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Vol. 5 No. 26

Sunday, July 5, 2015

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Buhari warns against political harassment P. 7

...as APC leaders allege intimidation in opposition states

President replaces CSO

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PDP claims INEC stripped of independence, says Zakari must go P.8

PASSION

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Sunday July 5, 2015

A Lifestyle Magazine

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo being received at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos on his arrival for Redeemed Christian Church of God’s overnight programme at the Redemption Camp, Ogun State, at the weekend.

Early marriage, internet fuelling Boko Haram, says Kano Emir

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FG’ll negotiate from position of strength –Adesina News

APPLAUSE ‘Mum encouraged me to become an actress’ >>27

My backside is hottest part of my body –Oluwaseyi

>>26

Gunmen kill prominent businessman in Kebbi

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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What’s new Politics

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Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK

174 Reps insist Dogara must obey party’s directive

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Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed delight over the confirmation of his victory at the April 11 gubernatorial election by the state Election Petition Tribunal, saying it is a welcome development and a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of the state.

The tribunal headed by Jus-

Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has accused the elites of evading tax. In particular, the tax collection agency singled out private jet owners, which number he put at 130, and owners of luxurious mansions of not

wanting to part with their wealth, even to pay for their luxurious life styles. This was as FIRS also disclosed that it raked in N1.8trn as tax revenues to the national coffers between January and June this year.

ACTOR

My backside is hottest part of my body –Oluwaseyi Superstar actress, Oluwaseyi Edun, fondly known as Eja Nla, is a Yoruba movie diva and producer, who has featured in many films.

This marvellous artiste says she is naturally endowed and that her flipside is the hottest part is her body.

fasi. According to the letter, the appointment is with immediate effect.

The new spy police chief was born in Daura, Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State on the August 5, 1953. He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1977- 1980.

He started his carrier in the State Security Service, SSS, in 1982 and rose to the rank of a director.

with immediate effect.

In the deployment chat, Ajani Fatai Owoseni was posted to Lagos, Chris Ezike, Rivers, and Abdulmajid Ali, Ogun state. Dan Bature will now take charge of Intelligence at the FCIID, Force Headquarters; Valentine Ntomchukwu is now CP Administration, Department of Logistics and Supplies, Force Headquarters and Hyelasinda Kimo Musa, CP Federal SARS.

Tuesday is also same thing, I shoot.

I try to fall in love with beautiful girls (laughs loudly). I’m serious, I fall in love on Thursdays because I’m less busy on this fourth day of the week. Any lady that comes across me, that wants me to love her or that shows interest in me, I try to reciprocate. Life is about fun and that is me. That is why those things you see me do in movies, sometimes I act myself. I don’t pretend and that is the fact.

I go to meet up with my friends in the club. We drink, chat and have small beautiful girls hanging out with us who make us happy.We have a short time to live in this world, so you really need to enjoy it (life).

I’m always at one event or the other today. I celebrate with people because you need people around when you are also celebrating anything. For instance, I’m 20 years on the stage.

I’m planning to do something about it. People must come around because I do attend their events.

I go to church on Sundays, I don’t miss it. If there is any event later in the day, I try to attend just to unwind.

IGP deploys new commissioners of police in Lagos, Rivers, Ogun Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase has deployed new Commissioners of Police in Lagos, Rivers and Ogun states.

According to him, the move is to inject fresh ideas in the security architecture of the states, and some other Force Headquarters Formations.

A statement signed by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Shogunle said the postings are

My Mondays are tight. I’m always busy in Lagos. I go to location, shooting, doing a new film or what we know how to do best.

I usually have one event or the other to attend and so I take permission from location to attend my because being at the location is not a do or die. I can easily take permission and later come back to location. We just mix it up, it’s fun too whenever we are on location. Acting is fun while you make money. Wednesdays, I also create time for church. I go to the Redeemed mid week service. In fact, I don’t miss it. My parish is Breakthrough Parish at Alapere by Pastor Ajaye Oba. We do enjoy the services of those men of God and each time I miss it, it affects my weekly activities.

President sacks DSS boss, Ekpenyong as Daura takes over President Muhamadu Buhari yesterday sacked the Director General, Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Ita Ekpenyong. Hours after his secret sack, the president appointed Lawal Musa Daura as the new director general.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Ki-

tice Mohammed Sirajo, had yesterday struck out the petition filed against Ambode’s election by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, following a preliminary objection filed by the counsel to the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.

Hakeem Rahman

FIRS rakes in N1.8trn in six months

TUE MON

Passion

The President, who gave the assurance when the new Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sadanobu Kusaoke, present his letters of credence to him at the Presidential Villa, said that his administration would welcome greater investment inflows from Japan and other developed nations in support of its plans to revitalize the Nigerian economy.

Ambode happy over reaffirmation of mandate

WED

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, MERS, is an illness that is new to humans. It is caused by a germ called Corona virus and affects the respiratory system lungs and breathing tubes.

However, most sufferers develop severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that his administration would take all necessary actions to significantly improve the operating environment for domestic and international companies as part of its efforts to boost employment and properly position the nation’s economy on the path of sustainable growth.

in the 4th quarter of 2014, signifying a 46.39 per cent increase between the two periods.

Under informal, comprising jobs generated by individuals or businesses employing less than 10 or those businesses operating with little or no structures, such as those in agriculture and wholesale and retail trade, NBS stated that the 332,403 new jobs were expected in view of the numerous informal economic activities that came up during the election period.

THU

Managing hazards of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

We’ll create enabling environment for businesses –Buhari

National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday said 469, 070 jobs were created in the first quarter of this year. The figures represent an increase of 99,585 jobs or 26.95 per cent over the number created in the preceding quarter and 94.7 per cent more than what was recorded in the corresponding quarter of last year.

The Bureau stated that while the formal sector generated 130,941 or 27.92 per cent, the informal sector accounted for 332,403, compared to the 227,072 new jobs

FRI

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Economy generates 469,070 jobs in Q1, 2015 –NBS

SAT

Wellness

Those favoured by APC to be appointed as principal officers in the House include Hon. Gbajabiamila, South-West (House Leader); Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, North-West (Deputy House Leader); Hon. M. T. Monguno, North- East (Chief Whip) and Hon. Pally Iriase, SouthSouth (Deputy Chief Whip).

The 174 lawmakers asked the President to prevail on 39 members of the party, including the Speaker, his Deputy, Lasun Yusuf to respect, honour and obey the party leaders and their directives.

SUN

President Buhari, one month after

One hundred and seven four (174) members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the House of Representatives have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on Speaker, Yakubu Dogara to announce the principal officers of the House according to the directive of the party.

This was part of the demands made by the members, represented by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and 29 others, who met with Buhari at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday night.

JULY 5, 2015

*By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION JULY 5, 2015

AP. Queen Elizabeth meets students during a trip in Lagos, 1955.

Forgotten Roots

Experts want history lessons restored in schools The place of History as a subject in primary and secondary school has been downplayed over the years by successive governments.

Paul Omo Obadan takes a look at this anomaly and the need to reinstate it as a core subject in the school curriculum.

O

ne of the reasons adduced for the recent xenophobic attacks on other Africans in South Africa has been linked to lack of a sense of history by young black South Africans.

The governments of many African countries had expressed disgust and dismay at the “ungrateful” South Africans, who appeared to have forgotten so soon how other Africans helped them to confront and eventually defeat apartheid.

But those accusing South Africa of being ungrateful have forgotten that post-apartheid generation might not have the luxury of knowing how their country had benefitted from African brotherhood. They haven’t attended school and they are not aware of the role other Africans had played in ending apartheid. This is the consequence of the dearth history in the polity of a nation.

This problem is being replicated in Nigeria where history is no longer taught as a subject in secondary schools despite its importance as a key tool of socialisation and establishing social identity.

Educational system in Nigeria This anomaly stems from the educational system which

appears to take a new shape or form with the advent of different governments and regimes.

The educational system has transited right from preindependence to post-colonial era. The idea of Universal Primary Education and later the 6-3-3-4 under both the military regimes of Gen Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida respectively were designed to give basic education for young Nigerian to gain not just literacy but basic appreciation of core subjects including English, mathematics, science, history and social studies or civics as the case might be, but history was certainly on the agenda.

Probably in realisation of the problem, the Federal Government in 2007 launched a new curriculum known as New Basic Education Curriculum for primary and junior secondary schools.

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC), Professor Godswill Obioma said, “The new curriculum seeks to correct the abnormalities of the former one which was lacking in the areas of human capacity development, eradication of poverty, and the country’s quest for total emancipation as an independent entity”.

Under the new system, the structure is divided into

‘YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND NATION’S PROBLEMS WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING HISTORY’

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three levels of lower, middle and upper basic education curriculum. The lower level is for primary 1-3, the middle level is for primary 4-6 while the upper level is for J.S.S 1-3, in each of three levels there are about 12 compulsory core subjects with one elective subject. English studies, Mathematics, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, Religious Studies as well as French are among the compulsory.

The new curriculum was effective from 2009/2010 academic session. The bone of contention is the way is the way History has continually been relegated to the background. History as a subject taught in schools was introduced in the school curriculum for the pupils and students to know the events of the past. In the primary school, history as a subject is known as social studies while in secondary school is an independent subject. But the unfortunate thing is that history is not taught in some schools in Nigeria. Rather, Government as a subject is seen as the equivalent.

Today, some secondary schools in Nigeria do not offer history as a subject. Analysts say Nigerians require history that will jettison nepotism, tribalism, segregation and promote unity, progress, peace and development.

Therefore, the federal, state and local governments should re-emphasise the teaching of history as a compulsory subject in the schools especially in secondary schools across the nations.

The importance of History There is an old adage which says that: ‘those who don’t CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

‘NUT’LL FIGHT TO RESTORE TEACHING OF HISTORY’

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The Big Read

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘History confers sense of values, morality’

Raheem

Adeniji

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 learn from the past are doomed to repeat it’. Knowing what mistakes were made in the past helps us to avoid repeating those mistakes.

Mrs. Kemi Fasasi, teacher in one of the secondary schools in Lagos said History should be re-introduced as a core subject and made compulsory.

“History should absolutely be taught in schools and made a core subject and made compulsory. The importance of History cannot be overemphasised. This is how children learn what preceded the kind of world we live in now. It is very important to know what happened in the past, in order to harness the positives for future planning or make sure that the negatives do not happen again.

Learning about the past helps students understand the present, it’s that age old saying that history repeats itself.

The only way we can better ourselves is to learn from the mistakes that were made in the past, that’ history. It is very important to our well being. The debate over the years about whether or not to remove History as a core subject in our secondary school is unfortunate”.

According to Professor Micheal Omolewa, History shows us models of good and responsible citizenship and teaches us how to learn from the mistakes of others. History provides us a context from which to understand ourselves and others”.

How did we get to the dearth of history in our secondary schools?

Omolewa aptly amplifies this in a text of presentation made at the 2014 Conference of the History of Education Society of Nigeria held last December at the University of Ibadan Omolewa, an Officer of the Order of the Niger and Emeritus Professor of the History of Education at the University of Ibadan, and Emeritus Professor of History at Babcock University, said it is an irony of history that as the nation marked its first 100 years of living together as one country, it is at this very moment that considerable concern is being expressed that history no longer exists as a core school subject in the school curriculum, vowing to draw some attention to the campaign for the restoration of teaching of history following the replacement of History (and Geography) with the brew known as ‘Social Studies’.

The Bible was an attractive source of history teaching in mission schools. The Holy Book had several historical accounts of creation and the wave of migrations of the people of Israel, called by God as His chosen people and the concept of history was also familiar to the Christian population. During the colonial period, the Education Ordinance made provision for the study of history. However, the early educated elite challenged the absence of the study of African history in the school curriculum”.

Thus, Samuel Johnson, who later wrote the History of the Yoruba was not pleased by the arrangement in which ‘educated natives of Yoruba are well acquainted with the history of England and with the history of Rome and Greece but of the history of their own country they knew nothing whatsoever’. For that reason he wrote the seminal work on the History of Yoruba.

“The colonial officials however ensured that history was given ample time on the school timetable. The subject was among those selected for examination by the British Examination boards that were invited to assess secondary school performance in Nigeria: the University of London from 1887, Cambridge University from 1910 and Oxford University from 1929. Examination questions were aimed to examine the student’s ability to explain policies, discuss events, describe major reforms, compare personalities, and identify major problems confronting leaders and countries and thus assist the learners acquire critical spirit. There were of course some cosmetic changes in the history syllabus but the broad outline of what was to be studied remained. For example when the Principal of the Government College, Umuahia, pleaded that the history syllabus for secondary and middle schools should go beyond the death of Queen Victoria, he explained that he was not proposing any significant modification in the course”.

The utility of history as foundation for its teaching “Sir Sidney Philipson, a British administrator and Chief Simeon Adebo, a seasoned Nigerian civil servant, claimed in 1954 that “Every situation has its roots in the past and the past survives in the present; the present is indeed the past undergoing modification”.

“This universal appreciation of history as a basic tool

HISTORY SHOULD ABSOLUTELY BE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS AND MADE A CORE SUBJECT AND MADE COMPULSORY. IMPORTANCE OF

THE

HISTORY

CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASISED.

THIS IS HOW CHILDREN LEARN WHAT PRECEDED THE KIND OF WORLD WE LIVE IN NOW. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST

for development was shared by the African indigenous society which gave prominence to history learning and teaching. Thus professional historians such as the ‘griots’, and court historians occupied a special and widely recognized position in the society where they served as “educators of the public”.

Renowned historian, Prof J F Ade Ajayi observed that society “looked up to history for knowledge of the accumulated wisdom of the ancestors, the sense of values, the morality and the norms upon which society was founded.

Thus history occupied a unique position in traditional African society and that history was prominent as a subject in the preparation and training of the citizen”. He adds that “historical information was imparted privately by parents, grandparents, heads of lineages, and others from the level of the nuclear family to the largest lineage group.

History teaching at the advent of Western Education and Colonial Rule Omolewa traced the teaching of History to Colonial times when the first schools were founded. “When the first schools were founded in Nigeria, by Christian missionaries, the traditional status of history as an important subject was retained and the teaching of history continued to be given adequate space in learning and teaching. However the content of history teaching was transformed.

Independence, the National Policy and the Aftermath of the Introduction of the 6-3-3-4 Educational System History remained a favorite subject on the school curriculum at independence in Nigeria. The Department of History, first of the University College, Ibadan and later of the University of Ibadan, began to review the school curriculum to introduce aspects of Nigerian and African History. Working with the newly inaugurated West African Examinations Council, the Department also began to influence the school curriculum and introduce massive dosage of Nigerian and African history. The status of history as a school subject was not called into question. History as a subject also featured prominently at the Higher School Certificate (HSC) programme which sought to preCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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The Big Read

Sunday, July 5, 2015

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‘You cannot understand nation’s problems without understanding history’ Abolade Adeniji is a Professor o in the Department of History and International Studies of Lagos State University with specialization in international economic relations. Sunday Mirror asked him questions on the relegation of History from the school curriculum.

What is your take on the relegation of History from our curriculum?

The war against history has been a long trajectory and unless and until we understand that we must have an understanding our past, we will be dancing in circles. How did Nigeria come to be? Each component of this pseudo federation we have had, has its own History, Has its own developmental sphere. These are things we must understand. Nigeria has such a rich history; we have only to go back. This was a country that inculcated the Oyo Empire, the Benin Kingdom, not to mention the Hausa States, the Kanem Bornu Empire, the ultra Republicans in the Eastern area. You cannot begin to understand the problems of this nation if you don’t understand the history of the people. We use to have something close to a Federation, and it was cancelled overnight by the military. And the consequences are still with us today. People are now clamoring today for true federalism as if we did not have something like that before. We must understand where we are coming from. The truth is that our contemporary problems and realities have their roots in our past. And unless we understand our past, we cannot begin to appreciate our present nor project our future. When do you think this problem began?

When you talk about history, people assume it has to do with Mansa Musa, Oyo Empire etc. it is more than that. I read history but chose to major in international relations.

It is such a broad thing. History is the mother of so many disciplines. What I am aware of is that as far as 1973, one short sighted person , I don’t want to mention his name, just came back from the United States and claimed that subjects like history and geography, should be collapsed and called social studies , and that was how history lost its identity. Before then, history was history. That was the beginning of the negative trajectory of history in our na-

tional curriculum. It is unfortunate because it tells you our short sighted some people can be. When we were clamoring for independence, our nationalist leaders recognized the need for the study of history. And that was why the Ibadan school of History in the University of Ibadan achieved preeminence worldwide. It was respected. It produced the Onwukadike’s, Ayandele’s, Biobaku’s, Ade Ajayi’s, Tamuno’s and so on. These are fantastic scholars until like I said, this negative intervention during military rule, it was not debated and suddenly, students were given a choice, you may not do history, you may do government.

What is government? A subject that you did not have to go to school to read. I remember that I never did government in school but I was amazed when one day in 1980, a brother of mine had just come from a government examination and I collected his question paper and I realized that I could answer virtually all the questions. It is a utilitarian thing. It is a subject you don’t really need to study. If you read newspapers every day, it’s enough. They would ask you; what are the three arms of government that is not something you have to go to school and study.

What advice do you have for government as regards making History compulsory and a core subject?

History has by far more value than government. It is the study of our past, the understanding of our identity.

The knowledge of who we are. It is about where we were, where we are and once you understand where we were and where we ought to be, because you cannot understand where we are today, if we don’t understand where we are coming from. It when you now understand why some things that are happening today, that you can now project to the future. History helps to bring out a graphic understanding of the national life of a nation. I don’t feel bitter.

We ruined history as we ruined most other things. It is just part of the negative march that we have had as a Nation.

Because again, history will tell you, that what is happening in Nigeria, just place it in perspective, in history, it is called ‘part of Nation building’. And history will readily tell you that Nation building is not an event. Today, people are saying the President Buhari has become Mr. Go slow.

From Mr. Change to Mr. Go Slow. It is because they do not understand history. Whether it is Jonathan, whether it is

Adeniji

Babangida, whether it is Tafawa Balewa, this people will play their role. Nation building is something that takes a long time. But every government has its good side; every government has its negative side. Even the government you clap for, when you scrutinise it within the prism of History, you will realise that the government had some failings. And the government you have condemned most, the one that readily comes to mind is the government of Abacha regime, have some positive sides. But of course we know that for reason of political correctness, you don’t pronounce that openly. The point I am making is that History is so vital. Why is it that what we are keeping in the cooler, the Americans believe it is important and essential and it is important in their Curriculum. Surely, they must be wise enough to have recognised something good in it.

So what is it in this thing about taking one step forward and 10 steps backward? That has been the true story of our National life. I remember that sometime in 2001, former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed shock that he did not know that History had been removed from the curriculum. And then he directed that it should be re-introduced. But that was the last we had of it. Apparently, some bureaucrats did not believe it was a nice thing and all the things that ought to be done were not done.

‘Short-sightedness killed history in schools’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 pare students for admission to the universities.

“By 1966, History was among the most favored subjects at the HSC examinations, and in which the candidates excelled. While the ‘Principal Passes’ in English was 244, Latin 3, Geography 269, Mathematics 88 and French 19, History recorded 414 Principal passes, next only to Chemistry which had 601 Principal Passes. But even then while Chemistry had 307 failures, History and only 22 Failures while Mathematics had 57 Failure. Curriculum review was also done at the University level as the University of Ibadan developed a unique curriculum with emphasis on Nigerian and African history.”

However the course of the teaching of history was to be adversely affected by the events which followed the convening of the 1969 National Curriculum Conference, followed by the adoption of a National Policy of Education, and the subsequent arrival of the 6-3-3-4 Education system.

Omolewa

The beginning of the decline of History “The 1969 Conference, which was expected to bring hope to the Nigerian educational system turned out to be the beginning of the decline of history teaching in Nigerian schools. In the end the curriculum reform which

grew from that conference led to the reduction of the status of history. Eventually, history was expunged first from the primary and the junior school curriculum, and later at the senior school level. The new curriculum saw the introduction of the social studies and gradual elimination of history at the primary schools and the junior secondary schools. It eventually led to what Adeyinka describes as the cramming into the second-tier Senior Secondary School of a history curriculum that ought to take six years to teach. Eventually the senior secondary schools were also affected”.

Prof Adeniji shares the argument that it was the introduction of social studies that led to the demise of history.

“What I am aware of is that as far as 1973, one short sighted person , I don’t want to mention his name, just came back from the United States and claimed that subjects like history and geography, should be collapsed and called social studies , and that was how history lost its identity. Before then, history was history. That was the beginning of the negative trajectory of history in our national curriculum”, Adeniji said.

It should be noted that the move for the excision of history had continued in spite of the provision in the NaCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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The Big Read

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘NUT’ll fight to restore teaching of history’

Secondary school pupils

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 tional Policy on Education, which provided for the teaching of history, specifically that “at the Senior Secondary School, there should be no social studies but Literature in English, History and Geography”. The argument for the teaching of history is interesting since it is bound to involve references to the philosophy and the nature and essence of history on the one hand, as well as those of social studies on the other hand.

Omolewa added: “One would not have suspected that the Curriculum Conference could have led to the elimination of history from school curriculum. For the convening of the Conference and the deliberations, which led to the National Policy were being carried out at the time there was considerable respect for history and historians. For example, it was at this time that the Federal Government began to show considerable interest in the writing of the history of the Nigerian crisis including the civil war of 1967 to 1970, an aspect of Nigerian history. So, the Federal Ministry of Information constituted the Commission on the History of Nigerian Crisis and appointed Professor J F Ade Ajayi, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos as chairman. Ahmed Joda, a very knowledgeable and influential civil servant and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information located at the Independence Building Lagos, was a powerful supporter of the history

project.

This was also the period during which the Federal and State governments appointed frontline historians such as J F Ade Ajayi, E. A. Ayandele, Tekena Tamuno, Remi Adeleye, J.A.Atanda and others Vice-Chancellors, Ministers, commissioners, Board members and advisers. At home in Nigeria, Professor Ade Ajayi sent in December 1972 to the National Census Office, copy of the publication

“Population Census of Nigeria: List of Historical Events” following which “a short training scheme for the updating of the Historical Events were organized at the University of Ife and Ahmadu Bello University in 1973.The Nigerian National Museum Society, Jos, invited Prof Ajayi as Guest speaker at their anniversary meeting of 5 February 1973.

To confirm the continued appreciation of the role of history and historians, the Omo-Tako Descendants Union sent a manuscript entitled “The Orimolusi Chieftaincy: Its Origins and Evolution” to Professor Ajayi on 2 January 1972 as Professor of History for “criticism, correction and addition as you may find necessary”.

It was evident that the demands on the historians to share their views with the general public were heavy to the extent that Professor Ajayi had to decline on 2 January 1973 the invitation from the Rev N.E. Ade Osisanya, the Principal of Ijebu Ode Grammar School, to give a Jubilee Lecture”. Thus while some members of the public continued to appreciate the contribution of history to national and societal development and to enjoy historical essays and writings, some were also working at the background undermining the status of the subject”, Omolewa said.

There were also many people in the public that continued to show an intense interest in the writing of history.

One of these was E.A.Dahunsi of the Bible Society of Nigeria, in Ogbomoso. In his letter to Professor J F Ade Ajayi of the Department of History, at the University of Ibadan on 7 April 1971, he observed that: ‘Some years ago I wrote to you on the date of founding of the Baptist academy, Lagos on which you and other historian had quoted deferring dates. After the necessary research by Dr Ayandele, you indicated that the correct date was 1886 without indicating the source. This date is indeed correct. I have come to know two original sources; Samuel Harden in an address reproduce in the Yoruba Baptist year Book, 1915 and the Lagos observer, 1886. [I have read the former account but not yet the latter] [27].

Dahunsi further added: Sadly, our educational system has been seriously lagging behind in this regard. If this generation is ever going to break out of this cycle of failure, ethnicity, scarcity mentality and mediocrity, we must first understand the forces that birthed these problems.

Else, the change clamored for would remain a wild goose chase.

However, the Lagos State wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, has pleaded with the Federal Government to reinstate the teaching of History and make it a core subject.

Chairman of the wing, Comrade Adesegun Raheem, said members were still hopeful following agitation and petitions written to the government as regards the reinstatement of History.

“It has been a challenge to the Nigerian Union of Teachers for long now but we shall continue to urging government through petitions to reinstate history, which is a very a vital part of education and national development.

History is an important tool that helps to remind us where we came from, and where we are going. It also prevents us from making the same mistakes the others have made in the past. That is why history is so important, so we do not forget or lose who we are, and aim high for the future.

Those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Knowing what mistakes were made in the past helps us to avoid repeating those mistakes.

History should absolutely be taught in schools. This is how children learn what preceded the kind of world we live in now” he said.

In the curriculum, students are expected to take nine subjects which include five compulsory core subjects made up of English, Mathematics, Civic Education, Biology and one trade subject.

The trade subjects are Catering Craft Practice, Garment Making, Dyeing and Bleaching, Data Processing, Store Keeping, Book Keeping, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Marketing and Salesmanship.

“Teachers are being compelled to read textbooks on the new subjects without background knowledge on the subjects”, Raheem said

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEWS

Sunday July 5, 2015

7

Buhari warns against political harassment, injustice ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured that his administration would ensure that all cases of political assassinations, intimidation and kidnappings in the country are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators speedily brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliations.

A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President and Publicity, Femi Adesina said Buhari gave the assurance while addressing State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress APC at a meeting in the Presidential Villa.

Buhari declared that

he was fully committed to providing a level playing field for all Nigerians to get on with their daily lives or participate in electing their leaders, without fear of intimidation.

The President spoke following complaints by some of the APC State Chairmen in states controlled by other parties of political intimidation and harassment.

Buhari said that his administration would continuously strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice system to curb the reign of injustice and impunity in the country.

“At every point, the law must be supreme and everyone must respect the law, if our democratic system is to survive.

…as APC state chairmen allege intimidation in opposition states

“Injustice cannot survive for long. Justice will ultimately prevail. We will make sure that those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring justice and equity do not rest on their oars.

“The only way we can sustain our democracy is to ensure that the law remains supreme at all times. If the law is upheld, people will have confidence that they can vote for who they want to vote for, without intimidation or threats. People must have protection to exercise their rights freely or we

could be headed for anarchy.

“The police and the judiciary must ensure that justice is done in the country.

We won’t allow impunity to continue in certain states, where the rights of the people are being violated.

“I have a personal commitment to fair play and respect of personal rights.

This government will do all that is possible to enforce that.

“My address to National Executive Council of the APC was very clear. We are now in the frontline. We are the party in government.

We must lead by good example and consolidate on the gains of our democratic system,’’ Buhari said.

The President urged the APC State Chairmen and other political leaders in the country to keep to prescribed legal processes for the resolution of political disputes and never resort to violence, criminality and other forms of unacceptable behavior in seeking redress for any perceived injustice.

He also called on the state chairmen to work with the party’s elected officials to ensure that the APC deliv-

ers on its promise of better living conditions for all Nigerians.

The leader of the delegation and Chairman of the APC in Kano State, Umar Dogowa, said that the APC State Chairmen were on a visit to the Presidential Villa to reaffirm their support for Buhari and his administration. Dogowa assured the President that the state chairmen would uphold the values of the party, promote peace and unity in the country, and also ensure that APC elected members fulfill their promises to Nigerians.

Early marriage, internet cause of Boko Haram, says Kano emir A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II, yesterday declared that forceful marriage of young girls and exposure of youths to information technology and social media are major root causes of youths becoming members of Boko Haram insurgency and similar social vices in the country.

Delivering his address at the 10th Annual Ramadan Lecture organized by Voice of Nigeria (VON), NTA and FRCN held in Kaduna, the Emir explained that a product of girl child marriage does not enjoy any parental care, and as such he or she quickly finds interest in insurgent activities at youthful age.

He added that youths learn fast, new ideologies from the internet and after watching they go to Iraqi and Syria to join Jihadist groups.

The Emir tasked the Muslim Ummah to take up the challenges in giving both western and Islamic education to the youths, and teach them to follow the right direction according to Islamic injunctions.

According to the Emir, “Are we still living in the era which father can force their daughters into marriage without their permission?

Yes we are. Early marriage, yes we are in Nigeria. And it is hurting and destroying our society. We are the ones to address these social issues because they are problems.

“And you know from taking her out of school and forcing her into marriage without education result to having a child from her who does not have a mother that can give the child proper training. That is a child that gets on drugs, Indian hemp or joins Boko Haram. All these things are connected.

We have to face these challenges.

“Information technology and emergence of internet and social media, today youth go on the computer and they learn Islam from Facebook and Twitter. They learn Islam from videos, they watch on Facebook and after 14 to 15 hours watching new things, they need to become jihadists.

“They get up and go to Iraq or Syria or somewhere and join the group. And there are no controls. Right inside your house, your son can be sitting upstairs in the bedroom getting indoctrinated into becoming an extremist without your knowledge. We need to watch what our children watch. And we need to talk to them. If we do not give them the correct Islamic education, they will find the wrong education on the internet.

According to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, “Now, this is very important because we have spent so much time in ignorance. I know we must send our children to school to acquire western education, which is very important. You have children going to England and becoming radicalised in America on the internet not only in the Muslim countries.

Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), University of Ibadan, Mr. Wale Akinremi (left), addressing members of SSANU, Non-Academic Staff Union and National Association of Academic Technologists, during a joint congress on their planned strike over non-payment of 2009 agreement with Federal Government in Ibadan, at the weekend.

I won’t quit APC, says Dogara TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

T

he Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has dismissed claims that he along with others would dump the All Progressives Congress APC for the People’s Democratic Party PDP.

The Speaker described the claims as ridiculous in a statement he issued yesterday through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Adamu Hassan.

He spoke when he received Chairmen of the APC across the 36 States of the country.

The party chairmen were led by Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, Acting Chairman of the forum of Chairmen.

Dogara denied the allegations that he and other APC members are planning to leave the party they helped to build.

“I want to discountenance this very ludicrous and laughable discussions that some of us that some of us in the house are even conniving with some people so that we can defect.

Only a fool will believe that.

“We have toiled day and

… insists party won’t disintegrate night, we control the government at the centre, and in our states then we pack and move to a house that we deserted before, it is even unthinkable and unimaginable that someone will even make such assertions”, he stated.

Dogara also assured that the APC will surmount its ongoing trials and emerge a stronger political party.

“We have been through a lot but obviously it is expected as it is a new party and we are beginning to know ourselves, it is expected that from the beginning we will have some kind of friction but we cannot be consumed by those frictions and like vehicles from the frictions we can gather the traction that we need to move forward and I guess that is one reason why we are here today.”

On party supremacy, the Speaker said although he agreed that the party is supreme, he however, said absolute sovereignty and supremacy rest with the people.

“It is my deepest convic-

tion as a student of democracy; I know that democracy is loosely defined as government of the people by the people and for the people. In actual fact, sovereignty in a democratic regime belongs to the people. The government is for the people and the party too is for the people.”

According to the Speaker, “Absolute supremacy must be anchored on the sovereignty of our people because if we don’t pursue the interest of our people, you can guarantee the fact that sooner than later there may be no APC.” “So the people must be at the centre of whatever policy we formulate or whatever directive we will give to somebody from the party must have our people at the centre of that activity otherwise the people will rebel against us and we don’t pray for such.”

The Speaker assured the party chairmen that he and all APC members of the House are not disloyal to the party because “all of us con-

tributed immensely to the building of the APC. It is our duty to ensure that the party survives. And they say it is only a mad man that will use the same hands that he used in building a house to pull it down. We are not mad, we are not fools.”

He however warned that the APC may the support of Nigerians if it made the mistake of shortchanging other parts of the country in the sharing of principal positions in the National Assembly.

“We have to extend the hands of friendship and brotherhood to them to ensure that we strengthened their position so that we can make considerable inroad into those states. And if we don’t do that then we should be counting our days because if Nigerians didn’t save PDP, if we mess up they won’t save us. . We owe more than just passing interest in ensuring that we continue in the task of rebuilding the APC”, he said.

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NEWS

Sunday July 5, 2015

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Boko Haram: We’re ready to negotiate from position of strength –Buhari ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that his government would only negotiate with the Boko Haram sect from a position of strength and not of weakness.

Buhari had in his inaugural speech on May 29 said one priority of his government was to tackle the sect and put an end to insurgency in the country.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement issued yesterday said the government would not be averse to negotiation with the sect.

According to him, most wars, however furious or vicious, often end around the negotiation table.

“So, if Boko Haram opts for negotiation, the government will not be averse to it.

Government will, however, not be negotiating from a position of weakness, but that of strength”, he said.

He explained that the machinery put in place, and which would be set in motion soon, can only devastate

and decapitate insurgency.

Adesina stated that the approach was multinational in nature, stressing that relief was on the way for Nigeria and her neighbours.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is resolute. He has battled and won insurgency before; he is poised to win again. It is a promise he made to Nigerians, and he is a promise keeper.

“But I say again, if the insurgents want to negotiate, no decent government will be averse to such. Didn’t the Taliban and Americans also negotiate in Afghanistan?”, Adesina asked.

He maintained that the machinery put in place would work in order to overcome the challenge of insurgency.

Adesina had in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Friday disclosed that the Federal Government would be open to negotiations with the Boko Haram sect if the group was willing to dialogue.

While speaking about the recent attack by the sect, Adesina said it was so sad that

scores of people were killed in the vicious attack.

He said the killings by the sect would never break or weaken the resolve of the Buhari’s administration to overcome insurgency in the

country “You will notice that his first two weeks of administration were dedicated to tackling the insurgency.

He visited Chad and Niger Republics and the follow-

ing week, the Presidents of those countries also visited him in Abuja.

“The President of Benin Republic and the Defence Minister of Cameroon visited him; machinery is being

put in place and once we’re through, we will see the end of the group. The target time for the deployment of the multinational force is July ending; that is in a couple of weeks”, Adesina said.

L-R: Dr. Victor Obiakor; his wife, Mirna; wife of the Chairman, Brownsville College, Mrs. Alaba Kasumu; Chairman, Brownsville College, Mr. Hameed Kasumu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; son of the chairman, Mohammed and wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, jointly cutting the cake to officially open and commission Brownsville College in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday.

PDP claims INEC has been stripped of its independence

…insists Zakari has strong relationship with Buhari, el-Rufai

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that a strong relationship exists between the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mrs. Amina Zakari and President Muhammad Buhari as well as Kaduna State Governor Nasiru el-Rufai and as such it would continue to demand for her removal.

The PDP had in its 403rd National Working Committee NWC last week warned of the consequences of appointing Zakari as INEC chairman even as it called for her removal.

The party said it is privy to the fact that “Mrs. Zakari, who has a strong relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari and a very prominent APC Northwest governor is collaborating with the ruling party to post Resident Electoral Commissioners of its choice to Kogi and Bayelsa ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in

those states.”

The APC governor is believed to be Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State under whom Zakari served when he was FCT minister.

The PDP also alerted of alleged moves to use the period of Mrs. Zakari’s stay as head of the commission to tinker with electoral personnel and materials for the two states in favour of the APC. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said “President Buhari, in appointing Mrs. Zakari, failed to take into cognizance the moral call to detach himself from the operation of the electoral body thereby completely eroding the independence of the commission.

The party pointed out that the issue at stake is not that of Mrs. Zakari’s competence or performance in office but the fact of nepotism and her closeness to the President and some key APC leaders, which calls into question the indepen-

dence of the electoral body under her.

“We want Nigerians to know that with this appointment, INEC has been stripped of its independence and can no longer command the confidence and respect of the citizens and all other critical stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process.

“We however find it astonishing, discouraging and disheartening that the spokesperson of the President will address Nigerians and lie to the entire citizenry that Mrs. Zakari never had any relationship with the President or an APC Governor in the Northwest. This is the height of deception coming from the respected office of the President of our dear country.

“We ask, is the spokesperson of the President, oblivious of the public fact that the Acting Chairman of INEC was once a staff of Afri-Project Consortium, a company well associated with the President?

“Is he by any means feign-

ing ignorance of the fact that Mrs. Zakari also worked in the past as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Social Development and later, that of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Federal Capital Development Authority, then under a current APC governor of the Northwest?

“How much of Mrs. Zakari’s roles in the last general elections does the spokesperson of the President, who has just been appointed, know to warrant his brazen defense?

“Even where we concede to the worn-out argument that the President has the powers to appoint any person he deems fit as the INEC Chairman, does moral obligation not demand that in doing so he should take into cognizance the sensitivity of the position? Otherwise he can as well appoint his wife or brother as the electoral umpire on an argument of merit.

The statement further said that “whilst the PDP might not be opposed to Mrs. Zakari becoming one out of the numerous national elec-

toral commissioners to be so appointed, we completely reject her being an executive chairman who takes major decisions in an independent electoral commission while having a strong relationship with the President and a prominent APC Northwest governor.

“Indeed, never in the history of Nigeria has there been an executive chairman of the electoral body with such strong relationship with the president of the country.

“If therefore the stance and choice of words of the Presidential spokesperson, which apparently fall short of the civility of a democratic setting, reflect in any way those of President Buhari, then there is serious question on his credentials as a converted democrat.

“Conversely, we caution that presidential spokespersons in representing the President, must note that the psychology of their personal sudden flight to political limelight should not engineer a trauma of monu-

mental deceit to our great nation”, the PDP said.

Insisting that Mrs. Zakari must be removed, the PDP said having in the last 16 years reformed the nation’s electoral system to an enviable status that is being commended by the international community, it cannot sit back and watch too early in the day, its gradual destruction by partisan interest.

The party therefore urged Nigerians, especially key stakeholders in the democratic process “to rise above sectional, religious, gender and partisan biases and put the independence of INEC, the credibility of the electoral process and the overall interest of the nation above every other consideration in their comments and views on the appointment.”

The PDP stressed that as long as the Acting Chairman remains in office, it would not recognize the electoral body as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, but simply as the National Electoral Commission, NEC.

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News

Sunday, July 5, 2015

9

N10bn to facilitate accreditation of medical courses in BSU, says Ortom HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

B

enue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, has insisted that the N10bn naira loan obtained recently from undisclosed new generation bank was to enable his administra-

tion take off smoothly to confront major challenges in the state.

Ortom made the declaration at the weekend in an interactive session with journalists at the People ’s House in Makurdi stressing that part of the loan would enable

him accredit the School of Medicine in the Benue State University, which students had remained in limbo in the last 12 years.

The governor further stated that out of the N10billion loan obtained N3.4 billion was so far released for payment of May salary ar-

rears and further expressed the worry that the wage bill is on the high side.

He insisted that it has become imperative for the state to embark on biometrics auditing with view to ascertain the exact strength of the work force stressing that as it is “we

are suspecting over bloated bill elsewhere. ” The governor said that everything humanly possible will be done to block loopholes through which unscrupulous individuals had been pilfering government revenue in the past.

Ortomsaid as soon as the verification exercise of staff is completed the June salary will also be paid adding that his administration is determined towards ensuring that no worker is being owed including pensioners in the state.

He revealed that he met deficit in the state purse where preliminary inves-

tigation so far showed that the state is being indebted to in the tune f N90 billion which includes N12billion for salary arrears, N18 billion for contractors, N9.2 billion repayment of bonds and N50 billion for contracts yet undone.

He therefore debunked the notion making the rounds in the town of the leader Sen. George Akume had hijacked the party ’s machinery and was influencing of commissioners in his cabinet dismissing the claim with wave of hand saying 80 per cent of stakeholders endorsed who should make up the list in his administration.

Promotion of ethnicity hampers nation ’s development –Cleric OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, (left) and Bayelsa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Alamene Williams, during the inauguration of a water project donated by the JTF to Koluama community in Bayelsa State, at the weekend.

he President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, and Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr. Olasupo Ayokunle, has said that the promotion of ethnicity is hampering

PHOTO: NAN

PCRC rewards airport cleaner who returned N12m OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he airport cleaner with the Patovilki Industrial Cleaning, Ms. Josephine Ugwu, who recently returned the sum of N12 million left behind at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos by a passenger has been rewarded by the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC. Ugwu was presented with a plague by the Public Relations Officer of PCRC, Lagos Airport Division, Prince Jossy Amodu while the committee ’s General Secretary, Comrade Lawson Imotto advised other Nigerians to emulate her exemplary character.

Speaking at the venue of the event at the Beesam Police Station, MMA, Amodu urged Ugwu to continue with her honesty despite the unfavourable working condition in the country.

He advised that riches could not be attained by stealing or duping of people, but by hard work and honesty, which he said she

displayed with the return of the money.

He insisted that the honesty she displayed would open doors for her in all her endeavours.

He said, “Today, we are recognising an honesty worker who has displayed great character that is worth of emulation to others. Just recently, some groups forced themselves into banks and carted away several millions of naira while only one person returned the sum of N12 million that belongs to a passenger. ” Imotto in his speech, described Ugwu as a truthful worker who despite being on a monthly salary of N7,000 then summoned the courage to return different foreign currencies totaling N12 million on exchange.

He further said that the conduct of the airport cleaner had opened fresh panoramas for the company where she works, which he noted had a good reputation, with the attendant capacity to attract investment.

the development of Nigeria.

Ayokunle, said this on yesterday at the dedication of the church auditorium of First Baptist Church, Ovom, Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, added that the undue emphasis on the factor of ethnicity in every considerations at all levels had impeded genuine growth and development of the country.

Ayokunle, who spoke on the topic, “Turning Your Dream to Reality ” with I Kings 6:1-7 as the text, noted that great persons were the manifestations of their dreams.

“Dream is not reality but it is the path to reality. Without dream, there is nothing to produce. Great people are products of their dreams ”, he said.

The Baptist clergyman outlined seven requirements to turn dreams to reality including awareness backed with vision and initiative, cooperation, seeking God ’s face, working with God, hard work, standing by faith against challenges and being ready to possess.

In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson commended the leadership and members of First Baptist Church Ovom,Yenagoa, for the effort, courage and sacrifice they put into building the edifice which foundation laying was done on 9 February, 2002.

He noted that a place of worship meant more than what the ordinary eye could see, stressing that the massive cathedral had added significantly to the aesthetic beauty of Yenagoa.

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Interview

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ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER JULY 5, 2015

All zones must be represented in appointment of NASS leaders –Gbillah Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah a member of the House of Representatives ’ Ad-hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, describes the crisis that has engulfed the House as unfortunate, promising that it will be resolved as soon as possible. TORDUE SALEM brings excerpts: What is your response to the unfortunate development in the House of Representatives on last Thursday?

I am speaking as a member of the newly constituted Media and Public Affairs Committee and not in my personal capacity as a member of the House of Representatives. With responsibility comes understanding and responsibility comes at times with challenges and crisis, and therefore, on behalf of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the entire members of the House, we want to apologise profusely to Nigerians for the untowards and rancorous events on the floor of the House.

It is not the intention of the House to start on this note. We want to assure Nigerians that this situation will be resolved in a very short time. What happened on the floor of the House is obviously premeditated. I am saying this because we had members who already came to the floor of the House carrying placards with inscriptions on them which were not written on the floor of the House.

We ended up having situations that were against the Standing Orders of the House, a situation where the Speaker was trying to dissolve the House and called for the motion to dissolve the House, but instantly, these people started calling for a point of order. But that was erroneous; it was contrary to the proceedings of the House.

That was the beginning and before we knew it, a member and few others ran for the mace. You just need to know that this one was premeditated, but it means this plan was hatched and we got wind of it eventually, that there was a meeting earlier at the instance of one the individuals who lost the election and where this whole plot was hatched.

So what do all these portend for the party and the lower chamber?

What it portends for the party is that it needs to recognise that the House of Representatives is not a one-party institution, but it is the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But even those of us who are party men do not believe that the party should disregard the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Every other institution in this country must be subservient to the constitution, so we do not have any disregard for the party but we only do not believe we

Gbillah

WHAT HAPPENED ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE IS OBVIOUSLY PREMEDITATED. I AM SAYING THIS BECAUSE WE HAD MEMBERS WHO ALREADY CAME TO THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE CARRYING PLACARDS.

should disregard the constitution.

So if there is anything the party needs to discuss on the party level that should be done at the party level, but let ’s be observers of the rule of law, constitutional provisions and statutes. As presiding principal

officers, the decision to elect other principal officers should always be something that is sacred at the zonal caucuses of the party.

There is the allegation that the Speaker ’s

camp wants a House Leader from the North Central?

When they called a meeting of the North Central, they did not invite me, so I was not surprised when I saw also that the caucus went on air to complain about the fact that they were ignored in the zoning of these positions. I am sure you are aware that the South-East has petitioned, the South-South has done the same as well.

This shows they were clearly knocked out on this and I want to emphasise that the principle of Federal Character is enshrined in our constitution and nobody is above the constitution, so in the allocation of positions that have to do with public officers, that consideration should be reflected.

We have six geopolitical zones, NorthEast already has the Speaker and SouthWest has the deputy speaker.

Now this is my own simple appeal to the All Progressives Congress, APC. It seems that it no longer recognise principles of federal character. Are we supposed to secure positions in the House in one direction because of certain interests? We are ridiculing ourselves with that. I am a member of the North Central caucus, and at no time was I consulted on any caucus meeting called in this regard, and that is corroborated by different members of the North-Central caucus that have also come out publicly to say they were not consulted.

We have four zones that appear to be left out, although few of them seem to have indicated in a letter which we only became privy to, because of some members of a house committee. This is further corroboration of the fact that it was premeditated, coming in with copies of the letter and insisting that letter must be read. In that letter, South-West was still indicated, NorthEast was still indicated, South-South was the only other zone that was included, everybody else was not part of the arrangement of the party. That is not democracy.

That is not how to uphold the constitution.

I am not holding brief for Mr. Speaker, but I am speaking as member of the House who knows that the generality of the members would abide by the Federal Character principle. Every member of the House wants representation, that is what our House Rule stands for, and we should be the epitome of that representation especially as we carry out our own business, so that I believe is the primary consideration of the leadership of the House, just like the Senate The Senate has set the precedent for us to follow; it is not in the interest of the House now to disregard what the upper chamber has upheld with the constitution.

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11

Politics

‘Many governors will go to jail ’

PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES JULY 5, 2015

House crisis: Hurdles before Dogara ahead of resumption P 12 & 53

P 52

THE MAJOR REVELATION HERE IS THAT THE AMOUNT NNPC PAID INTO THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE THREE TIERS OF GOVERNMENT CAME TO

N4.3TRN AND THE CORPORATION ALONE TOOK AND SPENT N3.8TRN.

–EDO STATE GOVERNOR, COMRADE ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE.

President Buhari, one month after

Briefly

APC chieftain urges NASS members to settle down to work

A

n APC chieftain in Sokoto State, Dr. Jabbi Kilgori yesterday advised members of the National Assembly to settle down and focus on satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians for good leadership.

Kilgori said in Sokoto that, Nigerians were eager to see the desired political change from the anticipated good governance.

He said that the expectations of Nigerians were very high, as such there was no time to waste on frivolous issues.

“It is high time for the members of the National Assembly to come out with sound legislations that will move the nation forward in all aspects of governance.

“Members of National Assembly should put the interest of the common man at heart, by introducing plausible legislation that would improve their living condition, for peace,progress and political stability in our country “ he said.

Kilgori, a former commissioner of Environment, said that jobs creation, security, provision of modern farming inputs and power generation, were some of the basic needs of the people.

Obiano reassures Anambra people on detainees ’ relocation

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Buhari

AYO ESAN

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lhaji Muhammadu Buhari was sworn-in into office on May 29, 2015 as the president of Nigeria and his inaugural speech gave Nigerians so much hope that they expected him to hit the ground running.

While majority of Nigerians especially political watchers believe one month in office is too early to assess his government, as it is not fashionable to start assessing a president that will serve for four years on his first month in office, the main opposition party, the PDP believed differently.

Thus the two major political parties

Osinbajo

in the country, the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC and the main opposition party, the PDP, last week exchanged words on Buhari ’s performance in his first one month in office.

What was common before now is the first 100 days in office and this is an American concept, which is traced to the extraordinary first month of Franklin D. Roosevelt ’s presidency.

Since then most contemporary political analysts have adopted the first 100 days of a new president or governor as the first time of assessing them.

It is not also uncommon in Nigeria for executives at various levels to celebrate the first 100 days in office.

Political observers are however not

surprised about the impatience of Nigerians in taking Buhari ’s government to task because they have been yearning for a change from an obvious disappointing past.

Looking at Buhari ’s government, the changes urgently expected are on the issue of national security, improvement in power supply and efficient management of resources.

On the effort to curb terrorism in the North-East, Buhari as promised in his inaugural speech had relocated the military command to Maiduguri, and thus has drawn the battle line with the terrorist His first official trip was to review the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

nambra State Governor, Mr Willie Obiano of Anambra has reassured that he is on top of the relocation of Boko Haram suspects to Ekwulobia prisons in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr James Eze, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, in Awka yesterday.

According to the statement, the governor is still speaking with the relevant authorities to ensure a peaceful resolution of the issue. ``Obiano ’s commitment to this extremely sensitive issue remains the same. ``The governor is aware of the strong feelings provoked by Boko Haram among Anambra citizens and the people of the South-East. ``Therefore, he will never use this subject of pain and anguish to play politics, ’ ’ it stated.

The statement urged the people to go about their normal businesses while he continues to engage the relevant authorities on the matter.

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Politics

Sunday, July 5, 2015

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House crisis: Hurdles before Dog UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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s the House of Representatives looks forward to the resumption of members on July 21, there is the burden of having peace and unity restored. This rests heavily on the shoulders of the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and this burden must be discharged with all sense of patriotism, being a matter of urgent public importance.

Before the day when the House abruptly adjourned plenary to July 21, due to the heavy fighting on the floor of the House by members over leadership tussles, the problem has been there, staring Dogara in the face, but he is confident that he would handle it.

However, how he handles this problem would determine whether or not there would be peace in the Green Chamber when the long recess is over.

Although, he does not deserve this burden as a free citizen, who aspired under the constitution and became the Speaker, the House is now deprived of its peace because Dogara ’s emergence is not the wish of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and as such members loyal to the party are bent on making him suffer.

The party had desired that Femi Gbajabiamila from Lagos State, SouthWest, be voted in unison by all APC Representatives in the House to ensure his emergence as Speaker. This was because the straw polls conducted by the

THE PARTY IS STILL VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN GBAJABIAMILA FOR THE POSITION OF THE HOUSE LEADER, WHICH IS VERY STRATEGIC.

party favoured him, but Dogara, who is from Bauchi State, North-East, was favoured by the majority members in the House, with great support from his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterparts.

Since that day, it was clear that there will never be peace in the Green Chamber unless his opponents accept to let go and see the victory, which is clearly constitutional, as an act of God. Unfortunately, even though the APC claimed that it had accepted their emergence, it has refused to leave him alone to run the affairs of the House, giving impetus to its loyalists in the House to hold him and entire country ransom for their ambitions to occupy principal positions in the lower federal legislative House.

Dogara may have concluded his arrangements for the positions of Principal Officers before he suddenly got the letter from the APC, telling him who occupies the four principal offices left to the party in the House.

The party is still very much interested in Gbajabiamila for the position of the House Leader, which is very strategic. It is so because if appointed, he would lead the APC caucus in the House and whatever is the desire or decision of the party will be dear to his heart as a “loyal party member ”, who will also mobilise his colleagues in that direction.

The APC does not believe that Dogara would serve its interests in the House, in view of its background as a PDP person and the common force they joined to ensure his eventual emergence, which the APC already said was “an unholy alliance ”.

From the party ’s letter dated June 23, 2015, addressed to Dogara, signed by the party ’s Chairman, John OdigieOyegun, entitled, ‘Party ’s position on Principal Officers of the 8th House of Representatives ’, the party made it clear that it was still pursuing its interests in leadership positions and as long as this happens, its loyalists in the

Dogora

House feasted on it. The letter sought Dogara ’s support to make Gbajabiamila, House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, North-West, Deputy House Leader, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, North-East, Chief Whip, Pally Iriase, South-South, Deputy Chief Whip respectively.

Dogara ’s inability to consider this communication following that fracas that it brought to the House, is the wound that must be healed

President Buhari, one mo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

collaboration with key allies like Chad and Niger. The second week in office, Buhari got the G-7 in Berlin to commit to the cause and he is hoping to meet President Barrack Obama at the White House on July 20, an opportunity that would made him succeed in getting the world to reabsorb Nigeria with open arms into its fold because the international community believes that in this new president lies the integrity and commitment to fix the world ’s most populous black nation.

Buhari has created a perception of no corruption to most public officials. Thus the process of recovery has started in the management of resources.

Electricity has surprisingly improved and local refineries have promised July as month of surplus, when their refining capacities will be fully restored.

It is also believed that several millions of dollars are being returned into the treasury just as Buhari vowed that billions of stolen dollars will be recovered in the next few months.

It is unlikely that the type of pilfering that characterised revenue-generating federal agencies will continue under Buhari ’s watch..

Perhaps the only surprise from Buhari ’s admirers and party men is that the expected appointments are yet to

come. With one month in office there is no list of ministers, no chief of staff and the secretary to the federal government, posts which are regarded as highly important for the full take-off of his government.

Assessing the performance of Buhari after one month, his party, the APC said he has done very well.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, argued that contrary to what was being peddled in some quarters, there had been motion and movement in President Buhari ’s first month in office and urged Nigerians to prepare for events that would unfold in the days ahead in the anti-corruption fight of the

President Buhari administration.

The party x-rayed President Muhammadu Buhari ’s one month in office and concluded that he had hit the ground running with what he achieved.

Said he: “Nigerians should grab a front row seat so they can watch clearly as events unfold in the ring of anti-corruption fight in the days ahead.

“It will no longer be business as usual as the Buhari administration seeks to make sure that every kobo of national funds is spent for the benefit of Nigerians, not to fill the deep pockets of a few fat cats.

“The rot met by the Buhari administration is sickening, and the President is

PERHAPS THE ONLY SURPRISE FROM BUHARI ’S ADMIRERS AND PARTY MEN IS THAT THE EXPECTED APPOINTMENTS ARE

YET TO COME. WITH ONE MONTH IN OFFICE

THERE IS NO LIST OF MINISTERS, NO CHIEF OF STAFF AND THE SECRETARY TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

Moh hammed d

working hard to plug all loopholes for siphoning public funds, in addition to recovering looted However the PDP through its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, stated that Buhari has done virtually nothing during his first 30 days in office.

The party pleaded with Nigerians to pray

13

Politics

Sunday July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Assembly: Lawmakers return to recess mode despite high expectations Since the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly a month ago, legislators have spent more time on recess than on attending to pressing national issues that require attention.

GEORGE OJI reports that the legislators risk incurring the ire of the public if they fail to settle down for serious business.

J

uly 9 will be exactly one month that the 8th National Assembly was proclaimed into existence by President Muhammadu Buhari as required by the country ’s Constitution. Two days after that epoch-making event, which also saw the election of the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the lawmakers went on a two-week break.

Three days after the lawmakers resumed for business on June 23 after the break, they again announced another three weeks recess, which would terminate on July 21.

When the lawmakers went on the first break, the official explanation for that recess was to enable the bureaucracy of the National Assembly sort out the issue of office accommodation and other logistics for the senators and members of the House of Representatives.

For the three days that they sat in plenary before embarking on the current break, there were no serious legislative work done, either at the House of Representatives or the Senate, rather, all that the lawmakers engaged themselves in was merely to bicker over the choice of members to be nominated to fill the remaining vacant positions of the principal offices of the two arms of the parliament.

In the Senate, after a series of political scheming and strategic alignments and re-alignments, members of the red chamber were able to come up with three out of the four officers, who together with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, would form the class of principal officers of the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly.

Those who emerged in the Senate were Senators Ali Ndume – Senate Leader (Borno South), Bala Ibn Na ’Allah – Deputy Leader (Kebbi West) and Francis Alimikhena – Deputy Chief Whip (Edo South).

The emergence of the three officers in the sSenate was the outcome of the game of wit between two major groups in the Senate, comprising Senators of Like Minds (who backed the emergence of Saraki as the Senate President) and the Senate Unity Forum (those who unsuccessfully lined up behind Ahmed Lawan for the office of the APC candidate for Senate President).

In the House of Representatives, members of the green chamber spent the three plenary days politicking and bickering over who did and who did not ascend to the exclusive club of the principal office.

Matters came to a boil on Wednesday, June 25 in the House of Representatives,

Saraki

Ndume

PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS IS THAT THE LAWMAKERS SHOULD SETTLE IN AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND WORK JOINTLY WITH

THE EXECUTIVE TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE, WHICH WILL LIFT THE LIVING CONDITION OF

NIGERIANS.

when the lawmakers threw caution to the wind and engaged one another in physical combat.

Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, had entered the green chambers by about 11 a.m. After saying the standard prayers of the House to signal the commencement of the day ’s business, he moved on to supervise the adoption of the previous day ’s votes and proceedings of the House.

Shortly after that, Dogara invited Hon. Orker Jev, who he incidentally addressed as the Acting Leader to move a motion for the House to retire into a closed doors session. This was all that the already charged House members required to spark off rumpus, as some members instantly jumped to their feet, shouting No! No! No! chorusing, “we will not go into closed doors, leadership must be resolved in the open ”.

While this was ongoing, some members went straight for the mess in order to dispossess the Speaker of his powers.

The Sergeant-at-Arms, who would not want to be found wanting, promptly rose in defence of the symbol of authority of the House and resisted the attempt to snatch away the mess.

When calm eventually returned in the House, after about an hour of chaos and rowdiness, the Speaker delivered a short speech, during which he counselled his colleagues on the need for them to exercise maturity and not allow mundane issues distract them from the business for which Nigerians voted for them Subsequently, the House, like the Senate, announced a three-week break.

During the first time the National As-

sembly went on break shortly after its inauguration, it was claimed that the reason was to enable the issue of office accommodation be sorted out for the lawmakers.

But during this last break, neither in the Senate nor House was any reason provided for the recess, thus leaving the public to engage in all manner of conjectures.

Apparently conscious of the anger the break would breed among the Nigerian public, the Senate assured the nation of its willingness to reconvene for business in the event that the situation so warrants. In particular, the newly anointed Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, said the Senate would not hesitate to reconvene plenary if the President sends its list of ministerial nominees to the upper chamber for screening and confirmation as required by the Constitution.

If the truth must be told, Nigerians are not happy with members of the National Assembly for not giving priority attention to issues of lawmaking for which the legislators have been elected.

Nigerians are disappointed that instead of keying into the current change mantra, which targets to reinvent good governance, probity and accountability, the lawmakers busy themselves fighting over issues that do not further the aforementioned virtues.

Expectedly, public rage has since been trailing the frequent breaks by members of the National Assembly.

For instance, so many commentators on the social media have been bashing the lawmakers, calling them all manner

of names.

Some are so angry that the lawmakers have provided fertile grounds for President Buhari to continue to delay the announcement and composition of members of the Federal Executive Council, even as some people have gone to the extent of tweeting and labelling the lawmakers as “collaborators ” with “Baba go Slow ”, an apparent reference to President Buhari because of his slow pace of running the affairs of the country so far.

On their part, members of the Civil Society Organisations have also come out to criticise the lawmakers for their lackadaisical attitude to the job of lawmaking.

Isaac Orker, a programme officer with Friends in the Gap Advocacy Initiative (FGAI), a legislative advocacy, monitoring and lobby group, told Sunday Mirror that his group felt so incensed at the last adjournment of the National Assembly that it had to organise a press conference to ventilate its anger over what the group described as the “care-free attitude ” of the lawmakers concerning their legislative duties.

The group said it also used the event of the press briefing to chastise the lawmakers, particularly members of the House of Representatives for their “show of shame ”, which culminated in the freefor-all on the floor of the House.

According to Orker, “Nigerians have elected those people to go to Abuja and make laws that will lead to good governance in the country. Public expectations is that the lawmakers should settle in as quickly as possible and work jointly with the executive to bring about change, which will lift the living condition of Nigerians. Nothing less will be acceptable to the electorate. Moreover, the lawmakers are being paid on full-time basis and they are not expected to operate on parttime basis. They must account for every dime of tax payers ’ money expended on them. ” The civil rights activist disclosed that his group was concluding arrangements to organise a mass rally at the National Assembly once they reconvene to drive home the message that Nigerians are not satisfied with their input so far. The group reminded members of the National Assembly that the issue of lawmaking, the world over, is a very serious one, and that Nigeria as a member of the comity of nations, cannot afford to take the issue less seriously.

The unfortunate truth, however, is that Nigerians should expect more recesses from the lawmakers moving forward. For instance, it is expected that a few days when the legislators reconvene on July 21, it will not be long for the lawmakers to commence their two-month annual long vacation, which will see them resuming lawmaking sometime in September.

How the legislators hope to explain this on-and-off lawmaking attitude to the Nigerian electorate is yet to be seen.

The fact remains that Nigerians are not happy with the legislators. The electorate want to see serious change in attitude from their respective representatives in line with the change mantra, which seeks to reinvent good governance, through probity, accountability, rule of law and respect for human rights.

14

Opinion

Sunday July 5, 2015

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

I

t is interesting how man is reinventing creation, particularly the natural and physiological man. A man can choose to become a woman. There are scientists who can play “god” to make this happen. Women who prefer the male features or are fed up with their gender can simply walk into the medical theatre and change their features to that of a man. There are even instances of she-males (hermaphrodites) who can decide to do away with either of the male or female organs and take the shape of what he or she wants. If he-she likes to have both organsparticularly now that bisexuality is a fad- he/ she can keep both and use any of the organs of the other sex.

That is our world of today. I can be a woman in the morning and turn out a man in the evening. Man is showing mastery of everything, even in replacing human beings in workplaces with robots or using of computerized machines as receptionists and attendants. Man is getting closer to being his own god. He can play god.

This perception is a key factor in man’s tendency to throw the things of his real maker away and consider the age-long belief that there is God as old-fashioned. Men have written texts to contest the existence of God. Some have even said that God is no longer alive; while some have reasoned that the coming of His Son, Jesus, had mopped up all the sins of man to allow him live a free life, whichever way he wants it.

This third theory is even argued in some new generation churches as the atonement not only for sins before Christ, but all sins after him and

Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

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

L

ast week I told you I had concluded my piece on taming articulated vehicle drivers. Sadly more ghastly road traffic crashes have been recorded after the summit held on the 15 of June 2015 to address these national tragedies. One of such crashes is the fatal crash that claimed the life of 11 students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, which occurred at 12:35hrs on 26 June 2015 at the Ijebu ode/Sagamu road involving a truck which drove against traffic and a Mazda bus. In one of the more recent crash involving a tanker laden with honey which occurred along the Benin-Ore road, a tow truck belonging to the Federal Road Safety Commission in Edo State, and two other vehicles were burnt. The tow truck which cost about N100 million was donated by the World Bank to the Commission in 2014.Recall that when I did the piece on the same topic which ran for two weeks, I told you that in the first week of June alone, road traffic crashes involving tankers was sixteen with deaths put at 46 from the Onitsha crash alone. I equally told you that trailer and tanker may cause about 384 crashes before the end of 2915 which may translate to about 17,664 deaths this year, adding that if this trend is not checked, fatality from articulated vehicles crashes would be directly accountable for over 47percent of the projected crashes for 2015.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

“Adam and Steve” and the challenges ahead forevermore. The death and resurrection of Jesus is thus seen as the completion of the process of man’s eternal salvation, and he is no longer liable to punishment or damnation for his new sins, for, “it is finished”.

The emerging perceptions of our age that man is either his own god or has been eternally redeemed to choose whichever lifestyle that pleases him have tended to become self gratifications that account for the reenactment of Sodom and Gomorrah. In the very ancient times, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah debased creation by extreme acts of sexual immorality, including homosexuality, bisexuality and bestiality. Men slept with men and women with women. A man could exchange his wife with another man’s wife for sex; a wife could freely go into sexual relations with her husband’s brother or friend or neighbour; women with husbands or fiancés could also have girlfriends; sex orgies and parties among youths and older couples were common practice; men or women could lie with dogs or horses…etc.

God, merciful and patient, sent several warnings that were ignored and deliberately scorned.

Extremely displeased with the acts and with man’s debasement of his make-up and moral values, He took the tough decision of destruction of the people and city of Sodom and Gomorrah. The sordid immoral practices of that timeand the judgment on them have informed the reference to similar practices of the present as “sodomy”, a term derived from Sodom.

Last week, the Supreme Court in the United States ruled that same-sex marriage was now permissible in the entire nation. Same-sex had been a thorny issue in the super-power country, whose society is halved between a large conservative Christian community and a growing group of pro-secularity people whoseek all sorts of moral freedoms. This second group wants an end to criminalization, ban and stigmatization of abortion, homosexual and lesbian acts, andenjoys enormous support from the influential

American entertainment industry and from some politicians, who themselves, are either liberal on such matters or have imbibed the gay culture. The Supreme Court judgment thus puts paid to the ageless controversy over the rightness or wrongness (the moral turpitude) of gay practices and same-sex marriage. By the legalization therefore, couples will no longer require discrete show of affection or be arrested and prosecuted for such acts. Churches, mosques and other religious centres that forbid such desecration of the moral law and beliefs concerning marriage are thus compelled to recognize gay couples in their congregation and bound to join them in “holy matrimony”. In fact, gay people are no longer to be seen as criminals or psychologically sick people; they can rise to the positions of pastors, imams, managers, senators and even president of the United States.

But the US is considered a giant in many things and as a result, the states and peoples around the world imitate, ape or emulate the American nation. Whatever comes out of the US spreads around the world like wildfire. Indeed, USA is a great and very influential country. Its musicians, movie actors, sports stars and politicians are iconic figures and venerated around the globe, US is seen as the “perfect nation” and with its stupendous wealth, it has been able to employ hard or soft power to pull strings and get peoples where it wants them. The same-sex marriage, like other issues considered sacrilegious in many societies, might soon be appreciated and legalized in many countries with reference to the logicality or illogicality advanced for its justification in the US. It is no longer a debatable matter that most of the wild sexual acts, adventures and misnomers of our people in Africa, Asia and South America are replays of scenes and acts in Hollywood movies, musical videos and literature. America has changed the world and put us all on the same track. The best sides of the US, such as Pentecostal revival, democracy and human rights have been

adopted as our standard operational measures.

Yet the ugliest sides of the US, including LGBT (human) rights are also vigorously aimed at and replicated elsewhere in the world.

The same-sex legitimation, described as “victory for America” by President Barack Obama has probably influenced America’s partners, including Germany, where it was reported that the National Ethics Council has applied in the courts that incest be legalized; Australia, where we heard that pedophilia be considered as natural like homosexuality and be legalized; Japan, where it was alleged that adultery may now be permissible only for business purposes; and Norway, where there are hotels where beasts of all kinds can be laid by men and women for a fee. In Africa, Mozambique was reported to have unbanned homosexuality. More could come.

America has led the way, as usual.

Same-sex relationship, sodomy and other acts might soon be a global phenomenon and countries that are recipients of one form of aid or the other might be left with no choice but to fall for the blackmail or subterfuge of the western powers to accepting these reinvented rules governing sex and relationships.

But the Bible- and I believe the Quran and other religious books too- is very clear on sex and relationship. God, the one and only Creator of man, does not condone homosexuality. He created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20: 13, 1 Kings 14:24,1 Corinth 6:9-12, Romans 1: 26-28, 1 Tim 1:10-11, Mark 10: 6-9, Romans, 1: 27, Romans 1:32, Jude 1:7 and Acts 5:29 say God’s mind in no ambiguous terms, about His detest and punishment for sexual abnormalities. For God, it is not to man as convenient, it is as commanded.

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

Still on taming articulated vehicle drivers I am compelled today to share with you further development in keeping with the pledge made by the leadership of both the Commission and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD)to shun cosmetics and be drastic. Last week I run excerpts of the action plan agreed during the summit. It is gladdening that another interactive meeting with stakeholders in petroleum product haulage was held with the Commission on July1 2015.This meeting brought to the table critical stakeholders on whose shoulder the responsibility of executing the action plan lies. They included, NUPENG, PTD, NARTO, Petroleum Equalization Fund, Major Oil marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers, the Petroleum Ministry, IPMAN. The beauty of the summit was that almost all the stakeholders had their top leadership in attendance with NUPENG PTD blazing the trail with also representatives from Lagos, Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt Zones in addition to the technical consultant.

Speaker after speaker raised concern over the need to put an end to the activities of miscreants or area boys who often catch on delays to vandalize trucks, especially at Idimu, Ojota and Ketu axis noting that collaboration with Lagos government is key in tackling the issue, reintroduce of color coded products which determine who drives the truck and the kind of training that must be given.

They pledged for training saying support saying we will train d drivers and do all that is necessary They raised concern on the training of articulated drivers who are not union members advising that they should organized like the case of PTD .While noting the need to address road condition is one of the factors and parking area along Lagos,

Mokwa and other strategic areas where we operate they gave support for the summit action plan noting that forestalling drunk driving, check age limit were critical issues.

They identified government policy mandating trucks to berth in Lagos; .we must open up the waters so that vessels can berth at other ports not just Lagos. Government refusal to raise our profit margin which will affect cost of petrol to enable us buy fairly new vehicles was also fingered as an issue but we can only operate old unsafe vehicle..

Enforcement .all uniform personnel are on d road causing delay demanding f all sorts.

Markets are on d road encroaching. ALGON and chairman of government forum should be invited f this meetings. Driver fatigue because of driving for about 12hours hours without rest because of delay and insecurity Punishment -the court ‘respect f rule of law. Roads without furniture, tankers spend 12 days cos or road and delay. Need for new fleet to be acquired. We must go beyond this group to include top govt rep, security agencies such as the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, the military must be involved for quick fix. They challenged depot owners to clear depot environment noting that obstructions should be cleared urgently.

Loading processes must be considered stating that we can free our roads if depot owners know their capacity and call for just the number that their tank farm can contain before calling for new trucks. We need to get in touch with infrastructure bank immediately.

On age limit of truck drivers the elderly are mostly the one driving. We should encourage our youths to go into truck driving On the need to cut down speed, it was gladdening to know that although the approved

speed limit for trucks is 75 km/p, the union installs speed limiting device for tankers at 60 Meanwhile the FRSC boss, Boboye Oyeyemi, told the gathering that the agency is barking and biting as the Corps has commenced the immediate enforcement of minimum standards in tankers and articulated vehicles, implementation of the Safe to Load programme for safe operation of the distribution of major petroleum products. The Safe to Load Programme seeks to ensure that only vehicles that are in good condition, driven by qualified and competent drivers are allowed to be involved in the transportation of dry and wet cargoes on Nigerian roads. He said that already a safety checklist has been developed by FRSC against which vehicles that fail will not be allowed to load.

Consequent upon this, the FRSC will begin the use of ‘’off the road’’ stickers on articulated vehicles that are not road worthy.

He said that depots and tank farms will be immediately communicated and such tankers will not be allowed to load at the depot or tank farm till the tanker is cleared by the designated FRSC safety officer/VIO. The FRSC boss said the development of a robust national uniform licensing scheme with the upgraded drivers’ license and vehicle number plate regime with unique coding specially for articulated vehicles has been done stating that, there will be the enforcement of the required meant that each articulated vehicles is fixed with three number plates.

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

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

15

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Man in the News Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari

Much ado about new INEC boss AYO ESAN

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last week witnessed a change in leadership when Professor Attahiru Jega bowed out of office after his five-year tenure ended last Wednesday. He was replaced by Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari.

Zakari ’s appointment as the Acting chairperson of the INEC was announced on Tuesday night by President Muhammadu Buhari and she assumed duty last Wednesday with a pledge to continue to work for the improvement of the electoral process.

Jega had initially handed over to the next most senior officer at the commission, Ambassador Mohammed Wali, but this was later reversed by the President.

Zakari, during a brief handover ceremony held at the INEC headquarters, Abuja said she accepted the new position with humility and added dedication to serve. She maintained that the successes achieved under the leadership of the immediate past chairman of the commission must be consolidated.

Amina assured the President that INEC would not rest on its oars until it delivered on its mandate.

Ambassador Wali, while handing over to her, said it was his pleasure to entrust the affairs of the commission to Hajiya Amina Zakari. He assured the Acting chairperson of his unwavering support.

His words: “If she succeeds, we all succeed, if she fails, we all fail. ” Wali pointed out that the commission has always, and will, continue to work in harmony to promote the interest of democracy and the electoral process.

By this, Amina Zakari is the first woman in Nigeria to head the INEC. However, her appointment drew criticism from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as it demanded for her removal.

Addressing a press conference last Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the party was disturbed by the development in INEC where President Buhari, who knew all along that the immediate past INEC chairman would be leaving office by June 30, had to wait for him to hand over to one of the national commissioners only to reverse it immediately, thereby injecting bad blood in the commission.

“The situation in INEC since the PDP government reformed and granted it operational autonomy has been peaceful, but Tuesday ’s untidy overruling of Prof. Jega and appointing of Mrs. Amina Zakari as acting chairman which, we gathered was influenced by personal relationship with the Presidency and one of the new governors of the North-West, ostensibly to pave the way for the APC at the electoral tribunals, has completely eroded public trust in the commission, ”

he said.

Metuh said although the PDP recognises the right and powers of the President to appoint the Chairman of INEC and others, such as that of the Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, which was done recently, he noted that the party rejects attempts to paint the process as transparent and objective when such was not the case.

“In INEC, the PDP states in unequivocal terms that we cannot, as critical stakeholders, fold our hands and watch while the Presidency perpetuates actions that diminish the independence of the electoral commission.

“The PDP has declared the appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari as unacceptable and demands that President Buhari changes her immediately, ” he said.

The opposition spokesman insisted that due process was not adhered to in the appointment of Zakari, who he alleged showed “in the last elections that she is manifestly biased in favour of the APC ”.

He said the appointment smacks of nepotism.

Metuh also said since the APC appeared to have trusted Mr. Jega and commended him for conducting free and fair elections, “why would they not trust him on who to hold forte in the commission until a substantive chairman is appointed, rather than appointing someone who is retiring from the commission in the next three weeks? ” But the Presidency swiftly replied the PDP on its rejection of the appointment of Zakari as INEC acting chairman of when it said that it noted with regret, Metuh ’s latest tirade against President Buhari.

“Other than boring reporters at his press conference with a rehash of baseless allegations of inaction against the President, Mr. Metuh clearly had nothing new to say apart from his charge of nepotism and partisanship in the appointment of the Acting INEC Chairman, which also lacks any factual foundation, ” spokesman to the President, Femi Adesina, said in a statement.

Adesina insisted that, “President Buhari certainly did not “overrule ” Prof.

Attahiru Jega in appointing Mrs Amina

Zakari as the Acting INEC Chairman, as Mr Metuh alleged. ” Amina Bala Zakari, nee Husaini Adamu, was born on June 23, 1960 and hails from Kazaure Local Government of Jigawa State.

She completed her elementary education at Shekara Girls ’ Primary School, Kano in 1971 and proceeded to the prestigious Queens College Yaba, Lagos for her secondary education, where she obtained her School Certificate/WASC in 1976.

She entered Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1976 for a degree programme and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Pharmacy with a Second-Class Upper in 1980.

She had her National Youth Service programme at the Federal University of Technology, Bauchi between 1981 and 1982, where she set up a pharmacy and drug store dispensary as her service year project.

Her other academic qualifications include, Certificate in Managing Drugs Supply for Primary Health Care from the International Drug Agency, MHS Amsterdam, Netherlands and a Certificate in General Management Programme, Executive Education in Business and Management, Harvard Business School (HBS) Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. She began her professional career at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna as a Senior Pharmacist in 1984.

She was at CVS Pharmacy Hartsdale, New York, USA between 1993 and 1994 as an intern pharmacist and returned to Nigeria to join the Consolidated Health Services, Abakpa Kaduna, where she became the chief pharmacist/consultant from 1996 to 1997.

She also worked with Afri-Project Consortium, Abuja from 1999 to 2001, where she was also a senior consultant/ chief pharmacist.

Zakari joined the services of the Federal Capital Territory Administration in 2004, where she was at a time secretary, Health and Human Services, secretary Social Development and Acting Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development.

Her career as a pharmacist consultant saw her working with the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), Federal Ministry of Health 2002, Project Director for National Primary Health Care Development Agency in 2003, Project Coordinator for FCT Federation of Muslim Women ’s Organisation (FOMWAN) 2003, National Consultant, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) 2004, Lead Consultant/ Project Manager, Songhai Medical Centre Limited 2008, Consultant, Complete Medicare Limited and Accessible Managed Care Limited 2008 and Consultant, Millennium Development Goal Office 2008.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

16

Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES July 5, 2015

Managing hazards of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome TITILOPE MORAKINYO

M

iddle East Respiratory Syndrome, MERS, is an illness that is new to humans. It is caused by a germ called Corona virus and affects the respiratory system lungs and breathing tubes. However, most sufferers develop severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

According to experts, MERS has spread over many countries with approximately 36 per cent of patients afflicted with the ailment dead. While the majority of human cases of MERS have been attributed to human-to-human infections, camels are likely to be a major reservoir host for and an animal source of infection in humans.

The World Health Organisation, WHO, and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Public Health and Welfare presented the results of their joint assessment of the MERS outbreak.

The appraisal led to a series of recommendations which include further strengthening of measures to control the current outbreak, such as continuing to strengthen contact tracing, and enhanced precautions in hospitals to prevent transmission, as well as increased communication with the public and better preparation for future outbreaks.

In an interview with Sunday Mirror, a Lagos-based medical practitioner with Advent Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, Dr Tony Adekunle, defined Middle East Respiratory Syndrome as a serious and life-threatening disease which affects the respiratory organ caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract of both humans and animals.

“Some corona viruses affect the digestive system. The virus has a crownlike projection on its surface, which is

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

how it got its name. There are different species of the virus. Human corona virus was discovered in 1965 and accounts for 10-30 per cent of common colds. It affects all age groups, and can affect the lower respiratory tract as well,” he said.

The medic explained that the virus does not seem to pass easily from person to person unless there is close contact, such as occurs when providing unprotected care to a patient. He added that the clinical spectrum of the disease ranges from no symptoms or mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory disease and death.

The signs of the disease include fever,

Sniffing could provide autism test

T

he way children sniff different aromas could form the basis of a test for autism, suggest researchers in Israel.

People spend longer inhaling the delightful aroma of a bouquet of roses than the foul stench of rotting fish.

The results of tests on 36 children, in the journal Current Biology, showed that there appeared to be no such difference in children with autism, according to a report by the BBC. The National Autistic Society said smell could eventually become an additional tool for testing for autism.

Behaviour, social interactions and

communication skills are all affected by autism and the disorder affects one in every 160 children globally.

It often takes until a child is at least two before it can be diagnosed.

The children in the trial at the Weizmann Institute of Science took part in a 10-minute experiment.

A red tube sent either pleasant or unpleasant odours up the nose while the green tube recorded changes in breathing patterns.

One of the researchers, PhD student Liron Rozenkrantz, said children normally altered the depth of their sniffing to the odours.

cough and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is also common but not always present in most sufferers, he explained.

The virus appears to cause more severe disease in older people, and people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic ailments such as cancer, lung disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

Dr Adekunle, however, said there is no vaccine or specific treatment currently available but the management is supportive and based on the patient’s clinical condition.

But on the prevention, he said, anyone visiting farms, markets, barns, or places where camels and other animals

are present should practise general hygiene measures, including regular hand washing before and after touching animals, and should avoid contact with sick animals.

He also advised that the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, portends a high risk of infection from a variety of organisms that might cause disease in humans. Animal products that are processed appropriately through cooking or pasteurisation are safe for consumption, but should also be handled with care to avoid cross contamination with uncooked foods.

“Camel meat and milk are nutritious products that can continue to be consumed after pasteurisation. Cooking or other heat treatments, so people with diabetes, renal failure and chronic lung disease are considered to be at high risk of severe disease from the infections so they should avoid contact with camels, drinking raw camel milk, camel urine or eating meat that has not been properly cooked,” the medic urged.

With regard to the treatment, he said the transmission of the virus has occurred in health care facilities from patients to health care providers in a health care setting as it is not always possible to identify patients with MERS early or without testing because symptoms and other clinical features may be non specific.

However, facilities that provide care for suspected patients or those confirmed to be infected with MERS should take appropriate measures to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus from an infected patient to other patients, healthcare workers, or visitors.

Healthcare workers should be educated, trained in infection prevention or control and should refresh these skills regularly, the medic advised.

HEALTH NEWS

Gene therapy stabilises lungs of cystic fibrosis patients

C

F patients have to take a battery of treatments to keep the symptoms at bay. Gene therapy could be a simpler and more effective treatment A gene therapy has stabilised and slightly improved cystic fibrosis in some of 136 patients in a trial.

Their lungs showed no decline, on average, after they inhaled healthy copies of the gene that causes CF once a month for a year, results published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine show. And the lungs most clogged before the trial showed a 3% improvement.

The lungs of patients that did not take the gene therapy showed a decline of 3-4% on average over the same period.

This is the first evidence worldwide which shows that if you give gene therapy to CF pa-

tients it has a protective effect Prof Eric Alton, Imperial College Prof Eric Alton, of Imperial College London, who led the trial, warned: “The effect is modest and it is variable. It is not ready to go straight into the clinic yet.”

Prof Alton and his colleagues at the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy consortium, which includes scientists at Edinburgh and Oxford Universities as well as Imperial, are hoping to have a further trial next year.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition caused by a faulty gene that leads to a build up of sticky mucus causing debilitating infections in the nose, throat and lungs.

Kieran Kelly, who usually takes about 40 pills, injections and inhaled medicines throughout the day, was among those taking part in the trial.

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

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FG’s NNPC probe drive: Matters arising

T

he inaugural meeting of the National Economic Council in Abuja last Monday is very revealing in two fundamental respects. First, both the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NPCC) and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, acting under the instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari, separately submitted reports on the earnings from the export of the nation’s crude oil from 2012 to May 2015 to the Council. Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, called the development “profound” because, to him, it was a novelty on positive and clean governance and an evidence of the ‘change’ promised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This newspaper agrees that the new socioeconomic and political order epitomized by such act is significant.

Secondly, acting on the information from the reports submitted by the two institutions of government, the Council initiated a probe unravel how the NNPC deployed N3.8 trillion it unilaterally expropriated from the total of N8.1 trillion earned over the period after it paid N4.3 trillion into the Federation Account as the share of the federal, state and local governments, the three tiers of government in the country. We find this probe push by a body of the federal executive problematic. It is problematic because we feel the Council might have exceeded its constitutionally sanctioned brief of advising the President “concerning the economic affairs of the Federation” explicitly spelt out under the Third Schedule Part I of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

The imperative for the probe of the NNPC has a very solid basis. The series of audit reports on the corporation, which uncovered horrendous graft, unauthorised spending, operation of secret accounts and brazen theft, is an incentive for a serious minded leader like President Buhari with zero tolerance for corruption, to vacuum the corporation to uncover the layers of rot that makes it stink and go ahead to fumigate it. It is for this reason that the World Bank’s Chief Economist for Africa, Mr. Francisco Ferreira, endorsed the forensic scrutiny of the financial records of the NNPC, when Buhari, before his swearing in, hinted of a planned probe

of the corporation.

Last Monday, the basis for a comprehensive audit of the accounts of NNPC was further consolidated when at the inaugural sitting of the National Economic Council, the damaging contents of the corporation’s own report and that submitted by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation sealed its fate. The two reports showed that the total earnings from the sales of the nation’s crude oil from 2012 to May 2015 were N8.1 trillion. Of the amount N4.5 trillion was confirmed to have been paid into the Federation Account, for the use of the federal, state and local governments, while the balance of N3.8

SECONDLY, ACTING ON THE INFORMATION FROM THE REPORTS SUBMITTED BY THE TWO INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT, THE

COUNCIL INITIATED A PROBE UNRAVEL HOW

THE NNPC DEPLOYED

N3.8 TRILLION

IT UNILATERALLY EXPROPRIATED FROM THE TOTAL OF N8.1 TRILLION EARNED OVER THE PERIOD

AFTER IT PAID N4.3 TRILLION INTO THE

FEDERATION ACCOUNT AS THE SHARE OF THE FEDERAL, STATE AND

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, THE THREE TIERS OF GOVERNMENT IN THE COUNTRY.

trillion was retained by the NNPC to service its operations.

It must be remembered that there have long been ugly clouds over the operations of the corporation, especially the opacity and impunity with which it conducts its business, with nothing concrete done by the successive Federal Government to deter such unwholesomeness. For example, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, when he was the governor of CBN, in 2013 blew the whistle on missing $20 billion oil money from the accounts of the NNPC. He was punished by a sack for such audacity. Also, all the past reports of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on the nation’s oil and gas industry were quite revealing of the rot in the corporation, but nothing fundamental was done by the government to address the issues raised.

The pre election hype over change by the APC imposes a political and moral obligation on President Buhari to carry out a meaningful probe of the NNPC. The probe process put in motion by the National Economic Council, which is flawed in every material sense, is wide off the mark. First, what serious job can come from four governors, two each from the ruling APC and opposition PDP, who already very enervating responsibility driving governance processes in the respective states? What type of strategy, and to what effect, is bringing together two mutually antagonistic political parties to work on a common goal that might be detrimental to the interest of one of them? And of course, the constitutionality of the engagement also comes into serious questioning.

So, President Buhari must be told that the scenario that is playing before Nigerians and the international community is sheer abdication of responsibility.

He should retrace his steps and tow the path of the constitutionality by invoking his presidential powers to seize the probe initiative. A should without delay assemble well oiled team of experts that will not only go deep to uncover the rot that makes NNPC stinks and dysfunctional, but to also come up with a restructuring model that will turn around the corporation and make it relevant to the aspiration of the country.

Reminiscences July 5 IN HISTORY 1981: UK - Riots break out in Liverpool Riots broke out in Toxteth, Liverpool with between 200 and 300 youths involved in looting, attacking police, cars and shops with petrol bombs and bricks.

1934: U.S.A. - Dock workers’ strike in San Francisco Fights broke out between the city’s police force and dock worker strikers in San Francisco after rioting started in the waterfront and the warehouse area of the city. At the end of the bloody fighting, two were killed and hundreds injured.

1946: France - Bikini swimsuit introduced The Bikini swimsuit ( a daring 2 piece swimming costume for ladies) was introduced by French designer, Louis Reard, at a popular swimming pool in Paris.

1948: UK begins national health care Britain’s National Health Service Act (NHS) takes effect, providing government-funded medical and dental care and headed by the Health Minister, Aneurin Bevan.

The National Health Service was part of the “cradle to grave” welfare-state reforms.

1950: American killed in Korean War The first American reported killed in the Korean War (Private Kenneth Shadrick) a member of a bazooka squad, was cut down by enemy machine-gun fire.

1970: 108 killed in Canada plane crash An Air Canada DC-8 crashes while landing in Toronto killing 108 people. The investigation identified pilot error as the cause of the crash.

1989: White House aide, Oliver North indicted Former White House aide Oliver North has been found guilty. He received a three-year suspended prison sentence and a $150,000 fine for three charges relating to illegal United States’ support for the Contra rebels in Nicaragua in the mid-1980s.

1991: BCCI closed in U.S. The Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) which at one stage was one of the world’s 10 largest banks by assets is closed in the United States, 2003: WHO announces SARS containment Following an outbreak of the deadly SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) which had killed about 775 people in 29 countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announces that SARS is now contained.

2006: North Korea tests six missiles North Korea tested six missiles, one longrange called the Taepodong-2, and five shorter ranged missiles. The Taepodong-2 reportedly crashed only 42 seconds after its launch, while the other five missiles fell into the Sea of Japan.

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Praise Worship E-mail:yemiolakitan@gmail.com

E-mail:cossyodi@yahoo.com

EDIFYING GOD

QUOTE If you are not married, your success in life is your best revenge against those who are married or those who are disrespectful to you over your marital status.

Bishop (Dr) Chris Kwakpovwe

Sunday July 5, 2015

God shall confront your enemy, says Pastor Muoka 24

Christianityy – The religion of the mind 42

Spiritual power: beneficial in life

41

Pastoral dilemma: Combining church and secular work

22 & 23

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Vineyard

Briefly

Anointing for dominion holds at ROFRM

Celebration

R

ain of Fire Revival Ministries also known as City of Exploits three-day anointing for dominion service which began on Friday, July 3, 2015 will culminate with the grand finale today, July 5, 2015.

The event tagged “Overcoming the enemies of the promise land” begins at 8pm at the church premises located at 8, Okesuna Street, Ishasi Road, Akute.

According to the host, Apostle Jerry Agbroko, “It is certain for man to overcome everything in his promised land if he is courageous.

He added that everyman has a promise land and until one realises that he has a promised land that he would aim to possess all in life”.

Pastor Fidelis Ohaji and other guest minister are expected to preach the word of God.

Behold He Cometh auditorium set for dedication

Sunday July 5, 2015

Young Christians urged to listen to God’s voice ... as FCA youths mark anniversary

T

he Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church, Nigeria, is set to dedicate his its 1000-seater auditorium in Ajah, Lagos State.

According to the founder, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Uchechi Agwu JP, the Umuahia, Abia Statebased church has over the years led legions to Christ in the purest form of Christianity delivering thousands from the yoke and oppression of bondage of sin and stagnation, setting men free from the scourge of attacks and satanic manipulation.

“The church is founded to sanitise the mindset and value system of Christians to appreciate the value, essence and sacredness of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary for our sins.

Having set this agenda in motion in the eastern part of the country, with our salvation-laden doctrine, we are set for the south west using Lagos as a launching pad”, he said.

There would be music ministrations from notable gospel acts such as Paul Nwokocha, Lucky Okri, Chioma Jesus and Evangelist Peace Nwabara.

PGEM set for hour of God’s mercy

A

ll is set for the quarterly programme of Peculiar Generation Evangelical Ministries also known as palace of mercy.

The programme tagged “Hour of God’s Mercy” comes up July 8, 2015 from 9am-12noon at the international headquarters located at 51, Arobaba Street, Pipeline Bus-stop, Idimu-Egbeda, Lagos.

The chief host and General Overseer of the ministry, Prophet Emmanuel Ademola Adeagbo (JP) revealed that it is an interdenominational programme set apart to for a positive turn around for the hopeless. He assured that all who attend will receive restoration of lost glories, jobs, expectant mothers will return with testimonies and those that lack financially will rise to stardom.

A cross section of youths

ODINAKA URUAKPA

I

t was a full house last weekend when the Freedom Christian Assembly Surulere, Lagos marked the 9th anniversary of its Youth Week at the church auditorium amidst pomp.

The week-long celebration tagged “Overcomer” 2015 had in attendance youths, clerics, members as well as invited guests of the church who came from far and near to be part of the celebration.

While delivering the sermon on the occasion, the General Overseer and Pastor in charge of Freedom Christian Assembly, Pastor Emmanuel Mark, commended the youths for their resilience in the service of God and their efforts in making sure that they like the adults, stand out as they have prepared and gathered in the presence of God, seeking His face and direction, that, He God will grant them all they seek and need to blossom and attain a fruitful and re-

warding adulthood.

He urged them to always be in a position where they too like the young Samuel, who was dedicated to the service of God, would be seen to be doing the right things by abiding and hearkening to the voice of God as they commit themselves to the service of God in their young age.

He further urged them that as obedient children of God, they should not engage in immoral activities that would bring shame or disrepute to their families and the church as a whole.

“As young men and women of God who have been trained in the way of the Lord, you should obey the commands of God; do not steal, do not fight, do not covet your neighbour’s goods, honour your parents and most importantly love your neighbour as yourself.

When you keep the commands of the Lord as He expects you to, you won’t only be overcomers, but children of God and He would continue to abide with you, and direct you in all you do”, he assured.

The cleric advised the youngsters not to mix with miscreants and bad eggs in the society, adding that they should always look up

to Jesus Christ, who is the silent guest and listener and make Him their friend as they table all their needs and problems to Him as He is able and willing to help them in every situation.

“For you to achieve a lasting friendship with Jesus, you must always do those things that are pleasing in the sight of God and desist from mingling with bad people who could influence you wrongly”, he admonished.

The G.O also advised the youths that when spending time on the internet, they should make sure that they look out for the positive features it has to offer rather than assimilating the wrong, negative and foreign activities and way of life which abound on social media.

“You need to align yourself with God and meet the conditions for the task He has assigned to you to do because if you go astray by involving yourself in the craze of internet like young people of today do, or do something contrary to what God has said or detrimental to the Holy Spirit such as involving in internet fraud and gay practice as is common in our world today, then, you would surely have yourself to blame”, he warned.

Also speaking on the occasion, the President of the Freedom Christian Assembly Youth Organisation (FCAYO), Anthony Pius advised fellow youth members to make they study the word of God rather than devoting their time to distractions such as cable TV and the internet.

“It is good to for the youth to be close to God as they study the word of God at this time of their life where they are face with distractions like Cable TV, the internet and the rest which takes them away from the sight of God. God gave us life so as to give Him pleasure and the only way we can please God is by obeying His Word which is studying the Bible and meditating on it day and night as commanded in scripture”, he stated.

High points of the event were the cutting of the anniversary cake and thanksgiving by the different groups in the church who came with various items to offer appreciation and thanksgiving to God.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit 21

Sunday July 5, 2015

‘Established in grace unlimited’: text: - 2 Corinthians 8:7 Miracle Arena with Bishop

Theo Ugochukwu “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”

W

hen Grace unlimited is at work in your life, you can’t but experience Greatness and Victory. There is a difference between Law and Grace. Law gives a limit to what you can enjoy and tolerate. However, Grace Unlimited gives an unlimited room to how far God is ready to go with you. God knows that you as a man/woman are limited and therefore opened the door of His unlimited Grace unto you. This month by the virtue of Grace unlimited at work in you, you shall not be limited in Jesus name! There shall be no limit to your blessings this month in Jesus name! May none of your needs this month be left unattended to in Jesus name! There shall be supernatural provision for you in Jesus name!

The essence of Grace unlimited is to remove the limit that the law has placed over you. It is to remove the Limit that sickness, poverty and age has placed over you. It is to break the yoke of stagnancy that has set you back for long now. I decree over you this month, you shall never suffer any shame in Jesus name!

Grace we know is a total package. Grace is Jesus. To be established in Grace means to be established in Christ. Without Jesus, you are incomplete, for Jesus is the vine, we

are the branches and God is the vine dresser.

(John 15:1) “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. “A branch that is not connected to the Vine is the branch that is used as fire wood. May you not be used as fire wood in Jesus name! By nature or by birth, we are branched from a vine called Adam. In this Adamic vine flows the nature of sin and death. By the work of salvation, we the natural branch of Adamic vine are cut off and are engrafted by faith into the vine called Jesus.

That’s the new birth process. What keeps us connected to the vine is our faith in the vine.

Faith in the Vine gives us divine blessings, divine connection, divine wisdom etc. When you remain connected to the vine, what flows in the vine, flows to you and through you as the branch. A sweet vine cannot produce bitter fruit because it is what flows through the vine that flows to all the branches.

What flows through the vine one may ask?

Righteousness and Holiness: Because righteousness flows through the vine, you as the branch become righteous. And because Holiness flows through the vine, you as the branch becomes Holy. This further illustrates why we are holy. Our Holiness is not about what we are; it is about who we are in Christ Jesus, the true Vine. Because you are in Christ, you are Righteous and Holy. A branch is not judged by what it is, it is judged by where it is. A branch is known by its stem.

No matter how good you are, if your stem is Adam, you have sin in you. If your stem is Jesus, you have Holiness in you. Let’s look at (Romans 11:16): “For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.”

Did you see that? If Jesus who is our root, our source, our provider is holy, then we the branches are automatically holy. This Holi-

ness is not tied to what we did; it is tied to what He did. Without Jesus, you CAN NEVER be HOLY. For as He (the Vine) is, so are we (the branches) in this world.

(1 John 4:17). “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.” Did you see that? Your love is not made perfect because you married that man/woman. It is not made perfect because you are from this continent or the other continent, No! Your love is made perfect in Him because as He is perfect Himself.

It is God’s purpose for you to be established in Grace unlimited because He wants you to live the unlimited life, and for you to live an unlimited life, you need an unlimited Grace.

For God to propose that you have an unlimited life, it means that some people are living a limited life. One may ask what it means to live a limited life. Some people have expressed diverse understanding of living a limited life. Some see it as living a life where one have boundaries and constraints. Others also see it as being confined within a perimeter of success. Like the name is, a limited life is a life that is limited by the choices and options that life offers.

You can’t see beyond the four walls of this world when you live a limited life. Your life in bounded by your strength, income and environment. What a limitation indeed!

For some people, the best they can see in their life is 5yrs from now. What a limitation. May you not be limited in this life by your sight and perception in Jesus name!

It is disheartening, demoralizing and demeaning decorous for one to live his life based on what he can see. This month! You shall operate the supernatural in Jesus name!

Sometime last year, precisely by February, one of my sons in my ministry approached me, proposing to me his wedding date. This is someone that lost his job for almost a year, coupled with an accommodation challenge precisely after his traditional wedding. When he told me that his wife and he had agreed to proceed with their wedding plan, not minding the limitations before them, I prayed for them and declared that the Lord will give them the needed grace for divine favour over their proposed wedding. Three weeks to their wedding, that my son got a job, and on the 12th of April, they had their colorful wedding. According to him, they did not spend a dime on their wedding, as all that was used for the wedding were sponsored by people. That is what grace unlimited can do in a man’s life.

When you operate under grace unlimited, every barrier disappears, and everything begins to work out without any struggle. This month, the Lord will set you out for grace unlimited. You will break every limitation in your life.

Every roadblock to your success will give way in Jesus name. This is a word for someone: “Your testimony will bring testimonies to others in Jesus name! Receive Grace Unlimited right now in Jesus name!

•For more information, contact: Bishop Theo Ugochukwu – General Overseer, Miracle Assembly Bible Church, a.k.a. The City of Joy, 80, Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos; Tel: 08033461482.

Email: bishopgracemiracle@ ymail.com

Don’t become an ingrate Hour of Change with Primate

I.O

Oyelowo

A

nd Jesus answering and said, were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, arise, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole’’. Luke 17:17-19 Who then is an ingrate? He is an ungrateful person. There are different categories of an ingrate. The first one is somebody who fails to say thank you to his benefactor for the favour he received from him. There is an adage in Yoruba land which says,’’ if a child appreciates the favour he received, he will received another one greater than that.’’ ‘’What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?

I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord of the name of the Lord’’.

Psalm 116:12-13 The second category is the one who does not see any goodness from the favour he has ‘’

received. It is this category of an ingrate who normally says: what has his benefactor done that has not been done by somebody else. He is worse than the first category in the sense that sees no benefits from the favour he has received talk less of showing appreciation.

The adage says that ‘’anyone to whom favor is bestowed but refuses to appreciate it the same with a robber who stole somebody’s property’’.

This category of an ingrate is like somebody to who one talent was given, but he did not know its value, he had no choice than to bury it. When the owner came, he took it from him and gave it to somebody who managed his own well. Mathew 25:24-30.

Another category off an ingrate is somebody who in spite the favour he has received from benefactor, he sees his benefactor as his enemy, thereby working toward his down fall.

When I was working in a company, I had experienced a situation whereby the beneficiary was the architect of his benefactor’s exit from the company. He believed that if he succeeded, he would occupy his position. He actually succeeded. However some years later, when his diabolical act was know, he was shown the way out without benefit whatsoever .’’ whosoever rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.’’ Proverbs 17:13.

Now let focus on different categories of benefactors. Our first and grand factor is the al-

mighty God. Do you know that when your parents met, only one egg out of billons that came out of your father’s sperm survival which led to your pregnancy? Who allowed the pregnancy to mature before your safe delivery at the end of the ninth month or in some cases more months? It is no other person than Almighty and living God Psalm 119:13-18 says: ‘’For you formed my inward parts, you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my sow knows very much. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are your thoughts to me, o God. How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in numbers than the sand; when I awake, I awake, I am still with you.’’

But when there is temptation or when you face some life challenges, you tell God, why me. Remember that when you were born you could not open your two eyes until some days thereafter, but some months later you see clearly. Another stage of devel-

opment in your life is when you started crawling which led gradually to your walking. You should that there can be take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold’’.

Next to God are our parents. They are the vehicles used for your existence. They faithfully discharged the responsibility committed to them by God for your up-bringing. They invested their resources time and energy on you to ensure that you were successful in life. Eventually when you are successful, it is then you start seeing their shortcoming and offence (s) they committed against you while you were still under their care. Read proverbs 17:13 and have a re-think.

Majority of Lagos residents are non indigenes. It was somebody who brought you to Lagos or facilitated it. Somehow you lived with him/her before you found your level. But he/she is no longer in your good book because you focus on the little mistake he/she made while you were with him/her. Remember that nobody is infallible, except God. Isaiah 64:6 says ‘’But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf’’. Please focus on his/her positive side (Mathew 25:34-40) •You can contact us at: The Word of Life, Agbo Igbala Ti Kiish Aladura Church 70 Patey street Lagos State. Tel: 07040517413

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Pastoral dilemma: Combining R

ight from the time Jesus Christ who is regarded as the head of the church began His ministry on earth, the idea of maintaining a full ministry without hindrance or mixture of other activities never seemed to be an issue because even when he chose His disciples later turned apostles, some who were engaged in businesses such as fishing, He practically told them to leave their former trade and become fishers of men.

Looking at what is obtainable today as regards the men and women who have been called to serve in the vineyard of God like the apostles of old, a whole lot of them seem not to be abiding by the rules of Christ when He called his apostles to work in His ministry, instead what is happening is that these clerics as they are called, have other activities or professions that they are actively involved in addition to church work they have either been called to or which they vowed to do.

This combination of religious and professional courses of study have become the norm among the Christian fold and it definitely has come to stay since these professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants among others do not see anything wrong in taking up the religious order in an active capacity just like the clerics too don’t see anything wrong in also taking up secular jobs as they continue to work for God. For the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Ojodu, Ogun State, Prof.

Kunle Macaulay, he claimed this sort of thing is happening because church leaders, Nigerians in particular are not professionals which is why they take up other jobs to make ends meet.

“It is very unfortunate that in Nigeria, we don’t have many professional church workers; what we have are church helpers. Many of the church leaders here are not professionals because to be a professional means going through a specialised course, acquiring specialised skills and being certified by a regulatory body.

Many of our pastors do not pass through all these stages to make them professionals, so, what they do is that they maintain the word of God; they pass the word of God to the people and afterwards they go back to seek other jobs to get money to look after their family, they cannot claim to be church professionals; yes, they are doing a good job, there is no doubt about it; yet they can’t be considered to be professionals. As far as I am concerned, they cannot do well and that is why they are not doing well and that is why the church in Nigeria is not doing well.

“For those who are called professionals; look at Jesus Christ. Jesus trained His disciples for three years plus. When you look at the book of Matthew chapter 10, the Bible states that He sent them out with authority and the same Bible revealed that they went out preaching the word of God and God was with them; so these were professionals because firstly, they were trained for three years plus, and secondly, they were certified because there was what I call graduation or or-

Pastor doubling as a professional counsellor

In Christendom, men and women of God are naturally expected to dedicate themselves fully as they work in the vineyard of God, but this is no longer so as many pastors combine with their work in the church with secular jobs. ODINAKA URUAKPA takes a look at this development and seeks the views of clerics on this. dination. If you look at the same gospel of Matthew chapter 10, the Bible states that Jesus called the disciples to Himself; they were first disciples and then, He gave them authority and if you go further, the Bible states ‘this are the names of the apostles; the disciples eventually became apostles after ordination. The apostles were professionals because they were trained, they acquired skills, they had authority and they were sent out. But you see today, our churches or denominations as I call them, train their workers for their own consumption and they cannot go beyond the four walls of the church.

“Firstly, these people cannot be called professionals, secondly, they cannot concentrate on the work of God because they have to look after their family and they are not even paid, so that does not encourage them; if they are fully paid, they will concentrate more on their source of income. Moreover, these people are really sent to the branches of the church like tax collectors, they go there, they collect the money, they send the money to their headquarters and if they need anything from the headquarters, they have to beg and that is not right.

Macaulay points out church work is yet to be fully professionalised, which is why pastors shift between working in Gods vineyard and regular vocations.

“To me, when you talk about professions like nursing, medicine, engineering, law among others, these people

IT IS VERY UNFORTUNATE THAT IN NIGERIA, WE DON’T HAVE MANY PROFESSIONAL CHURCH WORKERS; WHAT WE HAVE ARE CHURCH HELPERS. MANY OF THE CHURCH LEADERS HERE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS BECAUSE TO BE A PROFESSIONAL MEANS GOING THROUGH A SPECIALISED COURSE, ACQUIRING SPECIALISED SKILLS AND BEING CERTIFIED BY A REGULATORY BODY.

are professionals because they are specially trained and have special mission for the community, but when you come to church work, there is nothing like that except nowadays that Bible colleges are coming together to put in some courses that are accredited to train people and produce church professionals in different disciplines of the church. We are trying to have trained, certified church managers, church administrators, qualified and trained church planters, evangelists; now we have theologians who are researchers and teachers. It is now that we are trying to build this up, but before now, there was nothing like that and that is the problem we have in Nigeria today”, he explained.

On what is expected of a professional church worker, he said: “When you are a professional, you know what to do, how to do it and when to do it and since these peo-

ple are not professionals, they submit to any authority, even to the people they are supposed to control; they submit to their suggestions, to their advice and that is one of the problems in the church today.”

The theologian noted that the problem Bible schools have in Nigeria is that of accreditation.

“A medical doctor is accredited by a regulatory body and he is recognised in his profession, but in Nigeria today, there are many pastors who do not go through any Bible school and like I mentioned earlier, all these churches train their people for their own consumption and unfortunately too, businessmen and women go into establishing Bible colleges to make money because Nigerians like certificates and credentials; they want to be called doctors and so on, so these people establish Bible colleges and offer degrees without merit.

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Sunday July 5, 2015

church and secular work Churches are not expected to establish schools that would give degrees, but that is what we are experiencing today against the expectation of them training people in evangelism, preaching or prayer so that the workers can have skill to perform better. If you observe today, nearly every church in Nigeria has a Bible school and this is making mockery of church profession; this can’t be done in other professions”, he maintained.

When asked if a practicing lawyer who is also actively involved in church work leave one profession for the other, Prof Macaulay responded thus: “I am not sorry to say that such person is a confusionist; the man is confused, how can he be a practicing lawyer and at the same time a cleric? I was a qualified chattered engineer and when God called me, I submitted and stopped everything and I am now a full time church worker; you cannot be a practicing lawyer and at the same time a practicing pastor. How can you have a doctorate degree in Bible study or theology and you are an accountant in the church or a bank manager? This is disturbing to people like me; it is embarrassing and it must stop” According to Bishop Oscar Osai, General Overseer of City of Refuge Church, Lagos, it is not the best of practices for clerics to combine church work with any other profession, but the realities on ground makes it difficult for those who cannot trust God to depend solely on church work.

“It is not the best because at the end of the day, the work of God is a full-time calling and all other fields of operation; medicine, law, accountancy and the rest are also full time jobs in that there comes a time the minister has responsibilities which the church, depending on their level may not be able to meet to certain points, so, it becomes something that most people resort to which is referred to as tent-making. But the reality is that in tent-making, which Saint Paul did temporarily and continued with his permanent work of propagating the gospel, it is not something you do forever in your ministry. Like I said before, you don’t want to leaveve yourself in the hands of people who manage the resources of the church, and that is the reason most people resort to that as a make-up, though it is not the best; it is just something people do to keep things going, but if they can be committed, have faith and trust God, He who called us would be able to feed us. When I was starting, I was asking ‘what shall my wife and children eat?’ God said to me, ‘your family shall eat me’ and I wondered what it is to eat God; I didn’t understand, but after some years in the ministry, I have begun to understand that God is food enough, you can eat God; God is sufficient for anybody”, he submitted.

The cleric insisted that whether one is head the ministry or assisting the person that God has put there as head of ministry, the most important thing is that people need to sit down and plan.

“Part of our problem is that we don’t

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Pastor at work

PART OF OUR PROBLEM IS THAT WE DON’T PLAN WELL. IF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU THREE SOULS TO MANAGE FOR HIM; IN GIVING YOU THESE THREE SOULS, GOD KNOWS THAT THEY CAN BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF YOU. plan well. If God has given you three souls to manage for Him; in giving you these three souls, God knows that they can be able to take care of you. I am talking generally and in principle, but things don’t work as God intended it to work and this is why men are resorting to all kinds of make-up structures to keep things going. From my own experience, it has been that if you trust God entirely with your life, God will make sure that He takes care of you, we have to learn how to plan ourselves well, be relevant in our situations and be able to manage the resources of the ministry in a way that it would meet the basic needs of the people; you can’t plan with supernatural and miracle of provision; in planning you need to depend on God; in fact, it is all about faith; if you have faith that God will take care of you, you can hang-in there, but if you don’t have as much faith, just go and get a job because it takes faith to survive”, he stated.

Speaking from the Catholic standpoint, the Director of Catholic Apostolate, Abbi, Celta State, Rev. Fr. Paschal Obioma, revealed that there are catholic priests who are trained in other professions to help the church reach out to the poor and the needy.

“This training is part of their vocation, in our fold, we have congregations where priests are allowed to do courses in law, medicine etc so that they can use it to help people. In the case where these priests are sent to missions land where they have the poor who cannot buy the services of lawyers, the priests who read that course can help them out unlike the pastors who found their own church and combine it with other things just like a business man trying to increase his source of income, they expand by having branches where

they post pastors who in turn send returns to them and since these pastors are not well paid, they have to engage in other professions in order to get enough money to take care of their families ”, he said.

He further revealed that priests who are trained professionally in other fields work in Justice Development and Peace Commission, JDPC department of the church.

“These professionals are firstly priests and then they are lawyers or teachers and representatives in deferent areas for the sake of the poor people. As a missionary,

you may be sent to a poor village where they don’t have water, electricity, good roads and such other amenities; if somebody who is a priest studied in that area, he can go to the right channel to get some of those things for the people just like the early missionaries did for Nigeria; most of the schools we are enjoying now were built by these missionaries who also doubled as teachers who taught subjects such as physics, mathematics and geography in the schools established then and if they had not studied this courses, they wouldn’t have been able to teach”, he posited.

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From the

Pulpit Sunday July 5, 2015

God shall confront your enemy, says Pastor Muoka General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, reassures believers of God’s readiness to confront their enemies. Excerpts:

B

rethren, everything has it’s time and season. God by His providence governs the world, and determines when particular things and operations should happen. As the Creator, He determines and purposes when the sun shall shine and when the rain shall fall. God has given to man that portion of duration called timethe space in which all the operations of nature, of animals, and intellectual beings, are carried on, but while nature is steady in its course, and animals faithful to their instincts, men devotes it to a great variety of purposes which God never made time for and consequently expose themselves to confrontation. Nevertheless, as they are exposed to various degrees of danger as a result of their action and reaction to life challenges, God identifies and defends His own people.

Gen. 31: 24, 29 says, “And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and unto said him, Take heed that t h o u s p e a k not to Jacob either g o o d or bad.

29. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yester night, saying, Take t h o u

Pastor Muoka

heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.”

When Jacob left Laban’s house, Laban pursued him and accused him of stealing things he knew not of so that he would harm him. God confronted Laban in the dream and warned him not to lay his hand upon Jacob for any reason and say nothing against his going on with his journey, for the journey was directed by Him. As Laban and his brethren continued pursuing Jacob, they eventually caught him on the mount of Gilead, and he told Jacob that he had vowed to punish him for the flight, and the stealing of his teraphim, but the God of heaven has confronted and prevented him from doing it and thus he would not be harmed.

Exodus 6:1-2 says, “Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

And God spake unto Moses, Moses, and said said unto him, I am the LORD:” T h e a b o v e w a s

another example in which God confronted the enemies of His people. In this case, as soon as it was dawned on Pharaoh that Moses had taken the Children of Israel out of Egypt, out of his reach and leaving the nation barren of slaves, he summoned his soldiers and pursued Moses to attack Israel. But God who purposes and dictates the time for everything had determined the time has come to save His people from the hand of Pharaoh and his soldiers. Moses had been expecting what God would do, but now he shall see it. God would now be known by His name Jehovah, that is, the God performing what He had promised, and finishing His own work. God told Moses to watch and see how He will confront Pharaoh with a strong hand. Pharaoh and the Egyptians may be having upper hand in their dealings with the Children of Israel before this time but the time of confrontation had come and they would be confronted by Him who is mightier than all.

Beloved, you may have all the while been boxed into a hard corner by circumstances beyond your control. It may be circumstances of birth, finance, physical inability or academic and may have abandoned hope, but now your time to be delivered has come, for God has determined to confront all your enemies that have created such hardship to you.

No matter who or what they are that are after you, your family, business, career, employment, health, marriage, etc, whether they be human beings, Satan or evil spirits, one thing is certain, God has decided to confront them.

Maybe these enemies are after your life, your career, etc, and they do not want you to prosper or be blessed; they may even want you dead and this has prompted you to be running from one place to another in search of solution that have been elusive till date. Never mind, the Lord shall confront them all regardless of what they may h a v e

been doing in your life materially, spiritually, physically, academically and otherwise. It may even at this moment seem to you that these evil entities are having the upper hand and as you reflect over their activities you tend to be sorrowful and asking rhetorically when will the solution manifest or where is God? Well, certainly there is an appointed time for everything and every purpose in this life and that appointed time for your enemies to be confronted is at hand.

You may have suffered for many years before now. Many things may be happening in and around you, of which it appears there are no answers to them and no man appears to be able to help or provide the needed succour, or who will withstand your enemies and you are pondering who will deliver you from all these evil spirits and satanic operations. Rest Res assured, God shall confront them and victory shall be yours in Jesus name.

Remember how God confronted LaRemem ban and his brethren on one hand and Pharaoh and a all his armies who pursued after Jacob on the other hand. The Lord will surely do same for you for it is your time of victory.

The possible enemies and examples po Beloved, Beloved our enemies are no other entities but the devil, his demons and even human ag agents. They could be witches and wizards, o occult men and women, marine spirit agen agents, unbelievers, wicked men and women an and all those who do not want to recognize the personality of God, constitute your enemies. The devil and his angry demons ar are our enemies and they go from place to pl place looking for victims.

1Peter 55:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because you your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walk walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Your e enemies are the devil and his agents. They Th oppose man in his best interests. They resist man’s efforts to do good, his intenti intention to return to God, his attempts to secure h his own salvation. Sometimes Satan is repr represented as transforming himself into an an angel of light, and sometimes, as here, as a rroaring lion indicating the efforts which he makes to intimidate and overpower us. The lion here is not the crouching lion - the lion stealth fully creeping towards his foe - but it is the raging monarch, who by hi his terrible roar would intimidate all so that they might become an easy prey.

Rev. 12 12:7-10 says, “And there was war in heaven heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the th dragon; and the dragon fought and his an angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

And the great dragon was cast out, that old se serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

PASSION

Sunday July 5, 2015

A Lifestyle Magazine

APPLAUSE ‘Mum encouraged me to become an actress’ >>27

My backside is hottest part of my body –Oluwaseyi

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Passion

Sunday, July 5, 2015

My backside is hottest part of my body –Oluwaseyi Superstar actress, Oluwaseyi Edun, fondly known as Eja Nla, is a Yoruba movie diva and producer, who has featured in many films. This marvellous artiste tells Adaeze Amos in this interview that she is naturally endowed and that her flipside is the hottest part is her body.

You are fondly known as Eja Nla; what does it mean?

‘Eja Nla’ is the title of a movie I produced some time ago and I got the name from a popular Nigerian hip-hop singer/entertainer, D’Banj. Because I love D’Banj, his music and personality so much, I just decided to come up with something unique and produced a movie around that name. The name stuck ever since.

Did you date secretly?

No, it never happened. In fact, I have not met him before. I just like his music and personality. I never dated him.

How did you become an actress?

I didn’t set out to be an actress. I joined the industry in 2009 through my younger sister who was a scriptwriter. I joined the House of Wisdom caucus. I graduated in 2011 and also produced my first movie.

Would you quit acting for marriage?

I won’t even date a man who won’t accept my profession.

What aspect of your life did you have to give up because of stardom?

The aspect of going out indiscriminately, especially when ‘Eja Nla’ was released in the market. Aside from movie locations, I hardly go out for functions.

What price did you pay to get to the level you are now?

Dedication, hard work and I believe it takes the grace of God to get to a higher stage in life.

What are the qualities of your ideal man?

My man must be God-fearing and understanding. Above all, you must love me for who I am.

You must have had a heart break. What happened and what did you do to overcome the pains?

Yes, I have and I don’t want to be heartbroken anymore. Heartbreak is not a good thing. When one is heartbroken, it hurts and weighs you down. You feel like your life has been thrown into a puddle and the truth is that it is the person that one loves that breaks one’s heart.

Today’s woman prefers sex before marriage unlike what was obtainable in the days of our grannies who valued virginity until they were married. Do you sub-

scribe to sex before marriage?

I have addressed this issue before and I aired my opinion. I didn’t say it is right. I only stated what I felt as an adult.

I didn’t encourage anyone to do it.

What part of your body do you consider the hottest?

I’m naturally end owe d , but I will say my butt is the hottest part of my body.

What has been your worst scandal in life?

When I aired my opinion on sex before marriage.

It was indeed a tough one though.

It wasn’t long you ventured into acting that you started producing your movies, how did you get the funds?

I’m into business as well. I sell fabrics.

What was the craziest thing a male fan did to you?

The day a fan said he wants to marry me because of the role I played in ‘Eja-Nla’. It was very funny.

What’s your dress sense?

I wear anything that suits me but it has to be simple and classy.

When dressing up for a red carpet event, what do you consider in order to stand out?

I have a fashion stylist, Linda Isika. Whenever I have red carpet, she is always there for me.

Mariolynns is her fashion label.

She is a fashionista too.

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Applause

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‘Mum encouraged me to become an actress’ ADAEZE AMOS

A

my Osabuohien, the CEO of Amy Media International, is an affable personality. She lives in the United Kingdom. This plump model, TV presenter and entrepreneur recently won two prizes in the United States, the ‘Blogger of the year award’ and ‘Extraordinary people of the year award’. She revealed that while growing up, it never occurred to her that one day, she would be a super model.

“I never thought about modelling when I was a child until I started it. And that was when people saw the talent in me. I truly never imagined I could be an international model. I left Nigeria at the age of 13, so I was pretty young.

My mum loved pictures so much that when I was a baby, she organised three professional photo shoots for me every year. Maybe, she had a vision of my future,” she recalled.

Amy started modelling in December 2011, precisely on a Christmas day.

“How it all began was that I first chatted with a childhood friend (Barbara) who was a fulltime model then, demanding to see her pictures. The moment I saw her pictures, I had the desire planted in me to at least try out modelling. I was always told I am photogenic. In that moment, I thought about my looks and I asked my mum if she felt I could be a model. She looked at me and asked me ‘why not’. That sentence gave me all the confidence I needed. I then registered with a modelling agency and took it into my hands to get as much experience as possible. My first shoot experience was in January 2012, it was cold and there was snow all over. The photographer was so proud I actually turned up for the shoot. It was a crazy but an amazing experience,” she said.

To Nigerian plump ladies who wish to be models, Amy has some words, “I know Nigeria is not used to the term plus-size or fuller-figured models. Each time I mention it here, I get blank stares from such ladies until they see my pictures and get convinced. So, I think Nigeria needs to give plus-size models a great opportunity. They should begin to see modelling in a different light. I feel the time for this change has come. Reason is that so many Nige-

rian ladies are curvy naturally and our men love our shape that way. Why should the modelling industry be all about slim sample size? So if you are a plus-size or fuller-figured and want to be a model, you have to turn criticisms into love. In other words, learn to ignore criticisms because you are more likely going to be confronted with that. Forge ahead and you will enjoy it the same way I’m enjoying mine. I have great opportunities in the modelling world internationally. I have been a commercial, fashion, print, promotional and catwalk model. Good enough, hot-walking and a good height are attributes I possess. So casting for catwalks favoured me tremendously. The amazing thing is that the experiences in the industry are unbelievable. Modelling is a world of its own, you get to meet so many people, network and have fun at the same time. It’s always nice to be made up by experts,” she emphasised.

Has she ever felt inferior in the midst of strikingly slender models?

“I have never felt inferior because I have always had confidence in myself and always believed I only want clients that actually want me. I know I am not slim and I never compared myself with any other fellow. I am obviously curvy and I feel that more when I’m shopping for dresses.

I do try on many outfits to find the right fit and a style that suits my shape,” she nexplained.

The on-air-personality recounted some of her job challenges.

“As a presenter, I am very particular about quality. I also run a blog that interlinks with all I do. On a regular radio day, I write pages of articles and discussion topics for my show. For me, it’s the most tasking aspect because I have to make a lot of research. By so doing, I have had a lot of feedbacks in my career. I have influenced people to think outside the box in terms of modelling and also young people to step outside of their comfort zones. Today, I am the CEO of Amy Media International with a team of over 30 young, creative individuals. Our teams are based in the UK, Nigeria, Germany, Ukraine, South Africa and Ghana,” she said.

Amy is indubitably a proud Nigerian.

“Yes, I am proudly Nigerian and that is represented in

everything I do. I deal in the African entertainment, culture, fashion and lifestyle. That is the ultimate task I feel I was destined to do. Take African entertainment to the next level, not only in Nigeria but in the Diaspora,” she said.

Though she lives in a country where nudity may mean little or nothing, she feels sad when she sees nude pictures of Nigerian ladies desperately seeking for attention on the internet.

“It is sad to see what some ladies reduce themselves to in the name of attention. It’s sad some people feel they need to go overboard to get to where they need to be,” she bemoaned.

She unveiled the ladies she aspires to be like.

“I see myself as a multi-talented individual. The ladies I truly look up to are Oprah, Tyra Banks and Kimora Lee Simmons. These women are not only strong entrepreneurs in their industries, they have successfully diversified and become masters in their fields,” she stated Amy, a graduate of Business Information Systems of the University of East London said, “People that have a-can’t-do attitude put her off. They find it easy to see negative outcomes but so hard to believe in anything that doesn’t seem normal. Small-minded people put me off truly.”

What makes her day? “Getting a feedback no matter how small makes my day. I love it when someone takes out time to leave a comment. This always charges me up to work more,” she said.

Some celebrities think marriage is secondary or less important. But this Edo State star thinks otherwise.

“Settling down would definitely happen with time.

Marriage is very important and I see myself with beautiful kids and an awesome husband. I am always going to be driven even in marriage,” she asserted.

On her life philosophy, she said, “I believe I am the only person that can hold myself back; so I am very open to learn and improve. My philosophy is to go for what I want, push myself and have high quality in my work.”

She said the lessons life has taught her are, “not to doubt myself and be willing to see positive things in every situation. It is okay to feel down but you cannot stay down.

You need to pick yourself up, dust off and carry on.”

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Sunday, July 5, 2015

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GROWING UP with

Aunty Titi

Hello children, How are you going about your studies? Ensure you do your home assignments and read your books so as to excel in your examinations. In this edition, there are motivating articles that are meant to improve your learning ability. Have a wonderful week.

The Raccoon

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he raccoon sometimes spelled raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. The raccoon is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in) and a body weight of 3.5 to 9 kg (8 to 20 lb). Its grayish coat mostly consists of dense under fur which insulates against cold weather.

Two of the raccoon ’s most distinctive features are its extremely dexterous front paws and its facial mask, which are themes in the mythology of several Native American ethnic groups.

Raccoons are noted for their intelligence, with studies showing that they are able to remember the solution to tasks for up to three years. The diet of the omnivorous raccoon, which is usually nocturnal, consists of about 40 per cent invertebrates, 33 per cent plant foods, and 27 per cent vertebrates.

The most characteristic physical feature of the raccoon is the area of black fur around the eyes, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding white face colouring. This is reminiscent of a “bandit ’s mask ” and has thus enhanced the animal ’s reputation for mischief.

The slightly rounded ears are also bordered by white fur. Raccoons are

assumed to recognize the facial expression and posture of other members of their species more quickly because of the conspicuous facial coloration and the alternating light and dark rings on the tail. The dark mask may also reduce glare and thus enhance night vision. On other parts of the body, the long and stiff guard hairs, which shed moisture, are usually colored in shades of gray and, to a lesser extent, brown. Raccoons with a very dark coat are more common in the German population because individuals with such coloring were among those initially released to the wild. The dense under fur, which accounts for almost 90% of the coat, insulates against cold weather and is composed of 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long hairs.

The raccoon, whose method of locomotion is usually considered to be plant grade, can stand on its hind legs to examine objects with its front paws. As raccoons have short legs compared to their compact torso, they are usually not able either to run quickly or jump great distances. Their top speed over short distances is 16 to 24 km/h (10 to 15 mph). Raccoons can swim with an average speed of about 5 km/h (3 mph) and can stay in the water for several hours. For climbing down a tree head-

first —an unusual ability for a mammal of its size —a raccoon rotates its hind feet so they are pointing backwards. Raccoons have a dual cooling system to regulate their temperature; that is, they are able to both sweat and pant for heat dissipation.

The most important sense for the raccoon is its sense of touch. The “hyper sensitive “front paws are protected by a thin horny layer which becomes pliable when wet. The five digits of the paws have no webbing between them, which is unusual for a carnivoran.

Almost two-thirds of the area responsible for sensory perception in the raccoon ’s cerebral cortex is specialized for the interpretation of tactile impulses, more than in any other studied animal. They are able to identify

objects before touching them with vibrissae located above their sharp, non retractable claws. The raccoon ’s paws lack an opposable thumb; thus, it does not have the agility of the hands of primates. There is no observed negative effect on tactile perception when a raccoon stands in water below 10 °C (50 °F) for hours.

Raccoons are thought to be colour blind or at least poorly able to distinguish color, though their eyes are well-adapted for sensing green light. Although their accommodation of 11 dioptre is comparable to that of humans and they see well in twilight because of the tapetum lucidum behind the retina, visual perception is of subordinate importance to raccoons because of their poor long-distance vision.

that I was the happiest bird around until I saw a parrot, which has two colors. I now think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation. ” The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, “I lived a very happy life until I saw a peacock. I have only

two colors, but the peacock has multiple colors. ” The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him. After the people had left, the crow approached the peacock.

“Dear peacock, ” the crow said, “you are so beautiful. Every day thousands of people come to see you. When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet. ” The peacock replied, “I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am entrapped in this zoo. I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. So for past few days I have been thinking that if I were a crow, I could happily roam everywhere. ” That ’s our problem too. We make unnecessary comparison with others and become sad. We don ’t value what God has given us. This all leads to the vicious cycle of unhappiness. Learn to be happy in what you have instead of looking at what you don ’t have. There will always be someone who will have more or less than you have.

Person who is satisfied with what he/she has is the happiest person in the world.

Once upon a time

Who is Happy? The Peacock and the Crow

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crow lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied in life. But one day he saw a swan. “This swan is so white, ” he thought, “and I

am so black. This swan must be the happiest bird in the world. ” He expressed his thoughts to the swan.

“Actually, ” the swan replied, “I was feeling

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

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Dude Style ‘I like to look unique’ Multi-talented artiste, John Agoha, is a singer, song writer, model and fashion consultant. In this interview with Victor Udoh, he speaks about his new video, ‘Chokomilo’, where he featured Dammy Krane. He also talks about his dress sense. Excerpts: What is behind your style of dressing?

I dress this way because I want to look different; I like to look unique from every other person. I believe my style is always unique and on point.

What is your understanding of fashion?

I think fashion is a gift from God; it is not something you buy from the market.

And you need to start from kindergarten to learn how to dress and also carry yourself.

I am happy that a lot of Nigerians don’t toy anymore with their dressing. It is a plus for our fashion industry and shows we are improving. Also, fashion is a must because you must look good in order to attract good people. Looking good is good business.

What is your style signature?

I love white and blue, and a touch of black.

Do you get angry over any type of dressing you don’t like?

Yes, especially when a public personality wears something I don’t like. They should be a role model. People should go to the internet and research what is in vogue and trendy. Take Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) for instance, I love the way he dresses. He is always impeccably dressed.

What fashion item forms the larger part of your wardrobe?

I love casuals a lot, followed by a bit of corporate wears. However, I love shoes a lot and have over 120 pairs. Though I don’t tell people this, I have pairs of shoes I bought over three years ago that I am yet to wear.

Who is your fashion role model?

Funnily enough, my role model in terms of fashion is not a celebrity as such. He is a pastor and has 620 pairs of shoes in his wardrobe. I won’t mention his name; he is my good friend.

What fashion item can’t you be caught in?

I can never be caught in ‘busy on busy’ because it is wrong. Even when I am at home, anything I wear must complement the other. If I should wear black palm sandals, I must wear a black belt or shirt to complement it.

What do you do?

I am a singer cum song writer, model and fashion consultant. For now, I consult for two banks. I consult for them in terms of how they can look good. I really love fashion a lot.

What is your philosophy of life?

I want to be happy and to be loved by

people. I also want to meet personalities and get them to know about me too.

What project do you have at hand at present?

I just shot a new video titled ‘Chokomilo’. It features Dammy Krane and was directed by one of Nigeria’s finest, Mattmax. The song is all about love, and it is produced by TBO. The video will be released today. I see it as a huge privilege to feature one of the best artistes in Nigeria. For me, it is great one.

How was your growing up?

It was boring because my mother wanted me to be a pastor and never allowed me to associate with other kids. She always kept me indoors. She was quite strict with my upbringing and watched me closely.

It was a triangular movement of going to church from home, then assist at her restaurant. Growing up for me was very boring, but now I am very free. Sometimes my friends would say I groove a lot, but I tell them that I didn’t have the opportunity to do so when I was small.

What is the greatest embarrassment you have encountered?

The greatest embarrassment of my life was when I performed at A.Y Live three years ago.

The clothes I donned there, made by my designer, was nonsense. I was uncomfortable in it, and a lot people that came observed that what I wore was not good enough for my brand. I felt very bad performing on stage as a result.

What’s your advice for upcoming artistes?

They should stay focused and committed to their dream; do good music, believe in themselves.

They should also talk less, work more and be the best they can, and above all, respect God.

29 victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

You can call this line 08050324794

CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS JULY 5, 2015

I love his simplicity –Bride

F

riends, colleagues and loved ones of the Fagbuyiro Olajide and Adeniyi Mosunmola families recently rejoiced with them as they tied the nuptial knots.

The solemnisation of their marriage took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Mercy, KetuIkosi, Lagos State, while the reception followed immediately at Joraf Event Centre, Ketu, Lagos.

The groom who is a staff of National Mirror said, “I met my partner in the church, though I knew her for over a year and we attended workers in training together for over eight months. There was no relationship as we related as brothers and sisters from a distance and that was in 2013.

“Until August 2014, that I dreamt about both of us, I told my pastor about it and she was invited. She was asked to go and pray about it for some weeks and when she came back after the prayers she made her intention known. Our pastor invited both of us, prayed for us and gave us the consent to our relationship that we can

BABIES OF THE WEEK Daniel Ademokun

D start our courtship. ” According to the bride, “I love my husband ’s simplicity, he is caring and God-fearing. For the groom, “she is honest, caring and a good planner. ” It was an event marked with sophistication and lovely display of romance from the couple as they dazzled everyone in their simple, yet striking native attire.

The couple, whose wedding theme was based on their love story enjoyed themselves at the wedding and carried themselves gracefully in their outfits.

Guests were gorgeously dressed in different colours and styles of outfits. It was indeed an event to be remembered as there was so much to eat and drink.

In attendance were the staff of National Mirror, friends of the groom and bride from far and near.

Joy as Osas Ighodaro, Gbenro Ajibade wed

aniel Ademokun was born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ademokun and he weighed 3kg at birth.

For Mrs. Tayo Ademokun, a first time mother, it wasn ’t until the seventh week that she knew she was pregnant.

According to her, “I never knew I was pregnant at all. I always had irregular periods in the past, so I felt it was the same thing that was happening, without knowing I was already pregnant.

She told Sunday Mirror that she was so excited to finally have her son around such that she

constantly wanted to play with him even when he was asleep.

On her pregnancy period, she calls it a time of learning new things about every part of her body.

“It was as if he was just coming to terms with my body, because I think I experienced different changes every day. There are times I would feel like eating certain foods, and at other times, such foods would nauseate or sicken me, ” said the mother.

The Ademokuns said they named their baby Daniel because, “Just like Daniel in the Bible, we want our son to be brave. ”

Ugochi Catherine Ugochi

TITILOPE MORAKINYO

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t was joy for the families of Ighodaro and Ajibade recently as they witnessed the traditional wedding of their son and daughter.

For the newly-wedded couple, Osas and Gbenro, it was fulfilment of divine establishment as the serene town of Benin was avid in funfair.

It was indeed splendour for former Miss Osas Ighodaro who hails from there.

The classy wedding was graced by notable people in the entertainment world such as AY the comedian, Ushbebe, Emmanuel Ikubese, Chigul, Waje, Cynthia Morgan, Timaya, Ozzy Agu, Stephanie Coker and Linda Ejiofor, among others.

The colours displayed by families and friends of the couple ranged from silver, white to blue while both families lavishly entertained their guests with assorted food, wine and drink.

The bride looked eye-catching in her cream blouse and wrapper with a cream and gold headgear. She matched her look with a gold clutch purse, shoes and beautiful accesso-

U ry. Gbenro complemented his bride in his cream and gold native attire.

According to the couple, “we had such an amazing time and to sum up our feeling for the day it has to be “love ”. We felt so much love from all our families, friends, fans, supporters and well wishes. We certainly felt the love and thank you all so much for it.

We look forward to our wedding ceremony in New York, United States.

Comedians AY and Ushbebe shared MC duties, while Cynthia Morgan and Waje surprised the bride and groom with performances.

At the end, it was all smiles as the couple, families and friends moved to the venue of the reception and everyone had fun as there was dancing, singing and enjoyment of an amazing array of foods, drinks and desserts.

gochi Catherine Ugochi was born to the family of Amadi and Kenneth Ugorji. She weighed 2.8kg at birth.

She is named Catherine after the great evangelist, Catherine Khulman, who was God ’s arrowhead.

During her pregnancy, the mother recalled, she didn ’t stress me much.

“I could remember when I was pregnant; I worked till about the eighth month. I ate very well and particularly liked eating banana, which accounted for her being very strong. I didn ’t want to stay in the delivery room for so long. My

husband and I asked God in prayer for a period of just five minutes for both the labour and delivery.

God answered our prayer that the midwife and the doctor were surprised as that was my first time in labour, ” the mother recounted.

Ugo Baby, as she is fondly called, is loved by her parents for her beautiful smiles.

“She is strong and very active. She loves music which calms her when she cries. The knowledge that helped me when I was pregnant is a book entitled, ‘Supernatural Childbirth ’, ” she said.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What to wear …to a mullet style event …

JULY 5, 2015

S

tylist, Dupe of Dupsie Fashion House launched nched her styles penultimate Saturday and on her invitation card was boldly written, ‘Come dressed ed in mullet dress for a mullet affair’. She chose this maybe mulle because the dresses she showcased were mullet. Itt is a becau style that has been hot in the fashion circle in the e past years and it is still in vogue. two y Thus, if you are going to such an event and you want Th to be simply dressed in a mullet dress, check out what Osquares Reflections Collection model wore on this Osqu page and take a cue from her.

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Perfect Cut

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Circle-midi-skirt

African Look Go stylish in girlish African print dresses ADAEZE AMOS

I

f you want to look younger than your actual age, then slip into simple and girlish African print dresses. You may complement with a plain fabric which would allow the rich colours of the print glow.

If you’re confused, check out how the model in orange shoes had a plain light brown taffeta fabric on the bodice of her dress. You too can do that or better still use another fabric for the cape.

Ensure you mix-match it properly with another fabric if you actually wish to look different.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, July 5, 2015

ts, now rave of the times S

kirts are back with a bang! Not just any skirt, but circle-midi-skirts, of course. This trend is one of the most flattering silhouettes that look good on almost every figure. Aren’t you thrilled? It sure is a must have in every woman’s wardrobe.

Since the 1950s, women have accentuated their waist lines in these skirts and looked simply irresistible. If you say this is the best way to look elegant, you are right!

If you care to slip into this style of skirt, then abide by these tips If your top/blouse has a looser fabric, then grab a belt and hold it firm on you. *Heels are a must accessory for this style of skirt. Or better still, check out the models on this page and catch the feel...

Perfect Cut

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L

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OVE

TALK

Sunday, July 5, 2015

with Yemisi

Adeniran

Tips to spice up your relationship

T

he year is already in its half and one will think everyone is kind of evaluating his or endeavour so far. If you are doing that, I want to you to include your love life too. Is it getting better or boring? If you think your love towards your spouse or his own towards you appears to be dwindling, I think you should do something for a better rating at the end of the year.

Honestly, whether your relationship is old or very old, it will become interesting if you will adopt any of these tips.

Make intimacy a priority. It’s easy to get caught up in our lives and feel too busy for intimacy, especially if we’ve been with someone for awhile. However, relationships that leave one or both parties feeling unsatisfied just can’t last. Make time for intimacy to keep the fire burning strong. You can achieve this by doing any of the following: •If you have kids that are a bit older, tell them that you’ve both had a very long day and you’re tired so you’re going to go to bed.

•If you have younger kids, get them into bed at a fairly early hour.

•Avoid only being intimate very sporadically, like when you take trips or set aside a “date or a night out” once or twice a year. This is not good for a relationship.

Become the master of the kiss. Being a great kisser is important and being a bad one can be a real turn-off.

Master the art of kissing before trying to master anything else!

Emphasize consent. Make sure that everyone involved is happy and is given the opportunity of full consent on what to do and where to be for any special treat.

Models

Ditch the cultural hype. Don’t expect sex to be like it is in porn and don’t expect your partner to look like a supermodel. And especially don’t expect yourself to look one way or another. This will make you and them insecure and uncomfortable, reducing pleasure for everyone involved. Just have it the way it comes and make it sweet and slow.

Do some research. If you want to find out more about what feels good to your partner, do some research. Read romance novels written for that gender or read advice columns online to find out ideas of what feels good and what doesn’t. You can also get tips from relevant discussions between you too and others.

Be appealing. We don’t mean lose weight or get bigger. Your partner is hooked with you because they already think you’re good enough for them. When we say be appealing, we mean have good hygiene. Wear decent clothes. Look inviting, desirable, smell good, change the shape and the mood of the house, especially the

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

bedroom. Don’t allow yourself to look clumsy and remember that many people are turned off by the smell of week-old sweat.

Watch your partner’s reactions. Watch how your partner reacts to things. If they respond well to something you do, do more of that! If they seem uncomfortable, stop! Look for the subtle cues they give you, like putting your hand in a certain place. You can even try mimicking the things that they do to you as oftentimes it is their way of asking for something in particular.

Slow down. Slow down everything about your intimate relationship. Build up to intimate acts slowly, by embracing the subtle art of The Make Out and other types of foreplay. You should slow down the act itself too! This extends and heightens pleasure for all involved parties.

Be unselfish. You need to get enjoyment from your intimate relationship, but focusing on your partner and making sure that they are satisfied and feeling amazing will go a long way towards improving the relationship and making them want to reciprocate.

Explore your partner. We all know the few basic places our partners like to be touched, but don’t forget to explore their whole body! People are sensitive in all sorts of places and to all sorts of different degrees. You may find that your partner goes nuts if you kiss them on the back of their knee! You never know!

Switch things up. Don’t let your intimate relationship become a routine. Avoid using the same positioning or the same location or the same time of day. Making a routine takes away a lot of the romance and enjoyment for everyone. Break out of your box and switch things up every now and again to keep your romance alive.

Be open minded. Human sexuality, like most things with humans, is incredibly complex. Everyone is different. And because we are all different, the range for what is actually normal is incredibly large. Never close your mind to anything, because you may be surprised at how much you or your partner enjoy something you never considered before. Try things, and if you enjoy them, keep doing it!

Enjoy !

Sexual solutions and love products for adults Last year, I found out that my husband was having an affair with his secretary. I confronted him about it and we discussed the matter for a long time. Eventually we decided that we can both have a threesome with a person of our choosing every once in a while, so that I can live out my fantasy too. It is only fair. We have only had this threesome a few times with another woman and it has added new energy to our love life. Is it something you will recommend to couples? – Ijeoma Ijeoma I will not advice married people to go and have sex with other people. These sorts of sexual experiments very easily spiral out of control. In addition to violating the sanctity of marriage, it also subjects the couple to a greater risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

Condoms cannot prevent everything. Also what if you are not in the mood for a threesome one day and your husband continues having sex with these other women behind your back? It will kill you. What if he starts enjoying sex with one of these women more than he enjoys sex with you? The jealousy that will result from this will be brutal. What if he falls in love with her and dumps you to marry her? That is the worst and it happens. So the outcome of sex with other people is very unpredictable. There are certain things you may get away with when you are single. But once you are married, you have so much to lose when it backfires. Marriage is hard already. No need complicating it further.

It is normal for sex between two couples in a long term relationship to get boring after a while. That is why men and women explore the adult products we talk about weekly in order to create variety in their lives. But thinking that you can save your marriage by exposing it to greater dangers is pure folly. Many relationship councilors will tell you the same thing – Uche Please I am looking for the Cyber Skin G Spot vibrator?

I bought it from you years ago but I lost it recently when I was moving to a new house. I also need something that can turn me on - Georgina

Call the numbers below for that vibrator. As for a quick aphrodisiac, have you ever tried Kangaroo for her or Total Diva? They are all fast acting and powerful arousal supplements for women that work for days – Uche I am taking X Again Platinum Enhancer for my weak erection and even though I am impressed with the results, I just started hearing of this other new supplement called Max Stamina. Should I switch? Anim There are many supplements in the market. The most important thing you must ask yourself is whether the one you are taking is working for you. If X Again Platinum Enhancer works for you, I recommend sticking with it.

But if you want to try Max Stamina, of course you can.

It is a daily supplement that gives firm erections, stops premature ejaculation and also gives performance stamina. X Again Platinum Enhancer on the other hand does everything that Max Stamina does and also enlarges the penis in addition to working for three to four days. We brought in Max Stamina to give consumers more variety and a cheaper option to the bigger supplements – Uche I bought the Liquid Sex Vagina Tightener and Encounter Orgasm Gel. I wanted to use both of them on Saturday but I got confused as to how to use them – Jumoke First you apply the Vagina Tightening Gel all the way inside the vaginal tunnel, five or ten minutes before intercourse. After that, you then massage the orgasm gel on the clitoris alone and then intercourse can proceed – Uche A friend gave me one tablet of a drug called Kangaroo. She said she bought it from you and I normally read your column. I took it on Saturday night and up till Tuesday, I kept feeling horny and having sex like a mad person. What is this? - Queen Kangaroo for her is a very potent aphrodisiac for women and the effects of one tablet last for three to four days. By Wednesday, you will get back to normal.

It is very powerful and women love it – Uche That is all for today. The names of the people fea-

tured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday, July 5, 2015

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos 08023012293 (SMS ONLY)

D- Honorable

Avoid diarrhoea when pregnant

D

iarrhoea is not good for anyone and indeed is not desirable for someone pregnant. When Eunice had it before she got pregnant, she was dehydrated and so weak that she felt like fainting. After she was treated, she dreaded it even more now that she is heavy with child.

Diarrhoea during pregnancy is one of the unfortunate discomforts that may be experienced.

This simply means “flowing through” and is defined as having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements in a 24-hour period. If you are experiencing three runny, watery bowel movements in one day, the main concern is to stay hydrated. You can lose a significant amount of fluids when experiencing diarrhoea during pregnancy. Medical experts say dehydration can be serious, even deadly. “You will need to make sure you are re-hydrating yourself. Diarrhoea is rarely life-threatening, but it shouldn’t be taken too lightly, especially while pregnant,” they say.

You therefore need to be careful not to contract it but in case you are afflicted, here are things you must know, and do, if you find yourself visiting the rest room too often.

The preventive measure is to know what actually caused it so as to avoid those things.

Medics have said that diarrhoea is caused by something that originates outside your body which at times may not be necessarily harmful. It is unlike constipation, which can be caused by pregnancy’s fluctuating hormones. There are actually things that can cause diarrhoea during pregnancy that have nothing to do with hormones or lifestyle changes. When you first find out you are pregnant, you may make sudden changes in your diet to ensure your baby is getting

‘I trekked to school to accumulate money for my babe’

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the nutrients they need. If you change the food you eat, that can sometimes cause an upset stomach or diarrhoea.

Food poisoning is one of the causes. Intestinal parasites or simple stomach flu may cause it. If you are down with it, don’t think it is what you can manage on your own. Go and see your doctor so as to be first tested and treated, especially when it persists for more than two days.

When stools are bloody with mucus or are purely liquid. If ignored, you may start getting dehydrated and worst still, it can cause premature labour.

Have you seen why you need to take it seriously when you suspect you have it?

While you are being treated, keep away from foods that would worsen your situation and try adding the following to your diet. *Add starchy foods like potatoes, unsweetened cereals and crackers. *Vegetables such as cooked carrots. *Non-milk-based soups with noodles, rice, and/or vegetables. *Lean meats. *Yogurt, especially with live, active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus.

he naughtiest thing I did makes me laugh even till date each time I remember it. There was this girl I was crazy about when I was in secondary school. I wouldn’t want to reveal her name for security reasons.

I desperately needed to impress her by all means. I wanted to take her out perhaps to an eatery and spoil her silly; you know what I mean.

But I had a shortcoming, hindrance to achieve my goal. Because my entire wish was centred on this, I made up my mind to do it. I had no money and I didn’t want to steal my father’s.

What I did was to save up the little transportation money my father used to give to me every morning for school.

I decided to be waking up early enough and got prepared for school. By so doing, I had enough time to trek to school. It was a long distance but I summoned the strength to trek without complaining.

While I walked and sweated it out, all I had in my mind was how to please my babe. Nothing else mattered. I didn’t see it as a punishment rather as a goal I needed to accomplish. I did the trekking for a whole week before I could have enough to take her out.

When I took her out, you need to see how I bought things in the eatery for her, very proudly. I was glad I impressed her at the end of the day. When I remember that now, I laugh honestly. How naughty I was for trekking to school a whole week just to impress a girl.

D-Honorable is a comedian whose real name is Josiah Chuks –ADAEZE AMOS

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Sunday, July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shrimp coconut rice

S

hrimp coconut rice is prepared just the same way as the classic coconut rice although it’s by far more interesting and flavorful with all the colorful vegetables and shellfish added which gives it more appeal. To make it shrimpier, you could simply increase the amount of shrimp you intend adding to it.

Ingredients • 2 whole coconuts • 3 cups of rice • 200g Fresh shrimp • 1 cup meat stock (either chicken stock, beef stock or turkey stock) • 2 seasoning cubes •salt to taste •1 Green pepper • Spring onions • 1 red bell pepper or 4 chilies •1/2 red onion •½ cup vegetable oil/ Butter Directions Rinse the rice with clean water and place in a pot. Add just enough water to cover the rice in the pot and cook

on medium heat for 10 minute. This is done to remove excess starch in the rice to prevent it from sticking together. Transfer the rice into a separate bowl and run clean water through it.

Set aside.

Break the coconuts, remove the flesh and extract the milk Pour the milk extract into a pot, add the parboiled rice, meat stock, shrimps, seasoning (in case the meat seasoning is not enough) and salt to taste.

Cover the pot and leave the rice to cook for about 15 minutes till the liquid in the pot dries up.

While the rice cooks, chop the carrots, spring onions, bell peppers into smaller bits. Pour the vegetable oil or melt the butter in a pan. Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minute.

By now the rice would have absorbed the coconut and stock liquid.

Add the stir-fried vegetables into the coconut rice and mix. Leave to cook further for about 5 minutes more before turning off the burner.

The Prisoner Wine

T

he Prisoner Wine is a creative blend of 44 per cent Zinfandel, 20 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 16 per cent Petite Sirah, as well as Syrah, Grenache and Chardonnay. This dense, full-bodied, opulent red reveals gutsy, rich, peppery, meaty, blackberry, blackcurrant and licorice notes. A savory, lusty, heady red, it begs for a grilled steak or a big, juicy hamburger.”

Aromas of briar fruits and dried cherry are accented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, tiers of blueberry, ripe mulberry and boysenberry give way to an edge of espresso, cracked pepper and a seasoning of fall spice.

These dense aromas and flavors culminate in a lingering finish framed by refined tannins.

The Prisoner Founder and Winemaker Dave Phinney’s deep respect for the vineyards is rooted in an early attempt to make a sophisticated wine from a difficult site. Although he was frustrated by a situation that had him using every tool at his disposal and still coming up short, he learned lessons that inform his vineyard selection process now.

“I came away from that experience with the unshakable belief that if you put your emphasis on the vineyard, what follows is much easier,” he says. “The vineyard is everything.”

Most of Phinney’s time is spent exploring vineyard sites, meeting with growers and selecting the fruit that will be vinified and blended into The Prisoner. His method for vineyard selection includes assessing the site, soil, varietal, grower and provenance, or the history, of the vineyard.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Growing Up

Sunday, July 5, 2015

WHO INVENTED WHAT?

POP

Thor Bjørklund discovered the popular cheese slicer

T

hor Bjørklund was a Norwegian inventor. He is best known as the inventor of a popular cheese slicer which developed into an important Norwegian export product.

He was apprenticed as cabinet maker. He also attended the Arts and Crafts School in Oslo. He was employed for some time as a

TONGUE TWISTER

Esau Wood sawed wood.

Esau Wood would saw wood with a wood saw.

Esau ’s wood saw would saw wood!

One day, Wood ’s wood saw would saw no wood, So Wood sought a wood saw that would.

Then, Wood saw a wood saw saw wood as no Wood saw Wood ever saw wood sawed wood.

So Wood sought the wood saw that sawed wood As no wood saw Wood ever saw ever sawed.

Now Wood saws wood with the wood saw Wood Saw wood as no wood saw Wood ever saw would wood saw wood.

WORDS ON MARBLES

The sculptor produces the beautiful statue by chipping away such parts of the marble block as are not needed - it is a process of elimination.

– Elbert Hubbard

A

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master carpenter. He began to experiment with a carpenter ’s plane in the hope that he could create something similar for use in the kitchen. He succeeded. To start with, he made cheese slicers from his workshop, and on 27 February 1925 he patented the object which is today found in most households in the Nordic countries.

JOKE

little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.

The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

RIDDLES

QUESTION If I drink, I die. If I eat, I am fine. What am I? ANSWER-A fire!

QUESTION-Throw away the outside and cook the inside, then eat the outside and throw away the inside.

What is it?

ANSWER- Corn on the cob, because you throw away the husk, cooks and eats the kernels, and throw away the cob.

QUESTION- What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

ANSWER-Short QUESTION- What travels around the world but stays in one spot?

ANSWER- A stamp!

QUESTION-If I have it, I don ’t share it. If I share it, I don ’t have it. What is it?

ANSWER- A Secret.

A

DO YOU KNOW?

n Alligator can go through 3000 teeth in a lifetime and the muscle in an alligator ’s jaw evolved to bite and grip prey. The muscles that close the jaws are exceptionally powerful, but the muscles for opening their jaws are comparatively weak while their main preys are smaller animals, they can kill and eat with a single bite and they kill larger prey by grabbing it and dragging

it into the water to drown.

Alligators consume food that cannot be eaten in one bite by allowing it to rot, or by biting and then spinning convulsing wildly until bite-sized chunks are torn off.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

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Movies & Music

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

2Face, Asa, P-Square, others nominated for MAMA award

T

en of Africa’s most influential and iconic contemporary musicians have been nominated for the “Evolution” award, to be presented at the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal (MAMA) 2015.

Nominated in the category are 2Face (Nigeria), Anselmo Ralph (Angola), Asa (Nigeria), Black Coffee (South Africa), Chameleone (Uganda),D’Banj (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC), HHP (South Africa), PSquare (Nigeria) and Samini (Ghana).

According to Channel Director, MTV Base, Tim Horwood, “The MAMA “Evolution” award honours established artistes who have made

an indelible mark on African and global music culture, taken African music to new territories around the world, pushed the boundaries of creativity, and shaped the sounds cape of contemporary Africa.”

The winner of the Evolution award will be decided jointly by MTV Base and music fans voting online, and via Twitter and Instagram.

The show will also be transmitted worldwide on partner stations and content platforms including BET International from 18 July. In addition, a special MAMA-themed edition of MTV’s acclaimed World Stage franchise will air globally on MTV channels around the world on August 27, 2015.

2Face

Rihanna causes frenzy at BET Awards 2015 S he lived up to this reputation at the BET Awards that held at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, US last Sunday when she appeared at the ceremony with a roll of duct tape, which she playfully stuck over the mouth of her seat partner, Floyd Mayweather.

As though that was not enough, the 27-year-old singer raised the buzz a notch higher when she angrily threw a stack of money at Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming, minutes before she went on stage to introduce a preview of her ‘Bitch Better Have My Money’ music video.

Expectedly, the ‘drama’ created a buzz on social media with several fans chiding her for publicly embarrassing Hill, ‘Ummm why is Rihanna throwing her bag at the CEO and Chairman of BET. Aka Stephen Hill? @bluray tweeted.

“Did Rihanna just flip out on homeboy?” another viewer observed.

A few minutes after however, Hill posted a picture of himself and Riri on his Instagram with the caption ‘We kissed and made up’, which suggests it could have been staged.

Safe to say that she had fun despite losing the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award to Beyonce. Other winners of the night include Chris Brown who won Best Male R&B/Pop Artiste, Nicki Minaj for Best Female Hip Hop Artiste and Kendrick Lamar for Best Male Hip Hop catRihanna egory.

Benjamin, Danielle dazzle in romantic movie Mum, Dad Meet Sam FilmOne Distribution, the brand synonymous with the theatrical distribution of box office smash hits, and Restless Distribution are proud to announce that the highly pulsating romantic comedy film, Mum Dad Meet Sam (MDMS), will hit cinemas across Nigeria from July 10th 2015.

Joseph Benjamin brings on his charming personality and poise with his scintillating performance, alongside UK top comedian, AY Dot, dishing out ceaseless rib cracking lines, and the stunningly delightful beauty to behold, English sweetheart, Danielle Down. The awesome trio coupled with Segilola Ogidan, Edith Nwekenta, Anthony Ofoegbu, Helen Gold, amidst the web of a flawless production, makes MDMS, a film to watch. Having had its world premiere in December 2014, with the crème de la crème of entertainment in the UK attending and showering encomiums on the high end production, and the endless accolades from movie buffs and critics, movie goers in Nigeria will no doubt enjoy the ride in the MDMS roller coaster.

The movie unveils Josiah Abiola (Joseph Benjamin) who is at the peak of his career. The only thing left is to find the perfect girl to settle down with, and Samantha Smith (Daniella Down) is stunning, intelligent, and pretty much fits the picture.

Both meet and fall in love and might just be perfect for each other. He decides to take her home to meet his family in Nigeria. What is meant to be a special occasion turns out to be their worst nightmare. Throw in a cocktail of the devious exgirlfriend Morenike (Edith Nwekenta), an over protective, overdramatic mother (Helen Gold).

The Nigerian cinema release of MDMS is also marks the first time that FilmOne Distribution partners with Restless Distribution on a local release. Restless is the worldwide distributor of the film, and will roll out MDMS in other territories around the globe following the Nigerian release.

“We are proud to be partnering with FilmOne on this exciting release, when it comes to Nigeria FIlmOne are the market leaders in cinema entertainment, and we hope to partner on many exciting titles in the near future” Head of Restless Distribution, Mr. Tendeka Matatu, said.

According to the CEO of FilmOne distribution, Mr. Kene Mkparu, “FilmOne has a pedigree of releasing highly entertaining movies which appeals to Nigerians and Non-Nigerians domiciled in the country. MDMS is no exception in our repertoire of releases. It’s a fun filled movie and those who watch the movie are guaranteed to visually savor every scene and get their monies worth”.

MDMS, is an OKP film production by UK based Nigerians, Segilola Ogidan, and Edit Nkwetha. The producers urge movie buffs, lovers, goers, critics to troop to the cinemas upon its release, and to bask in the euphoria of this quality cinematic production.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, July 5, 2015

39

Why we are investigating Davido –NDLEA M.I, Iceprince assume

leadership roles at Chocolate City

T

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the body is investigating pop star, Davido following activities in the video of his Meek Mill featured single, ‘Fans Mi’.

The agency is currently investigating the matter and would take necessary actions against Davido following the depictions of hard drugs in the Sesan Ogunro directed video.

According to the NDLEA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency is investigating the matter and would take necessary action.“The agency considers the musical video ‘Fans Mi’ inappropriate and indecent. It has the tendency to negatively influence and induce drug use and trafficking. Besides, it is counter-productive on the campaign against drug production, trafficking and abuse. The agency is investigating the matter and will take necessary action.”

In the video, Davido scammed a criminal when he sold him yam flour packaged as hard drugs. Davido was later shown having a bite after he was served a portion of the prepared yam flour in the video.

Released few weeks ago, the video has already crossed one million views on video sharing site.

C

hocolate City Music Group has announced a new set of officials following Audu Maikori’s decision to step down as the label’s CEO after 10 years of his leadership.

The new CEO of the label is MI Abaga with rapper, Iceprince taking the reins as the Vice President of the label.

The announcement was made on Twitter by Audu Maikori who would assume duties as the President of Chocolate City Music Group by July 1, 2015. Others on board of the Chocolate City Music Group are Hakeem Bello Osagie, Yahaya Maikori and Paul Okeugo.

Audu Maikori founded Chocolate City with Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori in 2005 and has been CEO for 10 years during which they released 10 albums and signed 14 artistes with several awards to their name.

Davido

Ice Prince

Gbenga Adeyinka, Okey Bakassi enroll with NEIHIS

A

cross the length and breadth of the country, more and more entertainers, both young and old have continued to identify with the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Scheme, NEIHIS, and the prominent entertainers are not left out.

Talented comedians, actors and great comperes, Gbenga Adeyinka and Okey Bakassi have also joined fellow premier entertainers who have enrolled with the scheme. They were both recently presented with their official documents and other healthcare packages.

Speaking during his official presentation, Adeyinka who also doubles as an ambassador to the scheme says having an insurance policy of this nature is long overdue. “This initiative is one of the best things that happened to our industry in recent years and it is high time we all as entertainers come on board to join this laudable project. I have decided to safeguard future worries by been part of a well-thought insurance scheme for members of the entertainment industry”, he said.

Okey Bakassi also spoke highly of the initiative. “Health is wealth and is always good to have a good healthcare plan in case of emergencies. NEIHIS is a well thought-out plan for the

Adeyinka

practitioners of the entertainment industry.”

The Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Scheme (NEIHIS) is an initiative of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Lecture Series (NEILS) and endorsed by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Laide Bakare acquires G-Wagon in New York

N

Benjamin

Bakare

ot minding the controversy that is trailing her husband or her acting career Nollywood Actress Laide Bakare, is currently living large in the US not minding whose ox is gored. Laide, we can report here for free has just acquired a brand new G-Wagon Benz and 2015 Honda Pilot which drilled lot of holes in her bank account Apart from we learnt that she is also on a shopping spree as she plans to return to Nigeria soon.

She was photographed at the Louis Vuitton store where she was served a glass of champagne for being a good customer. She was also pictured in a new G-Wagon she just bought and hopes to ship to Nigeria. But what is however not clear is whether she will come home to Nigeria with her wanted husband or she will be here all alone to resurrect her dying profession-acting, which has nose diving of late.

40

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Lessons of Life TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART

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

‘My husband has abandoned me for his father ’s widow ’ (2) Clementina was married to Pa James, (Maxwell ’s father) for five years before he died. Six months after the man ’s death, she started dating his son who already was married with two children.

Ruth, Maxwell ’s wife, didn ’t like what was happening between her husband and Clementina, and she was enraged.

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I was short of words when I heard all she said. What pained me more was that Maxwell, my husband, heard all that she said to me and was mute. Even when she said that I should allow my husband choose between both of us, he still didn ’t say anything. He only blamed me for approaching her first, ” she bemoaned.

What shocked Ruth to her bones was the incident that happened immediately after the family meeting which they held concerning Clementina and Maxwell.

“The family came together one evening for a meeting.

That was the first meeting that was held after my father in-law ’s burial. My motherin-law was present and was frowning. The only people we didn ’t allow to attend were my children and Clementina ’s children. We felt they were too young to start listening to how their grandfather ’s widow was sleeping with their dad. To me, it was a shameful thing but Clementina and Maxwell saw it as normal. My mother-in-law, a no nonsense woman was the first to speak. She said it was an abomination for Clementina to seduce her first son who was married to me.

And that she wondered why that should happen because I had been able to give her children and was even ready to bear more for him if that was what he needed. We all listened and she spoke at length fuming and cursing.

When she asked Clementina to leave her son alone for peace to reign, she refused.

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He has to be a bachelor and a serious man who is ready to settle down -08099384270.

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

A model

She said she would rather die than to leave Maxwell, ” she said.

That was when they expected Maxwell to talk and he did so angrily.

“Mama, ” he started, facing his mother, “it ’s true Clementina was married to Papa but I had already known her even before I married Ruth. When she was pregnant with my first son, I encouraged Papa to bring him in because I was then engaged to Ruth and she too was pregnant for me.

I didn ’t know what to do and did not want to disappoint any of them. When Clementina was married into our family, I was closer to her than Papa because we knew what we planned, although Papa was unaware. The two children she already has are mine, so please you all should let her be. But come to think of it, traditionally, I ’m supposed to inherit my

father ’s widow according to our culture. Why is everyone raising eyebrow over this? What I want to advise Ruth is to stay and accept this situation the way it is if she truly loves me. Clementina had sworn never to leave me because I ’m the true father of her children.

Papa was just used to cover things up for me at the time the two women in my life (Ruth and Clementina) were pregnant for me. It is never a crime in Africa for a man to have two wives. I know I can maintain two of them and love them equally, ” he reorted.

Ruth was shocked the more when she heard this.

She felt betrayed and worse was that Clementina ’s son is older than hers. She felt her ego in her matrimonial home had been punctured.

“What would I be doing here? Oh my God, I ’m finished. I will leave this

compound with my children. I rather have Maxwell divorced than to remain his wife and face Clementina ’s razor-blade tongue, ” she bewailed.

Her mother-in-law has been pleading with Ruth to stay and continue marrying her son as his first wife but she refused. Clementina doesn ’t give a damn about the uproar in the family. She felt unperturbed and went about as if nothing happened. She is the one that cooks for Maxwell, keeps his house clean and throws herself at him, while Ruth sulked about and confined herself to her room until she gets a new place to move in, where she would stay for her lawyer to finalise her divorce issue.

•Readers, what do you think Ruth should do?

Should she remain in her matrimonial home or leave and seek divorce?

Dear Amanda, RESPONSE

Re: ‘Help! My four daughters You must have been brilare overdue for marriage ’ Dear Veronica,

liant to have graduated

Apparently, the two curses you and your late husband received from your friend, whom you snatched the fiancé from and married him and the curse levelled against your husband by the 16-year-old school girl he impregnated and vehemently denied responsibility are working. Your daughters are the ones bearing the brunt, they are now more than 40 years old and they are not interested in marriage.

There is power in the tongue and curses issued by aggrieved and cheated persons are efficacious. Jesus issued a curse on a fig tree and it withered. There is hope in Jesus. Now that you have identified the causes of your problem and that of your daughters, I would advise you and your four daughters to repent, give your lives to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as your personal Lord and saviour, as step one. Step two, you all must submit yourselves to spiritual deliverance ministration to revoke the curses and set you completely free. Thereafter, your daughters will get married, have children and have peace of mind and fulfilment.

and married at the age of

22. Unfortunately, you lost your pregnancy, which you

had four months after your wedding due to the shock of your husband ’s death.

You unexpectedly entered

Patrick Adiasor Surulere, Lagos 08033452087.

into another relationship

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday July 5, 2015

41

Spiritual power: Beneficial in life

I

t is pertinent for the people of the world to look at certain things that can be beneficial to us and our journey in life. In fact I have been practicing these things and they are working for me and one of the things is receiving spiritual power.

This is missing in many people’s life. Without spiritual power in people’s life, they will pray for a lengthy period before their prayer could be answered. But with spiritual power, prayer would be answered quickly. Those that have spiritual power speak and their words come to manifestation. Their utterances ces do not go in vain, but hit the target and their prayers are always answered either when they pray for someone or themselves.

A person that knows and does his or her job very well has spiritual power. A prophet rophet that has spiritual power would be popular ar and famous. A trader that has spiritual power wer in his or her trade will succeed. What is the e spiritual power? It is the dropping of our bad mind and taking on the good mind. Our heart is full of evil and doubtful thoughts. We can n only receive spiritual power when we dropped ed out the negative thoughts in our mind. The spiritual power in turn brings about confidence nce in you which makes you to pronounce positively itively and they happen. Having confidence e that prayers and request will become realities. es.

Imagine Peter was imprisoned and about to be executed, the church went into prayer session to let God intervene. They were ere in one accord in a prayer that’s spiritual power.

While they were praying an angel off God came into the prison and paved way for or the release of Peter when the prison guardss were asleep. Act 12:1-19 “…So Peter was kept in n prison, but the church earnestly praying to o God for him…Then Peter came to and said now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent nt His angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches utches and from everything the Jewish people e were anticipating…” A person having five thoughts ughts in his or her mind cannot have spirituall power. Spiritual power starts with faith.

In the scripture, Matthew 17:20, Jesus us told

General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, harps on the spiritual power of God. Excerpts: His disciples that if they have faith as small as mustard seed, they would tell a mountain to move and it would move. A person with spiritual power does not lack, he or she gets whatever they request for. For instance I noticed that whatever I want I always get it.

I examined myself what could be responsible for it. It is the spiritual power dwelling in me. People cannot receive the spiritual if they are not hearing the words of God. Some are sleeping when the sermon is going on in the church. Brethren, always be positive in your thinking. Do not be pessimistic in your thought. If you are then there is no spiritual power in you. It is my desire that a lot of people should have the spiritual power so that all their thoughts would come to manifestation.

Many successful men and women possess the spiritual power to succeed in their various undertaking. Let the entire mind of impossibilities in your life be dropped and receive the spirit of possibilities. In everything a person does, the spiritual power must be the basis so that positive result is achieved. Let us look at Jabez in the bible he had been praying for long time but the moment he had the spiritual power and knew his prayer would be answered, he prayed and his bad situation was changed to good one. I Chronicles 4:10 “Jabez cried out to God of Israel, “ Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory; Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain and God granted his request” You must have the spiritual power to request from God before the request would be granted. I pray that

you will receive the spiritual power to ask and be given by God. Imagine the prodigal son he had been eating with the pigs but the moment the spirit fell on him, he rose up with confidence and reunited with his father.

Luke 15:11-32 “…when he came to his senses he said how many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death; I will rise up and go back to my father and say; Father I have sinned against heaven and before you.

And I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

M a k e me one of your hired servants…”

Also the s p i r i t came upon Saul and he

Prophet Oloruntimilehin

‘God shall confront your enemy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

The Bible establishes that Satan and his angels are our adversaries and they enter into human beings who are not Christians to torment and fight humans. The Lord knows them. No matter in what form they operate or how powerful they are, God knows all about them and I give you the assurance that the Lord will confront them and grant you total deliverance cum freedom in Jesus name.

These evil personalities are enemies to man’s progress. When they enter into any human being, they turn them against other human beings. They kill, steal and destroy them, also oppress the people and keep them in bondage.

John 10:10 says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” When you allow these enemies gateway

into your life, business, family, career and whatever, they waste very little time in destroying everything but I give God the glory on your behalf for as many who are reading this message, the Lord shall arise to confront all their enemies in Jesus name.

Pharaoh was an example of those whom God confronted. He rose up against God’s people telling them they would never be allowed to go and worship the Almighty God. He cared not about the Almighty God but in the end he was confronted by God and his soldiers drowned in the Red Sea. The Lord will confront all your enemies too in Jesus name.

Nebuchadnezzar was another example.

He rose up against God’s children and the Lord confronted him and granted them victory. The case of Meshack, Shedrach and Abednego who refused to worship the image of Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into a huge fire but God delivered them as the fire respected the creator of fire and they were not hurt, instead their accusers were confronted by God. Herod was another example. He respected not the personality of God and was against Peter, Paul and other apostles and a certain day came he began to make an oration and all the people likened him to God Almighty and in that same event as he was still speak-

started seeing vision and giving messages. I Samuel 11:6-11 “When Saul heard their word the spirit of God came upon him in power…”

Eventually Saul lost the spiritual power in him when he fell out with Samuel. I pray that anyone that wants to receive the spiritual power will not experience obstacle in receiving it in the name of Jesus. If you are a follower of a spiritual man of God, be patient to tap the spirit out of him. If he gives you, it will remain permanent on you. All the disciples tapped spiritual power from Jesus Christ. Some people do allow the spirit of God in them to be taken over by the evil spirit. In Matthew 8:28-34 “… there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

And, behold, they cried out, saying, what have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?...” Brethren it is imperative to develop a strong faith and spiritual power so that all the benefits that are attached to them can be your portion.

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

ing, worms ate him up alive.

We have the case of Laban who rose up and pursued after Jacob in order to terminate his life and recover everything but received confrontation in a dream. If all those pursuing after you fail to make peace with you, they shall receive confrontation today in Jesus name.

Remember that Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, Herod all died but he (Laban) who made peace escaped death and so your enemies have the option of either making peace and live or refuse to and perish.

Exodus 12:29-33 says, “And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out

of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.”

I do not know who is troubling you, but assuredly all those troubling you shall receive confrontation from God Almighty in Jesus name and you will testify to the glory of God. Even as you are reading this message, believe me, your enemies are already being confronted in Jesus name.

What you need to do now in order to qualify for this deliverance is to ensure you have a good relationship with God Almighty and He will take over your battle and deliver you.

Psalms 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all”.

The righteous are God’s children and He owed them safety. No matter what the devil and his human agents do to the righteous, when the time of their deliverance comes, God will confront their adversaries and deliver them. God has designed this time to confront your enemies and grant you victory. So, if you can become a child of God today, I will assure you that all those that are challenging you shall be confronted in Jesus name. It does not matter how strong that enemy may be or how long he has held you captive, what matters is that God has decided to confront him and set you free, and you shall be free in Jesus name.

42

From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

C

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

hristians believe that in Jesus Christ, God became man for the sake of the world.

Christian faith is relevant to man’s total existence. Christian’s idea of what is fully human is expressed in the society and that is why theology is concerned about all aspects of human life.

It is true that Christians are interested in the life and message of Jesus Christ but it should be realised that Jesus is interested in the total existence of man in this world hence, theologians talk about theology of transformation and the Bible said, ‘’…. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.’’ 2 Cor 5 : 17 Christian social theology is concerned about human problems – injustice, poverty, unemployment, housing, industrial order, town and country planning and also many unsolved social problems – peace and disarmament, food- supply and population - growth.

The personalisation of Christian faith by some Christian leaders gives the impression that Christianity develops individual spirituality and caters for small group of local community of Christians. But the study of the Bible and especially the knowledge of theology will prove that Christian faith has special relevance to man’s larger social, cultural, political, industrial, national and international life. The attitudes of Christian leaders in Nigeria are encouraging politicians who are secular to dictate policy and in doing so to overrule conscientious beliefs and behaviours of Christians. The fact in Christianity is that the nature and the will of God is the final sanction for Christian social thought and action.

It is my desire this time for you to have an understanding of the teaching of Jesus Christ on the work of Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals the mysteries and supernatural evidences of

Sunday July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Christianity – The religion of the mind the early church. It is important to consider and understand all the teaching of Jesus Christ concerning the work of Holy Spirit.

Modern Christians are ignorant of the power of Holy Spirit in transformation of life and the words of Jesus Christ as they are committed to the disciples. Moreover, it is essential to consider the practical results which were the evidence in early church. The entire Bible is filled with the evidences of a divine working.

No pure faith in the absoluteness and perfections of God would minimise or ignore the teaching of the miraculous.

The entire teaching of Jesus Christ is at least essentially supernatural. What should be realized is that the works of Jesus Christ were meant to reveal his deity. Jesus said, ‘’Believe me for my very work’s sake.’’ Jesus also confirmed in his teaching of the Holy Spirit that what he did should be reproduced in the lives of his disciples, ‘’ I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing’’. Jn14 : 12 The Christian life as Jesus presented it to us and as confirmed in the lives of the first century Christians is impossible excepting through the operation of the Holy Spirit.

Christian experts believe that only Holy Spirit can cause people to be original in the Christian and theological sense. Holy Spirit is described as a comforter.

The work of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the spiritual factors which no human being by his own powers can understand. In other words, the work of the Holy Spirit is to create an atmosphere of God – consciousness which will impress the individual as to cause him to sense his individual responsibility before God. Holy Spirit is also to produce original and individual conviction of God. Jesus said that the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name ‘’will teach you all things and remind you of everything….’’Jn14 : 26. As much as I do not intend to condemn the coming together of Christians to worship and fellowship, I want to make it clear that Christianity is more of

a personal relationship of individual with a living God. The coming of the Holy Spirit into the first disciples brought them into perfect ease and into a sweet relationship with Jesus Christ. This divine endowment of power gave them grace to meet all their problems and difficulties. Holy Spirit produced a balance in their character.

The actions taken by the disciples were sincere and the results beneficial. The order was divine, the eternal issues were always basic and the impact reached all classes of people.

If Christians in Nigeria can understand very well the teaching of the work of Holy Spirit, they will be on the solid ground spiritually, economically, emotionally and intellectually. It is unfortunate that many Christian leaders have humanised, theorised and rationalised the work of God to the level that their followers cannot experience the presence of Holy Spirit. It is Holy Spirit that can produce a life lived above the failures and weaknesses of man. His main responsibility is to give direction and purpose for God. He is the only one that can create an honest and sincere life with God. All the qualities of the first church have disappeared – ‘and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayer’. Today, there is no unity but competition.

Christians do not have relationship with God in prayer but depend on their leaders who deceive them with sweet words and magical feats which they call miracles.

The Bible said, ‘fear came upon every soul… they had all things in common’. Today, pride is in every soul and the rich neglect the poor, the needy and the elderly. Even the leaders acquire wealth for themselves and boast of what they have while many people including their followers wallow in poverty.

The present church has neglected the teaching of the work of the Holy Spirit and concentrated on promotion of denominational doctrines and practices. As it is now, Christianity is already in the realm of mysticism,

incredulity, hypocrisy and fanaticism as we try to produce Christian-consciousness which allows individuals to be personal and selfish.

True religion in the theological sense is ‘’a standard of highest morality and spirituality’’. Every believer has the power to produce the life of Christ and the compulsion to propagate the gospel of God. The Holy Spirit endowment produced evangelism because the Bible reports that the disciples did not only witness from house to house, they ‘‘went out and preached everywhere…’.’Matt 16:20. They eventually had a militant, active and spiritual church and ‘’the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved’’. It is observed that on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended into the temple of the disciples that God had prepared for himself. He gave them a commission with a promise that he will never leave them alone.

It is this same Holy Spirit in individual that will make Jesus real to the world, so it is easy to find out why Jesus is not real in Nigeria.

Christianity in Nigeria is denominational and doctrinal. It is the Holy Spirit active in individuals that make them Christians and not the church they attend.

An individual with the presence of Holy Spirit in his life can safe Nigeria. This is why I believe that Nigeria can be reformed, made better and can experience peace and prosperity. True Christians must not encourage corrupt and selfish leaders and their churches but must contribute to the spiritual and moral development of individuals and Nigeria in particular.

•Prof Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Lagos.

Phone: 0802-303-2698; Email: profkunlemacaulay@yahoo.com Twitter: @KunleMacaulay1.

•Prof. Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Lagos. Phone: 0802 – 303 – 2698; email : profkunlemacaulay@yahoo.com; Twitter. com/Kunle Macaulay1

Christ the Living Water

The Shepherd with Pastor Akinyele

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Aluko

ater is an extraordinary creation of God. From Genesis to Revelation, the reader of the Bible will encounter the word Water severally either in the physical or the spiritual. Taking it from Genesis 1: 2 the Bible says: “And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Finally in Revelation 22: 17, the Bible tells us: “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!”

Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” NIV The manifestation of God’s power is seen in many instances around water. It was on Water that the spirit of God moved in Genesis before creation commenced. It was water that God used to destroy the earth in the days of Noah.

It is lack of water that caused Famine in the many instances of Famine we saw in the Bible from the time of Abraham to the time of Elijah. God turned the waters of Egypt to blood to show his power to Pharaoh. God parted the Red Sea (huge body of water) for the Israelites to pass through. And from Rock, God

brought forth water to quench the thirst of the Israelites in their sojourn in the wilderness. In 2Kings 3: 9-20 we read of the Miracle of Water through Prophet Elisha when the three Kings encountered a drought as they encamped against Moab. The Prophet Ezekiel in Chapter 47: 1-12 described the Water from the Temple as a source of protection, provision, wealth, healing and growth.

This brings us to Jesus Christ the real source of the Living Water. Many have encountered Jesus but have not known Him as the Living water. Some even when they know Him prefer to seek for powers elsewhere. In Jeremiah 2: 11-13, the Bible tells us: “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” KJV For those that know and understand the love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they will appreciate His enormous sacrifice to give us the living water. Take the case of the woman by the well of Jacob in Samaria in John Chapter 4. Jesus was wearied, tired and was thirsty but when the woman came round He forgot His thirst and showed compassion saved the woman and gave her a greater gift than He earlier demanded of her. He was able to manifest Himself to the woman as the Living Stone, the Living Bread, and the Living Water. Verses 11-15 is a good read: She said to Him,

Sir, You have nothing to draw with [no drawing bucket] and the well is deep; how then can You provide living water? [Where do You get Your living water?] Are You greater than and superior to our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and who used to drink from it himself, and his sons and his cattle also? Jesus answered her; All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life. The woman said to Him, Sir, give me this water, so that I may never get thirsty nor have to come [continually all the way] here to draw. AMP What is this water that we should thirst for?

Matt 5:6 says: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Explaining what this hunger and thirst means, let us look at: Isaiah 55:1-3 “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread and your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” Many of us hunger and thirst after that which cannot satisfy. In the process some have ended up losing their lives or priced possessions. The Christian quest should

be after the righteousness of Christ. Many pretend to be Christians and anointed to serve today because they have calculated that it is a sure way to wealth.

They are not seeking after the Righteousness of Christ Jesus. However Paul the Apostle says in Romans 3:21-26 “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Do you really believe in Christ Jesus? He told us in John 7: 37&38 that “, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” Jesus is the only thing that can quench the thirst of the spirit. Anything or anyone else will only wear out and leave the spirit thirsty again.

Therefore, Jesus is what our spirit needs in order for us to be able to live eternally with Him.

•Apostle Pastor Akinyele Aluko is the Shepherd of the English Service Chapel, Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere Sub-Headquarters, Ayo Ni O.e-mail: eyealuko2002@yahoo. co.uk, 08050463889.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why the unmarried are more better than the married

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et me quickly say that success in life is more important than being married!

From prison, Joseph succeeded without marriage. If Joseph in the Bible was distracted by worry, insecurity or feeling of inadequacy; if he was troubled by thinking he would probably die in prison without getting married or having children. Being unmarried is not a curse and in fact is proven to be worth more emulating than being married! When Pharaoh had the problem of a perplexing, mysterious dream, Joseph’s eye would not have been opened to see the solution if he was looking down on himself in prison!

When God made Joseph to succeed through his gift as a dreamer, he did not waste his singlehood troubled by how he could ventilate his sexual lust through any illicit affair with a woman like Potiphar’s wife, even when the latter desperately wanted to get him to violate his purity. Joseph disciplined himself instead to develop and sharpen his gift, and when his time came to bear rule, he was not found wanting! AT last it was Joseph’s success that provoked his marriage. Marriage does not necessarily make you to succeed! If you marry because you want to succeed, that’s a demonstration of stupidity! For many, it is even marriage that made their visions and gifts to crash.

May your gift show up for you, and not disappoint you! The Bible says a man’s gift (not his marriage) maketh a way for him.

For example, Ms Condoleezza Rice, a powerful and influential woman in global politics and was once a National Security Adviser

The Bride’s voice with Pastor Moses

Alu

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“

et us stand up and observe all protocol demanded of every true Nigerian today, for a peaceful election.

This is what we see in the admonishment of Apostle Paul in 1 Tim. 2:1-3 , I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.

Let us make a loud shout of peace in Nigeria. Do you know for your sake god will ensure peace in Nigeria? Do you know that because of our prayers, all the killings the spirit causing bloodshed in Nigeria can’t be withdrawn?

We are going to use a few minutes to present this country to God. This is because as we pray for Nigeria, it is for our good. If there is curfew in Lagos and Nigeria, it will disturb you and your business and peace.

Lawlessness and where people no longer have any value for human lives has become pervasive and if this is not arrested, it will also affect us. So we are going to pray and ask the blood of Jesus Christ to speak for Nigeria.

Whatever is the plan of the enemy to destabilize our country, our economy and our peace, we cancel it in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. There shall be peace in Nigeria. If you believe it, let me hear your amen.

Let us clap our hands for Jesus Christ . God bless you be seated.

Let us read Jer. Chapter 8 and we read

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Sunday July 5, 2015

Secrets of marital settlement (5) MANNA DIGEST with Bishop (Dr) Chris Kwakpovwe, publisher, Our Daily Manna and U.S. Secretary of State under George W. Bush remains unmarried. A CNN interviewer had asked her being an eligible woman: “How have you avoided being snared in a marital trap?” She replied she never thought of not being married, but “You don’t get married in the abstract. You find someone that you’d like to be married to.” Concluding, she said not being married had not made de her less satisfied or happy in life as she loved ved being a university professor who exercised ed her gift, and opened new worlds to her students. dents.

If you are not married, your success ccess in life is your best revenge against those e who are married or those who are disrespectful ctful to you over your marital status. So for those se who are single, or would remain so temporarily orarily by circumstances, and would remain so for life, always know that your success in life is your best revenge! It takes the discovery and development of your gift for your relevance ance not to be questioned. Read this well: The world now is not really interested in where you came from, the colour of your skin, or the he degrees of your academic attainment. How ow you develop and deploy your gift to empower, ower, and not defraud your community or society ociety is what would make the world stand d at attention before you: not your marital arital status. Bill Gates dropped out of university to start Microsoft. Today his personal wealth is so staggering ng that he can feed five African countries with ease. To the unmarried, this is not the time to wail and pity yourself! Focus rather on how to cultivate and unleash

your gift to the betterment of those around you. Fire up your zeal to be an evangelist of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Study your Bible with uncommon perseverance and enthusiasm! Show tenacity and consistency in your giving. Don’t be ashamed or afraid to stand up for your convictions. Force yourself to laugh when you should cry!

The unmarried are more blessed - Without controversy, following the prescription of scriptures, the unmarried are more blessed than the married! Why? The unmarried are likely to be more generous to their friends or relations (There are exceptions to this rule, of course), but if it is true – as indeed it is – that unmarried people give more than those who are married, then it

stands to reason that the unmarried are more blessed because Acts 20:35 says ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Giving is more blessed than receiving!

The unmarried manifest spiritual gifts more! Many married people are so burdened and consumed with their self-imposed task of trying to please their spouse that they end up neglecting to exercise their spiritual gifts and talents. talents They become a caricature and shadow of their true self in the name of marriage. To the singles who are looking to get married, they should remove self-pity and despair from their dictionary. More next week on why being un married is better than being married!

•For more information, contact: Our Daily Manna/ Manna prayer mountain ministry Interdenominational.

•8 –10 Omotayo Banwo street, before Moble police Barracks, Orioke Ogudu, Lagos. Email: testimony@ ourdailymanna.org Tel: 234-8056241771, 23418179023, 234-08023154316

There is a balm in Gilead the last verse. We will read it together. If you have never heard a demon cry, today, you will hear. If you have never heard a shrine cryi8ng and weeping, in the camp of your enemies.

And just by way of connecting to each other around the world; we have our online members that are watching us live right now all over the world, let us tell them by waving our ands, ‘Shalom’ shalom to the Bride of Christ world-wide.

Okay, Jer. 8:22, Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

There is a balm in Gilead and this is what has necessitated the church organizing the progamme and asking people to come with their anoint oil and sachet water. It became necessary to minister to people through blessing and consecration of oil and water because of the increase in population which made it practically impossible to minister and counsel people individually. It was God that gave us this instruction to start the water ministration and testimonies have continued to pour in from Nigeria and those that watch us on television and the internet. And as you know, the church has no special water or oil; it is brethren that bring theirs for consecration through prayers done in the open.

Thee is balm in Gilead. I do agree with the teaching that once you are a born again Christian, you cannot be in any form of bondage. This statement is legally correct but there is the law and thee is the reality. The law that God established under the new covenant sys, he whom the son of man has set free is free indeed, so we cannot be in bondage. This is thus saith the Lords. But the reality is that

people of God are still in bondage.

Thee are benefits from Calvary as shown in Psalm 103: 1-5 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy you is renewed like the eagle’s.

The following are all the benefits of Calvary prosperity, sound health and long life are the benefits of Calvary and are our birth right. But our God has principles and if you don’t know these principles and if you don’t know these principles, you will remain in bondage. God gave the Israelites the land of Canaan but they had to fight battles to take over the land.

Deut. Chapter 2:24, god gave them this land but hear what He said to them; Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite. King of Heshbon, and his land; begin to possess it, if contend with him in battle.

Today, you will rise up and take your journey and it is a journey to possess your possession. This is not a physical journey but a spiritual one. I don’t know who the Lord is giving into your hand today? Is it the shrine in your village; that demon husband or wife or that marine nonsense? Our emphasis is on the last part which is that of the Israelites contending with those kings in battle.

In the same vein, God has promised us blessings but he also knows that these blessings will not come to its easily, so He instructs

us and tells us to contend with the enemies withholding our blessings in battle. That is why the Bible says, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places but the bible also says, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Our victory is therefore through prayers.

A Christian that does not pray is finished because God says we must pray knowing that though He has released the blessings to us, our 3nemies will never allow us to enjoy these blessings. That is why you will dream and see certain things God has done for you but after a long time, these blessings do not materialize. The reason is because something is wrong somewhere.

Our enemies withholding our blessings may be shrines, curses or covenants. They could be witches/wizards that smile with us in the day time but do havoc in the night.

Those hindering our blessings may even be unfriendly friends who are around us and you begin to wonder why after you have done all you should do as a Christian (you have fasted and gone to the mountain) yet your situation remains the same. Bt whatever it is, somebody’s testimony will change after reading this message.

The question which you will ask and which the Lord Himself has asked is; is there no balm in Gilead? There is solution to every problem.

•Pastor Moses Alu; The Bride Assembly, Odofin Park Estate, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Ijesha Bus stop 08033524903 : Email: pastormosesalu@yahoo.com

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From the Pulpit

Sunday July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Commanding the Supernatural by the Power of the Tongue!!

T The voice of wisdom o

with Dr. David

Oyedepo “

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od’s Word is the spiritual mirror that shows us God’s picture for our lives— who we are in Christ , what we carry, what we can do and how to do them. As it is written: But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).It is knowing who we are, where we are from, what we are worth and what we carry from the Word that empowers us to become what we have been redeemed to be. Therefore, until we catch our real picture from God’s Word, we will be subjected to the hazards in the world.

There was a story told by Kenneth

Priesthood House with Pastor Bola

T

Bello

hrone is about the kingdom, and kingdom is about territory. Usually, the symbol of kingly power and dignity is captured in governing and judicial power.

It represents obedience and submission to the reigning king.

It is simply about authority and dominion.

This is often equivalent to domain, potentate and power over certain territory and the desire to expand it. Basically, this has being the engagement of man from the ancient times. He was ordained as a king, a ruler and he should have dominion over other creatures (Gen 1:28). Man was however stripped of this majestic role and turned to peasant until Christ came.

The restoration of man’s kingship, supremacy, authority and dominion are however predicated on certain things which he must adhere. This is what this study is all about.

We will ex-ray what God has done for man and what man needs to do to reclaim his territorial authority and power on earth.

“And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel” (Lk. 22:29-30).

The word “appoint” –is an active verb and is the same word as “commission” or to ordain into an occupation.

It therefore, requires the need to act on the subject matter as prerequisite to become what you are ordained to become.

A similar statement was made in (Deut.2:24) which says; “Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon; behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbom, and his land; begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle”. Such

E.Hagin about a lion cub that was captured and made to grow among sheep.

Whenever they went to the stream and sighted a lion on the other side, all the sheep fled for their lives, including the lion-sheep. Invariably, it lost its lionic identity by virtue of its environment until the day it saw its reflection on the surface of the water. That day, it regained its identity and confidence. As a result, when other sheep fled at the appearance of a lion, it didn’t. This is helps us to understand that we must not allow our environment to corrupt the picture of who we really are.

Who are we?

• Every child of God is redeemed a citizen of heaven: By redemption, every child of God has been translated from the kingdom of the earth to the Kingdom of His own dear Son, Jesus.

That means at redemption, we are translated into another Kingdom, which is situated in the heavenly places (Philip-

pians 3:20; Ephesians 2:6).

• We are redeemed as ambassadors of Christ on the earth: An ambassador is an official, who lives in a foreign country as the senior representative of his or her own country. Any assault against him/ her is an assault against the nation he represents. Similarly, we are heavenly citizens on ambassadorial missions on the earth to reconcile the world to God. As such, we are no go areas for the things that torture others.

Therefore, we must have a sense of immunity and an ambassadorial mentality to enhance our level of command of the supernatural (2 Corinthians 5:20; John 3:31; John 8:23).

However, to be an ambassador of heaven, you must first be a citizen of heaven by being born again.Are you born again?

This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today.

I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins.

Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.

Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.

Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Releasing The Supernatural, Walking In The Miraculous, Commanding The Supernatural.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners.

We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

•I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Church as God designed it - The burden of the kingdom and throne of Christ on earth (1) were the words which the Lord spoke to Moses. For Israel to possess territory and become a great nation, they need to fight. Though, in principle, the territories were already given to them by God, they however, need to contend with the existing kingdoms and conquer them.

The experience of Christians is not different slightly from this. Though kingdom has being appointed unto us, we can only occupy it when we fight and contend in battle with the illegal occupants. There is no standing still in Christian life. There is a great deal of the need to move around to compass the territory with mentality to annex and expand the kingdom for Christ. Christians are territorial people and the extent of his jurisdiction is determined by the extent at which he can fight to dethrone illegality and sinfulness in the society.

The ideal of Christian work is the same throughout ages. It is the conversion of souls and reconfigures them to Christ teaching and his life.

In (1 Thess. 1:5) the scriptures, “which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.

This as it were requires denial and determination with sense of ambition for the expansion of the kingdom of Christ in which you are part of.

In Genesis 10:9-10; the scripture says “He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; wherefore it said, even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord; and the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, Calneh and the land of Shinar.” Nimrod was a trapper.

His hunting was not for beasts of the land, he was a warrior and a contender of territory. He conquered virtually all the land of Shinar and annexed them as

his kingdom. Nimrod was a territorial man for a bad reason and for self-actualization and for self-determination. He subdued the land and he was prepared to build a tower to meet with Jehovah in heaven, an ambition which was truncated.

It was in this light of scripture, perhaps the apostles were called. In the book of Mark 1:17, hear what the LORD says; “And Jesus said unto them, come ye after me, and I will make you to become the fishers of men”, the transcendent task of the apostle is to hunt for men not after the greed and self-aggrandisement of Nimrod. They were to do it for the kingdom expansion. Fishers of men must always hunt for men and bring them to the kingdom. The fishers of men must not trap nor snare men but must win them through love and divine good will to become an extension of the kingdom of God. Holy Spirit is the teacher of this craft and he empowered us to do it in line with His instructions.

Apostles were called to become territorial people.

Acts 1:8 says; “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria; and unto the uttermost part of the earth” What this signify is that we are witnesses of Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The essence of the gift of Spirit is to engage us powerfully and competently in witnessing Christ. The word power is interpreted as dunamis.

The Holy Spirit can still do the same thing he did in Christ in Luke 4:14; “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee; and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about him. He was a territorial ruler through his message of salvation. Acts

10:33; the Lord was anointed with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of witnessing. The functions of Christians to be witnesses of Christ are much insisted throughout the scripture.

It is anathema for any Christian to fail in this bid.

We cannot however, approach this warfare with unconventional weapons which are aliens to spiritual combat.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing them into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The resources by which to attain authority, dominion and ruler-ship are marginally different from the resources in which the gentile’s people of this world attain them.

Our ambition for dominion and kingship must not be for canal reason but for the same reason at which the kingdom is appointed unto us.

It is not to advance the cause of man but essentially to advance the plan of God where Christ becomes the Lord over all things. We cannot attain the kingdom expansion through external strength and power but through the Holy Spirit who work greatly mightily in us.

The kingdom of God would expand when we rise up to dare the rulers of darkness and engage them Spirit for spirit, strength for strength and wisdom for wisdom.

The Omega Generation must rise up and take their journey to the nook and cranny of this world. This is the design of the Church.

•Pastor Bola Bello – The Priesthood House, bolabelo@gmail.com 08033704564

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday July 5, 2015

45

Possessing your throne

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s we finish this series this week, I want to believe that you are well prepared now to possess your throne.

One of the reasons the Lord is taking you to the top is manifest His glory. Trust in the power of God and the works he did through our Lord Jesus to claim all the arrears of your glory.

The journey to the throne Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come to David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold your servant!

And David said to him, Fear not: for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.

And he bowed himself, and said, what is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?

Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, I have given to your master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to his entire house.

You therefore, and your sons, and your servants, shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Then said Ziba to the king, According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so shall your servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

And Mephibosheth had a young son,

Bishop Opayinka

whose name was Micha. And all that dwelled in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

So Mephibosheth dwelled in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.

2 Samuel 9:6-13 From the above scripture, it is obvious that, the only thing that transpired between King David and Prince Mephibosheth was a mere salutation. Prince Mephibosheth did not explain to the King about his predicament because the King had already heard everything about him before he came to the palace. His Ziba had already tabled his case before the King.

The King told him of restoring everything that belongs to the house of King Saul back to him.

And David said to him, Fear not: for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.

2 Samuel 9:7 King David stated further that, Prince

Mephibosheth was going to be eating on the same table with him. That was a great favour that any man would ever desire in life. This was the same fellow that was kept in Lodebar. This was the fellow whose existence was not felt. But his encounter with the King revealed the real Prince in him. Do you know it is a great privilege to eat with the President of your country? That was exactly what this man experienced. Above all, he was made rich over night. He became a Landlord over night.

He was made a master over night. His story changed for good. Expect over night miracle now, in the name of Jesus.

I see God doing the same thing in your life.

God is changing your status over night. God is bringing you to the high places that you have never dreamed of in your entire life. Your time to eat with the kings and Dignitaries has come. Your stay in Lodebar is over. You have been moved from depression to celebration.

You have been moved from the bottom place to the top already, in the name of Jesus. No more weeping for you.

Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, I have given to your master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

You therefore, and your sons, and your servants, shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

2 Samuel 9:8-9 It does not take God a year or two to bring you to the top. It only requires Him to wait for the season of your lifting. When it was time for Prince Mephibosheth to be lifted, it did not take God anything. God has the right and the

wherewithal to rewrite your history within a few seconds. God has the ability to make those who seem to be your boss now to serve you.

That is what He does in the time of your lifting.

One of the evidences of divine lifting is that, people you do not expect will begin to serve you. Another evident of divine lifting is that, all that belong to you will come to you. No devil can cheat an individual that is on top. No man can argue with your inheritance when you are lifted. You will enjoy full restoration of everything that has been stolen from you. God will move you high. He will bring you to the very throne that is meant for your life.

Jesus, in the above statement said that, when He is lifted up, He will draw men to Himself. Though, His being lifted here signifies His glorification and ascension after He might have paid the supreme price for the redemption of mankind. But in His statement, He authoritatively said that, when He is lifted up He would draw men to Himself. In the same manner, it is when you are on top that you can draw men to yourself.

It is when you are lifted up that your inheritance will be drawn to you. It is when you are lifted that people will serve you willingly. It is when you are lifted that, you will eat with the people that matter in life. It is when you are lifted that you will be able to taste a measure of honour.

See you next week as we journey to the throne together. Bishop Joshua KolawoleOpayinka is the presiding Bishop of Glorious Tabernacle International located Behind Ondo State Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State capital. Share your testimonies and prayer points with me at: O8060297831 joshuakolawoleo@ yahoo.com

Covenant coverage over the forces of wickedness Prophet Lai Bamidele, General Overseer of Christ Glorious End-time Evangelical Ministry, AbuleEgba, Lagos, in this exhortation, teaches on the forces of wickedness. Excerpts:

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hat do we mean by the word covenant?

Covenant is an agreement between two parties e.g between man and God, or let me put it this way “A covenant is a contract agreement that involves two parties God had respect for whichever covenant he has with a man. That is why the bible says in Psl 89:34 that “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the things that is gone out of my mouth.

God abides faithfully in what agreement he had with a man. It is only we the believers that tend to waver; it is only we that start giving excuses when we might have gotten what we want from God. Listen to me if you keep to your covenant with God and you abide by it. Only the power that can break the covenant of day and night will be strong enough to break the covenant of coverage i.e protection over you. The scriptures says Isaiah 41:10-11 “fear not, for I am with thee, be not be dismayed for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee yea, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. He said further that “All they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded, they shall be as nothing, and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Friends the word of God is power. The word of God can pierce anything if you are under His covenant coverage. Every born again Christian is under the coverage of God’s covenant as long as you don’t break his covenant. The moment you break it you will be under the yoke of the devil’s oppression.

Once you either return to your vomit or your

old ways, that means you have left the tent of God, take for instance in the physical world when it is raining and you decided to live the tent you are using as a shield from rain and sun, Once you stepped out you are prone to the sun to bite you and also you’ll be soaked inside the rain.

In most cases this days when you see a believer that is humble, zealous, hard working in God’s vineyard, be rest assured that most of them are looking for something from God, and he had covenanted with God that if God can grant him his hearth desire, he will serve God with the last pint of his blood, and he will not return back to sin, Just give most of them little time, they will started seeing the fault of that church, or the fault of the leadership of that church, or they will be seeing the church as not being in the category they can worship.

Most sisters are always jealous when they believe God for husband or spouse, but the moment they get one, they forget that they are Christians, they will start frolicking with the same man, forgetting that she had a covenant with God not to allow any man sleep with her until her wedding day. Once you get yourself involved in all those rubbish, you be prepared for a great battle ahead in such a marriage.

Remember the bible says “He that break the hedge, serpent shall bite.

Also another scripture says “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty Psl 91:1. When you deviate from his covenant, i.e when you are breaking God’s covenant, you are literally breaking your breakthrough.

There are so many things we must run away

from as a child of God that wants to keep his covenant.

You must be born again when you drop your toga of your old ways and decided to come into the camp of the children of God, you are already under the coverage of God. The moment you give your life to Jesus, you automatically come under God’s umbrella i.e. his secret coverage, where the devil has no power over you, where the devil cannot attack you. Mind you that you are born again is not an indication of your total perfection. It is our imperfection that often makes us ask God for his Grace all the time not to fall and fail. It is obvious no Christian is perfect, but the basic principles that as a child of God we should know, not only knowing but that we should avoid, cannot be over emphasized. Once you are born again you become God’s family member, and from that moment he will not allow the devil access over you and your family.

If I may ask you, can it be easy for an intruder to intrude your father’s house to say he wants to take you away to do you evil right in front of your father and mother. No way, they will prefer to die there, that is the natural father and mother but we are now talking of the supernatural father and mother, once you surrender your life to Jesus there is a supernatural coverage over you.

One other principal thing you require under his covenant is that you must keep confessing what he has declared concerning you as a believer, ever when you are faced with the devils temptation or his ranging storms you must learn to confess his goodness and his words of perfection over that issue. Remem-

Pastor Bamidele

ber what you say is what you become. It is the words you declare that eventually speaks for you. When you declare his words and his power Satan will naturally flee away from you. Remember a closed month is a closed destiny. When you close your mouth you are closing your next level. You must confess what God’s word has spoken concerning that issue. So many Christians the moment they are faced with trials or temptation, instead of them to declare God’s word concerning that situation. Remember tears hole no water. If you cry from now till next year it makes no meaning to the devil, when you are faced, with the issues of life declare the word, stop talking about the evil that the devil is perpetuating. That is why he said in his words that “He will deliver you from the snares of the Fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

Like I said earlier on that it is the words you declare that you have. Stop behaving like a butter and bread Christian. Remember his words that say the “kingdom of God suffereth violence and it is only the violence that taketh it by force. As I round up, nothing good comes easy. You must be prepared to counter the devil even when you are under his protection.

•For counselling, contact: Pst_lai@yahoo. com.

From the Pulpit

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Sunday July 5, 2015

Learning to say sorry (1) that they have violated God’s commandment and disobeyed Him. To establish this point, let us see Genesis 3:8 “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden” Pastor It is clear from this verse of the scripMoses A Omogbehin ture that Adam and Eve were aware that they had gone astray; they knew that they had deviated from the will of their creator. That they TEXT: As cold water to a thirsty soul, went to hide when they heard the voice of God so is good news from a far country (prov. confirms their awareness of their error.

25:25).

Now, all that God wanted from Adam after his act of disobedience was an expreshe Oxford Advance Learner’s Diction- sion of genuine regret or remorse. That is, just ary define the word “sorry” as feeling to say “I am sorry”. But Adam failed to do so. sad, ashamed about something that has Instead, he gave feeble excuses. Hear him been done. The word “sorry” means regret“And the man said the woman whom ful, bad feelings, expressing of sorrow or thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the sense of loss over something done or un- tree, and I did eat” (verse 12) done.

Again, for not getting the expected Let us consider the story of our first apology from Adam, God looked in the woman parent and father called Adam.

(Eve)’s direction and ask her a similar ques“And the LORD God called unto tion: “And the lord god said unto the woman, Adam and said unto him, where art thou? “what is this that thou as done?” likewise, God And he said, I heard thou voice in the gar- expected Eve to say “I am sorry”, but that was den, and I was afraid because I was naked not to be. She also resorted to giving of excusand I hid myself. And he said who told thee es, like her husband, Adam. Her reply: And that thou wasn’t naked? Hast thou eaten of the woman said the serpent beguiled me, and I the tree, where of I commanded thee that did eat” (verse 13) thou shouldest not eat”? (Gen. 3:9-11) Hmmn, sometimes as a leader or as You cannot commit an offence, sin or any an individual, we need to say “I am sorry” to wicked act, as a normal human being, with- people. Some of us need to express remorse or out knowing it. That was exactly the case apologize for our: with Adam and Eve. Both of them know 1.

Inadequacy

(The Coach)

T

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

Thanks for last Sunday’s write up. Yes, how to be a good father. I am not a father; I am a wife and a mother. So what do l to do too to be a good WIFE/MOTHER.?

Thanks.

T

o answer the question, because of the delicate nature of the mother/wife we’ll delve more into the scriptures.

Proverbs 18:22, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour” The Book of Proverbs - Chapter 31. This chapter provides a picture of an ideal womanhood, according to God’s point of view. What are the standards set forth in the Bible? Who would make the PERFECT MOTHER/WIFE, according to the Bible?

1. The ideal woman is a woman who is virtuous. Verse 10 asks, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies?”

One translation renders it, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

You can’t build a successful marriage on moral impurity. Let me tell you single fellows, looking for a wife, the girl who is just everybody’s girl, who is coarse and vulgar in her speech and actions, will not make a good wife, or mother. Habits formed before marriage, have a way of sticking after marriage. You can’t build a successful home on moral bankruptcy?

A woman may be beautiful woman outside; however, there must be gentility inside if the marriage is going to work. If a woman is not honest with herself, she will not be honest with others.

2. The ideal woman is a stabilising influ-

2.

Irresponsibility 3.

Pride 4.

Excuses 5.

Lateness 6.

Lack of commitment 7.

Inefficiency 8.

Unbrokenness Saying “sorry” can be compared to a situation where a person who is very thirsty suddenly gets an offer of Cold drink (water) from someone. That is exactly what saying “sorry” does to a wounded (offended) person In a similar situation: if you put on a new cloth for the first time, and from nowhere, someone splashes mud or dirty water all over the you; how will you feel? I guess very bad or annoyed. But, if the person in question begins to plead “saying sorry” with you, will your annoyance not abate, even if gradually?

Listen: When a man says “I am sorry” to you,you will feel a kind of relief, no matter the gravity of his offence or sin against you. That is, the severity of the pain or grievance with reduces.

An offended or aggrieved is like a thirsty fellow. In his/her state, what he/ she needs is not reason(s) to justify the offensive action or inaction, even if you think you are right. What he/she needs, as soothing balm, is the “I am sorry” expression – a sincere apology. Please, note that saying “I am sorry” is a spiritual therapy, a curative medicine for wounded hearts, irrespective of how long the offense had been committed or the gravity of the pain it had caused.

Hence, saying “sorry”, like a potent drug, can bring a lot of good results, which include:

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

1.

It heals.

2.

It saves.

3.

It helps.

4.

It protects.

5.

It brings peace.

6.

It restores hope.

7.

It brings solution to problems 8.

It strengthens relationship.

9.

It fosters reconciliation.

10.

It brings encouragement 11.

It delivers from trouble.

12.

It causes change of mind. I.e. from negative to positive.

The point is, no matter your status or station in life, learn to say “I am sorry” to anyone you offend. Leaders should say sorry to their followers; and vice-versa, parent should learn to apologize to their children, when need be; likewise the children to their parents. Everyone needs to cultivate the habit of saying “I am sorry” when it is necessary.

Needless to say, saying “sorry” or apologizing does not diminish anyone’s age, title, qualifications, height, wealth, anointing or any good thing. Rather it adds value to you in life and ministry.

Continued from next week •I know this teaching has blessed and imparted you. Please, write and share your testimony with me through: Covenant and Fulfillment Ministries, 10, Onuwusasoigwe Close, Hostel Bus Stop, Egbe, Ikotun, Lagos.

Email: omogbehin31@yahoo.com or Call: 08034980921, 08054120540

How to be a good mother (1) ence in her home. Verse 11, “The heart of her husband doeth safely trust in her,” or, “Her husband has full confidence in her.” Her husband knows she will never let him down.

In her quiet and efficient way, she gives him strength. She lets him know that he counts in the home. She makes him feel worthwhile, that she couldn’t get along without him. She sees the best in him. She refreshes him, morally, emotionally, physically and mentally and sends him out to his job feeling that he can put up with anything as long as he is loved and appreciated at home. She never lets him down.

3. The ideal woman is an energetic woman.

Verses 12-15, “She will do him good and not evil [not harm] all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar, she riseth also while it is still dark, and provides food for her family.”

There isn’t a lazy bone in her. Someone has said, “Man works from morn to set of sun, but a woman’s work is never done.” A woman has to be chef, clothes’ designer, interior decorator, gardener, educationalist, counselor, budget director, sweetheart, mother, letter-writer and always ready for an outing with the family. She holds more cabinet posts than the President of Nigeria.

4. The ideal woman is economical. Verses 16-19, “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff [staff that holds the wool] and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”

She knows how to make her husband’s paycheck take care of the bills. She doesn’t run up bills that worry her husband. She does her own housework. She isn’t bound to an eight-hour working day. She keeps at it until the work is done. She augments the family

income when necessary. She keeps the family healthy and happy with good garden diet and home-cooked meals. She knows how to nurse a sick child, and cultivate the garden. On top of all this, she always manages to save a bit for a rainy day, or for a new dress for daughter’s graduation. The ideal woman is economical.

5. The ideal woman is unselfish. Verse 20, “She stretcheh out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”

You can’t live with a woman who is either always right or who must always have her way Few things rocks the boat of matrimony like a demanding wife (or husband for that matter).

Marriage is no place for selfishness. Show me a woman who is anxious to share and I’ll show you a woman who is easy to live with and a woman who will make her husband’s interests her interests.

The ideal woman has time to sit down and figure out an arithmetic problem for Johnny, to plan for a surprise party for her daughter’s birthday, or to help out when a neighbor is sick. This spirit of unselfishness will do more to solve the problem of our young people today than anything that has been advanced by our nation so far.

6. The ideal woman is emotionally healthy.

Verse.25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity.” Few things unnerve a man as a whining, complaining wife. Some women are an open invitation for every pharmaceutical commercial. A smart wife will guard her health. She will practice conservative habits of rest, proper food, exercise and New Testament faith.

Don’t allow yourself to get sloppy in appearance after marriage. A wise woman will keep herself attractive!

7. The ideal woman is cheerful. The last of verse 25 says, “She can laugh at the days to come.”

Proverbs 31 is talking about God’s viewpoint of an ideal woman. The woman who will make a good wife according to Bible standards is found here in the Book of Proverbs. She is

an optimist. She is never ready to abandon ship. A sense of humor is absolutely necessary. The woman this verse describes is cheerful because she can look ahead with delight.

She has faith in the future. What if there is a set-back, things will be better tomorrow. She doesn’t make a war out of every family fuss.

She knows how to discipline and she knows how to laugh. She knows that a ready smile (old fashioned chuckle) is one of nature’s best proven shock- observers. Here is a woman who may cry in private, but she always smiles in public.

8. The ideal woman is wise. A literally translation of verse 26 is “She talks shrewdsense and offers kindly counsel” – or, “common sense.” You can go to college and be active in church, but it takes more than education or just religion to be an ideal woman. Verse 26 speaks of woman who is, interesting, entertaining and a good conversationalist. She is not someone who buries herself in some lurid paper magazine story or television soap-serial about troubled romances, but she is one who tells a moral story to her children as she tucks them into bed.

There is no possible substitute for common sense. “Beautiful but dumb,” will never get the job done. There must be a little wisdom behind a pretty face.

9. The ideal woman is kind. The last of verse 26 can be accurately translated, “The law of kindness is on her tongue.” A nagging woman is a pet peeve with God - and man!

Proverbs 27:15 says, “A continual dropping is a very rainy day, and a contentious woman, are alike!” Scripture says, “Endless dripping on a rainy day, that is what a nagging wife is like.”

Continued from next week •You can send in your QUESTIONS and the Holy Spirit will be set to give you the ANSWERS. Barr. (Mrs.) Favour Tioluwani Tel: 08050272259 or 07062738213. Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday July 5, 2015

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News

Okogie urges citizens to pray for leaders ...speaks on the moral pitfalls of jumbo pay for lawmakers ODINAKA URUAKPA

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igerians have been called upon to pray for their leaders, especially those in the National Assembly so that the lure of office will not blindfold them as it is already seems to be doing.

Giving this charge, former Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie went on to tell the people not to be surprised at what is going on now in both arms of the NASS; House of Representative and the Senate.

“Elections have come and gone and we got the ‘Change’ we wanted. Has Nigeria true, sincere and genuine patriotic politicians?

We wonder! The adage that says a chameleon cannot change its skin apply to our cross carpeting politicians. Most of them are nothing but what I call “Any Government in Power (AGIP)”, seeking their own selfish interest at whatever cost. There are myriad issues to be tackled but what interests them most are posts that will earn them filthy lucre”, he la-

Endtime Revelation with Bishop Bernard

Ojemeni (JP)

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n the analysis of the book of Revelation in the Bible, we have seen that at the end of the Laodicean Church age, John the beloved was taken to Heaven and I said John is the representative of the Church. Just as he was taken to Heaven after the last church age so shall we - the bride of Christ be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of rapture. Laodicean church/ age is a lukewarm and materialistic church/age that is now at the stage.

The type of 10 virgins in slumbering and sleeping state with their light on their lamps off, signifying absence of Revival and preparedness for the coming Jesus Christ. It is the midnight cry or shout that will trigger the true last Revival that will qualify the five wise virgins to make it to Heaven. The midnight cry is an event that will shake the whole world, which is the supernatural destruction of Russia and her allies by God Almighty as they invade Israel for total annihilation. When this takes place, know that we have just seven years to the end of the world. Keep your eyes on Russia’s activities in the Middle-East, their support for Iranian nuclear plants, which Israel sees as a great threat to their existence.

After all Iran is their number one ally in the coming invasion.

This Bible prophecy is inevitable.

No matter what, one thing in the very near future, is what will trigger the fulfillment of this prophecy. My position and advice to the children of God all over the world as an Endtime Minister is to begin to acquire your extra oil this time. Begin to work on your anointing, the flow of fire of God in your life. Spend quality time in the presence of God. Increase your prayer fire. Go the extra mile in your services to God. In your evangelism, giving to the work of God and welfare. Make holiness, righteousness, and fear of God your watch-word. Pursue peace with all men and forgive as many as offend you. Separate yourself from every

mented.

He insisted that the allowances and the jumbo package of the lawmakers are not only shocking, but outrageous and outlandish, adding that they are hard to be justified in the face of widespread poverty and the socio-economic realities of the nation.

“These allowances are completely out of sync with the wider logic of our economy and society. The figures sear the mind and raise moral and political issues, issues that seem to escape the tunnel vision of their advocates and beneficiaries. What is mindboggling is not just the fact that the lawmakers smile to their banks with millions of naira for wardrobe allowance, but coming at a time when most civil servants across the country have not been paid basic salaries for months”, Okogie lamented.

He noted that this does not appear just in a situation where public servants are seeking for the enabling conditions to do their job and to serve the nation, but speaks to a larger systemic breakdown and paralysis of the nation.

He further lamented: “This is nothing but

a projection of systemic corruption that has wrecked the ship of state and made the economy comatose and institutions of states broken and dysfunctional. That is why it is impossible to understand this reckless and insensitive arrangement without grasping the culture of materialism and decadence that have warped the nation’s moral climate.

“The average Nigerian wants to make it by every means, in a culture where success offers its own vindication. At root therefore is the ethos of ‘you-chop-I-chop’ mentality, which ironically has made us a society of self-aggrandizing, self-absorbed, and selfinterested people. A society that bends principle to ends, pathos (in the Greek sense) to ethos cannot secure its place in the comity of nations.”

He said that the unintended consequence of corruption or state dysfunctionality is huge as it creates a ripple effect and vicious circle of ‘authority stealing’ and racketeering, adding that the message in the street which is loud and ominous is that Nigeria is there for the plunder.

“Nigeria belongs to everyone and to no

one! And Nigeria cannot deserve an honourable service and patriotism. What an impression people have of us! This is both sad and sickening for the kind of society we want to leave for the next generation. More than the erosion of the value system, this is short path to ending any sense of public spirit. Indeed, when placed in proper perspective, it is highly unjustifiable that our national resources service a profligate class of politicians, but neglect the hope and welfare of civil servants especially teachers who build the engine of our nation’s future.

It just does not make sense that for instance N200 million severance package could be approved for each state, whereas civil servants are told, when they asked for better terms of service that the nation’s economy cannot sustain their intended welfare; the issues have always ramified”, he reiterated.

The Cardinal stated that it is highly probable however that these jumbo packages of members of the National Assembly and indeed all public servants have been skewed without the collusion or negligence of other state institutions.

Rapture before the emergence of the Anti-Christ Bishop Bernard Chukwuma Mbamalu Ojemeni, General Superintendent of Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc, in this piece, gives an insight into the New World Order. Excerpts: entanglement of sin and the world system.

Do not put yourself in position that when the last sign takes place, you still find yourself not able to take part in the last true Revival that is the saving grace for the bride. And because of where you have involved yourself, you still cannot make it. That is the case with the five foolish virgins. That will not be your case in Jesus name.

When John was taken to Heaven, he was brought before the throne of God. He saw God in His glory and the 24 elders on their seats with crowns on their heads. He saw the 7 spirits of God. He saw a sea of glass, the 4 living creatures giving glory and honour and thanks to God, who lives forever and ever.

The 24 elders fall down before God and worship Him that lives forever and ever and cast their crowns before the throne saying “Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honour and power, for thou has created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:2-11. John saw a book written within and on the backside, sealed with 7 seals. A strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice – who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? There was nobody found in Heaven, on earth and even beneath that came up to do it. And John began to weep.

And one of the elders, said to him. Weep not, behold the lion of the tribe of Judah the root of David has prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof. The next thing he saw was a lamb as it had been slain came out of the midst of the throne and of the 4 living creatures and took the book from the right hand of God. And there was jubilation in Heaven.

The 24 elders and the 4 living creatures sang a new song unto the lamb saying with a loud voice “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength and honour, and glory, and blessing.

And every creature in Heaven, on earth and under earth joined to praise the lamb.” Revelation 5:1-14 And the Lamb began to open the seals. And when He opened the 1st seal, one

of the 4 living creatures asked John in a loud voice to come and see. And John saw a white horse and the person sitting on it had a bow (no arrow) and a crown was given to him and he went forth conquering and to conquer. Revelation 6:1.

The question is who is man on a white horse with a crown on his head, having a bow without arrow, yet he went forth conquering and to conquer? This man is the anti-Christ.

He is a king symbolized by the crown. The white horse is a symbol of democracy and just a bow with which he conquered the world is craftiness and false peace. In other words in his first appearance, he will come with too much craftiness, such that nobody will suspect him to be the evil genius that will rule the world.

The New World Order (N.W.O.) is the apparatus of the anti-Christ that every preparation is being made for its implementation. It will spread like wild fire. The Bible said he went forth conquering and to conquer. Think of it, how can somebody conquer the world with a bow and no arrow? Which means that he will not start war.

He will embark of intrigue and false peace to win the allegiance of the international community.

His first foreign policy as the future President of United States of Europe is to sign a 7-year peace treaty with Israel and her Arab neighbours immediately after the supernatural destruction of Russia and her allies.

These are going to be the last 7 years of the world government before Jesus will take up the kingdoms of the world after the great tribulation. And so the 1st 3½ years will be when the anti-Christ will run his New World Order Government in full. The Rapture of the church will take place before the emergence of the anti-Christ. Just as John was in Heaven watching the happenings on earth so shall we - the bride of Christ be in Heaven watching unfolding events in the world. It is no gain saying the cashless policy and the future cashless society will be hijacked by the anti-Christ

to fulfill. Revelation 13:16-18 “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.”

Today the world is a global village. And being a global village, the global king that will conquer and hijack the world system by peaceful conquest is the anti-Christ – the man of 6.6.6. The world wide web (www) has been configured in such a way that that in the fullness of time, each w. will be replaced by 6.

Thus w.w.w. other information will be 6.6.6. other information to identify the bearer.

The bio chip implantation of any kind on your hand or forehead is the mark of the beast. And anybody who receives it now or after the rapture is already doomed for destruction. Be warned! Now it is voluntary, but after the rapture it will be compulsory. And without it you cannot buy and you cannot sell. You cannot have access to your money in the bank etc.

Today, it is Bank Verification Number (B.V.N.) and you see how people are struggling in the banks to obtain theirs. After the rapture, in the New World Order, it will be compulsory to be chipped in your right hand or forehead to become a citizen of the globe.

The code number of the chip is 6.6.6. Please, if you have not given your life to Christ do so now. Tomorrow may be too late because you do not know when death will strike. And come and worship with us on Sunday 9am in the address below: •For further information, contact us at: Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc.16/18, Johnson Street, off Kajola Street, Yakoyo, Lagos. Tel: 08023261219, 09095268897, 08036116881; Email: bishop.bernard@yahoo.com

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From the Pulpit

Sunday Mirror Sunday July 5, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEWS

Christians called to greater relationship with God ODINAKA URUAKPA

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iocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Osun North-East (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd (Dr.) Humphrey B. Olumakaiye has urged Christians to develop a greater relationship with God to guarantee peaceful and joyous life on earth.

The Bishop while delivering his message at the wedding ceremony of Oreoluwa Ademowo, first son of the most Rev. Adebola Ademowo, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Adeola Oladipo recently in Osun State insisted that God is the Christian’s heaven on earth therefore, nothing should matter to them, but their relationship with God. He compared the institution of marriage to the inheritance of the people of

Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona

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t is a thing of great interest that more and more people are beginning to accept the fact that it is virtually very impossible for anyone to enjoy complete God’s blessings on earth without first of all going through some form of spiritual deliverance. It gladdens my heart to see most of our big churches today teach on deliverance. This basic teaching of our faith that once you are in Christ old things are passed away and behold all things are become new is beginning to have reorientation by the top men of God in our society. Deliverance as one of the doctrine of our faith has begun to enjoy a wider embrace within our Christian community. This week, I wish to teaching on: What is evil family altar?

Joshua 24:2 “And Joshua said unto all the people. Thus said the Lord God of Israel, your father dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time even Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nachor, and they served other gods.”

Joshua in his farewell address to all the house of Israel told them that their father including Terah the father of Abraham and Nachor, dwelt at the other side of Jordan, where they served other gods.’ Not the true God of Israel.

Evil family altars were different places of worship erected by our great, great grandfathers and mothers, where they worshipped strange Gods.

These gods are strange because they are not the true living God. Just as, the father of Abraham and Nachor dwelt at the other side of the river worshipping other gods. Those days they had different places where they erected these altars.

The places they erected these altars became their places of worship. Some of these places were: A) On a sacred stone which was either kept at the back of the compound, or at the entrance of the compound B) Sometimes a small house was built either at the entrance of the compound, or at the back of the compound where they keep the images of their worship C) Under a tree, either at the entrance of the compound, or at the centre of the compound, or still at the back of the compound.

D) Sometimes they erect their altar the two or three road junctions E) At the market square under a very

a nation where what one person gets differed from what the other got.

“In marriage, it takes the grace of God for the lines to fall in pleasant places for you. Marriage is like a gift package that just arrived in a mail; you rush to open it and there it is all laid out in front of you, but then you realise that something is missing and whatever you find there is yours; to a natural man, marriage is like that”, he explained.

He urged the couple to be appreciative of their parents for putting their feet on good ground by nurturing and giving them spiritual and educational support as well as hold on to God who is the best and choicest part of life to have a good home.

“The lines are falling for you in pleasant places; you have goodly heritage.

We not equally fortunate; one may be fa-

voured to have a good wife or husband, the other may not, one may be successful, the other may not; what we get in life is all part of God’s secret providence”, he said.

Also speaking on the occasion, groom’s father, Rev. Ademowo gave thanks to God for His goodness in the life of the couple as he wished them all the best and prayed that their home be full of peace and joy.

“They need to put God first in everything they do, be contented and work hard and the sky would be the limit for them”, he maintained.

On couples who are encountering problems in their marital life he said: “In our country today, many homes are not in good shape and it is good for them to put God first, their lives must be theocentric (God centred) and Christocentric

(Christ centred) and when they do that, every other thing would fall into place.”

Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Adejoke Orelope-Adefilure who was present at the wedding congratulated the newly wedded couple as she also gave them some piece of advice.

“My advice for Ore and Adeola is that as they start their new home, they should be patient with each other, pray together and resolve issues amicably; they should be able to build strong tolerance so that they can forgive and forget when one offends the other person because coming from different backgrounds there surely would be some minor disagreements, but the ability to forgive and forget and tolerate each other would take care of everything; I pray that God will live with them and give them peace in their marriage’, she said.

Breaking the powers of evil family altar (3) big tree. They built small house under such tree, where they keep their images of worship.

F) On the road to the stream G) On the road to the family farm land.

Sometimes right at the center of the family farm land.

H) By the river side. They either build small houses were they kept the images of worship. Sometimes they build there house under the trees by the river side, where those images of worship are kept.

I) At the village square or arena.

The images of their worship These images of worship are made in two ways: A) The molten image: The images made in this way are molded with clay soil to the shape they desired. Or sometimes molded with melted brass, silver or golds.

B) The graven image: The image made in this way are carved with hard wood, to the shape they desired. In Deuteronomy 27:15 “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puteth it in a secret place.

And all the people shall answer and say amen.”

From beginning, the Lord God Almighty is against worship of images. In this scripture, God command Moses his servant to place a curse on anyone, who would secretly make either molten or graven images for worship.

That explains, why today all the Pentecostal’s worldwide is against any worship that involves images of any kind.

Different types of their images Those days and even today among those who worship other gods they make their images of worship in different shapes according to the work of the god concerned. Some of these shapes are: A) The shape of a snake. Representing the sign of the goddess of the river.

B) The shape of a crocodile. Representing the sign of the God of the river, for judgement and vengeance.

C) The shape of a man. This represent the sign of God the creator of heaven and earth.

D) The shape of a woman. This represent the sign of the queen mother E) When an image in a shape of a man is made and placed in the farm land it is a sign of the God of harvest.

F) The shape of a woman and a child. That

is a sign of the goddess of reproduction.

G) The shape of an animal, such as leopard, or lion: This represent the sign of the God of protection H) The shape of a young calf: This is a sign of the God of leadership and guidance.

In Exodus chapter 32, the Bible said, when the children of Israel saw that Moses delayed from coming down from the mountain, where he went to receive the ten commandments from the Lord, the people forced Aaron to make a molten calf, for them, to be the god that led them out of the land of Egypt. The Bible says when the pressure was so much on Aaron, he commanded them to bring their jewelries, which they brought, with that he fashioned out a golden calf, for them. Exodus 32: 4 ”And he received them at their hands and fashioned it with a graven stool, after he had made it a molten calf, and they said.

These be thy gods O Israel which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Beloveth, have you either molded or gravened another God in your heart beside the living God who has given you salvation in his son Jesus?

These days the worship of Gods has turned scientific. Just as the world we are in is being modernized, civilized industrialized with an increasing rate of technology, worship of God has also gone through a lot of modernization.

In this our age idol worship is no more practiced practically, but has become the function of the heart.

Many people these days have their idols stored up in their hearts. There idols are strange Gods that demand, worship, respect, honour, love and attention from us in place of Almighty God. In Mark 7:6-7 “And he answered and said unto them, well hath Isaiah prophesized of you, hypocrites, as it is written this people honoureth me with their lips, but their hearts is far from me.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandment of men” Dear child of God, do you worship God with your lips but your heart is far from him?

Those who do that are hypocrites.

They profess to be holy, but they deny the power. That means, they dress holy, openly talk in the fear of God, they accept responsibilities in the house of God, and openly make people to believe they are born again, but in the secret they deny their faith. They have

idols in their hearts. These idols have turned to small, small and gods which have stolen their real love for God Almighty. Dear child of God, discover your idol today. Your idol is anything that has taken the place of God in your life. Examples of them that has idols of the heart are: 1) Excessive love for money: Such people do not pay tithe, nor give good offerings in the church. They are stingy, and self-centred.

2) Lust of flesh: Such people still commit fornication or adultery though they have confessed they are born again 3) Love of pleasure: Such people still drink and get drunk. They love social functions, parties, disco halls, cinema halls and thing like these.

4) Love of fashion: Such people are still being controlled by fashion. They go to church to show their new wears.

5) Modernism and cosmetics: Such people still make up and wear seductive wears, exposing sensitive part of their bodies 6) Power and politics: Such people though they confess they love Jesus, but they are driven by power and politics.

They can visit native doctors for power; they can kill to achieve their selfish goals. Any person that do any of those things or things similar to these, have idol in his or her heart. Such a person is a modern day idol worshipper. If they fail to repent, they will not have part with God at the last day. God bless you continue next week.

Testimonies Attractive job opportunity secured I am a young graduate.

I have been searching for a good place of work that suits my discipline; I have not been successful until I came to this church with my mother.

When I met the man of God I told him that, I wish to get a good job. He told me that God will do it for me before I round my prayers. Brethren, my prayer remain only two week more, but as I am standing here, I announce to you that I have secured a job at the place of my choice. I am resuming next week, praise the Lord!

Sister Omosefe ADDRESS: Pastor Kingson I. Bona General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries No. 6, David Egbetuyi street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun-Ikotun, Lagos 08023404926, 08038206508

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Business FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday July 5, 2015

Egbin Power generation exceeds 1000mw GBENGA ODOGUN

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lectricity generation capacity has received a boost with Egbin power plant added 1000 megawatts to the National grid.

This is the first time the largest generation plant is attaining the 1000mw mark consistently since its inception. Average generation had been below 500 mw prior to privatisation due to the dismal state of its six units when only two of them were operational.

The generation station owned by the Sahara Group and Korea Electricpower Corporation has been generating the amount consistently in recent times.

A statement from the company quoted the chairman Mr. Kola Adesina as saying

that feat signposts the unfolding success of the privatization process and power sector reform in Nigeria.

Eight years ago, the plant hit the 1000mw mark for barely two hours and never attained it again until now.

Adesina attributed the achievement partly to the direct intervention of the federal government in its determination to resolve the power crisis which has resulted in recent improvement in gas supply.

“This is driving the increase in power supply in the nation, boosting socio-economic development. Prior to this, we had invested heavily and had the plant ready to generate power at full capacity but there was no gas to do so. This is indeed a good

development for the power sector in Nigeria,” he said.

According to Dallas Peavey, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the transformation in Egbin commenced following its acquisition by Kepco Energy Resource Limited (KERL), in collaboration with its technical partners, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

According to him, “Through the injection of close to N50 billion in new capital into Egbin post privatization, the Sahara Power/KEPCO partnership has brought to the power plant, an unprecedented level of innovativeness, professionalism, human capital development and continuing investment in new technology.

The control room panels,

installed at the plant’s inception have been removed and upgraded to state of the art digital panels. The highlight of the main plant rehabilitation occurred in the first quarter of 2015, when the company successfully rehabilitated ST Unit 6 bringing an additional 220mw to the national grid and restoring the power plant to its installed capacity of 1320mw,” he said.

Peavey noted that upon taking over the plant, the new management brought in a new lease of life to all the stakeholders in Egbin with a clear roadmap for consistent retooling and repositioning of the company to conform to the latest technology and ensure optimal performance.

“With these developments, Egbin is now

equipped to generate power at its installed 1320mw capacity and we remain committed to sustaining the performance of the plant as we prepare to explore the prospects of expansion for enhanced power generation. We are already envisioning a future of 2670mw in a few years’ time and even go beyond to 10000mw in the next decade, if gas supply, transmission expansion and demand permits,” he added.

Commending the Federal Government for recent interventions in the gas situation that has impacted power generation positively, the company’s Chairman called for more dynamic policies and incentives for sustainable gas supply across the nation.

Firm seeks to promote peace in Taraba through entertainment Nature’s Gift Concept in partnership with a German entertainment outfit, Lolly+ has began artistic talent hunt with a view to taking the youths in Taraba off the streets and making them self reliance and ambassadors of peace.

Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the firm, Mr. Lawal Adeola, while briefing journalists in Jalingo said the prolong ethnic and religious violence in the state was what informed his decision to come out with the programme to help bring peace to the state.

According to him, youths were the ones being used to prosecute crisis in the state due largely to the fact that many of them are unemployed, adding that youth who discovered their talent and are using it to earn a living will not abandon it to go and fight.

Lawal, who explained that they have so far discovered a lot of talents among Taraba youth cutting across music, dance and comedy among others, added that most of them have composed songs in some of the local languages in the state.

L-R: Founder and Editor, Mamalette Website and Forum, Anike Lawal; Proprietress of Grace Schools, Mrs. Iyiola Edun and Dr. Kana Ogban, during PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHI the Re-Launch of Mamalette Website and Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

BoI disburses N75.8m to off-grid solar home system providers The Bank of Industry (BoI) on Friday disbursed N75.8 million to GVE Projects Ltd,, and Arnergy Solar Ltd. to provide solar home systems to off-grid communities in six states.

The states for the pilot phase for the take-off are, Anambra, Delta, Niger, Osun, Kaduna and Gombe.

The Managing Director, BoI, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, while presenting cheques to the recipients, said the project was being implemented by the bank in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Olaoluwa said that UNDP which has 50 per cent stake in the project had contributed $1.6 billion.

He said that the project was divided into the Stand alone, which costs N31.6 million, and the MicroGrid, which costs N44.2 million, making a total of N75.8 million.

Olaoluwa stressed that the project would involve the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and local meter manufacturers.

He stated that the project would be operated on a Pay As You Go basis without any

threat to existing electricity distribution companies.

“There are two major systems, the stand alone, which is for singular homes attached to their roofs, while the Micro-Grid would be used as a cluster for different homes in the community.

“The choice whether to use the micro-grid or stand alone would depend on the type of settlement in the chosen communities, which has not less than 200 houses.

“The solar system when installed can power 4 LED lamps, Television, radio and

other appliances, with an average daily cost of N50.

“After the pilot phase has been proven successful, we have a long term goal to provide 100,000 homes with the solar power systems within the next five years,``he said He said that the project would provide a long term solution to the problem of power generation, which he said was currently less than 4,000 megawatts.

The chief executive officer of the bank said the programme was a more viable solution to rural-urban migration and poverty alleviation.

Ayade urged to check illegal logging in C’River RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

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Cross River state APC chieftain, Hon. Cletus Obun yesterday called on the Gov. Ben Ayade to set up a temporary anti deforestation task force to prevent escalation of logging activities, which had bedevilled the state in recent times.

Obun made the call while speaking on logging activities, which had come on the increase since the ban on Anti-Deforestation Task Force on Timber logging came on board.

The APC chieftain advised government to first revoke every license issued to some persons to do businesses in the forest, put a task force in place, liase with neighbouring states where stolen wood is transported through, get the environmental communities involved in policing of the forest if government is serious to reduce logging activities.

The former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly advocated the constitution of the Task Force with its members drawn from the security agencies such as the police, Civil Defence Corp, the Army and the environmental communities if government is serious in stemming the tide of deforestation that has escalated immediately government banned the antideforestation task force.

The former state lawmaker kicked against the setting up of a new task force, which would have its members drawn from the civilian populace alone because at the end of the day, they are still going to form another cabal that would rather use that as an opportunity to engage in illegal logging themselves, as previous ones had done.

“The anti-deforestation task force became more loggers than the loggers; the Forestry Commission became the headquarters of illegal logging and they own more sawing machines in that forest than the illegal loggers themselves.

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Sunday, July 5, 2015

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Jigawa gov explains revocation of road contracts

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ov.

Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa on Saturday said he revoked the road contracts awarded by his predecessor due to incompetence and delay manifested by contractors handling the projects.

The governor said this in a statement issued in Dutse by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Muhammad Zaki.

In the statement, Badaru explained that the action was not meant to stall projects initiated by the immediate past administration in the state.

He said that the state government took the decision to terminate the contracts, based on technical advice given by the supervising ministry.

The governor said that the advice indicated that

the contractors handling the projects had failed to meet stipulated standards and completion period.

According to him, the contractor collected more than a billion naira which was not commensurate with work done on ground.

The governor explained that Gagarawa-Bosuwa road of 29.75kilometres was awarded on Dec. 16

2014 at a contract sum of N3.7billion with an 18 month completion period.

He said that the 42-kilometre Budinga-Rambazau-Tsangarwa-MarutaZandam Nagogo road, was also awarded on December 16, 2014 at a contract sum of N5billion.

He said that the first phase covering BudingaTsangarwa had a completion period of 12 months

and both contracts were awarded to one company According to the governor, the company collected over N1billion as mobilisation fee for the two projects.

“To date, only 18 kilometres of site clearing and 6.3 kilometres of filling have been carried out on Gagarawa-Bosuwa , more than six months after mobilisation.

“On Kila -Tsangarwa road, only five kilome-

ters of site clearing and five kilometers of filling have been achieved, when the contractor should have reached 50 per cent completion, having been on site for six out of the 12 months completion period ”, the governor said.

He said that the state government had no choice than to terminate the contract, recover public funds collected, and re-award same to a more competent and tested contractor.

Customs impound contraband worth over N1bn in six months CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

N L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Dele Olowokudejo; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Rahman Bello; Guest Lecturer, Prof. Akin Oyebode and Dr. (Mrs.) Funmi Sofoluwe, during the 3rd Annual Lecture in honour of Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, in Lagos, recently.

NDA establishes critical thinking centre A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he coordinator Critical Thinking, Teaching and Learning Centre of Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Dr Nafisatu Dahiru Muhammad, has said the launching of the centre was to build and improve the capacity of teachers to raise standard of education.

Speaking shortly after an orientation training workshop on Pedagogy, Work ethics and critical thinking for newly posted National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members to NDA, Dr. Muhammad stressed that the newly centre will change the way things are being done as it relates to teaching and learning for quality re-

sults.

She maintained that transformation or change will only succeed when people change their orientation and behaviour adding that President Muhammadu Buhari, cannot do it alone in the era of change.

Muhammad said the centre has potential and capacity to accommodate the public on critical thinking, teaching and learning in the nearest future.

According to her: “We should not be doing things as usual. Our Commandant, Major General Muhammad Inuwa Idris, has launched seven centres of excellence and the critical thinking, teaching and learning is one of the centres. We will soon start three months certificate for NYSC members in the

academy. The National Teachers Institute, NTI, is our major partner “We are also trying to reach out to other paramilitary institutions so that we can improve their schools capacities. Our thinking

process, why we do certain things and we don ’t ask questions. For example, during 2015 elections, there was no electoral education and that critical thinking of asking questions does not happened ”, she said.

igeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “C ” Owerri has recorded a total of 226 seizures of contraband items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,016,833,292.

The Customs men also arrested 129 suspects in connection with the smuggling of various contraband goods between January and June this year, while 118 cases are pending in various courts within the zone.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Owerri, Imo State capital, over the weekend, the Customs Area Controller of the unit, Comptroller Victor Dimka disclosed that the items were im-

pounded within the first half of 2015, adding that the month of March recorded a total of 63 seizures with a DPV of N337,368,522 which according to him was the highest seizure with 25 arrests made, within the period under review.

The figure he explained further was at variance with 37 seizures with a DPV of N176,483,600 made in January, 40 seizures with of DPV of N136,708,650 in February, 37 seizures with DPV of N83,302,620 in April, 42 seizures with DPV of N141,228,100 in May while 47 seizures with DPV of N138, 341,400 were recorded in June.

He attributed the massive seizures made in March to high rate of corruption in the society and quest for materialism.

Report policemen involved in corrupt practices –Delta CP THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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he Delta State Police Commissioner, Usman Baba has warned police officers under his command to desist from corrupt practices, calling on Deltans to report anyone involved in extortion and other corrupt practices across the state to him for disciplinary action.

He stated this while launching safer highways

patrol vehicles in Asaba, the Delta State capital to checkmate crime along highways in the state saying that recent withdrawal military checkpoints nationwide would not increase criminal activities in the state.

In a statement issued by the command ’s spokesperson, DSP Celestina Kalu said the commissioner frown at corruption and would not allow it amongst his officers especially those

that have been drafted to highways to forestall crime.

Baba stated that the Safer Highways patrol vehicles are well equipped, with distress call numbers inscribed on each of them to enable members of the public report all occurrences of criminal activities within their environment to the patrol teams within their areas at any time of the day.

“The command ’s distress call numbers are also

open 24hrs daily ”, he stated.

The statement added that, “Following the Inspector-General of Police (IGP ’s) directives to Commissioners of Police of all states to strengthen security in their jurisdictions, especially on the highways, the Commissioner of Police, Delta state wishes to allay the fears of the public that the withdrawal of military checkpoints nationwide will not lead to increase of crime.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday July 5, 2015

51

National Institute for Nigerian Languages: A cry for attention NNAMDI COS-UKWUOMA

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he National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba was established

by Decree 117 of December 30, 1993, now Act No. 50 of 2004 of the National Assembly, as amended, with Prof. E. N. Emenanjo as its pioneer Executive Director. This tertiary research institute was set up for the implementation of the language provisions of the National Policy on Education (NPE) (1977, revised 1981, 1998, 2004).

It was established to serve as a degree awarding inter-university centre under the control of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The major objective of the institute is to serve as a part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and to enhance national unity and cohesion. It is designed to help Nigeria achieve the language objectives of the National Policy on Education by mass producing quality L2 teachers of various Nigerian Languages.

NINLAN shares common character and philosophy with other inter-university centres under the NUC. They include National French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos; the National Arabic Language Village, Ngala, Bornu State; the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, FCT and the National Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Oyo State.

It is embarrassing as well as annoying that out of these inter-university centres only NINLAN is not being properly funded and, in fact, is being toyed with despite being backed by an extant law establishing it just like the other four inter-university centres.

Sometime last year, while driving past the

institute on my way to Calabar with some friends, the sorry state of this federal establishment led to a heated discussion on the possible reasons why it seemed neglected and abandoned. Two of us had been privileged to be in some of the other 4 inter-university centres and were quite acquainted with the level of funding and activities in these other centres. It was almost a unanimous stand that the problem of the institute may be where it is located.

However, much as I would have loved to disagree with that assertion, my resistance fizzled out in the face of superior argument mounted by the other four. As a matter of fact, taking a critical look at the other centres, one may be compelled to accept this logical position by my friends, as it is expected that the same budget that provided for funds for the other inter-university centres ought to have also adequately provided for NINLAN. Indeed, the only hope of developing and making the over 400 Nigerian Languages appealing to the younger generation is seemingly being highly politicised and starved of fund for reasons best known to the authorities responsible for this. It is incontestable that NINLAN needs good funding and other logistical support that will make it able to fulfill its mandate and roles.

Strong and compelling points exist that make the revitalization and funding of the institute to realise the objectives of its establishment an urgent need. These include, according to an official document from the institute.

Worthy of note especially is that NCE L2 products are not good enough to teach at the secondary school level; hence they need a place where their knowledge can be upgraded to be better qualified to teach at the secondary school level.

Of course, it is a fact that only NINLAN offers the opportunity for NCE L2 products to raise their qualification to degree level with both ease and special touch of expertise. Moreso, as it is currently, advancement to degree levels for NCE L2 products are blocked since they do not qualify for the universities’ L1 programmes.

Recent enquiries and indication of interest in NINLAN programmes confirm the indispensability of this unique educational establishment which is expected to restore our national pride in respect of Nigeria’s cherished languages and cultures.

According to Prof. Ben Elugbe, NINLAN Executive Director, “The challenge of advocating Nigerian Languages is best faced by an institute such as NINLAN”. However, the need for a centralised coordinating body had been recognised. Thus a National Language Centre was created in the Federal Ministry of Education. The centre even had an Advisory Council at some point.

“The Language Centre started language empowerment (i.e. the development of metalanguages) and orthography manuals projects. During the Second Republic, it got funding from the National Assembly to produce a quadrilingual dictionary of parliamentary terms. The activities of the National Language Centre were passed on to the Language Development Centre of the NERDC by a 1987 Decree. The same activities were transferred to NINLAN by a 1993 Decree (now an Act of the National Assembly). As a result, the NERDC no longer has a Language Development Centre.

“The growing quality of the academic staff of NINLAN means that it will have staff in superior numbers and quality to any Department of Linguistics and Nigerian/African

Languages. It will therefore be in a position to be a leader in the research required to develop Nigerian Languages.”

It is an incontrovertible fact that NINLAN is a great idea and an ideal concept borne out of the fact that it is invariably hailed by those who hear of it. Unfortunately, most people also lament the fact that the institute is not well known because of the prolonged neglect.

NINLAN is a world-friendly concept. It is an idea that UNESCO and other international educational bodies applaud. Indeed, it was expected that when the African Union declared 2006 the year of African Languages, Nigeria, whose President served as Chairman, should have drawn uncommon inspiration from it and fortified NINLAN to compete with similar institutes in other countries, while becoming a role model for Africa.

It is heart-rending to note here that no meaningful attention has been given to this innovative institute since inception in 1993.

The institute is yet to get a takeoff grant, whereas other centres have all got the approved fund and very much more. Over two decades after its establishment, this novel institute has remained undeveloped with only meager facilities. Rather, it has been an object of mindless politics and discriminatory treatment by our policy makers and budget preparation and implementation authorities.

Worse still, Igbo leaders in the National Assembly and government have not shown interest in defending the cause of a significant federal government establishment in their zone, which has a very good potential of becoming a full-fledged university, providing jobs to their kins and improving the economic condition of the area where it is sited. Quite unfortunate!

Senate beyond the noise YUSUPH OLANIYONU

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t is just three weeks since the Eight Senate was inaugurated on the proclamation prepared by President Muhammadu Buhari. Since then, a lot has happened within the institution which under normal circumstances should have attracted positive attention from members of the public, including the ardent critic of the nation’s legislature. However, all the developments in that upper chamber of our legislature had been overshadowed by the din emanating from the circumstances in which its leadership emerged.

The quest and hunger for sensationalism and controversy by the press and its audience as well as the deliberate propaganda by a power group in the polity has made it impossible for people to see the Senate beyond the externally propelled and inspired schemings, quarrel and struggle for power that attended the election and selection of its leadership.

After the June 9 inauguration in which Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki was elected Senate President, he has continued to articulate the issues which he believed should be the focus of the eight Senate. The man had talked about the need for the Senate in particular, and the National Assembly, as a whole, to be prepared to support the programmes, policies and projects of President Buhari with enabling laws, motions and moral force necessary for their accomplishment. The President had spoken about addressing the issues of security, unemployment, corruption, development of agriculture and mining as ways to diversify the economy, improving on power and fuel supply, among others. >> The Senate President therefore believe there is need for the federal legislature to develop a legislative agenda which will comple-

ment the identified direction of the Presidency.

There are two indicators that can give anybody the direction that Saraki is already nudging the Senate. One is the various groups that the Senate President has hosted so far. Another one is the committees that he has set up and the address to the visitors and the committee members. The Senate President had deliberately opened his office doors to visitors who can be of help to the realisation of his plans. First to visit was the civil society. They visited Senator Saraki exactly a week after his election as Senate President.

Their visit was to open discussion with the Senate President on how to create an open, transparent and just process in the affairs of the federal legislature.

In his address to the group under the aegis of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Saraki said the 8th Senate has an agenda to bring the lawmaking process through broader participation. “ We are determined to have a more focused legislative session that will prioritise on bills that will help us deal with revenue leakages, inculcate accountability, reduce impunity and ensure prudence in our public governance through a concerted oversight function”.

He enjoined the civil society to help “galvanize civil support and provide field feedback that will enrich the deliberation and implementation of these agenda”. “We believe that this will further enrich our democratic process, guarantee public buy-in and ultimately empower our people”. The ultimate aim of engaging with the civil society is “to help the government of the day to actualise its policy agenda of reducing unemployment, infrastructure renewal, improvement of the business environment, power generation, justice delivery and agriculture”.

Mr. Clement Nwankwo who led the team

said the civil society was ready to support the National Assembly in order for its members to meet the needs of their constituents. He said the society expected the senate to have robust oversight over the executive arm, especially in the area of budget monitoring and implementation. He assured that members of the civil society would work closely with the National Assembly to have greater engagement in order to bridge the existing information gap.

By June 24, the next critical group of visitors were the National Executive Council members of the Nigeria Bar Association led

by Mr. Augustine Aleghe (SAN). The Senate President believe there is need for partnership between the bar and the law making institution so that the instrumentality of the law can be used to effect the positive change that APC promised Nigerians in the last general elections.

He told the senior lawyers that “ the NBA has been at the forefront of advocating and advancing legal and political reforms in Nigeria (and) the change that our people voted for is in line with the ideals the NBA has consistently advocated over the years : better justice system, accountability, improved business environment , reform of the criminal justice system and the advancement of our people’s rights and opportunities”.

He said the federal legislature under his leadership aim to help the executive plug the loopholes in the revenue mobilization and management systems which have made accountability of public funds very weak, leading to brazen corruption and mismanagement in the system.

From now on, he said the Senate will improve on the budgeting process to make it easier for scrutiny, interrogation and accountability.

Saraki appealed to the NBA to help the Senate to achieve a reform of the justice system to improve justice delivery system, strengthen alternative dispute resolution systems, reduce delay in courts, improve our people’s confidence in its processes and incentive arbitration and remove regulatory bureaucratic bottleneck. In his response, NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) said the Bar has a standing tradition of partnering with the Senate in improving on the workings of the legislative institution.

He advocated for sufficient support in the area of speedy passage of laws by the Upper chamber. He added that the Bar was not seeking to take over the responsibilities of the lawmakers but to collectively address grey areas in the law making process.

He specifically mentioned areas which the NBA considered as priority to include the Petroleum Industry Bill, Industrial Court, funding of the judiciary, reduction in cost of governance and review of the laws guiding establishment of business in the country.

The NBA boss commended the Senate for the peaceful conduct of the elections to elect its leadership. He said the Upper Chamber of the nation’s legislative body used the election to demonstrate the maturity of our democracy.

Then, the oil sector operators gathered under the umbrella of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce to discuss with the Senate President. The Senate President used the occasion to articulate the objective of the Eight Senate which included partnering with the government on how to deal with the common challenge of falling price of oil in the international market.

Olaniyonu is Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Many governors will go to jail ’ Barrister Kenny Ayanwale is a legal practitioner and social commentator. He is also the publisher of an international publication, Entertainer Magazine. In this chat with AYO ESAN, he speaks about issues as they affect the country.

Muhammadu Buhari has been in the saddle as the country ’s president in the last one month, what areas do you want him to give priority attention?

He is only one month old in government and people voted for change and we believe that the change will come. Definitely, Buhari will deliver and will make positive change. He will provide quality change. You know he is old but despite that, he is going to make the country one that is worth living.

He has said that he is going to recover all stolen money. He said whoever stole money up to the last kobo, he will recover it that is a positive development. He said all those that stolen money will be brought to book even a serving civil servant will still face the wrath of the law.

He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. The looters of the country are in problem with Buhari at the helm of affairs.

I will like him to give priority to two things. First, I want him to get rid of the corrupt people in the country. The system is porous and he must ensure that we block the leakages. The devils that are behind the backwardness of this country and hindering its growth must be brought to book. He must not leave any stone unturned. He should bring to book all the corrupt people without sentiments. Either they are members of his party, the APC or not, those who are corrupt should be dealt with according to the law.

He should also improve the power supply because that would help the country. It will also help in the fight against unemployment. With good supply of electricity, more factories will spring up and people will be employed. Also the small scale industries will be available. Electricity is so important even to hair dresser, barber, welder and other artisans, so if he can do that in the next few months Nigerians will appreciate him. Power remains the most important thing, he should give it to us and Nigeria will be good for it.. This is one of the basic amenities the country should provide for its citizens and Buhari should do that. If he fails to do that within a short period, people will not be happy. Even now the electricity supply is a bit okay but we want the best.

Let ’s look at the inability of states to pay their workers, although almost 22 states owe salaries but the Osun State is more worrisome. What is your take on this?

Actually the issue of non- payment of workers ’ salaries in Osun State has gone beyond the imagination of right thinking member of the society. Can you believe that a governor of a state would say he doesn ’t know what to do about the situation and that he didn ’t know how the state arrives at its present situation?

If the gentleman has lost focus he should allow other people to come on board. The state can boast of young and dynamic

PDP in the state. Are you not in a way supporting Omisore who lost to him during the last election?

I am not supporting Omisore and I don ’t think he can come to power in that state. We have about 26 local government areas in Osun state and during the last election he didn ’t win up to five local governments. He was in the Senate for eight years as the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee that should be okay for him. The state needs a young person who is dynamic, credible and with new ideas.

In Oyo State Seantor Abiola Ajimobi who has just been elected for a second term also owes workers in the state. What is your take on that?

What is bothering me is that this is a governor who is owing workers ’ salaries and because he was taken to the tribunal over the governorship election , he hired eight senior lawyers, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs in addition to other old and experienced lawyers . How much do you think he will pay these lawyers? He should have used the money he used to hire those lawyers to pay the workers.

Aya anwale e

THE DEVILS THAT ARE BEHIND THE BACKWARDNESS OF THIS COUNTRY AND HINDERING ITS GROWTH MUST BE BROUGHT TO BOOK.

people who could manage the state. I don ’t know what he was using the allocation for. The allocation from the Federal Government has been prepared in a way that it would take care of the workers in the state.

I do believe that many governors would go to jail. Most of them can ’t escape it, because they have misused the revenue accrued to the states. The allocation from the Federal Government should be more than enough. It has been determined based on the population and the size of the states. So I see no reason why Governor Aregbesola can come out and say he could not pay salary for up to seven months. Let assume that in that state both husband and wife are government workers, what do you think would happen to the family? And most of these governors they don ’t have their children in the country. Their children are somewhere abroad, living there and enjoying themselves.

Aregbesola has lost focus and he should honourably resign rather than be disgraced with impeachment. I learnt that a judge in the state wrote to the state assembly that he want the state assembly to perform their civic duty and rescuing the state by impeach Aregbesola. I think it is a normal thing, although people have been criticizing the judge. But to be honest with you there is nothing wrong with what the judge says is it because he is a judge that makes him not to be entitled to his own opinion. People are suffering in the state, the governor can ’t pay the pensioners, he can ’t pay the civil servants.

He should give other people the chance. But when we say other people, it should not be people who will come to rob the state but we should allow a dynamic, well read and people with good names to run the state.

It seems you are echoing the view of the

But he was taken to court by Senator Rashidi Ladoja over the last gubernatorial election and he needs to defend himself?

I know that, but he should not spend too much on lawyers when he cannot pay the state workers, that is my position.

As for Ladoja, I wish him the best in his suit but after this I think he should face his business. He is old and should be concerned with his business and the progress of Ibadan land. He should encourage people of good ideas, people with good focus who can give back to the society. That is my expectation from Ladoja.

However the coins has two sides, if the court judgement comes out in his favour , that is the will of God and if not he should take it as God wish and go on with his business. Since the matter is in court, as a lawyer, one needs to wait for the judgement because we cannot preempt the court. Whatever comes out of the court will be binding on the citizens.

Do you nurse any ambition of going into politics?

I will join politics but I am not desperate for anything I am not like the people in the Senate and House of Representatives who settle matter with fisticuff.. I have been under pressure to join politics and I have an ambition to rule Oyo State and I will contest in 2019. But I am studying the parties and I will soon decide on platform to use.

For now I am trying to help the less privileged, the widows, the old people and the teeming public. So I will join politics later to give more help and services to the people. I have lived in Britain and I want us to play politics as it is being playing there. We need to embrace politics of understanding, of brain, politics of progress and politics of development. We should abhor politics of looting, of stealing money from the treasury, of going to the national assembly and be throwing chairs. That is what is in my mind.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Sunday, July 5, 2015

53

gara ahead of resumption

Gba ajabiiam mila

before resumption if there would be peace to have legislative businesses conducted in the 8th House successfully.

Already, those who said they are the loyal party members are still kicking, insisting that nothing comes short of the party ’s position to the House.

They have made it clear through their spokesman, Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura, APC Katsina State that those appointments, as

conveyed to the Speaker, were the exclusive preserves of the party.

“This action of the party and the APC House Caucus is in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution, the House Rules and Parliamentary tradition, practices and precedents in Nigeria and all over the world.

“But to our surprise and in breach of our privilege and rights as contained in the Constitution and extant House Rules, Mr. Speaker refused to read the letter from our party.

“The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are not Party Principal Officers but are House of Representatives Presiding Officers and by precedent and practice are expected to provide a level playing ground for all members, while the Party Principal Officers are supposed to be the main advocates for their individual party positions.

“The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives are elected by all members of the House of Representatives irrespective of party affiliation and it is also possible under our extant rules for a Speaker and his Deputy to be elected from a minority/ opposition party in the National Assembly.

“Therefore, Speaker Yakubu Dogara of the House of Representatives cannot under extant laws and House rules appoint, choose, select, dictate or even provide guidance on how party principal officers emerge or are elected or selected. That responsibility and au-

ALTHOUGH THE APC ’S NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, NEC HAS MET WITH A VIEW TO RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS, SOLUTION TO IT ACTUALLY RESIDES WITH THE ACTORS. thority lie with each party and party ’s caucus members in the House. If I may ask is Speaker Yakubu Dogara empowered to do that for the PDP House caucus?

“This action, by Speaker Yakubu Dogara cannot and will not be allowed to stand as it will set a dangerous precedent in our parliamentary practice as it will give the Speaker the right and authority to appoint, choose, select, dictate or even provide guidance on how Principal Officers emerge or are elected or selected by the Majority and Minority parties in the House of Representatives. This action is capable of truncating our democracy, ” Daura stated.

With this, it is clear that Dogara has a big task ahead of him on resumption, which entails serious dialogue, negotiation and humility, among other sportsmanship virtues to move the House forward.

Already, the Speaker had inaugurated the ad hoc committees on the re-

view of the House Orders, another on a Code of Conduct for members and another on Media and Public Affairs, with a clear mandate to manage the image of the 8th House. He has said that the drafts of those of the House Orders and Code of Conduct of members would be considered upon resumption on July 21. Without this major crisis being carefully addressed by the Speaker, it is likely to create another round of chaos when the members resume, leaving the business of the House to suffer.

Although the APC ’s National Executive Committee, NEC has met with a view to resolving the problems, solution to it actually resides with the actors. In the conflict, who must choose the path of peace, the path of honour, by making up their minds to resolve the crisis.

For the Dogara, it is believed that by now, he must seriously be consulting and reaching out to ensure that all parties resume to plenary happy and ready to work.

was devalued ”, it would require “meticulousness and sure-footedness to repair all the breaches ”.

“It is amusing to read what the National Publicity Secretary of the defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, considers a 30 days appraisal of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“He wants Nigerians to join hands in prayers for the government, so that things would begin to move. What he does not know is that Nigerians had long formed such coalition.

“They are hands in hands, and that was what gave victory to President Buhari in the March 28, 2015 poll.

They had teamed up to uproot an administration that had brought the country to her knees, and was about to tip her off the precipice.

“And Nigerians have resolved that never would they allow any government to divide them along regional, religious and ethnic fault lines again.

“The Buhari administration is naturally contemplative because there was absolutely no rhyme or reason to the way PDP ran the country, particularly in the immediate past dispensation.

“That is why the Augean Stable is being cleaned now, and it requires

scrupulous and painstaking planning.

“Across all sectors, our national life was devalued, and it takes meticulousness and sure-footedness to repair all the breaches.

“This, the Buhari administration will deliver.

“Metuh talks of people round the President conniving with bureaucrats to syphon money from the treasury.

“This must be deja vu, as it was the pastime of the immediate past administration, and the enormity of the sleaze will be evident when stolen money, to the tune of billions of dollars, is recovered, and returned to the national treasury soon.

“In the process of time, after all that is being planned by the current administration has matured, and bearing fruits, Nigerians will be able to determine who is serving them acceptably, and who has taken them for a ride. It is just a matter of time.

“Meanwhile, Metuh and his masters can only rue the missed opportunities to make salutary impact on the lives of Nigerians. They have a long road of regrets to travel, ” the statement said.

As Buhari continued his journey in governance Nigerians are waiting eagerly for the desired change and they believe he won ’t disappoint them.

onth after

Metu uh

for President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying that thirty days in government has been a case of all motion, no movement.

The party further said that the need to pray for President Buhari has become imperative because it was a very sad story that having

been elected March 28, he was yet to decide on key appointments such as ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), a Chief of Staff and advisers in key sectors of the economy.

According to PDP, the APC was yet to get its bearings right, adding that the new administration was showing no inclination towards implementing its numerous campaign promises for which they were voted into office at the centre.

Metuh said, “After a careful evaluation of the first 30 days of President Muhammadu Buhari and All Progressives Congress (APC) ’s administration, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notes that it has become obvious that Nigerians need to join hands in prayers to save the government from further inaction and dithering.

But Buhari has defended his performance in the last 30 days, dismissing an assessment by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party that the president failed in his first month in office.

The presidency said the Nigerian “stable ” was being cleaned of filth left behind by past PDP governments.

The presidency said the effort requires scrupulous and painstaking planning, more so as the Buhari administration is “naturally contemplative of its every move ”.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said given that all sectors of “national life

54

Politics

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

As Kwankwaso engages in new battles on home front ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

T

he immediate past Executive Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, now a serving senator, is now engaged in a new battle, the type that usually begins when a powerful political office holder relinquish grip on the reins of power and is now seen a fair game for those who had not dared to openly challenge him while in office.

These battle has Kwankwaso and his sympathizers on one side, while the opposition, and anti-Kwankwassiyya elements within the All Progressive Party, APC on the other with radio talk shows, market places, political platforms , places of religious worships and other forms of gatherings in the state, used as war platforms.

Opposition elements began wagging their tongues one week prior to his handing over of power to the incumbent, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, following the emerging reality of an austerity situation made kneon by the transition committee headed by the then state deputy governor elect, Professor Hafiz Abubakar when the committee disclosed that the then outgoing administration of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has left the state with a debt burden estimated to worth over N200 billion, leaving behind 2,715 ongoing projects valued at about N313 billion.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP cried foul over the development, while critics and social commentators feasted on this disclosure, with Kwankwaso as their prey.

Kwankwassiyya militants who took to the defense of the former defense minister, on local radio programmers, street assemblies and various social media platforms pointed to his success full completion of 4,019 projects at the cost of N140 billion, while in office between 2011-2015 as an achievement that should be the issue of interestand not the debt left behind, arguing that government is a continuum.

Though it is not clouded from public knowledge that Bashir Lado candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the red chamber filled a petition before the Kano State and National House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, many in their opinion described the legal action as akin to whipping a dead horse, as any threat to the occupation of the Kano Central Senatorial seat by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is seen as nonexistent.

It only dawned on unrepentant Kwankwasiyya followers, when the petition tribunal mentioned that the Mega Progressive Peoples Party, MPPA, had prayed it to nullify the election of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as senator representing Kano central, citing the exclusion of the name of their party from the ballot.

Many loyalists to the senator and former governor began to grow political and legal goose pimples, the party cited the exclusion of its party name and logo from the senatorial election ballot paper as the reason that prompted it to approach the tribunal to seek the nullification of Kwankwaso’’s election as a

Gan ndujje

Kwa ankw waso

THE OPPOSITION PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY, CRIED FOUL OVER THE DEVELOPMENT, WHILE CRITICS AND SOCIAL COMMENTATORS FEASTED ON THIS

DISCLOSURE, WITH KWANKWASO AS THEIR PREY.

senator.

The petitioner urged the tribunal to declare as null and void the election of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, citing the exclusion of its party logo and the omission of the name of its candidate from the list array of contestants in the election of March 28th, 2015.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had also filed a petition before the Kano panel protesting over the emergence of the former Kano state governor as the senator representing Kano Central under the aegis of the All Progressive Congress, APC. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in its originating summons had informed the tribunal that the process through which the senator representing Kano Central emerge the standard bearer of the APC contravened the provisions the electoral act 2010 as amended.

The petitioner further alleged that, the number of votes that were announced in favour of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as senator elect was in contrast to the actual number of votes cast, noting that, its senatorial standard bearer, senator Bashir Garba Mohammed of the PDP secured the highest number of votes at the March 28th senatorial election.

Kwankwaso and his Kwankwassiyya

foot soldiers have lost sleep over these matters, the who senator handed over to Ganduje on the morning of May 29th without witnessing the swearingin ceremony, departing the state in a commando fashion and have not visited the state since then, his political coterie have kept vigil over the matter with the knowledge that this is one of the many political wars their political clout, (Kwankwansiyya) cannot afford to lose.

Nine days to the expiration of his second four years term as the executive governor of Kano state a petition was forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on behalf of Concerned Kano state Workers and Pensioners by Bashir Nasir &Co alleging that the former governor abused the sum of N10 billion pension funds.

According to the petitioners, Kwankwaso deposited N2 billion with now defunct bank, adding that the deposited amount was lost to liquidation, alleging that he also failed to make attempt to recover the lost money from NDIC. The petitioners informed EFCC in their written complaint, that Kwankwaso acted in contrast to the provisions of the Kano State Pension and Gratuity Law.

The anti-graft agency invited and questioned the state Accountant General , the Permanent secretary Ministry of Finance and his counterpart from the Ministry of works in connection with the allaeged misuse of the N10 billion pension funds.

As another political war front was opened, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso then ran to a Kano High court sitting in Gezawa to seek protection from arrest , he filed for an order of the court to be issued restraining EFCC from arresting him in connection with the allegedly abused pension funds, adding that the motive to arrest him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has compelled him to place himself under house arrest, inside his Abuja abode.

His attorney Barrister Okechukwu Eze, said the allegation of misappropriation of over N10 billion pension fund over which the EFCC invited him for questioning was a frivolous allegation, he pray the court for the restraining order to pave way for Kwankwaso to clear the allegations levied against him.

Last Wednesday the Kano High Court sitting in Gezewa town of Kano state ordered the EFCC not to contemplate or proceed to effect the arrest former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over the allegation of misappropriating N10 billion pension fund being investigated by the commission.

The court adjourned the matter to July 15 for hearing of the substantive motion on notice.

The commander in chief of Kwankwassiyya Movement Worldwide has a date with July 15, when the law would either ask him to walk freely or counsel or direct him to submit himself to be quizzed by the anti graft agency.

It remains to be seen however, how the unfolding drama will play out.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Interview

Sunday, July 5, 2015

55

Buhari should restructure anticorruption agencies –Ekpo Eyo Nsa Ekpo is a Calabar-based lawyer/politician. He contested the House of Representatives election on the banner of the All Progressives Congress, APC, but lost. In this interview with Richard Ndoma, Ekpo speaks about the last elections and politics in Cross River State.

Excerpts: How would you react to the results of the last general election, especially that of the national assembly which you contested and lost.

On the whole, I am happy with the outcome of the last general election but for the criminal manipulation of the polls in the South-South, especially in Cross River State. Generally, the election was free, fair and credible except in Cross River State where the Progressive Party was massively rigged out by the reactionary political ruling class.

The shameless mobilisation of the state instrument of coercion and INEC and the deployment of our commonwealth and patrimony for this purpose left us stunned. Nationally, I applaud the outcome; in Cross River State the exact opposite was the case.

After the announcement of the results of the presidential poll that Buhari won, there were insinuations that Cross Riverians are not amenable to change. What is your reaction to this?

That is to the undiscerning minds, the temptation of always drawing conclusions without a proper analysis.

Firstly, for 16 years now, the reactionary ruling class in Cross River State perpetually embarked on a programme of mass impoverishment of Cross Riverians, with no youth or woman empowerment scheme in place, with no scholarship or bursary for Cross River State students in tertiary institutions, with high and unaffordable tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions. There is no employment in the state civil service and with retired civil servants not being paid their severance entitlements, with multiple, oppressive and retrogressive tax regime which is forcing small and medium scale businesses to fold up. Others relocate and with the wholesale sharing of our common patrimony among the ruling class, their friends and acolytes. Our people were before the elections completely emasculated and psychologically traumatised. They therefore had little interest in where the pendulum swung or outcome of the election.

Second, the absence of focus by the leadership of the progressive party, their inability to rise above pettiness and rumour-mongering led to their inability to seize the moment, culminating in the APC ’s crushing defeat in the 2015 general elections. Today, rather than articulate ways and means of retrieving our stolen mandate, members of the state Exco of APC are trampling all over Abuja, falling over themselves

Ekpo

UNLIKE OTHER LEADERS WHO WERE FOISTED UPON US BY THE WHIMS OF A POWERFUL INFLUENCE OR CABAL, PRESIDENT BUHARI EMERGES AS THE FIRST IN THE EXECUTIVE

PRESIDENCY ERA RIDING ON THE WINGS OF POPULAR ACCEPTABILITY. to get appointment in President Buhari ’s Government; how do you explain this?

Again, the ability of the reactionary ruling class to plant moles within the highest level of the progressive party in the state, made it impossible to have consensus in the house before, during and after the elections. In the run-up to the elections, you would have noticed that the APC was comatose in Cross River

State with no coordinated campaigns of any sort, no radio and television jingles, no house-to-house visitation to sell the programmes and manifesto of the party. There were no rallies, the progressive party was a sitting duck waiting for the hunter ’s bullet. Take for instance the attitude of our governorship candidate, Mr. Odey Ochicha, while counting and collation of votes were yet to be

concluded, he issued a press statement congratulating Prof. Ayade of the PDP. Nigerian economy is said to be bedevilled by corruption. By your estimation, do you think that President Buhari has the capacity to turn things around for the better?

In an interview with Sunday Mirror sometimes in January, I attempted to answer this question. Our President is a quintessential public servant. Unlike other leaders who were foisted upon us by the whims of a powerful influence or cabal, President Buhari emerges as the first in the Executive Presidency era riding on the wings of popular acceptability; the first truly charismatic leader in the Executive Presidency era. One of the underlying reasons for his popularity is his anti-corruption pedigree. Nigerians are attracted to his consistency, discipline and integrity. He comes with a clear vision of what he wants to achieve and how to go about it; he is not therefore a circumstantial leader. I believe he needs three things to set the tone for true anticorruption crusade.

The first is in place; we already have a president with very strong character, integrity, discipline and pedigree.

Second, the anti-corruption institutions; the Police, EFCC, ICPC etc must be strengthened by putting at their heads men and women of strong and unquestionable character. Also, through a wholesome restructuring and re-orientation of anti-corruption institutions in line with the new vision.

Third, because corruption has attained epidemic proportion in our country and because the regular courts are likely to be overwhelmed by an avalanche of anticorruption cases, there is need to set up special anti-corruption courts or tribunals headed by High Court Judges and/ or Client Magistrates or their equivalent.

This will ensure quick dispensation of justice.

All in all, I believe this president is well equipped to succeed in ridding Nigeria of corruption.

Recently, you led a group of APC elders to protest the visit of some prominent Cross Riverians led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, then Senate Majority Leader to President Buhari before he was sworn in; what informed your decision?

Some very unscrupulous people are trying to make capital out of this principled stance of concerned Elders of APC, Cross River State. Of those that visited Buhari then, two of them, Chief (Barr) O. O. Obono-obla and Barr.(Mrs) Mary Ekpere-Eta, are prominent leaders of the APC. Others are either card-carrying PDP members or their avowed sympathisers, who were very vociferous in their opposition to President Buhari ’s presidential ambition. We, Buhari ’s supporters in CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Buhari should restructure anti-corruption agencies ’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

Cross River State were objects of scorn and derision and sometimes of pity. I recall also that sometime around 2009, I felt oppressed and suffocated within PDP and sought learned Chief NdomaEgba ’s intervention, especially in the affairs of PDP in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State. He told me without any equivocation that politicians like dogs, jealously guard their territories. Any dog who invades the territory of another risks the ire of the owner. Today, Chief Ndoma-Egba wants to invade our territory and you think we should fold our arms?

Again, the learned chief has been part of the decision-making machinery of the PDP government for all of the 16 unfortunate years PDP was in power and when oil was selling above one hundred dollars per barrel. To visit President Buhari and table a list of problems which had become perennial throughout the 16 years of PDP rule seemed hypocritical to us, especially now that the country is even borrowing to fund recurrent expenditures. I think the apparent intention was to stampede and steamroll the President and ultimately embarrass him. We, as good and consistent party men, must not allow this to happen.

It is believed that stiff opposition could strengthen and sustain the democratic culture in any given political system but with the gale of defections from the

MUCH AS IT WOULD BE GRATIFYING TO SEE THE ONCE ARROGANT AND SWASH-BUCKLING PDP GO INTO EXTINCTION, IN THE INTEREST OF OUR DEMOCRACY, THIS WILL BE HARMFUL TO THE NATION. THE GALE OF DEFECTIONS SIGNPOSTS THE LACK OF CONSISTENCY AND IDEOLOGICAL AWARENESS ON THE PART OF SOME NIGERIAN POLITICIANS.

PDP to the APC, the opposition may be extinct. How do you think PDP can provide the needed opposition to put the President on his toes?

Much as it would be gratifying to see the once arrogant and swash-buckling PDP go into extinction, in the interest of our democracy, this will be harmful to the nation. The gale of defections signposts the lack of consistency and ideological awareness on the part of some Nigerian politicians. It is all about “come and chop ” politics.

A viable opposition is a sine-qua-non for the evolution of true democratic culture. Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely. Even though APC boasts a cream of visionary, focused and tenaciously people-oriented leaders in the likes of President Buhari, Asiwaju

Bola Tinubu, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun still, principled opposition is imperative to avoid descent into dictatorship, impunity, abuse of office and arrogance of power, the same sins that culminated in the PDP ’s loss of power. The PDP should evolve a new vision and a new direction not by a wholesome abandonment of the core conservative values of which the party is anchored, but by rebranding and refocusing. It should be ready to give the APC a solid and well articulated opposition for the next 20 years.

Is it true that a former governor of Cross River State is being sponsored by the APC National Leader as a ministerial nominee?

I can ’t speak for our National Leader but I can assure you of one thing: our National Leader is very cerebral and very committed to the progressive ideals upon which the APC is anchored. Let me also remind you that time and again, the Publicity Secretary and even President Buhari have reiterated that no PDP decampee will make the ministerial list. I think we must learn to trust our leaders when they speak. In Cross River State, you are aware that all former governors are members of the PDP. You are quite aware of our struggle over the years to free our people from the reactionary cabal called PDP in Cross River State.

What then will be the ideological nexus between the said former governor and President Buhari or even our National Leader? This is a rumour and I think we should treat it as such. In Cross River State, we have leaders who are at home with the people. There is the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South) Prince Hilliard Eta, there is Pastor Usani Usani, the state Chairman of the APC and so many others. Should they not be consulted together for this purpose?

Everyone is aware of the intimidation and witch hunt with which APC members and Buhari ’s supporters were subjected to in Cross River State. Can anybody foist on us the same persons who just a few weeks ago supervised our misery in Cross River State? Even the Almighty God will be offended should such occur.

NEWS

Imansuagbon dumps PDP for APC Compensation: Host communities petition SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN EDO

A

head of the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, a frontline politician and leader of Ewohimi people of Esanland in Edo Central District, Barrister Kenneth Imansuagbon yesterday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and joined the All Progressives Congress, APC. He made hi s declaration during an event that attracted many APC leaders including the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon Lawrence Aghedo, the constituency leader, Mr. Victor Eboigbe, the Executive Director of Edo Rapid Response Agency, Chief Sam Eboigbe and the Assistant Secretary of APC in Edo State, Mr Andrew Akhabue amongst others.

Speaking at the occasion, Imansuagbon said he was happy to be back to the APC, which he described as his base.

Imansuagbon, who was accompanied by his wife, Kate, said, “I want to thank you the leaders of Ewohimi. I want to thank you for those silent phone calls.

I am glad that I am back to base. If you like, call me a prodigal son. ” “I am happy that I am back. I am back to the women. I am back to the youths on the streets. I promise that together we will work with all the leaders in Ewohimi and move Ewohimi forward. ”

In his reaction, Aghedo said the APC was very happy to have added a leader of quality in the person of Imansuagbon into its fold in Edo State.

In another reaction, the party scribe described Imansuagbon as a founding member of the ACN, who later dumped the transformed party to move over to the PDP and added that Edo APC was happy to have him back.

Imansuagbon is expected to declare his aspiration to get the ticket of APC in the 2016 governorship election in Edo State. .

Imansuagbon

Buhari over Zungeru dam project PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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he host communities around the new Zungeru Hydro Electric Dam have petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari to compel relevant government agencies handling construction work at the site to stop, until land owners are fully paid their compensation as order by the Court.

The petition titled “Buhari must hear this: Another Bakolori Dam Killing waiting to happen in Zungeru Dam, Niger State ” sent to President Muhammadu Buhari the communities claimed that said not more than two percent of the people affect by the dam construction has been paid their entitlements.

The petition was copied to the Niger State Governor, the Minister of Power, Emir of Minna, Senator David Umaru (APC,

Niger East), Commissioner of Police, Niger State, Director of SSS, the Attorneys to the communities, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission and Chairman, Community Relations Committee, The people lamented at the manner, the contractors handling the project, Messrs CNEEC-Sino hydro and consultant estate surveyors and valuers handling the payment, Messrs Mohammed & Co and Messrs George Nzei & Co have treated a court injunction restraining them from going on with the construction work until the people whose lands and economic trees were taken over in the course of the dam construction have been adequately paid their compensations and properly resettled.

The petition signed by Zubair Umar Jiko, Chairman of the committee representing the communities and four other

members, said not wanting to take laws into their hands, the communities dragged the Federal government to court in a suit No. NSHC/275/2014.

Alhaji Garba Bangajiya and 7 Others Vs Federal Government of Nigeria.

It reads in part, “At the end of the day the case was decided on the 20th March, 2015 in which orders were made by Justice Evuti, who in his judgement ordered the Federal Government to pay compensation to the project affected persons as well as adequately resettle the people in satisfactory environment and went further to order that until that is achieved, the defendant and its agents which include the contractors and consultant surveyors and estate valuers were restrained from entering/taking over of the plaintiffs ’ land/landed properties.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU Sunday July 5, 2015

How robbers pushed 39-year-old man out of a moving bus OBASOLUYI TELEWA

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t happened recently at Oshodi-Oke , Lagos,an area notorious for its wildness.

“I nearly lost my life after a hard day’s jobbut for God’s mercy” , a young man in his late 30s disclose to Sunday Mirror ,at Lambe, Akute, Ifo Local Government area of Ogun state , last week.

According to the young musician,”My name is kehinde Ayandokun . I am from Abeokuta, Lafenwa Local Government Area. I am 39 years old. I am a Musician , a lead drummer with a Juju musical band based in Lagos, he disclosed to our correspondent.

“That day I was coming from where we went for show at Agege that was around 8pm on that fateful Saturday. When I got to Oshodi-Oke, I met a lot of people waiting to connect buses to their different destinations. Sooner or later, a Danfo bus with five men already seated in different positions stopped beside us. The conductor was shouting Iyana-Oworo, Ketu. Since my destination was Oworo, I hopped in while four others joined me in the mad rush, he maintained.

As we were going suddenly at Barracks bus stop area just before Anthony Oke, instead of the bus conductor to ask for our transport fares, the driver asked one of the occupants in the front seat, saying officer search them.

As I heard him say officer search them, my brain went wild. I was confused. I asked the driver what do you mean by officer search them. At that point , I just felt something cold on my neck, it was a gun pointed at me.

Someone from behind just told me to just cooperate with them o or else we blast your head.

“Is it your life you need or gun, I then remained calm because it was glaring that these people were armed robbders. I was waiting for the next line of action, he stated.

“One after the other they collected everything on all of us that joined them at Oshodi.

When I boarded the bus I did not notice that there was no light inside the bus.

I did not also know that there was no plate number at the back of the bus since I was eager to reach home on time.

Again, I noticed later that all of us inside the bus that night were all males but I did not notice this before I joined them, moreso that each time we went for shows , we do close late and such a situation never occurred to me before. If I had discovered all these things before hand I would not have boarded it, he said.

The operation started from Barracks bus stop.They collect our money, telephones and all our bags, in short everything with us. As they were robbing us we could not shout yet other vehicles were passing us but they did not know that we were being robbed.

After dispossessing us of all with us they ignited the engine and we started going again.

When they started the engine and they did not release us after the operation, another thought beclouded me that probably we were being taken to an isolated area that night for other sinister things.But I thank God that they did not kill me.

We started going.On motion just before The Redeemed Evangelical Mission(TREM) along the Lagos / Ibadan Expressway, they pushed us down from the bus.

I serious sustained injuries on my head and arm. The blood was much. All of us were badly hurt with varying degrees of injury, he lamented.

In the dark,God was with us.Since no one could help us at that moment one after the other we staggered back to the road with bruises . I removed my shirt and used it to cover my head.

It was soaked in blood. I suffered serious pain.

“Luckily for us,he said, “One of us was still having N200 in his inner pocket.

At about 10pm,a bus stopped close to us as we flagged him down.The driver asked us where we were going, but we first told him what happened. Fortunately four of us were going to Oworo while the fifth person was heading towards Iyana –Oworo.

“He asked us how much do we have and we told him just #200 . Not that the money was intentionally placed there by the guy for emergency o, he only remembered that some time back, he wanted to use the money to buy sports paper but forgotten. It was at the point of the robbery that he remembered that he still had some change in the inner jeans pocket.

We gave him the N200 and he collected it

and helped us down to our destination .

At Oworo , we went our different ways .

I did not know whether they reported the case to the Police because I did not know them before, it was inside the bus that we met that night. As for me too, I did not go to the Police, what was uppermost on my mind was to be healed on time, he added.

At home, he said,” my people were shocked to see me in that state.They told me they have been calling my number since and that it was switched off.

For that they were worried since it was unusual of me not to have my phone on.I was treated by my people for some time and now I am fully recovered, he stated.

His friend who gave his name as Seye narrated similar experience to our correspondent.

According to him,”We boarded a bus from Obalende on our way to Ojodu-Berger. He disclosed to me that it was an empty bus before they went in . The Mazda bus loaded a lot of us including a woman in her late 30s.

Along the way, on the Third Mainland Bridge the driver just parked the bus and some of the occupants brought out knives, cutlasses and a small axe.

Tthey switched off the light . As the light went off , the only woman with us wanted to shout. They did not use gun this time around but knives, cutlasses and small axe. The woman wanted to shout when the light went off and she saw cutlasses, knives and axes. You know women are always frightenened when they are under pressure or experience an unusual situation.

They told her that they would kill her if she tried to attract the attention of moving vehicles and Police to where they packed for the operation in the dark.

After they had collected our things, they asked us to come down and they sped off.

Unknown to us ,some of those that stood at the Obalende bus stop were part of the robbers. They did not come down with us, they went with them after the operation, he told our correspondent.

According to Kehinde, those robbers are still operating in Lagos State. Some people later told me they were robbed the way we encountered them.The Police should be alert, he told our correspondent..

Kenny Ayandokun

As for commuters, he said,”One thing I will advise people using public buses is that they should be vigilant each time they are boarding Danfo buses especially.

The criminals normally use danfo for their operations. if you want to enter and there is no light inside when they park, do not enter.

“Two, if you notice that all of them are males, do not enter, he added.

“Again, they also have a way of arranging and positioning themselves strategically inside the bus.

“They will scatter themselves inside the Danfo and pretend as if they are not together.Like the front seat, one of them will seat very far close to the window.

“The second seat, someone will sit in the middle giving access for people coming in to pass.

“On the third seat, the other man will move close to the door so as to block those at the back from attempting to make daring moves then the fourth seat, the man will move to the end and observe the situation among the passengers before the conductor will start the operation “, he stated.

“So, If you want to enter , they will just clear for you to enter inside if you ever experience what am saying. But once you have discovered this scenario, quickly rush down. At times they won’t allow you to alight from the bus again because they will speed off, but you have to be tactful,” he stressed.

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North

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shettima urges eeing villagers to return …as military steps up security INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has urged fleeing residents of attacked Zabarmari and Hadamari villages, that troops will provide protection against any Boko Haram attacks or bombings on the affect-

ed farming and herding communities in the state.

Addressing surviving residents of Zabarmari yesterday at the mosque, Governor Shettima said that the fleeing villagers trooping to Maiduguri to take refuge for safety should however; return to their respective houses.

His words: “Since the

military have repelled the insurgents from destroying this village yesterday

by Boko Haram, with a minimal death toll of seven, and nine injured persons, the people should not flee to Maiduguri for safety, but return to your homes, which were burnt apart from the torched shops and local market. ”

He said villagers that have already fled and congregated at the Old Maiduguri resettlement camp, should return to Zabarmari and Hadamari villages, as nine buses are at the camp for shuttling the fleeing villagers to their homes.

He also assured the villagers that the state gov-

ernment would rebuild the destroyed shops and market, so that the people could continue with their normal daily activities.

“Meanwhile, I am going with two village heads now along with your councillor to Maiduguri to collect food items and other basic needs of life for distribution. A patrol vehicle will be released to CJTF for this village ’s patrol and surveillances, ” Shettima assured yesterday.

Briefing the governor on Friday ’s attacks, the councillor, Alhaji

Mohammed Bello, said that the soldiers had tried their best in repelling the insurgents that operated from 5.45 am to 8.45 pm on Friday, before fleeing towards Koshobe village, one of the insurgents ’re g rouping hideouts in Borno State.

He however said that the soldiers should be re-equipped with modern fighting weapons, because the insurgents ’ three-hour attack could have been nipped in the bud to save people ’s lives and property.

Oasis Association donates relief materials to Borno IDPs AYO ESAN

O Lagos State Liaison officer to Borno State, Mrs Racheal Balami (middle) receiving items donated by the Oasis Association in conjunction with Vitafoam Nigeria PLC for the Borno IDPs at the Borno State Liaison office in Lagos recently.

Kogi guber aspirant tasks PDP supporters WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Alhaji Mohammed Jibril Ahmed, has called on the party supporters not to succumb to intimidation, but work hard to ensure victory in the coming election.

Ahmed, who spoke to journalists in Lokoja the state capital, noted that no antics of the opposition would make PDP lose, as he described Kogi as a tradi-

tional PDP state.

Assessing developments in the state over the years, he noted that what Kogi needs is a leadership that is courageous, humane, selfless and wise upon which the unity of the people could be effectively guaranteed.

“My entire activities and experiences have been tailored towards the creation of a sound base from socio-economic and political prosperity of the Kogi people and by extension of Nigerians and by God ’s grace ‘we shall get to the promised land ’. ”

According to him, politics is never meant for the feeble-minded but progressive elements and proponents who should transform the democratic experimentation to the good people of the state.

He said the opposition, especially the All Progressives Congress, APC, should forget whatever dream they have as the state is not vacant and called on PDP supporters to hold on firmly believing that in 2019 the PDP will recapture power at the centre.

“Let me commend the

PDP stakeholders for their performance in the general election in the midst of the presidential whirlwind, the state stood firm having the majority in the state House of Assembly and will do all to retain the state. ” Keen observers of the state politics indicate that with four months to the governorship election in the state, the political atmosphere is already gathering momentum as aspirants across political lines are going to the nook and cranny in consultation with stakeholders.

Gunmen kill prominent businessman in Kebbi

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prominent businessman and politician in Aliero, headquarters of Aliero local government area in Kebbi, Alhaji Ibrahim Lemi,was on Friday shot dead by unknown gunmen.

The security guard at the residence of the deceased, Habibu Shehu, told newsmen in Aliero yesterday that six masked

men pinned him (security man) to the ground and gained access into the house at about 8:30 pm.

He said that the hoodlums, who came in batches, rode on motorcycles.

He stated that after overpowering him, they killed their victim and fled.

A close associate of the deceased, Alhaji Buhari Mohammed , the Deputy

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, described the incident as a set-back to business activities in Aliero.

Spokesman of the state police command, Mr Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident, but said no arrest had been made yet.

He said the command had commenced thorough investigations and had in-

tensified efforts at trailing the killers.

Meanwhile, sympathizers had continued to throng the home of the deceased, to condole his family.

The late Alhaji Ibrahim Lemi, 68, who is survived by three wives and 22 children, had since been buried according to Islamic injunctions.

asis Association, a non-gover nmental organisation, in conjunction with Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, has donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Borno State.

Speaking during the presentation of the items at the state liaison office in Lagos, the president of Oasis, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Soewu (rtd) said that the association donated the items to cushion their hardship He said the association was established to bring help and succour to people who are in need.

According to him, “Oasis was founded in 2000 with membership open to individuals with varied professional backgrounds but who have a common spiritual knowledge, saying it t is an offshoot of the Grail Movement and one of the platforms on which the movement fulfils some of its social responsibilities.

“In the past, we donated relief materials to Ikeja bomb blast victims in 2001. We also sent materials including drugs for the Liberian refugees in Oru camp in 2007. In 2014, we embarked on a health outreach programme where a diseaseprone area was selected and people were screened for hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV. Those found to be infected were treated free of charge.

“This year, we are focusing on IDPs in Nigeria. We had earlier in the

year donated several bags of clothing items through another arrangement.

However, we are aware that Borno State is probably the worst affected zone as a result of the terrorist activities being experienced there. Therefore, we decided to channel this enhanced donation in partnership with Vitafoam Nigeria Plc to our brothers and sisters in the state who are unfortunate victims of terrorist activities.

“With what we see and hear, no amount of effort can replace the losses people have suffered. We are conscious that the state government should not bear the burden alone, that is why we are offering our widow ’s mite, ” Soewu explained.

The items donated comprise 100 vitafoam mattresses, 100 pillows, 10 bags of rice, beans and clothing items.

Receiving the items, the Lagos State Liaison officer to Borno State Government, Mrs Racheal Balami, applauded the gesture of the association which she described as noble.

She urged other well meaning individuals and organisations to take a cue by adding value to the lives of IDPs. “We are overwhelmed by this noble gesture and we are sure that the IDPs would be very excited to receive these relief materials. I want to use this opportunity to tell well meaning Nigerians that the door of this office is always open and such aid will always be welcome and appreciated ” she said.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South

Sunday, July 5, 2015

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Tribunal: Delta Speaker opts for amicable settlement with APC candidate …It ’s not true –Igbuya THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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here are fresh indications that the speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Monday Igbuya may have begun moves to settle the legal battle at the election tribunal with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Felix Anirah for Sapele Constituency during the last general elections out of court.

Close allies of the speaker told our corre-

spondent that Igbuya is not sure if the outcome of the tribunal hearing would be in his favour, alleging that he has approached his kinsmen through the leadership of the Okpe Union to prevail on the APC candidate to withdraw the suit challenging his victory.

Our sources, who pleaded not to be named because of their closeness with the speaker, hinted that the speaker had decided to take out of court settlement after examining his chances at

the tribunal and would not risk losing his seat.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Monday Igbuya, has allegedly sent the leadership of Okpe Union Worldwide, to appeal to Chief Felix Anirah, the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate who is challenging the election of the speaker at the electoral tribunal to withdraw the petition in the interest of Okpe people.

One of such meetings, it was learnt, took

place at the weekend in the residence of the APC candidate in Sapele with 15-man delegation from Okpe Union headquarters in Lagos. It was gathered that the delegation was led by Igbuya ’s friend who is also a member of the leadership of the body.

Another source told our correspondent that the President-General Okpe Union Worldwide, Mr. Patrick Akpotor, was also part of the meeting.

The source added that they appealed to Anirah to drop the case against

Igbuya, in order for Okpe people not to lose the speakership position zoned to Okpe.

The source said, “Igbuya is aware of the fact that the election that returned him to the house was not free and fair and there is this fear that he might lose in the court, and if that happened, the Okpes would have lost the speakership, so he appealed to the Okpe Union to intervene, and that is why we visited Chief Anirah.

However, source at the meeting disclosed that Anirah declined to withdraw the suit and that he

was ready to follow the matter to any level until justice is served.

When contacted, Anirah vowed to reclaim the mandate of the good people of Sapele, at the electoral tribunal, as the Card Reader used by INEC to conduct the election will show the true winner.

Meanwhile, Hon. Monday Igbuya debunked the claim that he asked the leadership of Okpe Union to intervene in the matter, noting that he does not even know the name of the President of the Okpe Union, let alone asking them to beg Chief Anirah.

Osun birth attendants promise to stop female genital mutilation BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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Coordinator of The Evergreen Progressive Devlopment Foundation, Mr. Segun (right) presenting plaque of honour to HRM, Oba Olatunji Abiodun Oluyomi, the Alatan of Atan land.

Buhari redeploys his Chief Security Ofcer OMEIZA AJAYI

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ndications emerged last night that the interagency rivalry at the Presidential Villa Abuja might have witnessed its first individual casualty, following the alleged redeployment of the Chief Security Officer to the president, Mr. Abdulrahman Mani.

Although the presidency declined making the issue public as at last night, the CSO is said to have been replaced by one Bashir Abubakar, an assistant director in the Bayelsa State command of the service.

It was not immediately clear where Mr Mani was posted to, but Sunday Mirror sources hinted that he would not be recalled

to the Yellow House headquarters.

“He might be redeployed to another state for away from Abuja ”, said a retired director in the DSS who pleaded anonymity.

Spokeswoman of the DSS, Marilyn Ogar could not be immediately reached for comments.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Thursday sacked the Director General of the Service, Mr. Ita Ekpenyong, replacing him with a retired director in the DSS, Lawal Daura.

The appointment had generated concerns among security analysts who faulted the president for ignoring senior directors of the service and recalling a man who had retired from the service two years ago.

Buhari ’s Aide de Camp

ADC, Lt. Col. Mohammed Abubakar, had on June 24 reportedly issued a memo, which he distributed to key officials in the Villa stating that from then on, “DSS personnel have been redeployed from some duty beats/locations. ” According to the memo, the major security tasks initially being handled by DSS officials are now to be handled by officials of other security agencies.

The DSS was barred from getting close to the President or mounting guards or patrolling areas inside the presidential villa, a development which would see them effectively restricted to the “outer perimeter ” of the presidential palace.

According to Abubakar, personnel of the Armed

Forces and the police, who were trained as Presidential Body Guards, PBGs, are now to “provide close/ immediate protection for Mr. President henceforth ”.

Mr. Abubakar was also quoted as having listed some of the areas to be taken care of by the PBGs to include, Admin Reception, Service Chiefs Gate, Residence Reception, Rear Resident, Resident Gate, Office Reception, C-In-C Control Office, ACADE Gate, C-IN-C Control Gate and Panama.

Not known to allow such issues go without a firm response, the DSS in a June 26 reply to Mr. Abubakar, had through the Chief Security Officer to the president, Abdulrahman Mani, rejected the ban.

ocal birth attendants and medical practitioners in Osun state have promised to collaborate with officials of federal government to end female genital mutilation in the state.

This was parts of resolution at the workshop organised by United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, in collaboration with United Nations for Children and Education Fund , UNICEEF, and Action Health Incorporated ,AHI. Local birth attendants and medical practitioners that attended the sensitization workshop, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, re-

solved to assist government in eradicating the menace of female genital mutilation.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop and signed by Mr. Adiatu Salau and Dr. Lekan Awowola, the traditional birth attendants, promised not to engage in the act of female circumcision in the state after being informed of the inherent health implications.

Speaking at the workshop, the state coordinator of Inter-African Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices affecting the health of Women and Children, Mrs. Aduke Obelawo described female genital mutilation as violation of the right of a girl child and the main cause of maternal mortality.

Bamidele urges factions in APC crisis to shift grounds for peace ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ormer National Assembly member, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has urged parties in the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress APC to shift ground to ensure lasting peace in the party.

He also urged the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, to embrace party supremacy to restore lasting peace to the All Progressives Congress APC. Bamidele, a member of the 7th Session of the House of Representatives, appealed

the two National Assembly leaders to reciprocate the party ’s gesture as communicated by its National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, that their elections stand recognized, even in the face of breaching the party ’s directive to actualise their aspirations.

In a statement by his media aide, Ahmed Salami, in Ado Ekiti yesterday, the former House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research Chairman praised President Muhammadu Buhari for emphasising the need for all APC members to align themselves with the doctrine of party supremacy.

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Sport

Sport

Nigerian coaches need training –Ofulue KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS

Goalkeeping hasn’t evolved enough –Barthez P. 62

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

JULY 5, 2015

P. 61

Can Dikko rescue Nigeria Professional League?

Dikko

PIUS ANAKALI

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ootball lovers all over the country, especially followers of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) might have reasons to smile soon if feelers emanating from the Glass house in Abuja are anything to go by.

Early last week, Chairman of NPFL, Shehu Dikko was reported to have said that the League Management Committee and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have concluded plans to storm the Governors Forum to make presentations to them on how they can help the league and the clubs owned by them to grow.

Dikko was apparently referring to the critical financial conditions the clubs have been facing, leading to unpaid wages and allowances since the 2015 season kicked off.

While Dikko resolve has been described as a welcome development the thinking in some quarters is that, if the LMC are actually serious about uplifting the status of the league what they should focus on is how to get the clubs off the apron of the state governors.

Football, all over the world is big business.

When well managed, football can be money-spinner. In UK where football is runs as business, most of the clubs do break even.

Last year alone, Arsenal FC made a pre-tax profit of £11.1million while its rival Manchester United announce a record £25m profit, helped by sales of two million replica shirts worldwide.

Real Madrid is currently valued $3.26b; Barcelona at $3.16 billion while Juventus is valued at $379 m. But in Nigeria, the reverse is the case because of governor’s strangles hold.

That strangle hold, many have also argued is responsible for the problems that had basseted the clubs ever since it was set up in 1972. It was in an attempt at remedying this malaise that the league was rechristened ‘Professional League’.

The plan then was that the club should be run as a limited liability companies, governed by a regularly constituted board of directors and required to hold annual general meetings, present independently audited accounts, cultivate youth/ feeder teams and own their own stadium within

five years of registration with the Pro League Department.

To assist Pro League clubs in the timely achievement of these stated goals, all 56 professional clubsides that constituted the inaugural Pro League first and Second Divisions were granted a five-year tax moratorium on all income.

Years later, aside Abubakar Bukola Saraki, (ABS) football club which campaign in the lower division, Giwa Fc and Ifeanyi Uba Fc, all other clubs in the elite league are owned, managed and run by government.

Little wonder politicians have taken over the running of football in Nigeria, providing avenue for political thugs to take over the various match venues.

The result is what you witness in stadia day-in day-out. There have been reports of cameramen who are beaten to stupor and referees who are man-

handled.

Visiting teams have been attacked severally, bribe giving and takings reign supreme, scandalous match fixing seems to be the order of the day, insecurity is a big problem, non-payment of players salaries and other allowances is rampant and many other negativities, it seems have been accepted as the norms and conventional way of running football leagues in Nigeria.

But with the report of plans by the LMC, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde says it’s a step in the right direction.

“If it will be done with sincerity, then it will be a welcome development. That is what we always have been dreaming of, that is what we have been asking them to do”, Onigbinde said.

While so much is being expected from Dikko and his team at LMC, the question skeptics are asking is will they follow through their dream?

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday July 5, 2015

Nigerian coaches need training—Ofulue

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Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor

IFEANYI EDUZOR

with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

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roprietor of Ranson football academy Ekiti State, Evangelist John Ofulue has attributed the problem of Nigeria football to the inability coaches of the national teams to raise a good bench.

Ofulue told Sunday Mirror that the recent ousting of Nigerian teams at the just concluded FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cup was because the coaches lacked good bench noting that if the coaches had done the right thing, they would have been able to make the necessary changes in the team that will see Nigeria win their games.

According to him, football has moved beyond theories and is now more technical and scientific than many people think just as he traced the other problem militating against the progress of Nigerian football to lack of qualified coaches.

He explained that some of the coaches got their job through lob-

Mayweather, Pacquiao continue war of words

T Manu

bying and not by merit, insisting that not only do some of them not have the required qualification to get the job but never attended refresher courses to update their skills.

Ofulue pointed out that recently some ex-internationals where sponsored to England on a two week refresher course that will qualify them as coaches and wondered how coaches that had this level of training could handle any team. He said

that in more organized societies; the procedure is that coaches go for proper training before they can be qualified to handle any team.

Ofolue further stated that the issue of coaching should not be preserved for ex-internationals alone; pointing out that the fact that one played football does not make him a good coach with an appeal on the football authorities to discontinue with the practice which he said is costly.

he mega fight between pound- for pound fighter Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao may have come and gone but the two boxers are still engaging in war of words.

Mayweather on Wednesday posted a video where he spoke to a dummy as if it where Pacquiao with the Filipino responding by calling him an ex- convict as well as reminding him of his domestic violence.

In the video, Mayweather said, “So, Manny. You’re out here telling people that I didn’t win fair and square, that this little arm is messed up. Is that right? Talk to me.” He then

proceeded to slap ‘Manny’ two times, yelling, “Stop playing!

Stop playing!”

Responding to the joke, Pacquiao said, “We should understand Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his family background.

He hailed from a family of ex-convicts and he himself is an ex-convict. We could not blame him because his action just showed the kind of family upbringing he had.”

“It only reminds me of what he did to his ex-wife. I hope he would find time to reflect on his life and repent for the sins he committed in the past. I still respect him as God’s creation and I won’t resort to such kind of a low blow just to get his attention,” he concluded.

Yakmut makes taekwondo pledge IFEANYI EDUZOR

D

irector General of National Sports Commission, Alhassan Yakmut says that the commission is making efforts to ensure that equipments are procured for taekwondo athletes to enable them compete favourably with their counterparts from various parts of the world.

He stated this during the just con-

cluded one day seminar organized by the Federation aimed at putting athletes in the right frame of mind ahead of the 11th All Africa Games slated for Congo Brazzaville in September.

According to him, the commission is aware that with adequate equipment and training, Nigerian athletes will dominate taekwondo in the continent even as he promised that the equipments will arrive before the commencement of the Games.

Speaking earlier, President of the Federation, George Ashiru noted that they organized the seminar to enable Nigeria surpass their 2007 record at the Games.

Ashiru while expressing delight at the turnout of athletes at the seminar noted that a similar one will be organized in Abuja next week in keeping with the Federation’s resolve to keep athletes in top shape ahead of the Games.

Ighalo rejects staggering Chinese offer

N

igeria international Odion Ighalo has turned down a bid

by Chinese club Hebei China Fortune to land him this summer for a fee of £10 million.

The former Granada hit man told AfricanFootball.com he won’t leave England for China as he has lot to offer in the English Premier League and that he is young for such move.

“My club informed me of interest from a Chinese team to sign me.

I will not leave England for China

now at my age. I still got a lot to offer here in England,” he informed AfricanFootball.com “My career progress is my priority now and not money. I am sure by his grace I can get that money here if I keep doing well.”

However, he said he appreciates interest in him from several clubs.

“The interest in me from clubs is good, it is normal when a striker is doing well, it’s as a result of hard work and God’s favour,” he told AfricanFootball.com

N Siasia

Boxers commend Minimah

N

igerian boxers have commended President of Nigeria Boxing Federation, Kenneth Minimah for organizing the maiden Kenneth Minimah national open boxing championship which ended yesterday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Some of the pugilists who spoke to knockout noted that the championship came at the right time considering that boxers who excelled

in the tournament will be invited to take part in the forthcoming All Africa Games slated for Congo Brazzaville in September.

“We are very grateful to Gen. Minimah for his efforts at reviving amateur boxing in the country since he became President of the Federation.

“His decision to organize the championship deserves commendation because it came at a time when boxers are preparing for the All Africa Games as it will enable pugilists be in top shape ahead of the championship.

De La Hoya rules out comeback

Ighalo

Siasia picks 25 for Congo

igeria’s Under-23 head coach, Samson Siasia, has picked 25 players ahead of the African Under-23 championship final round, first leg clash against Congo’s Red Devils.

Siasia said the selected players will be joined by four overseas-based professionals, Imoh Ezekiel, Aminu Umar, Sodiq Popoola and Gabriel Abalo for the final phase of preparations for the crucial game billed for the Adokiye Amiesiemaka Stadium, Port-Harcourt

Floyd Mayweather (L) exchanging blows with Manny Pacquiao during their mega fight last March.

on July 19.

The former Super Eagles manager enjoined the dropped players not to despair but continue to work hard in their respective clubs.

“For those who did not make the cut you do not have to be discouraged but to work even harder to keep yourselves among the pool of players that could be called up for future assignments as the team prepare for the return leg and the All Africa Games in Congo,” said Siasia.

A

fter much media speculation over his public indecision and desire to stage a return to the ring at the age of 42, former six weight world champion, Oscar De La Hoya has finally decided to rule out the idea, In a statement he released on his facebook account, he said that his decision not to stage a comeback was arrived at after extensive discussion with his family.

“As a professional athlete and someone who has spent almost his entire life in boxing, not a day goes by when

I don’t think about coming back and the performances of Golden Boy fighters have only added to my desire to return to the ring.”

“But I am retired. And after speaking to my family and following a great deal of reflection, I have decided to stay retired.”

“To the many thousands of fans who over the last couple of weeks encouraged me to come out of retirement and fight again, I thank you. You can be rest assured that I will spend the rest of my days around this wonderful sport even though those days won’t be spent inside the ropes”, the statement concluded.

62

Sport

Sunday July 5, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Barthez:

Goalkeeping hasn’t evolved enough Following a trophy-laden career in which he won the UEFA Champions League with Olympique Marseille, two Ligue 1 titles with Monaco, the English Premier League on two occasions with Manchester United and the FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO trophy with France, the flamboyant keeper now devotes his considerable energies to motor racing.

The career change has been a successful one too, with Barthez winning the 2013 FFSA French GT Championship title and taking part in a number of other motorsport events since then, including the prestigious Le Mans 24-Hour race last year.

Yet, as he told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview, while racing is a major passion of his, football remains the all in his life.

That devotion was clear for all to see when Le Divin Chauve: ‘The Divine Bald One’ returned to the pitch at the recent Match Against Poverty, turning in a typically energetic performance.

It was there that FIFA.com caught up with the French entertainer, whose face lit up as he recalled a truly glittering career.

Do you feel that the art of goalkeeping has evolved over the last few years?

Fabien Barthez: It hasn’t evolved enough. There are a lot of keepers in Europe’s major leagues who aren’t very good with their feet, for example. The likes of Manuel Neuer, Thibault Courtois and Hugo Lloris all play pretty high up but most keepers still lack depth in their game. We’re almost going backwards. In the 1980s keepers had to be big. They had to take up as much space in the goal as possible, and we’ve gone back to that a little bit. Obviously, for me personally, that’s not how I see the job of goalkeeping. I think it’s a little bit more important than that.

Manuel Neuer played a big part in Germany’s FIFA World Cup™ wins. Were you disappointed he didn’t win the FIFA Ballon d’Or? It didn’t really surprise me. The fact is that goalkeepers are always in the background. They’re not in the limelight that much. I’ve often heard coaches saying that to build a team you need a good keeper and a good striker and that you create everything lse around them. Coaches aside, though, it’s not a else osition that gets that much recognition. Keepers position ave been undervalued for as long as people have have een playing football. Think about it, when kids have been a kickabout, it’s always the worst players who go in oal. goal.

Don’t tell us that’s how you started out.

No, I was a decent outfield player, and I’m not eing big-headed about it. I’m just talking in genbeing ral. In the 1980s and 90s, you didn’t have goaleral. eeping coaches, which also says a lot about keeping he lack of recognition the position has althe ways suffered from. But that’s the way it s! People prefer the guys who is! core goals to the ones score who stop them. It’s more enteraining. taining.

Which of today’s keepers do you admire?

I like Hugo Lloris a lot, and not just as a goalkeeper. I like him as a person too. Then there’s Thibaut Courtois. To my mind, he’s the goalkeeping great of the future. And I think he’ll maintain that status for a few years too.

Who did you dream of emulating when you were young?

Joel Bats (France keeper from 1983 to 1989). He was a left-footer like me, and he was very neat and tidy in everything he did. He came out a lot too at setpieces. He was always my role model.

Is there one match that you’re especially proud of from your career?

The UEFA EURO 2000 semi-final against Portugal is among my happiest memories. It was a very intense match and the pressure was really on. The game went into extra time and Zinedine Zidane scored a golden goal. Then there was the 1998 World Cup Final and the 1993

Champions League final with Olympique Marseille. There were quite a few nice games.

Did you feel invincible with Laurent Blanc, Marcel Desailly, Lilian Thuram and Bixente Lizarazu in front of you?

It wasn’t so much invincibility as feeling at ease. We really worked well together. That was our strength. We read each other’s games and we knew exactly how each of us played.

Which forwards gave you the biggest problems?

Pauleta and Ronaldo. On the international scene it was more or less equal, but it was a different story at club level. I remember two very painful games for Manchester United against Real Madrid in the Champ i -

ons League quarter-final in 2003 where Ronaldo really hurt me.

You’re a racing driver now. What are the things you’ve learned from football that have helped you at the wheel?

As an elite sportsman, I’m able to listen and I’m grounded.

They’re the kind of attributes you need to perform when you play a sport. And there are reflexes and anticipation too, of course.

Would you describe yourself as an adrenaline junkie?

No, I’m a junkie with all the good things life has to offer. I’m a pleasure-seeker. I live the moment to the max.

What do Barthez the driver and Barthez the goalkeeper have in common?

They both take calculated risks. I thought about every dribble I went on in the penalty area and the same was true every time I ventured outside the box. I never did things just to entertain. It’s the same with racing. And then there’s the passion of it all.

Is there one that holds sway over the other?

Yes. Driving is a huge passion of mine but football comes first. Football is my life.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday July 5, 2015

Egyptian footballer sacked for meddling in politics

Hammers Ogbanna deal moves closer

R

E

gyptian club Wadi Degla insists that mixing politics with sports is not acceptable after their decision to part ways with midfielder Ahmed El-Merghany Egyptian club Wadi Degla decided to part ways with midfielder Ahmed El-Merghany, after his recent public criticism of president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

El-Merghany, a fromer Zamalek player, vented his anger on El-Sisi after Wednesday’s terrorist attack that hit two cities in North Sinai, leaving 17 army personnel, and more than 100 assailants killed.

Ogbanna

Williams scales through tough Watson

eports emerging from Italy infer that West Ham United have secured a deal that will bring a centre-back to the Boleyn Ground.

Our apparent interest in the Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna has been documented already on these pages and now we`re able to confirm that the media in Italy are suggesting that West Ham United have held off the challenge of fellow Premier League clubs Everton, Aston Villa and Southampton to sign the player.

Silva vows to fight for Madrid place

63

S

erena Williams admits Heather Watson had her contemplating a shock Wimbledon exit before the American came through a threeset thriller on Centre Court.

Watson was up two breaks and led 3-0 in the third set, and the British No 1 later served for the match at 5-4, but Williams roared back to win 6-2 4-6 7-5.

Williams will now play her sister Venus in the last 16 as she looks to clinch her sixth Wimbledon title and 21st Grand Slam overall.

L

ucas Silva intends to fight for his place at Real Madrid next season despite a host of clubs reported to be interested in the Brazilian midfielder.

Porto, Fiorentina and Sevilla are all all said said sa d to to be b keen kee e n on o acquiracqui uirr-ing his his services sse erv rvic vic ces e for for or the th he e upcomupcom om ming season, however Silva g seas so on n, ho h weve we ve er Silv Si S ilv lva a is is more mo than tha h n happy happ ha ppy y in n Madrid.

Madrid. ad a d The The 22-year-old 22-y -yea ea ar-ol r-ol old d has ha compecomp co petition on ffrom ro om Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Asier Illarramendi Modric ic,, As A sie ierr Il Illa larr la rram amen endi di iin n the cent centre midfield, but he n re off m idfie i ld ld, b utt h e is determined determ min ned tto o fo fforce rce his way into Rafael Benitez’s Ben enit itez ez’s ’ss plans. pla lans. lans ns “I’m “II’m only thinking th hin inki king ng about abo bout ut staysta aying Real, playing ing at R eal,, getting more playin in ng time and finding my place time ti m a nd findi ding gm y plac p pl lac ce in tthe he team,” he e to told ld Marca.

Mar a ca.

“Porto, “Porto o, Sevilla Sevi Se vill l a and d Fiorentina] are bi clubs happy big g cl club ubss an and d I’ I’m mh happ ha app ppy that they’re interested in me m because it means I did some something ething good in the past or in games i my game g es for Real Madrid.

Mad adri rid. d.

“II w was as a llittle ittl it tle tl e surprised surp su rpri rp rise ri se ed by the stature of Madrid wh when hen I arrived, but good ar b ut I ffelt eltt ve el very ry g ood an and comfortable co c omf m or orta tab ble in relation tto ble o tthe he dressing fans drres essi sing ng room, m players, fa fan n and ns nd Carlo Ca Carl ar o Ancelotti.

Ancelotti.

“II ffelt confident gott ga games elt el lt co nffid den entt an and nd go g g game mess and minutes arrived but and mi minu nutess wh when en I arriv ive e b ed ut stopped s op st ppe ped playing play pl aying g due to the e decisions coach. sion ns of tthe he c oach. Still, I was pleased with how played p ea pl ease sed dw ith h ow I playe ow y d when I did.” ”

Silva

Roma want City’s Edin Dzeko

Williams

‘Falcao must wait to impress’

R

oma view Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko as an ideal signing but believe it will be difficult to complete a deal for him, sporting director Walter Sabatini has said.

The Serie A runners-up are concerned that the Bosnia international, who cost City £27 million in 2011 and is on a lucrative contract that runs until 2018, will prove too expensive for them.

Dzeko

Falcao

R

adamel Falcao likely faces a patient wait on the sidelines to make an impact at Chelsea, according to former Stamford Bridge favourite Clive Walker.

Colombia star Falcao sealed a loan move to the Premier League champions on Friday, returning to England’s top flight despite an underwhelming 2014-15 campaign at Manchester United.

Falcao will battle with former Atletico Madrid colleague Diego Costa for a starting spot in Jose Mourinho’s XI, though the Spain striker is set to take precedence after a 20-goal maiden season in the Premier League.

Having seen Loic Remy and returning hero Didier Drogba play second fiddle to Costa last term, Walker anticipates Falcao will also have to bide his time.

N I G E R I A

N1.8trn

-The amount FIRS realised in six months

Vol. 5 No. 26

Sunday JULy 5, 2015

Back Page

Comment E-mail:

nwaunah@yahoo.com Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Dean, School of Languages and General Studies, The Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe

with Jim Unah

I

t is quite reassuring that the Central Bank of Nigeria—CBN—has graciously extended the deadline for the registration of the Bank Verification Number—BVN—to October this year. It is also gratifying to note that the worst fear of Nigeria’s bank customers working and living overseas has been addressed by leaving a window, even after the October deadline, for them to register any time they return to or visit the country. Only recently, the same Apex bank has exposed and arraigned six of its middle level manpower staff for recirculating defaced and mutilated CBN naira notes with the active collaboration of some commercial bank workers.

All of these, in my view, signal the emergence of a disciplined Apex bank regime fully alive to its responsibilities and adequately responsive to the hues and cries of the banking public; which is good, and commendable.

However, there are big issues with commercial bank operations in the country requiring the eternal vigilance of the regulatory authorities headed by the CBN to

www.nationalmirroronline.net

N150

I N

The amount N900m-Mobil invested in Geosciences educatiobn

CBN, BVN and bank customer referees

constantly confront and resolve by piecemeal engineering. One of such issues creating public disaffection and embarrassment with the banks is deliberate refusal of many commercial banks to honour the request of their customers’ referees in opening new accounts, thus, compelling the bank customers to waste time and resources in scouting around for new referees whose requests are also dishonored, until such accounts are blocked; which I think is tantamount to practicing witchcraft in banking service to customers.

Many colleagues and friends, including my humble self, have been victims of such voodoo requirements from several commercial banks in the country.

The banks from which references are solicited by their customers usually file away the requests for introduction to the new banks, and the new banks requiring references for their new customers, often at their wits end, do re-invite the new customers to submit new reference forms if they do not want their accounts to be suspended.

The old banks normally apply this voodoo trick or abracadabra secretly to retain their customers and prevent them from being snatched away by perceived competitors—the new banks asking for references.

Ironically, since what goes around comes around, the same banks that blocked the request of their old customers for referral or introduction to new banks also do get a raw deal when they have new customers re-

questing for referral from their old banks.

The same voodoo tactic of with-holding the reference forms unattended would be applied to their new customers; creating an unhealthy situation in which it is bank customers that are always at the receiving end, as they are tossed about like idiots from the old banks to the new ones, just because they want to open new accounts.

Now, to the question why open new accounts when you already have one, often posed by the old banks when they are asked by their customers to be introduced to new banks, is a curious and stupid question, because they make exactly the same demand of new customers when the occasion arises—they also require their new customers to go back to their old banks to introduce them. On this count, almost every commercial bank, with the exception of a few, operates on the principle of penny wise pound foolish. This is exactly why the development is described here as witchcraft at work against bank customers in banking operations in the country; as bank customers are made to suffer through no fault of their own by the voodoo activities of each commercial bank against the customers.

Arguably, there are some good commercial banks that do not practice this sort of debilitating witchcraft against their customers. Unfortunately, such few professionally good banks which render unadulterated service to their customers, especially when it comes to referrals to other banks

Podolski seals Galatasaray move

G

alatasaray have announced the signing of Lukas Podolski from Arsenal, with the Germany international signing an initial three-year deal.

Podolski, 30, was expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer having slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of players such as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter Milan and has now signed a contract with the Super Lig champions, with an option for a fourth year in place.

Announcing the deal through their website, Galatasaray confirmed an initial fee of 2.5million euros (£1.8m) plus add-ons for how well the club perform during the length of Podolski’s stay, with the former Bayern

F I G U R E S

Munich man tweeting a picture of himself inside the Turk Telecom Arena.

President Dursun Aydin Ozbek admitted Galatasaray had been chasing the signature of the World Cup winner for some time and was pleased to have finally worked out a deal for the forward.

“Podolski was a player we have been following for a long time,” he said at the announcement of the signing.

“We have met the expectations of our fans. We think he will serve us for many years.”

Podolski, who started for the Gunners in the 2014 FA Cup final victory over Hull, had long

been linked with a move to Galatasaray and his agent Nassim Touihri said on Friday that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had begrudgingly allowed the player to leave. ‘’We had good talks with Wenger,’’ Touihri said. ‘’He wanted to keep Lukas at Arsenal but could not guaran-

MANY COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS, INCLUDING MY HUMBLE SELF, HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF SUCH VOODOO

REQUIREMENTS FROM SEVERAL COMMERCIAL BANKS IN THE COUNTRY.

for the purposes of opening new accounts, are often compelled to retaliate against other banks tormenting their new customers; thus compelling every bank—the good, the bad and the ugly—to join this low sink of debauchery, this voodoo practice against old bank customers.

This practice can only be halted by the regulatory authorities, especially the CBN by issuing a circular mandating every commercial bank to treat and dispatch such requests for introduction to open new accounts and similar requests within a maximum period of one week failure which sanction would have to be applied to erring banks to serve as a deterrent to would-beoffenders, and thus restore decency and professionalism and healthy competition amongst the banks and give succor to the commercial bank customers But why do bank customers open several accounts within the same bank and in several other banks?.

tee him a starting position. That’s why we agreed to make a transfer.’’

Despite moving to Arsenal with a fine reputation, Podolski’s chances became limited as Wenger added the likes of Ozil, Sanchez and Danny Welbeck to his forward options.

He also has Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at his disposal, which is the likely reason why the Frenchman could not guarantee Podolski the game-time he craves.

Podolski

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