that he was grateful to God for allowing him to experience the salvation of his people from the twin disasters lamenting that the family ancestral graves, shrines and sacred trees have been washed away by the river due to landslide while farming were destroyed yearly.
dence in his ascendancy the lamakers said this would serve as a catalyst for the advancement of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba nation and the country at large. In a statement signed by Oyintiloye on behalf of the legislative body, the legislators are convinced that the
credentials and mettle of the monarch is a testimony to the ardor and tireless creativity the king would bring to the throne. The Assembly ’s spokesman commended the ruling houses for the manner in which they harmoniously resolved their differences
during the selection process. He also congratulated the state government of Osun, the Council of Obas, and the good people of the state, especially the descendants of Ile- Ife, home and abroad for the peaceful transition. “The spontaneous enthusiasm that greeted the
of the state to compensate the church, saying Governor Aregbesola had distinguished himself as an epitome of transformation and performance. Olutola noted that the leadership of the church found it easy to cooperate with government on the removal of the church building simply because it had been the principle of the church to abide and support the authority. His words: “We want to thank God today that the leadership of our church and Government of Osun were able to arrive at a meaningful conclusion that resulted in this compensation. “Our general principle in the Apostolic Church is respect for constituted authorities and government, because the Holy Book (Bible) teaches us to obey those people in the position of authority. That is why we deemed it fit to release the church for the state to construct road which we believe will serve the general public. “With this compensation, our governor has really shown to us his love for peace and passion for development which has manifested and impacted tremendously on the lives of Osun people. “It is our duty as men of God to pray, support and as well as assist government in all ramifications for general success, and we are ready to continue in supporting this administration because once government fails, we all fail. Governor Aregbesola however used the occasion of the presentation of cheque to the church to reiterate that his administration remained committed in its resolve to turn the state around through massive infrastructural development and financial re-engineering in the face of the present cash crunch affecting the country. He stressed that he would live up to his statuto-
ry responsibilities regardless the current economic situation the state may be encountering. He noted that the church was valued at a sum of N57.9 million, stressing that the state having considered the constant renovation of the church resolved to add N30 million to its valued cost making N87.9 million. The governor disclosed that his administration had paid over one billion Naira as compensation to people whose property would be affected in the course of development and transformation of the state. He stated that his government had also made available N392 million as compensation for another set of 149 buildings identified to have been affected by various constructions going on in the state. Aregbesola emphasised that people whose property fall between Olaiya-Odiolowo axis would be compensated monetarily, while those around Isale-Osun/ Ita Olokan axis would be resettled to Awosuru area, Osogbo. He pointed out that his government would not in any way trample on the rights of the citizens, saying the time has come for all and sundry to see personal sacrifice as a veritable tool to all-round development. Aregbesola noted that his government had no intention to victimise or disturb people of the state, including religious organisations. Said the governor: “Before our administration, physical planning of our towns and cities was nothing to write home about as the state lacked availability of good access roads. I am confident that this era would go down in history. Our desire is to modernise our towns particularly the state capital and city centres through our urban renewal projects.
announcement of the new monarch across Ile Ife, the state of Osun, and the entire nation is a substantiation of the better days ahead, ” Oyintiloye explained. In a goodwill message to the Ooni during a parliamentary session, the Speaker of the Osun State House
of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam enjoined him to give inimitable service, and surpass the worthy legacies of his predecessors. He also admonished him to work with other traditional rulers and government at all levels to inspire harmony, peace and development in the country.
Osun lawmakers congratulate new Ooni of Ife
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he Osun State House of Assembly through its Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Oyintiloye Olatunbosun has congratulated Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on his coronation as the Ooni of Ife. Asserting towering confi-
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2016 Rio Olympic Nigeria Under-23 qualifies for semis
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SUNDAY DECEMBER 6, 2015
We need to preserve our football talent –Pinnick Pius Anakali
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here is no doubt that when it comes to underage football, Nigeria is a performer. Five World Cup trophies earned by the Golden Eaglets, One Olympic Gold medal by the U-23 national team and Seven times Africa Champion, two times Silver medal at the World stage and a Bronze medal earned in 1985 by the Flying Eagles, no one can safely say therefore that at junior level, the national teams are doing badly. In spite of all these dominance however, these young footballers have it difficult to transit to the senior level with the same skills just like the Lionel Messi and Well, as some have argued, their bane is the desperation to go abroad for the proverbial greener pasture and the lure of quick cash as recently noticed by numerous enquiries from club in Europe for the World conquering Golden Eaglets. Recent report has it that Tottenham, Arsenal Woflsburg are all joining the race to sign Victor Osimhen. Same goes for Kelechi Nwakali. The expectation was that by
now, the likes of Osimhen and Nwakali should be ontheri way to Europe but it seems all that will be a thing of the past soon if fillers from Nigeria Football Federation is anything to go by. Last week, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick declared none of Eaglets player would be allowed to join any foreign club. Declaring them as national asset, Pinnick insisted that the boys would not be given away so easily. “Contrary to some recent stories that a foreign agent had signed some members of the team on its stable, no such transfer had been approved. The players are going nowhere; they are our national asset. We are the custodians of football in Nigeria, we will regulate and determine where they go and how they develop to ensure that they and their parents ultimately benefit from their career,” Pinnick vowed. Though that might be unpopular with parents and the boys, but if Pinnick’s desire is taken to the latter, it might yield result in the nearest future. In a way, the Under-17 World Cup is football’s crystal ball of some sort. It is supposed to give a glimpse into the game’s
future. If that has been the case, perhaps, Nigeria should have won a World Cup by now. Instead ours has been a case players with great potential cut short by quick cash. Take for instance, the story of King Osanga, a member of the Nigerian national under-17 team that conquered all comers to lift the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Africa. After that great display, it was expected that Osanga, would continue his upward movement when he won the Pepsi MVP CAF Champions League Award in 2009, but his growth has since been stunted by club troubles. Soga Sambo is another unfortunate player. A strong, tricky midfielder, Sambo was the creator-in-chief for his side and was the key man in the group stages at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in 2001 before Femi Opabunmi took over. He too, has since fizzled out. The story of Macauley Chrisantus is still fresh in the mind many. Seen as a good replacement for the former Super Eagles midfield maestro, Jay Okocha, but Chrisantus is nowhere near what football pun-
dit predicted he would be. Emmanuel Sani is yet another. Time was when Nigerians placed their hope on the silky, Messi-like feet of Stanley Okoro. Okoro grabbed all the headlines but like all others before him he is nowhere now. There was also Emmanuel Sani. His 5 goals even won him the Golden ball. Mismanaged Sani is clubless now, that perhaps explain the sense in Pinnick and NFF’s decision.
Pinnick
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2016 Rio Olympic
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Knockout
Nigeria Under-23 qualifies for semis
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IFEANYI Eduzor
08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com
I’m the next national Lightweight champion, says Fijabi
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Under 23 team line up
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igeria’s Under-23 football team, the Dream Team VI qualified for the semifinals of the 2015 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations on Saturday after drawing 0-0 with Algeria in their final Group B game in Dakar. The Dream Team never got out of first gear at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar against an Algerian side that dominated for large spells. Oghenekaro Etebo’s free kick in the 32nd minute was Nigeria’s best opportu-
nity in the first half. The second half of a truly dire contest followed a similar pattern to the first with the North Africans bossing possession while Nigeria sporadically threatened on the break. Clear cut opportunities were at a premium as both sides were content with the point that would take them through to the semis, refused to take too many risks.
The points sees Nigeria progress to the last four as Group B’s runners up with five points from three games. Algeria finished as winners of Group B while Mali finished in third place after beating Egypt 1-0 in M’Bour. Samson Siasia’s men will now play against hosts, Senegal in the semi final at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar on December 9.
Asoju – Oba tourney: Odebatu attributes ‘Team O’jez’ success to hard work Ifeanyi Eduzor
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oard Member of the Nigeria Swimming Federation and President of O’jez table tennis Club, Chief Joseph Odebeatu has attributed “Team O’Jez”, excellent showing at the just concluded 47th Asoju-Oba Molade Okoya- Thomas table tennis championship to hard work and determination. An elated Odebeatu who hosted the entire table tennis team at his O’jez Entertainment spot, National Stadium, Surulere Lagos shortly after Friday’s finals at the Teslim
Balogun Stadium, Lagos said he was proud that his team grabbed an astonishing 14 medals with two of his players; Adeyinka Ahmed and Omolara Ayo playing at the men’s final while the team’s cadet player, Jamiu Ayonwale got a scholarship from the Lagos State Government for his exploits at the tournament. “I’m very proud of the achievements of O’jez table tennis club at the Asoju- Oba championship and I I will continue to encourage young and talented tennis players to excel in the game ”, said an elated Odebeato who beside being a top football, table tennis and swimming promoter is also a
renowned music and entertainment promoter. With Adeyinka Ahmed retaining the men’s single crown by out stroking his team mate, Omolara Ayo 4-3, Odebeatu declared that “it’s the beginning of greater days ahead for the O’jez team made up of men and women players in different categories”. Meanwhile Odebeatu has commended the Lagos State government for awarding scholarship to his team’s cadet player; Jamiu Ayonwale, saying that the gesture will help in encouraging young talented players to excel in the ping pong game.
Simon rescues point for Gent
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oses Simon scored at the death to rescue a point for KAA Gent in the 2-2 draw with Zulte-Waregem. The Super Eagles forward netted in the fourth minute of added time to help Gent claim a point which helps them consolidate top spot in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League. Simon swept home a corner from eight yards after the Zulte-
Waregem defence failed to clear their lines. The 20-year-old had not scored for Gent before Friday’s game in all competitions this season. He scored seven league goals for the club last season. Simon’s heroics on Friday at the GHELAMCO-Arena sees Gent remain at the summit of the league standings with 37 points from 18 matches.
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aleb International School, Magodo, Lagos has won the second edition of Lagos Private School’s Cup tagged “Private cup”. In an entertaining finals decided yes-
terday at the Vicsum School Field, Omole Phase 2, Lagos, the school defeated AllFaruq College, Ejigbo by 3-0 to win the giant trophy donated by organizers of the competition. All the goals were scored in the second half of the match. Prior to the finals, Honey land College walked over Dansol High School to emerge the winner
Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy. Fijabi, who won the prize at the July edition of the event said, he is sure of winning the cash prize and the national title. “I defeated Sadiq as an amateur and I will repeat the trick as a professional. I know he is the champion, but his reign will end on Boxing Day. I don’t watch Flloyd Mayweather’s fights for nothing. I am going to practice everything I have learnt from those fights on Sadiq. His reign has ended. This is my time,” he said.
Fijabi
Froch rules out comeback
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etired former super middleweight world champion Carl Froch, has ruled out a comeback fight with middleweight fighter, Gennady Golovkin ending speculations that he plans to return to the ring next year. Froch has consistently toyed with the idea of fighting Golovkin, both before and after his official retirement from boxing earlier this year, posting his now infamous ‘Too Big and Strong for GGG’ social media status just before he announced that his Wembley rematch
with George Groves in May 2014 had indeed been his final fight. Since that time, the 38 year old Froch has taken up an analysts position with Sky Sports in the UK, though is continually fielding questions about a potential return with a cryptic uncertainty, dangling a metaphorical carrot to his many loyal fans keen to see a return, and thus, keeping his name firmly in the spotlight which one suspects has been his primary motivation all along, given his notorious ego.
Bradley named ‘Fighter of the Year’
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Simon
Caleb International school wins Private School’s tourney Ifeanyi Eduzor
laide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, who is seeking to dethrone the national Lightweight boxing champion, Sadiq Ahmed, has declared himself the next champion of the category. Fijabi will fight Ahmed for the title on 26 December at the GOtv boxing night slated for the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos. Both boxers also have an opportunity to win the N1.5m cash prize attached to the award of the best boxer of the tournament as well as the Mojisola
of the third place match. In the female category, St Joseph Secondary School Agege defeated Landmark College, Ikorodu by 3-0 to emerge the best female team in the competition just as the female team of Caleb International School recorded a 3-2 penalty victory over Unique Heights High School in the third place match.
wo-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley Jr., in his second reign as World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight world champion, has been named the 2015 Ring 8 Fighter of the Year. Bradley will personally accept the award from his trainer, Teddy Atlas, at the 29th Annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards ceremony on Sunday, December 13. Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KOs),
enjoyed a stellar year which saw him win a unanimous decision over undefeated world champion Jessie Vargas to regain the WBO welterweight world title in June followed by a successful defense of the title in November, stopping former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios in the ninth round. It was just the third loss for Rios and the first time he had ever been knocked out in his 11-year professional career. It also marked the first fight Bradley had legendary trainer Atlas in his corner.
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Wenger: Sanchez could have been killed
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rsene Wenger has hit out at Ryan Bennett, claiming the Norwich defender “could have killed” Alex Sanchez last weekend. Wenger was furious after seeing Bennett shove his Chilean forward into a camera pit during the 1-1 draw at Carrow Road, with the ball already out of play. The Arsenal boss remains unhappy with the ground-level opening’s near-pitch positioning and believes Sanchez neared a fatal accident. “First of all it is dangerous to have a camera there. He could have killed him,” Wenger said.
Sanchez
Terry unsure of Chelsea future, backs Mourinho J
ohn Terry admits he is yet to decide whether he will remain at Chelsea beyond the end of his contract but has backed manager Jose Mourinho to reverse the club’s dismal early-season form. Stamford Bridge skipper Terry’s current deal expires at the end of the season and the emergence of Kurt Zouma means his place in Mourinho’s starting XI is far from guaranteed. But, speaking to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher in an, Terry revealed he was happy to wait to determine his next career move. “I think I’ll wait, yeah. I don’t know at the minute,” he said. “As you get older, you start to look down that route. I’m doing my coaching badges at the minute. I’m looking at TV. I’ve done some bits for Sky and BT. “I have never known how players can go week after week not playing. This is the first time in my career where I have not been a regular in the team. I couldn’t see myself doing that for a year or two years.
Injuries will not force signings - Pellegrini
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anuel Pellegrini sees no reason to bring players to the club during the January transfer window, despite Manchester City suffering a league-high number of injuries. City have suffered 36 separate injuries - most of which have been soft-tissue problems - but Pellegrini maintains his confidence in the squad, insisting he sees no need to recruit reinforcements. Injuries could potentially play a key role in undermining City’s title challenge this season, however, the Chilean boss is satisfied with his current crop of players. “The squad for this year is ready,” Pellegrini said. “We are not thinking to replace for the amount of injuries we’ve had. Really, we are not thinking about that. “I am so happy with the position we are in at this moment in every competition.” Pellegrini attributed the high-tempo of the Premier League for his team’s unusually high number of injuries, avoiding the opportunity to blame his medical staff.
‘Guardiola won’t perform at a mid-level club’
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nter boss Roberto Mancini is a fan of Pep Guardiola but is not convinced his methods would work at a mid-table club. Since taking over at Barcelona in 2008, Guardiola has enjoyed huge success at Camp Nou and now Bayern Munich, winning five league titles and two Champions League crowns in a glittering coaching career.
I will win FIFA election - Prince Ali
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rince Ali bin Al Hussein believes he will win next year’s FIFA presidential election if the ballot is carried out properly. Having lost to outgoing suspended president Sepp Blatter in May’s vote, Prince Ali is standing again in February’s election after Blatter laid down his mandate on June 2, just six days after nine FIFA officials were indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption. Blatter has since been handed a provisional 90-day ban from all football-related activities by FIFA’s ethics committee. His suspension came after a criminal investigation was opened into allegations he sold a World Cup TV rights contract to former FIFA official Jack Warner in a deal that was unfavourable for FIFA and that the 79-yearold made a disloyal payment of two million Swiss francs to Michel Platini, who - along with general secretary Jerome Valcke - was also given a provisional ban following the corruption claims.
N I G E R I A I N F I G U R E S - The sum KEPCO -The amount Katsina energy resources State agency misLimited invested in Egbin power managed in four years.
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Comment
E-mail: jimunahlive@gmail.com Jim Unah is Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos
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with Jim Unah
overnance, in the context of nationstates, is the act of allocating and administering public resources efficiently and equitably in a manner that evokes public trust and confidence in institutions of state and the individuals who run the affairs of state. Construed in this fashion, the impression is created that where there is no efficient and equitable management of resources, the running of the affairs of state could not be regarded as governance. This query compels the writer to speak of good or bad governance, real or mediocre governance. By governance, therefore, I mean real governance—the act of exercising authority appropriately and allocating resources effectively to achieve the objectives of the state, which is to promote public interest and guarantee public safety and the collective welfare of the citizenry. Now, in a country where fundamentalist insurgency, ethnic divisiveness, daily looting of public treasury, and resource protective militancy are gaining more attention than infrastructure provisioning and service delivery to the people, and
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firm.
Restoring public trust in governance thus making real governance an uphill task for state actors, how can the trust and confidence of the people be restored? How can public trust and confidence in the affairs of state be re-kindled? The youth—the active population of the country—are not gainfully and constructively engaged. A seven-month old government should, by now, commenced concrete and visible action in the direction of profitable change by way of gainful employment programs nation-wide. That is not happening yet. As oil revenue is dwindling, investment in agriculture is being daily verbalized and touted as a long neglected sector for economic diversification. Unfortunately, without good, motor-able road and rail infrastructure criss-crossing the major zones of the country, investment in agriculture cannot be encouraged and accelerated. Those who are going to invest in agriculture will need to move freely from the cities to the rural communities and vice-versa. They need good road and rail transport system to do that. There appears not to be a visible activity in that arena. Massive road and rail construction will provide immediate employment for the idle youths, now being lured, for want of jobs, into militancy, insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Well constructed roads, rail- tracks and train wagons will make investment in agriculture attractive for urban dwellers who need to travel and convey materials—agricultural inputs
and outputs—frequently. Regular, uninterrupted electric power supply nation-wide will also boost agricultural investment and productivity. You need storage facilities for a good number of agricultural raw-materials. These rawmaterials also need to be processed into finished products with shelf life to make investment in agriculture profitable for investors. Efficient power supply is indispensible for this to happen. The last government had provided the foundation for power, agriculture and rail infrastructure. All that is required is for the Buhari government to build on the foundation already laid. Where political contractors had failed in the past government to deliver road infrastructure as desired and required, the new Buhari government should assign tested professional road builders to commence work immediately on the Shagamu-Ore Expressway, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and several other roads in the eastern and northern parts of the country in a similar state of disrepair. It does not speak well of the new government that all we see after seven months of ascension to power is power tussle within and between political parties; power tussle within and between the legislature and the executive arm of government. At this rate, it is difficult to fathom when the government in power intends to set the ball of service delivery to the people rolling. Delay is dangerous considering the tempo of youth restiveness, armed robbery and
December date for Blatter and Platini hearings
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ifa president Sepp Blatter and vice-president Michel Platini are due to attend personal hearings with Fifa’s ethics judge starting on December 16. Both men are fighting to salvage their careers and reputation and are currently serving 90-day provisional suspensions from world football. The suspensions were imposed following allegations a £1.3m “disloyal payment” was made between them in 2011. Final verdicts could be published as early as Monday, December 21. Both deny wrongdoing and claim they had a verbal contract for Platini to receive backdated money for work he carried out for Fifa between 1998 and 2002. The BBC has learned the hearings will take place before the Fifa ethics adjudicator Hans Joachim Eckert at an undisclosed location. Both men will have separate hearings which, taken together,
could stretch over three days. Both are entitled to bring legal teams with them. Blatter is likely to be represented by Richard Cullen of US law firm Maguire Woods, or Swiss lawyer Lorenz Erni, with Platini bringing Thibaud D’Ales who works in the Paris office of Clifford Chance.
Last month Fifa’s ethics investigators submitted a final report into the claims against the men, which include mismanagement and conflict of interest rule breaches.
kidnapping going on nationwide. I think that the Federal Government should commence activities in road and rail construction, and the strengthening of security in all the 36 states of the country to effectively check armed robbery and kidnapping. Otherwise people will migrate to the cities in large numbers, and abandon the rural communities. Security, road and electricity are indispensable even for investment in agriculture to produce the desired effect. Getting down to work and avoiding and abandoning corrupt elements, rather than continue to trade blames with the opposition and mere detractors, will send the right signals that the dispensation means business. And the Nigerian people will notice that politicking is over for Mr. President who is now poised for real governance, for effective service delivery to people who trusted his change mantra with confidence that he will perform creditably and admirably. Every Nigerian citizen, including Mr. President, should borrow a leaf from what the Tanzanian President, Mr. Mugulufi, has been doing since he assumed office. That is how not to squander the good will of a change mantra that brought an embattled President to power. That is indeed how to restore public trust and confidence in the business of governance in a country that had been plagued, for a long time, by corruption, impunity and mediocrity.
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