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P. 3-6

Post-privatisation:

Power sector fails to improve

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Amaechi clashes with Army boss, stops voting www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 5 No. 13

Sunday, March 29, 2015

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Buhari in early lead in South-West

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...as APC sweeps votes in Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ogun Obanikoro, Fani-Kayode, Dasuki lose polling units Bomb blast rocks Awka ...youths hold INEC P.59 officials hostage in Imo

DPO snatches ballot boxes, papers in Niger Thugs attack journalists in Delta

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N O I S S A P A Lifestyle

Octogenarian, Pa Lamidi Giwa casting the first vote on Akerele Road in Surulere, Lagos.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Card reader, logistics failure mars polls INEC says voting continues today OBJ, IBB, Abdulsalami, Gowon, commend process

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Sunday March 29, 2015

Magazine

I can Áaunt all parts of my body >26 >>2 >

P.2

iola -Olawumi Tor

APPLAUSE

ld suppress ‘No man shou l because ia nt te po my ’ I’m a wom>>an27

Again, Boko Haram kills 8 in Gombe, 2 die in Osun

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Card reader failure, logistics mar polls INEC says voting continues today

OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA PRISCILLA DENNIS, MINNA.CHRIS NJOKU, OWERRI JAMES DANJUMA, KATSINA

W

ith preponderant hitches marring yesterday’s election exercise despite unprecedented massive turnout by many to vote in the presidential and national assembly election, the expectation is that voting would continue today, even as alterations were made in the voting procedures.

Speaking on this, National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Dr Chris Iyimoga, told Sunday Mirror that voting may continue today where elections could not be concluded as a result of the technical hitches after failure of its Smart Card Readers, SCR, to work according to popular expectation.

Iyimoga, who announced this in Abuja yesterday, lamented that whereas the process had been going well in some places, there were challenges in others, especially with the use of the card readers.

He said accreditation had been consequently slowed in some places while as at 4 p.m., it had not started in others.

According to him, even though the guidelines for the conduct of the elections provide that where card readers failed and cannot be replaced elections in such polling units will be postponed, INEC has decided to make the alterations.

“The scale of the challenge that we have observed has necessitated the reconsideration of the elections guidelines.

“The commission has

therefore decided that as part of guidelines for the general elections, the polling units where the card readers have failed to work, the presiding officer shall manually accredit voters by marking the register of voters after being satisfied that the person presenting the permanent voter card is the legitimate owner of the card”, he said.

He said where accreditation was suspended till today; arrangements will be made for voters to exercise their franchise in accordance with both the electoral guidelines and the Electoral Act, as amended.

The commission reassured the voting public that it would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the failure of the card readers, expressing commitment to the delivery of free, fair and credible elections in spite of these challenges.

INEC took the decision after hours of brainstorming on the way forward with regard to the challenge posed by the nonfunctionality of many of its card readers Going by Sunday Mirror’s independent assessment by its team of election observers, yesterday’s exercise was not only peaceful, but also recorded an unprecedented turnout of voters for the ballot. But like a recurring decimal, incidents of glitches in the SCR, late arrival of voting materials and outright absence of INEC officials almost frustrated the exercise.

Evidence of this could be seen in selected towns and states visited by our correspondents.

Former heads of state of the country have expressed satisfaction with the accreditation process of eligible voters across the country, especially with the use of card

OBJ, IBB, Abdulsalami, Gowon, commend voting process

Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan (right), being accredited by INEC officials at ward 13, unit 39, Otabla Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa, yesterday.

APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and his wife, Aisha, casting their votes in Daura yesterday.

readers despite complaints of glitches that attended the exercise yesterday.

For former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Gen. Gowon, the accreditation processes were satisfactory.

Obasanjo, in his reaction shortly after he was accredited to vote around 10.16

a.m. at his Ward 11, Unit 22 of the Olusomi compound polling centre at Oke-Sokori, Abeokuta, commended INEC, stressing that it was not possible to have a perfect situation.

“What I have seen here is satisfactory and I have also received similar views expressed by people I have talked to.

“I do hope that the same

peaceful situation that obtains here will prevail in other parts of the country.

“We must allay the fears of those people who thought there will be violence or disturbance regarding this election.

“So I appeal to all Nigerians to maintain the peaceful process that we have had so far,” he said.

Obasanjo urged those

who could not obtain their PVCs to be calm, adding that such situation did not confer any right on them to be violent. He advised them to be patient and hope that the situation would have improved before the April 11 elections.

In their reactions, Generals Babangida and Abubakar have urged Nige CONTD. ON PAGE 60

Presidential election can’t be annulled –Buhari OBIORA IFOH, DAURA AND JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

APC Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari has warned against any plot to annul yesterday’s presidential election under any guise, warning that the

card reader challenges as well as pockets crises noted in some states are not sufficient to truncate the wishes of Nigerians.

General Buhari while addressing the media shortly after casting his vote in his Daura hometown also said that what

happened in Rivers State is the continuation of the government harassment of the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Buhari also commended the INEC for addressing the challenges of Card Reader having extended the voting time till Sunday.

Reacting to the question if he will accept cancellation of the election over reported violence, Buhari said, “How many places have you counted? I can count them, it only in Rivers state, Enugu, Delta. I think it is maximum of five states out of 36. Don’t

forget there was election in Afghanistan and the killing in that country has been going on in the last 15 years, there is election in Syria and there are still fighting in Syria and there is election in Pakistan.

So all these negative talk about Nigerian election

shouldn’t hold because of management problems in five states. I think it is unnecessary.

“What has been happening in Rivers State is the continuation of hostility between the PDP and the APC. The governor has CONTD. ON PAGE 60

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

MARCH 29, 2015

Nigerians continue to endure epileptic power supply despite huge investments in the sector by successive governments. Even the latest privatisation of the sector

by President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to defy all solutions implemented to move it forward. It has been said that only about 40 million Nigerians have access to electricity.

Ag. Head of Investigations, Yemi Olakitan, examines why the privatisation of the power sector has not provided stable, uninterrupted electricity for Nigerians.

Postprivatisation:

Power sector fails to improve

‘POWER SUPPLY STILL ERRATIC, UNSTABLE’

E

lectric power is the engine that drives industrialisation, improves communication, helps innovation in science and technology, provides sound healthcare delivery system and improves citizens’ standard of living. It is the key for Nigeria to become one of the most 20 developed economies in the world, but apparently, the biggest problem facing Nigeria aside from Boko Haram is a huge lack of power.

Ironically, the nation is said to be one of the energy rich countries in the world, rated the top oil producer in Africa, second in natural gas reserves (with an estimate of 176 trillion cubic feet) and estimated two billion metric tonnes

5

of coal. This is apart from the huge potential for renewable energy including solar, hydro and wind. Yet, Nigeria has continued to suffer under the weight of a huge energy deficit which has remained uncertain due to massive failings by successive government’s to plan and invest in new power infrastructure, corruption and in most cases sheer cluelessness.

The electricity industry in Nigeria had a promising start in the colonial era when the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria, ECN, was established

by Act of Parliament in 1951 to provide electricity to the colonial masters. In 1962, the Niger Dams CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

‘GAS SUPPLY TO POWER PLANTS INADEQUATE’

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4

The Big Read

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Power supply still erratic, unstable’

Jonathan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Authority, NDA, was set up to develop hydro electricity which was merged with ECN to form National Electric Power Authority, NEPA. By 2000, the problem of population explosion and low supply of electricity sent Nigeria into a crisis of electricity. This led the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to approve the National Electric Power Policy, NEPP, in 2001 which called for deepseated changes to ownership, control and regulation of the power sector.

NEPP set the roadmap for Nigeria’s power sector privatisation. However, because of bureaucracy in government, the policy could not be signed into law until 2005.

The signed document became the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005. The 2005 Act translated NEPA into the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc – comprising 18 separate successor companies that took over the assets, liabilities and employees of NEPA, and responsible for the six generation companies, Gencos, the transmission company and 11 distribution companies, Discos.

The PHCN’s incorporated successors in the unbundling process are, Kainji Power Plc, Shiroro Power Plc, Ughelli Power Plc, Sapele Power Plc, Afam Power Plc, Geregu Power Plc, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Eko Electricity Distribution Co. Plc, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Co. Plc, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Co. Plc and Benin Electricity Distribution Co. Plc. Others are Abuja Electricity Distribution Co. Plc, Port Harcourt Elect. Distribution Co. Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Co. Plc, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Co. Plc, Kano Electricity Distribution Co. Plc, Jos Electricity Distribution Co. Plc and Yola Electricity Distribution Co. Plc. On assumption of office in May 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan made a solemn promise that his priority would be to tackle Nigeria’s decade-long electricity problem and ensure that the citizens enjoyed steady power supply. The president reasoned that the erratic nature of the country’s power supply cannot guarantee any meaningful industrial development and can also not lead the country to her vision of becoming one of the top 20 industrialised nations of the world by 2020. To make good his pledge, Jonathan on August 26 of same year unveiled a detailed power sector roadmap as part of the implementation of the reform process, which legislative groundwork was laid by the Electric Power Sector Reform, EPSR, Act of 2005.

Jonathan, no doubt, set about the new task with vigour as the power sector, under his administration, witnessed unparalleled level of investment and unprecedented enthusiasm from local and international investors to invest in the Nigerian economy. Projects initiated by his predecessors, Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua were reportedly completed, while other new ones are ongoing.

Yar’Adua

Obasanjo

Transmission station

A lantern

THE PRESIDENT REASONED THAT THE ERRATIC NATURE OF NIGERIA’S POWER SUPPLY CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY MEANINGFUL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAN ALSO NOT LEAD THE COUNTRY TO HER

20 INDUSTRIALISED NATIONS OF THE WORLD BY THE YEAR 2020. TO MAKE GOOD HIS PLEDGE, JONATHAN ON AUGUST 26 OF SAME YEAR UNVEILED A DETAILED

VISION OF BECOMING ONE OF THE TOP

POWER SECTOR ROADMAP AS PART OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REFORM PROCESS, WHICH LEGISLATIVE GROUNDWORK WAS LAID BY THE

ELECTRIC POWER SECTOR REFORM, EPSR, ACT OF 2005.

Government’s efforts to increase power supply paid off initially, especially in 2011 and 2012 as power supply first hit an unprecedented peak of 4,321.3 megawatts on August 31, 2012.

Power generation also continued to hover around this figure throughout the remaining part of 2012, hitting an all-time peak of 4,517mw on December 21, 2013; thus setting a new record in the country. However, a sharp drop in power supply was first noticed in January 2013 when Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, shut down the Okpai Power Plant in Delta State for repairs, reducing generation by 460mw before it rose again to 4,286mw peak for the month. Although it hit 4,350mw peak in February, by March 26, 2013, the figure had dropped to 3,670.3megawatts.

After a slight improvement, the situation worsened further to 2,866.4mw in the same month as a result of general system failure, which was very rampant during the first half of 2013. Today, power outages have metamorphosed into complete darkness in most parts of the country, while many urban cities and towns

across the country hardly enjoy three to four hours of uninterrupted power supply.

Only recently, the president said he had fulfilled his campaign promise to Nigerians. According to him, he had promised Nigerians that he would make the power sector his administration’s priority. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Olorunsogo II Power Station in Ogun State; a 750MW Nigerian Integrated Power Project.

“I have lived up to my campaign pledge to make the power sector a priority, although it this is a capital intensive sector, we had been addressing it head-on,’’ he had claimed.

Jonathan said he was confident that Nigeria was moving in the right direction under his watch. He described the power plant as the second largest NIPP power station in the country and urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its desire to improve electricity.

But contrary to this, investigations revealed that NiCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Big Read

Sunday, March 29, 2015

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‘Gas supply to power plants inadequate’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 gerians have continued to experience unstable power supply up till this moment.

Kate Adisa, a Chinese Nigerian, who spoke with Sunday Mirror on the subject, said, “Electricity is a struggle in Nigeria. I am married to a Nigerian and I do business here. The situation is very bad, we have to depend on diesel generators all the time and this is affecting the cost of doing business in Nigeria. In China, even the remote villages have stable power supply. We do not have that in Nigeria. The government needs to tackle the problem as a matter of urgency. If they really want Nigeria to move forward, they will tackle electricity first, no matter what it will take for them to do it because I believe that economically, it is the lack of stable electricity that is keeping Nigeria from moving forward. The problem is affecting Nigeria negatively and this is the only country we have.’’

However, our correspondent gathered that some of the challenges faced by the electricity companies are, limited access to infrastructure, inadequate powergenerating capacity, lack of capital for investment, ineffective regulation, high technical losses, vandalism, insufficient transmission and distribution facilities.

This is why government has continued to receive a lot of knocks from individual citizens and stakeholder groups over the parlous power situation despite the privatisation of the sector and the hope raised for a marked improvement which have not been met.

Former President Obasanjo, while speaking on the subject of power, attributed Nigeria’s continued electricity challenge to the failure of his successors to implement his administration’s initiative of the National Independent Power Project (NIPP) aimed at improving power generation towards national growth. He noted that the country, with about 180 million population, still generated 4,000 megawatts, as against 20,000 megawatts annually if it wanted to attain the status of an industrialised nation. He identified power as one of the critical factors in developing any country socially, economically and politically, while wondering why his successors abandoned the NIPP project. The former president explained that for the country to be categorised among industrialised countries, it must generate as much as 45,000 megawatts, as it is in South Africa with a population of 55 million people.

Obasanjo stressed that Nigeria could achieve greatness in the power sector if what was achieved in the telecoms sector could be applied, but not by privatising the power sector and leaving it to cronies. “It sounds very discouraging but that is the reality. I believe that what we have achieved in the area of telecoms can be achieved in the area of power, but privatising the power sector to friends and families who do not have the technical expertise cannot bring desired results,” he had said.

Similarly, the opposition All Progressives Congress had recently described the privatisation of the power sector under President Jonathan as a “total failure”.

APC spokesman, Lai Mohammed, lamented that Nigeria had been left behind her counterparts because of its inability to tackle power challenges.’’

However, Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, said that the privatisation of the power sector has recorded huge success. Amadi said the privatisation of the power sector had increased influx of foreign capital into the country. He added that the present administration privatised the sector to enable Nigerians to have effective, adequate and reliable power supply. He lamented that gas pipeline vandalism has been the major challenge confronting investors, pointing out that Nigeria is the highest vandalised market in the world. According to him, hydro-power supply was the only source of power generation in the country in the past but the present administration has introduced other means of power generation. “Nigeria has licensed many solar plants, wind farms in Kastina, Jos, Lagos, Abuja and for the

Power station

Night market operating in darkness

IT WAS GATHERED THAT SOME OF THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE ELECTRICITY COMPANIES ARE; LIMITED

ACCESS TO INFRASTRUCTURE, INADEQUATE POWER GENERATING CAPACITY, LACK OF CAPITAL

FOR INVESTMENT, INEFFECTIVE REGULATION, HIGH TECHNICAL LOSSES AND VANDALISM,

INSUFFICIENT TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES first time she has coal energy.’’

Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Neb, also in-

sists that the country was generating more power now than ever before. He said though the implementation of the NIPP had not been easy, there were other factors militating against adequate power supply in the country, particularly lack of gas, but they were being addressed by the present administration.

“It is not totally correct because even the NIPP projects that are done haven’t been that easy. But remember that the total of the NIPP power plants are still less than 5,000 mega watts. But right now, we don’t even have gas for all those power plants. So, it is not the implementation of the NIPP projects. There are other inputs that are involved. By the grace of God, they are getting resolved. For instance, we are generating more power now than Nigeria had ever generated in the past and it is part of the policies of this administration that is making that possible,” Nebo claimed.

Several observations and comments by observers see the cause of slow growth in generation to be due to transmission and distribution infrastructure probCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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The Big Read

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Current capacity not enough for population’ DURING THE PRIVATISATION EXERCISE, THERE WERE

ANOTHER PROBLEM AFFECTING THE MEDICAL SECTOR IN

ALLEGATIONS OF MISDEEDS

NIGERIA IS THAT NIGERIAN

IN THE BIDDING PROCESS.

DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS ARE

IT WAS ALLEGED THAT

NOT ALLOWED TO ADVERTISE

POLITICAL BRINKMANSHIP WAS

WHILE THEIR COUNTERPARTS

EXERCISED; PAST POLITICAL AND

ABROAD ADVERTISE REGULARLY

MILITARY LEADERS WERE THE

ON THE INTERNET AND OTHER

BENEFICIARIES.

MEDIA PLATFORMS Nebo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 lems, corruption, and failure of the new owners of power infrastructure to mobilise new investments even as many apparently lack the technical competence to run the firms. During the privatisation exercise, there were allegations of misdeeds in the bidding process. It was alleged that political brinkmanship was exercised; past political and military leaders were the beneficiaries. It was also alleged that the process was not transparent. Prof. Bart Nnaji – then Minister for Power lost his job in the process. The issues of transparency and political will were also raised on the contracting of transmission rights.

Another key issue is corruption discourages private investment, retards growth and inhibits povertyreduction efforts. In the energy sector, for example, the delivery of energy moves from generation to transmission, to wholesale distribution and finally to retail distribution. Corruption can occur anywhere along the line since it had become a national issue. In generation, for example, it can occur in the licensing stage – where government officials might be tempted to ask for kickbacks in the issuance and renewal of generation licences. Also, contracting for Power Purchase Agreements with state entity including payments for power generation can attract corrupt practices. Inadequate gas supply, shortage of water in the dams, vandalism or theft of power equipment, poor funding and presence of “demons” or “mafia” as claimed by the Minister of Power, Prof. Nebo, are also major causes of the power sector woes.

Perhaps, the biggest problem facing the new investors in the sector is the suspicion if not discovery that many of the power plants they bought were overpriced. They were said to have submitted their bids without taking into cognisance the fact that the power plants have been in bad condition for decades due to poor maintenance. Their bids were more of a show of status rather than a realistic business submission.

Now they are saddled with responsibility of raising funds for the business.

It was learnt that many of the foreign financial institutions are reluctant to lend money to the owners of the power plants due to what they described as unpredictability of the Nigerian economy, which is often seen as volatile. The financial institutions are mostly worried about government’s regular policy reversal, which many feel may affect the power privatisation. As a result, the new owners of the power plants are finding it difficult to raise funds for their new found projects.

Spokesman of the Chairman of Presidential Task Force on Power, PTFP, Mr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, noted recently that the trend of blackouts was due to the fact that Nigeria’s current available peak power cannot satisfy the demands of its population of 160 million people.

He had argued that “current generation, transmission and distribution capacity of the country were simply not enough for its population, hence the blackouts”.

While weak transmission network had also been identified as a major cause of frequent drop in elec-

Wakil

A lit candle

tricity supply, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, claimed that the massive load-shedding experienced nationwide recently had been caused by vandalism of two major gas pipelines supplying gas to eight power generation stations in the country. The power generation stations, which include the Egbin/AES Thermal Stations; Olorunsogo, Omotoso, Geregu NIPP, Afam IV and VI Thermal Power Stations as well as Rivers State Independent Power Station, had been affected, resulting in drastic reduction of power supply by 1,598 megawatts. The TCN has also complained of incessant pipelines breached by vandals, which routinely disrupts gas supply to the generation companies.

Another identified problem is that oil companies, which produce the gas that are piped to the power stations, are reluctant to invest in domestic supply because the current pricing template does not guarantee adequate return on investment. However, contrary to repeated pronouncements by the Ministry of Power that inadequate gas supply was one of the factors hampering electricity supply across the country; the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said, it

had exceeded its target for Gas-to-Power aspirations.

Confirming the claim of availability of adequate gas, Group Executive Director in charge of Gas and Power at the NNPC, Dr. David Ige, insisted that gas supply had grown significantly over the last three years.

Ige disclosed that, “There is no power plant on the western axis that does not have gas pipeline currently.

Our overall gas supply right now is meeting the demand. If you look at the demand on the ground, we can meet them; as we are speaking today, gas is not the restraint of power. We are basically shutting in our gas supply as we speak today.”

He however admitted that gas availability might not be adequate for all the new power generating plants brought on stream would require, but noted that additional programmes of supply are coming on.

Apart from that, the unresolved issue of gas supply to the power plants is seen as another factor that would affect the operations of the companies.

For example, when former President Obasanjo’s regime approved the construction of some plants such as the Alaoji 1,074 mega watts (MW), Egbema 338MW, Geregu 848MW and Omotosho 786MW gas turbines, the government did not factor in the issue of gas supply to those plants. As a result, the plants remained unutilised long after they were commissioned.They have been in that position till the present administration privatised them.

Nevertheless, investigations reveal that some foreign companies are coming into Nigeria as a result of the privatisation efforts of the Federal Government. One of them is a German Consortium efs-greentec, which is set to invest over $1bn (N200bn) in power plants in the country. The German group’s major activities are in renewable energies and projects that seek to protect the environment e.g. waste to energy (biomass), landfills, power plants fired with coal or gas, hydro-electric power plants, transmission power lines/cable installations, public water and waste water treatment, recycling, water purification, sea water desalination, among others.

It is clear that for the power sector to really see the required transformation, Nigeria needs help; not from emergency power firms that appear to have taken over the sector but from tested offshore partners that can help take a new look at our systems and fashion out ways to move forward. Some experts have canvassed a decentralisation of the national grid and allow each region or state to take care of its power needs in partnership with the private sector. This is the model in many developed countries.

The power companies need to look at this. However, the failure of government to bring gas, which is relatively cheap and clean securely to thermal plants continues to be the albatross of the sector. It has been frustrating for the privately-owned power generation companies to operate optimally and this does not encourage new investments except for the very brave.

As it is, it is still a long way from where we want to be despite all the promises and posturing by government officials.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

T

he All Progressives Congress, APC, has raised the alarm over suspicious, election-related activities being carried out at the Federal Government Press on Mobil Road, opposite Coca-Cola, at Ajegunle, Lagos.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said workers at the facility were sent home early on Friday, apparently so it can be made ready for use today (yesterday) for a ‘presidency’ assignment. ‘’A concerned Nigerian alerted us to these developments, and we wonder what a Federal Government facility can be needed for on election day if it is not part of the facilities designated by INEC for election collation purpose. ‘’We are therefore compelled to alert the security agencies to urgently put the Federal Government

News

Sunday March 29, 2015

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APC raises alarm over blockage of leaders’ phones Press at Mobil Road in Lagos under surveillance, with a view to stopping any possible illegal activities that may be going on there on this Election Day,’’ it said.

APC said with the avowed desperation of the PDP to capture Lagos State at all cost, it cannot be trusted not to resort to underhand activities to manipulate the polls in the state, hence the alarm.

The party also said the phone lines of key leaders of APC have been bombarded with calls from an unknown number with a view to rendering them useless on election day.

The calls, which started in the early hours of Saturday, were so persistent that genuine calls could not come in while no calls could be made from the

phone lines.

Also, the phone line of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was hacked and

used to send a message purportedly asking his supporters to vote for President Jonathan. ‘’We urge all our mem-

bers and supporters, and indeed all Nigerians, to ignore the purported message as it did not emanate from Asiwaju,’’ APC said.

The APC also alerted security agencies over the distribution of uniforms to thugs at the Signals Barracks, Apapa.

Jimoh Ibrahim denies Presidential poll: Buhari in early lead in S’West defecting to APC ...as APC sweeps votes in Ondo, Lagos, Osun, Ogun INEC presiding officer displaying empty ballot boxes before voting at Maitama in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO ROTIMI

B

usiness tycoon, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR, yesterday debunked the rumour that he and his followers had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Ibrahim said he could not join another party on the internet, describing those who wrote on social media that he had dumped the PDP as unreasonable.

The PDP chieftain spoke with reporters at his Igbotako country home in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state when going for accreditation.

He said: “You don’t live by rumours in politics. I don’t have reasons to leave PDP for now. You don’t change party through internet. It is a complete madness. When the deputy governor was decamping, he gave a statement to the press and he signed it.

“I am predicting victory for PDP and I will like to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the introduction of card readers. This has made the elections more credible.

“PDP is a strong party in Ondo State but since the defection of Governor Mimiko, the party has been weakened due to his greed. He wants to take all the benefits of the party.

As long as he wants to remain as the lord of the party, I will not campaign with or have anything to do with him.

“We are going to frustrate his ambition of controlling the party. I can bet it with you that he won’t produce his successor. I am ready to sacrifice my ambition if that is what it takes.

“We still have nine cases challenging the eligibility of PDP candidates in the state. So far, we don’t have candidates until court decides on that.

“I don’t want to have any meeting with Mimiko.

We are still in court and waiting for the court ruling to know the legitimate candidates of the party.”

Ibrahim, who confirmed that he had good relationship with the two major presidential candidates, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, insisted that his loyalty still remained with the PDP.

•Fani-Kayode, Dasuki, Obanikoro lose polling units

R

esults filtering in after yesterday’s presidential election indicated that All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, was ahead of incumbent President and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential

candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in the SouthWest.

This was just as National Security Adviser, NSA, to the President, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd); ministerial designate, Musiliu Obanikoro and media director of PDP Presidential Cam-

paign Organisation, PDPPCO, Femi Fani-Kayode all lost their polling units to the opposition APC. In Dasuki’s PU, APC polled 155 votes to PDP’s two votes in the presidential election; while APC polled 62 votes to PDP’s 38 votes in the presidential poll in Obanikoro’s PU. PDP

also lost the Senate and House of Representatives election in Obanikoro’s PU by 44 to 58 votes and 38 to 56 votes respectively.

In Fani-Kayode’s PU in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Buhari polled 127 votes to Jonathan’s 45 in the presidential poll.

Jonathan’s aide, senatorial candidate attacked in Kano ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

S

enior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on School, Agriculture, Dr Baraka Sanni, yesterday escape being lynched by enraged persons at Jirgiya Primary School, in Nasara-

wa local council, where she went to cast her vote.

The presidential aide, who had earlier been accredited returned to the voting centre to cast her vote, when suspected political thugs commenced booing her, saying Ba mayi, Ba mayi, ba zakiyi zabe ba

meaning “we are not with you, we will not allow you to vote”.

Baraka, who arrived at the voting centre in the company of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for senatorial Kano Central, Senator Bashir Lado, was stoned, and de-

nied access to their polling units.

An eyewitness told Sunday Mirror that some of the aide’s attached to the presidential adviser suffered various forms of injuries from the missiles hurled at them as they shielded their boss from her attackers.

Two killed in Osun election violence BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

T

he Presidential/National Assembly polls were generally peaceful across Osun State, but witnessed a slow start in many places, including Osogbo,

the state capital.

But there was however an incident of a suspected assassination in Ikirun, the headquarters of Ifelodun local government, where one Yomi Ademola was said to have been killed in his house in the

early hours of yesterday.

During another incident at Olomu village, a town in Ife South, an unidentified man, it was alleged was shot when some thugs invaded the area.

Two houses and cars were also said to have

been damaged by the hoodlums before security operatives were able to restore normalcy. Efforts to confirm the veracity of the report, however, proved futile as police sources contacted all pleaded for time.

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Sunday S d March M h 29, 29 2015

Amaechi clashes with Army boss, stops voting ...APC rejects election, accuses INEC boss of complicity

SAM OLUWALANA

T

he Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi yesterday clashed with the Brigade Commander in charge of the 2nd Brigade, Port Harcourt, Brigadier General Essien Essien, who tried to restrict his movement during the polls.

Amaechi also stopped the voting process in his local government when he was informed that several result sheets that was supposed to accompany voting materials to the polling areas were missing.

Amaechi ordered that voting should discontinue in all units in Ikwerre Local Government area of the state until the missing result sheets are produced

by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Amaechi, who gave the order at the declaration at Onute Playground in Omuanwa Ward, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was driving around monitoring the accreditation exercise when some of the voters who gathered at the unit waved him down and com-

plained about the results sheets.

Things became rowdy at the polling booth when a shouting match ensued between some APC and PDP members at the venue over whether voting should take place with or without the Result Sheets.

Addressing journalists over the matter, Amaechi said, “You can see that the result sheets have not

been brought here. The same thing is happening all over the local government area. We have therefore resolved not to be involved in the election until the result sheets are brought, this is my local government area and this is happening. The same thing is happening all over the place.”

After his interaction with journalists at the polling area, Amaechi, who was driving himself in a Government-issued SUV headed towards his Father’s house few kilometers to the School when his vehicle was flagged down by some heavily-armed soldiers led by the Brigade Commander, 2nd Brigade, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, in front of his Father’s compound. .The Brigade Commander accosted Amechi and explained to him that he is not allowed to drive around during the election as he was not accredited by INEC to have unfettered movement in the state The Governor, however

tried to turn and drive towards Umunwa, but the soldiers blocked his convoy and there was a heated exchange ensued between him (Amaechi) and the Army boss.

Amaechi told Essien, “Brigade Commander, why you are mountings two road blocks near my father’s compound, were you being sent by President Jonathan to come and kill me? I had told the world that President Jonathan is trying to kill me and I am saying it again.”

Brig-General Essien however coolly replied that he has not being given any instruction to kill anybody but insisted that the Governor should return to his Lodge and stop moving about without the necessary official cover.

He said, “You Excellency, we have instructions not to allow people who are not duly accredited not to move around during the election.

That is why we are advising you to go back to your house and wait there until the election is over.”

PDP thugs attack journalists in Isiokolo, Warri

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, observing situation at the Maitama Primary School Polling Unit in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Impressive turnout, peaceful polls in Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he Presidential and National Assembly elections recorded an impressive turn out of voters across the 16 council areas of Ekiti State yesterday.

The elections were generally peaceful in the state but for the situation in Ikere Ekiti where a person alleged to be member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Jide Owolabi, was shot in the buttocks.

The APC National Assembly member representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Anthony Adeniyi, alleged that the APC member was shot by an aide of the Deputy Governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola, when the deputy governor was going round the town in violation of the restriction of movement.

But the Deputy Governor said the incident took place when one of his security details shot into the air to disperse the APC thugs who had attacked his vehicle and smashed the windows with pellets when he was going to cast his vote.

However, voting went on peacefully in all parts of the state including the ancient Ikere Ekiti community.

Police and other security agents including men of Directorate of Security Service (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were on patrol and as well at polling booths.

Men of the Nigerian Army were seen at some locations on the roads enforcing the movement restriction order and as well ensuring law and order.

Correspondent’s visit to some polling units in the councils showed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and their ad hoc staff were at the polling units early enough for accreditation of voters to commence.

Although there were instances where the card readers could not capture the thumps of some accredited voters, the option of incident form came to the rescue, thus making it possible for the voters to be accredited, thus take off of election on time.

Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, said the high turnout for accreditation in the morning in his Ise Ekiti hometown was based on the sensitization by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the belief of the people in the power of their votes.

Adeyeye, however, was optimistic of peaceful elections based on the conduct of the electorate and the security agents.

Former Ekiti State Gov-

ernor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, shortly after casting his vote at his Ogilolo Ward at Isan Ekiti, lauded the conduct of the election so far, but said it was too early to make comments as accreditation and voting were only part of electoral process.

His predecessor in office and the APC Deputy National Chairman, Chief Segun Oni, who spoke shortly after casting his vote at Ifaki Ekiti, said the process had been peaceful so far

M

eanwhile, journalists who were on electoral monitoring duty in Warri South and Isiokolo in Ethiope East local Government Areas of the state were yesterday attacked by chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In Warri South, a chieftain of the PDP in the area identified as Hon. Omimi at Ward 5, Unit 12. Okere road polling unit directed thugs and PDP agents to beat up journalists in a bit to stop a rigging exercise at the polling unit.

The Journalists are Sola Oneil, South-South Editor of The Nation, Sylvester Id-

owu of Newswatch Times, Dele Fasan of Galaxy Television and his cameraman, Daniel Ebinum.

Trouble started when the said Hon. Omimi emerged when voting was about commencing forcing the electorates to cast their votes for the PDP publicly.

On noticing the presence newsmen Omimi ordered his thugs to chase the journalists away from the polling unit.

“What are you doing here? You are APC agents.

Go to the next unit and monitor the elections there.

We don’t want you people here”, he charged at the Journalists.

DPO accused of snatching ballot boxes, papers in Niger PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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Divisional Police Officer attached to Magama local government area of Niger State was accused of snatching four ballot boxes and papers at Mungoro Central Polling unit of Majin ward in the state.

Aside that, the police officer, (name withheld) was also said to have tear gas officials of the Independent National Electoral Com-

mission (INEC) officials as well as voters that were on queue waiting to perform their civic responsibility.

Ibrahim Rege, an eyewitness told reporters that the DPO stormed the polling unit during the voting process and released shots of tear gas, snatched the ballot boxes and papers away after a peaceful accreditation exercise.

According to him, before now, people of the area had lodged a complained against the DPO to the Area Commander accusing him

of personally destroying posters and bill boards belonging to candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Collaborating with Rege, the deputy governor of the state, Alh. Ahmed Musa Ibeto who hailed from the area explained that he was told of the development, while expressing worry at the unprofessional behaviour of the DPO. He stated before the election, the police officer has shown his bias against the APC in the area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Amore when contacted on the allegation against his officer debunked the issue, saying the DPO only help to rescue INEC officials and materials from hoodlums.

He said, “They will only be making allegations when they were not allowed to carry out their nefarious activity. Go and ask INEC if any of their material is missing. My DPO only helped to protect INEC officials and materials”.

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Photo News

Sunday March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Presidential/National Assembly elections in pictures

Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, casting his vote in his home town, Abigborodo in Warri North LGA of the state.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, casting his vote.

INEC presiding officer enlightening the electorate on how to vote at Apapa, Lagos yesterday Deputy Speaker, House of Reps and PDP governorship candidate in Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, casting his vote shortly after accreditation at Town School, Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo State, yesterday.

Voters waiting for INEC officials at ward E Olowu Ikeja, Lagos. yesterday.

An octogenarian, Dr. Adebisi Sebanjo, being assisted by nurses after casting his vote at ward C unit 9, Apapa, Lagos yesterday.

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi (left), and his wife, Florence, voting at Ward 11, Unit 20 during the elecPHOTO: NAN tions in Ibadan, yesterday.

Vehicular movement prevented with the presence of soldiers and road block, at Ikoyi, Lagos yesterday.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER MARCH 29, 2015

Only strong, committed leadership can save the country –Kwankwaso Outgoing Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and now senatorial candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in this interview with journalists in Kano, speaks about the elections, state of the nation and the need to keep Nigeria united. ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI was there. Excerpts: The ruling Peoples Democratic Party has said that your party has witnessed so many defections as a sign of its weakness; what’s your take on this?

I think that some of these our friends in Abuja are shameless. Any time there are defections from any party to their party, it would be celebrated but anytime we have defection from their party to any party, they will paint it as a crime. I don’t think double standard is good for them and I also do not think it is good for democracy and for this country. We have seen governors, members of the state and the National Assembly, including so many others defecting from parties, including the APC to their party, all what you notice is the party celebrating with champagne, even if it is during Ramadan. When anybody, including a messenger, defects from their

Kwankwaso

party, they see it as something abnormal. I think they have seen nothing yet, it’s just a matter of time and God willing, Nigerians will kick them out from Aso Rock to their villages.

I am sure you can guess the answer that he will lose completely because I don’t see anybody in this country apart from the hawks in Abuja and of course these contractors, including those who are stealing crude oil and oil money, who will be happy to vote for him again, so that we can continue raking the economy of this country. Otherwise, the masses, the talakawas of Kano, Enugu, Zamfara and even Bayelsa would be very happy to have a change, which will guarantee the security of lives and property of Nigerians, no matter where they live, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity. I think these are the issues in this

PEOPLE ARE SCARED OF TRANSFERRING THEIR INVESTMENT TO THE COUNTRY; ALL THESE SETBACKS CANNOT HELP ANY ECONOMY IN THE WORLD. AS LONG AS WE HAVE ALL THESE CHALLENGES ON GROUND, CERTAINLY SENTIMENTS CANNOT AND WILL NEVER WORK. elections: security, the economy and the fabricated figures we have seen from Kano in Abuja that all is well, all cannot be well while we have crisis where your institutions, where people are divesting and taking away their money elsewhere.

People are scared of transferring their investment to the country; all these setbacks cannot help any economy in the world. As long as we have all these challenges on ground, certainly sentiments cannot and will never work.

Why do you think the military had to rely on foreign intervention to deal with insurgency in the North?

In my opinion, what we are lacking today is the political will. The political will to provide the necessary ammunition, kits, welfare and of course training and retraining—I think these are the issues; otherwise we have seen the performance of our military even when I was the Minister of Defence. We have seen what they did in Dafur, Sudan; we have seen their performance practically in Sierra Leone and Liberia. I can assure you that once you have a strong and committed leadership in this country; things will certainly take their shape, not only in terms of security, even in the economy. We have the issue of unemployment of our youths, both men and women. As we are sitting here, schools are being closed in Adamawa, in Yobe and Borno states; and the battle line is moving, it is not static.

That is the worrying aspect of it and that is why I believe this country needs change. We must have to work together and bring the change. Those people in Abuja want to remain there but they know they are not performing, we only see them performing on the electrical poles along the streets of Abuja, telling us funny stories and people are laughing at them. I think they need to know that people are laughing at them; you should tell them when you see them that people are not only laughing, but are very angry over their leadership. They are there in Abuja in the air—they don’t know the realities in the ground—the realities are that people are not eating well, they have no job, people are afraid of their lives, This is what is happening on the ground, not what they write on their posters, billboards, and their surplus amount of money to take over NTA and even their privately-owned TV stations— only God knows how much they are spending. I CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Ajimobi has failed the people of Oyo State –Akala P 52

PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES MARCH 29, 2015

OUR SUCCESS AS A PARTY CAN ONLY BE

Briefly

UNDERMINED BY PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT AMONG US.

HOW WE HAVE CONDUCTED OURSELVES ACCORDING TO THE LAW, FROM THE MERGER, TO THE CONVENTION AND TILL DATE IS HUGE.

Lagos NOA sensitises stakeholders on elections

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he Lagos State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, has organized a voters education programme for the people of the Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State where the various stakeholders were enlightened on their roles in the ongoing general elections.

Addressing the gatherings which include, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, youth groups, leaders of various ethnic groups living in the local government, religious leaders, community leaders, the Police and officials of the Local Government, the Lagos NOA Director, Alhaji Waheed Ishola reminded the gathering that it is one of their rights to cast their votes for whoever they like saying they must have input as to who govern them.

He urged all eligible women and men to turn out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote in the 2015 general elections.

He counseled them that it is the civic responsibility of every eligible voters , men or women to collect their PVC and vote.

Ishola said voting is about electing leaders who decide what affects them and their communities saying voting may be the only chance through which voters can influence issues that will lead to better health facilities and better housing.

–GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI (RTD)

Agbaje

Ambode

Guber race in final push With the results of yesterday’s presidential elections being eagerly awaited, the governorship candidates in the states have been putting final touches to their respective campaigns ahead of the polls on April 11. Sunday Mirror correspondents examine the situation in the states.

Lagos: It’s still Ambode versus Agbaje

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ore than seven political parties are contesting the 2015 gubernatorial election in Lagos State and they include the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressive Congress, APC Labour Party, LP, Action Alliance, AA, Alliance for Democracy, AD, National Conscience Party, NCP, and the Mega Progressive Party, MPP, have also fielded candidates for the April 1, 2015 gubernatorial election in the state.

However the governorship race in the

state is being narrowed down to the two major leading parties, the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC and the People’s Democratic Party , PDP. While PDP is fielding a pharmacist, Mr. Olujimi Agbaje as its candidate, an accountant and former Accountant General of Lagos State is carrying the banner of the APC. JIMI AGBAJE Mr. Joseph Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje is a pharmacist by training from the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.

He is not new to Lagosians as he contested with the incumbent governor of the state, Mr. Raji Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in 2007.

He ran an impressive campaign in the running up to the 2007 election as he used the Democratic People’s Alliance, DPA as his platform but lost to Fashola.

A loveable person, with over three decades as a practicing pharmacist, Agbaje is seen as one who can give the APC a good fight and most non-indigenes in the state are rooting for him. This include mostly the Igbos who have vowed that they will give him their support.

His party, the PDP has also for the first time since 1999 going into the election as a united body. The party has however not been able to make appreciable impact in CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Agbaje accuses Fashola of lying

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overnorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP for Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has accused Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of peddling falsehood and misinformation against him, while counselling him to thread the path of integrity and credibility.

In a statement, Agbaje said it was clear that the Governor had taken to serial falsehood in order to confuse citizens into begrudging him of unfounded allegations.

Agbaje was reacting to the claim made

by Fashola at a book launch in Lagos, alleging Agbaje vowed to cancel taxes if elected Governor.

The PDP candidate denied the charge, saying, he was rather committed to bringing more Lagosians into the tax net, while guaranteeing fairness in tax payments.

“It is now clear to all observers that outgoing Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) is committed to reiterating and repeating various versions of his well-known lies on the subject of Jimi Agbaje’s taxes. The strategy appears to be that if he repeats the lies often enough, they would eventually be believed irrespective of the veracity or lack of it, of his claims.

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Politics

Sunday March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tarzoor, Ortom battle for Benue...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

elections in the state since the beginning of this democracy. But the party’s followers believe that this year’s election will provide them the opportunity to be the occupant of Alausa Governor’s office .

Agbaje has served in much health management capacities in his early years as a pharmacist in Lagos State. He owns Jaykay Pharmaceutical & Chemical Company Ltd. which is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceuticals across the country.

He is a Fellow, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria FPSN; Fellow, West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm); Merit Award Winner (MAW), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Lagos State).

Mr. Jimi Agbaje served as National Secretary of Nigerian Association, General Practice from 1987 to 1990.

He also held various professional appointments which include National Chairman of Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists from 1990 to 1993; Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Lagos State) from 1994 to 1997 and Chairman of 1994 National Conference Planning committee of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

Mr. Agbaje serves as a Director of Vigeo Holdings Limited. He has participated in various international programs including the Executive Management Program at the Wits Business School, Johannesburg & Cape Town Business School, South Africa; World Health Organization training course on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in the Pharmaceutical sector; UNICEF Oral Rehydration Therapy program (train the trainer course).

AKINWUNMI AMBODE Akinwunmi Ambode, the APC candidate is an Accountant, Administrator, Public Finance expert and a retired Civil Servant and has served Lagos State for 27 years during which he held key positions in the state’s civil service such as the Auditor General for Local Governments, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Accountant General of Lagos State.

Ambode is set to step into the shoes of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the incumbent Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN). His party has been winning the election since 1999 although under different names, Alliance for Democracy, AD, Action Congress, AC and Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Ambode is relying heavily on the goodwill being enjoyed by the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu among Lagosians and he may be coasting home to victory if the influence of Tinubu is anything to go by . He has also been running an impressive campaign which had taken him to the nook and crannies of the state.

Ambode graduated with Honours in Accounting from the University of Lagos at the age of 21.

At 24, he became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, and completed a Masters degree in Accounting specializing in

Ta arzoo or

Ortom

THIS NON REMITTANCE OF WAGES PORTENDS A MINUS ON THE PART OF THE RULING PARTY AS WORKERS HAVE SILENTLY RESOLVED TO EFFECT A BLOW ON IT .

Financial Management, also at the University of Lagos.. He later received a US Fulbright scholarship for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at Boston University in Massachusetts.

An alumnus of Wharton Business School of Advanced Management Programme, Ambode has attended courses in institutions such as Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield, England, the Institute of Management Development Lausanne, Switzerland, INSEAD Singapore and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Boston, USA. Having retired from the Civil Service at 49, he established Brandsmiths Consulting Limited – a public finance and management-consulting firm with a deep knowledge of the Nigerian public sector.

He serves as the Managing Consultant/ CEO. The firm and its associates are presently working with State and Federal government agencies to cut-over to the new IPSAS system of public accounting which takes effect from 2014.

Benue: PDP, APC candidates go head to head The six weeks shift in the dates of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, afforded gubernatorial candidates in the 2015 elections time to bargain for votes from the electorate.

In Benue State for example, it has been a blessing in disguise as the candidates have been campaigning day and night

across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Those gunning for the Governorship position in the state includes Rt.Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor of the ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party and Dr. Samuel Ortom of the All Progressives Congress, APC and they are the two major contenders.

Others are Rev. Samuel Gar of the Social Democratic Party, SDP and Dr. Iorwuese Ligom of Labour Party, LP while Caleb Aba is jostling for the governorship position on the ticket of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. For Rt. Hon. Tarzoor, his campaign took a different turn as it assumed house to house effort coordinated by his team and he has not left any stone unturned.

Similarly Dr. Samuel Ortom has taken the bull by the horn by not leaving anything to chance as his candidature has fully been endorsed by the state Pentecostal Fellowship and his campaign teams are constantly holding meetings with pastors and other clergymen to drum support for him.

Rev. Gar of SDP is also working assiduously to convince the electorate towards seeing the need for him to be elected onto the exalted office. His campaign slogan is: “Let’s try new entrants rather than the masses always putting their fate in the old brigade”.

Dr. Iorwuese Ligom is a veteran con-

tender, making his third attempt to occupy the Makurdi Government House. A medical doctor by profession, he is urging the masses to put their trust in him and he is not joking over his desire to succeed Suswam come May 29. He has been combing every nook and cranny of the state canvassing for votes, telling whoever that cares to listen that the other contenders have exhausted their usefulness and he is the only person who can take Benue out of the doldrums which he said it found itself since the beginning of the civilian administration in the state.

Caleb of APGA, whose party is little known in the state is also making serious inroad, though the impact of the party is not very much felt. That people appear not to be much disposed to his candidature and he is only waiting on miracle to win the election.

The political climate appears to be dicey as there is no clear indication as to who amongst these contenders will carry the day during the rescheduled elections. Both the PDP gubernatorial candidate Hon. Tarzoor and APC Chief Ortom, who are the two major contenders in the state are having neck to neck acceptance by the electorates in the state.

One sore point, which is standing against the ruling PDP under Governor Gabriel Suswam is that the civil servants in the state that constitute about 40 per cent of its 4.7 million population have not been paid their entitled emoluments and this is causing ripples and disdain for the ruling party in the state.

Apparently, the opposition party has cashed in on the indices of none remittance of salaries of workers. The state government is indebted to workers for four to seven months now.

This non remittance of wages portends a minus on the part of the ruling party as workers have silently resolved to effect a blow on it .

Even if they are paid now, no significant impact will be made as the workers’ minds have been made up and they are saying no going back on their action.

Nasarawa: Three horse race between PDP, APC, APGA

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday March 29, 2015

Man in the News IGP Sulaiman Abba

Issuing a counter-directive on elections AYO ESAN

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he Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba’s, advice that voters should leave the polling units after casting their votes in the elections has attracted the rage of politicians across party lines.

Abba gave the advice at a national stakeholders’ summit on the elections organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja.

He said it was important for voters to cast their votes and go home in order not to commit any electoral offence.

“This advice that I am giving is resulting from what I observed in the provisions of Section 129 of the Electoral Act. Nine different types of offences are listed there and if you stay back, there is likelihood of you committing one of those offences,’’ he claimed.

The offences, according to him, include canvassing or soliciting vote, persuading a voter not to vote for a particular candidate or not to vote all.

He said that other electoral offences include possession of any weapon.

However, after a barrage of criticisms, Abba in a volte face explained his position and denied banning voters from staying back to monitor their votes. He said that he only gave an advice based on the provisions of the Electoral Act, which forbade loitering around the polling units to prevent commission of crimes.

The police chief, who addressed Squadron Commanders of Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism commanders and other senior officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, last Tuesday, explained that security during the election was important, hence the need to avoid anything that could jeopardise the arrangements that had been put in place.

His words: “I didn’t ban voters from staying after voting. I advised based on Section 129(I) of the Electoral Act, which states that voters should not loiter after voting to prevent commission of crimes. And if they must stay, they should be at least 300 metres from the polling unit for security reasons; this is in consonance with the Electoral Act.” No sooner had Abba concluded his pronouncement than the main opposition party, All Progressives Congress, APC, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the electorate should rather listen to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who said the electoral law did not state anywhere that voters cannot or should not wait to watch and ensure that their votes are counted.

It, therefore, urged the electorate to

make sure that they stayed behind to protect their votes after casting their ballots, as was the case in 2011.

APC said contrary to the suspicious directive by the IG, INEC encourages voters to stay behind and watch their votes counted, saying that the law expects such voters to stay behind but to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

According to Jega, who appeared on Channels TV penultimate Friday morning, the electoral law says anyone that has no business with the electoral process at the polling booths but desires to monitor events should stay at least some metres away from the polling agents and completely away from the ballot box after casting their votes.

“The INEC chairman further clarified that all registered voters have a business with the process and can, therefore, not be classified as people that don’t have business at polling units.

“Therefore, the IGP has no constitutional right or powers under the Constitution or Police Act to rewrite the Electoral

Law. The role of the police is to maintain law and order or such other assistance as may be sought from the police by INEC,’’ the party said.

It also called on Nigerians to ignore the so-called public service announcement concerning the show of force by government security agencies, saying it is part of efforts to intimidate the electorate and pave the way for the PDP to rig the elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, PDPCO, also rejected the order by Abba, asking the electorate to stay back at the polling units after casting their votes.

The PDP campaign said party supporters should stay back at the various polling units to check rigging and other forms of electoral irregularities.

Director-General of PDPPCO and a former PDP national chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Alli, said this in Abuja penultimate Sunday evening at the official endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by the Association of Local Government of Nigeria.

Alli said, “During elections, vote and

do not look for any trouble. After voting, stay with your votes and ensure that you follow them when they are counting your votes. Do not allow them to rig. Stay with them and ensure nothing happens to the votes.”

More opposition to the IGP’s directive came from the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, who made her position known on the issue during the March 23 rally in Enugu as she said, “After voting on March 28, make sure you follow your votes till the end. Do not leave the arena until the counting ends. Vote wisely, you must vote according to your conscience.”

Abba, who is the 17th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, hails from Gwaram local council of Jigawa State.

He holds degrees in History and Law and has attended several management and security courses within and outside Nigeria. He is an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos. He is known for his vast experience in criminal investigation, intelligence-led policing and crime-fighting operations.

Opinion

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Sunday March 29, 2015

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

F

or six weeks, social and mainstream media have been abuzz with all sorts of advertorials for the two major presidential candidates, General Muhammadu Buhari and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Television and radio stations as well as pages of newspapers and magazines were filled up with sponsored messages or documentaries aimed at undercutting the personality of the opposition candidates, while some particular media organizations totally lost their sense of professionalism and openly took sides with particular presidential candidates. Similarly, the social media networks, particularly Facebook had friends supporting rival candidates getting locked down in delicate exchanges that hotly and hatefully pitted them against one another.

Some had even resorted to curses or open insult of their friends and colleagues for criticizing their preferred candidates.

And shockingly, some supposedly cerebral fellows, for reasons still unfathomable, became so shallow and mediocre in their lame attempts to write in defence of their miserable choices.

From all indications, the political party followers and commentators took it out dirty on one another and struggled to sell the candidacy of either Buhari or

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Now that the presidential elections are over…

Jonathan and the supporters sometimes threw reason or commonsense to the winds and settled for sentimental outbursts. The “war” on Facebook could not have been less fierce than the engagements against Boko Haram at Gworza or Damasak. Lies, embellished reports and slant analyses were presented by so-called ‘objective’ and neutral observers who more likely had the love of one of the candidates flowing in their bloodstream and this often showed in-between the lines even as the ‘analysts’ struggle to conceal the pitiable sentiments.

The arguments and bitter altercations raged on till midnight of March 28, and will most probably persist till the results are declared. Everyone is sure of the victory of Buhari; just as every Jonathan supporter is very confident of the re-election of their candidate. In sum, friends have become foes; husbands have disowned their wives, and fathers, their children. Ethnic groups have been torn apart in support of the “devil and the deep blue sea”. Some students have stopped talking to their professors and some professors consider some of their students “daft” to be supporting candidates considered as misfit. Indeed, Jonathan and Buhari, through the build-up to and these elections, have divided Nigerians and it can only be hoped that we will find a place in our hearts to forgive each other after all these.

The similarity between the June 12 1993 elections and these March 28 2015 polls is that they both look fearfully deli-

cate and are feared might take the same course of annulment, disqualification, inconclusiveness or disruption, particularly as the “goal post” of February 14 was shifted and military authorities seemed to be deployed in the reserve to thwart the efforts (all that seems misconceived now though); but the difference is that the June 12 elections united every single Nigerian and did not whip up ethnic or religious sentiments.

Now that ‘Sai Baba’ and ‘Uncle Jona’ have gotten what they wanted or did not want and divided us, it is hoped they will institute a post-election peace building and reconciliation process. I hope both of them can make my friends to return to me and make me to re-accept my cronies.

It is hoped that after their selfish ambitions have either been realized or truncated, a la electors’ votes, they can now kindly give us our lives back. We need our grooves back.

The build up to, and the 2015 elections proper will go down in history as the most debated, most volatile in social circles, most exciting in terms of the campaigns (calumny and otherwise); most emotionally traumatizing for a sitting president and yet most psychologically tormenting for a former head of state whose erstwhile stainless moral records were upturned in a flurry of moral questions and allegations of forgery and perjury. It is expected that the fallout of the elections will be characterised by more dangerously exciting drama from the supporters: expression of confidence of

victory will follow from both camps, and even from the other camps of the unpopular presidential candidates; while there will be allegations and counter-allegations of rigging. It will not be surprised too, if the social media and the regular press also get flooded with petitions and stories as well as debates of whether litigations should follow. Rejection of the results will certainly follow and the defeated incumbent might strategize not to hand over to his closest and victorious rival, or the major contender against the victorious incumbent might challenge his loss in court once again.

The spectre of drama in the Nigerian political landscape is often endless and interesting. But it will be fine if we only witness interesting drama that will bring out, once again, the best in us in terms of logical or illogical argument for or against our preferred candidate; not when there is a recourse to the battlefield.

No, the monkeys and baboons must not shed their blood again; and no, when or if there is change, no one will have to be stoned. It must be mature and civilized democratic experience this time round. Never again must we have a ‘do or die’ electoral experience and certainly, we deserve for once, peace and a good name at home and abroad.

• Dr. Folarin, an Associate Professor, is the immediate past Head of Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Mothers’ Day Celebration: Between Candy Lightner and Rochel Sobel (2) Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

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

R

ochelle Sobel’s,grief began on 3 May 1995, when her 25-year-old son Aron was killed, along with 22 other passengers, in a bus crash on the Milas Soke Road of Bodrum Izmir Highway in Turkey. Aron was a senior medical student at the University of Maryland in the United States of America.

He was completing his medical rotation by volunteering in a hospital abroad. Aron’s graduation was to have taken place two weeks from the day he was killed. His diploma, delivered to our home by the Dean of the Medical School, lies tucked away in the top drawer of Aron’s dresser.

The other victims were people of all ages and all walks of life. Most were Turkish citizens, but there were also a number of passengers from other countries who had come on holiday or business. There were many students and a soon-to-be bride. The police said the driver was speeding recklessly down the wrong lane of a rain-slick, winding, deteriorated two-lane road with no guard rail.

He ignored the passengers’ requests to slow down. The bus collided head-on with oncoming traffic, careened, then plunged down a deep ravine, landing on its side.

The mayor of a nearby town said that the 35-year old narrow road with its “death curve” had been the site of many previous accidents. Although it had been on a government list of dangerous roads for many years, no action had been taken to improve the road.

The crash occurred on the eve of a holiday. Bus companies required their drivers to work overtime and complete more trips to collect more fares. Preholiday traffic congestion and an inadequate number of ambulances delayed the arrival of emergency medical care.

Distressed and frustrated, nearby villagers pulled the victims out of the wreckage and dragged them up the steep ravine onto the roadside. Bus company officials arrived on the scene and covered the company’s name with black paint so that it would not be visible in newspaper photographs.

Among Aron’s effects mailed to me by the American Embassy in Ankara was a camera with undeveloped film. In one of the photos Aron was surrounded by magnificent rocks rising high above him.

I call this photo, “Embracing the World”.

I cherish it, not only because there will be no new photos of Aron, but also because it captures his essence.

Aron was the epitome of warmth and

vitality. He had a way of rubbing his hands together, fairly bursting with excitement, and almost everything filled him with excitement. He intensely believed in family, friendship, learning, integrity and social responsibility. Aron adored his family, his older sister Eve, his younger sister Ana and his brother Michael. His loyalty to his friends was inviolable.

Aron’s sense of social responsibility governed his life. He could not bear to see those about him hurt or in pain. It was for this reason that he chose to study medicine. Superficial things never concerned him. His socks never quite matched, his sneakers aged and tore the moment he purchased them. Somehow those things never mattered.

He was far too busy…learning, playing, thinking, dreaming…until the moment when all of his dreams were shattered.

I fought sleep; to sleep would mean to awaken only to be flooded once again by the horrible reality. Night after night I relived the dreadful moments that I had not witnessed. I was overwhelmed with guilt.

A parent’s role is to protect; yet I did not protect my son.

Perhaps it was Aron’s sense of justice, his unshakable optimism, and his belief – that if something is wrong we have the moral obligation to fix it – that impelled me forward. Aron used to say, “Mom, we are a team, you and I; together we can fix anything”. I could not allow his childhood illu-

sion to be utterly broken. I could not save my own child; perhaps I could save other mothers’ children. Aron’s dream of saving lives had been destroyed. I would work to save lives in his memory.

The Association for Safe International Road Travel was founded with the support of my talented and loving community in Aron’s memory. It is committed to the concept of “One world, one road”, recognition of our global interconnectedness in the problems and solutions of road safety. It works to protect citizens of and travellers to countries.

Twelve years have passed since Aron was killed. To a parent who has lost a child, time is meaningless.

Twelve years are at once a moment and an eternity. Holidays, celebrations, milestones are always tinged with sadness. A word, a song, a mother and a son walking and laughing together bring back a flood of memories and jolts of pain.

From each country that I visit, I bring back a stone. I place the stones gently around Aron’s grave. Aron will never again embrace the world, so I bring the world to him.

I hope that someday it will be a gentler world, a world in which all children will return safely home.

•Agwu, an Assistant Corps Marshal, is Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 7HQ of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES March 29, 2015

Controlling body odour TITILOPE MORAKINYO

B

romhidrosis or body odour as it is mostly called is a perceived unpleasant smell the bodies give off when bacteria on the skin break down sweat into acids.

Body odour usually becomes evident if measures are not taken when a human reaches puberty that is fourteen – sixteen years in females and fifteen – sixteen years of age in males.

Sweat is virtually odourless to humans; it is the rapid multiplication of bacteria in the presence of sweat, which eventually cause the unpleasant smell.

The smell has it is apparently unpleasant has made many to dislike it. Body odour is most likely to occur in the feet, groin, armpits, genitals, public hair, belly button, anus, behind the ears and on the skin.

Body odour is present in animals and can have a specific smell to the individual, especially dogs, pigs and other animals, while in human each person unique body odour can be influenced by diet, gender, health and medication.

There are two types of acids present in the body when an individual has a body odour. Propionic acid is commonly found in sweat, while the bacteria break amino acids down into propionic acid. It live in the ducts of the sebaceous glands of adult and adolescent in human, the other isovaleric acid is another source of body odour as a result of actions of the bacteria.

There are three – four million sweat glands on the human body, but the skin has two main types of sweat glands which are eccrine and apocrine glands.

According to experts, body odour can be a serious problem when people with body odour suffer from severe problems in their personal and social relationships as well as wrecked promotion prospects at work, educational, under achievement enormous degrees of stress blamed for their frequent progression into alcoholism, excessive tobacco or drug use, People who sweat excessively from their apocrine glands, or have a lot of bacteria

on their skin, tend to have worse body odour.

In an interview with Sunday Mirror, Dr Biodun Alao, a medical practitioner with Lifemate Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos defined body odour as an unlikable smell the bodies give off.

He said; anyone who has reached puberty when the apocrine sweat glands develop can produce body odour. Men are more likely to have body odour, because they tend to sweat more than women.

FG to set up 6 referral hospitals

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Federal Government will set up a referral hospital in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.

Jonathan, who stated this while inaugurating a 400-bed capacity Specialists’ Hospital in Bauchi, said the effort was to discourage medical tourism abroad.

“As a Federal Government, we have plans to set up referral hospital in each of the six geo-political zones in the country.

“When established, Nigerians will go to these zones for medical attention, instead of going outside the country,” he said.

He added that the federal government would also set

up a technical team to come up with strategies on how to properly manage hospitals in the country.

“I have gone to quite a number of states and the state governments have built very good hospitals with modern equipment.

“But equipment without proper management cannot help,” he said.

Things that can make body odour worse include: being overweight, eating rich or spicy foods and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

People naturally sweat more or less than other people, and also vary from person to person but the symptoms includes when a person suddenly begin to sweat much more or less than usual, experience night sweats for no apparent reason and a change in the body odour.

Dr Biodun, however said that “causes

of body are the sweat glands; Eccrine and Apocrine glands, Eccrine glands occur over most of the body and open directly into the surface of the skin. They are spread across the skin and regulate body temperature by cooling the skin with sweat when you get hot Apocrine glands are mainly found in hairy areas of the body, such as the armpits and genital area; apocrine glands develop during puberty and release scented chemicals called pheromones Sweat produced by the eccrine glands is usually odourless, although it can smell if bacteria start to break it down. It can also take on an offensive odour when one consume certain food and drink, such as garlic, spices and alcohol, as well as some types of medication, such as anti depressants.

However, it’s the apocrine glands that are mainly responsible for body odour, because the sweat they produce contains high levels of protein, which bacteria find easy to break down”. he explained, He further said in terms of treatment, an over- the –counter antiperspirant and deodorant, antiperspirant contain aluminum based compounds that temporarily block the sweat pore, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches the skin.

The best way to avoid getting body odour is to keep areas of the body prone to sweating clean and free of bacteria.

Use soap to wash every day, paying particular attention to the areas that produce the most sweat, such as your armpits, genital area and feet. Washing removes sweat and reduces the number of bacteria on the skin. Changing and washing clothes regularly will also help.

“Using an antiperspirant or deodorant daily will help prevent body odour.

Antiperspirants work by reducing the amount of sweat the body produces.

Deodorants such as perfume can use to mask the smell of sweat.

Regularly shaving armpits can also help reduce body odour. The hair in armpits traps sweat and odour, providing ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply”. he pointed out.

HEALTH NEWS

Lagos doctors resume work Doctors in Lagos State hospitals have resumed work, having suspended their 10day old strike. The decision to call off the strike was based on the promise by the state government to remit the withheld doctors salaries immediately after the election.

President of the Medical Guild, Lagos State branch, Dr. Biyi Kufo, disclosed to National Mirror that the guild

finally reached an agreement with the government, following a closed door session with the Health Commissioner, Dr. Jide Idris, and his Special Duties counterpart, Dr Wale Ahmed, on Tuesday.

According to Kufo, the Health commissioner had assured them of the state government’s pledge to pay the withheld May 2012 and August and September 2014 doctor’s

salaries, after the elections.

Kufo said the commissioner also promised that the issue of residency training will be solved soon.

According to “The policy paper regarding the residency training had been completed and would be submitted to the governor, for consideration.“The process would soon be completed, and there would be an ad-hoc arrangement for intake of residents into LASUTH before the completion.

& Faces Events

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday March 29, 2015

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Celebs at Mother’s Day Brunch

ecently, celebrities and media personalities attended an exquisite Mother’s Day Brunch with their mothers at the InterContinental Hotel in Lagos.

The event held at the poolside of the hotel and was attended by Beverly Naya, Sasha, Osas Ighodaro, Liz Awoliyi, Ariyike Akinbobola, Tonye, Noble Igwe, Bola Balogun, Tewa Onasanya, Lara Rawa, Lolo and Ozzy Agu, among others.

It was pleasant to see as several guests attended with their beloved mothers.

The guests enjoyed spa treatments and were treated to a mixture of canapés, exotic cocktails and an overflow of champagne.

There was also a special performance by singer/songwriter Tonye who sang her latest single Ari Belema while a standby live band also serenaded guests.

Glorious Choir

Revival Voice launches new album ADELE ADEMOLA

L

ast weekend, gifted, anointed and ordained gospel songwriter, singer and composer, Pastor (Mrs.) Racheal Oluwatoyin Kayode, affectionately called Revival Voice by close associates, launched her newly released gospel album entitled ‘The Authority of the Holy Spirit’.

The event, which took place at the main auditorium of Revival Voice of Christ Apostolic Church, Mercyland Assembly, Mercyland Estate, Magboro, Ogun State which drew the presence of other gospel acts in twwhe state also saw the launch of the Fans Band; a group of believers committed to ensuring free flow of God’s message to this generation, utilising the gifts of God.

Bola Balogun

Godson Ukaegbu

Josephine Obukohwo

Lolo

Lucy Martins

Noble Igwe1

Ozzy Agu

Ronke Bamisedu

Sasha

Oluwatoyin with Choir patron and artiste

Oluwatoyin

Pastor Sunday Olutayo Kayode

Oluwatoyin (m) with guests.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE  MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO SEYI FASUGBA  DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI  SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN  SUNDAY EDITOR BEN MEMULETIWON  GENERAL EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA  COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE  EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE  ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN  ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

For Lee Kuan Yew, an iconic leader (1923-2015)

T

he death of Lee Kuan Yew, founding father of modern Singapore and its first Prime Minister, on Monday March 23, brings to an end the life and times of one of the world’s towering political figures in recent history. His place in contemporary world history and the pivotal role he played in redefining global economics is best captured by the United States President Barack Obama’s description of Mr. Lee as “a giant of history”.

“When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes,” William Shakespeare had icons like Mr. Yew in mind when he crafted that line. Since his demise became public knowledge, tributes and condolences have been streaming in from all over the world - from global leaders and politicians (past and present), academics and intellectuals, business people, social organisations and ordinary citizens, even those from far-flung countries. It is all a measure of the respect and admiration the man commanded and legacies he created from more than half a century of public life.

Former President George H.W. Bush lauded Lee for his “singular leadership”, while Britain’s David Cameron acclaimed him for being “one of the great success stories” of modern times. Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia, a country with off-and-on prickly relations with Singapore, has this to say of him: “I pay tribute to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s determination in developing Singapore from a new nation to the modern and dynamic city we see today”.

Born in Singapore on September 16, 1923, Yew was the eldest of five children of Lee Chin Koon and Chua Jim Neo, a fourth-generation, middleclass Chinese family. The young Lee came first in Malaya in the Senior Cambridge exams (the equivalent of A-levels) of 1939 and was, therefore, destined to go to Britain for further studies. But the Second World War

intervened, but after the war he went to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University and graduated with a double-starred first-class honours in law in 1949. His wife, Kwa Geok Choo, also got a first in law.

In 1950, he became a barrister of the Middle Temple and co-founded the law firm Lee & Lee with his wife.

He served as a legal adviser to Singapore trade unions in the 1950s before co-founding the People’s Action Party in 1954, leading it to eight consecutive victories. He campaigned for merger with Malaysia, a move deemed crucial to persuading Britain to relinquish its colonial rule in 1963; but racial strife

HIS SUCCESS WAS THE RESULT OF HIS VISION, AGENDA, POLICIES AND COMMITMENT TO THE PROMOTION OF THE

CONFUCIAN VALUES OF DISCIPLINE, ORDER, RESPECT FOR EDUCATION AND AUTHORITY

and political tensions led to Singapore’s separation from the federation two years later, a development that pained him exceedingly.

In 1959 when Yew set on his political role in the affairs of Singapore as a colony of Britain up till 1965 when she gained independence, the city state was at par with Nigeria and other African nations in terms of economic status. Thirty one years later in 1990, when he relinquished political power, the tiny island nation of a little more than 715 square kilometers and bereft of any natural resources had become one of the richest countries on planet Earth. The ramshackle single-storeyed houses in rural kampongs had given way to an iconic glass and steel skyline complete with some of the world’s most profitable casinos, where Asia’s second largest

concentration of millionaires (after Qatar) can burn some cash. From 1976 to 2014, its gross domestic product expanded at an average annual rate of 6.9 per cent as the government promoted trade and drew overseas investment. From a per capita GDP of about $500 in 1965, Lee’s administration raised it to a staggering $14,500 (2,800 per cent increase) by 1991. Last year, it was $51,717.

His success was the result of his vision, agenda, policies and commitment to the promotion of the Confucian values of discipline, order, respect for education and authority.

Indeed, Lee ran a tightly controlled state with an economy based on private enterprise, encouraging foreign investment and emphasising discipline, efficiency, cleanliness, correct public behaviour and interracial harmony. He was the ultimate “conviction politician” who decided and did what he believed, even if it defied conventional wisdom or popular appeal. He shunned western notions of liberal democracy, free association, independent trade unions, juries and other aspects of the separation of powers, believing they might be obstacle to achieving his nation-building goals. That he steered Singapore through the treacherous geopolitics of the East and West is another hallmark of his statecraft.

Yew might have stepped down as prime minister in 1990; he was still much around the corridors of power as he remained “senior minister” till 2004 and “minister mentor” till 2011.

On Singapore after him, he had this to say in 2009: “Singapore cannot take its relevance for granted, it has to continually reconstruct itself and keep its relevance to the world and to create political and economic space. This is the economic imperative for Singapore.”

Yew has left his marks in the sand of history; he built and left a healthy society, it is for Singaporeans and their new leaders to build on these solid foundations.

Reminiscences MARCH 29 IN HISTORY

2006: Hamas wins parliamentary polls Hamas (Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya ) the Palestinian Islamist militant organisation and political party which is listed as a terrorist organisation

by Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, and the United States, wins the Palestinian parliamentary elections, taking 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber.

1936: Germany re-occupies Rhineland The German people voted overwhelmingly in favour of reoccupying the demilitarised Rhineland zone and abandon the clauses of the Versailles treaty restricting the military, with 99 per cent of the votes supporting Hitler.

1943: Food rationing in U.S. The rationing of meat, cheese, butter and cooking oils goes into effect when Americans are given ration books allowing the purchase of a certain amount of meat, cheese, butter and cooking oils each month.

This followed earlier rationing of gasoline.

1973: U.S. troops leave Vietnam The last United States troops left South Vietnam, ending America’s direct military involvement in the Vietnam War. 1981: First London Marathon holds The first London Marathon organised

by Chris Brasher is run with 7,590 taking part including a number of celebrities including Jimmy Saville raising money for charity.

1982: Mexico earthquake kills thousands An earthquake and a volcanic eruption at El Chichon in southern Mexico, kills many thousands. The eruptions, which continued for over a week, caught many local people unaware and unprepared as the last time the volcano had erupted was 130 years earlier.

2002: Israel confines Yasser Arafat Israel sends tanks and armoured personnel carriers to isolate Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat considered an enemy of Israel in his headquarters’ compound in the West Bank town of Ramallah.

2007: Saudi king decries U.S. presence in Iraq The Saudi monarch, King Abdullah, has made a forceful appeal for Arab unity, and denounced the U.S. policy in Iraq and Palestinian embargo at the Arab League summit in Riyadh. King Abdullah described the U.S. presence in Iraq as illegal.

2010: Russia - Female suicide bombers kill 40 Two female suicide bombers attack during the morning rush hour two stations of the Moscow Metro (Lubyanka and Park Kultury) leaving at least 40 people dead and over 100 injured.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

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Praise Worship E-mail:yemiolakitan@gmail.com

E-mail:cossyodi@yahoo.com

EDIFYING GOD

QUOTE

Man will only help the devil achieve his goals on the nation of Nigeria by just fighting in the energy of the flesh. – Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke

Sunday March 29, 2015

Preparing for the Covenant of Peace and Blessing 24

Period of prayer y and fasting for Nigeria 42

GGod od meercif mercif merci erc f

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Deliverance for born-again Christians:

The unanswered questions

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Vineyard

Briefly GGC organises night of restoration, breakthrough

G

lobal Grace Church, GGC, located at 1, Olorunisola Street Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, is organising a three-day programme and Night of Restoration with the theme “Lifted Embargo” scheduled for Friday, 10th April, 2015 and attendees are expected to come with Padlock for prayer.

The programme will continue with Supper Sunday on April 12 and 19, 2015 tagged “Breakthrough Service” where attendees are expected to come along with their business tools which includes, individual traveling documents, curriculum vitae and written prayer requests.

The chief host and Senior Minister in the church, Prophet Samuel Daniel throwing light on the programme, noted that all participants in the various sessions will receive new glories and destinies adding that God has promised to open new chapters in all areas of their lives.

Celebration Sunday March 29, 2015

Cleric urges Christians to take active part in elections …as Methodist Church celebrates Synod

Word of Light Church holds thanksgiving service

A

ll is set for the anniversary thanksgiving service of the Word of Light Church scheduled for 26-27 April, 2015 6pm daily. The grand celebration tagged “Revival and restoration” comes up on Sunday, March 29 from 10.00am at the church auditorium located at 30, Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking on the celebration, the host, Rev. Femi Asiwaju revealed that this year’s event will bring lots of revival and restoration of lost glories and change in destiny adding that all worshippers’ lives will change for better.

Some of the anointed ministers expected at the event include, Rev. Dr. Friday Bekee, Rev. Faith Ajiboye, Rev. Sam Olutoye among others.

Prophet Samuel Daniel

L-R: Diocesan Lay President, Barr. Folusho Aremu; Rt. Rev. O. O. C. Fafeyiwa, Caretaker Chairman, Ogbomoso South Local Government, Hon. Mathew Adeyi Fasola

ODINAKA URUAKPA

W

ith a renewed sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for spiritual renewal, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Ogbomoso held its 19th Annual Synod in grand style.

The four-day event, which took place at Methodist Church Nigeria, Caretaker Ogbomoso from March 12-15, 2015 tagged “Aglow with the Spirit” taken from Romans 12:11b had in attendance clerics and faithful of the church including the Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ogbomoso Diocese, Rt. Revd O. O. C. Fafeyiwa.

While delivering an address at the Synod, Revd Fafeyiwa, reflected on the theme as he explained that to glow means to radiate light or heat.

“In human and other living creatures, light or heat (warmth, temperature) is a sign or indication of life. The Holy Spirit is the one who is capable, and also through us, able to produce warmth (life) to dispel spiritual coldness or deadness. The Holy Spirit is a potent spiritual graphic of light for us to journey through the darkness of life. The picture of burning in the glow requires fueling and refueling; burning also involves dispensing energy, which requires continued replenishment, so believers are called upon to be fervent in the spirit to serve the Lord”, he said.

The cleric expressed appreciation and grat-

itude to God for actualising the Synod as he thanked all present for finding time to attend to the things of God. He prayed that the event would have a lasting spiritual impact on their lives, the church and Nigeria in general.

Fafeyiwa also lamented on the state of the nation and the woes that has befallen her despite the huge human and material resources while averring that citizens who have spiritual eyes to see into the seed of time will cry for the country.

In fairness to God, Nigeria is a spoilt child; that is the way I see it after sojourning on the planet Earth for 55 years. If I may ask, what has God not bestowed on us as a country? From man-power potentials to solid minerals; from arable lands to wonderful coast lines, mention it, Nigeria is highly blessed. Nigeria, in the eyes of other countries of the world, particularly African countries, is a spoilt child.

The country has numerous God-given resources but unfortunately lacks good leadership to harness the resources”, he lamented.

On the coming elections he asserted that Nigeria at this period, more than ever before, needs the intervention of God in all facets of her life adding that the political situation of the country raises dangerous posers every day.

“So many politicians are in position of authority through rigging and manipula-

tion of election at all cost. We cannot leave the destiny of our nation in the hands of political thugs whom I use this opportunity to warn not to see the coming elections as a do-or- die affair nor do anything to heat up the polity”, he admonished.

While urging Christians to vote for credible candidates and not to be induced by corrupt politicians who are sharing money around but have nothing to deliver, he charged them to take active part in the coming elections so as to effect the right change the country is envisaging, since the church is the best change agent and not to leave governance in the hands of those who do not fear God. On the plight of the Chibok girls, he lamented that their story is unfortunately fading away from our national newspapers and when it does appear, it is not given the needed attention.

On the state of the Nigerian economy, Fafeyiwa said it was not growing as expected.

“It is so bad that a dollar now exchanged for close to N240 at the black market rate. We have to pay more for social amenities and other basics of life that should give us a feel of good governance. Akin to this, the Federal Government has asked the state governments to prepare for hard times” he submitted.

He, nevertheless, commended the Federal Government for its prompt action against the scourge of Ebola virus by effectively stamping it outright from the country.

Dignitaries that graced the official opening session of the synod which took place on March 13, 2015 were the Arch Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Revd Kehinde Stephen, who was ably represented by the Ibadan diocesan administrative Manager, the Very Revd Olusoji Mewoyeka.

Others were the Director of Admin and Supply, Prince Oyetunde Okanlawon, who represented the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon Oyefunke Aworo; the Caretaker Chairman of Ogbomoso South L. G., Hon Mathew Adeyi Fasola; Justice E. O. Ajayi, Bro Samuel Ajayi from Abuja, Mrs. O. F. Fawole; a renowned scholar, Sir Barrister Folusho Aremu; the Lay President, Sir Banji Ayandele, Sir Orimadegun Agboola, the 1st lay president of diocese of Ogbomoso among eminent personalities.

While delivering the goodwill message of the executive governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaq Ajimobi to the church and declaring the Synod open, Hon Mathew Fasola thanked the church for always extending their invitation for special events to him without the intention of getting pecuniary benefits. He also commended the church for preaching peace and maintaining peace it in the community.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit 21

Sunday March 29, 2015

Living in abundance Miracle Arena with Bishop

Theo Ugochukwu Introduction It has been said that the world is alive with God. Some people have eyes to see and behold a multitude of miracles in their lives.

To others God is invisible and they see nothing of miracles, only luck, fate, or happenstance.

This story of the wedding at Cana tells how Jesus revealed his godliness.

This story is more than a quaint story of day gone by. It is a story that shows us how God moves in our lives and reveals himself in our world.

Common things When we look closely at this miracle, or as John identifies it—a sign, the fact that Jesus uses dirty water to reveal his glory catches our attention. In other gospel stories, Jesus uses spittle and mud to cure a blind man, loaves and fish to feed five thousand, and a wooden cross to save humankind.

God seems to take particular delight in using the common and ordinary to glorify himself and to accomplish his purpose. We know that this is true not only in the Bible, but also in our everyday lives.

There have been countless times in my life when I have felt that I should call someone and make phone contact with them.

When I have followed my gut feeling, I have been surprised at the number of people who have responded positively to my call and said that it made a difference in their lives.

God moves abundantly

({John 2:1-11})

Jesus used a lot of dirty water—one hundred to one hundred eighty gallons of water to answer Mary’s request, meet the need of the wedding host, and give the disciples a glimpse of who he truly was. When God moves, he moves in an abundant manner.

The wine steward comments that the wine that Jesus made from the water was the best wine of the celebration. When God moves, God gives good gifts.

Second-hand and leftovers are not in God’s vocabulary when God deals with the creation.

God is a God of abundance and not scarcity.

We know that God is a God of abundance not only from the pages of the Bible, but also from nature and from our lives.

• It takes only a few dandelion seeds to make a weedy lawn, but God provides hundreds of seeds from every plant.

• Our own lives are lives of abundance that are filled with blessings. We know this to be true when we take time to count our blessings, and stop looking at the other guy.

The gift of faith The main miracle in this story is not the making of wine for a wedding celebration. Rather, it is the faith of the disciples. They saw the wine for what it was—a sign of Jesus’ godliness and divinity. The disciples saw and believed.

God hasn’t stopped moving to create faith in people today. We believe that Desert Streams is God’s congregation. We believe that God will use Desert Streams in ways beyond our wildest imagination.

We will grow.

We will reach out into the community and lives will be touched. We will grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and grow in our spirituality and in our level of commitment.

God will probably not bring these things about through a slight of hand or out of the air. God will take the common things that we give to God—our gifts, talents, time, treasures, commitment, perseverance, to name just a few, and God will do great and abundant things through them.

The following testimony is a confirmation of what God can do out of the little seed we sow from our heart.

thousand naira and also collected my bank account details.

I never knew that this God-sent woman could start soliciting for fund from her friends on my behalf, and brethren, I tell you as I’m giving this testimony more than two million naira has been deposited into my account for the child’s treatment abroad.

This is the miracle of the N2000 altar I raised during the vigil.

This church is really blessed with anointing for genuine deliverance and grace for divine lifting. My advice to all therefore, is to obey the Words of this prophet and always key into his prophecies”. Praise the Lord!

Testimony of god’s uncommon favour: {barr. Christy} “I’m here today to testify of the miracle of God’s divine favour upon my life through this man of God. For some times, one of my children had been seriously ill and every medication had proved abortive.

We were rather referred to abroad Conclusion for treatment, but our greatest chalWe may have faced more than a lenge was how to raise some millions mere shortage of wine. All we need for this treatment abroad. is to increase our financial support But God in his mercy brought this of God’s kingdom projects so that Bishop to my church (WORD FOUNDA- we become self-sustaining and do TION ASSEMBLY) to minister during not need to rely upon the largesse of our church monthly vigil. And during others. God is who is EVERYTHING the service, he asked us to raise an al- has the capacity to bless you with tar against any challenge we are fac- all abundant gifts and place you in ing. a state of abundance through your I went and sowed a seed of N2000 as obedience to His WORDS. my altar, and that was the only money We are confident that God will with me. At the end of the programme, move, powerfully and abundantly I got a call from my house that my sick to reveal his glory and to achieve child was dying. his will.

I started crying, asking if this was God will do this by using us. the altar I raised.

Amen!

I rushed home and took my child to the hospital, and the fact that I had no •For more information, contact: money with me made me to start cry- Bishop Theo Ugochukwu – General ing, not knowing when a woman came Overseer, Miracle Assembly Bible to me and asked me why I was crying. Church, a.k.a. The City of Joy, 80, I told her of my challenges. As if Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, she was sent by God to wipe away my Lagos; Tel: 08033461482. tears, she asked me to accompany her Email: bishopgracemiracle@ to her car and gave me the sum of ten ymail.com

News

CCN prays for Nigeria FOLASHADE OGUNTADE

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purred by the state of affairs as it affects Nigerian citizens and current trend of politicking which happens to be a major source of concern among the people, the Christian council of Nigeria (CCN), saw reason to gather as they prayed earnestly for the nation.

Those in attendance at the meeting held at the shepherds hill, Baptist Church, Lagos, included CCN President, His grace; Primate of the African Church Worldwide and President of fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in West Africa, The Most Revd Emmanuel Josiah Udofia, CCN General Secretary and Education Adviser, Rev. Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf Wushishi,

CCN Director for information, research and planning, Rev Aluko Olumide, CCN Directorate of women and youth, Rev. Josephine Philip, Guest Speaker , secretary of conference Methodist church of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Chibuzor Raphael Opoko and a host of others.

The group, who were concerned with the state of affairs generally in the nation, speaking through Rev. Dr. Chibuzor Raphael Opoko, urged the citizens to see Nigeria as their beloved and God given nation.

“We do not have any other nation we can call ours on earth and so we are closely watching the events, the utterances and actions from some politicians and electorates and have come to the conclusion that we are quite opposed to such which are capable of dragging the nation to un-

necessary upheavals. Politicians should eschew politics of do or die, bitterness and acrimony and focus on issue based campaigns and not attack on personalities”, he said.

While praying to God to grant the nation peace before, during and after the elections, Rev. Wushishi urged every Nigerian to remain calm and not entertain any panic concerning the elections.

“All challenges we are facing at this trying period are already under God’s control. It is only the people that recognize God; those who respect and honour Him that we will choose to lead us. The proud shall not have access to the throne, for it is for those who acknowledge God as the Most High who rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whoever He chooses. For when the righteous rule,

the people will rejoice, but when the wicked are on the throne, the people mourn”, he added.

Revd Emmanuel Josiah Udofia also prayed for Nigerian Soldiers and the Multi-National Forces waging war against the Boko Haram insurgents for victory in their current offensive.

He added that God will grant the families of those who lost their lives, civilians and soldiers, the fortitude to bear their loss.

The CCN members prayed to God to grant the President, Dr. Good luck Jonathan and others at the helms of affairs in the nation, the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to pilot the people to a safe haven.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Deliverance for born-again Christians: I

n some Christian denominations, the phrase born again means to undergo spiritual rebirth or regeneration of the human spirit from the Holy Spirit, contrasted with the physical birth everyone experiences.

The origin of the term born again is derived from the New Testament, John 3:3 to be precise, where Jesus replied Nichodemus’ quest on what to do to inherit the kingdom of God, as Jesus answered ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again.

It is also a term associated with salvation in mainstream Christianity, usually meaning simply the baptism. Individuals, who profess to be born again often state that they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Many historic church denominations such as the Catholic Church understand being born again as a spiritual regeneration via the sacrament of baptism by the power of water and the Word. Aside Catholicism, this understanding persists in some parts of Anglicanism, in Lutheranism and in Eastern Orthodoxy.

However, beginning sometime after the Reformation, Evangelical Protestants have predominantly understood being born again as an experience of conversion, symbolised by deep-water baptism, and rooted in a commitment to one’s own personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

The term deliverance is defined as rescue from bondage or danger. Deliverance in the Bible is the acts of God whereby He rescues His people from peril. In the Old Testament, deliverance is focused primarily on God’s removal of those who are in the midst of trouble or danger. He rescues His people from their enemies and from the hands of the wicked.

Christians often seek deliverance from evil spirits or the spirit of lust, jealousy, and other forms of vice. But those of them who claim to be born again after undergoing spiritual rebirth or regeneration of the human spirit from the Holy Spirit, so to say, by this virtue should and are expected to be free from all forms of evil, be it attacks or manipulations from the devil and his agents, but as the case may be, these group seem often to top the list of Christians who are seen on regular basis in their places of worship undergoing one form of spiritual deliverance or the other.

For the General Overseer of Calvary Kingdom Church, Bishop Ojo Joseph, though being born again does not guarantee total freedom from problems, the manner in which some ministers handle the deliverance of their church members is what worries him.

He said: “When a person is born again, it means that the person is a new creature, but that doesn’t guarantee total freedom from problems. The way some ministers of God handle such problems

A Christian in deep menditation in church

It is believed that when a person professes to be born again, such a person should be totally free from attacks from the devil and his agents, but that is not the case as it is a common sight to see born again Christians going for deliverance in their various centers of worship, ODINAKA URUAKPA sought the views of some men of God concerning this issue. faced by the members of their congregation is worrisome. Some of them don’t see any problem without concluding that it is demon oriented; they see demons in everything and they eventually have to talk of deliverance, but the Word of God is the greatest instrument of deliverance. If somebody has Christ in him, just as light and darkness cannot stay side by side, somebody who has Christ inside of him, and is living in Christ, I believe is free.

“The Bible states that for him that the son of God has set free, he is free indeed. People’s shallow knowledge of what salvation and potency of the Word of God, is what leads them to go about seeking deliverance and the likes of it.

I believe that if somebody is genuinely born again, he is free from all possession of the devil. It does not mean that the devil will not attack you, but it will not be from within, but without, and any attack you are getting from without, you don’t need deliverance, you are getting deliverance from what is inside of you and once Christ is in you, darkness is gone. The Bible tells us that God sent His Word and His Word healed them and delivered them from all their oppression. The key thing is the Word and once God’s Word which is light enters, it eradicates darkness and I mean

THE BIBLE STATES THAT FOR HIM THAT THE SON OF GOD HAS SET FREE, HE IS FREE INDEED. PEOPLE’S SHALLOW KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT SALVATION AND POTENCY OF THE WORD OF GOD, IS WHAT LEADS THEM TO GO ABOUT SEEKING DELIVERANCE AND THE LIKES OF IT.

any form of it. So people who major in deliverance apart from lacking knowledge, do this to draw attention to themselves.

They want people to know that they are very powerful, I am not condemning them, but this is what I believe.”

He insisted that for those who have the penchant for going for deliverance, he would blame it on their spiritual upbringing, adding that their pastors must have given them the impression that they cannot stand on their own.

“These pastors present themselves as super-human, claiming that it is only their own prayer that can work in the members’ life and all their lives, such people will live and depend on the prayers and deliverance of their pastor because they have been made to believe that the pastor is super-human and a demy-god, but that is not the way it should be. A child of God should be prayerful; when somebody is born again, they should grow in

grace and the knowledge of Christ and should be able to use the Word of God to get fulfillment in every ramification of their life”, he said.

Admonishing Christians, Ojo said he believed that every one of them should understand the fact that they are just instruments and should know how they allow themselves to be used.

“People shouldn’t be worked up by things that happened in their past, if somebody becomes born again, they have asked God for forgiveness and God has forgiven them and unfortunately, all this deliverance ministers make them to confess sins they have confessed 10 or more years ago and makes it look like God is not faithful and forgiving as if He is a very bad and hard God. The Bible states ‘Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest’; once somebody comes in faith and accepts Christ in faith, he is forgiven and he becomes a new creature,

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Sunday March 29, 2015

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The unanswered questions so my counsel for these group of people is that they should look again into the Word they have read because they have not read it well”, he submitted.

According to the General Overseer of City of Refuge Church, Lagos, Bishop Oscar Osai, the real process of being born again involves complete deliverance.

“A lot of people think that once you say ‘Lord, I give my life to Jesus’; it ends there. That is just the very first step; the real meaning of being born again is to have come to a place where the light of God has shown through every aspect of your life, so when you are talking about your being born again, then devil cannot be inside you.

But a born again child of God can be oppressed by the devil; you can be oppressed, it is just a matter of fighting challenges on the way because of who you are, so that that effect, it is okay to go for deliverance. We must also strike a balance in the sense that there are a lot of people all over the place, going from one person or the other in the name of deliverance because they don’t even know who they are, they don’t know what God has done, they don’t understand the grace of God that brings salvation.

Once you are actually born again and your life has been dedicated to Christ, you are completely delivered. The devil cannot inhabit side by side with the Holy Spirit, but you can continue to purge yourself; clean up your life; attend prayer meeting consistently; listen to the word of God because of the cleansing power in the Word and in the presence of God. The fact that one is born again does not mean that everything that has been existing in their lives and family has been dealt with, but once light is lit, darkness begins to recede until it vanishes totally.

So what we need to do is expose every aspect of our foundation to the light of Christ”, he admonished.

On his part, the General Overseer of Chapel of Holiness and Testimony, Ikotun, Lagos, Pastor K. I. Bona, insisted that there is need for a born again Christian to go for deliverance adding when they do this regularly, they become aware of their right in Christ.

“Being born again is the function of spiritual transformation. When someone claims to be born again the spirit and flesh is transformed and as they keep hearing the word of God, it begins to transform their soul and entire body then that state of their total regeneration begins to manifest. Being born again is all about salvation where one is delivered from the power of the devil.

Deliverance is also very important in the life of a born again child of God because when you are delivered, it is then that you know your right in Christ; you know what you are supposed to do to breakout from the power of darkness”, he said.

das. Irrespective of standard of morality in a family, there would still be elements of distraction coming on board.

Although, if a family is brought up in line and aligned by God Himself, then such family wouldn’t experience spiritual hindrance, but when hindrances surface, the believer defends himself with the shield of faith and uses the offensive weapon of the Word of God. Against these two, no spirit can prevail.

By holding up the shield of faith, we extinguish the flaming spiritual arrows they send against us, arrows of lust, doubt, guilt, jealousy, evil speech, and all manner of temptations. With the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we overcome the evil one by proving his temptations to be lies because he is the father of lies. John’s second letter commends the young Christians whose spiritual strength came from the Word of God living in them. By the offensive weapon of the truth, we overcome the evil one”, he stated.

He further stated that going for deliverance when one claims to be born again also depends on the church the person in question attends.

“I want to tell you now that there are churches and there are churches; it is not all these worship places that call themselves church that have the element of what should be, but one thing I am sure of is that God knows those who are really serving him”, he stressed.

A typical deliverence session

Citing the instance of Jesus and His disciples crossing the sea, he said, “The Bible tells us that the wind and storm was about to drown their ship and the disciples had to run to Jesus to inform Jesus of the problem confronting them, Jesus immediately rebuked the wind and reprimanded the disciples asking them how long He would be with them for them to have faith. The Disciples of Christ were born again, but still, the storm and wind came to stop them from where they were going.

“Deliverance is the height and you need to go through it to keep the good things you have such your marriage, finances, health, properties and a host of other things. Somebody can be sick and held by the devil and he has repented and born again and still dies from the attack. But when a person is sick and he is born again, he can rebuke the ailment professing that the gift of God for him is sound health and not sickness and binds the devil. Many Christians today, who claim to be born again, face many challenges because they do not know their height in Christ. They should be able to cast the problems away and be delivered

because deliverance is a function of the spirit getting up and say no, I won’t be encumbered by Satan and his gimmicks. Abraham got his deliverance when he heeded to God’s voice and left his father’s house”.

Quoting the book of Ephesians, the Bishop of African Church, Lagos Mainland, Bishop Samuel A. Ajayi, said it is important to understand that, as believers, Christians already have eternal victory over Satan and demons.

“Where there is virtue, and morality, I don’t think there is need for the enactment of any law. On that note, if a person is truly a believer and born again Christian, he does not need any deliverance because all this while, he or she has been in the way which has been enacted by God himself. Among the 12 disciples of Jesus, there was Ju-

DELIVERANCE IS THE HEIGHT AND YOU NEED TO GO THROUGH IT TO KEEP THE GOOD THINGS

YOU HAVE SUCH AS YOUR MARRIAGE, FINANCES, HEALTH, PROPERTY AND A HOST OF OTHERS.

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From the

Pulpit Sunday March 29, 2015

Preparing for Covenant of Peace and Blessing General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, explains requirements for inheriting the kingdom of God. Excerpts:

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any people have been witnessing the celebration of Easter but without experiencing the real benefit for which Easter is purported. Some have seen other people rejoicing after Easter but because they have not experienced the expected desired benefit in their lives; they keep asking God when will their own time of departure from trouble come? Some on the other hand may be saying there is nothing like a special divine intervention in people’s life during Easter and as such have discarded the fact that God does special thing in the life of people that turnaround their lives for better.

But comes this weekend as we celebrate Easter the Almighty God will make as many as will make themselves available to rejoice. God will renew His covenant of peace and blessing with us at the Holy Ghost inspired crusade titled, ‘GOD’S COVENANT OF PEACE AND BLESSING’ which has been scheduled to hold this weekend at the expansive revival ground of The Lord’s Chosen located along Oshodi – Apapa Expressway at Ijesha bus stop.

Whether you ask for it or not God has determined to force His blessing upon all that will participate in this programme and bring about lasting peace to the country. Nobody will attend the crusade and go home the same without receiving desired blessing. The mark of grief that has dominated the mind of the people during this electioneering campaign shall end after the crusade. Peace shall be established in their minds, home, business and the entire nation shall experience peace. The crusade will bring amazing blessing upon participants that will make for complete contentment. By it, yokes shall be broken; diseases shall be cured, sicknesses shall be healed and the afflicted shall be delivered.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ which is what Easter stands for, God will refresh His covenant of peace and blessing with us. It is at Easter we celebrate the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Cavalry for our sins which brought about the destruction that has been earmarked for us as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve. Christ took our place of sin, sickness, poverty, worry, depression, confusion so that we could partake in His place of righteousness, perfect health, wealth, joy, sound mind and victory The victory of Jesus over death is the victory of Christians over sin and Satan and this victory brought about the restoration of the covenant of peace and blessing which God had with us and which was made blemished after the fall of Adam. At Easter we reflect on the finished work of redemption – vis-à-vis His death, burial and resurrection, which bestowed upon us salvation, mercy, dominion, health, honour and glory.

So if there is any area in your

life you have presented to God before for blessing and have not received an answer to it, as He renews His covenant of peace and blessing at this program, you shall be blessed. If there is request you have made to God concerning your loved ones and have not seen the physical manifestation of the blessing. Or you have been praying that God should bless you or your loved ones in a particular area and have not gotten your desired blessing, then I assure you that same God who established this covenant, who have been blessing others during Easter, will through the renewal of His covenant shower abundant of His blessing upon you this time in Jesus name.

It does not matter how bad your situation is now, or how powerful the enemy that have hindered you from receiving the blessing of God may be, the fact is that this time He has assured us of His blessing and He will bless us in Jesus name.

You may have been in pain for one reason or the other and thinking that God has abandoned you because you have not gotten blessing, a new covenant is coming your way. It may be the pain of stroke, it may be the pain of poverty, barrenness, lack of promotion, it may also be pain of sicknesses such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc, and you have been praying and fasting for solution but there have been n no answer to your prayer. I want to assure you that this time around, my God even the God of Chosen who o brought you into this world has seen your predicament and heard your cry and is determined to let you have the touch of His blessing now. In this forthcoming crusade there shall be showers of blessing and reign of peace in n the heart of people.

If peace has eluded elude ed you because you don’tt have your own husband or wife, or your spouse has abandon you, never mind, by the renewal of the covenant of peace,, you shall have yourr desire and enjoy y peace. The God, who died on the cross for you has not forgotten you, He is still alive and is coming to renew His

blessing for you and establish peace in your life. God will give you blessing of peace comes this crusade in Jesus name. Bring that problem that has defied solution to Him at this crusade and He will give you the desired blessing.

Beloved, only God has the power to give peace. Babalawo solution cannot give you that blessing of peace, that rich man has not gotten all the blessings that will change your life for good, your father or mother has not gotten all the blessings to give you because they are not the creator of your life. Your boss in the office lacks all round blessing to give you, but only God has all the blessings and peace of this life and the life after.

Jn 10: 10b says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” When God saw the hopelessness of the people He created and how they were wallowing in darkness suffering from one problem to another, He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to come and be the Redeemer for them that they might have life and not just a mere living, but abundant of it including all those things which are needful to make life happy.

By the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, a thorough heavenly portal is opened for hum a n i t y, and thus we have asses to all heavenly blessing b bl essing

which include mercy, grace, salvation, Holy Ghost baptism, good health, freedom, peace, promotion, joy unspeakable, dominion, etc and above all a privilege for a glorious immortality.

However, lack of knowledge of the reason behind His coming is why the people including the children of God are suffering and dying. And that is why hopelessness has pervaded the life of the citizens of this country and world at large. Many people have cut themselves off from the provisions available to us by His coming because of ignorance and thus became destroyed.

Their ignorant exposed them to the devil who offered alternatives to blessing which include sickness, diseases, affliction of all kinds, broken homes, lacks, disappointment, etc and eternal damnation.

But comes this crusade, there shall be restoration. The lame shall walk, the dumb shall speak, the deaf shall hear, the incurable shall be cured and there shall be showers of blessing. God Almighty has demonstrated at every given opportunity since the beginning of this ministry, that He established the ministry to impart gladness to the needy and bind up the broken hearted and in this forth coming programme God will reconfirm the covenant of blessing He has with His people so that the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm will be restored and man shall have peace.

Comes this weekend, there shall be blessing extraordinary. Yokes shall be broken; diseases shall be cured, sicknesses shall be healed and the afflicted shall be delivered.

Now N w having gotten the knowledge of this No outstanding outstanding blessing, what then shall be your y ur preparation? yo Our Required Preparation and Example ample Of Old Amos 4: 12 says, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy thy God, O Israel” Everybody must be in attention to receive receive the renewal of God’s covenant of peace and blessings. There is no doubt that after the program our lives shall never be the same again.

The dumb shall speak; lame shall walk, blind shall see and the afflicted delivered.

We should remember that God is not not a man. While men have sinful nature, ture, God has a holy nature. He is pure and holy and thus cannot establish a covenant with an unholy person. If you come to do program and refuse to repent from your sin, sin, si n you will go empty handed and trouble will not depart p rt from you. pa S i n -

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41 Pastor Muoka

PASSION A Lifestyle Magazine

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Sunday March 29, 2015

I can flaunt all parts of my body > >26 >>26

-Olawumi Toriola

APPLAUSE

‘No man should suppress my potential because I’m a woman’ >>27

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘I can flaunt all parts of my body’ tion processes.

Olawumi Toriola is a movie producer and veteran actress in the Yoruba movie genre. She received a diploma in Law from Lagos State University and later a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Ilorin. In this interview with ADAEZE AMOS, she speaks about her style and what thrills her most about acting, among others.

What excites you most about fashion?

What thrills me about fashion is the ability to adapt to any role I play. This simply means that what is fashion to me may not be so to another person. Fashion is that unseen personality in style icons that doesn’t have mouth but it speaks volumes. So that thing in you that expresses itself through the way you dress is exactly what tickles me in the fashion world.

If that is the case, how then would you describe your style?

My style is simple and elegant.

Fashion rules say flaunt it if you have got it. What do you have to flaunt in you?

I can flaunt every part of my body proudly because se I’m good-looking from my head to toe. But while flauntnting, I do that with moderation. I always say modesty is the key in everything we do. Another is that you should ld be sure that whatever you are flaunting in fashion cirrcles is worth showing off. Don’t offend decent-minded ed people in the name of showing off your body just beecause others are doing it. Be sure whatever you reveal al is what you are proud of.

Are you saying you can act nude roles?

No, I won’t be able to do that. I don’t have a strong ng lever to pull off my clothes and my under wear in the he name of acting. I’m not condemning those that do that at but I haven’t done it before and I’m not sure I can. I have ve had such offer from movie producers and I turned them m down. I will always turn down a role that requires me going nude. My body is very important to me and I see ee my job as something I should use to glorify God regarddless of the fact that it’s make-believe.

What makes you happy about acting?

Everything about it; from the costumes to delivering ng my lines, interpreting characters that are not mine and nd having fun with colleagues behind the camera.

How do you live your life?

I live each day to the fullest. Life is too short to be gloomy or malicious with someone. So, I live everyday ay like it is my last on earth.

How do you feel being a woman?

I feel really good. I have never felt indifferent or regretted my sex as a woman. It’s fun to be a woman. n.

Things are beginning to take better shape for women. n.

We now have a say in every facet of life. Be it in politics, s, economy, education, showbiz just name it. I think any ny man who looks down on a woman simply because of her er sex is backward and should try to wake up to reality y.

There is a positive shift on women in all walks of life.

Would you like to come as a woman if you have to relive ve your life?

Yes, why not? It’s a blessing to be a woman. I would ld love to come as a woman again and again. It’s beautiful ul to be a woman. Women are powerful and respected by those who know the power we have got.

Can you relive your first experience on a movie set?

My first experience on a movie set was in a movie ie entitled ‘Isese Lagba’, a Yoruba movie. Immediately ly

the movie director shouted action, my heart skipped. I suddenly became jittery and forgot all my lines that I took my time to cram. I became so nervous that even my voice was shaking. I thought the director would have shouted at me but he was nice to me. He held my hand and told me not to give up that I could do it. I had to rush out of the set in tears. But he kept telling me I could do it. I believed him and tried again and I got it. Gradually my fears began to fizzle out. Today, I’m at home with those things that used to scare me in the movie world.

Can you list some Yoruba movies you have starred?

I have featured in ‘Isese Lagba’, ‘Babakami Mowon’, ‘Asewo’, ‘Iwakiwa’, ‘Eega’, ‘Ite Oku’, ‘Kinimoshe’, ‘Eto’, ‘Ibaje’, ‘Shoprite’, ‘Janet’, ‘Arufin’, ‘SetoAbesujobi’ and are undergomany others that ducing post pro-

Who are those that lured you into acting?

No one lured me into acting. I have always had passion for it right from when I was growing up.

Which actress are you aspiring to be like?

In Nigeria, I’m aspiring to be like Joke Silva. I admire her a lot because she is one of the few women in showbiz who have balanced her home front with acting. I wish to follow her steps.

Are they lapses in the movie world you want to talk about?

One of the major lapses that pus me off is piracy. Piracy has eaten deep into the industry that we now cry out for help. It is because of this problem that made it difficult to get your money back when you invest it into movie production. The second problem I will like to point out is poverty. When you spend all that you have to produce a good movie and piracy frustrates it, what the person would face is poverty. Piracy rakes a person and brings him/her to zero level. It’s that bad.

What qualities must your ideal man have?

My ideal man must be supportive, God-fearing and ambitious.

What lesson has life taught you? yo Life has taught me never to t give up or lose hope in life.

What puts you off people?

Pride or arrogance.

When you are down, what do you do to be inspired?

I listen to music. Good music has a way of working mu on me.

Without fashion, what do you think life would have been? have been monotonous.

Without fashion life would ha

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27

Sunday, March 29, 2015

‘No man should suppress my potential because I’m a woman’ ADAEZE AMOS

B

eulah Marshall Ononye is a veteran on air personality and the chief executive officer of The Pearls Network, a non-governmental organization. The outfit was established to inspire women and young girls to lead change through advocacy, strategic partnership economic, social and moral empowerment.

In commemoration of the 2015 International Day for Women, with the theme, ‘Make It Happen’, the organisation recently hosted the first ever event and red carpet in the country. Ononye gives reasons for organising the event “It is high time women assumed more leadership positions. I want more women to begin to nurse this ambition; it would help us a lot. That was why I hosted the event with my husband who also believes in my cause, to celebrate women and to remind us to think that way.

Where there is a will there is a way. We should begin to think of heading more sensitive positions,” she explained.

But what exactly does this TV talk show host mean by women heading sensitive positions?

Her words: “Being a woman alone is sensitive because when you are, you are a mother, wife, sister, daughter so what else can be more sensitive to handle than being all of these at the same time. It’s a matter of having stronger will. The will is the strength to push until we achieve our goal.”

But-

tressing her point, On Ononye pointed many women in out that there are so m different walks of life who are doing Nigerian women well. She said that all Ni of the ladder is need to get to the peak o self will/determination. opening churches “We have women open and heading them like men do; successful female there are succ traditional doctors judges, tradit and I know tthat one day in this coun country, we would have a female president. N No matter how sensitive a position sensiti is, any w woman willing can occupy it successocc fully,” Ononye fu emphasised. em How possible can this sib be in a situation where wher women are presumed to p be their own worst enemies? Can w o m e n achieve their goals in li life when they don’t support themsu selves?

“That is i why in every women forum I find

myself, I always raise this topic. I always tell them the importance of women supporting themselves. A tree cannot make a forest. Women need to support one another in their endeavours and not to be jealous of themselves. I know jealousy is one of the major problems we have as women but I know it can be curbed. But remember too that jealousy isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a human nature, it’s natural to feel jealous from time to time but it becomes problematic when you wallow in it, when it consumes you and creeps into every aspect of your life.

“I also tell my fellow women more often to try to be satisfied with whatever little thing they have.

When you are satisfied, jealousy will not find space in your life. When you feel insecure in yourself, it gives room for jealousy. That is when you begin to feel threatened or not good enough. Let’s begin to develop confidence and believe in ourselves,” she counselled.

This looks easier said than done. What practical way can jealousy be curbed among women?

“Go for trainings, image management, seminars, symposia, conferences, workshops and what have you. These would help us,” she said.

The iron lady is an ardent believer in the maxim, ‘whatever a man can do, a woman can do better.

“I still see this as a fact. After all, medical experts have affirmed that men and women have the same number of brain cells, so what are you talking about? Why should someone limit my capabilities just because I’m a woman? Never!

“My event which took place recently was geared towards sensitising Nigeria women not to allow their capabilities to be limited. Be bold to occupy leadership positions whether at the work place or in public offices. It angers me when women are advised not to participate in politics, for instance. But I’m now glad that politics is no longer a thing that should be left for the men alone. The idea that women are the weaker vessels and as such can only produce weaker or inferior results has long changed.

“Look at women even in the churches, they are doing well. The days are gone when it was believed that a woman should not go to the altar and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Christ died, remember the veil which was used to cover the altar was torn open, meaning that such a belief is now archaic. Churches opened by men who today are no more, the wives of such pastors took over from where their husbands stopped. And they are doing well,” the woman libber said.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GROWING UP with

Aunty Titi

Hello children, How are you? I believe you are on short break during this election. Don’t forget to read your books. I wish you a wonderful week.

Gaur ONCE UPON A TIME True love dies on earth, reborn in heaven

O

T

he gaur also called Indian bison, is the largest extant bovine and is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is a strong and massively built species with a high convex ridge on the forehead between the horns, which bends forward, causing a deep hollow in the profile of the upper part of the head. There is a prominent ridge on the back. The ears are very large; the tail only just reaches the hocks, and in old bulls the hair becomes very thin on the back. In colour, the adult male gaur is dark brown, approaching black in very old individuals; the upper part of the head, from above the eyes to the nape of the neck, is, however, ashy grey, or occasionally dirty white; the muzzle is pale coloured, and the lower part of the legs are pure white or tan.

The cows and young bulls are paler, and in some instances have a rufous tinge, which is most marked in groups inhabiting dry and open districts. The tail is shorter than in the typical oxen, reaching only to the hocks. They have a distinct ridge running from the shoulders to the middle of the back; the shoulders may be as much as 12 cm higher than the rump. This ridge is caused by the great length of the spinous processes of the vertebrae of the fore-part of the trunk as compared with those of the loins. The hair is short, fine and glossy, and the hooves are narrow and pointed.

The gaur has a head-and-body length of 250 to 330 cm with a 70 to 105 cm (28 to 41 in) long tail, and is 165 to 220 cm high at the shoulder. The average weight of adult gaur is 650 to 1,000 kg, with an occasional large bull weighing up to 1,500 kg. Males are about one-fourth larger and heavier than females. In general measurements are derived from gaurs surveyed in India and China.

Gaurs do not have a distinct dewlap

on the throat and chest. Both sexes carry horns, which grow from the sides of the head, curving upwards. Between the horns is a high convex ridge on the forehead. At their bases they present an elliptical crosssection, a characteristic that is more strongly marked in bulls than in cows. The horns are decidedly flattened at the base and regularly curved throughout their length, and are bent inward and slightly backward at their tips. The colour of the horns is some shade of pale green or yellow throughout the greater part of their length, but the tips are black. The horns, of medium size by large bovid standards, grow to a length of 60 to 115 cm.

Gaur are largely confined to evergreen forests or semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, but also occur in deciduous forest areas at the periphery of their range.

Gaur habitat is characterized by large, relatively undisturbed forest tracts, hilly terrain below an altitude of 5,000 to 6,000 ft, availability of water, and an abundance of forage in the form of grasses, bamboo, shrubs, and trees. Their apparent preference for hilly terrain may be partly due to the earlier conversion of most of the plains and other low-lying areas to croplands and pastures. They occur from sea level to an altitude of at least 2,800 m Low-lying areas seem to comprise optimal habitat.

Where gaur has not been disturbed, they are basically diurnal. In other areas, they have become largely nocturnal due to forest molestation caused by people. In central India, they are most active at night, and are rarely seen in the open after 8 o’clock in the morning. During the dry season, herds congregate and remain in small areas, dispersing into the hills with the arrival of the monsoon. While gaur depends on water for drinking, they do not seem to bathe or wallow.

nce upon time there was a butterfly, it was self beautified by yellowish golden colour. The Butterfly was very selfish, cruel and stone hearted. It was having habit of sucking the fragrant of beautiful flowers and also it is terrific that it was destroying the flowers with no kind concern.

One fine day in a peaceful morning, the butterfly went in its daily routine in search of flowers, around a yard on the beautiful earth and suddenly naturally decorated garden came to its sight which was full of greenery .The selfish Butterfly felt very happy, entered garden and it started flying around the garden with its bad thoughts and destroying the flowers .unfortunately the butterfly saw a beautiful pink rose with diamond water droplets on its softy petals and it was looking very innocent and different among all the flowers, it has never seen this type of flower and said to itself “Oh! What gorgeous flower it is!” and no more it remained itself. And it returned home with unsatisfactory and it was confused and asked itself “why I not sucked the fragrant of that beautiful flower?”And it decided that it must suck the sweetness of the flower the next day.

Next morning it went to the same garden and sat in front of the flower for the whole day without sucking the sweetness of it, again returned home with lot of hunger and thirst and it decided the same thing and went there again to do likewise. After a while, the flower noticed his agitation and asked gently. “.oh! Beautiful butterfly why you are looking me like that, the whole day?” the Butterfly replied, I don’t know why?

Flower said: Oh! Cruel Butterfly, why are you not sucking the fragrant sweetness of mine and killing me? Like others, the

butterfly replied Oh! You beautiful innocent rose, I feel different about you as you have changed my life and I want to become innocent like you.

The Flower insisted, “You have to suck me because I think I will be no more in this dream land. While the butterfly replied “No I can’t and don’t force me and It angrily went back to home.

After some months, the butterfly began a new life, it was humble, kind and it left its cruelty, he decided to be a friendly with the beautiful rose and headed towards the garden. It was very happy and full of dreams but sadly someone had plucked the flower, crushed and thrown on a floor.

The Butterfly was so sad, and started crying, it sat close to the dead body of its lovely rose and it said “Oh! Beautiful Rose …. I truly cherish your impact in my life; today I am full of sorrow, with whom I have to share you have slept dead and cold.

Oh! Beautiful Rose you will be in my heart till the beats of my heart stop Oh! Beautiful Rose I love you forever and there is no reason in my life for which I should live ……..” it started crying again, in the process, the tears dropped on the beautiful rose, luckily Rose was having a little breadth and it slightly opened its eyes with heavy pain it said “Butterfly, I listened to what you have being saying, I am very happy though I am in the bed of Death…

“Where you had gone, I am waiting for the Death I moan” the beautiful rose said After this the Butterfly was full with sorrow and it can never forget rose which it loved. Day by day it become very ill and lastly it died. They again met in the Heaven and Said “Our love Died on Earth but reborn in heaven.

TONGUE TWISTER How much wood would a wood chuck chuck If a woodchuck could chuck chuck wood He would chuck, he would, as much as he could And chuck as much wood as a woodchuck would If a woodchuck could chuck wood.

Children, you can send your contributions and pictures through this email address jokkyisland@yahoo.com or call telephone number: 08050324794

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29

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Dude Style

victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

‘Men should understand power of dressing’ Omotayo Ademosu-Phillips is Chief Executive Officer of Heritage and Urban Branding, a clothing company. In this interview with VICTOR UDOH, the fashion designer talks about his dress sense and passion for making people look good. Excerpts: How was your growing-up?

Growing up was a wonderful experience; I have nearly always had this bug about designing and making people look good since I was very young. I grew up loving people like Russell Simmons, Phat Farm clothing line. It was a wonderful experience for me seeing people looking good. Moreover, my parents were supportive of my interest in fashion. And for now, I am very happy doing what I know best to do.

Why did you venture into clothing?

I ventured into clothing because I have always loved to dress differently and my clothing line gives me the chance to create my own unique style of clothes. I get to create unique designs for myself and people around me, and this gives me so much joy when I see people wearing my designs.

Pants and shirts; it makes me look more matured and responsible.

Who is your mentor?

They are Russell Simmons and Mai Atafo. I love them because they have unique design styles.

How do you see the Nigerian fashion industry?

We are growing. I say this because five years ago, we didn’t have international recognition. Recently, we have seen Rihanna and Beyonce rock African prints; as so many foreign personalities have also done. Some wear Fela shirts, so I believe we’ll get there very soon.

What is that fashion item you can’t be caught g with?

I can’t be caught wearing leggings, though I have seen so many guys wearing them outside the country. Some people try to follow the trend in this part of the world. I think it makes the guys to look like a female whenever they put it on.

What fashion item forms a larger part of your wardrobe?

When you see a man wearing a pink cloth, how do you feel?

I believe everybody is entitled to their fashion sense.

But for me, I wouldn’t wear that because I don’t like it.

What is your philosophy of life?

Put God first in anything you do, also be humble, honest and straightforward in all you do.

How do you see the Nigerian entertainment industry in the next five years?

The entertainment industry is growing fast. For instance, so many artistes are making more money now; some of them have even been endorsed by multinational companies. Fifteen years ago, no one would have believed that the entertainment industry would get to this level.

How do you give back to the society?

I donate to the motherless’ baby homes and I give free outfits to people once in a while. I also run promos to give back to my customers as well.

How do you feel when you see a well dressed man?

I like to see a man who understands the power of dressing. This is because I know it is not everybody who knows how to dress well. For me I like to look nice, wear nice footwear, wrist watch and perfume, which makes one to look very clean and presentable.

What is your advice to those looking up to you?

Having made some mistakes in my life which I wouldn’t want anyone to make, all I can say is that they put God first, in everything they do.

Your fashion line now, what style of clothes do you make?

I make trendy wears. They include teeshirts, polo shirts, pants, sweatshirts, hoods, crop tops, gowns, skirts, shirts and even native attires, as well as velvet shoes and slippers.

Do you focus mainly on men or unisex wears?

I make everything for both males and females; from cloths to shoes, belts and leather slippers for both genders. hat books hold your special interest and why?

I love any book that has to do with business, because I am a business-oriented person.

What thrills you about being a man?

Honestly, I love being a man. In fact, if I am to come back again in my next world, I would return as a man.

&

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Weddings Engagements You have a story to tell us about your wedding/engagement, or your new born baby.

You can call this line 08050324794

CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS MARCH 29, 2015

Bolanle, the right choice –Olukayode BABIES OF THE WEEK Abdulazeez Olamilekan Oladele

A

TITILOPE MORAKINYO

O

lorode Omobolanle and Olukayode Davis Oluwagbemiro exchanged marital vows at the RCCG Amazing Grace Assembly, Mowe, Ogun State on Saturday, March 21st, 2015.

Their church blessing which took place at the aforementioned venue was conducted by pastors from the Redeemed Christian Church of God of which the couple are both members.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a luxury reception in another section at the RCCG Youth Center. The reception venue was beautifully decorated with drapes, guests were gorgeously dressed in their peach and royal blue the aso ebi colour relatives, church members who were lavishly fed.

Also, there was no dull moment as the musician rendered melodious tunes to add swag to the event.

Olukayode wore an exquisite white suit and a white shirt, maroon bow tie and a boutonniere to

match. His sweetheart, Bolanle who wore a radiant smile throughout the occasion appeared in a transparent long sleeve with bridal lace, she harmonised her graceful look with earring and hair accessories, According to the bride, they met in the church two years ago where the groom was a pastor and he was thrilled by her zeal in the work of God at the conference organized to enlighten the youth at Owode, then their friendship grew into a romantic relationship and finally blossomed into marriage.

Omobolanle got endeared to Olukayode because of his selflessness. “He is God fearing, he is my ideal man, humble, disciplined, caring and above all he has the fear of God” she revealed.

Olukayode appreciates Bolanle for her simplicity; she is kind, humble, respectful, and God fearing. He is convinced he made the right choice.

The bride is an indigene of Omu Ijebu, Ogun State while the groom hails from Kogi State.

I asked Tola to be mother of my child –Opeyemi

T

he families of Adebisi and Alao celebrated the new beginning of their children, Adetola Adebisi and Opeyemi Sam Alao as they were joined in Holy Matrimony recently. The wedding took place at the Kwara State Registry in Ilorin, while the reception followed immediately at the Stella Obasanjo Memorial Hall, Ilorin.

The couple met at a wedding reception in November 2008, though they did not engage in much discussion, they exchanged mobile contacts.

As the relationship grew, they became platonic friends often talking for hours on the phone. However, the relationship took another dimension and they started dating in De-

cember 2012.

According to the bride, she revealed that she was attracted to him because he is passionate about anything he likes, brings

out the best in her, he encourages her and he loves her completely On the qualities, the groom revealed that, she is godly, beautiful, loving,

caring and brainy.

How and where did he propose to Tola? According to Tola, “Opeyemi came all the way from Abeokuta where he works to meet her at Ilorin in September 2013 and proposed at University of Ilorin dam, He told me wanted to marry me and wants me to be the mother of his kids, to spend the rest of our lives together. I told him I would pray about it and get back to him. I later gave him a positive response because I knew he was the right man for me and I had no reason not to accept his proposal.

The couples advised singles to be steadfast in the lord, and pray for their right choice, the bone and the flesh of their flesh.

bdulazeez Olamilekan Oladele was born at Iretiolu Private Hospital, Oyo State to Biliameen and Tawakalitu Oladele.

She was d e l ive r e d at 12:29 a.m. and we i g h e d 3.5 kg.

Taw a k a litu disclosed that during the pregnancy, she craved for fruits.

“I craved for different types of fruits during the pregnancy, especially oranges and watermelon,” she said.

What were the physical body changes? “Aside from my growing stomach, I gained a little weight and my face became fat,” she revealed.

What do they love about Abdulazeez? “We love everything about him. He is

the first male child to be

born into t h e fami l y, ”

Tawakalitu said.

What do they want him to become in future?

“We want him to become a barrister and a great man in the society,” Tawakalitu stressed.

What is the meaning of Abdulazeez? “His name means servant of God Almighty, which translates that he will be a great and powerful person.

Olamilekan means increase in success and fame,” The mother added.

Miracle Temitope Olukayode

M

iracle Temitope Olukayode was delivered at Adeyemi Hospital, Agbado Station, Ogun State to Olusegun and Oluwaseun Olukayode. He weighed 3.1kg According to Oluwaseun, “I craved mostly for fruits, bread and tea during pregnancy.”

Was she irritated by anything during the pregnancy? “I was not irritated by any smell during pregnancy,” she said.

Speaking about her obvious physical body changes during the pregnancy, Oluwaseun noted that, “Aside from m y bulging stomach, every part of my

body was normal and I thank God for that.”

What do they love about Miracle? “We love everything about our little angel. She sleeps well, especially immediately after eating and she hardly cries as well,”Oluwaseun revealed.

What do they want Miracle to become in future?

“We want her to become successful in whatever human endeavour she finds herself,” Oluwaseun said.

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What to wear …to a luncheon MARCH 29, 2015

ADAEZE AMOS

D

o you have a luncheon to attend and you want to appear simple? Take a closer look at what Mercy Aigbe, a Yoruba movie actress, wore to such an event recently. It’s a simple dress with red accessories to blend it. If the event is scheduled for Friday and you want to head off from work place, this simple attire is what you need. You may wear a pair of flat red shoes at work but when you are ready for the luncheon, wear your high-heeled shoes. Those high ‘scrapers’ have a way of adding panache to your look. Give it a try!

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Perfect Cut

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Today’s ladies still rock royal blue outfi ADAEZE AMOS

Y

ou can’t beat royal blue dress on yellow accessories ssories have ever attended an event which colour code is blu touch of yellow, you would sure agree that these ese two ry colours are meant to be together. Check out how these duchesses look in royal blue. Stunning, aren’t they??

You too can make blue your ideal colour of the e wee matters most is to blend it with the right colour off acce and you’ will stand out.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Perfect Cut

Sunday, March 29, 2015

l fits

33

African Look

Mono-strap dress, ideal for African bash

s. If you ue with a o primafashion

k. What essories,

ADAEZE AMOS

I

f you care to slip into a mono-strap dress for that ethnic bash, you can give Iro and Buba style a break if you are known with it. Put on a mono-strap dress and look different for once. Don’t say the style is cosmopolitan after all the fabric is African. And that makes it ideal for the occasion.

To add African touch to it, put on some fresh water corals (necklace) on your neck with same kind of earrings and bracelets. You now look splendid! But if you have fat arms with stretch marks, this style is not for you.

34

L

OVE

TALK

Sunday, March 29, 2015

with Yemisi

Adeniran

Enjoy sex despite your heavy weight Y

ou may have noticed that owing to your heavy weight, your sex life is fast becoming unexciting and that much as you had always looked forward to a fantastic time in bed, you get disappointed or end up disappointing your spouse.

It is, no doubt, a clumsy experience having to go around, shifting here and there while making love, because of your weight, but that should not be the end of the world. There are some tricks you just must try to boost your sex life.

Here are a few of them: Make up your mind. It is a general practice for an average man to run away from issues that appear as facts. Besides, it is a common thing for us to always want to be like another person. So, it is important that you, as an overweight person overcome this feeling by coming to terms with who you are. If you have done this, you should also make up your mind to embark on steps that will help you begin to enjoy sex henceforth no matter what. With this state of mind, you are sure to be starting well and you will by every means get better Models result.

Shed off some weight. It’s absolutely possible to enjoy a satisfying sex life whether you weigh 130 pounds or 330 pounds. If you’re overweight and struggling to keep things steamy, though, it’s time to take action. That doesn’t have to mean going on a diet, although shedding just 10 pounds can stimulate sex hormones and improve health.

Try a new position. Experiment with positions that take the weight off your joints (and your partner): Try spooning side by side, rear entry, and modified missionary positions with pillows under the female partner’s hips.

Enjoy intimacy. Sex isn’t just about intercourse. Explore other forms of intimacy, including oral sex, manual stimulation, toys, and even just kissing and cuddling.

Read up. Try and lay hold on books that do a great job of dispelling myths, helping readers boost self-esteem, and offering detailed information about sexuality. So, remember, being overweight doesn’t mean your sex life is over. With a little creativity and a few adjustments, you can get - and stay satisfied.

Stay healthy : While self-esteem may play a role, it’s not the only factor involved. Conditions such as high

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I am a Muslim graduate in need of a wealthy Muslim woman for a relationship –08135946564.

cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes often accompany obesity and can impair blood flow to the genitals, resulting in problems with erectile dysfunction in men and arousal in both men and women. Extra weight can also stress the knees and other joints, making some sexual positions uncomfortable.

It is important to add that while most overweight women are likely not to enjoy sex; their male counterparts may not experience the same. Recent study confirms that men who are overweight do not only enjoy sex more than their slimmer mates, they are also likely not to experience premature ejaculation. In other words, they last longer in bed than the slimmer men. This is possibly because heavy men typically have higher levels of the female sex hormone called estradiol, which delays climax.

As for a woman who is overweight, just have a new disposition to your situation by coming to terms with your peculiarity. The best way to catch your fun is to engage in new sex styles, shed some weight and watch your health.

Remember that being on the big side does not mean you are unfit. Try these suggestions and you will definitely feel cool with yourself henceforth.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos

Barbara Ossai

08023012293 (SMS ONLY)

Should pregnant mums bend while sweeping?

The American Pregnancy Association encourages physical activity, warning only against high-impact exercise that could result in injury. Since sweeping and mopping typically are done in a safe area and a temperaturecontrolled home, there’s little chance that you will hurt yourself or become overheated when cleaning your floors.

As long as you’re not actively straining your body while cleaning, you can continue to keep a pristine house throughout your pregnancy.

Therefore, while it might feel awkward and could throw off your balance, bending over in the last three months of pregnancy will not hurt you or your baby in any way. Your baby is well protected by the abdominal wall and muscles, the uterine wall - which is also composed of muscle - and the amniotic fluid around him. But be sure while you are bending, you could fall, that is where the risk is.

Risks of falling The biggest risk of bending over is the danger of falling. Falls can cause trauma if you fall directly on your abdomen. This trauma can cause placental abruption - or separation from the uterine wall, which causes bleeding and lack of oxygen to the baby. The risk to the fetus from a fall increases during the third trimester, when the uterine wall thins and the baby’s head drops into the pelvis.

W

hen Meg Ibeabughi (not real names) bends to sweep her room, her mother who came to be with her until she is delivered of her baby would tell her to desist from doing that. The mum would say that water would get into the eyes of the baby in her womb. Meg would quickly drop the broom and allow someone else to do the sweeping. Meg is pregnant again with her second baby.

“During my first pregnancy, I never swept because there was help. Now I do all and I’m in my third trimester. Every time I need to sweep the floor, I’m scared that bending would affect the baby in my womb. I feel my body pressing hard on the baby and my mum’s thin voice keeps ringing a bell in my mind telling me to drop the broom. Can this really harm my baby,” she asked.

While it would be a convenient excuse, housework generally is safe for pregnancy. Since the action could be considered low-impact exercise, sweeping and mopping actually could be a beneficial way to stay active while pregnant. Unless your doctor has expressed specific concern for physical activity, know the signs of a problem so you can listen to your body and contact your doctor.

Dizziness Bending over can send a rush of blood to your head, which could make you dizzy.

The risk of becoming dizzy is not that it harms the baby, but that it could make you pass out, which brings you back to the main risk in late pregnancy from bending -falling to the ground.

Back pain Bending over puts extra weight on your back.

Since many pregnant women have back pain just from carrying around the extra load in front, putting even more strain on your back won’t hurt the baby but could pull a few muscles for you. Good body mechanics stress bending at the knees to avoid straining your back.

Heartburn Bending over can increase the symptoms of heartburn, a common complaint in late pregnancy.

You may experience acid reflux, the flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, when you bend over because bending increases pressure on the stomach. Heartburn causes burning pain, belching and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

I smoked my uncle’s cigarette –Mercy Bawa

W

ell, it was one day when my sister who was 11 years old then and I (14 years old), took a stick of cigarette from my uncle’s packet of cigarettes that he forgot on his table. He was not present when we took it. After looking round to ensure no one was watching us, we ran excitedly behind a door at the back of our building because we wanted to explore that particular thing that gave my uncle joy each time he held a stick of cigarette.

You needed to see how we laughed nervously ready to do what my uncle was fond of doing. The memory of the incident is still fresh in my mind because even as I narrate this story, I can still see the whole scenario in my mind’s eye. So, we lit the cigarette just the same way he usually did because we had watched him several times lighting up cigarettes and puffing away stylishly with his legs crossed.

When we lit it, my kid sister allowed me to smoke first being the elder. No sooner had I puffed and drew the thick smoke in as my uncle used to, than I quickly threw the cigarette down and started coughing with tears running down my cheeks. I felt as if I wanted to die. My sister became excited the more. She picked the cigarette from the floor and drew it the same way I did. She too held her head and started coughing. It was coughing galore as we couldn’t control it.

We coughed continually and vomited in the process. We took it on our stride and went on with our life without telling anyone what we did.

If we had told our mother, she would have flogged us because we were very young then. I see that time as the age of being very naughty. You would want to copy everything your uncle or aunty did because they were like a mirror you looked at every day.

As an advice, please parents, aunties and uncles try as much as possible to avoid that ugly habit before the younger ones because they are more likely to imitate you. My younger sister and I behaved that way because we had watched our uncle smoke several times and we wanted to have a feel of it.

Such habits affect children too because they would want to try it out behind closed doors. For instance, my uncle never knew we tried to imitate him by smoking and nobody told him even till date. The good thing however was that we tried it and coughed until we vomited and we decided never to do that again. Assuming it was something that we tried and we seemed to like, it would have been difficult to stop!

Bawa, CEO Aibakena Dressing Eleganc, is a seasoned fashion designer.

–ADAEZE AMOS

36

Arts Lounge

Sunday, March 29, 2015

M

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Marco Felluga

ore than a century has now elapsed since the Felluga family started to produce wine. Initially based in Izola (in modern day Slovenia), the family moved first to Grado and then Friuli (in North East Italy). Today run by fifth-generation wine-maker Roberto Felluga (who manages the winery that was built by his father - Marco), the Felluga family are amongst the most respected producers of quality wines in this region.

Today managing around 100 hectares of estate vineyards in the Collio sub-zone of Friuli, Roberto shares the same love for this corner of Italy as his father did before him. Formed of rolling hills, some larger foothills and a myriad of woods and streams, Collio is both beautiful and wild.

Production is deliberately divided into two separate ranges, with the “Marco Felluga” branded wines produced from grapes sourced from vineyard spread across 4 different villages within Collio, whilst wines bearing the “Russiz Superiore label are produced only from grapes sourced from one contiguous block of vineyards located near the village of the same name.

Quite a substantial variety of grape varieties are cultivated, with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc joining truly indigenous and lesser known varieties such as Tocai Friulano and Refosco.

These wines are not short of accolades or high scores

Beans and plantain porridge TITILOPE MORAKINYO

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eans and plantain porridge is a meal made up of ripe plantains and beans.

A tasty dish, it has become popular over the years, as most parents have discovered it as a way of getting their kids to eat beans. The addition of the ripe plantains gives the meal that sweet taste that kids love so much. Adults also find it palatable, thus it is an easy recipe for you.

Ingredients 250 gram beans (brown or black eyed type).

1 ripe plantain (peeled and cut into chunks).

1 onion bulb (sliced).

2 tablespoonful ground crayfish.

1 knor cube.

1 cooking-spoonful red palm oil/stew oil.

Pepper and salt to taste.

Cooking directions: • First, pick the beans and remove the dirt and sand particle in cold water.

Discard the water, rinse the beans and strain in a colander or strainer.

• Cut the plantains, peel off the skin, cut into chunks and set aside.

• Grind the crayfish, chop the onions and pepper and set aside.

• Place the strained beans into a pot or pressure cooker, pour in some water, enough to cover the beans (an inch over the beans level). Then leave to cook until tender, but not too soft. You might need to add more water, but be careful not to add too much, to avoid having a watery porridge.

• Now, add the onions and peeled plantains to the pot. Cook until the plantains are tender.

• Add the crayfish, stock cubes, palm oil, salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and leave to simmer for eight to 10 minutes on low heat.

Ultimately, your beans and plantain porridge is ready. You can eat it as it is or topped with tomato stew, or simply serve with bread.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Growing Up

Sunday, March 29, 2015

37

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

POP

WHO INVENTED WHAT? x

Adolph Rickenbacker created the Electric guitar Heart

DO YOU KNOW THAT?

O

ur heart, which is one of the main muscles is so powerful that it can squirt the blood no less than 9 meters high? It’s because it’s programmed to deliver the blood even in the less accessible areas of the body, like the toes and the fingertips, and therefore, in order to do this, it’s necessary for the heart to create lots of pressure inside the veins.

WORDS ON MARBLE

If you compared your troubles, or challenges, with those of others, you would surely find that there are those whose troubles make yours look like minor inconveniences.

–Catherine Pulsifer

A

dolph Rickenbacker is the inventor of the first modern amplifiable electric guitar. It was a semi-hollow body guitar with sound holes. The first complete setup was in 1931, but it had all began in Los Angeles, California in the 1920s.

The first solid body electric guitar was invented by Les Paul in 1941. It wasn’t a pretty sight like the Les Paul’s you see today, but it was still the first in its class. It was basically a solid square wooden body with 6 steel strings on a neck. In It was later in the 1940s when Leo Fender the 1950s The Gibson Company got together with Les invented his first electric guitar naming it Paul to present the Gibson the Broadcaster. It was not long until they Les Paul we all know today. renamed it as the Telecaster.

Sunglasses

YOUNG FASHION

RIDDLES AND JOKES

-There is a story that a man and not a man Saw and did not see a bird and not a bird Perched on a branch and not a branch And hit him and did not hit him with a rock and not a rock.

Answer- A eunuch who did not see well saw a bat perched on a reed and threw a pumice stone at him which missed.

-A man is found dead in a phone booth in a pool of blood. The glass on either end of the phone booth is broken and the phone is hanging. Just outside of the phone booth is a bucket and a stick.

What happened?

Answer The man was a fisherman and was telling somebody on the phone about the large fish he caught. When he used his hands to gesture how big the fish was he hit the glass breaking it and cutting himself.

Question: If its information you seek, come and see me. If its pairs of letters you need, I have consecutively three. Who am I? Answer: A bookkeeper.

F

ashion trends or the intense sun can be another reason for wearing sunglasses, particularly designer sunglasses. Sunglasses of particular shapes may be in vogue as a fashion accessory. Fashion trends can also draw on the “cool” image of sunglasses.

Sunglasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting

the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened.

Sunglasses can be worn to hide one’s eyes. They can make eye contact impossible, which can be intimidating to those not wearing sunglasses; it can also be used to hide emotions; this can range from hiding blinking to hiding weeping and its resulting red eyes.

38

Movies & Music

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Patoranking reveals, ‘I would have been a criminal if not for music’

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eggae act, Patoranking shocked when he revealed during a media chat organised by MTV Base, that he would have been a criminal but for music.

According to him, music saved him from becoming a criminal. “The slum is not a place that gives many options.

There, it was either you make it the right way or the crime way but I chose music and it has worked for me”, he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to MTV Base for making him the Artiste of the Month and for helping him secure the partnership deal with international reggae music label, VP Records, which he describes as one of the high points of his musical career. “As many of you know, VP Records is one of the biggest record labels in New York so being signed under that label is a big deal for me which is why I am grateful to MTV Base”, he added.

As regards his debut album, he disclosed that plans are in place to ensure an album release

Patoranking

later this year which would feature international reggae artistes like Beenie man and Sean Paul. “There are plans for the album to be released soon. Hopefully, later in the year”, Head of Marketing and Communications, VIMN Africa, Colette Otusheso explained that the reason behind the parley is to create an avenue for journalists to meet with and get to understand music artistes better. “With MTV Base Artiste of the Month, we provide a platform for some of our favorites artistes to get up, close and personal with fans and the media and this month we are excited about the talented reggae musician, Patoranking being our artiste of the month”, she said.

The 25-year-old act rose to limelight in 2013 following his hit single with Timaya, Alubarika. He has since gone ahead to release other popular tracks including Girlie O featuring Tiwa Savage, which was listed on the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten Hottest Videos Of The Year.

The artiste also featured in Seyi Shay’s hit song Murda.

Shaydee drops hot new video

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David

eading E.M.E act and Metro Taxi Ambassador, Shaydee has just dropped a hot video for his new single “High”.

The video, which was directed

by E.M.E boss, Banky W and leading music video director, Adasa Cookey was shot in exotic locations in Lagos.

Featuring Banky W as a bartender, the colorful video tells a heart rendering story of love and heartbreak.

The video also features celebrity DJ, DJ Exclusive.

Darey’s Love like a movie 3 postponed

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igerian singer Darey Art Alade has announced that his long-awaited concert, Love like a Movie, will no longer hold on April for as planned.

The mind blowing risqué event was to enter year three on February 14, but faced a postponement because of earlier planned presidential elections in Nigeria.

“The event is now being pushed back again”, Darey said, because of the political climate and the “plenty uncertainties that made it difficult to plan”.

“I’m pretty disappointed myself. But LLAM will no longer hold on April 4. I truly apologize on behalf of the entire live spot team.”

A new date will be communicated in the coming

weeks. “Everyone is asking us what’s happening.

All I can assure is that we will do it and do it big again. And it will be worth the wait”, he added.

White

Vector brings heat at Chronicles of Ushbebe comedy show

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resh of the success of his new video ‘King Kong’, Vector Tha Viper was in top form as he performed to a wildly excited crowd of fans at the comedy event Chronicles of Ushbebe, held last Sunday at the Muson Centre in Lagos.

Vector, known for his rapid fire delivery and lyrical prowess, delivered a refreshing take on ‘King Kong’ featuring masquerade performers while dressed in dazzling all-white ensemble topped with a distinctive red baseball cap. He also performed the party track ‘Shiga’ that featured a dance troupe on stage to get the audience going in the dance mood.

Big Timi announces launch of premium online fashion, Owambe Style

S

ocial media enthusiast and public relation executive, Bello Timilehin, popularly known as Mr Big Timi, has announced the launch of his latest project, Owambe Style.

The project, which went live on Friday, March 13, 2015, is a premium online fashion portal aims at repositioning the fashion and party life of Nigerians with a blend of finesse and styletitude.

“It’s a well known fact that fashion is an integral part of the Nigerian lifestyle, what we have done with this introduction is to pep up that lifestyle and showcase it to the world via social networks”, he said.

The portal, offers social media activities for parties and also features an array of exciting contents like photo of the day, giveaways and a directory for party planners, Dee Jays, MCs, makeup artistes as well as designers, “What we plan to do with Owambe Style is to retouch the Naija party life style and give it a blow and I’m glad we have set the ball rolling”, Bello concluded.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, March 29, 2015

39

Juliet Ibrahim reveals her most loved possession G

hanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim, says her most loved possession is her lipstick.

She revealed this while on Price Check Radio Show hosted by comedienne, Chigul. According to her, she feels incomplete without a touch of lipstick to her make up, “I’m a makeup person and I can’t do without my make up especially my lipstick” she says.

The show also features George Wright, winner of the ‘Find and Win’ competition organized to mark her birthday. The competition had participants log

on to Price Check website to choose the most suitable gift for the actress.

The radio show, which began a few weeks ago, is designed to help listeners across Nigeria make amazing purchase decisions while still entertaining them with jokes from the three hosts, Chigul, Andre Blaze and Patrick Onyeke.

The 29-year-old Juliet Ibrahim began her acting career in 2005 and has since starred in over 50 movies, in the process amassing several awards including Best Actress at 2014 Ghana Movie Awards.

Ukeje loses Africa’s best supporting actor award to Chukwujekwu

T

he handsome and talented OC Ukeje missed out on being Africa’s best supporting actor 2015 at the just concluded AMVCA. Blossom Chukwujekwu, who won the award for his role in Knocking On Heavens Door, revealed that the role was meant for OC who didn’t show up for the auditions.

It doesn’t take a soothsayer to know that the award was not meant for OC, who was also nominated for his role in When Love Happens.

That said, fate did smile on OC as he won the Best Actor in Drama Award while he will still be getting a piece of the Best Supporting Actor pie, as Verve International, sponsors of the best supporting actor category has announced that it will be rewarding all nominees with funded, customised Verve cards.

Ogunro, Ayoola join MTV Shuga auditions

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eat FM OAP, Fad Fade Ogunro; 2013 MTN Projwinner, Ayoola and Nigeria’s ect Fame winn at the 2014 BBA, Lilien Afrepresentative a joined over 700 aspiring talegbai, last Saturday joi ents at MTV Shuga auditions held at the au e Protea Hotel, Maryland, Lagos.

L The auditions had the candidates, auditi ndidates, one after aft the other display lay their ttalents in a bid to secure a ta role in the series. The castr ing directors, filmmaker, i mmaker, Tope Oshin-Ogun, n, Oluyomi Ososanya and nd marketing and partnership tnership manager, MTV SAF, Emmanuel Uduma a were on standby to select elect deserving talents ents based on voice, ce, acting skills, carrriage and pressence among g other things criteria.

Along with a number of major roles, four minor roles will be chosen by public voting via a the website, www. w. shuga.tv starting ng from March 30, 0, 2015. The lucky ky candidates will ll now join Emm-

manuel Ikubese, Sharon Ezeamaka, Timini Egbuson and other cast members when the shooting begins in a few weeks.

MTV Shuga, since its debut in 2009, has been credited for kick starting the acting careers of successful acts including Oscar winning Lupita Nyong’O, T i w a Savage, Wizkid, Maria Okanrande and others.

40

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lessons of Life

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

TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART MARCH 29, 2015

‘My past pub activities now haunt me’ Veronica, fondly known as Cynthia by her friends and relatives had a rough beginning indeed. She had a sibling, her younger sister, whose name is Peace, who she considered a confidant. Both had difficult times when Mr Thompson their father died.

M

“

y mother wasn’t doing anything before my father died,” Veronica said. “She was a complete housewife who trusted and waited on her husband to start a business for her. Dad told her to hold on that she would open a super market she would be managing and mum held on, waiting, not knowing that death would whisk daddy away,” Veronica said softly.

“I was barely 10 and Peace my sister was eight. We were in the living room one evening watching TV when the family telephone chimed. My younger sister who enjoyed picking calls and answering in her usual impeccable English picked it.

The voice on the other end was clear and straight to the point. It was a lady who introduced herself as a nurse in a hospital. She requested to speak with Mrs. Thompson, my mum. My sister looked at my mum who tuned down the volume of the TV wanting to hear clearly what the caller wanted. When the short message was delivered to her, the expression on her face was that of anguish and shock. ‘What did you say? My husband, in a fatal motor accident?’ Which hospital did you say you are calling from?’ she asked, fretting.

“When mama mentioned the name of the hospital and the closest bus stop to the place, I quickly scribbled it down so that she wouldn’t forget. She took the piece of paper from me and ran into her bedroom to put on a dress and dashed off to the hospital,” Veronica recalled.

It was four hours after she dashed out for the hospital that she came home with her eyes red and her face swollen.

“Her face showed she had been crying for hours. Without asking her, we knew that daddy was in terrible condition. She then broke the news to me and Peace that daddy was one of the few that died on the spot in the accident. His car was damaged beyond repairs. We cried all through the night.

Mum managed to make calls to our relatives and daddy’s close friends before morning.

Two weeks later, the remains of my father was taken home, to our town, and there he was lowered into his cold grave.

“Beginning from that day, life became hard for us. My mum had to mourn him for months and it was difficult to regain herself.

My younger sister and I couldn’t continue with the private school we were attending.

Mama changed our schools to the one she could afford. The luck we had was that daddy had built his own house in Lagos before his sudden death, so we didn’t have any accommodation problem. In that case, what mum did was to sell the family’s two cars and used the money to build two shops in front of her house where she sold food items. We managed to feed and go to school but indeed life wasn’t as sweet and easy-going as it was when dad was alive,” she recalled.

When Veronica was through with her secondary school, she hoped to further her edu-

cation. But that was a dream that was hard to come through.

“Mama, after toiling so hard to make a living, became ill and weary. The shock of losing her husband weighed her down that it affected her blood pressure. She started battling to survive. She was placed on medications. When her blood pressure was back to normal, she was placed on a daily drug.

She never failed to take her drug until after some years when she didn’t know her blood pressure needed a higher milligram of the same drug she was taking. She suddenly had a stroke one afternoon when she was back from Sunday service. She complained of feeling somehow in the church that day and didn’t stay till the end of the service. She scurried home to rest because our house was close to the church. When my younger sister and I later came back from church, we discovered that mama couldn’t open the gate for us. We had to climb in and saw her lying stiff with her face down. She couldn’t raise her face on her own. Neither could she raise her hands. We rushed her to the hospital where she stayed for eight months.

It was close to one year that we battled to save her life. My younger sister took charge of mama’s shop while I got a job in a pub somewhere in Ikeja, Lagos. I was employed to sing and entertain clients with old-time lyrics. There was none I couldn’t sing and I

was being paid for my services. At a time, I started singing at nights too. That was even when clients came more, especially some American returnees. Mr. Nelson the owner of the pub lived abroad for many years before coming home to establish the business.

Most of his friends who were there with him usually patronised him. I was asked if it would be convenient for me to sing till dawn for more money. I needed more money to run the house. I’m the first child of my parents, and my mum was down with stroke. My younger sister needed money to pay her school fees. She was preparing to write her West African School Certificate exam and before she was allowed to do that, she would have to pay the school fees of the three terms. That meant that I needed more money to pay for her. When Mr. Nelson brought the offer, I accepted it with both hands,” she said.

When Veronica started her night job as a songstress in the pub, she discovered that there was more to her job than just singing for the clients. She still agreed to do it all because of money.

“I wanted money and was ready to work for it as long as it would fetch some more money. I never knew that my pole dance in the pub would haunt me in future,” she said remorsefully.

• To be continued.

RESPONSES

Amanda, Re:Dear ‘My late husband’s sons want to marry me’ You must have

Dear Alicia, Let me start by saying sorry for the death of your husband. But my dear, it is an abomination to have allowed your husband’s son have a carnal knowledge of you. But as it is now, my advice to you is to marry Matthew since you already have a son for him. Remove your mind from Anthony else you would be thrown out of that family like a bag of rotten potatoes.

MS Ikorodu, Lagos, 08022207109.

been brilliant to have graduated and married at

Alicia, age of 22. Unthe I advise you to park your belongings and take a walk out of the late Chief McGregor’s house. Take your son, I mean the one you had for Matthew along with you. When he is grown, Matthew would come for his son.

Ode Ogaba, Makurdi, Benue State, 07057235882.

fortunately, you lost your preg-

Alicia, To be candid, your story is shocking. So, you could go this far? I’m short of words.

08021235819.

nancy, which you had four months

Alicia, Just stick to Matthew you had a child for.

Matthew’s wife, who already begged you to leave her husband alone, would accept you later. Be careful with Anthony but marry Matthew who is more mature and helped you to become who you are today.

Don’t forget his past favours. If you don’t make trouble with Celestina, Matthew’s wife, he would be there for you.

Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, 07044445550.

after your wed-

ding due to the

shock of your husAlicia, You must leave all the dangerous experiments you tag marriage immediately your mourning period is over. Agreed your dad brought all these confusion on you but now that he and your hubby are no more, leave that family and get properly married. Marrying Tony or Matthew would bring disaffection and doom on the family. Listen girl, you cannot marry them, leave that house and start a new life. Don’t be greedy, lean on God at this trying moment of yours.

Apeji Onesi, Lagos, 08060504740.

band’s death. You unexpectedly en-

tered into another relationship with Greg, shortly af-

Alicia, This is really a very difficult time for you. However, here is my candid advice for you. From your story, one can understand you love and prefer Anthony to Matthew. Second, Matthew is married and if you choose to marry him, you know that would mean committing adultery though you already had a child for him. So, go ahead and marry Anthony if your tradition allows that.

Engr BD Akuki Karmo, 08058519213.

ter his death. You regrettably failed

A model

to keep to your

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday March 29, 2015

41

God is merciful

General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, urges people to watch how they live in view of the certainty of death. Excerpts:

I

t has become an established fact that my God is merciful. Surely I know He is merciful because God showed me practically. In fact, I was afraid when He demonstrated his mercy to me. It is my fervent believe that all believers in God know that He erciful. God showed me the love and is merciful. passion to a person who is undeservcompassion inner. God Almighty is full of mercy ing sinner. use the Bible says in Ephesians 2:4 because “But God who is rich in mercy for His great love wherewith He loved us”. As God is ciful, many people are not merciful of merciful, mselves. Any person God shows mercy themselves. ke the person is playing a gamble and is like wins jackpot. But there are souls God can w mercy not just everybody. Some peoshow o not deserve to be shown mercy. Even ple do cripture says in Roman 9:15 “For He the scripture says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom ve mercy and I will have compassion I have on whom I will have compassion. Some le cannot be shown mercy because of people their double-mindedness, greed, partiality, g scornful. He shows mercy to those being who have straight and pure heart. Also to e people that show mercy to their felthose low human being. The Bible says in Luke 6:36 “Be merciful just as your father is mer”. Many people claim they have mercy ciful”. but could not demonstrate or particularize itt in reality. Similarly some people do not show mercy to themselves and want God to show them mercy. Brethren, who ou show mercy on? Are you showing do you cy to people in a scornful manner? mercy How do you show mercy to people? Some le would show mercy and later plot people evil against the person. Such people are not merciful at all. They are all pretenders. comes imperative for people to always It becomes k or retrospect about people that have think ime or the other done good things for one time m. Then they could get and have the them. cy of God. Because people do not think mercy aboutt goodness others have done to them,

then it becomes difficult for such people to have God’s mercy. Imagine a man came to me for assistance to prevent his lender / friend to forget the N250,000 he borrowed from his friend. Infact he purported to use the money to commence the foundation of his house several years back. He begged me to work spiritually for him because his friend was disturbing too much. This man intention was for his friend to stop demanding for the repayment.

Immediately I told him that he was a m u r d e re r and forgot the time he had problem and his friend came to his rescue.

He forgot all the time of his problem and the day he got the money. Infact this man mismanagement the money and I told him I don’t do such a work.

Frantically told him he had no mercy and it would be difficult for to get mercy anywhere. So many people are in such situation and praying to God for His mercy. They have forgotten what they had done in past but waiting for God’s mercy. It is difficult what is required is to look back and identify those we have inflicted pains and agony. Because God is watching and the creator of the money lender would not leave the debtor. Similarly, a man took his friend on a visit to a lady friend he had the mind to marry. But as the rellationship la tionship was in pro g ress, the friend had already dating the lady. However, the man’s friend and the lady got married. Later on the man was furious and embittered but he could

Prophet Oloruntimilehin

do nothing. Eventually he married another lady and they were blessed with good children. His friend and the wife were not blessed with children. Barrenness became their life. Imagine the creator of the man with children would not be mercifu merciful to his friend and the lady to jilted him. God is not foolish and punishing a guilty person.

God created people in goodness b but human being decided to re-create them themselves in bad way. The scripture says in G Genesis 1: 31 “God saw all that he made and it was very good…” Many people of the w world recreated

themselves with conspiracy a and bepeople are trayal. There are some debts peo written-off. owing and thinking they are writ No they will be paid. This message messag came as a result of the revelation God sshowed me why many people are not getting advised to the mercy of God. People are adv what they look into their pasts and see wha that may have wrong to others and God th God. After hinder their request from God embark identifying deeds done wrongly, e on correction process so that the mercy when reof God could be shown on you wh that the quest for mercy is made. I pray th our spirit which will enable us to correct corr be deeds done wrongly in the past shall s Let bestowed on us in the name of Jesus.

Jes portion the mercy of God be everybody’s p need for in Jesus name. I emphasize the n Christ to all the followers of God, Jesus Ch of their endeavour to do the corrections o past.

•For further enquiries call: 08023020108,08058110288, 08023991354. www.facebook.com/ www.facebook pastoroloruntimilepastorolorun hin.

‘Preparing for the Covenant of Peace and Blessing’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

ners are not recognised or permitted to benefit in the congregation of the righteous.

Instead of blessing, the wrath of God may pour on them.

Ps 1:5 says, “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous”.

If we need the peace and blessing of God, we must be holy and conformed to His nature. So, for us to be among those He is coming to re-establish His covenant of peace and blessing comes this weekend, we must prepare to be holy. So, if you desire to be delivered on that day, you must endeavour to clean yourself from all pollution both of the heart and body. If your case is disappointment and lack of promotion, and you want to experience favour, you must prepare to be holy in order to be allowed in His presence.

If you are barren, and you wish to be fruitful, you must be holy. He has given us promises to encourage us to prepare, we must therefore prepare to meet Him. The will of God in the Old as well as the New Testament is not locked up in the repository of an unknown tongue, but communicated plainly and openly to the people. He said, ‘Ye shall be holy, for I am holy’. There is no am-

biguity in God’s requirement. The people of God must be separated from the world, for they are required to be holy, for His character, His laws, and services are holy.

1Thes. 4: 7 says, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” When He called us to be His followers, it was not that we should live the lives of uncleanness, but of holiness. We should, therefore, fulfil the purposes for which we are called into His kingdom. The Christian calling demands purity of life both in the physical and spiritual. Holiness is the sure foundation on which covenants are established and eternal life built upon. God is the creator of male and female and He has called us to the state of holiness.

Exodus 19: 10-11 says, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, 11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai” In the days of Moses, whenever God proposed to have anything with Children of Israel, He must direct Moses to sanctify them to conform to His nature of holiness. This is because without holiness no eye shall

see the Lord. Moses accordingly would cause them to cleanse and prepare themselves.

The outward washing of clothes commanded was a sign of the inward cleansing of the heart from sin, which God required of every one. During those Bible days, two things particularly were prescribed as instances of their preparation. First, in cleansing of themselves from all sinful pollutions, they must wash their clothes. It was not that God regards their clothes, but while they were washing their clothes, He would have them think of washing their souls by repentance. As it becomes of us to appear in clean clothes when we wait upon great men; so clean hearts are required when preparing for the renewal of the covenant we had with God. Secondly, in devoting themselves entirely to spiritual exercises like fasting, prayers and abstinence from lawful enjoyments during the period, we are expected to conduct ourselves same way these few days, and not even come at our wives. We must above other things ensure we bring our friends and neighbours for the blessing of God. As the Lord visited His people in the Bible days as He promised and blessed them, if we do what they did, we are sure we shall be blessed.

This we ought to do now that God has remembered us and has promised to visit and establish His covenant of peace and blessing.

For we are very sure His visit will change our lives and make us better, because when He comes into a situation, there is always a solution and lasting peace.

Jer. 29: 11-14 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive”.

The Lord will give you in this His coming, enduring peace and shower you with His blessing. The various packages of blessing He is coming to deliver to us will not depend upon our merits, but upon His own mercy, and kind thoughts and covenant He has for the seed of Abraham His servant.

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From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

I

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

am not writing about methodology of prayer and fasting neither am I exploring the theology of prayer for Nigeria. All religionists pray and fast, appease or receive from God. Prayer is one of the humble ways of presenting human requests before God. In Christianity, it is not a monologue but a dialogue. It is man talking to God and God talking back to man.

There is no better time to pray and fast for Nigeria than now when Nigerians will decide through the power of God the next leader that will rule the country.

Nigeria, the sixth oil producing nation in the world with a population of over one hundred and seventy million (170 million) people and over eighty million of them profess to be Christians is having its democracy tested.

This is the time of election and the very best time to pray that God will work extraordinarily among Nigerians who are divided by ethnic and religious reasons. It is understandably clear that the two presidential candidates are known to Nigerians.

None of them is perfect and to some extent we know their weaknesses and strength as political leaders. Nigerians are divided over who to choose but I believe that God knows best. The presidential election is over by now and the results which are being collated will be released at the appropriate time. All Nigerians must not only accept the result as the will of God, they must also get ready to work with the next government to make Nigeria a better place to live.

Desti Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

W

e serve a God who is in charge of the affairs of the entire universe.

He enthrones whom He wills and has the heart of Kings and rulers in His hands Daniel 5:21 and Proverbs 21:1. With an understanding of our Father’s capacity we have studied and admonished on the place of prayer for Nigeria’s general elections over the last few weeks.

I want to emphatically say at this point that the primary responsibility of the Church in politics and governance is intercession. Not everyone can become a political office holder and not everyone can govern a local, state or federal government but the body of Christ has power to influence ruler ship and authority on their knees. We only fail as the bride of Christ if we sleep and relax instead of hold off the enemy in intercession.

Let me say this to all those who believe that the devil can allow a peaceful rule or who believe that dialogue alone is the answer to political unrest. Make no mistake the assignment of hell is to steal kill and destroy according to John 10:10 and this modus operandi is the same for any nation and for any people.

And when the people decide to fight injustice, when they decide to eliminate the enemy’s

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Period of prayer and fasting for Nigeria

This is the age of science where information and sharing of that information are the most significant elements in our society. Many literate Christians emphasize direct, free and personal access to God. If we would be wise enough, we will move into greatest period that God has provided for Nigerian Christians to prove his livingness and greatness. The reality of the information age is one of the reasons Christianity is falling. Christian leaders in Nigeria make a determined effort to isolate their congregation from outside information.

Any information that is not about them or their ministries is a taboo. Their message provides distorted gospels that disconnect their followers from reality. One of the great hindrances to the gospel today is the selfishness of Christian leaders in Nigeria. There is a determined effort to control the information that reaches their followers and to censor what these people hear, see or read. This effort of a monolithic approach to information control cannot survive in this day and age.

Christians, I mean true followers of Jesus Christ must stand at this most critical time in the history of Nigeria. The task ahead is large and the opportunity is fleeting. True Christians who are communicators of the truth must move with power, speed and force across Nigeria. God is giving Christians another opportunity to unite, work together and move the word of God to every corner of the nation.

The political situation is no doubt helping Christians to prove that Christianity is a religion of love and that God loves everybody in the world and not only Christians. We need to prove that Jesus died on the Cross for every living soul in the world.

The result of this election must be accept-

ed as the will of God, therefore, Christians should accept and love whoever Nigerians decide to choose and believe that God has granted the prayers of his people. Note that it is not the leader who wins that matters but the attitude of Nigerians that counts. Peter the apostle of Jesus said that Christians should be “clothed with humility”. This is a quality of godly character that is absolutely essential to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. I am convinced that Nigerians have prayed and God has not turned his ears away from our prayers.

God has called true Christians to a new and living way. The truth of the revealed, written word, made known to us through his Spirit.

The attitude that enables one to receive the grace of God is one of humility. People with this attitude, like Jesus, are not afraid to sacrifice their own desires for the ultimate good of others and especially Nigeria. Do not let us see any winner or loser in this election but the will of God. Christians ask God to give them leader according to his heart. I am sure that whoever comes top is the choice of God. Note importantly that humility that comes from the love that abides in a true Christian is no more platitude. It is a way of life. It is a way of living and thinking that changes lives. It is not the way of the crowd and it is not an easy way.

I believe this election is taken tremendously seriously and emotionally seriously by Nigerians. History never repeats itself in exactly the same way, but it serves as a guide for those times when similar circumstances arise. Nigeria has witnessed many times political uproar that had never blessed anybody. Since Nigeria belongs to all of us, the best thing to do is to make

sure that all efforts are made to save Nigeria. Note importantly that whoever becomes a new leader is a Nigerian, where he comes from or his religion does not matter.

Many presidents of this nation had ruled for over four years and some for eight years, so, let us allow our new leader to rule for the next four years and if he does not seek the wisdom of God or refuses to listen to us, then we shall have every right to change him and his government. Do not let us allow this great nation to experience any bloodshed again or force our soldiers who are not trained to govern to forcefully take over the leadership of this nation.

I consider it import that the major responsibility of traditional and religious leaders at this time is to root out militancy,thuggery and anything that will turn Nigeria into a battlefield and if I may say it clearly “to maintain peace”.

Every opportunity arises for a reason. I believe that this is the time for followers of Jesus Christ to demonstrate Christian attributes that include patience, understanding, tolerance, perseverance and wisdom.

The strength of a Christian is internal and the use of external weapons is lack of spiritual understanding. Christians pray to overcome challenges and to have increase in prosperity and good health.

Prayer is a weapon that can be used to destroy evil forces as well as attracting greatness. Nigeria looks forward to Christians like the day of Israel to prove the existence of God.

•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

Continuous intercession for Nigeria mode of operation with only the energy of the flesh, when they rely on human understanding without heaven’s backing and Godly wisdom; then war, death and destruction ensues.

Listen to this, under the grand scheme of the gates of hell, corruption is the beginning of a nation’s destruction. He came to steal; corruption steals what belongs to the masses, then kill, when men decide that enough is enough in the energy of the flesh, they begin to revolt against corrupt leadership through organized crime, terrorist’s sects among others and embarking on such a bloody mission advances the ‘kill’ agenda of hell. Finally, prolonged internal strife and much blood shed leads to country wide pandemonium and chaos with civil wars breaking out and a free for all fight.

At this junction killing has been upgraded to destruction. Hence, men have ignorantly carried out the agenda of hell upon a given nation.

Man will only help the devil achieve his goals on the nation of Nigeria by just fighting in the energy of the flesh. The flesh cannot stand against devilish orchestration because according to Matthew 16:18, only the Church of God can stop the kill, steal, and destroy agenda for Nigeria. When we begin to pray, the first thing that happens is that the root cause of destruction which is corruption is dried up because rulers and leaders begin to operate in the fear of God. And once corruption ends, killing is nipped and destruction is stopped in its track.

We therefore fail primarily when we

refuse to intercede and begin to engage in endless debates. Children of God begin to intermeddle in the authority of this nation on your knees. Only then can Nigeria be saved and put into the hands of the Almighty What are we gradually saying today? By the grace of God general elections are on and we have been praying to the glory of God and we are confident that God will step in however, the word I bring your way today is that we must not sleep off or slack off in the place of prayer at this crucial junction.

If we fail on the altar of prayer, it won’t be because we have a weak God but because we fail in the place of consistency and slack off too easily. We will not see crises in Nigeria, we shout amen, but that promise is a prayer we must enforce.

Why am I bringing this point? Last week by the grace of God we spoke about and prayed against the counsel of hired strategists or Ahitophels in Nigerian elections according to 2 Samuel 15 and 16. We said that just as assassins are professionals in terminating lives, Ahitophels are hired to bring fearful counsel that guarantees the success and victory of the wicked. But the weak point in the ministry of Ahitophels is the prayer of David that turns the wisdom of the strategists to foolishness.

I want to take the mystery of demonic strategists further to tell you about another type of strategist in the employment of the wicked, this strategist is an expert in delayed warfare and corruption of good work

just before victory is assured. The bible says in Matthew 13:24-25 that men laboured all the day long and the enemy hid himself and waited until the good work was in the ground and harvest was awaited, at this point men went to sleep with victory in mind, the corruption strategist came and planted tares (corruption, weeds, harvest chokers) and went his way Our prayer this week and beyond is therefore simple; while we are still praying for peace, quietness, calmness and serenity; we will pray further according to Matthew 16:18 that God should frustrate the strategists of hell that will want to upturn the will of God throughout the election period. Enemies who will want to capitalize on the season and cause chaos will be kept down by the Holy Spirit in Jesus name and our harvest will come speedily and our joy shall be full in all rounds of the elections in Jesus name.

Please pray this in all your gatherings and in your homes, remember when the church prays the gate of hell is weakened and God begins to establish His kingdom around His praying children. We will have the full course to glory God at the end of the elections in Jesus name. Amen. Remain blessed •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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Priesthood House with Pastor Bola

H

Bello

ebrews 5:1 Says; “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins”. The divine assignment of the five- fold ministry offices is to offer the things of God unto men, rather than the things of men. It is trust worthiness grace bestowed on them and any attempt to circumvent it is regarded as iniquity. The essence of this important assignment is to prepare men for holy interface with God where true worship and relationships is constantly stream ceaselessly. Men must learn obedience and submission where the things of God are underpinned at the expense of the things of the earth. Jesus of Nazareth took up the nature of man, and became the High Priest for men, is a consolation, and a template for Ministry Course works. His ministration was the ministration of divine Project, divine purpose and divine will. In the admonition of Apostle Paul to Timothy, he warned him to avoid such error in ministry where focus would be on the things of this earth at the expense of the things of God. 1 Timothy 1:4 says; “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which in faith; so do. God has entrusted the Ministry Gift offices with assignment to build the Church, not with the things of men but with the things of God. The pedigree of your ministration would, to large extent determine the kind of men you raise.

The essence of Ministry gift, apart from building work was elaborated in the book of Hebrews 6:7-8. “For the earth which drinks in the rain that come often upon it, and bring forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed received

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Sunday March 29, 2015

Church as God designed it - The saints and the five fold ministries (6) blessing from God”. Land do produce crops when rain fall on the land. However, that crop must be useful to those who dress the land. If however, the product of the land is thorns and thistles, it is worthless and such unproductive crops arein the danger of being crushed. If what the ministry gifts produces for Christ, is worthless and not profitable, both the crops and those who produce the crops are in danger of judgment. A natural farmer would weed off the thorns and thistles for good crops to grow. So much more would the Lord will certainly weeded up unprofitable gifts and their followers, who takes the advantage of gullible zealots and plunder them in the name of prosperity.

These are penurious souls who deserve good mentoring and spiritual build up but being taught with things that is not different from the things of the world. Luke 13:7 says; “Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard. Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none; cut it down; why cumbering the ground. The man whose duty is to train the believers, but making merchandise of them would be judged and yet Omega Generation would still be raised.

The owner of the Church is expecting fruit of righteousness. He is seeking for the harvest of the end-time crops. He has being disappointed by succeeding generations. What he would not take from this present age is to cumber the land without fruits. The Church is so big but notsterile. The Church is so numerous yet with few sons. God is not so much interested in a wealthy Church as he is interested in spiritual riches of the Church. If the riches of the Church could not differentiate Church from the world, then it is another riches God is talking about not this worldly riches. Ephesians 1:3.

The destiny of the Church, especially the Omega Generation is to come to a place of praise and glory of His name. Financial prosperity cannot achieve this for the Church. What the Lord has in mind is spiritual riches in heavenly places. Ephesians 1:5 says; “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself; according to the good pleasure of His will”. The designated terminus of men is to come to the position of Sons of God. The word predestination denotes “has been determined before now”. The son nature of Christ in man is a foregone conclusion. It is however, circumscribe by certain bound and limit. It is a question of choice, free will offering of God and to be willingly accepted by those who are willing. Though the provision is for all men to see it and embrace it. Only few people has embraced it and accepted it. John 1:12 says; “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.

The word “receive” indicates those that embrace his teaching with strict application. It is more than confession of His Lordship. “Receive” is an active word. It is in the doing rather than in the saying.

To receive His spiritual teachings and, bring it to reality. It could be so difficult to receive. John 6:60 says; “Many therefore, of His disciples, when they heard this, said, this a hard saying; who can hear it.

These are the teachings that offend the receptivity of man, deprive the flesh of pleasure through deliberate denial and bring man to death on his own things.

Paul the Apostle, therefore, warned the Ephesians Church, that the reason for the adoption is not for the pleasures of the Ephesians Church but for the good pleasure of God himself. The inclination and

The

Chorister’s World

Music is an expression of emotion –Prayer FOLASHADE OGUNTADE

P

rayer Monday Equabor is a chorister and assistant choirmaster at Triumphant Chapel of Faith (TCF), Akesan parish Igando Lagos.

The chorister, who was born on November 14, 1988 is a native of AniochaNorth Local Government in Delta State.

She grew up in Iseluku, Aniocha-North to be precise. She attended Nkeze Primary School and Ogbemuden Secondary School respectively and later proceeded to Lagos State University

(LASU), where she obtained Bachelor Science (BSc) in Public Administration.

She joined the choir of Triumphant Chapel of Faith as a teenager when she left her native home and relocated to Lagos in 1994.

On the challenges she faces as a chorister, Prayer said that by the grace of God, she has been able to combine work and choir practice and other activities she is engaged in, but she harped on the problem of worldly dressing and appearance on the part of some female choristers.

“I detest such worldliness and immo-

rality being practiced by choristers and church members in general. You will find this in any choir or group that is not prayerful and watchful. The role of the choir is to charge the atmosphere of the church with God’s presence, thereby enhancing the flow of the pastor’s ministration and the choir is the most difficult resource to maintain” she said.

Speaking on what inspires her, she said: “I normally get my inspiration from God and quiet places; when I see myself in a quiet atmosphere, I am always filled with the ability and inspiration to write, compose and sing.”

On what motivates her, she said: “The

the preference are for God to have good pleasure on the activity of the Church, through obedient to faith. This is not faith to have things but faith to become things in God. There are spiritual blessings which the Omega Generation will download to the earth such that the earth will astound at the work of Christ. The heaven is waiting for the Ministry Gifts to begin to unveil the message of heavens rather than the earthly things. What they currently preach to the Church is the same things the gentiles teach in the Universities and in cultic circles. We need more than prosperity to bring people to Christ.

Let me conclude by making this profound statement that only the grace of God can accomplish this for us. Phil 2:13 says; “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This does not indicate watching without responsiveness to the work of grace. There is work in us which when we walk in such work portend capacity to give God good pleasure. This again, is a gift of God through the working of the Holy Spirit. Opening up your heart and get enrolled amongst the Omega Generation. Take up the responsibility of your mind and find a place where the things of God are being dispense to brethren rather than the things of the world. The world perishes and all the things that are in it, the only things that shall be left of man is the nature of God enduring. You can be part of Omega Generation today. The creatures are waiting for the Sons of God to Come. Elyon is singing, Elyon is saying it, sons shall arise. This is the design of the Church. Let us pray it, and make it happen for our generation.

•Pastor Bola Bello – The Priesthood House, bolabelo@gmail.com 08033704564 presence of different types of instrument motivates me because when I hear the combination of sound coming from them, I can’t help but follow suit as I join in producing my own sound with my God-given voice.

Prayer Equabor is happily married to Mr. Sunday Equabor and blessed with three kids.

Prayer

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From the Pulpit

T The voice of wisdom o

with Dr. David

Oyedepo

L

et us recognise that supernatural advancement answers to spiritual engagement. Spiritual engagement is the master key to a world of supernatural advancement.

Malachi 3:17-18 says: And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. This scripture makes it clear that one cannot enjoy supernatural advancement without spiritual engagement.

No one can advance oneself. It is the Lord that advances a person in life. For instance, it is the Lord Who advanced Moses and Aaron.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 says: I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Also Psalm 71:21 says: Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

From these two scriptures it is clear that it is the Almighty God Who increases

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

My husband and I had only been married a few years. We were still considered newlyweds, yet we felt more like enemies. In that short amount of time, we endured hardships that we were not quite prepared for leaving us isolated from one another. In just a short time as husband and wife, we experienced intimacy issues, financial issues, and character issues.

Becoming one in marriage turned out to be a much greater challenge than I ever imagined.

I didn’t realise it going into marriage, but I’d brought with me several expectations of what life would be like as husband and wife.

When those expectations weren’t met, I crumbled. I cried, I yelled, I fought for things to unfold my way and on my timeline. With each expectation that was left unmet, bitterness grew in my heart.

By year three, I was convinced that our marriage was going to end. Although I didn’t want to experience the devastation of divorce, I justified it by believing my happiness was more important than staying committed to my vows. I daydreamed about life without my husband, and I desired to pursue a future free from hardship. As a result,

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Unveiling the mystery of supernatural advancement people’s greatness and advancement. No one can make himself great (1 Chronicles 29:10-12). It is only God Who makes great (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 13:2)!

What It Takes To Qualify For Supernatural Advancement: • Doing what God says: Doing whatever God says is what provokes supernatural advancement. Deuteronomy 28:1 says: …If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments….thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth. Committing to God’s commandments is fundamental to supernatural advancement.

• Spiritual engagement in prayers and fasting: Spiritual engagement in prayer and fasting guarantees access to supernatural advancement. For instance, Nehemiah was a cupbearer. After praying and fasting, his level changed!

He became a governor (Nehemiah 8:9)!

Think of Daniel! He was a man addicted to prayer. When he landed in the lion’s den, he did so as an angelic being!

His advancement was traceable to his praying and fasting life. Note that when you pray for the needs of the Kingdom, your nation and for others, you enjoy supernatural advancement.

• Spiritual engagement of the Word: Spiritual engagement of the Word of God guarantees access to supernatural advancement. Apostle Paul, who

was described as “God in the likeness of men,” was an addicted student and researcher of the Word.

2 Corinthians 12:7 says: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. The supernatural advancement of Paul was a product of revelation.

Prayer and fasting are requirements for growing in revelation (Isaiah 58:10).

We are advanced from persons to nations by revelation.

• Spiritual engagement in followership: Spiritual engagement in followership -- following divine guidance changes people’s levels.

Think of Isaac! When there was an outbreak of famine, he wanted to escape to Egypt. However, God told him not to go to Egypt. Right there in that land of famine, Isaac sowed, became very great and the Philistines envied him (Genesis 26:1214). You need grace for followership. Followership of scriptural instructions can take you above all nations of the earth (Deut. 28:1).

• Spiritual engagement to exercising yourself unto Godliness: This provokes supernatural advancement. Godliness was at the root of Joseph’s rising.

In Genesis 39:9 he said: …How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against

God? The rise of Joseph was provoked by his exercising himself unto Godliness.

He was a man that feared God! • Spiritual engagement in tireless stewardship: This is a commitment to serving God’s interest. Every child of God is called to serve; but only a few know how to go about it. When you serve God, you advance to change levels (Exodus 23:25-26).

Friend, the grace to access the above is for those saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for it, please pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Keys To Answered Prayers and Winning Prayers.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

•I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Difficult marriage: Turn towards God I fell deep into fantasyland, longing to be loved like the characters in romance novels. As I turned each page in a book, I craved the same romance I was reading about—all the while my sleeping husband lay in bed next to me. I thought I’d never feel as lonely as I felt in my marriage. The more time that went by during which my husband didn’t fulfill my desires for romance, the greater the chasm between us grew.

I became obsessed with romance novels like Twilight. I fantasised that I was Bella and that Edward loved me.

It’s amazing how an emotional connection to a piece of fiction could feel so real. It satisfied me in a way I was not being satisfied in my marriage, but it was counterfeit. It was anything but true intimacy. What I convinced myself was harmless actually influenced my expectations of marriage in a negative way, adding to an already extensive list of ways my husband was not someone I desired to be with any longer.

I felt incredibly trapped.

My negative attitude grew at the same rate as the bitterness in my heart, and it came flowing out when I interacted with my husband. I questioned why he didn’t do certain things for me if he really loved me, and I questioned his motives for the things he did do.

I believed lies about my husband to justify my hurt so that I would have more reason to leave.

I wish someone would have warned me about the dangers of exposing my

heart to entertainment that had the potential to pull me further from my husband. I wish someone had encouraged me to protect my heart and my mind from the temptation of divorce.

But since I kept my thoughts and emotions a secret, I put on a smile in front of others and said everything was fine. In reality, however, my husband and I were completely broken.

What you are expected to do.

If you continue on this path that you are on, your marriage will be destroyed, but God has other plans. To get into this plan of God, walk this path.

You have to start praying, so also he.

You can easily say, “have always been doing that, been a Christian” Yes But like you’ve never done it before, asking God to help you. Start praying individually with great zeal, later call for the two of you praying together either in the morning or in the night(even though you don’t real like or want it).

Secondly, be transparent with your struggles. Openly talk about how you feel!

If you want to shout, go ahead, so also if you want to scream of cry, let it all come out leaving nothing inside.

There and the, if you do it right and with the help of the Holy Spirit, you will have a moment of recognition; you will realise that your behaviour and the expectations you had clung to were hurting your husband. Realising that’s you are accountable for your responsibility as a wife and as a Christian.

Thirdly, let go of the expectations you

had of marriage and, instead, embraced God’s will and all that he would allow you and your husband to endure together.

Only then can you experience incredible freedom as the bitterness in your heart recedes. As you turn your heart back to God and gain back a passion for your marriage, You will definitely find true intimacy and true joy.

Lastly, determine and stand up against the devil, don’t allow him to cheat you out of your place and position. Stop clinging to unhealthy or unrealistic expectations for your marriage? Desist from exposing yourself to books, movies, or music that may negatively impact your relationship again, they are actually good tools used by the devil.

Instead read more of the Bible, the word, claiming God’s promises for your life and marriage. Let go of those expectations and embrace God’s will for you and your spouse, relying on God no matter what may come!

In conclusion, develop a very good relationship with God, God is Love.

Immediately you have Him with you, love will never depart from your household. He himself is LOVE; He has the power to make that marriage work.

•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

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday March 29, 2015

45

The operation of power

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ower is one of the most important virtues in the world today. It is either given by God to men or it is searched for through other human but dubious means. However, God’s power remains being the original and authentic power as every other power remains being counterfeit and phoney. In a contextual usage, power is considered as the ability or capacity to do something. This therefore implies that, nothing can be said to have been done without power. Power puts men in control and makes people to be influential. Power is the unseen force behind any influential man you have ever seen. You require power to turn things around for your favour.

Unnecessary labour sets in wherever and whenever power is absent. An individual that lacks power could easily be buggedand assaulted by the kingdom of darkness. A man that is powerless can be robbed of his belongings. So you need power to maintain whatsoever you have. Power is your security in the affairs of life. This power will stabilize you in a position. For a man to move from one stage to the next requires power. Progress of any sort is not in view until power is made available. A powerless man is always in retrogression.

People are aware of the import of power which is the reason why they can go extra miles to procure it. We are witnesses to what extent some people can go to get power. Today, people drink human blood and eat human flesh just to get power. Some individuals sleep in the grave yard while others mortgaged some parts of their bodies just to get power. If the people of the world are ready to pay such a needless price to acquire power that cannot save them but that will bring destruction and sorrow upon them at

the end; how much more we Christians need to pay any price to get the power of God that will make it a blessing to us and the people around us.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name - John 1:12 (KJV) However, we do not have a hard and difficult price to pay to get power anymore since Christ has paid the price on our behalf already. In Christ Jesus, we were born into power but not knowing this will put you at the base of looking for the same power that you have already be given. The only price that is now expected of you is the price of constant and consistent fellowship with the Holy Ghost. Without power every effort will be equal to zero. Many are failing in their business enterprises and moving from one business to another because they are powerless. A powerful trader is a successful trader.

The Benefits of Power (i) Power will put the devil where he belongs. (ii) Power enhances sound functionality. (iii) Power brings progress to life. (iv) Power makes you unbeatable. (v) Power is the solution to diseases. (vi) Power makes you successful.

How to the Generate the Power of God (i) Thirst for Holy Spirit (power): Power of God will only come to those who thirst for it. It is what you desire that you acquire. The coming of Holy Spirit upon a person brings him or her to the level of supernatural power. You need to crave for it. Be hungry for it.

Bishop Opayinka

Power for exploit in the Kingdom of God needs to be desired by men (Acts 1:8). (ii) Prayer and fasting: A Christian generates a lot of spiritual energy when he sets himself aside for prayer and fasting. During prayer and fasting, you discipline your physical body and enhance the sensitivity of your spirit through which God’s power flows. Praying men are powerful men. A prayer-less individual is also powerless (Mark 9:29). Anyone who desires to operate in the power of God should have a burning altar of prayer and fasting. (iii) Operate in Love: The Power of God can easily flow through a man with love. A man who operates in love attracts the presence of God unto himself. What defines our Christian life is the love nature of God in us. An individual that

wants to enjoy the dividend of God’s power must first ready to live a love life.

Every child of God is expected to walk in love. Love work and walking in love are both expected of all Christians regardless of your age in faith. God’s power works effectively where love reigns (John 14:23 (iv) Purity of Motive: When you have a good heart before the Lord, He gives you His power. Behind every quest there is a motive. God is after the motive behind your quest for power and not the acquisition of the power itself. God’s power should be seen as a gift to His children and its operations should be viewed as the act of grace. You do not need this power because you feel you have money to buy it. No one can buy anything from God. You do not need this power because you feel you need to be popular. You do not need this power because you desire prominence in the society. The power should not be desired for selfish and egocentric purpose.

Be ready to pay the price for you to operate in the power of God. But be reminded also that, this price is for you to be consistent in the place of fellowship and it is the desire of God for you to effectively represent Him on earth. You have the ability to get things done without much sweat. This ability is dynamic in operation and if used judiciously, it will bring gain to you, to the church and to the society at large.

Bishop Joshua K. Opayinka Glorious Tabernacle International (Inc.) Behind Ondo State Cultural Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State 08060297831

News

The Lord’ll meet all our needs –Akinbobola

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he General Overseer of Born Again Revival Church of Christ International, Pastor Emmanuel Akinbobola, has called on Nigerians, Christians in particular, to live lives worthy of emulation.

Akinbobola gave this charge at the three-day lifechanging revival of the church, tagged “The living God” held recently at Koye-Oke/Legun Village, Lambe, Ogun State.

According to the G. O, Christians in whatever they do should be conscious of who they are because they are the mirror through which people see the world.

“When we do His will, the Lord is set to meet us at the point of our needs, so we must be conscious and always prepared to live our lives in accordance with His laws” he admonished.

While commending the mammoth crowd that gathered at the revival, Akinbobola took the opportunity to announce the Church’s Quarterly Prayer Meeting and vigil at the Headquarters situated at 65, King’s Avenue, opposite Bemil, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos, from April 3-5, 2015 10pm daily tagged “Hope for the hopeless” and the Easter Camp tagged “The risen Christ” which comes up at the Camp Ground, Mount of Glory at the headquarters, Ojodu, Ikeja from April 2–6, 2015.

L-R: Godsfavour Nnaji, Queeneth Njoku, representing Mary Summer Juniorate, Okpofe, Imo State; Innocent Victor, Odoh Stephen, Prestige Education Centre, Port Harcourt winners of the competition, Idowu Peter and Olayinka Kemi from Kishi Community Grammar School, Oyo State pose with their prizes won at the National Secondary School Bible Quiz Competition organised by The Bible Society of Nigeria in Lagos

46

From the Pulpit

Sunday March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Can the majority be wrong?

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ne of the basic tenets of democracy is that majority carries the vote. Notwithstanding, there are anomalies in some States where the minority impeaches the majority and the person with the lower vote is elected via broad-day electoral robbery! It is a common phenomenon that the majority cannot be wrong.

However, in the things of God and morals, majority can be adjudged as being wrong in certain circumstances! God does not rule the world by human democracy but by theocracy. His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).

God’s truth has turned the theories of the world upside down. God does not take an opinion poll to determine His next line of action.

Pundits and spin-doctors are not hired

by God to shape people’s perceptions. He is the embodiment of truth. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). In the things of God, can the majority be wrong? Can you bet? In Numbers 13, Moses and the itinerant people of Israel received the report of the twelve (12) spies sent from each tribe to spy the land of Canaan ahead of the full party. Ten (10) of the twelve (12), that is 83.33 percent, came back with the evil report that caused the hearts of the people of Israel to melt.

In the personal assessment of these “majority,” the Canaanites were giants while the Israelites were grasshoppers in size and capabilities! What a woeful self-appraisal! On the contrary, two (2) of the twelve (12), that

The Bride’s voice with Pastor Moses

A

Alu

woman who follows our programme testified of how God healed her baby. She said during one of the Shiloh programmes, she had to bless water and gave part of it to her baby who was terribly sick. She said shortly after giving the baby the water, he started crying confused wondering what had happened. In this confused state, the woman remembered what I had said; that once you drink the water, the pains will increase. What this means is that the healing process is going on. And the parents agreed. He said the boy kept crying but after sometime, the boy suddenly stopped crying and that was the end of the sickness. Somebody here, your crying will stop today; your weeping will stop today, in the name of Jesus Christ.

He cares! I am here to tell you that He cares!

But He will care if you also care. That is the interesting thing. If you care for Him, He will care for you. And that is also the difficult part.

This is the way the Psalmist put in Psalm 37 verse 4: Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. That is a pre-condition. One thing with god is that before you can receive anything from Him, there is always a condition. If you fulfill that condition, nothing will stop you from receiving from Him. And if you do not fulfill that condition, you will continue to wait and wait.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Verse 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

6. He shall bring forth your righteousness as

is 16.67 percent, came back with a good minority report, indicating how God helped the Israelites to defeat all their enemies.

The minority was so right, while the majority was fatally wrong! They were so wrong that it cost the death of all adult Israelites; except Joshua and Caleb who brought the minority report. With God, majority does not carry the vote!

Prophet Elijah was standing alone on Mount Carmel against four hundred and fifty (450) prophets of Baal in a demonstration of divine power (I Kings 18: ). According to the Word of God through Elijah to the evil King Ahab of Israel; it did not rain for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1-3).

The whole of Israel gathered on the mountain to witness whose deity would send fire from above to consume the offering placed on their respective altars of sacrifice. The majority waited in vain and lost shamefully. To confirm God’s sovereignty, Elijah was the only one with the Yahweh God of Israel who eventually answered by fire and consumed the water-soaked altar of His servant. One with God is the true majority. Consequently, all the 450 prophets of Baal were slaughtered!

Majority can be wrong! Daniel and his three princely friends refused to eat the palatial delicacies of Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, which was sumptuously prepared or rather concocted to enhance their training in wisdom for the conglomeration of young nobles as recruits in the Babylonian captivity. Majority of the trainees ate everything within sight. The four Hebrew boys: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, a lonely minority, chose the simple diet. At the end of the “training,” the minority came out ten (10) times wiser than their mates because of the God factor!

The majority can be so wrong! Later

on in that dispensation, three of these Hebrew boys, found themselves alone on the plain of Dura, standing up straight when the whole sea of heads were bowing down to the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. Three against a numberless majority. The minority percentage of the whole was infinitesimally negligible. The king ordered them dispensed with. They were thrown into a fiery furnace, intensified seven times! They majority was wrong again as Jesus took side with the minority by personally entering the fire to save those “miscreants” from getting consumed.

One with God is majority! Never be afraid to stand for the right even if you have to stand alone! Stand for a true purpose, yield only to God’s command!

In the battle over the claims of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, some people think that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is not too important; that if we rest on one day in seven that will be acceptable to God. “I am the Lord, I change not!” responds the Almighty God of the Sabbath (Mal 3:6). Some argue that majority of Christians keep Sunday as the day of worship instead of the biblical Saturday Sabbath. This is a purported change that has not a single biblical text in support of Sunday keeping. The majority is so wrong!

God foresaw this situation and forewarned: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy!” (Exod 20:8).

Yes, the majority can be wrong! Only Rahab believed the Israelite spies while all other Jericho citizens plotted their death.

As a result, Rahab and her family were saved during the subsequent destruction of the city (Josh 6:22, 23, 25). She was a rejected minority that found favor with God. Prophet Jeremiah was pitched against the Israelite’s religious oligarchy and political

heavyweights of his day. Jeremiah insisted that Israel must surrender to the conquering Babylonian according to the word of the Lord. The backslidden nation of Israel depended on their religious monuments as their surety against invasion, no matter the state of their morals and obedience to Yahweh. The majority had the upper hand and persecuted the negligible minority. God sided with the minority and punished the majority.

David was a one-man minority squad for God when his senior war-built brothers chickened out, King Saul and his battalion fizzled out, and the whole nation of Israel was disheartened because of the imposing giant-Goliath and the Philistines brigade.

David was one with God as he single-handedly defeated the uncircumcised Philistine as one man with God. Apostle Paul spoke as a minority oracle of God against 275 other occupants of the ill-fated ship in Acts 27. Because of Paul, God saved all these helpless occupants from mutiny, shipwreck, barbaric assault, and attack by venomous reptiles. Yes the majority can be so wrong.

One with God is not minority in heaven’s outlook. Stand for the right. The Godhead’s got your back.

Holy angels shall minister to you. You can never go wrong when you follow: “Thus says the Lord!” “Obedience is better than sacrifice and to obey than fat of rams” (1 Sam 15:22).

•Pastor Tunde Ojewole, Ph.D. is the University Pastor and Associate Vice-President: Spiritual Life to Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria. Pick a copy of his recently released book: “God’s Footprints.” For enquiries, Call/SMS +2348060376577 and +2348058299434 or email ojewolea@babcock. edu.ng

He cares the light, and your justice as the noonday. 7.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret it only causes harm. 9.

For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth.

Praise the Lord. Proverbs Chapter 3 verses 5,6,7,8. Verse 5 and 6 says Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

God wants us to totally depend on Him as His children. I told you the other time something I learnt from a sister of ours who has all the connections and can talk to anybody in Nigeria by a phone call. She was talking to me and I was learning from her. We learn every day. She was supposed to talk to a highly placed person somewhere and this person will even be happy that the sister could call him. What I learnt from her is that before talking to any of these people to ask for favour, she will first go to God in prayers; Lord, as I am going to talk to this man, the heart of the king is in god’s hands, Lord please grant me favour before him. She does this despite knowing that the person will be glad to do the favour for her. But she has learnt never to trust in her understanding; never to lean on her connection. She told me she prayed before calling the man and that was why the man could not turn her down. I learnt so much from that.

This is important because have you not seen a situation where somebody that has the same parents with you; he is in a position to

help but he does not? You will just go to him without praying and before you know it, he will turn you down, meanwhile, he is busy helping others. Sister, no matter how good your husband is, before you ask for anything, you must use one minute to pray for God to give you his heart. In this way, he will become a ‘Mumu’ husband for you. Why is this important? It is because Satan is out to frustrate Christians. What unbelievers do not labour to get, Satan will make sure Christians over labour to get. If you don’t know this then you are truly a ‘mumu’ Christian. Be always reminded that we have an enemy that is out to tell us, ‘you will go to heaven but before you make it, I will make it rough for you on earth!

Some people are wondering why we always come for vigil every Friday.

You should be happy that God has linked you to a ministry like this where we come once a week in the night to pray. We don’t come here to joke but to pray! And nobody comes to the presence of God and remains the same. That is why we say we are untouchable. If it is some social gathering you are going, there will be no problem. But if it is vigil, something that will help you spiritually, you will face serious battles. That day you will remember that you are tired; after working from morning till evening, you should be tired. That is the time your head will ache and you will need to rest. This is when something will happen to you to make it look as if there is no need to go for the vigil.

I heard one time that some people were coming for vigil and they were robbed at Ijesha bus stop. It becomes easy for Satan to minister to them, ‘if you had remained at home, they would not have robbed you! That

is all Satan wants to achieve.

Proverbs chapter 3, verse 6 again states, ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.’ When you do this, verse 8 states ‘It will be health to your flesh and strength bones. That is, it will bring peace to your life. If you care for him, he will care for you. Verse 9 Honour the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; > Then, what will happen?

10, so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.

If you care for Him, He will care for you.

To care for Him is to acknowledge Him. After I became a Christian, the first vision I had in 1989 is one I will never forget. I was just sitting down and I saw something that looked like an advert and was been scrolled.

I saw matt. Chapter 8 and it kept scrolling round and round. Until then, I hadn’t seen a vision and I was wondering what it could be.

I picked my bible and read Matt. Chapter 8 verse 20. Let us read it. As you will see, the stories here relate to Jesus Christ stepping into different matters. The first one is from verse 1-3.

1.

When he had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2.

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

3. Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

•Pastor Moses Alu; The Bride Assembly, Odofin Park Estate, OshodiApapa Expressway, Ijesha Bus stop 08033524903 : Email: pastormosesalu@yahoo.com

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Turning your shame to fame

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here are so many people in the bible and even in the circular world now that have been labelled with evil and negativity e.g. bareness, disease, pain, sorrow, demotion, disappointment, discouragement and infirmities etc.

When the woman with the issue of blood touched the helm of his garment, she was made whole. Her infirmities disappeared (Mark 5:25). I believe the woman would have spent all her resources, all she had in looking for a way out, all to no avail. She must have gone to all manner of churches, visited all manner of prophets that must have charged her, that must have collected all her life savings all to no avail. The moment she had an encounter with the master what she was carrying as a name tag before suddenly turned to a great testimony for her.

When she heard of Jesus, she went from behind and touched His garment for she said “if I may touch but his clothes, I shall be made whole”. And straightaway the fountain of her blood dried up and she felt in her body that she was healed of her plague. And Jesus immediatelyknowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned and said “who touched me”.

This is an indication that there was a particular time that God had set for her to be healed. This serves as a lesson for every believer that whatever you might be going through, there is always a set time of God for your testimony.

So many people go to church but there is no impact of the church in their lives. They have no experience with the God of the church, but they keep going to the church of God. Even after trying many times, keep pressing on and don’t give up, just continue in faith, because just at the point of your giv-

Endtime Revelation with Bishop Bernard

Ojemeni (JP)

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From the Pulpit

Sunday March 29, 2015

n today’s write-up, I would like all Nigerians to know that one of the best things that has happened to us as a people in the elections of 28th March and 11th April 2015 is the signing of the Abuja Peace Accord between the Presidential candidates of the two major political parties – President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) in the presence of Koffi Anan and Emeka Anyaoku.

The President has said several times that his personal ambition of re-election as President in 2015 is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

The General himself at one time or the other disassociated himself from any form of violence. And so it is a good omen for our beloved country Nigeria. Their supporters should take a queue from their leaders. Understanding the spiritual and physical implications of peace accord will help the parties involved to take the agreement seriously with sincerity of heart and not being hypocritical.

They have no option than to abide by the terms of the accord. What we expect from them is to publicly announce to their supporters that they should shun violence and ensure that no life is lost because of elections.

Both their speech and body language should send a clear message to their supporters and the nation at large. In Joshua chapter 9, you will read the account of the peace accord signed by Joshua the leader of the nation

Prophet Lai Bamidele, General Overseer of Christ Glorious End Time Evangelical Church, AbuleEgba, Lagos, in this exhortation, harps on the power of friendship. Excerpts:

Pastor Bamidele

ing up, God will step in right in time. This woman’s condition made her to be isolated in her community. The Jewish customs mandated that she should be isolated i.e. separated from people so as she would not make them unclean. Go to the book of Leviticus 15:25-27. The pains of shame go beyond human reasoning because it humiliates a person to the lowest degree of life. This woman was regarded as an unclean person; nobody wants to relate with her, nobody wants to have anything to do with her. She was a lone ranger.

The pains of shame is dreadful, maybe this must have painted the picture of your own life. I have a good news for you that your

ful of where you go and put your head. Many believers in the process of their impatience they will not be able to wait for God. They will be listening to what people say about them to be in rush for miracle they will not wait for God’s appointed time for their miracles.

That is why I often say “friendliness with the world is enmity with God”. When you listen to the utterances of what people say you may be discouraged from getting what you needed and wanted from God. If that woman had listened to the voice of men, she would have died with her problem in shame.

God is never too late or too early but always in time. Mark 10:27 says with men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible. God specializes in impossibilities; there is nothing He cannot do.

He is an all-sufficient God. The only thing you require is you should trust in the Lord with all your heart and mind and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path Proverbs 3:5.

You must beware of fake signs and wonders. Beware of false prophets that will charge you before they pray for you. Beware of Pastors that will ask you to stay at home while they claim to be fasting for you based on charges.People who don’t want to pay the price of Godliness, look around for quick ways to success. These people are the ones we call the microwave Christians. People who don’t want to pray but they are looking for people who will pray for them.

pains is not going to last forever. Very soon, those things you see as pains will soon turn out to be gain. The mental torture this woman endured was so much that she made up her mind to touch the helm of Jesus garment.

She did not have the confidence to touch Jesus himself, but her faith was strong that she felt once she can touch the helm of his garment, because of this she kept on pressing through the crowd for Him to touch her, eventually she did with her strong faith. The moment that was done, her shame suddenly turned to fame.

One of the lessons I learnt about this woman is that the woman was not ashamed of her problems. The woman never got tired of her problems. She kept on trying until she got what she wanted.

In every challenges of a believer’s life you must learn not to give up. In every testimony people will not see the time of your pressing, people will only want to her of how you got your breakthrough. The book of Proverb 10:18 say the name of Jesus is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and is safe. Every believer that runs to Jesus has a secured life. You don’t need to run to an herbalist or a false prophet who will use all manner of words and actions to cajole you and collect all that you have suffered and labored for all your life and eventually throw you out empty.

Jesus is the only way. So many people (believers inclusive) once they hear that something is happening somewhere, they just run there without making proper findings of who the person and where is he/she coming from, whether from the kingdom of darkness or from the kingdom of God. You must be mind-

•For counselling, contact: Pst_lai@yahoo. com.

Bound by the peace accord (Spiritual & physical implications) Bishop Bernard Chukwuma Mbamalu Ojemeni, General Superintendent of Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc, in this piece, gives an insight into the New World Order. Excerpts: of Israel and the ambassadors from Gibeon.

When the Gibeonites heard about the exploits of the children of Israel on their way from Egypt to Canaan the Promised Land.

How the Israelites defeated Jericho and Ai, they quickly resolved to make peace with Israel and make a league with them before they would come and overrun them.

They came from a far distance and lied to Joshua that they are just a close neighbour.

They brought dry bread, old sacks upon their asses, old wine bottles, old shoes and garments to prove that they were from a long journey. They pledged to be their servants so long as their lives are spared and Joshua believed them and they signed the peace accord.

That no life of any Gibeonite should be lost as Israel moved to capture other nations. Immediately they signed the league they were home to sleep with their two eyes closed.

This is because they understand the spiritual as well as physical implications of peace accord. As Israel moved a little further from Ai, they now discovered that the Gibeonites were just the next door neighbours and that they have been tricked. All the same there is nothing they can do about it because they have entered into league to spare their lives.

The Gibeionites were then made to be servants of the Israelites which was their initial request. After a long time, when Saul became the King of Israel, and towards the end of his reign, he made mistake of killing some Gibeonites and God’s anger came upon the land during the time of David’s reign. 2 Sam-

uel chapter 21.

There was famine in the land for three consecutive years and David enquired of the Lord. And God told him that it was because of the Gibeonites that King Saul killed.

And King David met the Gibeonites and asked them what would be done to appease them so that God’s anger against Israel would be averted. The Gibeonites requested that seven sons from King Saul’s family should be handed over to them to kill in revenge. King David had to look for seven men from King Saul’s family to give to the Gibeonites but He made sure that he spared Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul because of the Lord’s oath he had with Jonathan. 2 Samuel 21:7 “ But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul”. David and Jonathan had a peace accord that they would continue to defend each other’s course. That is why after the death of Jonathan, in the course of time, David sent for Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan to come and live in the palace. And he restored to him all the possessions of his father.

Jonathan and grandfather Saul. II Samuel chapter 9. Peace is the ultimate and peace is what we need in our nation Nigeria today and I will employ every Nigerian to embark on a fasting and prayer during this election period to invite the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into both Presidential and Gubernatorial elections and probably

the announcement of the elections results on Sundays, that everybody will accept the outcome of the results with peaceful mind.

I would like to see Nigerians look at elections as games like the game of football for instance, that do not require killing one another. Even if your choice candidate does not win, you see it as the act of God. You have no right to start causing trouble, killing and destroying lives and properties. Mind you, you did not create any life and so you have no justifiable reason to take any life. Exodus 20:13 says “Thou shall not kill.” In Matthew 26:52, Jesus said to Peter, “Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” If you are the type that takes delight in hiring political thugs to kill your fellow human beings because of these earthly things. Mark 8:36-37 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” I John 2:15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

•For further information, contact us at: Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc.16/18, Johnson Street, off Kajola Street, Yakoyo, Lagos. Tel: 08023261219, 09095268897, 08036116881; Email: bishop.bernard@yahoo.com

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From the Pulpit

Family Liberation And Transformation with Pastor Godswill Uche

Nmekini

G

od’s will is to Liberate your Family to the very image of His glory “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed (Transformed) into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18) Family Liberation would continuously be a mirage if you ignore the foundation.

It is fundamental to note that, your continuous spiritual connection to the spirit of your ancestors will always keep you in bondage. It will undermine God’s Transformation agenda for your Family.

Here in Africa and many other parts of the world, ancestral forces do a lot of damage to individuals and families. Your spiritual loyalty to your ancestor, directly or indirectly is defined by God as Idolatry. And God hates those who worship other gods. Here comes Wisdom. First, lay a new foundation for your Family by spiritually disconnecting from your ungodly bloodline and be reconnected to a

Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona

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o you know why God wrestled with Jacob? He did because he wanted to change him. Not as if God came down and began to wrestled with Jacob physically. No not at all, but he wrestled with him in his mind, thought and in his conscience. That God wrestled with Jacob means: a) God convicted Jacob that what he did to have stolen the birth right of his brother Esau, with trick was wrong and unholy b) God confronted him to break out from the childish trait and immaturity in him c) God argued with his conscience that he had no justification whatsoever to have done such wickedness d) God contended with him that he had no reason to boast for his victory over Esau, if he had not forgiven him e) God challenged his action by telling him that what he did was extreme wickedness, childishness, selfishness and outright exhibition of ungodliness Genesis 37: 24-28 “And Jacob was left alone and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him what is thy name? and he said, Jacob and he said thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men and hast prevailed.”

God challenges us in unique and special ways to help us come to senses and know who we are. Nonetheless, in the care of Jacob, his unrepentant heart and unyielding mind to the corrections of God made God to wrestle with

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The foundation for family liberation and transformation Godly bloodline. How to do it, is what I am teaching you today.

God found Abraham in the Ur of the Chaldees (Gen. 11 : 26 -31) and disconnected him from his ungodly bloodline and ancestral foundation. Hear what God said to him: “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, get thee out of thy Country and from thy kindred and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee” (Gen12:1). God however reconnected him (Abraham) to Himself “… and there he (Abraham) builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD” (Gen 12:8b). For the purpose of God to be fulfilled in your life and Family, you too should disconnect to reconnect!

RECONNECT TO ABRAHAM: If your Family is saved, your real ancestor is not your late great grandparents but Abraham. Isaiah 51:2 says “Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you : for I called him alone, and Blessed him, and increased him”. God’s promise to Liberate, Bless and Transform our Families is tied to His Covenant with Abraham. “Ye are the Children of the Prophets, and of the Covenant which God made with our Fathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall all the kindreds (Families) of the earth

be blessed”. Therefore, so long as your Family is on this earth, it is meant to be blessed.

RECONNECT TO JESUS: If your Family is not yet saved, accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, releases His shed blood on Calvary to Liberate, Redeem and Deliver you from every satanic and human bloodline. Rev. 5:9 – 10 Says “… For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people , and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Juxtaposing the Scriptures in Gen 12:1, and Rev. 5:9 -10 respectively, it establishes the fact that for any Family to be Liberated and Transformed, it must be disconnected from the human foundation, the ancestry and be reconnected to Jesus Christ as well as to the Abrahamic Covenant of Blessing.

However, Gal 3:13 – 14 tells us that “Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: For it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree; that the Blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ: that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through Faith”. The Chain therefore goes like

this: From your Family to Jesus Christ, to the Abrahamic Covenant of Blessing, to God the Benevolent King. This is the foundation for Family Liberation and Transformation.

Please pray this prayer: “Father God, I thank you for the light in your word. Today, I disconnect my Family from our human ancestors and reconnect her, to our Spiritual ancestor Abraham your Covenant friend. Let the blood of Jesus that redeemed us from the kingdom of darkness, bring about our Liberation and Transformation in Jesus Name”. Amen”.

I prophesy, let your Family be liberated and transformed today. I hear in my spirit that your Family member in prison is released unconditionally in Jesus Name.

As the world celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ this season, let the fullness of His Redemption package be delivered to your Family. Thank you Holy Spirit. Amen •For Prayers, Counselling, Testimonies & Family Worship, Contact us at: Faithbased Church 15/17 Apode Street, Yakoyo Bus Stop Ojodu-Berger, Ikeja - Lagos, Nigeria.

E-mail: godswillnmekini@yahoo.com Tel: 08033880827; 09090338844

Breaking out from the child in you (3)

him until the breaking of the day. May be he was busy giving God series of reasons why he did what he did, justifying himself and claiming right. The Bible says in Prov. 3:7 “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Dear child of God, I may not exactly know what God has been wrestling with you in your conscience, either to stop or to correct or perhaps to simply accept you are wrong for peace to reign; but you have been proving stubborn to the spirit of truth. You are not doing well. Your character in totality is simply exhibition of childish traits and immaturity in faith. Is the spirit of God telling you to reconcile with your spouse? Or is he telling you to stop a habit, crippling down your spiritual growth or what is it that has been wrestling with you for quite a considerable period of time. Stop resisting the move of the Holy Spirit in your life. You are tempting and exhausting his patience. Do you want him to turn you over to yourself? That is giving you a reprobate-mind. Those the Lord has turned over to reprobates are those he has turned over to themselves. Doing what is not supposed to be done, even though they know the truth.

They hold the truth of the word of God in unrighteousness. Beloved, this is the worst thing that can happen to a living soul, for God to turn him over to himself. Jacob was so lucky, when the Lord, saw that he was not submitting to the counseling of God, he touch the hollow of his thigh, the bones shifted.

When the day broke, the Angel wanted to go, Jacob said to him, you will not go unless you bless me. The Angel asked him his name. He responded, my name is Jacob. That was the moment of submission. He became broken in the spirit, nakeding himself before the Lord.

When the Lord saw it, he blessed him. Saying thou shall no more be called Jacob but Israel meaning Prince. Thus, Jacob submitted to the will and counselling of God, Jacob bowed to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and finally was blessed.

The Lord did not give up on Jacob until

he was broken, submitted, converted and repented. Oh Lord, do not give up on me until you have your way in my life, until you have me do what you want me to do in Jesus name.

What values did his parents add in him when he was a child In Prov. 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Our developments and knowledge as men are shaped by things we encountered when we were children. Our personalities when we grew are defined by the quality of values our parents added in us when we were children. Within every man resides the little child who preceded him. Every adulthood is rooted in childhood. Do you realize that the majority of the thoughts and characters in you today migrated from your experience as a child.

That is why it is very important that every parent should be careful the nature of values they add to their children. In Genesis 37: 3 “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a coat of many colours” Now, Jacob loved Joseph.

This love was so glaring, unique and outstanding that it was noticed by his other brothers. As a result of that they hated him. One significant value Jacob added to his son Joseph was love. This love means that: a) Jacob showed fatherly kindness to Joseph b) He was to Joseph and understanding and caring father c) He avoided those characters and or habits that would embarrass the gentle mind of Joseph as a growing child d) He taught Joseph the word of God e) Jacob taught Joseph how a child of God could bear all things believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things in God. That was the secret of the survival of Joseph, when he was sold to the hands of a company of Ishmaelite

merchants, who later sold him to Potiphar an Egyptian. The value Jacob added in Joseph became a reserved strength in him and produced giant faith out of him that helped him overcome his numerous challenges in Egypt. The success and victory Joseph had in Egypt was credited to the quality of value he received from his childhood. Child of God, what could be the secret of your problems and constant failure? Could it be traceable to the quality value of your parents added in you, when you were growing as a child. May be it was negative values. Values that has become a little fox eating down your vine.

The word of God advised us to take by violence such little foxes, because they are destroying the tenderness of the grapes in our vine. Such values, as fighting with your spouse every day. Drinking and getting drunk, cigarettes smoking, extramarital affairs, coming home late every day and such others like these. These values are negative useless and destructive. Parents who live such lives before their children are unteaching those children, and shall be held accountable by God. God bless you. We continue next week.

Testimony The God of miracle has done it for me: I had a serious headache, three days I could not talk or go anywhere. I was always carrying my head with my two hands. I went to hospital, they gave me drugs and medication, and the banging did not stop. When it was getting out of hand, my sister called their pastor who prayed with me and told me to wash my head with pure water, three times one hour intervals which I did, brethren could you believe it, from that day I received my healing. Praise God. Biths Praise ADDRESS: Pastor Kingson I. Bona General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries No. 6, David Egbetuyi street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun-Ikotun, Lagos 08023404926, 08038206508

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Civil Service

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CBN takes over MDA’s domiciliation of operational accounts

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any Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAS, have complained of their inability to access funds from their operational accounts domiciled in banks as the Central Bank of Nigeria began implementation of new government policy on public funds.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, learnt in Abuja that some of the MDAs could not carry out their businesses because no money was left in the accounts.

An employee of a first generation bank, who

spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said the Central Bank of Nigeria cleared the accounts by removing monies in them.

But Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu, the CBN Director of Communication, said that the MDAs were making false allegations.

He said that apart from the reserve, the apex bank would not mop up MDAs accounts for any reason.

“I know that what we are trying to follow now is the new government policy on Treasury Single Account, TSA, which gears towards ensuring the safety of all

government revenue.

“All monies that belong to government under this policy will be easily accessed by government,’’ he said.

However, another reliable source from the apex bank said that MDAs would from April 1 access their operational accounts through CBN. “From April 1, all operational accounts of MDAs will be accessed through the CBN; right now most of the MDAs may not be able to access their funds because we have started the process.

“This is part of the e-banking scheme introduced to help management of government revenues, so henceforth, no Deposit Money Bank, DMB, will house operational accounts of the MDAs,’’ he said.

According to him, most MDAs are aware of the situation and the process.

Maintain integrity, Perm Sec tasks journalists Permanent Secretary, Rivers Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr Sam Woka, has urged journalists to maintain their integrity as professionals during the elec-

tions.

Woka made the call in Port Harcourt when members of the state executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, visited to congratulate him on his appointment.

He said that any hard

working journalist could rise to the highest position in the country, if he maintained integrity.

“A journalist who works hard is not working for the director or his office rather he is building himself to a greater heights.”

Federal Fire Service deploys 420 fire-fighters in four states

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he Federal Fire Service says it will deploy 420 fire-fighters for the general elections in four states of the federation as part of its efforts to ensure safety during the polls.

The Public Relations Officer of the agency, Mr Collins Elechi, made this known at the weekend in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja.

According to Elechi, the personnel will be deployed to strategic places in four

states where it has offices.

These states are Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

“FFS has always been involved in ensuring safety in every election and this coming election will not be an exception.

“The service is deploying 420 fire-fighters to strategic places to ensure safety of lives and property during the election process in Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna states and the FCT.

Sanitation: LASG appeals judgment annulling movement restriction

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Stakeholders at the one-day voters’ educative programme organised by the Lagos State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for the people of Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Wamakko disburses N130m grant to artisans

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ov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has disbursed N130 million as grant to 1,329 dyers, tanners, leather processors and workers.

The governor said in Sokoto that the gesture was aimed at making the beneficiaries self-reliant and productive.

“It is also aimed at providing more employment opportunities, curb poverty and youths’ restiveness,” he added.

Wamakko appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money for the purpose it was meant for.

“You should use it to boost your various voca-

tional trades and not to marry more wives or use it for other unintended purposes,” he counselled.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the grants were disbursed to assist the beneficiaries enhance their businesses.

Wamakko was represented by Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, the state Commissioner for Health and the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor also promised to routinely monitor and evaluate the impact of the gesture on the beneficiaries.

He also announced that

the state government had earmarked N3 million for the establishment of a modern tannery for the use of the beneficiaries.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Mu’azu Ma’aji, the Chairman of Annuri Tannery

Association, commended the state government for the gesture.

“We will use the money wisely and properly and we will never do anything to defeat the objectives of the gesture,” Ma’aji said.

he Lagos State Government said it had appealed against a judgment which annulled the restriction of movement on environmental sanitation days in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Lagos AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.

NAN also reports that Justice Mohammed Idris

Gombe sets up election petitions tribunal

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he Gombe State Government has set up an election petitions tribunal to handle petitions from aggrieved parties arising from the Governorship, National and State Assembly elections, a ststement said.

The statement, issued by the Secretary of the Tribu-

nal, Malam Bello Abdullahi, made available to newsmen on Friday in Gombe, urged all aggrieved parties in the March 28 and April 11 elections to file their petitions before the tribunal.

“This is to inform the general public and those who may wish to file their

election petitions that the Governorship/Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has been established for Gombe State.

“The registry of the tribunal will be at the High Court complex, Tudun Wada, Gombe,” the statement said.

of a Federal High Court in Lagos had delivered the judgment in a suit filed against the government by a human rights lawyer, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa.

The judge held that such restriction of movement in the name of sanitation only amounted to a violation of the citizens’ right to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed by Sections 35 and 41 of the Constitution.

He consequently voided the power of the government and its agent to arrest any citizen found moving between 7.00am and 10.00am on the last Saturday of every month when the environmental sanitation was observed.

However, Ipaye said the government had filed a Notice of Appeal on March 17 challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

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Business

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FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday March 29, 2015

‘Electricity theft slowing power reforms’ The privatisation of the electricity sector initiated by the government has within a few months witnessed several challenges as power supply appears to be getting worse rather than improving. Chief Technical Officer, CWG Plc, James Agada in this interview with Isaiah Erhiawarien, attributes part of the problems to persistent electricity theft and metering issues.

How would you assess the Federal Government electricity reform efforts?

For real we must give kudos to the Federal Government for what they done so far in the electricity sector.

It has taken vital steps in resuscitating the electricity sector - from privatisation, intervention funds, meter procurement, and investment in new power plants to mention a few. It is understandable that these fundamental changes will take time to fully turn the sector around and assure Nigerians of constant power supply.

It does appear that the progress is slow or is it that government is recording losses in their investment in the sector?

Most likely because as the Minister of Power recently pointed out that there are technical and commercial losses running at 75 per cent in some areas but the entire system will struggle to make the necessary investment to ensure a sustainable and reliable power system.

A large percentage (perhaps, 50-60 per cent) of these losses can be attributed to energy theft - people consuming power without paying for it. This can happen either inadvertently or deliberately.

Are the power companies not at fault?

Inadvertently, the power companies are not metering and collecting the payment. This is usually a smaller percentage because the power companies simply use estimated billing to cover for the unmetered consumers.

The deliberate stealing of electricity is widespread and happens through various schemes including - direct connection to the overhead low tension distribu-

analyse the information and hopefully be able to infer thefts using different algorithms.

And these are challenges for the operators?

Yes, considering the amount of data each meter produces, few organisations can afford the computing power needed to execute these algorithms in near real time.

For instance in the case of Austin Energy in the US with 500,000 meters, the utility’s yearly data storage needs grew from 20,000MB to 200,000MB in a relatively short period (each meter producing in excess of 140MB a year).

It is of very little use detecting theft once a month. If done in real time, perpetrators can be caught and prosecuted. If done in real time, the theft can also be stopped.

Analysing the large quantity of data to detect theft in real time using data from smart meters in one central server soon exceeds the cost of the theft.

Erhiawarien

tion cables, by-passing the meter so that only a small load is connected to it while the rest are connected directly to the supply behind the meter or tampering with the meter to make its reading inaccurate.

Do you think there is insider’s assistance on the theft issue?

Most likely, the deliberate stealing of electricity is more often than not aided and abetted by experienced (current or past) technicians who understand how the systems work.

How do they operate?

In these instances, the use of smart meters which are able to send their status readings to a central server are easily outfoxed. The smart meter will only have records of the electricity passing through the network it is connected to. If it is by-passed, or the connection is directly to the distribution line, the smart meter is unable to detect and report the anomaly. When the meter is itself tampered with by experienced technicians, they may also be able to fool the meter into not reporting the breach. Smart meters depend on being able to communicate their status to a central server which can then

Has your company been involved in any of such efforts to curb such theft?

We have indeed been working with technical partners around the globe, and CWG Plc has developed a solution that makes it possible to detect theft and alert the power companies with the precise location where the theft is happening in near real time, not more than 3 minutes after it occurs without requiring large computers and complex expensive algorithms.

This system uses distributed microcomputers mounted on pole top units, continuously applying Kirchokoff ’s laws of electricity flow to determine when the energy flows do not balance and using that to detect energy losses most likely due to theft.

Once a theft is detected, the central server is alerted and the alert is passed on to line men or other dedicated technicians who can be mobilised to investigate.

The unit can also cut off power if needed. This system is far cheaper and more robust than the ‘smart meter and super computer combo’ being promoted by most other vendors.

We can very quickly reduce the losses due to theft by more than 80 per cent within a few months.

In addition our system is able to carry out metering or integrate with the meters now being deployed by the DISCOS. If those meters are deployed by themselves without a system such as ours, the impact on reducing theft will be minimal.

Cadbury’s profit before tax drops by 80% Guinness boss committed to partnership with NSE

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adbury Nigeria Plc has recorded dismal results in all performance indicators for the financial year ended December 31, 2014.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company’s profit-before-tax dipped by 80 per cent to N1.47 billion from N7.42 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2013.

The report is contained in the company’s audited result released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday in Lagos.

Its profit after tax dropped by N4.51 billion or 74.89 per cent to N1.51 billion from N6.02 billion posted in the comparative period of 2013.

Also, revenue stood at N30.52 bil-

lion against N35.70 billion recorded in the preceding period of 2013, a decrease of 15 per cent.

The company’s total current liabilities stood at N14.04 billion compared with N14.39 billion declared in 2013.

Total current assets stood at N12.34 billion from N26.231 billion achieved in the preceding year of 2013.

The company’s net assets decreased by 52 per cent to N11.54 billion from N23.994 billion achieved in the comparable period of 2013.

The company has proposed a dividend payout of 65k to all shareholders whose name appears on the register between May 11 and May 15.

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anaging Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. John O’Keeffe, has promised to continue to work in partnership with the Nigeria Stock Exchange to deliver value for stakeholders.

In his first official outing since resuming office, O’Keeffe noted that Guinness has a long and rich history in Nigeria and with the NSE having first listed here in 1965 adding that “my executive team are committed to doing all that we can to continue this partnership to our mutual benefit.”

He used the opportunity to share his strategic plans towards enhancing operational

efficiencies and maximising shareholder value for the company and pointed out depth of investment that Guinness Nigeria and its parent company, Diageo Plc have made in the Nigerian economy, including a N52bn investment drive launched in 2011 and the recently completed plants in Lagos and Benin.

He noted that this level of investment was testament to the belief of the organisation in the potential of the Nigerian economy. “As well as extensive investments in the economy, we are investing behind our core brands like Guinness, Harp and Malta Guinness and are al-

ways looking for fresh new innovations to bring to market to meet the needs of our esteemed consumers”, he stressed.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said the exchange was committed to supporting corporate organisations.

“Corporate organisations form one of the most critical stakeholders of the exchange, without which, we are just an ordinary market. We maintain a strong relationship with our corporate partners and also provide value for the companies that choose to list in the exchange.”

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Sunday March 29, 2015

Presidential/National Assembly elections in pix

Lagos State PDP Governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje collecting voting materials from the INEC officials at Ward C Unit 9, Apapa Lagos, yesterday.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola casting his vote at Ward G3 Unit 002, Itolo Grammar School in Lagos, yesterday.

Senate President, Senator David Mark casting his vote at Otukpo Ward 1 Polling Centre during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Otukpo, Benue State, yesterday.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (middle)during the election in Abeokuta.

All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Presidential Candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (right) and wife, Dolapo, at Ward 33 Unit 4, VGC, during the election in Lagos, yesterday.

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola casting his vote at Unit 4, Ward 8, Ifofin, Ilesa, Ilesa East Local Government Area, State of Osun, during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, yesterday.

Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo and his wife Hajia Amina, while casting their votes during 2015 election in Kaduna yesterday.

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu casting his vote at Unit 47 Ec 30c, Ikeja, during the election in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTOS: ADEMOLA AKINLABI, YINKA ADEPARUSI, ROTIMI OSASONA AND SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

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Politics

Sunday March 29, 2015

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Ajimobi has failed people of Oyo State –Akala Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala served as the governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011. In this interview with journalists in Ibadan, the Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate speaks about the April 11 governorship poll, the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other issues.

KEMI OLAITAN was there. Excerpts: The present government in the state has accused you and Senator Rasheed Ladoja of mismanaging the resources of the state while in office. What is your reaction to this?

The governor is talking rubbish. He doesn’t know what he is doing. Myself and my boss (Senator Ladoja) were not owning salaries when we were there.

In fact, my own administration left a lot of money when leaving office. I learnt a few days ago that the money I requested from the Federal Government, which I used in constructing federal roads in the state while in office, over N18 billion have been released to him. What has he done with the money? He is not a good manager; it is as simple as that. He doesn’t know what he is saying about the economy of the state and has not managed it very well and that is why he cannot pay workers’ salaries.

On the accusation that the administration of Ladoja/Alao-Akala destroyed the economy of the state, I want to remind him that the same administration did not owe workers’ salary or contractors. What actually happened was that their administration operated on loans. Their lenders got in touch with the Federal Government, reached an agreement that the money be deducted from source. This is the reason they’re crying f meagre resources from the Federal Government. If you care to know, this is happening in all All Progressives Congress-controlled states.

They’ve swallowed more than they can chew so their mouth is full.

While workers in the state are owed salaries, retired primary school teachers recently protested non-payment of their pension arrears and gratuities. What do you think is responsible for this?

When you are a bad manager of resources, that is what will happen to you.

The man (Ajimobi) is a bad manager of our resources. It is as simple as that. I learnt that he’s taken quadruple (four times) in terms of federal allocation of what I earned when I was there, but he is not managing it well. That is why we are in this kind of situation. If you remember very well during my time, I had more than enough for the working class and pensioners as well. You just don’t give what you don’t have. The man there now hasn’t got the managerial skills to effectively govern Oyo State; if he has been doing that well some of us wouldn’t have come out to contest again.

We cannot afford to stay aloof and allow him to ruin the state. For now, there is nothing we can do for the teachers and pensioners, they have to endure and manage the situation until we get there.

By God’s grace, when we come on board again, together we will look at what we have and plan on it with all sincerity.

We won’t be extravagant but consider

Alao-Akala

IT IS SATANIC TO OWE SALARIES, WHEN YOU OWE TEACHERS’ SALARY, WHAT TYPE OF KNOWLEDGE DO YOU THINK A HUNGRY MAN WILL IMPART? THEY WON’T GO TO THEIR VARIOUS SCHOOLS HAPPY.

our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with the Federal Allocation and other sources of revenue and cut our coat according to the size of our cloth.

It was all over the social media recently that you collapsed on the staircase in one of the hotels in Ibadan. Is it true?

Social media again? I hope these social media people will not ignite civil war in Nigeria one day. Nothing happened to me and you can see me. I am okay and still very agile and you can confirm this with my schedule today. I’ve been all out with my team since morning on campaign tour, mounting podiums, walking, dancing and reaching out to people in Ibadan.

Maybe, that is their wish; there is nothing they can do about that. They are not my God and if that is their wish, good luck to them. But nothing happened to

me.

Do you see this as the handiwork of your political opponents?

Definitely, they are jittery and I think it is their wish to get themselves out of the way, not me. I don’t need to tell you that they regard me as their only obstacle and they are praying for evil to befall them and actually, not for me. The day of reckoning is fast approaching and reality is dawning on them. I’m not moved an inch at all.

What is your take on the health care delivery in the state, especially the Adeoyo Hospital?

Seeing the deplorable position of the hospital always makes me sad. I made the hospital to be a world-class during my administration. The hospital was

abandoned since 1928 that it was built but during my time, I started fixing everything that had worn out there. I put a lot of equipment including two big power generating sets and two boreholes to ensure that water was running. I employed a retired consultant who will be permanent at the hospital to make sure the place was effectively managed and function as a world-standard medical outfit. But it’s unfortunate to hear that four years after we left, they couldn’t maintain the standard. Everything has gone bad now and I learnt that they are now using lantern in a hospital I installed two big generating sets? That is the situation we find ourselves and when you are not paying attention to what is happening around you, those are what you get. Health care delivery is what our people need most and that is why I was serious about it then. Let me also state here that before I left office, I awarded contract for refurbishing and re-construction and shaping up of the new Adeoyo Hospital at Ring Road, Ibadan. He didn’t touch anything and the hospital is at the same stage we left it four years ago.

He has missed so many things; he didn’t get his priority right, unfortunately the time is up against him and we will fix them when we come on board.

What is your message to the people of the state viz-a-viz the coming gubernatorial elections?

They must make sure that come April 11 they change the government of this state. This man doesn’t have the interest of the people at heart and it is obvious.

It is satanic for you to owe workers their salary, how would they eat and take care of their children? You can just imagine a family whose head is a civil servant and the wife is also a civil servant, what do you expect to happen to them? How would they survive in that house? It is satanic to owe salaries, when you owe teachers’ salary, what type of knowledge do you think a hungry man will impart?

They won’t go to their various schools happy, it is when you are happy with your employer that you can put in your best but when you are not paid, there won’t be any motivation to teach well..

I hope people will not make the mistake of voting back these people. Let me tell you, everywhere we visited during the campaign, everyone complained because it is visible that people are hungry but they don’t know what to do. It wasn’t like that when we were in government. I was a deputy governor and later governor, it wasn’t like that. People were enjoying but now, everyone is suffering. How can he owe salaries for two months? In fact, before you embark on any project you’ll first of all think about the welfare of the workers or civil servants because they are the engine room of the government.

Their wages and remuneration are the first thing I think of. If you don’t take care of people working for you, how do you want them to survive? You have to manage the resources very well; it is after you have paid their wages and other emoluments that contracts can come; contracts don’t come first.

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Politics

Sunday March 29, 2015

53

it’s three horse race in Nasarawa

Maku

Be it as it may, the race to occupy the Lafia Government House in Nasarawa state is between three political parties; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, All Progressives Congress, APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Hon Labaran Maku: He resigned his information ministerial portfolio with the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the governorship seat of Nasarawa state on the platform of PDP but lost it to Dr. Yusuf Mohammed Agabi. However, still adamant to become the next governor of the state, Maku was later presented lately as the governorship flagbearer of APGA in the state.

Political analysts see the possibility of his clinching the governorship of the state due to unprecedented sympathy he receives among the Nasarawa youths; as his eloquence and well versed historical knowledge has long convinced these youths.

Moreover, they (analysts) also observed that, all things being equal, Maku could spring a surprise at the governorship polls for being the only Christian candidate in the race and through that he may capture the votes of most Christians in the state.

According to them (analysts), Maku’s archrivals, Dr. Mohhamed Agabi of the PDP and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of the APC, who are both Muslims, would divide the Muslim community’s votes hence the duo are losers bound while Maku would be victorious.

Maku, on the other hand, is considered as a possible winner of April 11 poll in the state due to the numerical strength of his Eggon ethnic nationality who are regarded as the majority tribe in Nasarawa state with 45 per cent of total population of Nasarawa state.

Dr. Yusuf Mohhamed Agabi: He is a retired director in the federal civil service who beat Labaran Maku, ex-governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, Senator Solomon Ewuga and five others to become PDP’s standard bearer in the April 11 governorship race in Nasarawa state.

He is favoured to win the governorship race due to his track records, especially in the area of wealth creation. Hitherto, analysts x-rayed

All-Mak kura

THE POPULARITY OF PDP AND ITS ESTABLISHED STRUCTURE COUPLED WITH THE ANNIHILATION OF STOMACH INFRASTRUCTURE

BY THE APC GOVERNMENT WHICH PDP WAS KNOWN FOR IN THE STATE COULD

EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AGABI’S SUCCESS AT THE POLL.

Agabi’s sailing successfully to the Lafia Government House because of arrays of political heavyweights in the state that he parades in his campaign team. The popularity of PDP and its established structure coupled with the annihilation of stomach infrastructure by the APC government which PDP was known for in the state could eventually lead to Agabi’s success at the poll.

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura: He is the incumbent governor of Nasarawa state on the platform of APC . Analysts see his chances to secure a second term in office as governor as certain based on his developmental strides in less than four years as the third executive governor of the state . His achievements they believe surpassed what his predecessor did in twelve years.

They are betting basically on his provision of social infrastructure across the state, free education in public educational institutions, free medical services in public health institutions for children and the aged, regular payment of workers’ salaries as well as pension and gratuity for retired civil servants and being among the first governors in the Nigeria federating units to implement the N18,000minimum wage to all categories of public servants in the state.

Delta: It’s Emerhor, Okowa Many had predicted before the electioneering campaigns for the governorship contest in Delta state that this year’s election in the state, popularly referred as the nation’s “Big Heart” would be fierce and tense, but the reverse is the case as the race to Government House Asaba seems to be more relaxed compared to previous elections and the current situation in Rivers State.

Undoubtedly, it’s a three-horse race between Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP and Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru of the Labour Party. The three contestants are accomplished Deltans in their various fields.

Olorogun Emerhor is a world class respected business guru who has excelled as a banking and insurance expert. He bagged First Class degree in Accountancy from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Emerhor hails from Evwreni in Ughelli North (Delta Central).

Senator Okowa, on the other hand, is an astute politician and presently represents Delta North at the senate. The 55 years old politician is a trained medical doctor and hails from Owa-Alero in Ika

of Anioma descent.

While Chief Ogboru, popularly called the peoples general by his teeming fans especially Okada riders and the lower classes in the state is an accomplished businessman and has had four shots at the governorship seat previously.

Elections in the state especially the gubernatorial had in the past generated a lot of attention from the Nigerian public and it’s unarguably true that April 11 governorship election in the state would not be anything different. What is going to be different is the maneuvering that have silently greeted the campaign in the state.

Ahead of the elections, no one can possibly tell the direction the tide would swings. Campaigns have been somehow quiet among the three contenders. The political space in the state could be likened to that of a graveyard immediately the news of February 14 elections postponement came to the open.

Political analysts in the state believe that gubernatorial candidates might have gone broke with no serious political campaigns seen in the different parts of the state anymore. Ahead of the rescheduled dates, lots of factors indeed would determine the outcome of the exercise even before the main election bill for April 11. Prominent among the factors that will determine who succeeds Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is the outcome of yesterday’s Presidential election. The pendulum will favour the governorship candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, Emerhor, if the party’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari wins.

Buhari’s victory will no doubt boost the APC chances in Delta known to be predominantly a PDP state. Consequently, the battle would be between Emerhor and Senator Okowa of the PDP. In such instance, the Urhobo people who are presently divided in support for Emerhor and Ogboru will reunite and cast their vote overwhelmingly for the APC. While on the other hand, if the outcome of the Presidential election favours the sitting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling PDP, the seemingly bright chances of the party would be further boosted to win the governorship poll. In such case, Okowa and Ogboru of the Labour Party will slug it out.

If Jonathan wins the poll against Buhari, the race to Delta Government House would be a contest between the Labour party and the ruling PDP in the state. Sources in Chief Ogboru’s camp are of the strong belief that President Jonathan and Governor Uduaghan had thrown their weights behind his candidacy. Okowa and Ogboru are both drumming up support for Jonathan’s victory.

Governor Uduaghan however refuted the claims reiterating that the PDP in the state has no agreement with any other political party and urged members of the PDP to vote only for PDP candidates in the elections.

“Nobody has negotiated with anybody to vote for another political party, we want to get hundred per cent for the PDP, CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

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Politics

Sunday March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ogboru could be big upset in Delta CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

we want to be the state with the highest number of votes for the President”, he stated.

Despite the fact that PDP, at the federal level has consistently kicked against the use of Card Readers Machine for the poll, none of the parties in the state have opposed its usage for the governorship.

They have at different forums maintained that its introduction would curb and checkmate electoral frauds that have always been the case in previous elections in the state.

However, the seemingly small section of the ruling party kicked against the use of card readers. The question is who gains from the use of PVC? Certainly, not the PDP. Beyond being the ruling party, use of PVC will test the true strength of the party in a free and fair contest especially among the local populace.

It will help check bloc votes emanating most especially from the creeks which support, Okowa banging emerged victorious.

His running mate, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro is of Ijaw extraction from Gbaramatu Kingdom. Chief Government Ekpemukpolo alias Tompolo was learnt to have single handedly nominated Otuaro for the deputy post. Their unalloyed support is for PDP candidates at all levels. It’s like a taboo to mention other parties in their premises especially the APC. Another factor that will judge the outcome of the governorship poll in Delta is candidates’ individual popularity rating with the electorates.

If popularity is what wins an election, the Labour Party candidate, Chief Ogboru will coast home in a landslide.

Ogboru’s popularity in the state is only second to that of the erstwhile governor, Chief James Ibori, who is presently serving jail terms in the United Kingdom. He is genuinely loved by the people of the state.

Agabi

Ogboru

IF POPULARITY IS WHAT WINS AN ELECTION, THE LABOUR PARTY CANDIDATE, CHIEF OGBORU WILL COAST HOME IN A LANDSLIDE. OGBORU’S POPULARITY IN THE STATE IS ONLY SECOND TO THAT OF THE ERSTWHILE GOVERNOR, CHIEF

JAMES IBORI, WHO IS PRESENTLY SERVING JAIL TERMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. Despite being in an opposition party, his campaign rallies command more crowds than any other political party in the state. Adding to his rating, Chief Joe Omene’s faction of the splitter Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, apex socio cultural organ of Urhobo nation has also endorsed him as Urhobo’s preferred candidate.

Sunday Mirror learnt that his mum is from Ndokwa in Delta North while his deputy hails from Isoko in Delta South.

This no doubt adds more spice to his chances at the poll.

For Senator Okowa, who is the sole candidate of the Delta North people who believed on the tacit rotational agreement, is a grassroots politician in the

state. He came second to Governor Uduaghan in the 2007 PDP governorship primary held in Ogwashi-Uku. He was a commissioner and Secretary to the state government before resigning to contest for senate. The PDP candidate in next month’s guber poll is understood to have widespread support from the three senatorial districts.

The Agbor-trained medical doctor will have no difficulty in clearing the votes from Delta North where he hails. He will as well enjoy an easy ride in the Ijaw axis of the state where his deputy governor hails from.

Okowa’s stiffest opposition is the Urhobo in Delta Central where two other contenders from the APC and LP are from.

While for the candidate of the APC, Emerhor, his popularity rating of late, seems to be bright. He is the endorsed Urhobo candidate for the election by the factional UPU leadership led by Chief Tuesday Onoge’s integrity group.

With all honesty, APC originally ought to be the beneficiary of Uvwiamuge Declaration which says Urhobo Nation would support any of the two largest parties in the country (between PDP and APC) that gives their governorship ticket to an Urhobo man. APC is the only party among the two specified parties.

One thing that sells for Emerhor, a respected business mogul will be when Buhari wins the presidential election. His chances are very little if Buhari loses to President Jonathan. He remains one the candidates whose campaign touched the nook and crannies of the state soliciting for votes. He enjoys supports from Urhobo, Itsekiris, Isoko and a fraction of Delta North.

STORIES BY: AYO ESAN, HENRY IYORKASE, THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN AND IGBAWASE UKUMBA

NEWS

Senatorial candidate disenfranchised over non–availability of PVC FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

T

he Ogun state Central Senatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Lanre Tejuoso was among several thousands of residents that were denied the opportunity to partake in the presidential and National Assembly elections held yesterday due to his inability to obtain his Permanent Voter Card, PVC. Tejuoso, who displayed his temporary voter card, TVC while speaking journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital yesterday, expressed sadness over the incident which he said made him not to be able to vote for himself.

Tejuoso, while speaking to newsmen at Ago - Oko Ward 3 Units 5, 6 and 7 where he should have been accredited to cast his vote, also bemoaned the faulty and malfunction of the INEC card readers.

He said reports about the failure of the card readers getting to him and was “too disturbing” and that he has lodged com-

plaint with the INEC. Also, the Ogun State Central PDP Senatorial candidate, Dr. Busola Sodipo Clark while speaking with newsmen at the polling boot at Ago odo Ikereku ward 1, where she got accredited, said that, she would have preferred an extension, if she

is capable of doing so because of the card reader problem.

“What I can see from the accreditation so far is that there was a massive turnout, my only concern is with the card reader, a lot of people have come out and the card reader seem not to be working, so they

have to fill the Incident Form and others have to wait to be accredited manually, that is really my concern now”.

She said further that she is planning to go and lay complaint with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Abuja residents lament failure of card readers, late arrival of INEC officials ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

R

esidents of Kpaduma, Waru, Shape, Apanjenya, Damagaza, Gaduwa, Garki Village primary school, Kpaduma community in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT yesterday decried late arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC officials and failure of the Voters Card Reader machines.

According to them, they waited for long hours before the INEC staff could even start the accreditation and further lamented that the accreditation process was slow thereby leading to the exhaustion of voters who had already formed long queues prior

to the arrival of the INEC staff.

At some of the wards, most people showed non-challant attitudes to the electoral process as some FCT residents were seen to going about their normal businesses.

At area 3 Garki, the INEC officials did not arrived the polling unit located at the University of Abuja Distance Learning Centre until after 10:00 am.

Expressing his dissatisfaction,one Charles said, “if you are telling us to come by 8:00am for accreditation, you ought to have been here waiting for us to come but as it stand now, we can see any INEC official, this is annoying.

Another resident , Grace Ogari at the same polling unit said, “I don’t know what

to say about this situation, me and my wife got here 6:30am and I am number 1 and my wife is number 2, we left our house by 5:30am because we are leaving in Mpape, we are the polling unit and we haven’t seen any body.

“By now we are over 200, we were told that accreditation will start 8:00am sharp and no movement should be allowed at 8:00am, just tell me when accreditation will stop,”he said.

Voting in Area 3 however commenced at3:15pm with voters eager to perform their franchise.

At a polling unit in zone , Wuse district the story was however different as at INEC staff arrived at 8:07am,

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Interview

Sunday, March 29, 2015

55

‘Nigeria must take her position in the world’ we will continue to pray for this country.

Bloodshed is not good for anybody; either governor, Imam, Ulama or camera men— it is not good. So, we should always pray for the good of the people of Nigeria, the good of the people of Kano State.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

was asking my friends, who are the sponsors of that TAN (Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria)? The TAN before now, nobody had N1 million among them; but now see what they are sponsoring. It must come from the Villa!

What has happened to our foreign policy in view of the effects of insurgency?

Some years before now, we all know that our neighbouring countries depended on Nigeria for protection and support, for their economy. The reverse is the case now, because we go to them cap in hands, begging them to help us.

Our foreign policy has now come down from grace to grass. That is where we are. Those countries who were respecting us are now finding it difficult to believe what is happening to Nigeria.

Countries like Benin Republic, Chad, Niger, and Cameroun were before now heavily dependent on Nigeria in terms of the economy, defence and so on.

Now, you have seen that our leadership is going round begging them, kneeling down to them to help us. I think these are the things that must be reversed.

Nigeria must take its rightful position in the comity of nations. Nigeria and Nigerians must take the leadership that we deserve. Of course, this should be the main focus of our government— to stabilise the security of the country, its economy, tackle the issue of education, health and agriculture. We have seen this country surviving on one commodity—oil! We have to look at renewable energy, agriculture, education. We have to make sure that each and every Nigerian is supported by the government to realise his or her potential; and these individual potential put together is what will remedy this country. If you look at our educational policy here in Kano, you can understand what I am telling you. Before now, how many people are thinking of going to any university out of this country? By now, we have over 2,000 people studying abroad, by the end of the year we would have sent another 500 people out to study, mostly postgraduate studies, Master’s and PhD. These guys by the grace of God will realise their potential, and put them together and push Kano State forward, and by extension, make Nigeria great. Look at our students in the private universities. We are not even talking about those in public schools and federal universities. We have free education policy from primary, secondary to tertiary level, now we have a law banning the old system of Almajiri where young men and women go round the city of Kano and other parts of the state to beg for food; all these things we are doing, in the near future, we will live to harvest the positive outcome.

You said recently some people are in Abuja fabricating figures concerning the economy; can you elaborate on this?

I don’t know why you are asking me whether this country is broke or not, because we are all Nigerians. I throw the question back at you: are you happy with the economy? I don’t think you are because except very few of them, I don’t think anybody is happy with economy.

Look at the private jets at the airports in Lagos and Abuja; that always reminds us that we are very rich, but the jets are

Kwankwaso

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH AND EVERY NIGERIAN IS SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REALISE HIS OR HER POTENTIAL; AND THESE INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL PUT TOGETHER IS WHAT WILL REMEDY THIS COUNTRY.

not owned by people from my village, they are owned by them. They are telling us their private economy—how they transformed themselves from where they were to where they are today. To them, that is their economy.

We hear there are moves for reconciliation between the Emir of Kano and President Jonathan?

I will be very happy if President Jonathan will every day invite Kano people to reconcile. That will be a good story for me and I am sure it will be a good story for them. We don’t even know much about the issues to be reconciled, and I hope they will also invite me and Kano people to go and reconcile with him also; because we must be very angry for one thing or the other. We want reconciliation and we will continue to encourage reconciliation.

Are you saying that all is well between you and the Presidency?

Of course, all is well, as long as he starts dusting his table before. Yes. All is very well. What many people don’t understand about democracy is that we have so many people in this country with different backgrounds, with different understanding of things, and you see, this is the first time that we have this democracy for a long time like this. Before now, within a period of two years, somebody will come and truncate it. We are having real democracy where people are coming out to say their own opinion—and that is part of democracy.

If you open your radio today in Kano, you hear people making all sorts of allegations against me, some against other people. As long as that doesn’t cross the line drawn against the law, I don’t think anybody should worry because it is just an opinion. But the fact remains that

Some people from the Niger-Delta view your opinion on President Jonathan as very critical?

I don’t know, some of you are press men but you lack the real knowledge of South-South and other places. I don’t think there are no problems in the South-South. I don’t think it is only in the North that you have security problem. They are so many people from the South; that is South-East, South-West, South-South and they are living in Kano and they call Kano their home. Just recently, I met somebody at the airport. I asked him where he was going and he said he was going home (he is Igbo). I was surprised I later met him inside aircraft en route to Kano and I asked him again, and he said he was going home to Kano! I said that is what I wanted to hear from you, I am so happy that you are calling Kano your home. We have all stories of many of them living here in Kano.

They go to Abuja for business, they go to the East for business and they come back here; because in spite of our security challenges here, here is still safer— they can’t try to go and stay where they will kidnap or steal you! Some will come and rob you or shoot you in the house.

So, people thought poverty is only here in the North, but a poor man here is as bad as a poor man in Bayelsa State; despite the fact that their businessmen are flying to South Africa and other places, yet their people are terribly poor. It is not like the whole of South-South, or SouthEast or South-West are supporting a particular candidate, No! So, don’t bring any quarrel issue between us and the good people of South-South who want better leadership. People in my village don’t care whether it is a Christian or Muslim who is a leader or president. In many cases, we always give an example of what happened in the past so that somebody can understand our antecedents.In 1993 when we had election between MKO Abiola and Bashir Tofa; you know I come from the same polling booth with Bashir Tofa in Gandu Albasa, so why didn’t he win there? He didn’t win in the ward, he didn’t win in the local government, he didn’t win in the state! Abiola from Ogun won. So it was in 1999, Abubakar Rimi from Kano, our leader, was contesting, he got close to zero delegates from Kano; while Obasanjo, a Christian from the South got Kano delegates and won the elections here in Kano. So, politics here doesn’t rely or go for sentiments, we are looking for the best, once we identify the best man, whether he is an Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv or any tribe, we will vote for him. But in any case, if you look at history, you will know, this part of the country has always been very friendly with the South-South. It is only this group of people who came and stole everything.

We are only lucky that we have people like Rotimi Amaechi, Adams Oshiomhole and other leaders that are bringing us together again; while the godfather there, people like Edwin Clark and so on—should know better.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU Sunday March 29, 2015

Germanwings Flight 4U 9525 tragedy

Killer pilot ‘Tomato Andy’ had mental illness

Pilot had depression and burnout Police find evidence of mental illness, but no suicide note at his home

Terror

Andreas Lubitz

T

he ‘depressed’ co-pilot who crashed his plane into a mountain killing himself and 149 people hid a secret illness from his employers, German prosecutors have revealed.

Andreas Lubitz locked the captain out of the Airbus A320’s cockpit on Tuesday before setting the airliner’s controls to descend into a rocky valley, obliterating the plane and killing everyone on board.

Following searches of Lubitz’s Dusseldorf apartment, investigators today revealed they have found torn-up past sick leave notes and, most chillingly, a doctor’s sign-off for the day of the disaster.

Prosecutors said the finds indicate 28-yearold Lubitz may have had a medical condition which he kept secret from his bosses at budget airline Germanwings. Police have found no suicide note or claim of responsibility and no evidence of a political or religious motivation for Lubitz’s actions.

As the revelations emerged, families of those killed in the disaster expressed fury that Germanwings allowed Lubitz to fly a plane. Claude Driessens, whose 59-year-old brother died on the Airbus A320, said the copilot should not have been allowed anywhere near the cockpit.

He said: ‘Looking back, I slowly start to be angry. I don’t understand how a serious company can let a depressed man pilot a plane.

‘Because the boy was depressed, it was necessary to say he was. It’s not normal to leave somebody by himself in charge, and

Infographics of the last minutes of flight 4U 9525

who shuts the doors, I’m very angry.’

Ralf Herrenbrueck, a spokesman for the German prosecutor’s office, said in a written statement today that torn-up sick notes for the day of the crash ‘support the current preliminary assessment that the deceased hid his illness from his employer and colleagues’.

Mr. Herrenbrueck said documents found indicated ‘an existing illness and appropriate medical treatment’ , but he didn’t confirm details of what illness Lubitz was suffering from.

Germanwings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, declined to comment on the new information.

German police are now investigating whether Lubitz had stopped taking any medication he was on and have questioned chemists at the Apotheke am Breidenplatz close to Lubitz’s Dusseldorf flat.

Lubitz regularly collected a prescription from the pharmacy, MailOnline understands.

A chemist at the Apotheke confirmed she had spoken to the police but declined to offer any details.

The chemist told MailOnline: ‘The police have visited the pharmacy this morning. But I

cannot talk about anything that occurs inside the pharmacy. We are required to protect all information about patients.’

As well as having been signed off from training with depression in 2008, it was reported this morning that Lubitz had continued to receive mental health support up until this week’s crash.

Friends have told how Lubitz, whose pilot’s licence was up for renewal in June, had a lifelong obsession with planes and ‘would have died’ if he had not have passed his flying exams.

A friend told Spanish newspaper El Mundo: ‘He was always very obsessive, he wanted to be a pilot more than anything else, but now having achieved his dream... What reason would he have to do this?’

New information about Lubitz’s life emerged just hours after police investigating the disaster began a four-hour search of his flat, which he is said to have shared with a girlfriend.

Pilot slipped through safety net Yesterday, the boss of Germanwings admit-

ted Lubitz had slipped through the ‘safety net’ and should never have been flying. It was also revealed that the fitness fanatic had suffered from depression and ‘burnout’ which had held up his career.

He reportedly received a year and half of psychiatric treatment and was at one point recommended to be examined by a doctor before flying. But, incredibly, he passed his psychological assessments and was later considered fit to fly.

Germany’s Federal Aviation Office confirmed this morning that Lubitz had a medical condition noted in his pilot’s records which required him to have a regular examination.

It was reported this morning that during his education at the Lufthansa Flight School in Phoenix, Arizona, he was listed temporarily as ‘unfliable’.

It was also suggested that Lubitz - who had worked as a cabin attendant for nearly a year before being accepted for flight training - may have been teased by other pilot’s over his previous role.

A friend said: ‘His nickname was “Tomato Andy” - a reference to his past employment as

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday March 29, 2015

Recovery workers at the crash site

Victim’s family member grieves

Opera singer Maria Radner who was travelling with her baby

Oleg Bryjak

a flight steward’.

Another friend told German newspaper Bild: ‘He always had high ambitions but was considered to be second-league because he had been a flight attendant. He always wanted to fly long distance, above all to San Francisco.

But he was always put off. Only later was he eventually allowed to fly European routes.’

Police refused to comment on who else lived with him in the smart top floor flat on the outskirts of Dusseldorf. Neighbours said the Lubitz’s girlfriend was believed to be with her family ‘grieving’.

Lubitz was said to be in a ‘relationship crisis’ with his girlfriend in the weeks before the crash and was struggling to cope with a potential break-up, Bild reported.

Habibalah Hassani, 53, who runs a pizza restaurant close to their flat said he had often seen the couple together.

He told MailOnline:’They were a very nice, friendly young couple. She was a polite and attractive woman. They would come in once maybe twice a week. He used to tip well, he was very generous.

‘He had told me about his trip to San Fran-

Carol Friday died with son, Greig

cisco. I hadn’t seen them for a couple of months before this happened.’

Prosecutors yesterday revealed chilling recordings from the doomed aircraft showing that piano teacher’s son Lubitz locked his captain out of the cockpit so he could crash the plane into an alpine ravine.

In audio files extracted from the plane’s cockpit voice recorder - discovered on Wednesday at the remote crash site - the captain was heard growing increasingly distressed as he tried to force his way back into the flight deck. Reports in Germany this morning suggest the locked-out pilot may have resorted to using an axe in a desperate bid to get through the armoured door as the plane hurtled towards the ground. Prosecutors said the screams of passengers aware of their fate could be heard in the final seconds In a blunt admission, Carsten Spohr, the head of Lufthansa which owns the budget airline, admitted Lubitz had slipped through the safety net with devastating consequences.

‘The pilot had passed all his tests, all his medical exams,’ he said. ‘He was 100 per cent fit to fly without any restrictions.

‘We have at Lufthansa, a reporting system where crew can report – without being punished – their own problems, or they can report about the problems of others without any kind of punishment. All the safety nets we are all so proud of here have not worked in this case.’

Airlines tighten safety measures As repercussions of Tuesday’s tragedy sent shockwaves through the airline industry: • Airlines across Europe reviewed safety rules and insisted that no pilot should be left alone in the cockpit; • Police urgently probed the background of Lubitz amid rumours that his personal life was seriously troubled; • Detectives have carried out a fourhour search of his flat, but are not thought to

have found a suicide note.

On Thursday night police raided Lubitz’s family home in a small town north of Frankfurt and an apartment in Dusseldorf, taking away a computer, laptop and other files. Lubitz is understood to have split his time between the two addresses.

Following the search of his flat, a police spokesman said: ‘We have discovered a number of things at his apartment which we will now examine and carry tests on to see if they are significant.

‘We do not yet know of what significance they are,’ said the spokesman, adding: ‘No crucial piece of evidence has been found yet.’

Airline chiefs confirmed Lubitz, who won an award for ‘outstanding’ aviation skills and dubbed himself ‘Flying Andy’, took several months off work in 2008 and had to retrain to join Germanwings.

Relatives of Andreas Lubitz could receive multi-million pound compensation settlements if their lawyers can prove that Lufthansa knew about the co-pilot’s mental health difficulties. Lufthansa, which owns Germanwings, has so far refused to comment on whether they had any concerns over Lubitz’s mental health.

Ordinarily, the families of air disasters are entitled to a maximum of around £100,000 under international agreements.

But if a family decides to sue, this figure could rise dramatically depending on the degree of negligence by the airline and the level of awareness their loved ones would have had on their impending doom.

As well as looking at Lubitz’s mental health, lawyers for the families could question the airline’s policy of not requiring at least two crew on the flight deck at all times once the aircraft is airborne. They are said to have been ‘stunned’ by the revelation that Lubitz waited for his captain to visit the toilet – and then locked him out The picture of Lubitz which is emerging from his home town and Dusseldorf is of a man who, since he was boy, was determined to become an airline pilot - but who was repeatedly held back by mental health problems.

A friend told Passauer Neue Presse: ‘He wanted to become a pilot but he is mentally unstable.’ At an extraordinary press conference yesterday, Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin gave a disturbing account of the cockpit voice recordings extracted from black box. He said Lubitz locked his captain out after the senior officer left the flight deck.

At that point, Lubitz used the flight managing system to put the plane into a descent, something that can only be done manually and deliberately.

He said: ‘The intention was to destroy the plane. Death was instant. The plane hit the mountain at 700kmh (430mph).

‘I don’t think that the passengers realised what was happening until the last moments because on the recording you only hear the screams in the final seconds’.

Referring to Lubitz, Mr Robin said: ‘He did this for a reason which we don’t know why, but we can only deduct that he destroyed this plane. We have asked for information from the German investigation on both his profession and personal background’.

Mr Robin said he had no known links with terrorism, adding: ‘There is no reason to suspect a terrorist attack.’

And asked whether he believed the crash that killed 150 people was the result of suicide, he said: ‘People who commit suicide usually do so alone... I don’t call it a suicide.’

Mr Robin, who had earlier briefed the families of the dead – and separately those of both pilots – said the screams of passengers aware of their fate could be heard in the final seconds of the recording.

Relatives of those killed in the crash visited the area yesterday. Locals in the Alps have offered to put them up, while Germanwings is setting up a family assistance centre in Marseille Germanwings spokesman Thomas Winkelmann said: ‘Our focus in these darkest

SMExtra

57

hours is to provide psychological assistance to the families and friends of the victims of flight 4U9525.

‘The suffering and pain this catastrophe has caused is immeasurable. No words can express it and no amount of consolation is sufficient but we want to be there for visiting family members and friends if our support is desired.’

It also emerged today that his parents only discovered that their son was a mass murderer just minutes before the bombshell press conference by prosecutors in Marseille.

His mother, a piano teacher, and father, a successful businessman, were understood to be in the French city at the time of the announcement, but kept separate from the victims’ relatives.

Their whereabouts are now unknown, but it is believed they are being questioned by police. Lubitz’s father Gunter and mother have both been questioned by police and are said to be ‘devastated’ by the revelations.

The couple’s £400,000 two-storey detached home in Montabaur, a town 40 miles from Bonn where Lubitz is thought to have grown up, was also searched by detectives.

The mother of a former schoolmate of Lubitz said he had told her daughter he had taken a break from pilot training because he was suffering from depression. ‘Apparently he had a burnout,’ she added.

The grief of victims’ families visiting the scene of the crash yesterday turned to anger when they heard the pilot was to blame.

An interpreter who worked with them told La Provence newspaper: ‘At first they were very calm, dignified. They wanted to know if their loved ones had suffered.’

But after the truth of what happened emerged, the mood changed, the interpreter said. ‘There were screams, some people broke down in tears. It was very hard for them and us, too.’

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls urged patience on Friday but said the German airline had an obligation to share all information on Lubitz with investigators.

Mr Valls told iTELE: ‘It is up to this company to provide a maximum of information so that we can understand why this pilot committed this dreadful act.’

The Germanwings tragedy has already led to a number of developments in the airline industry.

The Civil Aviation Authority called on UK airline operators to review safety procedures, and easyJet was among several airlines to introduce rules so that two crew members are in the cockpit at all times.

Compensation payouts from the tragedy could total more than £100million, with the families of each victim given around £700,000 each, depending on the victim’s earning ability. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the revelations gave the tragedy a ‘new, simply incomprehensible dimension’.

The fate of the Germanwings plane has chilling similarities to that of LAM flight 470 which crashed in Namibia in November 2013, killing all 27 passengers and six crew.

Air crash investigators believe the Embraer 190 jet was flown into the ground by the captain after his co-pilot went to the toilet.

In that case, the jet’s captain, Herminio dos Santos Fernandes, was believed to have had serious personal problems at the time of his death.

When his co-pilot went to the toilet, flight data information recovered from the scene found that Fernandes manually changed the aircraft’s altitude from 38,000 feet to almost 600 feet below ground level. He also pushed the aircraft’s throttles back to idle and selected the jet’s maximum operating speed.

Disturbingly, the cockpit voice recorder picked up the sound of the co-pilot pounding on the door in an attempt to regain access to the flight deck.

Called from Daily Mail UK

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North News

Sunday March 29, 2015

58

Again, Boko Haram kills 8 in Gombe DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

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o fewer than seven persons were reported to have been killed yesterday morning when suspected Boko Haram members invaded Shole village in Nafada

Local Government Area of Gombe State.

Shole is a border village with Yobe State in the North.

Sunday Mirror gathered that as a result of the attack, the villagers fled just before the commencement of election.

It was also gathered

that several cars and houses were set ablaze by the suspected insurgents who invaded the village on motorbikes and Hilux vehicles.

The insurgents after wreaking havoc in Shole village were said to have moved to Biri in the same Nafada local council where

one policeman was killed and then made away with some card readers and election materials.

The insurgents were said to have moved to Dukku where they disrupted election processes by shooting sporadically.

However, no casualties were reported yet from

Dukku as at the time of filing this report, but an aspirant to the Gombe State House of Assembly, Usman Mohammad Jafun, told our correspondent on phone that the attackers were dressed in military uniforms.

It was also gathered from the Dukku attack that following some resistance from the people in Dukku, one of the attackers was killed while three persons from Dukku sustained injuries.

When contacted, the Gombe Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Fwaje Atajiri, said he was not aware of the incident, but

promised to get back to our correspondent after he is through with an urgent meeting he was attending.

However, election process was reported to have commenced in some polling units visited by our correspondent in Gombe, the Gombe State capital as at the time of filing this report. A large turnout was also observed.

In many of the polling units visited, youths were seen stationed at the gates of most of the schools used as polling centres with iron detectors ensuring that people don’t get into the polling units with dangerous weapons.

Card readers mars accreditation in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

Queue of voters at an internally displaced persons camp during the presidential and National Assembly elections in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Card reader rejects FCT senator, Aduda, others ...Lawmaker expresses fear of manipulation

UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

T

he senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the Senate and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Cadidate in yesterday’s election, Philip Aduda, was among the residents of Abuja that were rejected by the card readers, newly introduced in national elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Aduda, while joining other affected residents to condemn the technology’s imperfection, expressed fears of possible manipulation of votes through the failed machines.

The senatorialcandidate, who visited the polling station at the Old Chief Palace, in his ward at Karu Village at about 11. 20 a.m., joined the queue with about three persons ahead of him, ready to be accredited.

Although there have been issues with card read-

ers failing in many polling stations earlier visited by our correspondent as including one at the old Chief Palace with voters complaining bitterly, it became more prominent when Adudu stepped forward to be accredited and the card reader failed to recognise him.

He was made to place his fingers by the Presiding Officer, PO, but the machine kept saying that the reading has failed, prompting him to be issued an incident form to fill to enable him

vote.

Speaking with journalists after the process, the FCT senator said, “The accreditation was smooth, no hitches but I want to say that the card reader did not read my fingers.

“These are the fears that we have expressed and will continue to express and we hope that this will not be used, it’s not supposed to be used for any form of manipulation or fraud. I’ve filled an incident form and I’m not happy,” he said.

IDPs in Borno defy security challenges

...Shettima laments killing of 25 villagers by insurgents INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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s early as 6 a.m. yesterday voters, especially the Internally Displaced Persons, trooped out to their camps and polling units to cast their votes.

It was observed that on Friday at about 6:00 p.m., some IDPs who were living with friends and relations within the metropolis started trooping out from their various houses to spend

the night in the camps as vehicular movement was restricted and their houses were far away from the camps.

However, security operatives including military personnel were seen at the various polling units, and at strategic places, while others patrolled the major streets.

Our correspondent reports that since the 1999 elections, voters have not been enthusiastic with the 2015 general elections, be-

cause people trekked as far as 20 to 30 kilometres to locate their IDP camps to cast their votes.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Usman Madaki, said that 16 out of the 27 council areas are to conduct their elections at various camps in Maiduguri following their sack by insurgents.

When our correspondent went round the major streets of Maiduguri metropolis, the town looked like it’s in a festive mood,

as people in their numbers were seen trekking to get to their IDP camps to cast their votes.

In some polling units visited by our correspondent, people were seen in queues while accreditation was going on peacefully.

An IDP, Alhaji AJi Bukar, said they were enthusiastic to cast their votes in order to bring the desired change, as they have suffered a lot as a result of the failure of PDP-led government.

A

ccreditation process of eligible voters in Nasarawa State for the general elections was yesterday paralysed due to either the malfunctioning or total failure of card reader machines being used by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. A visit by our correspondent to Angwan Mission, Agwan Moyi Buba, Gidan Fulani public square and Galadima polling units of Agwatashi ward and Kofar Mukunguji polling unit of Obi 1 ward in Obi local councilt area, showed voters stranded as electoral officials of INEC battled for several minutes to accredit them.

The situation was worse at Agwan Moyi Buba when the senator representing Nasarawa south senatorial zone, Sulaiman Adokwe was yet to be registered alongside other eligible voters as at about 10:00 a.m. which the presiding officer in-charge of the polling unit, Stella Eze, attributed the problem to total failure of the card Reading machine.

Adokwe said: “As you can see I went there but the card readers is notworking.

Virtually every polling unit in Agwatashi ward is not working; that was why we keep insisting that this novelty of card reading that has not been properly tested is going to create a lot of problems for the elections.”

The senator complained

that the card reader is going to undermine the elections but hoped that the INEC headquarters in Abuja would take adequate care and correct these.

The north-central zonal chairman of PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Ayitogo, said INEC is not fully prepared with their card readers as it took five to 10 minutes before a voter is cleared, meaning that the accreditation exercise would not be completed before the election commences thereby disenfranchising many eligible voters.

Corroborating, Nasarawa Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy affairs, Mohammed Dan’Azumi, said it appeared it is a deliberate attempt by INEC officials to frustrate the election as voters from his RCM primary school polling unit, Dadare, are complaining bitterly about the inability of the card readers to accredit a single voter as at 10:55 a.m.

Reacting to the various complaints, Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner Abdulahi Umar Danyaya, assured that the faulted card reading machines would be rectified soon as technicians of the commission had already been dispatched to that effect.

The REC appealed to eligible voters to remain calm as they wouldall be accredited to cast their votes even as he assured the electorate of enough incident forms to take care of those whose thumbprint could not be authenticated for completion of their accreditation exercise.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South News

Sunday March 29, 2015

59

Card reader fails to capture Jonathan, First Lady OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

T

he much-anticipated 2015 general election began yesterday on a negative note for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the card reader machine failed to capture the finger

print data of President Goodluck Jonathan and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. This was about one hour after both of them had waited for the numerous machines brought in failed to capture their finger print.

Paradoxically, that of his mother, his Aide De

Camp, ADC, and other voters were immediately captured by the card reader.

The President, who arrived at his polling unit 039, ward 13 in Ogbia local council around 9:16 a.m. in the company of his wife, immediately proceeded to get accredited, but the malfunctioning

card reader failed to capture his fingers and that of the First Lady.

After standing for some minutes, chairs were provided for the First Lady and mother of the President while the President patiently remained standing for close to an hour, just as INEC officials tried

frantically to fix the machine.

After fruitless attempts, other voters were allowed to try the machine which immediately captured their fingers while the President left the polling booth together with his wife. However, the incident forms were not pro-

vided for them.

Materials for the election arrived at the unit at around 8:15 a.m., while distribution to other centres was noticed as vehicles filled with electoral materials moved to their different locations, just as military helicopter hovered in the air.

Bomb blast rocks Awka ...Ohanaeze chieftain condemns blast CHARLES OKEKE

AWKA

T

he presidential election which took place yesterday across the country was nearly marred by a bomb blast n Awka, the Anambra State capital. This is as card reader failure and late commencement of accreditation constituted a serious challenge to the exercise.

Accreditation in Awka started on a dangerous note at about 7 yesterday morning when a bomb went off at the Community Primary School, Amenyi, Awka close to where voting was to take place in Awka Ward One, destroyed a building in the premises and scared away voters.

It was gathered that the bomb which exploded was concealed in a long foil.

Speaking on the incident, one of the residents of the area, whose house is close to the site of the blast, Mr Isaac Aiza Nwosu, said he believed that the blast was a time bomb.

He stated that if the blast had occurred when voting was taking place, the damage would have been enormous.

Former National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Engineer Ralph Ndigwe, who

also spoke about the incident, said it was apparent that those who planted the explosives were out to intimidate the people so that they would not come out to vote. He urged the people to be vigilant.

The blast in Awka was also followed by the problem occasioned by late accreditation of voters and failure of the card reader, a development that kept voters waiting endlessly for accreditation.

Our correspondent reports that at the Boys Secondary School, Nri Ward One in Anaocha Local Government, the voters had a hectic time as they anxiously waited for the INEC team who arrived at about 12 in the afternoon with card readers that performed very poorly.

Reacting to the card reader performance, the Anambra Central Senatorial candidate of PDP, Mrs Uche Ekwunife., who was among those that waited for INEC team to arrive told journalists that from what she saw, the card reader failed woefully.

The situation was also the same at Amatutu Agulu Ward Two, where former governor Peter Obi and hundreds of voters waited anxiously for the INEC team that arrived at 12 in the afternoon.

Voters voting during the presidential and National Assembly elections at Unit 25, Ward 3, Amadi Flats in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Youths hold INEC officers hostage over electoral materials in Imo CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

H

undreds of youths and party agents held Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials in two local government areas, Oru East and Mbaitoli in Imo State hostage over alleged shortchanging of electoral materials, including card readers meant for the conduct of the presidential election.

The youths, loyal to one of the political parties, laid siege to the council areas blocking the movement of the INEC officials from distributing the materials for the election to commence as scheduled.

At Oru East, youths and party agents includ-

ing the Commissioner for Primary Education, Mrs. Mma Nzeribe, complained that the area had 147 polling units but instead of INEC releasing the same number of card readers to the voting points, they supplied 137 card readers short-changing the area with 10.

However, the electoral officer in charge of the LGA, Mrs. Paulin Adaku Nwosu, explained that the allocation for the area was 137, being the actual number of the polling points in the area wondering how the agitating agents and restive youths got their inflated number.

She accused some All Progressives Congress, APC, members including some state government officials of igniting the

problem.

“We called the divisional police officer to come to our aid who later advised us not to move out of the secretariat as the boys had laid siege to us,” It took the intervention of the Army, Police and State Security Service, SSS, personnel to intervene to bring the tense situation under control.

However, the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General Lanre Bello, told newsmen that the siege was unnecessary as the INEC Resident Commissioner had confirmed that the 137 was the exact number of polling units in the area.

Also, at Achi Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA there were no materials in all the

Fashola casts vote, urges Lagosians to be patient with INEC FRANCIS SUBERU

L

agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday voted at about 3.50 p.m. at the Ward G-3, State Senior Grammar School, Itolo Street, Surulere, after which he

appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to ensure a smooth process.

Fashola, who was accompanied by his wife, Abimbola, and his son, Ademola, had arrived at his polling

unit at about 10:30 a.m. for accreditation and later around 2 p.m. to exercise his franchise.

Addressing journalists after casting his vote, Fashola said the process so far had revealed no major problems aside from a few reported cases of card read-

er malfunctioning, even as he enjoined Nigerians to continue to conduct themselves orderly and peacefully until the entire process has become successful.

Earlier after his accreditation, Fashola had addressed journalists, saying “I think from my experi-

ence, things are heading in the right direction. People are orderly. I’ve been here for about 16 minutes; it took me about two minutes to do my accreditation. My right thumb failed, but my left thumb passed the card reader verification. I think we should be patient with

wards.

Deputy Governor, Prince Madumere, lamented the late arrival of election material in the area including his ward, adding that he had been in the polling unit for over three hours with the arrival of materials.

However, voting progressed peacefully in most polling units across the 27 local government areas of the state.

Although there was late arrival of election materials in most of the voting centres, the people waited patiently to exercise their franchise.

Accreditation of voters with the card reader machines was successful except some few areas where the machines failed to function.

the process and ensure we get it right this time.”

On reports of a few hitches in some areas, the governor said, “I haven’t heard anything that should heighten any fear”.

So far, the election has been peaceful in many parts of the state.

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News

Sunday March 29, 2015

Fake governorship result sheets in circulation in Delta, Ogboru alleges

L

abour Party governorship candidate in Delta State, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru has raised alarm over circulation of fake result sheets for the governorship election in the state for next month.

Ogboru alleged that materials for the election might have been compro-

mised and tampered with while custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria Asaba.

He made the allegation while still waiting to be accredited as at 2:25pm in the Saturday Presidential/National Assembly Election in the Abraka, Ethiope East.

In his words, Ogboru said: “We do not know who is culpable between INEC and CBN, the materials were possibly tampered with. What we noticed when we went to CBN to sort out materials for the election, we noticed that seal for the package of the governorship result sheet

was broken.

“It was indeed a big shock when we found materials for the state governorship election already in the Delta and tampered with. There is connivance between INEC and a political party and as a party we would make a formal protest to INEC on the matter.”

Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu (2nd left), inspecting accreditation process during the presidential and National Assembly elections at Lugbe in Abuja, yesterday

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Presidential election can’t be annulled —Buhari Continue from Page 2 been fighting to restore normalcy but it got out of hand. I must admit that I’m happy with the decision taken by INEC that in a place where election hasn’t taken place today, it will take place tomorrow.

“From the information we are getting, there is a problems of failure of some of the card readers. For example, it took me less than 5minutes for accreditation, but it took the President more than 30 minutes to register, but it took his wife and his mother about 50 minutes to do it. So there are discrepancies at the performance of these machines.

“For INEC to put on notice that because of the failure of some of the machines, election will continue tomorrow where it was inconclusive today, I think that is in order.”

On whether he is confidence that the result will come his way, Buhari said, “My way is Nigeria where I live. I have spoken during the Abuja accord; I have said that all our

Card reader failure, logistics mar polls Continue from Page 2 He continued, “I hope whatever way the election turns, like the contestants signed in the accord, they would accept the result.”

Former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has hailed the election exercise conducted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),describing it as the most peaceful elections ever conducted in the history of the country.

It was observed that residents trooped out in enmass to participate in the Presidential, Senate and House representatives election across the territory.

Gen. Gowon, while fielding questions from journalists at Karu area of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), FCT said 2015 general elections has been conducted in a free, fair, peaceful and orderly manner.

According him, this election can be made possible by ensuring that Nigerians votes peacefully, creditable and their decision will produce who becomes the next

president.

He said: “The election is going on very well all the polling stations I have visited both in Karu, Nyanya and other places I have visited so far the exercise has been going on well.

“The credit must also go to the National Youth Service Corps members who has made us proud by sacrificing themselves for this country’ election.

“It is only through a very orderly election conducted according to rules of the game that the continued peace and unity of the country can be guaranteed” He said.

National Mirror also observed that some residents in Chibiri ward in Kuje Area Council, Abuja, were made to wait for several hours as the Voters Card Readers failed to capture their Biometric But the Niger State Pointing the need to improve on the electronic process, Aliyu said, “ Out of my 10 fingers, only one was caught, but I had to go through all the ten fingers.

I don’t know the value this might have added to this election.

He noted that since, he has his PVC with his picture on the papers, he believes with all the agents of all the parties around, the use of the card reader was just an unnecessary issue.

Abuja In the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, accreditation for the Presidential and National Assembly elections at some polling units, did not start at the scheduled time which is 8am owing to the late arrival of INEC officials and materials.

The card readers were initially programmed to start working as from 8am only.

At New Capital School Polling Unit in Asokoro, for instance, INEC officials did not arrive until about 10: 18am, while accreditation kicked-off at about 11am.

This was even as some voters had converged on the centre as early as 5am.

Also at Aso Drive Round-

about Polling Unit within the Three Arms Zone, accreditation began at 9:35am with registered voters showing signs of good conduct.

Electoral officials at the unit however spent some valuable time removing posters of candidates pasted on the walls of the unit.

Lagos The former federal capital witnessed a massive turnout of voters from as early as 7 am.

But like in Abuja and other parts of the country, the card reader problem continued to hobble voting process, even as clear absence of voting materials and officials worsened the scenario.

In most polling units in Ikeja, capital of Lagos, for instance, there were glaring cases of SCR malfunction.

At the Allen Avenue area of the place, an INEC official said that they have been unable to unlock the SCR because the code that would enable that is with

their supervisor who was not within the vicinity.

Similar scenario was observed in Alimosho area of the commercial capital of the country.

This is incidence led to a great deal of anxious moments when voters had to lash out at officials. This was however not the general scenario in Lagos.

Reacting to this scenario, a foreign journalist from France who, however, asked not to be mentioned by name said that the situation varies from place to place in Lagos. The journalist stated that there was preponderant ‘challenges, problems with access and delayed voting process.’

According to the journalist, the process could be ‘tiring’ for voters.

Imo Hundreds of youths and party agents held Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC officials in two local government areas, Oru East and Mbaitoli in Imo State hostage over alleged short changing of

supporters must not be rude or take any weapon against every Nigerian, and that our supporters will not become violent during and after the election. So in a situation where there is violence, I think it is up to the parties to make sure they discipline whoever is doing it. Because we can’t come to and talk to the nation as leaders of our party and as presidential candidate, and then somebody is doing the opposite, this is indiscipline. And we are not going to tolerate indiscipline in our party.”

On whether he is going to accept the outcome of Borno election since INEC has said that they are going to conduct election in only eight local governments Buhari said, “ The information I got is that the turn out in Borno was unprecedented, and INEC said they are going to conduct election in Internally Displace Persons (IDP), in three camps where ever they are within Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, so I don’t know the latest, which you have just said.”

electoral material including card readers meant for the conduct of the Presidential election.

The youths loyal to one of the political parties laid siege at the council areas blocking the movement of the INEC officials from distributing the materials for the election to commence as schedunled.

At Oru East the youths and party agents including the Commissioner for Primary Education, Mrs. Mma Nzeribe complained that the area had 147 polling units but instead of INEC releasing the same number of card readers to the voting points, they supplied 137 card readers shortchanging the area with 10.

However, the electoral officer in charge of the LGA, Mrs. Paulin Adaku Nwosu explained that the allocation for the area was137 being the actual number of the polling points in the area wondering how the agitating agents and restive youths got their inflated number.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday March 29, 2015

Haye targets Wilders’ title P. 63

Sport

KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS

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Mashaba wary of bitter S’Eagles

March 29, 2015

P. 63

: r e fi i l a u Q G A A

Ecarlliscfoo r U-23

Erico

IFEANYI EDUZOR

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s the country’s U-23 team prepares to face Zambia next weekend in the second round final qualifiers for the 2015 All Africa Games, former Super Eagles assistant coach, Joe Erico has advised the team to prepare adequately to ensure they qualify for the continental Games.

The Nigeria U-23 side was held to a goalless draw by Zambia at the National Stadium, Abuja in the first leg of All Africa Games qualifying match played last Sunday and must win the second

leg encounter in Lusaka, Zambia on April 10 to qualify for the Games.

Erico told National Mirror that there is need for the Coach Samson Siasia led side to re-strategize ahead of the second leg, warning that unless the team improves on their scoring abilities, Nigeria might not go through the Junior Chipolopolo in the second leg.

He noted that for the team to overcome their opponent in the all important second leg, they must rise above their game, avoid complacence ad not be intimidated by the vociferous home crowd.

“It is true that the U-23 team is in a precarious situation because of their goalless draw against Zambia in Abuja last week but their chances of qualifying as one of the participating teams in this year’s All Africa Games slated for Congo Brazzaville is still bright.

“I watched their first game in Abuja and according to statistics; they domi-

focus nated the game but were unfortunate not to have scored a goal which could be attributed to their misfiring strikers.

“There is the need for the coaching crew to reorganize the team’s attack and make the strikers not to be shy in front of goals as that is the only way they can get the desired result in Lusaka.

“The Dream team should also expect a hostile crowd and reception in Lusaka because they also want to hoist their flag in Congo. But as professionals, I don’t expect such hostilities to affect their play but rather it will make them more determined to win the game.

According to him, Nigerians should expect a tough encounter because the host team will employ all antics to ensure they deny the Dream Team the opportunity of going to Brazzaville just as he noted that matches involving Nigeria and the Southern African country have always been a tough one and next week’s encounter won’t be an exception.

“I am looking forward to a very tough match because previous meetings between both countries have always been tough and when one considers that both countries need at least one un-replied goal, even makes the game very difficult to predict.

On plans by Coach Samson Siasia to draft some of the U-20 players to the team ahead of the all important qualifier, Erico noted that it is a welcome development but advised the coaching crew to ensure that the new invitees blend with the team before the match as that is the only way their impact could be felt in the match.

“Siasia deserves the right to pick any player he feels can get him good result and avoid Nigeria being denied qualification for the Africa Game. Now that the team is in a tight situation, he should pick two or three players from the Flying Eagles camp to ensure victory”, he concluded.

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Lahm: g

Sunday March 29, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

YES, ABSOLUTELY! THAT KIND OF THING IS ALWAYS

I miss seein the guys

FUN.

Germany’s World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm has many good e most compelling is reasons to be upbeat at the moment. One of the or Bayern Munich in last that he came on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Saturday’s 4-0 victory away to Werder Bremen, ending an injury lay-off lasting almost four months: the player fractured his right ankle in a training ground accident back in November 2014.

FIFA.com: You captained Germany to their fourth FIFA World Cup. At what point in time did you realise you might make it?

Philipp Lahm: At the end of the day, you only become aware of it once it’s actually done and dusted and the final whistle blows, because then it’s a certainty, but before that?

After EURO 2012 I said in an interview that our target had to be winning the World Cup, when you’ve been so close so often, you want the Trophy in your hands at some point.

I always had the belief, but there are no guarantees.

But wasn’t there a moment where you sensed your name might be on the Trophy?

There wasn’t one moment as such. It was a process of development as a team taking place over a number of years. As an example, when we were knocked out by Italy in the 2006 semi-finals, you sensed Italy were ripe for the title. After that we fell to Spain and you also recognised this was the team destined to become world and European champions. We definitely had the belief last time out because we’d matured over a period of years, we’d built up our experience, and the defeats also gave us a shared sense of purpose.

The Italians had certain attributes underpinning their success. The Spanish had a game plan all of their own and ended up shaping an era. What were the special hallmarks of Germany’s World Cup-winning team?

More than anything else it was our togetherness and unity as a team, by which I mean the team comprising not just the 23 players, but everyone associated with it. I think it’s something everyone noticed the whole time and it was our biggest trump card. However, great quality is also always part of it, and we had that in our squad. I think every player from number one to number 23 placed himself at the disposal of the team, and that’s very, very important at a tournament like that.

Germany took everyone one by surprise in 2010 with very ry attractive attacking football. Would ould it be right to say that 2014 4 featured a blend of the old and the newlyacquired virtues? And d was this the main success factor? ctor?

Definitely! I do believe lieve it was the combination of attributes tributes that marked us out at the tournament.

We were capable of attacking ttacking play and also liked to get at our opponents high up the field. ld. But there were also spells in certain tain matches when we pulled men n back and played more on the break. I definitely think we found a good blend, and we the players also lso benefited from our experience on the international stage in recent nt years. I’m including the [UEFA] Champions League, which we managed naged to win with Bayern.

As captain, one of your our tasks was to help the players ers grow together as a team over ver a period of many weeks. Did you enjoy it?

Yes, absolutely! That hat kind of thing is always fun. And d I do believe that if you don’t think k it’s fun, you should step down from m the job. I’d say: ‘Thank you very much, but I’d rather do something else!’ lse!’ But I really, really enjoyed it. It’s ’s not always easy. It’s a lot of work at times, because I invest a lot into o it. I knew it was my last tournament, ent, so I put even more into it than an normal.

But it was huge fun. And if you end up as world champions, ampions, you’re only too happy to do the job [grins].

Were there any situa-tions where you had to intervene or call someone to order?

No! In the first place we had a perfectly functioning team with good harmony on and off the training ground. The purpose-built training camp certainly had many positive aspects. I remember the moment

think t h e results w e n t this way and that.

we arrived on the first day and immediately started a ‘round-thetable’ contest at table tennis. I think there were 15 of us. But it wasn’t something I organised. You do many other small things as captain, maybe such as geeing someone up in passing.

And who was Germany’s table tennis champion?

No idea, too many of us played. I

In the tight Round of 16 victory over Algeria you switched from central defensive midfield and resumed duty at right-back, where you stayed for the rest of the tournament.

Was that tough?

Not in the slightest! The whole tournament just went like a dream for me! I think all of us together always took the right decisions. A few of the guys weren’t fully fit at the start of the tournament, tournament and I always al a s said I’d serve the team in whatever way I was asked and play where the coach thought I’d be most valuable. It’s what I’ve

said throughout my career, and car that’s how it was at the th time.

With the benefit of hindsight all hind you can say is that we did di everything right.

The most extraordinary moment m of all was a personal one – you Trophy were first to hoist the Tro into the night sky at the Maracana. Were you aware at that moment m mo ment that it was tthe stuff legend, with o future legend of world as the whole w witnesses? your witn not realNo, n feel lly!! I don’t ly d tthat th at close this t to ‘then you ‘th ‘t hoisted the Trot p h y ’ s t o r y.

T h e f i n a l whistle, w tthe team celebrace tions, cl i m b i n g the stairs, re c e iv i n g my medal, lifting the liftin trophy in troph Marathe cana – it was certainly very certain special – then down the back dow photo, constairs, a group pho celebrations. All of tinue the celebration it taken together is unique, and you’re aware of iit at the conscious ttime. ime. But you’re not co watching. off millions of people w You’re something more You u’re thinking somethin like: something relike e: ‘We’ve achieved some ally y special’. I just found it wonderful.. It was the best hour or so ever! ful announced As short time later you anno your international you ur retirement from intern football. foo otball. Are there certain situas tions in which you find yourself you missing it at all? [considers his answer] Basicalmiss is seely no. The one thing I mis players, the ing the guys. Not the play support staff. And that’s a shame, step because at the moment you y be seeing down, you know you’ll b rarely, and them again very, very rar again. It’s some of them never ag always ensuch a shame because I alw joyed it so much and the support superb. I had staff were simply superb team, I felt ten years in the national te so incredibly comfortable with the setup and I had a genuinely close relationship with many of the support miss. Of staff. It’s the only thing I m time course, I can still drop by from fr to time if I want to, so I’m basically absolutely fine with the situation and I know it was the right decision for me personally.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday March 29, 2015

Mashaba wary of bitter S’Eagles

Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor

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afana Bafana Coach, Shakes Mashaba expects to face a “bitter” Nigeria side bent on revenge when they meet at Nelspruit in a friendly encounter.

South Africa have a poor record against Nigeria with only one solitary victory in an international friendly in 2004 to show from their last 11 matches against the Super Eagles.

However, Bafana Bafana held the Nigerians to two draws during qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, results that helped to eliminate the then African champions from the competition in the preliminary stages.

And these results have Mashaba believing Nigeria will be looking for payback when the sides meet at the Mbombela Stadium.

“Of course the Nigerians are still feeling bitter after knocking them out,” Mashaba said.

“To them, it’s payback time. Of course they still want to show us that they are still the best when comes to football in Africa.”

Mashaba also called on supporters to come to the stadium to cheer on South

with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

Oluokun promises comeback

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Super Eagles player in action

Africa as they seek to break their 10-year winless streak against the Super Eagles.

“There is history between the two nations and a great rivalry,” Masha-

Edo dominates Oba Cup IFEANYI EDUZOR

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do State has won this year’s edition of the annual U-13 boys and U-18 girls YSFON organized Oba Cup championship.

In an entertaining encounter decided at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State male team came from a goal down to defeat their Ogun State counterparts 2-1 to emerge the winners of the 24th edition of the competition.

The State’s women team took inspiration from their male counterparts to defeat hard fighting Akwa Ibom State 1-0 to emerge champions and confirm the state’s rating as the leading team ahead of the weeklong tournament.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, chairman of the occasion and former Minister of State for Works, Chris Ogiemwonyi commended the organizers and all participating teams for their show of sportsmanship throughout the duration of the competition even as he charged all the state’s parastatals to ensure they develop sports especially football at the grassroots.

In his remarks Edo State Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Presley Ediagbonya commended YSFON for sustaining the championship for the past 24 years and pledged his Ministry’s support for the successful hosting of the silver jubilee edition next year.

Sponsor of Edo State teams to the championship and proprietor of Paragon Comprehensive High School which hosted preliminary matches of the competition, Martins Osakue commended the championship just as he urged coaches to tap from the tournament.

Declaring the competition close, President of YSFON, Yusuf Gawuna who was represented by YSFON Vice Chairman, South/South, Kali Gwegwe expressed appreciation to the government and people of Edo State for hosting the championship with an appeal to corporate organizations to support future editions.

According to him, the body will keep to its tradition of liaising with the state governments’ of the two best teams and corporate organizations to ensure the teams participate in an invitational tournaments in either Norway, Sweden, Denmark or Brazil to perfect their skills.

Anambra FA: Oduah picks holes in Umeh’s candidacy

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ormer Vice Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, Prince Isidore Oduah, has advised his former boss, Chief Mike Umeh to drop his ambition of staging a comeback to the office noting that his tenure contributed nothing meaningful to the development of football in the state even as he appealed to the state’s Commissioner of Sports, Tony Emecheta to step into the crisis rocking the state’s football house.

“I want to advise Umeh in his own interest to forget his ambition of re-occupying the position of Anambra State FA chairman because his tenure retarded football development in the state.

“There is also the need for the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Tony Emecheta to wade into the crisis and use his experience as a seasoned administrator to call Umeh to order.

The former executive committee member of the Nigeria Football Association as well

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as former member of Anambra State Sports Council, posited that Umeh has no charisma to comprehensively attend to the teething needs of the association and having failed woefully in that aspect for the many years he held sway as the helmsman of the state’s FA, he should allow people with fresh idea run the body.

‘Without any prejudice, Umeh has no knowledge on how to move the game forward nor does he have ideas on how to meticulously harness and coordinate the game. His decision to rush back to seek fresh mandate after failing in the NFF must be resisted because he does not know the right formula to attract sponsors that will bring about progress of football in Anambra State.

ba said.

“We want to win that match at all cost and we need South Africans to come in their large numbers, we need your support South Africa.

Ebun makes case for basketball development

fter losing his last non title fight by a unanimous decision to Polish Mariusz Wach (30-1, 16 KOs) on March, 14, German based Nigerian heavyweight contender, Gbenga Oluokun (19-10, 13 KOs) has announced that he will soon stage a comeback to the ring.

He told knockout that the loss was a temporary setback which will not affect his plans of emerging heavyweight champion, insisting that he still have

much to offer the heavyweight division.

“I have taken stock of my last defeat and I want to tell you that it was a temporary setback which I have put behind me and very soon I will stage a comeback.

According to the 31 year old boxer, who represented Nigeria at Athens 2004 Olympics, he is not going to take chances against future opponents, saying that Nigerians will see a better boxer when next he fights.

IFEANYI EDUZOR

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ponsor of this year’s Del Basketball Clinic, Honourable Tolulope Ebun says that there is need for government and corporate organizations to encourage basketball development in the country.

She told National Mirror during the just concluded Del Basketball Clinic which she sponsored, that the game if properly financed could create thousands of jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths.

Ebun who was represented at the occasion by Agbebi Ayomiku noted that her decision to sponsor the coaching clinic was borne out of the desire to see that children in Iyanoworo and its environs learn the rudiments of the game even as she commended the proprietor of Del Basketball Academy, Dele Awonuga for his commitments towards the development of grassroots basketball.

“My desire to ensure youths in my constituency gets basic training in the game of basketball and also to encourage the good work of Del Basketball Academy motivated me to sponsor the clinic and I want governments at all levels and corporate organizations to invest in the game”, she concluded.

Davd Haye (L) exchanging punches with Dereck Chisora during their heavyweight fight at Upton Park, England.

e Haye targets Wilders’ titl

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ormer heavyweight champion, David Haye is planning to stage a comeback to the ring and is already targeting a clash with old sparring partner Deontay Wilder The 34-year-old has been out of the ring since July 2012, when he stopped Dereck Chisora in the fifth round of a thrilling clash at Upton Park.

Two fights against Tyson Fury have fallen through since then, and Haye’s career looked to be under threat when he had surgery on a serious shoul-

der injury towards the end of 2013.

Haye revealed last summer that he was plotting a comeback and, although it continues to be delayed, he is adamant he will fight again and thinks a world title shot is possible by the end of next year.

“I think a great route would be to go to America and try to navigate a way to the WBC title. Deontay Wilder is a very good champion and if I start fighting regularly I am probably a year or 18 months away from being in a mandatory position to fight him.

Proprietor of Del Basketball Academy, Dele Awonuga (R) receiving a plague from a representative of Hon. Tolulope Ebun at the end of the clinic.

N I G E R I A

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F I G U R E S

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Vol. 5 No. 13

Sunday March 29, 2015

Cynicism as election commences

Back Page

Comment E-mail:

nwaunah@yahoo.com Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Dean, School of Languages and General Studies, The Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe

with Jim Unah

J

www.nationalmirroronline.net

ust yesterday, the much expected general elections flagged off with the presidential ballot casting.

Yet, the politicians and party supporters are still busy contesting the feasibility and appropriateness of the use of the card readers; whether or not some of the candidates should be barred from standing for the elections; whether or not the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, should serve his term and, indeed, whether the election results would be credible.

What appears confounding to observers of the unfolding political drama playing out itself in the country is the dose of uncertainties and cynicism trailing the elections. Despite assurances from the highest office in the land that the elections will hold as scheduled and that the presidency has no intention of sending the INEC boss on terminal leave as it was being speculated in some quarters, people are still cynical that all might not be well at the end of the day.

The cynicism of the people is not unconnected with experiences of aborted hopes and aspirations deviously crafted by the powers-that-be in the not too distant past.

People are quick to point to the last shift of the February 14 election date to March 28 as indicative that the ruling party had a self-perpetuation agenda in its political bag of tricks. Then, people still remember the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election results, and the convulsive quagmire that it threw the nation into.

Luckily, we have long past the era of military autocracy. Democratic rule appears to have taken root in the last 16 years. And no one is in a hurry to throw all that away on the altar of bravado or sheer machismo. Nigerians, whether supportive of the ruling party or the political opposition, appear radically poised for a change.

And two patterns of change have somehow been delineated by the frontline political competitors. The one, championed by the ruling party is about restructuring for transformative change through the vehicle of the document of the constitutional conference, which it pledges to implement to bring sustainable growth and development to the country. The other, spearheaded by the political opposition, is about fighting corruption and insurgency with military dispatch and precision. While the one thinks that Nigerians need democratic persuasion, tolerance, understanding and peer-mate husbandry to culture to

maturity and responsibility through the use of vice-detecting and fraud-preventing technology, the other insists that it is a tall order to leave the people to their own devices without the appropriate use of laws and punitive sanctions to deter offenders and rein in impunity, corruption and insurgency.

Whichever party emerges winner after yesterday’s polls, the country could never be the same again. The opposition party has given the ruling party a rude shock and a run for its money.

Should the opposition emerge winner, it is strong enough with adequate national spread to form a formidable team of state managers, that is, if it does not waste a precious time chasing shadows and witch-hunting opponents as is characteristic with acrimonious power seekers. Should the ruling party win by whatever margin of the votes, it would have to go back to the drawing board and begin to look for credible people to recruit into its fold, since the Nigerian voters would have demonstrated at the end of this voting exercise that no one and no party could take them for a ride anymore, without dire consequences.

The happy thing about the contest is that Nigerians now have a choice. The ruling party and the opposition have done well this time around save for the language of hate and acrimony in which their contest for power had been

Passport problem rules Mfon Udoh out of Bafana clash

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ll-time Nigeria league top scorer Mfon Udoh has been dropped from the Super Eagles squad for today’s friendly against South Africa in Nelspruit.

The Enyimba striker told AfricanFootball.com: “I won’t be going to South Africa with the team because I have something to sort out as regards my passport.”

Other players dropped for the trip to South Africa are Gabros goalkeeper Chidiebere Eze, Kano Pillars forward Ubong Ekpai and Onyekachi Okoye.

Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama has already been ruled out of today’s match due to a back injury and has returned to his base in France.

The Lille of France shot stopper reached a milestone of 100 caps for Nigeria on

N1

bn –Money the bn –Amount the United Federal Government Bank for Africa, UBA, gave as credit line for Lagos realised as turnover in 2014 Micro, Small and Medium N150 Enterprises, MSMEs.

Wednesday in a 1-0 loss to Uganda and could have become the first Nigeria star to appear for the country in 101 matches.

Players invited for the international friendly encounter are Daniel Akpeyi, Theophilus Afelokhai, Chima Akas, Godfrey Oboabana, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Nelson Ogbonna-

ya, Kenneth Omeruo, Akeem Latifu and Leo Balogun. Also invited for the South African game are Ogenyi Onazi, Steven Ukoh, Sone Aluko, Hope Akpan, John Ogu, Babatunde Micheal, Joseph Nathaniel, Kingsley Sokari, Ahmed Musa, Aaron Samuel, Odion Ighalo, Anthony Ujah, Moses Simon and Stanley Dimgba

presented to the public. No one could say that he didn’t have a choice, though it might be argued that it isn’t much of a choice, since PDP is somehow like APC and, conversely, APC is somehow like PDP. Once powerful PDP members are found in APC and some one-time powerful APC members are found in PDP. What looks like a choice is that while the parties appear not to differ in agenda or manifesto, if you could call it manifesto at all, they seem to be clear and differ about their methodology of dealing with the same set of issues and problems. In other words, the goals of the parties might look similar, but the method of solving the issues and problems are somewhat different. That is why it appears that there is a choice for Nigerians in the ongoing elections.

My charge is that having commenced the process of democratic selection with yesterday’s presidential ballot casting, Nigerians should continue to conduct themselves peacefully in voting for the leader(s) of their choice. Each and every Nigerian should play safe. No one should endanger himself and his family by buying into election violence. And for the power seeker, please do not put the nation and its people at risk because of your ambition to occupy public office.

Continue to vote wisely. Good luck to you and good luck to all Nigerians!

AAG Qualifier: Erico calls P. 60 for U-23 focus Euro 2016 Qualifier

Kazakhstan 0-3 Iceland Mfon Udoh

Today’s Matches

Scotland v Gibralter 17: 00 Ireland v Poland 19:45 N/Ireland v Finland 17:00 Georgia v Germany 17:00 Romania v Faroe Islands 17:00 International Friendlies Mauritius 1–1 Togo Iraq 2–1 DR Congo

Today’s Match

S/Africa v Nigeria 15:00

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