Big Read News
THE
Probing voter registration
P. 3-6
Business
P. 49
Haastrup Family case:
News
P. 9
B’Haram hits Borno villages, kills 14
Awa Kalu reacts, blames petition on blackmailer
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Vol. 4 No. 38
Sunday, August 31, 2014
N150
2015
Jonathan’ll soon declare ambition –Anyim P. 7,9
...as APGA leaders join President’s campaign South-South gathers 4.5 million signatures UKRAINE SET FOR WAR WITH RUSSIA
P. 7
Boy, 15, escapes after 8 months with kidnappers P. 56
Praise Worship E-mail:yemiolakitan@gmail.com
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QUOTE Many who are optimistic to make heaven because of how they are devoted in observing the 10 commandments or religious dogmas would be disappointed on the last day.
– Pastor Lazarus Muoka
EDIFYING GOD Sunday August 31, 2014
Ukrainian military vehicles preparing for battle yesterday. Ukraine’s president said that his country was “close to a point of no return”, meaning fullscale war with Russia.
Adamawa: PDP disqualifies Acting Governor Fintiri P. 8
Ribadu, Marwa, Tukur, others cleared
News
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem: Tourism or Spirituality? How to inherit God’s Kingdom, by Pastor Muokaa 24
The meaningful Christianity 42
No Ebola case in Lagos hotel, says govt
Death is certain, so watch how you live, warns Prophet 41 Oloruntimilehin
P. 8
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 AUGUST 31,, 2014
My husband can do with a man toasting me –Foluke Daramola
When Foluke Daramola’s first marriage with the father of her two children hit the rocks owing to irreconcilable differences, most people thought it would be a herculean task for this actress to find love again. Trust this booby queen; she dusted up, and forged ahead. Not long after that, another man in the person of Kayode Salako came her way. Foluke says she has found the man after her heart, among other things.
Wellness
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There is serious anxiety at the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, following the capture of Gwoza and neighbouring towns in Borno State by the terrorists sect, Boko Haram, a week ago. This is even as the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah,
is said to be leading troops to reclaim Gwoza and other parts of the state occupied by terrorists. Leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, had on Sunday, in a video declared an Islamist Caliphate Republic in the North East with its headquarters in Gwoza.
Adamawa guber: PDP grants Ribadu, Marwa, Gundiri waiver Gundiri.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday granted its contentious waiver to the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Lagos State military administrator, Gen. Buba Marwa, and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) 2011 governorship candidate in Adamawa, Engr. Marcus
Addressing newsmen after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting yesterday, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP National Publicity Secretary, said the task of selecting the party’s flagbearer among the 14 aspirants who obtained the nomination form from the party now rests with the Adamawa chapter of the party.
FG reinstates sacked doctors restores residency training
Stress: Keys to managing it To help them cope with chronic stress, some people turn to alcohol, drugs or tobacco. Others begin abnormal eating patterns or sit passively in front of a TV or computer and these are habits that do not address the underlying problem but may, in fact, exacerbate it. How, then, can we learn to manage stress effectively?
The federal government yesterday reinstated 16,000 doctors it sacked a fortnight ago from its hospitals, nationwide. It also restored residency training enjoyed by the doctors, whose suspension in the hospitals accompanied the sack. The measures, as contained in a statement signed and made available to Saturday Mirror by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Health on Media and Com-
munication, Dan Nwomeh, were apparent moves by government to restore normalcy in the nation’s health sector. It is also expected to help boost health care delivery to the nation’s population. Thousands of people in the country, mainly mothers and children, had died while the medical practitioners suspended services over unmet demands from government.
ment House, Owerri. The governor said after several months of keeping silence over the issue, he had concluded plans to take a shot at the presidency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He nevertheless disclosed that there are intense pressures on him to continue for a second time as governor of Imo State.
It appears that Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State may not present himself for a rerun of the governorship seat of the state come 2015. Instead, he might be opting for the highest position in the land, the Presidency. This indication was dropped by Governor Okorocha yesterday during an interaction with some newsmen at the Govern-
Ebola: Pandemonium at Lagos Airport over false alarm The serene environment of the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos was violated yesterday following a false alarm of the highly infectious Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, raised by one Chris Bassey, a young man. Bassey, who claimed to be a Nollywood actor raise the alarm against his
former girlfriend, Mary Ogechi, alleging that the lady had been infected with the virus. A source close to Arik Air claimed that the false alarm raised by Bassey led to confusion among the passengers at the terminal while the aircraft was given a medical emergency landing and clearance by the air traffic controllers at the airport.
Shafar Cole
TUE MON
Boko Haram: Anxiety in DHQ over seizure of Gwoza
area of the state, Ngene was not doing badly as a building engineer which, reportedly, took him to Lagos and Abuja where he had carried out fittings of paneled doors and windows. Of course, Ngene wanted more money from his work than was coming in for him and so he resorted to teaming up with a gang of robbers with whom he was arrested.
Okorocha may dump guber rerun, eyes Presidency
WED
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FRI THU
Passion
Fidelis Ngene was among the four notorious car snatching and armed robbery syndicate recently arrested over his connection with dispossessing a car owner at gun point and making away with his the Toyota Camry car in question. Ngene, alias Ide, who hails from Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, used to eke out a living as a building engineer.
SAT
Buhari on the march again
There was pandemonium at the ever busy Marina area of Lagos Island in Lagos State after a combined team of policemen and men believed to be Lagos State Ministry of Health cordoned off a popular hotel owned by an Industrialist from Kwara State. The actions of the police and health officials followed reports of the likelihood that a guest with Ebola Virus Disease might have died at the hotel, yesterday. The cordoning off began at about 7 pm when a team of policemen who were more than 15 converged at
a junction in Marina, Lagos, leading to Beni Hotels, a popular resort in the area. Armed with assault weapons, the residents in the area at first thought that the policemen might have come on a tip-off to arrest some criminal suspects. Onlookers, however, became spooked after it was noticed that the police officers all had white gloves on their hands. Even so, another white coaster bus followed the squad cars that brought the policemen. Not a few observers believed that the bus bore civilian health workers as none of them wore police uniform.
Building engineer, 3 others arrested for car snatching A resident of Akaegbeugwu
SUN
2015 Presidency:
Ebola: Police cordon off Lagos hotel
CEO, SHAFCOLE USHRETTES First, I would like to say that I work with E star Television for Africa. When I get to the office on Mondays, I arrange the station’s movies schedule for the week. I usually do a voice over for soap opera introduction. I would go to a movie location and get updates of the movie they are shooting for a segment on my show which is known as Nollywood-In-Check which I present from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. I go for my celebrity one-on-one interviews. Most Fridays, I go for movie premieres. I record my show, Nollywood-In-Check. That is when interviews, movie location updates, premieres and new movies are reviewed. I go to church and from there end up at the office to ensure that the Sunday replay edition of my show is shown. I also try to gather contents for my show. These are my activities for the week and they are not boring to me because I love my job. *By Victor Udoh (07067124302)
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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
THE
Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
AUGUST 31, 2014
A woman displaying her voters registration’s card
Jega, INEC chairman
Probing voter registration The just-concluded exercise for the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was received with mixed feelings throughout the federation. While a few people applauded the exercise, many on the other hand had complained that the process was slow, cumbersome and disorganised at the various collection centres. Others observed inadequate public awareness, missing names, insufficient time to complete the exercise, ill-preparedness of some of the officials and inadequate supply of PVCs, among others. Can these be a deliberate ploy to disenfranchise and rig the forthcoming election as alleged by some? In this special report, Tayo Adelaja, Head, Special Investigations, reports.
T
he just-concluded exercise for the issuance of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was received with mixed feelings throughout the country. While a few
people applauded the exercise, many citizens, on the other hand, who had turned out to collect their cards complained that the process was slow, cumbersome and disorganised at the various collection centres.
VOTERS DEMAND EXTENSION OF REGISTRATION EXERCISE
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The exercise was actually designed to provide an opportunity for initially-registered voters, whose names have been removed as a result of multiple registration, incomplete biometrics or technical hitches in the course of running the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) on data collected during the 2011 voter registration. The PVCs were produced to replace the cold-laminated Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) that were previously issued. According to INEC, the TVCs are not only fragile, they are also susceptible to abuse by unscrupulous persons. It was alleged that in the past those cards were illegally massed up and used in manipulating elections but with the new card, which is chip-based, it contains all the biometric data of a legitimate holder. Expectedly, by the time the PVCs’ life span expire in 10 years time, the National Identity Card system should have come fully on stream. Thus, the country would not need to incur fresh costs on acquiring separate identity document for voters. INEC says the distribution of PVCs to eligible voters would take place between June and September 2014. Chairman of the Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, disclosed this in IIorin, Kwara State while deliverCONTINUED ON PAGE 4
THE CVR EXERCISE WAS A SUCCESS –CPC TO INEC BOSS
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The Big Read
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Voters demand extension of registration exercise
Registration’s centre
Jonathan collects his PVC at Otuoke, Bayelsa State
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 ing a lecture on challenges of a fraud-free election under a democratic dispensation in Nigeria. He said the new PVCs would be verified with card readers in the 2015 elections to ensure 100 per cent authentication of voters. Jega expressed optimism that the 2015 General Election would be better than the previous ones. The Phase II distribution of the PVCs has just been concluded in 11 states, namely: Bauchi and Yobe, (NorthEast); Jigawa and Sokoto (North-west); FCT and Kwara (North-Central); Ebonyi and Anambra (South-East); Delta and Cross River (South-South) and Ondo and Oyo (SouthWest) while the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise is expected to follow immediately. According to reports, the Phase I exercise held in 10 states, namely Kogi, Abia, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa. It was reported that INEC cancelled the distribution of PVCs in 205 polling units across Akwa Ibom State at the stoppage of the exercise across 24 local council areas, which could only take place only in 2,779 out of 2,982 polling units in the state. The excuse given for the cancellation was multiple registration or wrong capture of bio-data by voters. In Oyo State, only 824,922 PVCs were distributed out of the 1,630,332 PVCs brought to the state from the expected 2,002,866, with a shortfall of 349,539, spreading across eight out of the 33 local councils. The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Kwara State alleged that in Ilorin East LG of Afeyin 007 Unit, only 29 PVCs were available out of 500 PVCs required; Ayetoro 023, only 128 PVCs were available out 401 PVCs while in Alalubosa Unit 021, only 359 PVCs were available out of the 600 PVCs. The CNPP claimed further that Ilorin West LG did not appear on the list of affected LGs as announced by INEC while the list of polling units where voters were said to have been unable to obtain their PVCs include: Ago Olowo 1, Ago Olowo 025, Ago Olowo 2, Ago Olowo 032, Ojibara 1&2, Ode Fara 023, Ode Sefura, Ode Afase, Baboko, Oko Erin II, Wara Osin I, Ode Olowomesan, Ode Eleshinla 033, Ode-karebu, Zarumi-Ojuekun and Ode Asileke 020, among others. Report from Ondo State indicated that the awareness and sensitisation programme put in place by INEC for the PVC and the new registration exercise for voters was enough for the people, while the state government also declared two days holiday for the workers in order to make the exercise a success. On the first day of the exercise, when the people of the
state trooped out in their numbers to exercise their civic responsibilities and obtain their PVC, they were disappointed with the shoddy arrangement put in place by the electoral body. There was shortage of personnel in most of the polling units visited by our correspondent across the state to attend to the voters who are eager to collect their PVCs. Though INEC quickly attended to this problem the second day and most of the difficulties recorded during the first day of the exercise were taken care of till the end of the exercise. According to our correspondent, “the exercise across the state was nothing to write home about as there were a series of complaints in three senatorial districts, ranging from malfunctioning and inadequate machines for the exercise and shortage of personnel, among others.” Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, who visited some registration centres in the state capital with some government officials and the state’s INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Akin Orebiyi, raised fears about the lean chance of eligible voters to register as thousands were waiting to be registered. He expressed disappointment at the exercise which was characterised by inadequate capturing machines, archaic and slow working machines and inadequate registration units, among others. He said: “There is no question about the fact that INEC has not fully gotten it right this time round. The machines are old, they are not working well, they are very slow, people have turned out in large numbers to register. What we are trying to do now is collaborate with INEC to put in place some ameliorative measures by getting in more machines. INEC itself can see evidently that they have to extend the number of days” Similarly, the former Peoples Democratic Party candi-
WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO NOW IS COLLABORATE WITH
INEC TO PUT IN PLACE SOME AMELIORATIVE MEASURES BY
GETTING IN MORE MACHINES.
INEC ITSELF CAN SEE
EVIDENTLY THAT THEY HAVE TO EXTEND THE NUMBER OF DAYS
date in the state, Olusola Oke, also condemned the shoddy arrangement by INEC over the conduct of voters’ registration and called on INEC to extend the number of days for the exercise in the state, noting that it will ensure the credibility and integrity of the electoral commission. Oke who monitored the exercise across the coastal region of the state said the extension would help to prevent pitfalls, commissions and omissions that may trivialise the entire voter registration exercise, saying the exercise was marred with several irregularities on the part of the electoral umpire. He noted that a large number of eligible people are yet to be registered while the people are willing to perform their civic responsibilities. He specifically said the people living in the coastal area of Ilaje local government area had not been registered “due to no fault or inadequacy of theirs but because of the technical and manpower difficulties that INEC is apparently faced with.” Oke explained that most of the machines sent by INEC to the riverine area of the state were not functioning, and urged the commission to “increase the number of machines sent to the riverine communities and other necessary areas to ensure that all the eligible registrants are captured. In instances where things appear normal, the machines are grossly inadequate in number. Specifically in numerous Ugbo and Mahin wards, INEC officials are simply overwhelmed by the large turnout of people whose ratio to one machine is absolutely scandalous and unspeakable”. He called on the electoral body to correct the mutilated voters register by making available the authentic, correct and accessible register of voters which captures the correct names, data and number of existing voters, in order to make the collection of PVC easy. A community leader from Akoko South East of the state, Sanusi Hassan, also condemned INEC for not putting in place all logistics needed for the exercises. He noted that the centralisation of the exercise had made it difficult for many people in the area to register while the machines deployed by the commission for the exercise were also malfunctioning Hassan explained that the machines allotted to each of the wards were not enough while many of the polling units that should accommodate about 500 voters could not contain more than 30 per cent of the voters, saying officials of INEC were unable to arrest the situation. He said for the exercise to be meaningful and achieve the desired impact, the commission must extend the days for the exercise. He lamented that many of the eligible voters would CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
The Big Read
Sunday, August 31, 2014
5
The CVR exercise was a success –CPC to INEC boss Kayode Robert Idowu is the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega. Despite numerous complaints by voters, he told Omeiza Ajayi that the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise was a success. Excerpts: What is your assessment of the process? This second phase of the exercise, which commenced on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, involved the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 11 states, namely Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kwara, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ondo, Oyo, Delta and Cross River. Much as the Commission is eager to ensure that all legitimate persons who are yet to register as voters have the opportunity to do so, it is logistically impossible to extend it. So, what is the fate of such people? As we said earlier, in order to give fair chance to legitimate registrants, the Commission will, on a date to be shortly announced, set up registration points at its Local Government Area (LGA) offices where people yet to do so can go and register. What about allegations that people had to wait for days before getting registered? INEC notes with deep regret that old tendencies towards irregularity, such as partisanship, urging people to come out and do multiple registrations, largely accounted for the crowd clusters lingering at registration points set up for the CVR by the Commission. Many other people who have relocated since the last registration exercise and only needed to apply for their registration status to be transferred to their new location also turned up for fresh registration. When data are consolidated and de-duplication is carried out by INEC, all instances of multiple registrations will yet be eliminated. But, unfortunately, this set of people obstructed legitimate registrants from having their turn at the registration points. We strongly appeal that anyone who has previously registered and already has his/ her records in the Biometric Register of Voters should avoid re-presenting himself/herself at any other place for registration. If a previously registered person has relocated from where he/she registered, he/she should simply apply for transfer of the registration data to the new location, as provided for by the Electoral Law. If anyone found his/her name on the register displayed ahead of the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), but was unable to collect his/her PVC during the distribution period, such a person should go to respective LGA office of INEC where the card will be awaiting collection by now.
Idowu
In the first phase, there were noticeable hitches. What happened to the DDC machines in Enugu? Was it an act of sabotage? The question I will want some critics to answer is whether the exercise stopped or it continued? In fact, the exercise continued. It was never affected. There was nowhere the exercise was aborted. There was nothing like sabotage. You use computers too. If you have a computer that is about four years old, you have much data inside it, and you are likely to experience possibilities of it hanging. We did not buy the computers from the space. It is the same computers that people use that we bought too. Are there measures taken to forestall any recurrence? It is not in our plans to procure new computers. We are mindful of our budget as a commission and we are also mindful of the nation’s budget. We need to conserve resources too. Those machines are sufficient. Yes, there are challenges because of the age but we are using them well. We do not need new ones right now. The ones we are using are still serviceable and we are doing that. How true are reports that such machines are now being sold in the ‘open’ market? I am not aware of that. Sometimes if people do not understand what the Direct Data Capturing, DDC, machines are, they are bound to make some sweeping
remarks. The DDC is a machine of many component parts. You have the laptop, the laptop battery, the camera, the fingerprint scanner and others. You have the INEC software itself too. What component was in the open market? I think some people are making this claim because of what transpired at the National Conference recently. I was there when the commission appeared before one of the committees and one of the members brought out a laptop battery which he said was being sold by some people who are selling INEC equipment. And, of course, as the Chairman said, the commission is investigating that swiftly. You may however wish to recall that in 2011, we procured about 137, 000 of such computers but after that period, we realised that we will not be needing all for subsequent voter registration exercises. So, INEC made a proposal to the National Economic Council asking the state governments to buy off some of the computers at very subsidised rates for onward distribution to their secondary schools in order to aid computer education. Many of the states actually bought the systems and, so, anything could have happened thereafter. If any of those consequently found its way into the open market, do you now hold INEC responsible? I am just giving you this insight. I am not saying this is the outcome of our investigation, but we are investigating the claim made by one of the National Conference delegates.
Complaints galore over malfunctional, inadequate INEC machines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 not be registered thus disenfranchised if INEC failed to provide more registration machines. With the issuance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) exercise by INEC coming to an end recently in Oyo State, finger has been pointed at the state electoral commission (INEC) and the PDP-led Federal Government of conniving to deny the majority of the people of South-West the right to vote in the 2015 poll. During the days that the exercise lasted, hundreds of registrable persons were seen at different polling units in Ibadan and environs lamenting the poor logistic data put in place by the Commission.
Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Parastatals, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, accused the PDP of plotting to use shortage of PVC in areas where they are not popular to rig the 2015 polls. His words, “Despite the fact that enough funds were provided for INEC, the majority of the people in the state could not get their PVC due to the fact that the Commission was up to a prank.” According to him, most of the people in the state could not get their PVCs in polling units that they registered as either they could not get their names on the INEC list or non-availability of the commission’s officials. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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The Big Read
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
INEC accused of plot to sabotage 2015 polls
INEC officials at work
Former Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, registering
Prospective voters waiting to register
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Ibikunle while speaking on the continuous registration exercise, wondered what had happened to thousands of machines which INEC said were brought to the state for the purpose. “The exercise was full of suspicion right from day one to the last day. Our people turned out en masse, leaving their business to queue for several hours in most of the polling units, but what we have from INEC is disappointment in most of the units. “The machines they brought, most of them are not working properly, so the majority of people could not register. And as a result they are not likely to have the permanent voter card which is a requirement before one is allowed to vote. I don’t know whether it’s PDP script that INEC is acting on. It is either the machine is not functioning properly or it’s not in existence at all,” he said. He cited Ibadan North East, where there are machines for only three wards out of 12 wards in the council despite the massive turnout of people in the area. Also, in Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central local government areas, he said until the last day, people were still expecting machines but none was forthcoming. Ibikunle further mentioned Ibadan Grammar School area, Molete where many were said to have been denied registration owing to faulty machines. He declared the exercise in the state as unacceptable, adding that the people would resist any attempt to disenfranchise them in 2015 general election. “There is nothing than to believe that INEC is acting the script by the PDP to shortchange the people in the South-West. Our people have been enlightened and they know their civic right. So any attempt to disenfranchise them will be a direct invitation to anarchy,2 he warned. Also, a chieftain of the PDP in Oyo town, Chief Sunday Ogunlade, accused the Commission of not registering many eligible voters in the state, especially in Afijio, Ibadan North East, and Ogbomoso North local governments, calling on the Federal Government to prevail on
DESPITE THE WARNING OF
PROF. CHUKWUEMEKA ONUKOGU, THE RESIDENT STATE ELECTORAL
COMMISSIONER THAT THE ACT OF MULTIPLE REGISTRATION IS CRIMINAL, AND NOT PERMITTED INEC to extend the exercise in the interest of justice and fair play. He said thousands of people have been disenfranchised in the affected councils owing to the few days allocated for the exercise by INEC. “Most of the machines brought to the councils were faulty thus preventing the INEC officials from performing optimally. The officials can confirm this,” he emphasised. According to him, during a similar exercise in 2010, 14 days were used, and success was recorded then, wondering why lesser days were given this time round when the population had increased reasonably, stating, “We should not be deliberately disenfranchised”. “You would be surprised when you see a long queue of people. We provided logistics, yet no way. Many left in frustration, INEC has to do something very urgently,” Ogunlade stated. He maintained that the lapses would affect all the parties and the success of the 2015 general election if not properly addressed. The PVC exercise which took place in Anambra involves no fewer than 1,784,536 registered voters, who were expected to have their permanent voter card issued to them, in 4608 polling units scattered across the 326 politi-
cal wards, while the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise took care of those who were not initially registered as voters. As the exercise progressed, those who got their voter cards went home happy, while a lot of people who could not find their cards among those that were brought for distribution, yelled and cursed INEC for doing a bad job. Apart from the case of those who could not obtain their cards for reasons of omission of their names and non availability of their cards, the PVC distribution exercise was also characterised by acts of multiple registration among prospective voters who want to boost the voting strength of their communities and make profit out of the entire exercise, despite the warning of Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukogu, the Resident State Electoral Commissioner that the act of multiple registration is criminal, and not permitted. As most communities had mobilised for the exercise through their town union governments, a key town union president from one of the communities in Dunukofia local council confided in our correspondent that he was aware of people who after they had got their own cards, still came down to the villages to register for the cards again. It was gathered that the INEC machines were not able to detect the act of those that registered twice. Among those who complained was an indigene of Amikwo Ward 6 and a retired principal of the Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, Richard Okoye, who complained that he searched for where to register and collect his voter card without success as he could not locate the INEC officials. Consequently, as the exercise had since ended, quite a lot of prospective voters who could not get their cards were expecting an extension of the continous voter registration by INEC. Additional reports by Kemi Olaitan, Ibadan, Oyo State; Hakeem Gbadamosi, Akure, Ondo State; and Charles Okeke, Awka, Anambra State.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
National News
Sunday, August 31, 2014
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2015: Jonathan will declare soon –Anyim •As S’South gathers 4.15m signatures, urges President to run
DENNIS NAKU
PORT HARCOURT
S
ecretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said yesterday, that President Goodluck Jonathan would soon break his silence and announce his desire to contest for a second term in 2015. Anyim spoke during the South-South rally organised by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital. This is as the leader of TAN, Mr. Kenneth Kobani, presented 4, 150,000 signatures to the president and urged him to contest the 2015 presidential election. Anyim explained that the South-South had broken the record going by the number
of signatures the zone had garnered. He said: “Yes, the SouthSouth has broken the record of the other five zones that have so far asked President Jonathan to run for a second term of four years. “Your region has collected 4,150,000 signatures. From the names, phone numbers and local government of those that signed, it shows that the signatures can be verified. This process is real. “The distribution of the figures is fantastic. Rivers State has 1,100,000; Akwa Ibom, 800,000; Bayelsa State, 500,000; Cross River State, 520,000; Edo State, 420,000 and Delta State, 750,000. “We are truly grateful. For me, something significant has happened in the SouthSouth. You have shown that you are solidly behind President Jonathan, The South-
South has beaten our record in the South-East, but I can assure you that if I go back to collect more signatures, the number would have doubled. “The South-South has spoken very loudly. Very soon you will hear from the president and you will not be disappointed. The president appreciates all what you have gone through to collect these signatures. “He is a listening president. He truly understands your feelings and very soon you will hear from him,” the SGF said. Speaking earlier, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngonzi Okonjo-Iweala, stated that President Jonathan had led Nigeria into becoming the largest economy in Africa; created three million jobs; managed Nigeria
into becoming the fastest growing economy in Africa and as such deserved commendation and the support of Nigerians to inspire him to do more. Speaking at the well attended event, Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, asked Senator Anyim who led the Federal Government delegation to tell President Jonathan not to worry, but to sleep with his two eyes closed, saying Rivers State will massively support him come 2015. Wike said: “Let me inform the Secretary to the Federal Government to tell Mr. President that we in Rivers State are totally for him in 2015. He (Jonathan) should signify his intention for second term. Please tell President Jonathan to declare his inten-
tion to run in 2015 now. We can assure him that Rivers State is solidly behind him.” Wike told a cheering crowd that what President Jonathan had done through the Almajari education system has transformed the lives of children in the North who had been neglected by previous administrations until the president took the bold step to invest in the education of the almajaris. “If only for the transformation of the almajaris, Nigerians should give President Jonathan the needed support for his second term to enable him continue with his lofty programme on education. He has also established the Oil and Gas Polytechnic in Bonny in Bonny Local Government area in Rivers State,” he said. In his remark, leader of the PDP in Rivers and former governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili, said “action usually speaks louder than words. President Jonathan is our son and our in-law; therefore, it’s our duty to support him for a second term in 2015. He has performed well and creditably. He truly
deserves our support “. “There is time for everything. Frankly speaking, the time has come for President Jonathan to announce his desire to run for a second term. We are all waiting for him to do so. And we will fully support him. His desire to run for a second term is justified”. On his part, Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said that President Jonathan deserved a second term to continue the good work he had been doing. Gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who distributed 5,000 sanitizers to supporters who attended the support Goodluck Jonathan rally, also said Jonathan should vie for a second term because he has managed the crises in Nigeria creditably. “Jonathan has brought down inflation by 40 per cent; he has won the confidence of the World Bank; he has created jobs in the public sector and has also created an enabling environment that has enabled the private sector to also create jobs.
Ukraine set for war with Russia
U Managing Consultant, New Vision Consults, Mr. Linus Okorie (left), with former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, during 2014 Emerging LeadPHOTO: NAN ers Conference, in Abuja,w at the weekend.
Ikimi meets PDP leaders, expresses readiness to join ruling party OBIORA IFOH ABUJA
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ormer chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tom Ikimi, at the weekend, met with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he expressed his readiness to join the ruling party and pull in his political structure in the South-South to ensure its victory in the 2015 general elections. PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu who led a delegation of party leaders to meet Ikimi in Abuja on Friday evening to finalise arrangements for his formal declaration, said the PDP was happy that Ikimi has de-
cided to return to its fold. Mu’azu described Ikimi as a highly organised and patriotic Nigerian who has the interest of the nation at heart, adding that such qualities made it hard for him to be in a party like the APC. He said the PDP would immensely benefit from Ikimi’s “wealth of experience, strong political structure and massive followership across the country”. The PDP Chairman praised the Edo State-born politician for his courage in deciding to return to the PDP while assuring that the party, under the new leadership recognises and rewards loyalty, commitment and experience. In the same vein, Chair-
man of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, commended Ikimi for his decision which he said was in the overall interest of the nation. Responding, Ikimi, who restated that he dumped the APC owing to its deepseated anti-nationalistic and discriminatory tendencies, said he was ready to join the PDP and use his political structures, especially in the South South to ensure that it emerged victorious in the 2015 general elections. “I look forward to bringing value to the PDP. I believe that my contributions will again be noteworthy. By my joining PDP, we are assured of victory not only in Edo
State but in the entire South South geo-political zone”, Ikimi said, noting that he is ready to serve the party in any capacity deemed appropriate by the leaders. Stating that the visit had laid to rest speculations and arguments regarding where he has resolved to pitch his tent, Ikimi said he would transmit the outcome of the meeting to his constituency and assured that the response would be favourable. He also said he desired to work with Chief Anenih so as to move the party and the nation forward and bring about the much expected development to Edo State and the South South geo-political zone.
krainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that “we are very close to the point of no return, which is full scale war” with Russia. EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss the crisis in Ukraine, threatening to impose fresh sanctions against Russia. Russia denies that its forces are backing rebels, who have been gaining ground on Ukrainian forces. Accusing Russia of waging a campaign of “military aggression and terror” against his country, President Poroshenko told European leaders in Brussels yesterday that their own countries’ security depended on stopping Russian troops from stoking a conflict in eastern Ukraine that he said could escalate into a wider war. His warnings won no pledges of military assis-
tance from the European Union, but helped set the stage for a new round of sanctions against Russia. Saying that Russia was pushing the conflict in Ukraine toward “the point of no return,” the president of the European Union’s executive arm, José Manuel Barroso, said European leaders who gathered Saturday in Brussels would endorse new, tougher measures in an effort to make Moscow “come to reason.” Some European leaders, particularly those from former Communist nations in Eastern Europe, called for direct military assistance to Ukraine’s badly stretched armed forces, which are battling pro-Russian rebels on three fronts in eastern Ukraine. But officials said a decision on military aid would be left to individual countries.
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News
Sunday August 31, 2014
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Adamawa governorship: PDP stops acting Gov Fintiri OBIORA IFOH ABUJA
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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Screening Committee in Adamawa State, yesterday disqualified the state’s acting governor, Umaru Fintiri, insisting that the former
Speaker was only brought in the supervise the conduct of the election, not to contest as governor. Addressing journalists yesterday, chairman of the screening committee, Senator Ibrahim Mantu said that Fintiri was told to step aside as he was appointed as acting governor to conduct an election and should not be seen to be a candidate in the same elec-
•Says ‘you’re to supervise poll, not to contest’ •Clears Ribadu, Marwa, Tukur, others tion. “He was told that you are a supervisor, and cannot at the same time be a contestant,” he revealed. Fintiri was however allowed to appeal against yesterday’s decision of the party’s screening committee. Already, 15 other aspirants have been cleared to participate in the party`s September 6 primaries, ahead of the October 11 governorship bye-election. The aspirants who were cleared by the Senator Ibrahim Mantu led screening
committee, include 12 others who bought the party`s expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the election. The aspirants include; former EFCC boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Dr Umar Ardo, Sen. Abubakar Gerei, Mr James Barka, Mr Jerry Kumdisi, Col. Adrawus Sawa, a former Political Adviser, Ahmed Gulak and Alhaji Kama Aliyu. Others include Sen. Marcus Gundiri. Alhaji Awwa Tukur, son of the immediate past National Chairman of the PDP, Al-
haji Ahmed Modibo and Gen. Buba Marwa, former military administrator of Lagos state. The aspirants were being screened to enable them participate in the party`s primaries ahead of the October 11 state governorship bye-election. The committee was screening the aspirants to ascertain their commitment and loyalty to the party, their membership card and tax clearance among other things. Speaking to newsmen after his screening, Ribadu, the former EFCC boss,
expressed satisfaction with the process and confidence that the party leadership would ensure transparent primaries for all aspirants. Modibo in his remarks, said that the screening process was excellent and straight forward, adding that the rest was left for the committee to decide. Dr Umar Ardo, one of the screened aspirants, however said that he was not satisfied with the waiver granted to Ribadu, Marwa and Gundiri by the party leadership. According to him, the waiver did not follow due process because it did not emanate from the ward to the national level. He however said that he would abide by the deci-
sion since it was taken by the party`s leadership, adding that he would accept the result of the primaries if it followed due process. Ardo and five other aspirants, had earlier written a petition to the party leadership against granting waiver to Ribadu, Marwa and Gundiri. Col. Anrawus Sawa, a 71 years old aspirant, said that though he had never been screened for governorship, the screening was not controlled, adding that the questions were straight forward and excellent. He added that as an elder statesman, he was in the race to ensure sanity in Adamawa polity and to have a say in happenings of the state.
Ebola: Obasanjo calls for policy formulation summit FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA
F
ormer president, Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, canvassed for a summit where national policy on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) would be formulated to enable health practitioners tame the disease which is gradually becoming a global threat.
Obasanjo made the call yesterday while answering questions from guests at an event tagged “An afternoon with Obasanjo” organised by the management of Inside Watch Africa magazine which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The former president, who emphasised that the disease is already moving from a regional and sub-regional disaster, also advocated the need to encourage world pharmaceutical companies to carry out research on the virus and coming up with the needed vaccine to eliminate it. He said pharmaceutical companies in the country should be encouraged to carry out research on EVD and come up with vaccines to treat the deadly disease. “Also, we have to be aggressive in taking precautionary measures. When you see your neighbour or someone who has unique symptoms not just of ordinary cold or fever, take him to the doctor, whether it is symptomatic of Ebola or ordinary malaria. “We should not wait till someone has got incubated in it, just like Patrick Sawyer, who knew he had it and he deliberately spread it.” Obasanjo, who said he had
a meeting with the Ghanaian President, Mr. John Mahama, who is also the chairman of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) some weeks ago, said they discussed how to contain the spread of the deadly virus within the subregion. But he explained that while Mahama wanted the meeting of ministers of Health meeting, he suggested that there was a limit the ministers could go and that a summit of the presidents in the sub-region would be better. The former president however, chided Liberian officials who connived with the late Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, who brought the deadly Ebola Virus Disease to Nigeria. He said this singular misadventure has started to take its toll on the manpower and the economy of not only Nigeria but the West Africa sub-region. “It is devilish enough the Patrick Sawyer had to spread this, and indeed spread it to Nigeria in connivance with some authorities from his country. Because they knew he had it before he came to Nigeria. “The EVD has started to take its toll on the country and the West African sub region. The toll is not only on the number of those that are ill or dead but on the economies of communities, country, region and subregion.” He said he had spoken with the presidents of Liberia and Sierra Leone to “give them words of encouragement and support” on the scourge of Ebola in their countries.
The newly consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye(2nd right), with the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Paulinus Ezeokafor (middle), Peter Obi (1st right), his wife, Margaret (1st left), and Dr. Chris Ngige (2nd left), shortly after Okoye’s consecration at St. Patrick Cathedral, Awka, at the weekend
No Ebola victim in Lagos hotel, say health authorities
MARCUS FATUMOLE & HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI
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here was no case of Ebola virus detected among lodgers in a Lagos popular resort, Beni Hotels, authorities in Lagos and Abuja disclosed yesterday.
On Friday, armed policemen, immigration officials and health officials had cordoned off some hotels on the Lagos Island of which Beni Hotel was among, reportedly in search of some Senegalese who entered the country illegally. The action, which caused panic among residents of the area, lasted for hours as some lodgers from a new generation bank who wanted to lodge at Beni Hotel were turned back when riot policemen stormed the premises.
Also ransacked by the team of security agents and health officials was another hotel, Travel House, in the locality. But dispelling the rumour of an Ebola virus scare in the hotel premises, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, said “I’m not aware of any Ebola case there as there was no patient brought to us after the event you described.” She said government would not hesitate to alert the public if there had been such instance anywhere in the state. Reacting to the insinuation of spotting an Ebola patient on the Lagos Island yesterday, the director, Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Sani Gwarzo, said he was not
aware of such. “No, I don’t think it is true because I have not seen it in our appreciation report. I have not seen any report on that; so I am not competent to speak on that. “Any information that is received is centrally processed; and latest by night, they will yell everybody. For now, I don’t know of any such report,” Gwarzo declared. Also, Director of Public Health in the ministry, Mrs. Bridget Okogwale said she was not aware of anything of the sort. Her words: “I didn’t hear of that one as at yesterday, when I left the office. Except I call my colleagues in Lagos to confirm, I have not heard of it.” Meanwhile, the General Manager of Benue State Government Mass Transit known as Benue
Links, Engineer John Baka, has urged both the federal and state government to collaborate efforts towards establishing Ebola testing centres at motor parks nationwide. Baka who spoke to Sunday mirror at the weekend in Makurdi stated that owing to ravaging cases of the deadly disease which are heightening on daily basis, there was the urgent need to screen passengers at designated parks with a view to ascertaining their health status before embarking on the journey. The general manager further emphasised that if this request is granted, it will go a long way in curtailing the spread of the virus and subsequently enable people to know their status.
National News
Sunday August 31, 2014
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Boko Haram kills 14 in Borno villages INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI
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o fewer than 14 people were killed in Jibwhiwhui village of Hawul Local Government area of Borno State and its surrounding villages when gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents invaded the area. Hawul, is south and about 220 kilometres
drive from Maiduguri, the state capital, which is under serious attacks by insurgents following nondeployment of military troops despite outcries by residents of the area. A resident of the area, who does not want his name in print, told our correspondent on phone that the gunmen stormed the villages on Thursday night, killing seven people before moving to the other surrounding villages and
slaughtered seven people in an operation which lasted till 5am on Friday. He said the gunmen, who arrived Jibwhiwhui at about 10pm, started entering houses, arresting their occupants and shooting them to death instantly. An indigene of the area resident in Maiduguri told our correspondent that he was told that the gunmen who came on motorcycles stormed the village and
killed seven people before moving to the nearby villages and killed another seven people. He said the insurgents killed three sons of his uncle, but owing to the security lapses on the major road, he could not travel home, adding that his cousin who lost his uncle had already travelled home through the hectic Damaturu -Potiskum -Gombe- Biu road to attend the three-day prayer
for the deceased. It would be recalled that on Wednesday, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists attacked Miringa town of Biu Local Government area and burnt down GSM telecom masts in the town but did not kill anybody after snatching a Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep belonging to an APC chieftain, name withheld. Efforts to get the Police
ECOWAS to assist member countries fight Ebola virus
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L-R: Executive Director, International Emergency Management Society, Nigeria-West African Chapter, Alhaji Ismaila Sani; Chairman, Retired Avm. Mohammed Audu-Bida and National Coordinator, I-Nigeria Initiative, Ms. Ada Stella, during an interactive session on security in Abuja at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN
2015: Obiano, APGA adopt Jonathan CHARLES OKEKE AWKA
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he purported second term bid of President GoodLuck Jonathan got a boost in Awka, yesterday, when Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and its National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and other party chieftains in a joint action unanimously endorsed Jonathan as their candidate in next year’s presidential election. At a ceremony held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, yesterday, under the auspices of Join Jonathan Journey, JJJ, an APGA proJonathan group, Obiano said they are supporting Jonathan on his ambition to run for a second tenure. He assured that
APGA as a political party will deliver victory fully Jonathan in Anambra State and the entire Igboland. Obiano, who stated that APGA will contest for the other elective posts tenable in the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly, said the party has given automatic ticket to Umeh to run for Anambra Central Senate seat, while all the aspirants for other elective posts in 2015 on the platform of APGA must go through the party primaries. Speaking during the event which came barely two weeks after the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, held similar rally at the same venue, Umeh stated that they are supporting President Jonathan because they know he is the
best for Nigeria now. Umeh, who spoke against the backdrop of how they supported Jonathan successfully in 2011, promised that they will campaign seriously for Jonathan if he comes out to contest in 2015. He contended that Jonathan needs to be reelected for the unity of the country and for Jonathan to be able to finish his good works, while stressing that the Chibok girls issue can never be used to prevent Jonathan from being re-elected. Stressing their support for the second term bid of Jonathan, Umeh said, “Jonathan has nothing to worry, we are solidly behind him and as APGA ,we hereby endorse Jonathan to run for 2015 for the unity of this country and if he does not run, Nigeria will be
in trouble”. Umeh sounding optimistic about the success of the party’s second endorsement of Jonathan, stated that Obiano is now the leader of the new movement to deliver victory to Jonathan and that the party’s support for Jonathan is by action and not by mere words of mouth. Umeh also boasted that it is only APGA that can deliver Jonathan to victory in Anambra State. The Director General of Join Jonathan Journey, Chief Ben Oranusi, a former APC chieftain, stated that his group will reach out to other Igbo states and take the campaign for them to support Jonathan. He stated that President Jonathan is a good brand which everybody should embrace.
Public Relation Officer, Gidoen Jibrin, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, for confirmation proved abortive, as his phones were switched off at the time of filing in this report, even as a senior government official from the area who did not want his name mentioned in print for security reasons, confirmed the killings of residents by insurgents on Thursday.
inisters of Health in ECOWAS have decided to mobilise and deploy human resource to assist Ebola virus affected countries. This promise, coming at the end of their meeting in Accra, was made public in a statement signed by ECOWAS spokesperson, Mr. Sunny Ugoh, in Abuja yesterday. The statement said the ministers expressed deep concern about the challenges posed by the outbreak of Ebola virus in the region. ``The meeting recognised the negative impact of the disease on the economy, security and social status of ECOWAS member states. ``As a result of the alarming situation, the ministers recognised the need to stop the transmission of the disease through regional solidarity, resource mobilisation and harmonisation of strategies”, it said. The statement said the ministers called on ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, the international community and the private sector to contribute to the ECOWAS Solidarity Fund for Disease Control. It also recommended
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the encouragement of research and medical schools to contribute actively to global efforts in the quest for lasting solutions to Ebola virus. ``They considered strengthening epidemiological surveillance at entry and exit points which included design of health record cards, temperature checks, use of hand sanitizers and handling of bodies.’’ It noted that identification of suspected cases and their management, prohibition of movement within and outside countries and information sharing among countries, were necessary. It also noted that strengthening of health facilities at the country level through training and the establishment of isolation centres as also necessary. It stated that clear and consistent messages should be disseminated to the populations and that regional monitoring mechanisms should be put in place. It also stated that the Assembly of Health Ministers called on airline companies to continue with their usual flight schedules within West Africa.
APOLOGY
ith reference to petitions published as advertorial on Page 9 of the July 27, 2014 edition and as a news item on the August 10, 2014 edition of Sunday Mirror, it has since been found that the allegations levelled against Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN)
and Mr. Dejo Lamikanra (SAN) by Prince John Haastrup cannot be proved. This is to tender unreserved apologies for the embarrassment the publications might have caused the two learned men. –Editor.
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Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER AUGUST 31, 2014
I think out of the box to govern Ogun –Amosun by the Wife of the Governor have many entrepreneurial development programmes aimed at making youths self-employed and becoming employers of labour.
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in this interview with journalists, recapitulated his achievements with observation that the state had been brought on its knees before he took over. He also commented on his seemingly frosty relationship with Chief Segun Osoba, a former governor of the state. Excerpts: How well are you combining all the various infrastructure development projects embarked upon by your administration with what is now known in the South-West geo-political zone as politics a of stomach infrastructure? I will continue to maintain my position that it will be an insult on our people to reduce governance to the distribution of kerosene and rice. It is an insult that will undermine the memory of the great leaders that our state has produced. While I agree that governance is about the people but it cannot be reduced to that level. The problem is that over the years, governments have failed and poverty has escalated. Successive governments have not applied any holistic approach to providing succour to the people. Certain solutions that are needed to address the issue of unemployment have been neglected or ignored. One of such solutions is provision of electricity. The issue of unemployment is widespread and that makes poverty to escalate in the land. The unemployed in Ogun State will be close to 500,000 because of the presence of many higher institutions in the state and that is very bad for us. We have to go back to the basics and address those issues that brought us to this sorry pass. We should start creating wealth for the people. It is not about giving them fish but teaching them how to fish and creating the enabling environment for them to be productive. The poverty level is too high and it won’t be tackled by distributing rice. I give rice too. Yes, I give rice to people during festive periods and I have been doing that long before I started playing partisan politics. It is not to be giving rice to secure votes during elections. That is bad. That is fraudulent. That is an insult to our people. But the fact remains that the unemployment rate is too high. That is what we need to address as government. Unfortunately, many of these issues rest with the Federal Government.
Amosun
When we came in, we said we wanted to employ 10,000 people for civil service jobs but close to 70,000 people applied. In fact, at a point we had to stop allowing people to apply because it was simply overwhelming. Recently, we announced that we would recruit 2,000 environmental marshals and over 50,000 people including doctoral degree holders applied. That is dangerous for us as a nation. We are giving too much stress to our youths. The government must put in place a holistic approach to addressing the issue of poverty. What lessons did you learn from the Ekiti elections? I disagree that the good people of Ekiti voted the way they did because some people gave them rice. The people of Ekiti are very educated. There must be some other things that happened that people are yet to know and appreciate. We have some lessons we have picked from Ekiti episode which we have reflected here. What are you then doing to address the issue of poverty and unemployment? In Ogun State, what I am doing is to pro-
vide the enabling environment through solid infrastructure for industrialists to come to the state. We are doing this by working on our financial base. I inherited an IGR of N730 million in 2011, and with the help of God we are now on average of N5.2 billion per month. We attained this level without inconveniencing our people. We have to think out of the box to generate money and with the aid of God, we have been successful so far. This is why we have been able to do so many things to improve the welfare of our people. We realise we need to attract investors to Ogun State. I am happy to say there are 58 new companies now in the state and more are still coming. We go out of our way to invite the companies to come here. Ogun is now an industrial hub. We are the largest industrial base in Nigeria presently. Interestingly, as those companies come in, they employ our people and we try to reduce unemployment. Again, we have many youth empowerment programmes aimed at creating entrepreneurs out of our youths. Our ministries of Commerce and Industry, Women Affairs and Social Development, Community Development and Cooperatives, Agriculture, Vocational Education Board as well as The Uplift Foundation run
What is the contribution of the Agriculture sector to the efforts to rebuild the economy of Ogun State? Our agriculture policy is maturing now. I can say that we have some 3,000 youths who are in the agriculture sector. We have a partner in the Bank of Industries which is providing the finance. We have graduate agricultural scheme in all the three senatorial districts. We give you land, money and implements and you are encouraged to employ some people to assist you too. We have 16, 409.26 square kilometers of land, 80 per cent of which is arable. So, we know that if we strategise properly, we can have comparative advantage in agricultural production Lagos even came to request for 1,000 hectares of our land to cultivate rice in Eggua and we too have 10,000 hectares to cultivate rice in the same area. It is a healthy competition going on in Eggua now. Our people there are being employed and the local economy of that area is being positively affected. We also have cassava farm in Ibiade and we are about to start planting on a 20-hectare cashew farm in Afon. Our Green House technology farm in Kotopo is already producing pepper and tomato that are already being sold in the market. Our intervention in the areas of poultry, fishery and piggery are also yielding fruits. We have rice mills ready and I must mention too that the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, is assisting us too in all these measures. Today in cassava production, we are number one in Nigeria. Cassava is one reason why some companies are coming into Ogun State. Our goal is to feed Lagos, house Lagos and cloth Lagos. We are working on housing too. Already, we have four housing estates that are about 80 per cent completed. They include the Orange Valley, Plainfields, both in Oke Mosan in Abeokuta, AAK Degun MITROS Estate, Laderin and OPIC Estate, Agbara. There are two others in Makun and Isheri that are about to begin. In Nigeria, everybody struggles to buy land, build houses and get Certificate of Occupancy but do they do that in UK or USA? No, it is not like that. There are houses for whatever category of income one belongs to, once you are in that society. Our own situation is because government has failed in the area of housing and there cannot be a vacuum. People can’t stay under the sun; they must get land and build for themselves. Government seems to have surrendered. And it is a shame. People now build anything CONTINUED ON PAGE 55
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Politics
Osun guber: Fireworks as APC, PDP shift battle to court
PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES AUGUST 31, 2014
THERE IS NO DEMOCRACY WHERE THERE IS NO FREEDOM WHAT SEPARATES DEMOCRACY FROM OTHER FORMS OF
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GOVERNMENT IS THE LATITUDE OF FREEDOM IT GIVES TO
Briefly
THE PEOPLE.
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–RAUF AREGBESOLA, OSUN STATE GOVERNOR.
2015: Group storms rural communities for Jonathan
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2015 Presidency:
Buhari on the march again
•Has Atiku, Kwankwaso to contend with OBIORA IFOH
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t his Wuse, Abuja campaign office, General Muhammadu Buhari, a few days ago met with a few journalists to confirm his readiness to throw his hat once more into the ring come the February 14, 2015 presidential election, if nominated by his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. This certainly would not be the first time, the Katsina State-born former army General will be assuring his supporters that he intends to contest the presidency, a record four times. At that brief meeting, General Buhari was full of regrets for his soured relationship with the media and how he has not been forgiven for some of his excesses while as a military leader, particularly the issue of Decree 4 which caught up with two journalists then. He took time to explain the mystery behind the vexatious 25 suitcases allegedly used in importing money among other issues. Indeed, Buhari remains one political figure who is largely misunderstood by a great section of the populace, particularly the elite but revered by the youth, particularly in the North. He had contested against Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003; was on the ticket in 2007 when Alhaji Umoru Musa Yar’Adua (now deceased) won the election, and again in 2011, the election that brought President Goodluck Jonathan to office. When asked recently if he would consider contesting during the upcoming 2015 presidential election after he once said he would never want to rule Nigeria again, Buhari said: “Since I made that statement, a lot of my people and many Nigerians have come to me to ask me to contest for the presidency. And I will only consider to contest for the presidency in 2015 if my party (APC) chooses me as
Oyo: Aspirants in desperate moves to clinch party tickets
political group, Positive Group Initiative, PGI, working for the realisation of the President Goodluck Jonathan 2015 re-election bid, yesterday in Osogbo, Osun state capital, said it has concluded plans to commence full scale campaign for the president, especially in the rural communities across the country. The National co-ordinator of the group, Hajia Zainab Saliu, while speaking with newsmen, also added that, before going all out for campaigns, it plans to secure operational offices in the 36 states capital cities across the country, while its Abuja office would coordinate it activities at the state and local government levels. She averred that the PGI has put necessary machinery in motion in all states of the federation to see that the president is re- elected in the forthcoming presidential election. She added that, the group believes in the capability of President Jonathan to lead Nigeria out of the wood into safe harbour and pledged to work round the clock to ensure his victory come February 2015 general elections. Giving more insight on how the group would operate, Hajia Saliu, stressed that PGI operational tentacles in every state would start from wards to local government areas, for it to be able to pass necessary information on why it would serve the country better to allow President Jonathan continue in office beyond May 2015.
Sokoto Assembly passes confidence vote in Gov
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Buhari
their flag bearer during the primary.” Commenting on whether he would campaign for the presidency before the APC primary scheduled to hold later in the year, the retired General said: ‘No’. Also, when he was asked why he thinks many rich men do not want him to become the president of Nigeria, Buhari said: “I think it is based on my principle on accountability.” Speaking with some journalists in Abuja last Wednesday, one of Buhari’s lieutenants who does not want his name in print for tactical reasons said, “General Muhammadu Buhari has been making consultations with stakeholders cutting across all the divides over the next year’s general elections. Those he has been meeting include politicians, both within
and outside the APC, religious and opinion leaders, youths and market women in every state of the Federation, and the feelers we are getting are encouraging. “We are rounding off with the consultations and within the next few days, General Buhari would publicly declare for the race. It is our hope that he would not only emerge the presidential candidate of APC but would eventually be elected come February 2015.” When reminded of some bigwigs of the party like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Musa Kwankwaso among others who stand on his way, the source dismissed it with a wave of hand, “If General Buhari declares today, that is where our people would go. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
okoto State House of Assembly at weekend passed a vote of confidence on Governor Aliyu Wamakko for his exemplary leadership qualities. The Speaker of the legislature, Alhaji Lawali Zaiyana, led the 27 members on a solidarity visit to Wamakko in Sokoto. He said that the visit became necessary in view of good sense of leadership exhibited by the present administration in the state. He said that the visit was also to convey the resolution of the House, which passed the confidence vote on the Wamakko for providing democratic dividends to the people. He pledged that the House would continue to identify with the policies and programmes of the present administration in ensuring democracy dividends were delivered across the state.
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Politics
Sunday, August 31, 2014
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Osun guber: Fireworks as APC, PDP shift bat BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA
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he two leading political parties in Osun State, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after a tortuous and bitter buildup to the August 9 governorship election, have shifted the battle to the courtroom over matters arising from the exercise. Barely a day after the governorship poll was held, the APC candidate cum incumbent governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, was returned elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s, Returning Officer, Prof. Bamitale Omole. But, the main opposition party, PDP, and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, immediately rejected the result of the ballot, citing irregularities, and differing with his party’s national leadership, which congratulated Aregbesola on his triumph. PDP’s party agent at the INEC final collation centre, who is also the Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Bola Ajao, also withheld his assent to the final result sheet of the election. He immediately declared that his party, having noticed flaws at the poll, would make its position on the matter known in due course. However, three days before the expiration of the mandatory 21 days within which petition can be filed to challenge results as stipulated in the Electoral Act, the PDP and its candidate Senator Omisore, stormed the premises of Osun State High Court, Ilobu Road, Osogbo to file a petition against the declaration of Mr. Aregbesola as the winner. In what could pass for another political rally, the APC and PDP legal teams, leaders and supporters had earlier on Wednesday, besieged the court to witness
the hearing of applications the two parties had filed, seeking forensic examinations of all materials used for the governorship ballot, the motions were expeditiously granted by the three-man tribunal. Past Election Petition Tribunals in Osun: The Election Petition Tribunal became a popular phrase in the annals of Osun political and historical archive in 2007, when Justice Thomas Naron-led panel began sitting on the fallouts of Saturday, April 14 governorship poll that pitched the then governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola of PDP against the incumbent governor, then candidate of Action Congress, AC, at the poll, against each other. The matter, after getting to the Appeal Court, Ibadan, when Aregbesola appealed against the ruling of the Naron panel that upheld the re-election of Oyinlola, was returned back to tribunal by Justice Victor Omage, citing “improper trial”. This was over the failure of Naron panel to admit in evidence police report on the governorship election presented by the AC. The Justice Alli Garba retrial panel constituted in 2010, again in May that year, ruled in favour of the PDP candidate, declaring him the winner of the 2007 poll. This verdict was again appealed and the matter went to the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division for the second time. It was dispensed with by Justice Clara Ogunbiyiled panel on Friday, November 26, 2010, who upturned the verdict of the retrial tribunal and sacked the then Governor Oyinlola, declaring Mr. Aregbesola the validly elected governor in the April 2007 election. Since the return of democracy to the country in 1999 till date, petition matters involving PDP and AC/ACN in the state had remained the longest running election legal matter, spanning over three
years and passing through four panels, with heavy ‘casualties’ on both sides of the tussle. As part of the fallouts of the trial and retrial of the 2007 Osun governorship election petition, Justice Naron was suspended and eventually sacked by the National Judicial Commission, NJC, for being in constant touch, through phone with the lead counsel of the PDP legal team, Mr. Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN, while the trial lasted. Also, then President Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, had a running battle with the NJC over a petition written against him by the Osun chapter of PDP, alleging his being in contact with one of the counsel that represented Aregbesola during the trial. Omisore’s petition: A day before PDP’s petition would be filed, the director of legal matters of Osun PDP, Chief Sunday Ojo-Williams, had briefed the press about what to expect in the party’s petition. Ojo-Williams said the PDP would demand the Election Petition Tribunal Hearing Matters relating to August 9 governorship poll in the state, to declare its candidate, Senator Omisore, as the winner of the poll, having scored “overwhelming valid votes”. He added that logically, the lawful votes cast in favour of the PDP’s candidate should be enough to declare him the winner of the August 9 election or that election in 17 local government areas, where the party alleged the exercise was marred with irregularities be cancelled and fresh ballot conducted. The party alleged there were voting by under-aged, over-voting, among other malpractices on the day of the poll, and also apportioned blame to the immediate past
Aregbesola
Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Dr. Rufus Akeju, of aiding the victory of the APC through many fraudulent means long before the day of the poll. Tension, excitement as Tribunal commences work: Many supporters of the parties locked in the legal battle over the last governorship poll are quaking in their shoes already over the mounting tension and excitement as the panel commences sittings. If events preceding the inaugural sitting of the panel are to be considered as pointers, another controversy-trailed legal tussle involving familiar “customers” in Osun politics may be in the pipeline. On Tuesday, August 26, a member of the PDP legal team, Prince John Bolarinwa Abidoye, in what many political followers in the state had described CONTINUED ON PAGE 53
Buhari set for fourth attempt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
Who else would run against him in the North? Who else do you think the party would prefer to a man who singlehandedly secured 11 million votes despite the rigging machinery of PDP in 2011? General Buhari is the president in-waiting, that is the truth. “Recall that when Buhari contested the 2011 presidential election under the newly formed Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, he amassed a massive 12 million votes against President Jonathan’s 22 million votes. “His electoral exploits spoke volume of his acceptance in spite of challenges such as eleventh hour withdrawal of alliance between the CPC and the then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, where both parties were expected to couple their efforts to check the rampaging PDP. Considering the fact that CPC was largely accepted in the North and ACN in the South-West, had the arrangement worked, the PDP would have found it
difficult to trounce Buhari in that election. But all that now is history.” With the recent merger of the three political parties including the CPC, ACN and All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, as well as a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, into one mega party, the APC, the stake is high and whoever emerges the party’s flag-bearer would have an easier task before him. Aside from General Buhari, other notable leaders of APC eyeing the presidency include former Vice President Abubakar, governors Kwankwaso and Rochas Okorocha of Kano and Imo states respectively. It is also believed that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwwal, may be interested. At 72, Buhari appears to be psychologically ready for the contest and has since kick-started his consultations and has started oiling his political machinery in readiness for the contest. The General believes that his chances are not only bright, but assured, by virtue of recent developments in the polity. It was gathered that with developments in Sokoto, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Keb-
bi, Kwara and Rivers states, where several political heavyweights defected to the APC – the platform on which he aspires to actualise his ambition now – unlike his previous attempts, is more secure. APC, it was gathered, has not zoned the presidency to any geo-political part of the country. But what has been made certain is that the party plans to adopt the Option A4 political model introduced by the former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, to pick its flag-bearers. Benue State-born politician, Senator J. K. N. Waku, confirmed the no-zoning and Option A4 model for the emergence of the party’s flag bearers. Asked whether age would not rule out General Buhari from the race in 2015, Waku said the now late South African President, Nelson Mandela, was 77 when he won the presidential election in South Africa. “General Buhari is only 71 years old,” he stressed. He explained that as the party had not zoned the presidency to any part of the country, Buhari stood the chance of winning. According to him, with Option A4, any politician that is popular would al-
ways have delegates queue behind him at the National Convention of the party. Reacting to the modified open ballot system adopted to decide the presidential candidate of the party, a member of the National Working Committee of APC said it is a welcome development. “We are all in support of the method but it has not been finalised yet. If you look at it very well, it would allow every aspirant to campaign as if it were the real general election. It is a system that involved all party members. Whatever method of voting that is adopted, Gneral Buhari would emerge the presidential candidate of our party,” the NWC chieftain said. Also working for the General is the understanding between him and the leader of the party, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Though both men could not agree at the last outing in 2011 over issues such as the running mate and hierarchy status, all these have been resolved and solidified in the new arrangement. Buhari would be going into the race hoping that the 19 states in the North, at least four states in the South-West namely Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ogun and two in the South-South - Rivers and CONTINUED ON PAGE 53
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
13
Sunday August 31, 2014
Man in the News Dr. Olusegun Mimiko
A defection long foreshadowed AYO ESAN
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he Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko’s, planned defection to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from his Labour Party, LP, has remained an issue in the country’s politics in the last one week. Though Mimiko has refused to confirm or deny the planned move to the PDP, political analysts and watchers of political events in the country are not unaware of his romance with President Goodluck Jonathan. They are also aware that he had been aligning with the PDP to confront the major opposition party in the country, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Indications emerged penultimate Friday that Mimiko had finalised arrangements to defect to the ruling PDP, thus lending credence to speculations that he was done with his LP. The governor, who started out as a member of Alliance for Democracy, AD, in 1999, crossed over to the PDP in 2003 before leaving the party to revive a dormant LP in 2007, at a time he wanted to contest for governor. The governor was said to have met with the LP members in the House of Assembly penultimate Friday to intimate them with his decision to leave the party and join the PDP. He was also said to have on the same day addressed a gathering of LP ward leaders across the state with five persons representing each ward. Mimiko has not hidden his admiration for the re-election of President Jonathan come 2015 and may be one of his foot soldiers during the re-election campaign. His new move has, however, created tension in the camp of the LP in Ondo State, as party loyalists received the governor’s planned defection with mixed feelings. While some party members received the news of the defection with shock, having been taken unawares, others described it as inevitable in view of the fact that the LP and the PDP had been longstanding allies, especially in the present Jonathan dispensation. Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said there had been an intense pressure on Mimiko to join the PDP after the Osun State governorship election. Akinmade said the leadership of the PDP regarded Mimiko as a big fish after leaving the party in 2007 to contest for the governorship election of the state “on the platform of an unknown party”. He said winning the election indicated the popularity of Mimiko at the grassroots.
THOUGH MIMIKO HAS REFUSED TO CONFIRM OR DENY THE PLANNED MOVE TO THE PDP, POLITICAL ANALYSTS AND WATCHERS OF POLITICAL EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY ARE NOT UNAWARE OF HIS ROMANCE WITH PRESIDENT
GOODLUCK JONATHAN.
It was also gathered that stakeholders at the different consultative meetings organised to review the planned move of the Ondo governor supported the decision. They were said to have told him that moving to the nation’s ruling party would better position the state and benefit it immensely as a part of national government. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, was quoted to have applauded the move of the governor to consult with the House on the request and declared that the lawmakers are in favour of the move. “We all joined the Labour Party because of Mr. Governor, and for him to have consulted with us over this issue is a great privilege. Like Ruth, we pledge this day that your (Mimiko) God will always be our God. “This is the most rational thing to do at the moment in view of the fact that Mr. Governor is not going for a third term in office. He would not have engaged us in this wide consultation if he is a selfish leader. That is why we are offering our support for a better Ondo State,” the Speaker was further quoted to have said. Traditional rulers and religious lead-
ers who spoke during their meetings with the governor on the issue were also quoted to have been unanimous in their support, stating that their belief in the governor’s move would be in favour of the people and secure the future of the state Publicity Secretary of PDP in the state, Chief Wale Ozogoro, said the LP members were welcome into the ‘biggest party in Africa’. Ozogoro, who said although the party had not been formally notified at the state level, noted that “there is free entry and exit in political parties in the country and nobody has the right to block Mimiko’s entrance into the party”. However, he declared that the new defectors would be trained in PDP’s philosophy based on the Transformation Agenda of President Jonathan. He said “by the time the party is officially informed, we will meet with the party elders’ caucus and with the incoming members and we will give them a rousing welcome”. Some leaders of the PDP in the state led by Professor Olu Agbi and Chief Segun Adegoke said by the time the two major parties merge, the next election would be a free ride for the party and its candidates. Meanwhile, the state chapter of All Pro-
gressives Congress, APC, in its reaction to the development said “the defection of Governor Mimiko to the PDP did not come as a surprise to us. He has been hobnobbing with the PDP at the national level for a very long time, even though he had no good relationship with the state chapter”. A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, said “that Dr Mimiko is joining or has joined PDP will not help the party win any election, but to help President Jonathan win the PDP presidential primaries. “To us in Ondo APC, our doors are open to credible individuals that are still in the LP, especially the House of Assembly members to join. Our doors are also open to the serving commissioners and PDP members that would not be comfortable with Mimiko joining the PDP because of his political antecedents. They are all welcome to join our great party to realise their dreams. To us all, animals are equal.” Mimiko, born on October 3,1954, competed in the gubernatorial election of April 14, 2007, against the incumbent Ondo governor, Dr Olusegun Agagu, and lost, according to the result released by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC. He contested this decision at the election tribunal. Agagu lost out on February 23, 2009 following an Appeal Court ruling which cited irregularities in the 2007 poll, and was replaced by Mimiko as governor. He is currently the first and only member of the LP to win gubernatorial office in the country. Mimiko’s victory on October 20, 2012 made him the second governor in Ondo State to win a second term of office, after Governor Adekunle Ajasin in 1983.
14
Opinion
Sunday August 31, 2014
Uncensored U nc
Sheriff S Folarin
E-mail: sheffie2004@yahoo.co.uk 08094217972 (SMS only)
F
rom the beginning of this Islamic insurgency, every embarrassing development had always been seen as a joke. When Islamic militancy started in 2009, the Nigerian government saw it as a joke, and rather than deal with the real issue of an apparently creeping Islamic fundamentalism in the North, troops of policemen were deployed to Maiduguri to summarily execute 900 Boko Haram sect members, including their leader. Video footage on Al Jazeera Television and YouTube showed that the members of the Nigeria Police were simply having fun gunning down unarmed members of the sect. In that video, the voice of the “commander” at the background could be heard saying, “target the heart, yes…the heart, that will finish him…oya…shoot…” and “gboa”,the noise of the hot iron releasing the hot lead into the heart of the “human game”. It was thus like a practical session of a police shooting event or a hunting enterprise. That was how 900 persons lost their lives. It was a joke. The fundamentals had been swept under the carpet. The monster would rise again. And so it did. Two years after, Boko Haram came back in full force. More ferocious and determined to pull down the Nigerian government. The creation of an Islamic State was hyped as the main goal. But government went into several theatrics, notable of which was asking for dialogue with the group. Other unintelligent moves included the description of the felons as “our brothers and sons from the North”. The most ludicrous of the show was contemplation of offer of amnesty to the faceless, unknown and visibly arrogant and cantankerous group. In the wave of horror that followed, Nigeria lost retired General Shuwa (a Civil War hero), a lot of police officers, immigration officers, a couple of prominent politicians, tra-
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‘Caliphate Republic’ and Nigerian sovereignty ditional rulers, journalists, and hundreds of regular Nigerians. Between 2011 and 2014, many churches have been attacked and Christians killed; Muslim leaders have been hacked down and mosques raided; schools razed down and pupils killed, maimed or abducted; campuses raided and scores of undergraduates murdered in cold blood; motorists and travellers waylaid and hacked down at fake checkpoints; and of course, security officers have been attacked in their barracks, offices, homes or ambushed while on patrol and hacked down; and so forth. Since 2011 when Boko Haram attacked the Force Headquarters, United Nations and called the bluff of the government on too many occasions, there has been a declaration of war. But the authorities seem to have not taken them seriously. The business of the state has gone on ‘smoothly’ without any concern for the pillar that guarantees the continued existence of the state-sovereignty. Abubakar Shekau’s success on every venture proved too much of the inability of the Nigerian State to sustain its sovereignty. His frequent videos, since 2011, in which he brags, curses and confirms another successful attack on Nigeria underline the marked weakness of the state or demonstration of lack of capacity of the security agencies to defend the territorial integrity of the state. The false claims by the military high command on a number of occasions that Boko Haram leaders, particularly Shekau, had been killed further reinforce the theory that the state had lost its bite and might, as it either had poor intelligence, poor capacity or poor vision to understand the undercurrents; or it had resorted to cheap blackmail and propaganda, which are sometimes the weapon of the weak. Every claim Boko Haram makes is confirmed and validated with proofs; every denial he makes has never been faulted. The Defence Headquarters on the other hand, has never sounded convincing. Indeed, it contradicts itself most times and resorts to lame justification of failures. The insurgents have been having an upper hand and have indeed questioned the sovereignty and power of the Nigerian State. Aside hurling insults repeatedly on Mr. President, the Sovereign, dar-
ing him to act and ‘catch them if he can’, Boko Haram had also attempted to take the life of General Muhammadu Buhari, a former Head of State, and could have murdered a serving Inspector General of Police. The recent but botched attempt to cross to Southern Nigeria through the Southeast city of Aba, bomb attempts on a Pentecostal church in Owerri and the Lagos airport and the explosion in Apapa that claimed five lives, surely demonstrate the continued inability of the Nigerian military and other security agencies to show capacity to defend the country. Months ago, 234 school girls were abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State, a state under emergency rule, taken through the ‘eye of the needle’ and horded straight to Sambisa. Months after, the sovereign state has not yet been able to smash Boko Haram nor has it been able to deliver the poor souls back to their homestead. The most ridiculous thing in recent times was the flight of 480 soldiers from battlefront to neighbouring Cameroon. These soldiers of the Nigerian Army were overpowered by Boko Haram fighters and as such fled to Cameroon and returned only last week after having been shielded by their Cameroonian counterparts. This is the SHAME of the century on the Nigerian State. As a Nigerian, one feels beaten, battered and one’s pride has been butchered. The shame is in the fact that insurgents overpowered soldiers- a whopping 480 in number- of a great nation. The humiliation is in the fact that they fled to Cameroon, our ‘love-hate’ brother that had often felt intimidated by and jealous of the Nigerian military might. The ridicule is in the fact that days later, the Cameroonian soldiers killed 27 Boko Haram members and successfully repelled their attack on a Cameroonian town, thus pushing them back into Nigeria. We have ridiculed ourselves before Cameroon and Africa and the myth of our military superiority has just been shattered! That’s how terribly bad it has become. The recent declaration of a sovereign
state, “Caliphate Republic” within the sovereign state of Nigeria is the height of the opprobrium. That the Nigerian government is taking it as a joke yet again, may yet be another comedy of error. For those who do not know, Boko Haram attacked a Mobile Police (MOPO) training camp in Gwoza (Borno State), decimated the police trainees and trainers and abducted thirty-five of them, twenty-seven of who are still missing. Gwoza is that infamous place where scores of attacks have been carried out and all of them have been successful. Soldiers have been overpowered too many times in this town. Gwoza and the adjoining cities have thus become the ‘capital’ of Boko Haram’s “Caliphate Republic”, where the black and white flags hoisted have displaced the green and white symbol of Nigeria’s nationhood. This is the time to act if the Nigerian State has still got any bite or action. This is not the time for the pseudo-PR personnel at the Defence Headquarters to make noise or peddle lies. We do not need no tell-tale. We must salvage Nigeria. There is no better time to act than now. The disgrace on the state is too much. Let the military put its acts together and let the high command not shortchange the boys any longer- provide the best arms and armoury, provide effective and quality leadership and motivate the military boys to fight. Boko Haram has tempted the will of the state too many times. If Abacha were head of state, would a Boko Haram have gone this far? If Obasanjo were still the president, would this have happened? If Buharai-Idiagbon were in power, could this shame befall Nigeria? Would Babangida’a army have allowed this nonsense? These are questions that should worry President Goodluck Jonathan and make him to act. History will not forgive any leader that fails to act when all that was needed was, ACT! • Dr. Folarin is the Immediate Past Head of Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
Chibok girls: A speech Jonathan should have delivered
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have remained quiet about Nigeria’s continuing efforts to find the girls kidnapped in April from the northern town of Chibok, because, honestly, I hoped the world would ignore it as just another “African tragedy.” But the attention brought by #BringBackOurGirls forced my administration to abandon its usual do-nothing strategy. I admit that for weeks, the Nigerian military was nowhere to be seen in Chibok and aggrieved parents had to resort to venturing into the jungle on foot to search for their children. But I assure everyone, we are doing our best. I am speaking out now because national elections are in less than a year and my Washington PR firm needs to earn the reported $1.2 million I am paying it to reverse the criticism that has overshadowed all my good intentions. I wish to assure Nigerians and the international community that, even though my military officially wrapped up its investigation into the kidnappings, without locating the girls, we are
sparing no resources. We will keep the findings of the investigations secret, since my good-faith assurances are enough. My heart aches for the missing children and their families. In fact, my heartache was so painful that I cancelled plans to visit Chibok. Instead, I eased my pain by flying to Paris for a national security summit. My first lady, Patience Jonathan, shares in my grief for the families affected by the tragedy. She was so troubled by the agitation of protesters demanding their girls back that she told them to stop their actions and allegedly ordered the police to detain several protest leaders. While terrorism knows no borders, and security threats rage on across West Africa, Nigeria has long been reluctant to accept counterterrorism assistance from the United States and other partners. Nothing is more important than stopping the machinations of Boko Haram, except maybe my desire to keep up appearances and show the
international community that Nigeria was winning the war against the group. I know that I have characterised Boko Haram as a temporary scourge, but in the wake of the latest attacks and kidnappings of more women, I recognise that it has effectively exploited the inability of the Nigerian military to put up any semblance of a sustained coordinated response. But in spite of all the challenges, we are definitely doing our best. Despite Nigeria’s status as a regional powerhouse with a population of 168 million, until now it had not occurred to me to collaborate with neighbouring countries to fight terrorism. I wish to thank French President François Hollande for inviting me and other West African presidents to Paris to discuss this. When it comes to strategizing on African solutions to African problems, a European should take the lead. Besides, I do my best thinking in Paris. My critics say that decades of neglect have led to conditions amenable to radi-
calization in the north. My detractors will point also to human rights abuses perpetrated by the military. Let the finger-pointing stop. I am sparing no resources. I propose to set up an international summit to organise a fact-finding commission of investigative inquiry to study the progress of ongoing investigations of corruption and lack of development in the north. I have again asked President Hollande to provide a forum for this in Paris, though I would accept the French Riviera. Something positive can come out of the kidnappings more than 70 days ago. The world has seen what can happen when terrorism is left to run amok and the citizens of a country have little faith in the ability of their government to protect them. But I wish to assure Nigerians and the rest of the world that I am doing my best. •Attiah is of The Washington Post’s Editorial department. (Headline is Editor’s preference).
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
South News
August 31, 2014
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One killed as anti-terrorist police, youths clash in Imo Chris Njoku OWERRI
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rigger happy anti-terrorist police known as ‘red cap police’ shot dead one person and wounded several youths in a funeral procession at Umuokoto, Umudibia Nekede Autonomous Community in Owerri West Local Government area of Imo State. The yet to be identified person was taking part with over 30 other youths in the funeral procession when he was hit by a stray bullet. The shooting of the innocent persons mostly youths which took place at about 9am on Friday, was described by eye- witnesses as “senseless and unbelievable killing.” Sunday Mirror gathered that the youths who were coming back from the Agbala mortuary where they had gone to collect a corpse for burial were just few ki-
lometres to their destination when the trigger happy policemen met them. It was gathered that as the police were manoeuvring to pass the procession, an argument ensued between them and the youths and in the process, one of the policemen said to be drunk shot at the procession without warning, killing one person while injuring the others before speeding off. When the youths regrouped and marched in protest to the anti-terrorist police station at Umuoma, a neighbouring community, the cops started shooting sporadically at the youths injuring many of them. “The youths came for the funeral, they were unarmed, they had not done anything to provoke the police,” one relative whose late uncle was being conveyed from mortuary who wished to remain anonymous said.
Rivers boat mishap: Death toll rises to 12
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he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said yesterday that the death toll resulting from a boat accident in Bony Island in Rivers State had risen to 12. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on August 29, a Port Harcourtbound passenger boat from Bonny Island, had an accident mid sea, and sank. Dr. Onimode Bandele, Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, South South zone, told NAN in PortHarcourt,the state capital, that divers had recovered two more bodies, in addition to the initial 10 brought out from the sea.
He said 22 passengers were rescued after the accident, and taken to hospitals in Bonny. ‘’ Our investigations showed that the capacity of the boat is 25, while it carried 34 passengers on the fateful day,” he said. Bandele recalled that the same boat had hit an object on Aug. 28, resulting in the damage of its body, a day before the recent tragedy. The Coordinator said the Agency was not sure if the boat was repaired before being put to use the next day, August 29, the day the mishap that led to the death of 12 persons, occurred.
Osun: Church holds thanksgiving service for Aregbesola’s re-election Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO
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thanksgiving service was at the weekend held at the Christ Apostolic Church in Obokun local government area of Osun state to mark the victory of the state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola in the August 9 governorship election. Supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Forum, Mr. Olatubosun Oyintiloye and worshippers, who thronged the
church in their numbers, amidst songs of praise and prayers described the victory of Aregbesola in the governorship poll as “incredible and Lord’s doing”. While speaking during the service, Olatubosun Oyintiloye, said the victory recorded by Governor Aregbesola in the governorship election was also a reward for his dedication to the service of the people. He said that if not for the overwhelming support of the people and divine intervention, the victory would have been difficult to achieve.
Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Catholic Diocese, Dr. Felix Alaba Job (4th left) flanked by the celebrant, Senator Anthony Adefuye other officiating Ministers and well wishers cutting the dedication cake of st. Mary’s Catholic Church Odolewu, Ogun State, donated by Senator Anthony Adefuye to mark his 70th Birthday.
Regency crisis threatens Ekiti community Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI
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he crisis over who should be appointed the Regent of Ikere Ekiti following the death on August 22 of the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Adegboye, appears to be tearing the ancient community apart. Chiefs in the community and the royal house are said to be divided on the choice of the regent between two of the daughters of the late monarch who passed on at the age of 85 years. A source in the community told journalists
yesterday that one of the princesses, Miss Ayooye Adegboye, was the preferred candidate of the Princes (Omowas) and had been selected as possible occupant, after due consultations with the six kingmakers in the town. But the eldest daughter of the late monarch, Mrs. Adebisi Bello, with the support of some chiefs, is kicking, describing the selection process as a conspiracy against her. Her grouse was that she should have been the best for the throne as the first daughter and that picking any other princess was against the tradition, ac-
cording to the source, who added that “there is serious unrest now in the community, particularly in the palace”. But the traditional Prime Minister of the town and the Sapetu of Ikere Ekiti, Chief Michael Shittu, said nobody has been appointed as far as he was concerned. Shittu, however, said it was wrong for anybody to claim that only the first daughter could be appointed the Regent of the town, adding that even a man could be made the Regent in Ikere. The chief, who said that the monarch’s death had
automatically transferred the executive powers to him as the second-in-command and the head of kingmakers, said that nobody could be installed the Regent without his consent. “The fight over regency is needless because she has no role to play. She cannot exercise executive power, but only appointed to fill the vacant stool to attend to palace matters. She cannot even appear in public because that is my responsibility for now”. The chief cautioned that anybody planning to use the regency or obaship to plunge the community into crisis would be checkmated.
2015: House of Assembly aspirant pledges quality representation Obasoluyi Telewa
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House of Assembly aspirant in AgboyiKetu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Adetunji Ilelaboye, has promised the people of Agboyi-Ketu quality representation if voted into power during the 2015 general elections. He made this declaration yesterday while declaring interest to contest for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). The event, which was held at his campaign office
Ilelaboye
in Lagos, was attended by party faithful and leaders of APC. In a chat with Sunday Mirror at the occasion, the banker turned politician said that after due consultation with his family, leaders of his party and people of his constituency, he has decided to represent Kosofe Constituency 2, in the state Assembly in 2015.
“It’ is in me. I want to fulfil my childhood dream of providing quality service at the highest level to the people of my Constituency, he said. Ilelaboye, who is also the Chairman, Revenue Committee, Agboyi-Ketu , stated that when elected, he would attract projects to his Constituency and get jobs for unemployed youths in the area. He also promised to encourage competition among students like quiz, debates and sporting activities for talent hunt so as to keep away the youth away from crime. He also promised to encourage reading culture among students by facilitating the establishment
of a library in the area in order to raise the standard of education in the area and the country as a whole. According to him, he stands a better chance unlike any other aspirants because of his track records in the state civil service, LCDA and as a Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expert. He, however, implored the leadership of the party to be thorough in their choice of candidates during the elections so as to meet peoples’ expectations. ”They should meet the people of the grassroots and ask them for the most popular candidate because in the coming election, the profiles of candidates will be a major factor in the choice by the people”, he added.
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North News
Sunday August 31, 2014
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
in JUTH as FG Stop parading yourself as Plateau Jubilation recalls sacked doctors Chairman, PDP tells Dabin T S James Abraham JOS
uspended Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State, Dr. Haruna Dabin, has been told to stop parading himself as chairman of the party in the state as that is capable of causing confusion among members and the general public. The reprimand by the PDP National Secretariat was coming on the heels of fresh moves by the embattled former chairman wherein he sought to reclaim his position via a letter he wrote to the party leadership in Abuja. Sunday Mirror learnt that the PDP leadership was miffed at the letter dat-
ed August 20, 2014 entitled “clarification of constitutional powers” in which he addressed himself as the authentic party boss in the state. Dabin, it would be recalled, was suspended last June by the state Executive Committee (SEC) of the party over allegations of gross misconduct including financial misappropriation which prompted his deputy, Hon. Raymond Dabo, to take over as Acting Chairman. A seven member disciplinary committee set up to investigate the alleged offences later found him guilty but the embattled former party boss who has declared for the Governorship in 2015 election
rejected both his suspension and indictment by the committee and since then he has continued to refer himself as the state party chairman. But in a counter letter addressed to Dabin, the PDP National leadership which expressed dismay at his conduct, reprimanded the embattled former chairman and urged him to stop laying claim to his former position. In the letter which was signed by the PDP National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo and sighted by Sunday Mirror in Jos yesterday, the party hierarchy said it was wrong for Dabin to continue to parade himself as the state chairman of the party when he had
formally resigned his position The letter dated August 25, 2014 reads in part: “Recall that in a bid to amicably resolve all issues, you resigned your position as Plateau state Chairman of the party with effect from Monday, 14th July,2014. Consequently,the claim in the second paragraph of your letter” clarification of constitutional powers” that you remain the state chairman of the party in Plateau State, and your signing the letter as such is wrong. While requesting that you be strictly guided by the foregoing, we trust that the matter concerning the chairmanship of the party in Plateau State has been finally put to rest”.
James Abraham JOS
he reversal of sack letters of Resident doctors and lifting of their residency training programme by the Federal Government has sparked off jubilation among patients at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH in Plateau State. At the permanent site of the hospital located at Lamingo in Jos North Local Government Area of the state, some of the patients who spoke with our correspondent when he visited the area expressed relief over the announcement. According to them, government action has shown that all hope is not lost in the stakeholders’ quest for sanity to be restored in the nation’s health institutions. One of the patients, Mrs. Janet Ayuba, who said she had been frequenting the hospital with no one to attend to her, said it was only God that saved her life during the time the doctors were away. Another patient, who
identified himself as Bitrus, advised both the government and the Nigerian Medical Association to always find ways of resolving their differences amicably without having to endanger the lives of patients. Also in his reaction, Plateau State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Bupwatda Pokop Wushipba, who had earlier vowed in a statement he issued in Jos that the doctors would not return to their duty posts until government reverses the sack letters and lifts the suspension of their residency training programme, described government action as a welcome development. His words:”That was a responsible thing to do. I am happy about it especially as the country does not have to lose more patients for medical tourism abroad which will worsen an already bad situation we have at hand”. While expressing optimism for a cordial working relationship with the Federal Government in the days ahead, the NMA chairman said his members were ready to give their best towards providing adequate health care delivery to the citizenry.
NAFDAC raids Kano markets, confiscates fake products
T L-R: President, Kwara South Youth Forum, Mr. Charles Folarin; Youth Leader, Mr. Jerry Kolokolo and Director of Youth, Peoples Democratic Party Youth Parliament, Mr. Sulyman Abdulrasak, during the forum’s 2014 summit in Omu-Aran, Kwara, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
APC chieftain bemoans dearth of development in Kogi at 23 Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA
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orried by the low level of development in Kogi State, a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress(APC) and gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Rotimi Obadofin, has described the state as “failed state,” 23 years after the creation. Obadofin, who disclosed this in chat with journalists yesterday at his country home in Ayegunle Gbede, Ijumu Local Government area of Kogi State, stated that something is wrong somewhere.
He explained that all the indices of development are not found in Kogi State after 23 years when compared with other states created together the same year. “As matter of fact, Kogi is a failed state and what we have today is that there is no governance in the state. All the indices to show that we have governance are not there. We have no governance in Kogi, what that means is that nothing is happening,” he stated. The governorship aspirant who decried the poor state of infrastructure particularly roads, argued
that the roads are not motorable and stated that nothing is working in the state. Obadofin also lamented the rising tide of crime in the state, adding that Governor Idris Wada has not done much in this regard as there have been increase in the rate of armed robbery incidence and other criminal activities in the state. The APC chieftain who went down memory lane pointed out that Kogi was created along with Osun and other states the same time, stressing that Osun State is progressively mov-
ing forward in terms of infrastructural development. “In Osun State, education is free at the expense of the state government. The government pays for WAEC, NECO for all SSSCE students, provides text books for and pupils in primary 1- 4. In Osun, you can sleep with your eyes closed. Crime rate is very low. There is no part in Osun State where construction is not going on now,” he stressed. He posited that All Progressive Congress is poised to capture Kogi State and take it to greater height.
he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed seven shops and confiscated contraband and fake food products worth millions of Naira in Kano. In the special raid carried out by the Enforcement Directorate of the agency under tight security and accompanied by journalists, six of the affected shops were locat-
ed at the popular Singer Market while the other shop was situated at Galadima area in Sabon Gari. The Assistant Director (Enforcement), Mr. Shaba Mohammed who led the operation, disclosed while briefing newsmen during the operation that the essence of the operation which was to measure the level of compliance to regulation particularly on food products.
2015: Yakowa’s ex-commissioner joins Kaduna South Senatorial race A za Msue KADUNA
F
ormer Commissioner of Finance under the late Kaduna State governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa’s administration, Dr. John Markus Ayuba, has declared to contest Kaduna South senatorial zone election come 2015. In a statement signed by Dr. Ayuba and made available to Sunday Mirror, he said his decision to participate actively in the evolution of the required leadership model for the society dates as far back
to 2006 when he inspired the formation of Inclusive Forum, an organisation with representation from the eight Local government areas in the senatorial district. Ayuba, immediate past Commissioner of Water Resources, under the incumbent Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, said the central focus of the forum has since remained the unity of political and development goals, which should serve to propel people to achieve accelerated growth, social cohesion and peaceful co-existence in the zone.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM OFR PUBLISHER All the Facts, All the Sides KAFILAT OGBARA
MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO
SUNDAY OLAJIDE
DEPUTY MD/CEO
SEYI FASUGBA
DAILY EDITOR
GBEMI OLUJOBI
SATURDAY EDITOR
KAYODE FASUA
ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY
AYO OLESIN
GENERAL EDITOR
BEN MEMULETIWON
GENERAL EDITOR
DOZIE OKEBALAMA
COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD
CALLISTUS OKE
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR
ISE-OLUWA IGE
ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF
FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH
KING ODODORU
HEAD, GRAPHICS
FG’s order on dismantling of roadblocks
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igeria might be moving towards a more cooperative and efficient federation, which could usher in a new era of better life for Nigerians, and serve as a boon to business if the signals from Abuja are anything to go by. This is the context this newspaper is situating the August 14, 2014 order by the National Economic Council (NEC) to the Acting Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, to dismantle all “road blocks” on the nation’s highways used for revenue collection. Coming only some days after Mr. Abba had directed the immediate removal of all police roadblocks in the country, this new directive is like giving Nigerians a new lease of life. We call for strict enforcement of the new socioeconomic and political order and urge the people to safeguard it. Announcing this development at the end of the NEC meeting in Abuja, Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State had said it stemmed from the discovery from the brief from the Ministerial Implementation Committee (MIC) on the harmonisation of taxes in the country that “the 1998 Taxes and Levies Act is overdue for review; there is duplication of some taxes and levies at state and local governments level, and taxes and levies administered by some states are not backed by appropriation legislation.” The NEC’s measure is bold and desirable. It will definitely address the disturbing impunity with which some state and local governments in the country unleash terror on Nigerians in the name of revenue collection drive. This newspaper had perceptively called for a drastic measure to curb this impunity in an editorial titled ‘Menace of revenue collection on highways’ in its Monday, June 23, 2014 edition when it wrote: “While we commend some of the progressive measures under-
taken by some of the civil authorities, a more realistic approach to the menace would be a holistic national one mutually acceded to by all stakeholders.” By this new measure, it is apparent that the Nigerian state authorities are listening. Before this directive, interstate driving had become very hazardous because all manner of road blocks were erected by revenue collection agencies working for state governments, and touts working for local government councils. Sundry levies and taxes under nebulous headings like mobile advertisements, environment and agricultural produce,
THOUGH ROADBLOCKS HAVE HELPED IN CHECKING HIGHWAY CRIMES, EQUIPPING THE POLICE WITH THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT AND PROVIDING ADEQUATE LOGISTICS WOULD DO THE SAME THING BETTER stickers, were imposed by these authorities, and to get road users meet their ‘obligations’, the services of ‘strong men’ and police were enlisted. Juxtapose this heavy yoke on the traumas from police ‘extortion points’ across the country and you get one of the most oppressive socioeconomic and political orders in the world. It would be recalled that the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, had on February 12, 2012 moved to rein in the impunity of the Force when he ordered the dismantling of road blocks in the country, describing the extortion that goes with it as “merchandizing” police services. Agonising on the unwholesome
practice, Alhaji Abubakar had said: “This is the only country in the world where roads are blocked with sticks, drums and all sorts of things in the name of police checkpoints”. This culture of impunity had wreaked havoc, including economic havoc, on the country. People have been sent to their early grave, many crippled by bullets from the guns of police and others have had their human rights violated. The economic havoc from road blocks is better imagined. Three months after the removal order, Alhaji Abubakar disclosed that Nigerians saved N6.43 trillion in terms of police extortion, losses and time management. He said with the removal of the road blocks, 70 per cent of the corruption in the police force had been removed. That was not just idle talk. A 2010 report by International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), Nigeria, for example, revealed that the police made N9.35 billion from 1, 350 check-points in 18 months (January 2009 to June 2010) in the South-East region of the country. Giving up such lucrative multibillion naira blue collar crime, therefore, would demand iron cast resolve by the new IGP, but he has to muster the will. He should know he is on the radar of all discerning Nigerians, so he must walk the talk. A successful social reengineering of the Force, in the spirit of the new order, would require new thinking in crime fighting. Though roadblocks have helped in checking highway crimes, equipping the police with the right equipment and providing adequate logistics would do the same thing better. Mr. Abba must ensure that the order is carried out. He has to put the necessary monitoring and compliance machinery in place. And since Nigeria desires an efficient police force, the National Assembly should ensure adequate funding of the police.
Reminiscences AUGUST 31 IN HISTORY 1997: Diana, lover killed in car crash
Diana, the Princess of Wales, and her constant companion, Dodi Fayed, are killed in a car crash in Paris, France as was the driver, Henri Paul, who was drunk at the time, the driver was trying to escape from Paparazzi photographers. The Princess had divorced from Prince Charles in 1996.
1928: New service connects Chicago cities
A new service connecting Chicago and the twin cities of St Paul and Minneapolis in the United States will begin with an integrated rail and air service from Northwest Airways connecting with express trains to the cities.
1934: UK - Pound value drops
The value of the pound sterling has dropped below the $5.00 mark for the first time since devaluation.
1945: Japanese prisoners of war suffer brutality As Japanese prisoners of war are reaching rescue ships, more and more stories of Japanese brutality and many had spent months in solitary confinement, every single prisoner is suffering from malnutrition, re-echo.
1954: U.S. - Hurricane Carol kills 70
Hurricane Carol makes landfall on Long Island and Connecticut, resulting in nearly 70 deaths and millions of dollars in damage.
1957: Malaya gains independence
The handover of power from Britain to the country of Malaya has now taken place making Malaya an independent nation but will continue to be a member of the British Commonwealth.
1959: Eisenhower, Macmillan discuss Communism British prime minister, Harold Macmillan, and the American president, Dwight Eisenhower, discuss the threat of Communism to the free world, world peace and global poverty during a historic live television broadcast from Downing Street. 1978: Climatologists meet in Geneva
400 of the world’s top climatologists are meeting in Geneva to discuss climate change and if changes in climate is influenced by pollution.
1989: Princess Anne separates from husband
Princess Anne, the only daughter of the Queen of England, announced her separation from her husband, Mark Phillips, but they have stated they do not intend to get divorced.
1992: Germany blames immigrants
A new unhealthy movement is gaining ground in Germany which seeks to blame Immigrants for the current economic downturn. This same movement is creating a surge of racist violence aimed at poor immigrant families.
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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Praise Worship E-mail:yemiolakitan@gmail.com
E-mail:cossyodi@yahoo.com
QUOTE Many who are optimistic to make heaven because of how they are devoted in observing the 10 commandments or religious dogmas would be disappointed on the last day.
– Pastor Lazarus Muoka
EDIFYING GOD Sunday August 31, 2014
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem: Tourism or Spirituality? How to inherit God’s Kingdom, by Pastor Muokaa 24
The meaningful Christianity 42
Death is certain, so watch how you live, warns Prophet 41 Oloruntimilehin
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From the Pulpit
Sunday Mirror Sunday August 31, 2014 www.nationalmirroronline.net
Unlimited blessings for Christ-indwelt believers MOMENT OF MIRACLES with Pastor W.F
Kumuyi Text: Revelation 3:20; John 14:20,23; 15:5; 17:23
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his study focuses on an aspect of the life of a believer. A believer is one who has the unconquerable Christ living inside him. Having accepted Christ into his heart as Lord and Saviour, Satan flees. As light and darkness cannot stay in the same room, Christ and Satan cannot live in the same heart. A heart that is occupied by Christ cannot accommodate Satan and evil spirits. It is a great privilege to have Christ, the God of mercy, love, and power living inside us. And because we have the Creator – the One who sustains and maintains the universe – inside us, all our needs are supplied. Christ creates more hunger for godliness in everyone He indwells (Matthew 5:6). He makes us heirs of God. God accepts, possesses and loves us as His living temples (Romans 8:17). As joint-heirs with Christ, if we ask anything according to the will of His Father, He gives us. Christ, our Saviour has provided unlimited blessings for all heirs of God whom He indwells. So, Christ in us is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). 1. The miracle of conversion and Christ’s incoming Matthew 18:3 Our unlimited blessings and inheritance in Christ start with our conversion. Without conversion, no one is qualified to enter God’s Kingdom. “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven”. But with the coming of the King of kings into our hearts, we are made ready for heaven. If Christ, the Lord must inhabit us, our hearts must be cleansed and converted; and sin must not reign in our lives. Without Christ, the Scripture teaches that no one can enter the spiritual, millennial and eternal Kingdom of God. The miracle of conversion changes everything about us and our character. When Zacchaeus encountered the Saviour, his life was transformed and he made his restitution without any delay. Conversion should produce a change of heart in us like it did in Zacchaeus. With Christ in our hearts, we experience love, peace and joy. However, to be saved and converted, one must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins on the Cross at Calvary. After conversion, all our guilt and sin become a thing of the past. The Lord is calling everyone to receive the miracle of genuine conversion: a condition for Christ’s indwelling. 2.The measure of consecration and Christ’s indwelling 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 3:17,20 The Lord has promised to dwell in everyone who is converted. “… For ye are the temple of the living
God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” When Christ indwells us, good health, wisdom, prosperity, success, peace of mind etc., become our possessions on earth. With Christ, the power of God in us, we need not be fearful, lonely and dejected; neither should we feel hopeless. Grounded and rooted in the love of God, we cannot be crushed by any enemy. As a result of Christ’s indwelling, every believer has the power to overcome temptations and lead a victorious Christian life. And this is “the power that worketh in us”. 3. The ministry of compassion and Christ’s infilling Ephesians 3:19 Christ loves us and has provided for our infilling. He wants us to “be filled with all the fullness of God”. In Christ there is joy; and being the Prince of Peace, He wants us to experience peace in our lives on daily basis. No believer who has the fullness of God can contemplate suicide. With Christ in us, we have a bright future. And with the fullness of God in us, we have the power to possess our possessions. Leaving all our worries in God’s hands Matthew 6:31-33 “Therefore, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” The word “therefore” indicates the conclusion of all we have learnt in the preceding verses. Be no more of little faith; “be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). God is our Father and we already have saving faith. If we have believed God for so great salvation, can’t we believe Him for food and clothing? If we have entrusted the saving and keeping of our souls to God, surely we can entrust the care of our body to Him as well. If we believe that our Father controls the affairs of the whole universe, definitely we know He can control the affairs of our lives. If we believe that we were not created by accident but that He has created and redeemed us, there is no doubt that He who has created us will also care for us. How can we doubt such a loving, wise, powerful, faithful, kindhearted and great Father? He cares for all creatures - minute insects, insignificant birds, land and sea animals, frail lilies and grass. If He cares for creatures that do not have life or existence beyond death, will He not care for us who possess never-dying souls? Our God and Father even gives rain, sunshine (Matthew 5:45), fruitful seasons, food, gladness (Acts 14:17) and life-sustaining benefits (Acts 17:28) to all people, including the
unjust and His enemies! Surely, He will care for His own children. “Therefore, take no thought.” 1. Dependence on our Father’s care Matthew 6:31,32; Luke 12:29,30; 1 Peter 5:7; Leviticus 26:3-6; Deuteronomy 30:6-9; Jeremiah 17:7,8; Psalms 31:19-21; 36:7-10; Psalms 81:13-16; 115:11-16; 145:9,15-19; 2 Corinthians 9:8. Having real faith in our heavenly Father, we cease worrying and we rest in Christ. Instead of being anxious like those who kill themselves gradually with anxiety, fears and cares, by faith we expect divine favour and supply everyday. The Gentiles, the people of the world are downcast and defeated by earthly circumstances because they live without God and without hope. We have a God who cares and we have Christ our Saviour who is interceding for us at God’s right hand every day and every moment (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; John 11:41,42). Why should we be anxious? Why should we ever allow attacks of worry and anxiety? Neighbours worry, colleagues are anxious, but we have great and precious promises from God our Father. Those promises extend to the whole of life. There is no aspect of life that is not covered by these extraordinary promises of God. Our triumph is in laying hold on these promises, concentrating on them, trusting in God who cannot lie, and who cannot fail. Take the promise of God at face value, believe it, rest on it, meditate on it, live by it, control your thoughts and tongue by it. Focus all your attention on it, and no circumstance will ever overcome you. Let the words and the thoughts of God (Isaiah 55:8,9) possess you at all times and in all circumstances and worry will be a thing of the past. 2. Demand of our first commitment Matthew 6:33a; 22:37,38; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 27:4-8; Proverbs 8:17-21; Zephaniah 2:3; Hosea 10:12; Romans 14:17-19; Colossians 3:1,2; Hebrews 11:14-16; Hebrews 13:12-14; 2 Peter 3:11-14. “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him ... for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:8,32). He knows the bitter, weary way, The endless striving day by day, The souls that weep, the souls that pray; My Father knows, my Father knows. He knows when faint and worn we sink, How deep the pain, how near the brink, Of dark despair we pause and shrink; My Father knows, my Father knows. He knows how hard the fight has been, The clouds that come our lives between, The wounds the world has never seen: My Father knows, my Father knows. He knows! O heart, take up thy cross, And know earth’s treasures are but dross, And all will prove as gain, not loss; My Father knows, my Father knows. He knows everything about us,
every circumstance, every need, every wound, and He says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Therefore, we can rest quietly and confidently in that blessed and most glorious assurance. Our priority then is to concentrate on maintaining an intimate relationship with God as our heavenly Father. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Our Father’s interest and desire must be our treasured concern, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” must always come before “Give us this day our daily bread” in our heart, life as well as in our prayers. “The kingdom of God and His righteousness” must take absolute priority over everything else in our lives. 3. Declaration for our full comfort Matthew 6:33b; 19:29; Deuteronomy 28:1,2,8,12; 1 Kings 3:9-14; Psalm 34:9-10; Malachi 3:10-12; 1 Kings 17:11-16; Job 36:10,11; Proverbs 3:9,10;1 Corinthians 2:9-12; 1 Timothy 4:8; Genesis 22:15-18. The believer who knows himself as a child of a rich heavenly Father and a joint-heir with Christ, whose main concern is the kingdom of God and His righteousness, will experience an undisturbed peace of mind and a perfect freedom from worry and anxiety. The promise of Christ, “and all these things shall be added unto you”, will be his confession, comfort, expectation and experience. The child of God prays for, pursues, “presses into” (Luke 16:16) and perseveres in the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all his material needs are being supplied even when he is not worried, concerned or praying seriously for them. This was the experience of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Solomon, the Apostles and many others. Solomon did not pray for riches and length of days; he prayed for wisdom so that he could be his best for God’s established kingdom in Israel. God told Solomon, “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; ... And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honour” (1 Kings 3:12,13). Let us seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness; let us live for God supremely and forget our personal concerns and God will supply all our needs beyond our highest expectation. Break the worry habit: Live one day at a time Matthew 6:34 Now we come to the final conclusion and cure for worry and anxiety. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” One songwriter captured the words of our Lord in the following words of his song: I’m only human, I’m just a man. Lord, help me believe in
what I could be And all that I am, Just show me the stairway That I have to climb. Lord, for my sake Teach me to take one day at a time. One day at a time, Lord Jesus, That’s all I’m asking from you. Just give me the strength To do everydaywhat I have to do. Yesterday is gone, Lord Jesus; And tomorrow may never be mine. Lord, help me today, show me the way, One day at a time. The great secret of living a happy, healthy, holy and fruitful life is living without worry about the past and without anxiety concerning the future. The true child of God settles the past with God. He has confessed the sins of the past and he has been forgiven. Now he shuts out the past and counts everything belonging to the past dead, buried, never to rise again. Locking the past behind an iron door, he throws the key of remembrance away! The future is yet unborn, so he leaves that with God until it comes. Leaving the past and future with God, he summons all grace received, strength and courage to face the challenges of each day. 1. Leave tomorrow with God and his good foresight Matthew 6:34; Psalm 127:1,2; James 4:13-15;Exodus 16:1621; Acts 12:5-11; 16:25-35; Jeremiah 10:23; 29:11-13; Isaiah 55:9-11; Lamentations 3:22-26; Deuteronomy 33:25; Joshua 3:5. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow.” It is an unnecessary distraction to worry or be anxious about tomorrow. There are men who waste their last hours on earth fretting over a morrow they never see! If we are preserved till the morrow, will it not bring with it tomorrow’s God? What good can your worry do? It does not empty tomorrow of its problems and trials, but it empties today of its strength and comfort. Worrying about tomorrow does not enable you to escape future trouble; it only weakens you and makes you unfit to cope with those challenges when tomorrow eventually comes. Worrying about tomorrow often leads to hurtful imagination which produces wrong thinking and self-induced negative prophecies and tormenting fear. Don’t try to cross the bridge before you get there, but cheerfully carry the cross of today and leave the future to God. He will be there before you get there. When tomorrow dawns and its door swings open, the power and promises of God will be waiting for you to welcome you to a new day. “As thy days, so shall thy strength be ” (Deuteronomy 33:25). Continues next week
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
From the Pulpit 21
Sunday August 31, 2014
‘Turning your struggle to testimony using praise’ Prophet Lai Bamidele, General Overseer of Christ Glorious End Time Evangelical Church, AbuleEgba, Lagos, in this exhortation, explains how praise can turn struggle to testimony. Excerpts:
G
od prepared Isaac in the midst of storms. The eagle is the only bird that flies in midst of storms. There is someone going through some storms today. Within 21 days you will fly in the midst of that storm. I want to let you know that if only you believe, if you obey to the fullest, in the midst of that turbulence, you will fly to the fullest.
Recently, our Daddy in the Lord was on the way from Abuja. There was a terrible storm, but the pilot was able to steer his way through. He kept on going, moving towards his destination. By the time we got to Lagos and the plane was about to land, the Lagos storm was worse. However, the pilot was able to weather the storm and he landed safely. He did not turn back to Abuja despite the storms. You will weather the storm that is disturbing you. Every storm, every trouble, challenges that you have prayed against, but no luck, today, due to God’s mercy, you will weather them. In every journey of life, you must be prepared to weather the storm. When you are confused over the situation you are going through, you need the testimony of that lady. She was in a trance in which she suddenly burst in to praise. As you praise God today, every storm disturbing your career will subside in Jesus’ name. When you fail to appreciate God, your life will continue to depreciate. Whatever you do, try to praise the Lord. The more grateful you are to God, the nearer to God you become. All what God has given us - hands, legs, use them to praise Him. Anytime you praise Him, God steps into your life. What prayer cannot do, praise does it. After I lost my last daughter, I was on a journey to Oturkpo, Benue State, when God asked me to return to Kano. On the way back, I heard a voice saying, ‘If I kill this young boy of yours, what will you do?’ I answered, ‘I will praise God’. However, this young son of mine, who was hale and hearty and was not sick, died before I completed the journey. Then I heard another voice asking me that, ‘Now that I have killed this son of yours, what do you intend doing?’ I answered, ‘I will praise the Lord’. On arrival, I drove straight to the Kaduna Teaching Hospital where I saw my son’s corpse and
The Living Vine
with Prophet
Ikenna Mbiere The Living Vine Healing & Deliverance Ministry Email:
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Livingvine@yahoo.com
o one was made to walk life’s pathway alone. There are perilous mountains scarred by deep ravines. There are rampaging rivers, slides, enemies, storms and other hazards.
But the Good shepherd knows every pitfall. When He takes charge of our lives, we can confess with David, ‘the Lord shall preserve me from all the evil’Psalm 121:7. Our dreams will know fulfillment. Our road will be lighted all the way when we walk with God and trust His direction as our shepherd. The Lord shall guide you continually- Isaiah 58:11. The steps of a good man or woman are ordered by the Lord - Psalm 37:23. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path” - Psalm 119:105. The Lord is my shepherd - Psalm 23:1. “Jesus said
got it moved to the mortuary. Once again, I heard the voice asking me what next I would do, now that my son was dead. I answered in the affirmative that ‘I will serve my God’. I was not mad. I did not grieve. I did not mourn. In everything give thanks. Why you are where you are today is because you don’t serve God. Every star is made to shine. But the problem of believers is that we don’t want to pay the price. There is no price without a trial. There is no success if you are not tried. Before you move to the next level, you must have passed through some processes. Everyone that will be great in life must pay the price. People want success but are not ready to pay the price. Never be blinded by negative thoughts in your hearts. Refuse to be deterred. A dream that does not involve risk does not deserve to be a dream. Life is a risk. It is risky not to take a risk in life. You have to take a risk to make it. Determining to be great in life you need to take a risk. All successful men and women take risk. Before the end of this year, you will have reason to celebrate in life. I have had my trials in life, but I refuse to give up. Every time you fall, you must learn to rise up. Exodus 15:11 says; ‘’Who is like unto thee! Oh Lord.Among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders”. Is there anybody like God? The answer is No. You can’t be bitter and expect to be better. Too much of frowning your face; you should learn to smile always......... Acknowledge the things God has done for you. Happiness is an inside job. When you are happy from the inside, it will show in your endeavours. Some of you still carry on your face what is disturbing you. When you slice the heart of God, it slices your blessing. When you slice God’s blessing by not appreciating what the Lord has given you, you are decreasing your blessing. What more sorrow can befall a man than what I have shared with you above? I lost 1st, 2nd, 3rd wives and 5 children died. If I did not praise the Lord, that calamity will continue in my life. Via the instrument of praise, God will daze you today with a lot of testimonies. After I had lost 3 wives and 5 children, the voice came again asking me, “What will you
do after all these? And I said, I will praise the Lord. If you want to see the fearful hand of God, you must be ready and prepared to give him a fearful dimension of praise. People that are deformed will ask God to take away their life to enable them serve God. To place God above is to place your challenges below. When I placed God above, all the problems disappeared. All my years as an engineer, I recorded no success, but when God gave me the grace, when I started to do His will, I have ministered all over the world. Your trials will turn to triumphs; your temptations to testimony. Everyone that wants to succeed must pay the price. Everyone that will succeed must have failed before. When you are poor and they ask you to roll on the floor, you are reluctant. When you make a little progress in life, you refuse to worship God wholeheartedly. Psalm 190:4 asks us to ‘’Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto his name”. You will never have what to thank God for until you are in trouble. In Acts 16:25, the gates shut against them opened via the songs of praise. All gates shut against you will be opened in whatever your problems. Hindrances to your testimonies 1. Achievement Mentality. When things happen to go wrong, you start giving excuses. There was a day when I visited the Spinal Cord Ward of a Hospital in Abuja. Many of the patients could not stand, stretch their hands or limbs. Worse still was an NYSC member who broke his spine. Lamentation 3:39 asks, “Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Appreciate God for the miracles he has done. One at a time, appreciate him for that special thing he has done in your life. Until you appreciate him for small, he can’t give you anything big. Every trial you are passing through will turn to triumph. 2. Comparison. Stop comparing yourself with another person. I want you to learn a lesson from my encounter with Pastor Ajala. We were together everywhere in Kano. The gentleman had an early breakthrough. The result was a substantial profit of around N5
Pastor Bamidele
million for a 5-day week job. But he disappointed us and our high expectations when he paid us-i.e. the other 2 people working with him a paltry N2,000. He bought a car and kept to himself our own legitimate share of the proceeds. I once again heard a voice urging me to revolt against my partner. I refused to be tempted saying that I am waiting for God to give me a bigger and better car. Some of you, you weigh yourselves down because someone has surpassed you. Don’t compare. Stop comparing. God may bless you today and you surpass that friend of yours. In the final analysis, I want you to stop comparing, but to remember Judges, 8:2. And he said unto them, what have I done now in comparison of you? Is it not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer”. God that blessed me when I had just one clothe to become what I am today will definitely bless you beyond your expectations in Jesus Name, Amen. •For Counselling, contact: Pst_lai@yahoo. com. Phone: 0807448415, 08027502864 and 08161285586
Rising to new level: Staying on course (2) my sheep hear my voice and they follow me”- John 10:27. “A stranger will they not follow” - John 10:5. Built in guidance system Jesus, alive in your built-in guidance system is always reliable. He paid for the privilege of leading you. He gave His son for the sheep -John 10:11. God’s will is that you have distinct, clear guidance so that you can discover and enjoy his best. The enemy has no further right to confuse and deceive you; believe that the Lord is guiding you as you welcome him into your life. Your signals are now refocused. Statement of faith Having realized the good shepherd gave His life to ransom you from the jurisdiction of Satan, count on Him to give you guidance in every decision of life that you make. Confess this to Him aloud and reverently: Dear Lord, Before I knew you gave
your life in order to direct me, I was misguided and confused without direction. Hope became disappointments. Ambitions ended in failures, instead of joy, there was unhappiness, boredom instead of fulfillment. Promises were broken. Dreams were shattered. Storms clouded my skies. Accomplishments eluded me. My signals were coming from the wrong source. My decisions were miscalculated because I was on the wrong wave length. But you saw me bewildered and confused. You cared for me enough to shine your light on my path way and to guide me back to you. You saw how I served the designs of Satan, chasing his rainbow, misguided by his craftiness. Your signals of love could not reach me because my sins had raised a wall of separation between us. I, thank you, Dear Lord for paying the price for my rebellion. You made yourself an offering for my sins- Isaiah
53:10; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 10:10. You became my sacrifice – The Lamb of God that takes away all sins of the worldJohn 1:29. You bore the punishment for my sins - Isaiah 53:5-6. You proved how much you wanted to guide and direct me towards happiness, peace, health and fulfillment. Now my life is yours. You are at the helm of my ship. You will guide my feet into the way of peace- Luke 1:79. Your spirit will guide me into all truth -John 16:13. Now I can truly enjoy the redemptive grace which is guided blessing of living a life that is guided by you to fulfill your plan. My signals are refocused. Amen •For more information, counseling, healing and deliverance, contact: Prophet Ikenna C. Mbiere at The Living Vine Healing and Deliverance Ministry. No. 71, Fasasi Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Tel- 08037212073, 080158482886. Email- prophetikennambiere@gmail.com
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ot long ago, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, while on a visit to President Goodluck Jonathan asked the President to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem an annual duty to enable him continue to seek for spiritual guidance in the governance of the country.
According to him, “Mr. President should make the Presidential pilgrimage and “A Day with Jesus in Jerusalem” an annual event as the spiritual benefits of that exercise to our dear nation and its people are immeasurable”. The Encyclopedia Britannica, it would be recalled, describes pilgrimage as a journey undertaken for a religious purpose. A Christian pilgrimage is described as a pilgrimage or journey made by Christians to places which have moral or spiritual significance. The question that then arises is: What is the significance of holy pilgrimage to the Christian faith? Does it have any spiritual relevance in the Scripture or is it merely another tourist exercise? In a chat with Deaconess Shola Abimbola of the Global Church of the Living God, Ajah, Lagos, she said: ‘‘Christians undertake pilgrimages to Jerusalem because most events in the life of Jesus Christ happened in and around the city. These places include the Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, the Upper room where he appeared after resurrection to His disciples and His tomb”. She however said the practice of pilgrimage is not mandatory in Christianity. According to her, Jesus Christ did not recommend pilgrimage for Christians; instead he said the kingdom of God is within us and that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. “This clearly shows that a Christian does not have to go on pilgrimage before he can have spiritual rejuvenation unless he wants to go on tourism. We do not have to go on a pilgrimage because the other religion goes on pilgrimage. I personally do not consider it a necessary part of my Christian experience unless I want to go on vacation and I want to visit some Christian tourist centers. I do not attach any spiritual attachment to it. What is recommended by the Bible is that we should be born again, be baptized by water and the Holy Spirit. Jesus also commanded us to love our neighbours as ourselves. If we do these, we would have done all that Jesus commanded while he was on earth and the world would be a better place to live. Do you know that some Nigerians abscond when they get to Israel? They use the opportunity for illegal immigration. That is very shameful,’’ she said. In another chat with Pastor Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life Evangelical Church, Lagos, he said, “for a Christian to see the places where Jesus walked,talked and performed his miracles is an experience in spirituality and to behold the beautiful ancient churches, the garden of Gethsemane, the pool of Siloam, (Pilate’s Court), the empty tomb of Jesus is a deepening of one’s faith in God”. He added: “Many Christians have
Sunday August 31, 2014
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem:
The faithful on pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Today, many Christians have made pilgrimages to Jerusalem a part of Christian religious exercise. In 2013, even President Goodluck Jonathan was on a Christian pilgrimage to Israel. He was among many other pilgrims at the Wailing walls in Israel.However, some have argued that the Bible does not prescribe a holy pilgrimage for Christians; hence the practice is not biblical. Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan, examines the subject. come back with numerous testimonies when they visit the holy land. It is something that we Christians should encourage. I believe that it is something that will increase someone’s faith in God. We read all these places in the Bible; a pilgrimage will enable Christians to see them face to face, that to me is more than just tourism, it is spiritually uplifting’’. According to him, though the Bible does not instruct Christians to go on holy pilgrimage to anywhere, he said he is convinced that pilgrimage to Jerusalem and other places mentioned in the Bible would be a humbling spiritual experience. However, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy Opara disagrees with those criticizing pilgrimage to Israel by Christians. He said: ‘‘Contrary to the misconception in some quarters that pilgrimage is not commanded by the scriptures, it is a serious spiritual business which is clearly spelt out in Psalm 122 verse 6 “that those who love Israel, I will secure. Also in Zechariah 8 verse 22, ‘many people and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord Almighty, and pray for his blessing. Others could be found in Zechariah 14: 16 -17.’’ “This is why on our own part, at
CONTRARY TO THE MISCONCEPTION IN SOME QUARTERS THAT PILGRIMAGE IS NOT COMMANDED BY THE SCRIPTURES, IT IS A SERIOUS SPIRITUAL
PSALM 122 VERSE 6 “THAT THOSE WHO LOVE ISRAEL, I WILL SECURE. ALSO IN ZECHARIAH 8 VERSE 22, ‘MANY PEOPLE AND POWERFUL NATIONS WILL COME TO JERUSALEM TO WORSHIP THE LORD ALMIGHTY, AND PRAY FOR HIS BLESSING. OTHERS COULD BE FOUND IN ZECHARIAH 14: 16 -17. BUSINESS WHICH IS CLEARLY SPELT OUT IN
Pope PopeFrancis Francis
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tourism or spirituality? NCPC and indeed the states’ Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards, we are driving pilgrimage as a tool for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth. Pilgrimage is not the same as tourism in several ways. It is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim tends to benefit tremendously. It is a journey to holy, sacred places to usher the pilgrims into the presence of God. Pilgrims embark on this journey with joyful hearts in anticipation and expectation of encountering God and are transformed, renewed and restored”. Speaking further, Opara said ‘‘No fewer than 30,000 Nigerians perform Christian pilgrimage to Israel annually. Pilgrimage is a tool for moral and spiritual upliftment and not a jamboree.It is a journey to the very source of Christianity, to the very place where the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Visiting this pre-eminent spiritual destination is truly an experience of a lifetime and something not to be missed”. Speaking further, the NCPC boss said: “We have widened the scope of the pilgrimage. Before now, our national pilgrimage ends only in Israel and Sinai but we have extended it to Rome, Greece, Corinth, Thessalonica and the Philippi and other places where Apostle Paul worked. If you are going on pilgrimage, you must have prepared your mind spiritually. If you prepare your mind spiritually, then you would be able to appreciate the visit and profit from it. The whole essence is to make people to be spiritually and morally transformed. When they come back, they will help the system and help the government to move forward. The Bible says faith cometh by hearing the word. When Christians go on pilgrimage, they do not hear alone, they see that which is preached physically and the effects is always awesome. They come back renewed. While in Israel, they see things the way it truly is that Jesus worked there; there is no fortress, and there are no hectare of land that they say belonged to Jesus and the message is clear to the people. Christ did everything without attributing or acquiring any wealth for himself, so it helps a lot. “I want more than one hundred thousand Nigerians to go to Israel annually, that is my dream; that more people should go to Israel annually. If I am able to get hundreds of thousands of Nigerians to go to Israel, every one of them will be able to affect lives. So, the multiplier effect will be much and over millions of lives will be transformed and we will live in peace and harmony. Pilgrimage is a tool for spiritual transformation. Pilgrimage is an act ordained by God almighty in the Bible.’’ In a testimony from the Nigerian Christian Pilgrimage Commission, NCPC, a woman pilgrim, name withheld, narrated her experience.
(Clockwise): Monuments in Jerusalem; President Jonathan at the Wailing Wall
NO FEWER THAN 30,000 NIGERIANS PERFORM CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE TO
ISRAEL ANNUALLY. PILGRIMAGE IS A TOOL FOR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL UPLIFTMENT AND NOT A JAMBOREE.
IT IS A JOURNEY TO
THE VERY SOURCE OF
CHRISTIANITY, TO THE VERY PLACE WHERE THE
WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG
US.
VISITING THIS PRE-
EMINENT SPIRITUAL DESTINATION IS TRULY AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME AND SOMETHING NOT TO BE MISSED.
“I waited for the fruit of the womb for 18 years after marriage. There was no name people did not call me, even my in-laws did not spare me. Somebody told me about going on pilgrimage to seek the face of God. After much persuasion, I conceded to it. We travelled in 2009 to the State of Israel. At every
site, I made it a point of duty to pray and when we got to the Wailing Wall (Solomon’s Temple) in Jerusalem, I wrote out my prayer request, inserted it in the wall. Two months into our arrival in Nigeria, to the glory of God Almighty, I got pregnant and thereafter delivered a bouncing baby boy. After the arrival of my baby, the devil struck again, the baby was not crawling, talkless of walking. After one year, I went back to the Wailing Wall to remind God of His promises. All glory to God, my son is not only walking but can talk flu-
ently.’’ Attesting to its powerful impact on the visitor; William Johnston, author of a handbook on the Holy Land, says: “Here, the pilgrim who is open to God’s grace will be deeply enriched in the Faith, for the mind will be filled with the awesome wonder of so many sacred shrines and this will be cemented in the heart never to fade”. According to Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, a pilgrimage to the Holy land should be a time of prayer and close relationship with God.
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From the
Pulpit Sunday August 31, 2014
How to inherit God’s Kingdom, by Pastor Muoka General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, explains requirements for inheriting the kingdom of God. Excerpts:
M
any people in this world want to have a good life after death without making effort to know what it will cost them to inherit the Kingdom of God. Many are not willing to bear the cross in this present life, in order to obtain a crown in the future. Some of them think that heaven could be gained by performing some meritorious act. But this is far from it as could be explained by the Scripture below.
Mark 10:17-27 says, “And when he was gone forth into the way there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, good master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? There is none Good but one, that is God; T h o u knowest the c o m mandments, do not c o m m i t adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, defraud not, honour thy father and
Pastor Muoka
mother. And he answered and said unto him, master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest; go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, take up the cross, and follow me; and he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved; for he had great possessions. The above verses present a picture of a man trying to justify his self righteousness. He believes the certainty y of a life after death. Though he lacked nothing in this world, w wo rld, he was a ruler and a an d a rich man but needed to know what his fate would be in the world to come after his death. A happy after life death was his aspiration, as he thought it be could gotten by self right e o u s n e s s, tthus hus he asked, a sked, what he shall do that he may be happy for ever.
Many people today are asking same question. Some have concluded what they believed should be done, like the young rich ruler who after hearing about the kingdom of heaven preached by Jesus, considered that he was qualified to inherit this Kingdom because he observed all religious doctrines. Little did he know that the Kingdom of Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. Taking the above argument into consideration, it is therefore very necessary that we should take time to explain what it entails to enter the kingdom of heaven. g What motivated the rich young ruler? Before we proceed, it is necessary to analyse what was the motivating factors that caused this rich young ruler to ask this question. The first factor was his conviction that he was living a righteous life and hence should merit the kingdom of heaven. The second factor was because from the teaching of Jesus, he discovered that those that are qualified to inherit eternal life must be childlike, and for him his manner of generosity was childlike, hence, he came to the conclusion that he was qualified for this eternal life. This thought motivated him to seek confirmation from Jesus on what would be his fate in the world to come taking into consideration his acclaimed righteous life. In this same manner, many people who have heard the truth about heaven and hell fire are asking what they shall do to escape hell fire and be in heaven at last. Many may have concluded that they are qualified. May be because they have not committed fornication, adultery or have not stolen anything, therefore they assumed, they are qualified. That position amounted to self righteousness. All such people should give heed to the re-
sponse of our Lord to the rich young ruler. The response of the Lord From the text we read, it is evidently clear that the response of our Lord Jesus Christ was shocking to the young ruler. Jesus Christ explained that the observation of the commandment of God is not a sufficient pre-requisite to inherit the kingdom of God. The young ruler in his effort to demonstrate and convince Jesus Christ that he is a good man called Jesus a good master which our Lord Jesus took to be a show of outward righteousness that is not enough to take one to heaven. But when it came to the rudimentary requirement that would qualify righteous for heaven, he was found the righte wanting. The truth is that the ignorance spiritual nature of the divine law of the spi people think they are in a better makes pe condition than they really are. The Lord told the rrich young ruler what remained qualification to eternal life was in his qu to sell all he had and pick up his cross and follow Him. By this he would make obvious his h willingness to place his deabove other matters. But sire for heaven h on hearing hearin the divine counseling, the ruler became disappointed. He young ru could not understand why he should diseverything he had and follow Jesus. pose ever That was a hard saying which made him away in frustration. walked aw Today, many self righteous people end up disappointed. Many who would en optimistic to make heaven because are optim they are devoted in observing the of how th commandments or religious dogmas 10 comma would be disappointed on the last day. purpose of grace and our reThe pu Zech. 4:6b says, “Not by might, sponse Z power, but by my spirit, saith the nor by po Lord of Hosts”. H These scriptures have clearly stated that it is not by any form of human efman can make heaven. Heaven fort that m your righteousness or power to is not by y it. It is only by the grace of God inherit it in Christ which is the undeserved acceptance and love received from God. Making it in heaven at last is only through His grace which manifests itself in the redemptive work of Christ by which sinredemptiv ners are forgiven and accepted by God. grace, there won’t be anything Without g salvation because it is grace that like salva calls one into salvation, reveals Christ, the faith which is the condition gives th salvation and equips one for serof sa vice in the Christian life, for no one goes to the Father except on tthrough Him. Jesus Christ is the th embodiment of grace. The ape CONTINUED ON PAGE 41
PASSION
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Sunday August 31, 2014
A Lifestyle Magazine
Applause
‘Acting has made me dine with the high and mighty’ >>27 Dude Style
‘I look more responsible in corporate attires’ >>29
My husband is not the jealous type
–Foluke Daramola >>26
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
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‘My husband can do with a man toasting me’ ways been a tomboy ever since I was a child. I wear jeans and tee-shirts a lot. I’m now a mature dresser. So, I watch what I wear. But in my school days, I usually wear sexy things a lot. I wanted to expose everything, to look sexy, and all that. But now, I think that it’s going with age because I’m more mature. Are you saying we are no longer going to see more of your boobs, a trait which you are known for? I did that when I was younger, when a lot of people used to say Foluke likes exposing her boobs and all that. But now, I think I’m grown up. My daughter is a teenager now and I don’t want her to have a wrong idea about who her mother is. I want her to grow up like a responsible lady as well. I would have to set the pace to give her the right direction. How do you feel about people remembering your boobs whenever your name is mentioned? It hurts; because there is a lot about me than just entertainment and boobs. I’m an intellectual, thus I relate a lot with education. Unfortunately, when people think about Foluke, the next thing they would rememember is my boobs. Have you considered some of your male fans who would not like your idea of covering up? Well, as I said, I really want to do a bit of mentoring to the younger ones. I don’t want the younger generation to have a wrong idea about me or about being a celebrity. Is it because of your husband that you have resolved against semi-nudity? Not at all. My husband is not the conservative type. He doesn’t want me to look old-fashioned. Sometimes, he wants me to look sexy. That is why I wear bum shorts, but I do that only when he is around me. He does not complain or frown about what I wear. But I’m the one that knows the limit because of what I want to represent.
When Foluke Daramola’s first marriage with the father of her two children hit the rocks owing to irreconcilable differences, most people thought it would be a herculean task for this actress to find love again. Trust this booby queen; she dusted up, and forged ahead. Not long after that, another man in the person of Kayode Salako came her way. In this interview with Adaeze Amos, Foluke says she has found the man after her heart, among other things.
Now that you have been married twice, what’s advice for the younger ones on marriage? First, don’t rush into marriage. Sometimes, it is good to be complete in yourself. When I got married at first, I didn’t want to get married the second time because I thought there was no need for that. But I discovered that if you can actually be complete in yourself, be yourself, you would enjoy that companion. It’s not like anybody is perfect, we all have our misdeeds but it’s just for you to face the positive and ignore the negative. Be able to respect each other. For instance, my husband and I argue a lot. But then, it’s just about the fact that we understand, it’s beyond just being married but having true friendship.
You look happier now, what’s responsible for this? A lot of people have been telling me that. Well, I’m not doing much. I think it has to do with having peace of mind, and I have the right man in my life now. He is a friend honestly. Apart from his being a lover and husband, he is also someone I can relate with easily, unlike in my first marriage. Does it mean the kind of man a woman has can determine her happiness? Oh sure, that is what I believe. If you have a friend in your life in the person of a husband, you don’t need any other friend outside. It’s true you can have social friends or what I may call fair-weather friends but having the right kind of man is the major thing or what really matters in a woman’s life. If your man is your friend, there would be no chance or space for another friend whatsoever. To me, having the right kind of man is a blessing, and I think now that God has given me such a blessing. I’m grateful to him. You are wearing a yellow outfit with yellow beads to match, what’s this style all about?
if
I’m one person that wears something that goes with my mood. In other words, my mood determines what I wear. Another thing that determines my style is the kind of person I have always been from childhood. I have al-
What do you advise those who are still in hellish marriage, where they are being battered at the slightest provocation, like you were before? I’m an advocate of taking a walk when you are alive than leaving when you are dead. I always tell my husband at every opportunity that any man dare lay a hand to beat or molest me, that I would not be ashamed to walk out of that marriage. I have been a victim of things like that in the past and I know how it was.
How was it? Can you relive that experience? I had low self esteem of myself and I didn’t have any hope for the future. I know that it’s something that is bad. It’s like you are dead but alive. It’s better for you to walk out and rediscover yourself. It’s better for you to be alive and be the true value of what you are supposed to be than for you to be somewhere and you are hurting yourself and dying gradually.
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
‘It hurts to focus on my boobs’
Applause
27
‘Acting has made me dine with the high and mighty’ ADAEZE AMOS
I Foluke and hubby
Are there sweet things that your present husband has done to you? My husband can be so sweet and funny. Sometimes, when we are walking in the public, he would always be reminding me to smile, that people are watching or looking at us. When I receive much attention, maybe from my fans, he would be wondering why he doesn’t receive that kind of attention. He once said that in his next life, he would like to be a star like me. He would say it in such a funny way that you would laugh uncontrollably. In fact, my husband is has been pushing my career and life positively.
So, he has complex problem? Not at all! My husband can do with a man toasting me; he would just smile because he has total trust in me. And trust me, I gist him a lot about people who tried to woo me and he would just laugh and say ‘I hope some people are not trying to take my wife from me’. You see what I mean? It’s true that we are husband and wife, but we are also true friends, and that matters a lot in marriage. We can share anything, even when he admires a lady, he would tell me jokingly. We would both laugh. Ours is beyond marriage. I’m more relaxed with him. I’m enjoying my marriage now.
jeoma Imoh who has featured in so many movies and soap operas, is an interesting personality. She is one diva who is not given to arrogance because of fame. “It’s God that made me who I am today, so why should I be pompous or arrogant? I’m simple and down to earth,” she said unequivocally. This actress, model, voice-over artiste and event manager studied History and International Relations. She is in her 30s; though single, she is not ready to mingle unnecessarily. Ijeoma is Igbo but she speaks Yoruba language fluently. “I was born and bred in Lagos, Abeokuta and Ibadan. I’m the last child in a family of eight,” she said. Ijeoma did not start out as an actress “I started as a model. Whenever schools were on strike then, I would be busy with photo shoots and modelling jobs. It was while I was doing this that a neighbour and family friend saw the potential to act in me and encouraged me to join the movie industry. That was how I joined the movie world, and till date I’m enjoying my career as an actress,” she recalled. Would she have preferred to work in a bank if she were not into acting? “No! I’m not cut out for white-collar jobs. I won’t be able to wake up as early as four or six in the morning to go to work. I don’t also think I can sit in the office from morning till evening working. I’m hyperactive. I prefer my own kind of career where I would need to hit it off to location. Maybe, from one location to the other doing what I know how to do best. I’m cut out for acting really. Apart from the fact that my job is like a hobby to me because I enjoy myself while working, it fetches me good money as well. I can’t leave acting for another profession,” she emphasised. Little wonder she had featured in so many movies since she started. “I have featured in ‘Wife Without Husband’, ‘Pains in Marriage’, ’Baba Ijebu’, ‘3-Direct’, ‘The Bankers’, ‘The Call, Shantel’, ‘The Tribe’, ‘Another Hope’, ‘Emotional Risk’, ‘Untapped Gold’, ‘Lost to lust’, among others. “For soap operas, I have featured in ’Tinsel’, ‘True Heroes’, ‘Treasures’, ‘Ife Ati Etan’, ‘White House’, ‘Young’, ‘Single and Free’, ‘Tarima’, ‘The Proposal with Bovi’, ‘Obele ife’, ‘Meko Amin Pharmaceutical Products’ and ‘Bumazek Tomatoes’,” she said. Ijeoma asserted that if she should live her life again, she would be an actress. And she has her reasons. “Acting is a profession that teaches someone about other professions. It’s a career that opens doors for endorsements by big companies, aside from making you famous and getting acknowledgements. Because of acting, I have been able to dine with the high and mighty,” she emphasised. But what thrills her most about acting? “The fact that you can tell other people’s stories. Seeing yourself fit into different characters and interpreting other professions such as doctor, nurse, president, governor, lawyer, bricklayer, etc is fascinating. Another thrilling thing for me is that you can even express yourself without holding back, and you would be heard,” she said smilingly. One thing this diva wouldn’t forget in a hurry is the crazy thing a particular male fan did to her. “A guy presumably out of excitement saw me and planted a kiss on my lips. The thing happened at the International Airport, Lagos. As if that wasn’t enough embarrassment, he shouted that I even looked finer in person. I was so embarrassed because he attracted unnecessary attention to me,” she recalled. Ijeoma is now famous. She is enjoying it although she would never allow fame get into her head. But she pointed
Ijeoma, all
out one negative aspect of fame. “People expect from you what they cannot give you. Just because they watch your movies, some people expect much from you even when prepared for that,” she
you are not said. There are parts of her body she wouldn’t mind flaunting. “My back and my cleavage. I flaunt them through what I wear. Then, of course, I wear short gowns a lot. I’m comfortable in them,” she giggled. What are the qualities of her ideal man? “He has to be presentable and well read. He should also be someone who has conscience, fear of God,” she said. Ijeoma described herself in these words: “I’m pretty and a very blunt person. My life is what you can call fun, but when it is time to face truth, you won’t go far searching for me.”
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
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upon a time GROWING UP Once The Apple Fruit with
Aunty Odi
Hello children, How are you? I hope you are enjoying the long holiday? Make sure you read your books so as to be abreast of your academic while at home. Remember to observe hygienic practices. Wash your hands always; be Ebola free. Enjoy the interesting stories, cartoons and riddles we have for you in this edition.
The Pig
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A
pig is any of the animals in the genusSus, within the Suidae family of even-toed ungulates. Pigs include the domestic pig and its ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar (Susscrofa), along with other species; related creatures outside the genus include the babirusa and the warthog. Pigs, like all suids, are native to the Eurasian and African continents. Juvenile pigs are known as piglets. Pigs are omnivores and are highly social and intelligent animals. A typical pig has a large head with a long snout which is strengthened by a special pre-nasal bone and by a disk of cartilage at the tip. The snout is used to dig into the soil to find food and is a very acute sense organ. There are four hoofed toes on each trotter (foot), with the two larger central toes bearing most of the weight, but the outer two also being used in soft ground. The dental formula of adult pigs is, giving a total of 44 teeth. The rear teeth are adapted for crushing. In the male the canine teeth form tusks, which grow continuously and are sharpened by constantly being ground against each other.
With around 1 billion individuals alive at any time, the domesticated pig is one of the most numerous large mammals on the planet. The ancestor of the domesticated pig is the wild boar, which is one of the most numerous and widespread large mammals. Its many subspecies are native to all but the harshest climates of continental Eurasia and its islands and Africa as well, from Ireland and India to Japan and north to Siberia. Although it has been exterminated in some areas, its numbers are stable, or even increasing rapidly, in most of its native range. Long isolated from other pigs on the many islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, pigs have evolved into many different species, including wild boar, bearded pigs, and warty pigs. Humans have introduced pigs into Australia, North and South America, and numerous islands, either accidentally as escaped domestic pigs which have gone feral, or as wild boar. These have typically adapted well, and are increasing in number and broadening their range outside human control.
Children, you can send your contributions and pictures through this email address Ayoweke@gmail.com or call telephone number: 08024694990
o the names Tom Putt, Ross Nonpareil, Charles Ross, Tan Harvey, Tommy Knight, Sidney Strake, Roy Rowe, Peter Lock, Johnny Voun, John Broad and ClaygatePearmain ring any bells? Could they all have been farmworkers at a long-forgotten Cornish estate? And what of Polly Whitehair, Ivy Pearce, Fern Pippin and Scotch Bridget? Were they the faithful ladies who prepared tea for the men at harvest-time? In fact, every one of these curious names are species of apple which were, until the middle of the 20th century, familiar and important elements of West country fruit harvests. How times change; look in the average fruit bowl today and the likelihood is the apples are from France, America, New Zealand... anywhere but from an orchard up the road. In recent decades, Britain – a country that enjoys a climate conducive to the production of healthy, abundant and disease-resistant apples – has imported apples by the ton from abroad. And it was this somewhat perverse development which led a couple from the Tamar Valley – an area famed for its fruit produc-
tion – to begin searching out and preserving the remaining old Cornish and Devon varieties that might have survived. Thirty five years later, well-known painter Mary Martin and engineer James Evans have recorded their findings in a detailed book, complete with colour photographs and descriptions for easy identification. A Cornish Pomona lists dozens of varieties, from Adam’s Permain to Zennor Beauty. Describing their size, colour, flavour, uses, heritage, cropping, location of specimen and a host of other details – including which ones have now been added to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale in Kent – Mary and James’s original research contributes hugely to our knowledge of the subject. As well as recording the various varieties, the couple began their own orchard of native trees 21 years ago. Then, in 2007, they established an eight-acre “Mother Orchard” on the National Trust’s Cotehele estate. Containing 300 trees representing 120 varieties, this living collection will ensure that the surviving Westcountry apple types will continue to thrive.
FAIRY PUZZLE
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Dude Style ‘I look more responsible in corporate attires’ Azeez Kayode Eletu, the CEO, Eletu Concept, whose organisation is into event and artiste management is a fashion enthusiast. In this interview with Victor Udoh, he unveils his fashion and his passion for discovering young talents and bringing them up. How did you opt for artiste management? I delved into management because it is my calling. I started as a singer some years ago, but things didn’t work out as planned. I decided to go into management because I derive joy from discovering young talented artistes and bringing them into the limelight. What are some of your achievements so far? I have been able to manage both the comedy and music aspect of entertainment gurus such as Mc Danni B who’s doing great in comedy industry and the likes of Bryno T, Remyte, among others. What is your brand of fashion? My brand of fashion is corporate and decent native attires What is your style? My style has to do with giving the true definition of yourself through what you wear or how you appear. Who is your mentor? And why do you choose him? My mentor in the fashion world is D’ Banj. I chose him because he knows what true fashion is all about, based on his looks and appearance. He is mostly seen in corporate wears Where do you see Nigerian entertainment industry in the next five years? I see Nigerian entertainment industry blossoming and being rated among the top three in the world because we have got good talents. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I see myself as not only being famous but rated as among the first five of those who add value to Nigerian entertainment industry. Have you been embarrassed in public before? I have been embarrassed most times. However, such embarrassments help to build and make me better. What is that fashion item you can’t be caught wearing? I can’t be caught colour-blocking, except if it has to do with a particular branded event. I can’t also imagine myself slip into leggings Apart from entertainment, what else do you do? I do importation and selling of cars and any other good thing that fetches money. What’s your philosophy of life? To make great and positive impact in life. What advice do you have for upcoming artistes? Put God first in all you do; be real, creative and hard working. Don’t imitate and never condemn or blackmail others. Be yourself in everything you are doing. Do you like tattoo? No! Because tattoos are demonic. A single tattoo on you can make you look Irresponsible. I like to be myself always. You can’t see any strange mark in the name of tattoo on my body, because I know my place in the sight of God. What is that thing you love wearing? And why? I love corporate attires because they help me to discover myself. Also, I look more responsible and gorgeous in corporate attires.
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Weddings Engagements CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS AUGUST 31, 2014
You have a story to tell us about your wedding/engagement, or your new born baby. You can call this line 08023157876
We met through an acquaintance –Groom BABIES OF THE WEEK
PRAISE L AMINA
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nyinye and Kelechi Ogbonna recently tied the knots in Umuahia, Abia State before friends, family and well-wishers. The couple who refer to themselves as the ‘best of friends’ met through an acquaintance. According to the groom, Kelechi, “I met my bride at the airport with her friend, Jennifer, who had asked me to pick her from the airport. I immediately told Jennifer that I liked her friend. After a week, the three of us went out to dinner, and Onyinye and I exchanged phone numbers. We began to call each other frequently on the phone and thus we got close to each other.” The wedding was a societal affair that was graced by who-is-who in the state as well as a horde of other well-wishers. The couple who insisted they planned their wedding themselves without outside help maintained
I that this went a long way in saving funds for them. The groom disclosed that his bride assisted immensely with own quota of ideas to complement his as they made plans for the event. “She cooperated with me all through the planning process and this was helpful because we actually needed this concerted effort to get things in the right perspective,” he revealed. The bride wore a white mer-
maid dress with veil for the church service and later changed into ivorycoloured attire for the reception. The groom, on his part, wore a blue suit with a white brochette to pep the attire. The venue of the reception was beautifully lit with a red vintage lighting, as the guests were treated to outstanding musical performances by J. Martins and rapper Phyno and a host of other entertainers.
He proposed just before our dinner –Bride
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awunmi and Oluwatoyin met when they were in the university. They became friends and gradually their relationship blossomed. According to the bride, “we met in college in the United Kingdom in 2004. We saw each other grow from teenager to adult. Our friendship and relationship have blossomed into something so beautiful.” The excited bride also disclosed how her groom proposed to her after many years of dating. “He proposed to me in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; he had it all planned out. I think emotions got the better of him and he decided to propose just before we left for dinner. I was particularly hungry and tired from being dressed up for dinner. All I wanted to do was change and fix something to eat. He kept pacifying and stalling me. He kept saying the sweetest things
ever. There and then, he decided to propose. He went on one knee, and at this point my vision was blurred with tears. I knew he was speaking but couldn’t hear half the things he was saying. We went on with our dinner eventually and today we are getting married”, she said. On what she loves most about her husband, she explained that, “he is a good listener. I chat a lot more and discuss things I probably should discuss with my girlfriends with him”. For the marriage which took place
in Lagos, the bride was beautifully dressed in a white princess wedding gown with flowing veil. The groom wore a dashing blue suit to complement his bride’s look. For their traditional wedding, the bride wore purple lace which she combined with ash-coloured Aso-Oke while the groom donned a white lace adorned with sequin and coral beads. The venue of their reception was beautifully decorated in vintage style of pink and ash colour.
melda Akpan was born to Pastor and Mrs Eno Akpan at Ajah Health Centre, Ajah, Lagos. She weighed 3.12kg at birth. Mrs. Akpan described her period of pregnancy as stress-free. She said this was attributed to the fact that her job as a school teacher gave her much time to relax. On exercise, she disclosed that she took to trekking to her workplace, which she claimed was not too far from where she lives, adding that she also did same after work. She explained that this made her gain enough strength and helped her move her muscles more. About her food preferences and body changes, Mrs. Akpan
explained that she enjoyed eating snail but had to stop at some point owing to its scarcity and expensive cost. She said she also enjoyed eating white rice with vegetable. According to her, she experienced morning sickness which is normal for most pregnant women and this lasted for two months. Another change she noticed was swollen feet and nose. On what she loves most about her baby, she said, “I have a very beautiful daughter. I am so happy about that because I know she will grow up into a beautiful, young woman.” Concerning their child’s future plan and ambitions, the Akpans said they would support their daughter in every way they can.
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emidayo Peter Oke was born at Ifeoluwa Memorial Private Hospital located at Alapere Ketu, Lagos, Lagos State. His parents who also live at the Ketu area, described his birth as a miracle. According to his mother, she was not due for delivery when she had her son. She explained that on the day of the delivery, when she started experiencing pain, she was not worried since she believed it was the normal tummy ache. However, when the pain persisted, she couldn’t help but go to the hospital where she had registered for antenatal. On getting there, she was admitted and was told she would be kept under observation as the doctor felt the situation was more than mere tummy ache. Mrs. Oke explained
that she eventually had her baby six and half hours after she got to the hospital. Mother and child were declared fit and they left the hospital at the appropriate time. On body changes during her period of pregnancy, the mother said she didn’t notice any unusual thing except for appearance of pimples on her face. She added that while pregnant, she enjoyed taking bread and beverages. She described her son as very lively and wished that he became a medical doctor in future.
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What to wear ‌to black and white floral gig AUGUST 31, 2014
ADAEZE AMOS
I
f you desire to slip into a simple black and white floral dress for an event that requires you to dress that way, check out what Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, a Yoruba movie actress and mother of one, wears on this page. She looks younger on this simple but sleek dress. Want to know how it feels to be simply dressed and still look sexy? Then, you must not turn your neck away from this style. Show your fashion designer this page to replicate this simple chiffon dress for you. Alternatively, look for something similar from boutiques and dress shops. You may accessorise with floral or black and white shoes with rhyme stones. Or black patent heels and stand out.
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Perfect Cut
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Style aficionados that make the red carpet bubble ADAEZE AMOS
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ed carpet ought not to be dull. It should be hot and vibrate with mindblowing styles you can think of. It is like radar or a fashion circle and therefore represents a planet where creativity is displayed, swag unveiled and styles showcased. It is also important to unveil some fashionistas that make red carpet radar sizzle right from the time it commences until the end of the show. There are many of them but this week we choose these faces that make paparazzi click hard on their cameras without relenting. Take a look at them, their styles and swags. Remember that the ‘ember’ months will soon be here and the season of shows and glamorous events would begin. So, check out what style icons wear to red carpets and update your wardrobe. Next week, we’ll unveil more.
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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Perfect Cut
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African Look AUGUST 31, 2014
Soul-lifting alluring colours ADAEZE AMOS
A
re you downcast or depressed and you are looking for dazzling colours to lift up your soul? Then go for native print jackets. If you look at the jacket the model on this page is donning, it has two different sweet colours. The sleeves and bodice are of different colours. s. Therefore, choose the right colour of accessories, possibly black, since the jacket is full of colours.
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Pregnancy Talk
Naughtiest Thing
with
The naughtiest thing I’ve ever done
Adaeze Amos
Jo Babs
08023012293 (SMS ONLY)
Maternity shape-wears for heavily pregnant mums
H
ave you wondered why you begin to feel uncomfortable in your old panties as your tummy gets bulkier? It’s because your body alters so radically during pregnancy. You add weight so tremendously and at times look bloated. For this reason, it is fabulous to slip into a product that supports your body, grows with you and helps you to cope with the added stresses and strains. Maternity shapers: Apart from the fact that your shape would be enhanced and your clothes would look better whilst being given belly and back support, maternity shaper ensures your wellbeing during pregnancy. It has a soft and sheer tummy panel with an extra waist-band which grows with your belly. The built-in under belly supports you comfortably and reduces pressure. Its gentle lower back support is an additional bonus. Why you should opt for this kind of lingerie *It doesn’t reveal your panty line on your dress, skirt or trouser *It has non-binding waistband and added under-belly support *Soft sheer tummy panel grows with your belly as yarns stretch with your belly *It has comfortable lower back support *It stops you from feeling lumpy. Therefore, choose black or nude colours and see how you would love yourself. It is, however, very hard to find flattering maternity underwear that fits properly.
I jumped out of a bus in motion
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he naughtiest thing I have ever done makes me look foolish each time I remember it. This is because if I had died while doing that, people would have laughed at me. What actually happened was that I had an interview to do on the island in Lagos, and I didn’t have money. I needed to go for that interview because it was very important. Thus, it was in fact compulsory for me to be there. So what I did was to pray before boarding a bus. I had strong faith after my prayers that God would send a helper my way. On getting to the bus stop, I waited for a helper. I didn’t see one. I now entered a bus with still same strong faith, believing that God would touch or minister to someone in the bus to pay for me. When the conductor started collecting the fare from passengers, no one paid for me. When he asked for my fare, I told him to hold on, that I would give him later. I pretended to be busy with my phone, as if I was sending a text message. He waited patiently. When I realised that no one was ready to pay for me, I suddenly jumped out of the bus in motion. Thank God nothing happened to me that day. The bus pulled by and other commuters were asking me why I took such a risk. I told them I had no money. They pitied me and paid for me. Jo Babs is an up-and-coming gospel artiste. –ADAEZE AMOS
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
T
alking with Yemisi SEX Adeniran
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Heart-throb
...Find your soul mate here
Send text only to 08023012293
In need of a serious relationship/marriage I’m Michael, a graduate and I’m gentle. I need a romantic, mature and understanding sugar mummy for a serious relationship. She has to be sexy, caring and loving –09037415634. Gabby is my name, 45, a media officer in Makurdi. I need a mature lady of 55 years and above for companionship –08178717095. I’m Alex, 29 years old. I live in Abuja. I’m fair in complexion and need a sugar mummy who is 38 years old for relationship –08061500561. My name is Joy, 30 years old, and I need a God-fearing man for a serious relationship that could lead to marriage. I’m in my final year in the university and a businesswoman from Benue State –08123493530. My name is Bolaji, 23 years old, from Akure in Ondo State. I’m in need of a mature and intelligent lady to date and share ideas with –07064337898. Bimpe is my name, 42 years old mother of one who seeks a husband. He has to be a bachelor and a serious man who is ready to settle down –08099384270. Taiwo is my name, 29years old graduate. I live in lbadan, Oyo State and need a responsible and God-fearing man of 31 years old and above for a serious relationship –08090810838. My name is Luxury, a medical doctor. I’m 28 years old from Nnewi, Anambra State but I’m living in Enugu. I need a good Christian for wife –07034617994. Sony is my name. I’m an Electronics Electrical Engineer in Enugu. I’m 25years old. I need a sexy, busty, pretty woman for marriage –08039463255.
Models
Getting a condom to the rescue C
ondom is one material that is synonymous with sex. It is specially created for sex and its services are basically to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted disease. However, its use has been extended to the prevention of pregnancies while, to some men, it is a “staying power”. That is, it makes them to last longer in the game of sex. There are different angles to the use of condom. While some believe that condom denies the real pleasure of sex which comes with the flesh of the man and the woman touching each other, others still find it pleasurable. In fact, some believe that it gives them confidence in that they don’t have to bother about whether it would result in pregnancy or that diseases would be transmitted from one person to the other. For those who experience less pleasure as they would ordinarily have had when their partners use condom, all they need to do is to use lubricant to help decrease fiction between their skin and the condom. Despise the constant use of condom, one basic truth is that many don’t know how to fix on one during sex. Or put in another way, many, under the pressure or anxiety of sexual experience, end up not fixing contraceptives well, thus destroying the essence of using it. However, before going into the major tips of how to use the condom, let us take a question that is often asked: Who should wear the condom for the man? The answer is simple. Any of the participants – man or woman – can wear it for the man. As long as it is put on properly, anyone can put it on for the man. And that should be before the intercourse. Infact, having a condom put on by a partner can be an erotic opportunity, loaded with creative potential. Making use of the mouth and tongue is sure to add some spice to dressing the penis with a condom. All you need is to be sure that you leave some space at the tip and that the
condom is rolled to the base of the penis. Let me state again that the condom is best worn when the penis is erect and before it makes any vaginal contact. Apart from this, there is no hard and fast rule about when to put on the condom. So, how do you put on the condom? Here are some tips: Note that most packs of reliable male condoms come with step-by-step instructions, which you should follow carefully. Try not to get so carried away with passion that you rush things. Use this guide to help you. •Take the fresh condom out of the packet carefully. Avoid ‘catching’ it on your nails. •Do not blow it up. •There’s usually a ‘teat’ at the end. Squeeze the air out of it. •Now roll the condom onto the erect penis. (Don’t try putting it on before you’re hard.) •Roll it all the way down to the base of your penis. •Some men lose their erection - through nerves - while rolling the condom on. If this sometimes happens to you, then get your partner to put it on for you - rubbing you at the same time. •If the vagina is dry or more lubricant is needed you need to use water-based lubricant. Never use oily lubricants such as baby oil or Vaseline as the condom will break easily. •As soon as you’ve climaxed, hold the condom firmly onto your penis with your fingers, and withdraw from the vagina. Take care not to spill any fluid. •Now, take off the condom, wrap it in paper or tissue, and dispose of it in a bin. Do not flush the condoms down the toilet. •If you’re going to have sex again that day, wash your penis and put on a new condom. •Never try to ‘re-use’ a condom. Now that you know how to go about the use of condom, why not try one today and feel safe from unexpected pregnancy or some diseases.
I’m Sony Texas, I’m simply irresistible, an incredible guy that is living in Enugu. I need an extremely pretty woman to love and care for –08030887308. I’m Bashir Mohammed, 48, and a civil servant. I work and live in Katsina State. I need an honest 25-35 years old lady from Katsina, Kano or Kaduna for a relationship –07083919794. I’m Kunle, 43. I live in Ibadan, Oyo State. I want a woman between 28 and 49 years old, living also in Ibadan for romance and enjoyment –08050709034. My name is Ben, a 43-year-old single parent of two. I live and work in Lagos but I’m from the Middle Belt. I urgently need a lady between 35 and 41 years old. She could be single parent of one or two, a business or working-class Christian; tribe is no barrier. She must be serious and ready to settle down –08171791385. Olamide is my name; 25 years old, and a university undergraduate. I need a man who is working for marriage. He has to be between 30 and 40 years old –08155509818. Isaac is my name. I’m 27 and live in Lagos. I need a pretty and mature lady for a serious relationship –08083224826. Prince Solomon is my name. I need a romantic, pretty and fabulous sugar mummy. Age, size and place is not necessary –08033326281. Kazeem is my name; 38-year-old Muslim. I work and live in Ibadan, Oyo State. I need a responsible and God-fearing graduate who is also a Muslim for a serious relationship –08125359387. Ade is my name, a Muslim from Ibadan, Oyo State. I want a responsible lady for a serious relationship –08135909085. I’m Dele, 48. I work and live in Lagos. I need a good lady, between 30 and 45 years old, for friendship –090939000042. Sam is my name. I work and live in Lagos. I’m slim, average height and light-skinned. I require a sexy sugar mummy, below 48 years old, for a relationship –07034800302. I’m Gabriel, 42 and 6ft tall. I’m dark-skinned, a Christian and I work and live in Ogun State. I need a working-class lady, between 27 and 38 years old, who lives in Ogun State or Lagos State for wife –09095346133. My name is Kunle. I live in Magboro in Ogun State. I need a businesswoman from Ogun State or Ibadan, Oyo state, who is between 25 and 37 years old, as wife –08066716162. I’m Dipo from Ondo State. I’m 30 years old graduate and I’m goodlooking as well as romantic. I want a caring, sexy and beautiful sugar mummy, between 39 and 49 years old, living in Ondo or Ekiti state for a relationship –08138268846. Saint Owobblo is my name. I’m 25 years old and a grassroots afropop musician. I’m in 400-level at Ekiti State University and I’m from Ekiti State. I need a Yoruba lady from either Ondo or Ekiti for a good relationship that may culminate in marriage –07062721295. I’m Andy and I live in Abuja. I’m in need of a lady to date and share ideas with. She could be a sugar mummy, I wouldn’t mind –07038933857. Peter is my name, 32 years old, handsome, tall, caring, understanding and I’m a university graduate. I need a beautiful and caring lady for a serious relationship –09037415634. My name is Kelvin, 33, tall, handsome, caring and a graduate. I want a beautiful, caring and understanding sugar mummy –08098180489.
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Growing Up
Sunday, August 31, 2014
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
WHO INVENTED WHAT? Philippe made first wristwatch
T
POP
JOKE
ROACHES So these two roaches, Tom and Oscar, are hanging out next to a dumpster enjoying a snack. “Hey Tom” said Oscar to his friend, “You know that restaurant down the block? I went there yesterday
to pick up some scraps, and I couldn’t believe how clean it was, I could practically see my reflection through the shiny waxed floor.” “Oscar” hollered Tom spitting the food out of his mouth, “please not while I am eating!!”
he first wristwatch was made for a woman, Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, by Swiss watch manufacturer Patek Philippe in 1868. Although it was the first timekeeping device to be designed specifically for use on the wrist, it was intended primarily as a piece of decorative WORDS ON MARBLES jewellery. Those who love deeply never It has been claimed that pocket watches were adapted to be worn on grow old, they may die of old wrist bracelets prior to 1868, perhaps as age, but they die young. early as the 1570s. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this, and Patek Philippe’s design for Countess Koscowicz was the first true wristwatch in the modern sense of the word. Wristwatches were a natural progression need some new shoes for school. They have to be black and flat obviously but I from pocket watches, but men did not want them to be stylish, what’s in at the moment? They have to have good soles and initially take to the idea, preferring to last a long time so I’m not throwing away money on crap! The price doesn’t matter rely on the larger, more traditional (and as long as they are good and stylish and will last me. masculine) timepiece. However, the practicalities of the wristwatch, which could be operated with one hand rather than two, eventually won over popular opinion, appealing especially to those in the military, who needed to be able to monitor the time while also operating machinery and weaponry. Consequently, the first wristwatches to be produced in large quantities were those manufactured specifically for the German military in the 1880s by Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux.
YOUNG FASHION School shoe
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DID YOU KNOW? Crab
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rabs live in all the world’s oceans, fresh water, and on land, but covered with a thick exoskeleton and have a single pair of claws.
RIDDLES
Q 5: A rooster lays an egg at the very top of a slanted roof. Which side is the egg going to roll off on? A: Neither, roosters don’t lay eggs. Q 6: What is put on a table, cut, but never eaten? A: A pack of cards Q 7: In a small cabin in the woods, two men lay dead. The cabin itself is not burned, but the forest all around is burned to cinders. How did the men die? A: It’s the cabin of a plane and the plane crashed. Q 7: When asked how old she was, Suzie replied “In two years I will be twice as old as I was five years ago”. How old is she? A: 12 Years Q 8: What seven-letter word has hundreds of letters in it? A: Mailbox Q 9: If there were nine cats on a bridge and one jumped over the edge, how many would be left? A: None. They are copy cats.
TONGUE TWISTER
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Did Peter Piper pick a peck of pickled peppers? If Peter Piper Picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
& ovies M usic M Edited by Adaeze Amos 08023012293 e-mail: adaezeamos@gmail.com
L-R: Vice-President, Sambo, President Jonathan, Oboli and PDP National Chairman, Muazu
Jonathan, others laud Oboli’s Being Mrs Elliott
…Movie hits cinemas September 5
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resident Goodluck Jonathan, Diezani Alison Madueke, Mr Ben Bruce and other top Nigerian dignitaries have commended Omoni Oboli’s ‘Being Mrs Elliott’ which took place in Abuja last week. Oboli who had a private screening of her new movie at the Presidential Villa, Abuja would be taking the film to cinemas on September 5. The presidential screening had in attendance President Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Edwin Clark among others. Speaking on the movie, Jonathan said, ‘Being Mrs Elliott’ is a good movie. I particularly like the element of
reality in it. We are a people of strong culture and that is what ‘Being Mrs Elliott’ has projected. It is a beautifully told story that everyone can relate to. This is my second movie premiere ever. The first was a movie about me, the second is Being Mrs Elliott, and I am not disappointed. I recommend this movie and encourage everybody to go and see it at the cinema.” CEO, Silverbird Television and Cinemas, Mr Ben Bruce, said, “I would rate this movie high on several fronts, good production value; the movie is very clear, compelling story and commercial value.” Mimiko said, “I particularly like the strong cultural thrust of the movie. It did not seek to disregard our culture. We are a people of culture and the way to build a
nation is to sustain good and viable culture. I commend the producer for coming up with a movie as good as this.” The film which was sponsored by MRS, Access Bank and Keystone Bank was also praised by the dignitaries in attendance. The movie which opened the Nollywood Week Film Festival in Paris about three months ago and got 11 nominations at the Nollywood and African Film Critics’ Awards (NAFCA) in California, USA, is the story of a successfully married woman, who was torn between two worlds. This was after a life-changing incident. She later found out that the best life has to offer are not things but moments.
Nigerian female producer rocks Star The Winner Is
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Oribhabor
wenty seven-year-old Amen Oribhabor, a Nigerian, showed the true meaning of being multi-talented when she took to ‘Star The Winner Is’ game show recently with soulful performances. With a particularly impressive performance of such a vocally complicated song as ‘Try by pink’, Amen thrived like a Rock star which made the audience and viewers go wild in excitement. This diva, who apart from being a musician, started off as a painter. She also used to draw portraits as a child. Hence, she talked about the challenges she is now facing as a female producer in Nigeria. “It has been very difficult for me as a female producer in Nigeria but this has not deterred me from chasing my dreams,” she affirmed. Although Amen did not go through to the semi final round, her performances were worth anybody’s time.
Nnaji (left) and Suru
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Kim Kardashian, others to present MTV awards
Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande join line-up of performers
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Ariana
TV Base has announced Jessie J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande as those that will hit the 2014 “MTV Video Music Awards” stage to perform their hit song “Bang, Bang” for the first-time ever. The trio will open the show with a powerhouse performance that will kick-start the night. Jessie J joins previously announced performers Usher, Ariana Grande, 5 Seconds of Summer, Maroon 5, Iggy Azalea, BEYONCÉ, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift and Sam Smith. The announced presenters include Gwen Stefani, Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, Lorde, Taylor Schilling, Laverne Cox and Uzo Aduba, Dylan O’Brien, Nina Dobrev, Jason Derulo and Trey Songz. “When I was the VMA House Artist in 2011, I had a broken foot and I sat on the side stage dreaming about being on that main stage,” said Jessie J. “So when I say that this performance is a dream come true for me, I truly mean it. To be able to share this moment with superstars like Ariana & Nicki, it’s going to be such an amazing night!” expressed an excited Jessie. Immediately following the performance of “Bang, Bang” on the VMA stage, the music video will premiere globally across MTV’s online platforms around the world. Jessie J’s debut album, ‘Who You Are’, marked the debut of a global icon when it reached No. 1 and was certified multi-platinum in over 15 countries. She has sold over 3 million albums and 20 million singles worldwide to date. The 2014 MTV VMAs takes place at the Forum, Inglewood, California, the United states.
Jessie
Amstel Malta audition set to begin in Enugu
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Ice Nweke
he 3rd season of the all-new and redefined Amstel Malta Showtime, is ready to kick off its first leg of the event series in Enugu. This season of Amstel Malta Showtime, first of its kind concert drama, tagged “The Rush”, directed by celebrated art director, Ice Nweke, will feature five talents selected via auditions from each region and will hold in Enugu and Lagos respectively The coal city will play host to thousands of talents who will have to impress the judges with an exceptional display of their unique abilities during the auditions in order to stand a chance of featuring alongside popular and renowned Nigerian entertainers: Sound Sultan, Phyno, Gordons and Ice Nweke. The Enugu auditions will hold at Dannic Hotels, New Haven. The auditions which are open to youths with outstanding talents such as musicians, actors, comedians, contortionists, puppeteers etc.
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which she says is thriving well. Suru who could not contain her joy, expressed how excited she was to have spent the evening with her role model. “I’ve never felt like this in all the 18 years of my life. This is practically the best day of my life and I can’t thank Amstel Malta enough for this,” said an overjoyed Suru. “I’m very glad and thankful to Amstel Malta to have given me this
Five Star Music releases pictures of Ogaranya A few days after Harryson released the visual for a track titled ‘Kolombo’, Five Star Music frontline act KCEE is teasing fans with pictures from the set of his upcoming hit ‘Ogaranya’ one of his solo debut album ‘The TakeOver’. ‘Ogaranya’ is one of the stand-out tracks which were shot in South Africa. It would be released soon. Here are pictures of it.
Sound Sultan
Genevieve hosts Act The Part online winner
ollywood star, Genevieve Nnaji, treated the winner of the ‘Act The Part’ online competition, Bola Suru, to a fun-filled evening recently at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The glamorous actress who was clad in a mustard-coloured dress by Halston and Heritage, shared fun memories with the aspiring actress over dinner, and also talked about her real estate business,
Kim
opportunity to meet this amazing young woman. She’s certainly a bundle of talent and I’m willing to support her acting career in every way I can,” said the Genevieve, the Amstel Malta ambassador. Suru also had a full body makeover, courtesy of Amstel Malta, before spending the evening with the star and also took home several cartons of Amstel Malta can drinks.
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Lessons of Life
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
ADAEZE AMOS Adanneamos@gmail.com 08023012293 (sms only)
TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART AUGUST 31, 2014
‘I won’t marry Charity, she can’t be trusted!’ This is the concluding part of Charity and Williams’ story of infidelity started last Sunday.
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efore Williams met Charity he hadn’t ever fallen in love with a woman. He never felt jealous or possessive about a woman until he met Charity. He now experienced how thrilling it was to bear a woman in mind when he was alone on bed. But suddenly, these feelings changed. The love went sour and the trust he once had for her fizzled. He changed his mind from marrying her, cancelled the marriage proposal and took his engagement ring from her. What happened was that Charity was double-dating and thus was cheating on him. She didn’t want to put all her eggs in one basket in that if the basket fell all the eggs would be broken, she tried to explain. So, she had a secret lover named Patrick who she wanted to travel out of the country with immediately after her graduation. But when Williams knew what was happening, Charity was already pregnant but wasn’t sure the real owner of the pregnancy. When Patrick travelled out of the country, he left a stinker, advising her to forget him and forge ahead with life. It was a shocker of her life. She decided to come back to Williams unaware that he had already known about her unfaithfulness. With the result of the pregnancy test she had which confirmed she was 12 weeks pregnant, she tapped on Williams’ door. When Nancy, Williams’ younger sister opened the door, Charity smiled, threw her hands open to hug her as she was fond of doing each time she visited, but Nancy cringed, giving her a cold shoulder. Charity was stunned. When she sauntered in, she greeted Williams who responded with just a wave of the hand, and told her to sit down. She sat facing him while Nancy sat on a sit close to the dining table and listened. The scenario was tense, Charity felt something was amiss but couldn’t place her finger on anything. When she asked if all was well, Williams turned and looked at her wearing a wry smile. She then brought out her laboratory test result, smiled at Nancy who still wore a straight face and stretched the paper to Williams. “Willy Darling, I went for the test at last and it confirmed what I had been suspecting. Take a look at it, it’s positive. I’m 12 weeks gone,” she said, smiling. Williams reluctantly took it from her, read it and nodded. “Okay, all is well and good; but only if the baby is mine. I also have something to show you. You have shown me yours and I have seen it. Now, it’s my turn to show you mine,” he said, bringing out an envelope from the bag she gave to Nancy. When Charity saw the envelope, she became nervous. She recognised it at a
glance. Immediately, she realised why the whole place was unwelcoming. She looked at Nancy, she was still sulking. In a split second, everything her elder sister had told her about Patrick flashed back in her mind. “You are just a fool, in fact a big fool for that matter. I warned you initially but you shunned me. I told you that double-dating would not take you anywhere, but you ignored me. Watch it, so that what happened to me wouldn’t repeat in your life. That was how I foolishly left Chinedu who wanted to marry me for his boss because of money, not knowing the man was already married with two kids in London. You know the story now. I don’t need to tell you how Chinedu pushed me out when I came back begging. He refused to accept me, and married another person. And till date, I have not had any serious guy in my life. Those that are coming to me now simply want me to warm their beds; and where would that lead me to at my age! I’m 44 and I need to settle down and have my own family. If I were you, you should go back to Williams and hold him to your heart. And how are you even sure the baby you are carrying is his?” Instantly, her response to her sister’s question flashed back and in her mind, she could hear her own shaky voice: “I’m not sure sister. It may be his or Patrick’s. I will go and see Williams tomorrow.” Williams’ stern voice brought her back from her reverie. “So, you have been cheating on me all these while Charity? I trusted you with all my heart. You made me believe you were sincere to me. You convinced me
that you were for real but I never knew I was a big fool for trusting you that much. Thank you very much,” he retorted. He waited for Charity to respond, but she was short of words. She didn’t know what to say because all what Williams said was true. He continued, now tears drippling down his cheeks. “You lied that Patrick whom I was regularly dropping your letters with was your brother, whereas he was your boyfriend. You were sleeping with him as you were with me. How am I sure the baby you are carrying is mine? From your letter, you lied that I was merely pestering you and that I hadn’t seen your underpants once much less sleep with you. Based on that, are you sure the pregnancy is mine? Why did you do this to me? I told you everything about myself, how difficult it was to fall in love with anybody until I met you. See how you broke my heart, shattered my dreams and left me empty. I have not been able to concentrate on tangible things since four days that I saw this letter,” he bemoaned, throwing the letter she gave him for Patrick at her. While he was talking to her, Nancy walked into her brother’s room and brought out Charity’s luggage. When Williams saw the luggage, he told her to take her belongings and leave him for good. “That is your luggage, please leave my house and my life. It’s over between us. If you want to have the baby, go ahead and do so. You know I would never solicit abortion because it killed Eunice my kid sister and till date the vacuum her death left in my family is still obvious. Alternatively, give Patrick his baby. It’s a
pity I never met or set eyes on my rival because I thought you were honest that he was your elder brother. I was waiting to be ready before going to see him with a carton of good wine and tell him my intentions. Please leave!” Charity was short of words. But she managed to speak. She now told him the truth. “Patrick had gone. He had travelled out of the country. He checked out of the country two days ago, leaving this letter for me. He said I should forget about him and forge ahead with life. Please Willy,” she called him, kneeling down, “don’t do this to me. We can still allow what we have been planning for ourselves to mature. Give me one more chance please,” she said, sobbing. Williams stood and listened to her. He didn’t interrupt her. He’s a good listener. When she was through, he gave his final verdict. “I will be paying some money into your account every month for your upkeep until you are delivered of your baby. I wouldn’t want you to lack money so that you would be able to take care of yourself until you are due. I would love to see the baby, if it’s mine, I would know what to do.” When Nancy heard Williams’ promise of sending money to Charity every month, she kicked. “Brother, what’s the meaning of that? Which money would you be sending to someone who wanted to dump you like a bag of rotten potatoes if her plans with Patrick had worked out? I don’t like that Brother, I don’t!” Williams rebuked her, “will you shut up! You don’t have right to interfere in this matter. Nobody invited you into this. Now, go back into your room and leave us alone.” Nancy sprang up and scolded Charity, pointing angrily at her before she ran into her room. “If you think my brother would marry you after all that you did to him, you are just having an empty dream. I have told my mother and siblings everything that you did, and they are not happy. You have no space in this family, you stupid prostitute,” Nancy fired back. An angry Williams raised his hands to hit her. She ran into her room. Williams insisted that Charity should leave. Even after she begged him, he didn’t accept her. She then reluctantly took her luggage and left. Later in the evening, she brought her elder sister to beg Williams. But he still refused. “I’m still bent on not accepting Charity back into my life. How can I marry someone I no longer trust? How would such a marriage work? No, I still insist on not marrying her, she is a cheat,” he repeated Readers, do you think it would be wise for Williams to let go and marry Charity? If you were in his shoes, what would you do?”
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
From the Pulpit
Sunday August 31, 2014
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Death is certain, so watch how you live, warns Prophet Oloruntimilehin A ll the people of the world are expectant of something. The young, old, male and female do expect something. What is the thing that people expect? The thing is DEATH. When we wake up in the morning, we do expect death and there is no one that death does not ring a bell in his or her heart every day.
What makes you to thank God for waking aking id not up alive in the morning means you did die. It is not necessary to thank God forr waking up alive if you did not know death could come. You know death may not allow you to od for wake up alive. Why do people thank God n jourjourney mercy when they embark on ation? ney and arrive safely at their destination? ve the They never know if they would survive journey. Some people do count their dayss and think they have certain numbers of years se the to live before they die. This is because 2, “So Bible says in the book of Psalms 90:12, me old teach us to number our days...” Some ything people do not want to struggle for anything y have again because they always think they few years to live on earth. at God Jokingly, I told a man of 7 years that should give him about N5 million. He wondered why God should give him such mond God ey when he had few years to live. Did anage want him to be struggling how to manage the money at old age, he asked. He feltt God ct, he should not give him such money. In fact, er perbelieved death would come and another son would enjoy the money, so God would refore be wicked to give him the money. Therefore people do expect death anytime. Even a day old baby hearing the sound of death will be ecting afraid because he or she has been expecting death. g that Beloved, death is an inevitable thing will definitely come. All other things we do in the course of living our lives i.e. strugossesgling to own houses, cars and other possessions are different from death. As we are
General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, urges people to watch how they live in view of the certainty of death. Excerpts:
struggling to possess all these things, death is moving closer to us. People are destined to die at a particular time and the time will never be changed. But untimely death of some people through principalities could be averted by the true prophet or man of God. Untimely death occurs if a person slanders Holy Spirit and anointed man of God because the Bible says there is no forgiveness for anybody that blasphemes against Holy Spirit (Luke 12:10). Also, many people could have involved in serious sinful acts that could lead to untimely death. Remember the scripture says in the Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death...” Imagine a very young man that lived a short life. Some people know that death is inevitable but want to enjoy life by committing sins that could result to their untimely death. Sometimes we forget about death particularly when doing something that is pleasant to us but in the night time we then remember death. Some people’s night period is so better to the extent that such people do request for death. For instance, a woman that was so successful in textile business, famous and rich suddenly, things turned around for her. She started experiencing misfortunes and downward trend in her business. This led to her indebtedness and sickness to the extent that she was
requesting for death to take her away. In fact, she attempted to commit suicide but to no avail. How did she get her wealth and riches? The means of her riches were not clean but dubious. In fact, I pitied her because I know her during her famous days. So many people encountered untimely death because of what they have done to get their riches. Therefore,
we all know that we are expecting death. But the concern is what will death meet p p to in our hands? Brethren,, I want people be conscious of how they live their l fe and relate with other people. li life Some people make others to cry by inflicting pains, compounding their problems and creating additional burden on them. I pray that we shall not shed bitter tears in Jesus name. Whatever we do should be done with wisdom because we are awaiting death and judgement. Now that we are all expecting death, let us endeavour to live a good life and do good to all. The Bible says in the book of Galatians 6:9-10, “Let us not be weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Prophet Oloruntimilehin
‘What to do to inherit the Kingdom of God’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
preciation of grace is the appreciation of Christ. In this era, no one can experience the power in the grace without believing in the redemption work of Christ. The book of Titus 2:11 says; “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men” and also John 1:14 says, “And the word was made flesh and, dwelth among us, and we beheld His glory, the Glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth? If you are not in Christ and Christ is not in you, forget about eternal life. Religious observation cannot help you. Paying tithes in the church or working in the house of God can never qualify you for heaven. All those strict life disciplines of trying to live a life of self righteousness cannot help you. Making it into heaven at last is only by the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not by our power or might as stated by Prophet Zechariah but by His spirit. The scripture has made it known to us that our righteousness is like a filthy rag before the Lord. (Isaiah 64:6). If our righteousness has been described as rotten and good for nothing, why then
should we anchor our faith on self righteousness? It is therefore very obvious that nobody who relies on self righteousness can make heaven at last. It is only the righteousness that God inputs in us as genuinely born-again Christians that can qualify us for heaven. In Matthew 5:20 says, “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven”. The righteousness that Jesus requires in His kingdom is purity, chastity, honesty, temperance, the fear of God, and the love of man. It is pure, eternal, teaching the motives, and making the life holy. The righteousness of true Christians is seated in the heart and is anchored on the finished work of grace on the cross of Calvary. In John 19:30 says, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, it has been finished: and he bowed His head, and gave up the ghost”. It is finished means that the sacrifice for sin has been done once and forever. The debt of sin has been paid. And no other sacrifice is required by God for our sin and none would supersede the sacrifice of His only
begotten son Jesus Christ. In Hebrew 10:4 says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins”. If you kill a goat so that you will go to heaven, you will never go to heaven. If you kill your mother so that you will go to heaven, you will not go to heaven. If you kill yourself so that you will go to heaven, you will not go to heaven. If you give all your money to the church so that you will go to heaven, you will not go to heaven. The only thing that qualifies you for heaven is the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross at Calvary. For it is written that almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Christ paid the price of sin just once with His blood. Anything you do without reference to this blood must fail. So, everything must be done through Jesus Christ. If you are in the church and have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, you will not make heaven. Righteousness without Christ is in vain. If you are in the Church and are stealing, telling lies or you have divorced your wife or husband and have gone into sec-
ond marriage, you will not make heaven. If you drink alcohol or are working in the brewery where it is produced, you will not make it. If you belong to cult whether secret or open, you will not make heaven. The Bible says that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Do not fool yourself, because those that indulge in sexual sins, idolatry, 419, rituals, etc, will have no share in the Kingdom of God. Finger rosary, scapular, wearing of crosses or white garment cannot help you to make heaven. Peter, Paul, Christopher or any other human being dead or alive cannot help you to heaven. The only way is Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life, none cometh to the father but by Him. There is only one mediator between man and God, the man Jesus Christ; that is the decisive statement of the Holy Bible in 1st Tim. 2:5. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name”. So, are you looking forward to eternal life – the kingdom of God, accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, so that it shall be well with you now and forever.
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From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle
Macaulay Email: profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com (08023032698, sms pls)
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hristianity is said to be the religion of followers of Jesus Christ. It is a religion that covers 20 centuries of history and has reached all the corners of the world. Today, it is accepted by one-third of the human race.
I am not in the position to provide a broad picture of Christian history or details of what Christianity stands for but considering the Christian tradition, belief and practice and our present experience of Christianity in Nigeria, it is believed that the church has lost its focus and deviated from the norms of Christianity. The church has been modernized to please the world. So, today’s topic is to inform and educate on the reality of Christianity and mention the thought of people called Christians today. Christianity is a classless community, a new community of Christians where ‘’ There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female’’ - Gal 3:28. It is a community that comprises of the wisethe educated people, the influential, uneducated and the despised. Christianity is tailored for the whole world and not for a group of people called CHRISTIANS. The message of Jesus Christ is for everybody in the world – the homeless, homosexuals, prostitutes, jobless, poor, elderly, youth, politicians, captains of industries, military personnel, professionals and the rich. The gospel is to touch them all. Matt 24:14. It is a life- changing message of Jesus Christ to the world. Christianity is meant to change the world. The first
Priesthood House with Pastor Bola
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Bello
he New Testament Church was an introduction of perfect spiritual economy, a state of spiritual reality and a removal of veil for all to know, see and understand the intention of God with capacity to relate with it.
However, the efficacy of Old Testament and its glorious state was never in contention. Paul, the apostle, in his testimony to Church in Corinth, attests to this fact. Though, it was a ministration of death, yet, the impact of that ministration was the glorious exit of Israelites from bondage, food of angel and a supernatural angelic presence throughout the wilderness sojourn. These experiences were nevertheless, a spiritual adumbration to the reality of what to come where God would naturally become man and man becoming God for a sign to the world. This was achieved in Christ and is hoped to be achieved in Church dispensation where communion is barrier free. The weight of the glory of New Testament is the ministration of life; where man could come into the life of spirit and become a second Adam for the operation of heavenly economy for men to see the glory of the Father. However, the lamentation of Paul was the short-sightedness of man and its poor estate as contained in 1 Corth. 3:14 – “But
Sunday August 31, 2014
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
The meaningful Christianity
century disciples went about preaching the gospel to all known cities, towns and villages of their time and God was with them ‘’ confirming the word with signs and wonders’ -Mk 16:20b’. Christians are godly innovators who are bold to preach and teach anywhere and at anytime, who are breaking down barriers of Christian cultures that prevent unity in the church of Christ. They are risk – takers who consider the spreading of the word more important than their lives. Christianity does not require certified qualifications, but, commitment, dedication and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is about commitment to the cause of Jesus on earth. It is meant to make Jesus known and people to accept him as Lord and Saviour. It is the work of God, planned by God but executed by humans. God prepares the ground and only moves his anointed into position to physically act in order to confirm and prove his livingness. A meaningful Christianity is one that demonstrates selflessness, humility and Christ-likeness. It does not separate the world from the WORD, the church from the State and believers from unbelievers. The main aim is to bring every unbeliever to God and every State of the world to the control of God but we separate them to satisfy our needs. It is dangerous. The rigidity of the orthodox churches makes it very difficult for the Holy Spirit to be personally involved and the spiritual carelessness and extremism of the Pentecostal churches allow evils to function freely in the church. Modern Christian leadership exhibits desperation all the time. Leaders, who believe that money answereth everything, respect and invite rich people who
are not spirit – led to the executive council of the church to make vital decision for the spiritual growth of the church. The success of any Christian leader is in Christ. Paul said of himself, ‘’ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength’’ Phil 4 :11-13. Christians depend on God for everything and give God the glory for every success while every trial or challenge is seen as the time to come closer to God in prayer. What we experience in Christianity today is what the Bible carefully states here,’’ For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ’’ -Phil 2:21. Church growth analysts confirmed that church all over the world is growing faster than any other time in history. God is also raising people with a vision to reach the end of the world. Mission of the church is international. Jesus moved from heaven to earth and John confirmed that, ‘’The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14. Jesus came to the world and identified himself with human situations. Christianity is about asking people to give. Jesus gave his life, God gave his Son. Paul said, ‘’ We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you have become so dear to us.’’ I Thess. 2:8. The fact remains that Christians are expected to give all it takes
to have and maintain the meaningfulness of Christianity. Christianity is not the deification of a pastor or founder as it is now but the telling the good news about Jesus Christ. Christianity is a struggle through life with the presence of Holy Spirit to overcome all obstacles on the way. Nobody can claim success until the race of life is completed. Paul said, ‘’Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus’’ -Phil 3:12-14. This may not sound very well to some ministers who think that they have reached the peak of their job –‘’ They have everything including jet’’ and this may sound strange to many Christians who believe that Christianity is a religion that solves problems and makes people wealthy. But I speak the truth to you today that Christianity is about life lived in Christ ( a godly life ) while on earth and it has nothing to do with the careless life of this physical world that is controlled by Satan to deceive people. Many poor people as well as wealthy people who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour will make it to heaven while many who reject him and turn Christianity into a money making enterprise will languish in hell. •Prof. Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Lagos. Phone: +447448533586; email: profkunlemacaulay@yahoo.com
Church as God designed it (17)
their minds were blinded, for until this day remains the same veil untaken away in the reading of the “scriptures which veil is done away in Christ”. Jesus Christ is the scriptures in which both the Old and the New Testament are interpreted. He took the veil away and man should be able to possibly understand the intention of God for man and should be able to come to behold the face of God. The glory of beholding the face of God could not be enumerated in this piece. It suffices to say that beholding the face of God brings you to a state of death to self, to the world and being alive to God. The world will come to Christ when Church is dead to self and to the world. 11 Corinthians 3:18 says; “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord”. As mirror reflects the image of man, when the mirror is beheld, so is the word of God. The glorious perfection and the image God intends for man is bestowed through the word of God. The word of God adjusts our character and brings the predetermined counsel of God to man. The pathetic situation of the Church is her deviation from God’s purpose for her. We must perceive the truth for the existence of Church and walk in the light of that truth. Paul in his message to the Ephesians speaks thus, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what the hope of His calling is, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” The manifestation of the greatness of God to man is in the man that inherits the nature of God.
The hope of God for man is not to worship in songs and praise alone, but is in becoming the type of Christ who was the express image of God as a man. The hope of God for man is man having exclusive access unhindered as Jesus of Nazareth had as a man. The hope of God for man is father-son relationship which is practical and not lips based. We should not turn the riches of God to the riches of the world nor His glory to the glory ephemerals. If the riches of his glory are measured in Naira and kobo, then Christians have no place in it and her hope is slim to match up with the rich men of this world. The riches, the weight of His glory and His inheritance in saints are His mightiness in us. Again, we must not misconstrue it to that which works signs and wonders. His mightiness in us is measured in courage, boldness and strength to oppose and withstand opposition to our faith. This are the days of hordes, when war against Christian faith has been declared. We are already in the night seasons where all will become gloom and our loyalty to God will be put to test. The present Church is ill equipped, ill prepared to take up Satan headlong. The reason is clear; the template of Satan is in our midst. We run Churches as we run business. We preach message that is convenient rather than that which convicts. The mentalities of those who will come to a finish point in this race are those with the mentality of Stephen, Paul, James and Peter who loved not their lives to give it as sacrifice for faith to advance. “And they overcame him by the blood
of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony: and they loved not their lives unto death”. This is a weighty statement but is also required of us. It is a revelation of how they came to a strong finish. The reference here is the martyr and offering of souls at the altar of faith. We need to prepare for this end time onslaught of Satan against the Church. The Iraqi Christians are facing it squarely. Those who will stand are those who have acquired the mightiness of God. The North East of Nigerians’ faith is also in it. This horde is an inevitable situation which must surely come to the whole world. We cannot stop it with prayers. We can only overcome it when we loved not our lives unto death. This is difficult but attainable when we have the full picture of the end of our faith. Unfortunately, the picture of the word is being painted in our hearts; the picture of the glorious end is not. What helped the Jesus of Nazareth was the picture of glorious end painted into his mind. This is what will help us to give up all for this glorious end. The mindset of the Church must be reconfigured, re-orientated and re-calibrated for the coming onslaught. If we continue to pay lips service to what is required and our operations is constantly in earthly things, this inheritance would be an illusion to some Christians. Our Church leaders should awake from sleep. Enough of worldly seeking! Pastor Bola Bello – The Priesthood House bolabelo@gmail.com 08033704564
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From the Pulpit
Sunday August 31, 2014
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I dumped oil company job to become a pastor – Pastor David Adeniyi Jacob How did you feel when you received the mantle of leadership as General Overseer of Rapture Expectant Ministry?
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hen I received the call of God, then I used to go to Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFM) for deliverance and other things. I was working in an oil company then and all of a sudden, I went to pray somewhere and the Lord said I will serve him. I thought it was at MFM at that first sight. Then one day, God said I should start the service. Then I told him, ‘Lord I am alone here, and he said even if it is me alone, I should start. Before then, I had gone to many churches but this time around when I got to MFM, I thought that is the church I will be going because many things were revealed to me there. So when I heard that voice, I did not go out to start the fellowship immediately. However, I went to my brothers and told them what the Lord said to me. They said they will join me until I have my own sheep. This is how we started at No 38, Foresythe Street, Okesuna, Lafiaji, Lagos Island.
What year was Rapture Expectant Ministry established? We started as a playgroup in year 2000. It was an outbreak of miracles that a guy shouted and this increased our number and we registered as a church. What challenges have you encountered so far? Starting afresh has several challenges- challenge of vandals in ministries, challenge of doing it alone, c h a l lenge of attack, b u t all the same, gave me a God keynote that anytime I ’ m thinki n g
Pastor Ade-David
General Overseer, Rapture Expectant Ministry, Lafiaji-Lagos, Pastor David Adeniyi Jacob, in this interview with TOSIN UWAIFO, shares his foray into God’s vineyard and challenges, among others. Excerpts: that these are challenges, that I will hear the voice that says, ‘I will never leave nor forsake you’. What can you say about Ebola Virus Disease? To me, I believe that at a season, there is a disease God will use to punish people. Ebola disease is just one of such disease to God will use to punish the evil in the society, and to make us run to God and as we can see, people are running to God. He is only using it to draw us nearer, and with Ebola, God has given scientists and United Nations (UN) work to do.
in the country. In most churches now, they have put in place several measures to ensure that Ebola does not spread further. If not so, many people would have died by now. No matter how hard the government tried, if churches did not rise up to fight Ebola, it would have been a futile effort. What’s your advice to Nigerians? I
Despite religious activities, corruption is still a monster in Nigeria; do you think the government is doing its best to curb it? As a clergyman, I will say the government is trying but at the same time in the whole world, people will always find a loophole to exploit government. In what aspect do you think the church can make positive impact in Nigeria? The church is making positive impact in several areas in Nigeria. One of such areas is in what churches are doing presently with regards to containment of Ebola Virus Dise a s e (EVD)
Nigerians to know that this is the end time and as God told me, people should be serious in seeking salvation, accepting Jesus into their life for peace, eternal life and for Satan not to win them over because it will be an eternal punishment. So I advice this generation to seek God and find their way back to Him because God as an agenda for Nigeria. Any country God as agenda for, it is always a conflict between God and Satan. So Nigerians should know that God has purpose for us because we have things other countries don’t have except corruption that Satan is using against us. We should tackle corruption by prayer. •Your Steward: Pastor Jacob Ade-David can be reached at No. 54/56 Okesuna Street, Lagos Island Lagos. Tel: 08023535110, 08023539857,, 08034078158, Email:jacobpastordavid@yahoo.com
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From the Pulpit
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with Dr. David
Oyedepo
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elcome to the last part of the teaching for the month. Last week, I showed you the Sound Command. This week, I shall be teaching on Good Sound Production, Making Bold Declarations and the Result of Sound.
Good Sound Production: Always produce a sound in your favour using the name of Jesus. There is great power in that name. At the mention of it every knee bows and every tongue confesses that He is Lord. His name is above all names. Too many Christians are producing dangerous sounds to their own hurt. Some are finding it hard to pay their house rents because all you hear them say is, “I don’t have money” or “times are hard.” They make sounds of failure and they reap failure. There is a great need for you to repent of the dangerous sounds you have released into the atmosphere, in times past. Remember, the angels of God are at your service. They are ever ready and are specially commissioned to execute whatever sound you produce. They hearken to the sound of your voice. Angels are there to serve you; that is why in Revelation 19:10,
Sunday August 31, 2014
Unlocking the supernatural! (5) the angel said to John “I am thy fellow servant and of thy brethren.” John did not know this truth and had bowed down to worship the angel earlier on! Be careful what you say with your mouth because the angels will make sure they execute them. No wonder God’s Word admonishes us in Ecclesiastes 5:6: Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? Isn’t that revealing? Anytime you produce sound the miraculous takes place either in your favour or against you, depending on the kind of sound you produce. God has given you the gift of a mouth to rule and reign in the midst of your enemies. Your mouth is a destinymoulder. Luke 21:15 says: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Make Bold Declarations: How then should you speak in line with all that we talked about? In a whisper? With half your mouth closed? No, Jesus said, “What I tell you in secret, shout it on the roof top.” Boldness is the key word here. It depicts deep-seated conviction and authority. Do you know the secret of the great successes recorded by the apostles of old? Boldness! Acts 14:3 says: Long time
therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. They did not just speak in the Lord, they spoke boldly. This was what compelled signs and wonders to be done through their hands. The Lord confirmed His Word in their lives, because of their bold speaking. In order for your enemies to be subdued under you, you must speak God’s Word boldly. Whatever you cannot speak confidently about, don’t expect to see it come to pass. Speak boldly in line with the Word of God and you will see results. Whatever your heart desires, as long as it is covered in the Word of God, sound it out loud and boldly. The Results of Sound: The sound you produce in line with God’s Word has two major effects: First, it forces the opposition to bow. What actually happens when you keep saying what you believe despite what is happening, is that the negative situation gets tired of hearing you speak against it and therefore leaves. When I was sounding prosperity, poverty was my neighbour! But after a while, it became uncomfortable with my incessant bold speaking and packed away. Now, I don’t know its address. The Bible confirms this in Psalm 18:44-45. Second, the sound you produce gets
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heaven committed to perform. Isaiah 44:26 tells us that God confirms the words that we speak and performs our desires. Whenever you speak boldly in the Lord, you are challenging God to rise up to the occasion and defend His Word, which He has exalted above all His names (Psalm 138:2). Friend, the power to make bold sounds is the privilege of those saved. You are saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as Your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for it, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. From today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for saving me. Now I know, I am born again!” Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Commanding The Supernatural and Walking In 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., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10:45 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
Judge not (1)
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esus did not end His inaugural speech without highlighting the rules of His kingdom with this declaration: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of saw dust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” -Matt 7:1-5. Luke’s version of this is poignant: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven (Luke 6:35).
Jesus did not intend to forbid making moral judgments in situations. Rather, Jesus prohibits the habit of censoriousness, sharp, unjust, unfair, prejudiced, unfair, captious criticism. Jesus condemns judgmentalism. The Omaha Indians have this prayer: “Great Spirit, help me never to judge another until I have walked two weeks in his moccasins.” (G. Curtis Jones, 1000 Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1986), 50). A traditional English
proverb commands: “Judge not a man at first sight.” “Judge not” means we must refrain from forming hard estimates of others. “Do not determine your estimate of others on superficial and surface grounds, but let your decision or evaluation be fair, impartial, adequate, and equitable.” (A. W. Pink, Gleanings from Paul Studies in the Prayers of the Apostle (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2005), 284). We are too quick to conclude upon every sudden glance or feeling devoid of sober, deliberate examination. Be wary of believing every sudden, inconsiderate appearance, or passionate fear of people. A veteran Christian warns: “You must not judge of colours when your eye is blood-shorten, or when you look through a coloured glass, or when the object is far off.” [Richard Baxter and William Orme, The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, vol. 4 (London: James Duncan, 1830), 348]. Judgmental people are often blind to their own mistakes and sins but quick to see them in others. It is much easier to see the faults in others than to see our own. We are commanded not to compare ourselves with others but with Jesus only. “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Corth. 10:12). Those who judge others are often intrinsically hypocritical. Why would you do the same things you judge others for? Paul indicts his fellow Jews: “You, then, who teach others, do you not teach your-
self ? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who brag about the law, do you dishonour God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” -Rom 2:21-24. Paul rebukes: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?” (Rom 2:1-3). Those who stand in judgment of others are often intrinsically self- righteous, self-superior, proud, legalistic, and selfexculpating. Unconsciously, they imagine that condemning other people’s mistakes, somehow lessen their own guilt. This does not preclude making discerning and subtle moral judgments. They sometimes major in minors, over emphasizing inconsequential things as if they are of major importance. Jesus demonstrates the need to be merciful with one another. Love “believes all things” (1 Corth. 13:7). “Judge not” encourages us not to presume the worst of one another; reading evil into the most innocent of actions. We were not created to rightly read motives of other people’s actions. Jesus was and is very generous and magnanimous with people of all kinds. As true disciples or followers of Christ, we
must not judge! In other to support their critical points, people who judge others look for just anything to say. Some flat out lie! The Bible warns: “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people” (Lev. 19:16). It is painfully true that “a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Prov. 16:28). Do not be quick to criticize. Do “not bear false witness against your neighbour” (Exodus 20:16). Determine to speak only “what is good for necessary edification” (Eph 4:29). James compares the tongue with a little fire that can burn up everything someone has built all their lives (James 3:5-6). “Instead of gossiping, thus creating mischief, let us tell of the matchless power of Christ, and speak of His glory.” [Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 306]. Paul testifies: “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God” (1 Corth. 4:4b-5). Let us not be quick to judge. Let us not judge. Only God is the final Arbiter. The Church is supposed to be the most peaceful place to be. Is yours? Christians are supposed to be the most gracious people to be around. Are you? Judge not! •Tunde Ojewole, Ph.D., is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. Get your copy of his newly released book: GOD’S FOOTPRINTS. For enquiries, contact: ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng or call/SMS 08058299434/08060376577.
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From the Pulpit
Sunday August 31, 2014
45
How baggage we bring into marriage affects it Let’s go
BIBLE with Favour
Tioluwani
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Email: letsgobible@gmail.com
sn’t it amazing how much unknown baggage we bring with us into our marriages? Hindsight is 20/20, and in retrospect, I believe that the baggage I brought with me into my marriage caused significant problems. Our baggage is incredibly hard to get rid of; no matter how many times we think we have it secured in the overhead bin, it keeps falling out. We realize that we are replaying tapes from the past, but they are programmed into us so deeply that it takes a lot more than mind over matter to change our thinking and actions.
Our baggage is incredibly hard to get rid of; no matter how many times we think we have it secured in the overhead bin, it keeps falling out. I hear comments like these from my clients all the time: “I didn’t sign up for this.” “If I had known he would get this jealous, I never would have married him.” Yet in almost every case, there is more than enough baggage to go around on both sides, despite what the partner who is protesting the loudest says. Clients may say they understand that “he got it from his father” or “the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.” However, understanding is not enough to alleviate the resentment they feel. I learned to be anxious from my mom. While benefiting from all her wonderful qualities, still I grew up knowing that she was constantly worrying and fretting. From her perspective, the glass was not only half empty, it was draining rapidly. As I describe the specific coping skills that I learned from my parents, think about your own childhood and adolescence. What baggage did you bring along from your youth that af-
fects your marriage today? Ask yourself if you are spending more time criticizing your partner for his baggage than you are dealing with your own. The creation of a Controller: Anxiety: Bad things can be prevented. I believe that anxiety and depression are like a staircase—you work really hard climbing up the stairs trying to prevent something bad from happening (anxiety) and then you slide down the stairs really fast toward the bottom when you realize you can’t prevent all bad things from happening (depression). Most controlling men spend a lot of time driven by the fear that something bad will happen to them if they don’t take steps to prevent it. For some, it is because they felt out of control as a child and never want to feel that way again. Others lost something or someone dear to them and want to do everything possible to prevent that from happening again. Most controlling men spend a lot of time driven by the fear that something bad will happen to them if they don’t take steps to prevent it.At some point, bad things happen anyway. We either don’t or can’t do enough to prevent such things. Car accidents happen no matter how safely you drive. People die no matter how much you love them or try to protect them. The belief that we can prevent all bad things from happening is purely a fantasy, but if a man delays or interferes with enough negative events, he can begin to believe he can influence things that are really in God’s realm. Anger: It’s easy. I came into my marriage with much larger anger-control problems than I realized, and I think this was due to a combination of genetics and learned behaviour. I learned so many good things from my father; however, he also taught me how to get angry. My dad didn’t always seem to have a clear reason for being angry. Sometimes, I think I was just around at the wrong time and was the most convenient target. Sometimes he would yell—sometimes he would spank. I can still re-
member the pink yardstick (yep, it was pink) that hung in the broom closet in the dining room. I remember getting pretty angry myself but I don’t recall this causing me difficulty until I started dating. When romantic adolescent feelings were combined with anger and jealousy, then control became a problem. It became so much easier to get angry than to deal with my emotions. For me, anger is a default option. When something upsets me and I feel insecure or uncomfortable, the easiest way to respond is to get angry. Sometimes it was something small, like a young child making noise in the pew behind me in church or a meal that wasn’t prepared exactly right at a restaurant. I became a perfectionist who wasn’t satisfied with anything. Now I realize if things really do go wrong, my angry response is a matter of choice. I can blame someone else for the problem (anger) or blame myself for the problem (personal responsibility). When something upsets me and I feel insecure or uncomfortable, the easiest way to respond is to get angry. Insecurity: Bad things can’t always be prevented. The last part of the puzzle for me was a strong feeling of insecurity in relationships with women. I didn’t feel insecure in other areas, as I was successful in school, in music, in athletics, and in leadership in my church and service organization. For me, the insecurity was focused on what girls, and later woman, thought of me. I was overweight when I was younger, until I lost a tremendous amount of weight in my first year of college. My self-esteem with the opposite sex was not strong, and when I did find the courage to ask a girl out, I was often turned down. When I did have relationships with girls in high school, they betrayed me in various ways several times. This meant
You are the light of the world (5) Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.
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hose who seek Him for where He dwells seek life. Not only do they seek life, they seek the mandate of God. You know that in Matthew 6:33, the Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”. The mandate of God is His kingdom and His righteousness which gives eternal life. Anyone that has this life has both the kingdom of God and the righteousness of God. Jesus described this life in John 10:10 as abundant life. Heavenly citizens not only enjoy this life, but they give life. Those who embrace where He dwells, embrace the light. That light is the glory of God. Who among us is short of the glory of God? Let that person go for the life that is in Christ Jesus. That life is not just life, but abundant life; it is different from the natural life we live. It is a life live in the spirit. In this type of life, the natural body is already crucified with Christ on the cross. Though the person lives, the life he lives, he lives by faith of the Son of God, who loved him and gave Himself for him. Such type of life is void of any condemnation. Gal. 2:20 says, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me”. What we are talking here is the life whose glory produces light.
To be the light of the world does not just happen, you must first be lighted. That is you must first have light in yourself. It is the light you have in yourself which when it is at its full glory radiates light to the world. This type of life is not common with the life operational in the world. The world has a peculiar type of life that generates darkness from God’s own perspective. The life in Christ is such unique that the glory of the light in it can not be comprehended by the darkness of the world. What makes that life unique is that it is crucified with Christ. A crucified life is a life whose passion and desire are dead to the lusts of this world, a life whose affection is on things above, a life led and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:14 & 15 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of adoption, where by you cry Abba Father”. Any child of God who possess this life in Christ is not only led by the Spirit of God but is endued with the spirit of adoption, whereby he could cry Abba Father.
Dear reader, do you see that the life in Christ is a God-given type of life is quite different from the life of this age. Only those who have this life receive the power of adoption. The power of adoption is the power of Sonship. Jesus said in John 10:14 “I am a good shepherd, and known my sheep and am known of mine”. It is only those that possess God-kind of life that are known by Jesus and they are called Sons of God. Beloved, do you possess this uncommon type of life that is able to give light to the world? It is highly regrettable that the Christians we have today either are ignorant of this glorious life that God gives in Christ Jesus or
are defiant of it, defiant in the sense that they have no value of it and as such have no need to seek for it. Few others who had it because of the pleasures of this age and the earnest quest for modernism have sold theirs to the prince of this age. Gen. 25:29-34 says, “And Jacob sod pottage; and Esau came from the field, and he was faint. And Esau said to Jacob, feed me, I pray thee with that same red pottage, for I am faint, therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said sell me this day thy birth right. And Esau said behold I am at the point to die, and what profit shall this birth right do to me? And he sold his birth right unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and of lentiles and he did eat and drink and rose up and went his way, thus Esau despised his birth right”. Dear child of God, examine your conscience, do you not think you have sold your birthright of salvation? See, there is no trace or evidence or an inscription on one’s forehead to show that birth right of salvation has been sold. Bible said Esau after having sold it ate and drank, got up and went his way despising the holiness and the grace attached to it. Some Christians sold their birth right of salvation without knowing what they have done. Others have sold theirs and keep despising holiness living everyday without repentance or remorse of what they have done. Take note of this, any child of God, who after repentance and baptism by immersion, filled with the Holy Ghost, through baptism by fire committs fornication or adultery has sold his/her birthright of salvation. That child of God who had denied worldliness such as cosmetics, lipstick, artificial eye lashes, cortex, weavon, seductive wears and the like for the sake of Christ, but
that I had trouble trusting new relationships and became quite gun-shy. My anger and anxiety combined with my insecurity and created my first steps into controlling behaviour in a relationship. In college, I began a series of relationships in which, for the first time, I began trying to prevent betrayal from happening. I became jealous, controlling, hyper vigilant, and overbearing. The relationships didn’t last long. Once the women realized how I was treating them, they quickly disengaged. Some of them tried to confront me, while others just left, but I did not learn from these experiences. By the time I met Jan, I had become convinced that I needed to maintain as much control as possible in a relationship to prevent things from going wrong. I wanted to be loved but I couldn’t trust that a relationship could last. Well, l hope you have understanding of what is been said. To conclude, l will want you to know that the major key needed to overcome all this is you giving your life to the one that created you, let Him be in charge and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”. And also put in you the right spirit so as to be able to live right. Psalms 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Give your life to Christ and. He will release into your life the fruit of the Spirit which is the basis for your good behaviour. •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
has today gone back to them has sold his / her birthright of salvation. You that have divorced your wife, whom you wedded in the house of God because of worldly excuses, have sold your birth right of salvation. You may have remarried and are getting on well with life but if you did not repent and go for your first love, you would heartily cry on the day of visitation without mercy, just as Esau did. After reading this message, pray, take courage, go back to your wife, wife go back to your first husband and let the plans of devil be disgraced in your life and your shall not be disappointed at the last day after parading yourself on earth as a Christian. Despising it means continuing in sin without repentance. The Bible says Esau ate and drank and went about despising his birthright. Testimony 1. Unchangeable God did it Praise the Lord! Last week the man of God anointed us with holy sand and declared prophetically that no member of this church will die untimely death because we have covenant of life with Christ Jesus. My testimony is this: My husband is a police escort. Three days ago, he was on official assignment, as he was driving along Third Mainland Bridge by 1 0’clock am when he climbed a tyre and lost control because he was on a high speed. Nearly, he fell inside the sea but God withheld his car and saved his life. Glory be to God! Sister Paul •Pastor K. I. Bona is General Overseer of Chapel of Holiness and Testimony Ministries, 6 David Egbetuyi Street, Fagbile Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos. Tel:08038206508, 08023404926
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From the Pulpit
Peace Tabernacle International with Pastor Sola
Aderibigbe
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he dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord”-Psalms 115:17-18. Whao! The dead can’t praise the Lord no matter how hard it tries. Therefore, it’s a privilege to be alive. It’s a privilege for you also to be alive. That means you have hope than the dead. I welcome you to today’s session which is the concluding part of this series on “Processing for Mandate Fulfillment”. So far, we’ve mainly examined the life of Moses (how he got processed). Despite the honourable background where he grew up, yet he surrounded himself with processing. The tripartite life of Moses has been examined (each consisting of 40 years). His first 40 years was spent in the palace. The next was spent in the exile of processing while the last
The bride voice with Pastor Moses
S
Alu
ometimes you are rushing to the airport or you are rushing to the motor park to catch a vehicle and you will be begging to enter the bus because you are the last person to come and there is only one seat. The driver will refuse you and you are rushing because you have an urgent appointment where you are going. And all of a sudden, somebody will come from somewhere and will be given a seat. As a human being, you will be annoyed and start insulting the driver or conductor. But unknown to you, that vehicle is destined for another thing. This has happened to so many people. You will be forced to enter another motor. As you travel along the road, you will now see that same motor involved in an accident with many dead. ‘Is this not the motor I would have entered?’ It is then you will start thanking and appreciating God for saving your life. But at the initial time, you were grumbling because you did not know what God was doing for you. “All things work together for good to them who love God!” The next statement says, “And to them who are the called according to His purpose”. Every one of us, God has a purpose for calling us. There is a purpose of God in your life and because I am sure there is God’s purpose in my life, I am sure no evil will come my way: nothing will take my life until God has finished with me. If I die today, it means God’s purpose has been completed. That is why I cannot be afraid of death. Brethren, what is God’s purpose in your life? There is something God does which
Sunday August 31, 2014
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Processing for mandate fulfilment (7)
40 years was spent in mandate fulfillment. We have so far been able to establish the importance of processing in the mandate fulfillment. Processing is a period of training for the task of mandate which is ahead of us. Every good product has gone through one stage of processing or the other. Even fruits which are natural have been processed through the growing stages of their tree or plant. It’s therefore safe to say that the world is a world of processing. Those who take shortcut are always cut short in life. They don’t see maximum period of manifestation in life. Anyone who is processed has been well trained for the task ahead. For example, Moses learnt two important things from Jethro in the period of processing. He learnt priesthood and shepherding. Those were the two important ingredients he needed then to fulfill the mandate with Israel. It was also learnt that the rod of mandate fulfillment is always handed over to one at the place of processing. There’s however need for mandate maintenance. There are some barriers that prevents one from continuous manifes-
tation or ability to continue to use the rod of mandate. Moses anger and other despiteful behaviours of the children of Israel denied Moses access to the Promised Land despite the wonders that had happened through the rod of mandate in his hand (Deuteronomy 32:48-52). It was immorality and disobedience that denied Samson mandate fulfillment. Therefore, character flaws and other sinful nature can deny one from being able to use the rod of mandate initially or being able to continually use the rod. Christ said in John 14:30b, “For the prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me”. Verse 31 says, “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence”. Thus, it could be established that through obedience, Christ maintained mandate. Uprightness was found in Him. There was no basis for mandate withdrawal on His part. He efficiently maintained mandate. He was able to use his tenure on earth and even beyond till now. It’s also important to note that processing is a continuous thing. Moses
Trials of a Christian (3) I have shared several times with many people. Through those dreams and prophecies, you see your end. You see yourself as an importer, you see yourself as a commissioner or governor. There is a brother we were praying for and one of the prophets told him, ‘I saw you as a governor of Imo State’. The brother laughed. But I was discussing with him some weeks ago and he said, ‘See my trouble, I went to see the governor’s house, the man was sitting on one of those executive seats and we were many that went to see him. Out of those people, the man asked me to come and sit with him. I was telling the governor that I was okay where I was sitting but the man insisted I must come and sit with him, that don’t I know I am a future governor?’ He said he then remembered what he has been told at the Bride Assembly and then went to seat with the governor. And he was telling me again that some people came to him to ask him to prepare and that they will support him as the next governor of the state (Imo). That is the end our brother was seeing but God didn’t show him what he will pass through before becoming the governor. That is what I want to bring out. God will not show you what you will pass through before you will reach the purpose He has for you. And this should remind us of the story of Joseph. Joseph had a dream that he will be a king one day. That is all God showed him. He showed him how his father, mother and brothers will come and bow before him as a king. And I can picture how Joseph would have been feeling on top of the world, believing that ‘”after all every dream I have must always come to pass”. So that is why his brothers became
jealous. But God did not show Joseph that his brothers will sell him into slavery: how he will be a servant in Egypt, and how false allegation by Potiphar’s wife will send him to jail. At least at this stage, Joseph would have forgotten the dream and if it is some of us, we would have concluded that this is the only dream we had that did not come to pass. How can a prisoner now become a king? He didn’t know when and where he will become king. He did not know whether it will be Canaan where he was dwelling with his people or anywhere else. The last thing that would have occurred to him is to become a king in Egypt. That is what I am trying to tell you: all things work together for good, including that hatred that his brothers had for him. It was working out for his good because through that hatred, they pushed him closer to his destiny. Am I correct? If they didn’t hate him, he would have remained there. He needed to be hated and rejected. He was sold away so that his dream will be terminated. Anytime the enemy is doing anything against you because they have seen your bright star: because they have seen something and they want to frustrate you and they try to do one thing or the other, unknown to them, they are only helping to push you to your destiny and it can be through any means. A brother in the church, I saw him today; his immediate boss in the office just hated him. It is possible the woman saw something in the spirit concerning him and she was misrepresenting him to the top but at the top there they knew he was a hard working man. So when opportunity came for them to open a branch in another
still continued to get processed and learn from his father-in-law (Exodus 18:13-27). That was after he had delivered Israelites from Egypt. There are so many powers and spirits that ensure some people are not subjected to processing. Some can even receive the rod of mandate but it can be rendered useless by some spirits and powers. They can come in form of time wasting friends, time wasting habits. It could be in form of anti-mandate habits like smoking, drinking, immorality, etc. I therefore stand as a priest of the Most High God against such anti-mandate things in your life in the mighty name of Jesus. Everything in your life that has been programmed to deny you mandate maximization, I command them out of your life in Jesus name. •For testimonies, comments, enquires, counseling or prayer, don’t hesitate to contact me at: Peace Tabernacle Int’l (Power Palace), Between FRSC and Atiba Police Barracks, Oke-Ebo, Oyo, Oyo State. Or 08067142127 Or bunmichristy75@yahoo.com
town, who did they go for? It was the brother. Their overall boss said ‘since this woman does not like this man, let me just separate them’. So he sent the man to that branch and he became higher than that woman. But the woman thought she was injuring him with all those gossips. All she was doing was calling the attention of the person that will promote this brother. That is why we are admonished to give thanks for those people that hate and persecute us. Give thanks for those who put obstacles and challenges on your path because all things work together for good to them that love God. This is because before God will use any true child of God, before He places you in a particular position, he will train you first and God’s training is not going to Mafoluku Grammar school. It is experiences of life. There are so many of us before God will make you a preacher of this endtime message that we preach today, maybe what God will do is to send you from church to church. You don’t know why you left Deeper Life for Redeemed. You studied all the systems of Deeper Life and you knew everything. You first studied that of Catholic Church and you knew everything. You even went to their convent or seminary. You went to Bible school. You worked with the General Overseer or Bishop. You again moved to Mountain of Fire. And each time you moved, it was trouble, one allegation or the other. The reason is that God is going to use you to preach the End-time message to bring out His children from the denominational system. •Pastor Moses Alu; The Bride Assembly, Odofin Park Estate, OshodiApapa Expressway, Ijesha Bus stop 08033524903 : Email: pastormosesalu@yahoo.com
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Desti Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi
Lanre-Oke
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e started on Kingdom Wealth a few weeks back and I believe that God has brought us a long way; we have been able to establish that the problems of life require a wealthy solution; every problem of life can be resolved once the right kind of wealth is applied. We have also seen by the Holy Spirit that wealth primarily belongs to God and He has made men managers of same on the earth.
We looked further at the fall of man and the implication of this fall on his wealthy state; we looked at the curse that ensures that man labours to have anything. We considered the seed time and harvest law and went on to say that the un-redeemed man (one who has not given his/her life to Jesus as personal saviour) can be wealthy but the problem is that such wealth will not enjoy the covering of the Most High but will be a prey to the roaring lions of life and of hell. We concluded last week that Jesus is the answer to any and every issue that the current wealth you have laboured to gather cannot provide answer to. We continue today by the grace of God to look at the 3rd way to generate wealth on earth. The first way is through the blessings and favour of God and the second is through labour that is the seed time and harvest covenant. The third way to generate wealth is
From the Pulpit
Sunday August 31, 2014
Kingdom wealth (5) through the wickedness of the wicked, the deception of the devil, the exploitation of the men. Those who will want to get rich quickly without a recourse to God for blessings and without a recourse to labour will always fall victim of this third avenue to wealth. I pray that if you have fallen prey to such either knowingly or ignorantly, God will rescue you today in the name of Jesus. Let me make it abundantly clear now that the devil comes to steal, kill and to destroy; there is no good in him, in fact he is not capable of producing good fruits. He is the father of liars and he is the wicked one that governs the spiritual wickedness in high places. No matter the juicy offer of wealth the enemy entices you with; he cannot legitimately give you wealth. How does he get the wealth he gives to his children? We established earlier that wealth belongs to God, meaning the devil does not have claim to any wealth either on earth or in heaven. This means he can only have access to wealth by exploiting the ignorant that has laboured to generate his own wealth but does not have the divine covering of the Almighty on what has been generated. Let us quickly consider the life of Job according to Job 1:14-18. “And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and
consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee”. Check the passage above and something interesting immediately pops up; the oxen of Job, and his camels were not destroyed instead they were stolen by the Sabeans and the Chaldeans. Only his sheep were burnt by fire. What is the implication of this? Check through the history of man carefully and you will see that valuable property and the wealth of men get stolen more often than they are destroyed completely. Thieves will steal cars and other property; fraudsters will dupe people out of funds, clear innocent peoples’ accounts and so on. This is primarily because the theft of these things is the primary source of fund and wealth for the kingdom of darkness. Read carefully: the devil does not have what it takes to personally come and steal what belongs to people but he can instigate others to become armed robbers, fraudsters, ritualists and so on. This means that for the kingdom of darkness to grow in wealth, someone somewhere must suffer misfortune. For one to have long life, another must lose his life; for one to grow rich, someone else’s property must be stolen. I write this today to someone who has been tempted by the wealth of darkness. I write to you to say that there is no free
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gift from hell. Something valuable must be taken from you and from others around you to give you what you want. To the man that is not born again, for how long will you and all that you own be the domestic property of the devil? Just like one kills a domesticated fowl, so also does the devil destroy any un-redeemed person’s life to make the life of another better? The end of such wealth gained is absolute destruction and we will get down to this next week by the grace of God. For you who has not said yes to Jesus, today is the day of salvation, the day you and all that you have come under the protection of the Lord Almighty, when you are no longer available as a Guinea Fowl to the enemy but a child of God who enjoys blessings and favour. If you want to give your life to Jesus, the process is simple: • Believe in your heart that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself. • Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary paying the price for your sins and rose from the dead the third day to establish your victory • Confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord and saviour. •Repent of all sins before the Lord and forsake them. • Welcome into God’s family. Please locate a Bible believing church and share you new- birth experience with the church leaders. •For further prayer & counseling, Please contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Plot A22 Power Crescent, Arab road, Kubwa. Abuja, +2348030752799, +2348053695097, Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk
Achievers’ attitude: Humility (1) (The Coach) Pastor Moses A Omogbehin
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ne of the attitudes of achievers is humility. It is also one of the attitudes that every godly leader must possess. Leadership is not limited to those in authority such as General Overseers, CEOs, Presidents, Governors, Senators, etc. It covers every position of responsibility, as I have written in one of my books titled “Responsible Leadership”. Every G.O, father in the Lord, mentor, parent, (head of department, either in church or any organisation), first born of any family, school prefect, and everyone that is privileged to lead directly or indirectly is a leader. Why? It is because everyone is leading in one capacity or the other.
Humility is one of the spirits and attitudes of the Most High God. What is Humility? I am taking my definition from the book of Romans 12:3, which says “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”. No one is a nonentity. God did not create anyone to be a nonentity or useless but it still possible for anyone to
make himself a nonentity as a result of the choice he/she makes through his/ her attitude or character. As for God of Heaven, everything He created was perfectly okay. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” - Ps. 139:14. No profession (ministry, calling and department in any organisation) is greater than the other. Although wages may differ; the recognition given to each profession may also differ; but the truth of the matter is that God manifests Himself in all kinds of professions. Just as lawyers, medical doctors, pilots, engineers and accountants are professionals, so furniture, welders, automobile mechanics, security men and women, ministers of God, etc, are also professionals in their own fields. What does the word “professional” mean? The Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary defines “professional” as “to be connected with a job that needs special training or skill, especially one that needs a high term of education” showing that somebody is well trained and extremely skilled. What is education? It is an interesting experience that teaches you something, a process of teaching, training, and learning, especially in schools or colleges to improve knowledge and develop skills. Having defined “profession” and education, both have to do with the following:
training, connecting with jobs, teaching and skills. The fact of the matter is that a doctor may spend seven years in a university; a lawyer may spend five years or more; an accountant may spend four years; so also hairdressers, drivers and others also go somewhere to acquire special trainings in order to improve. Everyone is ignorant about one area of life or the other. The truth is this: the level or the degree of our ignorance may differ, yet everybody is ignorant in some ways or areas. A lawyer cannot treat himself and his family; therefore he needs the assistance of a doctor. A doctor cannot solicit for himself, so he needs the assistance of a lawyer. Likewise every other profession needs one another. This simply indicates this truth that any area through which you cannot function, you are ignorant personality. Likewise in the church of the Living God, a man cannot function as a chorister and at the same time as an usher or and be ministering (i.e. preaching) from the pulpit; a man of God ministering and at the same takes part in intercession during the same church service(s). “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollo’s; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollo’s, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to
every man? I have planted, Apollo’s watered; but God giveth in the increase. So then neither is he that planet anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and everyman shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building”- I Cor. 3:3-9. What is humility? Humility is the ability to accept everyone the way they are, without thinking of oneself more than how one ought. A doctor should not think he is far better greater and important than every other professional. Likewise, every other professional: mechanics, drivers, traffic wardens, security guards, etc, should not think of themselves as better than other professionals. Every professional (ministry, calling, department in any organisation) is complementing the other. A doctor is complementing a lawyer; a driver is complementing an engineer and viceversa. •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
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Vineyard
Briefly TWOREM holds Anointing Night
Celebration
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he Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) Int’l, a.k.a Prophetic and Solution Chapel, Lagos, will hold a 3-day special anointing night with the theme, ‘Locate Your Location’. The event which will be held at Sekunderin Int’l Miracle Prayer Mountain, IyanaAgbala Tuntun, New Ibadan – Ife Express way, kicks off on Wednesday, September 3 to Friday, September 5, 2014 at 10pm every night. Ministering is Rev. (Prophet) Oladipupo Funmilade – Joel (Baba Sekunderin) who is the convener and Chief host among other speakers. Also expected to add glamour to the nights with gospel music are Evangelists Joy Oluwaseun (King Osuba), Bukola Akinade (Senwele), TWOREM Mass Choir Ibadan and Lagos among others. While urging all to come for the special nights, the Chief host said, “God will be destroying all manners of demonic attacks, deliverance from Satanic bondages and healing the broken-hearted with prophetic impartations and declarations.
Foursquare Gospel Church Ketu marks 40th anniversary
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ctivities marking the forty years anniversary of Foursquare Gospel Church, Ketu, Lagos, fondly called Golden District Headquarters will begin with five days revival conference on Sunday, October 5, 2014. Other activities are crusades within strategic locations in Ketu, Life Giving messages, Breakthrough ministrations, all night session at 10pm till dawn on October, 12, 2014 with N40 million fundraising for their permanent site located at Remilekun Street, Ketu, Lagos. The spokesman of this year’s celebration, Deacon Ade Adebusuyi, in his explanation stated that this year’s event will commence at No 1 Rashidi Oyekan Street , by Tipper Bus Stop, Ketu, Lagos, saying the church which started like a drop of the planter’s seed in 1974 has crystallized into churches which have in turn planted over nineteen more churches. He added that it has grown into Zonal headquarters. He said that a book titled, ‘The Living Seed,’ is being compiled to celebrate four decades of its existence as the church bore many fruits that metamorphosed into “Most Excellent” in 1996 in the then Somolu district. The accolade “Golden District” came into being when Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria marked its 50th Golden Jubilee annual convention of the movement. Rev. Elkanah Oluyinka Oluwagbesan (Senior Pastor of the Church) and other anointed men of God are expected to minister.
RCCG Freedom Parish celebrates 5th anniversary
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he grand-finale of the 5th anniversary of Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) Freedom Parish comes up today, Sunday, August 31, 2014 at the church’s auditorium, Esupofo Avenue, off Alade, Gasline Ijoko Road, Ota,Ogun State at 11:00am.
According to the Pastor in – charge of the Parish, Pastor Godwin Ehile, the event which kicked off last Tuesday with Bible lecture and open crusade will feature special ministration by Guest Minister, Pastor Iroha Kalu while special prayer will be offered for individuals and the nation.
Sunday August 31, 2014
AG women hold convention in style ODINAKA URUAKPA
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he Assemblies of God Church, Festac Town, Lagos, was a beehive of activities last week when the Women’s Ministry, Apapa District of the church held its 13th annual convention in grand style.
The week-long event tagged ‘Woman of Substance’ had in attendance women from all walks of life including the District coordinator, Evang. Esther Ogunbola, District President, Deaconess V. Obinyan, Evang. (Mrs.) B. Shodipe and other anointed men and women of God who were on ground to minister and motivate the women with godly words. According to Evangelist Ogunbola, the district through its NGO which was solely formed for the purpose of empowering the womenfolk plans to build a motherless babies’ home in the area. She said: “We have passion for the less privileged and we want our women to key into this; already we have more than five children we are sponsoring in the secondary school. Unlike other motherless babies’ home, we want to fund ours without seeking outside help. We want to affect lives and bring smiles to people’s face. “We took the theme ‘Woman of Substance’ from the gospel of Luke. Certain women followed Jesus Christ and they ministered unto Him out of their substance. We want our women to give; to help the needy, to meet the needs of the less privileged around them out of their own substance. It is not about how much we have, but about how much we can give to others”. She disclosed that they have vocational centers which are part of the NGO where women are trained in different areas so that they can have knowledge and an upper hand in skills of their choice. She added that they intended to carry as many women as possible along to impact lives of people around them; build the society and even the church of God. Speaking on challenges facing leaders especially women in the church, she said the Assemblies of God Church, by its makeup, does not give room for a woman to lead in the church rather women are expected to work with their husbands. “It is just recently that we have seen women taking active part in church dealings. You find out that in churches where women are given free hand, there is bound to be a lot of unusual things cropping up. In AG, women are been given an open hand to compliment the works of their men working in God’s vineyard”, she said. She insisted that she saw nothing wrong in women been leaders or pastors in churches, adding that women who are called by God stand better chances than some men because of the enlarged heart they(women) possess,
Evang. Esther Ogunbola (2nd right), with other women at the convention
which makes them focus on their vision. “The commission is to go into the world and preach the gospel. In the Bible, there is nothing like male or female; every child of God is called to go out to make disciples. You don’t have to be a pastor to go out for evangelism or crusade to win back perishing souls to Christ. “These days, everyone wants to be a pastor, to have churches of their own, you see different churches with different names scattered all over the place and this division is killing Christendom. We see ourselves as enemies and we find it difficult to relate with one another and there are many deceivers around hindering genuine souls from accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This is not the way to prepare people f or the kingdom of God,” she said. She listed some of the challenges she faces as a woman leader to be lack of cooperation from some of the women but said she doesn’t allow that to deter her, because as a child of God, she is bent on facing the vision she has and she hopes to achieve her aim of promoting a good course. Speaking on the high rate of poverty in the country, she urged the youths of the country not to depend solely on white collar jobs as form of employment but to venture into small scale businesses and menial jobs which they can earn their source of living from. According to her, “the problem is that a lot of people want to be in the office though the government is trying
its best in the area of employment but the people in charge can be a problem in the sense that the government may have made provision for jobs but the people there will turn around and pocket it”. While admonishing people not to jump into marriage just because they see others marrying, the Evangelist maintained that marriage is for mature people so it should not be rushed into. She added that it is the only institution where people receive certificate without sitting for examinations, so people should not to jump into marriage just because other people are marrying. “Before you go into this life-long union, you need to have goals and aspirations. For example, what do you expect of your spouse? How do you intend to bring up your children, how do you tackle challenges with come with this union? All these takes maturity and when those involved lack this, then they may resort to divorce which unfortunately is becoming rampant in our society”, she lamented. In her message to Nigeria women, she said the time has come when women have to come to understand that they can only do what a woman can do and not what a man can do and advised that for no reason should they compete with their husbands. “No woman can have a settled home if she does not submit to her husband as directed in the Bible. Women should stop comparing their homes to that of others; all they need do is to study what they have and see how they can make a success of it no matter how bad the situation”, she concluded.
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Business
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FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday August 31, 2014
War of inheritance Latest: John Haastrup’s accusations
against me are sheer blackmail –Prof Kalu
Says ‘my involvement in late Haastrup’s suit was purely professional’
Prof Awa Kalu (SAN) is a respected member of the inner bar and onetime former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Abia state. He believes so much in the law and had used same to contribute a lot to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria. For instance, while he held sway as the chief law officer of Abia State, he instituted, more than any state attorney-general in the country, various constitutional suits at the Supreme Court of Nigeria to seek its pronouncements on diverse knotty issues which had the capacity of disturbing the nation’s fledgling democracy at the time. He had, as a private lawyer, also handled various controversial cases. Kalu, in this interview with Abuja Bureau Chief, IseOluwa Ige, specifically reacted to various allegations made against him over his involvement in the late Haastrup’s case. He said his involvement in the matter was purely professional. Excerpts: There was an allegation against you by Mr. John Haastrup, the first son of an Ilesa-born industrialist and philanthropist, late Captain Israel Ademola Gbadebo Haastrup, that you acted for his late father without being briefed and that this amounted to professional misconduct. How true is this allegation? Let me start by saying that there was no truth in the allegation. From the information available to me, the late Captain Haastrup, the father of one John making all manners of allegations including criminal ones against lawyers involved in this matter, was a polygamist. He married two wives during his lifetime. The first wife, a Ghanaian, was the mother of the petitioner (John) while Mrs. Gloria Ngozi Haastrup was the second wife also blessed with children. But some years after the late Captain’s marriage with Ngozi, there was a disagreement between the couple. And sometimes in 2007, the late Captain Haastrup took a legal step to divorce Ngozi in a Nigerian court while Ngozi herself filed for a divorce in England against her husband but efforts were later made by both parties to reconcile their differences between 2007 when the suits for divorce were filed and 2010 when they eventually settled. But one of the late Captain’s children, Gabriel, was not happy with the reconciliation. He made legal attempts to scatter the reconciliation but failed. The rest is history. I did not know the Haastrup family until sometime in 2010 after the late Captain Haastrup and Ngozi had reconciled their differ-
ences and were living together as husband and wife at 157, Earlham Grove, Forest Gate , London E7 9AP. So, contrary to the allegation by Mr. John that I acted for his father without any instruction from the late Captain whom he claimed in his petition was abducted, let it be known to all and sundry that I met the late Captain Haastrup in 2010 in London in company with his wife, Mrs Gloria Haastrup and my learned brother, Mr. Dejo Lamikanra. On that occasion, he was eating and in high spirits to the best of my recollection, and was in control of his actions. He acknowledged me and consented that I act in accordance with instruction relayed through his wife, Gloria Haastrup or Dejo Lamikanra. Okay. But in the same petition authoured by Mr John Haastrup, he alleged that you acted only in concert with Mr. Lamikanra (SAN) and Mrs Gloria Ngozi Okorie to defraud his late father and his estate? I have just explained how I got involved in the Haastrup suit. I will therefore state that I did not act in concert with Mr Oladejo Oluseyi Lamikanra (SAN) who is a friend of mine and a professional colleague nor with Mrs. Gloria Ngozi Haastrup for any purpose other than for professional collaboration. To the best of my knowledge, no case of fraud has been established against Dejo Lamikanra (SAN) nor has my attention been drawn to any such fraud. The lady and the gentleman never contacted me pursuant to any scheme or fraud nor did I at any material time go beyond any instruction which was relayed to me from my regular sources of briefing. Any person who states anything to the contrary runs the risk of being the purveyor of falsehood. Although you claimed that you saw the late Haastrup in his house in London with his family, his son who wrote a petition against you claimed that at the time you claimed to have seen Captain Haastrup in his house in London, it was alleged that the late Captain had been abducted and was being searched for by the British police. How do you react to that contradiction? That allegation sounds like a fable to me. The late Haastrup that I saw in London was with his family, all of them happy. I just told you that he was eating when I got there and was in high spirits. I am not aware that the late Haastrup was abducted. According to the information available to me and record, that information was investigated by relevant authorities in England and was not substantiated by anyone. From the information available, one of Captain’s sons, Gabriel, was said to be behind the allegation. He was alleged to be the one who wrote the British Police and it was investigated but the allegation could not be substantiated. I think somebody was playing pranks somewhere. In fact, the late Haastrup during his lifetime took exception to the abduction allegation made against his wife, Ngozi and vehemently denied it (the allegation) in an affidavit physically deposed to by him before a Notary Public of England and Wales, Rupinder Kaur Bains, on February 16, 2011. Let me read what Captain Haastrup said on the matter to you (Reads) in his affidavit: “It is not true that I was abducted by anyone. 157, Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, London, E9 where I reside is my own property. I cannot be abducted and be living in my own property. The police
Kalu
had twice visited my wife and I in March and April of 2010 in connection with Gabriel’s allegation of abduction. My wife and I were each questioned separately. They have found it to be untrue. I live happily with my wife and our two children and we regularly go on vacation. Instead, it is Gabriel himself that is under police investigation. He is wanted to assist police enquiries in case number 5319475/10 relating to £80,000 he took from my account.” Somewhere in the petition too, it was alleged that while you were illegally acting for late Haastrup, you purportedly instructed one Mr. Akin Ojumoro in a letter “to pay money to a bank account controlled by Mr Lamikanra and Ms Okorie” at a time John claimed his father had no capacity to give such instruction. He also claimed that you cashed in on the mental disability of his father to collude with Lamikanra to be writing letters withdrawing monies from the late Captain’s account and that all monies paid into the account controlled by Lamikanra and Ngozi on your instruction had varnished. How true are these, sir? I won’t waste time on these allegations other than to say that they were totally false and scandalous. I see the entire allegations in this petition as nothing but occupational hazards. At the appropriate time, I will seek redress against the purveyor of this falsehood. But let me say quickly and emphatically that I did not at any material time instruct that payments be made to the persons named in that petition. I never had any knowledge of any of late Capt. Haastrup’s accounts nor did I at anytime receive correspondence from Mr. Akin Ojumoro indicating that any account controlled by the persons alleged to be defrauding the late Captain Haastrup. In any event, if they say I was busy withdrawing monies from the late Captain’s account, there should be proof. What I know is that it is impossible for money to disappear in any account because any money drawn from an account must have a signatory and it is not in doubt that I neither drew money from any of Captain’s Haastrup’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 50
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
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My hands are clean, my certificates real –Lamikanra
Lamikanra
Following series of allegations by John Haastrup, the first son of the late Navy Capt. Israel Haastrup against Mr. Oladejo Lamikanra (SAN) the Haastrup family’s lawyer, the latter too has reacted, through his spokesman, Elvon Jarret “My attention has been drawn to stories about my qualifications and educational background posted on the internet. The allegations are untrue and some of the facts are grossly inaccurate. There is nowhere in the referenced affidavit where I stated that I worked for Travers Smith Braithwaite or Penningtons in London. “Rather, I provided intermediation services for these firms in the early nineties in their respective quest to be appointed as Solicitors to Federal Government of Nigeria. I obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons.) degree from University of Lagos in 1984. Barrister-At-Law Degrees from Nigerian Law School in 1985. I obtained a Master of Laws Degree from Queen Mary, College, University of London in 1990. “As part of the requirements for that course i received lectures in Company Law at the London School of Economics ( which is also a College under University of London), under Professor Lord Wedderburn. My detractors have confirmation of these fact because they wrote to Queen Mary College. Why have they deliberately suppressed the information obtained from Queen Mary Col-
lege? I must inform you that the NBA has been presented with a Petition against me by one Mr. John Adewale Haastrup. It is this same person that is sponsoring the circulation of these stories and false allegations as part of his on-going and relentless vendetta against me and others, having being frustrated and his greed, inordinate ambition and duplicity exposed to the law courts. “Rather than answer to cases pending against him in the law courts in FHC/ABJ/CS/625/2013 (Forgery) and suit FCT/HC/CV/1876/2014 (forgery, falsehood, deceit and conversion of Estate Funds) - where injunctive orders have been issued against him for illegally seizing, appropriating and attempting to waste the Estate of my deceased client., he has characteristically decided on using the electronic and print media to smear. The people suing him in these cases are members of my deceased’s client’s family. I am not the lawyer in any of these cases. He should answer the court! It might interest you to note that I provided the referenced affidavit at the request of three Respondents in support of their case against the Applicant. The respondents (which included Mr. John Adewale Haastrup) won that case. Mr. John Adewale Haastrup harvested the fruits of victory and now seeks to impeach my credibility three years later! “The story you referred to and some of your questions actually do have their roots in, and are designed to unduly influence the outcome of the ongoing NBA Investigations. You must appreciate that It will be wholly inappropriate for me to comment further until the outcome of the said investigation. I should add that Mr. John Adewale Haastrup has previously presented petitions to the EFCC and to the IGP/INTERPOL. The investigations concluded and no wrongdoing whatsoever was established. The current allegations border on my integrity and indeed i shall respond fully at the appropriate time. The real story is of a certain man who is hell-bent on acquiring and controlling the Estate of my deceased client. He is desperate and sees me as his major obstacle. The solution? Destroy him. Ruin his career. Rest assured, you shall have the full story at the appropriation time. I will however caution against misplaced enthusiasm and sensational journalism. Thank you.
‘Accusations against me are sheer blackmail’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 account nor from any other person’s who had a relationship with the late Captain Haastrup. I deny vehemently that both Lamikanra and I were busy writing to banks and companies to claim money, purportedly on the instruction of the late Captain. I will need to be shown any letter in which I asked any bank or any institution or person to pay me money of any sort. I need to emphasise that the late Captain Haastrup was never in my custody nor was he in the custody of any person over whom I had control. The petitioner also alleged that you joined your friend, Mr Lamikanra and Ngozi to forge a power of attorney to loot the estate of the late Captain Haastrup. How true is this? This allegation is also Greek to me. As far as I know, I have not seen the certification of forgery by a handwriting expert as alleged nor am I privy to any forgery. I believe that any letter
that I have written or authourised will tell its story and I cannot recall instructing anyone to defraud either the late Captain Israel Ademola Haastrup or a company of which he was a proprietor or majority shareholder. Somewhere in the petition against you, you were accused of engaging in professional misconduct by misleading a London based firm, MHHP Law in a letter dated October 21, 2011, that Ngozi was still the wife of late Haastrup when you purportedly knew they were divorced. How do you react to this? This is also laughable. Let me start by saying that the facts in that allegation are unacceptably incorrect. The status of Mrs. Gloria Haastrup was contested in a court of law and there is no judgment or ruling known to me in which Gloria’s status as a wife was repudiated. I confirm that I acted as counsel to Mrs. Gloria Haastrup and in her capacity as wife, I reacted to a letter written by MHHP Law, UK in which I stated facts as known to me and nothing more.
Odunuga
Hoteliers task Fashola on multiple taxation
H
oteliers in Lagos State have implored the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, to address the issue of multiple taxation which they claim is having a debilitating effect on the hospitality business in the state. Making the appeal on behalf of the hoteliers in Lagos State, the President, Hoteliers Association, HAN, Lagos State, Aare Tola Odunuga, noted that the multiple taxation being levied on hoteliers in the state was having a crippling effect on their business. “We want to appeal to Governor Fashola to save our business from collapsing. Multiple taxation being levelled on our members is having a crippling effect on our business. While state governments imposed levies on us which we paid as at when due, local government officials and officials from Ministry of Health and Environment have also been making life difficult for us through various levies being imposed on our members. These levies are exactly the same which we have to already paid into state government coffers. We implore Governor Fashola to look into our complaint, and take necessary measures to save our business from collapsing,” he declared. On the issue of insecurity challenge facing the country, the hotelier urged both federal and state governments to develop closer relationship with hoteliers as part of efforts being made to combat the scourge of terrorism in the country. Making the appeal in Lagos, Odunuga noted that both the hoteliers and the government have greater role to play in efforts being made to tackle insecurity in the country. While urging government to regard hoteliers as partners in the campaign against terrorism, Odunuga who is also the Vice President, HAN, South West, said: “There is need for a greater collaboration between government and hoteliers at this critical moment of our national life when insecurity has become a source of concern to everybody, considering the vital role hoteliers play in the economic development of the nation, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the hospitality industry is not threatened by terrorism.” While commending efforts being made by Lagos State Government to sensitise hoteliers and other operators in the hospitality industry on precautionary measures to take to protect their premises against terrorist attacks, he urged other state governments to organize workshops, and seminars on a regular basis to enlighten operators on what measures to take to secure their bases of operation. “It is gladdening that hoteliers in Lagos State and the state government have been collaborating through workshop and seminars to create more awareness on security. We should all realize that any issue relating to security should be seen as a collective responsibility, and not as a task for government alone,” he declared. Enumerating measures being taken by members of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State branch to protect business premises of its members from being attacked by terrorists, Odunuga declared that stakeholders meetings are regularly organized where members will receive lecture and security tips from security and safety professionals. “We are mindful of the responsibility put on our shoulders as hoteliers, and as a result of this development we have always strive to be on the top of the situation to avert calamity. We have also ensured that we recruit adequate personnel including security guards and experts to provide security for our customer. We however wish to implore both the federal government and the Lagos State government including the Inspector General of Police to increase security patrols along major highways in Lagos State.
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IIn the Patio
Kayode Fasua
kayfasua@yahoo.com (08034101207; SMS only, pls)
I
n the land of the jackals, there can be no honour for the meek, other than for anyone with the mien of the lamb to kiss the dust in disgrace. Or how else can the riveting drama in the Enugu Government House be rationalised? The gale of internal disquiet that has whirled stubbornly in the almost eight years rule of Governor Sullivan Chime last week calibrated in the unceremonious removal of the deputy governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, whose fitful efforts to keep his job were as good as the twirl of a decapitated goat. On the surface, Onyebuchi’s offence was that he reduced governance to a joke by turning his official quarters in the Government House to a poultry, where he reared thousands of chickens, among them broilers, cockerels, roosters and cocks. According to the accusation, the deputy governor’s chickens thus cast a slur on what should be the serenity of the Government House, as his cherished fowls clucked or cackled disturbingly, on end. Again, Onyebuchi’s burgeoning poultry
Opinion
Sunday August 31, 2014
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Onyebuchi: Trial of a chicken farmer was said to have constituted serious health hazard to the Government House neighbourhood, a situation that attracted the anger of task force officials from the Environment Ministry, who swooped on the poultry and carted away its occupants. That of course would have thrown a hapless Onyebuchi into some insolvency as he probably aimed to sell the chickens in the coming Christmas. Well, if he had reared the birds as massive pets to soothe some joyous intuition, then, a psychic injury must have been done to him in the process. Tut, was the deputy governor not aware of the governor’s delicate state of health? For a governor who was just recuperating from a protracted nose cancer disease to now be whiffing in the stench of chicken effluents through a tenderly revived nose could only come as the sacrilege of a dad caught bedding his daughter. In another breath, an allegation against the deputy governor before he was finally sacked is that he was obstinate and refused to take instructions from Governor Chime, his principal. This allegation was particularly padded with instances to an extent that if Onyebuchi had escaped impeachment through the recommendations of a panel set up by the House of Assembly to try him, then Christ Jesus too would have escaped the sentence of Pontius Pilate, in his days. Sorely embattled, Onyebuchi did not leave his head for free picks as he cast a riposte, telling Governor Chime that the lat-
ter was like a kettle calling the pot black, as the governor also at a time owned a poultry in the Government House. He denied being pigheaded, insisting instead that he was only a victim of political victimisation, as his impeachment move was only a devious plot ahead of the 2015 general election. Wrenched pitiably as his trial progressed, the deputy governor while standing before the panel’s jurors, collapsed as a result of what his counsel described as dizziness. But as resonant with Nigeria’s political culture of an impeachment process as ‘sure death’, Onyebuchi finally lost out, with his hecklers popping champagne to make merry ‘for the enemy has been conquered.’ To wit, Enugu under Governor Chime’s almost eight-year rule has been one raucous political jungle embellished as paradise. This is justifiable with instances of a governor perpetually as a disapproving enigma in lead circles, both in public and private life. Though helped in his aspiration to become governor by his godfather and immediate predecessor, ex-Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Chime was soon in the news as having brushes with the latter. While not crucifying the governor for shaking off the leech of a godfather to gain his independence, not a few politicians loyal to his former boss saw him as playing the legendary Judas. Giddily, Chime has thus far run the affairs of Enugu in tenure deficit, ordinarily attrib-
utable to his health challenge but which left traces of political disconcert in his cabinet. For the 140 days that the governor was away to attend to his health, Onyebuchi as the acting governor was the equivalent of a lame-duck hawk in the jungle of a thousand chicks. During the period, the voice of the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, and not that of the acting governor, commanded awe and respect among the governor’s people in power. But as Onyebuchi’s critics would say, it was his fault that he was acting governor that failed to so act. Again, an ecclectically historic Governor Chime had his stint of marital crisis that dramatically snowballed into moral and political brouhaha. Staving off accusations that he maltreated his wife, the First Lady, Clara, by putting her in solitary confinement inside a Government House detention, Chime soon denied the claims, saying rather that his estranged wife suffered some depression and that it was only normal that he should protect her. Soon after, Clara was bundled out of the Government House, never to be the First Lady to Governor Chime. Though Chime still has nine more months to spend as governor of the state of the coal city, it is expected that his tenure which apparently has been matched with some physical achievements, will also record more dramatic power plays to make up for Nigeria’s pall of unending insurgent attacks and the low profile of the pocket.
Pepper sodomy: How ‘murder case’ became ‘attempted murder’ JOE OKEI-ODUMAKIN
U
ntil that day some two months ago after we returned from Benin Republic to get clearance from their Interpol to excavate Juliana’s body on forensic examination, I still carried the belief in my head that Juliana was underneath the mold of earth, near which I stood to promise her justice. Maybe till now, I still do, because it sounds strange and mysterious to me that a family we had stood solidly for, even when we were yet to know or meet with them, carrying out protests and disturbing every institution for investigations, would turn back and suddenly change their story, which they made us in turn share to the world. Continue… That voice from Baba-Ibeji as we journeyed to the Federal SARS office to collect feedback from the police on their meeting with the Interpol in Benin still resonates in my ears; “Doctor, I am sorry I did not tell you this before. Maybe it was the informant’s fault that she told us to always maintain that Juliana was dead until all is over”. That was BabaIbeji’s voice, Juliana’s father, known in the Ejigbo pepper sodomy case as the palm-wine tapper. I thought I did not hear him well, he said it again, in imbalanced Yoruba language. I was confused, I asked what he meant. After his explanations, it dawned slowly on me that it must be the reason they had sent for me from the Federal SARS, asking me to bring him and his son along. We had gone with the Police team from Nigeria to Benin Republic, with
mission to gain easy permission to exhume the corpse for forensic check. However, the day finished without achieving it. I had to return to Lagos very late that night from Benin Republic to catch flight back to Abuja, the National Confab required my input. But we left the police over there, to continue with the assignment. We had thought we would do the forensics same day, but that did not happen owing to long process of obtaining clearance from their Interpol. I left late that night for Lagos. But Baba-Ibeji did not tell me what they told their own police in Benin Republic, and now to Nigeria’s police when they arrived their yard for the assignment. We had communicated many times after then. But he did not still tell me they had a new story for the police than I knew, of Juliana’s death. Now in the car, he explained that Juliana was not physically dead, but that he thought we were the same (Women Arise) with the informant who brought him to us and collected the reward announced by the Lagos State House of Assembly. He said the woman (the informant) knew about it from day one, that Juliana was not physically dead to their knowledge, but got missing and was concluded to have died. He said he thought I also knew about the informant’s position, asking that they maintain that she was dead whenever asked. Terribly, I got disturbed! I immediately began to think of many things; how I had gone to the grave; how I had made promises for justice at the grave site (which I was just being told no longer belongs to Juliana); how I had made the world believe the same thing I was told about Juliana’s death; all the efforts; my in-
tegrity...and the rest. We were on the third mainland bridge and heading for Adeniji Adele, office of the Federal SARS. I felt like jumping out on the car and into the lagoon. The day was saved by two men in the car with me asides from the palm wine tapper. Leye, the Women Arise Project Officer and Segun O’Law, the citizen reporter who had been capturing footages and rendering a documentary from the case. Himself, O’Law, almost broke down, but as he saw me go mute, thinning and profusely sweating, he grew himself back into the characteristic of a man so as to help me pull up fair approximation to a balance. I wanted to probe further, but O’Law cut it, making him suspend any further explanation yet, until we reached our destination. I understand O’Law wanted me to gain a some recovery from the shock first, before we’d proceed on that, but I was anxious. O’Law prevailed, laying off the discussion temporarily. But I had almost lost sense of myself. We assembled on the Federal SARS premises, and decided to talk further before going in to meet our prospective host. I had lost my appetite, but was famished. I knew more that day, that a worried mind is a quick drain pipe of body fluids. I could not tell difference between my own mass (or how flexible it felt at that time) from the size of a broom stick. I felt lighter for what a little amount of breeze would displace. My vision blurred, and I fast dazed. Suddenly, our prospective host stepped out. He was leaving for other assignment. The officer noticed something was wrong with me and spent a great deal of time chatting with us about oth-
ers things. He requested we fix another time, between when he called me to say he understood what had happened to me, which was his reason for fixing another time. Sincerely, words cannot capture it. I thought I would not survive it. Nothing ever shocked or shook me like that. It was like a magnitude of tsunami capable off throwing a city into irreparable calamity hitting me. I had been tortured by the military, jailed, shot on my leg, robbed at gun point and faced multiple tragedies, they did not shake me as such. But something threatening my integrity was a worse hit. What would I tell the world now, whose attention I had turned on the Ejigbo case? I began calling all that stood with us since start of the case. I called in the OPD officials, who are in collaboration with us on the matter. I hinted them. More people entered the disturbance. Long story short, we invited the OPD attorney along for the next day fixed for meeting at the Federal SARS. Now, we were formally made aware of the news; we could not establish “murder” in the case, because victim’s family said they weren’t sure she physically died, but they had only buried her spirit in line with certain traditional practice. BabaIbeji insisted it was their practice to call over and bury the spirit of a person that has been missing for a long time, and later presumed to be dead. He said in their culture, if they called such person’s spirit, who had gone missing for a while, the person would return. Otherwise, the person is dead. CONTINUED ON PAGE 56
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
ASCON DG tasks public servants on development
T
he Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Mr. Ajibade Peters, at the weekend, charged public servants in country to generate new ideas to promote development. Peters gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the fourth in the series of the 2014 ASCON Regular Courses in Badagry, Lagos State. The ASCON DG said that the civil service was the engine of growth and key to national development.
He urged the public service to continually generate new ideas and innovations to make itself relevant to both government and the citizenry. ``The Public service remains the most vital institution through which the government at all levels delivers its policies and programmes to the citizenry. “Because of the importance of the service, the government has spared no effort in recent times to reposition the service for effective service delivery. “In line with the huge
Sanitation programme, opportunity to turn waste to wealth –NYSC DG
T
he Director-General of NYSC, Brig-Gen Johnson Olawumi, has said that the collaboration between his Directorate and state governments on environmental sanitation, could give Corps members, the opportunity of learning how to turn “waste to wealth”. Speaking in Akure yesterday in Akure at the occasion of the flag-off of the NYSC/State Governments Collaboration on Monthly Environmental Sanitation, he said some wastes had potentials that could be harnessed through proper recycling. He said that 200, 000 corps members would be participating in the monthly environmental sanitation across the nation, educating the populace on the dangers inherent in improper waste disposal and dirty environment. Olawumi explained that the new scheme was designed to involve all Corps members in the campaign aimed at ensuring safe and hygienic environment for the country. “In its over forty-one years of existence, NYSC has touched lives positively, brought development to our urban and rural communi-
ties, and executed major national assignments whenever called upon. “Corps members have contributed tremendously to the fight against HIV/ AIDS pandemic, conducted Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) advocacy across the nation, assisted in the implementation of the National Programme on Immunization. “Under this sanitation programme, the scheme will ensure mass attendance and participation of over 200,0000 Corps members in the monthly exercises in their various host communities across the nation,” he said. Olawumi also commended Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, for accepting to partner with the NYSC on the programme. He equally commended the Ministry of Environment and the State Environmental Protection Agency, for embracing the initiative. In his remarks, Gov. Mimiko, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Kola Ademujimi, expressed happiness that the state was chosen to flag-off the programme.
investment of government to reposition the service, government also expects much from the public service and public servants in terms of improved efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. “So public servants must evolve a public service that delivers government policies and programmes with excellence, discipline and professionalism,” he said. Peters, however, lamented lack of interest of Nigerians to invest their resources in the country. “Nigerians don’t consider their country a safe or worthy haven to invest
their resources and if we don’t do that, who else will? “I often hear public servants castigating government over its neglect of the public service. ``This is unfortunate because how many of us ever ponder to ask ourselves how many public servants really invest their energies, time, knowledge, skills and creativity for the improvement of the service. “Just as we need Nigerians to invest in the country, in order to attract foreign investors, we also need public servants to invest in the public service. ``This is to attract gov-
ernment attention and commitment to the well-being of the public servants,” he noted. Peters urged the graduating participants to use the knowledge acquired from their various programmes to make their various working places better. “One of the major challenges after attending training programmes like this is for you to make deliberate efforts to transfer your learning to the job. ``You do that to enable you improve your performances at work after undergoing the course here,” he said.
One of the participants, Mr. Yemi Akande applauded the efforts of ASCON and promised to attend further programmes at the college. “The two weeks I have spent here have been awesome. It’s a wonderful place to be and everything is working perfectly. “There is always power supply, the environment is very conducive, there is no doubt in my mind that I will be here again as soon as possible,” he added. NAN reports that a total of 44 participants graduated from the various courses.
L-R: Director, Technical Vocational Skills Training Development, Industrial Training Fund, Mr. Jonathan Akinlaton; representative of the Director-General, Sir. Joseph Ari and Managing Partner, Concinnity Management Consulting Firm, Mrs. Yemisi Akinrinade, during a coalition meeting for formation PHOTO: NAN of Worldskills Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
APBN urges FG to provide social housing, to check deficit
T
he Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) on Friday urged the Federal Government to provide social housing, to check the huge housing deficit in the country. APBN president, Mr. Bala Ka’oje, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. Ka’oje urged the Federal Government to ensure that its earlier promise on social housing becomes a reality. NAN recalls that social housing means homes that
are owned by local authorities, let at low rents. The houses are given to those who are most in need or struggling with their housing costs. ``Once the promise of a social housing scheme is realised, many Nigerians will live in decent neighbourhood. ``This is because it will help to reduce the emergence of slums as the houses would have necessary infrastructure and facilities which are lacking in the present schemes.
``The government can ensure funds are available for developers to engage in aggressive housing development. ``This can also be done through mortgage arrangements for people who want mortgage loans. ``The recapitalisation of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is, therefore, very important for government to achieve more in housing delivery,’’ he said. Ka’oje said that when government engages in social housing, some of the
impediments in the Land Use Act would be surmounted. He said that it had been difficult for individuals and developers to have access to land for housing development. The APBN president added it had been difficult to get title documents that would help them source for money to develop the available land. According to Ka’oje, construction professionals categorise all lands and buildings that do not have title documents as dead property.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Politics
Sunday, August 31, 2014
ttle to court
Omisore CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
as shrewd political move, renounced his membership of the PDP and defected to the APC. Abidoye, a precocious grassroots mobiliser and legal practitioner, who hails from Boripe local government, same council area with Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, the Chief of Staff to Governor Aregbesola, was actively involved in the PDP preparations and participation in the August 9 poll. He was said to have served as the secretary of the legal committee that drafted the PDP petition. He also served in the cabinet of Prince Oyinlola as Special Assistant on Legislative Matters, cleverly suggesting that some of the last foot soldiers of the former governor remaining in the PDP had finally chose to link up with their boss in his new party. While addressing a gathering at an event organised to welcome him into the APC, Abidoye declared that the PDP petition against Aregbesola’s victory may not fly because he partook in compil-
ing and knew the reasons advanced by the PDP may not be enough to nullify the governorship poll. But reacting to the development, the head, Osun PDP legal team, Chief Sunday Ojo-Williams, while speaking with newsmen, said the party never trusted Abidoye and did not give him any “strategic assignment” before, during or after the governorship poll. He added that Abidoye was not the legal adviser of the party, but one of the numerous “assistant legal advisers”, adding that he never partook in drafting PDP petition nor knew its contents and advised APC not to believe whatever Abidoye told them. Ojo-Williams also added that the world would hear and see “shocking revelations” about the Osun governorship election when the tribunal began hearing of the PDP petition, saying the party was confident of a victorious outing, because it had painstakingly compiled all flaws it observed in the election. Osun APC, PDP motions for forensic examination of materials used for August 9 poll: To set the ball rolling, both the PDP and APC in their first appearance before the Petition Tribunal on Wednesday, August 27, sought its relief to conduct manual and forensic examinations of all materials used for the poll. The APC and PDP through their lawyers had filed the motion and prayed the tribunal to permit their agents access to certified true copies and conduct manual/physical inspection of all electoral materials to wit, including forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E, EC40A, EC40B, EC40C, EC40F, EC40G, EC25, EC25B (Electoral Material Receipt), EC1A, EC60, INEC list and codes of the polling units, wards and local government areas used for the poll. CONTINUED ON PAGE 57
at Presidency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
Edo and maybe one state from the South-East, Imo, filing behind him in the February 14 presidential election, victory will be assured. However, many issues have been raised on the person of Buhari, particularly as it concerns the swiftness to change his mind after he had earlier promised to give way to the younger generation, his ambition - legitimate as it is - is disturbing as it is increasingly assuming the form of desperation. To many Nigerians, Buhari does not come across as an overly ambitious, run-of-the-mill Nigerian politician. His public posturing is that of a humble man whose drive for power is for altruistic reasons. A man who, under successive military dispensations, held virtually all important political positions in the land such as military governor, minister and Head of State. Buhari projects his persona as a man of integrity who has not been tainted by corruption. His insistence on becoming a civilian president is leaving the people with no other option as one being desperate for power. His increasing comments on national issues may also count against him. At one time, he will threaten violence if things are not seen or done
his way, at other time he will prophesy doomsday for the nation if his party loses state election. His inability to publicly condemn the activities of the Boko Haram until recently gave an impression of a leader who could be religiously biased should he become the president. Buhari’s past will always haunt him politically as has been the case in the previous elections. His actions as military Head of State between December 1983 and August 1985, the documented cases of ethnic bias against him, his tainted democratic credentials, his flawed judgement on public policy and his warped worldview, have been the reasons for his failure in successive presidential contests from 2003 to 2011. The year 2015 will likely not be different. A few of such issues will suffice as he has done very little to clean those dents. Not known to be a man of means, Buhari would have to contend with other aspirants from the North who are known to be stupendously rich and influential. This is because, under the
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Oyo: Aspirants in desperate moves to clinch party tickets KEMI OLAITAN
W
hen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) some time ago released the time table for the 2015 general elections with the party primaries for the elective positions from the office of president to members of the state Houses of Assembly fixed for between October and November this year, it was expected that our politicians with different ambitions would not but come out to outdo their opponents. This is not only to get the ticket of their party but also to win the proper election. For politicians in the pace setter state, they are already in the business of politicking, as a first time visitor to Ibadan, the state capital and other cities such as Oyo, Ogbomoso, Saki and Eruwa, will be confronted with posters, bill boards and banners placed at strategic positions. However, with the general election still about six months away, what has become a major source of concern to political analysts in the state is the desperation of the various aspirants in clinching their party tickets. Indeed, the struggle to get the ticket has become more or less a war and this is not restricted to the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Also this applies in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Accord Party (AP) as well as the Labour Party (LP). As at the last count even though it is in the opposition, not less than 11 aspirants are in the “war” for the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP. Leading the pack is the immediate past governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. The former police boss and local government chairman was the Deputy Governor during the administration of Senator Rasheed Ladoja. His posters with the inscription “Ajumobi Ko Kan Taanun” could be found in major cities and towns in the state. Others include former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, two former deputy governors in the state, Alhaji Azeem Gbolarumi and Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, who is at present Nigeria’s Ambassador in Jordan, a former Minister, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a businessman, Mr. Femi Babalola, a serving senator, Ayo Adeseun. The rest are another business magnate, Mr. Seyi Makinde, a medical doctor based in the United States of America, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, Prof. Soji Adejumo and Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan. With the other aspirants for other positions under the platform of the party queuing behind each one of them, any rally or meeting of the party involving all the gubernatorial aspirants most if not all the time turned to a battle field. Their supporters also adorn themselves in t-shirts, fez caps or ankara with the photograph of the aspirants dancing and singing themselves hoarse to the music dished out by the bands engaged by the aspirants. The events also often become a battle of posters with supporters of the aspirants pasting their posters on all available spaces and at times tearing those of
Ajimobi
the opponents. However, the war is more pronounced in the ruling APC, starting from the governorship where the incumbent, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, will have to slug it out with a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Barrister Adebayo Shittu. While public officials in the state, especially local government chairmen everyday continued to bombard the state radio and television stations with the achievements of Ajimobi and; why he must be allowed for a second term, the Saki-born Shittu has remained undeterred and also going on air to disparage the achievements of the governor and why he is the best for the position. This has however not been limited to the governorship position. Last Wednesday, pandemonium was the order of the day at Ojoo area of Ibadan when supporters of the APC members of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Temitope Olatoye (aka Sugar), representing Lagelu State Constituency and Hon. Abiodun Adigun Ahmed (aka Murphy) representing Akinyele II State Constituency clashed. During the fracas between the supporters of the two lawmakers who are eyeing the ticket of the same Federal Constituency, no fewer than 10 people were injured, including an Ibadan-based Fuji musician, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde (aka Merenge). Trouble started between their supporters at a mini-rally held on the day when the fuji musician sang praises of Olatoye, describing him as a political bigwig, which infuriated the supporters of Ahmed as the two of them engaged in battle of popularity on stage. The struggle to outdo each other then led to a violent clash between their supporters during which machetes were freely used, leading to commotion within the area as traders and party faithful scampered to safety. Also in this same ship is the battle for the APC ticket for the Oyo Federal Constituency comprising the four local government areas in Oyo town. The war is between the present lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, who is serving his second term and the son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who at present is the chairman of Atiba local council area. CONTINUED ON PAGE 57
54
Wellness
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES AUGUST 31, 2014
Stress: Keys to managing it
A stressed-up man A woman having her BP checked
A patient at the hospital
ODINAKA URUAKPA
M
ental-health charity, a health group in the United Kingdom has revealed that one in five workers is likely to have stress-related ailments in the course of duty. It added that this is bound to happen with those who do not
have a proper handling of their emotions. The group reported that some British workers had said that stress had made them physically ill during their career, and unmanageable pressure had caused one in four to cry while at work. Prescriptions for anti-depressants saw an unprecedented rise during one recent years of economic recession.
Cardiologist tasks governments on stroke management A Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Muhammad Shehu, has called on governments at all levels to provide Defibrillators in public places to ease stroke management. He made the call during a clinic session organised for members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors yesterday in Katsina. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clinic was part of activities for the 10th edition of the All Nigerian Editors Conference. Defibrillator is a small device
that is placed in the chest or abdomen for the treatment of life-threatening cardiac vascular diseases. Shehu, who is a consultant/physician with Katsina General Hospital, said that the deployment of defibrillators in all health facilities would also enhance effective management of heart-related complications in the country. He said that timely resuscitation of stroke victims was necessary to save life. According to the cardiologist, inadequate provision of
heart management equipment in public health facilities across the country was partly responsible for high death rate arising from stroke and heart attack. He said that deaths arising from cardiovascular diseases could be effectively managed with adequate awareness among the population. Shehu attributed the major causes of cardiovascular diseases in the country to unhealthy life styles such as smoking, poor diet habit and sedentary living, among others.
Causes of stress have been listed to include insecurity - financial or otherwise, a demanding routine, interpersonal conflicts and traumatic experience. Stress ultimately could lead to health disorder, emotional exhaustion, sleep problems, depression and deteriorating relationships. According to the Awake!, a publication of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, stress activates an amazing system in the body; the emergency response system. Hormones are released to increase breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. In addition, reserves of blood cells and glucose flood into your bloodstream. This cascade of reactions prepares you to deal with the stressor which is the stimulus causing the stress. After the stressor has passed, the body may return to normal. But when a stressor remains, it can leave a person chronically anxious or tense, like a motor that stays revved up. So learning how to deal with stress is important to both the physical and mental well-being of an individual. Stress in itself is not harmful. The American Psychology Association has noted that “stress is to human condition what tension is to the violin string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the music is shrill or the string
snaps. Stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The issue really is how to manage it.” Adding another dimension, people vary in temperament and general health. So what stresses one person may not stress another. That said, you are likely over-stressed if your regular routine makes you so tense that you cannot relax or deal with the occasional emergency. To help them cope with chronic stress, some people turn to alcohol, drugs or tobacco. Others begin abnormal eating patterns or sit passively in front of a TV or computer and these are habits that do not address the underlying problem but may, in fact, exacerbate it. How, then, can we learn to manage stress effectively? According to the experts, the common causes of stress include insecurity, demanding routine, interpersonal conflicts and traumatic events. “None of us has total security. As the Bible states, ‘time and unexpected events overtake us all’. You can deal with feelings of insecurity by confiding in a trusted family member or friend. Studies show that the support of loved ones consistently confers protection against stress-related disorders. People need not continually focus on worst-case scenarios. Such thinking does little more than drain emotional reserves. “A relentless routine of commuting, working, studying or caring for children or elderly parents can keep stress levels high. Moreover, stopping some of these activities may be out question. Try to give yourself some downtime and get adequate rest, set sound priorities and adopt a modest lifestyle. “Conflicts with others, especially in the workplace, can be very stressful. If you experience such difficulties, you have a number of options that might help. When someone upsets you, try to stay calm. Do not add fuel to the fire; a mild answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” states Proverbs 15:1.
HEALTH NEWS
Researcher decries low patronage of HIV prevention services A medical researcher, Prof. Oni Idigbe, at the weekend, expressed concern over the public’s low patronage of Prevention of Mother-toChildren Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in Nigeria. Idigbe, the Coordinator, Tuberculosis/HIV Programmes at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. The researcher, who said that the rate of counselling and test-
ing of expectant mothers was very low, explained that lack of access and low patronage of PMTCT could thwart efforts at protecting future generations against HIV infection. “We need to improve our PMTCT, our PMTCT is still very low, that is Prevention of Mother- to-Child Transmission. “I was in the U.S. last year in Washington AIDS meeting and the Mayor of Washington came and announced that for the past six, seven years, there is no child that has been born positive for
HIV by an infected mother. “So, we should have that now. We are still at the level of 17 per cent coverage for women who need PMTCT. ``If you look at the opposite of it; it means we are still not reaching 83 per cent of pregnant women that need PMTCT. So, we still have a long way to go.`` Idigbe, however, urged government at all levels to scale up activities of the programme to enable the country to reduce HIV burden to 90 per cent by 2015.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Interview
Sunday August 31, 2014
55
‘I am not in competition with Chief Osoba’ As a result of her multi-border nature, Ogun State is prone to security challenge. What have you done to address the problem? Only two states are investing in security more than Ogun State in Nigeria today. These are Lagos and Rivers states. We met 19 rickety Hilux vans provided for the use of the police when we came in 2011. Today, we have over 300 brand new Hilux vans equipped with communication facilities. We have 13 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) in place today. No state in Nigeria has the type of APC we have. It is a 2011 technology, the very latest from the United States. When we came, banks were all closed but due to the measures we put in place, all banks are today working in Ogun State. Some people try to sabotage the APCs but we always get around it. They planned to mess us up but God is in control. My own goal is to provide security for the people of the state. Before we came, nightlife was almost zero, now people can move around even at night and nightlife is back in the state. Properties of our people are now well secured. We have not got there yet but we are on the correct route and we are not stopping.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 even without planning. The ongoing Sango-Ojodu Road is causing inconveniences to the residents. When do you hope to complete the construction? We have to make the Sango-Ojodu-Abiodun Road a six-lane way because we plan for a light rail system that will pass through that area. Initiallym it was to be a 4-lane road but we have to re-plan and re-design it. It was to cost N40 billion then, and now it is to cost N70 billion. We do not have the money. So, we are constructing it in phases but it will be over a period of three and a half years. It is a huge investment but we will install toll gates on it to recoup the investment. The demolition of structures for road construction work is a bold effort. How have you handled the fallout and payment of compensation? There have been failure of governments over the years but the role of a governor is to be fair and just. In our urban renewal drive, we have reasons to demolish some structures to give way for the roads we are to build. In the first of such roads that we completed, the Ibara-Sokori-Totoro road, five structures that have to do with members of my family were affected. Three belonging to former President Olusegun Obasanjo were initially affected. When we moved to the fourth building owned by the former President, Baba called me to ask if I was planning to run him out of town. I said no, we were trying to reorder things. But today, Baba (Obasanjo) prays for me because we didn’t demolish the structures and leave the work undone. Several kilometres of road and bridges are being built across the state to raise the infrastructure profile of our state and attract investors. When we started, a lot of people were unhappy, calling us several names. Even some party people said it will sink the party. But today, they have seen the reason those structures must give way to the roads. They have seen the work that is going on and people appreciate it. We gave compensation to home owners whose property were affected irrespective of whether you have the necessary documents. This is Ogun State and we recognise that we cannot subject our people to the conditions attached to such exercise in other places. So, we have to pay compensation. What we do in some instance is to build completely new houses for some very old, very vulnerable people whose homes were demolished. The abuse by some people over these tough decisions doesn’t have impact on me. I usually plead with our people that you cannot make an omelette without breaking the egg. I take inspiration from the fact that Pa Obafemi Awolowo was thoroughly abused when he commenced the construction of the 25-storey Cocoa House building in Ibadan. Women took to the streets to protest. Today, that building defines the landscape of the whole of Ibadan and the whole of Yorubaland. One should not be deterred by criticism if you are sure of what you are doing, and you have your eyes on history. There are accusations by the opposition that the cost of your road construction is too high and that you are borrowing heavily to fund the construction work; what is your take? All the roads we are constructing are of world standard and the cost is the lowest in
What is the relationship between you and Chief Olusegun Osoba like? Chief Osoba is my leader and whatever happens, he remains my leader. There is no contest about that. I do not want to say more than that.
Amosun
ON EKITI GUBER ELECTION
I DISAGREE THAT THE GOOD PEOPLE OF EKITI VOTED THE WAY THEY DID BECAUSE SOME
PEOPLE GAVE THEM RICE. THE PEOPLE OF
EKITI ARE VERY EDUCATED. THERE MUST BE SOME OTHER THINGS THAT HAPPENED THAT
PEOPLE ARE YET TO KNOW AND APPRECIATE. Nigeria. I challenge anyone to investigate this claim and prove me wrong and see. We deliver high quality at low cost to the people of Ogun State. Our Ogun Standard roads come with six lane minimum, there are eight to 10-lane boulevard. There are drains on both sides, walkways, median, street lights, green areas and bus stops. Those who cannot comprehend the financial management strategy that is helping us to handle all these completed and ongoing gigantic projects are the ones shouting about phantom N300 billion loans. Our debt profile hovers between N37 billion and N40 billion because we pay back regularly. I want to challenge those who cry about N300 billion loan to provide the names of the banks where they have helped us to secure such loans. Can you tell us more about your Home Ownership Charter Programme? We put in place Home Owners Charter because we realised that a lot of people have built homes without relevant approval and papers. It wasn’t to demolish any structure. It is a scheme aimed at empowering our people, putting higher values on their property and helping to generate enumeration statistics. In areas like Magboro, Aseese and many of our border areas that are unplanned in
that axis, we appreciate that past governments had abdicated their responsibility and that is why people built in the manner they did. We plan to do something called ‘envelope development system’. That means development that will take the peculiarity of that particular area into cognisance and try to fashion out some order in the prevailing disorderliness. There was a master plan for Ogun State. Even my predecessor reviewed it but didn’t use it. The largest limestone belt in West Africa is along the Sagamu-Papalanto belt. It is in the Master-plan and yet what do you have over the limestone deposit now? This housing estate, that housing estate; I cannot understand why people will see the right thing and decide to do the wrong. But my own plan is to deliver quality houses for our people to the extent that becoming a house owner won’t be a problem. Some people told me that the houses in the estates we are building in Abeokuta would be taken over by Lagos people. I said it would never happen. Nobody will buy the houses and lock it up. It must be occupied. They will have to come and be living in them. But we have to be ready to change the way we live in the past.
Why is it difficult for you to carry him along? I don’t know what you mean by carrying him along. The ACN executive in the state in 2011 had 52 members. Today, 47 of them are with us in APC. So if I do not carry people along, how will they be with me? These are people who have been with Chief Osoba since he joined politics in the late 80s. So, why is the allegation of not carrying people along? The Osoba people dominate the current APC executive in Ogun State. They constitute 71 per cent of our executive committee. I will appeal to you (journalists) to assist in preaching the gospel that one per cent of something is better than 100 per cent of nothing. It is in the overall interest of all of us to continue to work together as a team. Our tendency is the only one that can bring development to our state and country. We should not allow any reverse to the ongoing development in our state. I am a peace lover and will continue to reach out to all those who feel aggrieved and all the good people of Ogun State. Indeed, it is a good credit for Chief Osoba to continue to be in a position to say that it was while our government is in power that we recorded these so many feats we are seeing in Ogun State. Are you not afraid that these crises could derail your re-election? Our re-election will be achieved, by God’s grace and with the support of the people.. But I must say it is in the interest of everybody that we are united. I will want to appeal again that we should come together to make history for our state. I will relentlessly push for us to have a united, stronger and focused APC in Ogun State. It must be stated clearly, at this point, that I am not in competition with Chief Osoba.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
56
STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU
Mystery boy! Sunday August 31 2014
OBASOLUYI TELEWA
A
15-year-old boy, Okiki may have taken on the toga of the legendary cat with nine lives, as he
15-yr-old Okiki returns, after 8 months with kidnappers
shocked his family members last week by walking into their Alapere, Lagos home, when all hopes had been dashed about his return.
Alhaja Fatimah Ayool Ayoola, Okiki’s exultant mum could m coul not contain her joy beh beholding holdin again, his son who ha had been ad bee missing since Januar January this ry th year. Relating the boy’s or ordeal rdeal tto Sunday Mirror after a thanksthank giving service at theirr CelesCele tial Church in th the area, he are Okiki’s moth mother said, her sai experience “This exp perienc definitely will de efinite strengthen belief, my be elief, ded and votion n an subtotall su mission miss sion tto God.” Go d.” Probl e m started star rted iin January, this January y, th when the year wh hen th sec15-year o old se school ondary scho boy failed d to rrehome after turn hom me afte his seeing o off h who friend, wh visitcame visi ing.. ing A l h a j a AyooAyo
la recalled the family’s experience thus: “I sent my son to fetch water for me downstairs. At about 9pm, a friend of the boy came to meet him. I asked the boy to leave as I went to the bathroom to take my bath. On coming back, I did not see my son. I was told he had seen off the friend. We started looking for him when it became apparent that he wouldn’t return. We went to several places in search of him only to be told through revelations that he had been captured by ritualists. “At every point, I was told the boy will return because he had not been killed. On the third day, I reported the case to the Police. The Police later effected the arrest of the friend of my son and his mother. Having obtained statements from them, the Police allowed to go home.” The mother of this SS1 student of a popular Missionary school in Lagos maintained that the activities of the church of God, Okiki’s father and family members also played a vital role, leading to his safety. “But in all, it was God that made it possible for us to see him alive again,” she enthused, fighting back tears of joy. “One day, in the course of our prayer, the boy called from where he was kept that he did not know where he was. He
told me never to call the line again. At that point, I knew that truly my son will still return home based on the revelations I received from God “, added Okiki’s mum, who is a senior prophetess in the Celestial Church of Christ. Narrating his ordeal to Sunday Mirror, Okikiola who looked calm, cheerful and confident, said he was struck on the chest on his way back home after seeing off his friend way back in January, 2014. “The only thing I saw were chains on my hands and legs in a strange environment. ”Once a day, we were fed with leaves from a dark clay pot; about 20 of us were there but I can’t locate the place again. The first thing they did was to unchain me. They took me to a strong-room where my clothes were and replaced them with a Black wrapper and a red cloth. They tied the wrapper round my waist, and used the red cloth to cover my face. They placed a calabash on my head and asked me to mention my name but I gave them a wrong name,” he said. Asked why he decided to give a false name, he disclosed, “My teachers in Sunday School always warned us not to disclose our identities to strangers, that was the trick I used
on them.”For the eight months I spent with them, I did not take my bath and when it was time for us to defecate, they would lead us out and bring us back,” he added. When opportunity came for him one day, he jumped at it. According to him, “One day, when the men went for more people to join us, one of their phones dropped and I took it and called my mother instantly because I know her number offhand. I told my mother I did not know where I was but to keep praying and never to call the line again,” he said. After some time, they brought some other people to join us. They included school children, boys and girls and adults. They repeated the process for me again. They covered my body with a black wrapper, covered my face with a red cloth and placed the calabash on my head again. I gave them yet a wrong name. Nothing happened to me”, he told Sunday Mirror. . “When that process failed, they brought out a pot and placed it in front of me. They removed one of my fingernails for the blood to drop inside. They asked for my name again, I did CONTINUED ON PAGE 57
Pepper sodomy: How ‘murder case’ became ‘attempted murder’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51
I had heard about people using charms to call their children home from abroad, they were distant stories yet, until Baba-Ibeji’s strange narrations here. Even if that was, we had become too close not to have disclosed that to me, even till the
moment I insisted he showed to me the grave site and I traveled with our team to see it in Porto Novo. His excuse; he thought the informant woman was part of our team, and he already disclosed that to her when she lo-
cated him and brought him to us for the announced reward. He said the informant told him not to say that again, but to simply say she was dead. O’Law then wondered aloud; “but you burst into tears the day we asked you about Juliana and it
was in tears you announced to us that she died. Was that part of a rehearsed line with the informant”, no convincing answer came. So, the police would charge the suspects (the “peppertraitors” as O’Law called them
in the documentary) only for inflicting bodily injuries, attempted murder and all the sorts. No murder charge, but is Juliana alive? *Okei-Odumakin, a human rights activist, is coordinator of Women Arise.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
SMExtra 57
Sunday August 31, 2014
15-yr-old Okiki returns, after 8 months with kidnappers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56 not tell them. They took me back to where I was initially. One day, I heard those men negotiating with some people, ‘It is the one with life, don’t bring the one that is dead’, he added. Maybe as a result of negligence or an act of God, they left the door open. Five of us, boys, attempted to run away. Unknown to us, some of them were lurking around. When they saw us running, they shot at us. The bullet they fired hit one of us and he died instantly. The re-
maining of us were brought back to the rooms inside the thick forest. “After our failed attempt to escape, they separated us. Then they took me back to their shrine once again. As we entered the room and they were about doing their rituals, they were struck by something and all fell down. Whether they are alive or dead now I don’t know. When I discovered that they could not stand up, I ran out. “That was how I escaped from their torture chamber. Before then, some of those boys had
been taken away alive once they were tested. I spent two days in the bush before I got to the expressway. As I staggered along, I saw a lorry-load of pepper, tomatoes and other food items . The trailer had broken down on the road. Those Mallams were trying to fix the trailer. I approached them for assistance but unable to talk .They did not want to listen to me, but later did. I used a stick to write down for them where I was heading to. They took me to the city where they headed equally. They dropped me there at 12am
that day. “Those I met on ground asked me questions, I could not talk. I collected their phone and typed my mother’s phone number, I called her, and she came for me that midnight, full of joy, together with some our neighbours”, he stressed. . Said his mother too: “When the phone rang that night, we headed to the place. We took him to a white garment church. We got there at about 2am. After much prayer, he regained consciousness. We later gave
him rice to eat that night, but he vomited it together with certain things that looked like leaves. It was then I realised the gravity of what my son had gone through in the hands of his captors for the eight months I had been looking for him,” she happily told our correspondent, after the prayer session. “My advice to everyone is to believe in God. Have confidence in Him because He is the only one that can save us from devilish people, Mrs. Ayoola said, dancing.
Kunle Polly, socialite, laments: My brother slept after a night’s party…and he’s gone TOSIN UWAIFO
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lhaji Abdul Azeez Kunle Lawal, popularly known as Kunle Polly, is an unhappy man. He is in a mournful mood now. His younger brother, Lawal Lukman Oladimeji, 34, who was living at No. 14 Orimogunde Lane, off Ereko Street, Lagos, died on August 24, of heart attack.
Alhaji Azeez said he didn’t look ill; that his death came as a shocker because he attended a party with his friends, came
home hale and hearty but gave up the following day. He gave up the ghost at Fuja Hospital, Elegbata, Lagos. Lukman was born on September 1, 1980 in Lagos. What saddens Alhaji Abdul Azeez the more is that their aged parents are still alive. The late Lukman attended Kingado High School and graduated in 1999. He was a member of Ashabul Jannati Muslim Society. He is survived by his wife Abiola Lawal; his two chil-
dren Uthman and Mukharal, his brothers, Olakunle, Olawale Lawal, his sisters, Omolayoka, Omolayo and Omotolani Lawal as well as his friends, Lukman Lawal, Sunday Ibitoye, aunts and cousins, among others. The funeral arrangements were handled by his friends and family. The third day prayer was held at Idumota, Eyo, off Ago Tawa. Then the funeral service will come up at 14, Orimogunde Lane, off Ereko Street on Lagos Island. The late Oladimeji
Politics
Osun:Fireworks as APC, PDP shift battle to court CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 The APC in its motion said, aside from the fact that having access to the materials used would enable it prepare and defend the victory the party got, it also expressed doubt about the votes PDP got in the local government areas which include; Atakumosa East Local Government, Atakumosa West Local Government, Ayedaade Local Government, Ayedire Local Government, Boluwaduro Local Government, Boripe Local Government, among others. Others are Ede North Local Government, Ede South Local Government, Egbedore Local Government, Ejigbo Local Government, Ife Central Local Government, Ifedayo Local Government, Ife East Local Government, Ifelodun Local Government, Ife North Local Government, Ife South Local Government, Ila Local Government, Irepodun Local Government, Isokan Local Government, Iwo Local Government, Obokun Local Government, Odo-Otin Local Government, Oriade Local Government. The PDP, in its motion, also
sought order of the tribunal directing the third respondent, INEC, and its agents to permit the applicant to inspect and conduct forensic analysis of the electoral documents used for the election and receive from the respondent the CTC of all INEC documents. Among others, the party’s counsel, Afolabi Fasanu, SAN, said the PDP was seeking order to inspect all used and unused ballot papers and to scan same by electronic processes, and to take CTC of same from the custody of INEC. The chairman of the threeman panel, which include, Justice
Awulo and Justice Benson, Justice I. M. Bako, however, granted the prayers of both parties. APC’s reaction to PDP’s petition: In its reaction to the PDP’s petition against the victory of its candidate, the APC, in a statement issued by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, said the party warned the opposition against fabrications and unsubstantiated claims. The party said while it welcomed the decision by the PDP to proceed to the tribunal to seek
redress for its perceived irregularities during the August election, the opposition should be conscious that such fabrications cannot stand in the court of law. The APC said the move to challenge the victory of its candidate indicates that a new chapter is being written in Osun’s preference for the rule of law rather than the rule of jungle justice. He declared that his party had nothing to worry about because it was certain it won the election fair and square, adding that Professor Attahiru Jega, the INEC chairman, attested to that in a
public statement in which he said that the election was nearly rigged. But reacting to the claims by the APC, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Osun, Prince Bola Ajao, urged the ruling party not to beg issues, saying there would be no short cut in the matter, assuring that the whole world would know how APC attempted to shortchange the electoral process. He advised the party to save its energy to face the fireworks in the court, to defend its “illegitimate victory”.
Oyo: Aspirants in desperate moves to clinch party tickets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 The battle for the ticket has pitched the federal lawmaker against the first-class monarch through whom he got the ticket in 2007. The situation between the duo today is so bad that they are now two parallel lines that cannot meet. Still in the same situation is the lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Awoleye Dada. The first term federal
lawmaker is pitched against the son of the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Umar Farouk Alao, who is presently the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports. Alao, banking on the goodwill of his late father, has the support of many leaders of the party in the constituency who at every given opportunity are always seen with him.
But while speaking on the development, a public affairs analyst, Mr. Bode Adegoke, lamented that politicians have turned the game to a do-or-die affair to the detriment of the development of the society. According to him, for any politician that really wants to serve the people, he or she would not go out of his or her way in desperation to get either the party
ticket or elective position. His words: “The desperation of our politicians to get things at all costs should be of great concern to Nigerians because what they are doing certainly are not in the interest of the people. It is quite unfortunate that the politicians and their supporters will resort to violence and abusing their opponents because of position.”
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& Faces Events
Celebrity
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August 31, 2014
Echoes of Rapture Expectant Ministry TOSIN UWAIFO
L G. O., Rapture Expectant Ministry, Pastor David AdeJacob. (2) General Overseer, Rapture Expectant Ministry, Pastor Jacob Ade-David (left) and Deacon Idowu Pedro.
Pastor Isaiah Adeleye leading a prayer session.
Mrs. Banke reading from the scriptures.
afiaji stood still as Rapture Expectant Ministry celebrated her annual convention theme tilted Tongue Of Fire recently. Venue was 54/56 Okesuna Street, Lafiaji, Lagos Island, Lagos State. Top ministers of God from different churches were in attendance.
Church Secretary, Mr. Anthony Okolie and his wife, Vice Chairman, Convention committee, Adenike Choristers during the event. Okolie.
Pastor Favour Babatunde anchoring the programme.
Tosin Uwaifo reading lesson from the bible.
Patron of the church, Elder Ojediran
Guest ministers.
Members of the church at the programme.
Family of Deacon Idowu Pedro.
Instrumentalists performing during the convention.
L-R Guests, Olumide; Paul and Nelson Ogar.
L-R Opeyemi Habeeb and Chairman of convention, Deacon Akin Fashakin
Lady Pastor, Pastor Ade-Jacob (right) and others.
Women Leader, Deaconess Aduwo (right) and Convention Committee member, Deaconess Adegbokun.
Ushers of Rapture Expectant Ministry.
Members, Anu Lawal (left) and Shola Aboyede.
Children department of the church.
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Faces & Events
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Faces at Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, Port Harcourt rally for Jonathan, yesterday
L-R: Minister of Works, Arch. Mike Onolomemen, former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Umehia and others.
R-L: Minister of Works, Arch. Mike Onolomemen, and other delegates at the rally.
L-R: Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman, DAAR Communications Plc, Former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister.
R-L: Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba and another guest.
Booklets containing signatures in support of Jonathan’s declaration.
Participants at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
L-R: Delta Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
L-R: Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman, DAAR Communications Plc, Former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister and others.
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NSC explains reason behind Maigari’s arrest P. 62
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Van Gaal blasts nervous Red Devils
KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS
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Stoke’s Mame Biram Diouf (right) celebrates his goal against Manchester City yesterday with team mate Osaze Odemwingie (left).
s n u t s e k o t S n r o EPL: Stubb m u i d a t S d a h i t E t a y t i C r e t s e h Manc an City si M st in a g a in w e u g a le y a zzRecords first aw
Andrew Ekejiuba With Agency Report
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anchester City’s English Premier League (EPL) title defence suffered its first setback yesterday as Mame Biram Diouf ’s goal gave Stoke a shock 1-0 away win at the Etihad Stadium. It was Stoke’s first EPL victory at a Manchester club and the first time they had kept a clean sheet on their top-flight travels since December, as Mark Hughes enjoyed a memorable day out at his former Etihad Stadium stomping ground. At the break, the Potters felt aggrieved about referee Lee Mason’s failure to give them a penalty on 19 minutes, when Aleksandar Kolarov - one of three changes to the side made by Manuel Pellegrini after the 3-1 win over Liverpool on Monday - appeared to foul Diouf in the box. Fernando had to limp off injured on 38 minutes, to be replaced by Fernandinho, and then Yaya Toure hit the crossbar from close range in stoppage time. The only goal of the game arrived on 58 minutes. Picking up the ball after Erik Pieters’ clearing header, Diouf dribbled down the centre of the pitch, nutmegged Fernandinho and took the ball on into the area before sliding home a low shot through keeper Joe Hart, who should have done better. That was the former Manchester United striker’s first goal for the Potters. The champions threw on Edin Dzeko and Jesus Navas as they went in hunt of an
equaliser, but it was Diouf who soon went close to a second goal as he narrowly failed to connect with sub Peter Odemwingie’s right-wing cross. Pellegrini brought in Bacary Sagna for his debut as well as Kolarov and Aguero, while Stoke included Victor Moses, Crouch and Jonathan Walters. Aguero seemed set for a rough afternoon as he was hurt in a heavy tackle from Shawcross and required treatment after just two minutes. It might have immediately got worse for City as Peter Odemwingie robbed Martin Demichelis and whipped in a dangerous cross, but Diouf was inches away from connecting. Odemwingie had only entered the action at half-time but it proved his last involvement and he was carried off on a stretcher after 65 minutes. City started to show some urgency and Aguero appealed for a penalty after dribbling into the box and seeing his shot take a deflection which caught Marc Wilson on the hand. Toure powered forward again only to see a strong drive deflected wide. There was then controversy involving Toure when he went down in the area three minutes from time as Pieters challenged, but Mason told him to get up and brandished a yellow card - and Stoke survived the final stages as they held on to record their first league win away to Manchester City since 1980. After the international break, the champions’ next match is at Arsenal on Saturday September 13, when Stoke plays host to Leicester.
nce 1980
Burnley holds unsettled Red Devils
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ouis van Gaal remains without a win yesterday as Manchester United £59.7million British record buy Angel Di Maria failed to inspire their first victory of the season at Burnley. Sean Dyche’s Premier League newcomers fully deserved the barren draw and were the better side in spells after seeing David Jones strike hit the bar with an early free-kick. United, who agreed a £13.8m deal for Ajax’s versatile Netherlands international Daley Blind before kick-off, showed little sign of getting to grips with Van Gaal’s methods and new system as they were uninspired in the face of Burnley’s organisation and spirit. Di Maria showed touches of class before going off with cramp 20 minutes before the end but there was a further injury concern for United and Van Gaal as Juan Mata then limped off with a hamstring injury. The presence of Di Maria only underlined the different financial world these two clubs operate in - with the fee paid to prise the Argentina international from Real Madrid outstripping the £45m spent by Burnley in their 132-year history. There was little difference between the two sides in these 90 minutes and United now have only two points from what they would have regarded as a favourable open-
Angel Di Maria (left) on the prowl for Manchester United yesterday.
ing three games of the season. Former Manchester United midfielder David Jones has only scored one league goal for Burnley but almost doubled his tally with an early free-kick which hit the bar Van Gaal remained rooted to his seat in the dug-out, clutching a clipboard for the entire game and there was little urgency on the field either as United struggled for inspiration. At the end, Burnley fans were delighted with a point at the final whistle but United’s supporters will regard this result as resembling the current condition of their team - namely not good enough. Reacting after the 0-0 draw Burnley’s manager Sean Dyche said: “I thought we were very productive in the first half. In the second half we started very brightly and as the game wore on they began to control it better and we just got on the back foot a little bit. “Overall we are happy with a point. We can’t be greedy, they’re a very good side.”
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Sunday August 31, 2014
d ’ I , n o d n o L t f e l t ’ If I hadn or behind bars –Afolabi be dead
to Los Angeles. d found his way an r ge na tee a s wa Nigeria when he olabi (right) left In training: Ola Af
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nited States of America-based Nigerian professional boxer, Ola “Kryptomite” Afolabi’s journey began 13 years ago in London, thousands of miles from his current Los Angeles base. “When I was 16, I thought I knew everything and nobody could tell me what to do,” he began. “I felt my family were trying to control me but when I look back I realise they just wanted the best for me. “I decided to go out and fend for myself but unfortunately there were a lot of bad kids in the system and most of them have been in it for years so they were telling me to steal stuff and showing me how to life live in streets. “I got mixed up in the wrong crowds. I was arrested a couple of times for fighting, stealing, anything you can imagine. They would lock us up overnight. Having access to alcohol for the first time in my life, I just went nuts.” After four years on the street, Afolabi had reached a crossroads. “My mum was sick and we knew that she wouldn’t make it,” he says. She said: “you’ve got to change your life, we’ve brought you up better than this”. “My brother in Los Angeles knew I was interested in boxing so he asked me to come over. I planned to stay for three months but my mum died in the first month and I decided not to go back.” But Afolabi and his brother clashed, forcing the younger sibling to move out. “I broke into a ticket booth at a cinema at 1am every morning and slept there,” he says. “They had a little heater for the attendant and I did that for about a week until my dad sent me some money and I was able to afford a hostel.” When his money ran out again, Afolabi worked as a desk clerk in the hostel in exchange for the $75 rent. He also moonlighted as a DJ at an unlicensed strip club, earning $100 a night before it was shut down. “The money I had been making was OK,” he continues. “But I was going into the boxing gym to hit the bag but I never thought anything would come of it; it was just an escape.” The gym happened to be the now-famous Wild Card.
“Freddie Roach had seen me hitting the bag,” Afolabi says. “I explained my situation and asked if he had anyone cleaning the mirrors and windows. “Freddie Roach wasn’t making that much money, he was just a struggling owner of a gym so he gave me $50 a week. That can go a long way when you’re eating Ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you don’t have to pay rent.” Afolabi impressed in the gym despite having no amateur pedigree but it was the arrival of a former world champion that led to his breakthrough. “I had time to go to the gym every day and after six months, James Toney came in and I watched him and he was amazing,” he says. “So, every day I checked when he was coming in and I made sure I was there to watch what he was doing and after a couple of months of copying James Toney’s style, he wanted to spar me. “We got in the ring and I was using his own style against him. He was so frustrated, he got angry and pushed me on the floor and threatened to shoot me! “At this time, I didn’t know there was a manager of the gym and he said that if I could frustrate James Toney, I must have something going for me. He signed me up and gave me a place to stay and food to eat. “I stopped eating noodles and cleaning windows and when the hostel shut down I talked to my manager and he put me with another boxer and gave me $600 a month which was a big improvement. “I was being rewarded for doing good which was something I’d never experienced in my life. I didn’t have to look over my shoulder to see if the cops were coming to get me.” Afolabi made his debut in 2002, drawing over four rounds with Gerard Barber and suffered his first defeat a year later against future world title challenger Allan Green. But he then embarked on an 11-fight unbeaten run before he hit a roadblock. “When I first signed the contract, I just saw it as a get out jail card to be honest,” he admits. “Even if I didn’t go anywhere with boxing, at least I could get some free food and rent and save up some money. In a strange kind of way, I was using my manager; I saw it as a free ride but I kept winning fights and I began to believe in myself. “We got some fights in Vegas for $1200
Afolabi hopes to be crowned world champion after several years of trying.
I got mixed up in
the wrong crowds.
I was arrested a
couple of times for fighting, steal-
ing, anything you
can imagine.
They
would lock us up
overnight.
Having
access to alcohol for the first time in my life,
I just went
nuts or $2000 which was a lot of money to me. I was 22 and I had gone from making $200 a month to people giving me $2000 for punching another guy in the face. I was doing that on the streets of London for free and getting in trouble! “But then I fought Orlin Norris when nobody else would. He had just drawn with the former [NABO] champion (Vassiliy Jirov) and they called me at a week’s notice and offered me $6000. I went in there and stopped him in the seventh round. “But then I was in a position for three
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years where nobody would fight me and I went back into that slump when I had no money to spend. “After three years, I had gone up to 245lb and I fight at 200lb. There was a guy coming up Eric Fields who had 11 wins and 10 knockouts; they were bigging him up to be the next cruiserweight from America. “They called me four weeks before and asked if I wanted to take the fight on ESPN. They were paying $4000. It was a big deal, if you win that belt (NABO), you’re top 10 with the WBO.” “So I trained for four weeks and dropped 45lbs; it was extreme. I put on a nylon suit, jogged five miles to the gym, sparred then jogged the five miles back. “I ended up knocking him out and the rest is history. It’s been up and up from there.” A year later, Afolabi made his one and only appearance in England when he fought Enzo Maccarinelli at the MEN Arena for the interim WBO cruiserweight title. “Enzos people saw the win over Eric as a lucky one,” Afolabi claims. “They brought me over to get whooped. “They offered the fight to Johnathon Banks for $350,000 but he turned it down to fight Tomasz Adamek and got knocked out. They offered me $40,000 for the fight. “But I was injured before I went to London and my retina was detached. I went into the hospital two days before the fight to get laser surgery. “I lied to the doctor and said I wasn’t fighting for a couple of months. If I hadn’t, he would have reported it to the commission and the $40,000 would have gone down the drain. “He told me not to do anything for at least a week but I went into the ring and knocked out Enzo. “I was behind in the fight but not as much as the scorecards had it. He was the hometown boy and was going to win the decision whatever happened. “I knew from round three that I could knock him out. I didn’t want to get tired, it was my third fight in three years. Enzo couldn’t really hit me clean so there was no threat. I was looking for that one punch and I ended it.” Afolabi had earned his shot at WBO champion Marco Huck but lost a unanimous decision few years ago in Germany. He regrouped and after four wins in succession, including a first round knockout of Terry Dunstan on the undercard of David Haye’s defeat to Wladimir Klitschko, he earned another fight for the interim title. This time, Valery Brudov retired at the end of the fifth round and Afolabi again faced Huck only to be denied again when the fight was scored a draw. “The robberies and draw with Huck have been a blessing in disguise,” he adds. “Controversy sells so everybody saw that I won that fight so more people will watch the next one.” Afolabi is open to a long-awaited homecoming should he finally be crowned world champion someday! “Every day I look back on my life and there’s no reason for me to be angry or sad. I’m such a clown and people think I’m just this guy in the gym having fun but the way I see it, if they came from where I come from, they’d be happy too. “If my career ended tomorrow, I’d be happy because I’ve come from nowhere. What I’ve done is remarkable,” he concluded. With the record of 21 fights, 3 draws, 4 losses and 10 knockouts, Afolabi is currently the mandatory challenger to the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight title, and says that he is looking forward to his next fight before December 21 with IBF Cruiserweight champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (29-1-0, 14KOs) whom he has vowed to dethrone. Culled from www.dailymail.co.uk
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Sport
Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor with
08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com
Afolabi vows to dethrone Hernandez Mandatory challenger to the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight title, Ola “Kryptomite” Afolabi (21-3-4, 10KOs) says that he is looking forward to his next fight with IBF Cruiserweight champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (29-1-0, 14KOs) whom he has vowed to dethrone. Afolabi was a fortnight ago, announced as the mandatory challenger to the title shortly after Hernandez won a split decision against Firat Arsan on August 16 in Erfurt, Germany, to successfully defend his title for the fourth time. According to a statement by the IBF, Hernandez must
defend the title against the United States of Americabased Nigerian boxer by December 21. Speaking on the fight, Afolabi noted that he is looking forward to it with a promise that he has what it takes to dethrone the champion. “I’m thrilled to be challenging for the IBF world title. Tom and K2 have done a great job promoting me and putting me in this position and I will take the title from Hernandez. “Right now, I have commenced training for the fight and I want to assure my fans that the fight will mark the end of Hernandez reign,” he said.
NSC explains reason behind Maigari’s arrest
• As Danagogo promises to resolve Nigerian football crisis The statement revealed that Maigari was picked up by men of the DSS in Abuja shortly before the Congress of the NFF which some Nigerians insinuated that the Bauchi-born administrator was arrested to prevent him from presiding over the Congress. NSC further revealed that the former Acting President of the NFF, Chief Mike Umeh had, immediately after the fire outbreak which raised part of the NFF secretariat in AbuDanagogo ja, said he suspected sabotage by “some people who are desperate to Andrew Ekejiuba perpetuate themselves in power” and called on the police to investihe National Sports Commission gate the incident. The NSC posited that the arrest (NSC) has explained the reason behind the arrest of former Presi- of Maigari and some other officials dent of the Nigeria Football Federation of the NFF by the DSS is part of the (NFF) Alhaji Aminu Maigari last Tues- security agency’s routine to invesday in Abuja by men of the Directorate tigate the fire incident and interrogate some suspects based on the of State Security Services (DSS). In a statement made available to our report of officials of the NFF and correspondent by Patrick Omorodion, therefore had nothing to do with the the Special Assistant on Media to the NSC as is being erroneously insinuNSC Chairman, Dr.Tammy Danagogo, ated. “It is a fact that arson is a serious said Maigari’s arrest was in relation to the fire incident at the NFF secretariat. offence in Nigeria’s criminal law
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Sunshine Stars confirm Onuh as coach
Ola Afolabi (left) exchanging punches with Enzo Maccarinelli during their Cruiserweight title fight.
iz I’m not intimidated by Ort size –Kayode Undefeated heavyweight contender, Lateef “Power” Kayode ( 20-0,16KOs) says that he will not be intimidated by the size of Luis Ortiz (21-0, 8KOs) when they meet on September 11 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas for their WBA interim heavyweight title bout. Despite moving up from cruiserweight, Kayode says he will not be intimidated by Ortiz who will have close to a three-inch and 20-plus pound weight advantage.
“He is strong and big. I know that and it doesn’t concern me at all. I spar a lot of big guys out here and I am used to it. “I have been doing my job and as I know this is a big opportunity. This fight will give me a heavyweight title belt and that will only lead me into bigger fights. They say nobody wants to fight Ortiz. Well I am not scared and I will be there. I am not scared of anybody,” he said.
Klitschko, Pulev fight rescheduled The title defence of world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko against Kubrat Pulev has been rescheduled for November 15 at Hamburg, Germany. Originally, the fight was supposed to take place on September 6, also in Hamburg, but had to be postponed due to an injury Klitschko picked up while training for the fight. “I am very happy that
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Sunday August 31, 2014
we have found a new date for the fight in Hamburg so quickly. Since the arena was already sold out, we are particularly glad for the fans of Wladimir Klitschko. “Our thanks go to the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and our partners RTL and O2 World Hamburg, who both agreed on the new fight date in the originally planned arena,” Klitschko manager, Bernd Bonte said.
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rasmus Onuh has officially been confirmed the new head coach of Glo Premier League club Sunshine Stars of Akure for the rest of the season. Onuh replaces Henry Abiodun, who was suspended following allegation levelled against him by two of his players that he asked to become their representative in transfer dealings involving them. According to the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), which manages the affairs of Sunshine Stars, Onuh takes charge of the team with immediate effect while Abiodun is expected to be assigned a new role likely outside of the club. “Following the recent redeployments of coaches under its supervision, the Management
of the Ondo State Football Agency, ODSFA, led by the Chairman, Mr Akin Akinbobola, has confirmed the appointment of coach Erasmus Onuh as the new head coach of Sunshine Stars. “Coach Onuh, a former coach of ABS of Ilorin replaces Coach Henry Abiodun with immediate effect. Abiodun is to report at the office for further briefings as to his new assignment,” a statement from Sunshine Stars yesterday disclosed. Onuh has already met with the players and backroom staff just hours before Abiodun was suspended. Sunshine Stars are currently in sixth position in the Glo Premier League standings on 37 points, six behind leaders Kano Pillars.
Eguma backs league boycott Ifeanyi Eduzor
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olphins coach Stanley Eguma has thrown his weight behind a total boycott of the Nigerian league in protest over the crisis that has rocked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the country. On Thursday, referees, clubs and players agreed to stay away from league matches till further notice and this forced the league to call off matches slated for this weekend.
According to him, there is the need for all football stakeholders to rise up and demand that things should be done properly as that is the only way to move the country’s football forward. “We support the boycott because of the many uncertainties facing the Nigeria Football Federation and invariably Nigerian football,” said Eguma. “These problems must be resolved for peace and fair play to exist in our football.”
and anybody who is suspected to be involved, no matter how highly placed, must be investigated to verify his or her culpability or otherwise and appropriate sanction meted to such individual. “However, the NSC also wants to state that it is not unaware of the crisis bedeviling football administration in Nigeria and is assuring all football stakeholders that the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo is doing everything to ensure that peace returns to the NFF,” the statement read. Meanwhile the NSC boss, Danagogo, has confirmed that the NSC is still studying the situation and “at the appropriate time will say something about it in order for our football to move forward.” He added that he has already started calling the parties involved in the dispute to know their grievances and find a way out of the crisis because the situation is not healthy for the development of Nigerian football.
Poor state of tennis worries Ajisafe
F
ormer board member of the Oyo State Tennis Association, Abiodun Ajisafe has bemoaned the lack of tangible growth in Nigeria’s tennis following the downward slide of the country’s players at the world level. Ajisafe who bankrolled the Abiodun Ajisafe CloseTennis Competition few years ago noted that the fact that no Nigerian was ranked amongst the first 1000 players in the world is not only discouraging but worrisome. He then called for concerted efforts among stakeholders and government to reposition the game, pointing out that a blueprint ought to be developed to forestall the ugly trend. According to the former board member of the Oyo State Tennis Association he is planning to organize series of competitions in the country to put players in competitive spirit besides identifying budding talent at the grassroots. Ajisafe while urging government at all level to reduce their emphasis on football said there was need for Nigerians to realize that it is not only football that could bring laurels to their nation but if tennis was monitored well and talent discovered and nurtured, the game would bring more honour to the country. He therefore called for all hands to be on deck towards tennis development.
Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Sport
Sunday August 31, 2014
Van Gaal
Arsenal can make Champions League final –Ozil
A
blasts nervous Red Devils
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ouis van Gaal took a swipe on Manchester United’s lack of potency after their poor start to the season continued with a 0-0 draw at Burnley yesterday. United have yet to win a competitive game under the former Netherlands coach and could have few complaints about yesterday’s result at Turf Moor. Although Van Gaal’s men were unfortunate not to be awarded a late penalty when a shot from Ashley Young appeared to be handled by Burnley substitute Ashley Barnes, the hosts were good value for a share of the spoils having created a number of opportunities of their own.
Reflecting on a third-successive Premier League game without victory, Van Gaal said: “I don’t think we gave a lot xxaway, but we have to create more chances. “Of course the progress is there, but you have to win. A club as big as Manchester United have to win. “When you have two points out of a possible nine... that is disappointing.” Van Gaal was able to express optimism over the likely availability of new signing Marcos Rojo, who was unable to join
Torres ready for ‘new adventure’ at Milan
Torres
F
ernando Torres says he cannot wait to get started at Milan as he prepares to make his move to San Siro. The Spain striker arrived in Italy yesterday to complete the formalities of his two-year loan switch from Chelsea. He joined the Stamford Bridge club in January 2011 for a then-British record £50million fee following a highly productive stint with Liverpool, but was unable to demonstrate anything close to his best form in London. The agreement with Milan will now see him play out the remaining two years of his contract in Serie A, and Torres admits he is relishing the chance of a fresh start. “I’m really happy to have arrived in Milan,” he told the press on his arrival at Milan-Linate Airport. “I cannot wait to start this new adventure. I spoke to the coach Filippo Inzaghi yesterday and I am really pleased to work with a coach like him. “He was a great goalscorer and definitely understands what the role of a striker is. I am sure that he can teach me and help me a lot in this adventure.” After his ultimately unsuccessful stay at Chelsea, Torres is confident he can contribute to bringing glory back to a Milan side that finished eighth in Serie A last term, missing out on European football, with the 30-year-old targeting a return to the UEFA Champions League. Torres’ record transfer figure was only surpassed earlier this week when Manchester United signed Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.
Di Maria in the United line-up at Burnley as he awaits a work permit. “I believe when we play against Queens Park Rangers after the international break, Rojo shall have a permit,” Van Gaal stated.
Van Gaal
Enrique hopes for Barca’s progression
B
arcelona coach Luis Enrique is hoping to see more signs of progression when his side faces Villarreal today. Luis Enrique replaced Gerardo Martino as the club’s new coach in May and has wasted no time in bolstering his squad with their transfer ban on the horizon. Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo and Douglas are all new arrivals at Barca, with the former Celta Vigo boss’ facing the
Gerrard relishing Real UCL test
challenge of trying to bed them in. Barca started their league campaign with a 3-0 home win over Elche last week and will welcome back Brazil star Neymar for the Villarreal clash. And although Andres Iniesta (knee) will miss the match, Luis Enrique is confident and hopes to see his team gel. “I am hoping that the players will begin to settle which is something that will happen with more matches,” he said. “We are looking sharp
Enrique
after a week where we have trained well. We know our rival Villarreal well and they are a strong team in the league. “They had a good pre-season in terms of performance and results.”
rsenal attacker Mesut Ozil said he believes his team can reach the UEFA Champions League final this season. Arsene Wenger’s side qualified for the competition for a 17th straight campaign with a 1-0 aggregate win over Besiktas on Wednesday. Despite Arsenal failing to get past the round of 16 in the past four editions, Ozil feels they are capable of reaching the decider. The Germany international, 25, said belief needed to be high, with Arsenal drawing Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray and Anderlecht in Group D. “We’ve strengthened our squad. We also want to show that we can play better in the Champions League,” Ozil said. “It’s a difficult group, and we know Borussia Dortmund well, but we don’t need to be scared of anyone. They know exactly how strong we are. “We have the potential to reach the final. We should always believe everything is achievable. “Not many people thought Atletico Madrid would get to the final. If you work hard anything is possible.” Ozil came in for criticism during Germany’s successful World Cup campaign, during which he was deployed on the left. The former Real Madrid man said he was happy to play anywhere for his team, but his preference is the number 10 role. “The opinions of fans are important to me and I’m happy they have such high expectations of me. I have high expectations of myself. “I know what I can do and in the past few years I’ve shown that I belong to the select group of best players in the world as a number 10,” Ozil concluded.
TRANSFER BRIEFS
PREMIERSHIP TABLE Team
P
GD
PTS
1. Chelsea
3
7
9
2. Swansea
3
5
9
3. Tottenham
2
5
6
4. Man City
3
3
6
Gerrard
5. Arsenal
2
1
4
iverpool captain Steven Gerrard cannot wait to pit his wits against UEFA Champions League(UCL) holders Real Madrid. Gerrard’s side return to Europe’s elite club competition following a five-year absence this season, and Thursday’s draw in Monaco paired them with Real. Basel and Ludogorets complete Group B, but it is the prospect of facing a stellar Real team - who defeated rivals Atletico Madrid in the 2013-14 final - that has captured Gerrard’s imagination.
6. Southampton
3
1
4
7. Hull
2
1
4
8. Aston Villa
2
1
4
9. Stoke
3
0
4
10. West Ham
3
-1
3
11. Liverpool
2
-1
3
12. QPR
3
-4
3
13. Sunderland
3
-1
2
14. Man Utd
3
-1
2
15. Newcastle
3
-2
2
16. Everton
3
-3
2
17. West Brom
3
-3
2
18. Leicester
2
-2
1
19. Crystal Palace
3
-3
1
20. Burnley
3
-3
1
L
63
Song joins West Ham on loan A lex Song has swapped Barcelona for West Ham after agreeing a season-long loan with the Premier League club. The midfielder was introduced to the Upton Park crowd ahead of the London club’s meeting with Southampton yesterday.
Song
Redknapp confirms Remy’s deal
Q
Remy
PR boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed that Loic Remy is on his way out of the club, with Chelsea his likely destination. The 27-year-old was left out of the squad to face Sunderland in the Premier League yesterday, amid reports he is on the verge of a move to Stamford Bridge.
West Brom seals Blanco’s deal
W
est Brom have completed the signing of Argentina winger Sebastian Blanco from Metalist Kharkiv for an undisclosed fee. Blanco refused to return to Ukraine because of the unrest in the country and he becomes boss Alan Irvine’s 11th Blanco signing of the summer.
N I G E R I A
N4.2 Vol. 4 No. 38
Sunday August 31, 2014
N150
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
he nearest tier of government to the masses of the people — the grassroots — is the local government. Perhaps, one of the most ingenious constitutional devices to commit the grassroots to active political participation is the county or local government. In serious, development-oriented and people-friendly democracies, effort is made to bring the art of governance closer to the people through the county or local government. Matters relating to the management and control of the local markets, community health and sanitation easily come under the ambit of the local authorities. So, the local council or county council, as they are called in different climes, is the organ to connect the people properly to governance. It goes without saying that if government is for the people, and not merely to serve the interest of the few who happen to be wielding power, the people should be aligned properly with the purpose, intent and programmes of government. Great nations like Great Britain have had to connect government properly with the people through the local government system. In short, you do not talk of state governments in Britain, but the local governments.
Here, the local governments constitute the most significant engine of development as it directly relates to the lives of the ordinary people. In the United States of America where states are important in the structure of governance, the local governments, called the counties, are as significant and important as the states. The question of tying one tier to the other through a putative joint account scheme is inconceivable. If that happens, as it is the case in Nigeria, the local government will fade into irrelevance because they have been completely swallowed up by the state governments. That is why the local governments in the country are said to be irrelevant. Where their functions, resources and powers are clearly spelt out in the nation’s operations manual—the constitution — operators and actors in the local governments could be held accountable. Thus, the problem with the ineffectual character of the local governments in Nigeria is attributable, in the main, to the fact that it is deliberately sequestered from the people. The military constitution which we still operate emasculated the local governments to consummate the agenda of an all-powerful, over-bloated, unitary central government which people scamper to for virtually everything relating to social service delivery infrastructure — from local markets, community health care issues to road, rail and electricity infrastructure. Any wonder that the country has been bogged down and dragged down by selfinflicted, disabling weight? It is difficult to fathom why, in this age and time and with the benefit of hindsight, the National
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F I G U R E S
bn- Amount the Federal N50 Government earmarks to fund Agric mechanization scheme.
Confab recommended the scrapping of the local governments that state governments deliberately prevented from working. Are the local governments not working in some states such as Lagos? Why is it that when politicians and state actors have colluded to destroy institutions like the local governments which connect the people properly with active political participation, the only remedy is to recommend that it be scrapped? If the local governments have failed to perform, it is because they have been deliberately crippled and programmed to fail. And the remedy would not be to scrap them, but to empower them. Having been provided for in and recognised by the constitution, the solution to the problem of non-performance of the local governments is to stop treating them as appendages. Indeed, it is not just enough to recognise the councils or counties in the constitution or to treat them merely as appendages of the state governments; for that is the source of the problem. In a participatory democracy, to provide the local governments with clear functions and empower them with the necessary resources to discharge those functions is the way to truly involve the people in the art of governance. Unfortunately, in the Nigerian experience, local councils have been treated merely as political structures in the hand of the state governor to garner votes at elections and to recoup funds invested in politicking. Consequently, local government functionaries have been treated largely as agents of state governments to be used and dumped at will. To make mat-
EPL: Rampaging Blues in nine-goal thriller
iego Costa scored twice as Chelsea clinched a thrilling 6-3 win over Everton to keep up their 100% start to the new English Premier League (EPL) season. The Toffees fought back after conceding two goals in the first three minutes and had hope of a remarkable comeback as the sides traded five goals in a manic 10-minute second-half spell. But ultimately Jose Mourinho’s side survived an incredible match to take the three points with a performance that showed their progress since a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park last season. Back then, goals were hard to come by for a Chelsea side often maligned as dull and lacking a cutting edge in attack, something nobody could accuse them of this time around.
I N
The Confab, Local Government and the People
Back Page
T
www.nationalmirroronline.net
bn Amount the Federal Executive council (FEC) has approved for two power projects in the country.
Even after discarding £50m striker Fernando Torres this week, they demonstrated how much their summer signings have improved them going forward albeit assisted here by some shambolic Everton defending. Costa ensured he kept up his record of scoring in every game since his £32m move
from Atletico Madrid when he found the net after just 35 seconds, running on to a perfectly weighted pass from another new arrival, Cesc Fabregas. Moments later Branislav Ivanovic made it 2-0, although there was a hint of offside about his finish from Willian’s cross. Things could have got even
worse for Everton after eight minutes when their goalkeeper Tim Howard clearly caught the ball outside his area as he dashed out to beat Costa to another Fabregas through-ball, but it was not spotted by the officials. The match is the joint seventh highest scoring match in Premier League history.
ters worse, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution provides for a joint account for local and state governments, thus tying the local government to the apron-string of the state government. This sort of Siamese twin-like arrangement skewed in favour of the state government could never make for accountability, political maturity and responsibility of the local governments. How could the local governments function and connect properly with the grassroots when it is deliberately constituted to fail? Did the conferees not see that the local government requires the sort of autonomy the state government enjoys to be able to assert itself, function as it should, and ensure accountable government at the grassroots? The attempt to scrap the local government is calculated to make the federal government more and more unitary and more and more centralised than ever before. And this is a furtherance of the experiment with disintegration as it completely alienates the people from governance. People are acting secession everyday and declaring portions of the country as republics and politicians are still thinking and claiming that the country is indivisible. People are confusing unity with forced unitary government contrived by the military in a federal system of government and still say they are designing national unity. How long will Nigerians continue to be made to swim against the tide? The recommendation by the confab for the scrapping of the local government should be rejected.
EPL: Stubborn Stoke stuns Manchester City at Etihad Stadium • Records first away league win against Man City since 1980
P. 60
PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Burnley 0-0 Man Utd Man City 0-1 Stoke City Newcastle 3-3 Crystal Palace QPR 1-0 Sunderland Swansea 3-0 West Brom West Ham 1-3 Southampton Everton 3-6 Chelsea Today’s Matches Aston Villa v Hull City 13:30 Tottenham v Liverpool 13: 30 Leicester v Arsenal 16:00
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