Binder1 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Vol. 5 No. 48

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

NEWS

Fresh Ebola outbreak in Liberia

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National Mirror Online

TOP STORY

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How Ahmadu Bello, wife were killed – Driver

N18, 000 minimum wage:

@NationalMirror

N150

POLITICS

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1.3m file out to elect Kogi governor today

Don’t dare us, workers warn governors Combat ready...for election! P. 6

Recapitalise or go under, CBN orders three banks Policemen deployed for Kogi Governorship Election at the Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja, yesterday.

Biafra: South East govs, lawmakers, Ohanaeze meet x Sealk T

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Em pr e P.2 ss 0

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10 moves that drive men crazy!

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Top Stories

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How Ahmadu Bello, wife were killed —Driver

A za Msue KADUNA

he 89-year-old official driver of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Alhaji Sarki Mota, has opened up for the first time, explaining how the Sardauna, alongside his wife, was shot and killed by soldiers about fifty years ago. Sardauna’s driver revealed this when Kaduna Central Senator, under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Shehu Sani, paid him a visit in his Kaduna residence. Alhaji Mota said Sardauna told him before he was murdered that he will not stay long on the earth, but refused to explain further. According to Mota: “The soldiers were just shooting sporadically. At this point, the premier’s wives were just shouting and wailing while one of them, Inno, was just reciting ‘inna illahi…’ Then one of his wives saw him in jallabiya (long gown) without a cap. She gave him a wrapper to disguise, and run away, but he refused. He told her that ‘what they are looking for is here’. I moved to where the premier was standing and I held his hands.” The veteran driver added: “My intention was to take

him to my room, but the sound of a gun shot fired at our direction separated the two of us. They cut off the electricity in the house. Inno again saw him and she ran towards him. The soldiers followed her, and one of them shouted ‘where is Ahmadu Bello? And the premier responded ‘Iam here!’ He was standing just close to the toilet, and one of his wives, Hafsatu, held him tightly and the soldiers were asking her to leave him and run for her life, but she refused. She told the soldiers that she preferred to die with him. That was how they killed the premier and his wife, Hafsatu. The time was around 4 a.m. I fainted. I lost my memory. I did not know where I was. It took me a complete month before I regained my memory.” Speaking, Senator Shehu Sani, who berated Northern governors and politicians for neglecting Sardauna’s driver, said Nigeria would have been a better country if leaders had emulated the virtues of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Senator Sani, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, said associates of quality politicians like the Sardauna, Akintola, Azikiwe, Awolowo, among others, should not be neglected. He lamented that instead of Nigerians, particularly Northerners, to preserve Sir Ahmadu Bello’s legacy for prosterity, they were busy using his name for cheap political gains.

Family tasks Indian govt on daughter’s death Sebastine Ebhuomhan

Man cuts off grandmother’s head in Edo Sebastine Ebhuomhan

Nigerian family has tasked the Government of the Republic of India on a proper investigation of the cause of death in India of their daughter, Mrs. Monica Sunday. According to the family, they are still in shock after learning of the woman’s sudden death, in shady and controversial circumstances. The woman, who was healthy and believed to be pregnant when she went to India for an operation to remove fibroid. According to a petition, the family counsel, Mr. Olayiwola Afolabi of Olayiwola Afolabi & Co., addressed to the Government of India through the Indian High Commission at Maitama in Abuja and copied the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian-Indian Business Council as well as the Presidency, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Nigerian Embassy in India, civil rights groups and relevant inter-state agencies and commissions, Mrs. Sunday had had a successful operation before she died in a questionable circumstance. According to the petition, the woman travelled to India in 2012 for the said operation after which she was advised to stay in India for required medical checks, and follow-up procedures. “Hence, rather than return home to constantly bear the expense of regular travel in and out of India, the said Mrs. Sunday opted to stay in India at great expense to our client, who had to send money for her upkeep at regular intervals,” Afolabi told Saturday Mirror. The lawyer further explained that as the victim was a stranger in India, she found the company of some Nigerians useful. He gave their names as: Messrs Frank, Nosa, Osamamwen, Friday and Itohan Oviasogie, who were believed to have seen her, and were with her before her death. The family claimed that the last time they heard from her was on November 2, 2015 before an anonymous neighbour of hers in Indian gave them a call to confirm her death in suspicious manner on November 6 through an alleged clandestine involvement of the above-mentioned Nigerians. The lawyer had alleged however, that from the look of her picture in death, she might have been strangulated.

Late Bello

Afolabi therefore, demanded an investigation of the death by the Government of India, under whose care she was, in line with Indian laws and international legal instruments. Described as a case of suspected gruesome murder of a Nigerian citizen, who went to seek medical assistance in India, Afolabi is demanding amongst others, an urgent need to commence investigation into the death of the victim by ordering a medical autopsy and criminal enquiry into the circumstances leading to her death; a call to examine and determine the suspected complicity of the following individuals to wit: Messrs Frank, Nosa, Osamamwen, Friday and Itohan Oviasogie, who are all Nigerians known to and relating with the deceased just before the shocking death; and an urgent need to halt hurried deportation of the corpse to Nigeria as same is a scheme by the perpetrators to prevent a forensic investigation into the death of the said Monica Sunday.

23-year-old man, on Friday, hacked his grandmother to death during a bitter quarrel over an attempt to exclude him from collecting and benefiting from the rents of his late mother’s house in Benin City. The murder suspect also wounded his aunt, whom he accused of conspiring with the late grandmother to deprive him of the rents. The tragedy occurred at No. 13, Igubor Street, off Technical College Road in Benin City, Edo State. The 55-year-old victim, Mrs. Janet Ogbeifun, was allegedly attacked and killed by her grandchild, whose name was given to Saturday Mirror as Solomon Bakoma, a Togolese-born child of the victim’s daughter, who is said to have died before now in Morocco on her way to seek greener pastures in Europe. Our correspondent reliably learnt that Solomon, who has a sister living in Togo, was brought to Benin City by his paternal uncle in September 2014, after which he learnt of the house, an evidence of his late mother’s hard work. An eyewitness, Master Hassan Stephen, 12, said he was in the house with his grandmother preparing for school at about 7.30 a.m. when his cousin, Solomon cut his grandmother’s head with a sharp cutlass. Another witness, 17-year-old Ms. Joy Frank, stated that Solomon had severally threatened to kill his grandmother for not allowing him to collect rents from the tenants occupying three flats in the four flats built by his late mother. She stated further that last Wednesday, the suspect intensified his threats, forcing his grandmother to invite her other children to the house to reason with him. Joy revealed further that her cousin, Solomon, took time to sharpen the cutlass the previous evening, Thursday, under the guise of clearing grasses with it on Friday. “I heard my grandmother screamed once. When I rushed into the sitting room, I saw Solomon cutting my grandmother’s head with his cutlass. “He cut her in the head and neck; and turned to my mother and was about to cut my mother when I held his hand. But he succeeded in cutting her on the leg,” Joy said. It was gathered that operatives from Okhoro and Ugbowo Police Divisions came after the dastardly act to take the corpse and the injured persons away.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Saturday Starter

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Arms procurement: Can Buhari clean the Aegean stable?

Loading of T72-tanks on Antonov in Czech Republic destined for Nigeria. Courtesy: PR Nigeria

As part of his promise to tackle corruption, sparing no sacred cows, President Mohammadu Buhari takes on the bogey of arms procuremen. But it might well appear that he will be hobbled by the traditional challenges that come with engaging in such fight. Apart from stiff opposition from suspected perpetrators, the huddles placed by the judicial system and sundry factors, the biggest obstacle to waging war against graft appears to be public perception of perceived selectiveness in the campaign. Day by day, opposition elements are regaling the public with instances they allege point to Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selective application of the law in fighting graft. Are these observations genuine or just bogus claims meant to obfuscate matters in the public domain, asks NICK UWERU.

f the Presidency was hoping to score a major point in its determination to fight graft in high places with the recent release of committee findings on arms purchase for the country since 2007 till date, it might have to wait a little longer. The panel has concluded its findings. Among many other issues, it indicted Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser, NSA, under erstwhile president, Goodluck Jonathan, of complicity in the mismanagement of whopping $2.9 billion meant CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Saturday Starter

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Sleaze rife in defence procurement’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

to purchase arms for the prosecution of war against Boko Haram. To wit, President Mohammadu has since ordered the arrest of the erstwhile NSA. But rather than get praise from the public as severe charges such as these are wont to do, scepticism has since trailed the revelation. What with Dasuki’s response to the allegations, the public is no longer sure whether the committee actually set out to probe arms procurement shortcomings or pursue a different agenda entirely. For many observers, how the president navigates through the controversy would dictate how much the public will trust his much vaunted anti-corruption crusade. According to Femi Adesina, special adviser, media and publicity, to the president, President Buhari observed that the actions of the erstwhile NSA brought the nation to international ridicule as the failure to procure the arms incapacitated the military in the face of the insurgency orchestrated by the Boko Haram sect. Adesina further went on to narrate an account of alleged sleaze that occurred purportedly under Dasuki’s watch. According to the findings of the probe committee, stated Adesina, Dasuki expended $2,193,815,000.83 on arms, a figure he said did not include grants received by the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, from state governments. “As part of the findings, the committee has analyzed interventions from some organizations that provided funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters, and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, both in local and foreign currencies. “So far the total extra budgetary interventions articulated by the committee is Six Hundred and Forty Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Hundred Naira and Eighteen Kobo (N643,817,955,885.18). “The foreign currency component is to the tune of Two Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand US Dollars and Eighty Three Cents ($2,193,815,000.83). “These amounts exclude grants from the state governments and funds collected by the DSS and Police. It was observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defence procurement,” narrated the president’s chief image maker. He further went on to state that the committee found that of the 513 contracts awarded at $8,356,525,184.32; N2,189,265,724,404.55 and €54,000.00; Fifty Three (53) were failed contracts amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively. “Interestingly, it was noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the $1bn loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight the insurgency in

Buhai

Dasuki

The contracts which were said to be for the purchase of four Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory. the North East. “The committee also discovered that payments to the tune of Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N3,850,000,000.00) were made to a single company by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfilment of tax obligations to the federal government,” said Adesina. Further findings, according to the committee, revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, Dasuki awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and €9,905,477.00. The contracts which were said to be for the purchase of four Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory. To this end, the president has since ordered the arrest of those involved in the matter, starting with Dasuki. But reacting to the allegation, Dasuki insisted that the committee was merely on wild goose chase. He may well have a

point. In the first instance, the committee’s position that Dasuki made the flawed procurement since March 2012 is flawed because according to public record, Dasuki was only appointed as NSA in June that same year. Andrew Azazi, late, was the NSA who made procurement order in March. Explaining why the allegations by the presidency are flawed, Dasuki said that four Alpha jets and 12 helicopters were actually delivered. In a press release, the former NSA stated that in November 28, 2014, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Adesola Amosu acknowledged the receipt of the four Alpha jets attack aircraft and the helicopters. This, he pointed out, was contained in a memo to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), referenced NAF/905/D/CAS. “On October 21, 2014, the Chief of Air Staff also confirmed the receipt of F-7 N1 aircraft combination of 250kg bombs and accessories at $2,894,000 with the cost of freight at $1,200,000. The same Air Force confirmed getting 2xTri Shield 36DG Tac-

tical radars. “In another letter of December 1, 2014 signed by L.S. Alao (on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff), the Air Force said it received five containerized fuel storage and dispensing units with equipment. “The Nigerian Army wrote the ONSA to acknowledge the delivery of 14 armoured tanks. In a December 13, 2014 memo, the Brigade of Guards thanked ONSA for releasing N30m for RCA, Operation allowance for Troops on Op Urban Sweep II for third and fourth quarters of 2014. This is apart from the installation of CCT Cameras at the Brigade Headquarters, 2 backscatter bomb detection vans and other equipment. “On November 26, 2014, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh sought for approval of the award of one pair of uniform(in the interim) for the Armed Forces at N165, 375 to El-Jahab Mubarak Nigeria and N330,750,000 for two pairs. “These are some of the acknowledgement letters submitted to me by the end-users (the services). It is not for me to go and find out whether the equipment was delivered or not. I am not the one keeping the inventories,” stated Dasuki. The former NSA also added that he submitted a comprehensive list of all requests for procurements by the services, the items bought and the equipment being awaited to President Muhammadu Buhari long before he left office. “If there were issues, I should have been questioned. I was just the clearing house; I did not award contracts to my company or proxies. There was no contract CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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‘Service Chiefs retire as billionaires’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

T72-computerised-tanks

awarded or equipment bought without approval from the then President and Commander-In-Chief,” Dasuki said. So far, the presidency has been mum on this new twist from Dasuki. In fact, an attempt made to get Adesina’s response by a television station in Lagos was met with a tacit, “no comment for now.” But graft in defence procurements is not a peculiar trend in the country or in other climes. This trend has been established since 1985. Analysts believe that corruption in the Nigerian Army, for instance, involved over inflation of contract values, diversion of pension funds, drug trafficking, intimidation of contractors, withholding allowances and sundry other vices. Senior Officers heading the financial branch of their arm of the armed forces usually become instant billionaires on retirement. Successive Chief of Army Finance, Chief of Air Finance or Chief of Naval Finance respectively never retire from the service without billions of Naira in their accounts or stashed somewhere. In fact, since the advent of democracy in the country, there have been intermittent cases of sleaze connected with defence procurements in the country. Even though the presidential probe committee did not mention it, there is another case of alleged corruption in 2008, well within period of reference of the presidential probe committee. On Friday the 4th of July, 2008, soldiers that converged from all over Nigeria held Akure town to ransom; the city stood at a standstill, the city got frozen. Army peacekeepers drawn from across the country to participate in the operations protested the non-payment of their allowances. Au-

Military trucks

thentic sources claimed that instead of the $1,228 that the global body approved for them on monthly basis, authorities of the Nigerian Army were short changing them by paying them only N3,000 for the sixmonth period. They claimed that since they returned to Nigeria on April 23 2008 from the operation, which they started on September 12 since 2007, life had been difficult for them because they were not paid their allowances. The atmosphere at the Owena Barracks of the 323 Artillery Regiment of the Nigerian Army in Akure, Ondo State was a rancorous and mutinous one. Hundreds of soldiers went on violent demonstration over the alleged military authorities’ cut of the United Nations (UN) allowances for their peacekeeping operations in the former war-torn Liberia. At the time in

question, Abdulrahman Dambazzau, current minister of Interior, was the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, at the time. Though the controversy drew court actions, civil society intervention and public outrage, nothing much was heard from the matter. The question on some lips is: was this incident not part of the matter investigated by the presidential panel? Though President Buhari, in words and policy thrust has demonstrated that he has no respect for sacred cows, it may well appear that same cannot be said of relevant anti-graft agencies. For instance, opposition parties have since accused the president of selectively fighting corruption. They cite the instance of Godswill Akpabio, former governor, Akwa Ibom, and Senator who was invited by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to an-

NSA stated that in November 28, 2014, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Adesola Amosu acknowledged the receipt of the four Alpha jets attack aircraft and the helicopters. This, he pointed out, was contained in a memo to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), referenced NAF/905/D/CAS. the former

swer posers raised by petitioners. But earlier, Rotimi Amaechi, an APC chieftain, now Minister, Transport, was also petitioned against by a group from his state, Rivers, where he ruled for eight years. Till date, EFCC has not invited the former governor for questioning. As some have observed, for every one of opposition politician either invited or arrested by the anti-graft agency for probe there is always a corresponding other in the ruling party’s camp that seemed to have been over looked. For instance, while Gabriel Suswam been docked over his stewardship, not much has been heard on the controversy that trailed Babatunde Fashola during his ministerial screening. Less than two months after Fashola vacated office, allegations bordering on misappropriation and financial recklessness were filed against him by the Peoples Democratic Party and a campaigner of corrupt-free society, the Coalition Against Corrupt Leader. The PDP Publicity Secretary in Lagos State, Mr. Taofik Gani, had accused the former governor of collecting N32bn Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme fund meant for the state, but the expenditure of the money could not be reflected in any project, CACOL was peeved that Fashola allegedly spent N78m public fund to upgrade his personal website. A report published on the website of the Lagos State Government also detailed alleged financial sleaze by Fashola. As a result, CACOL asked the Economic Financial Crimes Commission to arrest the former governor for prosecution, apart from campaigning against his appointment by Buhari.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

NATIONAL NEWS

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N18, 000 minimum wage: Don’t dare us, workers warn govs Femi Adeosun

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ny move by governors of the 36 states of the federation to halt N18,000 national minimum wage payment to workers as result of dwindling resources may face the fiercest resistance, says the country’s umbrella workers’ union. The governors on Thursday had made pronouncement to the

effect that the payment of such wage is no longer sustainable. But the statement by governors has triggered stern objections from various workers’ groups in the country with organised labour threatening to shut down the country should the governors insist on taking the decision. The governors, who made the declaration at the end of the meeting of the Nigeria Gov-

ernors’ Forum, NGF, in Abuja said the massive drop in global oil prices in recent times had drastically affected their states’ income. Crude oil prices, which stood at about $62.16 per barrels at the beginning of May 2015, dropped to about $38.52 on Thursday. According to the monthly Financial and Operations Report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, for Septem-

ber 2015, oil revenue payments to the Federation Accounts had consistently dwindled, from N102.99 billion in May; N101.96 in June; N77.4 billion in July; N76.18 billion in August to N73.25 billion in September. Leaders of the various labour groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, have however warned against the ugly conse-

L-R:General Secretary, Industrial Global Union, Mrs. Jyrki Raina; NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Director, Industrial Policy for Industrial Global Union, Ms. Jenny Holdcroft, during a Peaceful Protest on Poverty Eradication and Job Creation for Women and Youth in Abuja, yesterday.

quences the governors’ decision. NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who spoke on the sidelines of the event, said rather than contemplating downward review of the N18,000 minimum wage, state governors should shun frivolous spending, cut

down on their retinue of aides as well as their security votes. According to Wabba the Union would mobilise Nigerian workers to grind nation’s economy aground should the governors succeed on the downward review of the legally binding minimum wage.

...as Nigeria records lowest GDP growth in 4 years

he National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, said on Wednesday that Nigeria, in the second quarter of 2015, recorded the lowest growth in real Gross Domestic Product, GDP, since 2011. The GDP, which is termed as the most important indicator of economic wellbeing of a nation, is the total value of all goods and services available for use and export in a country for a given period. The bureau said Nigeria’s total expenditure on GDP, measured in real terms on year-onyear basis, increased by 2.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2015, with growth in the same period in 2014 put at 6.47 per cent.

The NBS said in its latest Nigerian GDP Report released in Abuja that expenditure on GDP in real terms (at 2010 prices) stood at N16.62 billion in the second quarter of 2015, compared with N16.3 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2014. “Expenditure on GDP in real terms (at 2010 prices) stood at N16,623.05 billion in the second quarter of 2015, compared with N16,249.37 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2014, representing a growth rate of 2.30 percent. “This is the lowest growth in real GDP recorded since 2011; growth in the same period in 2014 was 6.47 percent,” the report said.

‘FG may write-off bailout to state govts’ Femi Oyeweso, ABEOKUTA

trong indication has emerged that the bailout fund extended to all the 36 state governments of the federation by federal government may be writen-off going by the economic realities currently being experienced by some states. Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun dropped the hint yesterday while speaking at the opening

of the Treasury Board meeting for the year 2016 budget held at the Obas’ Complex in Oke - Mosan State Secretariat Complex, Abeokuta, the state capital. Amosun explained that the decision to write off the bailout fund from the debt list of the states that benefited from it was borne out of the federal government’s conviction that some states in the country are non-economically viable and as such,

would not be able to cope with the conditions for its repayment. Amosun, who was apparently responding to the criticisms against his administration’s assessment of N19 Billion of the fund, also lamented that Ogun short-changed itself by not applying for a total sum of N40 Billion in the opportunity provided by the bailout scheme. The governor also hinted that the federal government was already con-

sidering writing off the bailout fund since more states are already clamouring for more of the bailout system. Amosun however, emphasised that his administration remain committed to improving the socio-economic fortunes of the state despite the current economic downturn in the country. The governor also charged official at the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to

strive towards prudence and accountability in their focus for year 2016 Fiscal year. Amosun also said that the state’s year 2016 budget proposal would largely be financed through aggressive Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) without inflicting unnecessary pressure on the citizens. He directed both the political and career officers to ensure total blockage of loopholes, leakag-

es, wastages and remit all monies to the appropriate government coffers. Earlier the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ms. Adenrele Adesina appreciated all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies for their commitment to the Ogun State Project. She noted that the 5-cardinal programmes of the Amosun-led Administration remain sacrosanct and priority of Government.

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NANS disassociate self from expelled NOUN students Regina Otokpa

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body of all Nigerian students, has condemned the agitation of some Students of National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN), under the aegis of Congress of NOUN Students (CONS), calling for the sack the of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor and four other management staff for alleged extortion. NANS expressed its displeasure against the antics of those students who have abandoned the principal pursuit of their academic activities and rather resort to causing chaos on campuses to the detriment of other students who are facing their studies diligently. In a press statement signed by its National President, Comrade Usman Tijjani, NANS said its attention has been drawn to the uncouth activities of a clique of impostors who were expelled by NOUN on grounds of misconduct and poor academic performance “The excommunicated students are led by one Abdulrazaq Hamza and Elias Ozikpu, who have now resorted to blackmailing the NOUN administration and smearing the pristine image of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe”. ‘’We condemn this backward and retrogressive act in the strongest terms even as we urge them to seek redress through due process and laid down procedure if they have any grouse that merits attention,’’ NANS

overnors of States in the South-East, National Assembly members from the zone and the leadership of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo have agreed to meet in Enugu on Sunday over agita-

NATIONAL NEWS

he Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Friday lambasted government-owned media organizations in the country over what he described as lack of professionalism and credible reportage. The minister made this known during his maiden meeting with heads of parastatals under his ministry at the Radio House, Abuja. Mr. Mohammed, while noting that government-owned media organizations pioneered the profession in the country and have a wide range of highly trained personnel; working tools, as well as a wide reach, condemned the unfortunate trend of outright unprofessional conduct prevalent in public media houses. “Why have you all chosen to play second fiddle in the country’s media landscape? I ask because the NTA and FRCN of yesterday is not the same as what we have today.” “There is no denying the fact that the private radio and TV stations are doing much better, at least going by the fact that most Nigerians prefer them to the public broadcasters”. “Indeed, most Nigerians find the private broadcasters more credible”, Mr. Mohammed noted. He condemned the disregard for editorial independence.

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lai Mohammed blasts NTA, Radio Nigeria, NAN

... orders fair treatment of opposition parties “They have mortgaged their credibility on the altar of political correctness”; Mr. Mohamed said. Mr. Mohammed said the problem of lack of finance often heard in public media houses could be traced to lack of credibility. “There is a link between credibility and profitability”. “Advertisers will surely flock to more credible media organizations, and of course it is also true that content drives advertisement”, he added. Mr. Mohammed said the News Agency of Nigeria was fast losing its reputation as the leading medium in Africa and was now “punching far below its weight, despite its presence in all the states of the Federation”. He said the present administration plans to reform government-owned media houses. “We intend to provide leadership for the Federal Government-owned media organizations in a manner

…they can more effectively function as a vehicle for the change mantra of the Buhari Administration,” the minister said. He however challenged them to “first enhance their own credibility, because no credibility-deficient news organization can successfully propagate the message of change”. Mr. Mohammed said the Buhari administration would not be possessive of the media, as was witnessed in the just concluded administration. He said, “Let me assure Nigerians that under this administration; no Federal Government-owned media organization will deny the opposition the opportunity to air their views. “It is true that while we were in opposition, we were treated as outcasts by these public broadcasters”. “But in an era of change, which is our mantra, that cannot and will

not continue. Opposition members are Nigerians, just like members of the ruling party. “Therefore, let the ruling party and the opposition air their ideas and let the people, who wield the ultimate power, decide at the end of the day.” He said his administration would ensure full digitalization of the National Broadcasting Commission. Mr. Mohammed said the revitalization of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, National Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board would go a long way to propagate the gospel of change and improve the economy through provision of employment opportunities. He stated that his administration would leave no stakeholder untapped in the expected massive national reorientation campaign aimed at achieving a paradigm shift in the country.

L-R: Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole; Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Mohammed; Mother of the baby, Mrs. Elizabeth Olebuezi, holding her baby, David during the National flag off campaign against measles in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Fresh Ebola outbreak reported in Liberia

iberian Health Minister, Bernice Dahn, said on Friday that a new case of Ebola has emerged, a setback for the country declared free of the disease on Sept. 3. Mr. Dahn said that it was also a setback for the region, which was struggling to end an epidemic that had killed around 11,300 people. The patient is a 10-year old boy who lived with his parents and three siblings in Paynesville, a suburb east of the capital Monrovia, she said. All six family members, as well as other high risk contacts, were in care at an Ebola Treatment Unit in Paynesville, Mr. Dahn added. She also said that the hospital was currently decontaminating the unit, all of the healthcare workers who came in contact with the patient had also been notified. “We know how Ebola spreads and we know how to stop Ebola but we must remain vigilant and work together,” she said. Liberia has seen more than 10,600 cases of the disease and 4,808 Ebola deaths since it was first announced in March, 2014, according to WHO figures. The virus has killed about 11,300 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, but Sierra Leone was declared free of the virus on Nov. 7 and Guinea has begun its countdown to the end of the virus. (Reuters/NAN)

Biafra: South East govs, lawmakers, Ohanaeze meet tion for Biafra. This is contained in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to Imo state Governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, and made avail-

able to newsmen in Owerri on Friday. The statement said the meeting was in continuation of the governors’ earlier deliberations on how

to resolve the issue of the pro-Biafra protests. “It is also on the demand by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MAS-

SOB), which had gained momentum in recent times. “The meeting is slated for noon at Government House, Enugu.’’

It explained that the governors had met on Tuesday. That meeting, where participants sued for peace, was presided over by Governor Rochas Okorocha. (Premium Times)

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NATIONAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Recapitalise or go under, CBN orders three banks Johnson Okanlawon

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday gave three commercial banks until June 2016 to recapitalise after they failed to hit a minimum capital adequacy rate of 10 per cent. Thourgh the CBN did not name the banks but said they were from the group of 14 deposited money banks that have licenses to operate as regional and national lenders, with respective capital bases of N10 billion and N25 billion. Data from the CBN website said it was monitoring the three banks’ recapitalisation plans, and that 10 others with international status met the 15 per cent minimum capital rate for that category of bank at the end of June. The recapitalisation schedule, contained in a report dated October 30, only came to light on Friday, November 20, 2015. When National Mirror

on Saturday contacted a CBN’s official for clarification, he said he also watched it on television. Last week, the CBN told commercial banks to double provisions on performing loans to two per cent to build adequate buffers against unexpected losses, as liquidity ratios fall. It said lower revenues for government and oil companies due to plunging crude prices have led to unsecured exposures for banks that are likely to increase credit risk and loan losses. Ratings agency Moody’s said this week it expected non-performing loans to rise above five per cent but remain below 10 per cent over the next two years as the weaker naira increases the risk of dollar loans and suppresses bank capital. According to the CBN, the non-performing loans in the banking sector rose to 4.65 per cent at the end of June due to a fall in asset quality following a devaluation of the naira and amid

rising inflation. Stanbic IBTC last week said it had doubled its non-performing loan ratio to 8.8 per cent and it plans to raise fresh funds. Pan-African bank Ecobank and Skye Bank have both suspended plans to raise fresh equity owing to weak market conditions and slower loan growth. Wema Bank, which suspended plans partly because of the naira weakness, said on Thursday it would resume a share sale next year and has started a process to raise $100 million worth of naira bonds after getting approval to switch from a regional to a national bank. The CBN had on March

24, this year directed some systemically important banks considered too big to fail, that are short of capital to submit recapitalization plans to it by June 13, 2015.

The CBN letter suggest that a few undisclosed banks do not meet the minimum capital adequacy ratio of 10 per cent and 15 per cent for regional/national and international banks, respectively, under Basel II. These banks have been given three months, till June 13, 2015, to submit recapitalisation plans and till 30 June 2016 to implement same. The letter also affirms CBN’s willingness to support the banks in their bid

to raise the required capital. The CBN last year classified eight Nigerian banks – First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank), Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank), United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Access Bank, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Skye Bank Plc – as systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) and imposed on them a new set of rules, requiring them to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 16 per cent. So far, Diamond Bank has successfully issued $200.0m Eurobond at 9.0, Zenith Bank $500.0 million Eurobond at 6.5 per cent &

Access $400million Eurobond:9.5 per cent and also received N40.0bn multilateral loan. According to capital market sources in the bid to meet the CBN new capital requirement for systemically important bank, Diamond Bank completed capital raising of N50.4 billion through a rights issue at N5.80 to prop up its Tier-1 capital in 2014. Unity Bank last year raised N19.23 billion in a share sale to existing shareholders to bolster its capital position as the central bank implements stricter international regulations. The mid-tier lender sold 38.45 billion shares at 0.50 naira

Buhari attends Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum in Tehran Rotimi Fadeyi

resident Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja tomorrow for Tehran where he would participate in the 3rd Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum (GECF) opening in the Iranian capital. A statement issued yesterday by Special Advise to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President and the leaders of Iran, Russia, Qatar, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Oman, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bolivia and other member-countries of the GECF are expected to review the current market outlook on gas and discuss strategies for boosting gas production during their meeting in Tehran. Nigeria and other GECF members currently account for 42 percent of

global gas production‎, 70 percent of global gas reserves, 40 percent of pipeline transmission of gas and 65 percent of the global trade in Liquefied Natural Gas. Buhari who is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with other participating Heads of State and Government on the sidelines of the GECF summit would also meet with Nigerians resident in Iran. The President would be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd.). He is due back in Abuja on Tuesday, the statement added.

Queue for petrol at a filling station in Lagos, yesterday.

Federal High Court, Abuja, will hear the Attorney General of the Federation counter motion on Bukola Saraki’s Code of Conduct trial on Dec 2. Mr. Saraki, who is the President of Senate, is challenging the legality of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to try him. He joined the AGF, ICPC, EFFC, Inspector-General of Police, Ataedze Adza, Sam Saba, Mohammed Diri, M.S Hassan, CCB, CCT and Justice Danladi Umar, as co-defendants. At the resumed hearing, Counsel to AGF,

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Saraki Vs AGF: Court adjourns till Dec. 2

Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said they were served with the court processes directing the AGF to appear in court today. Mr. Jacobs told the court that he filed Notice of Preliminary Objections on behalf of the AGF, EFCC, ICPC, IGP, CCB, CCT, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit. Mr. Jacobs argued that the applicant’s suit constituted an abuse of court process, saying

that the suit did not disclose a reasonable cause of action. According to him, all the reliefs being sought by the applicant are not available under the law. He submitted that the sole issue for determination was whether the suit was not liable to be dismissed on grounds of lack of jurisdiction, abuse of court process and incompetence. Mr. Jacobs submitted that the court of appeal had earlier ruled

against the applicant in the same matter where he urged the appellate court to nullify the charge against him at the tribunal. He said the appellate court directed the applicant to go back to the tribunal and face criminal charges, saying the tribunal was properly constituted, competent to trial the applicant. Mr. Jacobs said the application was an abuse of court process.

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Don’t structure tertiary institutions – Osun old students Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO.

s Osun state government awaits position paper from the chairmen of its four tertiary institutions over plans to restructure their operations, Alumni Associations of the affected institutions, yesterday said it opposed any plan that will lead to the merger of the institutions. They also called on the State House of Assembly, traditional rulers and the members of the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) to prevail on the State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola not to create “avoidable industrial and communal disputes over the proposed merger”. Rising from a meeting held in Osogbo, Osun state capital, the alumni associations Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, and Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, said despite opposition to the merger by all stakeholders, it claimed, it had it on good authority that the state government would still go ahead on plans to merge the institutions. In a communiqué jointly signed and made available to journalists in Osogbo by the four National Presidents of the alumni associations, Pastor Adelowokan JP, Mutiu Balogun, Chief Mrs Mobola Odebode, Mr Ayobami Fakeye, Presidents, OSCOED

Ilesa, OSCOTECH Esa-Oke, OSPOLY Iree, and OSSCE Ila Orangun respectively, the group faulted what it called “plan to merge the institutions”. It said the reconfiguration may signal the extinction of polytechnics and colleges of education system in the state adding that the government has not provided any cogent reason that outweigh the vision of the founding fathers of the institution. The associations faults arguments on inadequate funds and advised the state government to explore agriculture, arts crafts, and entrepreneurship opportunities and modernized the institutions continuous education centers to generate more revenue. The communiqué reads in part “These tertiary institutions are symbols of elegance, brilliance, knowledge, academic excellence, wisdom and radiance that illuminate and bring good life to the society. They are also fertile grounds for the training of competent and reliable hands in almost all the fields of knowledge. Their impacts have no boundary worldwide. “Therefore, all the institutions of higher learning in the state are enviable legacies inherited by the present government in the state. If the government cannot build more colleges of education, colleges of technology and polytechnics, it should not reduce the existing ones.

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SOUTH WEST

Sultan visits Ekiti

...canvasses ethnic, religious fairness Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

he Sultan of Sokoto and President of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has said that justice is a necessary condition for meaningful development in any nation. Abubakar charged the nation’s politicians to put politics behind them after elections, urging them to “come together, put your hour house together and serve the people”. The NSCIA President, who is in Ekiti ahead of today’s investiture of the Chief Imam of Ekiti, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, as the President General, League of Imams in the Southwest, Edo and Delta States, spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday during a courtesy call on the Ekiti State Governor Abubakar charged the governor to continue to carry the people along in his leadership

role and treat all ethnic nationalities and religious organizations as equal entities for the state and Nigeria to move to a higher pedestal in all spheres. The NSCIA leader said: “As leaders, we owe it a duty to lead by example and with the fear of God. If you are a leader, it is left for you to work your way to hell or heaven. God believes strongly in leadership, that is why people must continue to support them rather than fighting them. “I want the Governor to treat all the various nationalities and religions in Ekiti as one. Leadership is a trust. You must be just in handling their affairs. When there is injustice, no development can take place. When we are just, then there will be security in the society,” he said Abubakar, who said the reason for being voted into office was service, advised pol-

iticians “to continue to work hard for the people and most importantly God to love him more”. The Ekiti State Governor, who described the Sultan’s visit as historic, assured that he would continue to promote the existing peace and unity among ethnic nationalities and religious groups in the state. The governor, however, seized the opportunity to impress on the NSCIA President the need to caution President Muhammadu Buhari to eschew abuse of human rights and ensure justice at all times. He said the continued incarceration of the former-National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki, over alleged arms deal, was a flagrant abuse of the constitution and the rule of law by President Muhammadu Buhari-led government. He said: “I take the op-

portunity of your visit to bare my mind on some national concerns, particularly as it affects the unlawful incarceration of Dasuki. “The continuous siege on the residence of the former NSA against a court order is a clear manifestation of fundamental human right abuse. “If the president flouts Court orders with impunity, judicial independence will be fatally compromised and Nigeria’s embryonic democracy is in great danger. With this act, the President has left nobody I doubt that Dasuki cannot get fair hearing. “We hereby call on the international community to support independent human right observers who are out to monitor former NSA’s prosecution and trial. President Buhari must honour his vow to follow due process and the rule of law”, he said.

Ondo Rep urges Mimiko to complete Owena Dam Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Afe Olowookere, yesterday called on Ondo state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, to complete the Owena Multipurpose Dam at Igbara-Oke in Ifedore Local Government Area before the end of his tenure. Olowookere, who represents Akure North/South federal constituency, spoke while commissioning a motorised borehole project at Igbalaye community, off Oke-Aro, Akure. He said if the dam is completed, it is expected to serve all the six local government areas in the central senatorial district of the state. The All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker lamented the abandonment of the project which started during the late Olusegun Agagu administration despite reaching 70 percent stage of completion. Olowookere noted that Mimiko had no cogent reason for abandoning the project considering the trillion of

naira that had accrued to the state since the governor took over government in 2009. He said: “Mention must be made here of the failure of the present PDP government in Ondo state to deliver portable drinkable water to our people through Owena multipurpose Dam at Igbara-Oke. “This is a project that started under the late Dr. Agagu’s administration and has reached 70 percent completion. Since the Dam has been constructed by the federal government, the water treatment plants has been constructed, thus remaining the delivery through reticulation by the state government to towns and villages in Ifedore, Akure South and North, Idanre and Ondo in the central senatorial district. “If this had been achieved, there would have been no need for digging boreholes anywhere in the central senatorial district of the state. We all have duty therefore to called on Mimiko to complete this project before the expiration of his tenure so that history will acknowledge him as it beckons at him today.”

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (3rd right); Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola (3rd left); Permanent Secretaries, Special Duties, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibironke Sodeinde (2nd left); Public Service Office, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi (right); Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Dr. (Mrs.) Olanike Oduwole (2nd right) and the Director, Service Matters, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi (left), during a courtesy visit to the Wife of the Governor by the Head of Service, at the Lagos House, Marina, on Friday, November 20, 2015.

Ekiti varsity denies bottlenecks in transcript, certificate issuance Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

kiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti has debunked allegation of bottlenecks in the process of issuing transcripts and certificates to graduates of the institution. The institution’s Deputy Registrar (Public Relations), Mr Ajibade Olubunmi, said proponents of such allegation were living in the past when almost all Nigerian Universities were operating analogue. Olubunmi said in a statement entitled: ‘No Corruption in Collection of Certificates/ Transcripts at EKSU’ that

time had changed and EKSU had moved beyond where many thought it is”. He spoke in reaction to a publication entitled: “Corruption Mars of Certificates, Transcripts at Ekiti Varsity,” in which the EKSU Alumni, United Kingdom (UK) Branch Chairman, Mr Tunde Owoseni, alleged that the bottlenecks with collection of transcripts and certificates had defied logic. The university said: “Students now collect their certificates on convocation day while former graduates get their certificates and transcripts immediate without stress. “Genuine graduates without disciplinary actions and who are not involved in unwholesome activities or found guilty of any offence get their certificates at will without hassles in today’s EKSU. This could be verified even from EKSU affiliate institutions”. “When the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oladipo Aina, came into office, he met

an avalanche of backlogs of unsigned certificates which he promptly attended to. As at today, not less than 95,000 certificates have been signed while graduates come to obtain such,” he stated. However, the university charged the Alumni of the institution to mobilise and “contribute immensely to positive development of the university instead of throwing stones to achieve unwarranted publicity through subterranean means”. The National President of Alumni Association of EKSU, Prof Matthew Ayeni, urged members in the Diaspora to come back home and contribute their quota to the growth and development of the university. Ayeni, in a statement entitled: “EKSU is Rising, EKSU is Moving,” corroborated the school authorities on issuance of certificates and transcripts and charged the Diaspora members to desist from “staying away and shooting missiles to the school”.

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NORTH

LOKOJA

o fewer than 1,351,313 electorate are expected to file out today to elect a candidate of their as governor of the state to pilot the affairs for next for years.

Period to now,the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had cleared 22 candidates and their running mates

to contest the horse race to the Lugard House, the seat of power. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded arrangement for the conduct of free,fair,credible and acceptable governorship election in Kogi State. The Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission,Professor Mahmood Yakubu has as-

sured Nigerians that the Commission will conduct credible election in the state, stressing that the preparation is in top gear for the conduct of governorship election in Kogi state. Professor Yakubu also disclosed that over 13,000 ad-hoc staff have been recruited and trained, while NYSC corps members will be participating as elector-

al officers. He added that over 3700 Smart Card Readers have been deployed to the 21 local government areas of the state, pointing that the card readers have been charged and configured. Professor Yakubu explained 3 national commissioners have been deployed to man each of the three senatorial districts, while 11 Residents Elec-

Adhoc Staff of INEC checking for their postings in preparation for Kogi governorship election in Lokoja, yesterday.

DC guber candidate, Zainab Usman, steps down for Audu

he African Democratic Congress Governorship Candidate and the only female in the race for Kogi State Election coming up tomorrow, Hon. Zainab Usman has withdrawn from the race.

Usman announced her decision to step down

for the All Progressives Congress Governorship Candidate, Prince Audu Abubakar because he is the only Candidate that, can take the State to the promised land. While lauding Audu for his performance while in office between 1999 and

2003, Usman noted the only visible development in the State were put in place by Audu during this period, adding that, successive PDP regimes have failed woefully inspire of the huge resources at their disposal. “I decided to dump my

ambition and support Audu to move the State forward and continue from where he stopped in 2003.” “I have thus direct all my supporters to go out and vote enmass for the APC and Prince Audu tomorrow”.

Police battle-ready to bring troublemakers to book — Commissioner

he Kogi State Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said on Friday that the military would be available to play its “constitutional role” in providing adequate security in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

He said while speaking to PREMIUM TIMES on the phone that his command had deployed

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Kogi Decides

1.3m file out to elect new gov Wale Ibrahim

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

“enough” police personnel to man all polling units and strategic places to ensure the election went undisrupted on Saturday. “The military will be there to play its constitutional role,” Mr. Ojuwkwu said. “We have enough men to man all the polling units and relevant places to en-

sure law and order on Saturday.” He also warned trouble makers to stay away on Election Day as the security agencies would not hesitate to bring them to account for their actions in line with the law. “Politicians must not approach the election as a door die-affair,” he said. “It is expected to play

the game according to the rules. Losers always will have another day to win. “For troublemakers, everyday they say is for the thief, but here, everyday is for law and order. “The operation is led by the DIG and anybody who commits any offence will be dealt with according to the law.”

toral Commission RECs from other states. He stated that both sensitive and non sensitive materials have been distributed to polling units ahead of today election. On the Security, the

Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Aranse has deployed over 13,000 police men and 21 units of Mobile men to provide adequate security before during and after election in the state.

Kogi Elections: Observer group raises concern over police deployment, welfare

he Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room observing the governorship election in Kogi State has expressed concerns over the welfare of security personnel deployed for the election.

It also feared that the huge security deployment could become a state-motivated instrument for voter intimidation in Saturday’s election. In its preliminary statement on the election on Friday, the organisation said it was hopeful that security operatives would conduct themselves responsibly and adhere to civil and responsible terms of engagement under the rule of law. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of Operations in the Kogi election, Mr. Leroy Sotonye, had earlier clarified that police authorities had made funds available for allowances of its personnel deployed for the election. The statement signed by Obo Effanga, on behalf of the 29 civil society organisations, noted that voters were highly mobilized and motivated to cast their votes on the Election Day. “The Situation Room however hopes that, drawing from its experiences in previous elections that this deployment, would not lead to state inspired voter and process intimidation and suppression” the statement said. “The Situation Room also expresses concern about the arrangements made for the welfare of tens of thousands of armed security personnel drawn from other parts of the country. “We have noted so far, that like in previous elections, there seems to be scant regard for the overall wellbeing and welfare of these officers of the state.” The Situation Room however noted that it was reasonably satisfied with

the deployment and conduct so far of the security personnel to the state to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful election tomorrow. It also observed that the electoral environment is charged and that there had been various allegations across the aisle on plans to rig the election. The group noted the developments and called on all stakeholders, especially political parties to approach the election with responsibility and utmost respect of democratic standards as they could not afford to fail Nigerians. “The Situation Room nonetheless urges the State Government to assure the electorate of their personal safety and urges voters to go out and peacefully cast their vote,” the statement read. “The Situation Room calls on INEC in its role as the EMB (Election Management Body) to fully acknowledge and make special arrangements for people with disabilities, the elderly and nursing mothers to help them exercise their franchise. This can be affected by giving specific instructions to INEC officials at the voting units. “The Situation Room especially urges the digital public to be discerning in their reading of social media reports as experiences have shown that some of the reports may be replete with deliberate falsehood aimed at misleading the public. “Finally, the Situation Room calls on all stakeholders in the election process to live up to the expectation of Nigerians and especially calls on INEC to deliver free, fair and credible elections in Kogi State.” Policemen were seen at the police command headquarters being deployed to their various locations for the election.

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

POLITICS

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Kogi, Bayelsa elections as INEC’s litmus test Lekan Adejuwon

oday marks another milestone in the annals of the country’s nascent democracy as indigenes and residents of Kogi State will go to the polls to elect a new governor in a crucial election that many believe, would be a litmus test for the newly appointed chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Similar feat would be replicated a forth night later on December 5, 2015 in Bayelsa State, Indeed, the new INEC boss, who was sworn in barely one week ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, faces an uphill task counting on the gains of the electoral body especially, its successful outing in the just concluded 2015 general elections. However, the two forthcoming rescheduled polls are coming under a new political party, the All Progressives Congress APC, which took over the reign of governance 16 years after the Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP, was in the saddle, a development which analysts say makes the exercise both intriguing and instructive. Although, most of the preparations for the two elections had been concluded during the brief tenure of controversial acting INEC chairman, Mrs. Aminat Zakari, these two elections would still prove an acid test for the new INEC under Yakubu. For instance, the election promises to offer for the new INEC boss, an opportunity to appraise the task of superintending over elections in the country. It would be recalled that one of the high points of the 2015 general election is the remarkable reforms by INEC in the use of Permanent Voters Card PVC and the card reading machine, the success of which remained the unique selling point of Professor Attahiru Jega-led INEC till date. Earlier, the former Acting Chairman of INEC, Mrs. Zakari had assured the nation that the commission will use the opportunity presented by the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States to continue to display its improved processes and vigour. She stated that the commission will apply lessons learnt from previous elections in raising the bar in conducting elections in both states. According to the former INEC boss, the electoral body will carry out Continuous Voters Registration exercise in both states and those registered will have their cards printed in timely fashion and voters’ transfers will also be supported for those two states. She said: “INEC in partnership with

Audu

the key stakeholders in the political parties, security and civic organizations, will strive to ensure that both elections in Kogi and Bayelsa are transparent and well run” However, as the electorate are filing up today to exercise their voting right in the Confluence State, one major issue of contention which has for long bedeviled the electoral system in the country is the unwarranted heating up of the polity by politicians, a development which the new INEC under Yakubuhas to contend with. Many have canvassed for a system which would ensure that the process of appointing INEC chairman is entirely free from the executive arm in a bid to guarantee the independence of the electoral commission, but the National Assembly is yet to take a cursory look at this lacuna. For instance, in its bid to discredit today’s poll, the ruling PDP in Kogi State had on Tuesday, alleged that the Federal Government was insincere in its claim of being committed to conduct of free and fair governorship elections in Kogi State noting that the APC-led government had flooded Kogi State with huge amount of money to compromise voters. The wild allegation was made by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in Abuja in a press statement. According to him; “We wish to further expose the insincerity of this government, which in its attempt to forcefully take over Kogi State is now flooding the state with corrupt money ostensibly to sway the people and purchase their mandate” He said; “This primitive attempt at vote buying is not only an insult on the people of Kogi but also a setback to efforts being made towards the conduct of credible elections in Nigeria” The party went further to lampoon the

Yakubu

Timipreye

ruling party for fielding ‘corrupt persons’ in Kogi and Bayelsa states. “This same government that prides itself of being incorruptible is fielding persons facing corruption charges in Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections” Metuh alleged. Realizing that his party is also guilty of the same allegation, Metuh however, absolved PDP for fielding Ayo Fayose during the Ekiti governorship election describing his corruption charges as persecution. While defending the fielding of Fayose as the governorship candidate of PDP about a year ago, even when Fayose was undergoing prosecution for alleged corruption allegations, Metuh said the condition under which the PDP fielded Fayose was quite different from those being fielded by APC as the party governorship candidates in Kogi and Bayelsa States. His words; “We have never fielded anyone with corruption case with the EFCC as our governorship candidateFayose was being persecuted by former President Obasanjo. It was political persecution” The wolf crying by the opposition party during the week fuelled a prompt response by the presidency even as a meeting with the INEC chairmen and President Buhari became another issue of contention between the ruling party and the PDP. This is, as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that PDP had alleged that the meeting was part of plans by the ruling APC to rig governorship elections in the two states respectively. But the presidency in a reaction, said Buhari’s meeting with INEC and the police was geared towards ensuring credible governorship elections in Kogi

and BayelsaStates. This was contained in a statement issued by the President Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, who dismissed PDP’s insinuations regarding the meeting. He said the President called the meeting cited by PDP to warn, in particular, INEC and the police to give the nation a credible election. “He (President) said he expected nothing short of a free, fair and credible election. He said he had suffered election manipulation in 2003, 2007 and 2011 and would not like to have any Nigeria go through that again. “He also warned against intimidation of voters in any way and vowed that he was prepared to move with all the forces available to him against anyone who undermines the rights of any citizen. “The meeting was short and straight to the point. It ended after five minutes, he asked the Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, if he had anything to say and Osinbajo had added nothing to what the President’ the statement quoted Shehu as saying The presidential spokesman advised Nigerians to be wary of PDP’s fruitless attempts to destroy the national institutions President Buhari was determined to rebuild Today’s governorship election in Kogibears an interesting spectacle with Bayelsaelection scheduled to hold in two weeks’ time because of their peculiar characteristics. One, the two APC candidates, Prince AbubakarAudu and Timipreye Sylva were former PDP governors who later defected to the APC. Interestingly, Audu and Sylva are CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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POLITICS

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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‘Ministerial nominees should be screened with their portfolios’ Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, is the senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District. The Ilaro, Ogun State-born politician recalls the process of confirming ministerial nominees, his Ogun State connection and the rift between him and Governor Ibikunle Amosun. LEKAN ADEJUWON monitored the interview on Rock City FM

ou are one Nigerian privileged to be among those who screened those who will form the executive council. From your own assessment, what manner of cabinet should Nigerians expect? First and foremost, let me thank Nigerians and all the well-wishers of this present government for bearing with us and after six months of taking over the affairs of this country, the government is yet to have an element of full-fledged government where we have everybody on boardand policies and programmes of government are being executed and implemented at various levels. But by and large, we thank God that at the end of the day, we have successfully screened all the ministerial nominees as presented to the senate by the President. Well, looking at the whole process, I am of firm belief that the senate has done a thorough job. A thorough job in asking relevant questions that bothers on the wellbeing of this country. The President

Adeola

sent the list of ministerial nominees to us without their portfolios. The senators by the virtue of what was presented to us in form of their curriculum vitae presented to us asked relevant questions in that direction. Questions which borders on morals, integrity of all these ministerial nominees are being asked by the senate sometimes you have the nominees staying with us for over two hours all because there is one thing or the other that we need to clarify from any of these nominees. As for the expectations of Nigerians, the current ministerial cabinet were to me, more of a mixture of thoroughbred politicians, serving governors who served in various states in this country in the past, technocrats who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of human endeavours and also, people with native intelligence, who have stood their ground at a point in time in the course of nation building. So, from my home assessment, looking forward to the future and looking at the way the list of nominees presented to us, and what is made up of, I think Nigerians should expect something good.

You talked about the ministerial list being sent without portfolios.What is your own position? Does it really matter because, even when the cabinet is on, the President still has the power to change them. For instance if he appoints a medical doctor to fix the state of health and at a point in time remove him to a new position. So does it really matter in your own opinion? I would say it matters a lot 100 per cent. Part of the problems of this country is, not putting round peg in a round hole. I will continue to wonder when a medical doctor who has been trained for years who, needs to give us a kind of policy direction that we should embrace in the ministry of health, is taken to another ministry aside his own area of specialization. What that seems to tell us is that we may not be seen as a serious country. I think there should be a constitutional amendment where it would be compulsory for President to send ministerial nominees with their portfolios because it is with these that Nigerians will know who is going to represent them in any of these agencies and they can look at the capacity of each

individuals and his intellectual abilities to deliver in that particular ministry. So I see the President affixing the portfolios of ministerial nominees with their names as a welcome idea. But there is urgent need for us to amend the present constitution, mandate the president to attach portfolios to any names he sent to us, after all they are not going to serve the senate, they are going to serve Nigerians and Nigerians deserve to know the capability of people who will serve them. I want to take you on the issue of local politics. When the nominee from Ogun State, Kemi Aseosun appeared for screening, you are one of those who asked most intriguing and most confrontational questions when she appears. Is there any love lost, why this happened? There is no love lost. Mrs Adeosun is a sister. We happen to come from the same state Ogun State. I believe what I have done that very day is not only toask questions but to showcase Mrs Kemi Adeosun to Nigerians as someone that is on top of her job. She had that haulage to handle financial or the economy of this country. If you look into the CV of Mrs Adeosun, it carries a lot of weights spanning a six year post qualification experience,three years out of which she spent in public sector as a commissioner in Ogun State. A lot of things she has done in the past and for somebody who we are looking at taking over an economy that has been bastardized by the previous administration, we don’t want to be seen as just bringing anybody but somebody who is capable, somebody who can deliver, somebody that can give us policy direction that will drive the economy, who will not come and add to the woes this country is having at the moment. These I believe,is what Mrs Adeosun has shown to Nigerians during the screening. So for the questions I asked her, I don’t know why a lot of people perceived my intervention differently. I am a professional.A chartered account and I think that is the only area I think I am good at. So, there is no love lost as I’ve only done my job as a senator of federal Republic of Nigeria and as a citizen of Ogun State.

Kogi, Bayelsa elections as INEC’s litmus test CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

currently facing separate charges of corruption leveled against them by the EFCC although the charges are still resonate at the level of allegation as the anti-graft body has not been able to prove them, it is yet to be seen how much impact the perception of such charges will have on the candidates and their party during the election. However some have read deep meaning to the conspicuous absence of President Buhari at the mega rally held on Wednesday at the Lokoja Township Stadium in support of Audu. The President, who was represented

by the Vice President at the event, had been fiercely criticized by many watchers of political events for hobnobbing with corrupt people and eagerly waiting for that auspicious time when Buhari would raise the hands of the party’s flag bearer before the public. But the President may have stayed off the event to allow the party have its way and perhaps, curtail the barrages of public outcries such public show will generate. Audu, a former banker will have to convince the Kogi electorate that he will want to return to the Lugard House for the third time to effect change even as he

will be battling to unseat the incumbent governor, Idris Wada. Audu’s emergence was not without some hitches as the former EFCC’s chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde had reportedly written a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Babachir Lawal, seeking disqualification of Audu as the gubernatorial candidate of APC and from contesting today’s election. The letter read in part: “The candidate was arraigned by the commission for abuse of office, theft of public funds and money laundering during his tenure as Executive Governor of Kogi State between 1999 and 2003, at both Kogi High Court Lokoja and the Federal High Court, Lokoja in 2006 and the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo Abuja in 2013. “The Lokoja case was stalled for

six years on the account of frivolous applications by the accused person which has taken us twice to the Supreme Court and eventually decided in the Commission’s favour on 23 November 2012” But Senator Abdulrahaman Abubakar representing Kogi east has waved off the allegations against Audu saying “those charges have been in court for many years and no court has been able to prove the allegation” His words: “Allegations will continue to remain allegations until they are proven beyond reasonable doubt. Until one is found guilty, it remains an allegation”. However, despite the claims and counter claims the electorate in Kogi will today choose between the incumbent Wada and former governor Audu.

Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TALKING POLITICS ‘PDP planning to kill Ekweremadu, Secondus, others’

‘Nigerians know party of killers’ —Femi Adesina ,Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity

“T

he allegation is so ridiculous that one shouldn’t reply that. It is ridiculous” “Nigerians know those who are nest of killers “PDP should stop embarrassing itself before the Nigerian populace which knows the truth.”

— Olisa Metuh, PDP National Publicity Secretary

“S

ome desperate power-mongers close to President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly those privy to his interest to contest the 2019 presidential election, and who have been reading his body language against the opposition, have gone ahead to establish a killer squad to wipe off strong opposition, deeming such a service to the President “This killer squad, our intelligence further revealed, has key marksmen recruited from within and outside the country with directives to trail, track down and hit strategic opposition elements and instill fear among PDP members,” “We therefore want the international community to note this ugly development in our country and hold the government responsible should any unexplained harm befall any PDP leader.

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‘Ndigbo better off in united Nigeria’ —Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary

“T

he agitation for Biafra is dubious. It is fraudulent “It is selfish and does not command the support of most Igbo “It is a non event, inconsequential, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing ‘For it is proven that the Ndigbo are better off in a united and prosperous Nigerian”.

“This government should be held responsible should any PDP leader be visited by ‘armed robbers”.

‘Don’t grant Ondo N7bn loan’

‘Boroffice, an enemy of Ondo State’

“T

“B

‘Fashola must not build more toll gates’

‘Allegations against me mere propaganda’

— Ajayi Boroffice, Senator representing Ondo North

—Kayode Akinmade, Ondo State Commissioner for Information oth Lagos and Edo States have just put loan proposals of $200m and $75m respectively to the Federal Government and the Senator has not found his voice to caution these states ‘Leaders should think before they open their mouths to criticise and criticisms should be based on objectivity and honesty” “There cannot be two rules. If APC government at the state levels are obtaining loans, what stops PDP governments? “Boroffice is an enemy of the state. “He wants Ondo State to be grounded”.

he management of Zenith Bank Plc is advised to learn and be guided to reject the loan request having realized the high degree of of risks attached” “Although the loan request was approved by the Ondo State House of Assembly, major stakeholders in the state were not consulted before the state lawmakers backed the governor”

—Dr Frederick Fasheun, National Chairman, Unity Party of Nigeria

“F

ashola must shun projects like those that became controversial during his term as governor including installing toll gates on the highways and building highbrow government houses that were priced beyond the reach of the average Nigerian” “Fashola’s image will be further enhanced if he embarks on the mass provision of low-cost housing for the poor and other programmes that will improve the living standards of the average Nigerian”

—Col Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser

“I

n a theatrical manner, the Presidency fed the public with many allegations against my person and yet to be named former public officers” “To draw sympathy, the Presidency quoted some absurd findings including extra-budgetary interventions, award of fictitious contracts, 53 failed contracts and payment for job without contractual agreements and non- execution of contracts for the purchase of four Alpha jets and ammunition” “The statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr Femi Adesina, who should know better as a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, was nothing sort of propaganda to cast aspersions on me”

November 21, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Living in jinxed shelters Lagos and some other cities, in recent times, have become a theatre of tragic scenes of collapsed buildings. Yet the report of agencies of government is that building collapse in Nigeria is caused by man-made infrastructural defects, sheer negligence and disobedience to laws writes JULIET UMEH.

he world knew nothing about No. 50 Otun Araromi Street, Orisa, Magodo, behind Magodo Phase 1 area of Lagos, in Southwest Nigeria and the household of Mr. Godwin Odia, a 50-yearold Edo State-born man, until Saturday, November 7, the darkest day in the annals of history of the family, when it became popular because it suddenly lost four of its promising seven children — Isayo Odia, 23; Da-Silver Odia 15; Clinton Odia, 13; and Endurance Odia, 10 — consequent upon the collapse of their three-bedroom bungalow apartment around 4:50am, a time the siblings were sleeping or dreaming of another world. Immediately the ghastly emergency occurred, radio and television stations in Lagos competed day and night to break the news to their wide listeners, after all bad news is good news to the media. A day after, almost all newspapers carried the gory incident on their cover pages, which they aptly illustrated with photographs showing the sad scene of the remains of the erstwhile strong and happy home of the Odias. No. 50, Otun Araromi Street, Orisa, Magodo, was like one of the many confusing huddle of rickety residential buildings, relic of early 70’s put up in haste and with poor funding, which for many years evoked the fear of subsidence or total collapse to passersby and town planners. Even though the family of Mr. Godwin Odia knew an ominous cloud was hanging over the building which had been in decrepit state for years, they never thought the evil day would finally come before the end of this year, but hoped the structure would consistently be their benevolent provider of shelter, a major need of man. Even the children never thought that four of them who were conceived, born, fed, weaned,

grew to become infants, angelic girls and boys would be depressed to death under its huge debris. Although the major cause of the disaster was not immediately known, but beaming professional light on the incident, Michael Kehinde, spokesperson, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, one of the agencies of government that first arrived the scene of disaster, said a mound slide washed down by the early morning rain on the fateful day led to the collapse of the edifice. An eye witness, in his account said that the four children were found buried under the collapsed building but their father, Mr. Odia, cheated death because he went out of the house few minutes before tragedy struck. “Frankly speaking, it would only take the grace of God for the Mr. Odia and his wife to be consoled at this critical point in the history of their lives,” the neighbour stated. As if the day was destined to be one of bad news and collapse of structures,

another building six houses away, suffered the fate of No. 50 Otun Araromi Street, Orisa, Magodo. Report also had it that the cause of its collapse was also mound slide, but the fortunate occupants ran out for safety before the dastardly crash of the structure that was their comfortable home. However, building collapse in Lagos is not a reflection of the tardiness or nonchalance of government because agencies of are doing their best to avert the danger and loss of lives that accompany such accidents. The General Manager, GM, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LSBCA, Sola Adeigbe, in a chat said his department goes to every nook and cranny of the state to conduct non-destructive integrity test which ascertains the structural stability of buildings in order to determine if they can be renovated or reengineered. Hence, many buildings which failed to pass non-destructive integrity test are marked and a notice served owners before their final disintegration. “Once a building has been detected to

have a defect, we ask owners to take the test before further actions are taken. We give an ultimatum for the test. “The law is explanatory enough; if only our people will comply; it is like a suicide mission when people occupy a distressed building. The agency has sealed about 1,104 buildings from June till date across the state due to defective or illegal construction,” GM LSBCA, said. Yet, despite the concerted effort of government of Lagos State and its agencies, collapsed structures have become a regular occurrence in the state, whose cognomen is ‘Centre of Excellence.’ In late September, a two-storey building under construction at No. 37 Agungi-Ajiran Road, Lekki area of Lagos, collapsed at about 6.30 a.m. Fortunately, no life was lost as rescue came to the two commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders, who were allegedly said to be squatting in the building. The building, whose construction was on-going at time of collapse, was CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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‘Building collapse is a national embarrassment’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 according to the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Michael Akindele, “marked by Lagos State Building and Control Agency, LASBCA, since August 11 and the contractors handling the project served notices to stop construction.” Also in July 15, less than a week after a building fell in Yaba, Lagos, another threestorey building broke into pieces at Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland. Reports have it that the building had not been occupied since 2012 after a portion at its back side collapsed forcing residents in the front apartments to vacate it. An eye witness, Dr Femi Adagunduro said that the building, which was marked for demolition in 2012, “is still standing today because its tenants have not been able to successfully demolish it.” He revealed that at present, the building is serving as a hideout for social miscreants and refuse dump, a danger to the people’s security and health. Speaking on a similar issue, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has called on the Lagos State Government, to set up a task force on all marked distressed buildings and see to the enforcement of building regulations. While playing host to members of Building Collapse Prevention Guild last week, the royal highness lamented that building collapse in the state has become “very embarrassing” in recent times. He identified connivance between developers and a few unscrupulous civil servants as a major cause of substantial building constructions which result in collapse. He also indicted some traditional chiefs who encourage developers to construct weak structures. Oba Akiolu disclosed that some public servants also encourage property owners whose buildings had been marked for demolition to clean the mark and continue to live in them. “I am just waiting for what they will do,” he sadly declared. However no few Lagos residents who spoke on the matter pointed accusing finger at LASBCA for being responsible for the incessant building fall recorded in the state. Mr RotimiAzeez, accused LASBCA of delay in carrying out the demolition anytime a building is marked for demolition. Other residents however accused the agency of corrupt practices or allegations that bear on double standard. When Saturday Mirror visited Ijanikin area of Lagos, where almost all the buildings in the area were marked, residents lamented that their buildings were marked to force them to visit Alausa (the state capita and seat of government) to gratify officials in position to approve the the construction of their projects. Also making a bitter complaint on a similar issue, a pastor of one of the Pentecostal churches who chose to be anonymous, said that “the people from Alausa have come to us for more three times and we have ‘settled’ them financially.” Still narrating their ordeal to Saturday Mirror, “this last one now will be the fourth time that our church was marked, but by the Grace of God, the church has collected the Certificate of Occupancy, C of O. So I believe we wouldn’t be disturbed any longer,” the pastor said. Also residents of Jakande Estate, Oke Afa, near Isolo, Lagos, where about 20

houses were marked for demolition some time ago, corroborated the pastor’s point of view. But the residents, in their wisdom, decided to cry out alleging some buildings were marked for unclear reasons. “Not all the buildings marked for demolition were defective,” a resident said, adding, “Some were marked in order to extort money from landlords.” However, efforts to get the reactions of LASBCA on this knotty issue failed as one of the officials simply said, “We are not allowed to speak to the press.” But recently during a chat with journalists on activities of his agency, LASEMA GM, Mr. Akindele, told journalists that all buildings that had

p.m. local time killing some of the pupils. According to his account, he said seven dead bodies were evacuated from the building while several others were locked inside the wreckage. In Anambra State also, no fewer than 20 persons escaped death, when a five-storey building and another near it collapsed in Nkpor. The building, whose construction started more than 10 years ago, was located at 27, Olukwu Street, towards the slope of Akuzo Nkpor. Over the years, building collapses have remained a common experience in many parts of Nigeria. Each day, week and month, scary news of workers and residents

The 32.5-grade is suitable for plastering, block-making and light concrete activities, while 42.5-grade and above are for more solid structures and heavy concretes. Using 32.5-grade type of cement for works that require 42.5 type of cement would amount to inappropriate application been served demolition notice would be pulled down without delay. “Let me assure those that their buildings have been marked for demolition that we have commenced the demolition. Once there are proofs that tests have been done, we will demolish such buildings,’’ he said. Mr. Akindele said that the agency is already putting up a local system to overhaul emergency management to ensure more effective speedy response to all emergencies. Nonetheless, it would be a wrong to think building collapse is only the city of Lagos challenge as other states in Nigeria such as Plateau, Anambra and some others also have their share of this bloodcurdling experience. In the month of September, no fewer than seven people were killed when a school building at Abu Naima Primary and Secondary School in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, Jos, Plateau State, collapsed. Awal Ahmed, a witness of the disaster, reported the Islamic school, collapsed on a Sunday evening about 6:30

trapped in the debris of buildings is quite rampant. Many have died while a good number of those that managed to survive have become physically challenged with the loss of their limbs, legs or eye. But worried by the spate of building collapses in the country, the President of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Mr. Kashim Abdul Ali, some years ago, at a three-day public hearing organised by the House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Committee on the “Composition and Pigmentation of Cement,” proposed death penalty for owners of collapsed property. Also last April, COREN had noted that the problem of low-grade cement and importation of poor quality materials into the country are causes of construction failures. Adding their voices to the discussion, some experts as well as anticorruption crusaders insisted that buildings would continue to collapse as long as builders continue to use the

32.5-grade cement in the country. According to the stakeholders, the 32.5 grade cement, which is commonly used in the country, has been banned in countries such as the United States, India and China, among others. They claimed that the cement grade is mainly good for plastering, but regretted that many contractors in Nigeria use the cement to build pillars, columns and beams, thereby causing structural failures and eventual collapse. The Director-General and Chief Executive Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, in a memorandum, urging the House of Representatives to investigate the composition and pigmentation of cement in the country, had explained: “At the moment, two cement types are prevalent in the Nigerian market: 32.5-grade and 42.5-grade, with the former, constituting about 50 per cent of the cement produced in Nigeria. Two years back, it accounted for over 85 per cent. The 32.5-grade is suitable for plastering, block-making and light concrete activities, while 42.5-grade and above are for more solid structures and heavy concretes. Using 32.5-grade type of cement for works that require 42.5 type of cement would amount to inappropriate application.” According to the General Manager of LASEMA, passing and signing the National Building Code which is the document that is expected to regulate the conduct and operations of professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry. “It is some sort of guideline for those who operate in the building/environment sector,” he said. However, experts believe the absence of a National Building Code has been largely responsible for the incessant incidence of collapsed buildings across the country and that passing it into law will definitely a blessing to the a building’s life and safety of its occupants. Maybe when this is done, the mindboggling rate at which buildings are going down in Nigeria will abate. But now, “the grim fact is that people will begin to become more worried and concerned about the safety of buildings,” Segun Olutade, an expert on building declared.

Entervaganza

The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Relationships Between gigolos and gold diggers?

P.35

Sex talk

10 moves that drive men crazy

P.35

Fashion For the love of maxis

P.24

Omoni

... top actress

c Acting is not for everyone PAGE

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21 , 2015

ELEBRITY

—Lilian Amah

Actress Lilian Amah Aluko, in this interview with YEMISI ADENIRAN says upcoming actors and actresses to be sure of their choice of the career. ” The fact that someone is making waves in acting does not say it comes cheap to everyone. You must have a flair for it and you must have an inner conviction about it.,” she says.

Where did you grow up and what are some of the fond memories you would love to share? I was born in Lagos but grew up in Freetown Sierra Leone. I schooled at Federal Government College Warri for my secondary school and the University of Lagos for both my first degree and masters in English Language. I am one of five children born to Chief P.S. Amah who was a naval officer before and during the civil war. My mum Elizabeth Amah was a teacher. My loving parents brought us up to be the best we can be always bearing in mind that we must ultimately bear responsibility for all our actions. What kind of parents were your parents? My parents are the best any child can wish for. We lost our beloved rock - my father in 2011 but my mum is still alive and well. My parents were very responsible and would spare no rod to have us spoilt. They never left us under any other person’s care; they took up the responsibility of training and tutoring us. They ensured that we lived well. They taught us so much to last us a lifetime. Some of mum’s words that would never be off my memory are; be true to yourself, control your temper and live your life in such a way that you will achieve the purpose of your earthly existence. She taught me how to take charge of my life, the best way to handle situations, the ways to listen to one’s inner heart and how to cope with life challenges. I want to believe that these training I got from them worked positively for me. It helped me to be focused, determined and not feel jittery when faced with life challenges. As a child, what were some of your dreams for life? I had many childhood dreams. I wanted to be an air hostess, a doctor, a lawyer, an actress, a banker and a nun. You know it is common with children to want to be a particular person or something at different times as they grow up. When they finally grew up, they might just end doing or becoming something very different. For me, it is not so. I have lived most of my dreams. The only one I have not tried is medicine and being a nun. I was with ADC Airline for about two years as a hostess before joining the banking in-

dustry. While worked in the bank, I nurtured my acting ambition. I was lucky with the bank I was with. There were no frigid rules; we worked as one big family. This was one of the main reasons I could succeed in my acting career. I was allowed to do all that needed to be done concerning acting until I finally resigned in 2005. It was while I was there that I featured in “Doctor’s Quarter. This is why I have continually been grateful to God and that bank for their support. It is not common with any bank or organization to allow such move. Of all these choices, one would have expected you to remain in banking. Why did you leave the banking profession? Like I have said before, all these careers were my dreams that God only allowed me to experience. But as usual, it is expected of me to pick one out of them and make a maximum exploit of it. That is exactly what happened. I discovered that acting is the only career that gave me real fulfilment. I did not need anyone to tell me this because it all involved me and I am expected to assess and evaluate well. Money, whether anyone wants to believe it or not is not everything. I was in the banking career for ten good years but didn’t find fulfilment. But when I threw my all into acting, I begun to have that sense of fulfilment. I feel happy within me, I feel excited doing the job and am always refreshened for every new day. I have never been bereaved of creativity and that has kept me on. What do you have to say to up-coming actors and actresses? They should feel their pulses and be sure it is signalling acting otherwise they wouldn’t be relevant least of all find fulfilment. When you discover that you do more of struggling in a particular profession, forget it, you need to move on. That is not to say there won’t be a time when you have to learn or pass through some teaching or learning process. But if after all said and done, you still struggle and feel depressed on the job, then; you might need to ask yourself if you are in the right place. Acting is not for everyone, just as it is the case in other careers. The fact someone is making waves in acting does not say it comes cheap to everyone. You must have a flair for it and you must have an inner conviction about it. But once you are sure

acting is it for you, be focused and determined to pay the price. Without a simple heart and determination, it is difficult to achieve success in acting. It is always good to take one’s destiny in one’s hand and very early in life too because time is not a friend of anyone. Besides, an individual is in the best position to evaluate and judge oneself. How would you describe your journey into acting? Just like the journey of life, it has been smooth, rough, good and bad. One thing I am grateful about is the fact that it has given me the opportunity to express my creativity to my generation. I have been opportune to rise in the career; I have been able to produce movies, write sripts too. . Acting is something I enjoy immensely. The more challenging the role, the more I enjoy it. That said, my most challenging role is yet to come. I have enjoyed all the roles I have played and I appreciate all the

producers who allowed me play a part in bringing their dreams to life. But you seldom appear in movies these days. Why? It is because I am being careful where I allow my face to appear. After spending over three decades in the industry, I should know that the screen lives longer than its participants. Whatever we do today is a story, a legacy for people coming after us. It is only reasonable that I get choosy or screen the movies I will be part of as much as possible. Tell us some of the films you have produced. I have actually produced more than five. The first was Sweet Revenge with Emem Isong in 2000/2001, She Devil in 2002, The Triangle in 2005 and Jungle Ride in 2010, a docudrama Runs in 2012 with Samantha Iwowo and Benedict Alli. All of them were challenging in different ways.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Uti loses the dreadlocks

...wants to donate them to a worthy cause

Uti’s new look

edia personality, actor cum model, Uti Nwachukwu has shaved off his dreadlocks. The BBA star took to photo sharing app, Instagram few minutes ago to share his new look and photos of his shaved locks. Asked Uti, “Anyone have an idea of a centre in Nigeria that I can donate my hair to? So they can make a wig with it for a cancer patient going thru Chemotherapy and experiencing hair loss. Suggestions pls.”

Uti’s dreadlocks

Omoni Oboli named Entertainment Person Of The Year

resh from signing an endorsement deal with milk manufacturing brand, Nunu Milk, popular actress, Omoni Oboli has been named the ‘Entertainment Person of the Year 2015’ by one of Nigeria’s dailies, The Sun Newspaper. The thespian who made her directorial debut with the film, ‘Being Mrs. Elliot’ takes over the position previously held by popular hitmaker, Don Jazzy. Since her debut in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, Omoni Oboli has appeared in different Nollywood films with several accolades to her name. Her recently released flick, ‘The First Lady’ starring faces such as Alexx Ekubo,

Don Jazzy, Asa & more selected as Future Awards Africa ambassadors

Oboli

Yvonne Jegede, Osita Iheme, Joseph Benjamin and more is currently the highest grossing Nollywood movie of the year.

Music Act, KASH 11, welcomes baby girl

usic star cum producer, Olanrewaju Ojikutu better known as KASH 11 has joined the growing list of Nigerian celebrities who welcomed a bundle of joy in 2015. It was gathered the rapper’s wife, Adesola Onikoyi was delivered of a bouncing baby girl on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Lagos Island maternity hospital, Lagos. The rapper joins the likes of Duncan Mighty, Tiwa Savage, Omawunmi, DJ Neptune, Timaya, D’Prince, and many others who welcomed a newborn in 2015. It will be recalled KASH 11 and Adesola had their Nikkai ceremony on Sunday, October 25, 2015.

Don Jazzy

Asa

rolific hitmaker, Michael Collins Ajereh better known as Don Jazzy has been announced alongside award winning singing sensation, Asa as ambassadors for Africa’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards Africa. In celebrating its 10th anniversary, organizers of the event unveiled some entertainers and other creative personalities as ambassadors for the 2015 edition of the youth oriented award. The other selected ambassadors in-

clude Tara Fela Durotoye (Nigeria), Ndidi Nwuneli (Nigeria), Nnaemeka Ikeguonu (Nigeria), Sangu Delle (Ghana), Patrick Ngowi (Tanzania), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Fogblanbenchi Lily Harity (Cameroon), and Oramait Alengoil (Uganda). Scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 6, 2015, the Future Awards Africa has produced over 150 winners and over 1550 nominees since its first edition in 2006. eraveng.com

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news

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

CLASSICAL LYRICS

Burna Boy releases sophomore album

Olamide set to release 5th studio album

•Features Wizkid, Flavour, Phyno and others

ancehall star, Burna Boy has released the tracklist of his star studded sophomore album billed for release later in 2015. Titled ‘On A Spaceship’ (OAS), the forthcoming album features talented music stars such as Wizkid, Flavour, Phyno, and South African rapper, AKA. Other acts featured on the album include Wande Coal, KO, DA.Les and Nyanda of Brick and Lace. The 19 track vinyl is scheduled to hit music shelves on Wednesday, November 25, 2015. It will be recalled Burna Boy released a mixtape titled ‘Burn Identity’ in 2011 before his debut album ‘L.I.F.E’ (Leaving an Impact for Eternity) which was released in 2013.

ultiple award winning indigenous rapper, Olamide has announced plans to release his fifth studio album. Titled ‘Eyan Mayweather’, the 21 track album is due for release in November 2015. Housing chart topping singles such as ‘Bobo’, ‘Lagos Boys’, ‘Melo Melo’ among others, ‘Eyan Mayweather’ has the production imprints of popular hitmakers, Ypung John, ID Cabasa, Pheelz and BBanks. It will be recalled that Olamide released a collaborative album with Phyno entitled ‘2 Kings’ earlier in the year. With several accolades to his name, Olamide’s past albums includes ‘Rhapsody’ (2011), ‘YBNL’ (2012), ‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth’ (2013), and ‘Street OT’ (2014).

Tosyn Bucknor weds Aurelien Boyer

t was amidst glitz and glamour that multimedia personality, actress cum singer, Tosyn Bucknor and her French boo, Aurelien ‘Omowale Ajala’ Boyer tied the nuptial knots on Sunday, November 15, 2015. Hosted by popular comic act, Tee A, Chigul and Olugbenga Wyse, the event held at Landmark Events Centre, Oniru, Lagos with top Nigerian celebrities and other socialites in attendance. Attendees at the event include Banky W, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Dammy Krane, Falz, Ayeni Adekunle, Ubi Franklin, Toolz, Skales, Chris Ihidero, Lekan Onimole, Olori Supergal, Oreka Godis, Adebola Williams, Kore Brown, and many more.

Empress Njamah adds another year

I N

Sound Sultan Shoots ‘Monsura’ video

usic act, Sound Sultan has shot the video for his Olamide featured single christened ‘Monsura’. Shot by ace cinematographer, Clarence Peters, the video features cameos from popular celebrities such as Olamide, Tee Y Mix, Victoria Kimani, Koffi and many others.

Ramsey Noah laments dearth of cinema houses

King Sunny Ade, Waje & Others To Thrill At ‘Fifty’ Premiere

ollywood actor cum filmmaker, John Njamah has taken to Instagram to celebrate his sister, Empress Njamah who turned a year older on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Read his birthday message below. Happy birthday to this amazing super sister. May the lord continue to guide and protect u in all your endeavors today and always.. As you shine light and giv the less privileged hope, may your path also be illuminated. You are indeed a blessing to this generation. Happi born day sis @ empressnjamah. 17.11.2015. #birthdaygirl #partyloading #houseofempress #houseofempressfoundation #njamah #photography

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Lagos with top Nigerian celebrities and other socialites in attendance. Attendees at the event include Banky W, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Dammy Krane, Falz, Ayeni Adekunle, Ubi Franklin, Toolz, Skales, Chris Ihidero, Lekan Onimole, Olori Supergal, Oreka Godis, Adebola Williams, Kore Brown, and many more. eraveng.com

ne of the nation’s renowned actors, Ramsey Noah, on Thursday decried the dearth of cinema houses in the nation. Mr. Noah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that this had retarded the growth of the movie industry. Mr. Noah said this had contributed to the level of poverty and unemployment which has made it impossible for the entertainment sector to thrive. He said that cinema houses should be built to address societal ills and boost the nation’s economy. “When we have a cinema house in each of the 774 local government areas in the country, a good number of Nigerians will no longer battle with unemployment. “Poverty will equally be a thing of the past and the entertainment industry will experience dramatic improvement. “Every local government must have a viewing centre… to further boost the entertainment industry. (NAN)

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Tinubu named Pillar of Arts and Culture by AFRIMA

ormer Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was honored as The Pillar of Arts and Culture in Africa for social change at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA on Sunday night of November 15 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria. The 23.9karat goldplated AFRIMA trophy was presented to Senator Tinubu by Ambassador (Dr) Wale Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs, African Union on behalf of the African Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA.

... as African superstars rock Lagos at AFRIMA 2015

t was a phenomenal night for African music, culture, entertainment, fashion and African music lovers across the world as the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union held the 2015 edition on Sunday, November 15 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria to delight of live and broadcast audience. In addition to the many scintillating performances from the five regions of Africa as led by joint rendition of Paul Simon’s ‘Diamond on the soles of her shoes’ by Cobhams and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, there were surprises and emotions at this year’s award ceremony. Some of this year’s big winners who went home with the priceless 23.9 Karat gold plated AFRIMA trophy are Charlotte Dipanda from Cameroon who went home with 3 awards; Album of the Year, Best Female in Central Africa, and Best Artiste in African Contemporary. Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania also won Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa. One of the high points of the award ceremony was the honour bestowed on the former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Africa Pillar of Arts and Culture and AFRIMA legendary award to the Ladysmith Black Mambazo for still staying strong after five decades.

Nollywood actor, Domitilla’ actress, Elvis Chucks, Maureen Ihua, robbed abducted …for 10m ransom

ollywood actor, movie producer and director, Elvis Chucks, was robbed at Ilupeju, Lagos on Tuesday, November 19. According to him, he was heading home at about 9pm after he finished production for the day at a movie location when he and two others in his Hummer SUV were attacked by eight armed men. The armed robbers were said to have double crossed his SUV at the Ilupeju Town Planning Bridge heading to Third Mainland Bridge while he had stopped to drop off someone. Elvis was robbed of his phones, his Apple watch which he said he was wearing for the first time, 4.5D Canon Cameras, iPhone S6 .6lenses and a Samsung S6. He said after several failed attempts to move his Hummer jeep, the robbers moved him and the occupants into their own vehicle and drove them to an ATM machine at Cele along Mile 2 Badagry Expressway where he was forced to withdraw N150,000 from his account. They took the money from him and then drove off.

ultiple reports have it that Nollywood actress, Maureen Ihua, known for her role in the popular flick, ‘Domitilla’ has been abducted. The actress, who is based in Abuja, was reportedly kidnapped at a function on Ada George Road in Port Harcourt, and her abductors are demanding a N10 Million ransom. Maureen Ihua has also featured Nollywood movies which includes ‘Honest Deceivers’, ‘Lost Princess’ and many more.

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Nollywood Actress, Lizzy Anjorin, plans UK album launch

electable actress cum singer, Lizzy Anjorin has concluded plans to stage the listening session for her forthcoming debut album billed for release soon. A close aide of Lizzy Anjorin told ERAVE the actress will launch her yet to be titled album in London by December 2015. Packaged by BNS Productions, the listening gig is scheduled to hold at BNS Lounge, Dagenham, Esex area of London and it will be backed by BNS Promotions. It was scooped that fuji cum hip hop act, Pasuma alongside other top socialites will grace the event. It will be recalled that Lizzy Anjorin have released three singles, ‘Orombo’ featuring Jhybo, ‘Owo’ featuring Q Dot and Pasuma, and ‘Omo Dangote’ off the forthcoming album.

Anjorin

Inwang releases ‘The Last 3 Nollywood actor, Funky Digits’ trailer Mallam, set to re-marry

ollywood filmmaker, Moses Inwang has released the trailer for his star studded flick christened ‘The Last 3 Digits’. Produced by Padita Agu, the film features popular celebrities such as Dr. SID, M.I Abaga, Nonso Diobi, Padi-

ta Agu, Bimbo Manuel, Rachel Oniga, Abiola Atanda (Madam Kofo), Yemi Blaq, Moyo Lawal, Kevin Ikeduba, Ali Baba, AY, Don Jazzy, and many others.

Synopsis How much trouble can one get into for dialling a wrong number? To what length would a man go to find his lost love? The story of The Last Three Digits centres on a young man (Alex) and his search for Audrey after their chance, brief meeting (after many years) saw her give him incomplete phone digits. In desperation, Alex begins to input random three digits, a spree that saw him calling all kinds of people, in all parts of the world. A fatal dialling lands him in the den of a violent gang, where he nearly died. On his rescue, Alex resumes work, and is faced with the tumbling experience of discovering that the company was owned by Audrey’s father! His joy is restored – but only for a brief moment – as Audrey is now engaged to Marvin, the swanky, lascivious, gold-digging marauder who ran the company. Having come so close, it was another blow to the depths for Alex, as he is unable to pick up the pieces of his life and move past the disappointments. Is there an end to his trauma?

Mohammed

n an interview with Naij.com, at the just concluded All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), on Sunday, November 15, the actor whose real name is Saeed Mohammed said he is set to give love a second chance, three years after divorcing his first wife due to incompatibility. Funky Mallam said of his fiancee: “I met her in Abuja. She is a very beautiful lady from Adamawa state and as soon as we get married we will be settling down in Lagos.”

Nneamaka and Henry too

he holy matrimony of the son of the former foundation member of Presidential Committee on Police Equipment Fund and Head of Operations and South-east Co-ordinato , Dr. Godson Ewulum, will be solemnised today at the St Leo’s Catholic Church, 56, Toyin Sereet, Ikeja Lagos. The Bride, Miss Nneamaka Onyebuchi Efobi is from Umuezopi Oraifte Anambra State and a Graduate of Biomedical Sciences from University of Wolverhampton. While the groom, Nnamdi Henry Ewulum is from Egbema Ozubulu Anambra State and a graduate from the University of Wales.

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Style & Glam

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

Leggy de light from

Moofa

ot, straight and spotless legs are a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight any day. They are everywhere and simply irresistible. Whether you are tall or short, fair or dark skinned, they go a long way to help you make the loudest fashion statement whenever and wherever they are displayed. You can choose to dress them up in cute mini gowns, knickers and skirts and you are sure to have applause. But wait a minute. Are they well shaped and are you proud of them? If they are, you can flaunt them with as much swagger as possible. Just put on those cute mini-dresses, knickers and miniskirts and you are good to go. These models from Yinka Fashola of Nigerian label Moofa make a display

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Style & Glam

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Fashion

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Fashion

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n frenzy

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Style & Glam

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Fashion

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Guest G

‘Nigerians are great 10 things you’ve always wanted to know about fashionistas’ your body Fashion model Ejiro Queen is a delight any day. A ravishing beauty who will never relent at working hard till she reaches the top of her career, she spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on her view of the fashion industry. For how long have you had the passion to become a model? I have had passion for modelling ever since I have been conscious of life. It’s safe to put it that way. It is one passion that has been part of me even before I became conscious of life. As a fashion icon, how would you rate the industry? From my own point of view, I think the industry is not doing badly. We are at pal with our international counterparts and sincerely I am proud of Nigerians on this. Nigerians are great fasionistas which is why designers are on their toes today. They are insatiable, ever ready for new things, so no designer who wants to remain relevant will want to rest on his or her oars. It is giving the industry a good edge. Who are your mentors? My mother is my first ever inspiration. She wouldn’t condescend to anything that will drag the family’s name into the mud but she will supports whatever will raise its flag up. She is strong and will always see the positive side of life. Even when we are discouraged in any form, she will always drag us out of terrible moods to a brighter side of life. My father and siblings are equally great. They give their supports but my father, a principled man, would never allow you get carried away by any passion that will be at the detriment of your education. He has spelt that out and I am glued to it. Other great models like Oluchi and others also inspire me. I love Oluchi’s humble beginning and the way luck smiled at her. I pray even for better luck in this career and my life endeavours.

1. Why do you shiver when you are ill? Shivering is usually associated with being cold, but it actually serves another purpose: it is part of the body’s immune response to fight infection. The human body runs at a fixed temperature of 37c, set by the hypothalamus area in the brain. When we get sick and the hypothalamus detects the immune response to microbes, it then raises the body temperature, which we feel as a fever. So you feel cold because, technically, you are colder than the body’s new set-point, and it takes time to adjust. Research shows that bugs do not like high temperatures, so the body appears to have learned to use heat to slow down germ growth. Another theory is that our immune system simply works better at higher temperatures. The brain tells all cells to work harder in order to produce heat, and this includes muscle cells, which begin contracting and relaxing faster. This quick muscle movement is what we feel as shivering. 2. Why would your hair probably go grey at the temples first? Hair tends to go grey at different rates across the body — often beginning at the temples or in a man’s beard. This mainly comes down to what happens during embryogenesis — the process by which an embryo forms and develops. This is when our stem cells — the forerunner cells which, in this case, are predetermined to go on to become melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) — are seeded in different parts of the body. Though we don’t know exactly why, it could be that the hair follicles in some areas, such as the temples, receive fewer stem cells than other areas, so these will lose their colour sooner. There may also be epigenetic factors (environmental factors that influence our genes, such as diet, ultraviolet light or smoking) playing a part in why some stem cells ‘burn out’ faster than others. Quite why

some areas are more affected than others is unclear. 3. Why does sticking fingers down your throat make you throw up? When the brain perceives something that shouldn’t be there, the body tries to repel it. Nerves around the tonsils and at the back of the tongue are very sensitive, as their function is to make sure that nothing that is potentially hazardous is swallowed. When these nerves detect you are about to swallow something bad or that might block the airway, you gag. If the hazard remains, that becomes a retching reflex [dry vomiting]. Then it becomes a vomit. It’s a throwback to animals that throw up on predators to make themselves less desirable. 4. Why do you cry when you are hurt? This type of crying — in response to negative feelings or pain — is due to the connections between the tear ducts and the areas of the brain involved with emotion. The brain programmes these ‘emotional tears’ as a way to release stress hormones, which build up when we’re in pain. Crying restores a normal balance. When we hurt ourselves, the tears released when we cry contain stress hormones, so you are literally crying away the stress. Tears also contain endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. 5. Will you probably need reading glasses eventually? Yes. Your lens keep growing throughout life, getting denser and less elastic than it used to be. This means the ciliary muscles [which help squeeze or stretch the lens to help it focus on an object] can’t do their job so well. The process of changing the shape of the lens is called accommodation. From the age of 35, people tend to lose accommodation to the extent that they need reading glasses to help them focus on an object 30cm away. This is known as Presbyopia. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Male Essentials 9 tips for dressing sharp 08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@gmail.com

• Models get paid to make goofy clothes seem reasonable. Don’t fall for it! Tip 1: Classic footwear is just as important as classic clothing Appropriate-fitting footwear is the first step to dressing sharp. A traditional school of thought that’s still alive and well claims you can judge a man by his shoes. If you’ve never owned really good shoes before, brace yourself and get ready to pay a significant amount of money for wellmade, classic footwear. You may be shocked at the sticker price for well-crafted shoes, but the quality and comfort pay dividends down the road. A good pair of dress shoes will last you years and stay good-looking with nothing more than some light cleaning and the occasional shine. Quality leather footwear isn’t a luxury for the excessively rich — it’s a necessity for any man. Tip 2: The way you dress is the way you are perceived. If you’re still wearing clothes that scream “student days” you’re going to be treated like a boy with no experience in the real world. Ditch the schoolboy trend, age your look a little, and get the respect you deserve from older men.That means raiding your wardrobe and getting rid of the majority of your ultra-casual clothes: T-shirts, cargo pants, jeans shorts, sweatshirts and sweatpants, baseball hats, and athletics. Replace them with dressier clothes that speak to your maturity. Tip 3: Main-stream fashion trends change too fast to make useful wardrobe staples. Most young men don’t have the budget to buy new trousers every month or two — so stay away from trouser styles that are only presentable during an “in” season. Distressed or bleached jeans are a great example. Several different designer labels briefly managed to sell the image on the public, and then the fad changed and left a lot of people with very expensive jeans too beat-up to wear in public. Stick to classic clothing staples for the core of

your wardrobe and avoid anything that’s too far out on the cutting edge — even if you see something that makes it look good. Tip 4: Take care of your clothing. Generally speaking, being young means having less money to throw around. If you’ve shelled out for a few pieces of good, quality clothing — a cus-

tom suit, a pair of expensive dress shoes, what have you — it’s worth some more cash to keep the clothes in good shape. That means using good hangers for your suits, shoe trees for your shoes, and a little tender loving care when washing your clothes. You could even try drycleaning. Just take care of your clothes and protect your wardrobe investments with proper

maintenance. Tip 5: Have at least one good suit in the closet No matter what your job is, you’re going to need a decent suit at some point. If you’re in a field where you’re going to wear one regularly you should look for a variety of colors and styles. If you just need a single suit for infrequent dress occasions, stick with a classic single-breasted, two-button suit in charcoal gray or navy blue. Tip 6: Build from white and blue shirts White and light blue cotton dress shirts are the backbone of a sharp wardrobe. Much of this lies in the fact both of these colours make up approximately 90% of the dress shirts sold worldwide and that either colour looks good on most complexions and body types. Patterns can liven up the basic white and blue color palette, and there’s nothing wrong with branching out into some other colors as your personal style evolves. Just have a good core of white and blue dress shirts. As long as you have one clean and hanging up in the closet, you’ll never be completely out of decent-looking things to wear. Tip 7: Own dark fitted jeans and know when to wear them Jean styles are always changing: rips, tears, acid and bleach

washing, distressed, stone washed, boot cut, wide leg, low rise, skinny, baggy, etc. Keep things simple by sticking to fitted jeans in a dark color, without fading or rips. You can wear them with a fitted T-shirt for a relaxed, casual look or dress them up with a buttoned shirt and a sport coat for a business-casual style. Tip 8: Look beyond denim Well cut and classically styled trousers will make you look a little sharper at social occasions than jeans. They’re less common in a young crowd, so you’ll already be standing out. A good pair of slacks has a drape and crease that looks much crisper than denim. You can also get wool or cotton trousers much lighter than blue jeans. Tip 9: Replace T-shirts with Polos and Sport Shirts Wearing T-shirts to the gym or when you are performing house chores is fine. But wearing T-shirts to social events or to work is a no-no, especially when the shirt is too big and made from a shoddy fabric advertising the company who gave it to you. A good polo in a simple, dark color is always presentable and always flattering if it’s fitted well. You can also opt for buttoned short-sleeved shirts. If you do wear a T-shirt, make sure it’s new, clean, close-fitted and in a solid, dark colour.

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WOMAN f o e r a w e b ‘Mothers, ’ r e c n a c d o o h child Omu Obilor has a degree in Engineering, but engages in many businesses beyond engineering. At present, she is the Chief Executive Officer of OmuObilor-Luxury Event Planner. She also runs a nongovernmental organisation called Children Living with Cancer Foundation, where she creates awareness on cancer as it affects children. The group also dwells on the importance of early detection. In this interview with YEMISI ADENIRAN, she speaks on her profession and other related issues. Excerpts: on luxury. I speak at various international industry events and have succeeded in building a good network that enables me work anywhere in the world. I am a blogger and I love reading. Why did you go into Luxury Event Planning?

I built a strong network with a lot of world leaders in the industry and they all told me that I belong in the area of event planning. Any time we discussed, they would tell me separately that they felt that I would carve a niche for myself. I knew that as well but wasn’t too sure how well I would be accepted, especially in my environment. However, the turning point was when I attended the Luxury Event Planners Summit in 2013. Was there anyone who influenced your choice?

Quite a number of people did. However, Lynnette and Sasha did encourage me. For every time I felt I was throwing resources down the drain attending these conferences, they assured me I would reap good results in future. What would you say made you interested in destination weddings? You are a woman of many parts. Can you tell us the different areas you are into?

Let me simply say that Omu is the woman next door who loves life and

living. And that informed my decision to be a luxury event planner. I graduated with a Bachelors in Engineering, worked briefly and veered into business. I am a member of the

Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and a Sandals and Beaches specialist. I also maintain good relationship with various destination facility providers, with emphasis

It was a coincidence. Sandals and Beaches is one of the members of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and there is a free training at the annual conference.

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I was brought up to look out for the less-privileged. I feel awful when I go to places like LUTH and see children who need just 10,000.00 to stay alive. You start to ask yourself questions. I got my initial exposure through it. Thereafter, I started exploring other viable destinations after my first trip. How come there is no chapter of this association in Nigeria?

There is really no special reason. They are actually open to opening a chapter in Nigeria but there has to be at least 13 members. How do you spend your spare time?

I am a gym rat! I am also on the board of an NGO I work with. It’s called Children Living with Cancer Foundation. There, we create awareness of childhood cancer , and the importance of early detection. What inspired your NGO?

I was brought up to look out for the less-privileged. I feel awful when I go to places like LUTH and see children who need just 10,000.00 to stay alive. You start to ask yourself questions. You feel pity for them and want to help out in one way or the other. The NGO is basically to find a way of assisting the less-privileged in that class. There are so many NGOs today. What makes yours stand out?

CLWCF is the first charity organisation catering for children with cancer and their families. Quite a number of others had come up and folded up almost immediately. The focus of your NGO is health related. How do you manage it, particularly when you are not a professional in that area.

We have health professionals and parents on the board and that makes us to be at the heart of the problem. What form does the support take?

We create awareness as well as support via provision of free drugs, counseling, creating an oncology ward for children, equipping the ward. We are indeed still equipping the ward and offering training for health care givers. What would you say is responsible for the many broken homes we have today?

It is nothing but selfishness. Many of us women do not consider the other party – the men. That is why many women are not able to exercise patience and exhibit the expected passion that is needed for a long-lasting marriage. Many are drunk of the desire to satisfy their needs only; they want to live like one of their friends. So, they continue to compare their homes with others endlessly. They do not consider their husbands and their children at all. Even the men too, some of them keep saying, I

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want this, I want that and not we want this, we want that. As soon as two people get married, they are no longer two. The Bible says they are one. Until when we begin to see it that way, consider the other parties in our desires, homes will continue to break. It is nothing but selfishness that is breaking marriages these days. Everyone, especially women want to have this and that like one person or the other and once that thing is not realised, they begin to lose interest in the marriage; they begin to see the man as below standard, at the end of the day, they conclude on trying other men. Couples must learn to give unto each other. Giving and taking is not supposed to be one sided. Wives must give to their husbands while husbands must give to their wives. They must share their secrets too. It is out of selfishness that a spouse keeps a particular secret from the other. Do you know that it is those secrets that destroy the homes? The day the other party discovers the secret you have been keeping, hell will let lose. It is good to live a transparent life all the time. When an intruder will come with the knowledge of that secret, if you have been open with everything about you, the intruder will end up getting disappointed because the man or woman will just say ‘ Oh thank you, I know’. How do you think mothers can help influence their children positively?

Mothers should live an exemplary life. They should set good examples for their children. They should devote more time to their children’s wellbeing too. It is injurious to leave children at the mercy of house-helps as we have now. Some mothers even abandon their children in schools in the name of keeping them in boarding schools and even day care. This is very pathetic and it is affecting the youths we have now. What moral education can anyone say is behind a three to five year old child that is put in a boarding school even in far away towns? I call this a systematic abandonment. If parents and mothers especially will be well-disciplined in all they do, children will get to learnt to live a disciplined life too. Besides, it is sheer irresponsibility to leave one’s duty for others in whichever way available.

Keeping ABREAST

World’s second-biggest diamond discovered in Bostwana • The 1,111-carat diamond is second in size only to the 3,106-carat unearthed in South Africa in 1905

he World’s second-largest gem-quality diamond has been discovered in Botswana, a Canadian company, Lucara, has said. Lucara’s Chief Executive Officer, William Lamb, in a statement, said the 1,111-carat diamond was second in size only to the 3,106-carat one unearthed at Cullinan mine in neighbouring South Africa in 1905, was cut into British crown jewels. The diamond, slightly smaller than a tennis ball, was recovered by machines in the Karowe mine in central Botswana. However, experts said that it was too early to estimate the value of the diamond. “I am truly at a loss for words; we are truly blessed by this amazing asset. “Our focus, mining the south lobe has been perfectly timed with the commissioning of our recent plant modifications, enabling the recovery of large, high-quality exceptional diamonds,” Mr. Lamb said. An expert in the Belgian city of

Antwerp, one of the world’s main diamond trading centres, said the diamond was “of exceptional quality”. Christopher Gemerchak from the Antwerp Diamond Jewellers Association said a diamond half that size was sold for 35 million dollars recently. “The historic significance of the Botswana diamond as the world’s second-largest makes it difficult to evaluate how much buyers might pay for it. “The value of the diamond also depends on factors such as possible cracks or dark spots, which need to be evaluated,’’ he added. “Too large to be used as such, the diamond is likely to be cut into 200-carat, core diamond and other smaller ones. “That decision will be taken by the buyer, the diamond polisher and designer,’’ Mr. Gemerchak said. Botswana is one of Africa’s top diamond producers, with diamonds making up about 80 per cent of its export income.

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Parenting

How about some Kangaroo Care?

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

So how does Kangaroo Care work? The baby, who is naked except for a diaper and a piece of cloth covering his or her back (either a receiving blanket or the parent’s clothing), is placed in an upright position against a parent’s bare chest. This snuggling of the infant inside the pouch of their parent’s shirt, much like a kangaroo’s pouch, led to the creation of the term “Kangaroo Care.” Kangaroo care came about as a response to the high death rate in preterm babies seen in Bogotá, Colombia, in the late 1970s. There, the death rate for premature infants was 70 percent. The babies were dying of infections, respiratory problems, and simply due to lack of attention.

Researchers found that babies who were held close to their mothers’ bodies for large portions of the day not only survived, but thrived. In the United States, hospitals that encourage kangaroo care typically have their mothers or fathers provide skin-to-skin contact with their preterm babies for several hours each day. However, skin-to-skin contact is encouraged for all babies, including term babies. The benefits of Kangaroo Care to the baby include: stabilization of the baby’s heart rate, improved (more regular) breathing pattern, improved oxygen saturation levels (an indicator of how well oxygen is being delivered to all the infant’s organs and tissues), gain in sleep time, more rapid weight gain and decreased crying among others. The benefits of kangaroo care to the parents include: improved bonding, feelings of closeness with their babies, increased breast milk supply, increased confidence in ability to care for their babies, increased confidence that their babies are well cared for and increased sense of control. Shows African mothers were always right! So do you give your baby Kangaroo Care by strapping him/her to your back as your mother strapped you to her back? Or are you too ‘posh’ to give Kangaroo Care?

hat can you compare to a father’s love? Phillip holds his newborn son at a hospital in Ghana. He and his wife, Gloria, are using Kangaroo Care, a method whereby parents who have no access to incubators hold their premature newborns constantly against their skin to keep them warm as an incubator would. Their picture was shared by UNICEF on November 17 to mark World Prematurity Day.

Parenting

irls born with a low birth weight may be at increased risk of fertility problems as adults, a new study from Sweden suggests. Researchers looked at women who were seeking fertility treatment whether it was because they were infertile or their partner was and found women who were infertile themselves were about twice as likely to have been born with a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) compared with those who were seeking fertility treatment because their husband/ partner was infertile, or because the couple’s infertility was unexplained. The findings held true even after the researchers took into account

Actress Mercy Johnson gives her daughter, Purity, some high quality Kangaroo Care

Another African mother

Baby’s low birth weight may Update lead to fertility woes later

factors that might affect women’s fertility, including their body mass index (BMI) and whether they had given birth before. However, because the study was small, and the first of its kind, more research is needed to confirm the link, the researchers said. An earlier study found that women who weighed less than 3.3 pounds at birth were less likely to give birth in their mid20s than those with a higher birth weight, but that study did not look at whether the women had been diagnosed with fertility problems. The new study analyzed information from more than

1,200 heterosexual women (most in their 20s and 30s) who sought fertility treatment along with their partners between 2005 and 2010. About 38 percent of these couples

had fertility problems attributed to the woman, about 27 percent had fertility problems attributed to the man, about 7 percent had

fertility problems in both the man and the woman, and 28 percent had fertility problems that were unexplained. About 3 percent of the women were born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), and 3.6 percent weighed less than 5.5 pounds at birth. The reason for the link between birth weight and fertility is not known, but one possibility is that growth restriction in the womb may affect the function of reproductive organs later in life, the researchers said. Previous studies have linked fetal growth restriction to a reduced ovulation rate. Culled from www.livescience. com

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Okobaba residents lament incessant infernos

By Patience Ogbo

uesday fire incident at the Okobaba sawmill community in Ebute Metta area of Lagos State is a bitter pill for many residents to swallow. The devastated residents said the fire is one too many as they claimed they are yet to recover from last year’s fire incident in the community . According to investigation,the fire started 5pm and was said to have spread like wild fire destroying more than 150,000 wooden houses as well as rendering over 500 residents homeless. When our correspondent visited the community , she saw the residents staring into the ruins of what used to be thier homes while others were seen scavenging what is left of their property. An elderly man, Alhaji Suliaman Badmus was seen under an old umbrella with his children . The steptugenaria and his family were affected by the fire as their three apartments were razed by the inferno which lasted for more than three houses Alhaji Badmus while narrating how the fire started said “ the fire started from a hotel called Mosefunito hotel. That hotel is in the middle of the community and it was a bubbling place. I was informed that the Fire was caused by a naked flame from a gas cooker. I thought the fire wil not get to my house

but I was shocked when the fire spread to my houses. My children fled as the fire continued to rage . That fire destroyed my three houses and rendered me homeless with my children. We have no where to go and we have been sleeping in the cold outside, We plea to government to come to our rescue and rebuild our community. Another victim, Mr. lateef omola said the fire affected his store and all the goods were burnt . Mr. Omola said ‘”I am a technician and I sell electrical appliances. I was not at home when the fire stated but as soon as I heard the fire outbreak, I rushed back to my shop and what I saw threw me into shock. I lost many goods running into millions of naira. The fire affected and destroyed my television, DVD players among other electrical fittings like bulb, cable wire, amongst other electrical appliances. I am devastated and in need of urgent help to rebuild my shop “ Other affected residents are appealing to the government to come to their rescue. Our correspondent was informed that more than 150 apartments were affected by the inferno which allegedly emanated from a gas flame and spread like wild fire for more than four hours before it was put out by a combined team of fire service men ,the residents and security agencies. Narrating how the fire started a 65year-old man Mr. Lanre Sule said “I

was not at home when the fire started . I was at work but I got a phone call from my children that our community was on fire and I raced down to see things for myself. What I saw was a raging fire. The fire was much that people could not pick any but their lives and that of their children. My wives and children were saved because the fire got to our house later but we could not pick anything. We just had the clothes on our backs. I learnt that the fire started about 5pm from one of the hotel rooms . I learnt that the wife of the owner of the hotel was lighting a gas cooker but the gas exploded and spread to other wooden shanties because our ground is sawdust. The fire fighters came one hour after the fire had started. The fire fighters could not do anything because the fire was raging seriously and they could not go near . I lost a lot of goods that I cannot count. I am sleeping outside with my children. Please government should come to our rescue. With have nowhere else to go” Another victim who identified herself as Mrs. Grace Gbenga said “ I went to the market to buy foodstuffs but by the time I came back , my apartment was in ruin. Fire had razed my home. It was just God’s grace that saved my children because they would have been burnt to death. I lost everything. I can’t quantify my lost. I am pleading with government to come to my assistance so I can rebuild my life,” Another resident Jimoh Balogun said.

“This fire incident occurred just barely one year after a similar fire razed houses and destroyed property in this community . The fire is happening because we built our houses with wood. We need government to rebuild the community with blocks for us. We are homeless and in dire need of assistance,” When contacted over the fire incident, the head of Operations Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA)Mr. Femi Giwa said nobody died in the inferno. He said “We are on ground to take the post disaster assessment and from our investigation, we did not record any death. The agency will work with the government to ensure that persons that are affected are taken care of ” The chief executive officer of Rural Urban a Development Initiative ( RUDI) Mr. Musbau Agbodemu urged government to alleviate the plight of the residents by assisting them to rebuild their homes. “We are using this medium to appeal to the government and other agencies to urgently come to the rescue of the people and provide us with palliatives that will stop the fire outbreak in Lagos. We are appealing to government to help rebuild the their homes. The victims of these fire disaster are sleeping in the open. Government should urgently come to their rescue and provide succour for them and their children.” It was learnt that some residents are receiving treatment but nobody died.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

s the world learned in 2011, Charlie Sheen is a notoriously volatile morning-show guest. So when NBC announced Monday that the actor would make a “revealing personal announcement” to Matt Lauer on the Today show, the media guessing game took off in ferocious fashion. TMZ was first to push the rumor that Sheen would be telling Lauer that he is HIV-positive, based on a National Enquirer story that claimed he had been keeping it a secret for years. What followed was a series of unsubstantiated media reports, many of which conflated HIV and AIDS and generally demonized what they suspected to be scandalous—and potentially illegal—behavior on the actor’s part. “I am here to admit that I am, in fact, HIV-positive,” Sheen told Lauer, adding that he wanted to stop the “barrage of attacks and sub-truths” that are “threatening the health of many others.” Sheen said he was diagnosed “roughly four years ago” after suffering a series of debilitating “cluster headaches and migraines.” He thought he had a “brain tumor” but ended up with an HIV diagnosis instead. “It’s a hard three letters to absorb,” he confessed. The Two and a Half Men star claimed that his much-publicized meltdown in 2011, when phrases like “winning” and “tiger blood” permanently entered the cultural lexicon, had more to do with “’roid rage” but came on the heels of his diagnosis. The reason Sheen decided to come forward today, at least in part, was to stop the millions of dollars in “shakedowns” and “extortion” that have been draining the money he says he needs to help support his five children and one grandchild. Asked if he’s still paying any of these people, Sheen replied, “Not after today, I’m not.” Later on, Sheen revealed that he’d paid upward of $10 million over the years in exchange for silence on his condition, and that his financial situation is “not great.” Lauer, for his part, asked a series of pointed questions that aimed to get to the heart of any potential legal troubles Sheen might face after making this admission. “Have you knowingly or even perhaps unknowingly transmitted the HIV virus to someone else since your diagnosis?” Lauer asked. “Impossible, impossible,” he replied. “Have you had unprotected sex on any occasion since your diagnosis?” “Yes, but the two people that I did that with were under the care of my doctor and they were completely warned ahead of time.” “Have you, since the time of your diagnosis, told every one of your sexual partners before you had a sexual encounter you were HIV-positive?” “Yes, I have,” Sheen said, adding, “No exceptions.” “Have you been involved—if you look at the CDC website and they talk about the transmission of HIV, they talk about risky behaviors. Would it be fair to say that you have been involved in all of those risky behaviors?” “Negative. You’re talking about needles and that whole mess? No, definitely not.” “Do you know how you contracted the vi-

People

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Hollywood’s ‘bad boy’ is HIV-Positive • Charlie Sheen has paid out millions to extortionists to keep his ‘secret’

It turns out his famous meltdown was not for nothing. In an interview with Today Show’s Matt Lauer early this week, actor Charlie Sheen revealed that he has been living with an HIV-positive diagnosis for about four years!

rus?” “Sitting here today, not entirely, no. No.” As The Daily Beast’s Tim Teeman noted Monday, speculation around the number of Sheen’s partners, and whether or not he disclosed his HIV status to them, has been at a fever pitch since rumors first hit the tabloids, with TMZ claiming that some are alleging nondisclosure, threatening civil action, and, in some cases, received settlements. During the Lauer interview, Sheen said that, given his history of being extorted, he’s expecting to receive lawsuits following his televised admission. As Lauer noted late in the interview, these are questions with legal ramifications, given the partner-notification laws that, in many states, require disclosure of HIV-positive status to one’s sexual partners. As the Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP) notes, 32 states have HIV-specific criminal statutes, including Sheen’s home state of California. Lauer’s fifth-degree questioning saw Sheen insisting that his conduct has been above-

board, saying the rumors that he has threatened the health of his partners “couldn’t be farther from the truth.” If true, Sheen’s claim that he has informed all of his partners ahead of time without exception would exempt him from any criminal prosecution. HIV decriminalization advocates, however, would be quick to point out that people who live in states with stricter legislation may face criminal penalties for sexual behavior while HIV-positive. The American Civil Liberties Union, for example, holds that HIV/AIDS exposure laws are “both bad public health and discriminatory,” given advances in HIV treatment and the social stigmas that continue to surround the virus. In 2014, the Department of Justice (PDF) noted in a best-practices report that many state’s disclosure laws “criminalize behaviors that the CDC regards as posing either no or negligible risk for HIV transmission even in the absence of risk reduction measures.”

“While HIV-specific state criminal laws may be viewed as initially well-intentioned and necessary law enforcement tools, the vast majority do not reflect the current state of the science of HIV and, as a result, place unique and additional burdens on individuals living with HIV,” the report concludes. The CDC has encouraged states to “re-examine [these] laws, assess the laws’ alignment with current evidence regarding HIV transmission risk, and consider whether the laws are the best vehicle to achieve their intended purposes.” Asked at the end of the initial interview if he still feels the same “shame” and “stigma” of the HIV diagnosis as he did when it was first trasmitted to him, Sheen said, “Not anymore, I don’t, no.” “I have a responsibility now to better myself and to help a lot of other people and hopefully with what we’re doing today, others may come forward and say, ‘Thanks, Charlie,’” he continued. “‘Thanks for kicking the door open,’ you know.” In a follow-up segment, Lauer spoke to both Sheen and his doctor, Robert Huizenga, who said the actor has an “undetectable” amount of the virus in his blood after receiving strong antiretroviral treatment. As the CDC notes, the combined use of condoms and antiretroviral therapy reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 99.2 percent. “Charlie does not have AIDS,” the doctor confirmed. When Sheen said in the first segment that it is “impossible” for him to transmit the disease to others, Huizenga clarified that he meant when using protection for sex. “Individuals who are optimally treated, who have undetected viral loads, who responsibly use protection, have an incredibly low— it’s incredibly rare to transmit the virus,” the doctor said. “We can’t say that that’s zero but it’s a very, very low number.” Lauer wrapped up the interview by asking Sheen if he was going to “go out there and make this your cause,” assuming the mantle as the new celebrity face of HIV awareness. “I’m not going to be the poster man for this,” said Sheen, “but I will not shun away from responsibilities and opportunities that drive me to helping others, and delivering a cure.”

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Dear Bukola

Having problems with your marriage, family, relationship, career or life generally? Help is at hand with Bukola Oyetunji, Relationship Expert, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author of Stranded With a Status and One Good Spouse Deserves Another. www.bukolaoyetunji.blogspot.com, Follow on twitter @bukolaoyetunji

No time to take care of my daughter

Dear Bukola, am a divorced mother of one. I am in the process of sending my daughter to live with my parents. This is because I hardly have time to properly take care of her. I work in a bank. During the day, I drop her off at the Day Care and then pick her up late in the evening. It hurts me to take this decision but I am scared that she may pick up the wrong habits from outsiders. My parents are disciplinarians. I keep on pushing the date as I really don’t want her to go.

Dear divorced mother, very child needs the attention of a parent or loved one to help them grow into loving adults. If this is absent, it does more harm than good. Like you said in your mail, you hardly have time to properly take care of your daughter. This might have been a problem but fortunately for you, you are blessed with parents who are willing to give their time to nurture your daughter…. Why on earth would you deny her that? Please let her have a proper upbringing with them but ensure you perform your responsibilities as a mother to her as often as you can. Wish you both all the best.

I’m bored to death

Dear Bukola, have a new job. Its great but I just hate the environment. It’s so remote. Nothing is happening. The nightlife is awful. The people here are very different and in my opinion very boring. I am specifically not mentioning the name of the town as I don’t want to sound prejudiced but I need to make things happen soon or else I would go out of my mind.

Dear Bored, share your pain because it can be very frustrating living in a place where everything seems to be isolated. What I would advise you to do is try to create some fun for yourself. What are those things you like to do? Make it happen and before you know it people who are as bored as you in that area would appreciate you for it. Also, I hope the pay from the new job is worthwhile because if it isn’t, the best option for you might be to pack your bags and move out of the place. We all want you to be happy so going out of your mind isn’t what should happen. Good luck with it!

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

My sister-inlaw is a pain in the neck I

Dear Bukola, know women usually complain about their Mothers-in-law but I don’t have a problem with mine. She lives abroad so I hardly see her. The person who is getting on my nerves is my Sister-in-law. She is married with children but she never stays in her house. She always visits with her retinue (consisting of friends and all sorts of human beings) and she expects me to be at her beck and call. On a typical day, Just when I finish my chores and am about to settle down to read a really really good book or spend quality time with my husband, there she appears. I don’t have a House-help and I don’t need one but I am having second thoughts about getting help because of my Sister-in-Law. I have tried in a subtle manner to let my husband know how I feel but so far he is not getting the message. Dear Overworked, hat your sister-in-law visits your house whenever she wants may be simply because she feels welcome; this on its own is not supposed to be a problem. It only becomes a problem when - she doesn’t come alone but with other people who are not even family, expects you to be at her beck and call, then denies you of spending quality time with your husband. What you need to do is talk to your husband about how you feel; he is in the best position to handle his sister. If she were your own sibling, asking her to give you some space wouldn’t be a big deal but reverse is the case. Plead with your husband to take charge of this issue. If he loves you and wants the best for you he surely would.

My girl has another love T Dear Bukola,

am in love with a girl who stays in my home state while I stay in the Northern part of the country. We really have a lot in common. However, it is not all rosy as she is dating someone else who lives in the South-west. She has not seen him for a bit more than a year but in between this period I have seen her about four times. She says she loves me but she still hasn’t told the other guy. Should I believe her? Should I try to get in contact with the other guy and tell him? Do you encourage long distant relationships? Between us, who does she really love? Save me! Name withheld

Dear Lover boy, ong distance relationship has a lot to do with love and trust. Like you said, you love this girl and you both have a lot in common, which is good. However, when the person you are in a long distance relationship with, is dating someone else other than you (whether they see often or not), then it becomes cheating. If she truly loves you, she should tell the other person it is over between them, that is her job to do and not yours. You should find time out to talk frankly with her so as to decide what you both want out of the relationship and who she would rather be with among the two of you. After this talk, the decision she arrives at would let you know who she loves more. Please note that long distance relationship is fine only if there is adequate trust and genuine love between both partners.

I’m attracted to a junior colleague

Dear Bukola, am about to break a self-imposed rule by having an affair with a junior colleague. I vowed not to have affairs at work after getting burnt. The girl I dated in a former job was also dating the CEO and I lost my job as a result of the affair. But this woman is hot hot hot and she has been giving me serious signals. Usually, I wouldn’t fall but I find myself drawn to this particular woman. We work in the same department and we often have to stay back when the others have gone. I know that very soon something would give. Dear Romeo, am happy your rule is self-imposed because that means it can be reversed. That the other woman caused your job termination in your former place of work doesn’t mean this woman will do the same. One important thing I would plead with you to do is proper findings to know if she isn’t dating anyone in the office. You should do this before you ask her out. Like they say, “Once beaten, twice shy”… I am very sure you wouldn’t want history to repeat itself. Best of luck with it...

I My neighbours are from hell I F Dear Bukola, live alone but at certain times it appears like I share the apartment with a legion (My neighbors are the problem). Granted, I invite them for meals every now and then and I help them take in their clothes when it rains as well as take out their thrash but for crying out loud all I ask in return is that they help wash the dishes after they have a meal at my place. I also would appreciate it if they give me some privacy when I need to relax (or when my boyfriend visits from out of town) or not use my things without asking for permission. The fact is I don’t know how to broach the subject without sounding too harsh. I may hurt their feelings in the process. They are neighbors alright but they have also become friends. I am confused.

Dear Confused, rom your mail I gather you are the type that loves your privacy but also loves having people around when you want them which is actually not bad. The problem with the arrangement between you and your neighbours/friends, however, is that they overstay their welcome. In this situation, what I would sincerely advise is that you communicate your feelings to them. It is your apartment so you should be able to enjoy it. When you invite them for meals, let them know as politely as possible that you would appreciate if they help you with washing the dishes. Also when you need to relax, let them know (as respectfully as possible) that it is time for them to give you some time alone…. Communication like I said is important in this situation you are in. Cheers!

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Male

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Angle

Jide animashaun 08034710902 jidemashaun@yahoo.com

Between gigolos a

It’s not only about freebies

his is an age old question that many people have been asking. Dating cougars as older women are now called is not a new phenomenon when talking about relationships, especially as many young men in the past had taken that plunge even if it wasn’t really socially acceptable then. Now on the other hand, the phenomenon has gently crept into our consciousness and people do not see anything wrong in seeing older women in the arms of far younger men who may even be young enough to be their sons at public functions without raising eyebrows. The history of relationships has gone a full circle and what used to be the forth of older men dating young ladies as a sign of prestige has become something that both genders can flaunt without feeling any sign of unease. It has now become a classic case of what is good enough for the goose is definitely good enough for the gander in every area of human existence when it comes to relationships. Relatively speaking, a gold digger is someone who latches on to a person who can provide money, gifts or generally provide financial security for a relationship without feeling any iota of love or deep emotional attachment to that person. In exchange, the gold digger will often pretend to be interested in you. Most gold diggers have an attitude that they have to be taken care of especially when it comes to daily expenses and other special needs that may crop up from time to time. A gold digger will only date someone who he or she can gain something out of. To a gold digger, nothing goes for free. You just have to know that the motive for gold diggers is never altruistic. Their time spent with you has to be paid for either in cash or something else. Gold diggers often use sex as a reward for a great gift or an expensive night out. Some gold diggers are in search for fame. And in this present time and clime I can assure you that gold diggers can be both men and women. Many young people proactively seek older financially independent persons to date so as to have an easy access to money and power. It is a common fact these days that a lot of rich people attract ‘friends’ who wants to have a sort of relationship while in

actual fact are just looking for freebies. Most gold diggers have certain similar behavioural patterns. They are selfish and will only “sacrifice” or do things when they know they’re getting something in return as I’d already pointed out. I want to say here that not all young men are gold diggers or after money in a relationship with an older woman. They could be ambitious and actively seek out a woman who can help them achieve what they want. They may have big plans for life and what they want from a relationship may be beyond just love. Gold diggers on the other hand are manipulative and will always get what they want. They will most certainly lack empathy when you’re in trouble or hurting. But truth be told, not all older women are rich and not all young men are poor. Love can and does grow in funny places. One of the biggest allures for a lot of younger men dating older women granted may indeed be the fact that older women tend to be more established. This is definitely something important because it removes the pressures on them of trying to financially live up to expectations in the relationship. Since most cougars are successful women, they are often wealthy which puts the pressure off men to be the one to foot the bill most of the time. In fact, it is the other way around. In most cases, it is usually the older woman who makes sure that her beau is well taken care of. Also, dating an older woman for a lot of young men removes all the unnecessary drama a lot of younger women will put up in the course of dating. Older women are also known for being blunt about their feelings and are adept with flirting that men find a turn on since they’ve spent more years in the game of dating. And contrary to popular belief, we do have a lot of upwardly mobile young men these days in almost all facets of life who have fallen in love and are still falling in love with older women on a daily basis and are very proud to flaunt their relationship based on the love they have for these women. We most certainly also have a lot of young men who do not fit into the mode of men who cannot pull up their own bootstraps. Dating an older woman definitely does not connote gold digging.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

10 moves that drive men cracy!

ondering what turns a guy on in bed? Foreplay for men is easier than you think. Just use these 12 foreplay tips and watch him charge like a bull. For as long as we’ve heard, men don’t ever need foreplay. For men, evolution has taught their shorts to go stiff as soon as they see an opportunity. But is it always true? As much as we’d like to believe that men don’t need foreplay, it’s just not true. At the beginning of the relationship, all a guy needs to see is a flash of his girlfriend’s skin to get ready for the act. But as time goes by, things can start to get rather repetitive and obvious. Just like foreplay matters for women, men too need a bit of foreplay to excite them now and then. You may have the best sex already, but don’t take your man for granted and assume that he’s always going to think of you as the sexiest thing alive. Focus on little things that can make him feel sexy and crave for you all the time. Learn to get him to appreciate your body, desire you and feel lucky to have you with these foreplay tips. Watch porn in bed. Watching porn can be a great way to help bring both of you closer. It’s

exciting and stimulating as long as both of you are comfortable with appreciating other people’s bodies in front of each other. The focus here isn’t on just watching, but replicating the moves you see on the screen in your own bed. A good half an hour of watching porn and having hands run all over each other can delay sex and excite both of you for a great round of foreplay. Dress up for him. Your man may be used to seeing you naked around the house. But that doesn’t mean he can’t get turned on by you when you wear your bare minimum. As foreplay, dress up for him and wear racy lingerie. The sexier you look, the longer he’d want you to keep your lingerie on as he gropes all over you. Sometimes, all you need is a new look to get the blood flowing in his loins. Go clubbing and grind with him. Foreplay doesn’t always have to start out in bed. At times, a club can be the perfect setting. When you’re at a club, the air is almost always filled with sex and lust. And as boring as your sex life can seem, bringing your man to a crowded club with sexy people all around will always get his hormones raging. And once you start grinding him, there’s little he can do to avoid a raging member. Massage him. A massage is a perfectly sensu-

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Jide animashaun 08034710902 jidemashaun@yahoo.com

Between gigolos a

It’s not only about freebies

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

10 moves that drive men crazy!

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JACQUI IWU 08165049669 email: amiicaregroup@aol.com

and gold diggers? I

Get a life!

am going to blow it pretty hard on this topic today. Why? Looking at the African struture and the way African men see their women, any boy you see dating a woman older than him is not there for love but for something else. If you have such people around you, take time to study them, you will discover that the woman is always ahead in the society in terms of career, wealth etc.

This column is x-rated al way to give him a happy ending at the end of the day. Bring out your massage oils and scented candles, talk sexy as you stroke him and move your body against him, and all he’d want to do is have sex with you. Recreate sexual fantasies. When both of you slip into bed, talk naughty with your man. You don’t even need to touch him to play foreplay. Just sit close to him and whisper about the first time he touched you or played with your body. Or remind him about the way both of you felt when you first had sex together. Talking sexy has a great impact on a man’s little man. It creates a sexy world of imagination with limitless possibilities that can lead to a sexy rush even before he gets inside you. Have a bath together. If both of you are not particularly in the mood for a fancy night out in town, slip into a bathtub and just relax in each other’s arms. You can wear a sheer cotton shirt in the tub before revealing it all to him. Don’t focus on sex right away. Instead, just play with each other’s bodies. It would be the perfect round of foreplay to invigorate him after a long day at work. Public display of affection. After dinner or a few hours of clubbing, indulge in a bit of foreplay by making out in the car on the way home. Build up the sexual tension so he’d want to get home and do something about it. Public display of affection is always a huge turn on for a guy, be it for foreplay or for any other thing.

This column is x-rated Snap your memories. Cameras are meant for racy snaps. Use a camera and get racy with it. Sext him a naked photo of yourself when he’s on his way home. Or when both of you are in bed, hand him a camera and ask him to take a few pictures when you’re nude and doing something naughty to him. But unless you’re sure the photos will always stay safe and away from prying eyes, delete them after the fun and games. Sexy secrets. Dress sexy when you go out, or even if you’re at home. Do something outrageous, like not wearing a bra or underwear. And out of the blues, go close to him and whisper your little secret in his ear that you’re not wearing a bra inside your tee shirt / underwear under your skirt. Chances are he’ll get into foreplay mode almost as soon as he hears your secret. It’s all in his head. To turn a guy on, everything is in his head. While physical attraction may be important, it also takes a few mind games to seduce your man once you’ve been in a relationship for a while. Make him feel like what you’re doing is sexy and he’ll always get aroused by you. And isn’t sexual arousal the first step of any successful foreplay? Foreplay for men can be a pleasurable and sexy experience for both of you, just as long as you remember to focus on his mind and get him to focus on your body. Just use these 12 tips and you’ll be able to do all that and more.

The African men is so particular about age of their women and hardly warm up to women older than them for a real lasting relationship so i cannot believe that a young man is dating an old woman for the sake of love. Dating should be all about love which might eventually lead to both people getting married if things work out for them. The African man is so sensitive of the age of the woman he wants to date and marry and once he discovers you are older than him, his love runs out of the window as fast as it enters. Ordinarily when you claim you love someone truthfully, money, age must not count...nothing counts except loving that person till the end of time. What we have today is something else where people get into relationship for all kinds of stupid/ugly reasons and love coming last. I cannot get tired of saying this!!! Boyyyyy..if you come across our African men who are dating older men, and you listen to what the say about such women, you will feel like slapping the hell out of such men. They put such women down in a very dirty manner before their fellow men. Making a jest of the women and reeking of how they are planning strategecally on how to rip such women off. I always wonder myself why a woman of 60years should date a hippie or quitty-quitty boy of 25-30? This is stupidity so most times, i do not pity such women but feel bad the way such boys ridicule womanhood. Again, there are actually some women in our society who go out of their way to seek such boys out ...crazy...simply...crazy... Check some of the newspapers, you read about jobless boys who

feel they are hip shamelessly asking for a rich married woman to date. Pretty shameful that your own vision to be a man is to look for a woman as old as your mother to date!!! Do you think you are sane? I think you should seek help for having such a desire. If you are lazy to work as a man, then i wonder what you are here for. Rather than looking for meaningful way to earn a decent living, your own job is to be looking for old women to date. You are just a pathethic hippie!! Get a life please and stop destroying your future. For the old women who are abusing their marriage vows and disgracing their husbands by keeping other boys as lovers, i do not even know what to tell you. I only pity your husband because the innocent man could be boasting of his wife outside not know you are just a trash....selling your self to pimps and ruining his image. Any man that has such a woman as a wife should never think twice before kicking her out. This is the highest insult any woman that calls her self a wife could give to her husband. If you are tired of your husband, either work it out or get a divorce rather than disgracing the man’s image and making him a laughing stock outside. Sadly there are men who will pass by and people will be laughing at them due to the way their wives sleeps around with small boys. Such a shameful thing!! Som time last year one of such stupid relationships turned into very ugly when the man went to the bank with the woman where the woman took huge cash to travel with. They went back to the woman’s house, the man strangled the woman and made away with all the money and other valuable items in the house. This happened late last year. The bloody man was discovered cruising around in Ghana. So where was the love? Worst gold digger ever!!! He must get an award for this!!! Finally, you the pimp who sleeps with older women, get a life and be useful to yourself because such women are very dangerous and can ruin your life for ever!!!

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

divorce court

‘My wife spends our children’s school fees’

n Ado-Ekiti Customary Court has dissolved a 28year marriage between Mr Imoleayo Sunday and his wife, Funmise. The marriage was dissolved on grounds of frequent fighting and adultery. Sunday, 51, a resident of Omolayo behind Queen’s Court, Ado-Ekiti, told the court that they use to fight over the way his wife spend their daughter’s school fees. The father of two said whenever he gives his wife their children’s school fee; she will not pay the money, which affected their first son academically. He said whenever they have crisis; his wife would tear his clothes and destroy his properties.

‘My husband took my underwear without my consent’

• I saw my pant and brassiere in his handbag when he wanted to leave for work. I am scared of staying with him. I no longer feel safe in his house —Wife Stories by Mudashiru Oyeniran

eople present at the Igando Customary Court recently were stunned when a 39-year-old female Police Inspector, Mary Igah, gave testimony in a divorce suit she instituted against her police officer husband Mary was seeking to have the court dissolve her 19-year-old marriage for alleged threat to her life. According to her, Emmanuel, her husband, threatened to deal with her and before she

knew the extent of his threat, she found her panties and brassiere in his bag and she did not know where he was taking them to Marry said “My husband took my underwear without my consent; I saw my pant and brassiere in his handbag when he wanted to leave for work. I am scared of staying with him. I no longer feel safe in his house,” While giving her testimony, Mary alleged further that her husband was fond of embarrassing her in public; she said “My husband always

embarrassed me in public, including my place of work. He would beat me and drag me out of my office while calling me vulgar names. “Anytime we have issues, he would call me a prostitute.” However, 46-year-old Emmanuel denied the allegations levelled against him by his wife. He alleged that his wife was promiscuous. He said: “I heard stories about my wife’s infidelity. So, I went to her office to find out the true state of things and fortunately for me, I met her

with the man. “I did not embarrass her, I only excused her from the office and asked what she was doing with the man and she started shouting. “I did not beat her. In short, I have never raised my hand against her since I married her 19 years ago,” he said. Emmanuel appealed to the court not to grant his wife’s divorce wish as he still loved her. After the arguments, the court president, Mr R.I. Adeyeri, adjourned the matter for judgment.

‘My wife traveled to Ghana to meet her lover’ • She did family planning without my consent and she goes out at will. She was suspended from the church for six months because she fought all ministers in the church. She then established her church. But s he fought all the members

customary court in Agege has granted divorce to a Pastor and his wife over alleged infidelity and threat to life. Pastor Sunday Owonikoko had petitioned the court concerning a dispute he had with his wife over her “ex-lovers”. According to the pastor, “My wife once traveled to

Ghana to meet one of her concubines. She did family planning without my consent and she goes out at will. “She was suspended from the church for six months because she fought all ministers in the church. She then established her church, she fought all the members of the church, and they all left.” He added, ““I want the

court to dissolve the union and grant me custody of my children.” The wife, Bolajoko, had allegations of her own. According to her, the Pastor husband had slept with almost all the sisters in the church and is currently involved in an adulterous relationship with a mother of seven. She said: “My husband is

adulterous. He has slept with almost all the sisters in the church. A mother of seven is presently living with himand he has made the woman an evangelist.“ She added that he lost his sanity after eating vegetable soup in the house of one of the sisters in the church. She also said she did not love him and wanted a divorce.

He told the court that his wife was an adulterous woman, saying that she aborted a pregnancy for one of her concubines. The plaintiff said that his wife made the confession to him and her mother when she fell sick. He said that the man had been to his workshop to pick his wife, and sometimes came with his colleagues to threaten him. “There was a day they were discussing on an issue, suddenly a car came to pick her by his side and left him alone,’’ he said. Sunday said he was not happy that his first son refuses to be educated, stating that his mother was his problem. He prayed the court to award him the custody of the female child. However, their 15-year-old daughter told the court that she does not want her parents to divorce because it would break their home and affect their future. She said her mother informed her about the divorce, but told her to put her mind at rest. But the respondent, Funmise, 45, denied the allegations levelled against her. She said that her husband abandoned her for a long period of time without considering her and the children. She said that she was pregnant before she knew that her husband has a wife before her. Funmise said that her husband’s parents knew how he was beating her while she was with him them. The respondent said that she never had any man since their separation, because she loves her husband, even their daughter will not allow her to have another husband. She therefore urged the court to award her the custody of her daughter. The President of the court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, observed that the marriage had broken down irretrievably and consequently dissolved the marriage. He ruled that the custody of their daughter, Imoleayo Boluwatife, 15, should be awarded to the wife, while Imoleayo Olaoluwa (27) can decide on his own. Ogunsemi also ruled that the husband should be paying N4, 000 monthly on the feeding allowance of their daughter and be responsible for her education. The court granted access to the husband to see his daughter. (NAN)

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

‘Her boss fathered our last child’

divorce court

PAGE

• She confessed to have had an extramarital affair with her former boss which resulted in the pregnancy of the fourth child. My wife said she had given her life to Christ and that her desire to make heaven made her confess based on the advice from her pastor. She added that the paternity of the fourth child was in doubt since both the boss and I slept with her the same week —Husband

he confession of a mother of five that her former boss was the biological father of her fourth child is now threatening her 25-year-old marriage. Her husband, 57-year-old Isaac Jemibola, a civil servant, has approached an Ikole Customary Court in Ekiti State, seeking the dissolution of his marriage to the woman, 48-yearold Olayemi. Jemibola based his divorce plea on the ground that the respondent confessed committing adultery in 2002. He urged the court in the petition filed to grant him custody

said. Jemibola further told the court that he reported the matter to his parents who pleaded with the woman to reverse her confession. “She however insisted that she was following the dictates of the Bible. “I purposely don’t want to do the DNA test because I don’t want to hate the child.’’ he said. Olayemi admitted committing the offence, but kicked against dissolution of the marriage. “I did it because Jemibola was befriending another woman during the period which made him abandon me for almost six

I did it because Jemibola was befriending another woman during the

period which made

him abandon me for almost six

months. It was that

same period

that my former boss, who normally took me to work in his car, love advances at me.

made

Both men

made love with me at almost the same period.

After some years, I

discovered that the child looked quite

different from his siblings

and out of guilt,

I decided to tell

him the truth

—Wife

of the five children from the marriage. The petition told the court that he married Olayemi in 1989 according to the native law and custom. According to him, “after retiring to bed on recently, my wife came to me and knelt down. “She confessed to have had an extramarital affair with her former boss which resulted in the pregnancy of the fourth child. “My wife said she had given her life to Christ and that her desire to make heaven made her confess based on the advice from her pastor. “She added that the paternity of the fourth child was in doubt since both the boss and I slept with her the same week,’’ he

months. “It was that same period that my former boss, who normally took me to work in his car, made love advances at me. Both men made love with me at almost the same period. “After some years, I discovered that the child looked quite different from his siblings and out of guilt, I decided to tell him the truth. “I pleaded for his forgiveness but he refused,’’ Olayemi said. In her ruling, the court president, Mrs Yemisi Ojo, said: “In the interest of justice and in the spirit of promoting reconciliation between the two parties, the case will be adjourned for report of settlement.’’ (NAN)

‘She is using charms to control me’ • She is so fetish that she even advised me to also seek black powers —Husband

n Igando Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a five-year-old marriage between one Ololade Adeolu and his estranged wife, Adebola over fetish acts saying that the latter was using charms to control him Delivering judgment, President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, said he was convinced that the couple could no longer live together as the husband insisted on divorce after several court interventions. “The court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage in spite of the fact that the wife still claims she loves her husband.” The husband, Adeolu, 56, a civil servant, had filed a suit seeking the dissolution of the

union because of some fetish practices by his estranged wife, Adebola. “She is so fetish that she even openly advise me to also seek black powers” The petitioner said that his wife was always controlled by her mother, stressing that she only listened to what her mother asked her to do and always ignored his words. “My wife is being controlled by her mother on how to run my house. She used to tell me that her mother is her priority that I am secondary in her life. “Adebola was ungrateful that I established her by renting a shop and stocked it with electronics and computer gadgets. She did not open the shop till the two-year rent expired.

“My wife collects money from me by violence, takes it to her mother and also transfers food stuff I bought to her mother. “There was a time she collected N50, 000 loans to pay N75, 000 on my behalf without my consent to give her mother, I paid the money I knew nothing about,” he said. Adeolu pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage, saying that he was tired and no longer in love. But the wife, Adebola, had claimed that she was still in love with her husband. “The couple can no longer stay together because the marriage has broken down totally, both parties are no longer husband and wife, they are free to go their separate ways.” the court president ruled

when I was still living with him. In fact, he stopped me from entering his kitchen. “He has also promised to enroll me in a higher institution, but he failed to do so,’’ Vivian said. She also said that she met another woman in her husband’s apartment the last time she visited to pick her property. Vivian urged the court to dissolve the union, saying she was no longer in love with him and was tired of the incessant battery. Camillo, a supplier of granite, did not deny the allegations, saying he usually beat her out of frustration.

“I enrolled her in a part time school sometimes ago, but she insisted she wanted a full time school. “Truly, I have another woman who had been staying with me because I don’t love her anymore. “I also want us to be separated. As for the pregnancy, I will take full responsibility,’’ the respondent, who resides at Olakunle Soga St. in Ikorodu said The President of the court, Olu Adebiyi, however adjourned the case to see if there would be any chance of reconciliation between the couple. (NAN)

‘He batters me even during pregnancy’

20-year-old housewife, Vivian Camillo has urged an Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos State, to dissolve her one-year-old marriage over alleged abandonment and battery. Vivian told the court that her husband, Carlo Camillo, 31, abandoned her since she got pregnant. She alleged that her husband usually beats her, even when she was pregnant. “He batters me even during this pregnancy. I almost lost it but God saved me as I had to run away from home so that he does not kill me. “He stopped giving me food

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What if you go mad? G

od forbid! It is you that will go mad! It is not my portion! I can see you are already ‘mad’ at me This exactly is our attitude to people in our midst who have the misfortune of suffering one form of mental derangement or the other. Much unlike the way we regard other chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, we tend to see people with one form of mental disorder or the other as being possessed by the devil. We therefore ostracize them, we hide them, we don’t want to be associated with them and are even too ashamed to take them to where they will get proper medical care. To us, this set of people are either suffering from an evil arrow shot at them by an unforgiving enemy or a repercussion of an evil deed of theirs previously. Interestingly, some people believe just a thin line divides sanity and insanity and that every day a good number of us move perilously closer to the ‘other ‘ side than we may want to think. In Nigeria for example, some studies have suggested that more than 60million members of the population have one form of mental illness or the other that require attention. Definition: Mental illness is a complex range of mental health derangements affecting the mood, thinking and behavior and impairing the ability to function normally in day to day life. Common types: Mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders could be mild or severe. While some are compatible with daily living, others severely prevent the affected individual from living a normal life. In most cases most of them are treatable with diligence, social and financial support. Globally, depression, dementia and schizophrenia in that order are known to afflict more people than other forms of mental disorders. But, mental conditions are generally grouped into: Anxiety disorders: people who have this disorder will response inappropriately to situations. They may display exaggerated panic or fear over a seemingly mild situation. Such individuals may have palpitation and sweat excessively in response to their phobias. Mood disorders: mood disorders as the name implies affects the mood. Also known as affective disorder, it leads to abnormal feelings of sadness or happiness. Such individuals will move from a period of extreme sadness to that of unexplained happiness. A good example of this is depression and other bipolar disorders. Most individuals may experience mild depressive symptoms at a point in their lifetime, which will resolve spontaneously.

Post traumatic stress disorder: this follows a traumatic or scary life event. People with this disorder are left with lasting thoughts or memories of the terrible events which could be physical assault, a terrible accident or natural disaster. Such memories paralyse them at the time of recall. Personality disorders: people afflicted with these disorders are usually difficult to deal with. They have inflexible personality traits that may affect their relationships at work or within their family. The manner of thinking and behavior may also be seen as rigid and antisocial. A good example of this is paranoia about trivial issues Obsessive compulsive disorder: individuals in this category have obsessions and compulsion that could be good or bad. For example, an obsession with cleanliness may lead to compulsive and incessant washing of hands even when the hands are not dirty or have just been washed. Psychotic disorders: schizophrenia and other disorders belonging to this classification are major contributors to mental illnesses worldwide. They make individuals lose touch with reality. They are characterized by hallucinations, abnormal thinking and abnormal speech. Psychotics see things, and hear things that are not real and behave or speak in response to these imaginary objects or beings as though they are real Others: there a few others such as Developmental disorders that develop from child hood such as Autism

Eating disorders where individuals have extreme fear of food or of gaining weight such as in anorexia nervosa Addiction/impulse control disorders that make people unable to resist the urge to behave in a certain way that is harmful to themselves and to others. Examples include kleptomania (the urge to steal even without a need) or pyromania (the urge to start fires). Causes: In mental illnesses, there are causes and there are risk factors Generally, the causes of mental illnesses are lodged between the genes, environment, social milieu and substance use. Genetic: Having a family history of mental breakdown predisposes another member of the family to the same. Some genes have been found to be linked to mental disorders. While this will not suggest that every member of that family will come down with a mental illness, it means extreme life situations can easily trigger a mental illness in them. Environment: several factors in the environment can precipitate mental illness. Beginning from the womb an individual may be exposed to toxins and dangerous substances via the mother. This may traumatize the brain leading to brain injury. A direct blow to the skull will do the same. Social factors: some situations of child hood may provide a template for future development of a mental anomaly. Abuse, neglect, and bullying by parents or other adults are significant in this category. In adulthood, situations of life such as employment problems, forceful migration, loss of a loved one and discriminatory cultural factors may also serve as stressors that will trigger mental illnesses. Substance abuse: a major cause of mental breakdown, especially in young people is drug use. Cannabis, amphetamines and cocaine are some of the

drugs that have been linked to conditions like psychosis and schizophrenia. This is more so in those with a family history of mental illness. For instance marijuana a.k.a weed or Indian hemp according to some authorities is the commonest cause of psychosis in lunatics roaming the streets of Nigeria. Symptoms: Symptoms of mental illness depend on the particular disorder, but they generally alter the thoughts, emotions and behavior. Knowing these symptoms will make the individual or relatives act in a timely manner to nip mental illness in the bud. This is definitely not to suggest that whoever has any of the following symptoms is certainly suffering from one mental illness or the other. Excessive display of emotions i.e. anger, sadness or happiness Confused thinking and extreme feeling of guilt Withdrawal from friends, family and from usual activities Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits Having suicidal thoughts Seeing or hearing things that are not real Problems in relating with people and day to day situations Display of violence or aggressive behaviour This is definitely not to suggest that whoever has any of the above symptoms is certainly suffering from one mental illness or the other but the symptoms may signify the start or progression of mental disorder. This is why proper diagnosis is imperative. In fact, any noticeable aberration in the ‘normal’ behavior of an individual is worthy of investigation. Sometimes a complex mix occurs, as in the case of a schizophrenic who also use substances, which further shows the importance of proper diagnosis. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

PAGE

African Games

Ladipo sets agenda for Sports Minister : Nigeria relay team celebrate after clinching IAAF relay gold: Inset Ladipo

Ifeanyi Eduzor

ith barely one week since his assumption of office as the 33rd Minister of sports since the country’s independence in 1960, President General of Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club Rafiu Ladipo has charged the new Sports Minister, Solomon Dalong to ensure he surrounds himself with technocrats and people with genuine interest to develop the country’s sports. He told Saturday Mirror that for Dalong to succeed in his assignment, he must study all the presentations and recommendations made by stakeholders in seminars as

well as documents submitted to the National Assembly on the best way to move the country’s sports forward. “We at the Supporters Club want to congratulate the new Sports Minister for being found worthy by President Muhammadu Buhari to be appointed as the country’s Sports Minister. But for him to succeed, we want him to surround himself with technocrats and knowledgeable people with genuine interest to develop the country’s sports. “There is also need for him to study all the papers presented in seminars, public hearings and the National Assembly by stakeholders and their recommendations on how to move sports forward as this is the only way he can succeed. According to Ladipo, for

Dalong to succeed, he should see himself as Minister of Sports and not that of Football because there are other lesser sports that need attention of the Ministry to produce laurels for the country at international competitions. “I want the new Minister to see himself as Minister of Sports and not that of football. While we encourage football development, we must also encourage the development of other sports because they have been winning laurels for the country. “The development of these sports is important because Rio 2016 Olympic Games is around the corner and we also have the Commonwealth Games and All African Games where athletes compete with the best in the

World for laurels. On the performance of the Super Eagles in their World Cup qualifier against Swaziland, Ladipo noted that the team played well but were unlucky in front of goal; saying that there is need for Nigerians to always pray for the success of the team especially when the final round of the qualifiers begins. “I am particularly happy with the outcome of the match because the Swazis came here to surprise us. Although, we were supposed to score many goals in that encounter but the most important thing was that we did not allow the Southern African nation to succeed with their plans. “Nigerians should also cultivate the habit of praying for the national team whenever they

are playing so that luck will smile on them. Experience has shown that a team can play very well but will be unlucky not to find the back of the net and it is only prayer that can solve such problems” Ladipo emphasized. He stated that there is the need for the technical crew of the Super Eagles to introduce more attackers to the team and ensure team coordination before the commencement of the group stage of the qualifiers which is going to be very tough. “My advice to Sunday Oliseh and his technical crew is that they should work on the strikers because the next stage of the qualifiers will be very tough considering that only one country will pick the group’s ticket for Russia 2018”, he concluded.

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MIRROR SPORT

40 MirrorGolf

With Pius Anakali Tel: 08023367071

Woods named Ryder Cup vice-captain

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Rooney out of United’s trip to Watford W

ayne Rooney and Anthony Martial will miss Manchester United’s game at Watford, Louis van Gaal has

iger Woods has been named as one of United States captain Davis Love III’s assistants for the 2016 Ryder Cup. Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk will also be joining Tom Lehman as vice-captains for the contest against Europe. Woods, 39, who is battling to recover from a persistent back injury, has played in seven Ryder Cups, the most recent in 2012 under Love’s captaincy. “Once I’m fully healthy, I’d like to try to make the team too,” said 14-time major winner Woods. “Either way, I’m very excited to work with Davis, the other vice-captains and the players to get a US victory.” Should Woods, now ranked 384 in the world, qualify as a player, either automatically or

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woods

via a captain’s pick, Love has the option to name a replacement vice-captain. The US will be bidding to end a run of eight defeats by Europe in the last 10 editions of the biennial team competition when the 2016 Ryder Cup is held from 30 September to 2 October at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. Love, who will name a fifth vice-captain at a later date, said: “These three guys, joining Tom Lehman, will send a message to our team that we are really serious about this Ryder Cup.

Rooney

revealed. The United captain is ill and out of the trip to Vicarage Road along with Martial and Michael Carrick, who were injured playing for their countries during the international break. Martial left Wembley on crutches after damaging his foot during France’s midweek defeat to England, while Carrick suffered an ankle injury in Spain on Friday night. Rooney played and scored against France, but Van Gaal said: “Wayne Rooney was ill after the international break. I only saw him the day after he played then he was at home yesterday, so I think he can’t play.” However, the duo could be back for next week’s Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven, but Van Gaal is short of strikers for today with James Wilson only just back from injury and unable to play a full 90 minutes. Memphis Depay, who has not started a Premier League game since the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on October 4 and is struggling for form, is the only other obvious option to start up front.

Broberg wins first European title Ronaldinho tips Neymar to succeed in England

Broberg

wede Kristoffer Broberg won his maiden European Tour title with a play-off victory at the BMW Masters in Shanghai. After a four-under 68, the 29-year-old world number 149 birdied the first extra hole to defeat American Patrick Reed after both finished at 17 under. Reed held a one-shot lead with

two holes to play after holing out from 100 yards from a fairway bunker for an eagle at the 15th and carding his fifth birdie of the day on the next. However, the world number 17 bogeyed the 17th and left a birdie putt short from 12 feet on the 18th, tapping in for par before throwing his ball into the lake surrounding the green. That left Broberg, who began the day two off the lead, with a birdie putt from similar range to move ahead - but he also left it short. Broberg and Reed returned to the 471-yard 18th, where the American found thick rough off the tee, a greenside bunker with his approach and splashed out to four feet. Broberg, playing in his 96th European Tour event, this time made no mistake with his birdie attempt to claim victory.

World Tour Championship:

Poulter, Sullivan share lead

ngland’s Ian Poulter and Andy Sullivan earned a four-way share of the lead after the opening round of the World Tour Championship in Dubai. They shot a six-under-par 66 alongside German Martin Kaymer and Australian Marcus Fraser. Italian Francesco Molinari was one shot off the pace, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy carded a four-under 68. Poulter, who has not won a Tour event for three years, has been struggling with a foot injury. World number three McIlroy leads the race to Dubai standings ahead of Willett, although

seven players could still take the title. Sullivan, 28, whose three career tour wins have come this season, was playing alongside two-time major winner Kaymer. Cheered on by 30 fans from his club in Nuneaton, Sullivan carded an eagle, five birdies and a bogey. “Every putt that went in they were really cheering and it’s a big plus,” he said. “They’ve been to Wentworth, Woburn and Portugal this year and have been planning this trip since the middle of the year, dying to get out of the cold at home.”

onaldinho is confident Neymar would be a big hit in the Premier League should he decide to leave Barcelona. Neymar’s father, Neymar Santos Sr. raised doubts over his son’s future at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, suggesting the forward could be forced to leave Barcelona due to ongoing tax issues. Manchester United appears to have made efforts to sign Neymar in the summer, and Ronaldinho believes he would be a great success in any country, including England. “Neymar, currently on form,

is the best player in the world,” Ronaldinho told the Daily Mirror. “His rise has not surprised me at all. Even when he was a kid his ability was obvious. At the age he is, I still have every belief he can go on to get better and better. “Now he has reached the level of the best in the world, he can stay there for five or six years, comfortably. “He could and would succeed at any league in the world. Of course, there are always transition periods. But when you have that much ability you will succeed in any league in any country.

Neymar

SPORT NEWS

African title: Gov. Okowa commends Power lee Ifeanyi Eduzor

elta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has commended Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA) wrestling champion, Power Lee for doing the country proud in the mats man game even as he charged him to ensure a successful defense of his title against Marvelous Buffalo of Angola next month. Power Lee whose real names are Godspower Ikpide, on September, 19 at the Palais De Sports, Yaoundé defeated Cameroonian champion and number one contender to the throne, Noudem “ Le Matraquer and will be defending the title against number three contender, Angolan Marvelous Buffalo next month at the Asaba Township Stadium. Receiving the champion and his entourage at the Government House Asaba, Okowa noted that by winning the continental title, Power Lee has not only put Delta state but the entire nation in the

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (R) receiving the Pro Wrestling Africa heavyweight belt from Power Lee

sporting map of the World. He commended him for his doggedness, foresight, patience and determination which enabled him to do the country proud in the Central African country noting that his government will continue to support sports development in the state. “I am particularly happy that a Deltan is the new African

wrestling champion and we as a government will do everything possible to encourage him not only defend the title but win a world title for the country. “As your title defence is fast approaching, I urge you not to relent in your efforts in ensuring you defeat your Angolan challenger “, the Governor stated.

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MIRROR SPORT

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Gura assures on scrabble development Ifeanyi Eduzor

resident of Scrabble Federation f Nigeria, Suleiman Garuba Gura says that the recent emergency of a Nigeria as the world scrabble champion will lead to the development of the game in the country. Nigerian born, Wellington Jighere a fortnight ago in Australia defeated Lewis Mackay of England 4-0 to become the first African to win the English- Language World Scrabble championship. In an interview with our correspondent, Gura stated that his achievement is an indication that Nigeria boosts of some of the best scrabble players in the World

but only need encouragement and support to enable them excel in the game. “I am highly delighted that Jighere not only defeated other athletes but showed the World that Nigeria is capable of holding their own among the best athletes in the World. “Having emerged World champion, the duty of the Federation Is to consolidate on the achievement and give him and other athletes all necessary support to enable them win more laurels for the country in future. Gura noted that for the achievement to be sustained there is needs for grassroots developments of the game as well as corporate sponsorship to enable it develop to the highest level.

Real Sapphire tournament attracts foreign scouts Ngozi Emedolibe

asking in the euphoria of the recent victory of Nigeria’s U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets, foreign scouts besieged the just-concluded Real Sapphire Football tournament which was held at the Epe area of Lagos. The scouts from different clubs in Europe were at the tournament to seek budding talents. Speaking at the end of the tournament which attracted youth teams from 12 states in the country ,the President, Real Sapphire Football Academy, Frank Peters said that if properly harnessed, Nigeria has the talent to continue to dominate world football at all levels. According to him, that Nigeria won the U-17 competition is no fluke because from what was seen at the tournament, talents abound in Nigeria that would continue to dominate the FIFA U-17 for a very long time. He said that what is required

is proper orientation and management of the youths and discipline on their part. “The scouts saw for themselves the reason why Nigeria is dominating the FIFA U-17 competitions and could not hide their surprise because of the quality of talents that was displayed at the event.” The Real Sapphire Academy boss said that the tournament which holds twice a year would be serving as a feeder for Nigerian football both at the local and international levels. He urged the players to be disciplined and focused, adding that with hard work and determination, they would rule the world using the gift of football that God has given to them. The participants commended the organizers for the opportunity and expressed their hopes to make good use of their exposure to the foreign scouts who appreciated their game. They vowed never to disappoint the Academy and the country when their careers take a leap.

Participants at the tournament in a group photograph with the scouts

sum School playground, Omole Phase2, Isheri- Olowora, Lagos will see both teams fight for aleb International College, honours to decide who amongst Ikosi- Isheri will on Satthem will lift the giant trophy at urday December 5, trade stake at the competition. tackles with Al Faruq College, To get to the finals, Caleb Ejigbo in the finals of this year’s College defeated Dansol High Lagos Private Schools football School 5-3 penalty in the first competition tagged “Private semi- final clash while Al- Faruq Cup”. College recorded a 2-1 victory The match slated for the Vic-

47 41

Akas ruled out of Olympic qualifiers Taiwo Awoniyi celebrate with his team mates after scoring a goal in a match

...as surprises trail U-23 AFCON final list

njury-hit Chima Akas has been ruled out of the U23 AFCON in Senegal, which will serve as qualifying tournament for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Left-back Akas started Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier ahead of AS Monaco star Elderson Echiejile, but he did not complete the game because of a foot injury. “Chima is injured and he will not feature in the U23 AFCON,” a source close to the Sharks defender disclosed. Akas is a crucial addition to the Dream Team VI especially

following the sidelining of Portugal-based Stanley Amuzie, who ruptured his cruciate knee ligament and will not be back in action till later next year. Meanwhile Nigeria U-23 coach Samson Siasia has made several changes on his final squad for the U23 AFCON in Senegal with former skipper Erhun Obanor the biggest casualty. It was specially gathered that Abia Warriors defender Obanor, who was team skipper of Dream Team VI last year, failed to make the final cut for the team, which will also serve

as qualifiers for next year’s Olympics in Rio. Obanor was replaced by Nigeria U-20 central defender Zaharadeen Bello with former Dolphins defender Chizoba Amaefule also making the list just as Heartland goalkeeper Emmanuel Iwu was picked for the tournament in Senegal. Siasia has listed only four foreign-based stars for the competition, which kicks off on November 28 in Dakar. Nigeria’s opening match will be against Mali on November 29 in Mbour before facing Egypt and Angola.

Tenger: Lobi won’t miss Fed Cup title

obi Stars head coach Justin Tenger has said his side will not miss the podium dance in the Federation Cup final clash against Akwa United. The Pride of Benue will clash with the Promise Keepers in Sunday’s Federation Cup final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. Tenger said God provided his side another opportunity to head off to the continent after an unconvincing performance in the league season. “Lobi Stars are fully prepared to pick up the Caf Confederation

Cup slot at the expense of Akwa United on Sunday in Lagos. “We ruefully lost the ticket to Africa in the league by drawing eight home matches. If we had won those games we would have been league champions instead of Enyimba. “However, God in his infinite mercy gave us another opportunity which is the Federation Cup; we will not toy with the chance but grab it firmly with both hands. “Of course, the clash is a typical duel of two elephants in which the grass suffers in the long run.

Caleb College dares Al- Faruq in Lagos Private School’s tourney

Ifeanyi Eduzor

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over Honeyland College in the second semi- final to book a place in the final. In the female category, Landmark College, Ikorodu which defeated Caleb International College by a lone goal will lock horns with St Joseph Secondary School Agege which recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over Unique Heights High School to decide

who amongst them will be crowned the female champions of the tournament. Organizer of the competition, Prince of Atico Global Concepts Limited told Saturday Mirror that all logistics has been put in place for a successful final just as he announced that former Super Eagles player, Victor Agali will be on hand to motivate the players.

Tenger “Akwa United are not a team to toy with, I left Akwa United for Lobi Stars but there remain an element of what I left behind at the Uyo-based side. “We are tasked to respond positively on Sunday and win the trophy for the state and its people, “ said the former Akwa United coach to supersport.com. Dala 2015:

Men’s Singles Results 1. Moses Micheal beat Babalola Abdulmumini 6/3, 6/2. 2. Emmanuel Sylvester beat Otu Thomas 6/4, 6/2.

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NOVEMBER 21, 2015

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Crime Watch

I dress like a woman to lure men to give me money —Suspect Patience Ogbo

olicemen attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti Yaba, are investigating a 20 year - old man identified as Hussein Diyaya Alam from Kano State who allegedly dresses like a woman to defraud men. Alam, according to the Lagos State Commissioner of police, Fatia Owoseni, has been going on with his fraudulent act but luck ran out on him when one of his victims identified as Hasimu Soli, whom he had allegedly obtaining N15,000 from under false pretence promising to marry him but had absconded, sighted him at the CMS area. He was sighted on November 15th and a quarrel ensued which led the police from the Lion Building Police station to arrest the two men. CP Owoseni said “ On Sunday 15th of November, at CMS , Lagos, a patrol team attached to the Lion Building Police Division arrested the suspect, who went about bearing a woman’s name, Kadijat,but dressed in Muslim hijab. The suspect met one Hassimu of No. 25, Iyana Street, Ajegunle and agreed to a relationship and had falsely obtained the sum of N15, 000 from Mr. Soli under the guise of mar-

rying him. Mr. Soli had wanted to take Kadijat (suspect) home, but he refused making various excuses. “While they were dragging themselves at the CMS Bus Stop, policemen from Lion Building, who were on patrol, saw them and intervened. “They were taken to the police station for causing breach of public peace. “At the station, Hassimu alleged that the suspect had collected about N15,000 from him with a promise to marry him. “Soli was shocked to hear the confession of the suspect that he is a man disguised in women’s outfit to defraud men” According to police sources, the suspect confessed that he had been into the business for about two years and that he had defrauded many men in Lagos of unspecified amount of money. The Suspect who claimed he only speaks Hausa fluently said. “My real name is Hussieni Biyaya from Teke town in Kano State. I relocated to Lagos early this year and I live at Bode Thomas Street, Onipanu. I dress like a woman because I look like a woman but my major aim is to deceive men to give me money. I decided to relocate to Lagos so that people who know me in kano state will not

identify me. I usually stand at Ojulegba and CMS areas to look for men”. The victim, Mr. Soli said “I met the suspect at Obalande sometime this year. He was standing at Obalende begging for arms. He was dressed in a hijab and painted his face. I noticed him there always begging because I sell satchet water in the area. One day, I walked up to him and asked him to date me. I thought he was a woman and I told him that he was too beautiful to beg. I gave him N500 that day and we exchanged phone numbers. “It got to a point that we became good friends but each time I told him to take me to his house, he will decline. I told him I want to marry him so I took him to see my family at Apapa. After that incident, I did not see him again and he stopped picking my phone calls. Luckily for me, I saw him one day begging and I traced him to his area at Onipanu but I could not locate the exact house he entered. I asked someone passing and he told me that my girlfriend was a man. Since then I have been trying to catch him so that he can return the N15,000 he collected from me .God heard my prayer and I ran into him at CMS and the police arrested us”.

Alam

Two policemen killed, others injured as Agbara suffers first bank robbery

are devil robbers dressed in military uniforms invaded Agbara Estate in Ogun State at about 7am on Thursday for the first time in the estate’s 37-year history.A statement signed by Agbara Estates Limited and made available to Qed. ng said “The target of the attack was Zenith Bank on Bank Road, where the vault and various ATMs were looted. There are two fatalities reported (two police guards at the bank).” Spokesperson for Ogun State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed that the robbers came in

through Badagry-Ilasha road, however gave a different casualty figure. He said: “Their intention was to raid all the banks on that road. But we gave them a hot fight. They were only able to enter one of the banks. Only one policeman, who tried to repel them, was felled by the bullets. “No arrest has been made for now but some of them escaped with bullet wounds. They launched an attack on our APC but we were able to force them to flee the scene. They used dynamite to blow up one of their opera-

tional vehicles before leaving the scene while we recovered the second one. “We, hereby, appeal to members of the public, especially hospital staff and traditional healing homes, to avail us with information on patients with bullets wounds. We are also assuring the people of Agbara in particular and Ogun State in general that more policemen have been deployed to ensure their safety, particularly as we approach the Yuletide.” Some of the robbers were said to have stationed themselves in front of

ATMs located at the banks raided. The Cable quotes a residence identified as Segun Olumuyiwa as saying “I don’t know if it’s the police that engaged them in shooting but the bullets kept flying all over. We had to lie on the floor for nearly two hours.” “Agbara Estates is carrying out an immediate review of its security operations and is collaborating with the local authorities and police force to prevent any such incident happening again on the Estate,” the estate management said.

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Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

EFCC, Italian Police arrest 62 Nigerian, Cameroonian fraudsters

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in collaboration with the Italian Police said it arrested 62 people from Nigeria and Cameroon suspected to be members of a cyber criminal organisation. The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday said the suspects were responsible for frauds committed against small and medium scale enterprises across the world. Uwujaren said the raid that led to the arrest of the suspects were carried out in June by 750 officers from Italian, Spanish, Polish, English, Belgian, Georgian, Turkish and Cameroonian police. He said the group, devoted to laundering activities involving large amounts of money obtained by means of state-of-the-art phishing techniques, uses a particular attack called in hacking jargon: “Man-in-the-middle.” Uwujaren said: “The operation is carried out by illegally,

Uwujaren

accessing e-mail boxes of Italian and foreign companies through hacking and social engineering techniques that enabled the criminals to

meddle in trade relations. “The final result of the raid is remarkable with 62 individuals arrested, 82 house searches executed

with 40,000 Euros, 30 smart phones, 10 tablets and 15 personal computers seized.” The spokesman said the EFCC was able to track down three fugitives in their homes in Lagos following information gathered from the Postal and Communications Police in Italy during the raid. He said computers, mobile phones, SIM cards, several storage media as well as bank documents linked to suspected criminal activities were recovered from the suspects during the raid in Lagos. According to him, the EFCC has started an independent investigation that will allow it to confirm the connection with the dismantled group through the Italian investigation. Uwujaren said the investigation would also help to identify new criminal links with South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, China, UAE, Kenya and Spain.

Mechanic bags 4 years for stealing car A Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, on Friday sentenced one Adeniyi Taofic, a mechanic, to four years imprisonment for stealing a car. Taofic was convicted after pleading guilty to the charge, and appealed for mercy. The Senior Magistrate, Shuaibu Ahmed, however, remanded one Kudu Ibrahim and Joseph Femi, who were docked with Taofic, after they denied committing the offence. Ibrahim and Feme were remanded in prison custody pending further investigations. The magistrate did not give the convict an option of

fine, because according to him, the convict has criminal records with the Police. The prosecutor, John Ijagbemi of Legal Department of Police Command of the Federal Capital Territory, had told the court that one Abraham Anunobi reported the matter at Wuse Police Station on Oct. 27.

He said that the convict conspired with the two others and stole a Toyota Corolla 2005 model, with registration number FD 354 ABC, belonging to the complainant. Ijagbemi said that the complainant was at the National Hospital chapel for a programme when the

convict and his accomplices fabricated a master car key and stole the car. He said that the vehicle was found a week later on the way to Jos when they were taking it to Jos, Plateau. Ahmed adjourned the case till Nov. 27. (NAN)

the case till Dec. 19 for ruling on his bail application. The accused, an unemployed, who lives at 9, Odewale St., Iyana-Ipaja, a suburb of Lagos, is facing a two- count charge of defilement and fingering. The prosecutor, Sgt. Jimah Iseghede, told the court that

the offences were committed on Nov. 7 at the accused’s residence. According to Iseghede, the accused inserted his finger into the five- year-old girl’s private part and thereafter, defiled her. ``It was the cry of the child that attracted her mother

Man, 49, docked for assaulting Pastor

49-year-old man, Edward Campbell, was on Friday charged before an Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ota, Ogun, for allegedly assaulting a Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dotun Olojede.

Campbell, who lives at No. 23 Ilo Awera St., Ota, is facing a charge of assault. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 8 at about 10:30 a.m. at the RCCG, Fruitful Vine Parish, Ilo Awera, Ota. Gbesi said that the accused assaulted Olojede, who is the pastor of the church, by stabbing him at the back with a knife, causing him serious injury. He said that the offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Vol.1, Law of Ogun, 2006. The accused, however, pleaded `not guilty’ to the charge. The Senior Magistrate, Mr S.O. Banwo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum. He ordered that the surety must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and swear to an affidavit of means. Banwo also directed that the surety should produce two years tax clearance and submit a recent passport photograph to the court. In addition, the surety should produce a reasonable means of identification either through the National Identify Card, a National Voter Card, a Driver’s Licence or an International Passport. The case was adjourned till Dec. 4, for hearing. (NAN)

Court remands man for defiling neighbour’s daughter

n Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Friday remanded a 35-yearold man, Anozie Francis, at the Kirikiri Prisons, Apapa, for allegedly defiling a neighbour’s underage daughter. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, remanded the accused and adjourned

and she caught the accused in the act. ``Also the child had a finger wound all over her private part and bled profusely,’’ he said. The accused pleaded `not guilty’ to the two-count charge. (NAN)

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Widow drags EEDC to court over husband’s electrocution

…demands N160m compensation

issatisfied with the carelessness of the officials of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), which resulted in the death of her husband, Late Mr. Uchenna Kelvin Ejiofor, a widow, Mrs. Hope Ejiofor, yesterday threatened to drag the EEDC to court if after the expiration of three weeks ultimatum the money is not paid even as another victim, Mr. Amalachukwu Adito, demanded N10 million compensation for his restaurant razed by EEDC cable. The widow called on Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Governor Willie Obiano to prevail on EEDC to pay the compensation because of death of her husband caused by EEDC cable. Narrating her ordeal, she said, “he was a transporter, and on that fateful day, he returned and rode his motorcycle to Okpoko to see her sister, and on his way back, a friend of his flagged him down, and he handed him over the motorbike to carry him. So as both of them were coming to our house, they did not notice that the EEDC cable that fell on the road was still bearing current, and on crossing it, both were electrocuted instantly. “Since they were electrocuted and buried, EEDC had not asked me about the incident.” She said that one of her three kids (a twin) had died out of hunger and medication as the family has been struck with hardship since the demise of the bread winner, her husband. She said “On that fateful day, I was in the house at Ezeiweka Road, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area when people rushed to me shouting, ‘your husband has been electrocuted with one man on his motorcycle’. “As I wanted to rush to the scene, they held me and pleaded that I should stay back and hand everything to God, and I stayed back,” she said. “My problem now is that he was the bread winner, I have no business that I am doing, and out of hunger and lack

of medication I lost one of my three children (a twin) and now have two sons aged, nine and seven years. They don’t go to school and the house rent is not being paid because there is no money as I now go cap in hand soliciting what we shall eat just to keep body and soul together.” “The funny thing is that the cable has continued to fall and officials of EEDC will only be interested in bringing bills to us. So because they abandon me to my faith, I am giving them three weeks ultimatum to pay me N150 million for killing my husband, and for the trauma I have gone through, failure of which I will have no other option than to drag EEDC to court to seek justice,” she posited. In a related development, a trader who runs a restaurant at the same Ezeiweka Road, Mr. Amalckukwu Adito, owner of Nature Hills Garden, has vowed to drag the EEDC to court demanding N10 million compensation to be paid within three weeks. According to him, “we live in fear here because their cables fall almost weekly from the high tension, and severally people have been torched.” “My restaurant, with three refrigerators, chairs, gas cooker and all cooking utensils including the building were all razed as the cable, on falling down, set everything on fire”. “As it is now, business has been grounded here and the cables still cut and fall because of overload”. Speaking, Ndu Bosa, a community leader in the area regretted that the cables have been putting fears into the people as EEDC always abandon them when they cut and fall. “It is a death-trap to us and that was why it killed Mr. Uche and nothing is being done about it by EEDC”. Speaking, counsel to the victims, Bar. Patrick Agbata said “my clients pay their bills, and we will go to court after the expiration of the ultimatum. A life is lost and EEDC has not done anything, ignorance of the offence is no excuse”.

SOUTH EAST

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Biafra: APC chieftain appeals for Igbo elders’ intervention Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Joseph Kaura, yesterday appealed to elders and elites of the Igbo nation to educate their youths on the benefits of living together in the Nigeria entity. Kaura, who is a former chairman of Karu Local Government Area of the state, stated this during a

chat with National Mirror in Karu, headquarters of the local government area, even as he cautioned the protesting youths against what he described as “the destruction of Igbo name in the good book of Nigeria.” He said: “I wish to call on those youths, who allowed themselves to be used by persons that never wish our country well but to breach the peace of the nation, to think twice and rescind their action, to allow the present ad-

ministration of President Muhammadu Buhari to entrench the change mantra he brought into the country. The APC chieftain continued by advising the protesting youths to trade the path of peace towards a one united Nigeria, even as he said: “Though those youths are being sponsored by some people who believed by doing so government would be intimidated, and it would be their way of livelihood. “But such people should know that the government of the day has come with a change mantra, not

only in the implementation of programmes and policies, but also on human beings, who had lost their thinking and sense of behaviour to reverse to normal way of doing things.” Kaura, who stressed that Nigeria is bigger than any individual or group, aligned himself with a statement made by a Nigerian elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, that “Nigeria belongs to all of us,” hence the former local government boss warned that no individual or group can intimidate the government of the day.

L-R: Shirley Bassey; Book writer, Prof. Titus Okereke; wife Mrs. Daisy Okereke and Julie Anieka, during the public presentation of the book ‘Our Fathers’ Land, yesterday.

FUTO staff unions give VC seven days ultimatum Eric Elezuo

he Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) community is currently under severe pressure following the seven days ultimatum given to the university management by the staff unions. The Joint Action Committee on the labour unions in FUTO, it was gathered, after their deliberation yesterday, accused the school management led by Prof. Cyril Asiabaka of altering staff promotion years. The staff unions insisted that it is the function of the university Governing Council to regulate all appointments and promotion of staff in the institution, and threatened seven days

warning strike if the Vice Chancellor failed to produce the University Governing Council official document on the matter. “It is wrong for the University Management Committee to unilaterally increase staff promotion years from three years to five years. The staff unions are demanding to see an official document from the Governing Council of the school to that effect because we know it is not the function of the school management to alter staff promotion years.” A source from the staff union said. Investigations revealed that after the seven days warning strike, the staff union will give twenty one days notice after which they will shut down the university.

Sources close to the university informed that some staff who were promoted in October 2014 got their promotion letters few weeks ago after intensive pressure from the staff unions which the source said was against the public service rule. The source further accused the management of promoting and employing staff without due process. “The current Deputy Director, Office of University Development (OUD), was on level 9 before she was promoted to Deputy Director while the law stipulates level 13; such promotion is against the public service rule.” The source hinted. In a swift reaction, the University Public Relations Officer, Chike Ezenwa said that there is no misunderstanding between the school’s management and the staff unions.

He highlighted that the university has a cordial relationship with its staff unions. Ezenwa maintained that the current university management has not implemented any decision outside the governing council’s position, arguing that, FUTO Governing Council on February 8, 2011, approved the increase in promotion years of the staff. He pointed out that university staff with adequate competence can be appointed into sensitive position irrespective of level. “A staff in level nine (9) can be appointed to head an office vacated by a staff in level thirteen (13). There is a big difference between appointment and promotion. To me, there is no cause for alarm, because in FUTO, everybody knows the truth,” he revealed.

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Rivers suspends agency’s services over planned strike Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

he Rivers State government, on Friday, suspended the services of the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) over plans by some of its staff to shut down the establishment. A statement issued by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Onimim Jacks, on Friday said the action became necessary to prevent a breach of the peace. The statement reads, “The Government of Rivers State has received notice of threat of strike by members of staff of RSSDA. “In addition, they also threatened to shut down RSSDA. “The Rivers State Government in order to avert any breakdown of law and order has hereby suspended the services of RSSDA until a peaceful resolution has been reached.

Nuel Mark marks 10th anniversary

SOUTH SOUTH

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

One confirmed dead as tension heightens over Bayelsa poll Osahon Julius YENAGOA

he rising political tension in Bayelsa State ahead the December 5 governorship poll has claimed its first victim as thugs suspected to be loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ambushed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oweigbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area. It was also learnt that thugs also went on rampage in Otuan community ward 5 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, destroying buildings belonging to APC members and other APC campaign banners and billboards as part of preparations for the visit of the PDP candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson on his campaign rally. This unwarranted attack is coming on the heels of warning by the Inspec-

tor-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to deal with anyone who perpetrates violence and violates electoral laws during the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, and days after all parties signed the peace accord. A statement signed by Nathan Egba, the Director of Media and Publicity of the Sylva/Igiri campaign organisation, the victim, Mr. Andrew June, an APC stalwart in Oweigbene community was murdered by a mob of PDP supporters alleged to have been sponsored by a PDP chieftain in the locality. The release said Mr. June and several APC supporters, who sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of the attack, were ambushed at Toru-gbene community en route Oweigbene after the APC rally in Ekeremor town, Ekeremor Local Government Area on Wednesday, November 18, 2015.

The deceased and other APC supporters sustained injuries from matchete cuts, and were rushed to Ojobo General Hospital in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, where Mr. June later died. The injured APC members are still receiving treatment in different hospitals in the area while the remains of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary at Oporo. In Otuan, the PDP thugs were allegedly led by two serving special advisers to Governor Dickson, Mr. Steven Diver and Chief Patrick Osunu as well as the Secretary of the Bayelsa Volunteers Force, Mr. Bonny Ayah, a.k.a, Inikio, to unleash terror on APC members. It was reported that Mr. Ayah, a former Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, brought in thugs from outside Otuan community. Also, Chief Osunu, re-

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portedly chopped-off the ear of an APC supporter when APC members in ward 5 were on an inspection tour to assess the level of damage done to APC posters, flags and banners in different locations within the community. The attack continued later in the evening of Thursday, November 19, till the morning of Friday, November, 20, 2015 as PDP supporters led by Stephen Diver, Mr. Bonny Ayah and Chief Osunu, kept shooting sporadically to intimidate and scare APC supporters. Residents of Otuan community, a strong-hold of the APC, have now deserted the community as people had to run for dear life to avoid losing their life. Already, the leader of the party in Otuan ward 5, Prince Coronation Tokpo, has forwarded a petition on the incident to the Commissioner of Police to investigate the provocative attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

stablished ten years ago, Nuel Mark & Partners, a renowned firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, has planned a series of activities to mark its 10th anniversary. Speaking at an interactive media session, Emmanuel Mark, Lead Consultant and Head of Practice of Nuel Mark & partners said: “Our tested reputation based on experience, maturity, professionalism and prompt service delivery remains our hallmark.” As part of the 10th anniversary, their first ever annual lecture on ‘Land acquisition, affordable and sustainable housing development in the Niger Delta region,’ will be held in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. And as part of her Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), the company also intends to officially unveil her Non-Governmental Organisation -The Nuel Mark Foundation, which had been silently active in the last three years, on November 26, 2015.

Women hawking Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as scarcity of the product bites harder in Benin City yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Wike approves retirement of 14 perm secs Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved the compulsory retirement of 14 permanent secretaries from the Rivers State Civil Service. This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic‎ Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, on Friday. The affected permanent Secretaries include: Ms. Kadilo-Brown, Sir. Somieari L. Isaac-Harry, Barr. Michael M. West, Nuka Nadum Nwikpasi, Mrs. Iragunima Comfort M. Collins Davidson‎, Barr. (Mrs) Otonyetarie I. Okorie, Asoelu Gayamos Ogo, Dr. Mrs. Jumbo Justina A., Kingsley F. Hart, Austin Orlu-Orlu, Sir Samuel J. Egbe, Sam Woka and Ngozi Yagba Abu. The statement said their retirements take immediate effect.

CRHA passes revenue administration bill into law Richard Ndoma CALABAR

he Cross River State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed Revenue Administration (Amendment) bill 2015 into law. Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, in his remark before the passage of the bill, stated that the bill was in line with state government’s efforts to adequately manage the flow of scarce resources in order to make it necessary for the Assembly to put in place a legal framework

that will provide guidelines for management of revenue in the state. Speaking earlier, the House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, who is also a lawmaker representing Yakurr 11, Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, in a report which he presented at a plenary, observed that the revenue administration law was passed by the 6th legislature in 2011 as law No. 9 of 2011, following development of shortfalls in the statutory revenue characterised by the state due to loss of oil producing status.

The lawmaker averred that the law was occasioned by the suffocating debt obligations and statutory deductions for state infrastructure development programmes, as well as the outright refusal of certain corporate organisations and individuals, who were in the habit of evading tax. Williams maintained that the committee considered among other things, clauses that would emboldened tax administration, enforcement and monitoring, which is going to include the need for the appointment of executive chairman, who shall be responsible for the

policy formulation and implementation of the state internal revenue service. The lawmaker averred that the administrative structure as contained in the present law makes it difficult to enforce staff discipline, and therefore recommended amendment of the principal law by inserting new paragraphs. However, some legislatures who spoke on the bill underscored the need for the state to have a law that will provide a legal framework for the proper administration of revenue, especially the Internally Gen-

erated Revenue, which they said must be properly managed and maximised to the advantage of the state in the face of dwindling allocations from the Federation account. The revenue administration bill was subsequently passed to law through voice vote by other lawmakers in the House. Similarly, reports on the audited account of the Cross River State Government for the year ended 2010 was also adopted by other members of the House of Assembly, and recommendations was made by the Speaker of the house.

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This is for sale

BACK States could no longer bear the N18,000 minimum wage that was imposed on them PAGE when oil sold for $126 as against its present cost of $41.

Quote of the day

—Chairman of Governor’s Forum and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

University of Cambridge: 800 years of educating leaders

n the good old days, the University of Cambridge was called CATAB. If you were studying at the University of Cambridge and people asked you where you were studying, you simply said CATAB. You commanded a lot of respect and you were specially treated in the society. Today, the Cambridge student still commands that kind of respect. In well over 800 years of leadership training, the university has had the distinction of producing 92 Nobel Prize winners. Nigeria’s Professor Wole Soyinka, a visiting scholar of the William Churchill College of the University of Cambridge, is one of them. The list of those who have made the world a worthy place to live today, who were produced by the University of Cambridge, is unending. The University of Cambridge was established in 1209 and had been awarding degrees for about 750 years before Nigeria was discovered. As at 2014, the university had endowment funds of 5.8 billion pounds in cash and another 1.5 billion pounds in income. That simply is the highest of any university in the history of the world! The University of Cambridge has a total of 15 million books and about 120 libraries. The university’s 31 Colleges have a student population of 11, 820 out of which 6,481 are post graduate students. The University of Cambridge pursues a motor of Hinc lucern et pocula sacra, which in English means: “From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.” Nothing could be

CFR

W hat you C ambridge

gain from is actually

precious knowledge .

The

graduate of the university still remains a scarce product in this world of over

billion people .

more true! What you gain from Cambridge is actually precious knowledge. The graduate of the university still remains a scarce product in this world of over 7 billion people. In Mathematics and Mathematical Physics is the world renowned Professor (Sir) Isaac Newton, whose work, which started in the 17th Century and ended in the middle of the 19th Century, was continued till the 20th Century by another famous scholar, JE Littlewoods. He was the one who discovered Geometry in Mathematics. Professor GH Hardy and W V S Hodge were all famous up till 1930 in Mathematics.

In Biology, Professor Charles Darwin propounded the theory of Natural Selection, a work which was later developed into what is known as DNA today. The world’s first computer was developed by Charles Babbage as early as the mid 18th century, while Maurice Wikes later developed the first programmed computer. The list goes on. In a single year, 5,228 students scored three A’ Levels at Grade A, which included two As in Mathematics and Additional Mathematics, competing for admission for B.Sc in Mathematics. The university rejected 68% of those students with three A’ Levels

at Grade A! Don’t ask me why! At the post graduate level, in a good year, the university admits 2% of the total number of students that apply. Undergraduate admission has increased to about 4% of total applicants in the last few years. The university’s practice is to start any official assembly in Latin. So at the graduation, for instance, after presentation by the Colleges, the Vice Chancellor will say “… Auctoirtate mini commissa admitto te ad gradium------in normine patris at fill et filli et spritus Sancti, which means in English, “…by the authority committed to me, I admit you to the degree of --- in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit.” This clearly shows a university that has not only committed her workings to God, but also the graduates who are living for the realisation of their destiny. After presentation, the graduant is called by name. S/he kneels before the Vice Chancellor, offers his/her hands to the Vice Chancellor, who claps them and then confers the degree. The University of Cambridge, with her impressive record from evolution and her trajectory movement, is not only leading the world, but providing the leading formula to human existence, which has been a global concern from creation. Leading the world is an impressive credential. Leading the world for a moment is a golden record of achievement, but leading the world for ever has the signature of God, the owner of the universe. This is where the University of Cambridge has positioned herself without a break for over 800 years of leading global knowledge discovery. To be continued..........

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