Sunday, November 11, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Big Read News Nigerian Nigeri ian zoologi zoological gardens:

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Fading culture of relaxation, education

News

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Remi Lagos for burial November 16 www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 2 No. 48

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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Oritsejafor gets over $40m private jet gift P.12

Discordant views at constitution review hearings Bombadier Challenger 601: This is a replica of the Jet presented to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor on the occasion of his 40th anniversary on the pulpit

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Oyo: Alaafin calls for new state, wants capital in Oyo Enugu: Oppose state police, supports power rotation, wants additional state for South-East Borno: State creation, not solution to needs, wants favourable revenue allocation Kano: State Police, rotational presidency against northern interest Imo: Wants indigeneship removed from constitution

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APGA crisis deepens as Okorocha, Umeh shun stakeholders meeting News

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L-R: Member, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaofor; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, at the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Session on the review of 1999 Constitution held at Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency, Imo State, yesterday

Rivers, Bayelsa oil war: Why the states are fighting

Boko Haram targets refrigerator repairers... kills sixth victim

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What’s new Interview

Seven Days TALKING POINT OF THE PAST WEEK NOVEMBER 11, 2012

2015 presidency? God’ll determine what would happen –Sule Lamido Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State spoke with a few media executives including the Sunday Mirror’s about challenges and successes he had made in his state, among others, after departure of President Goodluck Jonathan, who visited the state recently.

Politics

Poor services: FG gives telecoms firms Dec deadline The Federal Government has set December deadline for telecommunications operators to improve on their services or face sanctions. Addressing journalists on Wednesday after the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said that the National Communications Commission, NCC, would do another detailed review of the quality of service in-

dicator in December, stressing that any network operator found wanting would be appropriately sanctioned. She noted that the spate of promotion strategies employed by the telecommunications operators was one of the reasons for the current poor quality of service being experienced by subscribers. The minister said in the coming days, NCC would check all promotions that cause additional congestion on the network.

Jonathan summons governors over oil well dispute President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday summoned to Abuja Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, and his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, over the escalating oil well dispute between the two states. The President also told Amaechi and Dickson to stop the provocative exchanges in the media. The meeting which took place at

Madu C. Chikwendu CEO MCM GROUP

Senate rejects national flag carrier status for Arik

Halima Abubakar is a Nollywood actress who has endured in the industry which has a fascination for her. She started acting at age of 16. She tells in this interview that growing up for her was turbulent, among others.

Wellness

Symptoms, causes of morning sickness during pregnancy –Experts Medical experts agree that over 50 per cent pregnant women worldwide would experience morning sickness during pregnancy; it is within the first trimester of their pregnancy.

The Senate has opposed the recommendation by its committee on aviation that Arik Air be granted the status of Nigeria’s national flag carrier. The lawmakers took the decision during the debate on the report of the Senate Committee on Aviation, which investigated the “Violation of aviation laws and practice by foreign airlines and lapses in the operation of regulatory agencies”.

The committee had recommended that “Arik Air, with over 26 new aircraft in its fleet and any other local airline with similar capacity, which must have operated in Nigeria for a minimum of five years, should be granted national flag carrier status”. But the senators said that Arik Air did not merit the status, given its poor performance in domestic air operations in the country.

US polls: Obama wins, beats Romney Millions of American voters re-elected President Barack Obama on Tuesday for another term of four years as the Democratic candidate won with 284 Electoral College votes. As at 5:30 a.m., Obama had polled over 284 Electoral College votes while his arch-rival was trailing behind with 203 electoral votes. The biggest haul for

Obama were California’s 55 electoral votes, New York’s 29, Florida’s 29, Pennsylvania’s 20, Illinois’s 20 votes, his state; totalling 153. The President also grabbed Ohio’s 18 votes. Obama won Florida with 3,856,644 votes against Romney’s 3,835,480 votes. In the build-up to the election, Obama campaigned in Florida for 30 times while Romney made 36 stops.

TUE WED

‘My only regret is leaving mom at age 16 to pursue acting career’

FRI THU

Applause

I have meeting on Mondays but it depends on what we are doing at a particular point in time. There was a time I used to travel a lot. Last year, you wouldn’t see me in Nigeria on a Monday. I would be somewhere doing something else. But generally, on Monday, I do have meeting with the members of staff. We look at what we want to do for the week. We do a lot of events such as the women in media event, the Lagos National Film Festival, Leap International Film Festival, etc; depending on what has priority at that particular point in time and at what stage we are. We still continue from where we stopped on Monday. We are very likely to look back at what we did because we just have two more days for the week to end. As I said, it depends on what we are doing at a particular point in time. For instance, now we have started tidying up on training program which is going to take place in December. We are supposed to have the Lagos National Film Festival in December too but we decided to move it to February. These keep me busy. We start rounding off what we are doing. There is nothing for me on Friday. I basically start tidying up what I’m doing and sit and wait for good results. My Saturday is usually very interesting. I do a lot of reading on this day. I love to read novels but first thing on Saturday morning, I take a walk, from Agidingbi to Allen Avenue and back. I walk round Ogba and then I come back and take my bath. I find time on Saturday to play with the children.

SAT

Why they are fighting

Of course, very much later in the day I attend events if there is any. I find time to cook. I enjoy cooking, it makes me more relaxed. Usually, I actually walk to the market myself to buy foodstuff. Most times, we are likely to have the children watching films and then I’m cooking in the kitchen and everybody is waiting for me to finish cooking. I also watch movies on this sixth day of the week with my family. We love to watch Nigerian movies, Chinese and Indian movies. We are more likely to watch till 8 p.m. when the children would retire to bed.

SUN

Rivers, Bayelsa’s oil war

for the choice of the former head of state to mediate the proposed Federal Government’s peace dialogue with the sect. The CPC leader, who spoke to journalists in Abuja at the party’s Board of Trustee, BOT, meeting, which he chaired, expressed disappointment over what he described as plans by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, government to indict and nail him.

MON

Buhari disowns Boko Haram Former Head of State and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, General Muhammadu Buhari, has said that he did not know any Boko Haram member and that his nomination to participate in a parley with the group was not with his consent. This was even as the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso, declared support

the Presidential Villa was attended by leaders of the affected communities and stakeholders. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan expressed concern over the development. The President noted that “the media war was unbecoming, unnecessary and unhelpful”.

In the morning, I take my walk. I attend the Anglican Church. Most times, I attend 7-9 a.m. service. When I come back, I take same walk in the evening to keep fit. I come home to read my novel for the whole day. *By Adaeze Amos (0802 301 2293)

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

November 11, 2012

Jos Zoo main gate

UNILAG Zoological Garden

Nigerian zoological gardens:

Fading culture of relaxation, education The stories of hardship, distress and atrocious acts common with every human facet in the country are simultaneously finding expressions in the animal kingdom. The zoos across the country are suffering various forms of neglect; in some, the animals are faced with starvation, diseases and sure death. From Ibadan to Benin, Jos to Port Harcourt and in most places where zoos are sited, the story is the same: one of caging animals without the needed care. Our correspondents, Sebastine Ebhuomhan (Benin), Chinedum Emeana (Port Harcourt), James Abraham (Jos), Kemi Olaitan (Ibadan) and Wole Adedeji (Ilorin), visited the zoos and report

he University of Ibadan is not only the oldest Nigerian university; it also accommodates the oldest zoological garden (zoo) within an ambiance of learning in the country. At inception, the zoo held a promise of time and money well spent. It was popular with high patronage and was one of the things that made UI, as the university is popularly known, tick. Many people visited it to view the various animals in the different pen and cages. With a collection of a range of wild animals, the zoo soon became a major point of attraction for visitors to the university. Indeed, with a wide array of exotic species from different places in and out of Nigeria, the school authority says, the zoo received almost a quarter of a million visitors by 1979. But, that was then. After that period, the number of visitors to the zoo started to decline. The ‘Nigerian syndrome’ sets in. The zoo became a victim of mismanagement and the animals started dying one after the other; they were not replaced. Some of the animals that initially survived the “hurricane” became malnourished and subsequently began to die. Soon, the zoo became a shadow of its glorious past. The popular animals that were the favourites of visitors, like the old tortoise, the gorilla nicknamed ‘Haruna’ that usually interacted with the crowd, and the extreme large python, died. They too were never replaced. With this situation, patronage dwindled.

However, most people, who had visited the zoological garden in the past years, have expressed their disappointment at the state of the zoo presently, especially the perceived lack of care it had fallen to. For instance, Ashikwe Emmanuel, who was in UI for a period of five years studying for both his bachelors and masters degrees, recalled his memory of the zoo. He says: “The zoo welcomed all manners of visitors that were willing to pay the required fee. They were allowed into the Zoological Garden, which is almost as old as the university itself. Then, the visitors were delighted to see different species of birds like geese, parrots, and ducks in their cages. Each cage had a label that offered information on the particular species of birds or animals, including their biological and common names, habitat, feeding and sleeping habits among others. A tour would reveal a water-moat enclosure, where crocodile sun themselves. This leads to the reptile house, where different species of snakes, turtles, and lizards from around Africa, were kept in a safe glass container. “But, visitors were warned not to touch the glass for their own safety. As was the case in every section of the zoo, each glass container had a label, offering information about the animal that lived there. One interesting sight was the exit from the reptile house, leading to the tall iron cages that held different species of monkey, chimpanzees, as well as orangutan. A walk further into the zoo, exposed

‘UI NOT GETTING FUNDS FROM GOVERNMENT’

the wild boar lounging in the mud at the water-moat enclosure. Right beside it, was a cage where a fox inhabits. Adjacent to it was a stable housing a horse. A climb down the bamboo bridge led to the lion enclosure, where ions were kept. A lucky visitor could witness the feeding of these ferocious creatures with live goats. There were also cages holding hyenas, ostrich, antelopes, camels, and goats. Indeed, it was one spot many visitors to the institution, never overlooked,” he recalled. Built on 10 acres of land, a curator, Bob Golding, was appointed to manage it. He later expanded and diversified the animal collection. The zoological garden soon became a popular site where many people went for relaxation and to view the wild animals in a safe environment. It was originally created in 1948 as a place to house the animals used for research and teaching in the Zoological Department of the University but became a fully fledged zoo and opened to the public in 1963. There were shops at the zoo premises with a variety of delicious take-away and kiosks that offered snacks. There were also numerous picnic spots located within the Zoo where visitors relaxed in the shade of giant trees. Ample, secure parking space was available at the main entrance. Security staff was on duty at all parking facilities and were always on duty 24 hours a day for visitors convenience. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

‘NO POWER SUPPLY TO PH ZOO DUE TO INDEBTEDNESS’

The Big Read

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘UI zoo not getting funds from government’

A tired tiger at the Ogba zoo in Benin city

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Apart from all that, the Zoo had for exchange the following: One male baboon in exchange for a female, one female Chimp in exchange for male and one female horse in exchange for a male. There were also green monkeys and terrapin tortoises for exchange. For old time visitors, who were familiar to the garden, a visit to the place today will reveal a zoo living on its old glory. Although, there are rehabilitation works going on there currently with the aim of putting it in a shape that will reactivate its past grandeur and attract visitors both within and outside Oyo State. Apart from the main gate, every other area of the garden is under reconstruction. There are other pleasant changes to the zoological garden, as the fountain built years ago and which had stopped functioning, now flows with water. The animals are not left out. Today’s collections include lions, hyenas, donkeys, tortoise, giraffe, dwarf crocodile, pigs, elephants, ostrich and other birds. The lions now look well fed and active even as the workers informed that there are efforts to get more exotic animals such as other brands of elephants and gorillas. There is a relaxation spot with a viewing centre donated to the garden in 2010 by Prince Adeniyi Oladehinde. The efforts are geared towards reviving the zoo. A consultant at the garden, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the zoo has not been getting government attention in the area of funding. He said most of the activities ongoing in the garden are through the revenue generated by the zoo and support of individuals and corporate organisations. While speaking with Sunday Mirror, a part three student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Sade Adeleke, who is on industrial attachment at the garden, said there is still need for enlightenment to educate the people on the importance of having such gardens. She, however, regretted that most students do not even want to study zoology as a discipline. Similarly, another worker at the garden said one of the major problems facing the zoo was how to replace animals that died due to old age. He explained that most of the species of the animals are becoming rare to get. Efforts to speak with the Acting Director of the garden, Dr. (Mrs.) Olajumoke Morenikeji, proved unsuccessful as she was too busy with the first National Workshop on Best Practices in Zoo Keeping, which is being organised by the university’s garden

Malnourished pig at Port-Harcourt Zoo

Tortoise at UNILAG Zoological Garden

A lion at Esie Zoo, Kwara State

at present. But, the UI Zoo is not alone in its present mess. The famed Ogba Zoo in the ancient city of Benin, the Edo State capital appears to be in the same class with the University of Ibadan Garden. Although it is owned by the Edo State government, it is presently managed by private hands under the Public, Private, Partnership (PPP) initiative of the Edo State government. Founded in 1915, at inception, the Ogba Zoo accommodated much of Benin City’s local wildlife. It covered an area estimated at over 10 hectares of land and accommodated trees, plants and other vegetation. Apart from serving as a recreational park for animals, Ogba Zoo also provided scientific and intellectual value for researchers, zoologists, fun seekers and picnickers. Some of the animals in the zoo included horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, cows, lions, hyenas, tigers, monkeys, gorillas, dogs, rabbits, squirrels and cats. There were also different snakes, ducks and tortoise; assorted birds such as peacocks, turkeys, chickens, ostriches, pigeons, parrots as well as wild reptiles such as crocodiles. Incidentally, all of these now lives in the past. Presently, the zoo is bedeviled by too many challenging problems. According to the co-ordinator of the Zoological and Nature Park Stakeholders, Andy Ehanire, “of the initial estimated 53 Sq. kilometers of the Ogba forest reserve, what is now left is just about one square kilometer, which is within the Ogba Zoo.” Ehanire, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, says the zoo is suffering from many other challenges that include encroachment, forest depletion and flood. He told Sunday Mirror that massive depletion of the forest reserve takes place

owing to the zoo’s proximity to residential areas of Benin City. “Hunger and search for urban land, illegal farming, hard furniture wood and firewood are leading more people to veer into the forest,” he further said. The activities of land speculators in local communities had also affected the sanctity of the forest and still threaten to further reduce the initially nearly two sq km of pure urban forest surrounding the zoo. The management of the zoo is said to have spent the last seven years battling to stem the activities of land speculators that have led to a massive encroachment on the unfenced zoo land. Apart from that, our correspondent’s visit to the zoo showed it is presently suffering from severe flooding, which a source said, had adversely affected animals and plants in the zoo. The rechanneling of water as a result of the on-going construction of Airport Road and its environs has worsened the already bad situation of the zoo. The Port Harcourt Zoo may have been beautiful, lush and attractive when Alfred Diete-Spiff, then military governor of old Rivers State opened it to the public on October 1, 1975. But today, it is a mere shadow of what it was. A place that should invite visitors by its appearance is hidden away in obscurity even in the light of day by its unkempt surroundings; traders, who have taken up different positions around the zoo to display their wares and a lack noticeable signboard to announce its barely-surviving existence. In the night time, the zoo and its surrounding is bathed in darkness and painted in darker hue by the long shadows of the many trees in the main zoo compound. The zoo does not have electric power supply as the Power Holding Company has cut its supply a long time ago due to indebt-

edness of over N1.6million. Water is equally not available within the zoo compound. The keepers have to buy water from hawkers to feed the animals, while all the 16 toilets have been shut for absence of water. When male visitors need to use the lavatory, they go to any of the corners of the zoo. For the females, the back of the assistant manager’s office is the place to hide and answer nature’s call away from prying eyes. The outer compound of the zoo, with an open space in the middle hedged by buildings on both sides is apparently a car park where visitors to the zoo leave their vehicles to go into the zoo. However, on the day that Sunday Mirror visited the zoo, several vehicles were parked there which did not reflect the number of fee-paying persons inside the zoological gardens. As the night wore on--, with the vehicles still in place, it became apparent that either the zoo has a lot of operational vehicles, or it has been turned to a public car park. Another feature of the outer compound of the zoo in the night it is that is used as storage place by small and petty traders who wheel in their wares for safe keeping, apparently after some kind of agreement with the security personnel at the zoo. The main zoo itself requires adults to pay a fee of N100 and children N50 for ticket in order to gain access. Special days, such as public holidays, Christmas and Easter attract 100 percent increase in the ticket prices. But, it appears that the officials at the ticketing office have unilaterally decided to privatise part of the income that the zoo makes as they refuse to issue receipt to paying visitors, even when it is demanded. That was the experience of this reporter, who visited the zoo last week. That behavior appears to be symptomatic of bigger, wider case of gaping holes in accountability. As one enters the zoo, you observe a well planned arrangement of trees, animal cages, most empty, and office buildings, all looking dilapidated. But a closer examination of the Zoological Garden will reveal the specter of a once vibrant, beautiful and relaxing environment. The main animal attractions in a zoo that has apparently lost its hold on rare and exciting range of animals are two 13-year-old lionesses and to some extent, two dead lions, which had been preserved. According to Bestman Ekeke, Assistant Manager of the zoo, the lions were killed after they pounced on and ate a European, who was their keeper when he took their food to them. Ekeke said the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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The Big Read

Sunday, November 11, 2012

‘Port-Harcourt zoo in blackout due to indebtedness’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 victim committed suicide by not abiding by the rules of wearing fully covered specialised protective apparel for the purpose of entering the Lions’ den. Following the death of the white man, the lions were electrocuted and preserved and have become one of the main attractions in the zoo with visitor queuing up to be pictured with the large man-eating lions. However, because of the apparent understaffing of the zoo, visitors who are supposed to be guided through the zoo are let loose in the garden. The Crown Crane bird and a 12-year-old Peacock are still interesting attractions, but the 18-year-old baboon, 16-year-old Chimpanzee and 27 and 18-yearold Nile Crocodiles, and the sickly monkeys appear to have lost their allure, as a combination of age, improper care and unkempt cages take their toll. Despite the neglect, however, the zoo still attracts lots of visitors, especially on public holidays and Sunday. Ekeke explained that Sundays attract lots of people because by 1.00pm usually, the two lionesses are fed with live goat. People are attracted by how the confined queens of the jungle pounce on the hapless goat to devour them. Dr. Nabbs Imegwu, Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism acknowledged that the zoo is not in good shape. But, he said there are ongoing plans to reactivate it, promising that the implementation of the plans will start in the next “three to four” months. In spite of the mounting challenges, the zoo still offers some elements of the pristine nature of its forests even as it continues to retain its status as a botanical garden and arboretum to researchers, students, teachers as well as recreational park to tourists and fun seekers, according to Ehanire. For example, students from Edo State and other states regularly visit the zoo on excursion. The students of the University of Benin Forestry and Wildlife Department regularly use the zoo also for fieldwork. Although the zoo presently charges the sum of N200 per adult from the hundreds of tourists that visit on daily basis, some visitors have complained that the money so realised is never used by its management to improve the place. Unconfirmed report has it that the zoo management is presently battling to stave off a N15million law suit from a tourist, whose family was attacked by a stray animal from the zoo. The incident allegedly involved a man, Nwoke Chidozie, who was attacked in the bid to save his son, Divine, from being mauled by a Chimpanzee that allegedly broke its corroded and weak iron cage to escape. The police were later called in to kill the agitated and angered animal after it also attacked an attendant. But, the zoo management faulted the claim of the victims, accusing them instead of aiding the animal to regain its freedom leading to the attack. However, stakeholders have called on government to increase the fund and protect wildlife parks and zoos. According to them, the position of zoos and parks in the tourism industry is very critical as it attracts a large number of visitors, generate resources, and serve as sources of education, conservation and scientific purposes. Some have even said that it is serving as medicinal base of knowledge with a vast

array of flora and fauna uses. In a bid to encourage patronage, Ehanire, in his recent presentation, entitled “The Position of Nigerian Zoos in National Tourism Development”, called for the encouragement of private ownership of zoos and parks across the country. To other stakeholders, increased promotion of the tourist use of zoos by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), the inclusion of conservation education in school curricula, which should include regular visitation to zoos, increased funding, and increased enlightenment of all citizens, especially local communities on the conservation, protection and preservation of bio-diversity, would go a long way to repositioning the culture of zoo in the country. The story of neglect is also not different in Plateau State. A visit to Jos Wild Life Park reveals a zoo in dire need of rehabilitation. The park, which used to be a tourist haven for both local and international fun seekers, is now a shadow of its former self. It used to serve as a honeymoon site for colonial masters during the period of tin mining in Jos. It continued even after it was commissioned in 1972. However, some of the animals in the zoo like Hippopotamus, Buffalos and Elephants have either died or moved out of the zoo while those that are still alive are suffering from lack of care and adequate attention. As at 1983, the zoo harboured eight giant elephants, but only one could be found presently. Other species of animals in the zoo such as chimpanzee, which remains only three, baboons seven, one python and a few monkeys, are not spared either. Before 2001, the zoo used to attract between 100 and 200 tourists on daily basis. Today, the number has dropped drastically to between 30 and 34 from Monday to Friday. While speaking with Sunday Mirror during a visit, the Higher Tourism Officer of Jos Wild Life Park, Abe Abdullahi, said that despite the challenge of poor maintenance culture facing the park, the site still remain the first choice for tourists across the world. He said, the zoo, in spite of its present pitiable condition, can still boast of such animals as baboon, python, chimpanzee, monkeys, ostrich as well as a serene environment. He said what the park needed is adequate attention to come alive as the management gets supports only from the state government, which is not always enough to maintain the animals. Jos Wild Life Park was gazetted in 1969 during the administration of JD Gomwalk while infrastructural development commenced immediately and was opened to members of the public when it was eventually commissioned in 1972. In Kwara State, the Image Zoo in Esie, Irepodun Local Government Area is the baby of a private man, who established it to complement his hotel. The zoo, established in late 2004 by Hon. Yemi Olabanji representing Apapa Federal Constituency of Lagos in the Federal House of Representatives, started with a lion and lioness, a crocodile, two striped and spotted hyenas, two little ostriches (male and female) a Sudanese antelope and a young camel. This, however, was complement with a big scale poultry and piggeries, which are both operated on commercial purposes. When Sunday Mirror visited the zoo dur-

A monkey at the Image Zoo in Esie, Kwara State

Reconstruciton of UI zoological garden

ing the week, the young lion and lioness had become full grown. Same for the ostriches, this had attained considerable heights that can compare with 20-years-old big birds. An average lifespan of an ostriches is put at between 45 and 50 years. Also, the zoo now housed three young pythons while the small crocodile at the beginning had become reasonably big with an additional two. The zoo tour guide, Godwin Ntok, is a Park and Tourism student on industrial training from the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. He explained that though, he was just few weeks old as a guide, he had seen a good potential of the zoo filling the gap of a dying zoo culture in Nigeria. Olabanji in a chat with Sunday Mirror, also said that his sole aim of establishing the zoo was to get something unique for the guests in his hotel. He noted that festive seasons of the year like Christmas is when people troop to Esie to catch fun. He said such occasions in the past attracted tourists who used to stay in hotels at Ilorin, which is about one and half hours journey. “That way they will be able to see the kind of live animals they wouldn’t have been privileged to see. The lion, lioness and the ostriches are animals in the little zoo that attract the people most,” Olabanji said. In like manner, the ultra modern Nature Park comprising a Zoological and Botanical Garden, Research and Relaxation Area at the University of Lagos Lagoon Front appears to be in need of a rescue mission of sort. The Nature Park is located at the

site of the old Zoological Garden and stretches through the Lagoon Front to the back of the University’s Main Library. Its environment is quite inviting in a serene and beautiful atmosphere. It was said to have been created as a tourist centre, providing education, information and entertainment to both students and the general public. It attracts a fee of N100 for adults, N50 for tertiary students and N20 for junior students. The garden, which was opened about two years ago, has a collection of two baboons, two crocodile, birds of different variations, two ducks, three monkeys and three tortoise. It welcomes a large number of visitors. Apart from displaying animals for teaching, research and the entertainment of visitors, the zoo is for the conservation of endangered species. It opens seven days a week and 365 days a year from 8:00am to 4:30 daily. Despite the fact that visitors are not allowed to touch the cages for their own safety, every section of the zoo has a label offering information about the animal that lives there. The medicinal plants at the garden are also labeled to assist tourists and researchers know the uses and sources of such plants. The zoo, according to the tour guide, who simply identified himself as Yaya, attracts a large number of people, particularly students of various institutions around Lagos. But, will the UNILAG garden revive the declining zoo culture in Nigeria and boost that aspect of tourism in the country? Only time will tell.

NEWS

Sunday November 11, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APGA crisis deepens as Okorocha, Umeh shun stakeholders’ meeting DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he South-East All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, stakeholders meeting held in Awka, Anambra State on November 6 was a full house except for the absence of governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Chief Victor Umeh, national chairman of the party. The meeting was among the recommendations made by a five-man peace committee aimed at finding a lasting solution to the crisis rocking the party. According to the National Secretary of APGA, Mr. Bernard Akoma, Okorocha and Umeh had earlier consented to the meeting being convened at Awka to discuss the way forward for the party but surprisingly backed out

at the last minute. According to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, he had agreed with Governor Okorocha that the meeting should be held on November 6, at Awka. As a result of that, he said, a letter dated November 1, and signed by him detailing those to be invited for the meeting was dispatched to Okorocha. This was followed by text messages by Obi himself inviting others including Umeh, to the meeting. Obi’s text message reads, “Following the recommendation of the committee and as agreed with my brother, His Excellency, Governor Rochas, I wish to invite you for an urgent South-East APGA stakeholders meeting on November 6, by 1 p.m. at Awka”. Though, neither Okorocha nor Umeh according to

Obi objected to the invitation, they nonetheless never gave any excuses why they would not attend. Sunday Mirror learnt that the convening of the meeting was, however, sequel to the recommendations presented by the five-man committee comprising members of the National Working committee NWC of the party from the South-East led by its deputy national Chairman South, Chris Ejike Uche. The committee was said to have consulted with all the stakeholders of the party, including governors Okorocha, Obi and national chairman, Umeh, among others on the best way to resolve the crisis in the party and later submitted its report with a recommendation for a stakeholders meeting of its members from the South-East. It was reported that ad-

vance copies of these recommendations were forwarded to Okorocha, Obi and Umeh ahead of the stakeholders meeting. “They welcomed the recommendations and applauded the work of the peace committee with assurances to attend the reconciliation meeting. “The committee further recommended that governors Obi and Okorocha should be the conveners of the stakeholders meeting,” said Akoma. Meanwhile, the meeting was well attended with National Assembly members, ambassadors, including Bianca Ojukwu, all NWC members from South-East and Speakers of State Assemblies controlled by the party. The meeting, however, resolved to continue pursu-

ing peace in the party by meeting regularly while trying to encourage others to come on board. It further suggested that the party should be strengthened and liberalised by constituting its various organs like National Executive Committee, the National Board of Trustees and National Caucus, among others. The meeting further called for adequate geo-political representation at the party political hierarchy to reflect its national outlook. While urging members to work hard for 2015 elections, the meeting suggested the deployment of derivation principles in the allocation of party resources as a way of motivating the people by encouraging healthy competition among members.

Nigeria won’t disintegrate, says Abdulsalami HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

ormer military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd, at the weekend carpeted the doubting Thomases who say that the nation would not overcome its daunting challenges. General Abubakar made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Makurdi shortly after paying homage on Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State. The former military leader said what was happening was a replica of what had obtained several years ago but, however, insisted that the country would not disintegrate adding that those virtues

NIGERIA IN

which bound us as one indivisible entity would keep us together. “Nobody can be able to intermingle and set aside the other; therefore it is not possible for the nation to break up,” Abubakar said. He pointed out that no one should ever contemplate secession from any quarters, adding that “we are intermingled wherever you find one another, be it a Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Kanuri, therefore am sounding it loud and clear that no Jupiter has the audacity to dismember this country”. The former head of state also urged Nigerians to join the crusade with a view to fighting the security challenges bedeviling the nation, adding that

BRIEF

L-R: Member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Rep. Ofor Chukwuegbo; former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Sen. Jim Nwobodo, at the Public Hearing on the Review of 1999 ConstituPHOTO: NAN tion in Enugu, yesterday.

it has become a monster that all hands must be on deck to assist the Federal Government in tackling the menace. He commended Governor Suswam for his provision of infrastructure and maintenance of security of lives and property in the state. adding that Benue was the only state

LCCI spends N250m on Lagos trade fair Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI) says it has injected over N250 million in the organisation of the 2012 Lagos International Trade Fair, which ends on November 11. Chairman of Trade Promotion Board of LCCI, Mr Babatunde Ruwase, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the weekend in

Lagos that the money was spent on facilities. Ruwase said the amount was high because the participation of local and foreign exhibitors had risen than the previous years. He said the facilities included the provision of pavilions, fairground, mobile toilets, constant power supply, security, among

others. ``There is adequate security at the trade fair to erode the negative impression the foreigners have over the insecurity challenges in the country,” he said. Ruwase urged the government at all levels to support the organisers financially in future trade fairs.

that had not witnessed any breach of peace in the entire North. Suswam, in his response, praised the determination of the former head of state to midwife democratic structure within a short period, which he said had been sustained for this time and enjoined him to al-

ways give useful ideas to the present leadership towards lifting the country to greater heights. Governor Gabriel Suswam also congratulated General Abubakar was in the state to receive the award of a doctorate degree by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

FG pledges more financial assistance to flood victims JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

ice-President Namadi Sambo yesterday said the Federal Government would provide more financial assistance in aid of victims of flood disaster across the country.

He was speaking at the Shendam Mini Stadium in Plateau State shortly on arrival after an aerial surveillance of the areas affected by flood in the state. He was accompanied by the state governor, Jonah Jang, his Nasarawa State counterpart, Tanko Almakura, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe and other government officials. According to the VicePresident, the government decided to make more funds available to the flood victims in order to rehabilitate and fully integrate them back into the society. He disclosed that government had already realised over N10 billion from donations in aid of the flood victims, organised recently by the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster in Abuja, adding that the fund would soon be released to the affected states. The Vice-President further disclosed that government had also released additional fund to the Ministries of Agriculture and Health respectively to handle cases of dry season farming as well as treat cases of any outbreak of epidemic in the affected areas. Speaking earlier, Gov Jang thanked the Federal Government for assisting the state to resettle those affected by the flood. He said the state government had already put a machinery in place to commence dry season agriculture so as to boost any shortfall in food production that had arisen as a result of the flood which destroyed several farmlands and crops in the state.

Remi Lagos for burial November 16 Nigerian fashion icon, Remi Osholake, fondly called Remi Lagos, will be buried in London on Friday, November 16. Her body will lie in state for viewing on Thursday, November 15, from 10am to 7pm at JH Kenyon, 83 Westbourne Grove, London. W24UL. A funeral service is

scheduled for Friday, November 16 at 3pm at The Golders Green Crematorium, Hoop lane, NW11 7NL. Reception follows from 5 to 7.30pm at The Tapestry Room, Gore Hotel 190 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5EX. A farewell ceremony will be held for her on Thursday, December 6, 2012

at 6pm at the Landmark Event Centre, Water Corporation Road, off Ligali Ayorinde, Street, Victoria Island, Lagos Ms Osholake, 51, died at the Harley Street Clinic in London after a brief but brave battle with uterine cancer. She is survived by a sister, Adetomi Osholake.

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Dateline

SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH THE PAST NOVEMBER 11, 2012

Montgomery

Hitler

Rommel

ONUKWUBE OFOELUE

was a well respected general in the ranks of the Allies. The Allied commander at the time, Claude Auchinleck did not command the same respect among his own men. Auchinleck had to send a memo to all his senior officers that ordered them to do all in their power to correct this: “…(you must) dispel by all possible means the idea that Rommel represents anything other than the ordinary German general……….PS, I’m not jealous of Rommel.”Auchinleck In August 1942, Winston Churchill was desperate for a victory as he believed that morale was being sapped in Britain. Churchill, despite his status, faced the prospect of a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons if there was no forthcoming victory anywhere. Churchill grasped the bull by the horns. He dismissed Auchinleck and replaced him with Bernard Montgomery. The men in the Allied forces respected ‘Monty’. He was described as “as quick as a ferret and about as likeable.” Montgomery put a great deal of emphasis on organisation and morale. He spoke to his troops and attempted to restore confidence in them. But above all else, he knew that he needed to hold El Alamein anyway possible. Rommel planned to hit the Allies in the south. Montgomery guessed that this would be the move of Rommel as Rommel had done it before. However, he was also helped by the people who worked at Bletchley Park who had got hold of Rommel’s battle plan and had deciphered it. Therefore ‘Monty’ knew not only Rommel’s plan but also the route of his supply lines. By August 1942, only 33 percent of what Rommel needed was getting through to him. Rommel was also acutely aware that while he was being starved of supplies, the Allies were getting vast amounts through as they still controlled the Suez and were predominant in the Mediterranean. To resolve what could only become a more difficult situation, Rommel decided to attack quickly even if he was not well-equipped. Rommel was a highly decorated officer in World War I and was regarded as having been a humane and professional officer. His Afrikakorps was never accused of war crimes. Soldiers captured during his Africa campaign were reported to have been treated humanely. Furthermore, he ignored orders to kill captured commandos, Jewish soldiers and civilians in all theaters of his command.

Late in the war, Rommel was linked to the conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler. Because Rommel was widely renowned, Hitler chose to eliminate him quietly. Rommel agreed to commit suicide by taking a cyanide pill, in return for assurances his family would be spared. By the end of August 1942, Montgomery was ready himself. He knew that Rommel was very short of fuel and that the Germans could not sustain a long campaign. When Rommel attacked, Montgomery was asleep. When he was woken from his sleep to be told the news, it is said that he replied “excellent, excellent” and went back to sleep again. The Allies had placed a huge number of land mines south of El Alamein at Alam Halfa. German Panzer tanks were severely hit by these and the rest were held up and became sitting targets for Allied fighter planes that could easily pick off tank after tank. Rommel’s attack started badly and it seemed as if his Afrika Korps would be wiped out. He ordered his tanks north and he was then helped by nature. A sandstorm blew up which gave his tanks much needed cover from marauding British fighters. However, once the sandstorm cleared, Rommel’s force was hit by Allied bombers that pounded the area where the Afrika Corps had their tanks. Rommel had no choice but to retreat. He fully expected Montgomery’s Eighth Army to follow him as this was standard military procedure. However, ‘Monty’ failed to do this. He was not ready for an offensive and he ordered his men to stay put while they held a decisive defensive line. In fact, Montgomery was waiting for the arrival of something that soldiers in the desert were only allowed to refer to as ‘swallows’. In fact, they were Sherman tanks. 300 of them to assist the Allies. Their 75 millimetre gun could shoot a six pound shell that could penetrate a Panzer at 2000 metres. The 300 ‘Monty’ had were invaluable. To cope with Montgomery’s attack, the Germans had 110,000 men and 500 tanks. A number of these tanks were poor Italian tanks and could not match the new Sherman’s. The Germans were also short of fuel. The Allies had more than 200,000 men and more than 1000 tanks. They were also armed with a six-pound artillery gun which was highly effective up to 1500 metres. Between the two armies CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

El Alamein: World War II’s most decisive battle T

he 73rd anniversary of the start of World War II was celebrated on September 1. The war itself stated on September 1, 1939 and by November 5, Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel, popularly known as the Desert Fox and Hitler’s prized general was defeated with his troops in Egypt in one of the battles that decided the outcome of the war. Every year, veterans of the war marked the victory of El Alamein in Egypt. The Battle of El Alamein, fought in the deserts of North Africa, is seen as one of the decisive victories of World War Two. The Battle of El Alamein was primarily fought between two of the outstanding commanders of World War Two, Bernard Montgomery, the British general who succeeded the dismissed Claude Auchinleck, and Rommel, one of the greatest generals in the German army. The Allied victory at El Alamein lead to the retreat of the Afrika Korps (Hitler’s army in Africa) and the German surrender in North Africa in May 1943. El Alamein is 150 miles west of Cairo. By the summer of 1942, the Allies were in trouble throughout Europe. The attack on Russia - Operation Barbarossa - had pushed the Russians back; U-boats were having a major effect on Britain in the Battle of the Atlantic and Western Europe seemed to be fully in the control of the Germans. Hence the war in the desert of North Africa was pivotal. If the Afrika Korps got to the Suez Canal, the ability of the Allies to supply themselves would be severely dented. The only alternate supply route would be via South Africa - which was not only longer but a lot more dangerous due to the vagaries of the weather. The psychological blow of losing the Suez and losing in North Africa would have been incalculable - especially as this would have given Germany near enough free access to the oil in the Middle East. El Alamein was a last stand for the Allies in North Africa. To the north of this apparently unremarkable town was the Mediterranean Sea and to the south was the Qattara Depression. El Alamein was a bottleneck that ensures that Rommel could not use his favoured form of attack - sweeping into the enemy from the rear. Rommel

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El Alamein: World War II’s most deci sive battle CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 was the ‘Devil’s Garden’. This was a mine field laid by the Germans which was five miles wide and littered with a huge number of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. Going through such a defence would prove to be a nightmare for the Allies. To throw Rommel off the scent, Montgomery launched ‘Operation Bertram’. This plan was to convince Rommel that the full-might of the Eighth Army would be used in the south. Dummy tanks were erected in the region. A dummy pipeline was also built - slowly, so as to convince Rommel that the Allies were in no hurry to attack the Afrika Korps. ‘Monty’s army in the north also had to ‘disappear’. Tanks were covered so as to appear as non-threatening lorries. Bertram worked as Rommel became convinced that the attack would be in the south. At the start of the real attack, Montgomery sent a message to all the men in the Eighth Army: “Everyone must be imbued with the desire to kill Germans, even the padres - one for weekdays and two on Sundays.” The start of the Allied attack on Rommel was code-named “Operation Lightfoot”. There was a reason for this. A diversionary attack in the south was meant to take in 50 percent of Rommel’s forces. The main attack in the north was to last - according to Montgomery - just one night. The infantry had to attack first. Many of the anti-tank mines would not be tripped by soldiers running over them - they were too light (hence the code-name). As the infantry attacked, engineers had to clear a path for the tanks coming up in the rear. Each stretch of land cleared of mines was to be 24 feet - just enough to get a tank through in single file. The engineers had to clear a five mile section through the ‘Devil’s Garden’. It was an awesome task and one that essentially failed. ‘Monty’ had a simple message for his troops on the eve of the battle: “All that is necessary is that each and every officer and men should enter this

battle with the determination to see it through, to fight and kill, and finally to win. If we do this, there can be only one result - together, we will hit the enemy for six out of Africa.” The attack on Rommel’s lines started with over 800 artillery guns firing at the German lines. Legend has it that the noise was so great that the ears of the gunners bled. As the shells pounded the German lines, the infantry attacked. The engineers set about clearing mines. Their task was very dangerous as one mine was interconnected with others via wires and if one mines was set off, many others could be. The stretch of cleared land for the tanks proved to be Montgomery’s Achilles heel. Just one non-moving tank could hold up all the tanks that were behind it. The ensuing traffic jams made the tanks easy targets for the German gunners using the feared 88 artillery gun. The plan to get the tanks through in one night failed. The infantry had also not got as far as Montgomery had planned. They had to dig in. The second night of the attack was also unsuccessful. ‘Monty’ blamed his chief of tanks, Lumsden. He was given a simple ultimatum - move forward - or be replaced by someone more energetic. But the rate of attrition of the Allied forces was taking its toll. Operation Lightfoot was called off and Montgomery, not Lumsden, withdrew his tanks. When he received the news, Churchill was furious as he believed that Montgomery was letting victory go. However, Rommel and the Afrika Korps had also been suffering. He only had 300 tanks left to the Allies 900+. ‘Monty’ next planned to make a move to the Mediterranean. Australian units attacked the Germans by the Mediterranean and Rommel had to move his tanks north to cover this. The Australians took many casualties but their attack was to change the course of the battle. Rommel became convinced that the main thrust of Montgomery’s attack would be near the Mediterranean and he moved a large amount of his Afrika Korps there. The Australians fought with feroc-

World War II’s fallen heroes cemetery

ity - even Rommel commented on the “rivers of blood” in the region. However, the Australians had given Montgomery room to manoeuvre. He launched ‘Operation Supercharge’. This was a British and New Zealander infantry attack made south of where the Australians were fighting. Rommel was taken by surprise. 123 tanks of the 9th Armoured Brigade attacked the German lines. But a sandstorm once again saved Rommel. Many of the tanks got lost and they were easy for the German 88 gunners to pick off. 75 percent of the 9th Brigade was lost. But the overwhelming number of Allied tanks meant that more arrived to help out and it was these tanks that tipped the balance. Rommel put tank against tank - but his men were hopelessly outnumbered. By November 2nd, 1942, Rommel knew that he was beaten. Hitler ordered the Afrika Korps to fight to the last but Rommel refused to carry out this order. On November 4th, Rommel started his retreat. 25,000 Germans and Italians had been killed or wounded in the battle and 13,000 Allied

troops in the Eighth Army. WW2 was the bloodiest, deadliest war the world had ever seen. More than 42 million people died, many of them innocent civilians. It also was the most destructive war in history. Fighting raged in many parts of the world. More than 50 nations took part in the war, which changed the world forever. World War II had a clear-cut purpose. People knew why they were fighting: to defeat tyranny. Most of Europe had been conquered by Nazi Germany, which was under the iron grip of dictator Adolf Hitler. The war in Europe began with Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Wherever the Nazis went, they waged a campaign of terror, mainly against Jews, but also against other minorities. In Asia and the Pacific, Japanese armies invaded country after country, island after island. On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The next day, the U.S. Congress declared war, taking the U.S. into World War II.

What caused World War II? M ost historians believe that the causes of World War II can be traced to World War I (1914-1918). Several nations had fought in that earlier war to “make the world safe for democracy.” Those were the words and goals of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. But the peace treaties that ended World War I did not make the world safe for democracy. Instead, they caused bitterness and anger that led to World War II. Germany and its allies had been the losers in World War I. Germany was stripped of one sixth of its territory and forced to pay huge reparations (payments by a defeated country for the destruction it caused in a war). After World War I, Germany suffered from high unemployment and runaway inflation. German money became almost worthless. Many Germans seethed in anger at the peace treaty. A League of Nations was set up after World War I to keep the peace. But the U.S. did not join, and other countries were too busy with their own problems to worry about Germany and other trouble spots. Then, in the early 1930s, the world was hit by an economic depression. Workers lost their jobs, trade fell off, and times were hard. People looked for leaders who could bring about change. Germany, Italy, and Japan all came under the rule of dictators or military leaders. A dictator named Mussolini took power in Italy in 1922. Military leaders took control of Japan in the early 1930s. In Germany, Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party, gained power in 1933. These leaders promised to restore their countries to greatness. But they set up totalitarian governments. (A totalitarian government is controlled by a single political party that allows no opposition and tightly controls people’s lives.) Hitler began to arm Germany for war. Japan invaded China. Mussolini sent Italian troops to conquer Ethiopia, in Africa. None of the world’s democracies did anything to stop them. Hitler was the founder and leader of the Nazi

Party and the most influential voice in the organization, implementation and execution of the Holocaust, the systematic extermination and ethnic cleansing of six million European Jews and millions of other non-Aryans. All these factors dragged the world into a war that was to last for six years.

How the war changed the world

The world changed politically. The French who were diplomatic giants were humbled by the Germans. Were it not for the Allies, France would have been lost to Germany. The English and Americans became equal or near-equal political voices. The Russians lost their royal family. At first they had a democracy, but the Bolshevicks ruthlessly swamped that fledgling government and began to savagely reconstruct Russia and the subservient lands about it. The Austrian-Hungarian empire was shattered, paving the way for dozens of long subsumed nations to reassert themselves in one fashion or another. The war also brought down the old aristocratic class in Europe and brought mass communications and mass movements with the inventions of automobiles, radio and planes. But some people also believe that it had its bad sides. They argue it was the cause of the Cold War, nuclear weapons, the now conflict of the Middle East and the open rebellions in Asia, Africa and Latin America . It also ended the notion that Europe is the centre of the world, and launched the USA on the path of becoming superpower. Warfare began its colossal change, setting the stage for even greater and sometimes more horrific weapons and methods in WWII. It was a shock knowing the sophisticated nature of the weapons that the German military developed, simply awaiting the political authority to equip and unleash. Japan also would learn how to build and employ tanks, aircraft, aircraft carriers, and submarines by studying what Europe did in WWI. Meanwhile, the American generals and admirals that helped direct and defeat

the Japanese in WWII all got their training and experience from WWI. Without WWI, WWII would have ended very, very differently. At the beginning of WWI, the U.S., as big as it was, held even less military sophistication as did Poland at the start of WWII. Without learning how to fight the U-boats and fly airplanes from more than mere observation points, without the subsequent experience helping young officers demonstrate that those same land battle bombs could also sink ships, the enemies would have discovered it before, sinking American ships with abandon at Pearl Harbour)--the Japanese admiral that planned the Pearl Harbour attack studied the bombing theory and early examples from WWI.

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OLUFEMI ADEOSUN & ROTIMI FADEYI, ABUJA

espite numerous challenges confronting the nation, President Goodluck Jonathan has again urged Nigerians to be steadfast and seek strength in the country’s diversity. Jonathan, was a special guest at the celebration of the 40th year on the pulpit of President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who is also the Founder, Word of God Bible Ministry, Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor. He said that the country would overcome her challenges if the people could draw positively on their areas of strength. The President, who waited patiently as the programme lasted, also extolled the virtues of Pastor Oritsejafor, stressing that since he started his ministration 40 years ago, he had stirred the cause and remained to his callings. Apart from being a shining example of priesthood, the President stated that Oritsejafor had spent his 40 years on the pulpit propagating the gospel of Christ, building bridges and serving as an interface across the religious divides. He said, “Forty years in the service of God almighty is a remarkable feat achievable only through the grace of God. Pastor Ayo is a respected national Christian visionary leader, a great man of faith that preaches the words of God pleasantly. I also thank the Lord for giving him as a gift to the generation of Nigeria. “I can say without any equivocation that Pastor Ayo, from the very humble beginning about 1972, has moved from strength to strength. Today, he is a Christian visionary leader who preaches the words of God clearly and eloquently as a good shepherd, a man of vision who has served as an interface across the religious divides. “He has earned his respect among his peers and this explains why he is holding the two very important positions

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Oritsejafor, a great man of faith, says Jonathan

•Congratulates Archbishop of Canterbury in Christendom in Nigeria as a President of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) and President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) “You will continue to be a source of inspiration to many people in many years to come. When he started this ministry many years ago, Nigeria was just emerging from the anguish of civil war. Although, today, we are enjoying the benefits of democracy, we still need to overcome our challenges. We must seek strength from our diversity.” In his brief remarks, Pastor Oritsejafor, said that if Nigeria must reclaim its lost glory and be great again, all Nigerians must be ready to put the nation first and be ready to make sacrifices.

He said rather than dwelling on the things that are capable of dividing the country, he admonished the people to begin to do things that would impact positively on the lives of the people. “If Nigeria must reclaim her destiny, then everybody must be ready to make sacrifices. We must be prepared to inconvenience ourselves; we must be prepared to forget about ourselves and put Nigeria first. We must begin to do things that will make positive impact in the lives of our people. Nigeria is great and our sacrifices will bring out the greatness of the great nation,” he said. Meanwhile, President Jonathan has also congratulated the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Justin

Welby, on his appointment as the Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Communion worldwide. In a congratulatory letter to him, Jonathan said that he was confident that with Bishop Welby’s “inspiring antecedents”, saying “he will achieve astounding success in the new assignment which he has been given at a time of great challenges for the Anglican Church.” According to a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said in the letter, “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to express warm felicitations to you on your appointment

as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. “Your elevation to the position of headship of the Anglican Communion worldwide, at a time of great challenges for the international community and the Church of Christ, is evidently richly deserved. “I am confident that, given your inspiring antecedents, you will make an astounding success of this divine assignment. “You can be assured of the prayers and steadfast support of my government and the body of Christ in Nigeria as you assume your exalted office,” President Jonathan wrote. •See additional story on Page 12

L-R: Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Founder, The Wisdom Centre, United States, Dr. Mike Murdock; President Goodluck Jonathan; President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; his wife, Helen and children, cutting the cake to mark the 40th year in the ministry at the Word of Life Bible Church in Warri, Delta State, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

New traffic law not punitive, says Fashola

iting his adminsitration’s track record in the past five years, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has reiterated that Lagos road traffic law is about keeping the people alive and not a punitive one. Speaking at the Police College Parade Ground, Ikeja before a gathering of several Community Development Associations, Community Development Committees and Neighbourhood Watchers, tagged ‘2012 Community Day’, Governor Fashola noted that those who promised people life without any

form of sacrifice are deceiving them. Noting that the records of the administration spoke for themselves, the governor said what he offered continuously as a leader was a life of sacrifice in order to get rewards in the form of improved quality of life. “In the last five years, anytime we inconvenience you, it is either because we are building a road, within a short period you begin to drive on the road in pleasure and comfort. Every time we intervene and give you some inconvenience in order to deliver a drainage

service, by the next rainfall, your environment is flood-free”. Continuing, the governor said that was the only way the people and the government could work together by sharing responsibility, because the idea that everything must be done by the leader is an idea that robs the people of their responsibility. “Communities have responsibilities, good leadership encourages them to take responsibility, to deal with them like adults and discharge it with conviction. That is the only way we can prosper”.

Reinforcing the message and the purpose of the Lagos road traffic law, Governor Fashola said it was about safety, longer life and better life, adding that with the people’s mandate, the government had the responsibility to formulate a functional and safe transport policy for the state. He explained that from moving from the era of Zappas buses to the LMTS and down to the Molues and now to the BRT, he would not lead a government that would hand over commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, as a legacy of transportation

to the children. “The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is our dream for the future. We have started implementing it. Ideas take time to germinate but what started on Ikorodu Road has expanded to Murtala Mohammed Way, expanded to CMS, reached Alimosho. The construction to extend it to Badagry is on the way. The contract to also extend it into the heart of Ikorodu town is on the way. It is already running on organised lanes on the Lekki –Epe Expressway, even if there are no segregated lanes. It is growing”, Governor Fashola added.

US Election: Expert tasks Nigerians on credible poll in 2015 TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

he Director-General of Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa, (CDGA), Dr. Dafe Akpocha, yesterday tasked Nigerians to imitate the outcome of the United States elections and work toward a credible, free and fair elections come 2015. Speaking at the CDGA induction and presentation of award to Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo, Akpocha said his group would not relent in campaigns for good governance and due process in the African continent. His words: “We believe in good governance and due process and we will always come out to appreciate any government that is doing very well in Africa. We all witnessed the recent United States election where a government in power was returned without any electoral materials being hijacked, without electoral officials been kidnapped and without people being dissatisfied with the electoral process that brought in the result. We believe it is high time Nigeria to practised what happened in America few days ago, during our 2015 general elections.” Speaking on why YABATECH Rector was inducted into the CDGA, Dr. Akpocha said the group deemed it fit to honour the rector because of her remarkable contribution to tertiary education in Nigeria. “Education plays crucial roles in every society and having followed closely what the rector is doing toward qualitative education in YABATECH and Nigeria, we believe we should appreciate the rector to encourage her to do more. We are happy to induct Dr. Ladipo into CDGA.” In her address, the rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ladipo said that the award bestowed on her and his induction into the CDGA would encourage her to consolidate on her efforts in the task of nation building. Her words: “I am honoured to be presented this award by the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa. I also consider it a great privilege to be inducted as a honourary member of the CDGA. It is pertinent to note that CDGA, which was established in 1997, has taken giant and noticeable strides in promoting democratic ideals in Africa. CDGA since its establishment has worked toward true democracy and good governance in African continent.”

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PUBLIC HEARING ON CONSTITUTION REVIEW

State police, rotational presidency against northern interest –Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST, KANO

Voices of opposition to state creation, state police and rotational presidency rented the air at the various Kano centres of the public hearing on Constitution Review Committee which took place yesterday. Most participants who spoke at designated centres for the exercise, said

they were totally against state creation, rotational presidency and state police as they were not part of the issues promoting conflict in the country. Some of them said the issues they anticipated the National Assembly to deliberate upon were not tabled and therefore would not be supported. In the opinion of most of the participants, there are more pressing and

disturbing issues the National Assembly should address rather than bothering itself with obvious trivialities. Ahmad Tijjani, one of the participants said, “State police would only add salt to the injury that we are faced with, in terms of security. We are therefore not in support of the idea. Nigeria is not ripe for such or similar arrangements.”

Additional state for South-East tops constitution review hearing in Enugu DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

reation of additional state for the South-East zone to equal with other parts of the country took the centre stage yesterday during the public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution for Enugu State. Stakeholders who gathered at the eight federal constituencies in the tate voted for creation of Adada State out of the present Enugu State as the sixth state in the South-East, before any other state consideration in the country. They also unanimously voted for the creation of additional local governments in the South-East, stressing that the unequal number of local governments in the zone was the basis of the alleged marginalisation being complained about by the people. In a speech which was applauded by the people, a lawmaker representing Isi-Uzo/Enugu East federal constituency, Ambassador Kingsley Ebenyi, told the gathering that the House of Representatives decided to bring the hearing to local and constituency levels to enable the people make their genuine inputs, stressing that it was in recognition of the role of the people in the country. He told the gathering, which included former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former governor, Jim Nwobodo, and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria [SAN] and eminent politicians, that several issues had been marked for review, stressing however that whatever they agreed upon would form the new

constitution of the country. Nwobodo said that the inability of the South-East to have at least one additional state to come at par with others had denied the zone rapid development, noting that he was glad that the people were being given opportunity to air their feelings. He insisted that there was need for the government to begin to address the imbalances in the country, noting that agitations had continued because the people wanted a sense of belonging. At Udenu, the headquarters of Udenu local government, where the stakeholders agreed that Nsukka area which is clamouring for Adada State is the only province that had not been named a state capital, member representing Udenu/Igboeze north federal constituency, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, said the lawmakers would not go out of the way to be-

gin an amendment without being empowered to do so by the people. He assured that their decision would be presented to the House, stressing that it would form the basis for the amendment. However at Nkanu West/East, the gathering voted against the creation of state police for the country, stressing that Nigeria as presently constituted was not ripe for such. Other issues that received overwhelming affirmation in the review were rotation of power among the six zonal structures, funding of local governments, independence of state legislature, tenure of office of the president and governors, which received a general approval that it remained for two terms of four years, improved women representation, disability rights and presidential system of government.

Mustapha Sheriff believes that rotational presidency is undemocratic and does not give the needed right for the electorate to make their choice. “Political choices would be guided and would not achieve anything, so long as presidency would continue to be shared among the zones”. In Nasarawa local government, where Honourable Nasiru Ali Ahmed of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) hails, people belonging to different political parties were seen putting heads together before passing their opinion on almost all the issues raised in the documents presented to them by the National Assembly. Honourable Ahmed cautioned all the participants to be very serious and curious in determining answer to each of the questions raised by the document. “Today we are all one.

Our party differences should please be closed for now. I am promising you that I am not going to give something different from what you decided upon,” he noted. Hon. Farouq Lawan’s Bagwai/Shanono federal constituency was heavily fortified with armed mobile police men. In spite of this, there was overwhelming reception accorded Lawan by his people on arrival at the centre. This was against the expectation prior to his visit that he would be booed by his people following the bribe scandal that has dented his political reputation. Earlier, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, had called on the members of the National Assembly to always keep their eyes on what they were doing and what they are going to do. He told them that time was ripe for them to understand that the interest of

the electorate should come first before any other. He gave the advice when they paid him a courtesy call a day before the public hearing, in his palace. A sad drama also allegedly took place in Gwale Federal Constituency where a angry mob descended on their representative, Hon. Bashir Hussaini Galadanci, of the Peoples Democratic Party, for undisclosed reasons. It was learnt that Hon. Galadanci arrived to the hostile reception of the crowd which chanted slogans suggesting he was in some kind of trouble with his people. Some of the slogans also demonstrated their opposition to the constitution review project. Eyewitness account hinted that Hon. Galadanci was physically molested by his attackers and was saved by the timely intervention of ‘good Samaritans’.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (left) and elder statesman, Alhaji Muhammadu Arzika, at the people’s public session on the review of the 1999 Constitution at Tambuwal Federal ConstituPHOTO: NAN ency in Sokoto State, yesterday.

Federal allocation should favour states, LGs –Shettima INUSA NDAHI, MAIDUGURI

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has called for the review of Federal revenue allocation in favour of the state and local governments, as they are closest to the people. The governor made the call at the public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution held at the International Conference Hall of the Musa Usman secretariat, Maiduguri , the Borno State capital yesterday. He said, “The constitutional provision under section 162(2) should be amended so as to allow

flexibility to take care of political, economic and social forces and changes in the country. Therefore, the revenue sharing formula should be reviewed in favour of states and local governments, as they have been directly or indirectly assisting federal institutions in their states.” He lamented that the Federal Government had virtually neglected Borno and Yobe states as there is no federal presence in the two states, pointing out that even the Biu Dam which was started 30 years ago has not been completed. On the agitation for creation of states, Shettima

said creation of more state would not proffer solution to the issue of development, what people need is good governance, stressing that a villager in Miringa, Garubula, Lassa or Wamdiyo prefers the opening up of their hinterland and that agitation for creation of additional states or local governments cannot address people’s needs. “ I urge Nigerians to treat the issue of state creation with outmost sense of responsibility and caution, even as I strongly recommend that Section 8 of the Constitution be amended to remove the ambiguities and cumbersome nature of the process

of creation of more states for future consideration,” Shettima said. The governor also stated that there is the need to establish Desert Control Commission to handle the fast advancing Sahara Desert in northern part of the country, particularly Borno and Yobe states, as desertification and wind have claimed several hectares of arable land and even forced some communities to migrate southwards. Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Ahmed Gazali, a former chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, said the process of constitution review was a hectic and

herculean one and only done when it was necessary. He called on Nigerians to use the opportunity to participate in the process. Also speaking on the occasion, coordinator of the constitutionareview committee and member representing Monguno, Nganzai and Marte federal constituency, Barrister Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who was represented by member representing Guzamala, Abadam, Mobar and Kukawa constituency, Hon. Isa Lawan Kangar, called on Nigerians to use the opportunity to contribute their quota to constitution review process.

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News

Sunday, November 11, 2012

PUBLIC HEARING ON CONSTITUTION REVIEW Alaafin leads call for creation of new Oyo State KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he people of Oyo Federal Constituency yesterday at Durbar Stadium in Oyo restated their commitment to the creation of new Oyo State with the capital at Oyo Alaafin from the present Oyo State. The gathering was part of the public fora organised across the country by the House of Representatives in Abuja, coordinated by the Federal lawmakers in their respective constituencies and had in attendance Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, representing Afijio/Atiba/ Oyo-East/Oyo-West Federal Constituency. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who led his people under 151 various associations and groups to the gathering, fired the first salvo by going down memory lane and said the prime position Oyo town in the country had historically occupied conferred on it the ability to be a state capital. The monarch commended the House of Representatives for the initiative, described as the first time such an exercise would be brought to the grassroots and urged the people to utilise the opportunity brought before them. The chief host, Hon.

Akinlabi, who took the copies of memoranda from the various speakers for onward transmission to Abuja, told the gathering that Oba Adeyemi, had on two different occasions visited the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on this issue of creation of new Oyo State. The lawmaker while commending the Metropolitan Development Association (MDA) and New Oyo State Forum (NOSFOM), the two bodies that had been coordinating the struggle for the state creation, said the average age of the members was 70 years and that it should be a challenge to the younger generation. The representative of the two bodies, Chief Emmanuel Olaoye, gave reasons why the new Oyo State should be created and the capital be sited in Oyo, Olu Olaoye saying Oyo town had since 1914 until 1959 been the headquarters of an empire spanning thousands of kilometre radius. He added that the ancient town has all the necessary infrastructure for the take-off of a new state without any problem whatsoever, noting, “the kind of economy Nigeria runs now cannot accommodate a ‘virgin land’ being made a state capital”

Confusion in Ogun as public session holds FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he House of Representatives’ Public Session on the review of 1999 Constitution held across the nine Federal Constituency of Ogun State yesterday recorded confused audience as participants alleged the inclusion of many ambiguities in the process. In most of the federal constituencies visited yesterday, Sunday Mirror observed rowdy session as participants also alleged that the National Assembly deliberately kept them in the dark over some of the issues contained in the questionnaires administered at the public session. With particular reference to the aspect which treated the local government autonomy as well as

he Senator representing Niger North, Senator Awaisu Kuta said involving those at the grassroots in the amendment of the 1999 Constitution will strengthen the new Constitution. He also agreed that the ambiguity in the 1999 Constitution was responsible for the present efforts set in motion toward re-examining it, as it has a lot of con-

tentious issues that need to be looked into. Kuta, who made this known while fielding questions from journalists, shortly after the people’s public session on the review of the 1999 Constitution at the Chanchaga Federal Constituency, Minna Niger State, said for the constitution to be credible, it needs the input of people According to him, “You know that the current constitution is a military type of constitution without

of the constitution which entitles a person to the same rights, duties and privileges an indigene of the place where he resides has and substitute it with residencyship. They said it would be a wild dream for a non-indigene residing in Sokoto State, for instance, to aspire to become the Emir of Sokoto or for an Igbo man who had resided in Oyo State for 20 years to aspire to ascend to the throne of Alaafin. According to them, a person who resides in a place for 10 years should be entitled to accruing rights, duties and privileges to aspire to contest an election or be given a residency permit that would allow him equal rights as an indigene especially in job seeking. They also argued that

CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he 1999 Constitution Amendment kicked off yesterday with the people of Owerri Federal Constituency calling for replacement of the section

‘Involvement of grassroots will strengthen new constitution’ MINNA

the area, Bukunola Taofeek Buraimo, explained to the participants on the need to review the constitution in view of the flaws noticed by the present legislature. Buraimo noted that the House, in line with the provisions of the constitution, required that a public session was held to know the view of the people and to be able to have input in the proposed constitution. The session, which had enjoyed rapt attention of the audience, however, resulted in the open confrontation between the facilitator, Honourable Buraimo, and the three local government bosses who were in attendance. Chairman of Remo North local government, Chief Abayomi Soyemi who was visibly angry at the session, stood from his chair but was threatened

back to his seat by the facilitator, Honourable Buraimo, who maintained that people’s opinion should count. Hon. Buraimo, who expressed satisfaction at the large turnout, stated that the excercise would at least, afford Nigerians a true constitution. Buraimo also said that the minority would have their say while the majority would have their ways as against the situation where political office holders have been taking the electorate for a ride. Speaking with newsmen shortly after the session, the three chairmen of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) threatened that they would meet and make a proper representation to the National Assembly on their annoyance about the exercise.

Imo demands removal of indigeneship in Constitution

L-R, President, International Association of Political Consultants, Mr. Felipe Noguera; former American presidential aspirant and Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Magazine, Mr. Steve Forbes; receiving the crest of the State of Osun from the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, after the opening session of the annual conference of the International Association of Political Consultants in New York on Friday.

PRISCILLA DENNIS

the desirability of State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), participants who were believed to have benefitted from the “benevolence” of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) vehemently kicked against its being scrapped. At the session for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency which held in Ake Centenary Hall within the Abeokuta metropolis, the facilitator, Honourable Segun Williams, was reportedly booed by the participants who felt cheated by the provisions in the questionnaires. The situation was the same with Honourable Olumide Osoba who also did not provide the voters with the template of the voting. But at the session for Remo Federal constituency, the member representing

the input of the grassroots. Though the 1999 Constitution has contributed in one way or the other to the development of the country, but there are many loopholes in the constitution.” “ That is why everyone is being encouraged to contribute to it by expressing their views on the way forward, on amending the constitution to ensure that it impacts positively on the people and ensure good governance across the country.”

the ambiguities in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution should be removed to allow for more creation of states, adding however that before more states would be created, there should be equal number of states in each of the six geo-political zones. They also agreed that the six geo-political zones should be recognised in the constitution but not as tiers of government as that would create more problems than it intends to resolve, Presenting his position paper, the ComptrollerGeneral of Prisons, Imo State, Gregory Adinfono, advised the House to allow the running of prisons to be under the federal control as the timing is wrong to permit the states to build prisons. “Nigerians are no due right for what

they are asking for; some states are not yet viable and the timing is not right, otherwise what they are asking for will boomerang. For instance, there are certain places you cannot put members of the Boko Haram , they will move them to another.” Speaking, the member representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, expressed happiness at the turnout of the people at the session adding that the people, had indeed expressed themselves. “Like I said before the 1960 Constitution was foisted on the people by the colonists, and after that, the military had been playing hide and seek with the politicians , the other attend was the amendment in 2011. This is truly constitution amendment.”

‘People’s view’ll be delivered to NASS’

n Bauchi, Alhaji Tukur Adamu representing Alkaleri/Kirfi Federal Constituencies, has assured his constituents that the deliberations of the people’s public session on the review of the 1999 constitution would be delivered intact to the National Assembly. Adamu gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Alkaleri, venue of the sitting. He said that the exercise was designed to bring the people closer to governance through popular participation in decision making.

‘’The House of Assembly wants to see that the people at the grassroots participate in the review of the 1999 constitution which had received a lot of criticism because it was an outcome of the military.” The people also voted against the establishment of State Police and the idea of state governors having control over police commissioners in their respective states. The constituents, who consented to 28 out of the 43 items in the template, said that gender issues, including reserving certain percentage of elective offices for women should be en-

shrined in the constitution. The member representing the constituency, Mrs Blessing Nsiegbe, explained that the exercise was designed by the House of the Representatives to get the people involved in the constitution review process. According to her, the National Assembly wants a constitution that will be the people’s constitution. Nsiegbe said that the importance of the exercise could not be over-emphasised since the constitution, when amended, would be for the progress of the democracy and the economy.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU NOVEMBER 11, 2012

21 years in limbo

The story of Federal Secretariat building OFOELUE ONUKWUBE

he first thing that struck about the Federal Secretariat Ikoyi, Lagos was its abandoned state, giving it the image of an old colonial buildings. For such a majestic edifice in the heart of a city like Lagos, it was a waste that should not be allowed to continue. The two buildings, consisting of twin towers each, lay bare, like a house abandoned in a hurry at a time of war. A peep into the compound revealed two mobile policemen on a bench at the gate, looking bored. While one lay down, the other sat, staring at the forest that had overgrown some portions of the unoccupied buildings. One of the mechanics who operated by the gates, which is now a mini-mechanic village, told Sunday Mirror that he had owned his make-shift mechanic workshop for about four years now, but that nobody had ever occupied the building. The Federal Secretariat was originally designed to cater for the administrative needs of the nation, when Lagos was still the Federal Capital Territory. However, the building was abandoned when the federal capital was moved to Abuja. Curiously, the Lagos Federal Secretariat building was never completed, even though over N7.2 billion had reportedly been sunk into it. It was one of the federal projects of General Yakubu Gowon, which was started in 1975. But today, the massive complex which once served as the power house of the Federal Civil Service is desolate. The controversies that forced it into this state started in 2006, when then Minister of Works and Housing under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, con-

cessioned the place, among others to a private a company, Resort International Limited (RIL). A close look at the building showed that it may have undergone serious wear and tear owing to its abandonment. Apart from National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which occupied one of its wings temporarily, no company had used it since 1991 when Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida moved the Federal Capital to Abuja. NAFDAC too left afterwards, when an inferno engulfed their office. Going by the calculations of the FG, the premises, upon restructuring, should consist of four, three and two bedroom flats, among others. The Dr. Wale Babalakin-led RIL, which reportedly won the bid for the secretariat with an investment of N7.2 billion had, however, planned its conversion into housing units. But the plan, which would have accommodated 480 families, did not jell with the Lagos State Government, which opposed the idea of converting an office complex into a residential area. They had obtained a court injunction barring anyone from doing anything with the complex, and up till today, nothing has been done there. Since RIL could not undertake the project, its staff members, Sunday Mirror investigations revealed, were redeployed. Sunday Mirror also learnt that the only thing needed to operate and bring the secretariat to use is an approval by the state government. A source who pleaded anonymity said, “We are denied access to the premises till date because of the inability of the company to secure certain approval from the state government. “While we await the state government’s approval, prudence in human resources management demands that the

Federal Secretariat Complex in Lagos

staff of RIL be redeployed to other business units,” the source said. Work by the RIL team was stalled after the tenure of former President Obasanjo. The arrangement, carried out during the period, later drew the ire of prominent Lagos indigenes, chief among who was His Royal Highness, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu. When Oba Akiolu was contacted on the telephone on the issue, he said, “The case is in court already between the Federal and Lagos State governments. By my training as a lawyer, I know that the ethics of the practice do not allow me to comment on a case before a court.” The state faulted the sale on the premise that the complex was too large to be used for residential purposes, especially because that was not the original plan when it was built in 1975. Babalakin was once quoted as describing the situation as giving serious concern to all stakeholders, the concessionaire and banks, which have all invested heavily in the edifice. He explained that the project was conceived to convert idle Federal Government assets to viable structures. A source at the Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State said the structure had to be reverted to its original use as encapsulated in the law.

Govt officials are selling our land, family alleges

Oritsejafor joins league of jet owners •Celebrates 40 years in the ministry OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

t was a joyous moment at the World of Life Bible Church yesterday as the Founder and President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor, Ayodele Oritsejafor was presented with a private jet. The gift was presented to him at the church headquarters in Warri on the occasion of his 40th years of ministration. The 10-seater Bombadier/Challenger jet, marked N431CB, is an updated version of the 1994 series. At today’s price, a bombadier aircraft costs about $45.5 million. The aircraft which has a range of 3,900 nautical miles, is also said to have a full enclosed lavatory with the forward cabin gallery featuring a warming oven, microwave oven and large wine rack. Its entertainment amenities include a VCR, AM/ FM stereo and CD player for additional

Oritsejafor

comfort. The luxurious and spacious cabin of the Challenger 601 is perfect to conduct meetings or simply relax. With this gift, the charismatic pastor has joined the league of men of God who have acquired a private yet. Before him, Pastors David Oyedepo of Winners chapel, Enoch Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre, were proud owners of private jets. When the aircraft was projected on the slide, the ecstatic congregation burst into a frenzy, congratulating one another. The charismatic pastor who was beaming with smiles as the jet was being projected on the slide, expressed appreciation to the congregation even as he said the gift would further spur him to do more. However, It is yet to be seen whether the acquisition of the jet by the man of God would generate criticisms like those before him. For instance, the criticisms that greeted the purchase of a private Jet put at 30million dollars by David Oyedepo in March, 2011, are yet to completely die down. Oyedepo, who presides over the Winners Chapel, one of Africa’s largest churches, is believed to own a private collection of four aircraft. He was said to have previously owned two Gulfstream planes and a Bombardier Challenger Aircraft. Also, the private aircraft of the revered overseer of Nigeria’s largest congregation, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, is said to cost $30 million.

Alhaji Olarinde

K AYODE FASUA

he Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, has been petitioned over an alleged encroachment on lands at new Oguntedo Village, Satellite Town, along Badagry Road in Lagos, by officials of her ministry. In the petition by Olarinde Ajao Oluekun family, through its solicitors, Jide Lawal Chambers, some officials of the ministry at the Satellite Town administrative office in Lagos are being accused of trespassing on the family lands and selling them to strangers. Explaining how the family secured the lands, the petitioners said, “Around August 1978, the then Federal Military Government headed by General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) allocated the land at Satellite to the family as a replacement to the acquisition of their land in Lagos, now used as Naval Base, Apapa.

According to the solicitors, “since they (Oluekun family members) had been in possession of the land, there were private court cases among the family members and some of these cases are still pending in court. “Recently, the court appointed the official receiver to manage and administer the land. During the prolonged court proceedings, the family had obtained warrant for possession against some illegal persons on the land in July 1989.” The family added that since 1978, it had been exercising rights of ownership over the land, adding that the land allotted to it by the Obasanjo military administration is covered by survey plans, numbered AAW/L/85A and 85B, given to the family vide letter of the ministry with reference number 1752/SI/Vol. 1/84 OF August 1986. The family expressed concern, alleging that some officials of the ministry, in their private capacities, had encroached on the land, from old Ojo Road to Badagry Expressway. “On enquiry by a member of the family namely Alhaji Tunde Olarinde from other unauthorised persons on the family land, these people claimed that they bought the lands from Ministry of Housing officials but they were afraid to point out these officials to him,” the solicitors alleged. The family, as such, urged the minister to wade into the matter.

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Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER NOVEMBER 11, 2012

2015 presidency? God’ll determine what would happen –Sule Lamido Since the past two days, you have played host to President Goodluck Jonathan who had come to commission some projects in the state. The president praised you for doing so much with the little resources at your disposal; would you want to tell us what the motivations have been for you? This is a typical Nigerian question. A governor goes for campaign asking for votes, joins a political party. Why are we asking for motivation? I have been leading in the last thirty years. You get to a stage where you realize that there are a number of things in your country which you do not like and you now sit back and say what can you do to change the situation, what can you do to assist, what can you do to improve upon what you (journalists) write rather than complain, rather than just criticizing. You want to see what you can do to make the Nigerian dream a reality. This is especially important because we knew what those who came before us stood for in their time, we knew their sacrifices. The Tafawa Balewas, the Ahmadu Bellos, the Awolowos, the Azikiwes, the Tarfas, the Aminu Kanos. It’s all about their country and not their individual selves, the passion with which they worked for their country. After getting us our independence, we needed to build on what they had achieved. We have been given a clearly defined roadmap by our founding fathers for the overall wellbeing of the Nigerian person, his dignity, his security, to make him the best human being on the face of the earth. This was their dream. So, what are you and I doing to realise the dreams? We can take that then as the motivation, what then can we say have been the obstacles in the process of actualising this dream. Tell me, is there any engagement in life that does not have an obstacle. If you are getting married, before getting married you come across obstacles. Do you stop because of such? Even after marriage, there are problems. So, problems are part of human nature and you must have the capacity to overcome or deal with them. But have there been any that could be said to have been insurmountable? You are talking of human problems, if they are human problems, they should be overcome. If they are God’s, like flood, I can’t overcome this because this outside of me. But so long as they are human obstacles and I am a human being, I should be able to overcome them. That’s why I am governor, that’s why I was elected, they have that trust in me, and we believe in you, you can do it. For me to now say, sorry there are obstacles I cannot perform, is certainly not part of the bargain. Say to the electorate that you can only function

For two days during the week, Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, CON played host to President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR. During the period, the President commissioned many projects embarked upon by the administration, among which are the ultra-modern National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp and the new state secretariat. He equally laid the foundation for the airport being constructed by the state, among others. The governor, after the visit, spoke with a few media executives including the Sunday Mirror’s. Below is the excerpt from the interview

Lamido

if there are no obstacles and see whether they will elect you. How have you been able to overcome the issue of funding for the projects, has it not been an issue? I know my income. As a journalist, you run your own home with your own income. May be you earn more than the guy in Mirror, what does he do? To start screaming? Certainly not, rather he manages his own wife and his family with what he has. So, the issue of quantum of money is out of

it because in life, the more you have, the more you need to help. And people will keep asking for more and more. As much as possible, manage what you have and you won’t run into any problem. Where did the concept of Jigawa state as an emerging new world come from? This is not my own creation. It’s just the way Lagos is called, Centre of Excellence, Niger “The Power State”. These are things I met on ground. But to me, I came at a time the state was being perceived to

be below sea level and it was failing in all aspects of human indices such as health, education, and infrastructure and even in our mindset. Having being elected, I was able to identify the problems and confronting them would not pose to me any major problem. The essence of my position is to simply confront and deal with the problems and get them demolished. This is the essence of each office. The office has a function, it is a responsibility, it is a duty CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Interview

Sunday, November 11, 2012

‘Jigawa is a state in a hurry’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 and confronting these problems could be very huge and could be horrendous. Definitely there would be problems and as they emerge, you stay there and face them. You will have no excuse not to confront these problems because when you were asking for the mandate, there was no condition given. You did not say, ‘elect me and we will function under this condition or circumstances’. You say elect me and I will function under whatever condition I find myself, no matter the enormity of the problems, no matter the paucity of fund. Give me the trust. That’s what you said. So, by the time you are there, you cannot begin to find excuses for your inability to confront some challenges. What are you there for then? Nigeria is beset by many problems, what is your take on some of these problems, your concept and reality of Nigeria? The Nigerian environment is your own reflection. You are a Nigerian essentially. Being a governor, president, member House of Assembly or National Assembly does not transform you to something unique and different from other Nigerians. Stop ascribing this power to deal with these problems to the leaders alone. You are part of the problem first and foremost. Because, one you want to see your governor and the first day in office you want him to solve your own problems instantly. You want him to work under rules, law and order. We need to have discipline first to work for the system and commitment to make sacrifices for the society and even the patience to allow things take shape. You are not disciplined, you are impatient and not patriotic and yet you want the best. Who will do it for you? Nobody. But it has to flow from the leadership. But the leadership is also produced by the society. When you were going to school, you were being prepared to grow and assume responsibilities. But at a point in time, you abandoned that particular formation. The governor or any other elected public official are just like you. They are your school mates. Why must you look up to them to provide the right leadership? They are your own reflection. What I am saying is that we must have faith in ourselves, we must believe in our capacity. We must come together to address our common problem and make sacrifices, work hard and nurture to develop. So if you are a governor that does not absolve you from support from other people. In a country where people want effective power supply, yet they don’t pay their electricity bill. People want good road they don’t pay taxes, they don’t pay tenement rates. A number of citizen’s responsibilities have been abandoned. So where do we get the money? That’s why there is over reliance on oil. God gives you the talent and the intellect to be able to conquer your own environment. So, if you are asking about government and performance, what is being done to make sure the governors function? In Europe that we have been talking about, I have been saying this, they work very hard, they are law abiding and operate within the rules and regulations. In Nigeria, to obey simple traffic law is a problem. The Japanese or German who made the bus ensures that a red light blinks when the boot does

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there is linkage, it restores connectivity, it inspires and motivates and you can also demand for sacrifice on their part. So, that is how it should be. I am not doing anything unique from any other person in Jigawa state. I am only doing my job as a governor and I will leave this place in the next three years. Your name has been linked with the 2015 presidential race and with what you are doing, can we assume you are preparing for the 2015 presidential bid? Again, if your question is genuine and sincere devoid of any mischievous insinuations as to further distort and create an endemic problem, why do you ask? When Obasanjo (former President) became the president, did you ask him? Every human being would be what God says he would be. You cannot be what God says you won’t be. So let us believe in faith so that we begin to remove these areas of friction of misunderstanding, of criticism. Let us distance ourselves from insinuation because you may be unavailable and somebody reading my answer to the question may misinterpret it.

Lamido

WHETHER YOU VOTED FOR ME OR NOT, I HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO YOU AND ALSO HAVE

SOME EXPECTATIONS FROM YOU. WHERE WE DIFFER IS WHEN I MAKE THE GOVERNMENT PERSONAL AND THEN THERE IS ALIENATION AND A GREAT DISCONNECT not close, but Nigerians would overload the bus and use rope in tying it even when they see the light blinking. There is impunity all over, yet you want governors, president, senators to cure you of these ills. What are you doing to help us, help the country? You seems, sir to be talking about the ideal situation, different from the reality What is ideal? Are you ideal? Simply, you cannot demand what you don’t give. You can’t ask from others what you cannot give them. What I am saying is that if Nigerians would be able to pay tenement rates for all their buildings and make proper declaration in income tax, there will be so much money. But how many people in Abuja pay what is called tenement rate or property tax? How many of them? Nations are built on people’s sacrifices. If you want the best, you work for it. It is just like a tree, if you plant a tree, nurture it with water, it will bear fruits. You just don’t sit down somewhere and say I want these and you don’t make sacrifice. It doesn’t work. Our newly acquired system and values are today undermining national growth. Even when we speak politically about government or people in government, we don’t show restraint. There is no circumspect in what we say. You can say anything and when you say anything you destroy the sense of honour of those growing under you, because the way we abuse and criticise Nigeria, those coming under us will imbibe it. You seem to be quite comfortable with the opposition in the state… There is a difference between what you think you know about me and other people. My election as a governor does not and can-

not confer on me any particular talent or wisdom than that of others. I am just like any other person you can think of. There are others who are not governors but who by the special grace of Allah are far better than me. So, my role here is to say, I am here for the people. After election, the government is owned by the people, it is no longer a PDP affair but for Jigawa people. Political parties are avenues for acquiring power but by the time you get there, you should be guided by fairness and justice. Therefore, whether you voted for me or not, I have a responsibility to you and also have some expectations from you. Where we differ is when I make the government personal and then there is alienation and a great disconnect. But what we have done here in Jigawa is to tell the people to take the government as theirs. It is a collective, you have been made a partner and as a partner you know somebody in that government. You can oppose me when I am doing the wrong policy. You are free because it is your right, but it is not to destroy me. The office of the governor or president should not be demystified, it should not be eroded, and it must have some aura and myth around it. So because of our status as a failing and sinking state when I came in, I said the cream of Jigawa elites does not manifest those failures being ascribed to us. The Jigawa indigene has in him all the attributes, all the status of any group in Nigeria. Very good education and very, very prosperous. It was the people who gave us education through their efforts. We are their investment, we only seem to appropriate this opportunity to ourselves. So, we need to restore the linkage between the leadership and followership and when

How do you juggle the different projects you have embarked upon with the level of funding coming from the federal government every month? Jigawa is a state in a hurry. We are very much in a hurry. We are far behind in this race and we went to catch up, and we cannot catch up without embarking on these programme and projects. With regards to funding, we cut our coat according to our size. Whatever we do is within our own budgetary provision based on our specific income. We follow the budget to the letter. Whatever we say we will do, we will do it. And if the earnings accruing do not meet the expectation, people understand. That’s why we are able to attain 90 per cent implementation every year because if you embark on a programme and it somehow slows down, then we make sure we push it over the years. We are not indebted to anybody in terms of loan. What would you say are the secret fears you nurse? In my personal capacity, yes. I have wives and children. I love them very much and want their comfort and wellbeing, and so hoping I don’t fail as a father and as a husband because of their expectations from me. And where I fail to meet certain expectations expected of me, I get a bit worried. As a governor in this office I got elected and by the time I leave the office somebody else will come, it’s not a personal office, so I don’t have any fear for this office, it is not my problem. I am simply doing what I am supposed to do within the mandate given to me. By the time I leave here, the concern of the people is how to bring another person here. That is their worry and not mine. All said, where do you see the state in the next ten, fifteen years? Like a Nigerian from Jigawa state, like you coming from your own village, local government, state and the country, there are things you want for your local government, village to make it the best ever in the world. My wishes for Jigawa are that it should be the nation’s reference point in everything excellent in Nigeria. That is talking of the environment, the inspiration and all what have you. But wishes are not horses…

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Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES

Revisiting ACF’s road map for Northern Nigeria P. 40

Briefly

NOVEMBER 11, 2012

PDP reconciliation: Members who pose challenges won’t be readmitted –National Legal Adviser

P 16, 40

WE ARE ONLY PRETENDING IN NIGERIA TO RUN A FEDERAL SYSTEM. THE THREE TIERS OF GOVERNMENT IDEA IS ONLY IN OUR HEADS; IT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. THE FEDERAL ON THE ONE HAND IS A THREAT TO THE STATE; THE STATE ON THE OTHER HAND HAS CONSUMED THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT –ALHAJI SHETTIMA YERIMA

Rivers, Bayelsa’s oil war

Why they are fighting T

he dispute over boundary and ownership of oil wells has been quietly raging since 2002 when the National Boundaries Commission and the Surveyor General’s office released the 11th edition of the administrative map of Nigeria, which was produced two years earlier because Rivers State held the view then, which it still holds, that the federal authorities inserted material distortions in favour of Bayelsa State. However, the simmering dispute being vigorously fought in the courts exacerbated when Kalabari chiefs, elders and youths staged a demonstration in Abuja against what they described as attempts by some persons to forcefully annex communities and ancestral lands, as well as oil facilities and installations in Kalabari land in Rivers State, to Bayelsa State for the purpose of claiming derivation entitlements. Two days later, the same group staged another protest in Port Harcourt which took them to the Government House to lay down their complaints before proceeding to address a world press conference, in which they accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being directly involved in the machinations to deprive them of their rights. According to Barrister Ibim Dokubo, a legal practitioner, the controversial boundary adjustments first started when President Jonathan was the deputy governor of Bayelsa State. Then, he said, the Rivers State Government protested, resulting in an apology letter from the management of the National Boundary Commission (NBC). “When Jonathan became governor, the problem doubled; when he moved to Abuja as Vice-President, the problem tripled and when he emerged as President it quadrupled”, he narrated, pointing out that the fact that the President did not stop N17 billion of Rivers revenue accruing from the disputed areas to Bayelsa State last month, was another pointer to his involvement. Also, Chief Emmanuel Awoyesuku Jack, chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government Area Traditional Rulers’ Special Boundary Committee buttressed the Kalabari Kingdom’s position when he explained that deputy governors are usually in charge of states’ boundaries commission, and that this controversial boundary shifts and disputes started when he became deputy governor. “It is something that he (Jonathan) started, and it is apparent that he intends to continue. We are sure he is personally

Amaechi

Some Nigerians have commended the National Assembly for its initiatives to allow the people at the grassroots to participate in the constitution review. Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, said that the public hearings on constitution review ``is aimed at having a constitution that will stand the test of time’’. Tambuwal said this at Tambuwal/Kebbi Federal Constituency in Sokoto at the public hearing on the constitution review yesterday. “We want to have a constitution which is widely acceptable and a long lifespan. The public hearings are also aimed at widening the scope of consultations and inclusiveness,” he said. He appealed to Nigerians to actively participate in the review to ensure a lasting constitution. The Vice Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Shehu Riskuwa, advocated the use of the public hearings to decide national issues. Riskuwa said in Tambuwal, Sokoto, yesterday on the sideline that the public hearing was ‘a very good thing’. “This is the first time the members of the National Assembly are coming to listen to the views of their constituents. Riskuwa said the exercise provides for real participatory democracy, adding that it would positively impact on the nation’s democracy. He called on the legislators to create time to go to their various constituencies to collate the views of their constituents on national issues apart from the constitution review.

Dickson

The Niger Delta region and indeed Nigeria is yet to fully recover from the harrowing experiences that characterised the militancy era, which only abated recently when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua initiated the Amnesty Programme. Chinedum Emeana in Port Harcourt reports that the gains may be frittered away by the raging controversy over oil wells, between two Ijaw communities divided by a federally determined border. involved”, he said. The issues, according to the Kalabari National Forum, in a letter sent to the chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), entitled, “Protest against malicious and unconstitutional intent to balkanize and excise oil producing communities in Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State and annexing same to be part of Bayelsa State”, is a plan to shift the natural border between both states to the territorial and financial benefits of Bayelsa State, to the detriment of Rivers State. “It is pertinent to mention that the cardinal aim of the design or intent is to excise and seize in perpetuity, these Kalabari

Constitution review’ll shape Nigeria’s destiny, say Tambuwal, Gaidam, others

communities and making them part of Bayelsa in order to benefit by design and commission, the accruals from the oil and gas revenue emanating from these communities and especially, those in Soku, Robert Kiri, Ekulama and Santa Barbara oil fields, which by constitution and history, are domiciled in Kalabari territory in Rivers State of Nigeria”. They warned that “this calculated intention has very serious psychological and security implications”. The Abuja protest, which was staged there apparently to attract the attention of the Presidency, succeeded. And so the Presidency joined the fray CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Tambuwal

Ihedioha pledges to attract federal presence in Imo Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday pledged to use his good office to attract more federal presence to Imo, especially in road construction. Ihedioha made the pledge at Ihitte-Uboma at the inauguration of the Isinweke/Onicha Uboma road construction by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He said he took up the issue of that particular road with the NDDC “following the perpetual suffering which the road users were subjected to in the past’’. Ihedioha said it was difficult for farmers in Onicha/Uboma to transport their farm produce to major markets owing to the bad nature of the road. He added that the road, when completed, would help in the circulation of agricultural products and assist in reducing the cost of transportation in the area. “My aim is to use my good office to attract dividends of democracy to the entire state,’’ he said. The lawmaker noted that the project would also help to reduce unemployment among youths of the host communities and urged the communities to cooperate with the contractors for speedy execution.

Politics

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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PDP reconciliation: Members who pose won’t be readmitted –National Legal Adv National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Victor Kwon, in this major interview since assumption of office, tells Assistant Editor, Obiora Ifoh, that the party inherited huge and pending cases in courts but has now fashioned out other means to check spiralling litigations of which one is to ensure that trouble makers are not admitted into its fold. Excerpts. Since your assumption of office in March, how has it been being in charge of the legal department of the biggest political party in Nigeria? Of course, we have some challenges as expected, because many of these competitive ventures between members of the party and those of other parties generally will lead in conflicts and disputes. It is part of our responsibility to see that these disputes are addressed within the party and where they unfortunately go outside of the party, we see how we could have them redressed. We had these challenges but we thank God that we are copping. How many cases did you inherit from the last administration and what is the budget you intend to spend within the period you will be staying as the legal adviser? I inherited a large number of cases from the last leadership but, regrettably, I do not have the figures off the cuff. The cases that are pending which involve the party are in hundreds which we inherited from the last working committee and dozens have been filed since we came into office. On my budget, it is difficult for you to predict what you are going to spend by way of legal fee on court cases; it is also difficult for you to know who is going to sue you, for what, when; so it is a real difficult question. But I must say that it is regrettably in the stage we are in our political development, many of these disputes are not resolved in-house and they end up in court and so legal fees keep on piling. What we intend to do is to try and cut down on the money we spend on litigation and to have some of these problems addressed in-house. I am sure you are well aware of the reconciliatory posture of the working committee that had been endorsed by the executive committee; and so the reconciliatory committee had been set up in the six geo-political zones. The whole idea is to be able to reconcile members of the party so that we do not experience the kind of intra-party disputes that tend to divide the party and also that will enable us cut down the legal expense at least as far as intra-party disputes are concerned. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 through a statement by Mr. Reuben Abati, its spokesman. In that statement, the Presidency accused the Kalabari protesters of dancing to the tunes of their “hidden sponsors. “Our attention has been drawn to a publication in some newspapers today about a protest staged by the Kalabari National Forum and some monarchs in Abuja, in which the so-called protesters accused President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of interfering in a boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states. “The protesters alleged directly and through innuendoes, that there are plans to cede five Rivers State oil communities to Bayelsa with the connivance of various federal government agencies under the watchful eyes and supervision of his Excellency, Mr. President whose home state, most ingloriously, is the direct beneficiary. “We consider these allegations irresponsible and most unfortunate, considering the status of the persons who reportedly championed the protest. The statutory agencies being referred to by the protesters do not take orders from the President; they are independent bodies. “We advise the Kalabari National Forum, its members and hidden sponsors, to avoid the temptation to instigate conflict between the Nembe and Kalabari people of Rivers and Bayelsa states, who are both of the same Ijaw stock. The statutory

Adamawa crisis has taken too long to douse and the party seems not to have a solution to the crisis; what is the next step? You know like everybody does that when a committee has taken a decision on the basis of certain infractions of the constitution by the Adamawa State executive of the party, like a family, discussions have been ongoing. This is with a view to seeing how we could address this problem in-house. It is not about personality or anything; it is about the family trying to ensure that things are done right as far as the constitution of the party is concerned. I do hope that in not too distant future, if the state executive of the party is able to satisfy us on the infractions, then these are issues that can always be sorted out. The party is a big family; we really do not wish that we should be able to address our problems whether in the public domain or in court but sometimes, these things are needful. It is not really a matter that is beyond us. The national body congratulated Governor Mimiko shortly after the election, but the state chapter thinks that the victory was not free and fair and has indicated interest in challenging the election results; what are the synergy between your office and that of the state? I do know that as we speak, the party in Ondo is gathering data and evidence from those who were in the field. They have not yet come to us with the evidence but we do know that it is being gathered to see whether or not there would be grounds to a petition challenging the election. We will take a position after we have seen the evidence gathered and presented. You came in when the constitution of the party was just amended; are you satisfied with what you met and can you throw more light on the aspect of the constitution which borders on qualification for certain positions in the party and the observation that some of the NWC members such

Kwon

as the national auditor did not meet the requirement? I do know that on March 24, 2012 national convention, 2012 amended constitution came into operation because it was adopted at the convention ground. Constitution is a document that guides the party in its relationship, not just within its members but also with members and the outside world. It is also a working document. Of course, we are all human beings and no human institution, human document or human statute is perfect. We put it to work and if there are problems, we now note those problems with a view to addressing them. My general impression of the constitution is that, for now, it is workable. We are putting it to work and if problems were to emerge later, those problems would be noted and ad-

Rivers, Bayelsa’s oil war: Why th

agencies assigned the responsibility of resolving boundary disputes should be allowed to do their work.” In its reaction to the issues highlighted by the Kalabari protests, the Bayelsa State Government, presiding over a predominantly Ijaw populated state, assured its Ijaw brothers in the Kalabari clan of Rivers State, that there is no such move to forcefully annex any territory or people into Bayelsa State. The Bayelsa government also dismissed the protests as an attempt by detractors of the Ijaw nation to create unnecessary strife and hostility within the Ijaw ethnic family, to the latter’s collective disadvantage. However, the “true state of affairs”, according to the Bayelsa State Government, is, “That by the 11th edition of the administrative map of Nigeria published in 2000 Bayelsa is entitled to derivation and other claims from crude oil production in respect of oil exploration carried out within its territory as stated in the said map. But Rivers State Government is at odds with the 11th edition of the map for which it went to court. However, Bayelsa government pointed out, “It is important to note that the claim of a state to derivation on account of oil production within its territory is different from ownership of

land by families, communities and even clans. Whereas the claim of a state is based on territorial boundaries contained in the administrative map, that of a clan, family and community is based on traditional history, possession and other forms of ownership. Therefore, it is very common in the Niger Delta, owing to the way and manner states were created, for communities or clans to be in one state while part of the ancestral land is in another. The family, clan or community does not cease to be traditional owners of such lands, while the state in which the land forms a part exercises administrative control over such land and therefore, entitled to derivation. “We acknowledge the long-standing dispute between the Ijaw in Nembe clan in Bayelsa and the Ijaw in Kalabari clan in Rivers State over traditional land boundaries. The claims predate the creation of Bayelsa State. However, the present issue is not about Nembe people laying claim to Kalabari land or of people trying to annex Kalabari land and communities as part of Bayelsa State.” The Bayelsa government added that no amount of blackmail or propaganda would prevent it from pursuing its legitimate rights and entitlements under the law.

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Sunday, November 11, 2012

A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM OFR PUBLISHER All the Facts, All the Sides STEVE AYORINDE

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Ribadu Committee’s report on oil revenue theft

major challenge before President Goodluck Jonathan presently seems to be how best to resist desperate attempts by oil revenue and fuel subsidy fund saboteurs to neutralise the Nuhu Ribadu report on monumental oil revenue theft (roughly N16 trillion in the last decade); in a country where large scale pilfering of petro-dollars by heartless public officials and their private sector-collaborators has turned the natural, providential blessing (of oil endowment) to a huge curse that nurtures povertystricken and miserable people in the midst of plenty. The brazen and disgraceful attempt by some members of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force set up by the Federal Government early in the year and headed by former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Nuhu Ribadu, as chairman; to rubbish the report of the committee they were part of, appears to be in line with similar intense pressures on the Federal Government, FG, to undermine the House of Representatives’ recent shock find that at least N1 trillion in fuel subsidy funds were stolen every year by a cabal consciously constituted by smart crooks in the private sector; and actively backed by petroleum industry regulatory agencies, including officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), their colleagues in the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and other government departments. It is also obvious that the Rep Farouk Lawan-Femi Otedola $3 million bribery brouhaha, out of which $620,000 allegedly changed hands, is being used as a smokescreen to overlook the gravity of the heinous

subsidy theft. Shortly after Ribadu submitted the said report, the deputy chairman of the committee, Steve Oransaye, and another member, Benard Otti, stirred dust by faulting the process the final report was arrived at. Elderly Steve Oransaye, a former Head of Service of the Federation and board member of both the NNPC and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), literally danced naked in the market place when he confessed not attending the meetings of the committee he was condemning its final report. Oransaye stated: “I did not join the committee until much later because I was busy with some assignments.” But he went ahead to question Ribadu for what he described as “knee-jerk reaction to Mr. President ‘s directive that the (overdue) report be submitted” last Friday after a leak in foreign media had fuelled fears of possible doctoring of the report to cover up the atrocities perpetrated by the oil cabal. The development had raised public doubt on the FG’s sincerity with the outcome of the work of the Ribadu Committee. Even when his attention was drawn to the presidential directive that the committee should submit its final report penultimate Friday, Oransaye told President Jonathan: “With all due respect, I refused to open my mail”. Why? His reasoning was that the Ribadu Committee should have disobeyed the President’s directive and “be man enough to say it is not feasible because of a process reason”. In response, however, Ribadu told Jonathan that Oransaye never attended meetings but flew into the country from abroad the morning the report was being presented. “Steve became a board member of (the) NNPC while Otti became

an executive director (of the same establishment), so the report was not what they actually expected”, Ribadu bluntly stated, further reinforcing the public suspicion of deft moves to doctor the report and cover up odious revelations that might confirm the NNPC as an incorrigible cesspit of corruption and a conduit pipe for extensive national revenue losses. In his subtle response to the national embarrassment, the President remarked that Oransaye or any other member of the committee not in agreement with the content of the final report could send him a “minority report”. Consequently, Nigerians and the international community look forward to the nature of minority report that would emanate from the deputy committee chairman that scarcely attended the committee’s meetings, but jumped at contradicting the final outcome of the committee’s work before the holder of the highest office in the land. We consider the show of shame a gross abuse of official privilege and familiarity with the Presidency. It is instructive that President Jonathan allowed Ribadu, a political rival who contested the last presidential election with him to head the investigation. It was, however, naive for the same President to feign ignorance of conflict of interest with Oransaye and Otti’s presence in the committee. But notwithstanding the shameful outing, the FG must not allow vested and unpatriotic interests to abort its resolve to save the nation’s oil industry from further pillage. The NNPC, reputed as a behemoth of corruption, should be sanitised by every means in the interest of the present generation and generations yet unborn.

Reminiscences NOVEMBER 11 IN HISTORY 1918: Germany signs armistice with allies Germany faced invasion from the allies and with poor supplies of food and weapons signed armistice agreement with the allies bringing to an end World War I. 1954: Pensioners revolt in Britain Thousands of pensioners took part in a rally in London which called for an increase in their pensions of 17s 6d (87p) taking a single persons pension to £2 10s per week. 1965: Rhodesian PM declares independence Rhodesian Prime Minister, PM, Ian Smith, issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence. 1975: Angola gains independence from Portugal The southern African state of Angola gained independence from former colonial power Portugal. 1985: Plane crashes in New York, kills 5 Two private planes collided into New York suburb homes. Five residential buildings went on fire and at least five people were killed. 1992: Church of England ordains women priests Church of England voted to allow the ordination of women priests. 2000: Austria - 156 die in cable car fire A cable car taking skiers up to a glacier in Austria caught fire as it passed through a mountain tunnel and 156 people died. The fire was caused by an illegal space heater in the cable car. 2004: Yasser Arafat dies in France Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, died in hospital in Paris, France. 2011: Ireland inaugurates new president Michael D. Higgins was inaugurated as the ninth president of Ireland. Higgins will serve a seven-year term in Ireland’s highest office and was sworn in at Dublin Castle in front of hundreds of public figures.

Opinion

Sunday November 11, 2012

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

n taking stock of the last presidential elections in the United States (US), whoever says the race factor did not remove the traditional ‘mask of civility’ or that it did not unmask the deep-seated divisions in the American society would only be scratching the surface. Race was the principal thing. Consider me for instance. Neither Obama nor Romney was my candidate this time round. The reasons included Obama’s pro-gay and pro-choice (pro-abortion) policies, which every good Christian would naturally abhor. Yet deep down in my heart, I did not want him to lose, for no other reason than the fact that he is black as me. Same was the case for hundreds of millions of Africans in the continent and in the Diaspora. They just wanted Obama to remain the President of the United States more because he is like them. His policies matter little when the race factor is there. Blood, they say, is thicker than water, let alone some government policies. Obama won the elections largely because of the unanimity of three principal minority races in the US: African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, three groups united by common experiences. The AfricanAmericans because Obama is one of them; the Latinos because Obama’s immigration policy is favourable compared to the mass deportation that the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney planned to do; and the Asians because Obama has in the last four years been liberal towards the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China, and because

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That Black Kenyan boy in the White House the planned immigration policy of Romney would jeopardize their interest and continued stay in ‘God’s own country’. The understanding here is that Mitt Romney is that conservative American who wants America for Americans alone. No wonder, the race card was implicit in one of the Republican’s campaign jingles: “we want our country back…we will not be conned again…nothing short of a full, free vote to take our country back will do”. Now, what does this song mean? Want ‘our’ country back from whom? An alien? An AfricanAmerican President? Or better still, that black man from Kenya? And then, who are ‘we’or ‘our’? The aborigines? The Republicans? Or the white Americans? And, who conned who? The black people conned the white people? Or that the white community did not pay attention enough four years ago to realize that they were making a mistake electing a black person as their president, and now that they have realized it, they would not want to repeat the mistake? In one of the many songs voluntarily released on YouTube by supporters of both candidates (Obama and Romney), there was this one that has a white man painting his face very black, interfacing a very whitefaced lady chorusing a song about getting America back to life. Yet there was another with Obama wearing a ‘nigger-like’ punky hairstyle sitting in the midst of some folks playing a card game. What do these two motion pictures depict? This is what I think: enough of black rule in the US, and most certainly too, enough of cons, games and frivolities; this is America! What I can understand from all of this is that just like my people here in Africa and blacks in the US supported Obama to win just because he is black; so did the white people wanted Romney to win just because he is white. For instance, if one critically looks at the broad spectrum of Obama’s policies, one can give him thumbs up for the

health policy, which is for the greater good of the American people. However, because most of the beneficiaries are the poor black, Hispanic and Asian peoples, the Obamacare has become unpopular among the predominantly rich white people who run the healthcare system, because they run the risk of losing some of their huge profits from the expensive American healthcare system. The tax policy introduced by Obama will have the rich paying more so that government can use such money to cater for the poor. But again because ‘big business’ in the US are largely owned by whites and there are more rich white people in a society where those three other races mentioned have more poor people; the tax policy is rather viewed as redistributing the wealth of hardworking people among the poor laid-back groups. In view of this, Romney vowed to initiate tax cuts for rich people and proprietors of big business who are in actual fact providers of jobs and lifelines because of their companies and businesses. Although these appear like mere policy contrasts on the surface, the race factor is much embedded. Obama wanted to secure the poor people who are predominantly blacks and Hispanics; Romney and his Republican folks considered this an attempt to secure the poor races with the hard-work and sweat of the white people. There was visible anger and ideological, racial sentiments demonstrated on conservative Fox News and even on CNN by some ‘analysts’. They were so vociferous and expressed optimism about Obama losing that election. All the black commentators on the analysis shows were so frontal in defending Obama and expressed their hope that he would win. When the results started coming in and Obama was gaining mileage ahead of Romney, Fox News went over-the-top deriding Obama and projecting Romney as the winner. While ABC and CNN had already projected Obama as having more electoral votes in over 20 states, making him have

about 274 electoral votes, Fox News still held on to projecting Ohio (which Obama eventually won), as a Romney state. The ‘analysts’ even stated that there were more white voters in Ohio and hopefully they would do Romney the favour. At Obama’s victory speech in Chicago, there were more black and coloured people visible than whites. At Romney’s concession speech in Boston, the background was white. But Romney gave an excellent address that ended the election process on a note of civility and maturity. This showed political maturity and interracial tolerance for which America was extolled four years ago. And Obama’s speech, as great as it was, was laced with the admittance that a lot of embers of racism were fanned by the electoral process, but which he would refuse to allow to underline his next four years. The US elections have come and gone. They have proved that man is after all universal. There will always be ethnic or racial sentiments. There will always be gender sentiments as well, as demonstrated by the American women most of who voted for Obama. Nigeria and Africa have to learn something: despite the height of racial passion, despite the political and ideological divisions, and in spite of electoral victory or loss; the process ended well. Votes were counted, results were released immediately, and a winner was declared without fraud or rancour at any point. The vanquished admitted defeat and congratulated the winner, and even praying for him and asking all his supporters to support him. There and then, all the ethnic and racial sentiments came to an end. The ideological division might remain; however, everyone accepts the verdict of the majority and life continues… •Dr. Folarin teaches Politics and Inernational Relations at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Does Nigeria need a revenue crisis? LEONARD K ARSHIMA SHILGBA

am thinking about a situation when crude oil prices do not exceed 40 US dollars a barrel and the demand for Nigeria’s oil drops, partly because the US (a country that imports about 40 percent of Nigeria’s crude oil) cuts down significantly on imports of the product from Nigeria as from other exporters of crude oil to that country. I am thinking about the time when the game that our rulers engage in so blatantly with impunity, which is called Oil Bunkering, turns out to become more deadly than we are made to believe. I look forward to that situation when the revenue of Nigeria cannot support the constitutional allowances and remunerations that Nigeria’s rulers award themselves. Would it not be interesting to see scavengers of Abuja scamper away because the honey pot is wiped clean? Board members of many redundant and unprofitable government corporations shall find nothing to satisfy their lusts with. State governors shall be hard pressed for their lack of ingenuity and creativity as they cannot cope with riots in their states caused by a genuine inability to pay the salaries of generally unproductive government workers. Abuja cannot help then. The centre will not hold, and the attraction of this union shall rapidly wither away. Since I was a young boy I have heard the

idle affirmation of Nigerian rulers about “the need to diversify the economy.” But where is the will or the motivation? The will is not there in our rulers because there is no necessity; and there is no necessity while the black gold flows continually and customers are not lacking, who are willing to provide the soliloquizing pill to deaden any sensitivity towards the danger the country faces should it continue to rely heavily on one product as a major revenue source. I should think that Nigerians who know about the real and potent trials of the present lack of patriotic governance ought to ponder ways to bring about the right deeds of governance or force them. The 2013 federal budget proposal that has already been presented to the national legislature by President Jonathan reveals three present problems with Nigeria: First, the amount of revenue Nigeria should legitimately expect next year is not fully covered in the proposal. Two, the federal government is still acting as though there is no urgency for increased capital votes for expenditure on infrastructural development, education for the future challenges of new technology, welfare programs such as public housing in partnership with local governments (See the fourth schedule of the 1999 constitution which makes building and maintenance of houses for the poor and infirm mandatory for local councils), and on strategic partnership with state governments on projects and programs that will reduce unemployment. Three, there is no evidence that the federal government is eager to cut down on big government by implement-

ing the recommendations of the Orosanya’s committee it had set up, which include either complete scrapping of redundant departments and agencies or merging some of them that perform duplicate functions. The budget proposal is silent on shrinking of the size of government in any form or shape. Let us take the average price for crude oil for 2012, which is about 100 US dollars per barrel. If we assume this average for 2013 also and the proposed crude oil production of about 2.5 million barrels a day in 2013, an income of 250 million US dollars a day for Nigeria and oil companies is expected. According to Dr. Ngozi Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, 57 percent of crude oil money goes to Nigeria while the oil companies take 43 percent. This translates to about 52 billion US dollars for Nigeria or 8.1 trillion naira. If the revenue collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) so far in 2012 is considered as a benchmark (FIRS announced tax revenues of 3.81 trillion naira by October 2012, with one more quarter to go) for 2013, we can safely conclude that the total estimated revenue available to Nigeria from crude oil sales and taxes collected by FIRS in 2013 is more than 12 trillion naira. But President Jonathan laid before Nigerians a budget proposal for 2013 with a declaration that estimated revenue accruable to Nigeria in 2013 was only 10 trillion naira, out of which the federal government’s share was about 3.9 trillion naira. I am concerned about the math here; it just does not add up! Secondly, the president was silent about revenue from Nigeria’s investment in gas (the NLNG project). Nigeria

controls 49 percent of the NLNG project and produces about 10 percent of world’s gas production. Why has the Jonathan government kept the revenue from gas sales from its employers, the Nigerian people? This lack of transparency is not acceptable, and our legislators must ask those relevant questions. They must unearth revenues that the federal government keeps away from both the state and local governments. An insidious conspiracy of fudging figures is going on while Nigerians who know don’t talk and those who don’t know don’t ask. Nigeria does not need and cannot afford a deficit of about 1 trillion naira while insufficient information is given about the true size of Nigeria’s expected revenue. Does Nigeria need a revenue crisis to reveal information about our genuine revenues that is kept from our prying eyes? We are told how 400,000 barrels of crude oil are stolen daily! Don’t we have government anymore, or are those figures spouted out just to hide what is stolen by the kleptomaniacs in public office under some innocuous headings? Most probably, it would not move relevant government officials to resign, and neither would they lose their jobs should that figure rise to even 1 million barrels a day in the near future. The secrecy about our nation’s revenues, which is continually being spun by the PDP government, has come to be accepted as a difficult mathematical open problem that no polymath is presently inclined to consider. •Shilgba is an Associate Professor of Mathematics with the American University of Nigeria.

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Applause LIFESTYLE, FASHION & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 11, 2012

My only regret is leaving mom at age 16 to pursue acting career –Halima Abubakar Halima Abub Abubakar is a Nollywood actress who has endured in the industry w which has a fascination for her. Sh She started acting at age of 16 16. She tells Adaeze Amos in this interview that growing up for her was turbule turbulent, among others. When did you start acting? I knew about Nollywood, at 16, in 2000. I was quite rebellious. I left home to purqu sue my acting career and I regretted leaving my mom to the mercy of gossip and tears. That is the reason I keep sayte ing th that my mom is strong and great. I went back to her in Kano after a year to ap apologise on bended knees. I asked for h her forgiveness and she forgave me. You said you were 16 years old when wh you started acting; but you were we supposed to be in secondary school at that age? sc I was 16, young and naïve. I was actually in secondary school, in SS ac One. I went back to my mother; I O decided to complete my secondary d school education and university. I s studied Sociology at Bayero Unis versity, Kano. When I started actv ing, I had to lie that I was more i than 16 years old, so that no one t would take me for granted. I wanted people to respect me and my ideas. What has acting taken from you? It has taken my privacy. I had said this at several times. I won’t complain anymore because that is the nature of our job. What advice do you have for young ladies who are aspiring to be like you? To those that want to join the acting world, they are welcome. Acting is interesting but, importantly, you should try to be transparent in dealing with your colleagues or those you meet in the cause of your work. Being trans-

‘‘FAKE FAKE AGENTS AGENTS W WANT ANT M MODELS ODELS TTO OP POSE OSE N NUDE’ U DE ’

parent can help you a lot in life. Also, try to have a good heart, as it would save you in difficult situations. What regrets do you have in life besides leaving your mom at the age of 16? I regret my past association with friends. I wouldn’t want to talk much on this. Some of them would comment or say some things just to make me feel bad but the good side of it is that at the tail end, the truth would prevail. I have forgiven those that ran me down in the past. I don’t have room in my heart to harbour grudges. For those who have been nice to me, I pray for them continually. What is your style? I don’t have a style, although fashion is exciting. I don’t take fashion so seriously because it is not a do-or-die. I don’t have a steady look. I can switch my looks with ease. To me, style means being you. ‘I no send’ with the way I look at times but at the end of it all, I love being good. I’m saying this because there are some things or trends I vowed never to be seen in but at last I violated my vow and went for them. I believe that when it comes to fashion, I won’t say no. What price did you pay to get to where you are now? I paid a price by being nice to people. I gave people chance to feature in my movie. I believe that when you are nice to people, it is also paving a way for you. How was growing up? Growing up wasn’t a smooth one. It was very turbulent. I had lots of tears, pains and regrets but, in all, I have remained responsible because I know my story. I knew that I would not reach my peak or height in life by being with different men. Are you serious about this? Yes, I am. I know a lot of people will disagree with me on this because of the kind of job I do. But I want to say that no fool would see fire and willingly stretch out her fingers into it to be burnt. I know where I’m coming from, I know my pains. How have you been able to manage fame? At a time, my name was bigger than my face in the past seven years. I cope well with fame. People have come to love me for different reasons. When you come close to me, you would know I’m fun to be with. I know that I leave great impression when you meet me and try to make you jettison what you heard because people must talk. But I’m happy that even while I talk, I still smile. What is your worst fear in life? Death is my worst fear. How would you describe yourself? I’m good, I’m strong and I’m a deep person. I’m proud to be a woman.

‘I LOVE TRENDY, SEXY OUTFITS’

Applause

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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‘Fake agents want models to pose nude’ She studied Pure and Applied Chemistry but has passion for entertainment. Dorcas Reuben, a model and a fashionista, is the Executive Marketer with the Galaxy Television. In this interview, she tells Adaeze Amos that fake model agents are all around town in search of models who would pose nude, and advisess models to shun them. You are a model who has never lost her shape and add excessive weight, ht, what are you doing right? What I do is simple, I eat right. What one eats matters a lot. I don’t eat at anything that comes my way. I take a lot of water. I also take lots of fruits and d vegetables. These can’t be found wanting in my fridge. I do water therapy regularly, gularly, every morning. You are spotting a hot mini mono strap gown, do you see yourself as being eing trendy? Sure, I’m trendy and I simply define my style as Dorcas Reuben. I like being me. I put on anything that I know suits me and my skin. I don’t wear what everybody verybody wears. I go for what suits me. What is that fashion accessory you cherish? Shoes! I love shoes. I have them in abundance. I have high-heels, flat shoes and wedges, name it. What are styles that put you off? Any style is okay for me but if it is not rightly worn, that puts me off. If a very fat lady, for instance, puts on something that is skinny or too tight on her, thereby eby revealing her big tummy and folds round her lower tummy region, that puts me off. As a lady, you should know what suits you. Your stature, your skin colour should be put into consideration before opting for any style. What part of your body would you flaunt without minding? Every part of me is sexy. I can flaunt any part that I want to because e I have got everything intact. That is why I’m also into modelling. People have negative impressions about models; what are your views about these? All those impressions as you rightly said are negative but they are false. For instance, it is not true that models are irresponsible, that they are never-do-well. These hese are all wrong impressions. I totally disagree with that. If you are a model, modelling our ur African designs, you are only trying to promote our culture through fashion. If you are modelling delling for a particular designer, that honestly makes you outstanding because out of so many y ladies in Nigeria, you were picked to portray his or her outfits. Designers don’t just pick anybody nybody in the street to model for them. You must have something that stands you out. There are some features you have that drew them to you. As a model, what stands you out? I am just myself. If there is an audition and I know I don’t fit in, I won’t go close there. For example, I am 5:9, if they tell me they want girls from 6:0, I don’t go there because any audition I go, I must be picked. That is my belief. If they tell me they want ant dark girls, I don’t go there. That makes me outstanding. That makes me hip. Is it right for a model to brand herself first? Oh yes, it is right! You need to brand yourself first. That makes you ou a freelancer. You don’t have to work under somebody; you must not have an agent that keeps bullying you, that keeps policing you. If you want to be outstanding, you must brand rand yourself. For instance, I have my composite. I practise what I preach. What was your first time on the fashion runway like? It was an awesome experience. Initially, I was fidgeting because of the crowd. I hadn’t done it before. It was my first time and all that. But trust me, after some minutes, still same night, I got used to it and I was enjoying myself. What are the challenges you encounter in modeling? Oh my God, there are numerous challenges. Let me start first from nudity, which is common now in the modelling world, especially those of them em that are approached to model body creams and bathing soaps. Some fake modelling ling agents would want you to pose nude before them before you can be picked. Please, in that case, use your brains. Try and know the fake agents and don’t associate yourself with them. Nothing is worth your nudity. Such people may only nly want to scandalise you. Genuine agents would not tell you to go stark naked d before them, what for? Do you see yourself as a fashionista? I am of course a fashionista. That is what I christened myself. Mostt of my friends know me as fashionista and they call me that. I love fashion, n, I enjoy fashion shows a lot and I also love to look trendy.

‘My only regret in life is leaving mum at 16 to pursue my acting’

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Cocktail Whispers

Stories by Olumide Segun-Oduntan

0818 941 8761 e-mail: lumidezy@yahoo.com

NOVEMBER 11, 2012

What stands Ronnie Dikko out When a lad lady is ripe for marriage and she is still single, she begins to avoid the tag Miss or Mrs. She S would rather prefer MS which means she is either a Miss or a Mrs. But that iis not the case with Ronnie Dikko, a Nollywood act. She would proudly tells Noll whoever that cares to listen that she is wh still a Miss. Guess what? Some weeks st back when yours sincerely was in b a beauty pageant show where she was w called to come out and crown a beauty queen. The Master of Ceremony announced that Mrs. Ronnie Dikko is expected to step out and crown the queen. Once that announcement was made, ladies startn ed whispering to themselves, wante ing to know when Ronnie Dikko got in married. When she perhaps noticed ma that, she took the microphone and corthat rected recte the blunder. “Please my name is Miss Ronnie Dikko and not Mrs.” R With that clarification, there was peace in the house. A lady present whispered, ‘oh, hou that stands her h out. How many ladies can do that?’

When Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo shows her other side Daughter of former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Kemi is one socialite who knows how to display her anger with malfunctioning machines whenever she encounters such. And just a few days ago, she did just that – show her very angry self. Cocktail whispers gathered that Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo was probably in a hurry a couple of days ago when she visited the Agodi, Ibadan branch of First Bank to do business. But as she made effort to enter the bank, its electronically controlled door refused to cooperate with her as it appeared that she had a metal device in her

handbag. According to a source, trouble started after Kemi removed a metal pen and an asthma inhaler from her and the security door still did not bulge. It appeared that Kemi could no longer take the ‘nonsense’ and she proceeded to bang on the door. Of course, her action made staff of the bank, who recognized her as the ex-governor’s daughter, to rush to assist her in unlocking the door. It was learnt that when she finally gained entry into the bank, as if to further show her anger, Kemi held the door open for others waiting behind her to enter before she proceeded to do business with the bank.

What Giwa Amu, Mike Ozekhome have in common There are lots and loads of similarities between these two legal giants, Mike Ozekhome and Giwa Amu. Did you ask what similarities? Yes, apart from the fact that they both hail from Edo state, that they are happily married with children and that they are both legal practitioners who are based in Lagos, they are also human rights activists who have restored laughter on the lips of the Nigerian down trodden. Little wonder Chief Amu is fondly known as the ‘Prisoners Angel’ because of his efforts in

offering free legal services to prison inmates and helpless Nigerians until they are freed from prisons. Apart from the above mentioned similarities, there is yet another striking similarity that might shock you. And that is the fact that both have pets in their homes that are not commonly seen in most homes. When you hear the word pets, your minds would wander off to such domestic animals as dogs, cats, rabbits to mention but a few. But their own kind of pets are not those animals that are commonly seen in

The night Essence Okoro performed barefoot You see high-heeled shoes come with some discomforts. It is only ladies who wear them that can attest to this. Or didn’t an adage says that she who wears the shoes knows where they pinch? That could be why Essence Okoro, the dark complexioned diva performed barefoot during the last Nigeria Fashion Television Show that was sponsored by Galaxy Television. When she stepped on to the stage wearing a seven-inch above the ground shoes, people were wondering how she would perform on those ‘skyscrapers’. As if she knew what was in their minds, she gently pulled off the shoes not caring if their eyes were glued on her. “A beg, I would commot these shoes o! I may not be able to perform well in them.” Spectators thought she was joking and pronto she pulled them off and performed to her satisfaction.

homes. Now wait a minute, how many of you have monkeys in your homes as pets? Chief Ozokhome has a monkey and he says his monkey feels free with his family. Before you ask if that is possible, read this. Chief Giwa Amu does not keep a monkey, he has two pythons as pets. Still hold your peace, I’m not done yet, he also has three eagles, and four parrots. Did you say wow, what interesting personalities?

Munachi Abii dares Cossy Orjiakor? Munachi Abii, the ex-Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, marked her birthday last week, Tuesday, November 6 to be precise. Her friends and fans were with her to celebrate and there were a lot to eat and drink. Some hot shots were also taken. Take a look at this picture. This was one of the pictures taken on the birthday of this Mbaise, Imo State-born beauty. This picture which was downloaded on the net raised serious controversy so much that people have not even stopped talking about it. The question on the lips of many who saw this picture was whether Muna as she is fondly known wants to dare Cossy Orjiakor, the Nollywood self-acclaimed queen of the boobs. Some say if this rapper could flaunt her boobs this much now that she is barely 25, when she clocks 30 she would bare it all.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

& ovies Music M Stories by Olumide Segun-Oduntan 08189418761 e-mail: lumidezy@yahoo.com

New drama series, Itohan, hits television screen

With A Call to Action as pay off for ‘Itohan’, families and ardent viewers of Superstory, Wale Adenuga Productions’ widely syndicated TV drama series, are in for another more thrilling and enlighten moments. However, as child abuse, human trafficking and prostitution are ills that have eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society, it is unarguable that there indeed need for action to curb the menace. The reason the collaboration of Wale Adenuga Productions and National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), for a TV drama project titled ‘Itohan’, attracted more cheers than jeers when it was revealed a couple of days ago. Star actress, Tonto Dike is in the news Unravelling the reason beagain. This time the sultry thespian is not hind his partnership with hitting the news headline for her singles but for NAPTIP for ‘Itohan’, Wale Adher cinema debut ‘My Life, My Damage’. The movenuga (MFR) said, “I am sad Already rocking various clubs around Lagos and getie comes from the ‘Damage Trilogy’, one of the most to say that the recent worldting its official premiere recently via Power Play on Raysuccessful award winning Nollywood movies in recent wide surge in child abuse, Power 100.5FM is this new single as released by NEJ. times, produced by talented actress cum producer, Uche human trafficking and NEJ dished out her debut single just a couple of months Jumbo. prostitution is a dangerous back titled ‘Ligali’, on which she featured the ‘Run Their ‘My Life, My Damage’ features Tonto Dikeh, veteran acVintage Record’s only a threat to Nigerian. We have Mouth’ crooner – Jhybo. She has been on and about her tress Bukky Wright, H Thomas Altman, Meadea Tyler, Dani single ‘Arewa’ in 2010 it wa all heard about adult and full-fledging musical career over the past months having Palmer, Biola Williams, Bobby Obobo, Kalu Ikeagwu, Brian prises a clever twist of wes underage girls within and had performances at the Top Celebrity Awards and also Price, James Tucker, Pinky Weah and Tia Dabs. The movie is which got massive appeal outside the country getting at the Bollyood Human Hair Fashion Show. part of The Damage series which is a movie collection of three Sequel to ‘Arewa’, Tolu involved with prostitution. The sexy diva has now hit music fans hard with a distinct but interwoven stories aimed at advocacy for social issues; ‘Whyne It’ after being sign Some of us have boys song that is bound to rock, should you follow her lead each story addresses important problems affecting individuals, ary 2012, digging into oth or girls as our house-helps and rhythm. NEJ seeks the expertise of Irich (Fresh families and societies at large. style. ‘Whyne It’ came as a without asking ourselves Beatz), a singer/producer who is been pretty consistent happy to hear a different s about their families. These this year to brilliantly execute the new single titled ‘ToBut Tolu, who was a fi young ones live under very night’. This song is a groovy tune which gives music 2010, was just on a journe harsh and sometimes inhulovers the sassy and free spirited side of this sultry and Now the fruit of that journ man conditions, but we nevbeautiful songstress. Tolu takes over with the co er care. With this, she expresses the beauty, fun and craziPop, R&B, and Afro pop. ness of the night-life; she lets her hair down and allows ‘Iam3hree is a celebratio the rhythm of the music take control of her with lines als. It brings together the like; “Nwanna biko, chelu kam joli”, which basically is views and belief about the interpreted as “Hold it, I wanna have fun”. notch production and great ly Tolu’s new LP comprises a Pidgin slang for “Fronting” your body” afro pop banger, wit able lyrics. Tolu depicts the tra Fresh from being crowned MTV Iggy’s Artist of man could get a girl he wants wh the Week and coming off a U.S tour with E.M.E, X.O even with her “Shakara”. Senavoe continues on the trail to the release of his hugely anticipated tape, ‘XPoint0’, with the debut of the music video for his first ever recording and fan-favorite, ‘Taxi MuYoung and versatile artiste, P.R.E has foll sic’. but solo release ‘Tatashe’ with ‘Take It Up’ f Directed by Isaac Idibia and produced by Leriq. Awuah of R.G.B stud i o s This energetic, up-tempo track is a remix of ‘Ta with the concept by X.O Senavoe, the ‘Taxi Music’ a pet project from his time in Port Harcourt. His p video cleverly trails X.O’s start, progression and rise energy are clear and infectious and this track is sure t in the African Hip-Hop landscape over the course of moving and singing along. PRE’s first solo single ‘Tatashe’ is still enjoying signi one year - from never having rapped before to becomairplay and his versatility and passion for music is also clea ing one of the continent’s most revered MCs. ‘Bad Oh’ featuring Phenom and his appearance on ‘PH-Londo The ‘Taxi Music’ video which doubles as the trailer Paris’ with Burna Boy, other releases which have not gone un for XPoint0, also highlights two important milestones noticed by his fans. in Senavoe’s heritage and career so far - representing Hailing from Bayelsa, P.R.E (Pretty, Rude & EntertainNigeria at last year’s B.E.T Hip-Hop Cypher and Ghana ing!) brings his own brand of Afro infused rap and at Channel O’s recent Happy Birthday Ghana Hip-Hopera R&B to the Nigerian and international music Y - the first of its kind. scene.

Tonto Dike dazzles in My Life, my damage

NEJ sets clubs on fire with groovy tune

Tolu return three hot s

Hip-hop star, Senavoe, shines in new music video

P.R.E collaborates w 2face on second music offering

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God feeds the feeder, says Pastor Adeboye

Praise Worship E-mail:richardeghaghe@yahoo.com

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EDIFYING GOD

November 11, 2012

Briefly Cleric lauds govts’ effort for flood victims

President Obama

ice-Presidential candidate of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)) in the 2011 election, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has said that the United States, US, presidential polls showed that people’s votes were the most important in a democracy. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bakare noted that Tuesday’s US election demonstrated that it was the people and not the candidates

Learn from American poll, Bakare tells Nigerians that mattered most in a democracy. “It was obvious that the candidates were out to serve and their appreciation of the electorate cannot be over-emphasised. “When politicians rig elections, they make the people unimportant and the politicians become dictators, because they don’t need the people to get to office,’’ he said. According to Bakare, Barack Obama and Mitt Rom-

ney, his Republican counterpart, appreciated the involvement of the American people. Similarly, Prof Pat Utomi, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic MegaParty (SDMP), said there was lack of religious and ethnic sentiments in US politics. He said that the development was unlike what obtained in Nigeria where ethnic and religious sentiments were the bane of its politics. The reactions were coming

on the heels of the just concluded US presidential election that returned Obama to office. “When Obama visited Ghana, he emphasised that Africa needed strong institutions and not strong men. “Our greatest undoing is the lack of strong institutions and the parochial sentiments in choosing our leaders,’’ Utomi said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Church bestows award on royal father …for being loyal TAI ANYANWU

he traditional ruler of Ajagba Kingdom in Irele local government area of Ondo State, the Ahaba, Oba Thomas Olawale Adesayo, Ikubimi 1st has been honoured with an Award of Excellence for his commitment and loyalty to Omnipotence Mission of God. The award, which was instituted by St. John Group in the church, was conferred on the royal father by the founder of the church, Pastor Joshua Oloruntimilehin, at the annual harvest of the church held last Sunday in Lagos. Decorating the Ahaba, Pastor Oloruntimilehin explained that the award was designed to honour personalities who have been found to be very

loyal to the church. “I hereby honour Kabiyesi, Oba Thomas Olawale Adesayo, Ikubimi 1st and the Ahaba of Ajagba Kingdom, who has been a loyal and committed friend of our church with an award of excellence,” he said. Oba Adesayo expressed surprise at the honour done to him. He said, “It was a surprise to me that I was given a big honour today. It met me unawares. If I had prior knowledge of it, I would have prepared a speech. I was overwhelmed. “I thank them and I praise God for them because I didn’t think there was anybody recognising how I am doing. I don’t know what made them count me worthy of the honour. I don’t know how they judge it. My coming here was

General Overseer and founder of Palace of God’s People a.k.a. Royal Land Chapel, Warri, Rev. Azubike Samson Uzoka, has commended the efforts of the government at all tiers, other spiritual bodies and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for the relief materials provided for flood victims in some parts of the country. Rev. Uzoka made the statement recently while addressing newsmen shortly after celebrating his birthday and thanksgiving service at the church premises. The cleric however appeal to the governments to always remain proactive. “For the governments, put a programme in place by defining the problems, scheduling, implementation and assessment”. Rev Uzoka added that our professionals should be able to predict well in advance while the governments should endeavour as much as practicable to listen and take appropriate action, adding that such natural disasters are not peculiar to Nigeria alone. He advised the governments to source for people who are faithful to handle the disbursement of the relief materials so that the victims can benefit. Rev. Uzoka used the opportunity to call on Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora to remain truthful and sincere in order to enable Nigeria make meaningful progress.

RCCG Fountain of Life & Magodo Family holds best of worship The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Life and Magodo Family, Lagos Province 28 will on Friday November 16, hold its annual all-night best of worship from 9 p.m. till dawn. The programme is billed for 34/36, Oluwalogbon Street, Ketu, Lagos. Speaking on behalf of the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the host pastor, Toks Adetayo said, “the programme is an undiluted, intense worship experience, unprecedented descent of God’s glory, salvation and joy”. He added that God had promised to bless everyone that attended. Another cleric, Pastor Tayo Ajiboye, said, “God has assured every worshipper of descent to God’s glory as it will usher in a new beginning and divine transformation of Nigeria.” Anointed men of God expected at the programme include Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Evang Buchi, K’ore, The RCCG National Praise Team, Nathaniel Bassey and Remmy Aluko. Others are ‘Just for Christ’, Samolade, SACO, Royal Harmonizers, RCCG OliveTree Choir, RCCG National Choir and BOW minstrels.

Sunday Mirror/Babcock University Bible Quiz: • Current and past winners can collect their prizes from the office of the Editor, Sunday Mirror, 151/161 Broad Street, Lagos anytime from Monday to Friday. Participants should always indicate their names when sending their entries.

QUOTE

Pastor Joshua Oloruntimilehin of Omnipotence Mission of God Church (right) conferring the Award of Excellence on the traditional ruler of Ajagba Kingdom, Oba Thomas Olawale Adesayo.

just to say amen to prayer and pray to God,” he added. Sunday Mirror learnt that the royal father was born into the Catholic faith. “I am a Christian,

‘THE SUPREMACY OF DIVINE POWER’

baptised and confirmed. But because of I was born into a royal family, I did not marry only one wife. For that reason, I did not do marriage in the

A spouse has sexual responsibilities or duties in marriage. If a woman does not want sex, she should not go into marriage. When she gets married, she has signed up for sex.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

YOU NEED MORE THAN FAITH

Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi 30

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 11, 2012

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Apostle Utibe-Abasi: Why should anyone be proud of idol’? Idol worshipping, in the Bible, is a grave offence. But these days, the disappearing act has not only resurfaced but is being glorified by supposed Christians. Besides, the words, ‘Nigerian idol’, American idol’, are used to glorify idolatory, according to Apostle Utibe-Abasi Emmanuel, General Overseer of The Rock of Salvation Church Ministries, Iju, Lagos. In this exhortation, he warns of dire consequences. Excerpts:

dol worshipping had been recorded many years back before the coming of Christ. Even after Christ had died to redeem us from the wickedness, our forefathers still practised idolatries, carving mask, pouring libations and making sacrifice to such, as their god. When Christianity came to Africa, and all those things were destroyed (as we thought), and people received Christ, forsaking their shrines for church, the world became a better place to live in. There was no longer the fear of being sacrificed to one god or the other. But day after day, things began to change; idol worshipping resurfaced. People started committing all sorts of abominable acts. Celebrities start professing proudly of selling their souls to the devil in the national media. There is this particular wrestler that always says that he is the devil’s favourite demon, that Satan is his father. Exodus 20:3 says, “thou shall have no other god before me”. We now have American, even Nigerian idol. Why should anyone be proud of an idol, be proud of glorifying Satan? Instead of American or Nigerian stars, they say idol. Lev. 19:4 states, “Turn ye not unto idols nor make for yourself molted gods. I am the Lord your God”. When you talk about an idol, it has nothing to do with God. Idols are man-made gods which God says we should not worship or partake in anything that concerns them, we should only worship the God of Heaven. Jer. 10:11 says “Thus shall ye say unto them, the gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.” When God destroys all idols, will you be saved? Why bow down to something that has no guarantee for your soul? Why don’t you instead seek for that which is superior and at the end will destroy all others? Exodus 20: 4-5 states, “Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them, for the Lord thy God, ’am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of thy fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate me.” When you do contrary to the word of God, you are against God. In some churches, you see images of saints representing different orders. Even in some homes, you see people hanging pictures of what they call Jesus, praying and bowing down to it; some even hang it on their necks, in their pockets; some hide under the seat of their car for protection and good luck. God says you must not bow down to these things. II Cor. 4:18 states, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Heb. 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Anything you see, touch and feel is temporal, one day it will pass away, even when Jesus was on earth among the people, he ate and drank, was touched and so on; he died but He, being God, rose again and became spirit, that’s why John 4:24 says “God is spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Anything that is seen, both man and beast, or a carved image, one day will die or expire, so why worship them? Some people parade themselves in the form of idol all in the name of fashion. In my vision (after delivering a woman that was possessed by marine spirit) the demon that came out from her came to confront me; he was a man with plaited hair (that was the first

Apostle Utibe-Abasi

time I was seeing a man plaiting hair), plaiting of hair for men is now in vogue. I Cor. 11:14 says; “Doth not nature itself teach you, that if a man has long hair, it is shame unto him? You even see men now in churches with plaited hair. The work of ministers is to encourage sinners to repent from their sins, not to encourage them to continue in sin, justifying the sin with the excuse that God only looks at the inside, the outside doesn’t matter. Matt. 8:20 says, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” What is your fruit? Is it what you think in your inside or what people see of you on your outside? We should worship God in holiness. God revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:4-5, “And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said Moses, Moses. And he said ‘here I am.’ And He said, “Draw nor nigh, put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon you standest is holy ground.” Deut. 23:12-14 states, “ Thou shall have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad. And thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee. For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee, therefore shall thy camp be holy, that He see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.” Some ministers use hotels for God’s service. God cannot be mocked by people. God called Moses; He said unto him “put off the shoes from off thy feet, for the place you stand is holy. Can the hotel be holy? Do you feel God takes delight in prostitution? He says in Lev. 19: 29; “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore, let’s the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” He said to the children of Israel. “Keep your tent clean so that when I come to bless you, I’ll find no unclean thing.” When God comes to bless you in a hotel, won’t he find filthiness and wickedness and turn away from you? Where idolatry is being practised, God can never be there. It means your vision is false. John 3:16 states “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.” God so loved us, that He gave His only son to come and die, to save, and redeem us from the bondage of Satan. Gen. 22:2 says “take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest and get thee into the land of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering. God tempted to see how much Abraham loved Him. Abraham proved his love for Christ, in verse 12; He said lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. Abraham feared God up to where he was about to sacrifice his only son. Who among you can do what Abraham did? You can sacrifice your children to idol for fame and fortune, but to God, No! Instead you make them (your children, wives, husbands, jobs) become your idol. Matt. 10:31 states, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. When it comes to your family and business you keep God second. Some are so overwhelmed with business that they forget about the things of God. You cannot at-

tend church programmes because your hands are filled with children’s problems; I was doing this or that for a family member, that is your excuse. God says you are not worthy of Him. God did not hold back His love for us; He did not give us less, so why give Him less? You will ask, won’t we love our family? Did Abraham not love his child? God said to Abraham “your only son Isaac, whom thou lovest.” Abraham loved his son but also feared God. If you do less, you are not worthy to be called the child of God. There are so many things you count as nothing that is against God; Judging others, backbiting, abortion, stubbornness, selfishness, anger, self righteousness, putting on what pertaineth to the opposite sex which so many churches see nothing being wrong with it. Tattoo which the bible condemns in Lev. 19:28 that says; “ye shall not make any cutting in your flesh for the dead, nor print any mark upon you. I am the Lord.” Exodus 21:5-6 states “but if the servant plainly says ‘I love my master, my wife and my children, I will go out free.’ Then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.” They only pierce the ear of those servants that did not want freedom. Women and men are piercing their ears, printing marks on their body for additional beauty. The word of God says “you are slaves that need not freedom”. You are living in slavery for your master the devil forever. Braided hair and accessories. I Tim. 2:9 say “In like manner that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety. Not with braided hair or gold, or pearls or costly arrays.” Divorce. I Cor. 8:11 states “but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband. And let not the husband put away his wife.” The devil has really taken over the world; making you see nothing wrong in the sinful lives you are living, making you to enjoy sin. Even as you are being told you don’t understand. You give deaf ears thinking the preacher is stupid or old-fashioned, you rather prefer the false prophets because they encourage you to sin. Don’t accept what the devil post to you; I want you to know that you are greater than what the devil want you to think you are. What are you? Or who are you? Gen. 1:27says “God created man in His own image.” All the problems you are having is because you don’t know who you are. Satan tempted Adam and Eve, they failed because they did not know who they were, the devil made them feel they were lesser, don’t forget the bible says “God created us in His own image.” When you say image, it’s just like you seeing your own shadow, your shadow is you. So if you are God’s image, it means you are god; the first thing the devil does is to make forget who you are, but if only you can believe and know that you are god, only then will you be only to resist the devil and have him become your slave. John 10:34 states “Jesus answered them, is it not written in your law, I said ye are gods? Your god’s like become a sin when you allow people to bow and worship you. You have heard of some (Jesus of this and that), Jesus is only one, and only him will you bow and worship, all others are false. Acts 10:25-26 state, “As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying stand up, I myself also am a man.” Peter did not allow Cornelius to bow to him because he knew that he was only a shadow, that the main body was Jesus who all men should bow to. Be alert of the evil device, that your ways might please God. Do not make jest of the word of God, let it have meaning and changes in your life. Let it live in you and become part of you, for a time will come when you shall seek this word and shall not find it, no preacher to preach to you, no more prophesies. Amos 8:12 says “And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from North even to the East, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it.” I Tim. 5:13 says “Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” When you hold fast the word of God, and let it sink into your heart, you will overcome sin, and stand tall to the glory of God. Acts 17: 30 say “And the time of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” God says what you did in your time of ignorance, He will ignore, but from this moment, He wants your repentance, failing to do so, is a sign of disobedience and there shall be consequences. •For more enquires, call 08037187775

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Praise & Worship

Sunday November 11, 2012

Snr. Pastor Osagie with wife, Violet

Women leader, Pastor Mrs Osagie (middle) cutting the anniversary cake, with her officers admiring.

Celebrating a decade in the vineyard

…the True Life Bible Church women’s way RICHARD EGHAGHE

t was celebration galore at the True Life Bible Church, Akute, Ogun State last weekend as the women ministry of the church marked a decade of God’s mightiness and abundance of blessings in their lives in grand style. The theme of the three days women’s celebration was tagged: “Woman, a powerful instrument In God’s hand”. Activities marking the celebration began on Friday, November 2, 2012 with a worship, prayer, healing, deliverance and special service, held at the church main auditorium. The women president and wife of the General Overseer, Pastor (Mrs) S. V. Osagie, ministered at the event, which attracted large members and non members of the church. The event witnessed the tremendous showers of blessing, healings, deliverance, breaking of yokes and powerful ministration of the word of God. According to Pastor Osagie at the end of the programme on Sunday, ‘God indeed visited us during ministration in the programme and there have been series of testimonies to attest to this. As I speak to you now, some unemployed, sick, single and even barren people, who were part of the Friday prayer session, now sing a new song”. At the well attended seminar on Saturday, November 3, 2012, to address the health, psychology and family needs of women in raising godly homes, such topics like, “How To Manage Stress” and “How To Bring Up Our Children In The Light of God”, were scripturally discussed. The women leader, Mrs. Omonhinmhin Omozefe, disclosed that the choice of the topics were necessitated by the prevailing increase in the level of stress among women, particularly Nigerian women who had to battle with both family, official, domestic and economic stress. “When all these are put together, you will find out that they (Nigerian women), most times, are over stretched, even beyond limit, which result to stress.” Said Omozefe. Interestingly, facilitators of the seminar were able to educate and draw attention to grey areas which most women undermine in their daily activities, which cause stress. Mrs Dehinde Joseph, a pharmasist, identified some of them to include worries, anxieties, lack of rest, among others. She also highlighted lack of proper planning,

balanced diet and poor personal hygiene, as other causes of stress which have been long over-looked by people. She, therefore, charged women to always plan their day properly and work within the confine of their plans to avoid a ‘fire brigade’ kind of approach to work. Speaking on ‘How to bring up children in the light of God,’ Pastor (Mrs) Osagie, a renowned teacher, family counselor and home manager, stressed the key roles of house helps to the family but reiterated emphatically that they should not be allowed to undermine the all-important role of the mother as the key to a successful home and well-being of any individual and the nation at large. According to her, the way children are brought up goes a long way in determining the kind of society that is obtainable in the long run. The place of women in the family is like that of a potter who has the right and clear picture of the designs and forms needed to form clay into a beautiful pot”. Drawing inspiration from the book of proverbs in the Bible, the G.O’s wife admonished women to train their children in the way of the Lord, “so that when they are old, they would not depart from them”. Mrs. Anthonia Eze, a mother and professional careerer woman, blamed the high rate of moral decadence and lack of the fear of God in the lives of children, specifically the “youths of nowadays”, on mothers who abandon their primary responsibility in the home to pursue material things. According to her, children are blessing from the Lord and should not be turned to curses or burdens on the society by parents. “I would therefore advise mothers to pay careful attention to the upbringing of their children and planting the word of God in them rather than pay more attention to their jobs or businesses. They should take personal interest in their education, welfare and the company they keep instead of leaving them in the hands of teachers and house helps. Even where the place of house help become inevitable, they should never be allowed to take the place of mothers in the home because the “house helps are good, self helps are better but God’s help is best”. She further admonished women to put God first and desist from cursing their children, no matter how stubborn they may be. “Women should continually commit their children to God in prayers, irrespective of their at-

titude because God can turn around their lives in line with words spoken into their ears. The devil would always want to control the children’s lives through negative pronouncements by mothers on their children”. She proclaimed. She also pointed out that the place of motherly love, care and attention in children’s upbringing that are anchored on the scripture, go a long way in building and cementing long lasting relationships in homes. “so, women should show love, care and understanding to their children while being submissive to their husbands in order to be good role models to their children. It is very important for mothers to know what goes on with your child, the kind of friends he or she keeps, and other sensitive information about the child. All these can best be achieved by having regular heart-to- heart talks with your children and showing concern always to their well being and what they do. This will help win the child’s trust and willingness to confide in you, irrespective of the matter at stake. She argued that though the woman cannot do it all alone, “she however holds the key to the success, being submissive to her husband. Like the Bible directs: “wives be submissive to your husband”. When a wife is submissive to her husband and respects him, the man in return showers her with love and by so doing, the home becomes a peaceful and love flowing one where the children learn and imbibe; making parental teachings almost effortlessly”. The grand finale of the Women’s celebration held last Sunday, the 4th November, 2012, at the church main auditorium with a thanks giving service to appreciate God for yet another year of faithfulness and fullness of joy. The thanksgiving service was done in grand style and outclassed those of past years. According to the wife of the G.O; this year’s anniversary is special because number 10 is a special number. The G.O’s wife recounted the little beginning of the church, the challenges and the attainment of the church so far, while projecting with greater hopes into the future. The service which was wholly conducted by the women, featured special numbers by the women choir, gospel drama piece, choreography, sword drill, know your wife; a game where husbands were asked questions about their wives to know how much they know about themselves, amongst

others. delivering the main sermon, tagged: “woman, a powerful instrument in God’s hand,” stressed that womanhood is blessed as a divine and distinct creature of God. “The first woman, Eve, was made from a finished product Adam, after which God rested. Any woman who surrenders her life completely to God can be useful in His hands and any woman who yields to the devil will become the devil’s slave. Therefore submit yourselves to God, resist the devil,” she admonished. Citing Biblical examples on how you become subjected to the person(s) you yield yourself to, she noted that as Eve yielded to the devil and changed the original course of mankind so did Mary yielded herself to God and became the mother of the Savior of the world, who restored man to the original framework of God’s plan. Stressing the need for women to rise up for ‘the great commission’, which Christ gave before his ascension, pastor Osagie remarked that though the command is meant for both man and woman,” only those women who have experienced the new birth are automatically enrolled in the army of the Lord Jesus and must be willing to work for the Master as faithful servants.” She outlined some qualities which a woman who wants to be useful instrument in God’s hands to include being born again, being a woman of enduring vision, being grown in personal and spiritual life, study and applying Gods word, as well as being filled with the Holy Spirit. She concluded by charging all women to rise up! “Don’t settle for less, search out our God’s given talents, vision and purposes in life and live above traditional views and beliefs to be on fire for God”. Highpoint of the celebration was the cutting of the 10th anniversary cake, successful launch of the women magazine, captioned: “True Women Magazine”, a family magazine meant for evangelism and to reconcile women with their savior, presentation of gifts to people who have displayed dedication and exceptional qualities in the ministry over the years and women thanksgiving. The celebrating women also presented the children’s church a new drumset as a thanksgiving offering to commemorate the decade celebration. The senior pastor, pastor Daniel Osaigie took the vote of thanks and brought the celebration to a memorable close.

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 11, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

…Beneficiaries express gratitude

Pastor Chima Okereke (left) presenting N100,000 cheque to each person. (Inset) are other beneficiaries.

Shower of financial favour at Global Success Wrenched by various forms of hardship, these believers came to church in the hope that they would return home to expect miracles. But there in the church, the miracle of financial and material blessings came the way of these less-privileged faithful, through the man of God himself. Richard Eghaghe was there and he reports:

remendous wind of financial favour, aimed at empowering the poor, is currently blowing at the Global Success Ministry (GSM), Plot 134, Global Success Street, Off FESTAC link bridge, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. Powered by the African Development Movement (ADM), the body, which is targeted at alleviating poverty in the society, doled out various sums of money to various individuals enlisted under its small-scale business enterprise, last weekend, during a special, all-night programme in the church. ADM President and General Overseer of GSM, Pastor (Dr.) Chima Okereke, reputed to have donated food, money and material items to charity homes, the lessprivileged members of the public and corporate organisations on regular basis over the years, revealed that the financial empowerment to the beneficiaries is only a stepping stone. His gesture, he said, is meant to solidify the movement’s main objective of alleviating poverty in the African continent. In his contention, “the Africa continent is full of milk and honey, gold, diamond, oil and other mineral deposits by God. But they are being managed by wicked, bad and self-centered leaders who fought dirty to and cling to power, as if it is their birthright.” Lamenting the gross violation and denial of the rights of the African child, Brother Chima, as the G.O. is fondly

called, maintained that the time has come “for the people of Africa to join the bandwagon for the faithfulness and trueness of God to build an egalitarian society where no one is oppressed”. He expressed his determination to champion the liberation of Africans from the caprices of imperialism through his Global Success Ministries and enshrine human dignity, hopes and freedom for the people, with abundance of food and job opportunities for all. Ministering on the topic, “Now Is The Time For My Miracle”, during the special ‘Holy Ghost Night of Victory’, a powerful monthly interdenominational programme of the church for spiritual cleansing, breaking of yokes, healing and deliverance, breakthrough, promotion, restoration of destiny, and lots more, Pastor Okereke insisted that the time is now for the people to benefit from the presence of God and to rise and shine. “It doesn’t matter how much suffering you might have been going through, or how much frustration you may have gone through or how much you have tried and failed. The good news from our heavenly father today, is that the time has come for your miracle,” he declared. Speaking prophetically, he cited Matthew 15:30 which reads, “And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many

others, and put them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them”. Pastor Okereke further gave many other instances from the scripture of people who waited unto thy Lord for their miracles and those who got God’s miracle even when all hopes were lost, like that of the healing of the lame man by the pool of Bethseda for 38 years, raising of Jairus’ daughter, heaqling the woman with haemorrhage, and the leper, among others. The all-night special service which also aimed at reinforcing the on-going 12 Wednesdays and Sundays’ ‘Rain of Favour’ programme for all-round success for the people before Christmas, featured very powerful deliverance, healings, breaking of yokes and losing of bounds’ session, with the power of the holy spirit descending mightily on the congregation through the anointing upon the General Overseer. According to Pastor Okereke, at the end of the programme, the best way to attack and destroy the enemies and achieve total freedom and breakthrough is to attack from all spiritual directions. The Holy Ghost victory service is very vital for everybody to battle and destroy the enemies’ hideouts, as well as overrun their agents of darkness called by whatever name, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The December edition of the programme, he assured, promises to be super.

The first batch of four beneficiaries of the African Development Movement (ADM), poverty alleviation programme, were last weekend presented with various sums of money through the Global Success Ministry, during its special Holy Ghost Victory Service at the church’s main auditorium in FESTAC Town. Among the beneficiaries were a middle aged woman, a petty trader and mother of two, Mrs Anna Okoh, who was presented with an Access Bank cheque for N100,000. Mrs Okoh told Sunday Mirror in an interview that she was worshipping at the Global Success Church for the first time when God decided to alleviate her poverty level with the financial aid to support her petty business. She told her story: “My name is Anna Okoh. I am a petty trade and I hawk goods like mustard seed, candies and biscuits around Orile, Mile 2, Ijora and Apapa areas of Lagos. One woman saw me hawking in Orile bus stop and gave me the flyer to attend the church programme. That was how I came for the programme today and God favoured me to be one of the beneficiaries of the financial empowerment scheme of the church through the ADM poverty alleviation scheme. It is like a miracle. I never expected to walk into picking N100,000 in this church. My purpose of coming was to participate in the Holy Ghost Victory Service and pray for God’s divine help for my children and family. I never knew I will be blessed instantly with N100,000 to do business. I want to thank God and the man of God, Dr. Chima Okereke for the money. I hope to use the money to improve my business. I will not hawk mustard seed and sweet on the road again because the KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) people from the Ministry of Environment use to arrest and disturb us. I will go and look for a space in the market where I will be selling.” Another beneficiary of the ADM’S benevolence through the church is Raphael Akunna, a 26-year-old pharmacist at Ijora Badia, who also got a N100,000 life-line to support his business. The young pharmacist narrated to Sunday Mirror that his chemist store was on the verge of possible closure when God decided to favour him with the N100,000. “I have been praying to God for help because there are not many goods in my shop again. Things have really been very bad for me. It has even become almost impossible for me to feed and I have started owing rent on the shop. It was because of the difficulties I was facing that I started attending the Global Success Church about three months ago. One of my customers earlier told me about the church, saying the man of God who ministers in the church is very powerful and if he prays for you, your supplications to God will be answered. As a matter of fact, I have since discovered that the G.O., Pastor Okereke is a very powerful, anointed man of God. He is equally such a generous man who cares very much about the welfare and wellbeing of his church members, both within and outside the country. I am very grateful to him and alsoto God in particular, for the money given to me to support by business. Other beneficiaries include Sister Florence Udo who got one thousand dollars and Sister Mercy Njei, a Camerounian, who was presented with the sum of N150,000. •For further enquiries and counseling, please send text messages only through the following numbers: 08067802407, 07038638984, for prompt attention.

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Praise & Worship

Sunday November 11, 2012

Be a risk taker and see God in action, by Pastor Bamidele The pathway to success is fraught with obstacles. And if you want to drink from the cup of the successful, you must just take risks. That is the advice from Pastor Lai Bamidele, the General Overseer of Christ Glorious End-Time Evangelical Ministries. Excerpts, brought by Tai Anyanwu

President Obama

Bakare, Utomi, others laud U.S. election CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

According to him, Obama won because he appealed to the middle class and they were able to understand that if things were not going on well, they could have been much worse. ``The crisis of democracy in Nigeria is that we have a narrow middle class. All successful nations build their future around the middle class. `Ùntil we are able to build our democracy on a strong broad middle class, we will continue to be challenged as a country. ``The wide gap between the people at the top and those at lower class is the reason why we have insurgency and other avoidable problems in Nigeria. `Òbama made history twice as the first coloured man to win the American Presidency and the first president to win a re-election in a situation of economic downturn. `` This is because the electorate are discerning; this is very critical in the selection of a leader,’’ Utomi said. He said that there was need for the Nigerian electorate to rise up to issues and count their votes based on performance and what an individual could offer. Mr Fred Agbaje , a constitutional lawyer, said that the world needed to learn so much from the US on the issue of political economy. `Àmericans have demonstrated their unwavering faith in America and reelected Obama because of his ability to pilot their political economy. ``The greatest lesson for Nigeria and Africa is that only a performance index can sustain a political party in power,’’

he said. Agbaje noted that the US politics showed that a president had to perform to have the people on his side. ``It is not an issue of religion or colour, because, despite Obama’s stand on gay rights, the people voted for his performance,’’ he said. Agbaje emphasised the need for Nigeria to decentralise its electoral voting system as it was done in America, to make the general elections faster and less cumbersome. Also, the National Chairman of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), Malam Yusuf Buba, said that elections were different in Nigeria because the process lacked transparency. He blamed politicians for the imperfections of the electoral commissions. According to him, corruption was a major problem with Nigeria’s electoral process, as politics was seen as an investment, instead of a place to serve. ``I see the US election as showing a great spirit of sportsmanship; even when the margin was not too much, Romney conceded because the election was the people’s verdict, which is how it should be. ``Why elections are so different in Nigeria is that people do not accept our electoral system, which is why they go to court because they feel the elections are not transparent,’’ he said. Buba urged Nigerian politicians to learn from the American experience. Also, a former FCT Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr Sunny Moniedafe, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral process was transparent.

Church bestows award on royal father CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

church; because we don’t marry only one wife. We marry as many as we can cope with.” But how does he cope with his roles as Christian and the custodian of the traditions and culture of his people? The Ahaba said, “It is a very simple thing, you see. You know, your belief is your heart, your mind. What you believe in is in your mind. I can be before any shrine, I don’t believe in that. I do it just to please them.

I have my belief in God. That is just me.” According to the Oba, these dual roles has not resulted any confrontation between and other Royal fathers, who naturally should expect him to be a core traditionalist. “God always protect me; and prevent any form of confrontation that could confront me,” he explained. The Oba was accompanied to the event by to f his youngest wives; and they danced joyously while receiving the award.

f you look at the book of Judges 11:30, the Bible narrated the story of about Jephta making a vow. A vow also means a covenant unto God. Every time you enter into a covenant with God, it is a moment that hastens what you are looking for, from God; because God loves covenant. God is a covenant-keeping God. He is not a covenant-breaking God. There is a person referred to in the Bible whom God said to, “I, the Lord your God; I respect my covenant more than my words.” The day I stumbled into that scripture was the day I entered into a new vow with God, on a mountain in Ekiti State. I said to the Lord, in all the journey of my life, I will not touch this and that. Because of the love I have for God, I decided to drop some of the things I was doing in the past. And that was the only turning my ministry required for God, in His infinite mercy, to begin to do wonders in my life and ministry. So every time you back up what you want with a covenant, it is like you are putting God in a tight corner. In Judges 11:32, the Bible says God granted Jephta his desire after he backed up his request with a vow. In the book of Genesis 26:16, the Bible emphasized the story of Abimelech sent Isaac away from his Kingdom because he felt that Isaac was too much for the people of his kingdom. But when God’s favour came upon Isaac, Abimelech and his subjects went back to Isaac to beg for favour. The same Abimelech that sent Isaac away, when the favour of God located Isaac, went back to Isaac to beg him for favour. What are the reasons that made Isaac and Jephta to enjoy God’s favour? Number one; they were both obedient to God’s instruction. If you look at the book of Genesis 26:3, there, you will see how Isaac obeyed the instruction that God gave to him. Genesis 26:8 says, “And they entered into a covenant with God.” In Judges 11:30-32, the Bible emphasised on the vow that Jephta made with God. So every time you are entering into a covenant with God, it is a time you are triggering God for an uncommon favour. In Judges 11:39, the Bible records that Jephta came to his promise he made with God. Genesis 26:12 says that Abraham paid a prize for his own breakthrough. Every time you are fulfilling your covenant

with God it is a time you are entering into a new realm of breakthrough. Many believers today lie to God over the covenant they entered into with God. If you look at Ananias and Saphira, they lied to God. They made a vow to God in the book of Acts 5: 4. They lied to God, but what ended their journey? They died. Every time you are lying to God, every time you are breaking God’s covenant, then you are breaking the edge. That is why I want to encourage you, in the journey of every believer’s life; you need God’s favour for you to go far in life. Look at the story of a man called Noah. God told Noah to go and make an ark out of guava wood. Out of the whole men in that generation, it was only Noah that God counted worthy. Why? Because the grace of God was upon Noah. And when the whole world was destroyed, Noah and his family were spared. There is someone reading my message today. I don’t know where you have been beaten, battered and disgraced, but after reading this message today, God will turn your disgrace to grace. Favour, like I told you earlier on, is an expression of God’s love for a man. When favour is in place, the man God has ordained to favour you will not see lapses or shortcomings. That is why King Ahazzarus could not hold himself for him to favour Esther through the help of Modachai. There is someone reading me today; remember, Esther took a risk for her to get to where she was going. That is why I want to encourage you; paths without obstacles will not lead to anywhere important in life. So, if you want to enjoy God’s favour, you must be obedient to Him. If you want to enjoy favours that have no limitation, you must be a covenant-keeping person. •For counselling contact: pst_lai@yahoo.com, phone 08074484415, 08027502864 and 08161285586

FAVOUR IS AN EXPRESSION OF GOD’S LOVE FOR A MAN. WHEN FAVOUR IS IN PLACE, THE MAN GOD HAS ORDAINED TO FAVOUR YOU WILL NOT SEE LAPSES OR SHORTCOMINGS Pastor Bamidele

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 11, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The supremacy of divine power, by Pastor Muoka Pastor Lazarus Muoka, General Overseer of Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, in this series, teaches on how the faithful can receive God’s divine gifts. Excerpts, as produced by Richard Eghaghe

Pastor Muoka

uke 10; 19 says, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” A fortnight ago, we told you on this page that there are various kinds of powers but there is only one supreme power which other forms of powers bow to. We also told you that if we must be above our enemies in doing the work of God in this sinful world without blemish, we must acquire this supreme power from God through the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This is because for one to sail through these myriads of trouble the world is filled with, one must be divinely empowered. The person that will excel will be the person with the power of God, that is, the Supreme power. This power comes when you receive the Holy Ghost. That is why Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1: 8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”. By explanation what Jesus was telling them is that the requisite power to take over the world and be in charge of situations will come only when they receive the Holy Ghost and its accompanying Supreme power. This power will not only manifest in excellence of speech but the mighty energy of Holy Ghost will also manifest in enlightening, quickening, converting, and sanctifying of believers and they will, by this power, enabled, on all necessary occasions, to demonstrate the truth of their calling by miracles. We therefore explain that Holy Ghost Baptism is a grace of God upon man. It is not the work of man. It is God coming down from above with power and might to pitch His tent with man, the born again Christian. God decided to do it on His own. He said He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh in order to empower mankind so that he will overcome his enemies and do the work of God. Acts 2: 1- 4 says, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other

tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance”. In the Bible days as reported above, God baptised His people with diverse gifts. He is still in the business of baptising His people, the Chosen ones, the genuinely bornagain Christians. This power bestows honour to the beholder. When you acquire this power people will begin to respect you. It turns things around. It changes everything and places the possessor above his environment. If you desire the power today, you can also be baptised if you are genuinely born- again. God is not discriminate in pouring out His Spirit and power upon all fresh. But you need to be born- again. It is not acquired by fasting or indulging in fasting and regimental religious activities but through righteousness and holiness. Amos 3: 3 says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” God cannot work with you when you are not hunger and thirsty for righteousness. God cannot work with you when your heart is filled with wickedness, neither can He work with liars, robbers, fornicators, adulteries, idolaters, effeminate, lesbians, homosexuals, those that indulge in masturbation, those into wrong marriage and cheats. God is holy and whoever that will work with Him or for Him must be holy. He does not work with murderers, gossips, bribe givers and takers, drunkards, backsliders and those who have no love or fear of God. Above all those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who have not repented and renounced their sins cannot be bestowed with God’s power. Those who alienate themselves from God by committing sin cannot walk with Him because their nature and God’s nature are totally opposite. He is holy and they are unholy. So they can no longer agree and therefore can no longer walk together or hold communion. So if you are a thief and desire power, what you get is demonic power and likewise a proud person, a liar, deceiver, a debauch including those who dealt in charms, incantations, and magic. This power cannot be acquired through deceit or canal wisdom like what happened in Acts 19: 13- 16 “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew,

Worshippers in adoration.

and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” In the context above was a demonstration of power where one man who derived his power from the evil spirit which dwelt in him was more powerful than these seven brothers, that he stripped them of their garments, beat and wounded them. Nothing is more mortifying, or better calculated to provoke the contempt of the community, than the unexpected exposure of mysterious pretensions such as was assumed by these exorcists. The evil spirit was enraged at their insulting pretensions, and thus enjoyed the joke of exposing them. But when this spirit was cast out at the mention of the name Jesus, they saw that there was a sovereign power in the name of Jesus, which could not be imitated by these lying exorcists and as a result everybody reverenced this name, and despised those pretenders. It is dangerous to seek this power when you are not living righteous life or when your life is in opposition to the word of God and when the intention to acquire it is for mischievous purposes. This Baptism of the Holy Ghost is for the humble, the righteous, those that fear the Lord and those that will not take the glory and praises duo to God for themselves. To these people Christ said in Luke 10: 19, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” You may be seeking for this power of God through the wisdom of evil spirit, secret movements, societies or occults. Do not be deceived by worldly fantasies, Jesus is the way, the Truth and the Life. The bona- fide path of the true power is in the recognition of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The demonstration of any power outside the Holiness and righteousness of Christ is bogus and sinful. The power God pours out through His Spirit is the supreme power.

Benefit

The benefit of this power is enormous. You cannot equate the holder of this power with an ordinary person. All things are

yours if you have this power; it makes a poor man rich, a barren woman to become a mother of children. With this power, nothing shall by any means hurt you. Acts 28: 3- 6 says, “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god”. While Paul and his co- travellers were endeavouring to make themselves comfortable around the fire, an incident occurred which had an important bearing to confirm the immunity enjoyed by holder of divine power over everything that constitutes danger to his life. The Scripture says, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand but because Paul possessed this power, he was not bitten by this dangerous animal. This power gives you the boldness to preach the gospel even in a restricted place forbidden by human law to preach the word of God. Mark 16: 17- 18 says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” With this power, you can tell to a mountain be thou remove and it will obey. There is nothing the power of God cannot do. It was this very power that caused the Lion to bow at the feet of Daniel. By this power Elijah did not experience death. In The Lord’s Chosen testimonies abound of what this power is doing in our midst. HIV, Cancer, diabetes etc are banished everyday and salvation received. Yoke of barrenness and poverty are broken everyday in the cause of our ministration as evidence of the presence of the supreme power of God. Beloved you can also acquire this gift of God if you can confess your sin today, renounce your evil ways and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour.

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Praise & Worship

Sunday November 11, 2012

A cross section police officers on the occasion

God feeds the feeder, says Pastor Adeboye Last Sunday, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, held a special prayer session tagged, ‘I Will Defend This Nation’, with members of the Nigeria Police at the Headquarters’ Church, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. Police officers and men from all sections and commands, led by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Airport Command, Mr. Olatunji Caulcrick, graced the event. Richard Eghaghe reports

ery quickly, let’s go to Psalm 127:, “ Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” The Bible tells us that everything, particularly every good thing comes from God. It says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17). This passage that we read states that unless the Lord does something, nothing can be done. As a matter of fact, you will discover when you go through the scripture, that it is God who feeds the feeder. In other words, when He asked somebody to feed you, it is because he is going to supply what the fellow will use to feed you. For instance, in 1Kings 17:2-6, the Almighty Lord told Elijah; He said, ‘I want you to go and stay at the brook Cherith. He said I have commanded the ravens to feed you there- I have commanded birds to feed you”. Now, where will the birds get food from? Mt. 6:26, tells us that it is our God who feeds the bird. Now, God is telling the birds that He feeds, to go and feed a servant. Then the story becomes even more interesting when you read 1Kings 17:8-16. The Almighty God told the same prophet; he said, ‘I want you to go to Zaripha, there is a widow there whom I have commanded to feed you. I am sure the man of God must be looking forward to a woman who had plenty of food in the house. But when he arrived, and he told the woman, ‘well, God has sent me here, and you are the one to feed me,’ the woman said ‘I have only one meal left for me and my son to eat and then die.’ Well, the man of God said, ‘God has spoken that you will feed me. So definitely, He will supply what you will use to feed me.’ I have good news for someone here today that whatever you need, so that you never go hungry, the Almighty God will supply. I have always told you the story of what happened several years ago at one of our conventions. Already we have announced that everybody should come to the convention and when you come, there will be free feeding. Whenever we said that, we said it by faith. So, we were at the camp, the crowd had gathered and I have no One Naira left on me. The convention was right in the middle. My wife came to me in the office and said, ‘sir, we need

N5,000.’ In those days, N5, 000 was a lot of money. I pray God will restore Naira to its glory. I said ‘when do you need the money? Is it today or now?’ And she said ‘what is the difference between today and now?’ And I laughed and told her there is a lot of difference because if it is now, there is a lot of trouble. And she said today. I said good, good, when I have the money, I will send for you. Of course, I didn’t tell her that I didn’t have a Naira on me. I went to the Almighty God and I said ‘father, over to you.’ The crowd had gathered, they need food, worth N5,000. Shortly after that, a man came into my office in a flowing gown and he said he was driving pass and he saw activities by the expressway and he was wondering what is going on here? And he came in to see. I said ‘we are having our convention’ and he said ‘is that so?’ And I said ‘yes’. He said next year, I will be part of it. I said ‘oh God! We are talking of today and this man is talking of next year.’ But then, he put his hand into his pocket and brought out an envelope and said, ‘but for now…’ and I said ‘now you are talking!’ He gave me an envelope, I blessed him and he left. I opened the envelope and I found one thousand Naira and I said ‘Lord thank you.’ One down, four to go. Not too long after that, two of the youths came and they said they were the leaders of the youth and I saw an envelope in the hand of one of them but instead of giving me the envelope he began to preach: “Daddy we see how you are running up and down for us, fasting and praying, teaching us and you should not be the one looking after us, foodwise…and I said ‘give me this envelope, after that, you can preach.’ Finally, he gave me the envelope, I blessed them and they left. I opened the envelope and found two thousand Naira and I said aha! Thank you Jesus, three down, two to go. But it wasn’t long after that that I sent for my wife. She came and I asked: ‘by the way, how much did you say you need and when exactly do you need it? I am praying for someone today, that even before this day is out, God will send help to you. He feeds the feeder, that is our God. Then, Daniel 2:20-23; the Bible says ‘He gives wisdom to the wise.’ And if you read the whole chapter, it is a story about a king who had a dream, woke up in the morning and discovered he has forgotten the dream.

Then he called all his wise men together and said ‘tell me my dream and then tell me the interpretation.’ And they said ‘sir, you tell us the dream and then we will interpret it.’ And then he said ‘no, I have forgotten the dream and you must tell me the dream and tell me the interpretation or else, I cut off your heads. Kings were powerful in those days. That is when Daniel said, ‘let me go and enquire from God.’ He is a God who knows all things. In the night, God revealed the dream as well as the interpretation to Daniel. The Bible tells us in James 1:5&6, that if anybody lacks wisdom, he should ask from God and God will give him liberally. Occasionally, you find yourself in a tight spot and you don’t know what to do. There is a God who gives wisdom to the wise. Several years ago when the military were in government, there were some problems among traditional rulers in one of the states as to the issue of their chairmanship. They said they didn’t want one fellow to be chairman, they wanted to be rotating it. So they kept on pressurising the military governor. The military governor ran to his traditional ruler and said ‘I have come to you, you are my traditional father. I need wisdom to deal with this situation.’ The traditional ruler said ‘go and come back in seven days and I will give you an answer.’ As soon as he left, the traditional ruler sent for me and said you are my spiritual father, I need advice, what do I do? I said well, ‘he gave you seven days, then give me three days.’ Let me also go to my own father. And I went to the Almighty father to request: how do I advise? Because he gives wisdom to the wise. And God said: tell him this, and the problem will be solved. So, I came to the traditional ruler and said when the governor comes, tell him that he agrees that there should be rotation of chairmanship but the traditional rulers should go and list in order of priority, who would be number 2, 3,… so that we know how to rotate.’ And they never came back. They never came back because they could not agree on who will be number 2, 3, 4…because everybody wanted to be number 1. And that solves the problem. God gives wisdom to the wise. I have good news for someone here today. Any time you have a big, naughty problem to solve, take it to God and God will give you wisdom.

Pastor Adeboye

Briefly Adeboye’s memorable prayer for the Police Father we are committing into your hands, especially, our police force. Lord Almighty, we are committing them into your care. Please take care of them in this difficult time, my Lord and my savior, where we have all manners of criminals, where we have all manners of people who are ready to die: suicide bombers, terrorists, kidnappers; please, take care of the police force. Take care of their families, meet all their needs, let it be well with them. And please Lord, promote them. In all areas of their lives, father, let their joy be full. And those who might be bad eggs among them, that want to spoil the good work these your people are doing, father and my God, expose them. All those who may want to infiltrate them so that they can perpetrate evil, father and my God, expose and get rid of them. And father, I am committing all your children who have been faithful in the payment of their tithes and giving of their offerings, this month, embarrass them with your blessing. The kind of blessing that they will say, ‘this is too much, father’, please send to them. And father, I pray, any evil that may be left in this year, keep far away from our homes. All the blessings left in this old year, please send to us. Let it be well with all of us, let your name be glorified, and in all your churches all over the world, today, please show yourself mightily; in Jesus mighty name we have prayed… Amen.

Preparations begin for Holy Ghost Congress Preparations are now in top gear in all parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God across the globe for this year’s Holy Ghost Congress with the theme: Signs and Wonders. The great spiritual annual event of the church comes up between December 10 and 15, 2012, at the Redemption Camp grounds, Km. 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State, with the renowned and highly anointed General Overseer (G.O), Pastor E.A. Adeboye and other anointed men of God, ministering. This year’s edition of the interdenominational spiritual revival, according to Pastor Johnson Odesola, Special Assistant to the G.O, is projected to be massive and greater than the previous edition. “We are expecting everyone to come for great signs and wonders from the Almighty Lord,” he said.

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 11, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

You need more than faith –Pastor Chidi “Reach out, supply the spiritual elements your faith needs to hit the mark,” Pastor Chidi Anthony, General Overseer of Kings in Christ Power Ministries International, urges in these excerpts produced by Tai Anyanwu Christians, we must exhibit good moral life. It is an attribute a Christian must not overlook. We cannot afford to get involved in any behaviour that will smear the image of Christ. God is a lover of excellence; He made His streets of Gold and His looks and apparel sparkle beyond any precious stone. As children of God, we desire and always work to attain excellence in all things.

Knowledge:

very day, m o r e people are giving their lives to Pastor Chidi Christ. In the different fellowships, churches, crusade grounds, on transit in public buses and during one-on-one evangelism, a whole fresh army declares faith in Jesus Christ.

But the question on everybody’s lip is; how many of these faith walkers meet the expectations of the high calling. Do our conducts depict true Christian characters? Is it possible to hit the marks just by putting on the garment of the saved in Christ? The Apostle Paul, speaking in the book of Romans 12: 3 explains that God has given a measure of faith to every man that comes to Christ. Faith is like a live seed in the human spirit, without which salvation cannot be received. Apostle Peter comes in handy with a useful piece of advice to believers to “add to your faith...” Some additions are necessitated This suggests that measure of faith is simply not enough for a Christian to

achieve God’s standard of victorious, fruitful and character expectations of a true Christian; and therefore needs to be grown. The word ADD in this scripture was interpreted within the context of Greek words that means supply lavishly or lavishly sponsor. There are some spiritual nuggets every believer must impute to one’s faith in order to develop sound and enduring Christian character. When one’s faith is inoculated with the spiritual element that powers its growth, the believer becomes effective in the affairs of God’s kingdom. Such believer will cease to be an embarrassment to kingdom walk.

The spiritual elements

Virtue: Christians who must hit the mark of their calling must, with all diligence, add to their faith virtue. Virtue means high quality standards of life. It refers to good morals, excellence in dealings. God want His people to be a people that possess refined behavioural qualities. Good moral is an identity of a person that has good orientation, good upbringing or sound personal development. As

Knowledge means more than a mere knowing; God wants His people to become erudite scholars of life. He wants the Christian to be sharp minded, able to analyze the issues of life with precision and coherence. Powering our faith with knowledge, especially the knowledge that is grounded in the word of God, is most desirable. To impact our world as true ambassadors of Christ, Christian must keep abreast with the knowledge of Christ and His kingdom, and also update ourselves in technology and computer age. There is no field of knowledge a Christian cannot excel in. Already, the spirit of God has given sound mind. We should not limit ourselves to a particular field of life. We need to study and become versatile with knowledge because we have a duty to impact people from every field of Endeavour, in our world. The ministry of the Apostle Paul was very profound because he was a legal luminary, an erudite scholar in Jewish law. He was tutor Gamelea, who himself was a distinguished teacher of the law. Moses, also, was mighty in the words; he gained wider knowledge of Egyptian arts. Hence, he could perform in outstandingly Egypt. Sometimes, anointing only is not enough just money alone is not enough. The Bible says that through knowledge, a house (our life) is established. Do not hesitate any longer; add knowledge to our faith so that your fortune may last. Temperance: The ability to hold one’s self or exercise self control every times and in every situation is one of the spiritual elements Christians have to make meaningful faith advancement. Illustrating this attribute referred described in New Testament as self-restrain; Apostle Paul painted the picture of a sprinter or an athlete who trains himself by refusing to indulge in certain things as some of the disciplines to get into the required shape or stamina, necessary for victory. Christian should emulate that attitude if they want to live an overcoming live in Christ. All things may be permissible, but Apostle Paul says that he refused to be brought under the power of anything. You too can train yourself to have self control in all things. For example: A Christian who eats too much and sleeps too much is bound to be lazy. Such a Christian cannot pray; he or she cannot achieve any meaningful thing in life. To sleep and to eat are very legitimate, but as a Christian, you should not be brought under their influences so that your spirit man will remain sharp. The power of sex is alluring; but Christians should exercise restrain to its alluring power. There is a need for a Christian to control his body appetites; control your temper, and do not take re-

venge on people. Add to your faith temperance, be conscious of these everyday in all that you do. A life of excesses is an abuse, and should be checked for us to live righteously. Patience: This is the ability to hold unto God and his words no matter how unpleasant situation that may surround a Christian looks. It is to say, “YES LORD” and stand resolutely on that, without minding the rough weather. You should remain strong to God’s calling, even when it seems you are not marching forward. Patience is a character that wins at last. Just as that adage says, “A patient dog eats the fattest bones; do not rush out and rush in. stick to it, if it is right, it will surely pay at last. Godliness: If you take a look at the way many Christians regard and pursue money, shows that they don’t care about making money at the expense of another person’s comfort. They don’t want to know whose ox is gored. Such attitude does not portray Godliness. Godliness is goodness, holiness, love caring, faithfulness and the likes. The conduct of a Christian ought to prove that the Christian faith is true. Our lives must showcase the Christ we talk about – this is godliness. Being good to people, having a relationship that is predicated on righteousness and truth, going about our business in plain truth and sound mind are what the world can see and believe our reports. The world cannot see the Christ in you or your recreated human spirit; but they can see how Godly your conduct is and then believe. Brotherly kindness: We must show kindness to our brothers and sisters in faith and others. It is godly to do so because Jesus said that when you do so, you are doing it to him. The Lord Jesus said something that is worth paying attention to. He said, “I was naked but you did not clothe me; I was in prison, but you did not visit me; I was hungry, but you did give me food to eat. He added, “Anytime you do these things to these brethren, you are doing to me. We cannot afford to be insensitive to others people situations. Be an encouragement to someone as much as your power can carry. This is a Christian character. Love – (agape): Agape is the highest kind of love. It is the kind of love that Christian should add to his faith. Agape does not consider offences, it is an unconditional love. Agape is always moved to give all to ensure another person is happy. Christian ought to make it a point of duty to share what they have with others. Do not be miserly or greedy in life. Agape readily blesses others. It does not hoard things meant for others; it seeks a away to even give his own for the good of other people. This is the kind of character God demands from His people. On the contrary, Phileo is a kind of love that is conditional in nature. It considers offences and restrains itself from being a blessing to other people when relationship gets sore. It says “man makes man wicked”. Such language does not come from God. It is not the language of Agape, and should not be spoken by Christians. God first of all practiced Agape and told Abraham to do the same by giving to God his only son.

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Sunday November 11, 2012

Praise & Worship

Churches must tender their accounts, to avoid embarrassment –Pastor Adelugba Government’s resolve to make churches and other relevant entities comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has been described as a major financial revolution, but many churches may not be aware of the challenges ahead, once the new law takes effect in January. A renowned Chartered Accountant, public speaker and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Services, Pastor Isaac Adelugba, throws light on what the new law entails, in this interview with Tai Anyanwu. Excerpts: Could you explain government’s directive that some public interest, not-for-profit entities, would begin to give account of their financial dealings to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria from January 2013? When you look at the roadmap for the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards in Nigeria, January 1, 2013 has been prescribed the date that other public entities that includes charity , they must mandatorily adopt international Financial reporting Standards (IFRS). And when they are talking about not-for-profit entities, they include religious institutions like churches and mosques; we also have social institutions such as political parties. We have educational institutions like schools; and then charitable organisations and none governmental organizations (NGOs). They all have to adopt international financial reporting standards. And the Financial Reporting Council (FRCN) has also said that henceforth, they must monitor the compliance of financial reporting law. What are the implications for the not-for-profit entities? The implications are quite many. First, you discover that most of the reports of the churches cannot be considered to meet the needs of modern financial reporting. The adoption of high quality accounting standards will definitely lead to what I call ‘transparent financial reporting.’ It will also lead to good corporate governance. It will engender strong accountability, good corporate governance and transparent financial reporting. Would you shed more light on the IFRS? IFRS are standards that are produced by International Accounting Standard Board which is based in the United Kingdom. It is an independent entity that has been producing standards for a long time. It is a high quality standard which is underpined by strong due process and is supported by many international professional accounting institutions like ICAN. Many international organisations and governments of many countries have recognised and supported the IFRS. Right now, quite a lot of countries are now embracing it. And they are embracing it because it is very credible. It also makes your financial reporting to be comparable. That is to say that what is prepared in Nigeria can be compared with what is prepared in London. Before, each country has its own accounting standards. The previous standards they were producing are called International Accountings Standards (IAS) which is now converted to IFRS. But each country constituted an accounting jurisdiction and has its own standards besides IAS. The open standard in Nigeria is called statement of accounting standards. We are now saying ‘No; let us apply the same standards in every country to make for comparability. So we are converting from statement of accounting Standards to IFRS to make financial reporting comparable and credible universally. What benefits does government stand to derive from adoption of IFRS First, it will give room for free flow of foreign investment. The investors that are coming to Nigeria, for instance in the banking sector, by the time that the sector’s financial report conforms with IFRS specifications, don’t need to be converting it into their own country’s standards which is hitherto IFRS. Seeing that it is IFRS, it makes his job very easy; there is no complication with IFRS. It is just like we are wearing the same uniform. So, we belong to the same army. It also improves internal control and transparency with respect to assets and liabilities. For instance, if you want to depreciate the fixed asset like a building, you don’t do everything together. There is what we call componentization in the sense that the roof may not last for more than four years but the building can last for more than 10 years. So you need to apply different rate of depreciation. So we are able to have more information about cost, which will lead to result base management.

When you have more comprehensive information as obtained under IFRS, it leads to improved management and stewardship of resources. What benefits are available for the not-for-profit entities? For not-for-profit entities such as church, mosques, social institutions political and charitable institutions the benefits derivable from adoption of IFRS are very many. To me, it is the right thing in the right direction at this point in time. It also makes the entities to be government compliant too. God Himself is very much interested in accountability. If you study the tabernacle, after the tabernacle was built, the builders gave account of everything that was contributed. In fact it got to a point they said don’t bring anything; we have more than enough. If you study the book of Exodus, you will see what I am talking about there. For such entities like church, the adoption of IFRS means that they have alignment with best accounting practices, through the application of credible independent accounting standards. Because all the resources that are entrusted to us, we are to give an account of it. When people make pledges, it should be realised that pledges are receivables; and it is not every pledge that people will redeem. You need to make provision. Well, by faith h we say everybody everyb y ody that makes mak make a pledge actually pays. You ou need to make ma ake provision provisio vision sion for doubtful pledges for people who do not pay pay. A lot pa lo of churches may y need to put p down accounting ma manuals; anu anuals; n so many churches may not have accounting manual ccounting g manu ma m n al now. Accounting manuals and accounting policies have ting polic poli olicies ha h ve procedures. It will certainly lead to effectiveness tive vene eness of operational op perational delivery in church activities and achievement d more m achievem e ent of results. Another benefit of IFRS forr the entities is i there is consistency and comparability have y. Churches Chu hav a e many branches and you can compare Again, re them. m. Aga n you discover thatt some church operate within charity like e non-charitable non-charitab ble activities a having pure water business, b siness, bu ness, printing, schools that charge commercial fe ffees. es. IFRS compliance com would ensure that dealings at reports clearly clea arly separate the e financial fin of the business from church church funds. And those hose businesses within charity are taxable tax xable and should be taxed. What does adoption oes the adopti t on engender for these entities? Adoption ption of IFRS has has a lot of things that are entailed, that are e involved which whic ch the entities must also bear in mind. I can tell technical ll you a lot techn h ical or professional knowledge are involved. d. When we come co ome to the issue we can start talking of the various components. compo ponents. In recent times, they been talking lking about payment pay ay yment of tax, PAYE tax, development ent Levy and what what we call capital gain tax; because churches cause churche es dispose properties they also properties. so buy properti ies. All these things have implication mplication for transaction transaction taxes. So they y must put their the heir house in order. Let me tell you something. something. IFRS require significant amount am mount of planning. It require whatt I call accounting process cess review. Itt also requires formulation ation of policies, policie ies, procedures and guidance. idance. It is a major change programme mme that the e entities must not under-estimate nder-estimate the the enormity of the things involved. involved e . And it also involvess a significant n investment in stafff training and resolution of accounting unting issues. It is a major change to financial revolution and rules; and they should start preparing for it. And quite a lot of these organizations rganizations are not even aware. They don’t even know what iss taking place. There a lot of challenges hallenges engendered. My thinking nking is that Not-For-

Profit entities like churches should start to send their staff to training programmes to know what IFRS is all about. And that is why the Boston Consulting Professional services are coming out with the IFRS course from 15th -20th December, 2012, for the first run. The second run comes up in January 2013, because the churches are many. We are also trying to do for schools especially the private schools for later part of December 2012. The consulting firm has also designed IFRS courses for other sector like the manufacturing, insurance and financial sector. What advice do you have for churches and other institutions about the challenge of IFRS adoption? We want them to embrace it because it has come to stay. Whether you like it or not, from January 1, 2013 the Financial Reporting Council (FRCN) has said henceforth, they would be monitoring their compliance with standards. And if the FRCN say they want to monitor it, it is entirety, it is incumbent, it behooves them perfunctory so to say that they should also start doing something so that when the FRCN comes calling, they will not be found napping. There is a high expectation for the church, high moral standards; and it is therefore incumbent that they should comply so that there will be no embarrassment or disgrace.

Pastor Adelugba

Praise & Worship

Text Only: 08037188392

Divine Message with Special Apostle James

Akinadewo E-mail: molailatugrow@hotmail.com

hat a glorious week in His presence. Heavens are celebrating your lifting. Easily one of the busiest weeks, because questions came in torrents. Appreciating God for the miracles the teachings brought to millions of souls.

To God be the glory. For starters, God told us that tomorrow can wait for us if we use our day well because God can change the course of history for your sake if you are on the right track with Him.

The Lord’s prayer “After this manner therefore pray ye, our father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread…” (Mathew 6 verses 9-11).

Divine word “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amos came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, set thine house in order for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord. And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have

Sunday November 11, 2012

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Tomorrow must wait

done that which is good in thy sight, and Hezekiah wept sore, Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears, behold, I will add unto thy days 15 years.” (Isaiah 38 verses 1-5) Linking the two Bible chapters together revealed you can live long, have victory over death, fulfill your days, become a world changer, move God positively to your side, command Heaven and be blessed in the land of the living if you grab your day, use it well and tomorrow will have no choice than to be at your beck and call. Interesting. What a lovely story. Check these viz•Hezekiah was sick. •Voice came that he will die. •Told God ‘I am not going to die’ •‘I used my day well, death and tomorrow must wait until I finish my assignment,’ he posited. •Got extra tomorrow – 15 years added to his life. •Gave instruction to death like Joshua did to moon and sun [check last week teaching]. •Death and burial ground had no choice than to obey him. This day is your life, if you operate in your day well, tomorrow will obey you like Hezekiah. Can you speak like Hezekiah – Are you the Hezekiah of your generation? Is your voice so powerful that God will change the course of history for your sake? Check yourself well, you can’t be in your day and be day dreaming. Tomorrow is here

Module One “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem……. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him, and ‘when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold and frankincense, myrrh..” (Mathew 2 verses 1 and 11). The business success of Asians, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese and the rest from the east today is not overnight but prophetic. Years ago when Jesus was born, wise men from the East, understanding the things of the spirit and purpose of the ‘day’, traveled all the way from their base to Jerusalem, presented gifts to the King of Kings and bought tomorrow for themselves and their generation. The result is here today. Technological advancement and industrial leeway has taken firm root in that part of the world because those wise men operated with wisdom in their ‘day’ and tomorrow waited for them. The result and success of that spiritual journey made Heaven to shift business focus to that continent leading to the birth of the Asian tigers.

Module Two The United States of America known as God’s own country was founded by 14 black missionaries who worked to their bones in their ‘day’ to secure a tomorrow for the Americans. Their ingenuity flowed into genera-

tions and spotted Martin Luther King who came with the slogan ‘I have a dream’ which gingered Americans from their lethargy to embrace the old time revival. The reverberating effect of that revival transported into Barrack Obama years later and ‘together we can’ became America’s newest national anthem. The labour of the 14 black missionaries who laid down their lives for their country gave Americans a better tomorrow and the positive results are here today. A solid today is a solidified tomorrow.

Module Three Our Lord Jesus Christ was a master in his ‘day’. Told Lazarus was sick, simply answered them that God is in control and busied himself with other pressing matters. The sick died and was buried. Upon enquiries four days after the burial, Martha and Mary told the great healer that the body was already stinking. The great physician just marched to the tomb, ordered the stone to be rolled away and simply asked the dead Lazarus to come and take tea in his office and that settled the matter. Dazed at the miracle, Jesus simply told them he was operating in his ‘day’ and tomorrow, sand, maggot and death had to obey him because the anointing was too terrific. Think right. Sickness and death will not visit you and you must complete your assignment. Grab your day now and tomorrow shall wait for you. Nigeria has a bright and rewarding future. Sin is a sinker. Jesus loves you. It is well.

What happens when the Church really prays? Hope for Hopeless with Pastor Goke

Aniyeloye

he challenge facing our nation today really calls for divine intervention and attention. Things cannot continue this way. We are sons and children of authority, the empowered one indeed. Why are we sitting and accepting the whole thing as our fate? It’s time to call unto our Maker. His word says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) How do we seek His face? It’s by fasting and praying. The lord is ready to proffer solution to the lingering problem and challenge of this nation. He is ready to heal Nigeria but He is waiting for us to call Him into action. It’s our responsibility to take our destiny into our hands and cry to the maker of heaven and earth, the one who liberated the children of Israel from the captivity of Pharaoh; the One who put Goliath to shame before the Isrealites and even before his own people. I decree; every enemy of this nation shall be put to shame and silenced forever in Jesus’ name. Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and

mighty things, which thou knowest not.” I decree once again; every enemy of the unity of our great nation, today, the Lord will expose and disgrace you in Jesus’ name. Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, let’s call unto the defender of the defenseless and He will surely answer us. Please wake up, we are children of the Landlord and we cannot continue to be living as tenants. Children of the Chairman of textile industries cannot continue wearing rags. Oh Lord, an end must be put to this. There is so much abnormality going on in our nation. Father, do not be silent to our cry. You heard the cry of the Israelites in the land of Egypt. Please Lord, attend to our cry in Nigeria. How long is the realm of darkness going to rule and control the affairs of this nation, we can’t continue negotiating with the devil. I decree, the Lord will arise on our behalf this season In Jesus’ name.

When the church takes her destiny into her hand, then we will be liberated and His name will be glorified. The book of Acts chapter 12 beginning from verse 1 says, “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hand to vex certain of the church. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in the prison “. Please mark this, “but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have

brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison . And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shone in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, rise up quickly”. Please note the word of the angel “Rise up quickly”. Christians in this nation need to rise quickly so that our Peter will not be apprehended. Peter meant leadership, joy, encouragement, motivation, direction and instruction to the disciples. The Herod of our nation has laid hand on so many James. Please don’t fold your arms; remember, if you give the devil a length, he would want to go for 10. But one thing I strongly believe is, the Lord that delivered Peter will equally deliver us from the hand of our Herod in Jesus’ name. There are many cliches within the church of Jesus Christ which most of us are familiar with, and one of them is this: “Prayer Changes Things”. You see it, perhaps, on a car bumper sticker, or on the back window of a car, wherever you have come across this word, one thing that I know for certain is that, prayer does change things. It doesn’t mean you always get what you want, it doesn’t mean you get your way and you can turn God round to your direction of thinking every time, but if you have an active prayer life and you’ve prayed for some time, you will know that God does answer prayers. Prayer changes things. I want to bring your attention to this; not only does prayer change things, but perhaps the great-

er work is that prayer changes people. Prayer changes things, prayer changes people, but what we want to look at today is the fact that prayer changes churches. Things really happen when the churches pray! We’ve seen that in Acts Chapter 12 how the church were facing terrible persecution for their faith. This wicked man, Herod, was killing the apostles and seeking to kill more apostles. We see that the church rallying together at this great time of need and emergency, and they didn’t run to the parliament of the day, they didn’t write to the MP- not that we despise those things - they didn’t think of new programmes and strategies, but the first and foremost thing that they did was appeal to prayer. They met together and prayed. James had been killed by the sword, and now Herod was turning his wicked attention to Peter, and we find in verse 5: “Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” and in verse 12, we are told that there were many gathered together praying. Right throughout the whole book of Acts, the Acts of the apostles, or the Acts of the Holy Spirit would be a better title, we see that prayer was an integral part, indeed perhaps we could say a primary part of the operations of the church of Jesus Christ in its beginning. Till we meet again on this column next week, remember; He is always there to answer us whenever we call unto Him. Nigeria, you will prosper. I decree unto you, the reader, you are blessed in Jesus’ name.

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Praise & Worship 33

Sunday November 11, 2012

Christian Relationship with Taiwo

Odubiyi

E-mail: info@pastortaiwoodubiyi.org.uk

any husbands could count on one hand like Fred did in my novel ‘Tears on My Pillow’, the number of times their wives have initiated love-making.

In the novel, Fred told his wife, Moni, “You never made the first move nor kissed me, and if I initiated it, you would turn me down or refuse to respond. And that hurt me a lot.” Yes, she knew turning him down or refusing to respond hurt him. She was doing it to hurt him. He went on. “You never made the first move at all.” “No, that’s not true, Fred.” “Well, if you did, it was probably three or four times since we got married. The maximum is five times.” He raised a palm up with the fingers spread. “You could hug me or something. It means a lot to me. But you would just ignore me as if I didn’t exist.” “But you didn’t tell me you wanted me to.” “I did. I told you about two times. But do I need to tell you? All the things you were doing before we got married, did I teach you to do them?” “I’m sorry.” “I really felt unloved. I was like ... since you were not ready to meet my needs, why should I meet yours?” And in my novel ‘Oh Baby!’, Tammy lifted her head, reached out a hand to touch

Six reasons wives should initiate love-making her husband’s face as she called his name in a whisper, “Richard,” That was all the encouragement he needed. He moved and his lips claimed hers hungrily. Sex is good and great only in marriage and several verses in the Bible make it clear that it was God’s idea and gift to a man and his wife not only to make babies but also for their mutual enjoyment. In Genesis 2:18, God looked at man and said it was not good for him to be alone. And so He created a wife for him. In Genesis 2:25, the Bible says, they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (KJV) And in 1Corinthians 7:2-5, married couples are told: • Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. •Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. •The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. •Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NKJV) Hebrews 13:4 points out: Marriage is honourable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4).

Married couples are encouraged by the Scriptures to have sex regularly. Happy couples have regular sex and regular sex makes happy couples and the more sex they have the happier they are with each other. Sex maintains hope and love in a marriage as couples who still have sex are less likely to consider divorce. In spite of these Scriptures and facts though, some wives are still not comfortable about the idea of a wife enjoying sex with her husband, let alone initiating it. Because of what they have been made to believe by people and culture, they think it is the husband’s duty; he is the one who should always initiate it, whenever he wants it and have all the fun. They just don’t think it is appropriate for a wife to make the first move. Some other wives know they can make the first move but won’t for one reason or the other. If they are not giving excuses of “I’m tired”, or “I have a headache”, they are busy reading or in the bathroom and won’t come out until they are sure their husbands have forgotten about sex or have gone to sleep. A spouse has sexual responsibilities or duties in marriage. If a woman does not want sex, she should not go into marriage. When she gets married, she has signed up for sex.

The six reasons

It’s a way of saying “I love you”, a way to express her love and commitment to her husband. • It makes her husband feel loved, desired and happy. Just as women love be-

ing loved, men love to be loved too. They want attention and when a wife initiates sex, she’s giving attention to her husband. This has a positive effect on him and what he does. •It puts him in a good mood, reduces the tension and pressure that he may have thereby making other things better, and can make him gentle and kind toward her. When a man feels loved, he is more likely to show his love. • Initiating it shows her interest and makes her a willing participant in the sexual activity which will bring a new level of satisfaction to her. She will find herself enjoying it. • Because sex brings a connection, initiating it can strengthen her relationship with her husband. The more regularly a married couple makes love, the stronger their marriage tie. It reduces and can help to settle their disagreements or quarrels. • To ensure sex does not drop. When sex drops, intimacy drops as well and it will not be unusual to see the couple snapping at each other. They stop touching, playing, laughing, spending time together and being friends. Most of the people who are separated from their spouses or divorced admitted that somewhere along the line, they stopped having sex which aggravated their problems as they became extremely unhappy. • To keep her husband sexually satisfied, this in turn helps to keep Satan, temptation and immoralities of all kinds away. It’s a protection for the marriage.

Your greatest asset is divine presence Shepherd Life with Bishop Kingsley

Enakirerhi

he greatest asset of a believer is the continual presence of God in and with him. The value of God’s presence in a man’s life is invaluable. Hence every child of God must jealously guard against losing the presence of God. A look at the great figures in the Bible will reveal that their success is traceable to the overwhelming presence of God in their lives. It was this divine presence that made them to prosper and to triumph over their enemies. No wonder Moss said in Exodus 33:15 “… if thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence”. Moses was a man who went before Pharaoh to demand for the release of God’s people. By the various encounters he had with Pharaoh, he knew that if it had not been for God, Pharaoh would not have released them. What about when the Red Sea was in front of them and the host of Egypt behind them? It took the presence of God to make a way for them in the sea to pass through. He knew it was the presence of God that made the sea to give way for them to pass through. No wonder Psalm 114

says, “When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah was his sanctuary and Israel his dominion. The sea saw it, and fled; Jordan was driven back…, what ailed thee, o thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back…., tremble thou earth, at the presence of the God of Jacob…”. When the presence of God is with you, it becomes impossible for the enemy to cage you. No gate will be strong enough to hold you back. The presence of God is the solution to every road block in your life. Anybody travelling in the convoy of the president of Nigeria knows that no law enforcement agency can stop the entourage. Before the entourage gets to any roadblock, it must be removed. The same way in the spiritual realm; whenever witches or wizards have erected roadblocks against you, the moment you are coming with the King of kings, there is a spiritual siren blowing and announcing to demons to leave the way. If you want to be unstoppable in life, then make sure you are a carrier of God’s presence. It is God’s presence that makes the difference. David was another person who enjoyed so much victory because of God’s presence in his life. He knew it was God who delivered him from the hand of the lion and bear. He knew if not for God, Saul would have killed him. When he fell into sin, he quickly retraced his steps and pleaded in Psalm 51:11, “Cast me not

away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me”. He knew that without God’s presence he was finished. Remember that he declared in Psalm 23:4 “Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me”. When God is with you, your safety is guaranteed. Joseph was sold into slavery and left to suffer by his brethren. They took every thing from him but they could not take God’s presence from him. This singular possession which he had, turned his life around. Hear this; you may not have anything or anybody, but so long as you have God’s presence, His presence is what you need to make a difference in life. In Genesis 39:2-3, the Bible records “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man… and his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand”. In verse 20, Joseph was cast into prison, but hear the record of verse 21 and 23: “but the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison… The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand because the Lord was with him and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper”. So many people are struggling in business and their jobs today. What you need is God’s presence. The moment His presence is with you, whatever you are doing

begins to prosper. Even if it is sachet water you are selling, it will prosper. Isaac sowed in time of famine and God prospered him because God was with him (Genesis 26:1-4). Dearly beloved, your greatest asset in life is God’s presence Do all you can to ensure that God is always with you. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure that God’s presence is with you continually. To enjoy God’s presence, you must be obedient to His instructions. In Genesis 26:3, God told Isaac, “Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee and I will bless…” Here we see that the blessing of God’s presence to Isaac is tied to his obeying the instruction of God to sojourn in the land. Nobody enjoys the company of someone who disobeys him. Thus obey God by pleasing Him in the way you live and do things. Another thing you can do to enjoy God’s presence is to be appreciative to God. If you are the type that is addicted to praising God, His presence will always be with you because God inhabits the praise of His People (Psalm 22:3). In Psalm 114:2, it is stated that “Judah was his sanctuary…” Judah means praise. Paul and Silas were bound in prison, but as they prayed and sang praises, God came down and they were set free. As you engage in qualitative praise, I see God’s presence destroying every yoke of bondage in your life. Remember, God’s presence is your greatest asset.

Praise & Worship

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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The cosmic conflict (ii)

Footprints with Dr. Tunde

Ojewole Email: ojewolea@babcockuni.edu.ng Phone: 08058299434

he great controversy between Christ and Satan, good and evil, light and darkness is raging sore; and no human is excluded. Satan has redoubled his efforts to defeat the work of Christ on man’s behalf: doing everything to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit. Satan’s agents seek to deceive Christ’s followers and allure them from their allegiance. They pervert Scripture to accomplish their objects. Demonic spirits oppress and possess unsuspecting people and the wicked seeks to destroy God’s followers. Satan has infiltrated every household, street, national council, court of justice, and even the churches, perplexing, deceiving, seducing, and ruining the souls and bodies of men, women, and children. He breaks up families, sowing hatred, strife, sedition, and murder. Satan attends worship services attempting to control the minds of worshipers. Never forget the inspired warning sounding down the centuries: “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. . . Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (1 Peter 5:8; Eph 6:11). Evil spirits are united with Satan in rebellion and they cooperate in warfare against God, His people and truth. They have even led some to deny the existence of the devil and his angels- that they are fictitious representations of the evil thoughts and desires of human beings. To disguise his real character, Satan has caused people to paint him as ludicrous, misshapen, half animal and half human. He is pleased to hear his name used in sport and mockery. Because he has masked himself with consummate skill, the question is widely asked: “does such a being really exist?” It is because Satan can readily control the minds of those who are unconscious of

his influence that the Word of God unveils before us his secret forces, thus placing us on guard. Satan knows that the truth, received in love, sanctifies the soul. Therefore he seeks to substitute biblical truth with false theories, heresies, fables, doubt and unbelief. The Word of God is the only antidote against Satan’s devices. Among the most successful agencies of the great deceiver are the lying wonders of spiritualism. The belief that the dead are still alive in one form or another perpetrates the vicious lie of Satan told Adam and Eve: “that the soul that sins shall not die, but live eternally” (Gen 3:4). Satan is the source of the heresy of eternal torment. All the wicked will be destroyed. “The transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Psalms 145:20; 37:38). The doctrine of natural immortality, first borrowed from pagan philosophy and in the darkness of the great apostasy incorporated into the Christian faith, has supplanted the truth that “the dead know not anything.” Ecclesiastes 9:5. Multitudes believe that the spirits of the dead are the “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb 1:14). Satan impersonates the appearance of dead relatives and friends. Many are comforted with the assurance that their loved ones are enjoying heaven. Without suspicion of danger, they give ear “to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Tim 4:1). The “pretended communication” with departed spirits are what the Bible forbids as “familiar spirits,” and “the spirits of devils” (Lev 19:31; 20:27; Num 25:1-3; Ps 106:28; 1 Cor 10:20; Rev 16:14).Satan presents spiritualism in

refined and intellectual forms in scientific circles, courts of kings, legislative bodies, and even in the churches. This mammoth deception has led to wide acceptance of disguised witchcraft. Another error is the doctrine that denies the Christ, claiming that He had no existence before His advent to this world. This theory contradicts the statements of our Saviour concerning His relationship with the Father and His pre-existence. Satan presents Christ as no more than a common man. None who holds this error can have a true conception of Christ or of the plan of God for man’s redemption. Satan is making the world believe that the Bible is fiction and obsolete, so as to obliterate the Book that is to judge him and his followers. Some deny any real answers to prayer as violations of natural law. They reject all miracles. There is deadly danger in neglecting prayer and the Scripture. Satan knows that all who neglect prayer and the scriptures will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross people’s minds. Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ with intense prayer and scripture reading is more than a match for the hosts of darkness in the cosmic conflict. Satan quotes Scripture like an expert, placing his own interpretation on passages in order to deceive. We must study the Bible with humility of heart, constantly guard against the devices of Satan, and pray in faith: “lead us not into temptation” (Matt 6:13). God’s people are constantly exposed to the unsleeping malice of the prince of darkness—agencies numerous, deter-

Answer these questions and win a prize 1.

Which of the seven Churches of Revelation means brotherly love? Supply the scrip ture.

Egypt had ten terrible … because Pharaoh wouldn’t let Israel go. Fill the space and locate the passage?

Who entered into the presence of the Lord in the Holy place of the tabernacle? Supply the passage.

•Please, be informed that the first correct entry via text message wins the prize. See next week’s column for answers to the quiz. Send your answers with your names to 08054238905. Gifts: courtesy Babcock University.

mined, and untiring. However, believers are never left to combat Satan and demons on their own. They are assured of the unceasing guardianship of angels. Angels are sent on missions of mercy to the children of God. To Abraham- with promises of blessing; to Sodom- to rescue Lot from doom; to Elijah- about to perish in the desert; to Elisha- with chariots and horses of fire when he was shut in by his foes; to Daniel-while abandoned to become the lion’s prey; to Peter- doomed to death in Herod’s dungeon; to the prisoners at Philippi; to Paul in the night of tempest on the sea; to open the mind of Cornelius to receive the gospel; and to dispatch Peter with the message of salvation to the Gentile stranger. If error proceeds for a thousand years, truth shall still overtake it one day! The cosmic conflict is about God’s truth, as revealed in the Bible, versus human traditions. All who would overcome at last do so “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (Rev 12:11). Only those who develop the “love for the truth” shall be saved at last. Paul warns us not to be like “those who perish because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thess 2:10). “Therefore love the truth and peace (Zec 8:19). Be not deceived into error. Stay on the winning side of the cosmic conflict. There is no demilitarized zone or middle ground. You are either on the Lord’s side or on the devil’s side. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). •Tunde Ojewole, Ph.D., is the University Pastor and Associate Vice-President for Spiritual Life, Babcock University. For enquiries: ojewolea@babcock.edu.n

Kindly re-send your answers to our November 4, 2012 quiz. Due to hitches in production, we could not access the answers you sent in. This does not imply that readers should not participate in this week’s quiz too. Kindly indicate the date on your answers.

Will God reveal the end-time to born-again Christians? Holy Inquiry with Pastor Paul

Nkirukah E-mail: pstpaul11@yahoo.com

Dear man of God, The Bible made me understand that Jesus’ second coming shall be at an unknown hour, and he shall come like a thief in the night and that nobody will know about it. May I ask: is there no way we, the truly born-again children of God, will be given the hint of his coming? -Blessing, from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Dear reader, Time will not permit me to ask how long you have been in the Lord, because your question does not sound like that coming from a truly born again Christian. If you don’t mind my language, it sounds highly hypocritical and blaspheming. Nevertheless, I owe it a duty to preach it to you according to the gospel of our Lord and

Saviour, and supply some scriptures that will neutralise your question beyond all reasonable doubt. Therefore, in order not to prolong matters, let’s carefully examine the scriptures below. Matthew 24: 3 – 14 and 23 – 40 read, “And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Verse 4; And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you, 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many; 6 And ye shall near of wars and rumours of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earth quakes, in divers places; 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. It continues from verse nine: Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you, and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake: 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11And

many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, and love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come. Verse 23: Then if any man shall say unto you, lo, here is Christ, or there, believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; in so much that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, behold, he is in the desert, go not forth, behold, he is in the secret chambers, believe it not. 27 For as lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the son of man be. 28 For where soever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heaven shall be shaken. 30 And then

shall appear the sign of the son of man in heaven: and then shall the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great joy. According to the statements and scriptures above, it is very evident and obvious that God left so many signs for us to be able to notice whenever the end of the world is beginning to approach. And if I may ask; are not all the things that these scriptures above said happening now? Is there anything that these scriptures said that you have not seen or heard? There are so many earthquakes in so many part of the world today. There are killings, most especially of Christians in northern parts of Nigeria. There are false prophets all over the world performing great signs and wonders, and this is to show you that signs and wonders are not God, magic is not miracle. Have you not seen or heard people claiming to be the expected messiah, some had and are still proclaiming themselves to be the Christ. My dear, I advise that you stop looking for signs, but live a righteous and a holy life and whenever the time comes, you will not be left out.

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Teeto Ceemos hits TV screens with new catchy music video Hip-hop artiste, Teeto Ceemos is back on the airwaves again. This time around, the young singer has decided to make a strong statement with the video of his hit, ‘Won So Pe’. Music buffs will recall that ‘Won So Pe’ is the brand new single from Freshboy Entertainment’s Hip-hop artiste and prolific crooner, Teeto Ceemos.

act, Tolu had his debut R&B as a great marvel to all. It comstern R&B and Yoruba dialect, and love from fans. u dropped experimental track, ned to Vintage Records in Januher aspects of his talents and a surprise to many as fans were side of tolu’s wonder vocals. inalist in MTN Project Fame ey to discover his versatility. ney is out. Titled ‘I am3three’, ompilation having a blend of

on of talent, value and idedifferent experiences and e brand “Tolu” with top yrical content s tracks like; ‘Shakara’, . This is a “must move th easy to learn and lovavails of how a young hen he makes money

Produced by beat-maker extraordinaire Kid Konnect, the captivating new single is the latest offering from Teeto Ceemos since his Shank-featured Summer jam ‘Go Down’. Now Teeto Ceemos has presented his fans with the brand new video for ‘Won So Pe’. The exciting video was directed by the multi-talented Tosin Igho. While the new video is enjoying cool airplay on several television screens, Teeto Ceemos has promised to hit his fans with more tracks before 2012 runs out.

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‘Hoodrush’, the musical thriller has been described as one of the best movies to come out of Nollywood industry this year, as the attendance at the cinemas has shown it is well accepted among movie watchers. This claim was made by some great minds that watched the movie. They described the movie in their diverse opinions: “It made me cry, my eyes were heavy because I really found some scenes emotional, and overall it is a very good movie,” said Nse Ikpe Etim “To the best of my knowledge, ‘Hoodrush’ is the first musical film to be produced in Nigeria. And it would seem it was worth the wait,” Funlola Aofiyebi Raimi disclosed. For Chima Okenikpe, Creative Director, Insight Communications, “Hoodrush is an inspiration to this generation”. “It’s got everything Mama Mia, Saturday Night Fever Sarafina... Yeah, any world class musical thriller has got and more,” said Elimehe, Osezuah, MD Eloseplus A/V “The director used Nigerians only to deliver a world class story. The days of mediocrity are gone. Go see ‘Hoodrush’ and be thrilled.

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Flight to Abuja’ grossed N24 million, thereby making it the highest box office earner this year. It would be recalled that the same movie director produced ‘Mirror Boy’ a movie that made N18 milAbuja’ produced and directed by lion at the cinema. The year 2012 has been incredaward winning Obi Emelonye first grabbed the headlines when it re- ible for super star, Omotola Jalade portedly sold more than eight mil- Ekeinde; from being the highest lion in its first week at the cinema. paid actress to being the busiest ‘Last Flight to Abuja’ also on locations of big budget movies, starred Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Jim now famously called “the new Nollywood” Omosexy has had a full calIyke, Jide Kosoko and others. According to the producer, ‘Last endar and bag as well.

Omotola JaladeEkeinde carts home BEFTA Award The year 2012 will be one in which the duo of Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and film maker Obi Emelonye won’t forget in a hurry as the duo grabbed the headlines in spectacular fashion judging by the quality of the kind of jobs they both did. The movie, ‘Last Flight to

I’m committed to gospel music –Enny Okosun

Last Sunday, gospel artiste, Enny Okosun, dazzled spectators at the launch of his debut album at the auditorium of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The chartered engineerlowed up his deturned musician left no one in doubt about featuring 2face his musical prowess. The up-and-coming, artiste, however, displayed a strong sense of ake it Down’, style and elegance. This posed the question, passion and could he possibly stick to gospel music or would to get you Enny switch to secular songs after a while? Find his views in this interview with Tai Anyanwu ificant

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Sunday, November 11, 2012

What is happening here today? We are doing a concert in a way that will bring people here in Ikorodu to Jesus. We are sounding a warning that the way forward is by working for Jesus. A major event here today is that I am launching my debut album. You know I am reaching out to people, to know who Enny is.

I want them to feel the gift of the Lord in me, to impact the society positively. That is why we are bringing people down here, to RCCG Abundant Life Parish, Ikorodu so that they can feel the church of the Lord. Could you tell us a bit about this album? The album title is In His Death Is My Birth. It is talking about the death of Jesus who died for us, to impart positive virtues into our society. His death has given us power to proclaim His name all over. That is what I am actually doing. That is why I titled the album In His Death Is My Birth. It is a rendition of spiritual song or full gospel album targeted at impacting on our society positively. Also in the collection is a strong track 11, Wave Your Flag. The track depicts challenges that Nigerians are facing today. There are other tracks rendered with Makossa flavour to appeal to the taste buds of people who love Makossa beat. There are some highlife and reggae beats in the 12-tracker and I know that when you feel the songs they are going to blow up

your mind. Are you going to stick to gospel or switch to secular songs like some have done after doing gospel songs a while? As a matter of fact, some of the tracks in my debut album are as old as 20 years. If I wanted to go out of gospel, I would have gone out a long time; but I remained intact because I am committed and I will stay with the gospel. I believe that it is the primary assignment which the Lord Jesus has given to us to carry on the light. He showed us the footstep to follow. Definitely, this song is going to remain an evergreen. Which of these songs is your favourite? Track seven, Alleluia My Father. I love the song because it talks about the death of Jesus. Above all, the gifts of God, is the gift of His only begotten son Jesus. No human being can do that for another person.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Weddings Engagements CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS NOVEMBER 11, 2012

Paralympics couple, Folashade, Tolulope, tie nuptial knots

aturday, November 3 will forever remain green for the families of Oluwafemiayo and Owolabi as the day their children Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Tolulope Owolabi were joined in holy matrimony.

The Paralympic stars tied the knot at the Apostolic Church in Jos, the Plateau State capital with the full support of their families, friends and loved ones. Folashade and Tolulope had their traditional wedding in April a few

VANESSA OKWARA

months before they left for the London 2012 Games. Fair-complexioned Folashade wedded her male powerlifting counterpart, Tolulope, dressed in a sequined sleeveless wedding dress with a bolero on it while the groom,

Tolulope, decked a darkblue suit paired with a purple shirt with gold colour bow tie. Folashade did not only win the hearts of the watching spectators at the London ExCel Arena with her bravery during the games but she also won the silver medal in the Women’s -75 kg power lifting on the fifth day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at ExCeL. She also set a new world record in the women 75kg power lifting event in the London 2012 Paralympics Games, although she did not win the gold medal. Meanwhile, her hubby, Tolulope, did not win any medal at the games. Families, friends, sport administrators and fellow paralympians were in attendance. Friends and fellow paralympians were all clad in the chosen aso ebi just to show their love and support to the newlywed.

You have a story to tell us about your wedding/engagement, or your new born baby. You can call this line 08051980588

BABIES OF THE WEEK

Michelle Frances Ebubechi Olaoluwa Ogunnika was born on at Ajayi Medical Centre, Ikorodu to Tunde and Theresa Ogunnika. She was delivered at 8:25 a.m. and weighed 4 kg. According to Theresa during the pregnancy, she craved for water. “During the pregnancy, I craved for water.” Speaking about her obvious physical body changes, Theresa said she had no swollen feet, face or nose aside from her protruding stomach. What irritated her during the pregnancy? “I was only irritated by the fragrance of perfume,” she stressed. What do they love about Michelle? “We love her posture and she is a beautiful little girl,” she said. What do they want her to become in future? “We want her to become an engineer,” Theresa added.

Pomp as Adaeze weds Chibueze

t was pomp and ceremony as a great crowd gathered to witness the solemnisation of the love between Adaeze Esther Anikwenwa and Chibueze Alfred Onalu as they exchanged their marriage vows on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Winners Chapel auditorium in Ago Place Way, Isolo Lagos. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the couple tied the nuptial knots that will unite them forever. The bride was looking beautiful in a white ball wedding gown that accentuates her beautiful figure while the groom complemented her in a black suit and an ash coloured tie. The reception which held in the church hall was grand. The hall was decorated beautifully in pink and purple colour with sliver lights to give grandeur to the venue and the guests were all entertained with choice food and drinks. Earlier on in May this year, the Onalu family from Nibo Local Government area, travelled to the Anikwenwa’s family home in Awukuzu local government area both in Anambra State to perform the traditional rites according to the Igbo tradition. The bride wore a silver George wrapper with a beautiful pink lace blouse adorned with silver accessories, while the groom wore a gray coloured senator’s suit-style clothing complemented with coral beads. As Adaeze walked to where Chibueze

was sitting to give him the wine signifying to her family that he was the one she intended to marry, the crowd cheered in agreement and the traditional ceremony began in earnest as the Onalu family paid the dowry and gleefully took their new wife home to live forever with Chibueze. The couple started their love journey in 2009 when they met at a Bible school in Winners Chapel Lagos. They hit it off immediately as friends and started dating. In 2010 Chibueze proposed to Adaeze and she gladly ac-

cepted. Chibueze said what attracted him to her was her God-fearing character and dedication. “She is also very pretty and hardworking as an events planner and I am happy she agreed to be my wife,” he said. As for Adaeze, “Chibu is unique, God-fearing and has a good heart. I am happy we made it together and it shall be forever indeed.” The couple are presently on their honeymoon and we wish them all the happiness in the world.

Antoine Ese-Ose Ofomah was born at Harvey Road General Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State to Anthony Osegbe and Omonigho Benedicta Ofomah. She was delivered at I2:46 p.m. and weighed 1.9kg. “During the pregnancy, I craved for drinks like 5Alive and I ate lots of apple,” she revealed. Benedicta said she was irritated by draw soup such as okro, ogbono and ewedu during the pregnancy. Were there obvious physical body changes? Benedicta said, “The only obvious physical body change besides my protruding tummy was that my nose grew bigger.” What do they love most about Antoine? “We just love everything about our baby,” said Benedicta. What is the meaning of the baby’s names? “Antoine means praiseworthy while Ese-Ose means gift from God,” revealed Anthony. What do they want her to become in future? “We want her to become a medical doctor,” Anthony said.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A Fashionista’s

World NOVEMBER 11, 2012

‘I love trendy, sexy outfits’ Tell us briefly about yourself I am from Akwa Ibom State. I am a 300-level undergraduate at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, studying Mass Communication. I am also into modelling and singing. How long have you been modelling? I have been modelling for three years but I discovered that I have passion for singing. I sing gospel, inspirational, hiphop and RnB. How do you get your inspiration? From God, my environment and the people around me. How do you combine schooling, modelling and music? I know it is not easy to combine school with entertainment but so far so good, God has been faithful. During my leisure, I perform at shows but my education comes first. Define your fashion statement I love to be very simple. What kind of outfits do you love to wear? I love trousers and short gowns. But I love to wear short gowns mostly. I love sexy and trendy outfits that make me to look good but comfortable. If you have to reveal any part of your body, where would that be? I don’t reveal any part of my body because I don’t have any part I can reveal. If I was busty, maybe I would reveal a little cleavage. But since I love to wear short gowns, I reveal my laps because they are hot and sexy. What is that fashion item you cannot do without as a woman? I cannot do without my handbag. It is very important because that is where I keep my make-up and other necessary items. Aside from that, handbag complements my outfit. As a model, have you encountered any sexual harassment? Definitely, I have. There was this contract I got last year to do a billboard advert which was supposed to take me to South Africa but the man involved told me that he wants to sleep with me, but I refused. Well, that was how I lost the contract and I said to myself maybe it wasn’t meant for me. I am a God-fearing person. I will never sleep with any man to get what I deserve. As a model, what can’t you model? I cannot model nude no matter how much money I am being offered. My body is priceless. Who are the women you admire?

When it comes to fashion, I admire Genevieve Nnaji. I just love her simplicity. She does not over or under-dresses. She does not carry crazy hairstyles neither does she wear too much make-up. I love her simplicity. When it comes to music, I admire the late Whitney Houston, and in Nigeria, I admire Omawunmi a lot. Omawunmi is my good friend and she is one person who has been encouraging me in the music industry. She has been there for me. In modeling, I admire Oluchi but the only snag is that she models nude. But I like her a lot. What kind of shoes do you love to wear? I love high heels. High heels give me that elegant and sexy look. How would you describe yourself on/off stage? I am a very crazy person on stage. I do my swag to keep people entertained. But off stage, I am very humble and shy. What is your greatest fear in life? My greatest fear is poverty. That is why I hustle and try to make something meaningful with my life. What are the steps you are taking to conquer poverty? I am a determined, disciplined and diligent young woman. This shows in everything I do right from my education to my music career. I am also very hard working, so I believe I will make it in life. How do you like your make-up? I love simple make-up. How do you love to carry your hair? I love simple fixing. I don’t like crazy hairstyles. What are your hobbies? I love swimming, reading, singing and dancing. How do you relax? By reading. What is your signature perfume? I love Sexy Domain because of the fragrance. The fragrance is alluring. What is your philosophy of life? Humility is the key to exaltation. Is there a man in your life? Yes, I have a man in my life. He is a footballer. I have always wanted to marry a footballer right from my childhood. He encourages and supports me a lot. What is his name? (Laughs) I can’t tell you. It is confidential. How would you describe yourself? I am a very simple, down-to-earth, and God-fearing person. I love children so much.

GODSLOVE BERNARD

Godslove Bernard whose stage name is G-love Africa is an artiste and a model. This fashionista, in this interview with Angela Davies, reveals that her fashion statement comes with simplicity.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Connecting

Vanessa with

Vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

Coping with rejection from a loved one “O h Lord, why me? What did I do to receive this kind of treatment from Segun? After everything we have been to each other, I cannot believe he will abandon me in a lurch like this,’’ Jennifer cried on the phone as she narrated her story to me. According to her, she and Segun have been lovers for as long as she can remember. They grew up in the same neighborhood in a Lagos suburb. They met when they were attending the same JAMB classes and became childhood sweethearts. When they passed their JAMB and successfully enrolled in the university, they continued to keep in touch. She went to UNIILORIN while Segun attended the University of Abuja. Things were looking bright and she couldn’t wait for the day she will walk down the aisle with him. As a result of this, she rejected the love advances of many men, who came for her hand in marriage because of the promises Segun made to her. After they finished their NYSC, Segun got a job with an International NGO in Abuja while she searched for a job in Lagos. While waiting to receive good news from one of the job interviews she attended, she decided to pay Segun a surprise visit. When she called him to come and pick her up at the bus station when she arrived in Abuja, his cold reception of the news that she was already in Abuja registered chilly vibrations in her Models spine but she chose to ignore the feelings. All through the weekend, Segun was restless and constantly on the phone with someone. When she questioned who it was, he will answer vaguely that it was someone from the office. She was not satisfied with that answer and when he went into the bathroom to take a shower, she quickly rushed to his phone to check who it was he was always talking with. She was surprised to discover that the phone was locked. When did Segun start locking his phone when she was around? What is he trying to hide from her, she mused. When it was time for her to go back to Lagos, Segun quietly sat her down and then dropped the bombshell her instincts had been reeling in her subconscious all through the weekend. “Jenny there’s no other way I can break this news to you than this: I met someone else here in Abuja and fell in love with her. I’m already making plans for the engagement. I wanted to come to Lagos to tell you but since you are already here, I can’t keep hiding it from you. We have known each other for a long time now and I would not want to hurt you but it is over between us. I am very sorry,’’ he said. Jennifer was devastated! She cried and begged but Segun was very firm in his decision to reject

her love. He took her to the bus station and she cried buckets all the way back to Lagos. Jenny couldn’t imagine her life without Segun in it. How can she handle this rejection from the love of her life? “Life will never be the same,” is usually the mantra you hear from a person who had suffered one type of rejection or the other in the hands of the person they love. The high stakes in the long-term relationship like the one between Segun and Jennifer makes rejection all that much harder to take; if you take years of emotional investment and attachment coming to an abrupt halt into consideration. Rejection indeed is a difficult pill to swallow, especially when it is served cold to you by that person you consider very important in your life. The feeling could be equated with that of someone slicing a sharp knife through your heart. Rejection is on top of the list as one of the great fears of life. No one wants to be rejected, but it happens. Rejection comes at work when you are passed over for a promotion you were hoping to get or you got fired from work. Rejection triggers a dangerous dose of self-doubt. And it happens to all of us. Dating rejection may be one of the most difficult emotions to bear. When someone breaks up with you or never calls after a first or second date, he is rejecting you as a person, not your job, not your art, just you and that hurts. It is alright to give yourself permission to feel sad, unlovable and frustrated. These feelings are natural and not something you should be ashamed of. Where the problem lies is when you go into denial, self pity and outright rejection of your worth as a person based on another person’s rejection of your love. It does not mean you are less than worthy. It simply means that you are not the right person for him. The journey to Mr. Right is fraught with rejections. In order to meet the right person for you, expect a myriad of NO’s along the way. Coping with rejection means feeling the emotional pain, putting it where it belongs, and moving forward. The best way to deal with rejection is to look at the brighter side of it. You have just been granted an opportunity to seek someone else who will love you for real and be there for you even when there are several oceans separating both of you. So quit the pity party! Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Rejection is nothing more than a “no”; something we hear often and learned early. So square your shoulders, pick up your chin, and give yourself pep talks that will motivate and bring you out of the depressive hole you have buried yourself in all these while.

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Opinion

Sunday November 11, 2012

Buhari and the burden of conscience K AYODE FASUA

uilt as a ramrod straight man that dazzles with a spare, gangling frame, Muhammadu Buhari, Daura, Katsina State-born retired Major-General, remains pristinely unabashed, amidst the celebration of filthy lucre that is now a Nigerian sing-song. A sing-song that is far more resonant than the national anthem. As Nigeria’s most celebrated serial presidential candidate, he may be an ethnic jingoist in the garb of a true nationalist; he may appear as an unforgiving personage quietly driven by some paranoia; he may be this, as he may be that. But what you cannot take away from Buhari is the strength of his character. Yes, famed as a dreaded military dictator leading a junta that terminated the democratic government of President Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983, at a time most politicians had tethered cows at their village market squares to mark the New Year, Buhari still is it. In the feisty conundrum of his Siamese rule with Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, a man who was ordinarily his second-in-command, Buhari still stood unfazed. Though that regime ruled with iron fist embedded in draconian decrees and implacable military rigidity, Buhari still cannot but be admired. A deconstruction of this retired military officer turned politician, in the main, reveals a man of conscience nurtured perhaps by the truth but definitely also, by some innate virtues of honesty and decency that can hardly be contro-

verted. The story was reliably told that the real reason Buhari held Idiagbon in high esteem and virtually put the government on his lap was that in the real sense of the word, Idiagbon was senior to Buhari, and would have justly deserved to gain promotion ahead of the man who was the junta’s preferred Head of State. But the game plan, it was learnt, was to appoint a man of Hausa/Fulani extraction as leader, so that the coup would not be seen as sectional by Shagari’s Sokoto kinsmen who are Hausa/Fulani. Naturally, therefore, a Head of State cannot don an epaulet of a rank lower than his second-in-command’s. The coupists, indubitably, were guided by the fallout of both the January 1966 first military coup and then the countercoup that erupted six months after. In the first coup, the North was wrought that its leaders both in the civil and military circles were the casualties of the putsch which was believed to have been biasedly managed by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna of the Igbo extraction. While a smoky Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, an Igbo man who was groomed up in the North, saw to the killings of the Sadauna and Northern Region Premier, Ahmadu Bello, and of ‘his representative in central government’, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Ifeajuna too shot dead his boss and friend, Brigadier Mai Mailari, an Hausa man. On getting to the East, however, he failed to at least arrest the Premier, Dr. Michael Okpara, with the excuse that the latter was receiving an envoy. The Yoruba portion in the coup was

not assailed by northern grumbling apparently because the Western Region Premier, Ladoke Akintola, was also slain. To, therefore, worsen things. Major-General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Igbo, who was the most senior military officer, inherited the gains of the doomed coup, by becoming Head of State. What happened six months after the coup, in which Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed and Yakubu Gowon became Head of State, is a veritable treatise in Nigeria’s chequered history. So, afterwards in the rollup to the Buhari era, it could be seen how a man of conscience that he is, he gave ample room to his ‘would-have-been-boss’, Tunde Idiagbon, to do the ruling. Still to Buhari’s fastidious moments with the burden of his conscience, which are disproportionate with the values of his environment, is the fact that there is no record anywhere that he stole money or failed to execute a contract, after collecting money. Devoid of the national hoopla and the controversies attached to his days in power, what endears most in him is his name, of which he seems to cherish with a deal. The man who wanted to be president and who may still want to be, was therefore brought to the murky waters of national politics last week when the dreaded Boko Haram group, which had claimed responsibility for many bomb and gun attacks in the North, nominated Buhari as one of the northern leaders preferred to mediate between it and the Federal Government, in far-away Saudi Arabia, the holy land.

Kayode Fasua

kayodefasua@nationalmirroronline.net (08034101207; SMS only, pls)

Buhari, as would be expected, turned down the offer. His reason is not far-fetched. Here is a man who has been living under open suspicion of being one of the possible sponsors of insurgent groups, in what is widely perceived as his bid to avenge the 2011 presidential election, which he still believes was rigged in favour of President Goodluck Jonathan. For such a man to now accept the Boko Haram offer of a mediator will naturally attract, ‘Oh, we said it; he is their leader.’ Though till weekend, Buhari was still being pressured by peace-loving northern leaders to have a change of mind and help in placating the Boko Haram group, whichever way the pendulum of his final decision swings, I think, the man Buhari deserves our utmost respect; at least for the facts that he is not a thief and he’s guided by principles formed in the hallowed factory of his conscience. Above all, President Jonathan needs to court Buhari, who despite political differences, remains persuadable, to assist in thawing the Boko Haram freeze, since the group holds him in high esteem. Buhari is not someone to be derided.

A country on the brink of collapse BAYO OLUWASANMI

oing home on vacation has become annual ritual for me. It’s not only sacred and majestic, but spiritual. Like a pilgrim, the yearly ‘pilgrimage’ renews my faith, hope, and love for my country. It’s also an opportunity to reconnect and reunite where my boyhood was formed and shaped with unrestrained exuberance. It was a land where I imagined Utopia was in process of becoming reality.

Though it’s too soon to forget about summer infatuation, mine ended immediately the Boeing 777 taxied at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The smooth, bumpy-free, and flawless connecting flight from Houston’s International was punctuated by a downpour that greeted our arrival at MMIA. Right from the time we set foot inside the airport, visible signs of neglect and decay from the rooftops to the floor of the airport advertised a microcosm of a nation parallaxed to hell. Drops of July showers that escaped through the leaking roofs of MMIA baptized passengers with the ostensible truth that warned us to fasten our belts for the turbulence ahead. The airport was partially boarded up and torn down. Looks like an abattoir undergoing some face lift ready for inspectors from department of agriculture. Everywhere looks mangled, air-thirsty, decrepit, and filthy. Scraps of construction materials compete for space like trees hewed down by the storm: an ironic reminder of MMIA’s vestiges of its former

greatness. By now, the rain had become more violent and unfriendly. The waiting lounge was a bedlam. People waiting for their loved ones were pounded by the rain. The ‘madding crowd’ needless to say, had become inured and enamored with the copious beatings of the rain. Out of the sea of heads, I managed to recognize my family completely bathed in the pre-noon rains. We collided into each other’s arms with a prolonged hallelujah that I made it safely home! Thus the one month vacation has begun in earnest. Of course, a month vacation was not enough for me (or any visitor for that matter) to travel extensively and exhaustively to intimate me with the socio-politico-economic problems in Nigeria. Good enough, I’m no stranger to these problems. The socio-politico-economic mess in the country is well known and well documented. Thus I believe it’ll amount to nauseating redundancy to laundry-list for the umpteenth time the lack of modern conveniences that Nigerians have come to accept as the norm. These age-old problems make for equal opportunity in all the 36 states of the federation – see one see all. But on this trip, I’m hell troubled by corruption, today’s most lucrative industry in Nigeria. Of all the social and economic plagues that badly afflicted and deformed our body politic, corruption is the most noxious. If superstitions are vestiges of ancient religion, corruption has become the creative destruction of a modern Nigeria. Poverty, one of its derivates, is on full scale war with our people. To be a guest of corruption in Nigeria,

you needn’t crisscross this huge country looking for hosts. Corruption is all over the land: you can feel it, smell it, hear it, read it, watch it, and embrace it! Corruption in Nigeria has assumed a special status with different species. There is collusive corruption and retail corruption. Collusive corruption is a phenomenon whereby the ruling class takes care of each other at the expense of the people who elected them as their representatives. Retail corruption involves exploitation, scheming, scamming, and ripping of individuals by individuals on one hand, and bribery of individual law makers on the other hand by corporations. According to the World Bank report just released, 80% of businesses in Nigeria paid bribes to government officials on request to remain in business. Both forms and strands of corruption are visible, massive, deadly, and alive in Nigeria. The scale and scope of stealing, looting, and fraud is riveting to the eyes. One can literally hear the screams of corruption in the banner headlines of the dailies. From oil subsidy gate to pension scheme fraud, bank fraud, ghost workers, overseas junketing and jamboree of legislatures and their wives, forged and inflated contracts, senseless presidential trips with army of aides, unending meaningless retreats and unproductive seminars, and many other sickening evil and con devices have become intertwined to form a national catechism. Whether it is collusive or retail corruption, the result is the same: it continues to ebb and eat away our human flourishing. Corruption has effectively abbreviated the exercise of liberty in the pursuit of happiness for our people.

The justified and lasting satisfaction with life is completely wiped clean by this greed and graft. The guarantee and expansion of economic liberty has been stunted and halted by the same malfeasance. Earned success and achievement from different endeavors have been supplanted by these assorted venalities. It’s like expecting springs in the desert for Nigerians to earn a living for themselves and their families through hard work and own efforts. Finding decent work that not only pays the bill but that people enjoys is a rare commodity of Nigeria’s past. Corruption has created a humiliating and primitive stagnation of our social life. With corruption, families have been ripped apart. Our children are not raised as proud members of the community with devotion to our culture of ingrained moral values. Our young ones have become wild and homeless lot, culturally lost, spiritually disinherited, candidates for streets, highway robbery, and prisons. Lost generation, if you will! The war of exploitation and marginalization of the poor on one hand, and the destruction of the middle class on the other hand, has been renewed with zealous impatience by corruption. Every intervention of the government’s so called anti-graft agency EFCC to stem corruption has actually transformed corruption into a legalized and respectable profession. Indeed, The Federal Government’s phony fight against corruption erects barriers to decriminalise the bane of the scourge in our national life. •Abridged version of the views of Oluwasanmi, a social analyst

Politics

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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Revisiting ACF’s road map for Northern Nigeria On November 6, the apex northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), submitted its road map for peace, unity and development to the Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum and Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, in Minna. Aza Msue takes a look again at the report and writes on what it is expected to achieve. It is no longer news that most states in the northern part of the country are not at peace. It is thus as a result that the region’s socio-political organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF) took up the challenge to restore peace, unity and development in the region. What it came up with, in that search for peace, is a report which it calls, The Road Map for Peace, Unity and Development of Northern Nigeria. The insurgence of the Boko Haram sect in the North has led to wanton destruction of lives and property which is seen as a threat to peace, unity and development, not only in the region but in the country at large. Thus, the ACF, having recognised that security is essential to economic development, last December, held its summit tagged, “Arewa Conference on Peace and Unity”. The forum further raised committees to study and analyse the main interventions and make recommendations on specific policy measures and actions that would help achieve a more rapid economic and social development for the presumed backward region. The ACF roadmap specifically centred on how to achieve sustainable peace, unity, better security and good governance in the region. Almost a year after the summit, the forum’s dream seemed to have been forgotten by its facilitators, while the submission of the ‘roadmap report’ has also set the northern political elite against the Presidency and the northern governors. The ACF Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Gen. Jeremiah Useni, reacting recently, passed a vote of no confidence in VicePresident Namadi Sambo, together with the 19 northern governors for their failure to help implement the forum’s report, while an elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, opposed Gen. Useni’s views. In his reaction, ACF national publicity secretary, Mr Anthony Sani, disowned the two chieftains, insisting that they aired their personal opinions, not the forum’s. According to Sani, “The common mantra in all the question is the concern as to how ACF hoped to ensure that the resolution of the Arewa conference on peace and unity as summarised in the road map for socioeconomic and political development of the North would be implemented when Gen. Useni, the BOT chairman of ACF, seemed to pass a vote of no confidence in those to help implement it. More troubling is the fact that, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai has berated the BOT chair publicly, thereby signposting internal division before the road map goes out. “I have read the statements credited to Gen. Useni on Vice-President Namadi Sambo, northern governors, Northern Leaders Political Forum and about Middle Belt, as they concern the struggle to bring about peace and unity in the North. I have also read the reactions by Alhaji Tanko Yakasai to that of the General. What most people feign ignorance of is this important fact

that both Gen. Useni and Alhaji Yakasai are not just in BOT of ACF, they are highly respected elder statesmen and northern leaders who are also seasoned politicians with high visibility. As a result, their views on issues of national importance are often sought by the media. On their own rights, they can speak on national issues without any recourse to the forum,” he explained. Sani noted that, “for the avoidance of doubts, VP Sambo led the northern governors who contributed morally, financially and organisationally towards the success of the Arewa conference on peace and unity of the North. Their contributions were highly valued by the forum which hopes they will do same in implementation of the road map.” He added, “Somehow, I believe a vintage Gen. Useni, even in his personal capacity, wanted to advise those in position of authority and influence to come together and brace up for the task of inspiring peaceful coexistence and unity that still lies ahead. This is because the security and socio-economic challenges across the country, are very much around. More so that ACF will need all hands to be on deck for implementation of the road map.” Sani appealed to the leaders in the manner he appealed to the duo of General Babangida and Buhari who are both patrons of ACF that since the forum was very deliberative, public altercations among members should be avoided because they are unhelpful, since they are capable of conveying the wrong impression that the North cannot work hard and bring back peace and security. At the road map report presentation in Minna, ACF Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed said, “We all gathered in Kaduna on those two days as one huge family and tried to ask ourselves what foolish things we were doing or the smart things we have neglected to do that landed us into the mess we have found ourselves today.” Alhaji Aliko added, “Security is the first law of nature and of the state. Nothing can be achieved without it. It must therefore be our first priority to maintain security and peace. That good leadership and responsible followership are indispensable to national security and peace.To achieve both, justice and liberty must be given to everyone within our society. That we must evolve a civil and plural society which adequately accommodates our ethnic and lingo-cultural differences; through consciously directed efforts”. On Security in the North, the forum’s report highlighted that operatives of intelligence and security agencies must be given adequate training and retraining on a continuous basis. “They must be well equipped and motivated. The procedure laid down for military takeover from the police during civil unrest or disorder should be revised and strictly adhered to. The current practice of deploying the military too frequently on police duties should

Gov. Babangida Aliyu

be discouraged. All such deployments should be given adequate legal cover. There is continuing debate about the desirability or otherwise of state police but this should be avoided as we are still not politically mature enough to ensure that it is not abused.” On sustainable peace and unity, ACF called on government to address the indigene settler question. It recommended that states/LGAs should adopt a common protocol making anyone born in a particular community an indigene of that community. “Appropriate legislation must be put in place to address the problem. Town planning regulations should discourage the indiscriminate building of places of worship. Authorities in the North, elders, youth, clergy and ulama should show maximum religious tolerance and give followers of the major religions the freedom and encouragement to practise their religions without discrimination or hindrance,” the report stated. However, on leadership and good governance, ACF demanded for the removal of immunity clause in the proposed constitution amendment. “The immunity clause in the constitution which is intended to allow governors and the president to do their work unhindered has become a cover behind which some hide to drain the treasury with impunity. This clause should be expunged from the constitution. The process by which leaders emerge in this country is flawed. We cannot have good governance, peace and tranquility without having good leadership. Yet, we cannot have good leadership without a credible leadership selection process at all levels and in all sections of the society.” On economic planning and self reliance, the ACF report said, “Over dependence on oil and the neglect of non-oil sectors of the economy open the economy to grave risks. It suggests that immediate action should be taken to end the dependence of northern state governments on oil as oil will sooner or later dry up and the North is predominantly agrarian in nature. It advised northern governments to endeavour to develop a lasting and sustainable source of income from agriculture. “Its huge capacity for employment makes agriculture a key resource for advancing national peace, security and prosperity. Reports over the past two decades have shown that oil might be available in commercial quantities in the northern states, therefore efforts should be geared towards the exploration of oil in the northern region.”

It also rejected single term tenure. ACF has already submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly in which it had argued that the current structure of the country be retained because there is no such thing as true federalism that is universal. The group believes that there are no two federal systems that are identical. All the federal systems, ACF insists, have their own peculiarities resulting from their circumstances of birth. For example, while the 13 American colonies came together to form USA, in the case of Nigeria, the central government has been creating federating units, the ACF report argued. “Therefore, single term may be counterproductive. If the desire is to curb abuse of incumbency, then efforts should be directed at curbing such abuse and not to kill motivation as an important ingredient of managing human affairs. The country can consider the model applied in Chile and other countries, which allows multiple tenures that are not consecutive. Bangladesh goes under a caretaker government whenever it conducts elections,” ACF maintained. ACF said further that it is on this basis that it submitted that nothing is wrong with the current structure of the country. All that is required, it said, is appropriate balance of the central authority with state-level power. Consequently, the question of constitutional recognition for the six geopolitical zones cannot arise. “The forum is not against application of principles of derivation for revenue sharing provided the aim is to reward efforts and compensate for degradation of environment. But offshore exploration of oil does not meet any of these requirements. That is why its proceeds should not feature in the calculation for derivation. Commenting on the ACF roadmap report, former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, said the forum’s members belong to the northern ruling elite. “ACF has taken the right steps because security is a business of everybody. The governors can contribute to security than even president because they have resources with them. ACF approach is proper but their members belong to northern ruling elite. Every Nigerian has a role to play in terms of insecurity, particularly those in organisations like ACF, governors’ forum among others,” he said. Whether the efforts had been made by ACF to bring back the lost peace and unity in the North will succeed or not, only time shall tell.

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Politics

Sunday, November 11, 2012

challenges viser

dressed. On the issue of the National Auditor, there has been a suit filed and the plaintiff to that action holds a view that National Auditor is not a chartered accountant. The matter is in court and the party is being represented in the court and now it is a matter of judicial interpretation of that part of the constitution because of course when the constitution says that the National Auditor shall be an accountant; that is the provision of the constitution. Now, as far as the plaintiff is concerned, he must be a chartered accountant whereas the constitution did not say he has to be a chartered accountant. As I said, these are matters that are in court and would be addressed judicially. You also know that the decision of the court in relation to the South-West congress is subject to ap-

hey are fighting mail or propaganda would prevent it from pursuing its legitimate rights and entitlements under the law. “We wish to urge our good brothers in Rivers State not to allow themselves to be used for cheap blackmail or any form of propaganda against the President and Bayelsa State.” But in reacting to the Bayelsa State’s position and the Presidency’s statement, the Rivers State Government wondered why the Presidency and Bayelsa’s arguments resembled each other so much. It said that it had wanted to stay out of the fray but for the responsibility to protect the rights of the Kalabari people. “The Government of Rivers State had refused to be drawn into the fray over a matter which, though quite grave, could be resolved using the appropriate channels and organs of state. It is, however, forced to respond to the grave and mischievous allegations made by both the government of Bayelsa State and the Presidency on the matter. This has become necessary in order to safeguard the interest of Rivers State and to protect the constitutional rights of the Kalabari people to seek redress in the face of an unfair expropriation of their natural resources.”

peal now; the court has actually not made any pronouncement on that provision and that particular allegation by the plaintiff that the National Auditor is not qualified to contest that election. The matter was decided and it is now on appeal on the basis of the zonal congress in the South-West, which was also allegedly not properly conducted. As you know, it is a matter pending in the appellate court. Litigation expenses are very heavy and burdensome; how much of assistance are you getting outside of the party and what are you doing concerning the mounting dues owed to the party? This NWC and I as the legal adviser are really concerned about the financial burden of litigation expenses; we really wish that it was not what it is and we are taking steps in motion to ensure that we curtail the financial burden. It is not just the PDP, it happens across the parties. We all know litigation is not cheap, particularly political litigation. So you are correct, litigation expenses are very heavy and burdensome and we are trying to see how we can minimise and curtail them. Now on the dues issues, payment of dues are veritable means of revenue for the party as we all know. Party members do subscribe but we are not satisfied with the level at which our dues are being collected. The party is taking steps to ensure that we enhance the revenues that come in into the party. The experience of course is that you know if it is not an election year, congresses are not forthcoming. Party members are reluctant to pay up their dues and of course you know if you are not a financial member of the party, the constitution provides sanctions. You will not be eligible to contest for office; you will not even be able to nominate. There are privileges that you would lose if you are not a current financial member of the party. What experience shows is that members of the party do not pay up and when it is election year and a few months before congress, then they now pay...in some cases in arrears to be able to qualify to enjoy the privileges that they seek. In fact, we are working with consultants to ensure that membership dues across the country are paid as and when due. What are the exact figures of the legal fee and what informed your decision to engage consultants; does that not amount to spending huge to get a little? When I said we are considering the use of consultants, of course, it’s because we have looked at our books and as I said, you find that dues are not paid in time; it is a matter for concern and we considered all the options possible that are going to enhance our revenue base. Use of consultants are permissible all over the world and the fact that we are using consultants does not indicate that it is a vote of no confidence on the officers of the party that are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that dues are generated. It is just the dynamics of our situation; nobody wishes to pay money, even you, nobody pays money willingly when he could avoid paying money for any service that he enjoys, he will do that; and so we are just trying to be creative. The decision has not yet been taken but we are thinking up ways and means of ensuring that members are sensitised and also that members meet up their financial obligations as and when due. Coming to the exact figure of our legal fees, I would really not be at liberty to disclose the exact figure of the legal bills that I inherited but I am at liberty to say that we inherited legal Rivers faulted Bayelsa’s arguments, declaring that the former relied on a disputed 11th edition of the administrative map that was a subject of litigation and for which the authorities that produced it had acknowledged their mistake. The Rivers State Government has also expressed its determination fight for what belongs to it. “It is, therefore, pertinent to state that no amount of blackmail or propaganda will deter the government of Bayelsa State from pursuing its legitimate rights and entitlements under the law.” Even the Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is usually at cross purposes with the state government, offered the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi free advice on the need to be proactive and expedite action on the best approach to stop any part of the state from being taken by any state under any guise. The ACN urged Amaechi to explore both legal and political approaches to successfully tackle the case. It is clear that from the ongoing exchanges, both parties are fully convinced that they have legitimate claims to the area in question and therefore, the monies accruing from there and that it would probably need much more than legalese to sort out things to everybody’s satisfaction. But Hilda Dokubo, renowned Nollywood actress sees the matter from a completely different perspective. She

bills that are substantial. Your party lost in the last two elections (in Edo and Ekiti) and incidentally you served as secretary in the national campaign committee; how do you feel each time you lose the election? I must say in politics, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. When you win, victory is sweet and when you lose, defeat is bitter. In those two elections, we did our best, we campaigned vigorously, we took the needful steps but of course you know that there are always challenges. Some of the challenges that yielded the results which were announced by INEC in Edo and Ondo are events that we are noting and we do hope that going forward from here, we would be able to from those experiences improve on our performance and be able to secure victory in the elections that are forthcoming. Do not forget that in the case of Ondo, we are still collating and it might not necessarily be uhuru yet for the persons declared winners in that election. We are still looking for information from those of our agents who are still on the ground and we will take it up from there when we have evidences. Your NWC has flagged off reconciliation moves but there are instances where it is believed that the party should not readmit certain individuals that will pose problems to it; how do you reconcile the conflict? I failed to see the conflict between the two positions. This party is large and capable of accommodating everybody and of course just because you want to accommodate everybody does not mean that you will accommodate snakes and reptiles. It would interest you to know and I say this very seriously that shortly before the last election, the party in Plateau State readmitted lots of its former members that had left, including the likes of Honourable Damishi Sango, a former minister. Many of these people have been readmitted but the question now is, you admit people but you have to be very careful of whom you admit because there are people who want to come in not to build the party but to destroy it. You admit people but you are cautious in those you are admitting, you take in people who will rebuild, who will solidify the party, who have genuine interest of the party and the nation at large. It is not just people who will come into the party and weaken it, pose challenges or disrupt the smooth operations of the party. There is really no conflict in that. As a party, it is expected you should once in a while, just like the executive does, sponsor bills in the national assembly but that has not been the case, why? Bills in national assembly as you well know can be brought in by members of the national assembly and some are sent from the executive. Of course, we had contributed in bills and motions through our members and our caucuses. You cannot divorce the party from the bills that are introduced by its own members in the national assembly or bills that are introduced by its caucuses in the national assembly. As you know, members of the national assembly come from different political parties and we have our members there who through the bills they have sponsored or supported are doing so from the framework of the party’s disposition to some of those issues. You cannot divorce the party from bills or motions sponsored by its own members in the national assembly. feels that the boundary dispute is a ploy by the North to generate non-existent conflict in the south among the Ijaw, the President’s ethnic nationality. “Why is nobody adjusting boundaries in the North, why are they always attempting to adjust boundaries in the south, so that they can claim that two Ijaw communities are fighting each other? No that is not possible”, she averred. Dokubo, who devotes more time these days to rights activism in the Niger Delta expressed regrets that both state governments are allowing themselves to be distracted from the more important challenge of meeting the needs of people devastated by flood. Another rights activist, Grandma Annkio Briggs, cautioned both state governments against allowing politics and oil money to becloud the issues, insisting that the conflict should not be about money, but about a people’s heritage. “So, let’s be very, very careful. Let’s not allow politics and money that is coming from gas and oil, to becloud the facts for us. “It is about us and not them. It is not about the revenue as far as I am concerned. We didn’t know about the revenue when our great, great grandfathers fought the war to establish ownership; so, it can’t be about the revenue,” she cautioned.

422

Sunday, November 11, 2012

GROWING UP with

Aunty Angela growingup5@yahoo.com

Hello children, How did you find your studies last week? I hope you are studying hard to excel in your education and to make your parents proud. I wish you a wonderful week.

WHO INVENTED WHAT…?

Percy LeBaron Spencer conceived the Microwave Oven

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ANIMAL FACT

Facts on Pandas

•The panda is also known as the giant panda. •Pandas are unique species of bear that can be found in China and they are black and white in colour. •The fur on its legs, shoulders, eyes, ears as well as its muzzle is black, while the rest of the fur on its body is snowy-white. •Pandas are carnivores, yet 99 per cent of them feed on bamboos. •Pandas sit in an upright position while eating. This frees their front paws, with which they grasp their food. •They can eat for 16 hours at a stretch. •These loveable large bears have a short tail, round-shaped ears, a heavy-set physique, and a big head. •The panda is about two to three feet in

height, at the shoulder. But when it stands on all its four legs, it is about four to six feet in length. •Pandas live at heights ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet, in coniferous and broad-leaved forests, which have a dense undergrowth of bamboo. •Though female pandas give birth to two offspring, only one of them survives. Panda cubs remain with their mother from a year and half to three years. •A strange fact about pandas is that they smell through their ears and hear through their nose. •They are considered to be the friendliest bears. •The pandas are always found in groups.

Spencer (Inset: Modern day micro wave oven)

ercy LeBaron Spencer was an American engineer and inventor. He became known as the inventor of the microwave oven. Spencer was born on July 19, 1894 in Howland, Maine. His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later. He lived with his aunt and uncle after that. He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the United States (U.S.) Navy in 1912 to learn wireless telegraphy. He joined the Raytheon Company in the 1920s. In 1941, magnetrons,

which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon. While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts. His improvements were among those that increased magnetron production to 2,600 per day. For his work, he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the U.S. Navy. In 1946, while standing in front of an operating

magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted. He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron and it quickly popped all over the room. Development of the microwave oven grew out of these observations, and by 1947 a commercial oven called the 1161 Radarange was being sold by Raytheon. It was six feet tall, weighed 750 pounds, cost around $5,000 and had a power of 1,600 watts. The first domestic microwave oven was produced in 1967 by Amana (a division of Raytheon). Spencer received U.S. patent 2,495,429 out of his invention of the microwave oven. He became Senior VicePresident and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon. He received 300 patents during his career at Raytheon; a building there was also named after him. Spencer was married and had three children, James, John, and George. He died on September 8, 1970.

Children, you can send your contributions and pictures through this email address growingup5@yahoo.com or call telephone number: 0805 198 0588

WORD SEARCH Find and circle all the words. B

They could be found in any direction. Cradle Pickaxe Backpack Anchor

cot bag suitcase cone

bed purse coil bar

crib, badge hatchet chain

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Growing Up

Sunday, November 11, 2012

JOKES

Leaked exam papers

A few days to the schools promotional examination, it was alleged that some of the examination papers had leaked. So on the first day of the examination, Wale went to school with a plumber to the examination hall and this conversation took place between him and his class teacher. Teacher: “Wale, why did you bring a plumber to the examination hall?” he asked angrily. Wale: “Sir, I heard that the examination paper leaked so I brought the plumber to fix it.”

DID YOU KNOW?

BIRTHDAY

Toilet uses six to eight liters of water per flush

Dolapo Ojo became two years old on Sunday, October 7.

normal toilet uses six to eight litres of water for one time flush. Therefore if we flush five times a day, that means about 30-40 litres of water is being used by one person just for flushing toilets in a day.

Can I go home? Teacher: “Whoever answers my next question correctly will go home.” Class: “Alright sir.” Akpos throws his schoolbag through the window and this caught the attention of the teacher. Teacher: “Who just threw that schoolbag outside?” Akpos: “Me sir, can I go home now?” Teacher: “I have not asked my question yet.” Akpos: “But sir you just did. So can I go home now?” he insisted. Teacher: “Yes, Akpos, you can.”

BRAIN TEASERS

woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over five minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But five minutes later they both went out together and enjoyed a wonderful dinner together. How can this be possible? Answer: The woman is a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it and hung it up to dry. Three men were in a boat. It capsised, but only two got their hair wet. Why? Answer: The third man was bald.

RIDDLES

What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away? Answer: Charcoal The more you take it, the more you leave it behind. What are they? Answer: Footsteps What bank never has any money? Answer: The riverbank

WORDS, ORIGIN AND MEANING

Perseverance

Perseverance originated from the AngloFrench word, parseverer and from the Latin word perseverantia, from perseverant. It means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in order to achieve success.

Sport Quiz

Answer to last week’s sport quiz: Falilat Ogunkoya-Oseku

FUNNY ANIMAL PICTURE

Sleeping dog

POEM

God

TONGUE TWISTER

God is very great and strong He listens to us all day long And teaches us to do what’s right But nobody knows what He does at night.

QUOTE

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. – Napolean Hill

If one doctor doctors another doctor, does the doctor who doctors the doctor doctor the doctor the way the doctor he is doctoring doctors? Or does he doctor the doctor the way the doctor who doctors doctors?

POP

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lessons of Life

ANGELA DAVIES lessonsoflife2@yahoo.com 08023342083

TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART NOVEMBER 11, 2012

‘I neglected my four female children, today they’re my cornerstone’ I got married to my sweetheart and colleague, Nse, when we were both teachers about 20 years ago in Calabar. She was quite young and pretty then, but what actually attracted me to her was her brilliance and determination to succeed in life. She was everything any man would want as a wife as well as the mother to his children. Although my family initially objected to our marriage, because I knew she was the woman for me, we fought for our love and won. In the fourth year of our marriage, Nse became the principal of the secondary school while I left teaching and became a big-time government contractor and started making so much money. We were so happy together but unfortunately I was not a happy man. The reason was because our marriage produced only four girls. As an African man, I wanted a male child or children so that I would be regarded and respected. I felt female children were useless as they would all end up not only in a man’s house but in his kitchen. I didn’t want to bother Nse for more children so that she wouldn’t fill my home with female children so I decided to start dating Emem, a younger woman. I started coming home late as I began to spend more time with her in the apartment I rented for us. When Nse noticed this new attitude and started complaining, I picked up unnecessary quarrels or even heated arguments with her until I angrily moved out of our matrimonial home one Sunday evening. I abandoned my wife and four daughters and started leaving with Emem. A few months later, we had a small traditional wedding. When Nse found out, she was enraged but after some time, she told me she had forgiven me and our friendship remained cordial. My daughter’s vowed that they will never forgive me for leaving their mother. To them I was already dead. A year later, Emem gave birth to a set of male twins. That was the happiest day of my life. When I saw them sleeping in their crib at the hospital, tears of joy rolled down my eyes. “God, thank you so much for my sons. Finally, I am now a true African man,” I muttered. I named them John and James. At this point, I completely forgot about my daughters and concentrated on training and giving my sons the best of everything in life. As they grew older, I showered them with so much love, attention, gifts and money. Meanwhile, Nse took responsibility for the girls’ education and welfare since I told her I will not train them through school. “Moses, why are you not interested in training your daughters?” Nse asked. “Just like I always say, women don’t need education because they always end up in a man’s kitchen, so there is no need to waste my money on them,” I re-

vealed. “My daughters will become career women in life with or without your help. Even if I don’t have to eat for them to be educated, I will do it. Moses, I will surely prove you wrong,” Nse vowed. Determined to prove me wrong, Nse singlehandedly trained them through secondary school to university, while I focused on my adorable sons who will keep my lineage alive as well as succeed me. I guess that Emem and I over-pampered John and James as we spared the rod and spoilt them. However, I am still paying dearly for it. As they grew older, they began to reprimand their mother and I whenever we tried to correct them. Sometimes they even shouted or punched us but we overlooked all of that because we felt they were still children. Once they demand for anything, they expected to get it immediately. If they don’t, anything can happen. For instance, if they asked their mother for food and it was not yet ready, they will either push or punch her for delaying their meal. Eventually when the food is ready, they might tell her to enter the kitchen and prepare something else for them to eat since she wasted so much time before serving them. For me, if they request anything from me and I give them an excuse, they will start by kicking, slapping and then finally punching me. However, a day after their 18th birthday, something happened after the elaborate

birthday party we held for them. They both demanded for cars as their birthday gifts but I turned down their requests. They threatened to deal with me and their mother before storming out of the house. Not sure of what they would do next coupled with how they had been physically attacking us, their mother fled and left them for me. “Moses, I will not allow these boys to kill me before my time. Yes, they are my children but I will not die because of them. I am going away for good,” Emem declared. Can you imagine living in fear with my sons in my own house? However, the last straw that broke the camel’s back was when they bashed my Landcruiser jeep and I told them to fix it if not they will be severely punished. Instead of pleading for forgiveness, John and James pounced on me and beat me until I was unconscious. They took me to the hospital and left me there to die. When I regained consciousness and found myself on a hospital bed I asked one of the nurses what happened to me. She informed me that I was brought to the hospital by two young boys and that I had been unconscious for almost two days. I pleaded with her to get in touch with Nse, my first wife. Immediately Nse was contacted, she rushed to the hospital to see. She informed me that our first daughter, Mayen, was in charge of my case. I felt so ashamed of myself. She assured me that

everything will be well when I finished narrating the ordeal I had been going through in the hands of my sons. By the time I was discharged, she promised to take good care of me. By the time we got to my house, all my three cars were gone and John and James were nowhere to be found. The gateman informed me that he was sure John and James had sold the cars. He also advised that I should be ready for more surprises because he did not trust my sons. While I was still trying to comprehend that, two men came to my house three days later and informed me that I had just a week to vacate my house because they are the new owners of the house. They informed me that John and James sold it to them a week earlier. I almost slumped from my chair as I started shedding tears. “God, what have I done to these boys? Where did I go wrong?” I sobbed. I was evicted from my own house which I built with my hardearned money because of the evil deeds of my sons. Immediately they left, Nse suggested that I move in with her to the five-bedroom bungalow our daughter’s built for her. There and then, I started shedding tears again. I shed tears because I felt like a fool, after abandoning her and our daughters for so many years, she still loves and cares for me as if nothing happened. I told her I cannot live under the same roof with her because my daughters will not like the idea since I neglected them. She promised to talk to them. “Moses you are still my husband and the father of my four lovely daughters,” she said. After pleading for forgiveness from my daughters, they once again accepted me as their father. I am happy to say that she is enjoying the fruit of her labour. I learnt that a year before her retirement, knowing that their mother is a workaholic, they bought a land and built a crèche and nursery school to still keep her busy and active. They equally employed capable hands to assist her. They also built a five-bedroom bungalow in which we live presently. Although, they were singlehandedly trained by their mother, today I also enjoy the wealth of my daughters. I am very grateful to God. For almost 28 years, I neglected my daughters but today, as the saying goes, the rejected stone has become the chief cornerstone. My first two daughters are medical doctors, the third is a chemical engineer while the last girl is studying architecture. I have come to realise that children, be they female or male, are gifts from God. Neglecting female children is the worst thing any father can do. The last I heard about John and James was that they were shot dead by the police for armed robbery.

Please send your advice to the phone number or e-mail address above. No calls, please.

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Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES NOVEMBER 11, 2012

Symptoms, causes of morning sickness during pregnancy –Experts B

enedicta (not real name) was thrilled when she did a home pregnancy test and realised that she was pregnant. She went further to confirm it when she went to see her doctor, who after a blood test and brief examination declared she was about six weeks gone already in her pregnancy. She was overjoyed and hurried home to break the good news to her husband who was equally happy with the news that they were expecting their first child. They began making preparations to welcome their newborn into their home. A few weeks after her pregnancy confirmation, she began noticing changes in her body and metabolism. At first, she felt constantly tired or out of breath any time she did any strenuous thing. She was not alarmed by it as she had heard similar complaints from some pregnant women but as time went by she realised that she couldn’t keep food down in her stomach. She vomits everything that enters into her tummy and this is making her to lose a lot of weight. All through the first three months of her pregnancy, she was either sick or generally not feeling well and could hardly get out of bed to do anything. She had heard of morning sickness occurring in pregnancies but her own had gone beyond feeling sick in the morning alone since it continued the entire day. Why do they call it morning sickness when I feel nauseated all day long, she wondered? Benedicta is not the only woman affected by this nauseous feeling during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Many women describe it as feeling like the beginnings of stomach upset. You feel nauseous as if you’re going to throw up and you may also vomit at times. Medical experts agree that over 50 per cent pregnant women worldwide would experience it within the first trimester of their pregnancy. Morning sickness is the most talked about discomfort in early pregnancy. Some researchers believe this symptom of early pregnancy is caused by the rapid change in the level of hormones. In fact, most medical research says morning sickness is not something women should dread but embrace as part of the stages of the pregnancy which indicate that the baby and the mother are all doing well. A medical practitioner with Harvey Medical centre in Oworonshoki in Lagos, Dr Adeleke Adelekun, described morning sickness as “the nauseated feeling you get during pregnancy. These feelings of nausea and vomiting which most pregnant women experience is one of the first signs of pregnancy and usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day, and for most women it seems to stop around the 12th week of pregnancy while for others it occurs throughout their pregnancy.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR MORNING SICKNESS Do: •

• Drink fluids 1/2 hour before or after a meal, but not with meals. • Drink small amounts of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration.

A woman experiencing morning sickness in first trimester of pregnancy

• Eat crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning. •

Avoid foods and smells that increase nausea.

• Ask someone else to cook for you and open the windows or turn on fans if the odor bothers you. DON’TS: DON’TS:

Ginger tea helps to prevent morning sickness

Cracker biscuits ease morning sickness

Morning sickness occurs in the early hours of the morning, and gradually improves as the day progress, that is why it has been given that name ‘morning sickness’. Most women who experience it can hardly get up in the morning to do their daily chores.’’ He stressed that more than half of all pregnant women experience morning sickness at one time or the other. “Some women experience the feeling of nausea but it does not necessarily come with vomiting, while others vomit at

Kano records 400 new leprosy cases annually –Coordinator Coordinator of the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control in Kano State, Dr Tijani Hussain, said that over 400 fresh leprosy cases were registered in the state annually. Hussain made the fact known in Kano in an interview with journalists saying that before 1988, the state registered at least 24,000 cases annually.

Eat small meals often.

He said since 1988 when a cure regimen called Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) treatment was introduced, the number of cases reduced drastically. “Now, we register over 400 fresh leprosy cases,” he said. The coordinator disclosed that in 2011, 350 new leprosy cases were registered in the state.

Hussain noted that there were currently 46 clinics from which patients could access free treatment, including free medicines. He said it was only through early diagnosis and treatment that all forms of disabilities manifesting in leprosy could be controlled to avoid its spread.

•

Do not lie down after eating.

•

Do not skip meals.

•

Do not cook or eat spicy food.

the slightest provocation, which can come through sense of smell or what they ate,’’ Dr Adelekun said. What causes morning sickness during pregnancy, women ask? Many medical journals consent that science is yet to find out what exactly causes morning sickness in pregnancy but most agree that hormonal changes probably play a vital role. Dr Adelekun clarifies what could possibly be the cause of morning sickness during pregnancy. “No one knows for sure what causes nausea during pregnancy, but it’s probably some combination of the many physical changes taking place in your body. A rapid rise of the Estrogen hormone in early pregnancy is a major suspect. An enhanced sense of smell and sensitivity to odours also makes most women to feel nauseous during the early hours of pregnancy. Some women develop a tricky stomach where their gastrointestinal tracts are simply more sensitive to the changes of early pregnancy,’’ he explains. The cause of morning sickness remains a mystery, but it is thought a combination of physical and metabolic factors play a significant role, including: • High levels of hormones, including oestrogen. • Fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly lowered blood pressure. • Altered metabolism of carbohydrates. CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

HEALTH NEWS

267 women test positive to cancer in Ebonyi –Elechi At least 267 women have tested positive to cancer in Ebonyi, Mrs. Josephine Elechi, the wife of the state governor, has said. Speaking at the launch of another round of free cancer

screening in the state, Elechi said the high prevalence of the disease prompted the new round of screening. She said the figure came from the 1,239 women screened

during the previous exercise. She called on corporate organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to assist in ridding the society of cancer.

Wellness

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Know your organs

Your

BONE Health

The human Lungs

he chest contains two lungs, one on the right side of the chest, the other on the left. Each lung is made up of sections called lobes. The lung is soft and protected by the ribcage. The purposes of the lungs are to bring oxygen into the body and to remove carbon dioxide. Oxygen is a gas that provides us energy while carbon dioxide is a waste product or “exhaust” of the body. Functions The lung is a magnificent organ that performs a multitude of vital functions every second of our lives. Breathing is the most essential of these functions. With each breath, the lungs take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. After entering the nose or mouth, air travels down the trachea or “windpipe”. The trachea is the tube lying closest to the neck. Behind it is the esophagus or “food tube”. When we inhale air moves down the trachea and when we eat food moves down the esophagus. The path air and food take is controlled by the epiglottis, a gate that prevents food from entering the trachea. Occasionally, food or liquid may enter the trachea resulting in choking and coughing spasms. The trachea divides into one left and one right breathing tube, and these are termed bronchi. The left bronchus leads to the left lung and the right bronchus leads to the right. These breathing tubes continue to divide into smaller and smaller tubes called bronchioles. The bronchioles end in tiny air sacs called alveoli. Alveoli, which means “bunch of grapes” in Italian, look like clusters of grapes attached to tiny breathing tubes. There are over 300 million alveoli in normal lungs. Not all alveoli are in use at one time, so that the lung has many to spare in the event of damage from disease, infection or surgery.

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Inhalation Many different muscles are used in breathing. The largest and most efficient muscle is the diaphragm. This is a large muscle that lies under the lungs and separates them from the organs below, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, etc. As the diaphragm moves down or flattens, the ribs flare outward, the lungs expand and air is drawn in. This process is called inhalation or inspiration. As the diaphragm relaxes, air leaves the lungs and they spring back to their original position. This is called exhalation or expiration. The lungs, like balloons, require energy to blow up but no energy is needed to get air out. Protection from irritants The lungs have several ways of protecting themselves from irritants. First, the nose acts as a filter when breathing in, preventing large particles of pollutants from entering the lungs. If an irritant does enter the lung, it will get stuck in a thin layer of mucus (also called sputum or phlegm) that lines the inside of the breathing tubes. An average of three ounces of mucus is secreted onto the lining of these breathing tubes every day. This mucus is “swept up” toward the mouth by little hairs called cilia that line the breathing tubes. Cilia move mucus from the lungs upward toward the throat to the epiglottis. The epiglottis is the gate, which opens allowing the mucus to be swallowed. This occurs without us even thinking about it. Spitting up sputum is not “normal” and does not occur unless the individual has chronic bronchitis or there is an infection, such as a chest cold, pneumonia or an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cough as a protector Another protective mechanism for the lungs is the cough. A cough, while a common event, is also not a normal event and is the result of irritation to the bronchial tubes. A cough can expel mucus from the lungs faster than cilia.

with Dr. Olatunji Idowu

Spinal Cord injuries: Treatment and rehabilitation What is the spinal cord? The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that travels from the bottom of the brain down the back. There are 31 pairs of nerves that leave the spinal cord and go to the arms, legs, chest and abdomen. These nerves allow the brain to give commands to the muscles and cause movements of the arms and legs. The nerves that control the arms exit from the upper portion of the spinal cord, while the nerves to the legs exit from the lower portion of the spinal cord. The nerves also control the function of the organs including the heart, lungs, bowels, and bladder. For example, signals from the spinal cord control how fast the heart beats and the rate of breathing. Other nerves travel from the arms and legs back to the spinal cord. These nerves bring back information from the body to the brain including the senses of touch, pain, temperature, and position. The spinal cord runs through the spinal canal. This canal is surrounded by the bones in the neck and back called vertebrae which make up the back bone. The vertebrae are divided into 7 neck (cervical) vertebrae, 12 chest (thoracic) vertebrae and 5 lower back (lumbar) vertebrae. The vertebrae help protect the spinal cord from injury.

What is a spinal cord injury? The spinal cord is very sensitive to injury. Unlike other parts of the body, the spinal cord does not have the ability to repair itself if it is damaged. A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord either from trauma, loss of its normal blood supply, or compression from tumor or infection. There are approximately 10,000 new cases of spinal cord injury each year in the United States. They are most common in white males. Specifically, 80% of spinal cord injuries occur in males, and 2/3 of these occur in whites. Most injuries occur in patients 16-30 years of age. Spinal cord injuries are described as either complete or incomplete. In a complete spinal cord injury there is complete loss of sensation and muscle function in the body below the level of the injury. In an incomplete spinal cord injury there is some remaining function below the level of the injury. In most cases both sides of the body are affected equally. An injury to the upper portion of the spinal cord in the neck can cause quadriplegia; paralysis of both arms and both legs. If the injury to the spinal cord occurs lower in the back it can cause paraplegia; paralysis of both legs only.

If you have any problem or question about your musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and muscles) do send me a mail at tunjiidowu@live.com for advice. Meanwhile, your comments and feedback on the issues discussed are highly welcomed.

‘Severe morning sickness can be harmful to mother, child’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

• The interplay of enormous physical and chemical changes that pregnancy triggers. Medical research also indicates that a woman is more likely to have nausea or vomiting during pregnancy if any of the following apply: • You’re pregnant with twins or higher multiples. You’re also more likely to have a more severe case than average. On the other hand, it’s not a definite thing – some women carrying twins have little or no nausea. • You had nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy. • You have a history of nausea or vomiting as a side effect of taking birth control pills. This is probably related to your body’s response to estrogen. • You have a history of motion sickness. • You have a genetic predisposition to nausea during pregnancy. If your mother or sisters had severe morning sickness, there’s a higher chance you will, too. • You’re carrying a girl. One study found that women with severe nausea and vomiting in the first trimester were 50 per cent more likely to be carrying a girl. Experts say morning sickness can range from being mild, occasional nausea to severe, continuous, disabling

nausea with bouts of vomiting. Symptoms may be worse in the morning, though they can strike at any time of the day or night. Symptoms of morning sickness can include: • Nausea. • Loss of appetite. • Vomiting. • Dizziness. • Inability to keep food or liquid down in the stomach. • Psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety. Dr Adelekun said there was really no way of predicting how long morning sickness will last, even if you have suffered through it before. “Nausea and vomiting usually go away by 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. But in some cases, morning sickness can last well into a pregnancy”. He warned that although Morning sickness is not harmful to you or your baby, if you experience excessive vomiting and cannot keep your food down, you may have what is called hyperemesis gravidarum. “This is where the woman cannot keep fluids down because of severe vomiting. There is a serious risk of dehydration and weight loss. Hyperemesis gravidarum can be harmful to you and your baby if severe and left untreated, owing to the possible lack of nutrients and electrolyte imbalance. The most impor-

tant thing is to inform your doctor when these symptoms appear and discuss possible options for treatment,’’ he advised. The expert gave some suggestions that can help women cope with morning sickness to include: • Don’t take drugs of any kind, unless your doctor knows you are pregnant and has prescribed specific medications. • Eat a few dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning. • Don’t try to eat anything that you suspect will make you nauseous. • Eat small meals regularly, since an empty stomach tends to trigger nausea. • Limit or eliminate fatty and spicy foods. • Choose high carbohydrate and high protein foods. • Avoid cooking or preparing foods whenever possible. • Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. • Many studies have shown that ginger can ease the symptoms. Grate some fresh ginger into hot water to make ginger tea. • Vitamin B6 supplements can be useful, but doses above 200mg per day can actually be harmful. • Wear loose clothes that don’t constrict the abdomen.

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Sunday November 11, 2012

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Business FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS November 11, 2012

Boosting food production via genetically modified crops IFEANYI NWOKO

s part of efforts to attain food security across the globe, experts have called for the adoption of genetically modified crops as a means of providing enough food for the fast-growing world population. Genetically modified (GM) foods are produced, using the technology of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). GMOs are organisms whose genetic material (gene) has been altered, using genetic engineering techniques. They are also referred to as genetically engineered or transgenic organisms Prof. Bill Weibold of the University of Missouri in the U.S. once said that with genetic modification, plants could become resistant to drought, pests, and herbicides, among others. Weibold, a professor of Plant Sciences, who stressed that the organisms are better referred to as ``Transgenic Organisms’’ rather than ``GMOs”, however, said that when all the perceptible challenges were addressed in a crop, it engendered better yield. The Centre for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a U.S.based non-profit organisation, says that one of the benefits of transgenic cotton, for instance, is that there would no longer be any need for the poisonous insecticide that was hitherto used in cotton cultivation. In the case of soybeans, corn, sugar beets and canola, the transgenic plants are also advantageous since they reduce the time required for farming, as the farmers would no longer need not battle weeds, while they also reduce soil erosion. Transgenic crops also reduce the population of pests, some experts says, stressing the U.S. alone cultivates about 170 million acres of genetically engineered crops. Speaking in favour of GM crops, Prof. Bamidele Solomon, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), said that the adoption of GMOs in Nigeria would increase the farmers’ yield and income, while checking youth unemployment. ``For Nigeria, the problem of not getting our youths to go into agriculture can be effectively addressed by the use of GMOs. `` For example, if we have the herbicide-tolerant maize and soya beans, whereby farmers will no longer have to weed farms; many people will be encouraged to go into farming because they will no longer have to labour and sweat unnecessarily. ``The other advantage relates to pest resistance. A lot of money goes into buying pesticides; so, if we can eliminate them, farming will be quite cheaper,” he says. Solomon underscored the need for Nigeria to get ready for the onset of the biotechnology commercialisation when President Goodluck Jonathan eventually signed the BioSafety Bill into law. Sharing similar sentiments, Prof. Anthony Olatokun, Director-General, Nigerian Agricultural Seed Council

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Agric Minister

(NASC), said that GM crops had the potential of guaranteeing food security in Nigeria. He stressed that with the country’s rising population, it would be somewhat difficult to follow conventional means of agriculture to meet the people’s food requirements. Olatokun reiterated the need to apply biotechnology to genetically modify seeds for improved cultivation and harvests. ``If you look at the quantum of seeds that are required to meet food security challenges and if we stick to the conventional methods; the yield that we are getting now cannot satisfy the national demand. ``But if you really want to get the quantity of seeds that is required to meet extensive rice production, for instance, and attain food security, I think GMO is important,’’ he adds. In Nigeria, however, the campaign for the adoption of transgenic seeds and crops in efforts to tackle food insecurity challenges is not very popular. For instance, the Catholic Medical Association of Nigeria is at the forefront of the campaign against the adoption of GM foods in the country. The association stressed that GM food would be injurious to Nigerians and it has called on President Jonathan not to give assent to the Bio-Safety Bill. Its chairman, Dr Philip Njemanze, alleged that two American biotechnology agencies were the masterminds of the processes that led to the bill’s making. The association warned the Federal Government to be cautious about plans to introduce GMOs in the country, adding that GM crops were widely rejected in Europe because of some uncertainties regarding their safety. Such fears appear well-grounded, as Science Daily, a webbased science publication, recently reported that scientists had discovered a high contamination level of GM maize, using a new technology known as Bioluminescent Technology. In its report of April 29, 2012, Science Daily quoted the scientists as saying: ``It is important to be able to monitor GM

crops, not only in the field but also during the food processing chain. ``New research published in BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Biotechnology shows that products from GM crops can be identified at low concentration, using bioluminescent real time reporter (BART) technology and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). ``With the combination of these techniques, we were able to recognise 0.1 per cent GM contamination of maize, far below the current EU limit of 0.9 per cent.’’ Nevertheless, as part of efforts to create more public awareness on biotechnology applications in Nigeria, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with NABDA, recently sponsored a study tour of the U.S. The study team included journalists, government officials, film makers and officials of the USDA and the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria. Addressing members of the team, Prof. Kenneth Schneerberger of the University of Missouri said that GM foods were safe for human consumption. The professor is the Programme Manager, Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Missouri, Schneerberger stressed that Americans had been consuming GM foods for more than 16 years without any report of health hazards. He stressed that the obligation to ensure safety was given adequate consideration throughout the process of genetic engineering. ``I am very confident that GM foods are safe for U.S. citizens; we have about 15 years’ experience, we have not recorded any health problem or death arising from the consumption of GM foods; we even have people looking healthier. ``So, at this point, I have no hesitation in commenting that the GM foods are safe,’’ he said. Schneerberger advised the Federal Government to allow Nigeria’s bio-safety laws to give room for research into GM foods. Besides, Prof. Henry Nguyen, a professor of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Missouri, said that so far, reports about some health hazards associated with GM foods were mere speculations. Experts are of the opinion that the Federal Government should embrace alternative means of cultivation to boost food production in Nigeria and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food. Although President Jonathan has yet to sign the BioSafety Bill into law, cynics have continued to query the rationale behind the country’s intention to go into genetic modification of foods when it is blessed with vast lands suitable for conventional farming. Advocates of GM foods, nonetheless, insist that the adoption of GMO technology remains the best option of boosting of food production in Nigeria, in line with current global practices. (NANFeatures). •Nwoko is of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

NSE: Market capitalisation drops by N53bn

ctivities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) ended on a downward trend at the weekend with the market indices dropping by 0.62 per cent. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation lost N53 billion or 0.62 per cent to close at N8.51 trillion due to price loses. This was against the N8.57 trillion recorded on Thursday. Also, the All-Share Index depreciated

by 165.84 points or 0.62 per cent to close at 26,718.30 against the 26,883.76 posted on Thursday. Market analysts attributed the development to profit-taking by some investors. The market had remained on an upward trend since Monday. Nigerian Breweries recorded the highest price loss, dropping N2.70 to close at N135.30 per share. It was trailed by Flour Mills which lost N1.98 to close

at N63.02 per share. NCR lost 68k to close at N13.09 per share, GTBank depreciated by 60k to close at N20.10 while Glaxo decreased by 50k to close at N43 per share. Conversely, NewGold led the price gainers’ chart with N30 to close at N2, 652 per unit. Lafarge Wapco followed with a gain of 90k to close at N57.51, while Berger Paints gained 40k to close at N8.40 per

share. Unilever rose by 10k to close at N41.60 per share, while Livestock appreciated by 6k to close at N1.55 per share. The volume of shares traded dropped by 8.58 per cent as a total of 255.33 million shares worth N1.91 billion were traded in 4,076 deals. This was against 279.29 million shares valued at N2.98 billion traded in 4,478 deals on Thursday.

Personal Finance

Business Inspirati with Lanre

Oyetade

NMMA Capital Market Award Winner 2004, 2005 E-mail: lanreoyetade@gmail.com, 08039428648

while back, I wrote on luck and concluded, like Fred Siegel did, that luck is no more than opportunity meeting preparation, and that luck is actually enhanced by diligence and quickness in taking decisions. Today, I would like to expatiate on the issue of opportunity as I have been privileged to learn from the feet of a number of mentors.

Does opportunity come just once?

The saying that ‘opportunity comes but once’ cannot be any further from the truth as, in fact, opportunity presents itself with every dawning day, with every passing moment. Also the existence of a relationship is an opportunity, which may be employed to move forward in life.

Opportunity and progress

My pastor, Gbenga Efueye, insists that change is brought about by opportunity. Says he: “Positive change is brought about as a result of how well opportunity is utilised.” How well you use today’s opportu-

Money Consult Your money questions Y t answered E-mail: lanreoyetade@gmail.com, 08039428648

Replacement stockbroker needed Dear Lanre, I am an ardent reader and fan of your column (Money Consult). I reside in Port Harcourt, River State. Please do recommend for me a competent stockbroker resident in Port Harcourt that I can engage. The guy I was previously using resigned from the trade and I need a replacement in the city. Thanks. Monde O. F., Elelenwo, PHC, 08136547746 Dar Monde, The fact that your contact stockbroker resigned does not mean you cannot continue with his principal stock broking firm. I will advise that you get in touch with his original stock broking firm, which he used in trading for you, and continue with them. They may need to introduce you to another agent of theirs but continuing with them does have its own advantages. However, in the event that you still want to change the stock broking firm, I will suggest that you get a copy of the book, ‘Stock Market/Investment Manual’, which contains a list of registered stock broking firms all over the country in alphabetic order and according to their areas of location, among some other facts. That way, you will be able to locate stockbrokers closest to you.

Concerning the business book Dear Lanre, Please how do I get the book, ‘66 businesses you can start and run on your own’ by Ladi Olatunji? Thanks.

Sunday November 11, 2012

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Concerning opportunity EACH DAY IS A TIME OF OPPORTUNITY –GBENGA EFUEYE nity determines what your situation will be tomorrow. And one opportunity well utilised does indeed beget another, since life is in fact a chain of opportunities.

Where to find opportunities

Firstly, you find opportunities in challenges. There is an opportunity in every challenge. For instance, David had his opportunity presented when Israel was challenged by Goliath. Goliath actually represented warfare but in that warfare laid David’s opportunity. The lesson here is that we ought not to despair when challenges present themselves, for they are there for a purpose, and if well tackled and overcome, the challenged will have only good tidings to bear. Secondly, opportunities are engendered when right risks are taken. The opportunity to make wealth from an investment window may only be actualised if one is willing to take the risk of investing, for it is indeed a risk, as you stand to lose almost as well as you stand to gain. In the Scriptures, the widow of Zarepath risked her last meal in faith and subsequently got abundant supplies.

Things to note about opportunity

You must be ready to embrace little opportunities and even be enthusiastic about them. Every successful man would most probably have a story of embracing

Omumuawuike Fab, Elelenwo, PHC, 08136547746. Dear Fab, Please call me on 08039428648 on how to get the book.

Concerned about dropping stock prices! Dear Lanre, I’m a regular reader of your articles in the Sunday Mirror newspapers. I started investing in shares a while back. I am 42 years old. Surprisingly, all the shares I bought have depreciated and I’m discouraged. My investment plan is short-term. Ola, Lagos. Dear Ola, The drop in stock prices is nothing more than a cyclical movement in the stock market, which is not unusual. It is called a bearish session or trend and every stock market experiences it. Not to worry though, the market is expected to recover soon. I understand that you will be concerned, especially being a shortterm investor. What I will advise is that whenever you buy stocks, you need to watch and monitor the market closely so that you can offload at peak price periods just before a bearish trend sets in.

No permanent signature Dear Lanre, I don’t have a permanent signature. I hope that will not affect me if I’m investing in stocks. And also, how long is it going to take if I call my stockbroker to sell a particular stock for me or is there a firm that uses thumb printing, because that is what I used to open savings accounts in banks. “Alex Akhibi” toalexosegha@yahoo. com.

several ‘little’ opportunities before his big break came. As a matter of fact, there are actually no little opportunities. Each opportunity that presents itself now is really one that is good enough for the present time. Moreover, ensure that you are always prepared for opportunities for they shall always present themselves. We read sometime back that luck is no more than preparation meeting opportunity. Thus unpreparedness brings ill luck. The level we attain in life is indicative of the level of preparation we make and our readiness to take advantage of opportunities when they eventually present themselves. Your level of education, manner of speaking, deeds, manner of dressing, etc, are all means of preparing for opportunities, for you never know when the opportunity will present itself, and equally do not know just who is watching you or who you will meet at any particular moment. Finally, make the best of opportunities. If you are put in a position of authority for instance, because you are found worthy of that position, do not abuse the opportunity and trust reposed in you. Remember that opportunity when well utilised does indeed beget other (usually greater) opportunities. Until we meet again next week, please remain inspired in His presence.

Dear Alex, It is necessary that you have a single signature with which you deal with each stock you buy or else you will encounter the problem of irregular signatures at the point when you want to do verification in order to sell or transfer your shares. I will advise that you keep using thumbprints if you are more comfortable with them, as they are equally acceptable in stock transactions. The length of the period it will take to sell your stocks after a mandate to your broker will depend on what form your stockholding is in; if you have your stocks in share certificate forms, you will first need to dematerialise this, which may take anything between three weeks to three months, depending on the Registrars handling the company and also on whether the transaction comes across any hitch or not. However, if you already have your stockholding in CSCS account form, then it should take no longer that one or two weeks to sell your shares. Also note that many banks accept only current and not savings accounts for their customers to pay their dividend warrants into, so find out what obtains with your bank.

I urgently need a N5 million loan Dear Lanre, I will need a N5 million loan to purchase a functioning, decent and profitable cold room, now in good condition, as the owner died. We would require the loan for 60 months to attract 20 per cent down i.e. N5 million loan and 20 per cent interest for six months. We have a C of O and the cold room documents will be additional collateral. Interested individuals, groups, companies, banks etc to please contact me urgently. Reality, 08075721399.

Wealth Nuggets ‘Top 10’ A leader is a person who casts a vision and people follow him even when they don’t know where he is going –Pauline Powell It’s not just about the talk; it’s about walking the talk –Biodun Adedipe You can’t supervise what you don’t understand –Biodun Adedipe God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering –St. Augustine Do not be ashamed of mistakes, and thus make them crimes –Confucianism proverb If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small –Proverbs 24: 10 Even falls are feats in the great –India (Tamil) proverb In calm water, every ship has a good captain –Swedish proverb Grief leads to comfort; suffering to patience –Singhalese proverb The heart of the wise is as soft as a lotus flower in prosperity, but in adversity, it is as firm as a mountain rock –Sanskrit proverb

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North

Sunday November 11, 2012

Boko Haram targets refrigerator repairers …kills sixth victim INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

iolent attacks and killings continued in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital yesterday when a bomb blast hit the Gambouru Cattle Market (GACM) at 9.16am. Also, a refrigerator repairer was assassinated six hours after the morning blast, in what is believed to be a fresh onslaught on fridge repairers, by the insurgents. The blast, according to an eyewitness, Yakubu Isa, dug a roadside crater, with no casualties. The gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members launched the attack in Gwange ward, killing the fridge repairer at his workshop at 3.15pm.

The attacks and killing, according to one of the Gwange residents, lasted for 15 minutes with sporadic gunshots in the ward, before men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) rushed to the scene to repel the insurgents. The affected area, the eyewitness informed, had been condoned off by soldiers to prevent further attacks. Speaking on the blast, the JTF spokesman, in a telephone chat yesterday said, “There was a blast this morning at the Kashuwan Shanu (cattle market) area of Maiduguri. The blast went off without causing any casualty on either the residents’ side or our men patrolling the Gambouru ward and its environs.

The area had since been condoned off to prevent further attacks by suspected terrorists.” Confirming the killing in Gwange ward, the Borno State Police Command’s spokesman, Gideon Jibrin, in a telephone chat in Maiduguri, also said that there was an attack on a civilian formation in the Gwange area this afternoon (yesterday) where an Igbo fridge repairer was shot and killed by suspected Boko Haram gunmen. He said the gunmen came on a tricycle and trailed their victims to his workshop in Gwange area, and shot him dead, in the full glare of five friends and customers yesterday. The killing of the fridge repairer brought

to six, fridge repairers assassinated by the gunmen in Mafoni ward, Ahmadu Bello Way, and the shooting in the leg of one of them, identified as Dandal, last month. On the targeting of fridge repairers, an anonymous fridge repairer told newsmen that the Boko Haram suspected bombers had been allegedly buying gas cylinders from some of the fridge repairers in Maiduguri to produce Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). But recently, the bombers, he explained, found it difficult to source gas cylinders for the production of IEDs, as the association of fridge repairers in Maiduguri had resolved to sell gas cylinder only to “genuine customers.”

L-R: Member, representing Jos North, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr. Yakubu Choji; member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau, Alhaji Suleiman Kwande and former Senator representing Plateau North, Sen. Timothy Adudu, at the Peoples’ Public Session on the Review of 1999 Constitution in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Apostolic Church tasks FG on security AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he 32nd Convention of the Apostolic Church, Kano Area, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to employ all available resources of government to end the insurgency in the North that is impacting negatively on the nation. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the Convention that gathered members from Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and Jigawa, the Area Superintendent, Pastor Felix Okunola Olotu, said the Federal Government has the capacity to end the Boko Haram in-

surgency and similar security challenges facing the country. He described as unnecessary, incessant shedding of the blood of innocent Nigerians and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle security challenges in the country headlong. “The security problem as it is in the country today gives everybody concern because as Nigerians, we all know that shedding of blood and killing people are not good; and not in the best interest of the government and the people. “We are not comfortable with the situation

and that is why we are praying ceaselessly for peace to reign. We should not live in our own fatherland with fear. I think if our government will rise to do their best, they have the capacity to end the crisis. “They (government) can do it if they want to do it. The leaders have the authority over everybody in this nation. If they think dialogue is the way forward, they should pursue it. What we need is peace,” he noted. While highlighting the theme of the convention, “Be Ye Doers of The Word,” drawn from the book of James 1:22,

Pastor Olotu noted that since 1942, the Apostolic Church, Nigeria, has been praying for peace, harmony and socio-economic stability in Nigeria, adding that just last April, the Kano Area of the church prayed and fasted particularly for peace for one full month. He said the aim of the annual Convention was to establish the word of God, “deeply in the spirit of the Saints. We preach to our members to allow the word of God to dwell in them richly. They should allow the word of God to penetrate into their lives so that they can make good use of it,” he stated.

Kaduna conducts exams for 17,000 teachers A ZA MSUE KADUNA

he Executive Chairman, Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Ishaya Dary Akau, has approved the conduct of promotion interview for over 17,000 teachers and non-teaching staff across the 23 local government education authorities. In a statement made available to Sunday Mirror signed by the SUBEB director of social mobilisation, Shuaib Dabo, on

behalf of the chairman, the exercise has been divided into three zones. According to the statement, the promotion interview would commence on Monday, next week, at the Education Secretary’s offices for officers below Grade Level 14, while those above the level would face the interview at the board headquarters, Kaduna. Akau directed education secretaries to make adequate arrangements for uninterrupted teaching and learning in schools during the exercise.

Floods: We now use canoes, LG boss tells VP V isiting Vice-President Namadi Sambo, heard yesterday in Shendam, Plateau State that residents had resorted to canoes for transport, following the massive floods that hit the area. ``The five major bridges in Plateau south were washed away by the floods and we have resorted to using canoes as our only means of transport,’’ Shendam Local Government Chairman, Mr. Kemi Nshe, declared. He was speaking at a ceremony to welcome the Vice President, who had undertaken an aerial tour of the affected sites before meeting the victims and community leaders at the Shendam stadium. Nshe told the Sambo that many roads and farms were also washed away, while many had been rendered homeless by the devastating floods. He told the vice president that six varieties of seedlings and water pumping machines had been purchased and distributed to the victims to mitigate food shortages in view of the destruction to farmlands. ``What we are doing is to

encourage them to go into dry season farming; we are also encouraging them to go for crops that will soon be harvested so as to be able to feed their families,’’ Nashe said. In his remarks, Gov. Jonah Jang, expressed appreciation at the deep concern demonstrated by the Federal Government toward the flood victims and described the gesture as ``very encouraging and soothing’’. ``Your (vice president’s) visit alone is a morale booster; it has strengthened us as a people. ``This visit is even beside the N500 million already sent to the Plateau Government to cater for the victims. ``I wish to assure you today that the money shall be judiciously expended to meet the purpose for which it was intended,’’ Jang said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sambo was accompanied by Gov. Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa, NEMA DirectorGeneral Ahmed Sidi, Plateau Police Commissioner Emmanuel Ayeni, among many others.

Kano awards N750m contract

ano State Government has awarded contract worth N754.8 million for the construction of 74 solar powered boreholes and public conveniences in 38 local government areas in the state. The state Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Alhaji Garba Durbunde, disclosed this at the signing of the contract in Kano at the weekend. Durbunde said the projects would be jointly fi-

nanced by the state government and the benefitting local governments. He said that out of the total contract sum, the borehole construction project would gulp N407 million while the provision of VIP latrines would consume N338.8 million. According to him, the solar powered boreholes and VIP latrines will be provided at some designated rural markets in the 38 local government areas of the state.

Zonal News

SOUTH EAST

Sunday November 11, 2012

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Tricycle operators Why we axed erring threaten strike in Abia teachers-Oshiomhole

ommercial tricycle operators, popularly called ``Keke NAPEP’ in Abia State have threatened to embark on strike on November 12 over alleged imposition of re-registration levies by the state Ministry of Transport. Some of the commercial tricycle operators interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba yesterday decried the incessant exploitation. Mr Chima Uzokwa, one of the operators, told NAN that the ministry had mandated them to pay N1,800 for re-registration and N200 to pick the form. He said that they were asked to re-register with the ministry to checkmate

theft of their tricycles. Uzokwa said that they had been directed to pay the money in an Ecobank account. The operator stressed that the ministry had also directed the officials to seize the tricycles of defaulters. According to him, it is one of the numerous levies imposed on the members apart from N7500 for registration of new tricycle in the state. He said that they were paying N20 ticket per trip to agent of Abia State Tricycle Owners Association and N180 daily ticket to the agents of the ministry. Uzokwa appealed for Governor Theodore Orji’s intervention to save them from further exploitation.

He said that the governor might not be aware of some of these levies, which portrayed the administration in bad light. Meanwhile, Mr Jude Chukwu, the Chairman of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) in the state, said that they were in full support of the planned strike by the commercial tricycles in the state. He said that the new levy was another extortion plan on commercial tricycle operators in the state by the Ministry of Transport. ``We saw it as extortion and non-democratic; our feeling is to alert the governor, maybe he was not aware of this re-registration exercise,’’ he said

Prof Barth Nnaji (middle), conducting Gov. Obi (right) and Gov Orji (left), round the facilities of Geometric Powers at Osisioma, Aba, Abia State yesterday

Obi restates commitment to power project

nambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has restated commitment of SouthEast governors to attract more investors to the zone. Obi was speaking after a facility tour of an Independent Power Plant at Osisioma, Abia State, accompanied by Governor Theodore Orji and some top government officials. He said he was interested in the project for its capacity to transform the economy of the South-East, saying he was discussing

with the owners on evacuation of excess power from the plant to Nnewi and Onitsha. Governor Obi said conducive and enabling environment had been created for investors to harness numerous opportunities in the zone to expand their businesses. The Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, said the plant was a viable project that would help tackle the challenge of power in the country, assuring that the access road would be reconstructed.

The chairman of the company and former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, said the first phase of the project would be commissioned by February next year with the capacity of 188 mega watts to supply uninterrupted power to Aba metropolis in Abia State, as well as evacuate power to Onitsha and Nnewi in Anambra State; while the second phase of the project would be expanded to 500 mega watts.

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says the government took a tough stance against erring teachers, because even the Bible says ‘he who does not work, does not eat.’ Speaking at an interdenominational service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for him in Benin City, yesterday, as part of activities to close his first tenure in office and usher in a second tenure in office. Oshiomhole said he prayed to God everyday to have the courage to do the right thing for the people of the state. The service which attracted the cream of the society in Edo State, including former Head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria, market women, youths and students, was held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Responding to a plea by the Chairman of the CAN, Edo State, Bishop Peter Imasuen, for him to recall the sacked teachers, Oshiomhole said, “The prayer I

ask for everyday is for God to give me the courage and wisdom and to constantly remind me that I am here not because I am the best. I am here because he chose to favour me with the responsibility of leadership, to harness the resources of our state and to creatively manage them. “I have been very fortunate because it is one thing to think you have done your best and it is another thing for the people to appreciate it” he said. “The Chairman of CAN has asked me to undo all that we have done. I am a Catholic and every day I ask God to forgive me my sins, even as I forgive those who sin against me. I appreciate the power of forgiveness. The Bible says the labourer deserves his wages and the Bible also says that those who do not work should not eat. And these are the challenges of leadership. The Bible also tells us that if a finger leads you to commit sin, it is better to cut it off. If a teacher would lead us to commit sin, we better dismiss that teacher.

SOUTH SOUTH

“For Edo to work, all its parts must work. Every man and woman of age must work. That is why I take my work seriously. Every leader must device the right means under the guidance of God to deploy the carrot…so that you will have honour of rewarding those who helped to deliver service just as you must find the courage to bring to line, those who think they can earn without working,” he explained. Oshiomhole remarked that the courage to do the two was what he asked for and the courage to define the limit, and that “is what has guided me”. In his message, Most Rev. (Dr.) Friday John Imakhai said the victory of the governor and his deputy were well deserved According to him, “In view of the monumental and positive impact of the policies of his administration on the lives of the people of the state, evident in all spheres of our common life, it was a leadership predicated on a well thought out and faithfully executed vision and transformation of the state”.

Playwright tasks FG on piracy A playwright, Mr. Odia Ofeimun, has urged the Federal Government to protect the book industry against piracy. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, Ofeimun also called on the government to ensure even distribution of books across the country. ``Nigerians should design a means by which books should be distributed in other to avoid piracy.” According to him, a pirated

book is a stolen property because authors are not allowed to make living out of what they know how to do best. ``If a man steals my book and pirate it, it means I am being deprived of earning a living; this can turn an author into a criminal.” He said that any government that could not protect books from being pirated could make criminals of authors as they could take the law into their hand. ``The protection of books is about stopping, stalling

and ensuring that piracy is dealt with forever.” ``It is wrong to allow Nigerians pirate foreign books as well as Nigerian authors’ books because they are not readily available in the market. ``We do not make money from these books but losses because of piracy,” he stated. Ofeimun urged the government to protect books by appointing someone who knew the importance of books to take up the challenge against piracy.

NEMA distributes relief materials to Imo flood victims DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the distribution of relief materials to victims of the flood disaster, which sacked over 20 communities in Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema Local Government areas of Imo State. Distribution of the ma-

terials, according to the agency, is in fulfillment of the Federal Government’s efforts in cushioning the effect of the disaster on the displaced persons through NEMA, after the assessment of affected communities. Presenting the items to the victims, the SouthEast Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, in con-

junction with the State Emergency Management Agency’s executive secretary, Mrs. Uche Ezeonyeasi, said the relief materials were palliative measures to soothe the pains of those affected by the flood disaster. Onimode, had during the exercise, promised that the materials would be evenly distributed to all the victims across the affected communities.

L-R: Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, during an interdenominational service to mark the end of Oshimhole’s first tenure and beginning of his second term in office, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, yesterday.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Uzoenyi makes Venezuela promise P. 54

Sport

KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS

AWC: Equatorial Guinea, South Africa battle for trophy

Oscar De La Hoya keen to promote Cleverly/Hopkins P. 54 fight

November 11, 2012

he final of the 8th African Women Championship (AWC) 2012, will be played today between hosts Equatorial Guinea and Banyana Banyana of South Africa at Malabo Stadium. Both teams made it to the final after winning their semi final matches played on Wednesday. Banyana Banyana ousted defending champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria after a first half goal that gave them a 1-0 victory in the second semi final played at Nkoantoma Stadium in Bata, while Equatorial Guinea won their first semi final by 2-0 against Cameroun. In Malabo, Cameroun put a brave fight but could not resist pressure from Equatorial Guinea’s striking force led by team captain Genoveva Anonman. The host scored their first goal just seven minute after kick off through central striker Gloria Chinasa. The scorer headed home a good cross from right flank taken by Jade Boho who received a pass from Maria Nobre. Anonman who has five goals in the tournament so far scored the second goal for Equatorial Guinea in the 40th minute through a volley at the edge of the box that beat Cameroun’s goalkeeper Flore Ngo Ndom. Referee Aissata Amegee from Togo cautioned two players- one from each team for foul play. Before the final match, there will be a third place match between Nigeria and Cameroun at the same stadium in Malabo.

Equatorial Guinea’s inspirational captain, Genoveva Anonman.

Berbatov (left), nods home Fulham’s first goal against Arsenal yesterday at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal, Fulham in six-goal thriller, as Everton maintains unbeaten run over Sunderland

ikel Arteta missed a lastminute penalty at the Emirates Stadium yesterday, as Arsenal had to settle for a 3-3 draw after a thrilling six-goal encounter with Fulham. Arsenal might have expected an altogether less eventful afternoon because they have not lost at home to Fulham in 108 years. But they had more reason than usual to fear the visitors before this match, having made their worst start to a Premier League season under manager Arsene Wenger. Add to that the fact the Cottagers are no longer the pushovers they once were on the road - they had earned 16 points from their previous 16 away matches and were level with the Gunners on 15 points before kick-off - and there was plenty of cause for concern at Emirates Stadium. Despite seeing little of the ball in the opening exchanges, Arsenal

Mata denies hearing P. 55 Clattenburg abuse Mikel

took the lead when Giroud headed in from Theo Walcott’s right-wing corner after 11 minutes. It was a timely second league goal of the season for Giroud, who is under pressure for his central striking role from Walcott and Podolski, who have both stated their desire to start up front rather than out wide. But the attacking trio’s shape was clearly working, as midway through the half, with Fulham temporarily down to 10 men because of an injury to Kieran Richardson, Podolski doubled the lead, converting from six yards following Arteta’s cutback. Fulham, though, refused to be discouraged and continued to probe patiently. Much of their potency has come via Berbatov, who was central to their swift response; first capitalising on static Arsenal marking to nod in from Bryan Ruiz’s corner, then turning a provider

to cross for Alex Kacaniklic to head beyond Vito Mannone. Arsenal needed a show of character and Walcott, on his first Premier League start since the opening day of the season, began to emerge as a threat. But, against the run of play, Arteta dawdled on the edge of his area and was robbed of possession by Ruiz, who was then bundled over by the Arsenal midfielder, with Dowd pointing to the spot. Berbatov coolly converted for his second of the match to give Fulham hope of a historic victory in north London. Arsenal, though, responded almost instantly. After being played in by Santi Cazorla, Giroud’s shot struck the post but bounced out to Walcott, who crossed for the Frenchman to score his second goal of the match. Both sides had chances to snatch victory, with Giroud going

Rodgers bent on keeping Suarez P. 55

close to a hat-trick with a 30-yard effort saved by Schwarzer and Ashkan Dejagah failing to capitalise when in space inside the area before Arteta’s penalty miss. But a point apiece was ultimately a fair outcome from a game which both sides will feel they might have won. Meanwhile, Everton fought back to seal a 2-1 win over Sunderland yesterday and that keeps them in the top four of the Premier League. Adam Johnson swept home his first goal for Sunderland to give the Black Cats the lead on the stroke of half-time. But Everton’s dominance paid off with two goals in three second-half minutes. Marouane Fellaini drilled a shot into the bottom corner before setting up Nikica Jelavic with a sublime flick to steer home the winner in boss David Moyes’ 400th Premier League game.

Arsenal is my P. 55 home, says Wilshere

Sport

Sunday November 11, 2012

Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

NSF: Fadipe tips Lagos for medals haul in boxing A boxing promoter, Tunde Fadipe, says that the monthly Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame will be of immense advantage to Lagos pugilists at the forthcoming National Sports Festival, tagged “Eko 2012”. He told our correspondent that the state through the boxing competition has produced many talented boxers who will do the state proud at the festival. “The monthly boxing show has greatly helped Lagos State in discovering talented boxers and preparing

pugilists for the forthcoming National Sports Festival. “I believe that when hostilities begin in the festival, Lagos State boxers will win lots of medals in boxing because of the exposure garnered in the monthly boxing show,” he said. Fadipe noted that the pugilists who are currently training under the watchful eyes of veteran boxing coach, Joe Mensah, and his assistants will surpass the achievement they recorded at the 17th National Sports Festival hosted by Rivers State last year.

Uzoenyi makes Venezuela promise nine home-based players selected to prosecute the match alongside their foreign counterparts insisted that the Eagles’ good run of form will continue if his colleagues play to their full potentials. “We have a great task ahead of us in respect of the 2013 Nations Cup and I believe playing this type of games can only help us to improve as a team. “The Eagles have been playing very well in recent times going by the results we have achieved and I hope to contribute my part in ensuring we maintain the same standard during the game against Venezuela,” the pacy winger said.

SAYO OGUNDEJI

head of the friendly game against Venezuela on November 14, Super Eagles and Rangers International of Enugu winger, Ejike Uzoenyi, has promised to deliver the goals when the two nations clash. The Super Eagles, who were recently drawn in Group C of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Zambia, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, are using the game as preparation to test some players and perfect the team’s strategy ahead of the competition. Uzoenyi, who was one of the

Adegoke brothers win at Ekundayo considers moving Lagos Squash Classic T down to welterweight B

ritish-born Nigerian boxer, Larry ‘The Natural’ Ekundayo, says he is considering dropping down from lightmiddleweight to welterweight where he hopes to make a mark in boxing. Ekundayo, last weekend, defeated Scottish pair of Craig McEwan and Kris Carslaw before stopping Terry Carruthers to earn a £34,000 jackpot in a Prizefighter-Lightmiddleweight contest. According to him, his moving to the light-middleweight class was to announce his

arrival in the British boxing stage, noting that welterweight is where he originally belongs. “I want to tell my fans that as a boxer, I can adapt to any style and move to any weight class and still perform at optimum best, which is what I have done in the Prizefighter contest. “Having won this fight, my next plan is to move down to my traditional weight category which is the welterweight, where I believe I will make my mark,” he concluded.

he Adegoke brothers, Onaopemipo and Temiloluwa, on Saturday won the U-15 and U-19 categories of the Lagos Squash Classic. Nine-year-old Onaopemipo defeated Tobiloba Jimoh (14) 3-2 in the U-15 category, while his older brother, Temiloluwa, 15, defeated Lanre Pratt, 16, 3- 0 in the U-19. Onaopemipo described the match as interesting, but Jimoh, told NAN that he was disappointed with the outcome. “It is so annoying, I trained

Oscar De La Hoya keen to promote Cleverly/Hopkins fight

ormer six-weight division world champion, Oscar De La Hoya has revealed his Golden Boy Promotions intention to promote a title fight between the WBO Light heavyweight champion, Nathan Cleverly and veteran American boxer, Bernard Hopkins in the United Kingdom next year. He stated that he wants to take the fight to London because British fans are some

of the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world when it comes to boxing, even as he stated that it will be a big sale out. “A lot of fighters in the United States are now realising they should go overseas and challenge the best. “We also feel that British fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world when it comes to boxing,” he concluded.

Bernard Hopkins (right) throws a punch on Ray Jones during their fight in Las Vagas, United States.

hard to get to this point, only to lose, and it’s painful. “I will go back to training so that next time when I meet Onas as he is fondly called, I can perform better and win,” Jimoh said. Onaopemipo said he was happy to retain his title as champion of the U-15 team. The U-19 winner, Temiloluwa, said he would not rest on his oars but would resume training in preparation for the National Sports Festival.

Cowbell draws BRF in friendly ANDREW EKEJIUBA

Larry Ekundayo (right) slugging it out with Craig McEwan at the Prizefighter bout which Ekundayo won by technical knockout.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

owbell Football Academy (CFA) held BRF Youth Football Academy to a 2-2 draw in a friendly played at Lagos State Governor’s Football Field in Alausa, Ikeja. The BRF boys opened scoring in the early minutes of the second half after a pulsating goalless first half. After the opener, both sides created brilliant scoring chances but were unable to covert the goals. In the 65th minute, CFA boys equalised through their skip-

per, Sodiq Ayinde. The BRF team became more aggressive and pounced on every opportunity on their way, a development which earned them a goal in the 78th minute. Then the unexpected happened, just 3 minutes to full time, as CFA’s skipper struck again to bring the final score at 2-2 apiece. The CFA defence had a great day keeping the attacking BRF boys under check until the game came to an end. Dudu Orumen, the Rector of the CFA told Sunday Mirror that the friendly was a build up to their participation in the amateur league in Lagos State.

Uzoenyi

NSF: Adele promises Lagosians kickboxing gold medals A

degboyega Adele, the Technical Director, Lagos State Kickboxing Association, has restated the association’s determination to win gold medals in the event at the 18th National Sports Festival. Adele, who made the pledge during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, said the state’s kick boxers were 100 per cent ready. “We have all the facilities we need to train and have a good outing at the festival. The government has done a lot for us and we are assuring the people of Lagos that we will deliver. “By my assessment, we are fully ready for the festival and our kick boxers are in high spirits now with their morale boosted. They are ready to clinch gold medals,” he said. Adele added that the refresher course for all the technical officials organised by the Nigeria Kickboxing Federation had also helped to fine-tune the preparation of the athletes. Adele, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Kickboxing Referees Association, advised the officials to adhere strictly to the rules for officiating at the Games.

Akpor football tourney kicks off Nov 17 IFEANYI EDUZOR

he annual Akpor U-20 football competition will kick off on November 17, 2012 at the Our Lady of Lourdes School, Ozuoba Port Harcourt. According to the secretary of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the competition, China Acheru, the competition is aimed at fostering unity among the indigenes of Akpor kingdom in Ikwere Local Government Area of

Rivers State, and discovering talents at the grassroots. He noted that all logistics has been put in place to ensure a successful hosting of the championship which is being sponsored by Julius Agwu Foundation, an NGO run by popular comedian, Julius Agwu. Acheru while urging all participating communities to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the duration of the championship promised that there will be a great improvement from the maiden edition,

Members of Ogbogoro Football Club celebrate after winning the maiden edition of the championship last year.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday November 11, 2012

Mata denies hearing Clattenburg abuse Mikel J uan Mata has insisted he did not hear referee Mark Clattenburg say anything during Chelsea’s 3-2 home loss to Manchester United. The referee continues to be investigated for allegedly using an ‘inappropriate’ racial term against John Obi Mikel in the most controversial match played in

the Premier League this term. Originally the Blues issued two complaints against the match official, one for inappropriate comments made against the Nigerian midfielder and a second for something believed to have been said to the Spaniard himself, only for the latter to be withdrawn.

Mata has now admitted he did not hear Clattenburg mutter anything at all, but reminded people that the matter is being handled by the club and the English FA. “I didn’t hear anything, but it’s an issue that Chelsea and even the FA are already considering. I repeat that I didn’t hear anything though,” Mata said.

EURO BRIEFS

Ferguson targets a century of goals

anchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants his side to score 100 Premier League goals this season. The league leaders are already well on their way to reaching that target, having scored 26 goals with a quarter of the season passed.

Milito eyes Scudetto shield

Mata

Rodgers bent on Hulk tips Messi for Ballon d’Or keeping Suarez Z L

enit St. Petersburg’s Hulk has spoken of how, if he were given the chance, he would vote for Lionel Messi to win the 2012 Ballon d’Or. The forward made a lucrative switch to the Russian side earlier in the season following an impressive spell at Porto, with his displays meriting him a place on the FIFA/ FIFPro World XI shortlist. In an interview with Fifa.com, the 26-year-old claimed he would pick himself to play in such a team, while also giving his opinion that Messi should pick up the Ballon d’Or for

iverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says its imperative the club keep Luis Suarez if they want to compete with the league’s best. Rodgers pointed to the transfer of former Red Fernando Torres as an example of the club giving way to the Premier League’s other big players. The Spain striker left Anfield for Chelsea in a 50 million pound move in January 2011 after scoring 55 Premier League goals for the Reds in just over three years, but Rodgers is certain they must not make a similar choice by letting Suarez leave. So far this season the Uruguayan has grabbed seven goals in 10 league matches, making him the only Liverpool player to have scored more than twice, and although Rodgers can see that the club are obviously on a different footing financially from the big-spenders, he says they just have to work around that. Speaking to reporters, Rodgers said: “It’s ack Wilshere says he the task we face. I don’t know what hapremains fully commitpened with Torres, but times move on and ted to Arsenal, with no we now have one of the best strikers in the thought given to the prosworld with Luis. We have to ensure we keep pect of moving on. the best players like him.” Since breaking through from the academy system at the Emirates into the first-team fold, Wilshere has been forced to watch on as key performers have headed for the exits - with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie opting to move on. It has been suggested that Wilshere could head Suarez

the fourth time in a row. “In my mind the best player around today is Messi. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a match-winner too and scores a lot of goals, and when you talk about the best player in the world it’s between those two, though my vote would go to Messi,” said Hulk. When asked why he believes the Argentine should win the award, he said: “He’s got a great team by his side but he also does things differently. “The way I see it he deserves to win again, not least because of the amazing number of goals he’s

scored this season. He scores more than anyone.” The former Tokyo Verdy striker then cheekily revealed that he would include himself in a FIFA/ FIFPro World XI team, adding that there are so many good players around. Hulk also gave his thoughts on who should win the Fifa Puskas Award, which recognises the best goal of the year. “Well, maybe it wasn’t the most stunning goal but I’d go for Ramires’ cracker against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. It was a fine strike and, above all, a decisive one,” he concluded.

Arsenal is my home, says Wilshere J the same direction unless Arsenal can prove that they are capable of challenging for top honours. The England international insists he is prepared to play his part in bringing silverware back to the club, with the 20-year-old midfielder of the opinion that he is already in the ‘perfect’ place. “I’ve been at this club for 10 years and to come through the academy at Hale End and break into the first team is a great story. It’s a dream to have my family

Sterling rejects ‘rubbish’ reports R

aheem Sterling has denied reports he asked for a 50,000-pounds-a-week deal at Liverpool. Newspaper reports suggested the 17-year-old winger had opened contract talks with Liverpool already and was poised to reject the club’s terms, to request the new deal. However, the player himself took to Twitter to set the record straight, labelling the reports as ‘rubbish’ and describing the reported figure he asked for as a ‘stupid amount’.

Sterling wrote: “morning tweets I’ve just woken up to this rubbish I can assure you I’ve not asked for that stupid amount while waiting till I’m 18 2 sign” The Liverpool attacker has eight months to run on his current deal - worth 2,000 pounds a week plus appearance bonuses - and has clubs keen on luring him away from Merseyside. The reports which claimed Sterling had asked for the new deal also said Liverpool have been preparing terms in the region

Sterling

of 20,000 pounds a week. Sterling turns 18 next month and is due to open contract negotiations with the club after his birthday.

Milito

Berbatov dismisses lazy claims

ulham striker Dimitar Berbatov has denied suggestions he was ‘lazy’ during his time at Manchester United. The 31-year-old scored 57 goals in 149 games during four years at Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson prised the Bulgarian away from Tottenham.

Asprilla hints at Newcastle return

ormer Newcastle United striker Faustino Asprilla claims he has spoken to the club about a return in a coaching role. The former Colombia international, now 42, rapidly achieved cult status in the 1990s after a number of memorable displays - most notably a hat-trick in a 3-2 Champions League win over Barcelona in 1997.

PREMIERSHIP TABLE Wilshere

20 minutes from the training ground and an hour from the stadium is perfect for me,” Wilshere said.

Alves issues Neymar call

iego Milito says Inter Milan’s recent win over Juventus has given them the belief they can take out the Scudetto this season. Speaking to Inter’s official website, the Argentina international reiterated his desire to win more trophies with the club, particularly the Scudetto shield.

arcelona full-back Dani Alves has again called for Santos prodigy Neymar to join the Camp Nou side. Neymar is one of the most sought after talents in world football, and Alves – who rejected suggestions he had put Neymar in touch with team-mate Lionel Messi – wants the 20-yearold to further his career in Barca colours. “I haven’t put Neymar in contact with Leo Messi. “Obviously anybody would want to play for Barcelona. If Barcelona are interested in Neymar and if next month, next year or in two years he comes, I don’t know. “I hope he does come here because, as I’ve already said, he would get better as a player and he would also improve the team,” Alves said.

TEAM

PTS

1. Man Utd

2. Chelsea

3. Man City

4. Everton

5. West Brom

6. Tottenham

7. Arsenal

8. Fulham

9. West Ham

10. Newcastle

-2

11. Swansea

12. Stoke

-1

13. Liverpool

-2

14. Wigan

-6

15. Norwich

-10

16. Sunderland

-4

17. Aston Villa

-7

18. Reading

-6

19. Southampton

-14

20. QPR

-12

N2. Vol. 2 No. 48

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Back Page

Comment

E-mail: nwaunah@yahoo.com Unah is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lagos

with Jim Unah

he current fuel scarcity that shows no sign of going away has been attributed to two main factors, namely the confusion and traumatising corruption in the management of the subsidy payment regime and the vandalised NNPC System 2B pipeline located in Arepo, in Ogun State. While the first factor – how to exclude fraudsters from receiving subsidy payment for petrol not imported – appears to be a knotty problem to resolve; suggesting that ample time may be expended on it, with potentials to prolong the crippling scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, the second factor – that of restoring full pipeline distribution of petroleum products -- requires firm action on the part of the Federal Government and actors in the nation’s foremost oil agency – the NNPC, to resolve. It is also debatable whether indeed the issue of tracking down subsidy thieves and excluding them effectively from fraudulently collecting subsidy should be as intractable as the powersthat-be are making it to seem. There is even fear that the lingering

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N150

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I N

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$16b

n, amount the Minister 9trn, sum the Commissioner of Trade and Investment, for Inspectorate in PENDr. Olusegun Aganga, stated as the CON, Dr. Musa Ibrahim, disclosed as the total contributions by Nigerian value of FDI the Federal Government is targeting in 2013. pensioners.

Embarrassing fuel scarcity fuel crisis may be complicated and further prolonged by the action of some depot and jetty owners, against what they have described as “forceful and illegal invasion and takeover of their depots at Apapa”, by a government agency that goes by the name of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency – NIMASA, on the one hand; and the posturing of organized labour and opposition political parties that the fuel scarcity is deliberately masterminded by the PDP-led government of President Goodluck Jonathan as subterfuge to hike the price of PMS; probably through a kill joy strategy of announcing fuel price increase during the Christmas and New Year festivities, on the other hand. Whatever the nature of the problem and the motive, a lingering fuel scarcity in a country acknowledged as one of the foremost members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries – OPEC, is embarrassing, shameful and inexcusable. Since the subsidy removal crisis of January this year, the Federal Government and its agencies have set up several committees and fact-finding panels on petroleum and subsidy related matters. It is expected that by now, government should have separated the genuine marketers from the subsidy pirating and thieving cabals; and mobilised the former to join the NNPC in the importation of refined petrol and ensure availability to stave off

scarcity of the product. Government appears to be trapped in the web of corruption spun by the subsidy racketeers and cabals; as the nation has been incapable of clearly identifying and punishing a group of people that held it to ransom in January. With the revelations of the Ribadu Report on Petroleum Revenue, and the effort being made to discredit and rubbish it, even from the Presidency, it does appear that the government is completely overwhelmed by the corrupt elements in society. Of all the propaganda and posturing of government about its burning desire to punish the subsidy cabals and thieves, no real culprit has been brought to book. Instead, Nigerians are daily inundated and assaulted by horrendous episodes of corrupt practices in the oil industry. It will not come as a surprise if after all the big and empty talks about fighting corruption, the government wakes up one morning to announce the sale of the main agency of its oil economy – the NNPC! Should the Nigerian State be seriously talking and belly-aching about imported petrol and payment of subsidy, when crude oil which is refined into PMS, is lifted and sold in the world market in millions of barrels from this country? The billions of hard currency devoted to the turn-around maintenance of the four national refineries by successive governments have disappeared into the private

AWC: Evumena charges Falcons to fly over Cameroun D elta Queens’ manager, Dan stained pride against the InEvumena has charged the domitable Lionesses of CamSuper Falcons to redeem their eroun. Both sides will fight for bronze in today’s losers’ game in Malabo at the ongoing 8th African Women Championship in Equatorial Guinea. The Nigerians had their title hope rudely snapped by rivals, Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the semifinals while the Central African foes suffered same fate in the hands of the hosts, Equatorial Guinea. Evumena said the beaten title holders must be at their best to subdue a difficult Camerounian opposition. “The third place match is a more difficult game, the Falcons struggled and lost the battle to be in the final, now

they’re psychologically down but the spark must come alive against the Camerounians. “The losers’ game is winners take all, if you lose you’re out of the bronze medal. “The AWC title is not our birthright; the Falcons should forget the loss to Banyana, save their faces and go into the game against Cameroun with more determination. At least, they can celebrate the bronze medal. “The coach must psyche up the players to redeem Nigeria’s pride by fielding the best legs in the game. “Cameroun lost to us in the opening game and will give the match everything to salvage something for themselves. So it won’t be an easy game,” he said.

The former Falconets’ coach said the Falcons paid the prize for over-confidence at the biennial football showpiece. “There were too much hype, player setting 15-goal target, the NFF upping match bonuses, the team was over confident of retaining the title and they paid dearly for it. “It’s a warning to the women’s teams, Perpetua Nkwocha of 2000 can’t be same as 2012. It beats my thinking that South Africa scored in the early minutes of the game and we couldn’t equalise. “Nigerians must learn from the defeat, pick the pieces and lay solid structure for the women’s game before we’re completely left behind,” he concluded.

pockets of favoured contractors and top state actors; without the refineries coming alive to answer to the energy needs of the nation. We hear that another contract has been awarded for the refineries to be turned around in two years or thereabouts by the companies that built them; which many fear may turn out to be another wasteful and hollow ritual. When will the Nigerian State wake up to the true task of nation-building which will afford it the opportunity to take full charge of its oil economy? When will the stealing of Nigerian crude come to an end? When will the embarrassing tell-tales of corruption in the NNPC come to an end? What will happen to make it come to an end? This is not about lamenting the failure of the Jonathan government to work bureaucratic miracles to solve the problems bedeviling the oil industry in onefell-swoop. It is about acknowledging the fact that successive governments, including military regimes, have failed, for selfserving reasons, to take charge of the nation’s oil economy; and that the Jonathan government has as yet not demonstrated a capacity to make a difference in that regard. Until Mr. President demonstrates that capacity by dealing with oil thieves and subsidy fraudsters, and putting an end to the importation of externally refined petrol; the fuel crisis, even if something is done about it now, may remain a recurring decimal for a long time to come.

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Arsenal 3-3 Fulham Everton 2-1 Sunderland Reading 0-0 Norwich City Southampton 1-1 Swansea Stoke City 1-0 QPR Wigan Athletic 1-2 West Brom Aston Villa 2-3 Manchester Utd

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Today’s Matches Man City v Tottenham 13:30 Newcastle v West Ham 15:00 Chelsea v Liverpool 16:00

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