Saturday, December 15, 2012

Lagos suspends toll collection on 2nd Lekki-Epe plaza

Vol. 02 No. 53

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Jonathan’s aides clash over subsidy fund

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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Okonjo kidnap: Family pays N10m ransom

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•Flies her to Abuja •Thanks Jonathan

Alleged money laundering

Primate Adetiloye Babalakin dies at 82 loses bid to P. 7

stop EFCC

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INSIDE

MAGAZ INECelebrity

Oyindamola

Winfrey

Jennif nnif

University qu queen en ex talk

ce-saving tips r men who finish o quickly

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Relationships Should she be pregnant before he marries her?

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Fashion Fash • High wais wa ais ai ghett tt • Spaghett easo all seaso

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Boko Haram: Lawmaker, retired soldier killed

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Top Stories

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 15, 2012

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Suleja blast survivors relive ordeal one year after

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How I used my 5-day-old baby for protective charms

– Ex-armed robber

Balogun (l) and Oyekan

Lagos prince held for employer’s murder SEGUN ADIO

Jilted woman drowns 6-yr-old step daughter P.51

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Boy who divorced his parents finds peace at last

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ounger brother of the late Oba of Lagos, Adeyinka Oyekan, Prince Wale Oyekan has been arrested by the police in Lagos for killing his employer, one Alhaja Sikirat Ekun.

Oyekan was paraded alongside one Lateef Balogun an alleged accomplice in the murder.

Alhaja Ekun, 62, was allegedly strangulated on October 17, 2012 by the two men. Parading the two suspects at the Lagos Police Command headquarters, Commissioner of Police Umar Manko claimed that the deceased’s remains were dumped in a dried well located within her compound , while the assailants carted

away her properties worth millions of Naira.

Manko also said that the younger brother of the deceased, one Iyiola Olaniyi, had on 16 October, 2012, reported the disappearance of the woman through a petition to the police at Ogba Police Station, prompting the investigation department to swing into action.

Oyekan, before his arrest by the police, was an employee of the deceased serving as a Manager in her restaurant and bar, Laibon Ventures Limited, located within the late Alhaja’s premises.

According the police boss, to deceive the woman’s friends and relatives into believing that she was still alive, Oyekan used the deceased’s phone number, 08023141545 to

send text messages to distract their attention.

The police revealed that the suspects carried out the act so that they would sell off her properties and travel abroad. It was further learnt that shortly after the report was made to the police, some of her workers were interrogated but they all denied any knowledge of her disappearance.

While tracing the sudden removal of a vehicle parked outside her premises, it was discovered that a Volkswagen bus with registration number CH 760 FST was removed by the manager and sold to one Michael Dominic and Tunde Davis for N170, 000.

It was also revealed that the discovery of the dry well prompted the team of police

investigators to seek the services of well diggers, leading to the discovery of her decomposing body in the about 1,000 feet well.

Also recovered with her remains were some of her vital documents, Nigeria International Passport No: A00357120, Driver’s license, pictures, keys to the deceased’s apartment, generating set, and gas cylinder, which were used to ensure that her death was not discovered.

That position was different from what Prince Oyekan had earlier confessed to the police. According to Manko, “The manager, Prince Wale Oyekan, in the course of further investigation, confessed to have seen and known one of the killers of the deceased.

He gave a graphic detail of how she was killed in the early hours of 17 October, 2012 and named one Lateef Balogun of Lagos Island and two others as the killers.”

Police hunt for the suspects paid off around 10 am on December 12, 2012 when Lateef Balogun of No 20 Egbe street, Isale Eko, Lagos Island was arrested. Balogun, a 20-year-old barber confessed that they actually killed the woman by sneaking into her bed room at night. He added that Oyekan paid him N6, 000 for being faithful to a friend.

Balogun admitted committing the crime of murder in conjunction with Oyekan.

“We strangled the deceased in her bedroom while asleep and thereafter threw her body into the well where the police later found her remains,” he added.

Based on his confession to the police, the subsequent search warrant procured led to the arrest of Oyekan’s wife at No: 1 Olanrewaju Street Salulu Bus stop Agbado Ijaiye where various documents such as land, vehicles and building documents belonging to the late Alhaja Ekun were recovered.

Gridlock in Lagos as security agents close roads for Jonathan MURITALA AYINLA

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t was a hectic time for motorists and commuters in Lagos yesterday as security agents closed down the roads from the Marina area of Lagos Island to the LagosIbadan Expressway for President Goodluck Jonathan who was said to be in the state to

attend a church programme at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

For hours, Lagosians groaned and struggled in the traffic snarl that took over the ever busy Lagos roads and other major arteries in the state as a result of the blockade.

Many commuters had to trek long distance having stayed in the commercial ve-

hicles for hours while many abandoned their vehicles in supposed safe places and found their way home through other means.

Saturday Mirror learnt that the right flank of the road had to be closed to other motorists and commuters for the President to have an easy passage.

This resulted in traffic

jams on the whole of the Lagos Island through Lagos Ibadan Expressway to Lateef Jakande Road Nurudeen Olowopopo, Amara Olu and Ogunnusi roads, among others.

The traffic congestion left the engine system of some vehicles over heated, leaving the motorists with no option than to push the vehicles off the roads.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Starter Obi

Okonjo

Briggs

Owoh

Oba

Amadi

Ademokhai

Lamolinara

McManus

Edochie

Under the yoke of kidnappers Before the turn of this century, Nigerians only read about kidnapping in thriller novels or watched it in action movies. But like a thief in the night, the malaise crept into the nation silently, caught it napping and is now threatening to consume it. Hardly does a weak go by without news of someone being kidnapped.

And there are often talks of ransoms are in both local and foreign currency.

From the low and ordinary to the high and mighty, from Nigerians to foreign nationals, no one is spared.

Only on Sunday 9 December, 2012, kidnappers struck at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, the headquarters of of Aniocha South Local Government of Delta State and abducted the 82-year-old queen, Professor Mabel Kamene Okonjo, who is also the mother of Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

She was released after five days. But while the nation was still reeling from the shock of the kidnapping of this woman of substance, another prominent woman, Titilayo, the wife of the former military governor of the old Western Region, Brigadier-General Oluwole Rotimi was kidnapped as she was leaving her office at the close of work on December 10, 2012. Up till now, she is still with her captors.

The list goes on and on.

THOMAS ECHIE

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n Nigeria, kidnappers have become the ultimate predators. And they spare no one they perceive as a cash cow, whether young or old, weak or strong, Nigerian or expatriate. Anyone within their radar is a prey.

Kidnapping started as a tool for agitation by Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) with the abduction of foreign nationals to draw the attention of the international communities and the Nigerian government in particular, to the environmental degradation and near neglect of Niger Delta communities from where the chunk of the country’s revenue flows from.

But gradually and stealthily, it blossomed into a booming business for armies of unemployed Nigerian youths who are desperate to eke a leaving by hook or by crook.

The tactical sophistication which these kidnapers have employed to beat security agencies in the country has continued to baffle all and sundry.

The first known case of kidnapping was recorded in February 2006 when MEND was alleged to have kidnapped some expatriates staff of Italian oil firm, Eni SpA, killing nine people in the process. MEND was reported to have issued a statement regarding the oil workers, assuring that “the hostages in return, will remain our guests... the hostages are in good health and have adapted fairly well to the conditions under which the people of the Niger Delta have been kept.”

On June 2, of the same year, heavily armed gunmen

were said to have attacked a Norwegian rig offshore, while 16 crew members were kidnapped. However, MEND was reported not to have taken responsibility for the action.

Again, on October 3, another Niger Delta militant group was reported to have kidnapped four Scots, a Malaysian, an Indonesian and a Romanian from a bar in Akwa Ibom state.

With the initial success stories of kidnap, its financial largesse and the international “recognition” accorded the criminal activity, gunmen raided an oil rig off shore on November 8, kidnapping two Americans, two Frenchmen, two Indonesians, and a Canadian as MEND claimed responsibility.

In the same month, November15 to be precise, MEND divested their attack from expatriates to Nigerians when it attacked an Exxon Mobil oil platform, kidnapping seven Nigerian workers.

Since then, kidnapping seems to have taken on a life of its own. The list of victims spreads across all strata of the society. Men, women, rich, poor, clergymen, royal fathers, doctors, retired army generals, lecturers and educationists, business men and women, politicians have all had and are having their fair share as victims of kidnappers. Even children are not spared. Neither are the watchdogs of society- journalists.

So has kidnapping come to stay in Nigeria? Perharps. Many Nigeria share the opinion of prominent author, Chief Elechi Amadi, that as long as the masses of the country continue to wallow in abject poverty while a very few privileged ones cruise in private jets, engaging in squandermania in the midst of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Starter I told my wife’s kidnappers I had only N100, 000 – Ezeife Your family were once victims of kidnapping when your wife, Onyedi, was kidnapped two years ago, does the present rate of kidnapping remind you of that ugly incident?

I think of her anytime I think about kidnapping and I know that she was lucky because she has faith and her Bible was with her. With her Bible, she was highly motivated, never afraid and she came back to meet everybody in peace.

While she was in the detention, everybody was sympathising with her but she hat is your view about the show forth strength and everybody was rate of kidnapping in Nige- surprised. But looking at the case of ria?

Okonjo-Iweala’s mother and wife of reKidnapping has now spread from tired Brig-Gen. Oluwole Rotimi, they are South-South to South-East and other both old women. How would they stay in parts of the country. We are now expe- the bush or stay comfortable as they use riencing kidnapping in Delta, Ibadan, to. It is not easy Kaduna and many places. It is a very dangerous event and we have to adapt.

How did you feel when your wife We must make request for employment was kidnapped on April 21, 2010? generation because that is the number It was very terrible. Although they one reason for kidnapping. People will didn’t plan to kidnap my wife but they want more money but not by killing find her in a car that they acquired. It themselves but when they are too des- was my pilot car that she used to go to perate they can do anything. the market and she was kidnapped at

Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, elder statesman and former governor of Anambra State, whose wife, Onyedi, was kidnapped on April 21, 2010, narrated his experience in the hands of the kidnapers toTEMITOPE OGUNBANKE. Excerpts:

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the market. Her kidnapping lasted two weeks. The two weeks were like hell. In fact impotent was the word that came to my mind then. I found it difficult that such thing could happen in Nigeria.

How much did you part with before her release?

When those people asked me how much I had that weekend, I told them I have N100, 000. They were laughing. They said; “Oga, did you know that the price you are offering is not up to the price of AK47.”

In annoyance, I said; “Go to hell, did I ask you to buy AK47?” They said; “Oga, is it us you are talking to like that, don’t you know that we have your wife with us.” I said; “I don’t care, God will protect my wife for me.” So it was hell; we were bar- Ezeife gaining for several days because I didn’t As a former governor why didn’t have the kind of money they demanded you have enough money to pay the for. I would thank a Yoruba friend who kidnappers what they demanded for? brought me some money and we eventuI have never emphasised money in ally have to pay them. my life. I didn’t take security votes and I didn’t collect my salary as a governor. I How much did you paid? have never emphasised money but now I I wouldn’t like to make it public. am going to be financially independent.

Classless society is key to reducing kidnapping - Psychologist Abiodun Ogunkoya is a consultant psychologist at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Yaba. In this interview with FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON, he spoke on the reasons people kidnap others despite the risk involved.

Excerpts:

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hy do people kidnap?

For anyone to kidnap, he or she must have a motive for doing it and it is either for ransom or for ritual or for wanting to get something done. For instance, the militants and rebels would kidnap someone because they want to collect a ransom from their relatives that are usually rich. For instance the recent kidnap of Okonjo Iweala’s mother and they were purportedly demanding for N1 billion ransom.

On the other hand, some kidnap people

to use for rituals. May be when there is a new currency in town, you find that kidnap cases are usually very rampant at time like that because these people that are kidnapped are used for rituals in making the money. Some other ritual purposes may be for travelling or smuggling cocaine and all other purposes.

And for some, it could be because a relative of the person being kidnapped owes or indebted to some people who order the kidnap of someone related to him. It could be because they want something done at all cost and the person concerned may not be yielding to their request and knowing fully well that if the person finds out that someone very dear to him has been kidnapped, he would yield to their request.

What can be done to stop the situation?

In the area of kidnapping for ransom, we still have a lot to do in this country because if the economy is stable and balanced, people will not opt for kidnap as a

way out. Not until Nigeria as a nation becomes a classless society, there will always be problem. For example, in most western countries of the world, there is no class between the poor and the rich.

The poor and the rich shop in the same store, go to the same hospitals, attend the same schools and enter the same kind of transportation. It is not so here in Nigeria.

What is the effect on this on the society at large?

Presently, there is nothing like faith of the people. This has given rise to many struggles. Most of these people who engage in these unlawful activities do it because they want to get the best life for themselves and their children.

It is only the fear of God that can actually help us out of this mess. People need to be more God fearing and face life squarely because if they are to react to situations the way they see it, it may end up badly for everyone especially our children’s children.

There is an insider in every kidnap –Christopher Aduba, Delta State Commissioner of Police SEGUN ADIO

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e have moved to reduce cases of kidnappings in Delta State. We do not try to engage them all alone. We made use of the support that the communities offer to us. Take the case of Christian Obodo for example, I think science helped us a great deal in that regard. Whatever we did was very scientific. We trailed the kidnappers up to where we located them, but Obodo himself was

smart to have escaped from their hands by himself.

The people of the community also helped a great deal by pulling a call through to us.

The truth is that family of victims must come forward to give police information that would assist them to do their job. Again, what we have observed is that some families of the kidnapped victims also collaborate to kidnap their people.

The problem of kidnapping in Delta State is that insiders are part of them. Like the Osadebe issue. We set our tarps and traced the kidnappers to Lagos where

we discovered that they were cousins. Insiders are always part of kidnapping issues in most of the time.

The commissioner in the state who was kidnapped was trailed from Warri up to Agbor axis. There has to be an insider involved.

There was also the case of a student who arranged for himself to be kidnapped and they were demanding N20 million from the father. We rounded up all of them. We really have to go back to the basics in this country. We have to re-orientate our youths. There is a serious problem on our hands.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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December 15, 2012

Yoke of kidnappers CONTINUED FROM P3 poverty, with the growing armies of unemployed youths, the end to kidnapping is no where in sight.

Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba , however, stresses that the eradication of poverty is top on the agenda of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubarkar.

He says, “I can tell you that the IGP has a zero tolerance for crimes, especial-

Saturday Starter

ly the menace of kidnapping. Since he came on board, the IGP has set machinery in place to rid the nation of kidnappers. This he continues to tell his lieutenants that they must wipe out pretty soon.

I can also tell you that many of the kidnap-prone areas in the country are being well policed. But we are pleading with Nigerians to always cooperate with the police in getting to the root of this matter. Police can only act when there is information from members of the public.”

Roll call of horror Royals Professor Kamene Okonjo the mother of the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala kidnapped on 9 December, 2012.

Samuel Nnee, the paramount ruler of Kpite community in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, was abducted by unknown gunmen on January 11, 2009 Her Majesty, Gladys Daukoru, wife of His Majesty King Edward Daukoru (Mingi X11 of Nembe), Bayelsa State, and former Petroleum Minister and OPEC chairman, was kidnapped in February 2009.

Children Two-year-old son of the traditional ruler of Iriebe community in Obio/ Akpo, Rivers State, Samuel Amadi; a three-year-old Briton of a Nigerian mother, Margaret Hills, and Rivers State House of Assembly member, Linda Stewart’s son, Michael.

Fifteen-year old son of the Secretary to the Rivers State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Master Ogochukwu Orisa Onyiri, was kidnapped.

Celebrities Pete Edochie kidnapped on August 16, 2009, at Nkpor on his way to an event in Anambra State. He was released on August 17, 2009.

Nkem Owoh: kidnapped on November 9, 2009, along Enugu-Port Harcourt express way.

Joseph Yobo, the captain of the Nigerian Super Eagles and the then player with Everton Football Club of England.

His elder brother, Norum was abducted at a hotel in Port Harcourt for ransom in July, 2008.

Mikel Obi’s father: On August, 12, 2011, the father of the Nigerian international and Chelsea Football Club midfielder, John Mikel Obi, was kidnapped and whisked away from Jos to Kano.

Politicians and businessmen Niger State Permanent Secretary in charge of Youth Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Umar, was kidnapped along Suleja/ Diko Expressway.

On October 27, 2009, the 78-year-old father of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Simeon Soludo, was

kidnapped in his home town, Isu-Ofia, in Ekwuluobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

On May 1, 2007, Celestine Omehia’s mother, Cecilia, was reported to have been kidnapped from her Ubima home in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State by some unknown gunmen.

January 30, 2007, a prominent businessman, of Anambra extraction, Chief Pius Ogbuawa, was kidnapped in full public glare, allegedly during a church service, by unknown gunmen.

July 7, 2007, mother of the erstwhile Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker, Hansel, was kidnapped in Akaiebiri, Ekpetiama, Yenagoa.

July 21, 2008, Chief Arthur Okowa, 76-year-old father of the Secretary to Delta State Government, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was kidnapped by gun men March 2012 the wife of the then Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Stella Muoboghare was kidnapped in Abraka, in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

She was an Assistant Registrar with state owned university, Abraka.

Also, on March 14, a former member of the House of Assembly, Gabriel Okpuno, who is the younger brother of the multi-millionaire contractor, Chief Luke Okpuno was abducted in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

Chuma Okediadi and Richard Asenime, directors with the Ministry of Agriculture, Anambra State, were kidnapped in the same month along Onitsha-Owerri Road, on their way from Umudike, Abia State, after an official engagement Journalists In March, 2010, three journalists with M-Net Supersport – Nick Greyling, an audio mixer (South African), Alexander Effiong, a Nigerian cameraman, and Bowie Attamah, a sports commentator from Nigeria – abducted from a bus in Imo State on their way to the airport.

They were said to have been released a week later.

On July 11, 2010 three journalists, including the then chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Wahab Oba, and two others were kidnapped on their way back from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.

And true to it, On March 19, 2012, a

How to avoid kidnapping Never Talk to Strangers Children are naturally open and friendly and while it is an endearing characteristic, a child that is too trusting may fall into the hands of a smoothtalking stranger. Teach children never to speak to strangers and explain to them that if they are approached by a stranger to run away immediately and tell you or another known, trusted adult. It is also important to explain to children about “safe strangers” such as policemen, firemen and store clerks so they know whom to trust should they become lost or need help.

Teach Awareness With all the gizmos and gadgets around to distract children on a dayto-day basis, it is important to remind them to be aware of their surroundings.

If your child walks home from the bus stop alone with an MP3 player on his or her ears, he or she will make an easy target. Let your children know how important it is to take note of a strange car or anybody following them on foot. Tell them in order to do this, they need to turn the music off and stay alert.

Be Buddies In a crowded store, you’ve always got one eye on your child. Reinforce this “buddy system” by teaching your child to watch out for you. Let him or her know that if he or she loses sight of you to call out. This is another way to be proactive and teach awareness.

Self Defense Your child doesn’t need to take a martial arts class to learn some basic self defense. Though most children are reluctant to be rude to an adult, it is important to explain to your child that if a stranger grabs him or her that all bets are off. Teach your child to kick a strang-

Warri-based journalist, Monday Whiskey, was abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

Doctors Stanley Uche, a medical doctor and proprietor of Victory Christian Hospital, Aba, Abia State, was kidnapped and murdered in cold blood after allegedly collecting N30 million ransom from his wife.

Army General April 23, 2009, a retired Army General, Major General Peter Ademokhai was kidnapped. He was kidnapped at Iguoriakhi, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State by persons wielding sophisticated weapons.

December 12, 2012 the wife of the former military governor of the defunct Western State, Brigadier General Oluwole Rotimi (Rtd), Titilayo, the Managing Director of AOP Logistics Limited, was kidnapped at the gate of her business premises, Alakia, on the Ibadan-Ife Expressway, Ibadan, Oyo State.

er in sensitive areas like shins, knees and groin. Tell your child to scream, “You’re not my mommy or you’re not my daddy” as loud as they can and do everything in his or her power to draw attention to the scene and get away.

Lock Your Doors Sometimes children are kidnapped right out of their own homes. Though it’s tempting to leave doors open with just a screen on a warm summer day, your child at play on the living room floor can be an easy target, especially if the door opens to the backyard. Be sure to close and lock all doors if your child is playing alone.

Safety in Numbers Teach your child that there is safety in numbers. If your child is old enough to go to the park, playground or mall with friends, teach your child not to wander out of eyesight of the group. Kidnappers usually prefer to abduct children who are alone and will rarely target a child with two or three buddies around, especially in a crowded place.

Find alternative routes If you think there is a threat, find other streets or highways you can use when driving from home to work and back. Kidnappers rely on your routine to track you down and then look for a time when you’re most vulnerable to an attack.

Do not accept lifts offered by strangers Once you get into a stranger’s car, you are at their mercy. They could either incapacitate you or hold you hostage and you might not have an opportunity to defend yourself.

Culled from www.ezinearticles.com

Clergyman January 25, 2009, gun men seized Reverend Father Pius Kii, an Assistant Parish Priest at Christ the King Church , CKC, Catholic Parish at Sangana Street in Port Harcourt.

Academia In 2008 gun men abducted Nimi Briggs, a don and chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC) and Barineme Fakae, a professor of tropical animal health, and vice-chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port-Harcourt.

Elechi Amadi, a renowned author, was kidnapped at his residence in Nbodo Aluu, on January 5, 2009.

On February 10, 2009, some armed bandits invaded the University of Abuja and abducted Theresa, the daughter of Christopher Bemewari, a member of the House of Representatives, from Opobo Nkord Andoni federal constituency.

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NATIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police arraign lawyer over abduction

•10 oil thieves arrested, ocean going barges impounded SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

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elta State Police Command yesterday arraigned a Warri-based legal practitioner, Mr. C.D.S. Omon-Irabor, for alleged conspiracy to pervert justice.

Omon-Irabor was arraigned before the Magistrate Court, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Warri, Delta State, on a three-count charge.

The legal practitioner was arrested in Warri, Delta State, on Thursday by the police for allegedly attempting to compromise the police to facilitate the release of a kidnap suspect, one Victor Akpokona.

Omo-Irabor was alleged to have offered N700, 000 bribe to a police officer to facilitate the release of Akpokona from police custody.

Omo-Irabor, according to the charge number, MW/344/2012, Commissioner of Police vs Casey Omo-Irabor & ANOR, was accused “of conspiracy to pervert justice, corruptly giving the sum of N700,000 to Inspector Samuel Imana and attempt to assist Vincent Akpokona, a kidnap suspect along side another accused.”

The suspect, who is also the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Defenders’ Organisation of Nigeria (HURDON) was representedby his colleagues from the Warri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, including the Vice Chairman, Mr. G.O.K. Ebowe and the National Coordinator of the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FJHRD), Mr.Oghenejabor Ikimi.

The matter was adjourned to December 19, 2012 for hearing.

In another development, ten suspected oil thieves have been arrested in Delta State by the men of the Oil Facility Surveillance Limited, (OFSL) managed by the exmilitant commander, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo.

It was learnt that the squad funded by the federal government also impounded an ocean-going vessel and three local boats ladden with illegally refined petroleum products.

Saturday Mirror leant that the squad achieved the feat at Escravos bar on Warri River, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The General Manager of OSFL, Mr. Keston Pondi, who briefed newsmen yesterday, said the vessel was caught by vigilant members when it was heading for Lagos with crew members on board the ship.

Kondi, who paraded the suspects before newsmen at Oporoza, in Warri South West LGA, accused the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shields and the NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base in charge of the waterways of not responding to a distress call made to them when they were almost overpowered by the suspects on the river.

Kesin, who called on the federal government to renew the contract of the firm based on its track records, wondered how the vessel and other boats got to Escravos without the knowledge of the JTF and the Navy despite the good working relationship his men had with them.

Directors, UBA Plc, Alhaji Ja’afaru Paki; Mrs. Owanari Duke, and Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, during the Bank’s Extra-ordinary General Meeting, where the shareholders authorised commercial banking structure for the bank in Lagos, recently.

Prof Okonjo’s kidnap: Family pays N10m ransom •Flies her to Abuja •Thanks Jonathan, others

SOLA ADEBAYO, AMOUR UDEMUDE AND TOLA AKINMUTIMI ASABA AND ABUJA

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10 million ransom was paid to kidnappers by memebrs of the Okonjo family to secure the release of their matriarch and wife of the Obi of Ogwuashi-Uku, Professor Mrs Kamene Okonjo, family sources have revealed.

The revelation was made just as the abduction victim was hurriedly flown to Abuija for safety.

Sources within the Okonjo family told our correspondent that negotiation was made with the kidnappers who eventually agreed to a N10 million ransom.

The sources said the negotiation and payment was coordinated by the sixth of the seven children of the family identiefied as Onyema.

It was gathered that the 82 years old woman was released yesterday upon receipt of the ransom at a designated place in in Benin on Thursday night.

Saturday Mirror can authoritatively report that the abduction victim was flown to Abuja through a chartered flight at the airport at Asaba around 2.30 yesterday, where, it was gathered she could feel more secure and receive medical attenion in view of the trauma she may have suffered.

However, asked to speak on the payment of ransom to the abudctors, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, told our correspondent that they were not part of any negotiation.

According to him, the police do not negotiate with hoodlums.

Rather, he said, our correspondent should direct his question to the Okonjo family.

Also, briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Asaba, shortly after the release of the queen mother, Aduba, said the sensitive nature of Kamene’s kidnap made the command to beam its

Boko Haram: Lawmaker, retired soldier killed …In Kano, Maiduguri AUGUSTINE MADUWEST AND INUSA NDAHI KANO AND MAIDUGURI

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unmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram shot two people dead at in two different incidents yesterday.

In Kano, Kano State, a lawmaker, Danladi Isa, was shot dead while a retired soldier, Mohmmed Bulama , in Ruwan Zafi

ward of the Maiduguri metropolis,Borno State was killed.

Isa, representing Gaya Constituency, was gunned down at about 7pm at the Hotoro/Mariri area of Kano State.

He was a chieftain of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Police said he was with friends when the attackers opened fire from an

unidentified vehicle, killing him on the spot.

Secretary of ANPP in Kano State, Rabiu Bako, said the death of their house member had been communicated to the party, adding that details of the incident were however sketchy.

Men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have cordoned off the scene of the attack in search of the suspects.

Kano Commissioner of

Police, Ibrahim Idris, confirmed the incident and the deployment of antiriots police officers to the area.

He said details of the incident were being awaited, while investigations had commenced.

It would be recalled that a House of Representatives member from Kano was recently killed by gunmen in the area, reputed for terrorist attacks.

searchlight on any obvious error or lapses either on the part of the palace guards or the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku. Aduba stated that the release of the victim involved the combined efforts of the crack team of policemen deployed by the InspectorGeneral of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, and the proactiveness of men of the Special Anti-Crime Squad (SARS).

His words: “The Delta State Police supported by a crack team from IGP’s Special Task Force on Terrorism, Abuja, consciously and professionally with due caution collated intelligence on the activities of the hoodlums and struck their hideouts in Asaba.”

It was gathered that one suspect was killed while four other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds during the storming of the kidnappers’ den.

Meanwhile, heaving a sigh of relief, the Okonojo family yesterday expressed its appreciation to God, Presdient Goodluck Jonathan and other Nigerians for their concern and intervention which helped in securing the release of their matriarch and wife of the Obi of Ogwuashi-Uku, Professor Mrs Kamene Okonjo.

A statement by Paul Nwabuikwu, Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okono-Iweala yesterday confirmed the release of the minister’s mother in the morning.

The statement reads: “I

can confirm that Professor Mrs. Kamene Okonjo, wife of the Obi of OgwashiUku, Professor Chukuka Okonjo and mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy/Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, was released this morning, five days after her abduction.

“The Okonjo Family is full of thanks to the Almighty for this happy development. The family is also highly appreciative of the support and encouragement of President Goodluck Jonathan; the Country’s security services for their excellent operations; Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Peter Obi of Anambra, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and other Governors as well other friends and well wishers within and outside government for their prayers and encouragement during a very difficult period”, it added.

The abduction of Mrs Okonjo, a few days back had raised serious concern across the world about the increasingly worrisome insecurity situation of the country thereby forcing President Goodluck Jonathan to mobilise all available security apparati in the country in the rescue mission which lasted five days.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the queen mother who regained her freedom rode on motorcycle, popularly called Okada from Kwale, a far away local government area of about 50 kilometers away to Ogwashi-Uku, back to the palace.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

7

Primate Adetiloye passes on at 82 •Jonathan, Fayemi, others eulogise him ABIODUN NEJO AND ROTIMI FADEYI ADO EKITI

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he Former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Arch-Bishop Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, died yesterday at his Odo Owa Ekiti country home.

The cleric breathed his last at about 1.30am after a brief illness at the age of 82.

His child, Mr Adeola Adetiloye, a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, and the deceased’s sibling, Chief Sunday Adetiloye, told journalists on phone of the cleric’s passage.

Adeola said his father had at about 6pm on Thursday developed signs of illness which made the family to quickly contact physicians to attend to him.

He said although the high temperature was

brought to normal initially by the medical experts, the condition relapsed at about midnight which culminated in the former primate’s death in the early hours of yesterday.

He is survived by a wife, Mrs Titilayo Adetiloye, and two children, Adeola and Adedoyin.

Adeola said the entire family would sorely miss his father’s sense of humility, generosity and care.

The late Adetiloye developed the urge to become an Anglican priest at the age of six.

He passed with distinction in the first school leaving examination in 1944 and was a teacher for six years.

He was the acting church agent at St. Paul’s Church in Ara-Yero, now Araromi at his sixth year.

Adetiloye attended Melville Hall, in Kudeti, Ibadan

in 1949 to become a priest.

He had further studies in England at King’s College London (BD) and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.

He was ordained a deacon at the end of 1953 at the Cathedral Church of Lagos, by the first Archbishop of West Africa, Leslie Vining.

He was enthroned as the second Primate of the Church of Nigeria on 26 December 1986, at the age of 57 at the Cathedral Church of Lagos, by his predecessor, Archbishop Timothy O. Olufosoye.

The late cleric was retired on December 1999, after 13 years in office.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, and the entire

Anglican Communion on the death of the patriarch.

In a condolence message, Jonathan described Adetiloye as a great man of God who would be missed not only by members of the Anglican Communion, but all Nigerians.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan in the condolence message noted that Adetiloye would be long remembered for his zeal and passion for evangelism and planting of churches and his interest in not only the spiritual life of church members but also their education, health and economic well-being.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi said Adetiloye’s humility was unparalleled for choosing to retire to live a quiet life in his rustic village when he had the opportunity

to stay back in Lagos.

The governor, who spoke yesterday during a condolence visit to the family of the late cleric at Odo Owa, said: “I am lost for words when I heard the news as all of us who are Baba’s children have every reason to grieve.

“He was always on the side of the truth and he was always supporting us when we were battling to restore democracy as the Abachas of this world didn’t like him for speaking truth to power.

“We are not mourning him but celebrating him because Baba does not belong to Nigeria alone but his place in the annals of faith is important and secured”.

In his reaction, the National Vice Chairman (SouthWest) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Segun Oni, described the cleric’s death as a sad loss to Ekiti State, the entire Christians in Nigeria and the Anglican Communion worldwide.

Oni said: “We have lost

one of the masters of God’s word in Nigeria.”

The former Ekiti State governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said Primate Adetiloye would “be sorely missed as a great man of God, who decided to become an Anglican priest at a very young age of six and followed his dream till the end”.

The governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Friday described Adetiloye as a man whose life should teach the younger generation about perseverance.

According to Aregbesola, the death of Adetiloye on Friday at the age of 83 is a reminder that life, in whatever it was lived, would come to an end.

The governor, through a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said Adetiloye’s life was a study in hard work.

“Suntai still unstable” OMEIZA AJAYI

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L-R: Son of the late Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop (Emeritus) Abiodun Adetiloye, Adedoyin; widow, Titilayo; son, Adeola and Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the governor’s condolence visit to the family of the late Primate in Odo Owa-Ekiti, yesterday.

araba State governor, Danbaba Suntai, who was involved in a plane crash recently is gradually responding to treatment and may have started replying to greetings.

However, the governor is still said to be unable to recognise visitors.

A foreign ministry official told Saturday Mirror that the chances of Mr. Suntai returning to full and normal life remain slim.

“Well, he (Suntai) is re-

sponding to treatment and even to conversations but he is still finding it difficult to recognise most of his associates”, said the source who preferred not to be mentioned.

He added: “I cannot say for sure if he will ever return to normal life because I am not his physician but even if he will, that will take a lot of time”, he stated.

Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which he belongs is said to be searching for a credible individual in his state to take over the reins of governance.

depend on oil Lagos suspends toll collection on Lekki-Epe 2nd plaza Don’t alone, activist tells FG MURITALA AYINLA

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agos State government has announced the postponement in the collection of tolls on the 2nd Toll Plaza along Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The postponement followed an agreement with the Lekki Concession Company Limuted (LCCI), the concessionaires of the newly constructed toll plaza.

The toll collection had earlier been scheduled to commence by midnight,

December 16, 2012, but was postponed in the spirit of the Yuletide celebration.

Speaking with journalists after a closed door meeting between the concessionaires and Governor Babatunde Fashola, Special Adviser/DirectorGeneral to the governor on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, said the state government took the decision in response to appeals by people of the state.

Said Gbeleyi: “Further to the earlier announced commencement of user based tolling at the 2nd

Toll plaza on the Eti-Osa Lekki-Epe Expressway by midnight, December 16th, this year, the Lagos State Government and the Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCCI), in the spirit of the season and in deference to appeals made to the governor by well-meaning Lagosians and the public at large, have jointly decided to defer until further notice the scheduled commencement of tolling at the second Toll Plaza on LekkiEpe Expressway.

“The parties will in the days ahead continue their

constructive engagement towards addressing the impact of this situation within the purview of their respective contractual obligations,” he added.

The PPP boss who was flanked by the Acting Managing Director, LCCI, Mr. Mike Edington, Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, Managing Director LCCL Mr. Opuiyo Oforiokuma held at the State House Marina, Lagos said new date for the commencement of toll collection on the roads would be announced later.

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

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uman rights activist, Alhaja Aminat Irawo, has called on the federal government to develop other sectors of the country to pave way for other sources of income apart from oi.

Alhaja Irawo in a statement made available to Saturday Mirror appealed to the government to work toward improving the agricultural sector, which was the major source of income for the three re-

gional government during the First Republic.

“Nigeria should understand that it is not advisable for the country to depend on oil alone as government’s source of revenue. We should go back to the old system when the country was run without oil. There was no oil during the First Republic and the country was run successfully with proceeds from sales of cocoa, groundnut oil, colanut, palm oil, sugar cane, timber, coal and many other cash crops and mineral resources.

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NATIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

Alleged money laundering: Babalakin loses bid to stop EFCC K AYODE KETEFE

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he bid by the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Ltd, Dr Olawale Bolanle Babalakin, to thwart his prosecution by the Economic and Financial CrimeS Commission failed yesterday as a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos struck out his suit seeking to restrain the anti-graft commission.

It would be recalled that EFCC had filed a 27-count charge against Babalakin before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of Ikeja High Court which essentially comprised alleged offences of money laundering.

Babalakin who could

not attend his scheduled arraignment at the last adjourned date on account of his hospitalisation at LUTH, then rushed to the Federal High Court, Lagos, with an application for leave to file a motion for an order of certiorari and prohibition against the EFCC, which the court granted.

On Thursday, December 13 2012, when the matter came for arguments between the parties, Balalakin and the commission, through thier respective lawyers, Mr. Olawale Akoni, SAN, and Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, had engaged in severe and protracted legal battle with a view to persuade the court to thier

respective postion.

While Babalakin had claimed that the EFCC had no power to prosecute him in Lagos and that it is only the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minsiter of Justice that could prefer the purported charge againt him, EFCC had dismiised Babalakin’s position as a misconception in law.

The commission had inssisted that that under the provisions of section 318 of the constitution as amended, a public officer can initiate criminal proceedings against any accused person before a court of law, stressing that a public officer is statutorily defined to include officers of the EFCC.

The commisison’s lawyer, Jacobs therefore described Babalakin’s arguments as legally untenable, a grave misconception and a mere ploy to escape lawful prosecution.

Jacobs also argued that the office of the A.G Federation does not have the monopoly of prosecution.

In a ruling delivered very late in the afternoon yesterday, December 14, 2012, the presidinf judge, Justice Mohammed Idris found favour with the EFCC’s argument and consequnetly held that Babalakin’s suit was incompetent.

The judge strcuk out the suit on the grounds that it did not comply with the rukes of the court.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Air Force to recall retired personnel for essential services SEGUN ADIO

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lans are afoot by the Nigerian Air Force to recall some of its highly trained and skillful personnel for essential services.

This was disclosed yesterday in Lagos by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Sabundu Badeh, while addressing some retiring personnel of the military at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos on the occasion of the graduation of participants of Course 02/2012.

About 308 retiring Non Commissioned Officers par-

NSITF boss tasks Nigerian youths on innovative strategies OMEIZA AJAYI

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General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Kenneth Minimah (l) and his wife, Mrs. Felly Minimah (r), taking to the dance floor while singer, Daddy Shokey, performed at the West African Social Activity (WASA), 2012, organised for personnel of the division at the Dodan Barracks parade ground, recently.

ANPP endorses merger LUTH: Doctors suspend strike I parly with other parties LA DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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he All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has confirmed that it is talking with other political parties with the view to forming alliance for the purposes of 2015 general elections.

The party however said that it will not play second fiddle in the merger if it eventually comes to fruition.

Different party members from the five states of the South-East that converged in Enugu, yesterday, to receive the party’s national rebuilding and intra-party contact committee said they were in support of the merger proposal and resolved to work assiduously for repositioning of the party.

Chairman of the 21 members committee and former

Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, stated that as one of the terms of reference of his committee, the ANPP was already in talks with other political parties like the CPC, APGA, ACN, DPP among others.

Shekerau who was the presidential candidate of the party in 2011 election, said that the committee was put up to catch with the expectations and wishes of the ordinary people that there should be a change as an alternative to the present government.

“What is happening is that people are accepting what they can see because there is no alternative, yet it is the same Nigerians that will provide the alternative.

It is therefore the peoples desire that is driving us to provide us with the alternative,” said Shekaru.

ATEEFAH BRAHIM NIMASHAUN

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he Association of Resident Doctors, (ARD), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has called off the recent strike over the recent tax deductions from their sallaries.

The president of the association, Dr. Adenekan Adetunji, made this known at a press conference held at the hospital.

He told press that the doctors had agreed to call off the strike to save the lives of innocent Nigerians who need good healthcare delivery.

He said that the Executive Council, on behalf of the association had involved the Nigerian Medical Association (Lagos chapter) actively in the impasse and had also forwarded a letter

to the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, so as to negotiate, at state level, the waiver of the Call duty allowance in taxes issues as presently being done for doctors in Ogun, Edo among others.

He added that as professionals and civilized members of the society with high regard for rule of law they were not opposed to paying taxes in any way.

“We frown strongly at the process of commencement and implementation of the new tax law in LUTH despite the hospital management’s knowledge of its lack of uniform application throughout the country,” he said.

ticipated in the programme.

Air Marshal Badeh maintained that many retired personnel of the Air Force are still agile and could still be useful for the development of the service.

His words: “Some of you here, whom I know are well-trained, could be called upon to render some services even in retirement through engagement on contract basis,” he said.

In his address at the occasion, Commandant NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Moses Akisanmi urged the retiring personnel to be good ambassadors of their various services in private life.

hairman, governing board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Trust Fund Pension (TFP) Plc, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has urged Nigerian youths to brace up to the challenges of life and evolve innovative ways of making ends meet rather than resort to vices.

Dr. Olejeme was speaking yesterday in Abuja when the Royal Commonwealth Society of London conferred on her the Ordinary Life Membership for her immense contribution to the development of the youth in Nigeria.

She told Saturday Mirror that the award would spur her to do more in the area of poverty alleviation for Nigerian youths and women.

“My message for the

youth is that they should fear God who will in turn reward them. Like I said earlier, this award is not just for me; it is for all Nigerians. The award will propel me to uphold and value the image of Nigeria which I represent.”

Dr Olejeme who is the first Nigerian woman to be so honoured would now participate at the meeting of Commonwealth nations and enjoy a free access to all Commonwealth institutions.

Speaking further, Dr. Olejeme said: “This award definitely means a lot, not only to me, but to the organisation that I chair. It means a lot to this PDP government of President Goodluck Jonathan. It is an award to the excellent way Mr. President is leading this country. The award represents all the efforts of the President to bring Nigerians to their greatest levels.”

Plateau: NLC threatens nationwide strike

•Urges Jonathan to call Jang to order OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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nless well-meaning Nigerians prevail on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Chief Jona Jang, to amicably resolve the lingering industrial crisis in the state before 20th of December, 2012, the Nigeria Labour

Congress has said that it would go on a national strike.

This is even as it urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call the governor to order before the state completely descends to anarchy.

NLC president, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, who spoke at the end of the Central Working Committee(CWC) of the congress, said that the moves to embark on a national strike was necessitated by the need to avert the long suffering of workers in the state.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 15, 2012

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NATIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

President’s aides clash over SURE-P mega funds GEORGE OJI AND OMEIZA AJAYI

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he quest for power in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) may have pitched two aides of President Goodluck Jonathan against each other, Saturday Mirror has learnt.

The SURE-P committee was established in February this year to manage the proceeds that were expected to accrue from the fuel subsidy withdrawal, which took ef-

fect from January 2012.

The sum of N180 billion was estimated to accrue to the committee this year alone.

As at the end of September, the sum of N135 billion was already in the coffers of the committee.

The SURE-P committee is headed by business mogul, Dr. Christopher Kolade, and comprises some staff who were donated to the committee from existing ministries, departments and agencies of government.

For this first year of its operation, the areas of the committee’s intervention

projects were determined by the federal government.

However, in order to deliver the projects efficiently, government created project implementation units in all the MDAs. The SURE-P committee on its part, created subcommittees to oversight the projects to ensure effective and efficient work delivery.

In order to effectively monitor the interventionist programmes the SUREP committee is expected to appoint state coordinators across the 36 states of the federation as well as the

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The appointment of the state coordinators, Saturday Mirror learnt is generating bad blood between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, and the Presidential Adviser on political Matters, Ahmed Gulak.

Both political office holders are pitched against each other over the decision as to who has the powers to draw the list of the state coordinators for the SURE-P committee.

Last month, Gulak drew

up a list of appointments for the state SURE-P coordinators and sent to the SFG for ratification.

Incidentally, the entire list was rejected by Anyim, an action that greatly infuriated Gulak.

Anyim, it was learnt, interpreted the action of Gulak as meddlesome and abuse of state protocol.

To ventilate his anger, Gulak was said to have been remotely behind a protest that took place late last month at the Jonathan/Sambo Support Group’s at Area 11, behind the NTA Gariki office in Abuja, where some placard-carrying protesters matched round the neighbourhood, denouncing the action of the SGF. When Saturday Mirror spoke with the media aide to Gulak on the matter, Mr. Perry Opara, he denied knowledge of the rift between his boss and the SGF over the matter.

He said “We are not aware of such details but the SURE-P has been suc-

cessfully inaugurated.”

Efforts to speak with the Special Assistant on Media to the SGF, Sam Nwaobasi, did not yield any result either as he neither picked calls to his mobile line nor replied to a text message sent to him.

However, a source within the Shagari House office of the SGF accused opposition party elements of trying to destroy the programme, “since they did not succeed in destroying the government using the fuel subsidy removal protests earlier in the year.”

At the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the SURE-P was initially under the Development Secretariat, which falls under the supervision of the Minister of State in the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide.

However, for some inexplicable reasons, the programme was re-assigned to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), which is under the supervision of the FCT minister, Mohammed Bala.

Encomiums as S’ Court honours Kayode Eso EMMANUEL ONANI R-L: Osita Chidoka, Corps Marshal of Federal Roads Safety Corps, presenting Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada with his new driver’s licence while Senator Emmanuel Anosike looks on, recently.

EFCC vs Daniel: Court fixes ruling for January 2013 FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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ustice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of an Ogun State High Court II yesterday fixed January 8th, 2013 for ruling on application brought before it by the former governor, Gbenga Daniel, in which he is seeking to quash 13 out of the 38 count charges leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Daniel is currently standing trial on a 38-count-charge that bothered on stealing, false declaration of assets as well as fraudulent conversion of government lands among others before the High Court presided over

by Justice Mabekoje.

The judge had during the last sitting on October 15th, 2012 adjourned hearing on the application filed by the Daniel’s team of defence lawyers

led by Professor Taiwo Osipitan till November 9, 2012 which could not hold due to the strike action embarked upon by the judicial workers in the state.

When the case eventually came up for hearing yesterday however, Daniel’s defense lawyers told the court that the state government was vilifying the former governor through the setting up of a Commission of Enquiry to probe land administration under Daniel’s regime.

Arguing further for the striking out of counts 1 to 13, the defence counsel, Tayo Oyetibo, who led the argument asking for the quashing of the case told the court that continued hearing of the 13 charges would amount to injustice.

Oyetibo also argued that

by Constitutional implication, EFCC was prosecuting the case against Daniel “subject to the specific of general direction of Ogun Attorney General”.

The defense counsel added that it was not in the principle of fair hearing for the court to continue with the trial already adjudicated upon by a competent commission of enquiry.

According to him, Ogun is the principal complainant and prosecutor in the matter and as such, had the legal duty to wait for submission of court on the matter before setting up the commission.

He said during the pendency of the criminal case contained in the said 13 counts, the Ogun State government hurriedly set up a judicial Commission of Enquiry which findings and recommendations were accepted by the same government and were given maximum publicity by way of paid advertisement in the national dailies.

Oyetibo further argued that the setting up of the Commission of Enquiry during the pendency of

matter before Justice Mabekoje; the acceptance of the same recommendations by the state government under Governor Amosun as well as the publication of the white paper on the findings through a paid advert constituted a breach of the legal duties as laid down by a Supreme Court.

The counsel, who said the publication was meant to put the judge in a difficult situation that could corrupt the mind of the court, further explained that the state government’s action was a deviation from legal procedure which amounted to breach of law.

After listening to the arguments of both counsels, Justice said it was important for him to thoroughly study their submissions before coming out with the verdict.

The judge thereafter, adjourned ruling on the matter till 8th January, 2013.

ABUJA

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t was a day of edifying tributes yesterday, as the Supreme Court held a valedictory court session in honour of the Justice Kayode Eso. Justice Eso, who died in a London hospital on Friday November 16, was aged 87.

In a valedictory speech in honour of the late jurist, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who led a full panel of thirteen justices of the apex court noted that the session was not to mourn but to “celebrate and pay tribute to a deserving icon of the legal profession”.

In her tribute, the CJN revealed that “Justice Kayode Eso symbolizes the characteristics of a thoroughbred Nigerian with the capacity to reside in any part of the country freely, and contributing immensely to the development of any community he found himself.”

Justice Mukhtar noted that “Hon. Justice Kayode Eso’s career commenced on a rather dramatic note as his exceptional brilliance and due diligence shot him past the position of Solici-

tor General, which was his next promotion as the Legal Draftsman, straight to the position of Acting Judge of the High Court of Western Nigeria. Only six months after, he was confirmed a Judge of the High Court, Western Nigeria.”

Enumerating his legendary achievements, Mukhtar said “Justice Eso was a key participant in a host of seminars including the Harvard International Seminar, Harvard University.

“Although the United States, States Department, only invites guests once, Justice Kayode Eso was invited twice - once to undertake a six week study of the United States Judicial System, especially that involving the Supreme Courts of Appeal and the second time, as a Supreme Court Justice to undertake an academic tour of the leading United States universities with Law faculties, particularly Harvard, Yale and U.C.L.A… “Justice Eso served the country in several extra-judicial capacities as Vice-Chairman of the Body of Benchers; Chairman, Committee on Corruption and other Economic Crimes - set up to find panacea to the ills in Nigeria”, Mukhtar disclosed.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

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SOUTH WEST

Polio: Lagos to immunise 4.3 million children MURITALA AYINLA

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agos State is planning to immunize about 4.3 million

children from polio in the four-day Mop-Up imminisation campaign against Poliomyelitis scheduled to commence today. The

figure was given by the state’s commissioner for health, Dr Jide Idris.

Dr Idris, who said that immunisation remains

the most cost effective and efficient strategy to prevent the scourge in the state, urged parents and guardians to ensure their

children of under-five receive polio when health workers coming at their doors.

He said in spite of the fact that Lagos state had not recorded incidence of polio since 2009, the state is not resting on its oars to prevent the outbreak of the scourge.

He added that polio virus had been detected in Makoko and Ijora lately but stressed that there

had not been any record of human case of poliomyeletis in the state.

His words, “The 4-day.

Campaign would be implemented by 2,254 house-to-house teams, 1,504 transit and 778 fixed/ transiently fixed posts teams. Children at homes, markets churches, mosques, major parks and event venues would be specifically targeted,” Dr. Idris said.

Lagos school wins Bobo Kiddies Brainy competition

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Chairperson Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, (m) presenting some items and cash to one of the 100 beneficiaries at the Elderly Citizen Assistance Scheme, recently, while wife of Hon. Bashiru Oloto, member Lagos House of Assembly (r) looks on.

ACF, YUF seek unity among Nigerians

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eaders of both the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) say there was the need for unity and good governance for the progress of the country.

The leaders made the call in a communique issued at the end of their closed-door meeting to discuss national issues at Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, the home of late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

They lamented what they described as pervasive corruption, bad governance and insecurity which are currently pulling the country back.

Both the ACF and YUF attributed the ills to bad leadership.

While emphasising on issues that bind Nigeria together as a nation, they urged Nigerians to de-emphasise ethnicity, religion and issues that divide the country.

In a joing statement, the two bodies said, “We are all committed to the unity, progress and stability of Nigeria, gov-

erned with a sense of justice, equity and fairness. Therefore, Nigerians should de-emphasise issues that divide us, such as ethnicity and religion, while emphasising issues that bind us together as a nation.

The challenges confronting the nation, including corruption, bad governance and insecurity, are all traceable to bad leadership. In order to address these and other challenges, a national dialogue is desirable and must be carried out as a matter of utmost priority.

Present at the meeting which lasted for three hours were Chief (Mrs) H.I.D Awolowo, and a representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Awolowo had said that the sole purpose of the meeting was to proffer solutions to the problems facing Nigeria. She expressed optimism that the outcome would be beneficial to all Nigerians.

Awolowo noted that the meeting was the first of its kind featuring the joint political leadership of the entire North and its counterpart in the South-West.

While saying that the meeting was timely and historical, she added that the meeting would open a new page in the history of inter-ethnic harmony and co-operation in the country.

Those at the meeting included some traditional rulers from the SouthWest geo-political zone, as well as delegates representing the ACF and YUF. The YUF delegation

was led by Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Gbonigi, while that of the ACF was led by its chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed.

Among the ACF delegates was a former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, Sen. Joseph Waku, and a former Nigeria Ambassador to Morocco, Alhaji Ladan Shuni. Others were an ex-military governor of Katsina State and later Plateau, Maj-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd.), and a former INEC Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed.

his year’s finals of the Bobo Kiddies Brainy Contest has produced new set of young and promising primary school pupils who are brilliantly inclined with academic and political happenings around them and across the world.

The contest, one of the Corporate Social Responsibilities of the premium food drinks company, Bobo Foods and Beverages Nigeria Limited, had Blevour Chidren’s School, Awodi-Ora, Ajegunle the overall winner.

The school went home with the star prize of 18-seater Bobo-branded Ford.

First runners up, Providence School, Fagba-Agege, Lagos, won complete library set of multi-media computers; and the second runners up, St. Bernadette School, Gowon-Estate, Ipaja, Lagos also goes home with Printer and Photocopier Machines.

Dramatically however, the overall winner of the contest tied head-to-head with the second runners up with

16 points each in the contest. The two schools were thereafter separated on the second trial, when Blevour Children’s School proved itself worthy of the star prize by beating Providence School 16-12.

The final score of both schools, as pronounced by Mr. Adekunle Curtis of Bobo, were 32 and 28 respectively.

The third position of the competition, with a total score of 12 points, went to St Bernadette School.

According to the coordinator of the programme, who doubles as the Managing Director, Advertising Options, Mr. Ayodele Salami, the kiddies braining contest was specifically designed for school pupils to identify, recognise and reward academic excellence and especially, the mastery of current affairs activities among primary school pupils.

Salami furthered explained that arrangements have been concluded to nationalize the kiddies brainy competition, which is currently, a Lagos affair.

2 killed in Okitipupa auto crash

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n accident involving a car and a motorcyclist in Ikoya, Okitipupa Local Government, on Thursday evening claimed two lives and left one other person injured.

A grey Nissan Primera Saloon car marked LAGOS CY693KJA and an unregistered Qlink Motorcycle were involved in

the incident.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that the commercial motorcyclist with one passenger was on his way to Okitipupa when he lost control.

“The okada man struggled to regain control of the motorcycle before he veered off his lane and smashed into the car on the way to Ikoya on the

opposite lane,” one of the witnesses told NAN. He said the commercial motorcyclist died on the spot while his passenger, a woman, and the driver of the car were injured.

But the Okitipupa Divisonal Police Officer (DPO), Mr Titilola Lasisi, who confirmed the incident, said the female pas-

senger later died at the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, while the car driver was receieving treatment.

He said the body of the commercial motorcyclist and the female passenger had been deposited at the hospital’s morgue while the car driver was receiving treatment at the same hospital.

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REGIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH SOUTH

Bayelsa LG polls: S’ Court upholds chairmen’s election EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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onfusion yesterday pervaded the political camp of the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson,following the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld that election of three council chairmanship candidates in the People’s Democratic Party primaries in the 2010 primaries.

The court ordered that the PDP candidates be sworn in immediately into office . The Supreme Court affirmed that the Chairmanship candidates, Koku Gariga, Sagbama Local Government, Inieye Igbainfagha,Kolokuma/ Opokuma and Sele Sabo of Ekeremor llocal government were the duly elected executive chairmen in the 2010 council election.

Supporters of Dick-

TONY ANICHEBE UYO

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ecent events shows that adolescents and youths of both sexes between the ages of 15-30 years constitutes the high risk group of abusers of drugs especially illicit and socially prohibited drugs such as heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

The Acting commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom State command, Alfred Adewumi, disclosed this

son ,who are still shocked with the ruling described it as a set-back for their faction of the ruling party.

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swear in the new council chairmen.

Governor Dickson’s aide who confided in our correspondent said he

had accepted the judgement and was going to swear in the Chairmen.

It was further gathered that the three chair-

Artistes performing during an international heritage parade at the 2012 Rivers State Carnival in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

men yesterday received copies of the Supreme Court ruling affirming their positions. The trio had challenged their substitution in 2010 by the immediate past administration in the state as they headed to the Federal High court ,Appeal Court and Supreme Court to seek justice.

Incidentally, the controversial primaries for Chairmanship aspirants in the PDP would be held today amidst protests from the screening exercise.

Our correspondent was reliably informed that The Governor may have hijacked the primaries to enable build his political structure in the grassroots.

The main council poll is scheduled for March 23 which the PDP is likely to clinch the poll being the only dominant political party in the state.

Drug abuse among youths frightening –NLDEA yesterday at Mkpat Enin Local Government Area during a drug abuse enlightenment campaign organized for parents and guardians from the area.

Adewumi further disclosed that since drug barons found new customers in the youths in the last decade the drug abuse sub-culture has taken a wider and frightening dimension in the society which informed

Delta orders closure of school over teachers’ harassment

he Delta State government on Friday ordered the immediate closure of Ovwian Secondary School in Udu Local Government Area of the state due to vandalism and harassment of teachers in the school.

The Delta Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof.

Patrick Muoboghare, said the closure was necessary to curb the incessant vandalism and harassment of teachers in the school.

Muoboghare said that

Investigation by Saturday Mirror revealed that the State Governor had directed the Chief Judge of the state ,Kate Sbiri to

the school would remain closed until the damaged structures and vehicles belonging to some of the teachers were satisfactorily repaired.

He said that while the ministry was contemplating erecting new structures to tackle the population explosion of students, some misguided ones were taking laws into their hands and destroying the available structures.

He, however, sympathised with the principal and staff of the school over their ordeal

es of illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse and dictating the signs in order to salvage the life of their wards and those of members of their societies.

He urged the participants to always see the NDLEA as partners in progress in ensuring the demand reduction of illicit drugs within the environment and in the protection of lives from destruction.

Speaking at the event, Eket Area Commander of NDLEA and the host of the enlightenment campaign Toyin Ajanaku expressed appreciation to Exxonmobil Q.I.T Ibeno for remaining resolute in its corporate responsibility by collaborating with the agency in the Area Command to facilitate the enlightenment programme geared towards protecting the citizenry from drug abuse.

the agency’s call on parents and guardians to partner it in the fight to rid the environment of traffickers and salvage the citizens from dangers of drug abuse.

His words, “We believe that many of you are ignorant of the implication of these narcotic drugs and that is why we have brought the message to you so that you can understand the implication and partner us

to minimize the abuse of the drugs in the society especially among our youths,” he said.

The anti-narcotics agency boss explained that the Drug Free Counseling Clinic was put in place by the agency to enlighten and counsel parents, guardians, traditional leaders in the state, and religious leaders to help in spreading the message about the dangers and consequenc-

and appealed to them to remain calm and await further directive from the ministry.

Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs Julie Etemike, said some students, in collaboration with outsiders, had been fomenting trouble in the school.

Etemike said that they had been teaching under fear and appealed to the government to come to their rescue.

Meanwhile, a fiveman ad hoc committee had been appointed by the ministry to look into the immediate causes of violence in the school.

C’ River, BOA empower youths with N200m loans

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he Bank of Agriculture (BOA), in collaboration with the Cross River State government, has empowered youths in the state with N200 million as loans for small and medium agriculture enterprises.

The state’s Acting Governor, Mr Efiok Cobham, disclosed this on Thursday during an interactive session with the Cross River Business Community and representatives of BOA in Calabar.

He said the aim of the micro-business facility was to boost primary production in agriculture, and disclosed that state

government would contribute 50 per as counterpart fund to the facility.

Cobham expressed optimism that the loans would go a long way in upgrading the financial status of young entrepreneurs in the area.

According to him, “The loans shall range up to a maximum amount of N250,000 per business with little or no collateral.

The interest charged per annum shall be eight per cent for agricultural businesses and nine per cent for other businesses,’’ he said.

The acting governor said the businesses cov-

ered in the collaboration included micro enterprises in agricultural production such as crops, livestock and fishery.

He commended BOA for its innovation in introducing programmes aimed at empowering youths and women to improve their economic activities.

Cobham urged the bank to also consider funding the agro-allied processing industry to add value to agricultural produce, especially perishable goods.

He said there was the dire need for Cross River to re-strategise as an agrarian state.

Politics

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 15, 2012

13

2015: Will opposition’s plots against PDP endure?

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

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head of the 2015 general elections, political permutations are gaining momentum as various individuals, political parties and groups have started underground work toward ensuring individual and party’s interest in 2015. Knowing the importance of the 2015 general elections, all political parties are seriously working round the clock to position itself for the election.

While the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is strategising to retain the seat of power at the centre, the opposition parties are also not losing sleep in their efforts to send PDP out of the presidential villa in Abuja, come 2015.

In the camp of the opposition parties, all hands are on deck to end PDP’s reign in Nigeria. At present, the three major opposition parties, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) are working assiduously toward the formation of an alliance or a new party ahead of 2015 as a strong platform against the PDP. Following the strength of the PDP in Nigeria, the merger of the major opposition parties is one of the strategies being canvassed by some politicians to defeat the ruling party, which has dominated power since the advent of the present democracy in 1999. Some analysts are of the view that any genuine and honest cooperation among opposition parties for the 2015 general elections could make the election tough for the PDP. Therefore, if everything works out as planned, the three major opposition political parties may drop their identities by April 2013, when talks on their proposed merger are expected to be completed.

Speaking to journalists recently in Abuja, the chairman of the ANPP National Rebuilding and Interparty Contact Committee, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said that the merger talks between the three political parties had reached the last stage. He also disclosed that the leaders of the three parties decided that it was better for them to merge, having realised that an alliance between the three parties would not work.

Shekarau, a former ANPP presidential candidate, while stressing the need for opposition parties to fight PDP under a strong platform posited that the chieftains of the three parties had decided to forget their individual ambitions to make the fusion a success. He disclosed that in the alternative, the parties also might decide to adopt the name of one of the existing political parties while the remaining two would dissolve into the adopted one. The other two options, according to him, are to “take a symbol, a flag and any other identity from the parties, so that every party will have a sense of belonging or all of us will just forget our identities.”

Shekarau’s position has also been confirmed by the leadership of the ACN and CPC. The National Publicity Secretary of ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and its CPC counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, while confirming Shekarau’s position said their parties were committed to the merger and that the modalities were being worked out. They both disclosed that the plan of their party was to form a stronger political party that would be capable of sacking the PDP. Fasakin said CPC is ready to pay all the necessary sacrifice to work toward a process that we will enable them form a party that will be big enough to confront and remove the PDP from the central government.

On his part, Mohammed said ACN is committed to getting a single platform of all opposition political parties that will drive the PDP out of power.

Also, the recent deregistration of 28 political parties by

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also thrown up a big challenge toward the 2015 contest.

Many people are of the view that the leaders of the deregistered political parties may work in favour or against the PDP. At the beginning of the present dispensation three political parties - Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All People’s Party (APP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD) - were registered by the electoral commission. During the 1999 general elections, the three political parties present were felt in all the parts of the country as PDP, APP and AD won 21, nine and six states respectively. But shortly after the election, there were several internal crises in the three political parties and many of the party chieftains left to form new political parties.

Prior to the 2003 general elections, about 24 political parties sought for INEC registration but only three parties - All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), National Democratic Party (NDP) and United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP) - were registered while about 21 others were denied registration.

Following the inability of INEC to register the 21 political parties, National Conscience Party (NCP) led by late human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and four of the unregistered parties went to the court to challenge their non-registration. During the legal tussles, the High Court upheld the decision of INEC but an appeal against the judgment by the five parties was endorsed by the Court of Appeal on July 26, 2002, which declared that once a political association meets the provisions of Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution, such an association automatically becomes a political party ‘capable of sponsoring candidates and canvassing for votes in any constitutionally recognised elective office throughout Nigeria.’

The registration of NCP and other few political parties toward the 2003 general elections paved the way for the

registration of many political parties in Nigeria and as at 2011 general elections the number of political parties in Nigeria was 63. But despite their registration many of the political parties did not make any meaningful impact during the election and this led to deregistration of many of the political parties by INEC. Therefore, with the numbers of political parties being reduced ahead of the 2015 general elections, some of the deregistered political parties may partner with either PDP or any of the opposition parties. But considering the antecedents of many of the leaders of the deregistered political parties, especially those who are known to be progressives, they may likely work with the opposition parties against the PDP. Speaking to Saturday Mirror, a lawyer and national leader of the Citizen Popular Party (CPP), Chief Maxi Okwu, said he believed that the deregistration of the political parties would serve as a challenge for all the progressives to come under one umbrella to end the reign of the ruling PDP. His words: “I believe that we should have come together a long time ago to form a bigger party to challenge the PDP. It is a tragedy that a political party is headed by Balarabe Musa, another headed by Olu Falae, another political party headed by Tunji Braithwaite, another party headed by Arthur Nwankwo and another party headed

by Ralph Obiorah. These are progressives, why can they come together and be formidable enough to give PDP a break rather than the much room formation that goes no way. I pray that with deregistration of many political parties, the progressives will now see the reasons to come together.”

Also speaking to our correspondent on the same issue, the national coordinator of the Change Agent of Nigeria Network (CANN), Mr. Kayode Salako, said no single political party among the opposition parties has the political CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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POLITICS

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No anointed candidate for Chief Ebenezer Babatope, lawyer, politician and d journalist is a eoples Democrat tic member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic n and Aviation Party (PDP) and former Minister of Transportation ime. Babatope, a during the General Sani Abacha-led military regime. former national organising secretary of the Unityy Party of Nigeria BANKE, E speaks (UPN) in this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, on his party’s plan toward the emergence of its BoT chairman on es, 2015 general January 8, 2013, deregistration of political parties, ong other issues. elections and PDP’s bid to win South-West, among Excerpts:

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ow prepared is PDP for the election of its BoT chairman, come January 8, 2013?

I can assure you that the process that will lead to the emergence of the BoT chairman will be free and fair. In fact it was to make for fairness that the BoT, at its last meeting, decided that all those who want to be considered for the chairmanship post should apply formally. So, apparently all those who are interested would have applied in writing to the Secretary of the BoT and also the National Working Committee of the party. When we get there on January 8, their names will be read, votes would be taken and the new chairman of BoT will emerge.

Is PDP going to consider zoning in electing the BoT chairman?

I can’t speak for the National Working Committee and BoT on that matter but when we get there, I am sure issues that will be trashed out relating to zoning or no zoning. But apparently, I believe that it is not our tradition in the PDP to zone chairmanship of the BoT but it does not stop the fact that we have to take into consideration many factors in determining who will now occupy the position. The BoT is an advisory body and it is a body of people who are presumed to be elders of the party and things are done by consensus and mutual agreement. So, I don’t see any force in this business and I am sure that by the grace of God, on January 8, we would arrive at a popular candidate who will be chairman of the BoT. What are those factors that the BoT and NWC members will put into consideration for a new BoT chairman to emerge?

Democracy is an open thing, so I am not saying that the BoT or NWC members will prescribe issues that will militate against the emergence of candidates. When we get there on January 8, those who have applied will be read by the Secretary of the BoT to the BoT; their names will be announced and I believe votes will be taken. So, it will be democratically done and whoever that comes top in the election will hold the chairmanship of the BoT. You said all those that applied for the position will be given equal opportunities but the contest seems to have been narrowed down to three contestants.

It is not correct. There is no anointed person to be chairman; not to my knowledge. So, apparently when we get there the Secretary of the BoT will announce

the names of those who have formally applied. Those who feel el they are marketable will come out and election lection will willl be cast.

Because BoT is a group oup off elders e ders that el seek to advise the party a ty on ar n how we e move on as a party, there t ere th e may may be e no need for us to go into intto all all the t e th rigours of voting orr whatever. wha hate tev ver. ve ver It may be by consensus sus and and d it it could be that by January anua an ary 8, many of those who have have ve apapp plied would say No, we are are withdrawing. They may ay y say ay y that we believe PDP should hou ould d now have time to face ce the the great task of not governve v e erning only Nigeria but butt preparing for the 2015 015 general elections and nd d therefore step down. wn. n.

We are elders and beeing elders dictates es the fact that we are e not in any way catchh Babatope ing ourselves within the complicated cases of having people go through rigours of election.

For the BoT contest, the people of South-West seem to be positioning themselves since the immediate chairman, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is from the zone, and considering the fact that Yoruba are not properly represented at the federal level.

What is your take on this?

We (South-West) have been assured by the President that he will personally address the issue of the marginalisation that the South-West people are facing. In fairness to President Goodluck Jonathan, he supported the fact that a South-Westerner should be the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In fact, he went to a great extent in lobbying for Mulikat Adeola-Akande to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives. But when that failed due to what happened in the House of Representatives, the President has always been giving assurance to us that he will personally attend to the issue and ensure that he convinces the South-Westerners that his administration is not against them. Secondly, the post of BoT chairmanship was not given to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the basis of being a Yoruba.

The constitution at that time states that to be a BoT chairman, you have to be either a former President or a former national chairman of the party but the constitution has already been amended. So, any person can now aspire to be the chairman of the

Board of Trustees and there would not be the question of zoning to A or Z. But having said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo resigned the position and since he resigned the position, his being a South-Westerner does not make it a family inheritance by which somebody from South-West must obviously be the chairman of the BoT. Having said that, the current Secretary of the BoT comes from the North. So, by reason, whoever that wants to be chairman may not come from the North. I am only expressing my personal opinion. It doesn’t stop any South-Westerners from contesting the position. Anybody from the South can now aspire for the position because the Secretary is from the North. But having said that, if the BoT considers it that it will be in the best interest of the party and Nigeria that it is just anybody that can contest, so be it. What I can assure you is that PDP will take into consideration many factors to arrive at the person that will be the chairman. And the person that will be the chairman will guide the party to the crucial elections of 2015; therefore PDP will never joke with the election of the BoT chairman because we know it is very crucial to our wellbeing as Nigeria. So, we are going to have popular candidate emerge on January 8.

Talking about 2015, at present PDP leaders seem to be divided over the issue of 2015 presidency.

The issue has not come up at all. The issue will start to come up toward the end of

next year. So, the NWC and all the organs of the party have not taken a position on this matter. So, we are going to wait. We are not master of tomorrow, only God knows what is going to happen tomorrow. But having said that people can have private tendencies within them but those tendencies would become irrelevant now because the issue of 2015 is not in contention. I know very well that the party would be guided by supreme interest of Nigeria and Nigerian people in deciding what will happen in 2015. But that does not mean that the chairman of BoT will not be crucial. It will be crucial to this election, so we will have time and prepare to ensure that PDP is well

positioned to defeat other parties. Many of the opposition parties are planning to form a mega party, we welcome them to it. But at the end of the day, I have always said it that the opposition parties in Nigeria are not serious parties. I know very well that come 2015, those parties planning to come together will be in total disarray because they don’t have what it takes to come together.

For you to come together, you must do a clear-cut marriage of principles and ideas, but what is the marriage between them.

Some of them are rushing to form a political party to defeat PDP, forgetting that PDP is a very great party that is highly principled. For example, PDP is having a retreat in Akwa-Ibom State between December 12 and 16 and the purpose of the retreat is to prepare the party for 2015 general elections and from there we move to settle rifts that may exist within the party to ensure that we become a highly solidified party to face the challenges of 2015. Don’t forget that the NWC of the party has announced that all those members who left the party are now free to come back. So, we are building bridges and we are making corrections and by the grace of God, we shall remain a formidable party and the party to beat in 2015.

But some gladiators within the party have started strategising toward producing a Northern presidency in the party. Don’t you foresee this dividing the party before 2015?

We have not started anything on the business and when we get to the bridge we

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

POLITICS

December 15, 2012

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PDP BoT chair – Babatope will know how to cross it. When will get there people will advance their arguments and they are free to do so because that is democracy. Democracy is about power and power that is meaningfully given by the electorates. So, when you talk about permutation, people are free to do permutations.

I have freedom to do my personal permutation as a member and leader of the PDP but again, at the end of the day, it is the supreme interest of Nigerian electorate that will determine what the attitude of the PDP would be in 2015.

PDP is planning to bring back some of its members who had erred. Don’t you foresee their return causing crises within the party considering that some of them will return to seek political offices?

No. PDP is just making the field open to all those who left the party in the past for one reason or the other to come back. Ayo Fayose has come back in Ekiti State and he has been given a waiver by the party. So many of them can come back but we are not begging them to come back. If they don’t want to come back, they can stay where they are but we want to give them the opportunity to know that they are part of the PDP, which they left. It is a party that means democratic principles and ideals to operate and so, we are saying come back if you want to do

so. And if they come back nothing will stop them from being the members of the party.

How do you see the recent deregistration of some political parties by INEC? I don’t know how INEC operates but what I know is that they have done very well in all the elections they have been conducting and I congratulate Prof. Attahiru Jega and other INEC staffs for that. But personally, I don’t really support the idea of deregistering political parties. Why should INEC deregister political parties? The issue of deregistering political parties is not for INEC, it is for the people to decide the faith of any political party. What should be important is for the electorate to give their vote freely to any political party of their choice.

With the deregistration of some political polities, some people are of the view that progressives behind some of the deregistered parties may align with the major opposition parties to form a merger or alliance to oust PDP come 2015?

Which political party is progressive in Nigeria today when you are talking in term of progressiveness? The ACN has inside it all kinds of characters; there are former members of UPN, NCNC, NPN, NPC in the party. So, where did they get the progressiveness they are talking about? PDP is also

2015: Will opposition’s plots against PDP endure?

Babatope

made up of all past tendencies in this country. You cannot say that Prof Jerry Gana, Chief Solomon Lar, myself, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi and so many of them in PDP were not progressives. Where did they get their definition of progressiveness? So, the issue of deregistering political parties has nothing to do with progressiveness. If it has, then those party that have been deregistered who claimed to have been progressives should have been merged with the parties they conceived to be progressives. INEC should allow the political parties to live on and allow Nigerian electorate to pronounce

democratic verdict on them.

How prepared is PDP in its battle to reclaim South-West from the ACN? That is a major challenge for PDP and I pray that we would face that challenge squarely and we will arrive at a positive result. The PDP gambled the last time and lost the South-West to the ACN. It is not that ACN is better electorally than us but we lost South-West because there were many factions in all the state chapters of the PDP in South-West. We created the problems and shot ourselves in the legs, and if PDP is not able to achieve unity between now and 2014 when election will take place in some of those states, we should forget about winning elections. Efforts are being made now to unite us but I am not one of those who will shout that we are set for elections. Let the PDP leaders sit down and know that our supporters are suffering because they don’t have government because we the leaders have failed them by being disunited. Once the PDP is able to achieve unity in the South-West, I tell you concretely that we would drive ACN away. So, the PDP in the South-West must be united and face ACN in future elections. I am happy that all the leaders are prepare to unite but if we are unable to unite and we continue to subject our supporters to life of misery and tribulation , then I can assure you that come 2014 elections, the ACN will still defeat us.

In your refreshingly different

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

dream of ruling Nigeria for 50 years. The party, in the last few months have comstructure to win presidential elections. menced different reconciliation moves to “To take over power at the centre, ACN, ensure that all the disgruntled members, CPC and ANPP merging together with who have left the party prior to the last other political parties that have just been general elections are brought back to the deregistered would be the only solution to fold. The party leadership is also working defeat the PDP because PDP has a very exassiduously in ensuring that they reconcile pansive structure being the party that conall the warring factions in different state trols the federal government. PDP has been chapters of the party for PDP to be a formicontrolling Nigeria’s democracy in the last dable party in 2015.

13 years because many of the remaining poSpeaking to Saturday Mirror, Southlitical parties are sectional parties.

West PDP organising secretary, Engr. Ad“If all the sectional parties can come edeji Doherty, said that PDP would work together, their merger will have a national toward creating an environment of change status and that is the only way they can conand cleansing that would make the party test with the PDP. win the hearts of millions of Nigerians.

There is no way ACN, CPC or ANPP can Said he: “I think we need to re-orientate win a presidential election because they ourselves even as politicians. Within the are like regional parties. So, for them to be PDP, we are trying as much as possible able to wrest power from PDP, the ongoing to create an environment of change and merger is the only way. Without the merger cleansing. That is a re-orientation of what of the opposition parties, PDP will continue it is to serve the people and that is why you to rule Nigeria,” he said. see from the top whereby the Ibori’s of this Though the opposition parties seem world, the oil subsidy scam and anything more determined to wrest power from the that has to do with anti-transparency or PDP come 2015, many analysts are still scepcorruption is being exposed even though it tical that the ongoing merger talks among affects the party. We are trying to do quite the political parties may not see the light of a lot of change and orientation within the the day considering how various efforts has party that will bring out good candidates. failed in the past. It is also believed that selfOnce that is done I believe all factions will ish interests and ambitions of the leaders come together and all of us will work toof the parties may also stand as stumbling wards the same goal.” blocks toward the coming together of the With the plots and merger against the opposition parties in order to end the reign PDP ahead of 2015, the question begging of PDP in Nigeria’s politics. for answer is: Will the coming together of PDP, knowing the importance of the the opposition against PDP endure and election has started embarking on different achieve result? moves to ensure that the party achieves its

Kidnapping as big business Though released by her captors, mother of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will not forget in a hurry, her ordeal in the hands of her abductors. Only recently too, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Hope Eghagha, was also taken away; in the process his police orderly was shot dead.

All over the country, especially in the South-East and Niger Delta region, tales of kidnapping for ransom abound. Today, it has become ‘a serious business’ for its perpetrators. In the South-East alone, about 600 persons were kidnapped between January 2007 and May 2010. Why have things degenerated to this horrible pass? We tell you tomorrow.

Dateline

Echoes of Dikko’s kidnap Twenty-eight years ago, the story hit the airwaves that Nigeria’s most powerful minister under President Shehu Shagari, Umaru Dikko, was kidnapped by some persons suspected to have acted for the military government of General Muhammadu Buhari, which had just unseated the civilians through a coup. It is a riveting story of one of Nigeria’s power plays.

Fayose’s return plot Can Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, re-enact his 2003 act in which he defeated a sitting governor? This is the question this analysis seeks to answer as we assess the return of Fayose to Ekiti, with the aim of slugging it out with Governor Kayode Fayemi who is fast winning the heart of the electorate in Ekiti in 2014.

‘At nearly 50, why should I start having crazy hairstyle and tatoo?’

Caroline King is an actress fondly known as Carol by her fans and friends. A mother who has been married for three decades, she believes marriage should be enjoyed and not endured. She counsels married women that if your marriage is life-threatening, leave while you are alive.

These and many more available tomorrow in your

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAGAZ INE

Oyindamola

Winfrey

Jennifer

University queens Sex talk

Face-saving tips for men who finish too quickly

z z z z z z

Relationships Should she be pregnant before he marries her?

z z z z z z

Fashion • High waisted skirts • Spaghetti dress for all season

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Do Me made me a star’ Iruobe Aituaje Ebele, popularly known as Waje, is surely a sensation in the hip-hop genre. She has climbed the ladder of success steadily to the top since she featured in the Zain Musical Challenge and in the ‘Do Me’ hit track with P-square. She told YEMISI ADENIRAN the story of her phenomenal rise.

glory to God today. When, I started many years back, it was rough and harsh. You would sing all your hearts out and somebody somewhere would just rubbish your hardwork. I felt like backing out but today, it’s a different ball game. People have come to love what we do, even if they don’t agree with your idea, they would encourage and even pray for you.

Celebrity

Do you have any record la-bel right now?

I don’t have any record label but that would end pretty soon. I am on the edge of striking a deal. When it happens, you would be the first to know. I promise.

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t what point did you discover your flair for music?

I think everybody has a flair for music. I am sure you sing when you are having your bath, cooking and doing one house chore or the other. Music is just a normal thing I feel everybody has inside. It just comes out with time. I guess my own also mani-fested at its time and I thank God that it was acknowledged.

Your video of “Can I be your girl” is enjoying massive air play, how do you feel?

I feel very great. We spent a lot of money on that video. It was not shot here; we travelled out of the country to shoot the video. The expenses were just too high, but we had no choice. You also have to make enough appearances and the rest of them. It’s just on the high side.

You came into limelight with the Do Me track you did with the Psquare duo. How has this worked for you?

Frankly speaking, the ‘Do Me’ track was my debut. It sold me out beyond my imagina-tion. I got noticed by almost ev-erybody. I must confess that it has spurred me into action and more work.

After the hit track, I decided to put more effort into my music. I had done something for them before; I remixed the Omoge mi track as Bobo mi. They listened to it, liked it and featured it on their album.

How do you source fund for your projects?

God has used my brother very outstandingly in this area for me. All my life, I have been fortu-nate. I have not had any reason to regret venturing into music. I have been doing some money-fetching engagements and it has been colourful. I get assistance from people very well. For that video, it was just God. I work for my funds and God provides the rest.

What’s your view about sexual harassment and the industry?

I don’t think that is new. It has been and would continue to be, its even part of the makeup of the industry. When I hear cases of sexual harassment especially in this industry, I am not always surprised.

I have never been ha-rassed in any way before. I have been very lucky.

The second album syn-drome is almost a fact of life among artistes.

How do you hope to break the jinx?

I am determined not to be just a flash in the pan. I am set to watch successful artistes closely to learn from their errors and to imbibe from their successes.

The same God that worked with me up till now will continue to inspire and make me relevant. I don’t intend to rest on my oars and I will not be drunk or get carried away by the success of today.

How do you cope with your celebrity status especially as regards pressures from your male fans?

I am doing my best and I will say I have been coping well. We have to respect our fans, male or female and treat them with ma-turity all the time because with-out them, we can’t be. They are fantastic, awesome and make our music sell. When they come around me, I see them that way, play with them, sing for them, talk with them and take snap-shots with them. I am a very normal person. I don’t see myself as any big deal but as one who has just been favoured by God. Has your popularity trans-lated into huge financial gains for you?

Are you in a relationship?

No. I am single and but not searching.

I want to face my music totally.

What is the full meaning of WAJE? Words aren’t just enough.

I thank God for everything, the truth is I am not doing badly or am I? The records are still do-ing well, attracting sales. One thing I know is that more money will still come with time. Let’s just be patient and hard work-ing.

What’s the next big thing for Waje?

The next big thing is my album. I am currently working ex-tra hard to compose good songs and make

my fans happier. I am working on my album and I hope to drop it soon as soon as I get what I want.

How many years have you spent in the music industry?

I have spent like six years but I give

Was ‘Can I be your girl’ re-ferring to anybody?

No, it was a song I wrote naturally. I am not referring to anybody. In this part of the world, you don’t beg to date the opposite sex, they do that. I am not referring it to anybody.

As a busy person, how do you unwind or relax?

I hang out with my friends and if I don’t feel like, I stay in-doors with my family because I like being with them, watching television or I would just be on my own reading. I do anything just to keep myself busy.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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December 15, 2012

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Is Stella Damasus tying the nuptial knot again?

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hose who saw Nollywood star, Stella Damasus last Sunday at the 2012 Mode Men of the Year Awards sporting a diamond engagement ring could not but wish marriage her way.

Looking elegant in a black floor length dress and her trademark long wavy locks with ivory platform sandals, no one would fail to notice the big sparkler on the screen goddess’s finger which she flaunted while hosting the event.

The star in a chat with journalists also gave a hint to the likelihood of the chime of wedding bells.

“If it looks like it then it is. For me to boldly wear this, I know what it would cause, so I am saying let them talk.

“Yes I am wearing an engagement ring, whether it is for fashion or for real nobody knows. It is left for you to decide whether it is for real or I am wearing

it for fashion or I am simply looking for trouble,” she told reporters.

8-yr-old prodigy wins Nigeria’s Got Talent •Wins N10 Million too

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ight years old sensation, Amarachi Uyanne, has won the Season One of the hit reality TV show, “Nigeria’s Got Talent”.

The child prodigy clinched the coveted prize last Sunday December 9.

The eight-year-old dancing sensation was also presented with the grand prize cheque of N 10 Million by the sponsors of the show, Airtel Nigeria.

At the final show, Uyanne, a Primary 5 pupil from Delta State won through a public voting process. She went head-tohead against one of the top contenders, violinist Godwin Ogechukwu.

According to a source, Uyanne is now the youngest non-inheritor millionaire in Nigeria having broken the previous record set by Solomon Ebuka Nwanke Ubani, who became a millionaire at 20.

UNIBEN student wins Miss University Beauty Pageant

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400 level Law student of the University of Benin, Miss Winfrey Okolo, has been crowned Miss University Nigeria 2012/13.

Leggy Okolo triumphed over other equally worthy contestants at a glamorous ceremony held recently at a topnotch events centre in Abuja in partnership with the Ministry of State for the Federal Capital Territory.

Her victory came with a brand new Nissan Sunny car and a chance to represent Nigeria at the Miss University Africa pageant coming up in February next year.

Iwebuke Jennifer of the University of Lagos and Omole Oyindamola of the University of Ibadan were first and second runners up respectively.

“I am so happy to be crowned Miss University Nigeria. This is a giant leap for me and I am sure now I have a national platform to further reach out to humanity in my own little way. To the other contestants, you all are winners too and I appreciate you all for making the competition worthwhile for me,” the 20-year-old Okolo said excitedly after being announced as the new queen.

Veteran broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer of Inspiration FM, Soni Irabor, who headed the panel of judges comprising among others, Nollywood actresses, Kate Henshaw and Susan Peters, declared that the new queen comes complete.

“She is not just beautiful, she is brainy; she epitomizes the ideals of this pageant and I have no doubt that she will succeed in any field she puts her mind to,” said Irabor.

Now in its sixth year, the pageant, which had over the years been hosted by Ogun, Delta, Bayelsa, Benue and Rivers State governments, brought together 70 university queens from 70 Nigerian universities with 50 finalists making it to the grand finale. The enthusiastic contestants were camped at the prestigious Bolingo Hotels, Abuja, where they were availed training and grooming sessions from leading beauty experts from across the world.

The managing director, Visions Innovations and Concepts Limited, organisers of the pageant, Taylor Nazzal, says, “The Miss University Nigeria pageant is a non-bikini pageant comprising all Nigerian universities irrespective of their religious beliefs or ethnicity with the view to discouraging indecent dressing, celebrate beauties with brains, promote education, promote national unity, discover the innate potentials of Nigerian students/youths and celebrate Nigeria globally.”

Past winners of the MUN include Odogwu Janet (Delta State University),

Winfrey

Aminat Ayuba (Nnamdi Azikwe University), Powede Lawrence (Niger Delta University) who went on to win the continental crown for Nigeria in 2009; Joan Ene-Ita (University of Port Harcourt) and Temitope Olowoniyan who emerged 2nd runner up at the continental pageant in 2011.

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ENTERVAGANZA

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AIRWAVES LINK

CLASSICAL RYHMES

How I got my new me –Nadia Buhari

Fe Nu So

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hanaian actress, Nadia Buhari, who recently lost some weight due to a change of diet, yoga, and daily exercise has recently signed up on instagram (IAmNadiaBuari) and posted some pictures of her trim body on the internet.

She said in an interview on twitter that she lost 10kg in six months while she also shed light on how she did it.

“I wasn’t fat, only a bit chubby, so losing it was hard and easy, hard because I’m a real food lover and easy because I don’t have to lose much”

Elvis Chuck clinches N1million integrity Awards for movie

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h di he director and d producer d of, f “A Wish”, Elvis Chucks has bagged another award for his last project, True Citizens at the Nigerian Integrity Film Award.

“A Wish”is the movie currently making waves at the cinemas in the country.

Hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the award came up in the category of Public Conduct Film Prize backed by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) 2012 at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos. The awardee who won seven awards from his drama TV series, Happy Family on NTA network from the popular TAVA Awards 2011 is now a force to identify within the entertainment industry.

The movie “True Citizen”, which fetched him the award features Nollywood Veteran, Chief Alex Usifo Omiagbo, former Big Brother Africa winner, Uti Nwachukwu, Alex Ekubo, Bryan Okwara, and Kenneth Okoli.

His i newest work, k “A Wish” i h” which hi h features a hilarious cast of Funke Akindele-Oloyede, Patience Ozorkwor, Hafeez Oyetoro ( Saka), Bishop Imeh Umoh, and Helen Paul from the stable of Diamond Groove Pictures is currently having an impressive run at the cinemas.

The movie has been tipped to shatter records at the cinema due to the presence of talented Nollywood actress and brand ambassador, Funke Akindele and Bishop Imeh Umoh, the man who is beginning to become very noticeable as a result of his wittiness and passion for comedy roles. It would be recalled that Funke Akindele’s movie, Jenifa made a box office hit at the cinema.

Speaking on the award, the award winning filmmaker said ‘’This award has shown that there will always be a reward for diligence and hard work, I am very happy to receive it and I promise my fans that I will keep doing more for the industry’’.

Beautiful Nubia releases new album: “Oriojori –Eternal spirits”

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olk and roots musician and poet, Segun Akinlolu popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, is set to host a grand concert tomorrow to celebrate the release of his new album titled “Oriojori – Eternal spirits”.

This event is billed to hold at the Eniobanke Arts Center, 19 Adekunle Fajuyi Way Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The album launch which will feature Beautiful Nubia and his Root Renaissance band who will be performing songs from the new album, alongside some established artistes.

Beautiful Nubia

Buhari

Next Grammy, an all man’s show?

Artist: Lord Of Ajasa Intro: Lord of Ajasa ID Cabasa Chorus: Nkan to ba wu anybody lo le fenu won so Omo o ran yan, omo ti waka Omo ma ti jeun lo Efi won si le E je kan ma so lo Orin yin ni o E ma ko lo Verse 1: Won so pe mo tun ti lo Won so pe mo tun ti de Talo mo bi to tun ti gbo Won so pe mo tun ti se Lola oluwa Mo tun tin sere Another surprise Mo tun ti de, bi mon se n de Mo jeun lo from coast to coast Wetin dey happen for home These days I no dey know I just dey go Ma so pe mi o so fun e tele Gbemu to wa ninu game yi Men a ti n je n be Kani po ya ni mi ni, mati ka nle Lowo yi mo ti sign Nothing concern me with won so pe Kin so pe..oro jaga jaga Repeat chorus: Verse 2: Ola baba lo modo san Ola baba lo n mo mo yan Ola oluwa lo mumi yan gan Adigun, ki ni won so Chi, gongo aso, ku tu awu Lo mumi ranti Ojo ojo kan Lori railway Adigun o ba ti lo Temi tope O jo pe lo Adigun, alapomeji, meji All my enemies E ko ja eni ibawi Segun j’a won si Adigun alapomeji Ma fa ta si Repeat chorus:

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he 55th Grammy award scheduled for 10 February, 2013 may turn out to be an all man’s affair after all.

The list of nominees released on Wednesday, December 5, at an event hosted by LL Cool J and Taylor Swift gave a lead into this.

In the award ceremony that will take place at Staples Centre in Los Angeles in the Unites States (US) Jay Z, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Mumford and Sons, Dan Auerbach and Fun were all nominated for six awards each.

“Adorn” singer, Miguel was nominated for five awards while Nas and Jeff Bhasker (Fun’s right hand man) got four nominations. Bad Gal Riri (Rihanna) and Taylor Swift came in close with three nominations each.

Lord of Ajasa

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENTERVAGANZA

December 15, 2012

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BOX-OFFICE HITS

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

Joseph Adesunloye …

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entred on the unfortunate, reproductively-challenged couple, Jim and Cindy Green, the film follows the duo as they give up on having kids and spend a night with a bottle of wine, writing down their won’t-be child’s perfect characteristics with a good old pencil and paper.

They bury the papers in a box in Cindy’s perfectly-kept garden, and

Adesunloye

while they sleep, the box sprouts into a little boy - their little boy, only with a few leaves on his legs since he grew out of the ground, after all.

Needless to say, and as its title appropriately suggests, the little boy who is named Timothy, is not an ordinary boy and he doesn’t grow up in the ordinary way, thereby leading to a lot of mishap.

Writer, director, producer

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orn in Lagos, Nigeria, Joseph Adesunloye, who is now based in the United Kingdom (UK), is a top-notch writer, director and producer. Being as talented as they come, he is not one to rest on his oars so he founded his own company, Dreamcoat Productions, to make a reality of his creative aspirations in the film industry.

“My goal is to merge my African and European film interests through Dreamcoat. Dreamcoat is involved in every aspect of film production. We specialise in high quality film and video productions services for creative industries, corporate companies and NGOs.” Quite recently, Dreamcoat took on a major production, Labalaba, a tragic stage play based on different cultures and religions of Nigeria.

Set in Nigeria’s north, Labalaba, which was co-written and directed

by Adesunloye, is about Atikah, a Muslim girl who falls madly in love with a southern Nigerian, Colonel Fashola, whilst he falls in lust with her. She rejects her family and religion to become one with her husband only to find herself destitute, fighting desperately to save a love that was never really there.

Adesunloye is definitely riding high behind the scenes dictating how movies, short films, plays and other productions actually turn out.

He is fulfilled behind the scenes and intends to remain there. But how did he end up there where it’s all

about technicalities and it’s more difficult to survive than in front of the camera?

Education, education and more education is the answer. Though he is naturally talented, he keeps acquiring film education in order to keep up with the constant development in the sector. He graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a Masters of Arts in English Literature and Film Studies and still went on to the London Film Academy where he also worked on the Filmmaking Foundation Courses after completing his year-long Filmmaking Diploma.

His success is also as a result of hard work. He has been building solid industry experience in the past several years working on varied projects as a freelance filmmaker both as a director and in the production department on a variety of films, television series, social documentaries, commercials and music videos. His diverse experience in film has led him to film and television work both in Africa and the UK over the past four years.

The city of Aberdeen was also of enormous inspiration to him in getting his creative juices flowing. “As an English and Film Studies student I enjoyed the performing arts and cinema venues that Aberdeen offers, plus an excellent nightlife, and they too motivated me to want to make an impact in the production world.”

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t’s rare that a sequel trumps the original, but The Expendables 2 manages to do just that, with a steady stream of one-liners and welcome, weathered faces as well as a few new ingredients.

Jean-Claude Van Damme comes in as the villain (named Vilain, of course) and Chuck Norris and Arnold Schwarzenegger pop up in smaller roles alongside previous Expendables Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, Terry Crews and Randy Couture.

E2 is a little more adventurous and a little more introspective than its first part. Two new additions to the crew seem to throw everyone for a loop in

one way or another. Liam Hemsworth shows up as Bill the Kid, a sniper who left the military after a raid in Afghanistan went horribly wrong.

Nan Yu joins the team as Maggie who is apparently the only person who can disarm the safe that holds whatever secret thing Church (Willis) has sent them to retrieve. And if the Expendables don’t get her back alive, Church will make them pay, because even though Maggie is some sort of multilingual computer genius with a vicious roundhouse, she’s a lady.

All said and done, E2 is an action movie that will do well at the box office and that’s what matters at the end of the day.

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

Should she be pregnant Why should she?

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ex before marriage has become so commonplace in our society, even to the point of being expected, that many people do not even consider it to be a big deal. Our culture assumes that people do not possess the amount of self-control necessary for abstaining until marriage, so the idea has become unrealistic.

I have also had the opportunity of meeting with other men who are of the opinion and belief that they need to sample the ‘goods’ they intend to ‘buy’ to make sure it’s worth the ‘price’ before going ahead to do so. They want to be sure that the ‘land’ they buy is potent and fruitful enough to reproduce enough so that their labour will not be in vain. They believe that most of these ladies have had enough abortions with its complications, therefore rendering some of them incapable of bringing forth ‘fruits of the womb’.

That said, some men want to make sure that the ladies they marry can bear forth children and so will want to impregnate them first before going ahead with the marriage. Once the woman becomes pregnant, then they can proceed with the marriage.

Some women also have realised that certain men are just scared of commitment; they would rather go through years and years of dating and not put a ring on the finger of the woman they have been dating to show commitment through marriage.

They would just keep procrastinating till ‘thy kingdom come’.

Therefore the ladies have decided to ‘take the bull by the horns’ and have decided to ‘hook’ these men and drag them into marriage by getting pregnant, since some of these guys would want to do good by the ladies by showing responsibility and accepting the pregnancy. This would thereby get them married at last.

For some of these people I personally believe that their seeing nothing wrong in doing this, has to do with the fact that they believe that pregnancy before marriage makes the man aware of the fact that the woman is still capable of giving birth to children and to the woman, it also shows

that the man is okay sexually in fathering a child.

Be that as it may, for me, I’ve never supported the idea of a woman becoming pregnant before marriage and it doesn’t have anything to do with sex before marriage. The above excuses that most people give for the topic to me do not hold water.

I belong to the school of thought that pregnancy should come after marriage and that if after marriage your spouse is found to be infertile you should go and adopt a child. And before I get crucified on my belief, I believe that the essence of marriage in all the holy books is primarily for companionship and not for child bearing.

Even looking at it from the contemporary point of view, some questions I always ask people who believe in pregnancy before marriage are these: what if the man changes his mind before the wedding date and doesn’t want to marry you again? What happens?

Won’t the woman end up giving birth to a child outside wedlock with its attendant stigmatisation if the pregnancy was far gone to be aborted if the woman had the intention of compounding her problems with abortion too? Another question is what happens if the man dies before the wedding? I believe there is a difference between an impotent man and a man who can’t have a child.

Some men just have low sperm count and that may be the cause of their being childless. Modern medicine has brought fertility to being almost a daily by-word.

For women too, IVF and adoption have made it easier to have a child. That these ideas are outside our customs and traditions is like saying taking injections for ailments is also not African.

Finally, are women meant for breeding like cattle? As a man who believes in saying the truth, I’ll say no and I’ll implore women who as mothers and sisters are in the forefront of supporting this act to desist from such because you’ll only allow people to make your daughters feel inferior in a marriage which is supposed to be a companionship of lovers who after the children have grown old and ‘flown the coop’, will just be for the two partners.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Face-saving tips for men who finish too quickly Early ejaculation happens to the best of men. You’re with a girl and it’s feeling good -- really good. All of sudden, it feels way too good. Before you know it, you’ve concluded your business and you’ve barely made it past the one-minute mark. As she stares quizzically into your eyes, you have a split second to decide what to do about your early ejaculation. Should you try to play it off with a joke or genuinely apologize? Here are the dos and don’ts of how to react.

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augh it off Trying to casually make a joke of the situation is a valid reaction. If you can get her to laugh about it with you, then it will just be an amusing hiccup in an otherwise pleasurable evening. Take a break, have a good laugh and then try again. If she does not find it funny, you have two options: (1) Try distracting her or (2) Find yourself a girl who’s not so uptight.

Apologise Sure, you could apologise for your premature ending. It’s a fine option as long as you don’t grovel. A quick “sorry” wouldn’t hurt, but don’t dwell on it. It really doesn’t require a solemn declaration of regret. The only thing you could really be sorry for is leaving her unsatisfied after your quick orgasm.

Sulk Grown men should not sulk. It is not becoming at the best of times, and it is certainly not appropriate on the occasion of early ejaculation. Be a man, suck it up and try again.

It may be disheartening, but acting like a petulant two-year-old will guarantee that you

don’t get a second chance. You could also get some dubious points if you manage to directly or indirectly make her feel like your early ejaculation was her fault.

Panic Do not panic. In the event of an unexpected climax, resist the urge to flee the room in shame. Stay calm and try to act like it’s not a big deal. She’ll still be out there when you finish hiding in the bathroom, and your freak-out will just make things more awkward when you finally chill out.

Try to explain The phrase “this never happens to me” should not escape your mouth in this situation. She probably won’t believe it despite your insistence on the rarity of the occurrence. In fact, she might even think you are protesting too much. Believe it or not, women are aware that it happens every once in a while. She doesn’t need an explanation.

Fake like it didn’t happen Faking an orgasm is one thing, but faking not having an orgasm is probably even harder.

There is gel-evidence left behind after all. So

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RELATIONSHIPS

December 15, 2012

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CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

before he marries her?

Big time crap

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This column is x-rated

don’t try to pretend it didn’t happen; just act like it didn’t. Instead of pausing to acknowledge it, just move on and keep the pleasure going by other means. Your penis does not have to be directly involved for sex to continue.

Distract her The best possible reaction to early ejaculation on your part is to focus your attention on her pleasure, thereby distracting her from the fact that you’re already finished. If you’re using your mouth or hands to please her, she won’t care when you had your orgasm.

Try, try again No matter which of these reactions come to you at the moment of your untimely orgasm, you can save the situation by getting yourself together and starting from the beginning. If you can’t manage to get it up a second time, make sure she is happy for the night by using the other means at your disposal and giving her a repeat performance in the morning, which will be sure to last longer than the first.

The ultimate face-saver for Premature Ejaculation is a great repeat performance. So, how can you guarantee that your repeat performance will have redeeming value? Which positions are great for prolonging ejaculation?

Instead of the missionary, these two positions offer guys a LOT more control during intercourse and when performed the right way, can significantly boost your endurance in bed.

1. Woman on top - In this position, you partner assumes the dominant position (the opposite of the mission-

This column is x-rated

ary) and sits on top of you while you lie flat on your back. The ‘woman on top’ offers much better control than others where you have to prop yourself up or support yourself with your hands or elbows 2. Spoons - This basically involves both you and your partner lying on your sides, with your body right behind her and your legs slight bent.

‘Spoons’ offers massive control over the speed, depth and intensity of penetration, and as a result, allows you to effectively control your arousal.

Women also love this position because their partners can lean over their shoulders to kiss or caress their necks and cheeks, thus heightening the female pleasure at the same time.

If changing positions still fails you, you should be able to improve matters by simple ‘distraction techniques’. This means turning your mind to something else when you sense that a climax is near. For instance, you can:  Think very hard about something totally unconcerned with sex.  Pinch yourself hard.  Bite the pillow.

Wear a condom. Yes, the good old condom. If you think the three distraction techniques do not or may not help, there is one last way out; wear a condom. One of the most overlooked simple cures of premature ejaculation is to wear a condom. Besides being a good practice against sexually transmitted diseases and a contraceptive, a condom can help reduce the sensation of great sex and thus prolong the action.

n addition to the desire to spend one’s lifetime with a loving companion is the desire to have children.

However, not every couple ends up bearing children of their own. Due to the infertility issues that couples face and the strain such issues cause on the relationship, some men hold the view that it is safer to ensure that a woman is fertile before getting married to her.

But is this view acceptable?

Let us paint a clearer picture of this concept: the man gets to a certain age bracket, financial level or phase of life and decides that he is ready to start a family of his own. He may or may not have a girlfriend at that time. If he already has one or more, he decides whether to choose the one he has or one of the many; or he could start his search of “the ideal wife” without considering the girlfriend(s). (Very sad). If he is very single at the point of deciding to get married, his search for a wife begins. In searching for the ideal wife, he sets out certain parameters in order of priority; top on the list is the woman’s ability to conceive and bear children.

In this regard, he must be sure of this ability before he says “I do”. He may or may not disclose this top priority to any of his “prospective wives”.

This game is not new in any way. It has been on for many years and there are various tricks involved. Most times, the man hides his real objective from the woman and simply gives her other excuses for not tying the knot, until she confirms that she is pregnant. Sometimes, the man could simply push the blame to his family members and make the pregnancy idea a strategy for compelling his family members to vet their marriage plans. I’m sure some of us have heard about couples who set out to “get pregnant” in order to force families to “bless” their union. Big-time crap!!!

Clearly, this issue has a lot to do with moral standards. In the past, women were meant to remain virgins until the wedding night, failing which she would be disgraced. (Remember the white sheet which was placed on the couple’s bed on their wedding night?).

Sadly, the whole concept of virginity before marriage has gone down the drain. Nowadays, some mothers are the propagandists of pregnancy before marriage as a strategy to “hook” a man. The downside is that some men will swallow the hook and move on; no choking whatsoever!!!

What irks me the most about the whole issue is the one-sided way men

treat fertility issues. Everything depends on the woman; if the woman doesn’t get pregnant after a period of sexual relations, she has a problem.

Ask doctors and they will tell you that men hardly subject themselves to fertility tests; their egos will not let them.

Let us face facts: the usual victims of this “pregnancy-before-marriage” are desperate women or women with low moral standards. I don’t mean to sound judgmental, but the truth be told. If you had your morals in place and you are not desperate to keep a man in your life, why would you even have sexual relations with a man who is not your husband?

In my opinion, no woman should subject herself to such “appraisal”. You have every right to shun a man who makes pregnancy a condition-precedent for marriage. It is clear that such a man simply wants a child-bearing machine and not a life-time companion.

Agreed, a wife is a complete package – loving companion, help-mate, mother of the man’s children (plus cook, steward, cleaner and laundry girl!!!). However, a woman has every cause to doubt the professed love of a man who hinges his desire to marry her on her ability to bear children.

As pointed out above, some men may not let a woman know that he wants her to get pregnant before their wedding and failing the man’s disclosure, some women may not be able to read inbetween the lines. Therefore, the best way to avoid falling into the “appraisal rap” is to close shop. Yes, woman! Don’t yield to a man’s sexual advances until you are legally married. I used the word “legally” to connote marriage under the law pursuant to which a marriage certificate is issued. Do not be deceived by traditional marriage which, unfortunately, has lost its potency.

Life throws unexpected blows from time to time. What is the guarantee that when the man marries his pregnant girlfriend, she will not lose the baby and become barren subsequently? What if the first child dies and no other one comes? The point is this: it is myopic and extremely selfish to insist that a woman should be pregnant before she can become somebody’s wife. More importantly, no man should assume that the ability to conceive totally depends on the woman.

So, should a man insist that his woman gets pregnant before they get married? Absolutely not!!!

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Although Eniola Lias Abiodun (a.k.a Ayangbajumo) sees Aralola Olamuyiwa Saliu (Ara) and Olakuye Tosin (Ayanbinrin) as her role models, she is bent on giving them a good chase in the drumming profession. “Ara and Ayanbinrin, no doubt, are role models to me, but you know, my utmost desire is to be better than they are and like a good mother’s wish, I believe they will not object to this,” she told YEMISI ADENIRAN in this interview.

Excerpts:

Y

ou just had your debut album. How would you describe the experience?

Not so easy because I did all by myself but I thank God that it is all a success.

You studied Banking and Finance at the Polytechnic. Why are you not practising it and what is the attraction to this drumming vocation?

Well, I would say it is both natural and divine. My father is from Abeokuta in Ogun State while my mother is from Ayanojongbede compound in Ilesa, Osun State. In this compound, they are known for their drumming talent and vocation. They specialise in the bata kind of drum and are very versed in it. Whenever we travelled home on visits, I always saw the drums hung on the wall and I was always attracted to them. I would ask different questions about them out of curiosity and mama, our grandmother, would take her time to answer them. She was never deterred about my sex, being a girl, then, but would prompt me to bring any of them down to try my hands on them. Whenever, I attempted this, I usually felt an unusual thrill inside of me and the urge to do it over and over again was always there. As far as mama was concerned, since papa had died, there had been nobody to make use of the drums, so she encouraged me to go on with them in whichever way it pleased me. There and then, my passion for the art blossomed and I decided to build something big out of it.

Can you recall your age then and how easy was it for you to build on this passion while you were away from Ilesa?

I can’t remember vividly now, but I know I was very young then; I was just in the higher primary school, may be like in primary four or five. My school was Atan Ota Primary School, Atan

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman I inherited my drumming talent –Ayangbajumo

Ota in Ogun State and I should be about 10 years of age.

Was there no other profession that attracted you than this?

Not specifically but, I had a flair for entertainment and longed to study Mass Communication in the university.

But my father wanted me to be a banker

and so insisted on me studying Banking and Finance or Accounting. It was a difficult thing for myself or anyone to change his mind so, I had to dance to his tune even when it was not something I planned to do. One thing that was glaring about it all was the fact that he loved me and I also love him, I don’t want to hurt him in any way, he desired

the best for me and I must also treasure that. Meanwhile, on the side, I was into my passion, entertainment, by singing and dancing although unconsciously. It was at this time that I developed a stage name. After I graduated from Federal Polythecnic, Ilaro, I worked with Nigeria Society of Chemical Engineers as an administrative officer for three

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WOMAN

December 15, 2012

years before I launched into music as a career.

What was your first stage name?

Joju, that was what I was known by popularly. This means somebody who is honourable on sight and by act. My friends and associates had even concluded that I would adopt the name when I finally launched into the career fully.

Why did you opt for another one?

I chose to use Ayangbajumo to be able to catch prompt attraction from the public. Besides, they are both related and indicate a popular drummer which is what I dream of becoming.

So, how popular is Ayangbajumo?

So far, my popularity is not as much as that of my superiors, but I can tell you that I am ready to give them a good chase. Sure, they have come a long way, I mean Ara and Ayanbinrin, and no doubt, they are role models to me, but you know, my utmost desire is to be better than they are and like a good mother’s wish, I believe they will not object to this. I might not have gone beyond the shores of Nigeria, but, I can make bold to say that in my own little way, I really am not doing badly but I hope to be better by God’s grace and good hard work. For now and to the glory of God Almighty, I am the only drummer who can beat any kind of drum. Apart from bata and gangan, I can handle apala, akuba, omele-bata and sakara. That, no woman can boast of beating before.

My dream really is to make a record of a woman who is at home with all kinds of drums. I thank God for helping me in this regard. My superiors, with all due respect can only beat one or two of these, l am really happy for how far God is helping me.

You said you learnt the bata drum. How come you diversify the way of talk drumming?

Like I said, I took off with it since it was what I was exposed to naturally. I had no one to train me since my grandfather had died, but, I learnt it by constant practice. I beat the bata drum for about seven years before I met my former boss, Muri Ayangbola. It was there and then I picked up the art of beating the talking drum. I discovered the relevance in the two and saw that the latter has an edge over the former in conveying messages clearer than the bata drum that I was used to. I ventured into learning more about it and here I am today.

Now that you have veered off your father’s career wish for you, how does he feel?

At the initial stage, it was like a war, he wouldn’t hear anything of it. He believed it was a distraction for me, so, he kicked vehemently against the whole idea. My mother on the other hand, was in total support, she believes I was upholding her linear gifting and was ready to give all it takes to make me succeed. My father has been reserved about the whole issue now since I’m married and under a man but, I tell you, it will make him happy any day if

he hears that I’ve changed my mind.

Is there any chance that you will?

I don’t think so because this is what I enjoy doing and I am set to give all that it takes to do it well and to the very top. I have my clout now and I get invited almost all the weekends and I won’t try letting them down.

How would you describe the amount of patronage?

Like I just said, it has been worth the while. It has been quite encouraging but I believe it will get better with time.

There is no week I don’t get invited by notable people now and I am simply excited. One beautiful thing about this job is that once I go for one occasion, I get connected with another event. One other thing that keeps working for me is the fact that I am a female drummer.

How do you mean?

You know women in male professions always attract people’s attention.

And when you are now able to prove that you know your onions, you are just good for the deal. This has been working for me. Where we have four or more men jostling for a job and I am the only woman, I have always won the contract. They always believe my presence will not only draw people to the event but that it will entertain guests as well. The good thing about this as that it usually ends in more invitations for me. I am happy and I thank God for not failing me.

How affordable are your charges?

It cuts across all classes and so, they are very affordable. I am available for any job anytime.

How do you juggle this with your role as a wife and mother at home?

I have been married for about eight years now and my husband has been quite understanding. He is very supportive and would even take it upon himself to follow me to events to give his moral support. We met while we were in the secondary school and so, has been familiar with my passion for music and drumming. But once I am not on any assignment, I give full attention to him and my children. I thank God for the kind of husband I have; he is simply a blessing to me.

What advice do you have for your fellow women about career and family?

I would advise that they follow their hearts and passion as this is the only thing that can make them fulfilled in life. They must not dance to people’s tune or copy people’s ideas. They must be creative and be strong. Besides, no matter their volume of wealth or level of success, they must be humble and respect their husband and people around them. Their home must come first before their career and above all, they must be prayerful and be more hard working. They must be ready to consider their husbands’ opinion in all that they do. Most women do not want to admit that their broken homes come from them whereas most of it are their handiwork.

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Keeping ABREAST

Victim

Attacker

American woman who stole foetus is sentenced to life in prison  Distraught over her inability to give her boyfriend a son, Annette Morales-Rodriguez faked her pregnancy  She then devised a sinister plan to abduct a pregnant woman, carve the child from her womb and pass it off as her own  She lured Maritza Ramirez-Cruz to her house and then attacked her with a knife to cut the foetus out  Ramirez-Cruz died of blood loss and asphyxiation, and her foetus, a boy, died as a result of her death

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nnette Morales-Rodriguez who brutally killed a pregnant mother and tried to steal her full-term foetus has been sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of extended supervision.

Annette Morales-Rodriguez, 34, was convicted earlier this year of two counts of first degree intentional homicide; one each for Maritza Ramirez-Cruz and her unborn son.

Morales-Rodriguez told investigators after her arrest that she was desperate to give her boyfriend a son, and that she drove around for days before the murder looking for a pregnant woman to kill.

A jury of six men and six women convicted Morales-Rodriguez of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the October 2011 deaths of the mother and foetus. Wisconsin doesn’t have the death penalty.

Prosecutors said Morales-Rodriguez faked a pregnancy, panicked as her supposed due date approached and then lured 23-year-old Maritza Ramirez-Cruz to her house.

There, she attacked her and used an X-Acto knife to cut the foetus out, according to the criminal complaint.

Ramirez-Cruz died of blood loss and asphyxiation, and her foetus, a boy, died as a result of her death, authorities say.

Morales-Rodriguez’s defense attorneys didn’t deny that she attacked Ramirez-Cruz. But they argued that the deaths of the mother and foetus weren’t intentional because Morales-Rodriguez didn’t intend for anyone to die.

Morales-Rodriguez did not testify during the trial, and her attorneys did not call any witnesses.

The strongest evidence against Morales-Rodriguez was a videotaped interview she gave to police in which she recounted the attack.

She explained to investigators that she was desperate to give her boyfriend a son but that she couldn’t ‘stay pregnant.’

She said she twice pretended to be pregnant, only to claim each time that she miscarried.

When she lied about a third pregnancy, she considered another scenario: killing a pregnant woman and stealing her baby.

She described how she went to a Hispanic community center and found Ramirez-Cruz, a mother of three who was in her 40th week of pregnancy.

Morales-Rodriguez told police she bashed Ramirez-Cruz in the head with a baseball bat, then choked her until she passed out.

She said she then put duct tape over the younger woman’s eyes and nose and wrapped a plastic bag around her head.

She used a small blade to slice the victim open from hip to hip and pulled out a stillborn boy, Morales-Rodriguez said in the videotape.

She then called 911, telling a dispatcher she had just given birth to a baby who wasn’t breathing.

In the ensuing investigation and autopsy, a medical examiner found evidence that the baby wasn’t the product of a natural birth. A subsequent examination verified Morales-Rodriguez hadn’t given birth.

Police later found Ramirez-Cruz’s body in Moralez-Rodriguez’s basement.

Culled from www.mailonline.com

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December 15, 2012

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Nurturing your extroverted child

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y nature, extroverts are stimulating and outgoing. Extra = outward, Versio = a turning/ to turn.

They turn outwardly for thinking, processing, feeling, sensing, and experiencing, which means extroverted kids are chatty, sensory-seeking and naturally expressive. Here are four things to know about parenting extroverted children:

1

. Extroverted kids need interpersonal interactions. Being social is what energises them; it’s being alone for long periods of time that drains them and brings out grumpy, irritable behaviour. Extroverts have a need for stimulation, and engaging in frequent human contact and conversation on a regular basis meets this need.

Engagement with others feeds the extroverted child’s soul.

G

and normal for extroverted kids.

Just as introverts need to find quiet outlets for expressing their feelings, extroverts need to find appropriate verbal and physical ones. It’s not just a preference, it’s a must for their healthy emotional development.

DO: Accept their feelings. A child being vocal about what’s going on inside of him is not wrong. Let your extrovert know . Extroverted kids are up that anything he is feeling is OK, front about their emo- and it’s healthy to express it. It’s tions. Though they don’t neces- how he expresses these feelings sarily have the language skills that may not be OK. Teaching to identify their feelings, extro- extroverts skills like taking posiverts readily express laughter, tive time outs and how to redirect excitement, tears, frustration their physical reactions to anger and anger through their voices, takes time and is so worthwhile actions, and body language. An in teaching children appropriate extrovert processes life exter- emotional expression. nally, so all emotions that stem inside a child get turned right . Extroverted kids are back out at the world. A lack of experiential learners. emotional restraint is healthy They are action oriented as opDO: Provide opportunities for social interaction, preferably in groups or with a wide variety of people. Parents, siblings, play dates with friends are great, but even public play spaces where they don’t know anyone will work. Extroverts are naturally inclined to meet new people. If they can find someone to talk to, they will.

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ParentingUpdate

regory Ralph Kingsley, the American child who, at the age of 12 legally severed ties with his mother, has now overcome his demons and found it in his heart to forgive his mother, who died in 2006, and says he is the happiest he has been in his life Gregory Kingsley, who is now 32, changed his name to Shawn Russ after juvenile court judge Thomas S. Kirk ended the parental rights of his natural mother and allowed his foster parents to adopt him.

The eldest of three children, Kingsley was born in Denver, Colorado, to Rachel and Ralph Kingsley. However, his mother’s drug use prevented her from parenting, and so she voluntarily put her sons into foster care in 1990. Gregory was placed in a boy’s shelter, where he met and befriended George H. Russ, a lawyer and father of eight who came to the shelter as a member of a government commission exploring the needs of children. Russ empathised with Gregory, having had an unhappy childhood himself. In October 1991, he and his wife Lizabeth agreed to adopt Gregory, bringing him to live with their eight biological children.

But as seen as Gregory began to settle in, taking saxo-

posed to thought oriented; they prefer doing hands-on activities to sedentary ones. Remember, extroverts come alive by engaging with their environment, so learning is more effective for them when they can immerse themselves in a subject using as many of their senses as possible. Lessons are quickly learned when there is talking, laughing, touching, playing; doing. This means that in school, they’ll find the most meaning and enjoyment in work that is cooperative, verbally engaging, experimental, and likely not at their desks.

DO: Ensure that your extroverted child is able to learn in an environment that suits her needs. Seek out schools and teachers who incorporate as much practical “field work” as possible into their curricula. At home, engage your child with

dialogue, discussion, questions, games, playfulness and handson experience in things that are to be learned.

4

. An extroverted child can be alone. Extroverts crave stimulation, but that doesn’t mean they need to be entertained by someone all of the time. It is possible to have alone time “extroverted style” by including music, audio books, or some type of physical activity (swing, trampoline, punching bag) into their alone time.

DO: Aim for some alone time every day for your extrovert, even if it’s just a few minutes.

Work towards a balance that works for your and your child.

For all children, learning how to be alone and not depend on someone to keep them occupied is a valuable skill to develop.

Tiny Feet

Boy who divorced his parents finds peace at last z Now says of his mother, “She loved me. My mother was human and she made mistakes.”

NAME: Goodman Tobalase Akande

BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs Oladejo Akande AGE: 5 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 5.3 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Gregory, 12-year-old before

phone and tennis lessons and camping with the Boy Scouts, his biological mother said she wanted him back. Gregory refused to go back to her.

In 1992, with the support of the Russ family, Gregory took steps to legally divorce his parents as he wanted to remain with his adopted family. On

Gregory now

June 9, 1992, Judge Thomas S. Kirk allowed Gregory to file a petition for divorce, deciding that he had the same rights as an adult to fight for his own interests.

Rachel Kingsley, his mother, a 30-year-old unemployed waitress at the time, was described by a neighbor as someone who

“liked to go out partying and often had different men spend the night with her.” Gregory’s biological father did not contest the ‘divorce.’

On September 25, 1992, after a televised two day trial, Judge Kirk ruled that “by clear and convincing evidence, almost beyond a reasonable doubt, the child has been abandoned and neglected by his mother” and that it would be in his manifest best interest to terminate the mother’s parental rights.

Russ, who has had no contact with his biological family

since the ‘divorce’ now says of his mother, “She loved me. My mother was human and she made mistakes.”

As he has battled to put the pain of his childhood behind him, he and his adopted siblings now agree he is the happiest he has ever been.

He no longer suffers from depression and hopes to find a partner, marry and have children, fulfilling his ultimate dream to become a father.

“My life hasn’t been a fairy tale,” he says. But I’m happy.

That’s what matters

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

December 15, 2012

S

paghetti strap dresses are something every woman has in her closet. You wear them for parties, formal events like weddings, special dates. But how do you get that same dress to work in situations where those skinny straps aren’t always appropriate, like in the office or at church? Or how about when the air turns cooler this time of year?

There are a few ways you can style your spaghetti strap dress that will take it from night to day, with the easiest being to add a few layers.

Though a cardigan sweater is definitely a pretty option, it can look a little old fashion. To keep looking fresh and modern, add a fitted blazer with rolled up sleeves. You can push the sleeves up or down, and wear a long necklace to add something special.

A skinny belt is also a great way to add a new look and dimension to the dress.

An added bonus to this look is that you no longer have to wear a strapless bra or go braless, your straps will be hidden under the blazer and make you much more comfortable.

If you still want to keep things formal and a blazer is too casual, try wearing a lacy shawl or bolero over the dress to keep you warmer, look more polished, and add a pop of unexpected colour. By layering on a few extra pieces and accessories, you can take a dress that was once for one purpose only, and make it multi-purpose in a no time at all.

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STYLE & GLAM

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion Frenzy

High waisted H skirts

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b

BEAUTY

Q&A

Your candid response to all fashion questions Easy beauty tips for working mothers 1. Try a slick ponytail to accentuate your facial features. A deepside part looks fresh and modern (and is easy to do when the kids are tugging at your arm!). To prevent flyaways, spritz with hairspray.

Don’t forget an easy-to-blend foundation with SPF to even out your

skin tone and keep you looking polished.

2. Get a glow on by exfoliating. Keep a washcloth or buff pad at-theready for everyday use. If you don’t have an exfoliant, make your own by moistening ½ cup of sugar with olive or sunflower oil. Use small circles to slough away dead cells and reveal new layers of skin. Or, try a mask of four to six aspirin crushed into a paste with water. Let dry,

rinse and 3. Beat neck. Ma to-party l and spray side and s

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

YEMISI ADENIRAN

H

igh waisted skirts are flattering because they can cover up a muffin top and elongate your torso.

They also look elegant and professional but you must get them right. Here are four ways to wearing them right:.

Wear a fitted top (like a soft blouse) tucked into your waistline. The last thing

STYLE & GLAM

December 15, 2012

29

Facelift Get smokey eyes

you want to do is hide the waistline, because it’ll hug you at one of the skinniest parts of your body and create an artificial waist (similar to how an empire waist is flattering).

Pair the skirt with dainty high heels.

This kind of skirt does not go well with flip-flops or flats (too casual) or boots (too clunky for the lean, elegant line of the skirt). Dainty ankle boots might be appropriate, however, if you have long legs.

d reveal the new you! t the heat with a French braid that keeps your hair off your ake the braid, leaving your bangs free. For a fun playgroundlook, pull out small to medium chunky pieces from the braid y them with gel or hairspray and scrunch. Sweep bangs to the slip on a thin headband or tie on a piece of ribbon.

Flat shoes might work with a fluffy, more casual high waisted skirt.

Avoid wearing a high-waisted skirt if you have a short torso. Since it sits high on your waist, this skirt will make your torso looks especially short, proportionally speaking.

If you have a full chest, wear a loose and flowing top (still tucked in). Emphasizing the waistline so close to an full chest is not generally flattering.

4. Protect your skin with a sunscreen with minimum 15 SPF. If you burn using SPF 15, go higher. Look for a UVA and UVB blocking ingredient such as Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Parsol 1789 or Helioplex.

Apply a shot-glass worth of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out, being sure to cover your chest, hands and ears. Don’t forget a lip balm with SPF, too!

When a black eye shadow is artistically applied, you will definitely add a deep drama to your look. Here we will give you a quick and very easy guide to creating a great smoky look, without having to be an expert makeup artist.

Here’s how: 1.

Apply your other makeup first. Skip adding concealer under your eyes though, since eyeshadow “fallout” will get trapped there and make your eyes look dark. Instead, apply your concealer after you finish your eyes. Also, make sure you get your blush in place before starting your eyes. When you have blush on your cheeks, it helps you to not overly makeup your eye area.

2.

Prime your eye lids. You should set a good base for the eyeshadow to lie on, so prime your eye lids by using an eyeshadow base, or in order to save money you can use an oil-free concealer or foundation. After applying the primer, allow it to dry before beginning your shadow.

3.

Apply a neutral colored base shadow. This should be applied over your entire eye lid, from lash to brow bone. Choose a good neutral beige that will basically blend in well. If possible, find one with a shimmer, not a glitter.

4.

Line your eyes. Using a black eye pencil, line the entire eye, upper lid and lower lash line. Get as close to your lashes as possible, and use your fingertip to move your lid around in order to get the liner into your lashline.

5.

Soften the liner. By using a small eyeshadow brush, or in a pinch you can use a Q-tip, gently go over the liner to help soften the effect.

6.

Apply black eyeshadow. Use either the sponge-tipped applicator that comes with eyeshadow, or a Q-tip, to apply black powder eyeshadow over the now softened eyeliner.

Only do the top lid for now, since you have not applied your under eye concealer yet. Once you apply the eyeshadow, use the applicator, the Q-tip, or your finger to gently smudge the shadow.

7.

Apply your general shadow. You will need to choose a nice brown or gray shadow to apply to your eyelid area. If you can’t decide, go for one that is a combination of both.

The basic effect will look like an oval when you close your eye, more or less.

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EVENTS

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Group’s end of the year party The Group Managing Director, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR) hosted members of staff of Energy Group to a Christmas/ End of the Year party at the Group’s Council House in VGC on Saturday, December 8, 2012. It was an unforgettable fun-filled event.

Group Managing Director Global Fleet, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (centre) and other CEOs cutting the end of year cake L-R: Wife of the GMD, Mrs. Modupe Jimoh-Ibrahim; Mrs Saratu Umar; Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim and Mrs. Yvonne Kogolo

Bishop and Mrs. Jim Okewu

Alhaji and Alhaja Lukman and Yemisi Ibrahim

Dr. Samuel Fatoki and his wife, Prophetess Marcia from United States of America

L-R: Pilot to the GMD, Mr. Lan Giani; Dr. Ibrahim and Co-pilot, Mr. Anthony Kobti.

L-R: Muriel Olubobokun; Mrs Bukie Jill Owatemi and Chief Executive Officer, Global Fleet Industry, Mrs. Bose Jinadu

L-R: Mrs MakindeAkinrolabu and her husband, Dr. Yele Akinrolabu General Counsel Newswatch, Mrs Lola Adefope

L-R: Mr. Tolu Olubanwo; Managing Director, Newswatch Magazine, Dr. Bolu John-Folayan and Managing Director, Nicon Insurance, Mr. Emmanuel Jegede.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO. Nigeria Reinsurance, Mrs. Isioma Chukwuma; Managing Director, Energy Bank Ghana, Mr. Sam Ayininuola and Managing Director, Newswatch Daily, Mr. Moses Jolayemi

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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December 15, 2012

Dr. Amos Akingba and Dr. Ibrahim

Energy Group Choir

L-R: Managing Director, National Mirror, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Editor, Saturday Mirror, Ms. Gbemi Olujobi and Managing Director, Energy Bank Ghana, Mr. Sam Ayininuuola

Company Secretary, Global Fleet, Mrs. Gloria Ukeje (left) and Executive Assistant to the GMD, Mrs. Abosede Adewole

L-R: Head of IT, National Mirror, Mrs. Esther Uwadia; Head, Admin/HR, Mrs. Biodun Adewunmi and Legal Officer, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Barr.

Mololuwa Adebiyi

Head, Credit Control, National Mirror, Mr. Felix Aiyenuro (left) and Controller of Production, Mr. Adesoye Adekoya

Editor, Saturday Newswatch, Mr. Patrick Asonye (left) and Executive Director, Head of Account, Nicon Luxury, Abuja, Mr. Timothy Afolayan (left) and General Manager, Nicon Hotel, Mrs. Yemisi Ajayi Newswatch, Mr. Femi Ige

L-R: Head, Procurement, Newswatch Communications, Abosede Fadayomi; Head, Finance and Account, Worldwide Fleet Consultancy, United Arab Emirate, Aminat Baruwa and Head, Operations, Jide Abimbola

Chief Executive Officer, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mrs Bridget HenryIyasere and Sunday Editor, Mr. Bolaji Tunji

L-R: Admin Manager, Daily Newswatch, Mr. Aro Ilesanmi; Head of Audit and Internal Control, National Mirror, Mr. Ishola Ademola and General Manager, Global Fleet Industries Ltd, Mr. Fidelis Owoamanam

L-R: Head, Lagos Cell Office of Nicon Properties Ltd, Mrs. Medinat Rasheed; Auditor, Nicon Properties Ltd, Abuja, Miss Christiana Igberaese and Legal Officer, Barr. Bola Oyeyemi

The Man Band performing with Kemi lead the singer Photos: BAYOOR EWUOSO & YINKA ADEPARUSI

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EVENTS

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Matured minders hold inaugural meeting Matured minder is a social networking group that provides support for private and governmental initiatives in the reduction of poverty in Nigerian children and communities. The group held its inaugural meeting at its Ilupeju Bypass, Lagos Secretariat.

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON was there to capture the mood.

Oludare Hanson Fatunbi the president of the group addressing members

Dining and wining time for members of the group

Fatunbi flanked

by Oritoke and another member Members of matured minders group

Members catching fun on the dance floor

Roy and Amaka

L-R Fatunbi, Femi Ilori, Ladipo Olubukola and another member of the group

Ikem Ndubisi and Justina Johnson

Olubukola flanked by Abeni and Amaechi

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 15, 2012

33

Our march through the valley of death The euphoric celebrations of Christmas were smashed in last Christmas day, terrorists stormed the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandalla, Suleja, Niger State and blew it up. Bereaved families and living victims recount losses as the church holds the first anniversary.

JOEL AJAYI captures their mood.

–Suleja blast survivors relive ordeal, one year after

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arely a year after the horrendous bombing at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandalla, Suleja, Niger State rendered many people orphaned, widowed, jobless, and traumatised, with many critically injured, the bereaved and survivors converged on the church premises to commemorate the first anniversary of the horrible blast.

Hell was let loose on the Mandalla Church, at about 7:30 a.m. last Christmas day just as worshippers stepped out of the church’s popular Morning Mass.

By the time the blasts subsided and tab taken, no fewer than 40 people had died and score others seriously wounded.

Mr. Vitalis Ugokwe is a member of the church and one of those who lived to recount their experience.

According to him, he was at the front of the canopy with his entire family when the unfortunate incident happened.

“I found myself on the ground. I was in coma but immediately I regained my consciousness, I shouted Jesus! Then, I began to see blood, dead bodies and everywhere badly shattered.

“At the hospital, it was found out that a three-centimetre iron had pierced through my waist and ran through my shoulder crossing my chest. The iron was there for a month while my muscle was cut off, as you can see, my whole body was paralyzed, but by the grace of God, I started recovering at the hospital.

I am still recuperating till now. You will be surprised the way I will shout nobody can touch my body.

“I am battling neuropathy. My body produces some kind of burning sensations and when I sit down too much, I find it difficult to bend my waist. I cannot move freely. Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning it will jerk me, as I sit down now, if I want to move I have to move with caution; if not, one of my legs will drift.

Graves of some victims of the blast

The scene of the bomb blast last Christmas day

“In fact, my job has since been affected. I am the Director of Vital Industrial Electrical Production, I do electrical works, but this thing has affected me that I could not do my work anymore. See my fingers, my hand cannot open again, neither can it close. It is very stiff. I had to employ the service of another person to be doing my work for me whenever I get work. This has become a serious concern for me.

“And the way they handle the victims at the hospital is not encouraging when you go for check-up at the hospital. The

doctors should know the pains we are passing through. They will give you appointment for three months which is very bad. Our check-up should be constant, if they want people like us (victims) to survive the trauma.”

Although, they attend to us, the process is not encouraging. It is too slow for person suffering to be put on three months check-up. They gave us November 15, 2012. On getting there, we couldn’t meet the doctor. The process should be unique that will guarantee my co-victims and I adequate treatment,” he said.

On his part Emmanuel Obiukwu who lost four children. He could barely control his tears when he spoke with Saturday Mirror. “Life remains as it is. It is God that keeps us till today because I don’t know where to start from. Will I start from that horrific Christmas day or this present time? The fact is that it is not easy for me and my wife, but with God, everything is possible; we are managing life I am not moved,” he told our reporter at the church service.

“Since the incident happened, I have CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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LIVING

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 never at least for once stopped coming to church. So, if I stay at home, will it bring back all my four children? If I stay at home, what would I be doing? And, if I die while thinking in the house, that will be the worst thing to happen to me. It is better I die because of my faith and even in the church. If I die in the church, I am happy because the day that incident happened, it was God that saved me; not because of my wisdom. I was with them in the church, but God allowed them to die and left me and my wife. My wife spent three months at the hospital before she got herself back and my surviving daughter was admitted. If God didn’t want it to happen, He would stop the bomber on the road. So, I cannot tell anybody not to go to church because of bomb attack. If you die in the church as a result of your faith, thank God; that is the best.”

Another member of the church, Mrs. Chioma Dike, who lost her husband and three children, narrated her trial. She said: “That fateful day was the Christmas day my lovely late husband went to church with my five children: three boys and two girls. I was at home around 6 am cooking the Christmas meal, with the intention that when they came back I would go for second Mass which is conducted in Hausa at 8:15am.

“Around 8 o’clock when I was getting water inside our well, I heard a loud bang which I had never heard before. I felt the effect of the sound right in my chest.

“I started shouting “my daddy! Oh! my five children” I looked up straight to our church direction, I saw smoke, dust, fire billowing. I became helpless and collapsed straight away. I knew something disastrous had occurred on the church premises where the whole of my family was. People began to pour water on me. I couldn’t talk again, neither could I breath. Shortly thereafter, I was rushed to the hospital. Throughout that day, I couldn’t recognise where I was and what was happening in my life.

“Immediately I regained my consciousness, I asked of my husband; I ordered everyone around that I wanted to speak with my husband and my children.

By that time, I was just like a mad woman. So, the medical officials were administering drugs and drip on me so that my blood pressure would come down. Later, I realised that my husband and three of my children were no more while the remaining two sustained various degrees of injury. One had nail inside his skull.

The nail is there till now and the legs of the other got burnt completely.

“In fact, since that time, I have not been myself. Even as I am speaking with you now, I am having chest pain. And, whenever I remember my lovely husband and my children, I become sleepless; I will be restless. Sometimes, I behave like a mad woman. I cannot eat as it is now. I am on BP drugs to help restore my deteriorating health,” she disclosed.

Mr. Sunday Onoja is a 50-year-old man who was in the church when the bomb was detonated.

“The impact of the blast is still obvious around here. As you can see, I am seriously having pains as a result of the injuries I sustained from the incident. My

Members and sympathisers at the grave side of the bomb blast victims

One of the survivors

A plaque with the names of the victims

Our march through the valley of death two legs got burnt. The first leg broke and the second leg was seriously fractured. I have spent a lot of money from my own pulse because on the 10th of March, 2012, they sent me out of the hospital that I should go home. They said I was healed. By that time, my legs were still in bandage. I had to engage a private nurse to come to my house for my treatment.

“But now, I am feeling better; but I am still having serious pains because the inner wound has not healed yet. All that I need now is assistance because up till now, I am still spending money. I am appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid,” Onoja pleaded.

Mr. Chuwkwu Uche, a casual worker with Etisalat, a telecoms firm, told our reporter he lost his job as a result of the incident.

“I work with Etisalat as adhoc staff.

I had fractures. But, as a result of the number of days I spent at the hospital, my service was terminated,” Uche lamented.

In a glooming reminiscence of the gory incident during an interview with Saturday Mirror, the Parish Priest, Reverend Raphel Achi, recalled: “The blast did not affect only the church; the surrounding buildings were also damaged.

The whole community was affected in the area of our day to day activities. Our businesses were affected, people were traumatised, and the economic life of the area was almost at standstill.”

The priest continued: “The Scripture says ‘in this world, you will see tribulations, but be of a good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ People don’t come here (Mandalla) to buy and sell like before.

“There is a market here where people trade every Thursday. When the incident occurred, the place was very scanty for some time. Everybody was affected, not only the church alone; it affected the whole community”.

He, however, stressed that, “there is hope; we are not in any way discouraged in the sense that it is a thing that will definitely has its own end. It can’t continue

forever. Even, if it continues for life, God in heaven is the Master; He knows how to look after His flock. So, there is hope that very soon, with time, God has His own time for them to withdraw all their arms and they will be looking for a way out.

“Some people in the town relocated to the other places. Definitely, it affected not only Catholic Church, but the Christian community. Some Muslims also moved out of the community; especially Muslims who were not Hausas. They packed out; they were afraid that something might happen and they would be the target. “People should understand that the period of Christmas is the period of peace and it is that peace we want to reign in our country. All those who are trying to disturb the peace of this country should find a way to allow peace to take over.

“And, security is not only government’s affair alone; it is everybody’s business as far as this country is concerned. Nigerians should be vigilant. If you notice any ugly movement around you, alert the security agents who are expected to be up and doing. They should not toy with security and should know that they are the first target.

They should always be on alert. Everyone should go about their lawful businesses in good spirit and show love to one another.”

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LIVING

December 15, 2012

35

How I used my 5-day-old baby for protective charms – ex-armed robber K AYODE FALADE

T

he frail body on the bed cradling a well thumbed copy of the Holy Bible is in contrast with the notorious reputation of a robbery kingpin who had terrorised the country from one end to the other in his days of action. Here is an old man with failing health.

He stares at the reporter with rheumy eyes and claws him with his bony and knobby fist in form of welcome. Very close to the bed is a pair of crutches.

He has been bedridden for some time; a result of a near-fatal accident on the Badagry Road.

He gives a dry cough, apologises, stares into space for a while returns to hold the reporter in his gaze, gives another cough and smiles ruefully.

“Crime does not pay”, he begins.

I am Oluwasegun Kokumo Adaralese. My father is Raji and my mother, Owoyemi. I was born in Igbokila in the current day Ogun State in 1947. We are originally from Oyo town and I am a descendant of the great Bashorun Gaa family. Because of the atrocities committed by the late Bashorun and the vendetta of the Oyo people my great grandfather who was one of the sons of Bashorun escaped to Ogbomoso and settled down there.

My own father was bricklayer and my mother a trader.

I attended Baptist Day School, Igbogila. After this I attended CASC Commercial Secondary School, Iyemogun Road, PMB 5033 in Ilesa. My mother was a great trader who dealt in fruits and others. She would buy in the South and take to the north to sell. Eventyually she relocated to Jos and I went with her as she was the one responsible for our welfare.

As a result of my movement to Jos, I could not complete my secondary school education. On getting to the north I engaged in bricklaying which I had learnt from my farther. As soon as got to Jos 1972, I joined G Cappa. it was the company that built Central Bank Tudun Wada. From there I went to BECO and that was where I had my first criminal case. From there I moved to Plateau Construction Limited (PCL) and that was 1975. I was there when the company built the Nurse Hostel at the General Hospital in Jos in 1975.

How I became a robber.

I was just going out one day when I saw two people fighting. I helped one against the other not knowing that one was Hausa and the other Yoruba. You see I was a boxer then. I was very agile and training very hard.

However the following day, I hoped over the fence as usual but I ran into the other man who was Hausa. I never knew he recognized me because I did not know him again. I saw a man selling things at the entrance to Yan kafoa place where

All around Abule Egba area of Lagos, they call him Okuta which is stone in his mother tongue, the Yoruba language. Gut his real names are Oluwasegun Kokumo Raji. the fear of Okuta in that area and in the Lagos underworld of the 80s and 90s was the beginning of wisdom. He was feared and practically revered. But today he is an evangelist. Okuta took the Saturday Mirror through his past of ignominy, the brutal and ruthless world of the underworld and his final battle.

Okuta

they keep bones. I hailed him in greeting but instead of replying, he rained curses on me. I asked why. It was then he told me that I was the one who beat him up the other day. I promptly apologized. The trader now said the only way he would take my apology was to help him beat up a man who was sleeping with his wife. I agreed.

But some people were sitting by the rock. I didn’t know them from the paint.

I never knew it was Umoru Mesaje, he was a wanted man like my friend, Sina Rambo, who was killed in 1993 by policemen from Pedro Station.

Sina Rambo killed? We spoke with one recently.

Then he must have been a fake. I said this it once before or in 1994. Sina Rambo is dead.

They beckoned me but I declined. But after their persistence, I went to them.

Their leader approached me asking if

I could be hanging out with them. Why not? As I was leaving them, he gave me a pound note.

On getting to the hostel I shared the money with my colleagues. But I refused to turn at up at the cinema house where they invited me to. The following day was I was out of the hostel they kept us again to look for fun outside. Again I ran into these people. They asked why I did not

show up at the arranged rendezvous the previous day. I lied to them that the while man sent me on an errand. G again, they asked to smoke weed with them, which I did and when I was leaving their leader still gave me another pound.

It was later that I got to know that this is the style armed robbers often use to entrap new intakes. I also used this method later in life. But then I was not suspicious.

Again, I shared the money with my three friends.

To cut the long story short I became their friend.

One day, the leader took me to a place in Zaria.

The alfa, stayed in a well. His skin was so pale. He came out into the sun only once a year. The well was cemented to the base. The receptionist was upstairs.

At the base of the well were so many religious books. Immediately his receptionist told him it was Umoru, the alfa quickly invited us to his presence. The marabout then consulted his sand bowl for a long time then told Umoru that his (Umoru’s) association with me would not last. But Umoru insisted that he did something for me. The man initially refused but when Umoru gave him five pound, he agreed.

He asked his lieutenant to bring a banana on which he inscribed some things and chants, he then asked me to eat it, which I did.

The following day Umoru gave me money to bribe the clerk at the company where I worked so that he would mark me present, this I did and off we took off for Zaria.

On getting to Zaria, the person we went to consult was a woman. Immediately this woman got wind of Umoru she also invited us in. like the other man she also consulted her sand bowl and declared that my relationship with Umoru would be short. She also refused to make any charm for me. And unlike the other man she did not buckle under the temptation of money. So Umoru took me away from the place in anger.

When we returned to Jos, I shared my CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Corrigendum

In our story titled ‘Agbo is not ideal,’ published on this page (Pg 35) of Saturday Mirror on November 24, 2012, the picture of Mr Wale Adebowale was wrongly captioned as Dr Taiwo Johnson of Universal Hospital, Ayobo. We regret the mix-up and apologise to all concerned parties.

–Editor

36

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December 15, 2012

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 experience with my friends not knowing that the woman was Ana Ruwa’s mother.

You see, Anaruwa was a burglar. His specialty was house breaking. He just smiled when I told him about the strange woman we visited in Zaria. The next weekend, ha asked me to accompany him to his place in Zaria. It was not until we got to the place that I discovered that the woman was actually his mother.

The woman again consulted her bowl and asked if I was not the one Umoru brought. After her son had appealed to her, she agreed to make the charms for me. She told me that she did it because she knew I would never work with her son. That we would only be friends. All these, I didn’t understand until much later in life. When I told Umoru about it later he was so glad.

My first operation After a while, Umoru Meisaja just asked to accompany him to a place on a Monday. But I refused because that was the day my salary was due. He asked for the salary and I told him 21 pound. He hissed and said if I went with 21 pound would become insignificant. So I agreed to go with him.

On the said day he asked us to go to Governor’s Road.

Getting to Governor’s Road, he just opened the four doors of the car as if we were relaxing. After some moment, I heard them saying, “here he comes”.

As soon as they said that, the vehicle approaching vehicle was still far off. Immediately, they opened the trunk of the car and brought out a gun called 9mm. he handed the gun to me. His face had turned hard. He ordered me to take the gun and if I refused he would kill me.

And that where did I think he was getting the money he gave me.

So I collected the gun. He instructed me to take three steps forward and shoot into the air. These I did and the vehicle stopped. The occupant was a Whiteman from BECO where I worked previously.

Already the driver had bowed his head, but the Whiteman went for his gun hidden in his socks. He was shot down. And he died on the spot. They shot the trunk of his car removed his brief case and transferred the driver tio the trunk of our own car. They took him to Zaria Road and dropped him there.

That was how I became an armed robber.

I never knew his house before. But it was there we shared the loot that day. It was behind a rock at Tundu Wada, in the outskirts of the town.

The money snatched that day was 250,000 pounds. And we were only four.

The three of them were throwing the money to one another 10, 000 apiece.

When it remained 20,000, they packed it in a cellophane bag and threw it to me.

As I made for it, the person standing next to me snatched it from me. I was alarmed. But he asked me questions on what I intended doing with the money.

I confessed that I had never seen such a huge sum of money before. They now asked me how I intend spending it. I said I would first take a pound a nd split into shillings and that I would be spending five shillings a day. He was satisfied with my answer but warned me to be very careful. He said they were about travel-

Okuta

‘The real Shina Rambo was killed in 1993’ ling and would only return on Sunday night.

Then I never knew that when robbers operated in a particular place, they would vacate the area and relocate to another state. That was the practice then.

When I became ardent, my gang and I would leave Lagos and go and operate in Kano. The Kano police would be busy chasing the Kano armed robbers around while we would be in Lagos.

After we had shared the loot, we departed. That of course was after we had dropped all weapons. In fact, the first thing armed robbers do after operation and they want to share the loot is to disarm all gang members. They know that money is evil, somebody might just go berserk grab a weapon and kill everybody. Umoru was the last to leave. He drew me aside and told me that that was his house and that I might want to see him, I was free to come.

My arrest Immediately we departed the house Umoru’s house, I sauntered into town. I didn’t even bother to return to the company where I worked to ask of my pay.

My salary was 21 pounds. I stormed the town feeling high with 20,000 in my pant’s pockets. I went to the market bought some pairs of jeans, shirts, shoes and necklace. Took the clothes home, had my bath and changed into some of them.

After this I took a five pound note, put it my pocket and made for Inde Hotel, Zaria Road, one of the best in town then.

I did not know that the air had been filled with the news of the robbery and that detectives were everywhere even at that very hotel.

As i sat at a table drinking, i saw one prostitute and rushed after her. I approached her, she demanded for 10 shillings but I said I was going to give her a

pound. She was so excited, she quickly returned to my table with me. Before she came i gad four cans of beer on my table and when she joined me we ordered for another four with a packet of St Moritz cigarettes for her a pack of Rothmans for me.

As we were drinking and chatting some men who sat behind me beckoned on me but I ignored them. After the beckoning became persistent the prostitute asked me to ignore them that they were pests. But I later went to them. One them said my face was familiar and where I worked. I told him. They asked if we had been paid our salary there and I answered in the affirmative. They now asked me to buy something for them. i gave them one pound, another onein the group said no, i must give him his too. I dipped my hands into my pocket and also gave him a pound.

One of them just went out and later returned. Immediately, he returned he came for me and grabbed my trousers and told me calmly, “Mr Man, you are under arrest.”

When the prostitute heard this she quickly grabbed her scarf and fled abandoning everything I bought for her on the table.

I was thrown into one of their vehicles and with blaring siren I was taken to the Police headquarters.

Interrogation and trial Immediately after my arrest at the hotel, I was whisked to a nearby police station. From there with hands cuffed and legs in chains I was taken to the governor’s office to Governor Gomwalk himself.

When they brought me before him, he looked at me for a long time before he spoke. “Are you Yoruba or what?” he asked. I told him I am a Yoruba boy. Then

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he changed to the Yoruba language. Gomwalk spoke Yoruba fluently. He asked if I would tell the truth and that if I told the truth I would go free but if not I would curse the day I was born.

Thinking i would be able to escape as the place is very close to some rock, I wanted to stalk for time. So i told him that i would tell him the truth if he could alos do something in return. He then asked for what i wanted. I looked at the faces of his boys and he got the gist that i wanted them out. So he asked all of them to go out. What did i request for? I requested for Indian hemp. The governor called on one of his orderlies to go to the Exhibit Room and make a wrap for me. When the man brought it Gomwalk asked to him to give it to me. The man looked at me from head to toe and shook his head. He asked them to take me to the orderly room to smoke. The man turned his chair round and faced the opposite direction.

As i was puffing the hemp I gazed out of the window to see how I could perfect my escape. But what I saw turned my stomach to jelly. Lying almost immobile and invisible are scores of soldiers in complete camouflage fatigue. The hemp dropped from my fingers. There and then I knew that I must confess if I wanted to get out of the place alive.

After I finished smoking the hemp I was again taken to the presence of the governor. Then I had lost my shine. I could not talk again.

I was a little awkward then later told him everything. He then asked them to take me away. I told him that i thought he would release me to go home. When he heard this, he laughed. He then told me that i would go home but not there and then.

He also told me not to write any statement for anybody and not to divulge what I had told him either. He promised to come and check me on Thursday. And he did. As he was coming, they quickly put me in cuffs and leg chains. But immediately he came, he asked them to remove them asking where i would run to.

He now took me near the prison yard.

You see the Police headquarters and the prison in Jos of those days are side by side. He was always talking to me in Yoruba. He again warned me not to talk to anybody nor write any statement.

Then on Friday I sent for the area commander and told him to get about 60 policemen for the operation.

On Saturday evening, I started seeing strange faces at the police headquarters.

Huge and tall policemen arrived. And they were there overnight. Even the Area Commander slept on a bench.

Around 4am on Sunday I told them it was time to go. And we moved. We left with 25 vehicles. It was in 1972. I asked them to put off all the headlamps of the vehicle except the one i was inside. When we got there the place was heavily surrounded. It was after then that they removed the cuffs and leg chains from me.

About 16 policemen now accompanied me to the house. I was some paces ahead of them but very much in their sight.

And we moved towards Umoru’s house.

I had earlier told them that I would cough thrice and that it was at the third time that they should swoop in on Umoru.

•To be concluded next week

People

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Ademola Bolawole: Making waves with furniture FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

A

demola Bolawole is a furniture maker of repute and has done so for himself and his famwell fo ily for over 35 years.

Born Bo over six decades ago into the family of Mr and Mrs Mr Bolawole in Osun State, Ademola had his S childhood both in Osun c and a Lagos states.

Although he was not A born with a silver spoon, Ademola quickly made the A e Ad best of his life by learning av vocation since his dream of becoming a lawyer or an engineer was dashed because dearth of fund b to t further his education after his secondary education. At the age of 19 years, he came down to Lagos where

he apprenticed as a furniture maker and this had been his vocation ever since.

“I wanted to be a lawyer or an accountant but for lack of finance, I couldn’t continue my education and that was why I went into furniture making. I spent five years learning the vocation and I thank God for where I am today.

“One of those who assisted me a great deal was one Mr. Abiola who was then an accountant, not the MKO Abiola; I have forgotten his first name. He gave me quite a lot of jobs to do for him. He gave me the contract of his 4-bedroom flat which he built with N75, 000 back then.

Apart from that he gave other big jobs and gave me a lot of referrals that have helped me this far.

In retrospect on what Lagos used to be like when he came into Lagos in 1971, Bolawole noted that Lagos back then was a haven of peace with high level of security. “You didn’t need to fear for what would happen to you on the roads of Lagos because everywhere was safe and crime rate was really low. You could walk from Ikeja to Yaba even by 12 midnight

Mandy: Nigeria’s queen of comedy OSEYIZA OOGBODO

M

andy is widely recognised as the undisputed queen of Nigeria’s comedy. The title became hers based on the statistics that she is the country’s first female stand-up comedian.

She has been basking in the euphoria of wearing the title for a very long time now without any sign of relinquishing it to any of her fellow female comedians, just like Ali Baba, generally acclaimed to be the king, is not also showing any signs of giving up his coveted crown to any of his male colleagues.

“I am the first woman Nigerians ever saw doing stand-up comedy. When people talk, like in abroad, they talk with statistics, with points, reasons, etc. And thank God, if I say I’m the first, I have proof. Why? “The time we had the first-ever Ayo Animashaun’s Girls’ Nite Out was the first time we had all the girls in the industry performing under one roof. The ones that were into sound were on the console, those that were behind cameras, and it was like that, everybody was doing something. If you were not on stage, you were off it.

“They were looking for a stand-up comedian and they wanted to get Binta AyoMogaji who was staying in Ibadan to crack jokes. I went there to do my normal afro

beat or reggae. And they kept looking for a female comedian. And I remembered that in that same year, on February 14th, 1999, I had done something for Bacchus Lite.

“I was the MC and I was just cracking jokes. Unknown to me, that that was stand-up comedy. So, when they said it was important at Girls’ Nite Out, I told them I could do it and I did. I brought the house down.”

Yet, despite being the first and thereby the queen, she doesn’t seem as visible as Princess, Helen Paul, Lepacious Bose.

Does she therefore feel justified holding the queen title?

“But that’s where we make a lot of mistakes,” she countered. “There are places Princess is needed and places Mandy is, just like Ali Baba and Basket Mouth.

Where Ali goes, Basket Mouth doesn’t.

I’ve been lucky in the jobs I’ve done. I’m not talking about peanut jobs here. I’m talking about doing one job and resting. I don’t hustle for jobs. People know me for the queen I am and they call me. When it comes to feminine products, I’m always first choice.

“I don’t do anyhow jobs because I’m a mother. Provision for my daughter comes first. I listen to Sasha singing that she’s tired of not getting paid for shows. When someone told me some time ago that Princess was everywhere and I wasn’t, I replied

that the time I was everywhere, Princess wasn’t born.

“I don’t have to be in every newspaper.

I’ve done that in the past. If I bring my bag of newspaper cuttings, it’s a full Ghanamust-go bag. A few years ago, CNN, BBC, Reuters were running after me. Why must I still be doing that? A small comedian will be everywhere but Ali Baba will not. And that applies to me too now.”

What then is the relationship between her and her numerous female colleagues?

Is it of the queen and her subjects or buddybuddy?

“Our relationships in the comedy world overall is that of friendship and togetherness. One for all and all for one. I get along very well with my female colleagues. We do things together, we relate with one another on a pleasant and cordial basis. There’s no problem and that is a fact.”

As the first female comedian and queen of the sector, Mandy is very aware of the problems of female comedians.

“It pains me that female comedy has not taken the centre-stage. It’s not where it’s supposed to be. But it doesn’t bother me because there are professions where the females are more favoured. Take Nollywood for instance. The female stars are so plenty while you can count the males on your fingers. There are so many reasons why female comedy hasn’t taken centre-stage.

December 15, 2012

37

without fear of being robbed or mobbed.

There was no house with burglary proofs back then because of the level of safety. Besides being crime free, it was a peaceful state undermining the fact that there was not much money then. Money was not as much back then but the little available had value and everyone was happy and cohabited in peace.”

Looking back over the years Ademola said he had no regrets whatsoever for making the furniture making his vocation because it is a lucrative one that will never run out of season since one way or the other, people will need to change their furniture either at home or in the office. With this vocation I have been able to pay my bills as a family man, I feed well and do every necessary thing a man ought to do in life and I am happy.

One can only hope for the best.

“The very first day I saw her, I liked her instantly and wanted to have her for keeps and I told my friend to talk to her on my behalf but she didn’t take me seriously. I chased her for almost four months before she agreed to think of it.

After a careful consideration coupled with persistency from me she finally agreed to be mine and we courted for four years and got married. She had been a great support to me ever since.

She is my own jewel of inestimable value”

38

TOURISM

December 15, 2012

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Monuments of a national heritage

The car in which Gen Muhammed was assassinated

The National Museum is a paradise for lovers of history. And even if you are not the museum type, the black bullet-riddled Mercedes Benz in which General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated on 13 February, 1976 should be worth your visit.

SEGUN ADIO

F Benin Head

Osamasinmi from Owo

ifty-four years into its existence, the National Museum, Lagos still stands tall among pre-independence national monuments. Today, the complex is a mix of two epochs in histo-ry.

Its antiquated ambience is unmistak-able, though some elements of moderni-ty are also on display.

The National Museum in Lagos is the flagship institution in Nigeria’s net-work of 34 museums spread across the country. It’s focus in the collection, pres-ervation and exhibition of Nigeria’s vast cultural heritage. Established in March 1957 through the tireless efforts of Ken-neth C. Murray, the Lagos museum oc-cupies a prime position in the centre of Lagos Island, and houses some of the finest pre-historic art collections.

The complex may not boast of the sophisti-cation in many western museums, yet it continues to attract great interest and patronage from people of varying backgrounds, who either visit the monument for research purposes or to experience Nigerians’ sculptural documentation of history.

As is the case in most national monuments world over, photography is completely abhorred inside the complex.

Throughout the tour, the tourist is inundated with the artistic traditions of the peoples of Nigeria. Walking round the complex takes an average of two hours

with curatorial assistance provided by staff of the museum. The Lagos museum has its fair share of government neglect, as is the case with most government parastatal. Mrs. Ronke Ashaye, the mu-seum’s curator, is a walking repertoire of Nigeria’s history, which the museum in engage in preserving.

Ben Enwonwu’s masterpiece—Any-anwu (Awakening), a sculpture that adorns the front façade of the museum, welcomes tourists to the extraordinary collection of artworks in the complex. This collection of treasures predates the Nigeria’s nationhood. One can only wonder how it was preserved from the colonial masters who are said to have looted the country blind of her artwork while they held sway in the 20th century. It is significant also that the museum has a vast and important collection of art-works mostly kept in storage than put on display.

Inside the complex are magnificent crafts of Nok, Benin, Fulani, Owo, Ife and many more ancient Nigerian civilizations. A tourist cannot but salute the vision and zest of the hands that laboured hard to assemble the collections on display at the museum. It is, however, saddening that the museum has been on a downward spiral, which portends a steady erosion of its significance.Despite the decline, Curator Ashaye is resolved to ensure that the museum meets world standards.. Apart from local efforts to

save the soul of the museum, international bod-ies like the Ford Foundation and the Brit-ish Museum have played crucial roles in the its rejuvenation. Signs of change are now visible everywhere; old unstable structures have been demolished and plans for new ones are afoot. Curator Ashaye told Saturday Mirror that, “the efforts of the present administration has resulted in significant improvement of this museum, and this is bound to continue in the coming years.” As icing on the cake, a detached bun-galow at the back of the main museum houses a display of Nigerian govern-ments of yesterday and today. This is a must see for any tourist to the museum. The bullet-ridden black Mercedes Benz of the late General Murtala Muhammed, in which he was assassinated in 1973 greets visitors to this gallery.

Informa-tion about Nigeria’s post-colonial gener-als, presidents and military rulers are displayed on the walls.

By the time the tourist navigates the complex, he is worn out and desperately in need of a drink. The Museum Kitchen comes to the rescue. In addition to the much-needed drink, visitors can savour traditional Nigerian cuisine while resting their tired feet. Without doubt, the Lagos museum is a pride to the Nigeria.

Indeed, the Federal Government needs to improve on the funding of the museum, so that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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December 15, 2012

Painful urination (dysuria) D

are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure  Vaginitis. Vicinities is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation.  Urethritis (infection of the urethra)  Urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and/or urethra.  Yeast infection (vaginal)  Interstitial cyctitis, (IC) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that can cause ulceration and bleeding of the bladder’s.

ysuria Overview

Dysuria also referred to as painful urination or burning urination is the feeling of pain, burning, or discomfort upon urination. Dysuria should always trigger a visit to a health-care professional for evaluation and diagnosis.

Painful urination (dysuria) is usually felt in the tube that carries urine out of your bladder (urethra) or the area surrounding your genitals (perineum). Anyone may experience bouts of painful urination. Although Painful urination frequently indicates the presence of urinary tract infection (UTI), it is the most common symptom especially in women.

In men, urinary tract infections are less common, so painful urination is most commonly caused by urethritis and certain prostate conditions.

Burning sensation with urination can be caused by infectious (including sexually transmitted infections) and non-infectious conditions, but is most commonly due to bacterial infection of the urinary tract affecting the bladder.

Symptoms occur more commonly in women, especially in young women and people who are sexually active. Most of the time, dysuria will be caused by a simple urinary tract infection, but a complete evaluation by a health-care professional is necessary for proper diagnosis, especially if the symptoms reoccur.

Causes Painful urination can be caused by a number of conditions and certain substances, including:  Bladder stones  Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact.  Cystitis (bladder infection) E. coli is the most common cause of

Dysuria Treatment The most common cause of dysuria is a urinary tract infection.

Infections are treated with antibiotics. Based on the current pattern of urinary tract infections in your community, your health-care professional will chose the optimal medication.

If a culture indicates that bacteria are present that are resistant to the initial antibiotic, your doctor might change the medication once the results of the culture are known.

If the cause of the dysuria is not infectious, your health-care professional may order further tests and treatments.

Prevention

bladder infections. Bladder infection symptoms and signs include frequent urination and burning sensation  Drugs, such as those used in cancer treatment, that have bladder irritation as a side effect  Genital herpes  Gonorrhoea  Ingredients in personal-care products, such as soaps or perfumes

 Kidney infection  Kidney stones: A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract.  Prostatitis (prostate inflammation) Prostatitis is a painful condition of the prostate gland.  Sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,

Urinating at bedtime and after sexual intercourse, not holding urine for an excessive amount of time, and good hygiene can decrease the chances of developing a urinary tract infection. Of note, these are only helpful hints as they will not guarantee prevention. Avoid any irritating product on the outside of your genitals if you are experiencing dysuria.

Prognosis Most urinary tract infections will improve with appropriate antibiotics and should have no long-term consequences.

LETTER

How do I treat pimples?

Dear Doctor, What medicine can I take for pimples?

Juliet, Abeokuta Mirror Doctor replies Acne vulgaris (pimples) is a common

human skin disease of the hair follicles of face, chest and back that affects almost all males and females during puberty, (teenagers) and often continues into adulthood. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria play a role in its development.

No one factor causes acne. It happens when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated at the

time of puberty by elevated levels of male hormones. This in-turn after a process, results in blockage of the follicles.

Hormonal activity such as menstrual cycle may contribute to the formation of acne.

Acne may appear on the skin as congested pores also known as blackheads or whiteheads, tender red bumps also known as pimples and occasionally as

cysts (deep pimples, boils).

You can actually treat your acne by first ensuring that you wash your face regularly with mild non perfumed soap and water. Application of antibacterial skin cleansers containing chlorhexidine is useful. These are available at pharmacy or cosmetic counter and do not require doctors prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician for treatment as you may require the use of antibiotics applied topically or taken orally after examination and evaluation.

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LEISURE

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 15, 2012

41

Abdul Jelil Ajagun (right) dribbling past a South African opponent during the final match of the 2013 Africa Youth Championship qualifier.

AYC: Ajagun, Agudosi vow to deliver trophy SAYO OGUNDEJI

F

lying Eagles’ duo of Abdul Jelil Ajagun and Arinze Agudosi has expressed their readiness in helping their team to retain the African Youth Championship (AYC) title when the tournament kicks off later next year in Algeria.

Nigeria qualified for the 19th edition of the tournament following their 4-2 aggregate win over Amajita of South Africa in the final round of the quali-

fiers and the players said all efforts are on to ensure the team retains the trophy.

The Flying Eagles have won the tournament more than any other country in the continent and their 3-2 victory over Cameroun in the final of the last edition held in South Africa, further confirmed their supremacy in the bi-annual competition.

The defending champions were recently drawn against Mali, DR Congo and debutants, Gabon, in Group B of the tourney slated for March 16-30, 2013.

Pinnick reveals Delta success story P. 42

Though, Ajagun and Agudosi described the Group as favourable, they however admitted that they would not be taking any of their opponents for granted.

According to them, the likes of Ghana, Egypt and the host nation will always prove a tough customer but feel they will do their best if they come against any of the trio.

“We are lucky to have gotten these teams in our group, though that does not mean we are going to have an easy ride against them. I believe we have

the experience that will surely count in our favour.

“The players are all aware of the responsibility trusted in our hands by Nigerians which is winning the trophy and we have the potential of doing that going by our performance during the qualifiers.

“The mixture of both young and experience players will certainly help our cause and having the same set of coaches in charge of the team again is no doubt a boost,” Ajagun who scored most of the goals during the qualifiers said confidently.

In a separate interview, Agudosi is hoping to make his debut at the tournament as the left full back is banking on his ability to mark timely in order to help the team’s cause in Algeria.

He also added that the players were ready to make the country proud, saying, winning the tour-

State finalists emerge for 2013 NNPC/ Shell Cup P. 43

nament for a record seventh time has been the motivation for himself and his colleagues.

“I am already looking forward to playing for the country at the tournament and the only thing that can make Nigerians happy is for us to come back with the trophy, which I believe is achievable.

“Though this is my first outing with the team, but I want to state that we are all geared up for it and making history by winning the trophy for a record seventh time has been our motivating force,” he said.

While the players believe adequate preparation will put them in good stead for the competition, they also emphasised the importance of qualifying for the next world cup which they believe will give them the opportunity of correcting the mistakes they made during the last edition.

Benitez endorses Guardiola for Chelsea P. 45

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SPORT

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NPL and Baribote’s misadventure

T

he crisis that engulfed Nigerian football recently following the sack of Chief Victor Rumson Baribote as the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) chairman is one that came with a lot of drama, curiosity, intrigues and power play.

It was a dirty game programmed by those who facilitated his rise to the exalted position, and when they realized that the child whom they gave birth to does not have the teeth to chew the carrot given him, they quickly withdrew their gift, allowing the child to bite the dust.

A soccer pundit told HT in confidence that Baribote’s problem was a clear case of the law of karma playing out, but HT sees the case of the discarded NPL chairman as unfortunate and a misadventure for Nigerian football which has been on a free fall.

Few weeks ago when external auditors released their report of audit of the financial books of the NPL, HT first blew the whistle of an impending power-tussle in the league body. Then the auditors were quick to point out in their report that they had issues with how NPL expended the TV rights money they got because it was not properly accounted for.

Shortly after the aforementioned, the NFF stopped the NPL from organizing its Congress in Kano because there were issues to be sorted regarding title sponsorship of the league.

While these were playing out, the 20 club owners vowed never to have anything to do with Baribote because of his poor handling of the league body and subsequently they got rid of the Bayelsa-born football administrator during its congress which

HARD TACKLE with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com

08023103605

THE LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM

BARIBOTE’S

FALL ARE MANY, BUT WHO SO EVER TAKES UP THE MANTLE OF LEADERSHIP AFTER, MUST Baribote

took place last Tuesday in Abuja.

When the NFF tried to intervene, it was too late to save the drowning Baribote who had vowed to fight on, and described Tuesday’s Congress of the NPL that sacked him as illegal because the NFF does not have the power to order for such gathering.

Candidly, it’s been chaotic as Nigerian soccer fans watched with dismay how the 2011/2012 was marred by the administrators in the NPL following their inability to secure a title sponsor for the league. Also clubs were begged by the leadership of the NPL to pay indemnities of match officials which was dishearten-

SEE THAT THE ENTIRE LEAGUE SYSTEM IS REDEFINED. ing and depicted Baribote-led NPL as visionless.

Casting our cynical minds back to when Baribote, somewhat, championed a palace coup against Davidson Owumi, by weeping up sentiments from the public, he preached the sermon of NPL statutes which his rival failed meeting up its requirement. It was a situation which eventually led to his endorsement organized by the NPL elec-

toral committee and supervised by his then godfathers, the NFF, following the court verdict.

HT recalls vividly how 15 premier league clubs -out of a possible 20- and electoral committee members took part in the kangaroo ceremony. Sunshine Stars, 3SC, Enyimba, Gateway and Warri Wolves were the only five clubs that did not participate and the reasons were not farfetched; maybe because they had a premonition, seemingly, how visionless Baribote’s board would be.

I recall also that at the point of upstaging Owumi as the chairman of the NPL by Baribote, many soccer analysts cried out because of the grand plan Owumi was making to rebrand the Nigerian league. Today, it is on record that for the first time in a long while, nobody has pumped the amount of money that Owumi pumped into Nigerian football from sponsorship deals that his board managed to get, which stood him out as someone who knew where he was going with the NPL. But after Baribote came on board, everyone settled down to work with him thinking he was going to raise the standard, but that was not to be, as a sport analyst revealed that, “Baribote brought together with him a virus that ate so deep into the fabrics of Nigerian football that almost crashed the league system”.

According to the analyst, the players were at the receiving end with club sides not being able to pay sign-on fees and wages. Also facilities did not improve, as there were cases of misappropriation of funds and match-fixing allegations, all leveled against

the former chairman.

No wonder Baribote received the boot from the constituency that was supposed to protect him.

Speaking exclusively to HT, a member of the NPL congress and General Manager of ABS FC Alloy Chukwuemeka said Baribote was, “a driver of a bad vehicle” and as such deserves the boot.

The former Yobe Desert Stars media chief argued that the sacking of Baribote as the league boss could not guarantee their stay because if a vehicle is bad, changing just the driver alone cannot make a journey smooth, rather it is advisable to overhaul it or better still change to a new vehicle entirely to have a smooth movement.

Chukwuemeka stressed further that the NPL Congress identified maladministration, financial rascality as well as lack of transparency and goodwill to attract sponsorship as some of the ills of the out-gone Baribote board.

He however restated that Baribote’s removal was done in the best interest of the Nigerian league, and as a sacrifice for our nation’s football development which HT concurs.

The lessons to be learnt from Baribote’s fall are many, but who so ever takes up the mantle of leadership after, must see that the entire league system is redefined, refined and reorganized in collaboration with all stakeholders.

They should address the salient issues like lack of sponsorship, poor officiating, insecurity at venues, players welfare and indemnities of officials before the proposed February 16, 2013 kick off date for the new season as HT wishes Baribote well.

SPORT NEWS

EKO 2012: Council boss Pinnick reveals Delta success story commends Ekiti athletes IFEANYI EDUZOR

SAYO OGUNDEJI

T

he Chairman of Ekiti State Sports Council, Prince Ademola Adetola, has commended the state’s contingent to the recent 18th National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Eko 2012’.

Adetola while addressing the athletes shortly after their arrival from Lagos rated their performance in the festival above the 17th edition held in Port Harcourt.

He stressed that the five gold medals won by the state was an improvement on their performance in Port Harcourt where the state earned four gold medals and ranked in the 20th position.

The Chairman congratulated the athletes and the officials for their good conduct during the 12-day sports fiesta and particularly expressed appreciation to the medallists for bringing honour to the state.

Adetola also expressed gratitude to Governor Kayode Fayemi for giving them the required support for the sports fiesta, saying that the efforts of the state government in grassroots sports development have started to yield good fruits.

Ekiti State was in the 15th position with 5 gold, 1 silver and 10 bronze medals, while Katsina State placed last among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Tertiary.

C

hairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick, has attributed the state’s remarkable performance at the recently concluded 18th National Sports Festival tagged, ‘Eko 2012’ to hard work, dedication and enabling environment created by the Delta State Government for athletes and officials, even as he promised that all the gold medalists will be given automatic employment to encourage them win more laurels in future.

Team Delta placed first with a total of 114 gold, 99 silver and 75 bronze medals while Rivers and Lagos came 2nd and 3rd respectively with 76 gold, 71 silver and 70 bronze

Pinnick

medals and 64 gold, 47 silver and 71 bronze medals respectively.

According to Pinnick, immediately after the ‘Garden City Games’, they went back to the drawing board to assess what went wrong following their failure to defend the title and started

early preparation when other states were on holidays. This according to him enabled the state to prepare well to emerge the overall winners of the festival.

“Three days after we left Port Harcourt we were able to identify factors that militated against us.

We corrected those factors which enabled us get the desired result.

“In weightlifting, we got one gold medal in Port Harcourt, but in Lagos we got 14. In judo we did not win anything in Port Harcourt, but today we can boast of four gold medals.

“In powerlifting, we struggled with them in the ‘Garden City Games’, but today we got 10 gold medals. In swimming too, we struggled with them and got 18 gold, but at ‘Eko 2012’ we amassed 24 gold medals,” Pinnick said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

December 15, 2012

43

State finalists emerge for 2013 NNPC/Shell Cup ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he 2013 edition of the All Nigeria Secondary Schools Football Championship for the NNPC/Shell Cup which kicked off in all states across the country on October 30, 2012 has reached the final stage in most states of the federation.

According to the revised fixtures drawn up by the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), state champions are to emerge this week before schools embark on vacation for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. As a result, all states are advised to conclude their preliminaries before the end of today.

Shola Akinwale, National Coordinator of the event told Saturday Mirror that some states have produced the two finalists while

others are still in the process of producing their finalists. Some of the states that have played their final earlier in the week are Jigawa, where Government Science Day Secondary School, Dutse lost to Model Secondary Community School 4-5 on penalties after a goalless score at full time. Abia State also produced Amaba Community Secondary School as champions having defeated Reinhold International School, Abriba by 1-0.

Government Comprehensive Day Secondary School, Bauchi also defeated Government Secondary School, Kofar Idi by 2-0 to emerge Bauchi State champion of the NNPC/Shell Cup. In Kano, Government Arabic College, Gwale will play against Sheikh Uba Secondary School, Kano at the Kano Pillars Stadium today while Kwara Football Academy, the defending champion of

Eko 2012: Udoh gives pass mark to officials IFEANYI EDUZOR

P

Udoh

officials lived up to expectations,” Udoh said.

He noted that the state is happy with the silver medal it won in the female football event of the festival just as he commended the officials who handled the match for a job well done.

Action recorded during the 2012 NNPC/Shell Cup final between Kwara Football Academy Secondary School, Ilorin (in yellow jersey) and National Foundation Academy, Ughelli (in white jersey).

Promasidor pledges support for sports development ANDREW EKEJIUBA

S

ecretary of Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mathew Peter Udoh, has given pass mark to the officiating officials at the just concluded 18th National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged ‘EKO 2012’.

Udoh who spoke to our correspondent during the closing ceremony of the event held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, lauded the hosts, Lagos State, for providing adequate security in all the venues of the event and the camp of the participating states, including the FCT, Abuja.

“The officiating was good especially in football. The match referees were equal to the task.

Nobody pointed accusing fingers on any referee throughout the duration of the Games which is an indication that the

the 2012 edition will tackle Offa Grammar School at the Ilorin Stadium to determine who represents the state at the zonal preliminaries in January.

Others are Nasarawa State that would produce a winner between Government Science Secondary School, Obi and Government College, Nasarawa.

In Lokoja, it would be a tough fight between Local Government Comprehensive College, Kabba and Government Science Secondary School, Ogaminana while the Oyo State NNPC/Shell Cup final is between Government College, Ibadan and School of Science, Ipade.

The organizers further reiterated that the champion schools from the various states including the FCT will proceed to play in the zonal preliminaries of the championship which comes up on January 9-14, 2013.

romasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of quality food products, has promised to continue to sponsor sporting activities in the country.

Mr. Kachi Onubogu, newly elevated Commercial Director of the company disclosed this at the cycling event of the just concluded ‘Eko 2012’ National Sports Festival held in Lagos, remarking that Promasidor is very supportive of sporting activities in Nigeria and will continue to do so.

“Promasidor always try to give back to the community in whatever way we can. For instance, we have always had the grassroots football initiative, what it does is that we try to identify young talents, get them off the streets and get them to

learn about football and sport.

We are very supportive of sporting activities in the country and we want to assure you that we will continue to support sports in Nigeria. To the cyclist, I want to encourage you to do your very best and as much as possible enjoy the game,” he said.

Addressing the press, President Cycling Federation of Nigeria and member, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Alhaji Mohammed Sheriff noted that ‘EKO 2012’ has been successful as he encouraged the cyclists not to give up, but go back home retrain and come prepared for the 19th edition of the sports festival.

He further encouraged the private sector not to relent in spon-

soring sporting activities in the country as this would encourage the athletes to bring out their best.

The 18th National Sports Festival which was held recently in Lagos State came to an amazing end on Sunday December 9, with participants from Delta State carting away almost all the medals.

Delta State had 114 gold medals, 99 silver and 75 bronze, and was followed by Rivers with 76 gold medals, 71 silver, and 70 bronze, and Lagos in third position with 64 gold medals, 47silver, and 71 bronze.

Though Lagos finished third on the log, the host Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola said at the closing ceremony that he was excited that the games brought out young talents as the idea behind the games was not just winning.

Kickboxing: Okegbe faults host state over inconclusive bouts SAYO OGUDEJI

N

ational kickboxing coach, Cletus Okegbe, says Lagos State should be held responsible for the inconclusiveness of some bouts at the just concluded National Sports Festivals, tagged ‘Eko 2012’.

Athletes and coaches in the kickboxing event held at the Indoors Sports Hall of the University of Lagos Sports Complex

complained about biased officiating by the largely populated Lagos officials which resulted in most of the events been disrupted.

Okegbe who was unimpressed with the manner, at which the situation was handled, described the move by the host state for having many officials from Lagos as a bad development which contradicts the spirit of fair play.

He said, “Lagos failed to do the right thing by having 36 out of

the total 49 officials from the state and most of the decisions were not in favour of the other states which resulted into the protest, though the manner at which they went about it is quite regrettable.

“Athletes who spent months in camp trying to prepare for these events were denied the opportunity of winning medals as about 12 bouts were not completed which is not good for the sport and this must be corrected in future if we want our sports to develop.”

L-R: Mr. Onuoha Kingsley, Assistant Brand Manager, Promasidor Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Sherrif, President, Cycling Federation of Nigeria and Dr. Jibola Keshiro, Chairman, Lagos State Cycling Association at the cycling event of the ‘Eko 2012’ National Sports Festival sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria Limited in Lagos recently.

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SPORT

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities of Eko 2012 sports festival

Action recorded during the cycling event of Eko 2012.

IFEANYI EDUZOR

T

he 18th National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Eko 2012’ which kicked off on a good note on November 27, was declared open by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Namadi Sambo, before it was rounded off on December 9, with the usual Lagos hospitality on display throughout the duration of the Nigerian version of the Olympics.

Not only were athletes, officials, Lagosians of all walks of life and the entire nation held spell bound by the exciting opening and closing ceremonies which revealed the rich cultural heritage of the host state and spiced up with Eyo masquerades, calisthenics display and fireworks to the delight of thousands of sports fans who trooped to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of the event.

Aside the aforementioned, millions of Nigerians were glued to their television sets to watch the colorful ceremonies.

The festival also enabled Nigerians from various states of the Federation to interact with one another, forgetting their ethnic and cultural differences as they competed among themselves in the spirit of sportsmanship.

At the festival, many records were broken and new ones set, while many talents were discovered who will later be groomed to stardom in fulfillment of the dreams of the founding fathers of the festival.

Although the festival has been adjudged an improvement over the 17th edition held in Port Harcourt, many people described it as the best-organized festival in recent times.

But ‘Eko 2012’ had its own problems which would have removed the shine from the achievements recorded by both the Main Organizing Committee and Local Organizing Committees of the Games.

The arrival day for the festival

was full of complaints as various state contingents complained about the poor quality of accommodation provided for them.

On arrival at both the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, it was discovered that the hostels has just been renovated and painted, while some of the mattresses were in very bad condition which made it difficult for most athletes and officials to sleep on them because of the various odours emanating from the fresh paintings.

As if this was not enough, some of the volunteers where at a loss on how to serve food to the various states, although the LOC later solved this problem after most of the states have started making their own alternative feeding arrangements for their contingents.

Anambra State which prides itself as the ‘Light of the Nation’ showed its unpreparedness for the festival by fielding a Cameroonian; John Baptist in the weightlifting event and it took the eagle eyes of officials to discover that the same weightlifter has represented Cameroon in Olympic qualifiers in Kenya which prompted the federation to strip him of three gold medals he won in the snatch, clean and jack events at the Games.

Prior to this time, some weightlifting coaches and ex-Olympians led by their newly elected President, Emeka Godson Ajei has accused the President of Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, Chimdi Ejiogu of threatening their lives and introducing unqualified umpires as officials in the weightlifting event. It took the intervention of officials of Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) for peace to reign and for weightlifting event to go ahead.

Also a female footballer from Enugu State, who registered for the festival as Peace Onu, did not escape the hammer of the MOC, as she was banned for life after it was discovered that her real name was Chikodi Nwachukwu and that she had played professional football before, which was

against the festival rules.

The issue of using ineligible athletes was not limited to Anambra and Enugu States alone, as the technical committee of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria disqualified Ondo State female hockey team for fielding ineligible players at the festival. The Federation went ahead to disqualify six more female players for not being accredited for the Games.

Four of the athletes; namely, Faith Yusuf, Rifkatu Peter, Tabita Julius and Adi Dorris are from Adamawa State while the remaining two, Ogochukwu Udogu and Blessing Nwankwo are from Anambra State.

Table tennis also shared its own casualty of the festival when Fatima Bello was suspended for three years for double registration; she registered for Lagos and Delta States. Also another table tennis player, Kehinde Oladele, who registered for Rivers and Oyo in the men’s table tennis event, was banned as well.

Another ugly side of ‘Eko 2012’ was discovered when soldiers who were sent to maintain peace at the festival venue took caution to the winds when they brutalized a Lagos State dambe boxer,

Amao Usman, for questioning the decision of officials to award his fight to his opponent from Gombe State. A photojournalist, Dele Ojo who took shots of the disgraceful show of force by the soldiers was ordered to delete the photograph by the rampaging soldiers.

As if this was not enough, another soldier slapped a policeman at the Agege Stadium and it took God’s intervention for the two security officers not to turn their guns on each other which would have led to a serious crisis and security breach.

It was also obvious that some of the facilities used for the Games did not meet up to international standard. At the Gymnasium complex and Brai Ayonote Boxing gym that hosted boxing and weightlifting respectively, boxers were not kitted with approved (AIBA) fighting gloves which were supposed to be red and blue, but rather they wore white gloves which are not allowed in amateur boxing.

This anormally prompted the former national boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa, and ex- Olympian Jeremiah Okorodudu, to cry foul describing the situation as capable of affecting the preparation of Nigerian boxers to international competitions.

In cricket, players complained about the poor cricket pitch, but they were forced to play on it, while swimming event had to be postponed by four days due to high concentration of chlorine in the swimming pool.

The festival was also flooded with petitions especially in the boxing and weightlifting events where many states accused the other of importing boxers to represent them. Fairness of officiating was also questioned as many athletes faulted some of the decisions that made them lose to their opponents.

One of the female boxers who represented Anambra State Onyiye Elom immediately after her bout in the 57kg which she lost to Bukola

Emmanuela of Ekiti State cried foul over the decision, accusing the centre referee of open robbery.

Another major problem that confronted the Games was poor patronage by fans as journalists were also not sparred the problem associated with the Games.

It took members of the MOC few hours to the opening ceremony to provide accreditation tags to journalists, as reporters had a hectic time shuttling between the National Stadium, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Agege Stadium, Rowe Park Yaba, University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, venues of the festival.

Although shuttle buses where provided, but communication gap between the LOC and the sports writers made it difficult for media men to enjoy the services of these buses.

Tragedy was averted in the swimming event at the Teslim Balogun Stadium when a member of Team Ondo swimming contingent, Ibukun Ademulekun caused a stir when she gasped for breath after her race.

Ibikun who defeated other athletes to win the gold medal in the 200meters butterfly, lost steam at the end of the race and had to be revived by the medical team on ground at the venue.

It is worthy to note that Osun State lost the leader of their delegation to the festival, Alade Yesufu, who died after complaining of discomfort during a traditional sporting event, langa.

This incident threw Team Osun into confusion, but they were able to rise to the occasion by winning important medals to the memory of the late Yesufu.

However, it must be agreed that not minding the problems identified at ‘Eko 2012’, the competition achieved a lot of successes and it is hoped that Cross River State Government will improve upon this and put up a befitting sports festival in 2014.

Lagos State boxer, Olaide Fijabi (right) pummels Ntoyen Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom in the men’s 64kg bout.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

December 15, 2012

Benitez endorses Guardiola for Chelsea job R afael Benitez says he would be happy for Pep Guardiola to take over as Chelsea manager if the London club wins trophies this season.

Benitez was brought in to replace the sacked Roberto Di Matteo last month but has received a frosty reception from the Chelsea faithful, who continue to chant the Italian’s name during matches.

“Guardiola has a fantastic record; if he comes and we win a lot of trophies, I’ll be very pleased.

“When I decided to come, I knew I was signing a contract for six or seven months so I was not be thinking about more after these

seven months,” Benitez said.

Benitez, who guided Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005, believes the disgruntled element of Chelsea supporters will regret their initial displeasure at his appointment.

“I understand the feelings of the fans because of the rivalry between both clubs (Liverpool and Chelsea). After the improvement of the team, the way I will play (and) the style I will have, I think a lot of fans will say ‘maybe we were too hard and we have to give him the chance to bring the confidence back to the team and the fans’,” he said.

Jesus believes Inter can topple Juve

I

nter Milan defender Juan Jesus said the Serie A powerhouse is setting its sights on dethroning Scudetto holders Juventus.

The Nerazzurri find themselves four points behind the Bianconeri in the standings and the Brazilian stressed the players will do their best to claim their first league title since 2010.

“We will always believe that we can win Scudetto and I want to do everything to lift the trophy.

“Inter are a great team and we should do everything possible to win the title,” Jesus said.

The Brazilian then talked about his adaptation to life in Italy, and voiced his desire to stay at San Siro for the long term.

“I’m happy because nobody had heard of me in Italy, but now things have changed. I hope to

Guardiola

Benitez will have his first shot at silverware at the helm of Chelsea when they meet Corinthians in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup tomorrow.

Toure to leave Manchester City for AFCON

R

oberto Mancini expects key midfielder Yaya Toure to leave Manchester City for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa in January.

The City manager had wanted to retain Toure’s services during the early part of 2013 but has confirmed the midfielder is keen to compete in the tournament.

Toure is expected to join up with Jesus the Ivory Coast squad following the have five or six good years to show Premier League club’s third round what I am capable of. I want to be FA Cup tie on January 5. a part of Inter for a long time.

Mancini said: “I think he will “I never thought I’d become go to the Africa Cup of Nations a starter. I wanted to do my job after the Watford game.” and I thank (my) boss Andrea Toure was involved in the Stramaccioni for the trust he 2012 competition when the Ivory placed in me,” he said.

Coast reached the final before losing to Zambia on penalties.

Next year’s competition runs from January 19 to February 10.

He also confirmed Shinji Meanwhile, Mancini believes Kagawa would begin training skipper Vincent Kompany has with the first team again after a only a ‘two per cent’ chance of two-month absence. being fit for today’s trip to New“Shinji should start training with castle after he suffered a groin the first team on Monday, which is injury against Manchester Unitgood news,” added Ferguson. ed last Sunday.

Falcao doubtful for Barcelona clash

R

adamel Falcao is a doubt for Atletico Madrid’s Primera Division trip to Barcelona tomorrow after missing full training on Thursday with a minor muscle problem.

Falcao, whose five-goal salvo against Deportivo la Coruna last weekend took his total to 16 in 14 La Liga games, sat out at Atletico’s 3-0 Copa del Rey last 16 firstleg win over Getafe on Wednesday.

The Colombian’s fellow forward Adrian Lopez who was withdrawn early against Getafe after picking up an ankle knock, is a more serious injury worry for the Barca game.

Second-placed Atletico, six points behind Barcelona in the table, can strengthen their claim to be plausible challengers for the title if they can at least avoid defeat at the Camp Nou. Colchoneros coach Diego Simeone, who has a history of not risking key players for important games, left out regular left-back Filipe Luiz for the visit to local rivals Real Madrid two weeks ago, with Cata Diaz filling in out of position as Atletico were beaten 2-0.

The Argentine has also been careful with his use of Falcao this season, with El Tigre yet to play in the Europa League or Copa del Ray.

M

F

also left, while his high profile signings Andy Carroll has been loaned to West Ham, Charlie Adam and Craig Bellamy have departed, Stewart Downing will leave if a buyer can be found in January, and Jose Enrique, Jordan Henderson and Sebastian Coates have had doubts raised against them.

That leaves Luis Suarez – an £18m signing from Ajax – as the only player who still plays a key role at the club.

Mikel makes peace with ref

C

helsea midfielder John Obi Mikel insists he would have no problem with referee Mark Clattenburg taking charge of a Blues match in the future. The official was cleared of allegations he used inappropriate language towards the Nigeria international during the Premier League clash with Manchester United back in October.

Mikel

Kompany rejects netting idea

M

anchester City defender Vincent Kompany has rejected the idea of netted stands being introduced in the English game.

The PFA recently called for netting to be put in place in stadiums to protect players from objects being thrown by fans after Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand was struck by a coin, cutting the defender above the eye.

Balotelli targets City ‘key’ role

M

ario Balotelli’s agent has stressed again that the Italy international wants to become a ‘key’ figure at Manchester City.

The 22-year-old’s future has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks after some decidedly below-par performances.

A

ston Villa striker Darren Bent has been ruled out until 2013 with a hamstring injury. The former Villa captain limped out of his side’s 4-1 League Cup victory over Norwich on Tuesday after just 35 minutes on the pitch.

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Falcao

Comolli defends Dalglish’s £110m Liverpool spending ormer Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has defended Kenny Dalglish’s transfer record at the club despite the fact that many of his signings are no longer part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

In his time at the club Comolli oversaw an estimated £110million spending spree as Liverpool aggressively pursued Champions League football.

And since the Frenchman departed Anfield, Dalglish has

EURO BRIEFS

Bent out of action

Vidic set for Sunderland test

anchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Nemanja Vidic is back in his squad and is in contention to face Sunderland.

Vidic has been out since September following another bout of knee surgery and returned to training last week, but was not risked against rivals Manchester City.

“Nemanja is back in the squad but Jonny Evans is out obviously after his injury last week.

“Jonny got the injury midway through the first half and he struggled on to half-time, but I always think with muscle injuries that if you start the second half with it it’s a problem.

“Having Vida back in the squad is a big, big one for us: his experience, his ability to head the ball, his offensive qualities are well renowned now and he’s our captain.

Whether I start him or not, that’s another issue. But it’s great to have him back,” Ferguson stated.

45

Goals have been one of the main problems for Liverpool over the last few seasons and while he does not confirm names, the likes of Demba Ba, Olivier Giroud and Shinji Kagawa all were linked with moves to Anfield but all eventually moved elsewhere.

But Comolli defends his record at the club, saying: “We did 26 deals and to think we wouldn’t make any mistakes in such a huge number of deals in and out would be totally unrealistic.”

TEAM

P

GD

PTS

1. Man Utd

16

17

39

2. Man City

16

16

33

3. Chelsea

16

11

29

4. Everton

16

7

26

5. Tottenham

16

4

26

6. West Brom

16

3

26

7. Arsenal

16

10

24

8. Swansea

16

5

23

9. Stoke

16

2

23

10. Liverpool

16

2

22

11. West Ham

16

1

22

12. Norwich

16

-7

22

13. Fulham

16

0

20

14. Newcastle

16

-5

17

15. Sunderland

16

-4

16

16. Southampton

16

-10

15

17. Aston Villa

16

-11

15

18. Wigan

16

-13

15

19. Reading

16

-12

9

20. QPR

16

-16

7

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fruit juice manufacturing is a sure investment S tudies carried out in the Nigerian fruit juice market today reveals that the number of imported brands has drastically reduced in number.

Today, there are many local industries producing fruit juices and all of them are doing well. The study revealed that the Federal Government is very serious with the enforcement of this policy on banning of imported fruit juice in the country.

Few of the imported brands fruit juice/ drinks seen in the market today came into this country through illegal means since the nation’s ports have not experienced any fruit juice imported through official way. Therefore there is need for government to tighten up the Nigerian borders to avoid smuggling of these products into the country.

We should give kudos to former President Olusegun Obasanjo who stopped the influx of foreign produced and packaged fruit juices. Without that particular action, all the local fruit juice producing companies in Nigeria would have died.

Pure, natural fruit juice extracted from fruits such as oranges, pine-apples, mangoes, paw-paw, guava and cashew fruits etc contain a lot of Vitamin C otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid and can be preserved and packaged without losing the nutritional values. Generally deficiency in ascorbic acid causes scurvy, body malfunctioning and malnutrition.

Nigeria grows a lot of fruits in large quantities. About 40 per cent of the fruits are wasted annually due to lack of preservatives. Realising that Nigeria has abundant fruits and what it takes to run fruits juice-producing plant, the Federal Government banned importation of foreign packaged fruit drinks and juices. This policy has created an investment opportunities for Nigerians too.

The plant and machinery needed for the setting up of this project are locally available. However prospective investors that are in need of foreign machines will be given detail information on some good foreign companies that are into the production of foreign machines and equipment at very competitive rates.

These machines and equipment include, sorting tables, washing machines, extractor, homogenizer, pasteurizer, corking/bottling/canning machines (complete packaging system). The prospective investors has the option of bottling, canning and spectra packing of the envisage product. Detail information will be provided to prospective investors in Nigeria and abroad on how to effectively and efficiently set up and manage the project profitably in any part of Nigeria.

The entire machines can be sourced locally. The imported ones are available also in the country. If the promoters should want the machines from Europe, South Africa, America and Asian countries, the writer will conveniently link them to these foreign companies.

The advantage in setting up this plant is that the promoter would be able to be in production throughout the year using different types of fruits in the season for production. The promoter is therefore sure of applying any type of fruit throughout the whole year.

Since these fruits grow at different times of the year, the plant will be busy for a substantial part of the year. With availability of raw-fruits, the plant can produce over 2,880,000 litres of pure and quality fresh fruit juice/drinks per annum working for about average of 240 days in a year. The quantity of production may be increased or even doubled as the year of operation progresses. The project can also use fruit concentrates or pulps for production of quality fruit juices.

The most important thing to put into consideration when setting up this project is the quality of the products and packaging.

The packaging must be very attractive and can either be done in the form of bottling, canning and tetra packing.

All these methods would be clearly discussed in the comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies available to prospective investors.

The major raw materials for this project are fresh fruits and concentrates.

The concentrates will serve as a substitute to fresh fruits when the need arises.

Most of Nigerian fruit juice /drinks producers usually use concentrate as raw materials.

These fruits are abundant in this country. There are lots of fruits all over the country; therefore the project can be sited in any part of the country. Concentrates are imported from South Africa and other parts of the world. Details of those companies that produce concentrates will be given to prospective investors.

The production processes of fruit juices/ drinks involves the sorting of the ripe and fresh fruits received from suppliers, washing, peeling, feeding them into the installed machinery to extract the juice. This is then pasteurized, bottled or canned or tetra packed depending on the method of packaging adopted by the promoters.

Preservatives are normally added to prolong the shelf life of the juice.

The space requirement is about 400 square metres. The plant outlay will be presented in the feasibility studies.

The establishment of this factory will encourage farmers who will be assured of steady demand for their fruits at reasonable stable prices to grow more, create employment opportunities for farm helps, and stem the tide of rural-urban migration. The spill-over effects are

many.

From preliminary investment analysis, a realistic estimated cost of establishing the project will be determined after conducting bankable and comprehensive feasibility studies, depending on the location, the capacity of what the promoters want, the type of machines required and other factors.

The cost may increase if the capacity is increased. It also depends on the type of packaging system adopted by the prospective investors. Canning and tetra packing methods command higher costs of establishment. Details will be shown in the comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies.

The project is seen as a very feasible and viable one, especially now that Government has banned the massive importation of fruit juice/ drinks from overseas.

The raw materials are 99 per cent locally available, both the process equipment and spare parts are locally available and technology involved are relatively simple, while the labour requirement is abundantly available.

It will contribute significantly to the Gross National Product and guarantee good Returns on Investment for any prospective investor. The payback period of the project is short and encouraging.

For detailed information on setting up and management of the proposed venture, comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies, investment advisory services in the area of industrial/ manufacturing projects, procurement and installations of the machines, sourcing of the required funds, please contact the writer.

Finally there is good market for the envisaged products.

Courtesy: Uba Godwin, ubagodwin@yahoo.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 15, 2012

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Referral is key in audiovisual business FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

W

hen Genesis Olanrewaju Johnson started a business in audiovisuals about 10 years ago, little did he know it would take him far.

For Genesis Olanrewaju Johnson who is the Managing Director of Genesis Consults, an audiovisual company located in Ikeja, Lagos it was a hobby that grew into a vocation.

“My father was a medical audiovisualist and I was opportune to work with him for a long time, so audiovisual was a thing I grew with it. But I never took it seriously because what I had on my mind back then was music. I never knew it would become my major source of livelihood now. Then, it was like a play thing for me all the while until when I suddenly realised how lucrative the business is” added Genesis.

For people who love businesses that give room for flexibility and who love to catch fun while working, audiovisual business may be one of such businesses to consider. The job involves going places, meeting people and documenting the moments which may be happy, sad or hectic depending on what occasion is being documented. It is an interesting vocation that enables one to catch fun alongside it. It is also a business for highly creative minds: you must have a high level of creativity in you to stand out” he explained.

He further disclosed that the advent of technology has improved the business and at the same time affected the business negatively. “Some 12 years ago, if you must do a video clip, no matter

how short, you will need to have a video camera but today; you can make a video clip with your mobile phone. Although the quality of the video done with a mobile phone is very low compared to one done with a video camera, the business is now very competitive.”

In terms of capital, Genesis remarked that audiovisual is a very capital intensive business that requires a lot of money.

“Again the amount of money you need to start with will solely depend on your budget. Basically, having a camera to oneself is ideal but in the absence of none, you can still make do with rentals. You have various studios in Lagos where cameras are rented. But it will be more convenient to have a camera of your own while commencing the business. A good DVD camera will cost nothing less than N120, 000. Like I said, what you have is the determining factor. If you want to start big, you may need up to N5 million to enable you get a state of the art equipped studio. You will need to buy DVD cameras, a high processor computer set, tripods, mixing console, CD printers, editing software, cooling system to keep the equipment in good temperature and other smaller materials like DV tapes, printable CDs and others. Getting a good office space is another money gulping part of the business.

The beauty of the business is in the fact that you can as well start small, even from your home and grow with time,” noted Genesis.

“Carving a niche is very vital in this area of business” he added. Genesis does all kinds of job ranging from ceremonies

IT IS NOT A BUSINESS THAT ANYONE CAN JUST DABBLE INTO WITHOUT LEARNING

THE RUDIMENTS.

YOU

EITHER LEARN FROM PROFESSIONALS OR THROUGH A FORMAL TRAINING to official conferences and meetings.

“For some audiovisualists, if it is not documentary or movies, you will not find them there while for others like us, we deal in events, ceremonies and official conferences as well as musical video clips. If you are known for specifics, people’s mind will always come to you when the need arises.

It is also very key to do a clean job because customer satisfaction is very vital in this business.”

On what a would-be investor will need to start this kind of business, Genesis emphasized the need to go through a formal training before going into the business.

“It is not a business that anyone can just dabble into without learning the rudiments. You need to either learn from professionals who have been in the business for a long while or go through a formal training. There are several institutes both public and private that offer these courses.

Within a period of six months, one could actually learn a lot about audiovisuals. It also requires constant learning because

Johnson

it is a dynamic business that is mostly affected by the improvement in technology” Like any other business, adiovisual is not without its challenges. “Power which is a peculiar challenge to most businesses in this country is also a challenge and that is why getting a power generating set is very important,” notes Genesis.

Peak period of the business is usually during festive periods like the Ileya festival or Christmas and New Year but again “that will also depend on the nature of your clienteles. If you have corporate clients that do one conference or the other, your peak period may not necessarily be during festive periods. Your wealth of contact is what makes or mar the business: referral is key in this business” he submitted.

Crime Watch I wanted to be rich at all cost – drug courier Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

December 15, 2012

Crime Watch

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P. 51

Jilted woman drowns 6-yr-old step daughter

BRIEFS

6 docked for allegedly beating pregnant woman

T

he police on Friday arraigned six persons before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating a pregnant woman, Favour Michael, at Wuse Market, Abuja.

The accused persons are Hashimu Sani, Idris Garba, Adamu Auwal, Sabiu Idris, Abubakar Sa’eed and Ibrahim Mohammed, all of Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Abdullahi Adamu, told the court that the matter was reported by Michael at the Wuse Zone 3 Police Station on Dec. 10. ``The complainant said that the accused persons alleged that she was looking at them, adding that the beating led to the miscarriage of her pregnancy.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Vera Tokura granted each accused person bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety each in like sum and must be civil servants.

She adjourned the case to Jan. 22, 2013 for hearing.

3 arraigned for traffic offences in Ibadan

T

hree men, Ayo Saheed, 20; Akinkunmi Salahu, 28; and Ganiu Nurudeen, 20 have been arraigned before an Ibadan Magistrates’ Court for violation of road traffic rules.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Olalekan Obayanju, said that the defendants committed offences which were contrary to and punishable under sections 49(1), 5(9) , 38 and 7(1) of the Road Traffic Rules Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria.

Obayanju explained that the defendants committed the offences on Wednesday at Orita-Aperi junction while driving a Toyota Lite Hiace bus with registration number XF 806 NRK, Jinchenge motorcycle with registration No QE 772 AGG and Boxer motorcycle with registration No BDJ 450 QA. The defendants pleaded guilty to the six-count charge of driving with a side door opened, driving without vehicle particulars, riding without motorcycle licence and overloading.

Delivering his judgment, Chief Magistrate Adams Adeshina sentenced Saheed to one month in prison or an option of N2,000 fine, Salahu to one week in prison or a fine of N1,000 and Nurudeen to one month imprisonment with an option of N1,000 fine.

Peter Onyeagba is a drug courier with a difference. While many of his colleagues in the illegal business are wont to blame Satan bad influence or others, he did not spare himself.

The building material merchant took the whole responsibility for his action.

SEGUN ADIO

I

t took 14 days for Peter Onyeagba, a suspected drug courier, to excrete the pellets of banned substance hidden in his stomach. Onyeagba, 40, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The drug courier reportedly flew into Nigeria from Sao Paolo, Brazil on the day he was arrested by anti-narcotics operatives at the nation’s foremost airport.

Onyeagba is a building materials dealer in Lome, Togo, where he has been residing in the last 10 years. Since his relocation to the Francophone West African country in 2002, he has made a name for himself as one of the few major building materials distributor in that country. The business has not only taken him to many capitals of the world, but has made him rich as well.

So, on Thursday, 15November, 2012, Onyeagba took a business trip to Brazil via Ghana. During his two weeks stay in the South American nation, he not only shopped for the latest building materials the country could offer, he also took time off to fraternise with his Nigerian youthful friends resident in that country.

He was nonetheless startled with the kind of affluent lives his age long friends were living in Brazil and he did not hide his desire to live such life of opulence. With his declaration, the Umunochi village, Abia State-born man was naturally introduced into the drug couriering business. And he was ready to damn all consequences associated to the illicit trade provided he would make more money than he does selling building materials in Lome.

Two weeks after his stay in Brazil, he shipped his building materials consignments to his Lome base and had to fly back to Nigeria before the goods arrive in Togo. But while still in Sao Paolo, Brazil, he was convinced to ingest 90 wraps of cocaine and bring them into Nigeria. He was to be rewarded with

Onyeagba

3,000 US Dollars for successful delivery of the consignment.

Onyeagba apparently saw that as the opportunity he had been waiting for to live a much affluent life. Without considering the consequences, he agreed to carry out the task aiming to bolster his status in the society. Unknown to him, however, he would be making history back home with the consignment in his stomach.

Passengers on board the Kenyan Airways flight from Brazil, in which he travelled that day were subjected to the routine inward screening. The drug detector machine soon showed that Onyeagba was laden with the banned drugs. He was immediately apprehended and placed under observation.

Onyeagba’s case took the anti-narcotics officials by surprise when he delayed in excreting the banned drugs in his stomach. It took 14 days for him to excrete a total of 90 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.72kg. NDLEA sources claim that Onyeagba becomes the longest observed drug suspect since January 2012.

Speaking with Saturday Mirror, Mitchell Ofoyeju, NDLEA spokesman claimed that ingested drugs could last for a few weeks with minimal effects on a courier if the pellets of drugs remain sealed, but could kill in few minutes if there is a leakage.

In his confessional statement, Onyeagba, who is married with a child, did not shy from accepting that he was not lured into the illicit trade, but that he went into it because of his desire to live affluent lifestyle.

“I have been selling building materials in Togo for over 10 years. I was on a business trip with 8,000 dollars. Some of my friends that we usually meet in a drinking bar in that country introduced me into drugs. They said to me that instead of going back to Nigeria with nothing after I had spent all the money I went there with, that I should take some drugs and earn 3,000 dollars.

That jolted me and I felt I would go for it. The truth is that I was not forced into smuggling drugs. I only decided to give it a trial after much persuasion.

I was interested in making additional 3,000 dollars,” Onyeagba said.

Reacting to his arrest and subsequent excretion of the banned drugs, Chairman of the NDLEA, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, said that the agency would continue to work hard in deterring drug trafficking.

“One of our strategies is to be vigilant and ensure that any suspect caught is duly prosecuted to deter others” Giade said.

He added that most drug suspects are victims of greed and desire to make quick money.

Do you have a story for us? Contact 08138773277 or crimewatchmirror@yahoo.com

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CRIME WATCH

December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Employee dupes insurance firm N4m SEGUN ADIO

F

or several years after completing school, Olu Oyejide roamed the streets of Lagos in search of job. But all was to no avail. Sometime in 2008, Oyejide ended up securing employment with an insurance company in Ilupeju area of Lagos metropolis.

Oyejide’s schedule of duties was to canvass policies to interested clients.

Reports say Oyejide earned a decent income which included commissions from money paid in by his clients to the company. Barely six months after securing the job, Oyejide was able to rent a decent accommodation and his lifestyle changed for the better.

A resident of No. 54, Oduwole Road, Egbeda, Lagos, Oyejide never gave his employers any course to doubt his integrity in the first few months he joined the company as he remitted all monies paid by his clients to his employers.

But about six months into the job, Oyejide’s lifestyle rose some notches higher as he reportedly adorned clothes that, ordinarily his take home pay could not carry.

Soon, he was to have started considering relocating from his Egbeda home to his private building he is constructing in another part of the metropolis.

Work on the building had reportedly stopped a long time ago when he could not raise enough money to continue.

But it was claimed that early this year, Oyejide made enquiries on a car he claimed would assist him in his work.

Barely a month after he sent emissaries to Cotonou for the car he reportedly purchased it but he seldom took it to work.

Unknown to his clients and his employers, all monies being paid to his office no longer get to where they were meant to go to. The bubble, however, burst on him when some of his clients had claims with the company.

When the clients visited the insur-

z Spends money on car, building

Olu Oyejide works in an insurance firm where he sells policies. However, some time ago, his books were no longer straight. His employers suspected foul play. After his arrest, Oyejide sang.

What did he say? ance firm, it was reported that their records, particularly the monetary aspect of it were strange.

After about six clients experienced the same disappointment, the company reportedly summoned Oyejide on the matter.

Investigations later revealed that the marketer had not remitted the sum of N4. 2 million to the company in the last four years.

He was asked what went wrong but could not give convincing reasons for the non-remittance of the money. All he would say was that the company should allow him trace the ‘missing’ money.

The matter was reported at the police station and he was initially detained for

questioning. At the police station, he reportedly confessed to have collected the money from the clients but never remitted same to his company.

A police source, who pleaded anonymity, told reporters that Oyejide did not hide the truth from investigators about where the money went.

“The suspect was subjected to questioning. At the initial stage, he could not give a satisfactory account of the money, later he owned up to have converted the money paid by the clients for his own use. He confessed that he used the customers’ money to buy car and to complete his building somewhere in the state,” the police source said.

In his confession, Oyejide was quoted

to have told investigators that he had hoped to pay back his employers all the money he mismanaged with loans he hoped to secure from the same company.

In his statement, Oyejide had said, “It is true that the people (clients) paid me to remit to the office but which I did not. It was because of some pressing demands especially from the people I bought land from where I am building my own house. I had laboured hard to get to the place I worked and as a dutiful employee, I had hoped I would secure loans to pay them all,” Oyejide was quoted to have said.

The police source, however, said that Oyejide would be arraigned in court for theft.

Mechanic bags 3 months in prison for criminal breach of trust, cheating

A

n Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced a 30-year-old mechanic, Chimezie Orji, of Aso, Mararaba in Nasarawa State to three months in jail for criminal breach of trust and cheating.

Senior Magistrate Chinyere Nwechednwu granted the convict an option of N5,000 fine.

The police prosecutor, Mr Monday Akor, told the court that on Dec. 7, one Niyi Olayemi of No 11, Casandra Crescent, off Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, reported the convict at the Maitama Police Station.

Akor said that Olayemi had given the convict the sum of N200,000 to purchase some spare parts for the repair of his vehicle.

He added that instead of repairing the vehicle, Orji dishonestly converted the money to his personal use, adding that the offence a criminal breach

of trust, which contravened Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

Orji, who pleaded guilty to the offence, told the court that Olayemi owed him some money, which he had failed to pay him. ``For the past three months, I have been repairing his car and he did not

pay for that. ``My wife fell sick and my house rent expired so I used the money he gave me to buy the spare parts to solve the problems on ground,” he explained.

Akor urged the court to try him summarily under Section 157(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

He also prayed the court to rely on Section 78 of the Penal Code to ensure that the convict paid a N200,000 compensation to Olayemi.

The magistrate ordered the convict to pay a N200,000 as compensation to Olayemi.

Court remands 4 for attempted homicide, possession of firearms

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n Ilorin Magistrates’ Court on Friday remanded four persons for allegedly attempting to kill one Segun Elegbede over a land dispute.

The accused were alleged to have shot Elegbede and attacked his brother, one Oyewole Olalekan, with a machete while arguing over the ownership of the land on Igosun Road, Offa, Offa Local Government Area.

The accused, Jeremiah Oyedeji, Sanya Abioye, Joshua Alabi and Soji Abioye, were charged with criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, attempted culpable homi-

cide and being in possession of firearms.

According to the charge, the victims are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Offa.

The prosecutor, Insp. David Wodi, told the court that the first accused, Oyedeji, mobilised his men to the land to eliminate Elegbede.

Wodi said that criminal charms, Indian Hemp and locally made pistol with live cartridges, were retrieved from the accused persons.

He objected to their bail on ground that the alleged offences were not ordinarily

bailable.

He said that the alleged offences contravened sections 97, 245, 229 of the Penal Code and the Firearms Act of the Federation.

Wodi urged the court to remand the accused pending the completion of investigation.

The Magistrate, Mr Bola Baraje, ordered them to be remanded in Federal Prison Yard, Okekura, Ilorin and adjourned the case to January 9, 2013 for further mention.

Crime Extra

Jilted woman drowns 6-yr-old step daughter Ireti Oloyede had been looking for her estranged husband, Tijani Oloyede, for more than eight months. On the day the two met, disaster struck: an innocent girl died. How did this happen? a child for her husband. Tijani is said to have hidden his second wife and mother of riday, 30 November, 2012, would go his two kids from Ireti, who he had married down in the history of the agrarian nearly 15 years ago.

It is reported that when the news of her community of Idi Emi in Ogun State as a day to be remembered. Inhabitants of husband’s romance with Bilikisu got to her, the community, particularly, the Olomitutu Ireti had confronted him with the story but area of the settlement, were raised from he denied taking a second wife. That was their slumber by the cries of a woman, who about eight years ago.

Since then, he managed to hide from Ireti, was alleged to have pushed her step-daughhis first wife, his union with Bilikisu. That ter into a well.

The incident reportedly occurred union has since produced two lovely daugharound 6:40a.m of that fateful day. That ters. He was said to be initially sharing visits day, one Tijani Oloyede was in bed with his between his two wives: sometimes he spent wife, Bilikisu, and their two kids. Tijani the weekend with Ireti at Itori and another has two wives. One is Bilikisu and mother week he would be with the mother of his of two girls. Bilikisu and her kids live at Idi daughters at Idi Emi. But for about eight months now, Tijani Emi. Tijani’s other wife, Ireti, resides at the was said to have literally abandoned Ireti to Itori area of Ogun State. She is yet to have her fate and never bothered to visit her. He

SEGUN ADIO

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also neither again bothered to cater for the upkeep of his first wife. Instead, once he is in town, Tijani would head to Idi Emi to spend his free period with his family. Ireti’s neighbours claimed that the woman had complained of not being able to reach her husband on phone for months now.

When it became unbearable, Ireti reportedly visited her husband’s colleagues at Ita-Oshin, garage, Abeokuta to know what had befallen him. She was often told that the man was held up in the northern part of the country when he took his lorry there. That she did repeatedly and she kept getting the same story from her husband’s friends and workmates.

But Ireti only got increasingly worried about her husband’s whereabouts. She did not rely completely rely on the stories given her by the men she met at Ita-Oshin garage.

Man bags 3 months’ imprisonment for criminal breach of trust

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n Abuja Senior Magistrates’ court on Friday sentenced one Chinedu Udeh of Lugbe Zone 6, Abuja, to three months’ imprisonment for criminal breach of trust.

The Magistrate, Christopher Oba, however, gave him an option of N5, 000 fine after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Oba added that the convict should also pay N46, 000 as compensation to the complainant.

The police prosecutor, Francis Tanko, had told the court that the matter was reported to the Wuse Police station by one Amarachi Eze of Shop No 15, Intercontinental Plaza, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, on

Wednesday. ``The complainant instructed the convict to collect N46,000 from one Chinedu Evelik, her customer, and bring same to her. ``The convict collected the money and dishonestly converted it to his personal use,’’ he said.

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December 15, 2012

51

Soon, Ireti began to be friendly with some market women at the garage, who she often helped to buy farm produce from her Itori base to sell at Ita-Oshin.

Over time, the market women, who knew Tijani too well in the garage, soon felt pity for Ireti. They soon told her that her husband came to the garage every week that he returned from his trips. Ireti was soon told how a woman, often came to wait for Tijani at the garage and with whom Tijani always depart the busy garage.

That was when Ireti and the women reportedly began to keep a close tab on Tijani and the woman mentioned.

A day before the incident, Tijani was spotted at the garage and the women, as arranged, immediately alerted their friend, Ireti. Ireti soon landed at Ita-Oshin. She reportedly saw her husband in company of the woman, but decided not to raise any alarm. She wanted to know where her husband had been hibernating in the last eight months.

So when it was time for Tijani and his second wife to go home, they took the next available bus at Lafenwa garage. Ireti followed in the next bus. With the mention of her husband’s name, the driver promised to take her to his house at Idi-Emi. Tijani is a well-known driver in the area. But Ireti’s bus had some serious technical problem on the way, which made the passengers in the bus to pass the night on the way.

They only continued their journey in the early hours of the following day. When the bus got to Idi-Emi, since it was still dark, the driver took the pain to lead the woman to the house Tijani lives. Tinaji and his wife and kids were still asleep when Ireti knocked at their door. Tijani was the one that came to open the door for Ireti.

The man was shocked beyond imagination when he saw Ireti at the door.

Ireti wasted no time but engaged Tijani in fierce quarrel. Bilikisi and some neighbours soon gathered to settle the brawling husband and wife. Adeola, Bilikisu’s eldest daughter reportedly came out to witness what was amiss. Adeola, 6, would not stand idly by and watch her father being beaten up. So the little girl reportedly tried to prevent Ireti from fighting her father.

That was when Ireti annoyingly shoved the little girl aside. But unknown to the irked woman, she just shoved the little girl inside the uncovered well in the compound. Spirited efforts were made to rescue the girl were futile. By the time Adeola was brought out of the well, she was stone dead.

Tijani and other people battling to save the life of Adeola were caught napping by Ireti when she reportedly took to her heels.

Speaking to reporters, Tijani claimed that he had gone searching for Ireti at her Itori home but she could not be found.

His words: “I had long divorced Ireti and married another woman. But she is a known trouble maker and that was why she traced me to Idi Emi. I don’t know who will help me console the girl’s mother now.”

Tinaji said.

Builikisu could not be reached for her comment as she was reported to have been moved to her parents’ home somewhere in the town.

A neighbour of Tijani told reporters that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing Ireti and the matter had been reported at the police station.

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December 15, 2012

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SOUTH EAST

Guber aspirant backs Obi’s power shift to Anambra North DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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n emerging g ove r n o r s h i p aspirant for Anambra State gubernatorial election in 2014, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has thrown his weight behind Governor Peter Obi’s zoning of the next governor of Anambra North Senatorial Zone.

Obidigbo, an industrialist from Umuanya in Oyi Local Government council of Anambra north senatorial zone, said governor Obi’s proposal received his full support because the power shift position is a sure antidote to door-die politics in the state.

Obidigbo said his support became necessary in view of pockets of criticisms against the power shift arrangement, stressing that the arrangement would curtail the excesses of political godfathers and such situations that in-

troduced abduction and arson in Anambra governorship contest.

The industrialist regretted that certain developments in the state polity tend to suggest that there are still few people still do not feel comfort-

ONITSHA

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he Anglican Archbishop of Niger Province and Bishop of Aguata Diocese in Anambra State, Most Revd Christian Efobi has charged Christians to channel a reasonable proportion of their Godgiven wealth towards facilitating the spread of

governor, Obi deserves commendation and support for having the emotional intelligence to spot the single root of sociopolitical upheavals in Anambra state.

In the words of Obidigbo, “Basically, the gov-

evangelism and workings in the Lord’s Vine Yard.

He said one way of doing this is by developing the will to donate generously towards training of clergy, building of more houses of God and rehabilitation of the less-privileged ones in the society.

In his sermon at the foundation stone laying and dedication ceremonies of Vicarage of the St.

James Anglican Church, Ezinifite in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Archbishop Efobi noted that since all good things come from God, Christians must make it a point of duty to return part of their God-given wealth to God through the sponsorship of God and human related programmes.

He therefore commended the efforts of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), the clergy, the pastors warden, the peoples warden, the building and foundation laying com-

mittees and the entire lay faithfuls of the St. James Church for their untiring efforts so far in completing the Vicarage and continuing with the main church building and urged them not to relent.

On the current flood disaster which is ravaging some parts of the country, Archbishop Efobi described it as one of the natural disasters being witnessed in some parts of the world today and urged the displaced victims not to see their present predicament as the end of their own world.

Abia Assembly orders removal of illegal speed breakers

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embers of the Abia State House of Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a motion directing communities in the state that constructed speed breakers on state and federal roads, to remove them immediately.

The sponsor of the motion, Mr Chilaka Onuoha (PDP-Obingwa East), said during plenary session of the house in Umuahia that the construction of speed breakers was done “indiscriminately”.

ernor recognized the fact that nobody from that district has ever occupied the post of governor ever since Anambra State was created more than twenty years ago. Now it becomes difficult to see why those who want to crucify Peter

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (left), with Rt. Hon. Simon Hughes (right), member of British Parliament during Obi’s address at the Parliament on Effective Opposition in Sustainable Democracy at Macmillan Chamber, Portcullis House, British Parliament, recently

Cleric tasks rich on wealth distribution NWABUEZE OKONKWO

able with justice and fairness, adding that those vilifying Governor Obi for the power shift declaration are not well informed.

He argued that common sense dictates that instead of insulting the

He reminded the communities that the intention of having the breakers was to check excessive speed.

Onuoha said: ``Such speed breakers are supposed to be constructed at strategic points, where necessary, by construction companies on state and federal roads.

According to him, such construction must be carried out by the state and federal ministries of works or other relevant agencies.

``Speed breakers are these days constructed indiscriminately on our roads by individuals, villages and communities, and in front of compounds without approval from the relevant government agencies,’’ he said.

Onuoha said that such illegal speed breakers could be seen on Ururuka/Aba/Umuahia old road.

The other ones he added were on the Acho Nwakanma bye pass on and on Obingwa, Ochen-

do bye pass in Umuahia North and Alayi and Item roads in Bende Local Government Area.

He argued that if speea breakers were allowed the way they were, they might constitute great danger to road users. ``Armed robbers, kidnappers, and miscreants might take undue advantage of these spots to convert them to flash/ambush points to attack unsuspecting travellers and motorists, especially during Christmas,’’ he said.

Obi over the declaration are angry. Are they trying to suggest that Anambra North senatorial zone is no longer part of Anambra State?

“Even eminent senior citizens and stakeholders in Anambra State like the former Second Republic Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, have thrown their weight behind the need to domesticate zoning in Anambra polity.

No doubt, 2014 provides a clean slate for the inauguration of this laudable strategy. As such nobody should frighten the governor through condemnations or selfserving arguments.

Obidigbo, also noted that Obi’s declaration does not do any violence to the democratic processes involved in nominating candidates by political parties or voting by the people, it sets the stage for Anambra State to follow the noble path of electing its governors without civil war.

Obibia Eri cultural festival: Afro-Americans light up community NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

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three-day activities marking this year’s 2012 Olili Obibia Eri cultural festival/Ovala Eze Eri was last night brought to an end with a cultural night at the Rojenny Games/Tourists Village, Oba, Anambra State.

At the cultural night which was attended by all the 10 African Americans whose fore-fathers were believed to have been sold to America during the era of slave trade, cultural dance troupes were on hand to entertain the august visitors all night long before they left for Calabar, Cross River state in the morning, on invitation of the state government.

Among the African Americans that visited were Sidney Louis Davis Jr. fondly called in Igbo parlance as Prince Eluemuno of Iduu Eri Kingdom, Jesse AlginonNaja

Levoe, Robin Rebecca Almeida, Wilheimina Irene Toland, Pa’Mela Euginia Ramaay, Jesse Leatrice Brown Jr. Lisa Maria Aubrey, Craig Lawrence Wilkins and Robin Scott-Manna.

In his brief remarks, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka who identified the visitors as brothers and sisters in the Diaspora coming home at the right time, assured them that they would continue to keep their cultural heritage intact.

Ezeonwuka, however, reminded them that their people back home in Nigeria lack the financial strength to develop Rojenny sports stadium that has hosted many great national sporting events in the past.

Responding, Sidney Louis Davis Jr. said although he and his colleagues were born in USA, they are natives of a developing country in Africa called Nigeria.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

53

NORTH

Sambo, Tambuwal, Sultan preach religious harmony WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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ice President, Arch.

Namadi Sambo, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal yesterday in Ilorin jointly called on Muslim faithful to embrace actions that will guarantee the unity of Nigeria.

They all spoke separately at the commissioning of the N2billion ultra modern remodeled Ilorin Central mosques performed by the Vice President Sambo.

The vice president said the current security challenges in the country calls for serious concern of all and urged the Nigerian populace to pursue that which will make for the unshakable unity of the country.

In his remarks at the occasion, Sultan Abubakar Saad observed that both Christians and Muslims contributed generously to the fund used to reconstruct the mosque, a spirit which he said all Nigerians should replicate in all spheres of life in the interest of unity.

Speaker Tambuwal also urged Muslim faithful in the country to teach only the correct principles of Islam particularly to the youth which is all about peace that would make people of other faiths to appreciate the tenets of the religion.

Earlier in the day, Vice President Sambo had commissioned the million naira Kwara State Advaced Diagnostic Centre also located in Ilorin, the state capital where he urged the Kwara government to merge the principle of executing the with the engagement of man-

Deforestation: Borno distributes 3, 200 renewable energy stoves INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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n its efforts to control drought and desertification in the state, the Borno State government has purchase and distributed 3,200 renewable stoves and cookers to communities and individuals across the state.

The state’s commissioner for environment, Alhaji Mustapha Aminami who disclosed this at end of year inter ministerial briefing held in his office at Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri

said the state government has also raised over 20 million trees including Gum Arabic, Jathropha and Moringa Oleifera.

Alhaji Aminami stated that the state government has also established 20 hecters of Jathropha plantation in Monguno, Marte, Kukawa, Mobar, Nganzai, Kaga, Ngala, Dikwa, Mafa and Gubio local governments of northern Borno.

In the words of Aminami, “The government has also awarded the purchase of 15 Roll-off

power to properly serve the populace.

He commended the government for embarking on the medical centre which he said would help arrest capital flights from the country in search of

standard medicare Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State at the commissioning, said the diagnostic centre ranks with others in the United States of America and Europe with quality

KATSINA

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atsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema along members of his extended family, were grief-stricken yesterday over the demise of his younger brother, Kabir.

Kabir, 44, died early hours of yesterday at his home at the layout area of the state metropolis, after a brief illness .

Before his death, he was a senior immigration officer attached with the Katsina command. Kabir died leaving behind a wife and four children, an aged father and several brothers and sisters.

The funeral prayer which was held at his home, was led by the chief Imam of low cost Jumat mosque, Sheik Saidu.

The late Kabir was

for the people, it would also serve as a foreign earner as well as be a source of boosting local revenue with nan envisaged patronage from Nigeria and other countries in Africa.

Cross section of Bauchi State Christian intending pilgrims waiting for their flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Tippers and 45 waste Disposal Bins and purchase of assorted Machines/ Equipments from Tanta Motors Cairo, Egypt all at the cost of N300 million and E447,583.00 Euros respectively,” he said.

The commissioner said that the state government in its drive to create job and ensure environmental friendly employed 1,500 youths as environmental vanguard, adding that the state government has also procured 40 re fuse compactor trucks at the cost of N1.2 billion, pointing out that in addition to that 1000 units of 1000 litres capacity refuse receptor and 3,000 num-

ber of 240 litres capacity garbage bins at the cost of N3.4 million.

The commissioner lamented that for the period under review the state government has not receive single kobo as ecological fund from Federal Government as they execute the work directly without consulting the state government.

According to him, the state government has also reviewed the feeding impress of the Maiduguri Kyarimi park from N100,000 to N500,00 monthly, stressing that the Sambiza Game Reserved is also receiving attention.

Katsina mourns as Gov Shema’s brother dies JAMES DANJUMA

of personnel and the state of art equipments equally found in the western world.

Ahmed said he was hopeful that the centre would in addition to providing modern diagnosis

buried at the Gidan Dawa cemetery in the metropolitan area. Among those in attendance at the funeral prayer were the state governor and his deputy, Garba Faskari, secretary to the state government, Ibrahim Muktar, and head of service, Lawal Daura.

Others include Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, state commissioners, political of-

fice holders and members of the business community along other sympathisers.

Our correspondent reports that the loss led to the suspension of government activities for most part of yesterday morning. A scheduled budget bill presentation which the governor was supposed to present to the state house of assembly was also suspended till Monday.

Plateau workers strike: Govt, group urge caution JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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group known as Plateau Indigenous Professionals (PIP) has called the state’s branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to thread the path of dialogue instead of resorting to the use of violence in pressing its demands in the ongoing local strike in the state.

The group particularly condemned the burning down of houses belonging to government officials as well as harassment and molestation of innocent citizens allegedly by thugs recruited by the organized labour.

Addressing journalists in Jos yesterday, Chairman of the group, Barrister David Dakwal said, “We have discovered from the unfolding drama in the state since Tuesday that what the labour union officials promised to be a peaceful protest was hijacked by hoodlums. To this end, houses were being brunt innocent people were being molested. We

see this as a conspiracy and a deliberate act calculated to throw the state into chaos,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Director of Research and Documentation to Governor Jonah Jang, Mr. Chris kwaja, said that the state government still believes that labour union remains partner in progress both in governance and in development of the state.

Dakwal, however, urged Plateau State workers should take a cue from their counterparts in other states and not act as if they have become islands to themselves He continued, “Unless there are other hidden agenda that labour activists are nursing which the Plateau people are yet to discover, why should labour be threatening to ground activities to a halt over labour dispute that can be resolved through dialogue or in courts without any of the parties to the dispute being halt’’ adding that what Plateau needs at the moment is peace and not violence.

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December 15, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH

Gunmen kill 10 vigilance group members in Zamfara

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ome unidentified gunmen riding on motorcycles on Friday shot dead 10 members of the local vigilante group in an attack on Rukudawa village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

The Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Abdullahi GurbinBaure made this revelation on Friday in an interview with reoporters in Zurmi.

Gurbin-Baure said that the killers came on motorcycles through the Dumburum/Rukudawa road and attacked members of the vigilante killing all the 10 persons on duty.

The chairman said that the killers also removed the private parts

of some of their victims and burnt all the motorcycles used by the members of the vigilante.

He said that he had already reported the matter

to the state police headquarters and to the state government.

According to the chairman, the Deputy Governor of the state, Malam

Ibrahim Wakkala attended the burial of the deceased.

Malam Musa Lawali, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, told

A Beneficiary, Alhaji Abubakar Goje (l); Kebbi State Governor Saidu Dakingari (m) and Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Sani Kanya ( r ), at the launch of the sale of dry season fertilizer at Gwadangwaji, Kebbi State, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

JUSUN vs 36 states: Court fixes hearing date PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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Federal High Court sitting in Minna, Niger State has fixed for hearing on the suit flied by the Judial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) 39th January, 2013, against the 36 state Governors, Minister of Justice and National Judicial Council (NJC).

The presiding judge, Justice Anwuri Chckwere ordered defendents to file their responses before the date of the hearing.

The union had last month in a 28 paragraphed affidavit through its National President, Mallam Mustaph Adamu asked for the interpretation, declaration enforcement of provisions of setions 81 (3) 121 and 162 (9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended).

JUSUN also sought the court, “ to determine whether having regard to the provisions of the sections of the constitution that the funds standing to the credit of the judiciary in the federation

Account\Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation\states shall not be paid directly to the heads of courts concerned.”

The union requested the court to explain if credit of the judiciary in the consolidated revenue fund of the states be paid in piecemeal through the states’ Ministry for Finance as and , “ when the governors so desire or their whims and caprices.”

When the case was mentioned, yesterday 11 out of the 36 states filed in their memorandum of

appearance with 2 others challenging the power of JUSUN in instituting the case.

Gombe and Kwara states challenged the competence of the court at entertaining the case, even as Nassarawa in a counter affidavit said it has complied with the sections , as stated in the constitution by releasing the unions’ fund to the right channel.

However, the submission was punctured by the counsel to the applicant, Philips Olusola, insisting that Nasarrawa has not

Yuguda tasks LGs on revenue generation

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overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State on Friday called on local government councils in the country to source for other means of generating internal revenues.

Yuguda advised the local councilsto depend less on federal grants.

Speaking in Bauchi at the closing ceremony of a workshop on enhancement of internally generated revenue organised for local government caretaker committee chairmen, the governor said that the state’s revenue was dwindling.

Represented by the

NAN that the gunmen apparently came with the specific purpose of killing members of the vigilante group.

He said that this was

Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, the governor urged the administrators to assist government in its economic transformation and development of the state. ``About 95 per cent of the state’s revenue comes from the federal government grants; therefore there is a need to explore more avenues to generate revenue from within,” he said.

He said that without sound revenue base, it might be difficult for things to evolve as expected in the economic

development and transformation of the state.

Alhaji Abubakar Faggo, the state Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, said that internal revenue generation and management at local government council level had been a knotty issue since the return to democracy.

He said that the councils were over dependent on federal statutory allocations for sustenance and advised participants to use the opportunity to work out measures to boost internal revenue.

He said that the objectives of the workshop

included the enhancement of sources of internal revenue generation, removing impediments and leakages to revenue generation and wealth creation at the local levels.

Others goals, he said, were collaboration between the state and local governments in internally generated revenue and public–private partnerships as an alternative option in revenue generation.

Faggo called on participants to rededicate themselves to efficient service delivery in revenue generation.

comply completely with sections of the constitution.

Also, the counsel to the minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Nebolisa Celina the way out is still being awaited on the issue, while counsel to the 11 states defendents begged for more time to

because the gunmen did not attack any of the traders at the market.

Lawali, who was also a trader attending the Dumburum weekly market, said that the gunmen went straight to the members of the vigilante, who were on their routine patrol providing security to traders.

Also confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Usman Gwary said that the incident had been reported to the command.

He told reporters that he was on his way to the local government area, adding that he could not give further details as investigations had just commenced on the killings.

enable them adequately prepare their defense.

Afterward, the presiding judge, urged the states to submit their responses before the sitting, as the case was a constitutional issue that must be attended with out wasting time and adjourned the case to January, 30, 2013.

Yuletide: Crime rates rise in Benue HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

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en days to Christmas, residents of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, are sleeping with one eye closed following nefarious activities of the daredevil armed robbers.

The men of the underworld had increased their atrocities ltely, apparently wanting to cash in on the heightening of economic activities around the Yuletide season by dispossessing innocent victims of their monies and belongings.

Saturday Mirror investigations reveal that money snatching from unsuspecting traders as well as civil servants has become rampant. as hardly a day passes by without one case of money being snatched by men of the under-

world in part of the metropolis or the other in the state and its environs.

This week alone, no fewer than five cases of money snatching from various bank were recorded.

These nefarious activities Saturday Mirror learnt have been going on unabated and in most cases these questionable characters disguise themselves as customers who are said to hover within the banking hall on pretext of carrying out transactions.

In his reaction the Benue State police command’s public relations officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Daniel Ezeala, acknowledged receipt of the complaints adding that his men are working round the clock to ensure that whoever is caught in the act is brought to book.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

December 15, 2012

55

China Daily newspaper launches Africa edition

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Demonstrators hold a placard during a protest against Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, after Friday prayers in Kafranbel near Idlib, yesterday.

China arrests legislator with 4 wives, 10 children

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hinese authorities have arrested a legislator found to have four wives.

A district official in the northern province of Shanxi said Li Junwen also had 10 children, and had been detained on sus-

picion of document forgery. Bigamy is a criminal offense in China, while rules restrict most couples to just one child.

Another 14 people were sacked or given warnings or demotions for negligence or helping Li

arrange identity documents for his illegitimate children, said the official reached by phone at the Xiaodian district party committee in the provincial capital of Taiyuan.

The 43-year-old Li had been an appointed repre-

sentative from Xiaodian and the Communist Party head of the village of Xiquan.

The allegations against Li have been featured prominently in state media as part of an anti-corruption drive.

Israel Foreign Minister Lieberman resigns

I

sraeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has resigned after being charged with breach of trust following a long-running investigation.

Lieberman has also resigned as deputy prime minister, and said he would fight to clear his name of the charges.

The case against him relates to a financial scandal dating back more than a decade.

His resignation comes five weeks before Israel’s general election.

“Though I know I committed no crime... I have decided to resign my post as foreign minister and deputy prime minister,” Lieberman said in a statement released by his office.

He also said he would waive his parliamentary immunity in order to settle the charges quickly, according to Reuters.

Lieberman is the leader of Yisrael Beitenu, the second largest party in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud-led coalition government.

The two parties were due to run together in January’s general election, with polls suggesting they were on course to win.

It is unclear whether Avigdor will still run as a candidate in the election, or whether he will stand

down as party leader.

Police had been investigating allegations of money laundering and bribery against Lieberman, but prosecutors instead charged him with the lesser offence of breach of trust.

That relates to him receiving confidential documents concerning the investigation against him from the former Israeli ambassador to Belarus.

Military intervention: Refugee fears for Mali

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ome 400,000 more people could be made homeless in Mali if West African armies try to oust Islamists from their northern stronghold, a confidential United Nations report warns.

Armed groups, some linked to al-Qaeda, took control of northern Mali in April.

Neighbouring countries are drawing up plans to reconquer the area, subject to UN backing.

But as well as a refugee crisis, the UN report, seen by the BBC, warns of possible Islamist counterattacks.

The report is written by a United Nations aid co-ordination body called the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.

I have not been able to obtain a complete copy but have key sections.

They set out four main scenarios escalating from the current status quo to

an all-out war with the Islamists attempting to advance south on the capital, Bamako.

A senior UN official close to the authors stressed that the scenarios were not predictions.

“This is humanitarian planning,” he said.

“We’re not saying we think this or that will happen. We’re just drawing up contingency plans.”

The report says the fallout from military coup

d’etat of March 2012, when the elected government of Amadou Toumani Toure was overthrown, “requires us to plan for plausible scenarios”.

The coup took place while a mixture of Tuareg nationalists and Islamists took control of the north.

Many of the insurgents were men who had worked for Muammar Gaddafi and left Libya to return home well-armed after his death.

hina Daily, China’s biggest Englishlanguage newspaper, has launched an African edition - the latest of several Chinese media initiatives in Africa.

The state-run weekly, which also comes in digital form, aims to explain “the relationship between China and the African continent,” its editor says.

China’s CCTV and Xinhua news agency already have operations in the region.

The country has a growing economic role in Africa, including telecommunications and infrastructure investments.

The newspaper is being published in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

“The relationship between China and the African continent is one of the most significant relationships in the world today,” said the paper’s publisher

and editor-in-chief, Zhu Ling.

“It is growing and complex and not always understood... We hope to set that straight.”

Kenya Information Minister Samuel Poghisio was quoted by local media as saying that the paper would provide a platform for better understanding between China and Africa.

Earlier this year, China Central Television launched CCTV Africa, also headquartered in Kenya. Xinhua and Chinese radio are also expanding in the continent.

China has also implemented other innovative media projects, like giant news screens in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and thousands of scholarships for African journalists, reports BBC Africa analyst Mary Harper.

U.S., rebels urge gloomy Moscow to help oust Assad

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yria’s rebel leadership and the United States seized on Russian pessimism over President Bashar al-Assad’s future to urge Moscow to help push its ally into ceding power and end the battles closing in around his capital.

“We want to commend the Russian government for finally waking up to the reality and acknowledging that the regime’s days are numbered,” the U.S. State Department spokeswoman said after a senior Kremlin envoy conceded publicly that Assad’s opponents could win the 20-month-old civil war.

“The question now is, will the Russian government join those of us in the international community who are working with the opposition to try to have a smooth democratic transition?” U.S. spokeswoman Victoria Nuland added in Washington.

In Marrakech, where his new coalition won recognition from other international powers as the legitimate leadership of Syria, rebel political leader Mouaz al-Khatib

said he believed Russia, ally and arms supplier to the Assad dynasty since Soviet times, was looking for ways out of its support for a lost cause.

“I believe that the Russians have woken up and are sensing that they have implicated themselves with this regime, but they don’t know how to get out,” al-Khatib told Reuters. He held them “particularly responsible” for helping Assad with arms but said Moscow need not “lose everything” in Syria if it changed tack.

Under President Vladimir Putin, wary since last year’s Libyan war of what Russia sees as a Western drive to use the United Nations to overthrow national leaders it dislikes, Russia has blocked U.N. efforts to squeeze Assad, who has also had strong support from his long-time sponsor Iran.

But Mikhail Bogdanov, a deputy foreign minister and the Kremlin’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, was quoted as saying in Moscow: “One must look the facts in the face.”

Quote

of

the

day

The greatest problem we have as a nation is corruption and the inability of the powers that be to make the system work. If our social institutions are working the way they should work, we will not find ourselves in this mess.

–Former Minister of State for Education, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo on state of the nation.

Saturday, December 15, 2012. www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wanted: A thriving mining industry in Africa

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ining has been a source of wealth for many individuals and groups and a reasonable source of revenue for many countries and communities for some time. In recent times and with focus on the issue of environment and impact on the local communities, questions are being asked particularly in many parts of Africa on how to go about it so that the country and the community may not be the losers.

Establishment and growth of mining industry is a function of many factors.

First among these factors is geological endowment. In most countries and communities these endowments are already known and in some they are not yet known fully. Investigation and enquires to determine the full extent and type of geological endowments continued to be pursued. Surveys through satellite imaging, aerial and land are used to determine initial and follow up geological endowment. But knowledge of geological endowment without exploration and exploitation is dormancy which currently serves no purpose.

The country and the community must draw up legislations, regulations and codes which will serve as a road map for both domestic and foreign investors. Invariably domestic investors if there are available, are small or junior operators if not just seeking concessions to be sold without adding any value or making any investment. But out there are big foreign investors that are ready to make the big investment with the attendant risk in-

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com volved necessary.

The legislations, the regulations and the codes must be even handed to encourage and to support genuine investors while protecting and safeguarding the environment. The health of the community and social responsibility of the operators for the community must be upheld while also ensuring equitable revenue for the state and employment opportunity for the locals.

The government must also realize that return from investments in mining may take time and therefore learn to be patient. It normally helps to get a flagship investor to blaze the trail then others will follow.

The government may not have people with the requisite knowledge and expertise to match flagship investor in skills for negotiating terms and conditions.

For this type of negotiations, assistance from countries, organizations and

international bodies that have gone that way before must be sought. Regional Economic Communities, World Bank and such other international organizations can be of tremendous help. International mineral or commodity organization can also be of tremendous assistance.

The formulation of good policy is the second very important factor to assist the establishment and growth of mining industry. In other words, good policy must help geological endowment to have a thriving mining industry that will serve the purpose of the government and the community and the interest of the investor who wants a reasonable return on his investment and wants adequate compensation for his entrepreneurship. To all concerned, the rules of the game must be clear and be scrupulously followed by both the government and the investor.

There must be mutual understanding, respect and commitment that make pre-

SPORT EXTRA

NSF: NSC defends life ban on erring athletes

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lacing life bans on some athletes at the just-concluded 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) was all in a bid to sanitise the festival, a National Sports Commission (NSC) official has said.

“It was all done to ensure that participating states and athletes play by the rules in future Games,” Tony Ohaeri, NSC’s Director of Press, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The NSC had wielded the big stick on some athletes and states whose actions ran foul of the rules and regulations during the festival held from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos.

Ohaeri said a lot of sharp practices were going to be curbed with the way the NSC had come down hard on erring athletes, states and officials at the 18th NSF. “The Commission had to take that step not because it wants to jeopardise the athletes’ respective career but to sanitise our sports for the sake of the future,” he said.

The NSC Director of Press said the commission had since communicated the punitive decisions to the concerned states and all other necessary organs.

Athletes punished for various violations of the rules included Oladele Ojo, also known as Alaba Joseph, and Olubunmi Ol-

dictability and sustainability possible.

Good relations must be fostered. The third factor that cannot and must not be ignored is the international market condition. This again is a factor of the global political situation in terms of peace and security, absence of debilitating conflicts and violence in consumer areas and ease of transportation and movement.

The growth and situation of world economy, particularly the economy of countries and regions that are known to be drivers of global economies is also important. Both the geologically endowed countries and the investors are interested in conducive global markets and they must work for favourable international markets conditions.

Finally, for all countries in Africa, mining must not be placed as top priority at the expense of agribusiness. Where geological endowment makes focus on mining necessary and desirable, it must be realised that, mining is capital intensive and may not generate commensurate number of jobs with the investment put in.

Agribusiness is the source of food and nutrition security and the basis of industrialization through value addition, provision of employment both in the rural and urban centres and provision of wide spread ways of dealing abject poverty eradication.

Agribusiness promotion with focus on mining where the geological is present should lead to economic prosperity for all within any community or country.

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES

amide, also known as Olubunmi Olayemi, both from Ekiti.

Their two other teammates in the state hockey team, Olubunmi Emman and Ademisoye Olamide, were also banned from participating in the NSF for life.

They were also banned from participating in any event organized by the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (NHF) for two years for violating the eligibility rule of the sports festival.

Ekiti which registered and fielded the athletes was fined N100, 000 while the state Association Secretary and team Head Coach were also punished.

Today’s Matches Newcastle v Man City 12:45 Liverpool v Aston Villa 15:00 Man Utd v Sunderland 15:00 Norwich v Wigan 15:00 QPR v Fulham 15:00 Stoke v Everton15:00 Sunday, December 16, 2012 Tottenham v Swansea 13:30 West Brom v West Ham16:00 Monday, December 17, 2012 Reading v Arsenal 20:00

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