Sunday, December 16, 2012

Big Read News

THE

Kidnappers on the prowl

Big risk, big business

P. 3-6

News

P. 50

News

P. 11

Mirror LUTH doctors Sunday man, Madike, suspend strike wins DAME award

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 2 No. 53

N150

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Yakowa, Azazi

THOSE KILLED P. 10

killed as helicopter crashes, explodes

Gov Patrick Yakowa Andrew Owoye Azazi Dauda Tsoho (Yakowa’s Special Adviser) Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal (Azazi’s bodyguard) Muritala Mohammed Daba (Pilot) Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole (Co-pilot)

Jonathan’s Chief of Staff, Labour minister, Ex-Bauchi governor escape death by a whisker

Kaduna Deputy Governor, Mukhtar Yoro, to be sworn in today Hillary Clinton faints, suffers concussion

P. 10

Worried Enugu churches begin prayers for Chime

Yakowa

P. 50

Declare six days fasting Wreckage of an helicopter crash that occurred in March killing AIG Haruna John and his Orderly, Sgt. Jonathan Shiruman.

Azazi

Sambo battles Jonathan for 2015 ticket VP’s ambition divides Governors’ Forum Jonathan, Obasanjo feud: Tukur, PDP officials visit ex-president Obasanjo: I have no problem with Jonathan P. 9

News

My emergence as president, miraculous – Jonathan

P. 9

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2

What’s new Interview

13

Seven Days TALKING POINT OF THE PAST WEEK DECEMBER 16, 2012

Applause

19

Service, SSS, revealed that a serving senator, Ali Ndume, standing trial for alleged terrorism, spoke with a convicted member of the Boko Haram sect, Ali Konduga, 73 times within a month.

The gunmen, according to an eyewitness and staff of the school, came on three motorcycles and an unmarked vehicle about 2.35a.m. Bama is 78 kilometres South-East of Maiduguri, the state capital.

36 govs drag FG, NASS to court over fuel subsidy ‘At nearly 50, why should I start having crazy hairstyles and tattoo?’

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

Wellness

45

Governors of 36 states of the federation have approached the Supreme Court, requesting for an order stopping the Federal Government from going ahead with its plans to further fund the controversial fuel subsidy programme.

The governors, who hired a consortium of tested constitutional lawyers, including the immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), and Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), are contending that the present arrangement by the Federal Government to

make unilateral deductions from revenues that should statutorily accrue to the Federation Account to fund the fuel subsidy programme is not only illegal but also unconstitutional and must be stopped forthwith.

The governors are also seeking an order of the apex court compelling the Federal Government to make public its expenditure on fuel subsidy from 2007 till date with a view to determining how much they would have benefitted with an order directing such monies to be paid to them.

Senate uncovers fresh N195bn pension scam The Senate on Tuesday unpaid pension funds coverPost-natal care for mother and child

Medical experts refer to post-natal care as the care of the mother and baby in the days and weeks following childbirth. This includes many different aspects of the mother and baby’s health; physical, psychological and practical.

uncovered another N195 billion pension funds yet to be accounted for.

Co-Chairman of the Senate Joint Committees on Establishment and Public Service, States and Local Governments, Senator Kabir Gaya, who made the disclosure at a public hearing at the National Assembly, said the amount was derived from

ing the period between 2005 and 2011.

Gaya said the amount was for outstanding payment from the Police Pensions Office, Military Pensions Board, Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pensions Office, CIPPO, the Department of State Security Service and the Head of Service of the Federation’s Office.

said that the radios had some challenges, which were periodically fixed by their engineers.

He insisted that the Nigerian air space was safe for flying, arguing that if the air space was not safe, international carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, British Airways and others would not be operating in the country.

Money laundering: EFCC recovers N15.5bn from airports –Lamorde The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday disclosed that it intercepted N15.5 billion at the nation’s airports this year.

EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, made the disclosure at

the 2012 International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations with the theme: “ACT…. Help Detect Corruption Risks Today”, organised by the Inter- Agency Task Team, IATT, comprising anti-corruption agencies.

Jide Chord JIDE CHORD, A JUJU MUSICIAN

MON

Oguta Lake project stirs controversy

Violence continued unabated in Borno State as a gang of suspected Boko Haram members attacked the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Bama, killing five female students and injuring three others.

The incident happened on a day the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police visited the state, promising to run out the terrorists.

Also the State Security

The management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has admitted that the radio frequencies being used by air traffic controllers, ATC, have some challenges, but are not enough to put the lives of air travellers and pilots in danger.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the agency’s Managing Director, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh,

I will like to introduce myself well. I’m Jide Chord, a writer and a juju musician. I lived in England for over 20 years until I relocated home. Nigeria is home. Usually, my Monday is a day of accounting.

I would have possibly worked on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I would be working with my band and paying their money on Monday.

TUE

Okorocha

Gunmen storm school, kill five female students

NAMA admits use of faulty radio communication equipment

I rest on Tuesdays. I do some sporting activities too. I look into my wardrobe and see what needs to be changed. I make a lot of phone calls abroad on this second working day of the week.

WED WE ED

Ohakim

15

killings of over 7,195 people, mostly detainees, in the last four years. He made the revelations while delivering an address at the national dialogue on “Torture, extra-judicial killings and national security: Human rights implications”.

The event was organised by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, in Abuja.

I could be in a studio or appearing on somebody’s video on Wednesday. I could be working or strategising for the main show so that last week’s performance or the previous ones wouldn’t look like the present.

THU

Politics

he received a proposal for the Second Northern Economic Summit from the Chairman of the summit organisers, Prof. Jerry Gana, in his office.

The Speaker said the move to establish the bank would bridge the gap in the funding structures in the region.

The Federal Government has identified the rot in the criminal justice system as the principal reason for escalation of the culture of self-help and terrorism activities in the country.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), also disclosed that the police had carried out extra-judicial

Thursday is my rehearsal day. I get busy today with members of my band.

FRI

Senator Annie Okonkwo, President of C-21, an Igbo socio-political action group, is an astute businessman and politician who represented Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011. He speaks about Igbo 2015 presidential aspiration, among other issues.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has thrown his weight behind the proposed establishment of a Northern Development Bank, which seeks direct funding of critical projects in the North.

Tambuwal gave his support for the initiative when

Rot in judiciary, cause of terrorism –FG

I usually do some ‘Tumgba’. I’m sure you don’t know what this means from your facial expression. You know I play juju music. Usually, on Fridays, we have burials and lots of ceremonies.

SUN SAT

Igbo are determined to produce President in 2015 –Senator Okonkwo

Tambuwal backs establishment of Northern Devt Bank

Saturday is definitely for wedding ceremonies.

I attend church on Sunday. *By Adaeze Amos (0802 301 2293)

3

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

December 16, 2012

Mrs. Okonjo and daughter, Ngozi

IGP with suspected kidnappers

Amako

A demolition of Ifedik’s country home, Anambra State

Kidnappers on the prowl Big risk, big business

When hostage taking started in the Niger Delta region, armed groups used it to draw attention to the plight of the people in that neighbourhood. But, like a contagious disease, the act, which has infected the entire country, appears to have assumed a disturbing dimension with the daily invention of new tactics by the hoodlums, who, so far, have defied all known security strategies to combat the threat. Head, Special Investigations, Isioma Madike, looks at the implications for the economy and the nation’s image outside its shores

I

t was an unusual visit on Sunday, December 9, at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha-South Local Government Area of Delta State. It was a visit of a gang of armed men, who hid themselves outside the palace gate. When they resurfaced, the 82-year-old Kamene Okonjo, wife of the traditional ruler as well as the mother of Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was their prey. But on Friday, December 14, the 82-year-old woman regained her freedom. Before then, the atmosphere within the palace arena had been gloomy as sympathisers and well wishers, including members of the community’s vigilance group, milled around, discussing the development.

Professor (Mrs.) Okonjo was abducted at about 1:47p.m.

Her husband, a retired Professor of Economics and the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Chukwuka Okonjo, was away from

the town when the interlopers came knocking. The kidnappers, numbering about 10, lurked around the palace until the woman and her maid came down to serve soft drinks to workers at the gate. An eye witness account said that as soon as the woman descended from the main building and moved towards the entrance, the criminals emerged from their hideout, grabbed and pushed her into a waiting Volkswagen Golf car. “They were about 10 and were heavily armed when they walked into the compound,” said one of the witnesses, adding, “they held up the men fixing the interlocking tiles and asked them to lie face down. Immediately they saw her, they bundled her into a waiting vehicle.”

One of the abductors was said to have had the boldness to go upstairs to collect the woman’s handbag. A maid, who sighted the kidnapper coming upstairs, hid herself in the kitchen where she overheard the kidnapper telling his

‘KIDNAPPERS GROSS N750M YEARLY’

4

gang members that there was no one else in the house, before they zoomed off. The crooks remained incommunicado while family sources blamed their exploit on “avoidable” lapses in the security details at the palace. But, silence was broken on Monday evening when the captors demanded $1 billion ransom from the family. Yet, the President of Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, says, “anyone abducting an 82-year-old woman, without giving consideration to her state of health and old age, is cursed. Such a mindless person does not deserve to live when caught.”

The Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan described the Kidnap of Ngozi’s mother as “a kill joy” to his state. Uduaghan said the state was in a festive mood after emerging the winner of the just concluded 18th National Sport Festival tagged Eko 2012 until the sad news filtered in. For Onyema Okonjo, the sixth of the seven children of the Okonjos, “it is really a sad reflection of where we are as a society.” He wondered why an octogenarian woman, a grandmother and great grandmother should be kidnapped.

As the combined team of security agents made frantic efforts to locate the abductors of Mrs. Okonjo in far away Delta State, the criminals appeared to have shifted focus to Oyo State. In Ibadan, kidnappers reportedly registered their presence with the abduction of Titilayo, wife of Nigeria’s former ambassador to the United States of America and retired Brigadier General, Oluwole Rotimi. The police spokesman, Ayodele Lanade, was quoted as saying that she was kidnapped at about 6.30 on Monday, December 10. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

NIGERIANS LACK CONFIDENCE IN POLICE FORCE –EKHOMU

5

4

The Big Read

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Kidnappers gross N750m yearly’

Okei-Odumakin

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 gunmen kidnapped Titilayo at her company, AOP Logistics Ltd at Alakia on the Ibadan-Ife Expressway. She is the Managing Director of the firm, which services Nigeria Breweries Plc. However, unlike the abductors of Mrs. Okonjo, who decided to trade in foreign currency, Titilayo captors demanded N200 million before she could be released.

But, these are only a tip from the other incidences of kidnap in the country in recent times. Like the Okonjo saga, Safiriyu Araba, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aranse-Olu Merchant Dealers, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, tasted the bitter pills of these criminals just before dawn on Sunday, November 11. The incident happened shortly after Araba left his home at Adebayo Lawal Street, Olorunsogo, Molipa, in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of the state.

His mission was to go and pray at the nearby Osenatu Iyalode Mosque. Immediately after the prayers, at about 6 a.m., when the worshippers were exchanging pleasantries, some armed young men, who, witnesses later said had been lurking in the area since 4 a.m., walked into the mosque.

In a commando style operation, everyone was ordered to lie face down. Not too long, their target was identified.

Thereafter, the 56-year-old indigene of Ago-Iwoye was ordered into a waiting car parked outside the mosque. The intruders then collected mobile phones from the worshippers, got into the vehicle with Araba, and sped away. It was later on that day that a ransom request of N10 million was made to the family. Six days later, he was back at home, after his family had allegedly given the kidnappers N10 million for his release. It was an unusual occurrence in that state. Before then, kidnapping was something people of Ogun State only read about in the media. The Araba incident, however, exposed the South-west as a hunting ground for kidnappers, who had restricted their operations to the Niger Delta and South-east regions. Billionaires, traditional rulers, high chiefs, politicians, journalists, civil servants and students had, at different times, fallen victims after the Araba saga.

Yet, if Araba’s case could be ascribed to expectation of a big pay day by the abductors, one is stumped to understand why primary school pupils have suddenly become targets. On Friday, March 30, an 18-year-old suspect was apprehended at Nissi Nursery and Primary School, Amolaso in Abeokuta-South Local Government Area of Ogun State. Adeyemi Adeleke, head teacher at the school, was quoted as saying, “We were all inside the school busy collating the pupils’ report cards while some pupils were on the field playing football. One of the residents nearby rushed in to alert us that a boy was with the children on the field and they suspected him. I quickly rushed down there and inquired from him about his mission. Before I knew it, he was flashing a knife and we started fighting.

He wounded me but with the help of people in the area, we overpowered him and handed him over to the office of a

Campbell

Ezike

vigilance group in the area. Had it not been for the watchfulness of residents of the neighbourhood, the boy could have made away with some of the pupils.”

Perhaps, the most widely reported case was that of Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Otulana, of the Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu. She was kidnapped around 6.30 p.m. on May 4, at Agbowa, near Ikorodu, Lagos State, after a visit to carry out eye surgery on a patient. The kidnappers initially demanded N100 million ransom from her husband, Dr. Mikail Otulana, who owns Aje Medical Centre, Ijebu-Ode. But, after much plea by the family, it was reduced to N60 million. “I spoke with the kidnappers of my wife and they were hell bent on collecting the ransom. After pleading, they reduced the ransom to N60 million,” Otulana said.

In March 2011, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Group Managing Director, Global Fleet Group and publisher of the National Mirror titles had one of the most traumatising and heart rending encounters with kidnappers when his 69-yearold mother, Madam Omofenwa Jimoh, was kidnapped at gun point in his home in Igbotako, in the oil rich area of Ondo State. For two weeks, the frontline business man did everything practically possible to secure his mother’s release. They had requested for payment of hundreds of millions of naira ransom. But, Ibrahim said, “it took me some personal risks and adventures to secure the release of my mother.” The abduction was believed to have been coordinated in Sapele, Delta State.

Yet, the South-east remains kidnapper’s hot spot because of the rate hoodlums perpetrates the evil act in that area. For instance, an estimated 600 persons was said to have been kidnapped between January 2007 and May 2010.

The act is also said to be more sophisticated and person-

alised than armed robbery in the region. Perpetrators, according to reports, manipulate advanced technological devices, disguising as Okada operators, phone booth operators or street hawkers. Reports say, these kidnapers gross an average N350 million per month and N750 million per year. A figure many believe could be far higher.

In Imo State, it is almost hard to sleep with both eyes closed as someone gets kidnapped every other day, according to reports. For instance, Dr. Moses Amako, Chief Medical Director of Owerri Specialist Hospital, Umuguma was kidnapped at gunpoint with his wife in December last year. A Magistrate of the Ihiagwa Magisterial court got the shocker of his life when his son was kidnapped within the same period at gun point. It was also reported that two nine-day-old babies were kidnapped from their cots in a private hospital at Akuma, Oru East Local Government Area early this year. Recently, Governor Rochas Okorocha suspended salaries for six traditional because they failed to check the crime in their communities.

Kidnapping activities have become so frequent in Imo State that people are now finding it difficult to move about and transact their businesses with ease in that locality.

The rich and political figures are equally relocating their parents and relatives for fear of their safety. Around April this year, the former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Godfrey Dikeocha, became a victim. Dikeocha’s kidnap was strange. He was abducted from his Oke Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise country home by a gang of dare devil gangsters. Palpable confusion also pervades the peaceful rural community of Ndionyeagorom Village, Awa, Oguta local council area of Imo State, following the bizarre kidnap of one of their sons, Ottih John Ottih.

It was gathered that Ottih, an engineer and retired senior staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), attended a Sunday mass in his home church, Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, Awa, before the hoodlums struck. The thugs, who were suspected to be among the congregation that worshiped in the church, came in a metallic red colour Jeep, numbering about four. Ottih, according to eyewitness account, was later trailed to Umuofor autonomous community, where they waylaid him and fired several shots at his car. “His younger brother, Ndubuisi, was hit in the right hand, while the soft-spoken engineer was immediately blindfolded and taken away in the kidnappers’ Jeep,” a villager was quoted as saying.

The neighbouring Anambra State has not been spared of this heinous crime as well. The recent killing of the 16-year-old daughter of a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Anthony Nwoye, in Onitsha during a failed attempt to kidnap her mother is yet another sad tale in the news today. The incident happened while attempting to kidnap Nwoye’s wife, Mrs. Vero Nwoye, a Pharmacist. Nwoye represented Idemili North in the immediate past House of Assembly.

Mrs. Nwoye and her daughter, Chisom, a Senior Secondary (SS11), student of Mercy Girls Secondary School, Umuoji, left her Pharmacy shop located at No 6 Obosi street, Nkpor. They were driving home in her Mercedes Benz 190 with registration number BR 439 LSD when the suspected kidnappers blocked their car at the All Hallows Seminary junction beside Zik’s home in Onitsha. It was like a scene in a typical Nollywood movie. But, it was real as the crooks pulled Vero out of her car and dragged her into their own.

This happened in spite of Governor Peter Obi’s new approach to the fight against kidnapping with the policy of sealing off any hotel or house where suspected kidnappers operate from. Already, one hotel located at Nkpor near Onitsha and two houses at Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area have been sealed by the governor. Four suspected kidnappers have also been killed in the state, while five others were arrested by the state police command; aside that, the governor paid N10 million rewards to five persons in fulfillment of his promise to compensate those who provide information to security agencies on kidnappers in the state.

For Okei-Odumakin, the country’s weak law enforcement has encouraged the nationwide spread of kidnapCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Big Read

Sunday, December 16, 2012

5

Nigerians lack confidence in Police Force –Ekhomu Dr. Ona Ekhomu is Nigeria’s first chartered security professional and president of Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operations of Nigeria (AISSON). He is also the Africa regional representative of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO). He tells Isioma Madike in this interview that recent increase in kidnapping cases has to do with the Christmas season.

What would you say is the root cause of kidnapping in the country?

For me right now, the immediate cause is what we should be talking about because we already know the root causes of crime problem in our society. There is the issue of unemployment, poverty, impunity, loss of moral values; people have basically traded their conscience for anything else that is out there. So, there is a problem with our system the way it works.

That is if one can pay…

Yes, if you can pay. Well, people have sold their houses, collect bank loans and personal loans to pay kidnappers.

It is bad; it has wrecked some people and that I am aware personally.

So, what is the immediate cause of crimes in Nigeria?

What is happening is that criminality is mushrooming in the land and kidnapping being one of the famous crimes is growing, unfortunately also, in Nigeria. But, more recently, what has given rise to the increase is the ‘ember months; the unset of Christmas season. In other countries, merchants are waiting for people to come and buy things in their shops, they are waiting and projecting a high sales; here in Nigeria, the criminals are projecting more sales by kidnapping people and getting more money.

That is why you can see that the tempo has raved off or increased.

What do you expect the authorities to do about it?

Now, the thing to do is to also understand that when a crime is committed and the perpetrators are not caught or are never caught or they are never punished, they get away with their loot; look, an average criminal now is settled with N5 million and people get away with all that kind of money. After a while, it becomes endemic; is like, well, this is a very good business, people don’t even mind, they like it, they are enjoying it, it’s a game. That seem to be what is happening. And in that case, more people will intend to move into it. You see, nature abhors a vacuum and you know that it is easier to be bad than to be good. Just think of it, for people to follow the narrow and straight path is very difficult. It takes a lot of sweat and toil, like tears and working hard, which many don’t want. So, if it is easier to just be a little bit deviant and gets a lot of money, then, of course people will get in and that is what is happening? Any time there is a celebrated case like this $1 billion Okonjo’s case, it will seem like recruiting ground for more bad guys or kidnappers to try their hands, believing it is a very good business to venture into.

are doing and perhaps, let the victims go without even paying any Ramsome. So, it is a general perception because people use the average police man they see on the road to judge the rest of the Force. It is the case where you might even have people who are capable of negotiating with complicated kidnapper’s cases but, generally, Nigerians don’t have that feeling; they don’t have that confidence. So, they don’t want to call the police into it and they end up paying.

In fact, most of them don’t even report the cases at all that they have a crime committed against them. Meanwhile, kidnapping is a very high order crime but they don’t want to report because they are like, what is the use, if you go to the police they will re-victimise you again. So, why go and suffer twice for the same offence; just pay and leave it there.

But again, it is a mistaking notion.

Ekhomu

Why do you say so?

It pays so much because people don’t trust the authorities and the police personnel to handle kidnap cases. One, they don’t believe they are capable or competent to detect perpetrators and even want to punish them. Two, they also think that the policemen are in cohort with the kidnappers or that they are the ones instigating them to do what they are doing. But, it’s wrong and probably not true. It is a wrong and fallacious assumption and misleading. Yes, of course I know there are some bad eggs in the police like in anywhere else in the Nigerian society today but, it’s not true that the policemen go out and instigating kidnapping.

What about police training?

Yes, a lot of people feel that the policemen are not even trained in hostage or kidnap negotiations and most times if you send them in, they end up complicating the matters because people are asking for the kind of police who are skilled and can talk down kidnappers and hostage takers and get them to see that there is no need to do what they

What should the police do to regain the confidence of the people in tackling crimes generally?

Let me start this way, why do people pay taxes in America and other Western worlds and they pay willingly? It is because they have the confidence that if something happens to them their government should be able to detect who and who did it and that person will be punished. What does that do? It creates what is called deterrent. It means an act that discourages others from engaging in it. Now, here we are talking about kidnapping and we say that because of weak and ineffectual response to kidnapping, people are being encouraged to enter into the trade. Whereas, one of the goals of criminal justice is to discourage people from entering or from becoming deviants; so, if you have a system that instead of discouraging criminals, it is encouraging criminals, then that is a very bad system. That is the first thing that must change. The issue of incompetence, integrity and accountability, probity, responsibility and responsiveness, those must be put back in. And capability, being able to make things happen, competence. Those things must all go back in there so that even when you see, not necessarily kidnap, any matter at all, in fact when you are lost, missing your way kind of, you should be able to walk up to a police man confidently and they should be able to point it to you just like the police do overseas because police are there to assist not only for crime dictation. They are also for other maintenance to ensure that there is no disorderliness. That is what police is all about.

Invest in social security, job to curb kidnapping –Okei-Odumakin CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 pings because, according to her, crimes are not punished and speedily, the hearts of men are set to do further iniquity. “In spite of billions paid in ransoms to kidnappers and hundreds of cases of kidnap, we are yet to have a dozen convictions. That is an incentive for more entrants into this line of business. It is quite plausible that the powerful have been shielding the perpetrators of this heinous act as the son of a serving governor was linked to a kidnap ring about two years ago.

Akpan

“But, the super rich are now targets because they are the ones who can afford to pay. Fear is the key that unlocks the wallet of the rich goes the saying and the criminals involved in kidnapping have been playing on that. In any case, the level of conspicuous consumption among the rich naturally makes them easy targets. The way out is to invest in social security by creating jobs and enabling environment for enterprise to flourish. Like President Clinton said during his visit to Nigeria, any country that does not give hope to its citizens is so vulnerable. We must stop the production line of the pool of criminals by diverting the energy of our citizens into productive enterprises. People who are gainfully employed would not have time plotting how to kidnap fellow citizens to extort money. We should also strengthen physical security to check criminals with our law enforcement capacity to bring culprits to book, deepened,” she said.

Okei-Odumakin is not alone in her lamentation. Nkereuwem Akpan, lawyer, fiery

Human/Gender Rights activist and social crusader, also classified kidnapping as an act of terror. “We are living in a world of fear, fear seems to open the pockets of the rich and influential much more than dialogue and these gangsters are taking advantage and smiling all the way to the banks. In the horn of Africa, Somali militants and sea pirates have made a fortune from taking seamen and other business men and women captives. In fact , it is said that in the past decade, since the failure of the Somali State, kidnapping and ransom money accounts for some 85 percent of foreign exchange entering the Somali economy. The world is becoming a global village like they say; acts of terror, suicide bombings, gang violence, religious fundamentalism, hostage taking, name it- Nigeria has had its fair share of these atrocious acts.

Isn’t it obvious where we were drifting?

“I think we should cut out these pretences and face up to the hard facts that this country sits on a precipice, just waiting to go over the edge. Kidnapping in Ni-

geria has its roots in the military era. Go back to 1983-84 during the early days of the Generals Muhamadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon days. That infamous attempt to illegally and criminally remove Alhaji Umaru Dikko from the UK inside a crate and bring him back to Nigeria to face trial for the spate of corruption related cases of the Shagari years, started it all. That was the first case of kidnapping that hit the headlines around the world involving Nigerians. During the Sani Abacha years, the sight of a black Prado Jeep cruising around in the evening with bulky men, Sergeant Rogers and co patrolling the streets was one of the sights of the FCT. Many who made that one way journey with Rogers and co never returned. In the West, NADECO Chieftains and their foot soldiers also went into hiding. So, it was the Military that invented kidnapping in Nigeria,” Akpan said.

However, the Executive Director, Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), Ibuchukwu CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

The Big Read

6

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

$490,000 is average ransom demand in 2012 –ASI Global report RECENT KIDNAPPINGS IN NIGERIA 1)

Peter Imasuen

Benin

Anglican archbishop of Benin diocese

Sunday Jan 24

$750,000

2)

Titilayo Rotimi

Ibadan

MD, AOP Logistics Ltd at Alakia on the Ibadan-Ife Expressway (wife of Gen Oluwole Rotimi)

Monday, December 10

N200m

3)

Safiriyu Araba

Ijebu-Ode

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AranseOlu Merchant Dealers, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

Sunday, November 11

N10m

4)

Dr. (Mrs.) Ikorodu Olusola Otulana

Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH)

May 4

N60 million

5)

Dr. Moses Amako

Owerri

Chief Medical Director of Owerri Specialist Hospital, Umuguma

December 2011

Not known

6)

Godfrey Dikeocha

Mbaise

Former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly

7)

Ottih John Ottih Imo

Retired senior staff, Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)

December 2011

Not known

8)

Chris McManus and Franco, (British and Italian)

Birnin Kebbi

Construction company workers building a branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria

May last year

N207 million

9)

Christian Obodo

Warri

Nigerian international footballer

May

Not known

10)

Ahmed Mohammed

Ikeja

Tawouq King Restaurant, a Lebanese restaurant located at 35 Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja.

November 13

Not known

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Ezike, has a different view of the issue. According to him, kidnapping has to do with the reprehensible and ignoble neglect and unprovoked attacks, killing and expropriation of the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria by past and present Nigerian authorities and the trans-national oil corporations. “These neglect, attacks, exploitation and killings sparked off anger among the people, especially their youth, who relied on kidnapping of oil workers-both native and expatriates- to demand for compensation in return from the government and oil companies.

“The second cause is the mass poverty, unemployment and hunger in the land in the midst of plenty. The unemployed youth can no longer bear this ugly trend and there was the motivation from the paying off activities of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which always claimed responsibility for such actions in the creeks before the boys in the upland Igbo nation joined. Following from the above cause, is the unhidden display of stolen wealth and monumental corruption perpetrated by politicians and members of their families, girlfriends and associates. Again, the presence of successive civilian regimes since 1999 that lack respect for the rule of law, due process and human rights lend support to this malaise.

Aggrieved people went to court to seek redress and their matters died there or were denied justice. And the only way to let off the bottled anger was to tow the line of kidnapping them or the members of their families or office colleagues,” he said.

Ezike, however, situates the challenges of kidnapping as in the rise of ethnic or

Not known

terror uprisings in heavily corrupt, inept and non-functional political system, which he said cannot be handled by the security.

“People have grievances that are germane and genuine; no tanks can suppress them unless you decide to kill them. The kidnappers have issues, not minding whether you classify them as germane, just and genuine and until you begin to address those issues, their attacks or raid would continue. So, I will totally blame the government for the failure to address the genuine request of the aggrieved than the security agencies.

“Well, the scourge has caught up with the rich and the mighty. They are the people responsible for the problems of the Nigerian society and so, they are the target of the kidnappers. Will you and I afford N50, 000 if we are kidnapped? Why then should they waste their time and energy on you and I? I have mentioned the way forward before. Let the government address the social problems affecting the people because Nigeria is a rich society and Nigerians have no business with hunger, poverty, homelessness, paying of taxes and other atrocious levies,” he CLO chief further said.

In 2006, militants, who claimed that Nigeria’s oil-producing region was not getting its fair share of the oil wealth, started kidnapping foreign oil workers and launching other attacks aimed at crippling Nigeria’s oil industry. Though, the violence waned in 2009 with a government-sponsored amnesty programme, it, nonetheless, gave way to a new wave of kidnappings that could not claim to champion a cause. The average initial ransom demand in 2012 had been $490,000 with settlements averaging $50,000, according to the Houston-based

security firm, ASI Global, in its recent report. The report, however, said that ransom figures are rarely reported and that these averages may be conservative. “There’s been a transition in targets from large international companies to wealthy families,” said Pete Sharwood-Smith, West Africa manager for United Kingdom-based risk management consultants Drum-Cussac. “It’s easier to extort ransom from a family, who is emotionally involved, than a large company that can get trained negotiators to take over the resolution process,” the further said.

Incidentally, families and authorities rarely admit to paying ransoms.

Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, saw his father freed by authorities in Nigeria last year after being abducted in Jos, which had not been previously known for kidnappings. Authorities declined to say how the victim was found. The father of Chukwuma Soludo, Nigeria’s flamboyant former Central Bank chief was seized in 2009 in another kidnapping-prone state in South-east and freed days later with authorities equally denying a ransom had been paid.

John Campbell, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, says it’s hard to quantify the kidnapping industry but calls it a “big deal that costs a lot of money.” He believes there are political undertones to the issue of kidnapping but says, “even if the kidnapping has nothing to do with politics, there is a political consequence; it further embarrasses the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, which has been widely criticised for being weak on security.”

Within the last few years, heightened social insecurity in Nigeria, according to experts, has fuelled the crime rate, leaving unpalatable consequences for the nation’s economy and its growth. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s unemployment rate increased to 23.9 percent in 2011 compared with 21.1 percent in 2010 and 19.7 percent of 2009. The country has a youth population of 80 million, representing about 60 percent of the total population with a growth rate of 2.6 percent per year and the national demography suggests that the youth population remains vibrant with an average annual entrant to the labour force at 1.8 million between 2006 and 2011. In 2011, 37.7 percent of Nigerians were aged 15-24 and 22.4 percent of those between ages 25 and 44 were willing to work but did not get jobs. The kidnapping web, no doubt, has also dealt a devastating blow to the already damaged image of the country abroad.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dateline

Dateline

7

SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH THE PAST DECEMBER 16, 2012

K AYODE FASUA

P

erhaps, one of the incidents that sent tongues wagging both at home and at the international level, in 1984, after the military administration of General Mohammadu Buhari sacked the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari in a military coup, was the attempt to kidnap Shagari’s selfexiled Transportation Minister, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, and bring him home to face trial.

Buhari’s military government was then made popular by the steely disposition of his deputy, late Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, reputed in the media as ‘unsmiling chief of staff, supreme military headquarters.

Nigeria’s first President under a presidential system of government, Shagari, was aided to power through the help of powerful politicians in 1979 who included Dikko. Following Shagari’s victory on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), in an election that was keenly contested particularly by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dikko emerged as the Minister of Transportation. The NPN motto was “One Nation, One Destiny” and it strove to promote this motto by making Housing, Industries, Transportation and Agriculture as the major goals of the administration, particularly in the early stages of governance during the oil boom.

Therefore, apart from holding a position considered strategic to the goals of the Shagari administration, Dikko was a powerful figure in that government or was someone who could be regarded as a godfather to his principal, the President. Thus, while the political animosity between Shagari’s NPN and the opposition, spearheaded by Awolowo’s UPN lasted, Dikko’s name was resonant in the ways and manner he stood up against the administration’s political rivals.

Dikko, touted as the arrowhead of that government’s kitchen cabinet, was considered controversial, alongside Ibadan, Oyo State-born national chairman of the NPN, Chief Meredith Adisa Akinloye, in their vociferous opposition against arch-rival, Chief Awolowo, during Shagari’s four-year reign.

Again, Dikko was also the chairman of the presidential task force on rice importation, a position that widened his influence and made him a special figure in the Shagari cabinet.

The hostile political situation among Nigerian parties, especially between the NPN and the UPN got to a head in 1983 as the country prepared for another presidential election. While Shagari sought a second term, Awolowo, along with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and others who lost four years earlier, gave another try.

But in the Southwest, the elections turned violent, resulting in killings and arson, a factor which was widely attributed for the sack of the Shagari government by the Buhari-led coupists.

Massive arrest of politicians Following the take-over of government by the military, there was a big crackdown on politicians, either of the ruling party or the opposition. Shagari, whose government was unseated, was arrested and detained. Many ministers, governors and principal players in the political dispensation were also arrested. The military government, which had suspended the Constitution, thus ruled with decrees, most of which were considered draconian. Many politicians of the Second Republic were charged with corrupt enrichment at the military tribunals. Many of them were indicted and slammed with long sentences,

Dikko

1984 failed kidnap of Umaru Dikko mostly ranging from 40 years and above.

However, Dikko, along with some top flight politicians, was able to escape to the United Kingdom, but the home government soon declared him and others wanted. He was particularly wanted over accusation of stealing $1bn (£625m) government money. While in the UK, however, Dikko became a vocal critic of the new regime at home, thus bringing himself to more focus.

However, a plot, acclaimed to have been masterminded by the Nigerian authorities, was hatched to kidnapped and secretly crate Dikko and transport him back home ‘in a diplomatic bag’, to face trial.

Kidnap and Israeli connection To track down Dikko, the Nigerian government reportedly secured the help of the Israeli government, reputed for its well-coordinated intelligence efforts. Though Israel at the time did not have formal diplomatic relations with Nigeria, there were signs of visible ties between the two nations, as Nigeria was an important source of oil for Israel. The Israeli national intelligence agency, Mossad, was recruited to locate and bring Dikko back to Nigeria, to stand trial. But the entire exercise turned out a misadventure.

Dikko was kidnapped while he was out for a walk and taken away in a van driven by an ex-Nigerian army major, Mohammed Yusufu. He was then drugged into unconsciousness by Dr. Levi-Arie Shapiro, an Israeli recruited by Mossad. However, the crime was witnessed by Dikko’s secretary, Elizabeth Hayes, who quickly alerted the authorities. In tow, on July 4, 1984, the British authorities had got a tipoff that a Nigeria Airways Boeing 707 was arriving to upload some diplomatic baggage.

But the baggage story was a decoy. Dikko and Shapiro the medic, were placed in one crate (dimensions 1.2 x 1.2 x 1.5 meters), while Mossad agents, Alexander Barak and Felix Abithol, occupied a second.

Perhaps for being in haste, the kidnappers made a faux pas. Proper documentation that would have ensured that the cargo could not be inspected was not provided. The crates were not labelled as diplomatic bags, as required by Article 27(5) of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Following this, customs officials who had received an all-points bulletin, alerting them to the kidnapping, promptly began to process the crates at the airport. They were able to open the crates without violating the convention, and foiled the kidnapping. Dikko, who had been CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Dateline

8

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Dikko was to be crated and transported in a diplomatic bag’

Shagari

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 sedated, was thereafter taken to a hospital, where he was revived.

The Morrow recount However, a young British customs officer, Charles David Morrow, had particularly claimed responsibility for botching the Dikko kidnap. He gave his account to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service.

His words: “The day had gone fairly normally until about 3pm. Then we had the handling agents come through and say that there was a cargo due to go on a Nigerian Airways 707, but the people delivering it didn’t want it manifested.

“I went downstairs to see who they were and what was happening. I met a guy who turned out to be a Nigerian diplomat called Mr. Edet. He showed me his passport and he said it was diplomatic cargo. Being ignorant of such matters, I asked him what it was, and he told me it was just documents and things.”

“No-one on duty at Stansted had

Late Awolowo

A Nigerian Airways Boeing 707 waiting at Stansted to smuggle Dr. Umaru Dikko out of Britain

dealt with a diplomatic bag before and I went to check the procedure.

“Just then a colleague returned from the passenger terminal with some startling news. There was an All Ports Bulletin from Scotland Yard saying that a Nigerian had been kidnapped and it was suspected he would be smuggled out of the country.

“The police had been alerted by Mr. Dikko’s secretary who had witnessed his abduction from a window in the house.

“Hearing the news, I realised I had a problem on his hands.

“I just put two and two together. The classic customs approach is not to look for the goods, you look for the space.

“So I was looking out of the window and I could see the space which was these two crates, clearly big enough to get a man inside. We’ve got a Nigerian Airways 707, which we don’t normally see. They don’t want the crates manifested, so there would be no record of them having gone through. If you want to hide a tree, you hide it in the forest.

You don’t stick it out in the middle of

Morrow

Essex,” he recalled.

But any cargo designated as a diplomatic bag is protected by the Vienna Convention from being opened by customs officers. So Morrow got on the phone to the British Foreign Office. A decision was afterwards taken that the crates could be opened, thus foiling the kidnap attempt.

Fallout of kidnap attempt The Nigerian and Israeli governments never admitted any connection to the incident. Nonetheless, the United Kingdom immediately expelled two members of the Nigerian High Commission. Also, diplomatic relations

with Nigeria were broken off for two years.

Seventeen men were arrested; four of them convicted and sentenced to prison terms of 10 to 14 years. They are Shapiro, Barak, Abithol, and Yusufu. But the Nigerian authorities also acted in what was seen as retaliation.

Two British engineers in Nigeria were arrested and jailed for 14 years. The four were released after serving between six and eight and a half years.

Following the kidnap incident and the events that occurred in its aftermath, relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom were strained for some years afterwards.

The man, Umaru Dikko

U

maru Dikko was born in 1936 in Wamba, Nasarawa State and is best noted as a power broker in the Second Republic administration of President Shehu Shagari. He served as Minister of Transportation from 1979 to 1983.

He started playing a role in the nation’s governance in 1967, when he was appointed as a commissioner in the then North Central State of Nigeria, now Kaduna State. He was also secretary of a committee set up by General Hassan Katsina to unite the Northerners after a coup in 1966. In 1979, he was made Shagari’s campaign manager for the successful presidential campaign of the National Party of Nigeria. During the nation’s Second Republic, he played prominent roles as transport minister and head of the presidential task force on rice.

A coup on December 31, 1983 overthrew the government of Shagari. Dikko fled into exile in London with a few other party officials.

On July 5, 1984, he played the central

role in the Dikko Affair; he was found drugged in a crate at Stansted Airport that was being claimed as Diplomatic Baggage, an apparent victim of a government sanctioned kidnapping. The crate’s destination was Lagos.

•Source: Wikipedia

Dikko

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday December 16, 2012

9

Sambo battles Jonathan for 2015 ticket OBIORA IFOH

A

ll is certainly not well between President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Alhaji Namadi Sambo over the alleged decision of the President to attempt another tenure in the coming general election in 2015 and this is brewing a major division in the rank of political leaders particularly the members of the Nigerian Governors Forum.

In 2010, the PDP governors had entered into a gentleman agreement with President Jonathan after Chief Tony Anenih brokered a truce that the governors would only support the Jonathan’s presidential ambition on the ground that he would run for a sin-

•VP’s ambition divides the Governors Forum

gle tenure after which he was expected to hand over to the north.

The president’s body language is suggestive of his intention to run again, a possibility that the governors are working in concert to frustrate.

The message was aptly conveyed to the President recently when Meni, the late younger brother of the President was laid to rest in the absence of northern governors who preferred to attend the wedding ceremonies of Vice-President Sambo’s daughters in Kaduna.

Also, no South-West governor attended the funeral of Meni which was held at the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Otuoke in Ogbia

Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

It was observed that while government contractors, business moguls, actors, PDP top shots and members of Jonathan’s cabinet flooded the state for the burial, northern and south-western governors stayed away.

The northern governors were said to have attended the wedding ceremonies of Sambo’s daughters which coincided with the funeral service.

It was not clear why South-western governors were not at the programme, but the condolence message of the Governor of Ogun State, Mr, Ibukunle Amosun, was published in

the programme.

Also absent were Mr. Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and Governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.

A member of the Northern Peoples Leaders Forum who spoke to Sunday Mirror on condition of anonymity said that the Northern Governors Forum are resolute on the fate of the North in the general election as it will do everything to ensure that power returns to the zone.

According to him, “the governors from the north sold out during the last general election by supporting President Jonathan because of their selfish interest. Zoning formula in the party favours North producing the

presidency in 2011 but it was these governors who frustrated that golden opportunity, so it is worrisome that they are just realising their mistakes.

“This country has suffered tremendously in the last years and particularly under this government, it will therefore be a noble act if the northern governors can mobilize forces to make the necessary change in the leadership of this country.”

President Jonathan’s relationship with Nigerian governors led by Rivers State governor Rotimi Chibuike Amechi has been less than rosy since his inception of office last year and for the umpteenth time, the governors have

sued the President to court over some policies that impinged on the rights and privileges of the states, the last being the suit filed for alleged fuel subsidy fraud.

The governors are aggrieved that part of the monies meant for the Federation Account are diverted by the Federal Government to fund the fuel subsidy – illegally. Besides, they are worried that the fuel subsidy record is wrapped in secrecy, even as the subsidy claim is deducted without the budget line.

The governors have also had major disagreement with President Jonathan over major national issues such as State police, revenue sharing formula, the Sovereign Wealth Fund, Local Government autonomy, among others.

Jonathan, Obasanjo feud: Tukur, PDP officials visit ex-president •Ex-president reiterates commitment to building a stronger, united country FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

N

ational Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamangar Tukur yesterday made a private visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Tukur, who was clad in his usual white Babariga arrived the home of the former president in his Infinity QX56 Black Jeep at around 12: 07pm in company of some other top national officers of PDP, which included the National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha. No one was sure of the reason for the visit, but sources informed Sunday Mirror that it was not unconnected with the simmering feud between the former President and President Goodluck Jonathan and the upcoming election to fill the vacant position of the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustee.

“The visit was to seek the expresident’s view on the issue and to equally appeal to him on the feud between him and President Jonathan. You know the ex-president still wields tremendous influence in the country and you can only ignore him at your own peril,” the source said.

Shortly before they went into the closed-door meeting, former President Obasanjo declared that his passion, love and patriotism for Nigeria would make it impossible for him to stop commenting on burning national issues.

Obasanjo, who dispelled rumour of any feud between himself, Bamanga Tukur and President Goodluck Jonathan further assured

that he would continue to offer constructive criticisms to the country leaders, stressing that it was left for them to take such in good faith to make amends or ignore it.

Obasanjo, who personally received Tukur and his entourage at his hilltop residence explained that the visit of the National Chairman of PDP would further disabuse the minds of rumour mongers that all is not well within the national leadership of PDP. “It is always a delight to have our “Ogas” (bosses) visiting us, as it enables them to see what we are doing and what we are not doing.

Such visits also enable them (bosses) to know our anxieties, aspirations, concerns and also disabuse the minds of rumour mongers”.

“President Jonathan is my President. We all have to work towards a united Nigeria because without Nigeria, there will be no party”.

The former president stated “I will not keep quiet, even when I was in prison, I was not silent. My mouth will never be shut. Those who want me and the Chairman (Tukur) to quarrel, this visit will keep them quiet”.

Tukur in his response however, praised Chief Obasanjo for the positive roles he had been playing in Nigeria and African affairs.

He also emphasised that the purpose of his visit was to appreciate Chief Obasanjo and also sought for his support, adding that people from far and near have been tapping from his wisdom.

“We always appreciate what you are doing for our

nation. We see you playing positive roles in the affairs of Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and this makes us and our nation proud”.

“We are passionate to see one united and peaceful Nigeria, a Nigeria that will progress politically and economically”.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the closed door meeting with the former president, Tukur eventually broke his silence on the crisis, which has been bedeviling the Ogun State chapter of PDP and declared that there was no faction in the state chapter of the party.

He affirmed that Senator Dipo Odujinrin-led state executive of the party is the one recognised by the national body and that the party under him remained committed to programmes of reconciliation, reformation and rebuilding.

Tukur said “whoever that the people have elected as far as I’m concerned, is the chairman of our party in Ogun”.

It would be recalled that the Odujinrin led 28-member executive was elected at the party’s congress supervised by the delegates of the National Working Committee of the party in August this year.

“I have been going around to the leaders and stakeholders of our party. Our own principle today is rebuilding our party based on equity and justice, no imposition so that everybody will feel they are part of that great party.

As long as you build on harmony, consultation, consensus, you will find that the party will be less or at almost zero conflict.

L-R: Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State and General Muhammadu Buhari when the governor visited his Kaduna home to condole with him over the death of his daughter, yesterday

My emergence as president miraculous —Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that his emergence as President was a miracle, insisting that it was too early to declare his intention to run for the 2015 presidential election.

Speaking at the end of the 2012 Holy Ghost Congress organized annually by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) under the leadership of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the President urged Christians nationwide to continue to pray for the progress of the country.

Jonathan said, “that I am here today speaking to this congregation as the President of Nigeria is a good example of what God can do because without his divine intervention, I wouldn’t have been here as President of this country. Of course, God works in a miraculous way.

“People ask me whether I am contesting election in 2015 and I say it is early to decide about election. I am here to thank my brothers and sisters for the prayers that you are offering for this country.

With more prayers I am sure we will conquer devil”.

The President recalled that he was at the church ahead of the 2010 elections to seek for the congregation’s prayers and support.

He therefore, described his presence at the church once again as unique and a special privilege.

“I consider this a unique and special privilege to be here with you for this special night that we are all here to pray for the forgiveness of our sins and for his blessings. We thank our leader, Pastor E.A Adeboye and our mother for the good work God has been using them to do”, he said.

Speaking on the challenges confronting the country, the President once again expressed optimism that they were surmountable, requesting for more prayers from the congregation.

He spoke further, “I request that you continue to pray for our country. All nations pass through challenges. As a nation, we are passing through our own challenges but there is nothing and I repeat nothing that is above the power of God. “I am convinced that with our persistent prayers we will surely overcome. For us,

we will continue to dedicate ourselves to what is right.

“Whenever anybody set out to do what is right, from history to date, the devil must find a way to stop it, but we will not give up. We will surely cross all the road blocks, we will surely cross all the barriers, God will take this country to where we should be”, Jonathan said.

Praying for the President, Adeboye asked God to forgive Jonathan his sins and to give him wisdom that will enable him succeed. He also prayed for the President’s family, well-wishers and the nation.

“Our President, I wish you well. I pray that the Almighty God will strengthen you. We pray to God to give them wisdom, to give them understanding, to give them courage, to give them victory to lead us right.

“He has come to you Lord and I am asking that in your infinite mercy, whatever he might have done wrong you may forgive him in Jesus name. I ask that you give him wisdom from heaven, give him enablement from heaven, give him courage, guide him to lead us right, let him succeed in Jesus name”.

10

News

Sunday December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Helicopter Crash

Yakowa, Azazi killed as helicopter crashes,explodes AYODELE OJO, DEPUTY EDITOR, POLITICS, SAM OLUWALANA, EMMA GBEMUDU, BAYELSA AND FEMI ADEOSUN, ABUJA

F

ormer National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd), the Kaduna State Governor and Ibrahim Yakowa, were killed yesterday when a Nigerian Navy helicopter crash-landed, exploding into flames at Okoroba forest in Nembe local government of Bayelsa State.

Also killed were the two pilots on board, Muritala M. Dada (Pilot), Lt. Adeyemi Sowole (coPilot), Daudu Tsoho (Yakowa’s Special Adviser) and Mohammed Kamal (Azazi’s bodyguard).

The passengers were said to have been burnt beyond recognition. The incident occurred at about 3 p.m. while the flight was returning to Port Harcourt.

Earlier, the ill-fated helicopter had conveyed the Federal Government’s delegation made up of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadome, Labour Minister, Emeka Wogu, and former Bauchi State governor, Adamu Mu’azu, who left the church service to Port

L-R: Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson, Kaduna Governor, Patrick Yakowa and ex-NSA, Andrew Owoye Azazi at the burial

Harcourt before returning for the ex-NSA and Yakowa.

The cause of the crash could not be ascertained as at press time.

The news of the crash threw the community into mourning.

Okoroba is a coastal and border community located between Ogbia and Nembe local governments of the state.

Investigation by Sunday Mirror revealed that the military helicopter was returning from the burial ceremony of Pa Tamunobebara Douglas, father

Life and times of Azazi

General Owoye Andrew Azazi was born at Peretorugbene in present Bayelsa State on February 1, 1952. He had his early education in old Bendel State of Nigeria where he attended Government College, Bomadi and graduated in the class of 1968, after which he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Combatant CadetCourse 12 on July 3, 1972.

He was the National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan until June 22, 2012. He was also former Chief of Defence Staff and was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) between 2006 and 2007. He replaced General Martin Luther Agwai.

Before his appointment as COAS, he was General

Officer, Commanding (GOC 1 Division), Kaduna.

He was Assistant Defence Attache at the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, United States for three years. He served as a member of the Directing Staff of the Command and Staff College from where he was posted to Lagos Garrison Command as the Intelligence Officer and subsequently to the Directorate of Military Intelligence as Colonel Coordination. He was later posted to the Training and Doctrine Command as Colonel Research and Development and then Director of Training.

He had one of the fastest growing military careers in present day democracy in Nigeria; between May 2006

of Oronto Douglas, the Presidential Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy to President Goodluck Jonathan, at Okoroba when the incident occurred.

Former Chairman, Okoroba Community Development Commitee, Hitler Adunion, who confirmed the incident said the helicopter nosedived into the forest and burst into flames.

He said: “ We sighted the chopper wobbling before it crashlanded. By the time we got to the scene, it was in flames, it was difficult to

get close. We saw the roasted bodies of those inside,” he said.

A former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Bayelsa, Nathan Egba, who saw the late NSA earlier at the burial was shocked at the incident. He was cracking jokes with people when I saw him,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last night expressed shock at the incident.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said, “Our great party

Profiles

is shocked beyond imagination and no words can adequately give expression to the depth of our grief.

What a colossal loss”.

The statement read in part, “The nation has lost a great patriot who in about two years in saddle as the Governor of Kaduna State demonstrated an unyielding capacity in wielding together varying fragile interests. He rendered quality stewardship to his people. Even in the face of daunting security challenges, nothing came close to compromising his iron cast resolve and faith that

the phase must certainly pass. It is unfortunate that the nation has lost him at this critical curve in our national history. “ On behalf of the National Executive Committee and other members of the PDP, the National Chairman of our great Party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, wishes to condole with the government and the people of Kaduna State as well as the family of the late Governor Yakowa on this very painful loss. Your tear is our broken heart!

“We wish to also send our heartfelt condolence to the family of General Azazi as well as to the families of other Nigerians involved in the unfortunate crash. We beseech God to give them the strength to withstand this harshest sting of the painful loss of dear ones.”

Also, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed six people dead in the ill-fated helicopter.

The rescue operation, which involved collaborations of response agencies and volunteers, according to the spokesman of the agency, Mr. Yushau Shuaib, led to the recovery of the bodies of the six passengers onboard the helicopter.

He explained that while the bodies had been deposited in the mortuary, further details on the victims would soon be announced after their families had been formally informed.

The man, Ibrahim Yakowa

and June 2007, the General wore the ranks of Major General, Lieutenant General and General.

On October 4, 2010 he was appointed the National Security Adviser by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In June 2012, he was sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa was born on December 1, 1948 in Fadan Kagoma, Jamaa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He attended St. Mary’s Secondary School, Fadan Kaje and St John’s College Kaduna. He was later admitted to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in June 1972.

Yakowa joined the Civil Service of North Central State serving as Division Officer, Secretary in the Military Governor’s Office, and Local Government Sole Administrator.

He rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in the Kaduna State Civil Service, heading the Ministries of Health, Works and Transport. In 1990, Yakowa

transferred to the Federal Civil Service until the administration of General Sani Abacha appointed him Commissioner in Kaduna State from 1994 to 1997.

He was Director, Joint Services at the Ministry of Defence from February 1997 to August 1998, and then a Director at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development until on June 14, 1999 when he was appointed Permanent Secretary and retired.

Yakowa worked for the Ahmad Makarfi campaign organisation in 2003, helping Governor Makarfi get reelected. He was appointed Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State in September 2003 and Deputy Governor in July 2005, replacing Stephen Shekari,

who had died on July 10.

In December 2006, he was a contender to be PDP candidate for governor of Kaduna State, but lost out to Namadi Sambo. He then ran for deputy governor with Sambo running for governor.

He successfully ran for election as Kaduna governor in the April 26, 2011 polls on the PDP platform.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday December 16, 2012

Helicopter Crash

... Their last few hours

S

unday Mirror met with Yakowa and Azazi during the burial where they sat in the sitting room of Oronto Douglas.

Azazi was decked in a traditional Ijaw outfit while Yakowa was in a navy blue guinea brocade with a cap to match.

The duo had left the event before the commencement of the reception after the burial.

Earlier, the ill-fated helicopter had conveyed the Federal Government’s delegation made up of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadome, Labour Minister, Emeka Wogu and former Bauchi State governor, Adamu Mu’azu, who left the church service to Port Harcourt before returning for the ex-NSA and Yakowa.

The incident threw the Port Harcourt VIP lounge into gloom when the news broke, Sunday Mirror gathered that the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who was in Port Harcourt for a wedding had to hurriedly depart for Yenagoa when the news was conveyed to him.

The last photograph of the deceased

The photograph above, posted on Facebook, was taken by Cosmas Asogwa, an Abuja-based graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who attended the burial. It shows Azazi on the left and Yakowa in the middle, with a guide on the right.

Recalling his encounter with Yakowa and Azazi shortly before their death, Asogwa said: “The most cheerful man I met today (yesterday) was Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State. Upon alighting from the helicopter that brought him into Okoroba, Bayelsa State, he was beaming with smiles all the way, greeting and acknowledging greetings from those of us around.

He even took time to cheer up his kinsmen who were at the corner butchering cow meat for the occasion before moving onto the reception hall. I don’t understand Hausa, but the smiles on the face of the Hausa butchers following their conversation with Gov. Yakowa smacks of fulfillment and excitement. I have no doubt as to what their mood would be now - disappointment. As he moved, I snapped this photo of him and Gen. Azazi but un-

known to me this would be the last time I would see both of them alive. They came in the same aircraft together, left the occasion together and died together. May their souls rest in peace”.

Before the tragic crash

Before the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the Kaduna governor, the Ex-NSA, the pilot, co-pilot and the two security aides, the burial had brought an unprecedented number of dignitaries to Okoroba community.

A wake was held on Friday, December 14 for Pa Tamunobebara Douglas who died at 83. It was a big event with many dignitaries in attendance. On Saturday, the church service was held in a Cherubim and Seraphim church at 10 a.m. After the church service, there was an open air

programme in a primary school opposite Oronto’s house, after which the body was conveyed to the burial site. It was shortly after that the ill-fated helicopter departed. Not long after, during the reception, the news of the crash filtered in.

Ebony Caskets was in charge of the burial.

Oronto is the most influential person in that community and this fact was acknowledged by boat operators in the community, who also made brisk business. He built a library for the community, which he named after President Jonathan opposite his house.

During the programme, there was a high military presence with helicopters belonging to the Nigerian Army and the Police hovering around the venue to provide security.

A thanksgiving service was scheduled for today but it is not sure whether

Jonathan mourns victims

M

eanwhile, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash which resulted in the death Yakowa, Azazi, their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole.

The President in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), Reuben Abati, extends deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States. He describes the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation.

The President has however ordered an investigation

Sunday Mirror man, Isioma Madike, wins DAME award LEONARD OKACHIE

G

Azazi, Yakowa with a guide on the right.

into the cause(s) of the crash.

Consequently, Kaduna State government has confirmed the death of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa who died in the ill-fated helicopter crash.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Kaduna State government, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Abdullahi and made available to Sunday Mirror last night, indicated that Yakowa died in a navy helicopter on his way from Bayelsa State to Port Harcourt.

The statement reads “The death has occurred of His Execllency, The governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa (CON). He died in a Navy helicopter on his way to Port Harcourt from Bayelsa State. Other details and the burial arrangements will be announced later.

However, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed profound shock and disbelief on the death of Yakowa and Aziza.

The governor condoled with the entire country, government and people of Kaduna State and the Governors’ Forum on the loss of these two eminent Nigerians in the unfortunate helicopter crash that claimed the lives of other passengers on board.

In a press release signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Senator Amosun described the untimely death of Yakowa and Azazi as lamentable and great losses to Nigeria.

“Through dedicated leadership and pursuit of peace, Mr Yakowa contributed immensely to the development

of Kaduna State within a short space of time. He was an embodiment of commitment, humility and selfless service,” the governor said.

He described General Azazi as a soldier who served his nation diligently in many capacities and still held a sensitive position after leaving service.

Meanwhile, the state deputy governor, Mukhtar Yero, will be sworn in as the governor today.

Amosun urged the new governor of Kaduna State to follow in the footsteps of Mr Yakowa by ensuring peaceful co-existence among adherents of all faiths.

He called on the people of the state to honour the memory of the ex-governor by being their brothers’ keepers.

Amosun prayed to God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and also

11

lobal Mirror Group has done it in style again at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) held at the weekend at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos State.

Isioma Madike, who heads the special investigations desk of Sunday Mirror, won the award in the Health Reporting Category with his story on Matthew Ndik, the little boy, who had his life transformed through Stem Cell Transplant at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on October 8, 2010.

Just last Sunday, National Mirror Newspaper had clinched the Wole Soyinka prize for investigative journalism also in the Health Reporting and runners-up in Photography category.

The newspaper had earlier on Saturday, December 8, picked up three awards in Agriculture, Education and Social Service Reporting

categories at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA), held at the Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Before then, the Managing Director/Editor-inChief of the group, Mr Steve Ayorinde, had received the Editor of the Year award with National Mirror newspaper winning the best designed newspaper/magazine award category at The Media Celebrity Awards, a fortnight ago.

Madike, a 2002 graduate of Mass Communication from the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, started his journalism career from Daily Independent newspaper on June 1, 2006 as a Correspondent.

He became Head, Cover & Investigations in 2008, a position he held until he joined Global Media Mirror on October 1, 2010.

He had, at various times, worked with Zenith Bank, MMI Consulting (a PR Consulting firm), as a teacher and a motivational speaker.

Hillary Clinton faints, suffered concussion, recovering at home

U

nited States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suffered a concussion this week after falling due to dehydration from a stomach virus, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

She is now recovering at home, but Fox News’ Chad Pergram reported that the concussion will preclude Clinton from testifying next Thursday before House and Senate panels on the Sept.

11 attacks on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya.

She will be replaced by William Burns, the deputy secretary of state, and Thomas

Nides, the deputy secretary of state for management and resources.

Clinton did not travel on an overseas trip to North Africa and the Persian Gulf this past week because of the virus. She was scheduled to be in Morocco to officially recognize Syrian rebels as that country’s legitimate representative.

President Barack Obama did so on Tuesday.

Then a Senator from New York, Clinton also fainted during a speech in Buffalo in 2005 while recovering from the flu.

Mark, Amosun extol Adetiloye’s virtues EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

P

resident of the Senate, David Mark, has said that late Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Arcbishop Abiodun Joseph Adetiloye, who died at the weekend was “a man of impeccable character”, who lived a dedicated life in the service of God and humanity.

In his reaction to the death of the former primate, Mark lamented that the Christian community and the nation at large, have again lost an “outstanding patriot and statesman”, who would be greatly missed for his “concern for the welfare and the living standard of the downtrodden”.

“Adetiloye was a man of impeccable character. He was an honest and dedicated servant of God who identified with the ordinary man. He was a good man,” Mark said.

In the same vein, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described the deceased Primate as a courageous cleric who stood on the side of the people throughout his life time.

In a press release by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Amosun said “the Christian community and Nigeria have truly lost a gem, a dedicated servant of God who stood for justice, equity and fairness till he breathed his last.”

12

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER DECEMBER 16, 2012

Igbo are determined to produce President in 2015 –Senator Okonkwo This Group, C-21 is presently a formidable organisation in the South-East championing the cause of Ndigbo, why was C-21 established?

C-21 is a socio-political action group formed by the people of South-East, purely to articulate the situation of the Igbo-speaking people in Nigeria. When this group reviewed the situation of Igbo, they found out that the situation is not right. If you would recall, the only good opportunity that the Igbo had was in 1966 and in the Second Republic when an Igbo man was the Vice-President of this country and after these periods, instead of progressing, we are going back-ward, starting from 1999 when Senator Ken Nnamani was the Senate President and today, we are at the number five and six positions and if nothing is done it would become worse.

We also believe that it is not fair for any region to be marginalized because the major groupings in the country are supposed to be given the opportunity to rule. So, that was the aim of establishing the C-21; to fight political imbalances in the country. However, to ensure that our language is recognised, we are re-orientating our people by making sure that Igbo language becomes compulsory in most of the schools in all the South-East and of course, we are giving preference to all the people that want to study Igbo as a course in any university in the South-East. C-21 is also trying to change our orientation by bringing our people together. For example, in many parts of the world, you will find out that most of the things that happen, Igbo are always involved. So, what we want to do is have a total re-orientation of our people to enable us achieves our aim.

Senator Annie Okonkwo, President of C-21, an Igbo socio-political action group, is an astute businessman and politician who represented Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011. In this interview with journalists in Lagos, Okonkwo, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Anambra State gubernatorial aspirant, speaks about the vision and mission of the C-21 group, 2014 governorship election in Anambra State, and Igbo 2015 presidential aspiration, among other issues.

Temitope Ogunbanke was there.

Lack of unity has been ascribed as a major problem facing Ndigbo, is there any plan on ground by your group to unite the people of the South-East?

Presently, the people of South-East are more united than before. We have realised the issues and everyman today believes in the unity of Igbo. Of course, in every 12 disciples there must be a Judas. We are aware that some people are trying to sabotage the efforts but they will be disappointed because this time around, we have taken a decision on where Igbo are heading to and anybody trying to sabotage it will definitely suffer. This time around, Igbo are more determined and believe that the only way we can succeed is by uniting. We have decided that we are not going to fight about it but we will rather use diplomacy to succeed.

Today, Igbo seem to be at the forefront in the battle for 2015 presidency, what is your take on this?

It is obvious that we will contest the 2015 presidential election. Presently, we are consulting with other groups and we have chosen All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the platform for it because we cannot contest on a platform where Igbo will be manipulated. It is the only platform that will give opportunity for any Igbo man to emerge as the President of this country.

Do you think APGA is big enough for Igbo to realise its presidential dream?

If you want to achieve your vision you must create your own platform because if you don’t have a political platform it will be difficult to actualise your aspiration.

We cannot actualise our vision in PDP because of the way it is structured. For example, an Igbo man was once the national chairman of the party and within a short period he was removed and at present we are not occupying any good position in PDP. The truth of the matter is that the party did not recognise an Igbo man and we cannot fold our arms and continue to support a platform that does not give hope for the Igbo speaking people.

The National Assembly has initiated a process towards the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, what is your take on the exercise?

It is true that our present constitution was put together by the military but I don’t think that amendment or a new constitution is our major problem. You cannot tell me

Okonkwo

that constitution amendment is the cause of insecurity; it is not why the infrastructure is decayed. Constitution amendment is also not responsible for the high rate of unemployment and it is not why our health and education systems have collapsed. We have a lot of fundamental issues.

However, the constitution has to be amended to strengthen our democracy because there are some imbalances in the constitution, considering that the constitution was hurriedly put together by the military. For instance, a situation where some regions have six and seven states, leaving only the South-East with five is unjust. So, certain things must be addressed but we don’t have to blame the constitution for our inefficiency.

Considering lack of development at the grassroots, many people are advocating for local government autonomy. Do you support the call for local government autonomy?

It is sad that today most of the local governments are not functioning. The idea of creating three tiers of government; federal, state and local governments, was to ensure that development is brought to the common man. In this situation, the governors collect all the money thereby

making it difficult for the managers of the local government to attract development to their people and the people that are supposed to fight it, the House of Assembly are being pocketed by the governors. The state assembly put in place to checkmate the excessive of the governors is now working with the governors. So, something must be done. It does not happen in the National Assembly because they are independent. The constitution must be amended in that regard in order for democracy to be strengthened in this country.

The state of insecurity is presently giving Nigerians sleepless night, how can the insecurity problems be solved?

Insecurity is the greatest challenge we are facing in Nigeria today and people in charge of that sector are not handling it with sincerity. I am fully in support of decentralisation. I am also in support of state police so that people that are familiar with a particular environment are put there to handle it. For instance, if you bring a Commissioner of Police from Maiduguri to Anambra, he does not know the nooks and crannies of the area and he cannot do well. It is a problem. To solve the problem, there must be CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14

Interview

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Igbo’s aspiration can only be realised in APGA’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 state police where the indigenes of a state are allowed to take charge of their security.

People are saying that if we create state police, you will empower the governors and they will use it against others. It is not true, if we put the necessary things in order it cannot occur.

Ahead of Anambra 2014 governorship election, there are speculations that you may throw your hat into the ring, are you going to contest?

For now, I have not made up my mind on Anambra governorship election. I am

qualified and eligible to contest any election in Anambra. It is my state and I have contested several elections there. I once represented Anambra Central at the upper chamber of the National Assembly. But as 2014 is fast approaching the most important thing I am doing right now is to unite Igbo, and realising the vision of C-21. For Anambra governorship election, we will sit down to decide what will happen. If the people support that I should give it a shot, why not? But for now, I am concentrating on strengthening C-21.

If you decide to join the race, on which

Kanu

We want ethnic nationalities, not states –Ndubuisi Kanu Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd) is a former Military Governor of Imo State (1976) and Lagos State (1977). In this interview with Dennis Agbo in Enugu where he was honoured alongside literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe, by the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), he speaks about the issue of federalism in Nigeria and insists that the ethnic nationalities should be the main components of a federation, among other issues.

Congratulations on the award by the Igbo Youth Movement It’s not so much of congratulations. For me a thing like that is a challenge that if there were things one had pursued, it’s a commendation to say keep on the work.

One of you that received this award is Professor Chinua Achebe who recently stirred a controversy through his new book. Do you think that controversy was necessary?

He didn’t cause any controversy at all. I don’t want to waste my time on distractions. He has written a book. He didn’t stir any controversy; that is the business of people who want to stir controversy. We have more important things to discuss in this country than waste time in what people

are saying. It’s a distraction.

How do you think the structure of the nation should be?

I have done so in speeches, in writings and have to say it again even at the risk of sounding like a book reviewer which is not the case. I was also addressing some youths on what Nigeria was and should be because what they know is what the country is. It is not just rediscovering federalism, no! It is not finding a structure; it is to go back to federalism. This country was a federation. It behoves you in the media, whether in print or electronic, to know what federalism means, that different peoples with different cultures, history, nationality, language, name them, can only be in a country to survive as a federation. That means the central gov-

political party will you contest the election?

The All Progressive Grand Alliance.

At present Anambra North is positioning itself for the 2014 governorship. How do you see your chance considering that you are from Anambra Central, where the incumbent governor hails from?

Anambra people have not sat down to zone the governorship position to any district. And there was never a governorship election that people of the three districts sat to decide, and they cannot change it now. Anybody saying that it is the turn of Anambra North is selfish and

ernment they formed is always dependent on those people that founded it. I mentioned to them here that their great grandfathers were not Nigerians. You all came from one nationality or the other and somehow we all came together trying to build a country. That is geography but as at today, I am one of those that are very sorry that things have fallen apart in Nigeria. Some of the people are trying to play instead of facing the matter, to complete the journey and go back to a federal Nigeria.

They feel they enjoy unitarism, and when you do, it is a sure way to really dissipate all the effort of trying to build a country. Everything you have seen; insecurity which is the order of governance, corruption and you can go on ad infinitum, they all stem from the fact that we left the way to become a country, trying to become a nation-state and these are issues you should check out. There is a difference between a country and a nation-state. We have the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa nations but Nigeria is trying to become a nation-state and that is where the different nationalities or nations are together. That central government was formed under the military. We still had federalism then, but not in a large measure. The only thing was that it was curtailed by military decrees. I tell people that edicts passed by the then East Central State, derived their functions or powers from the constitution of Eastern Nigeria as suspended by the military; Lagos draws the power from the constitution of Western Nigeria and Lagos Colony as suspended by the military. You cannot have a federal constitution in a federation; it means we don’t have a federation because the constitution of the central government only comes by what is surrendered from the constitutions of the composing governments. As you go round trying to amend the constitution of Nigeria, you are trying to modify a document that has no base because the basis comes from the constitution that composes that centre. Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba surrendered common currency, defence, foreign affairs and diplomacy to the central government and other things they can do on heir own. When things are not getting well, people should go to Botswana and Ghana. Ghana has 17 million people, less than half of Igbo population, but they have their police, army, currency, energy and many other things. At a point, we were developing things and they were working for people of Nigeria. I made

has another agenda. It is left for the political parties to field the candidates they believe would win election for them. So, the issue of Anambra North, Central and South does not mean anything. As far as I am concerned, I believe that any serious party will field a candidate that would win election for them and that the people of Anambra State will vote for. It is not about presenting a candidate from the North, the issue is, will he win the election because the people of Anambra State will not vote on sentiment, they will vote for a credible candidate, no matter where the person comes from.

a point sometime; we are now in a country but neither the Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Ijaw, Koma nor the Igboyaki nationalities are happy with the way things in this country are going. It means something is wrong. Some groups are dominating and oppressing the others. That means there is something wrong hence there is nothing there to build the spirit of a nation-state. What we should do is to restructure Nigeria so that the spirit of belonging will come back. We have to work out how we will live with one another. We are in a country where so many of us have got many ties. If you run a government that accumulates wealth, resources, and you cannot make progress; that is a problem.

How do we go back to the 1963 Constitution?

We need a conference. A conference is not to break up Nigeria. Quite frankly, you don’t call a conference to break a country. It is the way for us to go back or take us back to federalism. If you call a conference, you’ll find the spirit of Nigeria coming back. Lest we forget, the day we declared Oputa Panel, you will recall how Nigerians all over the place were spending sleepless nights and you could see a kind of spirit, not that people were expressing their feelings but you saw a kind of spirit of being Nigerian coming back. What we need is to take the country to the kind of structure that would benefit the citizenry.

If we try unitarism, we are going nowhere; what we should do is to call a conference and go back to the root. The only vehicle that will move this country forward is federalism.

Some people say there is nothing like sovereign conference?

People who say that are either mischievous or trying to hoodwink Nigerians. Nobody is talking about sovereignty, it belongs to the people. Somebody is elected under something to do a job. Nobody is trying to seize government; what we are saying is to go and sit down and workout what to do. Going round to amend the constitution is not the solution to our problems. Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria; they alone should form a federal government. Nigerians have not given their sovereignty; they only gave out functions to people in government.

Should we federate with the 36 states or six geo-political zones as being proposed?

Please that question is not really necessary. There is no question federating 36 states like that.

Before I was from Eastern Nigeria, thereafter I became a Biafran, East Central State, Imo State and now Abia State. Maybe tomorrow, if they create Aba State you find some other names for me.

When you talk about federating, you don’t talk about state. There was no Nigeria you are talking about dividing. What happened is that the nations were brought together to form a federal country, by colonial rule. When you talk now about federating, that is administrative. Ndigbo is a nation.

Lawyers say you cannot probate and reprobate. If you are trying to create a tribe or a nation called Nigeria of which Nigerians is now, you cannot turn and forget who and who wants to make up Nigeria. If you want to federate, you will federate in accordance with the nations, even the Koma people have realised that they can tell Ndigbo ‘I don’t want to be with you’. But it is left for us to go and discuss with them, if the goodwill is there like the goodwill of Igbo to live together with other parts of Nigeria. That is what we should do, not when you create one other state, you turn round and say it is a federating state.

But we have over 250 ethnic nationalities?

Are we God? Out of 10 largest countries with highest GDPs, only two have population of more than three million. United States has more than 250 million or so, Swaziland has 14 million or so, the next two that have got a population of one million include Netherlands and Singapore. The other six have populations of less than Massachusetts in hundreds of thousands. Should Ndigbo because they have over 40 million people go and dictate to Ibibio?

You have got to discuss with them how we will live. You are talking about 250 nationalities. What we are talking about is how to live together and if you are discussing how to live together you meet in a table and discuss. If you refuse you keep heightening the point of our differences and diversity.

Are you saying that the present call for state creation cannot solve the problem?

We have gone from 12 states to 19, 30 and now 36. You can be creating administrative areas but the point is; the central government must be a government that must be dependent on the nationalities that are federating, not the state federating. It must be clear.

15

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Way out of Plateau workers’ strike P. 40

Briefly

PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES DECEMBER 16, 2012

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT THE Ekiti 2014: How realistic are Fayose’s chances?

P 16, 41

Ohakim

RESOURCES WE HAVE IS ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF ALL OUR NEEDS EVEN THOSE WHO ARE NOT WORKING BUT UNFORTUNATELY THINGS ARE SO LOPSIDED –SENATOR IYABO ANISULOWO

Okorocha

Oguta Lake project stirs controversy

•Okorocha tackles ex-governor Ohakim CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

O

ne of the key promises Owelle Rochas Okorocha made to the people when he assumed office as governor on May 29, 2011, was to make Imo State the tourist hub for the South-East geo-political zone. Less than two years in office, Governor Okorocha seems to have taken some practical steps towards achieving this.

Consequently, the administration built a Freedom Park in Owerri, the state capital, where pressure groups in the state, associations and individuals could come to express their views on government policies and programmes without fear of victimisation or molestation. Today, that facility has assumed the status of a tourist centre. The governor is not done in his quest to turn the state to a tourist haven.

This apparently explains why he has

turned the Imo State Hotel to a tourist site. An arts theatre known as ‘Bongo Square’ has been built inside the hotel’s premises, and almost every day, hundreds of visitors throng the theatre which also serves as a centre for projecting Igbo culture and tradition.

But of all the tourist centres in the state, the one that is dearest to the governor’s heart is the Oguta Wonder Lake, now renamed Imo Blue Lake of Treasure.

The governor says his ambition is to turn the lake into one of the best tourist centres in the world, given its potentials to create wealth and job opportunities.

However, the Blue Lake of Treasure has become a centre for controversial attraction lately.

Indeed, two illustrious sons of Imo State whose intentions were to uplift the lake to enviable height, are today involved in the controversy that now wants to turn the project into a Hobbesian jungle. In fact, the former governor of the state

Chief Ikedi Ohakim, who laid the foundation for the take-off of the project which was planned in five phases, intended to build in the first phase a five-star hotel, casino, golf course, gymnasium, amphitheatre, parks and housing units in the second and third phases respectively. But as providence would have it, Ohakim did not make it to Douglas House for the second term.

Today, Governor Okorocha is dangling axe on the neck of his predecessor. According to him, Ohakim allagedly spent the state fund recklessly on some faceless projects, among which was the Oguta Wonder Lake Resort and Conference Centre at Oguta Lake site, Oguta council area of the state.

It was gathered that out of the N18 billion stock bond the former governor secured from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to execute the project, over N5 billion was spent on the foundation stone laying. Though the former governor said CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Oyinlola faults Osun govt over foundation takeover

Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has said that the Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF) in Osogbo belongs to his wife, Omolola.

Oyinlola, now the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, made the declaration at the weekend in Osogbo while reacting to a recent decision by the Osun State Government to take over the project.

The former governor, who spoke while receiving 750 party supporters who defected from Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the PDP, said the foundation was a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

“The project was being funded with donations from well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.

Oyinlola said the WOCDIF centre was not built with government funds as being claimed by the present administration in the state.

Osun State’s Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr. Basiru Ajibola, had made the claims.

He had said at a press conference recently that the centre belonged to the state government.

However, Oyinlola argued that the centre was an initiative of his wife and not a government project.

He said the centre was registered as an NGO with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The former governor urged concerned Nigerians to find out details of the centre’s ownership from the commission.

Oyinlola, who left office in November 2010 after the Court of Appeal in Ibadan pronounced Rauf Aregbesola as the duly-elected governor, said he was yet to get his entitlements.

Meanwhile, in a reaction, ACN’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, faulted what he called the purported defection of the party’s members to the PDP. “No true ACN member will leave the party for the PDP,” he said

Oyinlola

Imoke not dead, says commissioner The Cross River Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts, has said that Gov. Liyel Imoke is not dead.

“There is no iota of truth in the rumour making the round in the state and beyond that Gov. Liyel Imoke is dead,’’ the commissioner said at a news briefing at the weekend in Calabar Rickett said the governor officially wrote to the state House of Assembly last week that he was handing over to his deputy, Efiok Cobham, to enable him proceed on a two-month accumulated leave.

“He is not dead, he is now recuperating. There are strong indications that he will soon return to the country,’’ he said.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Christian Ita, had in a statement on Dec. 6 explained that Imoke was away on medical grounds.

The statement did not disclose the ailment but explained that Imoke started a two-month accumulated leave on December 7.

According to the statement, Imoke has informed the State House of Assembly through a letter to the Speaker, Mr. Larry Odey, that Cobham will act for the duration of the leave in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

16

Politics

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ekiti 2014: How realistic ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

W

hen the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, officially registered his return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the collection of party membership card at his Afao-Araromi PDP ward secretariat in September last year, it was apparent that he had returned to the party for serious politicking.

He did not leave anybody in doubt about his readiness to contest elective offices within the party and beyond when he disclosed that he would contest the party’s National Vice Chairmanship (South West) seat in the then forthcoming March 2012 Zonal Congress of the party immediately on the receipt of the membership card.

This was, not minding that he was just being re-admitted to the party that he left for over one and half years.

The former governor had told the crowd of supporters on the occasion that he was one of the PDP rebels and aggrieved members who once tore the party’s flag, but was quick to add that he came back to honour entreaties of PDP leaders to him to return and in order to rebuild the party.

He message that day: “From now on, I will begin to carry the flag of PDP. Come; let us build the broken walls of PDP. Let us use our time and energy to build the party. I will do my best to ensure that the party gets to the top.

“My priority is what comes to Ekiti. We must raise our voices to get to our destination. I will break my silence after collecting the card and I will tell you the way forward for our party”, he had assured.

True to his words, Fayose became ubiquitous once again in the party which he had built from the scratch in 2000, ahead of the 2003 governorship election which he contested and won.

Fayose’s renewed and growing popularity, however, did not go down well with some persons in the party who saw him as a threat to their ambitions and interests. As such, such individuals and groups began subter-

ranean moves to ensure the party at the national level did not readmit him alongside other members who had left into the fold.

The popularity and acceptance of the former governor within the party played itself out during the March 2012 ward, local government and state congresses of the party where Fayose’s supporters produced virtually all the officials. Again, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) crowned it all with his readmission, granting him a waiver by backdating it to September last year.

The waiver gives the former governor the right to enjoy all the rights and privileges in the party.

However, the fear in some quarters within the party with Fayose’s return is not unfounded. Residents of Ekiti State, politicians across political divides and political watchers cannot forget in a hurry the antecedents of the grassroots politician who is known for his heavy political support base, deep pocket and kindness.

So, when words went round that Fayose was eyeing the governorship seat of the state in the 2014 governorship election, efforts were intensified to ensure he was frustrated through harassments.

In a letter written by Fayose dated October 8, 2012 and addressed to Governor Kayode Fayemi, the former governor, who deplored the victimisation against his person, had stated, “Peradventure, my present travails stem from my political aspiration and the celebrated clearance given me by my party.

“Let me make it abundantly clear that I have the intention to contest political office in the future and this right is constitutionally guaranteed and protected regardless of the said harassments,” Fayose had stated.

Last month, his tours of local government areas across the state were disrupted in OyeEkiti, Ilawe-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti by political thugs believed to be members of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) who brandished weapons and launched attacks on some members of the Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO).

However, the ACN State Publicity Direc-

tor, Akogun Tai Oguntayo, was quick to challenge Fayose and PDP to look inwards for the attacks, which he traced to the internal bickering within the opposition party and their rejection of the person of the former governor.

During the AFCO tour of local governments, Fayose minced no words in telling the crowds of PDP members and supporters of his determination to get back to the Government House under the party’s platform.

The former governor appealed to the disenchanted party members to bury their differences and come together so that the party could realise its dream of winning the forthcoming governorship election.

His wife, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, boosted her husband’s morale and ambition last Monday when she predicted his victory in the forthcoming 2014 governorship election in the state during her meeting with PDP women across the Ekiti State.

The former governor’s wife spoke with precision and assurance as she said: “I can authoritatively say today that history shall repeat itself with your cooperation.

My husband, Ayo Fayose, will return to the Government House, Ado Ekiti to finish his divine assignment. I have come today to announce to you that God has promised to restore him for our deliverance in 2014”.

A statement by AFCO Director of Publicity and Research, Mr Idowu Adelusi,

Fayose

Okorocha tackles Ohakim on Oguta L CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 the money was spent to renovate the Motel which was started by the former East Central State Administrator, Chief Ukpabi Asika.

Ohakim further disclosed during the public presentation of the book, “Democracy by military tanks” written by Dr. Ethelbert Okere that he left enough fund that could carry on the projects initiated by his administration. He cited, for instance, the Oguta Wonder Lake project as example.

He said out of the N18billion bond obtained from the capital market and tied to the construction of the Oguta Wonder lake Resort, N13billion was left behind by his administration for the completion of the project. The former governor said that he was shocked when he visited the project site some days ago to discover that weed had taken over the entire project site. “When I paid a visit to the site of the Oguta Wonder Lake Resort, I was shocked to find the place overgrown with weeds and the N13 billion nowhere to be found,” Ohakim said. He informed

the audience that a similar project was started by Governor Godswill Akpabio’s predecessor, yet Akpabio completed it and the same facility had given work to over 3,000 natives of the state. Landmark projects and initiatives, he said, must not be allowed to suffer on the altar of primitive politics.

In an interview with Sunday Mirror, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Chinedu Offor, said he would not want to join issues with the former governor, “but I challenge anybody to visit the site and see if what the ex-governor said he left is commensurate with the money claimed to have been spent on the site.” But the commissioner could not explain where the remaining of the money left by Ohakim is diverted to. He only said: “That is the job of Ministry of Finance to determine if the former governor actually left any money.”

But a source close to the former governor, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said that once a bond is secured from the capital market for a particular capital project “it is wrong for anybody to divert

the money to another project other than the one for which the bond was secured. So Okorocha should explain to the Imo people where he has taken the N13 billion to.”

However, the fight between the two governors did not just start. The incumbent governor and his predecessor, Ohakim, have been embroiled in prolonged political wrangling after Ohakim lost a reelection in 2011. When eventually Ohakim handed over to the incumbent governor, he promised that he would not go to court despite the fact that he won the 2011 election which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared was won by Governor Okorocha. But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ignored Ohakim’s pious acceptance of defeat and proceeded to court to challenge the credibility of the election, especially the supplementary election results from Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta local governments, two council areas PDP considered to be their stronghold and the only hope to upturn the election in favour of Ohakim.

The Tribunal shocked of the elections in favo However, the forme gods of the land that Okorocha to court wa in the litigation brou of Nigeria (ACN) an against Governor Oko since INEC has lifted Egbema where it had sults during the supple es are that if he is join chance of being declar the court.

Okorocha felt disap action and booted out elected under the O sparking a series of lacked the political wi It was gathered th ganised some artisan

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

17

Sunday, December 16, 2012

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

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA

CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Vice Chancellors on huge foreign education expenditure

E

arly in the month, the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVC) said Nigerians spent an average of $500 million, about N78.5 billion annually, on European and American universities. In a communiqué signed by the Secretary-General of the CVC, Professor Michael Faborode, at the end of a two-day consultative dialogue on the future and relevance of Nigerian tertiary institutions, the VCs said the amount, N78.5 billion, represented about 70 per cent of the total federal budgetary allocation to all federal universities in the country in 2008. The communiqué said the rush for foreign tertiary institutions, including those in African countries, buttressed the loss of faith in Nigerian universities; and that persistent restiveness of students against host communities, school administration, weak governance structure and processes, were some of the challenges confronting Nigerian higher institutions. The CVC said the development contributed to disruptions of the academic calendar, bickering between the academic staff union and other staff unions, on the one hand; and the university management and the government, on the other.

The VCs, in addition, lamented the embarrassing global ranking of Nigerian universities as a result of poor quality graduates, the loss of the culture of robust debate and strategic, collaborative and productive engagement between the government, university management and staff for common visions and national progress. They expressed the need to ensure that the appointment of vice chancellors takes due cognizance of academic excellence and managerial competence, leadership capabilities, transparency and accountability. Perhaps, more importantly, the VCs called for the setting up of an education, research, innovation and development council

to harmonize and coordinate the synergy between knowledge, innovation and development in all sectors of the nation’s economy, among others.

Coming rather late, though, the CVC’s position tallies with recent observations on the burgeoning number of Nigerian students in foreign higher institutions. The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, for instance, stated at a public function late last year that there were about 71,000 Nigerian students in Ghana, whose annual tuition payment profile was about $1 billion. For the Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Wale Babalakin, the number as at this year is 75,000, with each student paying $15 million as tuition per annum. “That is about $1.1 billion or $1.2 billion annually; and that is roughly about N180 billion. That is our contribution to Ghanaian education alone”, Babalakin stated not too long ago.

He said the expenditure was less than the FG’s total budget for all Nigerian universities in 2011; and a tip of the iceberg when compared with the number and cost of sponsoring Nigerian students in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and other European countries.

Indeed, reports said Nigeria’s contribution to UK’s education sector in 2011 alone amounted to N246 billion; while the country retained about 17,585 Nigerian students same year. It would have, perhaps, been more understandable, if the falling standards of tertiary education are the direct result of the lack of commitment of higher education managers, university teachers, and undergraduates. But the passion with which the aforementioned and ordinary Nigerians embrace higher education in the country seems an indication that they can move mountains in lifting the quality of the nation’s higher education, if given

the required encouragement. But while the university system cannot completely escape being blamed for the downslide in tertiary education, the main culprit remains the government, at both state and federal levels, which views the provision of requisite facilities needed for sound tertiary education as a privilege instead of a constitutional responsibility. Ironically, the government’s complain seems loudest about falling educational standards and poor research output.

Recent developments indicate that the Nigerian government, even under President Goodluck Jonathan who is widely described as a former university lecturer, prefers building frivolous castles and banquet halls for use by unpatriotic, mostly corrupt politicians and their cronies, at the expense of facing the stark realities on ground, such as virtually non-existent basic infrastructure - road, health and education inclusive; unemployment, mass poverty and destitution, widespread insecurity, and so on. The FG, since the beginning of civil rule in 1999, has been unable to near the UNESCO-prescribed recommendation of setting aside 26 percent of every country’s annual budget for education. Of the FG’s proposed N4.92 trillion for 2013, the vote for the education sector is N426.53 billion, about 8.7 percent of the total budget; which some stakeholders view as a wonderful improvement in recent times. This is pathetic! Those bankrolling education in foreign lands are mainly politicians, top bureaucrats and the business elite, who have the resources to send their children abroad to study. Until the nation’s insensitive political leaders and bureaucrats are compelled by law to patronize local schools, chances are that they will never spare any thought to addressing the rot in the nation’s tertiary education infrastructure.

Reminiscences DECEMBER 16 IN HISTORY 1920: Earthquake kills 200,000 people in China An earthquake measuring 8.5 magnitude on the Richter scale hit the heavily populated Gansu province of Midwestern China. It caused the deaths of an estimated 200,000 people.

1950: US names Zellerbach ambassador to Italy Italy had a new ambassador from the United States. He was J.D. Zellerbach and was president of the Crown-Zellerbach Corporation. During World War II, Italy awarded him the Knightly Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his mission in 1948-50.

1969: British parliament votes against death Penalty The British parliament voted to abolish the death penalty in Great Britain. There was a temporary ban on the death penalty since 1965.

1971: Pakistani troops surrender to India Two weeks after the Indian invasion of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in support of the independence movement, 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendered to Indian forces.

1985: US - Mafia boss, Castellano, shot Paul Castellano, the head of the Gambino crime family, then one of New York’s largest mafia families, was shot dead outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan on the orders of John J. Gotti.

1990: Aristide elected Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president of Haiti in the country’s first democratic elections.

2000: Bush picks Powell as Secretary of State The next president of the United States, George W. Bush, announced his selection for secretary of state, Colin Powell, who was the first African-American Secretary Of State.

2011: Russia joins World Trade Organization Russia officially joined the World Trade Organization after a ceremony in Switzerland commemorated the event. Russia spent nearly 18 years negotiating its membership and finally gained membership after making a deal with Georgia who had been trying to block Russia’s membership. Russia’s membership was hailed as the last of the Group of 20 major economies to join the organisation.

18

Opinion

Sunday December 16, 2012

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

R

ecently, the world football-governing body, FIFA told the football universe that diminutive Argentina and Barcelona of Spain striker, Lionel Messi, is football all-time best scorer in history.

The award goes to him because he has purportedly scored the highest number of goals in a single season. The three major platforms to judge for such award are the local league, the continental champions’ league at the clubs level, as well as regional championship at the national level. For Messi, the Spanish La Liga (the domestic elite league in Spain), the European (UEFA) Champions League and the South American nations championship were used to determine his goal-scoring achievements. The records show that Messi has had 88 goals, thus becoming the All-time Best Goal Scorer in the World.

But from somewhere in ‘remote’ Africa, someone is challenging this FIFA Award. The Zambian Football Federation is contesting that record, claiming that there was a Godfrey Chitalo in Zambia who scored a record-breaking 107 goals in a single season. This was in 1972. These goals were scored in the Zambian local

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Which is messier: FIFA or CAF? league, African club championships and at the Nations Cup. The three levels were not different from the same platforms used in measuring Messi’s success.

The Zambian authorities are strongly challenging the veracity of FIFA’s claims, questioning the truthfulness (or better put, ‘scientificity’ or factuality) of the soccer-ruling body’s records. Zambia volunteers that the same Chitalo wonder-kid had scored 82 goals in 1971, the previous year, before breaking his own record and hitting the 107 world record mark. According to the Zambian FA, Chitalo was honoured with the golden ball in 1972 in recognition of his feat and that this also earned him one of the nation’s highest honours of a ‘Grand Commander’ the same year. In 1993 after the plane crash off the coast of Gabon, in which the entire Zambian national team perished, FIFA came for the data of all the football crew members on that ill-fated flight. Chitalo, then the national team coach, who was sadly part of that flight, was among those whose personal histories were forwarded to FIFA. His goal-scoring feats were among information the Zambian FA forwarded.

Curiously however, FIFA seemed not to have these records anymore as Messi was put ahead of Chitalo as the highest scorer. In fact, Chitalo was not even mentioned, recognized or listed at all. This brings to mind the two manifest ugly trends in FIFA: questionable decisions arising from fraud or lack of proper record-keeping, and of course, racism. For

some time now, the FIFA decision-making process has come under scrutiny. Hosting bids are awarded based on personal friendships and money inducements. Top FIFA executives, including serving Vice Presidents and Committee members have been busted and disgraced out of office.

All manner of uncanny attitude has been on display in the corridors of the soccer body, bringing to question the ‘sanctimony’ of its decsions both in the boardroom and on the pitch.

On racism, FIFA appears to be the worst culprit. Everything from that House in Zurich smells foul. From the days of Joao Havalange, a self-confessed racist that passionately had a distaste for African football, to the era of Sepp Blatter whose anti-racism campaigns seem to be a mere smokescreen as these times are the worst in terms of open display of racial hatred in the decision room, soccer pitch, spectators’ stands and even by referees; Africa has been at the losing end.

To project how much of passion he has for Africa, he allowed the years 2009-2010 to be for the continent: Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa hosting all the male soccer World Cups. But after the fantastic shows, particularly South Africa’s all-time best hosting, what is celebrated?

South Africa (WOZA) is offline while reference is still being made to Mexico 86, Italia 90 and USA 94.

Like their western predecessors in the 18th and 19th century who believed that Africa did not deserve the credit or glory for any unparalleled accomplish-

ment, FIFA has been undercutting the continent. The Chitalo scandal is a fresh pointer. The glory has been taking away from Africa, and as usual, the white man is the god, even in football. Gradually, FIFA and UEFA will build Messi’s profile to the point that he will push Pele (another African from Brazil) out of global circulation as the best in the world.

As for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), there seems to be no finishing line for fraud and dictatorship.

Rather than joining Zambia to put FIFA right on the Chitalo scoring record; Issa Hayatou, who has already spent 25 years as CAF President, wants yet another term. And this time, he has knocked out all opponents, including the strong contender from Abidjan, J. Onouma. CAF records show that Hayatou is running unopposed in March 2013; whereas Onouma had applied to contest. African football is worse off under Hayatou, yet he seems to be the ‘anointed’ one, yet again! Definitely, a lot of fraud and arm-stringing must have gone on to be the sole contestant for the CAF office in Cairo.

Football administration is only getting messier. While the poor boys (although very rich in digits) are working hard and dying to make a name, FIFA and its affiliates are dipping their hands into messy affairs, thus making the game far from being fair!

•Dr. Folarin teaches Politics and International Relations at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Recalling the national good governance tour of FCT ALEXANDER OGBU

T

he National Good Governance tour, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Information to educate Nigerians on Federal Government efforts to develop the nation took off on Thursday, 20th September, 2012 with visits to projects around the Federal Capital Territory.

It became apparent from the inspection tour that the majority of Nigerians do not know that several projects are currently under construction and that many service facilities meant to improve the living standards of the people have already been completed and put into use.

Federal Government-financed projects consisting of road networks, bridges, water pipes, communications facilities, electricity services, town development processes, housing estate projects and the expansion of essential resources to meet the demands of the expanding population in the city are going on at different levels and paces within the capital territory.

The three-day tour of the Federal Capital City spearheaded by the Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku presented an educative discovery which showed that Abuja has become a huge construction theatre with work going on simultaneously on several projects and essential services in various parts of the city.

From the onset, the information minister made it clear that the projects to be visited by the inspection team were initiated but abandoned by previous administrations. He pointed out that the Goodluck Jonathan regime has resolved to complete every abandoned project before the expiration of its tenure in 2015.

During the tour of the FCT by more than 100 journalists and members of civil society groups, different categories of

projects at various stages of completion were inspected. The information minister gave ample time for questions and free comments from contractors handling the projects as well as from reporters.

Participants applauded the openness of interaction between the inspecting team and officials especially contractors. No attempts were made to doctor or restrict questions and answers or what types of responses are given to inquiries.

Five major complaints were repeatedly put forward by contractors and government officials. These were inadequate funding, the prolonged delay in the release of funds to contractors, requests by service providers for re-evaluation of contracts, interruptions caused by the rainy season and resistance to development by Abuja indigenes agitating for resettlement and compensation for land acquired by the government.

It turned out that the Federal Government plans to spend more than N5. 5billion in the years leading up to 2015 on various development processes, the provision of basic infrastructure such as access roads, water, electricity, sewage systems and other public facilities in the capital territory.

On the first day, the trip started on a disorderly note but the inspection train visited the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project designed to transport large numbers of people and goods between the Satellite towns and the Federal Capital City [FCC].

About 178 plots were acquired for projects connected to the rail project which was planned to crisscross the six area councils of the territory to ease transportation problems.

The inspecting team was told that the rail contract which was awarded to the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company [CCECC] in May 2009 at a sum of USD$823,540,545. 87 has reached

forty percent completion stage. When completed, about twenty modern diesel trains would transport more than 500, 000 people daily between the Satellite towns and the Federal Capital City at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour.

The rail line project which has vast provision for extension to connect Abuja with nearby states through the national rail network was funded with money from the China Exim Bank. The bank offered the Federal Government USD500 million loan facilities at a favourably low interest rate but the government was required to fund the project with its own resources to the tune of $300 billion.

China Civil Engineering and Construction Company [CCECC], the contractors handling the project, complained that the work has not moved with the anticipated speed due to delays by government to release funds. About 5,000 Nigerians are currently engaged in various capacities on the rail project, which the handlers assured, would be completed in the next thirty-six months.

Other ongoing projects included the development of communication satellite systems. Nigeria has already launched four commercial satellites into space for mapping, communications, earth observation and weather focast. The inspection team was also taken to fast lane express roads under construction, a huge water treatment plant expected to supply more than one million gallons of water a day to the city and new districts being developed to expand the capital.

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed who accompanied the delegation on tour of some parts of the territory, disclosed that 15 new districts and 19 new satellite towns would be opened in the capital before the end of 2015 to decongest the city centre. Already,

work has commenced on five of the districts for the provision of basic facilities especially roads, water, sewage systems, electricity and underground network of cable routes at a cost of more than N2. 2 billion.

Senator Bala Mohammed, who spoke on the difficulties of land administration in Abuja, disclosed that every land space in the existing districts was sold out by previous administrations. He said the problems inherited by the incumbent government in land administration were so huge and included abuses and distortions such as allocation of the same plots to several people, saying that double allocation of plots alone has become a monstrous problem in the territory.

Senator Bala also said that the demand for Abuja land has risen dramatically and disclosed that a backlog of one million applications from Nigerians for land in Abuja was currently pending in the Federal Capital Development Authority office. Other challenging problems of land administration in Abuja, according to the FCT Minister, was the lingering issue of compensation and resettlement of indigenes that vehemently refused to move out of development areas allocated to developers. Senator Mohammed said the Federal Government has decided to adopt the United Nations resolution on resettlement and compensation to resolve the problem but he could not say how soon the policy would commence.

“What is critical to this administration is the proper utilization of funds for projects that would enhance the living standards of the people. This administration is focused and would deliver on its promises to transform the country.”

•Ogbu writes from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja

19

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Applause LIFESTYLE, FASHION & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER D DE CEMBER C CE MBER 16, 16, 2012

‘At nearly 50, why should I start having crazy hairstyles and tattoo?’

Caroline King is an actress fondly known as Carol by her fans and friends. Married for about three decades, she says that at nearly 50 years of age, she can’t wear crazy hairstyles. She counsels married women in this interview with Adaeze Amos that if your marriage is life-threatening, leave while you are alive, among other things.

For how long have you been married?

For close to 30 years now. My first child is 29 years old.

What did you study in the higher institution?

I studied Christian Religious Studies and I hold a diploma in Insuring.

Aren’t you supposed to be a pastor? What are you doing in the acting world?

It’s all about passion…about what you have always wanted to do. You know most things are pre-ordained. I had always wanted to act but I come from a family of professionals -lawyers, doctors, engineers - and my father insisted that I should study Law. I ended up studying something else. Thank God, I ended up being in the profession that I had always wanted which, of course, is acting.

What was your childhood like?

Growing up was beautiful. It was nice. I come from a large family. I’m the first of seven siblings...four girls and three boys. It was always fun, never a dull moment. It was nice really, it was a good experience.

educating. The fact that you can impact on so many lives at the same time by playing a particular character is interesting. You may never get to meet all these people who are watching the program you are doing but at the end of the day, you are impacting on lives. That blows my mind.

That is what makes me love acting so much and the fact is that if you have noticed most of the character that I play are such that people can see themselves in. That was really what drew me into acting. The fact that I could watch people on TV whom I have never met and as I’m watching, somebody in Kano, Kaduna and other states are watching that program as well, is amazing.

What soap operas have you featured in?

Everyday People, Edge of Paradise, Secret Love Story which is one of my favourites and then most recently showing on the TV is Tales of Eve, just to mention but a few.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Lagos, Kaduna and Zaria.

How do you cope with fame?

I don’t have any way of coping with it. I’m a happy-golucky person. I always have a smile on my face, you know.

It’s a beautiful thing to walk into a place and people know you, appreciate and love you. I feel it’s a gift. I don’t cope with it in any way. I just flow with fame. I go into a place, I receive the love, I give back the love and I’m happy.

What thrills you in the acting world?

For me, acting is all about entertainment and it’s also

What if you are not in the mood to smile and your fans are expecting a smile from you?

‘I CAN’T BE SOMEBODY’S HOUSEWIFE, I CAN ONLY BE PARTNER’

20

I try to put on a smile. Yes, there are those times I may not be in the mood to smile but what do you do? You just have to smile and then some people are very sensitive, especially if they had seen you before.

You have been married for 30 years, what should a married woman do if she is being battered by her husband?

If while courting he didn’t show any sign that he would beat you up and now you are married to him and he raises his hands on you at the slightest provocation, my advice is that you should keep a distance, and then you start to pray for God to touch him. If you stay there, you may die.

He may beat you to death. We have instances here and there. What of the young banker who was killed by her husband. In fact, physical abuse is not for anybody to take in any situation. I don’t care whether it’s 100 years of marriage, it’s not right.

What is your worst fear?

Not making heaven if I drop dead. When I think of that, I’m scared, especially when they say the end of the world is here. I feel like ‘God, I hope I would be able to see you although we have all fallen short of the glory of God’.

How do you get inspired when you are down?

I don’t like to see people when I’m down. I like to be on my own and just listen to gospel music. In fact, whichever music that interests me. I would work it out on my own, pray and then come out of it and move on.

Could you spell your style?

I’m going to be 50 years old in July. Why do I want to start doing crazy hairstyles and tattoo. Simplicity is my style.

‘I LIKE BEING A MODEL THAN A MICROBIOLOGIST’

45

20

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

New flick, Ifunanya set to hit DVD stand If you are a fan of movies packed with a lot of action, suspense and intrigues, then you will be delighted to know that a new movie is set to hit the DVD stand. The interesting new flick titled ‘Ifunanya’ is getting ready for release.

The suspense-filled romantic comedy, which was produced by Theresa Dickson and Serah Donald Onyeachor, tells the amazing story of a pretty, street girl Ifunanya and her pastor Nnamdi.

8-year-old dancer, Amarachi Uyanne, wins Nigeria’s Got Talent Season 1 After scouring the country to find the most talented persons, top-rated talent television show, ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent’, crowned Amarachi Uyanne as winner of its first season.

The primary school student beat hundreds of acts to win the coveted N10 million grand prize. The 8-year-old petite powerhouse dancer from Benin City, Edo State, displayed incredible talents throughout the show, and Here is a feel-good piece for fans of sultry danced her way to victory, triumphing over actress, Stella Damasus and singer Yinka Laballet dancers Jess & Ogeh and violinist Godwanson, otherwise known as Lamboginny to win Ogechukwu. be excited about. M&M can reveal that the two “It has been an amazing journey so far,” amazing entertainers have just been nominated said Rotimi Pedro, Director of Rapid Blue by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Format, organisers of the hit show. “The (NDLEA) as its ambassadors. This is the first turnout this season was beyond what we time the agency will appoint ambassadors. imagined and we are glad that we were able During the unveiling of the ambassadors to bring together Nigeria’s best young talents at the NDLEA headquarters in Lagos a few and transform them into excellent performdays ago, the Director General of the agency, ers in their own right, “he added.

Dr. Femi Ajayi, said Stella and Lamboginny The show’s grand finale was jam-packed were painstakingly picked for the honour with energy and entertainment, featuring due to their outstanding positive impacts performances and special appearances by on youths and the society at large. some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers includAccording to Dr. Ajayi, Stella Damaing rapper Skales, the first lady of EME crew, sus has been inspiring the youths Niyola; and bringing the house down with his with her many activities and projperformance, the wildly talented young perects, while Lamboginny has equally former, Dammy Krane. Sage, a spoken word proved to be a worthy ambassador, performer was also present to grace the occanot just with his music, but with sion with his act. his Say No To Crime projects.

The nail-biting final show began with the 10 “Having said this, it is our finalists nervously waiting to hear who would pleasure to appoint them as make it to the top three. Amarachi, Godwin and our ambassadors, hoping Jess & Ogeh were announced as the three vying that they will continue to take home that grand prize. with the good work and Jess and Ogeh, brought their A-game and gave help reach out to the yet another spectacular ballet performance but youths,” the NDLEA Godwin Ogechukwu’s nimble way with his vioDG noted. lin provided some stiff competition. Amarachi Certificates gave the performance of her life, with her unique were presented blend of cheeky dance moves and enthusiastic ento Stella and ergy bringing the crowd to their feet.

LamboginIt was time to announce the winner and Andre ny at the Blaze, the host for the season, kept the tension goevent. ing after opening the golden envelope. It was a moThe ment of joy outpouring of emotion for Amarachi when Andre Blaze announced her as the winner of the show and presented the shell-shocked tiny dancer with her a N10 million cheque.

Stella Damasus, Lamboginny get NDLEA’s ambassadorship

Exc as Nig Seas TV

The search for Nig through Abuja, Port-Harc contestants are ready. And ready because Nigerian Idol today, Sunday, the 16th day of So, get ready to see new tale quite make it from last season. A This season’s edition of the re If you are interested in listening to stations like STV, NTA Network an brand new songs from a sexy songstress, ity) and OnTV. then you probably need to check out SaContestants who made it throu bina’s brand new promo CD. try will each have the opportunity The music diva has recently released a crowned ‘the voice of tomorrow’. preview to her soon-to-be-released ‘WarHead, Events and Sponsorships, E rior’ album. time of waiting had finally come to a Interestingly, the producers of Sabina’s of all the auditions and witness an a promo CD include Tim Greene, Trey Songz and Ludicris’ producer LT Moe, Dokta of the show.

Sabina tests the scene with new promo CD

Frabz and Femi Ojetunde who has worked with Quincy Jones, Tupac, Sunny Ade, Shina Peters and Sunny Nneji.

The album, which is scheduled to hit the market in January with an international promotion tour kicking off in Nigeria, is a unique collaboration with top artistes like 2Face and songwriter Chasity Nwagbara who has penned hit records for the likes of Busta Rhymes, Jennifer Lopez and Brandy.

The Engager rides out 2012 with two new tracks

Here comes W

After the success of the Samklef-produced ‘Engage You’ which featured E.M.E’s Skales and Poised to make a grand state R.I.C, The Engager - real name Afolabi Tiwatope magazine, WED is raising the Ogunleye - returns to close out 2012 with his tion, WED EXPO by introduci brand new singles titled ‘Mummy’ and ‘Ara Wa 21 to Sunday, March 24, 2013 Ni’ featuring sensational songstress, Yemi Alade. industry. The inaugural ed Signed under FK Management, The Engager year in the month of Marc aka Mr. Engager is one of the most promising hibitors and over 10,000 singer/songwriters to come out of Nigeria this two-day event at the fam year. And he comes with bounds of stage presLagos. ence, performance strength, a vibrant aura and The event is being charisma, some of the many reasons he is called publisher of the m ‘The Engager’ in the first place as he keeps his the WED EXPO 20 audiences completely ‘engaged’ all through his M&M learnt performances. from the fact t become a ve enue for w as there h consum spirit freq d

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Applause

Sunday, December 16, 2012

‘I can’t be somebody’s housewife, I can only be a partner’ Titilola Aboyade-Cole is the chief executive officer, Podium Media Limited, an organisation dedicated to showcasing the best of Africa to the world. She lived in England for more than 20 years. A single mother of three, this graduate of the Institute of Legal Executive, England tells Adaeze Amos that hard work is part of her lifestyle.

What is Podium all about?

Podium showcases Africa to the whole world. There are different wings of Podium really; the media which include magazine and TV are all under the umbrella of the organisation.

How was life when you were much younger?

Life was good and is still good.

I was born into an average family. My paternal grandfather was a primate; my maternal great grandfather was Bishop Jones.

It was quite a religious family but that is not to say that I’m a saint. You know how bishop’s children turn out now, they are very sociable, opposite of their parents. But my foundation has been with Christ. They say teach your child the way of the Lord and when she grows up, she would not depart from it. That was what my parents were successful in doing.

I lost my father when I was four. Unfortunately, I was daddy’s pet, so death snatched him from me at a very tender age. I’m the sixth of seven children and my mother never remarried. My mom was very industrious, a woman of substance I would say. She is my hero, my role model. She had a hotel, a nursery school when I was young. She also had a big hostel, a fashion house and a daycare centre. She had her hands in a lot of things. I grew up knowing hard work as a way of life. I can’t be just somebody’s housewife; I can only be a wife, a mother, a partner to my husband. I can’t be a housewife that has nothing else to do. I wasn’t raised that way.

I don’t know any other way of life than to work hard.

Has that benefitted you?

It has really helped me as a single mother. I’m a mother of three. It has helped me to be able to stand on my own and take care of my children. I have a child in the university, one in secondary school and

the other in a primary school.

How do you see the challenges of being a single mother?

Truly, I have never seen my children as a problem. I work so hard to take care of them. I make sure my children are not different from those raised by both parents. I even want them to be better. I try my best to ensure that they lack nothing. I see them as blessing, joy but there are some challenges of being a single mother. Once in a while, you get fagged out, you want somebody to talk to, to share your pain with and there is nobody there. The kids are not the ones causing that. Even the children of married couples do give them trouble. My children are just my joy. When the whole world is collapsing on me and I look at those children, I feel fulfilled. The things that a man should carry for me, the Lord has handled it.

Has there been a time you felt scared of not being able to take care of them?

There have been times like that. In every human being that wants to be truthful to herself, there are always those little fears, little demons that could be telling you, you can’t do it.

You would be contemplating whether to carry on or throw in the towel. As someone who is not a quitter, I keep my eyes on the ball. It doesn’t really matter, it’s okay to be afraid sometimes so that you would be able to apply caution. When such fears come, I go down on my knees.

You graduated from the Institute of Legal Executives in London; are you a lawyer?

I’m not a lawyer but a legal executive. We are different from lawyers…we are one step away from lawyers. I was into real estate in England. I also did CIMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice). I did a lot of short professional courses in England and right now I’m doing a postgraduate diploma.

I’m doing a course with the London School of Journalism and I’m also doing Photography with Photography Institute in England. I had passion for photography from childhood.

You lived for 21 years in England, how was life there?

People used to think that when you get there, you’ll pick money in the street. England is worse than Nigeria. It is not for the faint-hearted. You would work for every pound that you earn. You cannot owe the white man a dime. If you are late for work, they would deduct your salary. If you are absent, they would deduct your salary. But we are all minority over there.

Even though I’m a British citizen, I’m still black. In Nigeria, I’m part of the majority; this is my father’s land. East or West, home is home. Even though the roads there are good, everything is working perfectly, it is still not home. For those who keep saying that Nigeria is not good and then you elope and abandon Nigeria, your children and children’s children are going to suffer it because you need to be here and help build the country. That is why I’m back. I had always said to myself as soon as I’m 40, I’d come back home. Last year when I clocked 40, I said this is it. I still go to England every three months because I have my property and investments in there.

I really cannot abandon England finally, but Nigeria is home.

21

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

22

Cocktail Whispers

Stories by Olumide Segun-Oduntan

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

DECEMBER 16, 2012

Why Segun Agbaje has a small family There is no doubt that the boss of Guaranty Trust Bank, Segun Agbaje, is a happy and fulfilled man. At least, he would admit this much. In fact, Cocktail Whispers learnt that Agbaje’s greatest concern is how to make the bank the best in Africa.

But guess what, despite being the bank’s MD and obviously very rich, the size of Segun Agbaje’s family is not what you may consider to be ‘big’. Yes, he and his wife, Derin, have only one child, a boy.

And while many Nigerians may be of

the opinion that having only a single child is too small, especially for someone who oversees a bank, Mr Agbaje, who joined GTB in 1991 and rose through the ranks to becoming its managing director in 2011, has a funny admission as to the size of his family.

Try asking Segun Agbaje why he has only one child and he would jokingly tell you that he thought that he was going to be very poor so he decided to have a small family in order to be able to pay his child’s school fees.

Oba Fredrick

Obateru Akinruntan buys latest Bentley Anyone who is an admirer of the Chairman of Obat Oil Petroleum Limited and the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, would have noticed that he is a huge lover of won-

der-on-wheels.

Not long ago, the billionaire businessman stunned many when he became the first black man to acquire a custom-built Rolls Royce similar to that of Queen Elizabeth II. That luxury car was said to have cost him several millions of naira.

Now if the gist made available to Cocktail Whispers is anything to go by, it seems that the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom has done it again, that is, acquiring another state-of-the-art ride.

According to feelers reaching Cocktail Whispers, the oil mogul has recently bought a 2014 Bentley. Of course the cost of the car cannot be ascertained, the monarch’s latest acquisition has certainly made the makers of the car richer by the millions.

But what is also certain is that Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan is a huge fan of luxury cars.

Toye Animashaun completes Lagos mansion The forthcoming festive season is certainly going to be an exciting one for the household of businessman, Toye Animashaun. Going by the information at Cocktail Whispers’ disposal, the millionaire entrepreneur has recently completed his mansion in Isheri area of Lagos.

It was learnt that Toye Animashaun’s

new home took several millions of naira to complete. And now that it has finally been completed, the gist around the town is that the millionaire businessman is very elated.

In fact Cocktail Whispers learnt that the businessman may likely move into the house just before Christmas.

Goldie and J Martins on war path?

If the information at Cocktail Whispers’ disposal is anything to go by, then there may be serious bad blood going on right now between two music stars: Goldie and J Martins.

According to a source, Goldie invited J Martins to South Africa last month to appear in the video of a song they recorded together titled ‘Give It To Me’. J Martins was said to have asked for a business class. But Goldie declined saying she could not afford it.

But J Martins reluctantly agreed to go on the trip. On getting to South Africa, J Martins checked himself into a $700 hotel, refusing to check into the hotel Goldie had booked for him.

Goldie and other members of her crew then went to J Martins’ hotel to see him but he refused to see them. He said he was tired, and was not feeling well, so could not see anyone.

Then on the morning of the shoot, J Martins refused to go to set. He asked Goldie and her crew to pay for his hotel accommodation - $3, 500 for five nights. Goldie said she could not afford it.

After much negotiation, J Martins agreed to accept two nights refund which was $1,400. But after that was settled, J Martins did not show up on set till 3pm that afternoon.

Cocktail Whispers gathered when he got on set, he refused to enter the video until they gave him the $1,400. Then he complained about the costumes and other things.

Eventually, those shooting the video got tired of all the drama and packed their equipment and left without completing the video. J Martins shot some scenes but not all. Right now Goldie is said to be very angry at J Martins because she lost a lot of money as a result of his behavior.

23

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wonders of the New Creation, says Pastor Adeboye

Praise Worship E-mail:richardeghaghe@yahoo.com

E-mail:titusanyanwu.2012@gmail.com

EDIFYING GOD

29

December 16, 2012

Briefly

Adetiloye’s last moments, according to aide

Lift Up service to hold Dec 22 The monthly fellowship of Up Ministries International would hold in Efurun in Warri, Delta State on December 22.

Senior Pastor of the church, Paul I Unuavworho, told Sunday Mirror that the event would take place at No. 5 Mughelli Street, Effurun at 5.00 p.m.

The event is organised under the theme, ‘Crowning Miracles’.

According to Pastor Unuavworho, people would have the opportunity to witness the miraculous things in their lives.

He, therefore, encouraged members of the public to attend and be very expectant of the move of God as he crowns the year with His goodness for those that truly believe in Him, through Jesus Christ.

Catholic Bishops approve national pilgrimage centre

•‘He wept, cried

over gay practice’

KAYODE FASUA

T

he death on Friday of the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, has resulted in fresh revelation of how the octogenarian was for years, upset “by the dangerous dimensions in Christianity”.

Adetiloye, who retired in 1999, was particularly disturbed over reports that some churches within the Anglican Communion, outside Nigeria, had approved gay marriages and ordination of gay pastors.

Making the revelation yesterday in an interview with Sunday Mirror, a close aide of the deceased Archbishop, Venerable Levi Opara, said “he (Adetiloye)

would wish to see the Anglican Church grow and live to be the leading body among all the Christian groups.

“He was lamenting, crying, weeping that Christians have taken to dangerous dimensions particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.”

Opara, who is the Archdeacon of Kirikiri community and Vicar of Anglican Church, Kirikiri, Lagos also remarked that the late Adetiloye was neckdeep in evangelism and that he strove to ensure that most parts of northern Nigeria were evangelised during his life time, especially while he was still the Primate of the Anglican Church.

He further remarked that Adetiloye saw the Boko Haram insurgence as an act of ignorance and that one day, the insur-

gents would come to reason.

“He was never tribalistic,” he said, adding that though an Igbo man in Lagos, Adetiloye elevated him to higher positions whenever the need arose.

“Papa Adetiloye enlisted me into the seminary, made me a deacon, a priest, preferred me a canon and also preferred me an archdeacon on the eve of his retirement in 1999.

“I was closer to him than a mere priest.

He will be remembered among other things, for his evangelical exploits, leading to his creation of the first group of Missionary Diocese in the northern parts of Nigeria.

“He was a visionary and approached difficult issues with a sense of humour.”

Adetiloye died during a brief illness at his Odo-Owa country home in Ekiti State.

To tax churches’ll attract God’s anger –Cleric TAI ANYANWU

W

ife of the General Overseer of Olive Mountain Prayer and Praise Ministries, Rev. Rose Mary Collins Timothy, has warned government to steer clear of seeking to tax churches or risk God’s wrath.

She was fielding questions from pressmen at the just concluded fifth thanksgiving of the church in Lagos.

“I do not think that it is a proper thing to ask the churches to do. But if God allows government to do that, then there is no question; we will do as the law commands.

“If you look at it properly, you will see that they are fighting against God. With the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standard’s law, any church that does not meet up will be closed.

It is a bad law; and churches should not keep quiet and allow such draconian law to take effect. Even if the church decides to keep quiet, I know that God will not keep quiet over this because I know that we are in the end time and my Bible tells me that God wants His gospel to be spread over the nation.

“And my Bible tells me that at the last days, these scrip-

‘LEARN TO DO THINGS WELL’

tures will be fresh every day, and these people want to stop the gospel from being spread.

But they now want to be an obstacle to the spread of the gospel,” she explained.

The female cleric was certain, “God will definitely fight; it will not work because I know that God will not fold his hands.”

She also frowned at some men of God who she said have allowed the love of money to make people speak ill of the church of God. Speaking in the same vein, Prophet Collins said, “Government tends to forget that it is government’s function-

27

aries that are patronising the church which they consult from time to time. They are the ones who give pastors expensive gifts and cash; this must be understood.

“But I do not expect pastors to go on such expensive jet planes. It is too expensive; there are people who are in need. If you are given so much money, instead of spending it on such luxury, why not use it to care for charity? Help the needy, those who need to be established in one trade or the other? We need to embrace Christ so that there will be more of His word in our lives,” he pleaded.

‘NOTHING CAN PREVENT THE PRAYER OF A GIVER ’

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has approved a pilgrimage centre of Eucharistic Adoration and Special Mariam Devotion in Elele, Rivers State to a national pilgrimage centre.

The Bishops said that the 28-year-old pilgrimage centre met all the qualifications to be made even an international pilgrimage centre.

Inaugurating the centre as a national pilgrimage centre, the representative of the Pope in Nigeria, Most Rev. Augustine Kasuija, who delivered the Pope’s message, said the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria approved the centre having been satisfied with the Eucharistic activities of the ministry.

The pilgrimage centre of Eucharistic adoration and devotion, Elele was founded in 1984 by Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh, to care for personal needs of millions of people, especially the sick and suffering people.

In his homily during the high mass to mark the occasion, which was attended

by Catholic Ambassador to Nigeria, joined with many ecclesiastical dignitaries, His Grace, Rt. Rev. Joseph Ukpo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Calabar, said the centre is known for providing millions of the faithful the opportunity to always interact with God through the Eucharist and perpetual adoration.

Commanding Fr. Edeh for this spectacular achievement, Rt. Rev. Ukpo described the first national pilgrimage centre in Nigeria and Africa as ideal and urged Christians to fully embrace the activities of the centre.

Sunday Mirror/Babcock University Bible Quiz:

Winners of December 9, 2012

•Iorpev Oryina (08069812933) •08159673178 • 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 No one ever became a success in life until people talk about him.

Pastor Bamidele 33

24

A

Praise & Worship

part from the physical eyes, there is an unseen person living in the true believers who bears the third eye. HE IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. A Christian who is without the awareness and consciousness of the presence of the unseen person cannot see beyond his physical existence. The bible says; but God hath revealeth them unto us by His Spirit: For the spirit searcheth all things, yea, and the deep things of God. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; That we might know the things that is freely given to us by God. 1 Cor. 2:10-12. Biological science has proved that it takes an eye to search, and the above scripture says; “the spirit searcheth all things” which means that He provides you with the third eye to know what is happening in the unseen world.

THE HOLY SPIRIT in you searches the present and future, knows the present and future and reveals the present and future to those who are conscious of His presence in their lives. My people, the world is so deep and corrupt you need a third eye to survive. Sometimes you may say, “How can I have a third eye? “ Through the HOLY SPIRIT. When the HOLY SPIRIT is in you, He will reveal to you the present and the future. But be vigilant about which spirit you are controlled by, for we have the HOLY SPIRIT and the evil spirit. There was a time in my life that I was overwhelmed with problems, a friend advised me that the only way out was to get a third eye, and promised to take me to his cult, but God delivered me through my wife. When I told her, she shouted at me and asked “Do you have any child to offer?” (It’s good to share your problems with your wife, because if I didn’t, I don’t know how my life will be today). During that time I was not studying my bible well.

After studying deep into the bible, I now know the third eye is the HOLY SPIRIT according to 1 Cor. 2:10-12 as we read earlier.

I know and see things in the deep and in the dark and in addition I have a master key to set my children free from all forms of difficulties of life, wherever the wicked one captures my children to the spiritual world, I go in and deliver them in the SEA:- in my vision, I went into the sea with the angel of God into another world (you know how they dry fish, putting it on a wire, the fire steaming it from under, and the water and oil from the fish dripping down) that is how I saw fishes been roasted on the fire seeing it with a third eye I knew it was not fish but human, moving towards it, the unseen demons that were around seeing me, pumped in more fuel to increase the fire but with the breath of my mouth, I quenched the fire and set the people free. Now you see some women having internal heat even some men with watery sperm, all these resulting to barrenness, and I want you to also know there is spiritual AIDS (HIV), where someone will be tested positive, day by day the victim continues to grow lean and totally dries up, some financial dryness, the victim’s pocket is always dry, all these are caused by spiritual dryness. In the TREE:- In my vision I saw a tree with a mighty door, I wondered if a tree had a door, as I walked towards it with the master key in my hand to open, I saw people wondering about, they said to me, “so you had the key all this while and you allowed us to suffer this long?”

I opened the door and they were all set free. Sometimes you travel home, on coming back you come with bad luck because your souls have been captured

Sunday December 16, 2012

Holy Spirit as the third eye The General Overseer of The Rock of Salvation Church Ministries, Iju, Lagos State, Apostle Utibe-Abasi Emmanuel, in this exhortation, describes the Holy Spirit as a third eye that sees beyond the ordinary. Excerpts:

Apostle Utibe-Abasi

to the tree or shrines in your village square where your father’s pour libation to, you start suffering, nothing works out in your life again, more disappointment, backwardness, sometimes you work and have money but you don’t know how you spend it, everything just disappears, failures, dry hand, bad luck overwhelms you, the enemies have done this, don’t ever think it’s normal. Some of you looking into your families, you are all of age and no one amongst you is on a good position; your daughters not married and your sons all wanting, no progress in the family, the enemies have done this. Matthew 10:36 says; “And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”When you say enemy they are not people you do not know, they are not far away, they are very near to you.

THEIR MEETING PLACES:- Their meeting places have become my playground because I have a third eye. In the FOREST, under the GROUND, SPIRITUAL PRISON:- In my vision, some policemen brought my in-law whom they arrested into my compound, they came in a very big van, when I saw people that had been dead for many years, but their souls were still in bondage, I commanded them to be released and they were free. Whatever my children are being transformed into, I see and I deliver them. In my vision, when I was yet to receive Christ, I was transformed into a goat and I was shouting “I’m human, someone please help me!” And I woke up. When I came to Christ and received the third eye, since I’ve already know the manipulating device of the enemies transforming people into animal using them for food. Whenever I see people in these forms I set them

free because I know they are humans.

The only way you can live above them is in Matthew 17:21, it says “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. The bible says you can never overcome them except by prayer and fasting, I have heard of whit fasting, I don’t really know what that means. I’m talking about serious fasting, that will awaken your soul from slumber and give it power to fight for freedom. Mark 8:1-3 states; “In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and saith unto them. I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way, for diverse of them come from afar.”

The people fasted 3 days without water or fruit, that is the type of fasting you require and prayer, so that when your minister lays hands on you, you receive deliverance. All this achievements are based on me having the third eye. Isaiah 45:3 states; “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am God of Israel.”

God has given me the treasures of darkness to tread upon serpent and scorpions and all the power of the enemy, I’m not afraid of the devil but instead the devil is afraid of me. Howbeit, when He the spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth, for he shall not speak of Himself but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come. John 16:13. He can see the present and the future and reveals the

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

unseen to us. The quest for the third eye has led many to secret societies which when they realize the doom of their involvement, will want to withdraw, but cannot, and they are consequently thrown into a dilemma. There are so many places today that are operating by the spirit of the world (the devil) for example, they will tell you all your problems but no solution, some will tell you your mother, father or one of your family member is a witch that can never be the spirit of God, for the spirit of God is gentle. In Galatians 5:22 states; “but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, logsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”

Having a third eye is an individual choice; it does not depend on a church or minister. The world is so wicked for a person to be without a third eye, for the bible says in Prov. 29:18A; “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Acts 2:40 says; “And with many other words did He testify and exhort saying, save yourself from this untoward generation.”

The bible says save yourself from this wicked generation. If you don’t have a vision of your life, how do you think you can succeed in this generation that is full of wickedness and tribulations? Your enemies don’t rest from seeking your destruction, so why do you rest? Why so reluctant to know more about your God and His special gift in your life? By the time you become conscious of these unseen person in your life by studying your bible day and night, you will no more be afraid of your enemies, but instead they will be afraid of you even calling you witch, because before they will even try anything you will see and disarm them.

My fellow Christians, you need a third eye to see how great God’s love is in your lives. Gehazi , the servant of Elisha needed a third eye. The bible says: And one of the servants said, None, my lord O king, but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that speaketh in thy bed chamber. And he said, go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses and chariots, and a great host; and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city, both with horses and chariots. AND HIS SERVANT SAID UNTO HIM, ALAS, MY MASTER! HOW SHALL WE DO? And he answered, fear not; for they that be are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man. And he saw and behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

II Kings 6: 12-17.

Gehazi waking very early saw the Syrian army and was afraid. He feared because he was not conscious of the third eye to comprehend the supernatural protection of God to believers. Consequently, he shouted, master, how shall we do?

Then Elisha told him, fear not: And he prayed that God should open his eyes.

And immediately his eyes were opened, then he saw the heavenly warriors with horses and chariots of fire round about them, which he did not see before.

In Christendom today, there are many Gehazi, who due to lack of spiritual awareness cannot see the wall of protection around them and are living in fears.

You need a third eye. Don’t be like Gehazi. It is from God and not from witchcraft.

•For enquiries, call 08037187775

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

Sunday, December 16, 2012

25

In Catholic’s MOD, it’s discipline and spirituality –Rev Monsignor Erinle P

riest of St Charles Catholic Church, Olodi-Apapa Lagos, Rev Monsignor Anthony Erinle, has stated that the paramilitary arm of the Catholic Church Nigeria, Man of Order and Discipline (MOD) has made such a meaningful impact on the Catholic Church that it cannot be ignored. He was speaking at the launch and fund-raising ceremony of the Lagos branch of the group. The event was held at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Surulere, Lagos and was attended by members of the command from all over the country.

Erinle, who is also the Chaplain of the movement, stated that the movement has been able to unite the youths: “Most of our youths some who are traders have found an avenue to come together and develop their spirituality in this movement. That spirituality has made them grow into a better relationship with God, and one another. For example, a youth in Surulere, is able to know his or her counterpart in Agege and develop a healthy relationship. On the physical aspect, discipline is instilled in them and they are also able to have a sense of service to God. He also stated that the church has come to become very dependent on the services provided by the MOD: “The impact of our movement is being seriously felt in the church today. That also means that if there are celebrations, parishes and archdioceses, if we don’t have MOD there, it will not be complete.”

The opening mass, which started at 11 am, was administered by Reverend Father Matthew Ogunyakin, who was dressed in a white and green cassock bearing a logo with the paraphernalia of MOD clearly crested on it, giving him a commanding presence of order and discipline. The priest, who is also the Director of Training and Recruitment of the group, stated the mass was to dedicate the event to God, and thank him for a successful year.

On the benefits of the Church from MOD, he said that MOD has been able to fill the gap created by the unfortunate disconnect between the family and right thoughts, speech and deed: “The formation of the human body consists of the body, mind and soul. The family gives birth to the society, what is the quality of people coming from the society? There are no family values. Schools are broken down and we are getting half-baked graduates. The only thing that seem to be standing is the church.”

“The church must go beyond preaching the gospel, beyond giving people spiritual food, and look at that aspect of order and discipline. The values that make us who we are have been relegated to the background, and that is where the recipe, as MOD comes in. MOD represents order and discipline, and if you are able to inculcate that into an individual, and he or she is able to regulate his passion, desires and channel them positively towards human development, then that individual will make a difference in the chaos around us. That is the impact of the MOD in the church today.”

Bible readings were followed by the event proper, with the commandant doing a military drill, before the church band also performed to the admiration of the public present.

Speaking to Sunday Mirror at the venue, Captain Callista Nwankwo, National

MOD members receiving Holy Communion

Major Abah

Rev Erinle

Administrative Secretary, MOD Nigeria stated that the order is about discipline, physical training, guarding the blessed sacrament and keeping order.

“We intend to obtain security equipment and fight terrorism. Money is the engine of the church, and without this money, we cannot move forward. This is my 12th year in MOD, and we have made a lot of impact on the church, but we need to go beyond the ordinary, usual security methods, and that is where this launching comes in.”

The Lagos Commanding officer, Lt Anthony Uche Ezeokoye told Sunday Mir-

Rev Ogunyakin

ror that the launch was meant to obtain a land and build a permanent secretariat, equip it and get patrol vans, along with security gadgets.

Major Paul Mary Abah, who spoke to Sunday Mirror also posited that the issue of security has become a great challenge which the police and army alone cannot tackle. He stated that the fund-raising ceremony is expected to boost the performance of MOD: “Security men have to be funded, they have to be promoted.

Every individual, including community leaders are making their own contributions, and they have to be evaluated. I

Lt Ezeokoye

Captain Nwankwo

believe that every security individual who knows what security is all about will have to contribute, and be properly remunerated. And I am sure by God’s grace, we will get there. Except the Lord buildeth a house, the builders build in vain; the Lord who is our strength will definitely do it.”

Man of Order is a paramilitary outfit of the Catholic Church founded by the late Very Rev Monsignor O.P. Achebe.

Fashioned after the military, its goals are based on physical and spiritual development of the youths, with emphasis on physical training and strict discipline.

26

Praise & Worship

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

It’s time for divine visitation, says Pastor Okereke In this exhortation, General Overseer of Global Success Ministry, Pastor (Dr.) Chima Okereke, says that once there is divine visitation in the life of a believer, the impossible shall become possible and that, this is the time to receive that visitation. Excerpts

G

enesis 21:1-3 states, “And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac”. This story is very wonderful. It reminds me of a woman who had been barren for 26 years before she came to Global Success Ministry and after praying for her, the Lord told me to tell her that she will conceive before three months and it came to pass; she had since delivered a bouncing baby girl.

The story in Genesis chapter 21 is impossible with man but in Matthew 19:26 Jesus said that which is impossible with men is possible with God. From this story we read, it is clear that when there is divine visitation, the impossible shall become possible, so I pray for you that in the mighty name of Jesus Christ because of today’s divine visitation in your life; impossibilities in all that areas of your life shall become possible. There are several examples of divine visitation but we shall be looking at very few because of space and time. Exodus 3:7-8, the Lord said to Moses that He had seen all the children of Israel were going through and that He had come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians. In the Name of Jesus all Egyptians assigned against your joy this December shall be swallowed in the spiritual Red Sea of the Lord in Jesus’ Name. As God visited Israel because He said I have come down to deliver and He ensured that; Exodus 14:28 proved that Pharaoh and all the host of Egypt died in the Red Sea; That Pharaoh in your business, career or family shall be drowned in Jesus’ Name. Just have it in your mind that God is the Ancient of days; what he did yesterday, he can do it now and even do more. There is someone now, saying, where will my help come from this December to settle my financial Obligations; I want to announce to you that the Lord Dr Okereke who opened ways in the midst of the Sea is about name. There is something very clear about divine Visito visit you after reading this column and you shall celtation; that is before Divine Visitation, there must be an ebrate in Jesus’ Name. announcement and this message you are reading now Divine visitation signifies change of situation. Once is your own announcement; receive divine visitation you have Divine Visitation; you will experience change in Jesus’ Name. Let us see more examples in the word of situation for the better, no matter what you are passof God on divine visitation. Judges 6:11-13 “And there ing through now; that situation must change for the came an Angel of the LORD, and sat under an Oak better in Jesus’ Name. in Joshua 4:14: the Bible said on which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the Israel and they feared him as they feared Moses all the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. And the andays of his life. This is good. Divine visitation; somegel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, thing that made the people feared him all the days of The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour”. his life. I prophesy to your family that everybody chalBefore this visitation, Israel was greatly impoverished lenging you shall experience something that will make due to the attack of the Midianites; Judges 6:1-2 and them fear your family all the days of your life in Jesus’ verse 6 “And the children of Israel did Evil in the sight

of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds”. In verse 6 “And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD”. This is what warranted the divine visitation to Gideon, to change the situation of the Israelites. I pray that all Midianites that had arisen against you be destroyed in Jesus’ Name. The good thing about divine visitation is that it marks the end of sorrow. Challenges that had been for many years will just end.

In John 5:1-8; the man who had been impotent for 38years received Divine visitation. He had been waiting for the moving of the water at the pool of Bethesda; but when Jesus visited him, immediately he was made whole. I know you have tried your best to bring joy to your family, health, business, marriage and many other areas in your life; this is your season for divine visitation in the mighty name of Jesus.

How do you receive divine visitation?

Let us look at our text in Genesis 21:1-3; it is clear from this scripture that before divine visitation shall take place, there must be announcement for it first. Genesis 18:10 “And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him”. Now it is clear also that when this announcement is made; the recipient of the divine visitation shall hear it. And I am assuring you that as you read this message now, you are hearing about your own divine visitation. During the announcement, there shall be a time limit to be given and exactly that period, the visitation shall take place. I prophesy that you will begin to experience your own divine visitation before January 2013 in Jesus’ name. I want you to believe that your case is not different; God has done it for many and this is your own time. When we just started the Ministry; we were very small in number those days; about 150 to 200 people then; a woman whose womb had been removed had a new womb within 72 hours by the power of the Almighty God which was confirmed medically.

Many had been healed of different kinds of ailment businesses that are down had risen, hopeless cases turned to hopeful situations. I believe that all these miracles happened to all those who received them because it was their time for divine visitation.

This is your time. Those things you want God to do in your life before the end of this year shall be yours in Jesus’ name. We shall continue next week. I am waiting to hear your testimonies, you can send them by e-mail, text messages or you can visit us to share it with us in person.

•For enquiries, request and sharing of your testimonies with us; you can sent text massages only to the following number: 08067802407, 07038638984 and 08033599027, or send e-mail to glosfac@yahoo.com Remain Blessed and successful in Jesus’ name.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

Sunday, December 16, 2012

27

Learn to do things well –Pastor Oloruntimilehin Founder of Omnipotence Mission of God, Pastor Joshua Oloruntimilehin Daramola, counsels parents to bring up their children properly as he underscores the importance of getting things done very well. Excerpts:

I

f someone does a thing continuously and yet there is no success, then two things are possible. One, that person is probably not doing that particular thing well. The other possibility is that that endeavour is most likely not the portion of the one who had been labouring on it without success.

This is why it is imperative to draw our attention on the need for people to learn how to do things properly. They should know how to do things correctly to avoid the risk of becoming a failure.

Those who get things done the right way are the ones that succeed in life.

If someone is a singer in the church, for instance, that person must know how to sing very well no matter the pitch he or she is using. The bottom line is for the song to be melodious. If he/she does not know how to sing well he/she will be regarded as someone who knows nothing about singing well.

Similarly, an auto mechanic who is not skillful won’t get good patronage.

Definitely he may not be able to take care of his family. Some people do not learn their profession very well; all they are after is to get money. Also some people succeed in their chosen vocations because they have the idea and skill; they are honest, do not disappoint or cheat on their customers. Therefore, this kind of people will always get work to do. Some people have abandoned their work to do other things because of money and lack of in-depth knowledge of the work.

A woman, who does not know that she is a wife, will always encounter problems with her children, husband and in-laws. No matter what, she must know the duties and responsibilities of a wife and ensure they are carried out properly.

In the same vein, a man should know he is a husband. He must always exhibit

Oloruntimilehin

the qualities of a good husband and be in control of his home so that he can be obeyed and respected by his wife, children and in-laws. A good husband must prove his superiority in the house. If he borrows money from the wife, he must ensure that he refunds it to her when he has money. Let your words and deeds portray that you are a good husband. For the children, they must know their parents, obey and respect them.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 21:1821, “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his own town. They shall say to the elders, this son of ours is stubborn and rebellious.

He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard, then all the men of his town shall stone him to death…”

In the world today, no father or mother wants his or her child to be stoned to death because the child disobeyed and disrespected them. But something normally happens to such children; they do not succeed or make it in life. Therefore, a child of about 12 years old must know that he or she must obey and respect the parent.

Disobedient and rebellious child does not receive mercy and favour of God. There is no amount of training that a parent would give a child that will make the parent deserve insult from the child.

Parents need to train their children very well. Good parenting must be their concern. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Therefore, whatever you do, ensure you do it very well. The Bible says in Colossian 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart….”

Withhold nothing from God, says Pastor Bamidele One secret that attracts the Lord’s blessing into people’s lives is the ability not to withhold something from God. Pastor Lai Bamidele of Christ Glorious End-Time Evangelical Ministries explains this secret in this message. Excerpts:

W

hen God is what you have, He is what you need. The Bible analyses this in the book of Ephesians 6:5-8. Listen to me, when God is your commandant, you will always remain in His command. A man will remain in trouble in life if he did not allow God to control his life.

If you are a soldier of Christ, don’t mind public opinion; when you listen to what people are saying around you, you have nowhere to go in life. No one ever became a success in life until people talk about him. That is why anywhere I am privileged to minister, I tell people, ‘If you mind your decoration, you will lose your position’. When people don’t talk about even the life of a man it is an indication that such a man is not the successful type.

2Chronicles 32:8.

A person will remain in trouble in life when he or she refuses to let God take control of his or her destiny. You are not supposed to be concerned about opinion about you, but rather be concerned about your superior commander, and who is our Commander? “The king of kings”.

I have a philosophy in life that in everything I embark in, I choose God’s decision.

I don’t listen to men’s opinion around me.

If you listen to them they will derail you, but when you listen to God you will end up in success. Too many people ask God to guide them but they don’t allow Him to take control of the steering of their lives.

It’s just like a man driving a vehicle who had an accident and turns around to put the blame on the conductor. Is it the conductor that is driving the vehicle?

There is always a reward that is rendered in secret. People want God’s blessing but they don’t want to pay the price to God. Other books were written to give information but God’s word was given for transformation. Our hearts’ cry to God is the same as that of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

When God gave Isaiah an assignment and Isaiah said, “Here am I, send me, as the Lord needed somebody, here am I send me”. Isaiah left all to serve God. How many people that are reading my message

today are prepared to leave all in the name of God? People love God’s blessing but they don’t want to pay the price to get it.

W.H.R. Ken says Lord take my lips and speak through them, take my mind and think through it, take my heart and set it on fire.

When a man discovers the secret of God, he will go far in life. When I discover the secret of God, particularly, I learnt something from my spiritual father, God servant, Bishop David Oyedepo. He said, “I have paid a price for where I have been privileged to find myself today. I follow God with all my heart, I left all to follow Him, and he said something in one of his service that I was privileged to attend a few years ago. Bishop Oyedepo said, “When God gave me a Mercedes Benz, I was celebrating the car on my way to Maiduguri, and God said ‘My son David, do you know that I need that car you are celebrating’. I asked God, who owns the car who owns me. Is there anything in life I have that I cannot give to you? Even if I refused to give you and you take my life, someone else will ride the car. The moment I landed in Maiduguri, I got a car dealer and sold it and then deposited the money. After doing this, God said to me, ‘David my servant, even if you don’t want to be rich it is too late’.”

When I got this language, I said I need this one in my life and that has always been the thing that has been helping me all through the journey of my ministry.

I have been in ministry for a few years but to the glory of God, by privilege I give out cars to people as God leads and as he directs. I don’t see anything I have to be too big to give God. If you want to go far in life, once you have God, you will have everything. The moment you allow Him to control the steering of your destiny, you are a man that is set for distinction, success and high places. I pray somebody that is reading my message toady after this encounter will go places in life, in the name of Jesus.

•For counselling contact: pst_lai@yahoo.com, phone08074484415, 08027502864 and 08161285586

Praise & Worship

28

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our target remains 10 billion converts –Pastor Muoka As the year draws to a close, Pastor Lazarus Mouka, General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, reiterates the mission statement of the church, and looks back on 2012 with fulfillment needed to spur the church towards achieving its ultimate goal of winning 10 billion converts.

Excerpts:

M

ark 16; 15 says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”

As we, the members of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement are getting ready to celebrate our 10th anniversary, it is very important to draw the attention of the world to what has been our driving force and guiding principles. We wish to state emphatically that our threefold vision has been the essential key to our journey to meet the 10 billion souls’ mandate. The threefold vision is to cause grassroots’ revival all over the world which entails taking the gospel’s message to everyone through every medium available.

Secondly, we are to cause a revival of the Apostolic Christian experiences among the body of Christ, which entails inculcating afresh, such things as genuine salvation, sanctification, Holy Ghost baptism, fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit and etc that hitherto seemed to have disappeared in the mind of believers. Thirdly, is the revival of heaven consciousness among the body of Christ. It is evidently clear that before the emergence of this ministry, the consciousness of righteousness and holiness in the Church has gone so weak in such a way that sin was taken for granted, with many going to Church just to get the things of this world without mindful of godliness and heaven. We are by this vision to re-awaken the indispensable consciousness of heaven among the body of Christ and thus promote the consciousness of heaven at last.

All these, we have been doing since 10 years the ministry was established and shall never rest on our oars until every ground is covered.

This is in line with the great commission given by our Master Jesus Christ who says, ‘Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature’.(Mk 16: 15) This instruction entails that wherever men could be found we are to preach there; inform them about the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are to teach them the meaning and of the advantages which the children of men have, or may have from the vision cum commission. Since ten years, this commission has been the business of our lives and we have been sending these glad tidings up and down the world with all possible fidelity and care, not as an entertainment, but as a solemn message from God to men, making them be liberated from the bondages of limitation placed on them by Satan.

Since the last 10 years, we have been telling as many as we can, and bid them tell others that it is our time of visitation. We are telling the children of men that they are all in a state of misery and danger, condemned by the prince of this world, conquered and enslaved by their enemies but God has come to deliver them through the establishment of this great ministry as He did in the Bible days. We have been telling them that if they believe the gospel, and give up themselves to be Christians indeed, they shall be saved from the guilt and power of sin. We have made them to understand that a Christian is not a sinner and a sinner is not a Christian. All these were said to make them return to God so that it shall be well with them.

We have since 10 years taken this message to the market places, inside the buses and have made a loud noise, blown our trumpets and same time deployed hundreds of buses and cars to the communities and neighborhoods to accomplish this goal. We have taken the gospel to their doorsteps, putting it on their ways; making sure they do not escape it; by blowing the trumpet right against their ears.

We know this is not a bread and butter task but a serious

Muoka

affair, and God who commissioned us will finish the work.

We are not looking at the physical reality but the mansion and crown promised by the Master Himself. We embarked on this journey with all our strength, soul, spirit and body.

The same speed by which we started when we were called and chosen for this work ten years ago (2002), the same momentum and impetus has not reduced till date. We are very conscious that this world has expired and will soon come to an end paving way for a new world order under the direct supervision of Jesus Christ and the saints. We know there is another fellowship after this life. There is another world which is eternal in nature where only the Chosen people will live forever with Jesus as the King.

This is the essence of the third vision in our threefold vision which is to revive heaven consciousness in the heart of believers. We know and have demonstrated that there is another fellowship in heaven. The things of this world may be desired and possessed for the uses and purposes which God intended it for, and they are to be used by His grace, and to His glory but believers must not seek or value them for those purposes to which sin abuses them.

We are telling all ears that the more the love of the world prevails, the more the love of God decays. For ten years we have been calling the attention of the world to the implication of loving the things of the world. By virtue of our calling, we are holding fast our vision, that is, to let the world see the profanity of things of this world and be persuaded to make Jesus king of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Scripture speaks of us, ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light’ (1 Pt 2: 9). We are the people that are distinct from the world by our God, the God of Chosen: we are imparted with a godly Spirit, principle and practice; which we could never be, if we were not chosen in Christ to be such, and sanctified by His Spirit. We were called out of darkness into a state of joy, pleasure, all round blessing and prosperity; it behooves therefore that we should show forth the praises of the Lord by our good conduct. We are peculiar people in covenant with God, purchased by the blood of Christ to show forth the virtues by publishing and proclaiming the

wisdom, power, goodness, mercy, righteousness and truth of God, who had called us out of the darkness of sin, ignorance, and misery, into the marvelous light of knowledge, faith, holiness, dominion and comfort.

But vain efforts have been made by some people to rubbish this truth.

Many are not comfortable with the truth we are preaching. Many have tried to show how far they may be carnally-minded, and love the world; but the plain truth is like an indelible mark, it cannot be erased. The persecutions we are facing now are same as experienced by the Chosen of old. Acts 4: 14- 18 says, “And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” We have here the issue of the trial of Peter and John before the council. These two Apostles were ordered to withdraw from the council, so that the council would confer within themselves how to stop the gospel. Their intention was to see if they would hide their counsels from the Lord. The question they proposed was, ‘what shall we do to these men? But if they would have yielded to the convincing commanding power of truth, it would have been easy to say what they should do to these men was to place them at the head of their council, and received their doctrine, and be baptized by them in the name of the Lord Jesus, and joined in fellowship with them. But, when men will not be persuaded to do what they should do, it is no marvel that they are ever at a loss on what to do.

In the present dispensation, the concurrent issue in Nigeria evangelism today is what will be done about The Lord’s Chosen and by extension the vision, mission and mandate of the Founder, Pastor Lazarus Muoka. The present-day cabals are asking and planning how to stop the revival whipped up by the radical evangelism approach the church has adopted to actualize this vision and 10 billion soul mandate. Of course, the ministry is characterized by signs and wonders is an evident that the Almighty God in whose precious name the miracles are done is in agreement with the vision. The gate of hell shall not prevail because the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. The emergence of The Lord’s Chosen has brought succour to many homes going by the testimonies of people from all over the world. And the testimonies speak volume for the vision. Therefore no amount of intimidation can stop the work of God from progressing. People should understand that there is not a greater service done to the devil’s kingdom than the silencing of faithful ministers.

In the case of Peter and John, the people were convinced of the truth of the miracle; it was a notable miracle, it was known that they did it in Christ’s name. This was a known instance of the power of Christ, and a proof of His doctrine. That it was a great miracle, and wrought for the confirmation of the doctrine they preached (for it was a sign), was manifest to all that dwelt in Jerusalem and they themselves, with all the craftiness and all the effrontery they had, could not deny it to be a true miracle; everybody would have hooted at them if they had. They could easily deny it to their own consciences, but not to the world. The proofs of the gospel are undeniable. Diverse miracles take place on daily basis in The Lord’s Chosen and many are yet to acknowledge the finger of God in our ministry.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Wonders of the New Creation, by Pastor Adeboye A notable miracle on Sunday, December 9, 2012, was reported to have set the just concluded annual Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) rolling.

According to the story, “while Daddy G.O. (Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye) was reviewing the music presentation with the Choir, he prayed and a lame man touched where he was standing and received his healing immediately”. However, the week-long international and interdenominational spiritual revival opened on Monday, December 10, with a sermon: “Wonders of the New Creation”, and ended yesterday at the Redemption Camp at Mowe, Ogun State. Richard Eghaghe brings you the excerpts:

Pastor Adeboye

2Chorithians 2Ch ithi 55:17, 17 th therefore f if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.

Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. In the name that is above every other name, before tomorrow morning, you will sing a new song.

Tonight I have been asked to speak on the signs and wonders of the new creation.

You see, God is a builder, Psalm 127:1 says except the Lord builds a house, they labour in vain that build it. Going through the scripture, we discover he builds hous-

es. E Exodus the d 1:21 1 21 says because b th midwife id if fears God, He build houses for them. Of course, he builds churches. In Matthew 16:18, he said upon this rock I will build my church. He is a builder of churches.

And then He builds cities. Hebrews 11:10 tells us that Abraham and co were looking for a city whose maker and builder is God. But more importantly, He is a builder of people. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says we are God’s buildings. He is a builder of people.

Secondly, He doesn’t just build, He is an

Praise & Worship architect also. Hebrews 11:10 says they were looking for a city whose maker and builder is God. The maker there stands for architect, planner. They were looking for a city whose planner, architect and builder is God. God doesn’t build randomly. He builds according to plan. Before you came into the world at all, He had a plan for your life. You are not in this world by accident. Before the foundations of the world, God had a plan concerning you. He told Jeremiah, in the book of Jeremiah 1:4 and 5, ‘…before I formed thee, I knew thee.

Before I began to put you together, I had already gotten a plan concerning you’. He said ‘when you were still in your mother’s womb, I had already settled your case’.

So God has a plan concerning everybody here today. You know what, it is a good plan. In Jeremiah 9:11, he said I know the thought that I think towards you; thought of good, not of evil. God has a beautiful plan for your life. I have come to tell you tonight that whether the devil likes it or not, that beautiful plan of God for your life shall be fulfilled.

When we came into the world, we got that beautiful plan, somewhere along the line, something tempered with the plan.

Sin came in and the plan became distorted. But God being God, the Almighty, the sovereign God, a good God; loving God has decided in his infinite wisdom that irrespective of what the enemy has done to you, he will restore. He has made up His mind he will rebuild. When you read Jeremiah 18:1-4, you will see an example there.

It says a porter wanted to form a vessel.

He had a plan in mind, he started forming the vessel, somewhere along the line, the vessel got mad in his hand and he said alright, I will start all over again. I have good news for someone here today: that your destiny that has been distorted is going to be fully restored during this congress. I give you one example quickly: take a man called Saul of Tarsus.

In Galatians 1:15, he says: While I was still in my mother’s womb, God has separated me to Himself. From the womb, God has already separated him to Himself. But the same Saul was chairman when they were stoning Stephen to death. He was as far removed from the original plan as anybody could be.

But one day, on the way to Damascus, the Almighty God said enough is enough for the devil and began to rebuild what the enemy had spoilt. In the name of the one who made heaven and earth, today I say to someone here, concerning the works of the devil in your life or your lives, enough is enough.

It was when Saul experienced this dramatic change from the chief of sinners which is what he called himself to someone who ended up becoming a chief apostle that he wrote for us, 2 Chorithians 5:17 (therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. In the name of the Almighty God, from today onward, every aspect of your life will become new in Jesus’ name.

Suddenly, when you come in contact with Jesus Christ and you surrender your life to Him, and you become a new creature, wonders begin. I will mention some of the wonders that are supposed to follow your new birth.

•It doesn’t matter how your past record had been, the moment you surrender to Jesus Christ, the old record is wiped clean. 1 John 1:7 says, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses all sins. That is why in 2 Chorithians 7:2, Paul was able to say, I wronged no man. In other words, he was saying that anybody who wants to still refer to me as Saul the murderer, Saul the

29

anti-Christ, you are wasting your time. I stand before God, boldly, to say, I wronged no man. Tonight, you are going to tell the devil, if you are still thinking you are going to use my past to torment my future, you have lost the battle. The moment you become a new creature, the original plan of God for your life begins to unfold. For example, when God created you, his intention was that you will never be sick. He says I am the Lord that healeth thee. Ask the scientists, the doctors, they will tell you the way God created the human body.

We are not supposed to die because if your body is injured in any way or you have a cut and you begin to bleed, without wasting any time, there are certain things in your body that will begin to work quickly.

The blood will begin to clot. Ask your doctors all kinds of things inside you that are supposed to fight germs.

They will rush to the area and begin their work of mending the place that has been destroyed. God created you so that you will never die. He created you so that you will be healthy throughout your life.

It was sin that brought in the problem but the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:24, that the moment your sins are forgiven, you can claim your health back. There is somebody here today, I am rejoicing with you.

Before you walk out of here, your healing will be completed.

The original plan of God concerning you is that you will be fruitful in every area of life. Read it in Genesis 1:28, the Bible says God blessed them and said: be fruitful and multiply. That is the original plan. You are to be fruitful; you are to multiply. The moment you give your life to Jesus Christ, and become connected to Him, you see John 15:5 jumping into action. It said: you abide in me, my word abide in you, you will bring forth multi fruit. In the name that is above every other name, I am decreeing today that you will not know failure again.

His original plan for you is to have dominion. In the same Genesis 1:28, he says be fruitful, multiply and have dominion.

You are to be in charge, to be in control, you are not supposed to be under. You are supposed to be above the moment you become connected with Him, your dominion will be restored. You become someone who can be in control. You will no longer be someone who will be running from demons. Demons will now begin to run from you because he says signs will begin to follow you as you believe. When demons see you, they are supposed to run. Beginning from now on, they will begin to run.

The original plan is for you to prosper.

You are not supposed to be suffering.

When you read Deuteronomy 28:1-14, you will see all the plans God had for you originally. You are to be head and not to be tail, you are to be above and not to be beneath, the blessings are supposed to be pursuing you.

You are not the one to be pursuing blessing. You are the one who will be saying to God that these blessings are too many.

That was the original plan. The wonders of the new creation are just like Jesus Christ said in John 10:10: ‘I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly’. That is the restoration of the old plan. One of the wonders of the new creature is that all of a sudden, you find yourself in a new family life.

You find yourself with new blood line, new genotype because in John 1:11 and 12, He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: from the moment you become a new creature, you have a new blood line: blood line of God Himself.

30

Praise & Worship

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rollout of the miraculous at Kings in Christ deliverance service STORIES: TAI ANYANWU

T

he phrase ‘the blind saw, the lame walked, the deaf heard and the dumb spoke’ may have become too familiar to be regarded as news or spectacular miracles that trail ministration of diverse men of God these days.

However, the account of eight clinically blind persons and two others afflicted by ‘dumb and deaf spirit’ who received instant healings at Thursday’s deliverance service held in Kings in Christ Church, Ajao Estate Lagos recently, was no doubt a spectacle to behold.

The congregation had gathered and filled the modest auditorium of the church, as usual. And songs of praise rose to a crescendo, perceptibly to usher in the majesty of God. At the minister’s corner, Pastor Chidi Anthony, General Overseer of the church, danced and sang passionately while the songs, ‘You are the Lord that healeth me …You are the Lord my healer …You sent your word and you healed my disease…

You are the Lord my healer…’ permeated the entire church.

Stepping on the altar, he said with a piercing voice, “Bow down your heads and shout ‘Oh! Lord my God, any curse working against my life, I destroy in the name of Jesus.’

“Stand on your feet, raise your hands; and he declared, ‘Whatever brought you here, I release solution to that problem.

Mercy shall follow you.”

Opening the Bible, the man of God read from Exodus 15: 26, “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

After a conscious attempt to get the people to grab and have faith in the scrip-

tural verse, Pastor Chidi switched on to deliverance mode. Miracle galore trailed his prophetic utterances during the service.

But the amazing thing is how apt people with afflictions are fetched out of the huge congregation. Equally stunning is how demonic agents and people who possess dark powers were disgraced publicly.

Perhaps, one way people with demonic powers should avoid being disgraced publicly is to stay clear of Pastor Chidi’s church, which has come to be known as a place of zero tolerance for demons.

But this 60-year-old blind woman simply identified as Cecilia who needed deliverance was not so lucky. Before she got her deliverance at the event, her previous evil acts had to be laid bare, before the congregation.

Pastor Chidi had spotted her under anointing, and asked; “Who brought this woman here? Another woman who stood beside her said that she was the one.

“It was the sins of this woman that made her blind,” he told the church.

Turning to the other woman that brought her for deliverance, the man of God said, “Her name is Cecilia and you are Rita, her first daughter. And your mother has five children. Yes. Your mother is evil and you know it. Yes. She has killed and killed and killed. I know, she replied. It was her last evil mission that got her blind. She is 60 years right? “Have you asked why your elder brother died mysteriously? Though she has repented of her evil, she has carried this blindness for many years and you people have been going from place to place in search of solution. The other woman appeared baffled as the revelations were made.

And the pastor brightened up saying, “I can hear God saying I will have mercy on her. God is telling me that she will see.”

The pastor requested for anointing oil and bottled water; he anointed Ma Cecilia’s eyes and washed her face with the water. Instantly, she started jumping

Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Chidi Anthony

up, rejoicing that she could see again and praising God for the healing.

At the same deliverance service, 38-yearold David Johnson not only regained his sight, he got N40, 000 from the congregation members who were eager to help the young man rent an apartment for his displaced family.

Johnson, who was brought by his young wife, went blind nine months after he got married. Owing to hardship, he was unable to pay their house rent, and their landlord had to eject the young couple.

With nobody to assist them, the traumatised wife traced her way to King in Christ Church for solution, Sunday Mirror reliably gathered. On that first visit, Pastor

Chidi asked, “Who brought this man? He is your husband? Have you asked yourself why your husband went blind? Do you want to know why he went blind? Your husband is David Johnson. He is 38 years and you are 33 years. You were married just for nine months and your husband went blind. Your father-in-law married two wives and your husband’s mother and the other wife are like cat and dog. It is that other wife that blinded your husband. God is telling me that here and now, your husband will see again.”

The Pastor anointed Johnson’s eyes and washed his face. The young man shouted ‘I can see!’ Clearly surprised, he slowly went on his knees, thanking God for the miracle.

You carry special anointing, women told

T

he annual thanksgiving of the dynamic women of Kings in Christ Church wound up recently with a reminder to the women that they are actually a special blessing to their husbands.

The assurance came from a visiting female minister, Rev. Kennedy Ogu during her ministration. Reading from the Book of Psalm 23, she said, “I want you to discover something in this scripture. This scripture is very important to what we want to do here today.”

She likened women as a table full of goodies such as children, exquisite houses, choice cars, promotion, honour; but said they were faced with a sea of enemies.

The enemies, she explained, would do anything to hinder the woman from having access to the goodies of life.

“What is that table that God has prepared? You are the table; and for every man that God prepares, there is anointing. That anointing will speak for you in the name of

Jesus,” she declared.

However, she reminded the women to be of good cheers because according to her, “No matter the problem that surrounds your glory today, God has anointed your head for victory.”

“When you are anointed you will win your battles. You will overcome. Every battle you are going through because of the honour, today you will overcome, and your victory is sure in the name of Jesus.

The minister explained that God has called the women just as He called Abraham, adding, “Every force and power that will raise its ugly head to curse you and your finance will be cursed.

“You carry favour; there is anointing that attracts favour and goodness. There is anointing in you that attracts honour, from today that anointing will speak out, in the name of Jesus.”

She buttressed the preaching with Psalm

Dynamic Women of King in Christ Church

23:10: “You are fair to be looked upon, pointing out that like Sarah was to Abraham, women are indeed a very expensive anoint-

ing prepared by God to bless their husbands, especially when they are godly women, like Sarah.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

Sunday, December 16, 2012

31

Prophetic prayer acts help in times of trouble –Prophet Adewunmi Prophetic Prayer Acts are prayer systems that are very common and prominent among the African instituted churches especially those described as white garment churches. These prayer systems are open to abuses of various dimensions and have allowed cultic, magic and other demonic practices to masquerade in the church as prayers.

Documented, ritualistic operations are passed from leaders to followers and these become prescriptions to tackle various spiritual sicknesses. Visits to junctions, rivers, markets and other places where spiritual power are supposed to be concentrated, are very common features in the prophetic acts. As a prophet, I have been moved on several occasions to perform acts that resulted in spiritual victories.

There were also occasions where I failed to do as I was instructed and the repercussion was failure and disgrace.

House of Prayer General Overseer, Prophet Segun Adewunmi, explains that a ‘prophetic prayer act’ is the authentic solution to spiritual problems, when applied according to the directive from God. Excerpts:

An example

In one of our services, God instructed me to request the members to get palm leaves and spread them on the roof of the church and bring them down at exactly 10.30am the following Sunday and burn them. Even though it did not really make sense to me, I delivered the message and a member who had a pick-up van volunteered to do it the following Monday. I travelled out of town that day and by the time I came on Thursday, the brother had not brought the palm leaves. I reckoned that even if we got them, it would not be dry enough for burning on Sunday. So I postponed the burning to the following week.

On Sunday, some street boys went to the bush behind the church and ‘stirred the hornet’s nest.’ The bees pursued them to our children’s church. The children ran to the adult church and confusion followed.

Worshippers ran in different directions and into the surrounding houses until the attack subsided.

The fact is that if we had burnt the dry palm leaves at 10.30am as instructed, the bees would not have come because of the fire and we probably would not have known our reason for the act.

Prophetic Act is a demonstrative prayer that is based on the word of God contained in Matt 18:18, “Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The book of the Acts of Apostles is an indication that the apostles did not only speak but also acted. At a time Moses was asked to make a bronze image of the serpent and that whosoever was bitten by serpent who beseeched the image would live.

Just like the abuse of prophetic Acts today the children of Israel turned the image to serpent of a god until Josiah destroyed it. Prophetic act is for an occasion and unless the instruction is repeated the act is not to be performed again. Due to a very deep misunderstanding helped by the abuse to which the acts are subjected, there is a deep suspicion among believers that confused prophetic Acts with occult practices.

The fact is that prayer is not only about prophetic utterances but also about Acts.

It was a pleasant surprise to me when I got a book written by a world renowned professor of prayer. C. Peter Wagher titled

Adewunmi

‘Praying with power.’

This book was commended and recommended by many world respected Pastors including Yoggi Cho of South Korea. An extract from the book quotes Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick as follows, “Prophetic actions are common place in scripture. People of every generation of faith utilized gesture and demonstrative action. God rolled back the red sea and then He put a rod in Moses hand as a bridge to heaven’s power. They then remind us of Joshua taking Jericho by marching around the city seven times, and they comment.”

The parade was not designed to be a war dance to intimidate enemies or psych up the warriors. The marches, the shouts, the trumpets were in fact demonstrative prayers, enacted statement of faith.

Nehemiah was facing a serious rash of usury among his people. He had made them promise to return goods to their victims that they should never have taken.

Then he said, “I shook out the fold of my garment and said, “so may God shake out each man from his house, and from his property, who does not perform this prom-

ise” (Neh.5:13).

Kjeli Sjoberg, the head of the spiritual warfare network in Sweden, was on a prayer journey to Budapest, Hungary, when God led him to review Nehemiah’s prophetic act. They had already discerned that the territorial spirit opposing the kingdom of God was a spirit of Slavery.

Here is how Sjoberg tells it; “When we came against the spirit of slavery and proclaimed freedom in Budapest we all stood and shook our jackets and clothes as a prophetic act. May the Lord shake up those who do not release their brothers, just as we are shaking our jackets! We shook them violently under the power of the Holy Spirit! Once again, that word “Violence” surfaces.

Dutch sheets give us an excellent definition of a prophetic act. “Prophetic action or declaration is something said or done in the natural realm at the direction of God that prepares the way for Him to move in the spiritual realm, which then consequently effect change in the natural realm “He then rephrases it: God says to do or say something, we obey. Our words or actions impact the heavenly realm, which

then impacts the natural realm”.

The water in Jericho was bad. Elisha had just received the prophetic mantle from Elijah; undoubtedly the elders of Jericho had certain doubts about whether Elisha could fill the shoes of Elijah. So they came to him with the problem of the bad water. Elisha sensed that the time had arrived for a public prophetic act. He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it” (II King 2:20). When they did, Elisha went to the source of the water and threw the salt into it. He said to the elders, “Thus says the Lord. “I have healed this water, from it there shall be no more death or barrenness” (verse 21). That is exactly what happened and Jericho’s water was fine after that.

Lars-Goran Gustation of Sweden was living with his family in a large home shared by other Christian families. One morning they turned on the faucet and the water came out dark and had a terrible odor. City officials came to inspect it and condemned the water, shutting off the water main between the well and the house.

The families had no idea what to do.

That evening two of the residents of the house went to the church, and the pastor read 2 King 2:19-22. They looked at each other and were amazed to find that each of them, independent of the other, had read exactly the same passage in their devotion that very morning, they concluded they must be hearing from God So they gathered the group living in the house, read the 2 King scripture and then asked themselves if they had enough nerve to try to do what Elisha did. It was not easy because this was back in the 1980s when few people were talking about bold prayers and prophetic acts. They prayed and asked each other if they could have faith equal to that of Elisha. One of them said, ‘faith is to act on the word of God and do what it says. So let’s go over the passage again. First, the prophet asked for a new bowl”.

It so happened that one of the women had just received a gift of two new bowls, so they put salt in one of them, formed a circle around the well in the house in the backyard, prayed and threw the salt into the well. When they went back to the house, the water came out of the faucet crystal clear. After four days of testing, the puzzled city officials presented a document to them, which said they now had the best water in the community.

Conclusion

We know every good thing has its counterfeit. It may interest believers to know that those in the occults fast more than the Christians. Does that make fasting demonic or cultic? God is the maker of both animate and inanimate objects. He can also use any of them as He desires. The 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah on one side and Elijah the prophet on the other practiced with the same bullock on the same Altar. The different between them was their invocation. While the occultists called on Baal, Elijah called on the true God. “The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;” Psalm 20:1. Prophetic Prayer Acts remain authentic ways to solve spiritual problems.

32

Praise & Worship

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Juanita Bynum spurs Revival Assembly anniversary/convention RICHARD EGHAGHE

T

he four days activities marking the 22nd anniversary and annual fire convention of the Revival Assembly kicked off on a glorious note on Friday, December 14 at the church headquarters, Revival Miracle Cathedral, Cocoa Road, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.

The highly anointed minister of God, author and international gospel crooner from the United States of America, Dr. Juanita Bynum, was on hand with the revered Church founder and General Overseer, Apostle Anslem Madubuko, to pray down Holy Ghost fire from heaven and above for wonders in the lives of the people.

As the event enters its third day today, all eyes are on the visiting and miracle working clergy, as incredible testimonies of God’s doing in the lives of participants continue to trail the anniversary and convention, holding two sessions - morning and evening, every day. There has also been report of instant miracles, transformation and salvation of souls, powerful ministration, healings, deliverances, breakthroughs, open doors, empowerments and lots more.

Chief host and General Overseer of the Revival Assembly, Apostle Madubuko, leads the various sessions just as the Higher Dimension Choir of the church takes the congregation to inspirational spiritual realm in-between ministering of the word of God and infectious prayer, praise and worship by prominent ministers of God. South Africabased gospel singer, Uche Agu, reputed as a newbreed worship leader that God is raising to bring forth revival, glory and power to the present generation, has also been wholesome in delighting participants with Chioma Jesus, and other gospel artistes in worship, evangelism and ministration in songs by fire in raising a generation of Godfearing worshippers at the event.

Most spectacular and outstanding is the spirit-filled guest minister, Dr. Bynum from the US who is reputed to be wholesome or hearty in ministering the word and provoking the Almighty for a shower of blessing, deliverance, healing, salvation, breakthroughs, fruitfulness and lots more. A highly reputed international preacher-cum-prophetess of God, miracle worker, recording gospel artiste, bestseller author, motivational and conference speaker, Bynum on arriving the country for the Anniversary/Fire Convention, her second evangelical mission to Nigeria, on Thursday told journalists during a reception at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja that Nigerians should expect nothing from her but a whole lot from God. According to her, “I was in the plane sitting and I felt the presence of the Lord and my hands just went straight up in the air and I know something is going to happen here (at the event): there is going to be something very wholesome while I am here in Nigeria. I feel it and anybody that is expecting change, I know we are preachers, God is going to change your life.

I know that there will be testimonies and miracles. We are going to meet the different sicknesses; I also know that one of the greatest diseases of human kind is mental, both emotional and spiritual. So we look forward to people getting off the wheelchairs, those that are mentally challenged, and keep moving to life. I think that my responsibility on this trip is to make sure that the cripple in mind and the cripple at heart are able to stand up and pursue their

Pastor Bynum and Apostle Madubuko

destiny. I can guarantee those people that they will be changed instantly. On what to expect at the convention from me, is nothing. But, from God, a whole lot. True to her prophecy, a whole lot is believed to have been happening at the convention. Bynum further spoke about her spiritual mission to Nigeria as ordained by God. “I have many invitations to come to Africa, even Nigeria, but I declined. After much prayers and when I met Apostle Anslem Madubuko, a very spiritual man, I met him for the first time in America during an event. I stood in front of him and I knew this was the man that I was supposed to be running to Nigeria for the second time with. His spirit is very pure and that is why I came.

Dr. Bynum, in her maiden visit to Nigeria’s was honoured with the award of Ambassador of Bayelsa State, an honour she regarded as her greatest achievement in missionary work. She visited the state during the flood saga in parts of the country and was moved to the creeks of Bayelsa where she was fired up in the spirit to donate to charity, in alleviating the sufferings of the people.

She recalled, “I went down to see the flood and my heart was so moved. We can say a lot with our music, our preaching, the people going out to buy my books and I can see the people going out to buy my music. But when you put your hands to lift up the hands of people, especially children, I can see God coming to honour you.”

Reputed to have particularly come to the aid of people to get back to life, especially with her message of redemption, transformation and empowerment, the clergy insist-

ed that she didn’t as a person come up with a message of her own to deliver to people as her messages are divinely influenced by the Holy Spirit. “When I stand up to minister, because I am not one that studies with script, for instance, the basic scriptures that I feel that God gives me and because of the anointing upon my life, I yield myself to God and let him speak what he thinks he wants to speak to His people. I am just a person, a vessel that is used by Him. I can’t say that I know for fact that God has released these words in my spirit.”

On how she feels mounting the pulpit in different forays as a woman to minister the word of God and also ‘perform’ miracles in the process, Dr Bynum fired back: “Are you trying to say that because I am a woman, there is an opposing figure which is a man.

I should not try to do this? If it is a competition, who can stand against the Lord? Nobody. When you say I am just a vessel and God is using you, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. So, your job is to stand as a vessel, because when it is God, the Bible says: He will lift up him, then every knee shall bow, every tongue confesses, which means there is no more war. And between you and I, man and woman, it’s about the movement of the Holy spirit.”

I was born 53 years ago. I gave my heart to the Lord when I was 16. I can tell you about happenings in my life before God came into my life. He transformed me and all of the changes that life has gone through is being for the Lord’s prophesy and for Him to be able to allow other people to locate me and say if Jaunita can make it from there, so can I. in the presence of God to minister World

dominated by men?

As an international empowerment lecturer, recording artiste, author, Conference host and entrepreneur, Dr. Bynum sits as President of Juanita Bynum Ministries and CEO of Juanita Bynum Enterprises, with headquarters in Waycross and Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Over the last two decades, she has become a fixture of inspiration, hope and new life and served as an inspirational example to men and women everywhere. With accomplishments including being a New York Times bestselling author, gold recording artiste, actress and television host as well as a record-breaking conference host, Dr Bynum has turned her humble beginnings into an inspirational and philanthropic movement educating, equipping and empowering people from all walks of life.

Fuelled by a passion for character building, life coaching and spiritual rejuvenation, Bynum merges spirituality with the practicality of everyday life. Her candid and revealing approach has engaged followers worldwide, provoking them to pursue a lifestyle of integrity, success and happiness. Wherever Dr. Bynum goes, she exhorts, encourages and empowers her listeners to reach their full potential in their personal, entrepreneurial and spiritual lives.

Unashamed to use her life as teaching mechanism, she has drawn thousands of men and women to her conferences and events over the last decade, often addressing crowds of 50,000-70,000 people as the keynote speaker. As one of the most notable conference hosts in America, Dr. Bynum made history as she saw over 68,000 registrants convene on the Georgia Dome in 2006 for her first Threshing Floor Conference to experience this movement. Her previous conferences in Pensacola, St. Louis and Orlando broke records drawing over 30,000 attendees and was broadcast live on major Christian networks worldwide, including Trinity Broadcasting Network, Daystar and The Word Network.

In addition, Dr. Bynum has been featured on the front cover of ESSENCE where she is annual speaker at the world renowned ESSENCE Music Festival. She frequents many leading Christian magazines such as Charisma, Ministries Today, Spirit Led Woman and many more. Dr. Bynum is one of the most sought after 21st century female speakers, teachers, lecturers and entrepreneurs.

In addition to her record-breaking accomplishments in ministry, she is also known as an entrepreneurial genius as she sits at the helm of her multi-faceted corporation, Juanita Bynum Enterprises. Through such mediums, she had released several musical projects, including certified gold record A Piece of My Passion through her own record label, now Son Flower Records, and is now slated to release her new project, The Diary of Juanita Bynum in partnership with Music World Entertainment and Mathew Knowles. Bynum has also released several bestselling literary works such as Matters of the Heart, My Spiritual Inheritance, Threshing Floor and most notably No More Sheets. She has also played roles in the ABC Family original series, Lincoln Heights, and starred in the movie, Mama, I want to sing starring Ciara, Patti LaBelle, Lynn Whitfield and many others.

In 2011, Dr Bynum is in pursuit of all of her dreams and goals including the launch of several new business entities which will include a beauty and skin care line, a clothing line, a publishing company, a magazine and several other prominent business ventures. There is no stopping the creative gift of Juanita Bynum.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship 33

Sunday, December 16, 2012

I foresee severe job cuts, violence in 2013 –Prophet Collins As Olive Mountain of Prayer and Praise Ministries celebrated its fifth thanksgiving last Sunday, in Lagos, the General Overseer, Prophet Collins Timothy, has predicted that 2013 would be violent in Lagos. He also foresaw other things, in this interview with Tai Anyanwu. Excerpts: What is happening today?

We are celebrating our 50th thanksgivings our year. So we gathered again together to glorify the name of the Lord for what he has done for us, from January to December. Every second week of December, we gather to thank him for His guidance, His protection, His divine favour; because many have passed away but God has kept us safe and blessed us.

Yes. I prophesied that there was going to be problem between Okada people and Government of Lagos State. Also, I prophesied about trouble between area boys and motorists. I talked about some prominent Nigerians that would die. I also prophesied about upsurge of armed robbery and so many others, which I cannot recall now.

And almost all of them have actually come to pass.

Specifically what has God done for the church?

Many people joined this church as applicants; now, they have good jobs. Others were squatters, today they are landlords.

I will be dedicating two houses this Saturday. An Elder, was living from hand to mouth; yet he gave his house to be used for house fellowship. He had actually worked for many years; after he retired, he was not paid his benefits. We went on prayer and fasting; today, he has accomplished things he could not in all of his work years. He has dedicated cars, house and donated the cow we are using to celebrate today. His business has increased beyond imagination.

What is the prophetic outlook in 2013?

Armed robbery will worsen. There will be large-scale joblessness; it is going to be severe. In 2009, I prophesied about Boko Haram. Then I talked about a people that would come with human body but with the heart of an animal, just like it was recorded in the book of Jeremiah; and I said they will be called Boko Haram. That was when they had not come to be. After a while, they came into view. That same year, I spoke of our late president, Musa Yar’Adua before he took ill and died. I said that I saw him being taken away on health ground and that I did not see him return alive. If you remember when I was talking to you about this year, I told you that Jonathan’s wife should be careful because I saw where she was poisoned. One of the things we are going to worry about in 2013 is Jonathan’s wife. She is a target. There is going to be a riot in Lagos State and very strong unemployment in Lagos. If job placements decrease so badly, there is going to be massive killing in the area of Apapa and Ajegunle. Governor of Osun State has to watch against attacks.

Would you like to tell us about your first open air crusade?

I have always held crusades outside, for other ministries. I am very popular in Edo State, Delta State and Abia State. Each time I minister, many people usually give their lives to God because they see the wonderful work of God. But we have just hosted our first open air crusade in Olive Mountain. The programme was wonderful, the sick became well; those who were held captive were released and very many gave their lives to Christ.

You gave some prophesy at the beginning of the year; how many of them came to pass?

What is your view on the introduction of IFRS which might involve churches being taxed for uncharitable activities?

Government should remove its eyes from taxing churches so that God will not rise against government. Once government begins to tax churches, God will be

Prophet COllins

Olive Mountain women at the Thanksgiving service

angry with government. Government tends to forget that it is government functionaries that are patronising the church which the consult from time to time. They are the ones who give pastors expensive gifts and cash, this must be understood.

But I do not expect a pastor to go on expensive jet planes. It is too expensive; there are people who are in need of them of those huge amounts invested on jets. If you are being given money for those special gifts why not use it to care for charity. Help those who need to be established in one trade or the other. That is why they are the ones causing the problems we are having in the whole world, not only in Nigeria. We need to embrace Christ so that there will be more of his word in our lives. Some of us have one leg in Christ and the other out-

side Christ. And the Bible said we cannot serve two masters; we either live one or serve the other. If we can come out to serve Christ in spirit and in truth in 2013, we will live better lives.

How did you come about the bit you said about taxing churches?

I heard briefly about it. But when I was on the mountain preparatory to this program, my spiritual eyes was opened to this.

If government goes into taxing churches they are going above their bounds. One the pastor that has been praying for the government will go back and cry unto God and God will change His mind about such official. Things will change for the politician. What I said to you is inspiration and revelation.

Primate Koya loses mum

The late Mrs Alice Koya

The mother of the Primate of First African Church Mission Incorporated, Nigeria and overseas, His Eminence, Dr. Emmanuel Olabode Koya Jr., has died.

She joined the Lord in her sleep at her residence in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday, November 12.

Sister Alice Sabi Koya, 82 years old, was born on June 15, 1930 into a devout Muslim family and was

the last of seven children of her parents. She was the only child who later gave her life to Christ about 63 years ago immediately after marriage to the late Samson Akitoye Koya, a.k.a. Olorunlogbon.

Christian wake for her comes up on Thursday December 27, at Adeola Odutola College, IjebuOde, Ogun State from 5 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted

at the First African Church Mission, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Oyingbo, Ijebu-Ode on Friday December 28, beginning at 11 a.m., while outing service comes up at the same church on Sunday December 30, during Mattin (morning service) at 10 a.m.

She is survived by six children out among whom are Omlara, Olabode, Yetunde and Folake.

34

Praise & Worship

You are from a Muslim family. When did you convert to Christianity and what has been your experience since then?

I converted to Christianity and became born again in 1991. But I backslide because of the fear of my parents. God finally called me in 2001 and I started to do His work. Today, I am grateful to God because of where I am and where He is taking me to. A lot of people have been saying a lot of negative things about my ministry. The truth is that only those God has lifted that provoke the envy of others. I have reasons to say that no power is greater than that of God. My experiences since I became born again are innumerable. Is it the countless times of fasting and prayers on the mountain that I should be talking about? There was a time I was on the mountain for three months and 24 days. By the time I finished, I went in search of water but when I came back to the mountain a goat had eaten the food I was to take. My experiences are so many that if I start to relive them now, we may not leave here today.

Is it God that really directed you to establish this ministry?

If I am the one who called myself, the ministry would not have lasted up go this time. God said if it is my wish, it will last and that if it is the wish of man, it will collapse. That’s it.

What have been the challenges of the ministry since you started?

I have encountered many challenges.

I will tell you the greatest one which generated quite a lot of public interest but which later led to showers of glory. On December 2, 2007, the first Sunday of the month, somebody gave a gift of car. But my wife and I were involved in a serious car crash on January 6, 2008, the first Sunday of that year and about a month after I was given the car. People were saying that my wife died in the crash. But by the grace of God, my wife is still alive. Recently, we solemnized our marriage. They were saying then that I used the legs of my wife for spiritual powers in aid of my ministry.

I thank God today that she is using the legs to dance for the Lord in the full glare of the public. God really prepared me for the challenges of the ministry. For three years, I was a loader at Ketu Alapere in Lagos. Later I served as a labourer and the scars of the injuries I sustained remain on my palms till today. After that, I ventured into music. People used to call me Jimmy Wonder, Ebora to nko Fuji (The spirit that sings Fuji music).

As observed, many people go to church and attend revival programmes but their lives remain the same. What do you think are the reasons for this?

A lot of factors are responsible. The problems of many people are rooted in the evil covenants in their families. The problems could also be ascribed to the moral laxity of individuals. In my father’s house during our time, if a child was born, it was forbidden to eat any food prepared with

DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

T

he Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, (CBCN) has upgraded a pilgrimage centre of Eucharistic Adoration and Special Mariam Devotion

in Elele, Rivers state to a national pilgrimage centre.

The Catholic Bishops said that the 28 years old pilgrimage centre met all the qualifications to be

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Nothing can prevent the prayer of a giver –Pastor Oyedotun Pastor astor John Oyedotun (JP) is from om a Muslim family, but he is the General Overseer of Wonder W onder Land, a church along ong Akure-Ondo road.

In this interview with Ojo jo Oyewamide, Pastor astor Oyedotun speaks peaks about various issues sues ranging from his conversion onversion from Islam to Christianity, hristianity, the challenges off his ministry, tithes and others. thers. Excerpts:

pepper and palm oil. That is one covenant.

But I broke the covenant through the power of God. I did not do such a thing for my children. That is number one.

Secondly, some people create a situation which make their prayers unanswered.

They will be moving from one church to another but their lives will not change.

The greatest problem of some people is that they don’t know how to control their tongues. Many people reveal their secret to their enemies. Can their enemies wish them well? This prevents prayers from being answered.

Thirdly, we all know that Jesus said we should give so that it shall be given to us.

If some people receive a gift of ten naira, it will be difficult for them to part with the tenth of it. Something is called the firstfruit. Not everybody pays it. Exodus

23:19 says, “The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shall bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shall not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.” That is the first thing that you achieve that year. If you are a farmer, if a bunch of plantain is what you first get from your farm, you must bring it to the house of God. It is not your own. Jeremiah 2:3 says that you should bring your first-fruit to the house of God and that whoever devours it shall offend and evil shall come upon them. But today, we have started doing away with the Old Testament and follow the New Testament.

But the New Testament in Matthew 5:17 says: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” I am not the one who said it. It was Jesus himself. Luke 6:38 says: “Give, and it shall be given unto you;

Catholics get new pilgrimage centre made even an international pilgrimage centre.

Inaugurating the centre as a national pilgrimage centre, the representative of the Pope in Nigeria, Most Rev. Augustine Kasuija who delivered the Pope’s message, said the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria approved the centre having been satisfied with the Eucharistic activities of the ministry.

The pilgrimage centre of Eucharistic of Adoration and Devotion, was founded in 1984 by Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh, to care for personal needs of millions of people, especially the sick and suffering people.

In his homily during the high mass to mark the occasion, presided over by Catholic Ambassador to Nigeria in concert with many ecclesiastical dignitar-

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and the running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Who does not give, can he receive the blessing of God? Nothing can prevent the prayers of he who gives from being answered.

Fourthly, you can observe that people have lost faith in the men of God. The reason is that there are fake pastors nowadays. God cannot answer prayers in any church headed by a pastor who is using evil spirits.

Some are of the view that churches are becoming greedy, stressing tithes and offering. What’s your reaction?

Any man of God who relies on tithes will not make it in life. Church members will not pay it fully. The payment of tithe is the law of God. We cannot change it. Let us leave everybody to reap his or her own fruit. The truth is that many people established churches because of tithe, because of hunger. Such people don’t last. The irony of it is that they will end up in the grips of hunger because what they are doing is not the wish of God. Many pastors who stress tithe, do they pay?

Should churches pay taxes to government?

That cannot happen. The country will move from bad to worse the day churches begin to pay taxes. I have been to different countries. In Britain, churches don’t pay taxes. That is why churches founded by Nigerians are many in London. Pastor Matthew Asimolowo has a very big church in London. It is prayers that sustain a nation; it is not the power of anybody. If God had considered our sins, Nigeria would have collapsed. I think why the issue of paying taxes came up is because of the high number of fake pastors. We don’t know those who were really called by God. The quest for money is the major issue in the Christendom. That is why government is considering collecting taxes from churches. They tried it during the time of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. But they reversed it. Since church members pay taxes, I don’t think it is proper for churches to also pay taxes.

Should women head churches?

Since it was Mariah that gave birth to Jesus Christ, I don’t think there is anything wrong in a woman heading a church.

Nothing is wrong with it since women pray and the prayers are answered. But the point there is that they must run from the altar unless they are old. The altar is a place of fire. So, it is not out of place for a woman to be the head of a church. But where a man is the head, the woman must be submissive.

Why do some Christians backslide?

Some people backslide because of little faith, because of adultery, because of bad friends and because of anger. All of these are the instrument of the devil.

ies, His Grace Rt. Rev. Joseph Ukpo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Calabar, said the centre was known for providing millions of God’s faithful, the opportunity to always interract with God through the Eucharist and perpetual adoration.

Commanding Fr. Edeh for this spectacular achievement, Rt. Rev. Ukpo described the first national pilgrimage centre in Nigeria and Africa as ideal and urged Christians to fully embrace the activities of the centre.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

Sunday, December 16, 2012

35

Obedience is height of worship –Pastor Olusore Pastor Israel Olusore of Living light Church International emphasises the need to exhibit true Christian character in this message entitled ‘Kingdom behaviour’. Excerpts:

P

lease turn your Bibles with me to Jeremiah 18: “The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord saying ‘Arise and go down to the Porter’s house and there I will cause you to hear my words.

Then I went down to the Porter’s house and there he was making something at the wheels and the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hands of the Porter; so he made it again into another vessel as it seemed good to the Porter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying Oh! House of Israel, can I not do with you as this Porter Says the Lord. Look as the clay is in the Porter’s hand so are you in my hand.

“The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom to pluck up, to pull down and to destroy it. If that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation, concerning a kingdom to build and to plant it, if it does evil in my eye so that it does not obey my voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I will benefit it.”

May the Lord bless the reading? The Bible says that every one of us is like clay in the hand of a Porter and that God can, like that Porter, make us to become what-

Olusore

Hope for the Hopeless with Pastor Goke

Aniyeloye

W

e want to bless the name of the Lord for answering the prayers of His church and for opening our eyes to our responsibility as a church. We made it clear last week that when the church prays and wakes up to her responsibilities, then, the miraculous happens, the unexpected comes to be and there will be peace in the land. It’s my prayer that whenever we call unto Him on behalf of this nation, He will be there to answer us.

“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with us; fight against those who fight against us!. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for our help. Draw out also the spear and Javelin and close up the way of those who pursue and persecute us. Say to us, I am your deliverance!

Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek and require our lives; let them be turned back and confounded who plan our hurt! Let them be as chaff before the wind, with the Angel of the Lord driving them on! Let their way be through dark and slippery places, with the Angel of the Lord pursuing and afflicting them.

For without cause they hid for us their net; for without cause they dug a pit of destruction for our lives, let destruction befall ( our foes ) unawares; Let the net they hid for us catch them: let them fall into that very destruction” (Psalm 35) Father, it is time for You to open a new chapter for this Nation so that the entire world will know that we have You as our God. I know our nights are over. We are in the very morning of our days. Today is going to mark the beginning of our unending days of peace.

“We will extol You, O Lord, for You have

ever pleases Him. He said if I say concerning a kingdom, it will come to pass.

Whatever I say concerning a kingdom, I am the making of kings. If I tell a king, ‘you are made’, then king is made. If I tell a king, ‘you are not made’, then he is not made. If I say to a kingdom, ‘be destroyed, be pulled down, be plucked down’, it is done. I have the power to enforce and I have power to reverse. God will enforce in your favour today, Amen.

There is nothing about our lives that cannot be changed. And there is nothing destructive in our lives that cannot be destroyed. Whatever you came in here with, that is destructive, shall be destroyed.

That is why He said ‘the porter marred the vessel.’ Every time you come to God’s presence, He removes something and adds something. Whatever needs to be removed, as you read this message, shall be removed; and whatever needs to be added shall be added, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no situation in your life and my life that cannot be changed for better. So never see yourself as an ordinary person; you are a special work in progress in the hand of God. However, our behaviour or attitude is what determines what God will do. The Kingdom is yours as promised.

But there are certain behaviours that you must exhibit in order to possess it. I want to share with you on kingdom behaviour.

In every Kingdom, there is an acceptable behaviour. In 1Timothy 3:15, Paul by the Spirit said to Timothy to tell the people, “But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself.” Kingdom conduct. How you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

If I say something good concerning a nation or a person and the beneficiary does not display a right attitude or starts to misbehave, that declaration will stay.

No. I will change my mind immediately because you may worship me; but your worshipping me may have nothing to do with obeying my principles. If you do not obey my principles, worship is zero; because the act of worship is actually obedience. Not partial obedience but outright obedience. That is the height of worship. No matter the promise, the behaviour determines the performance. He said ‘if I want to destroy a nation and the nation changes from its evil, I will repent and change the situation for the nation.

I see God changing somebody’s situation for good, in Jesus’ name.

The church should take up her responsibility lifted us up and have not let our foes rejoice over us. O Lord our God, we cried to You and You have healed us; O Lord, You have brought our lives up from Sheol. (the place of the dead). You have kept us alive, that we should not go down to the pit ( the grave).

Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, but His favour is for a lifetime or in His favour is life. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning”. The book of 2 kings chapter 7:1 says “ Then Elisha said, Hear the word of the Lord, Thus says the Lord: Tomorrow about this time a measure of fine flour will for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel in the gate of Samaria! (I mean to say in Nigeria). I like to declare and decree that the expiring date for our suffering in this Nation is now.

All that has not been enough will soon be surplus, because Christ is our hope and our reality, in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, for we are also his offspring . He forgets not His own. Anyone who says “it will never be well with this Nation, please Lord, put them to shame and disgrace. I believe the time for God to intervene in the situation of this Nation is now. How long Lord, are you going to be silent and allow the wicked rejoice over the righteous, how long are You going to fold Your arms and allow the wicked have his way in this Nation. You never gave the enemies of Moses any opportunity to negotiate their way because it is dangerous to negotiate with the devil. Father, as from now withdraw your peace from them, let your mighty hand rest upon them for destruction. David said “because they hate peace, let it be far from them” Psalms 109:6-20.

We are so rich in this country, yet we are living like a pauper, we were the pillar of Africa, but today, outside world is regarding us as pillar of failure. Lord, why are we so rich but poor? You have endowed us with gifts ( natural, human and mineral resources). Our land that flows with milk and honey is drying up. Our lead-

ers believe in sharing the ‘national cake’, while their followers believe in the ‘chop make I chop’ syndrome. The so called leaders have not only disappointed themselves, the citizenry, their immediate community, but even You (God). It is as if the citizens dined with the devil and are now paying the price because the leaders have sold out their conscience seeking power where there is none. For those elected into position of authority, the welfare of the electorate is no more their priority, princes and princess now walk with their barefoot while the servant rides on horseback. Abomination!. This development must stop. Why must our libration turned to lamentation and our freedom to free bound. O Lord! If it’s our sin that had put us in this mess, please remember mercy just as the book of Habakkuk says in chapter 3 verse 2: “O Lord I have heard Thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the year make known; In wrath remember mercy”. Daddy, for the sake of the elect in this nation, remember mercy, and reinstate our hope. Don’t let our hope be dashed.

One of the major secrets to any successful ministry is a praying church. We talk often about the prince of preachers, do we?

C.H Spurgeon, was asked a similar question on one occasion: what is the secret to the success of his ministry? After the meeting, he took that inquirer down under the main body of the church to a hall underneath, and there were hundreds of people praying while Spurgeon was preaching the gospel!

Is there any wonder that people were being converted! While he was in the act of throwing the gospel net forth, there were people weeping and crying and travailing before God. Another giant in evangelism was Charles Grandison Finney, now you might not agree with all of his theology, but you couldn’t deny that God mightily used him. He was not a “here today, gone tomorrow” evangelist. When he went into town he would stay there, perhaps, for months.

He wouldn’t worry about the reaction

of the people, he wouldn’t worry about the numbers, he wouldn’t even worry when people got so upset that they walked out of his meeting or sometimes the whole of the congregation followed that one person- because whatever he lost by strong preaching, he regained by his strong praying. Just as Moses had Aaron, Charles had two men that followed him everywhere. It’s amazing; the difference between Charles and us is that he had that strong praying support.

I think it’s right to say that our emphasis has changed from praying to Programme. Programmes are not unimportant, but they are not as important as praying. Our emphasis in church has also changed from interceding to entertaining. Our prayer alter is no more hot.

That is why you don’t see anybody trying to show case himself as somebody. Ladies and gentlemen we must return to our old time religion. Elijah said “if I’m a man of God.......” let’s put this authority in use. It is important to have a good praise, exalt the Lord Jesus, we should get rid of this attitude that “anything will do for the Lord”, we should strive for the best and excellence for Him. Let us never replace interceding with entertaining, or even travailing before God with traveling. The sin of prayerlessness not only is tragically found in the life of individual believers, but it pervades the church of Jesus Christ in the west. To God, prayerlessness is sin, do you realize that? That there are not only sins of commission - that is, the thing that you do that God tells us not to do- but there are sins of omission, the things that we have left undone that we ought to have done. Probably very high, in the “top 10” of those prayers.

By His grace next week we will talk more on “Christians awake to your responsibility”. Remain blessed in Jesus name.

•You can reach Pastor Goke Aniyeloye on gokeaniye@gmail.com or gokeaniye999@ yahoo.com.

36

Praise & Worship

Sunday December 16, 2012

The gift that keeps on giving Footprints with Dr. Tunde

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

T

he billionaire and New York real estate investor Leona Helmsley was a flamboyant, tyrannical, vindictive, shroud, and mean person whose love was poured on her beloved dog, a Maltese called Trouble. When she died on August 20, 2007, she left $12 million of her estimated $8 billion estate for the upkeep of her eight-year old dog while leaving nothing for two of her grandchildren! The court eventually reduced the dog’s inheritance to $2million which was enough for the dog’s maintenance: “providing for $100,000 for full-time security, $8,000 for grooming, and $1,200 for food” and $60,000 per year for the caretaker’s guardian fee!

In 2012, it was reported that Americans spent $52 billion on their pets. This amount is “more than the gross domestic product of most of the world’s countries!”

God loves animals but if humans can give that much to their pets, then God has much more provision for human beings, created in His own image! ““For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God could have sent ten thousand angels to redeem the world and set us free from the shackles of death. He gave the best gift of all: He gave Himself in the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

In giving Jesus Christ, God emptied all of heaven for us!

True love gives! “We are richer when we give and poorer when we keep.” Frederick Buechner puts it well: “The world says: ‘the more you take, the more you have.’ Christ says: ‘the more you give, the more you are.’” Amy Carmichael observed: “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” Giving is the thermometer of our love. I agree with Andre Gide that “complete possession is

Holy Inquiry with Pastor Paul

Nkirukah E-mail: pstpaul11@yahoo.com

Dear Pastor, Why are all men of God these days preaching only on healing and prosperity instead of teaching and preaching the word of God the way it is? Don’t you think this is boosting the crime and rate and corruption in the society?

Dr. Israel, from Enugu.

Dear reader, I do not know or understand what you mean by teaching or preaching the word of God the way it is, because even the gospel itself is all about healing and prosperity, and that is the will of God for man. See the book of 3John 1 verse 2. The Bible states clearly, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, as

proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.” Giving makes you more godly!

Carl S. Dudley opined: “a church is as large as the lives that are touched through the congregation, by the love of God. Caring is the ultimate measure of a congregation’s size.” The strength of any community is directly proportionate to the how they treat the weak and vulnerable among and around them. J. S. Buckminster judged: “The highest exercise of charity is charity towards the uncharitable.” Your giving is part of your religion. When you go to Church it is good to bring a hymnbook or a prayer-book, but you must never forget to take your cheque-book along too! “A lot of people are willing to give God the credit, but not too many are willing to give Him the cash.” Of all the numerous nerves in the human body, “the most sensitive is the one that goes from the brain to the pocketbook.” That is why Victor Hugo said that “as the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.”

The SECRET to abundance is found in GIVING. “There is one who scatters yet increases more. And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich.

And he who waters will also be watered himself” (Prov 11:24-25). Jesus said: “Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Generosity releases God’s abundance on you.

I have cherished the following wise sayings: “Spend and God will send!” “The hand that gives, gathers.” “He who takes

but never gives, may last for years but never lives.” A Persian proverb says: “What I kept, I lost; what I spent, I had; what I gave, I have.” Observing life, Erich Fromm concludes: “Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much.” Martin Luther agrees: “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands that I still possess.” “Nothing is really ours until we share it,” C. S. Lewis adds. For the stingy givers and those with unending excuses, remember that true “charity sees the need, not the cause.”

It is in “giving that we receive” retorted Francis of Assisi. “The arm of liberality is stronger than the arm of power.” (SA’DI, GULISTAN [1258], translated by James Ross). Lest you think it is all about giving money, the greatest gifts on earth are intangible. The gift of love is the best of all.

Give a smile. Give a helping hand. Give an encouragement. Be a shoulder to lean on.

Give forgiveness unreservedly to the undeserving! Someone noted, and I agree, that the two marks of a Christian are “giving and forgiving.”

Paul notes in Romans 8:32: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” In giving Jesus Christ, God emptied all of heaven!

He promised to give all that we would ever need in this life through Christ. Once you have Christ, you have everything. Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Gift that keeps on giving! Once you have King Jesus, you don’t need any other thing. In Him all things exist. “For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Cor 1:20). “For in

Answer these questions and win a prize 1.

2.

What are the special blessings of Jesus called in Mathew chapter 5?

Name the terrible natural disaster that occurred at death and opened graves. Sup ply the passages.

3.

“For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him…” Fill the space and 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.

Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Col 2:10). “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us” (1John 5:14).

What you sow, you will reap! It is the law of the universe. What you sow once, you may reap repeatedly and unstoppably.

A little kindness may yield a lot of dividend for generations to come. An act of insensitivity or wickedness may also have ripple effects beyond your imagination or intention. It is good to be good and nice to be nice all the time. Prayers offered faithfully now would impact generation of unborn recipients. Sow prayers into the future in which we may not even be a physical part of. Become a trailblazer for God’s kingdom.

Do not stop giving. Your service is the rent you pay for your existence. Keep on building bridges. Do not be weary in well doing. If the sun should stop shining and giving its rays of light, it will explode!

You are the light of the world. You are God’s gift to this generation. Make Him known. The gift of grace, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the gift of Christ Himself, are gifts that will keep on giving! “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23). God’s gifts are unspeakably valuable (2 Cor 9:15). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Tunde Ojewole, Ph.D., is the University Pastor and Associate Vice-President for Spiritual Life, Babcock University.

For enquiries: ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng; 08058299434/08060376577

Answers to December 9, 2012 Quiz 1.

God brought the shadow on the sundial ten degrees backward2kings 20:9

2.

The disciples; on the way to Emmaus- Luke 24:13, 32.

3.

Book of life- Revelation 3: 5.

Why are most pastors now prosperity preachers? your soul prospers.” Furthermore, I want to let you know that Jesus’ ministry on earth is mostly based on healing and prosperity. Let’s see the book of Luke4:16 – 21 which reads, “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read, 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Verse18 above states, “the spirit of the Lord is upon me (Jesus) because he hath

anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me (Jesus) to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind. Verse 21 says “and he began to say to them this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. Referring to verse 18, you will notice that the first thing the Bible mentions there was that Jesus’ mission is to preach the gospel to the poor and the second is healing. To preach to the poor, is it not to turn poverty to prosperity? Either financially or otherwise?

Some people think or believe that prosperity means just financial success, but no, it means all-round success. For example, if you have all the money in the world without children, you are not prosperous. If you have 20 children without money to train them, you are not prosperous. Anyway, it depends on what you mean by prosperity.

However, I will admit here that the way and manner some men of God preach financial prosperity these days is becoming alarming. Some claimed that God called them to preach just prosperity. So they teach

prosperity without the conditionS attached to it. But prosperity without holiness or God leads to condemnation. Let’s see the book of Matthew 6 :25 - 34. In verse 33, it says, “seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you,” including financial prosperity, because it takes holiness to seek the kingdom. That is why the Bible says in Obadiah 1 verse 17, “Upon Mount Zion there shall be deliverance and holiness and children of Jacob (God) shall possess their possessions; which means, it takes holiness in the Church to possess ones possession including financial possession.

In conclusion, it is not every man of God that preaches that way. If the preaching of some of them are causing high crime wave in the society, I strongly believe that the preaching of the other good men of God will also cause low crime wave in the society. Though, I admit that it is not good to concentrate only on the financial prosperity aspect of the gospel without the holiness aspect of it, it is still good to preach prosperity.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Largeman returns with brand new song Gbedu Awards 2012 nominee, Oladipupo Adelaja Emmanuel with the stage name, Largeman has returned with another banging single titled ‘Kulubo’, meaning ‘Shake It’.

The Ogun State born singer, Largeman, who draws inspiration from the likes of Wyclef Jean, Fela Anikulapo, and 2Face Idibia amongst others followed

up on the success of his debut single ‘Do Something’, featuring veteran Rapper, Ruggedman.

Largeman, a former member of Melayties Bird, a group that also had Indomix as a member has released two singles under his new imprint, “Solidgbedu Records” including ‘Do Something’ featuring Ruggedman which has earned

him two nominations for the 2012 Gbedu Awards staged for the December, 2012 and ‘Mammy Water’.

The third single ‘Kulubo’ produced by the Bum Bum hit-maker “Young D” is a fresh fruit from the refined artiste, Largeman and set to cement a commanding position amongst the elite in the industry.

The Future Awards 2012 takes National Tour outside Lagos

The Central Working Committee for The Future more life changing seminars,” said Chude Jideonwo, Awards has announced that its annual post-awards the Executive Director of The Future Project.

Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun state was the first school seminars, which have held for three years school to be visited on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. now, will again move outside of Lagos.

“The Future Awards is a national cam- The Future Awards winners such as Kemi Lala, Denrele paign focused on leadership and enterprise, Edun and Otto Orondaam were present at the school and and the awards are only the cherry on they had interactive sessions with the students.

Students and facilitators exchanged ideas and expetop,” said Chude Jideonwo, who is the executive director. “As always we are riences on pursuing your passion and dreams, conflict excited to go around the country and on career interest, project funding and many more. A have our winners hold life-chang- mini dance competition was also conducted by Dengeria’s favourite singer has gone ing interactive and practical ses- rele Edun for the students. As an avenue for mentorcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Lagos. The sions with younger people. We ing, contacts was exchanged amongst the students and the organizers are hoping that you are want to build, and we are happy facilitators. is hitting your television screen as from Other schools to be visited outside Lagos are Abeoto lead the change.”

December 2012.

Post-event seminars will kuta Grammar School in Abeokuta, Access High ents as well as some old faces that did not always be known for its out- School amongst others in Ogun state, schools in Abuja, And let’s not forget the funnies. standing achievements in Minna, Port Harcourt and others. ality show will commence airing on local TV With outreaches to Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Afthe city of Lagos and we nd AIT Network, as well as on DSTV (Soundcare proud of the results rica, The Future Awards has been described by the made so far in Lagos. As a World Bank as “The Nobel Prize for Young Africans” ugh the different audition stages in the counresult of this, we decided and in six years, has produced 126 winners and over to compete on the Idol stage for a chance to be to storm other states with 1,000 nominees.

Gospel-act, Jo Pearl Endowed is one Etisalat Nigeria, Ms. Modupe Thani said that the unique artiste who possesses various blends an end as Nigerians will get to see the high points array of music talents throughout the duration and flares of music. The South-based sensation who is currently working on his self-titled, yet-to-be released debut album, ‘Jo Pearl Endowed’ has teamed up with one of the best music producers also from the Southern region of Nigeria, Frankie Free to produce this highly energetic/spiritually filled track titled ‘Lambano’, which is their word for “praise crazy praise”.

From the moment one hits the play button, this song is bound to set you up on a 3:25mins cruise of pure rhythm.

This is gospel music in pure form of art from the South-based act. ‘Lambano’ would set the tune for the course of Jo Pearl Endowed’s debut album project which is already in works, as it would also serve as the first official single off the act’s self-titled album. ement next year, relationship and wedding e bar for Nigeria’s largest wedding exhibiing Wine Fest 2013 from Thursday, March for the stakeholders in the wine-making With cameos from the likes of E.M.E boss dition of the WED EXPO took place this Banky W, Skales and Trybes Records’ Sarz Karen Igho, Nigeria’s first is swollen and ch, an exhibition that saw over 130 examong others, fast-rising Nigerian rapper and female to win Africa’s biggest I’m in pain!! All guests attend the widely publicized singer/songwriter Big Mo is proud to present to television reality show, Big I wanted to do mous Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), you, the music video for his 2012 single ‘WahlaitBrother Africa, BBB, (Ampli- was to go (and alai’ featuring rising star Maytronomy. support fied, season 6) was on Friday lend) g put together by Akin Eso, the Shot and directed by Michael Williams in Lanight slapped by a security guard. (to) my friend magazine and the brain behind gos with a bevy of sexy and beautiful ladies strutThe incident happened at the car Denrele Edun 012. ting their stuff as well as Big Mo and Maytronomy park of the Smirnof party. However, who hosted the that Wine Fest 2013 arose showcasing their performance prowess for your in the early hour of Saturday, Karen e v e n t . . . . s t i l l that weddings today have viewing pleasure, these visuals capture the entook to twitter to tell the whole world in shock and ery huge source of revthralling vibe on ‘Wahlaitalai’ rather excellently. her ordeal in the hands of one of the am- pain..,” she twitwine and spirit makers bitious guards who obviously recognised ted. happens to be a lot of Karen has and demanded money from her as BBA mption of wines and vowed to fight winner. ts due to the high According to her tweet,” I got slapped at a for justice for quency of wedSmirnof party, by a security. He loaded his gun herself as well dings in Niand put it to my face at the car park, he wanted as future victims of this same guard, thus, she tweets, “I geria. money and I didn’t have any on me. He said he know I have a good heart but I won’t let this go without would shoot me if I didn’t give him money, then he fighting for justice cos he might do it to someone else.”

Her friends have taken to twitter to sympathize with slapped me. The slap sent me landing on the floor and I hit my head. Is it because I’m a woman? Now my face her.

citement gerian Idol son 3 hits screens

Jo Pearl Endowed hits the airwaves with Lambano

Wine Fest 2013

Big Mo shines with amazing music video

Karen Igho slapped by security guard

38

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Heart-throb

Connecting

Vanessa

Send text only to 08025253996

In need of a serious relationship/marriage marrriagee

with

My name is Pat, a 23-year-old romantic lady. I need a very serious and responsible man for a fulfilled relationship –08165741029.

Vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

Best ways to solve relationship issues

T

he truth of the matter is that there is really no perfect relationship. Every relationship goes through its characteristic ups and downs. These problems can affect our overall wellbeing, stability and personal growth. People erroneously believe that once you fall in love, every other thing automatically falls in place. When the billows of life such as finances, distrust and overall human nature hit the relationship and everything comes tumbling down. It’s only those who were determined to make it work get through the rough weather.

Get real and arm yourself with some skills to solve those hard knot issues as they come in your relationship. Here are some tips to help you recognise and repair relationship problems: Communication Effective communication is paramount in helping to understand and extinguish problems in your relationships. Many times, both men and women tend to suffer in silence, allowing time to heal all wounds. Unfortunately, time doesn’t heal in these cases.

Listening skills When we listen attentively without interrupting and probing, we are showing that we accept the responsibility of taking the time to hear what our mates’ concerns are. Allow your mate to openly and honestly speak to you about anything and everything that may be on their mind.

Personal values

Olusegun is my name. I want a lady who lives in Lagos for a serious relationship –08159762203.

My name is Trev, 34 years old. I live in Port Harcourt. I’m intelligent, good-looking and business-oriented. I want a mature, romantic, business-oriented lady, between 39 and 45 years old for friendship –08073779788.

Models

Everyone has an unwritten set of rules that govern their lifestyles and the decisions they make.

What makes up your personal values? Misunderstandings and conflicts arise when our values conflict with those of others and when expectations are not met. One way to help alleviate this issue is by letting potential mates know what your values are, and talking about your standards.

Show your love Acknowledge your mate’s dreams, talents and achievements. Give praise and appreciate their efforts inside and outside of the relationship.

Discover trust Trust is another very important characteristic of a relationship. Be sure to keep your promises, and be sincere when making decisions that will affect your mate.

read your last piece about ‘What to look out for before starting a relationship’. It was a great help to me. Thank you once again.

-Moses Adigun <mosco4you@yahoo.com>

HELPLINE

Dear Fidelis, I’m afraid your ex-girlfriend have you where she did three years ago - wrapped round her little finger!

She barks and like the little puppet you have become

Mercy is my name. I’m 24 years old and urgently need a man for a romantic relationship –08165741029.

I am Jamilu. I live in Suleja. I need a lady for a serious relationship –08099689078.

What to look for before starting a relationship

Dear Vanessa, I read your recent article on ‘Can you still be friends with your ex’ and it is exactly the kind of confusing situation I’m in right now and would need your advice.

My ex-girlfriend of almost three years has began to call me again. Since both of us are currently in a relationship, we decided to be just friends and not lovers as before. We talk on phone and see each other once in a while.

Recently, she began to talk to me about her boyfriend and about his bad attitudes. She mentioned that she sometimes wishes we were together again.

We email each other all the time and I think she knows that my feelings for her are still there and vice versa; but she leaves it open and would not say anything to contradict it. I have a feeling she wants us back together but she’s afraid of the future because of my financial situation. I have not told her I will break up with my current girlfriend and be with her.

In fact, aunty Vanessa, I’m confused. I’m afraid that if I get back with her again, she might still dump me and break my heart again like she did three years ago. What should I do?

-Fidelis <fidicolis324@yahoo.com>

I am Kate; 39 years old, light in complexion and a single mother of two, from Ondo State. I want a God-fearing man, between 45 and 50 years old, living in Lagos, for a serious relationship –07063883687.

My name is Evans, 6ft tall and dark in complexion. I require a rich lady for a serious relationship –07037603242.

RESPONSES

Hi Vanessa, I have not met you before but you have touched my life through your advice and counsel and I am truly grateful. I am an ardent reader of your Sunday Mirror column. I

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net ne e.ne net

in her hands, you dance to every tune she plays. I know this sounds harsh but somebody needs to wake you up to the games and antics of your former girlfriend.

Since she knows that you still have feelings for her, she wants to set you up as a safety rebound in case her current boyfriend does not eventually marry her. People like her (because both men and women do this kind of stuff) love to recycle people from their past into their present so that they never have to be alone. But as soon as someone new and interesting comes along, they dump you for that new person. She only called when her current boyfriend she left you for started misbehaving. This girl is violating the sanctity of her current relationship by trying to get friendly with you again behind her boyfriend’s back. Do you know this is cheating? She cheated on you with this person when she was dating you and now she is cheating on him with you! I’m sorry to say this but this lady should no longer be trusted. She only goes to where the grass is greener but she forgets that snakes also like to dwell in green grasses.

She knows your worth as a person, yet she is not willing to stick with you during your time of difficulty. Please do not fall for her games anymore.

Rather concentrate on building your current relationship with the woman who is willing to be with you when you are nothing and stop revisiting your past.

Francis Olaitan is my name. I am 41 years old. I want a working-class woman –08036998710.

I am Monday, 26 years old. I am a civil engineer, working and living in Abuja. I will like to hook up with a girl, between 18 and 30 years of age for companionship –08065393538.

My name is Prince. I am 47 years old, 5.6ft tall, light-complexioned, a Christian and a single parent. I am a businessman in need of an intelligent God-fearing woman who is a medical doctor or lawyer living in Nigeria or abroad, between 25 and 40 years old for a relationship that will lead to marriage –08088974646.

My name is Victor. I am a businessman in Lagos. I need a lady, between 45 and 50 years old, with a good profession for adult fun –07054843044.

I am Abiola, 30 years old. I live in Lagos. I need a mature lady, between 24 and 27 years old, for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage –08068212611 I am Friday. I live in Lagos. I am searching for a beautiful lady for a serious relationship –08039503272.

My name is Bowale, 35 years old. I live in Akure, Ondo State. I require a beautiful woman, between 35 and 45 years old –08080923435.

I am Jimoh by name, from Ondo. I am God-fearing and caring. I need a lady, between 18 years old and above, for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage –08138373403 I am Richmond, 33 years old, living in Abuja. I need a pretty girl, between 24 and 35 years of age, for a serious relationship that can lead to marriage –08032064724 My name is Chaminee Remy Mills from Ghana. I am 29 years old, with a master’s degree in Gas Engineering. I need a woman as wife –07068982729.

I am Abiodun David, 44 years old male. I need an intelligent and God-fearing woman, between 36 and 40 years old, for a relationship that will lead to marriage –08031330604.

My name is Ben, a graduate. I need a lady, who is also a graduate from Imo State living in Lagos, for a serious relationship –08134611482.

My name is Tochukwu, from Enugu State. I am 39 years old. I need a working-class bornagain lady, between 30 and 38 years old, who is ready to settle down –07039749642.

Ola is my name. I’m in need of a single Muslim lady, betwen2 3-25 years old.

Tribe is no barrier –07030505013.

In need of a sugar mummy/daddy I am Destiny, from Edo State. I require a sugar mummy –08168592519.

Olakanmi is my name. I am 30 years old. I need a 40-50 years old sugar mummy, very neat, beautiful and fashionable, who is living in Abuja or Port Harcourt –08034398429.

I am Mark. I live in Lagos. I want a rich, sexy lady, between 35 and 50 years of age, living in Lagos, who deserves to be treated well for a romantic relationship –08067076037.

CJ is my name. I am 24 years old. I need a rich sugar mummy who lives in Delta State –08168863233.

My name is Paul. I want a sugar mummy just for romance only –08090733592.

I am Dayo, a 45-year-old man. I need a rich and caring lady or sugar mummy, between 25 and 55 years old, for a relationship. I promise to remain humble and loyal to her –08156727928.

My name is John, 29 years old, living in Abuja. I need a sugar mummy that is serious and lives in Abuja –08178444631.

I am Adedoyin, 38 years old. I am single, from Lagos State. I require a very nice, rich and caring sugar mummy. I am ready to render her all she wants at any time –07056549680.

My name is Lollypop, 45 years old and very hot. I need a sugar mummy of 50 to 60 years old who needs me –08035524437.

My name is Ndifrekeabasi. I am 26 years old and live in Lagos. I need a sugar mummy who also lives in Lagos –08182486122.

NOTICE: Please note that we don’t do personal connections outside this column. Calls to connect privately are not allowed. Just send an SMS or email and we’ll get your request published. The request is published on first come first served basis. Thank you!

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday December 16, 2012

39

Ifeanyi Uba: Facts and fiction writers

BY JULIUS OMEGAR

F

or several weeks now, I have taken time to read and analyse some pieces written by all manner of persons regarding what is currently happening to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, Chief Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah.

What readily comes to my mind after going through what certain individuals wrote was that they lacked adequate information to substantiate their write up, thereby portraying our country as a place where anything goes. I shall return to this shortly.

But let me start by saying that two main issues recently brought to the fore, all the saga we have been hearing and reading about Ubah, the young oil magnate who sits on top of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited. One of it is the controversial Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuedeled Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments. The second is the acclaimed business deal between the Managing Director of Cosharis Motors, Mr. Cosmas Maduka, a director in Access Bank, a financial institution which also has AigImoukhuede as the Managing Director/ CEO. What we were told is that Maduka helped Ubah to secure facility from Access Bank where he (Maduka) expected the same Ubah to make available the collateral needed for the loan, but while at the same time hoping to share in the profit from the business which the loan would be used to transact. By the way, the loan was to be used for fuel importation under the controversial fuel subsidy arrangement and it was actually used for

that purpose.

But the third leg of the Ubah/Maduka/ Aig-Imuekhuede raging controversy which concerns the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) and which some people have also failed to see through the secret ploy to undermine the interest of Ubah is derivable from the two scenarios highlighted above.

Let us look at the Aig-Imouekhuede committee saga closely with regard to Ubah and his business interest.

Where I come from, there is this popular saying that if a child is crying and pointing his finger at a particular direction, if his father’s relation is not at the direction the finger is being pointed, then the mother’s relation must be there.

Ubah has repeatedly accused the Aig-Imoekhuede committee of a hidden agenda, in most cases saying there is conspiracy with some people to take the business which he invested his spirit, soul and body to nurture.

For example, he had maintained that the failure of the Federal Government to pay him several billions of naira being owed him as a result of the importation, lifting of fuel and storage of same in his massive and state-of-the-art tank farm, the best in the country, as one of those the Federal Government engaged for the fuel subsidy transaction, is due to the Aig-Imoekhuede committee’s report to undermine him. And his reason is cogent going by the loan Ubah is believed to owe Access from a joint venture with Maduka, the bank’s director.

What this amounts to is that someone wants to be a judge in his own case and if you ask other discerning minds that person is Aig-Imoekhuede because of the interest in his bank that claims to be owed billions of naira by Ubah and by virtue of the fact that the so-called

business venture between Ubah and Maduka, the latter an Access Bank director, was yielding good profit before the deal went awry.

Discerning minds have been wondering how Access Bank granted Maduka $286 million facility without collateral, simply because he went to Ubah’s facility and what he saw got him thinking that Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited is a money-minting machine. Is it possible for Aig-Imoekhuede to be ignorant of what transpired between Maduka and Ubah before the $286 million loan was given? In an ideal situation, both Maduka and Aig-Imoekhuede ought to have either been advised to resign their membership of whatever position they are holding in Access Bank, but the vital question again is, will the Central Bank of Nigeria under Sanusi Lamido Sanusi have the courage to call a spade by its name given that it was still under the same Sanusi that “small” Access Bank swallowed the “bigger” former Intercontinental Bank without people asking pertinent questions?

I have read where Access Bank promoters varied the loan Maduka collected for 10 years and how he listed several of Ubah’s property as his collateral. And if that is the true situation now with the controversial facility, why should he be goaded to destroy a young man he calls his brother just because he wants to satisfy some interests?

Why has the Federal Government refused to pay Capital Oil for services rendered several months ago knowing full well that he needs the money to settle some of his indebtedness? If anybody should be interested in ensuring that Capital Oil is paid what the government is owing it, should that person not have been Aig-Imoekhuede since that will mean

Ubah paying Access Bank part of what he is owing it too?

Methinks that the coming of AMCON in this whole saga was not even necessary if Maduka, Access Bank and AigImoekhuede committee had approached the whole matter with an open mind.

They know Ubah’s Capital Oil and Gas has the capacity to pay his indebtedness and rather than assist him navigate out of the murky waters of difficult and strange business terrain that is synonymous with Nigeria, they are rather deriving pleasure in seeing that another business is shut with the greater implication of worsening the hardship being faced everyday by Nigerians.

I will not round off this discourse without returning to the hatchet writers I made mention earlier in this piece.

While reading the column of former editor of THISDAY newspaperI could not but weep for those who rely on the views enunciated as reliable or dependable. Let’s quote part of the article: “How is Ubah unable to account for four cargoes of petrol, valued at over $180million which happens to be Maduka’s money? Over N29 billion worth of imported product gone just like that, without trace?

“Now Maduka is struggling to recoup over N20 billion stuck in Ubah’s wallets. The story goes on and on about how similar ‘transactions’ had been done and dusted in the past, leaving the victims with high pressure and trauma.”

Those who read the article would have seen the mischief in it. Is it out of place to call Ubah to find out what the true position is with the whole saga? Or does journalism no longer takes care of the two sides of the coin or as it is said in Latin, Res ipsa loquitor.

•Omegar wrote in from Abuja

Ayinde Barrister: Two years after GANI K AYODE BALOGUN, JR

T

he classic John Donne poem, “for whom the bell tolls” is perhaps, the most comprehensive piece of literature to capture the definition of humanity as an organic whole. This poem has a resonant effect on me whenever I heard that someone had died. It is like the ageless Yoruba saying about the dead weeping for the dead, or the more common one.”Once death starts killing your peers, it is sending you a message”.

Two years ago today, we lost to the cold hands of death one of the icons of Nigerian music and culture, Alhaji Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Balogun, MFR, aka Barrister. The creator and main exponent of Fuji music, the musical genre that encapsulates all other forms of music in the south west, and the dominant traditional musical genre in the last thirty years.

When the news broke of his death, we were in the final stages for the rebirth of National Mirror on December 17th, 2010.

The entire Mirror team was ready, and someone had joked that nothing would make our entry more memorable than a major newsbreak To me, no newsbreak would be more devastating than the news of the death of Alhaji Barrister. I had spoken to him on the phone from his London home a few days earlier, and was with him all

day long at the hospital on the eve of his departure to Germany, where he was to undergo another series of treatment after the successful surgery in India, which incidentally was his last day in Nigeria before his death.

For two years, we had gone through the five stages of grief; when calls started coming in as early as 5a.m from friends in the media and fans trying to confirm the news, the first reaction was to dismiss it. I was sure it was one of the numerous death hoaxes that we had faced about Alhaji Agba a dozen times before. The denial was total and unequivocal, it simply cannot be true.

Then denial gave way to anger, why? why Barrister?, why now?. He did not die as a teenager. He did not die when he went to war. He did not die when he was trapped in his burning house . He did not die when he was operated upon three times in two days. Why did he have to die when he was back to full fitness?

Then the bargaining began. Why now? He was on the verge of releasing a seven in one album. Why can’t God allow him to finish these albums before taking him away?. He had just finished his palatial home in Ibadan, the furniture were on the way, why must God deny him the pleasure of retiring to his country home? Why did he have to undergo multiple surgery? Why not seek treatment in the States instead of

India?

When his remains were finally brought home and the reality that he was truly gone hit us, we went into depression. He was truly gone! Food lost its taste, no music sounds as sweet, no singer sings as sonorously, we were looking for clues in his songs, had he been preparing us for this? Had he been sending codes that we cannot understand, or break?

Now, two years later, we have finally accepted that Barrister is gone. He was of course, a prophet of his clime. An original, a pathfinder, an ancestor…

Since his demise, a lot of Fuji musicians have tried to step into his shoes.

Unfortunately, those shoes cannot be filled. Not just because there can only be one Barrister in a generation, the forces that threw up the little fatherless boy from Mushin to bestrode his world like a colossus probably does not exist today.

Fuji is so dominant that you can only add a variation, but can never duplicate the formula.

The Fuji creator may no longer be with us physically, but he left behind a body of work that would probably be unsurpassed in the genre, as well as a musical legacy that had spawned thousands of people who earn a livelihood from his patent, and millions who are addicted to his musical genius. The tributes from across the social spectrum and the albums released by other musi-

cians to eulogise him aptly captured the essence that a star has truly gone, and mankind is diminished by his loss.

Just like with late Chief Gani Fawehimi, just like with the late Abami eda, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, I always wonder what he would have said or done were he to be alive today on state of our country, because at every juncture of our national defining moments as a nation, Barry was always putting it on vinyl for posterity.

He was never shy to sing on controversial issues. His album on the annulment of the June 12 election was believed to be responsible for the arson on his house, and his Idimu house was once marked for demolition for his perceived romance with the opposition in the second republic, and on more than one occasion, he had been discreetly warned to tone down his criticisms of certain government policies, but his take on it was that whether he spoke the truth or not he would die, why not say the truth and die honourably?

It is true that he who makes a difference makes the world, Barry Wonder made a difference, and for that he would never die.

Adieu. Mr. Fuji.

•Alhaji Balogun is the Senior Manager, Business Development of Global Media Mirror Limited, publishers of National Mirror.

40

Politics

Local government workers in the state have been on strike since the past seven months.

The situation has continued to generate a lot of concern in the state. At the moment, both the government and the workers seem to have taken extreme positions in this matter. Whereas the government has adopted a no-work-no-pay policy, the workers themselves have maintained a no-pay-no-work position.

Where do we go from here?

There are two ways forward.

The first is for the organised labour to hearken to the injunctions of the National Industrial Court. The court has granted an injunction restraining labour from going ahead on the strike.

It was based on the case that the Plateau State government has presented before it; that there was likely to be violence and that all steps should be taken because of the peculiar security situation in the state to get labour not to aggravate the situation but to ensure that there is peace or that the peace that we have had is maintained.

The second way forward is to get labour commit itself to negotiations. It is a process of hard work, deep thinking and exercising the capacity and ability to give and take. When you say that the state government and labour have taken an extreme position, I can only tell you that it is not so on the government side because I do recall that when the national leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress led by its President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, came on Thursday, November 22, and met with the governor, he made this request that, “we are also pleading on this issue of unearned salary”. That is actually what it is. Paying for the work they did not do? We are not talking of arrears; they are calling it arrears. Let’s get it clear. Arrears are what you have worked for but you have not been paid for. But the six months’ salary which is the issue is unearned because there was no work by the workers and no salary within the period.

When Comrade Omar placed this issue before the governor, he simply said, I have heard you. But I don’t want to make a promise at this point; I need to know the implication of what you are saying. Secondly, there is already a precedent; other unions went on strike, we told them that because their strike was illegal, we were going to invoke the law which says that they are not entitled to any salary as long as they were on strike. What happened then was that negotiations were concluded with these unions, they went back to work but they were not paid within the period they were on strike. When you have a precedent, you have thought deeply before taking decisions on the spot because an issue had been presented to you. The governor simply said, give me a little bit of time so that I can consider the other two unions too and do what is appropriate. The time he sought for could be a day, two weeks and so on but what I saw from the disposition of the governor was that he really meant to think through it and consider the interest of the other two unions that have had their salaries withdrawn during the period of strike so that he will be dealing with all of them at the same time. But labour didn’t see it that way. Even

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

before we got to that stage, they were already threatening to bring the whole state to a halt which is not necessary.

Is there no way government can shift grounds for the sake of the Plateau people?

Now, if they are saying that government has been extreme, how could that be when the same government initiated an open negotiation with labour; when government also brought in stakeholders of the state; when government brought in an elders committee led by no other person than the former governor of the state, Admiral Bitrus Atikum; when government went ahead to agree on the 55 per cent implementation of the wage; when government agreed to meet with the national leadership of the NLC and went ahead to discuss fully with them when they came to the state from Abuja; when government instead of using the instrument of the forces of coercion has chosen to be peaceful and had gone to the court; when government has chosen to maintain an open line of communication.

What is the extreme in what government has done? What we are having as an extreme is labour’s position that has not shifted.

That is what needs to be looked into. Whereas government has made many offers, labour has not shifted its position. I can also tell you that even on the day that they were about to start this latest illegal strike on Monday, government also made offers, they were very close to signing to have the strike called off when suddenly they shifted ground again. They asked to be given up till Tuesday but when the time came, they shifted again. And sadly, those who are mediating are religious leaders in Plateau State. You can see that at the level of government, labour did not agree; at the level of stakeholders, labour did not agree; at the level of elders, labour did not agree; at the level of NLC national leadership, labour did not agree; at the level of religious leaders, labour did not agree; at the level of the court, labour ignored the injunction, went on strike and started violence. Tell me who is extreme in its position.

We are not fighting a war with the workers. Plateau government cannot fight a war with its workers. Governor Jonah Jang remains a father to all. He was voted into office willingly by the people of the state. He knows certainly what needs to be done.

But then if the other party has maintained an extreme position and has gone ahead not only to disobey a court order but to engage in violence, there is nothing as extreme as that.

Is there any negotiation going on between government and labour now?

There is mediation going on.

Because denominational leaders in Plateau State have shown concern and have come out to discuss with government and labour leaders. We were close to agreement twice but labour in their characteristic manner suddenly chose to shift the goalpost again.

It’s like unless you give us 100 per cent of what we want, this strike will not be called off, we will continue to be more violent; we don’t have any dealings at all with the

Abraham

Way out of Plateau workers’ strike –Abraham Pastor Yiljap Abraham is the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communications. In this interview with James Abraham, he speaks about the lingering seven months old strike by local government workers and the way forward. court. In a democracy, we ignore the rule of law whereas what the labour is demanding for is a product of the law. How can you on the one hand enjoy the fruit of the law and on the other refuse to submit to the law? It is giving room for a state of lawlessness and this is what we are seeing with labour, arbitrariness, impunity and violence. Government is open and willing to end the strike as quickly as possible so that our children can go back to school, those who are in need can be attended to in government hospitals and life will return back to normal in every part of the state.

You earlier said that government has a precedent on no-work, no-pay, but the joint union of tertiary institutions workers which government claimed to have applied the policy when they went on strike last year have come out to fault the claim insisting that government actually entered into agreement to pay them the remaining three months salary but reneged. Besides, some people are of the opinion that government cannot win the battle on no-workno-pay policy, because no state in the country has succeeded with that policy on their workers.

What is your take on that?

First of all, the government of Plateau State is serious about the laws of this country. We should not make laws if we do not want to implement them. If you say it has not happened in another state, what stops it from taking roots in Plateau? We must not create laws we are not ready to abide with. Nobody has come out to say that what the Plateau State Government is talking about is not

in the laws of this land. No one is contradicting us on that because it is the law. Secondly, no state has experienced the kind of strike Plateau has experienced. In fact, this government met an ongoing strike on May 29, 2007 when it came on board. All the efforts Governor Jang made to resolve the issue before assuming office were rebuffed by the striking workers. When he was eventually sworn in, he had to borrow money from the bank to pay up the salaries. He had hoped that he would have a sustained atmosphere of industrial harmony. That is why the governor had also gone ahead to ensure that all the workers received their salaries on the 26th of every month. He had gone ahead to pay up arrears of gratuity. Not only that, pensions that dated up to 1970, he started settling them, 22 per cent increase, relativity, everything that needed to be done including the 18,000 minimum wage, he implemented them. This is obviously not the person who does not want the interest of the workers at heart. But why are the workers always insisting on strike? Plateau people are strike weary. When we get to that point, we have to say, look what does the law of the land say? When you are talking about industrial relations, the question then is, can we go according to the laws of the land? As an employer, I have the responsibility to pay, but the employee also has a responsibility to discharge your duty according to the contract that we have. If you have not discharged that duty as an employee, there is the need to take a second look at what the laws say in respect of that. It is a question

of asking if we are going against the law on no-work-no-pay policy which the government has invoked. If we are not going against the law, it means that there is another way of settling this matter.

The way to settle the matter is not by shouting in the street or burning down people’s houses and going violent and threatening people and so on. It is by sitting down to talk so that you can reach a form of agreement. It is a political and administrative solution that you need and nothing else. This is what labour is yet to take advantage of in this case.

The national leadership of the NLC has again given government a fresh ultimatum till December 20 to resolve the strike or face the wrath of the union. What is your reaction on that?

It is not surprising coming from a leadership that holds the law courts of the land in contempt and believes in impunity, arbitrariness and resolving issues through violence. NLC leadership is known for more failure to inject new ideas in the Plateau industrial atmosphere, encouraging and supporting attacks on government officials and other peaceful and lying about the whereabouts of Governor Jang and members of his family. Let it be known that Plateau people are capable of resolving their differences within their space and resources. Plateau government is working with people of goodwill to resolve the dispute. If NLC has no other practical and peaceful input in resolving the issue, it should look elsewhere for its well deserved cheap popularity.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Sunday, December 16, 2012

41

c are Fayose’s chances? disclosed last weekend that Fayose is expected to, in April next year, declare his intention to contest the governorship of the state under the platform of PDP. Adelusi, who said the former governor had in the last two months toured the 16 local government areas of the state for meetings with PDP leaders and other stakeholders ahead of the declaration, said: “Fayose has already intimated his supporters of his resolve to contest and serve the people again”.

According to Fayose, the outcome of the tour of the council areas and the loud crowd at every point was a clear indication of Ekiti people’s disenchantment with the sitting governor and interest in the re-

enactment of his people-oriented government come October 2014.

Fayose had told the crowd of supporters at Igede Ekiti in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Council area that the attacks on his person and team had attracted more sympathies for his cause and as well popularised him and his mission the more.

However, the array of aspirants showing interest in the 2014 governorship under the PDP is making the contest for the eventual flagbearer of the party interesting as the clock ticks towards 2014. They include two former deputy governors under him – Chief Abiodun Aluko and Chief Bisi Omoyeni; Police Affairs Minister, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade; Senator

Fayemi

Lake project

d PDP by upholding the result our of Governor Okorocha. er governor who swore by the he would not drag Governor as seen in court participating ught by the Action Congress nd Senator Ifeanyi Ararume orocha. Ohakim believes that the ban on Oguta and Ohajiearlier cancelled election reementary election, the chancned in the suit, he stands the red winner of that election by

ppointed by his predecessor’s t local government chairmen Ohakim administration thus court battles. But Okorocha ill to probe Ohakim. hat the state government orns in the state to protest and

demand that Ohakim be probed.

The group, comprising tricycle operators, mechanics, transporters under the auspices of Joint Action Group (JAG) therefore staged a mock protest at Imo State House of Assembly complex when Governor Okorocha came to the House to present his 2012 budget and issued a 21-day ultimatum for Ohakim’s probe. Governor Okorocha promised them to take legitimate means to ensure that funds stolen by operators of the past administration are recovered for the development of the state.

Since the governor made his intention public to probe the former governor, the state PDP and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) have condemned such move.

The state chairman of the PDP, Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), said that the decision to probe the former governor was a manifestation of Okorocha’s vendetta, vindictiveness and a deliberate policy to intimidate the ex-governor.

“We have nothing to worry about or to hide. It

Ayo Arise; and former Afenifere spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye.

Others include Senator Gbenga Aluko, former House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Femi Bamisile; former House of Representatives member, Hon Wale Aribisala; and Mr. Bimbo Owolabi, among others.

But Fayose is optimistic that he is equal to the task. He told Sunday Mirror that the contest for the PDP governorship was between him and others, saying: “Within the PDP, it is Fayose and others. Even if the other aspirants form an alliance against me, I will beat them hands down. This is in view of my popularity and the fact that I am working hard for the ticket and eventual delivery of the state for the party come the 2014 governorship election.”

Another perceived threat to the former governor’s ambition may be the zoning arrangement as the people of the Southern Senatorial District of the state are claiming that it is their turn to produce the governor of the state in 2014, by arrangement under all political parties in the state.

Their argument is that the Northern Senatorial District had produced two governors each, he said Chief Segun Oni and incumbent Dr Kayode Fayemi, just as the Central Senatorial District has two former governors – Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Fayose leaving the South Senatorial District with none.

Although the chairman of the ruling ACN in the state, Chief Jide Awe, has s ince said his party was not part of any zoning arrangement, the chairman of the PDP in the state, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, said “when the time comes for the emergence of governorship candidate, our candidate shall be determined through the ballot,” adding that “at the party level, we are strategising, mobilising, sensitising and getting our bearing right. We want to make sure we follow the trend and we will continue to relate to the grassroots’.

However, Fayose, who believes that competent and qualified candidates should be presented for elections, described the call

means desperation and it shows that many people in Government House are just idle and whiling away their time hence they now want to keep themselves busy with trivialities and frivolities. Lending his voice, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Blyden Amajirionwu said, “Let him (Okorocha) go ahead and probe because Imo people are tired of hearing him say, ‘I will probe Ohakim, I will probe Ohakim’.

While probing, he should also tell Imo people what he has done with the N13.8 billion he inherited from him (Ohakim). Let him be focused and stop deceiving Imo people.”

Also, the state Chairman of ANPP, Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, said that Okorocha should go ahead with the probe if he has credible evidence of looting by Ohakim. According to him, he (Okorocha) does not need to obtain a legislative approval before probing, saying that he has been making noise about this every time.

Invariably, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Offor, argued that the PDP was panicking and diverting attention because it knew that it really has skeleton in its cupboard. The probe, he said, was not a personal issue but a measure to unearth where

for zoning arrangement as the ranting of weaklings. “The political weaklings are only looking for shortcut. I do not know anywhere that the governorship is zoned that way. I am counting on my popularity and support base,” he said.

On the reason he was eyeing the governorship seat again, the former governor said, “I have an uncompleted assignment.

Ekiti people are yearning for my return, knowing fully that I was unjustly removed and nobody had stepped into my shoes since I left office in the areas of service delivery and human resources development.

Fayose said: “Nobody has surpassed the achievements of my government in terms of infrastructural development. I opened up Ekiti State for development, the Ikere – Ado Ekiti dual carriageway, the current Governor’s Office, the Trade Fair Complex housing Adetiloye Hall and Fountain Hotel and many more structures in Ekiti today are to my credit”.

According to him, “for somebody to leave office seven years ago and still be popular, for somebody not to be awarding contracts for patronage in seven years and still be popular, there must be something unique or special about him. Today, anywhere I go, the accolades are overwhelming”.

“But, after all is said and done, one thing is clear if Fayose would realise his ambition, he has to overcome the opposition from within his party. That would be the first stage. The second stage has to do with the incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi, who is not a push over.

Within the last two years, he has been able to endear himself to the people with his people-oriented programmes and strong desire to make Ekiti a model state. To many people, Fayemi is a focused administrator with his eyes firmly fixed towards achieving the goal of governance and democracy rather than embarking on popularity jamboree. “His achievement speaks for him and if Fayose believes he has any chance, then he is deluding himself,” an Ekiti indigene told Sunday Mirror.

the people’s money was, describing it as housekeeping and proper keeping of records.

There are, however, divergent opinions from some members of the public w said that the governor should go ahead with the probe if he has records, while others insist that he should concentrate on his rescue mission programme instead of chasing shadows.

Ararume

42

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

&

Weddings Engagements CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS DECEMBER 16, 2012

Comic actor, Victor Osuagwu, weds fiancee of 13 years STORIES: ANGELA DAVIES

N

ollywood comic actor, Victor Osuagwu, and his long-time fiancée and mother of his children, Roseline, walked down the aisle on Saturday, December 8 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The traditional wedding took place at the bride’s home town in Choba and the white wedding held at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Diobu, Port Harcourt.

After the solemnisation, the train moved to UPE Primary School field, Choba, the venue of the reception where guests were adequately entertained.

It was learnt that the couple have been together for 13 years and are blessed with four children. Victor, Sunday Mirror learnt, paid Roseline’s dowry after their family introduction 13 years ago. However, the pair decided to formalise their relationship.

Victor is well known for his comical roles, which he plays along with colleagues such as John Okafor, Charles Inojie and Charles Awurum.

BABIES OF THE WEEK

He now joins his other Nollywood colleagues who got married early this year such as Uche Jumbo, Funke Akindele, Uche Iwuji and Stephanie Okereke.

Mr and Mrs Osuagwu

Oluwaseyi, Oluwaseun start journey to marital bliss T

Mr and Mrs Olugbemiro

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

You can call this line 08051980588

he families of Olugbemiro and Oyetade were overjoyed recently as they witnessed the formal introduction of their children, Oluwaseyi Jacob Olugbemiro and Oluwaseun Enitan Oyetade as both sweethearts begin their marital journey.

The young lovers were full of smiles and delight during the ceremony as they dressed in blue Ankara fabric. Dark complexioned Oluwaseun revealed that she met Oluwaseyi one auspicious Sunday morning on her way to church. “I met Oluwaseyi one fateful morning on my way to church at Ifako Gbagada, Lagos. He stopped me and asked for my phone number. I stared at him for a moment, then gave it to him. That was how we started our relationship.”

What was the attraction for Oluwaseun? “His height got me attracted to him. He is also quiet, easy-going, good-looking and caring. I love him so much.”

Obviously, Oluwaseyi was sure that he had seen the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and who will be the mother of his children, thus after sometime, he proposed to her.

What was her reaction when he proposed? “I felt so excited. I felt on top of the world,” she stressed.

For the lovebirds, on their day of introduction which took place at Oworoshoki in Lagos, they both felt so happy and excited. Of course, family members and close friends were treated to sumptuous meal and assorted drinks.

Oluwaseyi and Oluwaseun are planning to get married in April 2013.

Inioluwa Ifeoluwa Adeogo was born at Mojisola Hospital and Maternity clinic, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos to Christopher and Deborah Adeogo. She was delivered at 7 a.m. and weighed 2.8kg.

Deborah said that during the pregnancy, “I ate lots of fruits like oranges, pineapple and watermelon. I also drank enough blood tonic. I loved eating light food and sometimes I preferred eating rice and plantain. ” What were the obvious physical body changes? “The body was normal. I had no swollen legs, face or nose. In fact, I had the best of pregnancy,” Deborah said.

What do Inioluwa’s parents love most about her? “We love her hairy body and she is also light in complexion,” Deborah emphasised.

What do they want her to become in future? Christopher and Deborah said they want their daughter to become either a lawyer or a medical doctor.

What is the meaning of her names?

“Inioluwa means wealth from God while Ifeoluwa means love of God,” Christopher explains.

Umar Oladimeji Akinrinade was born at the General Hospital, Konda, Ilobu, Osun State, to Thair and Ganiyat. He was delivered at 1 a.m. and weighed 3.8kg.

Ganiyat revealed that she drank pap during the wedding. “During the pregnancy, I enjoyed taking pap.”

Were there obvious physical body changes? “The only obvious physical body change was my protruding tummy. I also looked more beautiful during the pregnancy,” Ganiyat stated.

What do they love most about Umar?

“He is handsome and hardly cries,” Ganiyat added.

What do they want him to become in future? “We want him to become the president of the nation by the grace of Allah,” said Thair.

What is the meaning of Oladimeji? “It means he is an additional blessing,” Thair explained.

43

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A Fashionista’s

World DECEMBER 16, 2012

‘I like being

’ t s i g o l o i b o r c i m a n a h t l e d a mo Oluwadamilola Arem Aremu mu studied Microbiology at the University of Ibadan, a course she opted for to satisfy her parents. But modelling and entertainment generally have a fascination for her.

She told Adaeze Amos that as a model, there’s nothing she can’t flaunt, even nudity; but with style.

You had participated in many beauty pageants and had always been either runner-up. Aren’t you losing hope? the first or second runner-up

I’m not. It’s true I have participated p in many beauty pageants such as Miss Okota, Miss Idia, to mention but a few, but I Miss Institute Nigeria, Mis have not given up hope that one day, very soon, I will get a beauty crown.

When I started lately, I wasn’t wasn even among the runner-ups but now, it’s either that I’m the first runner-up or the second runner-up. Why should I runn lose hope when I’m getting closer clos to the diamond-studded crown of a beauty queen?

Could you tell us about the Miss Ins Institute Nigeria that you participated in three months ago?

It was fun; it was interesting. I w was one of the runners-up.

Do you think Silvia Ekwenibe, the queen, quee deserves the crown?

Yes she does. She stood out in her traditional attire. That was where she beat us hands down. She was really creative. She sat down and designed what she wore and have seen the applause. That was when I knew when she came out, you needed to h she would get the crown. Another thing was that she answered her questions well. th I learnt some things from that pageant pagea really. When next I would be going for any beauty pageant, I will try to be creative so as to stand out. That is the secret. You creat mustn’t be seen in what others are wearing.

Try to be creative and stand out. So, w Miss Institute Naija 2012, Miss Silvia Ekwenibe, deserves her beauty crown. I give her kudos.

What are some lapses in the world of b beauty pageants you’ve observed?

The major problem is that most m mothers don’t allow their beautiful daughters to participate in beauty pageants. The days are gone when people used to think that never-do-wells. Look at how Agbani Darego made models and beauty queens are nev us proud when she won the Miss World beauty pageant. I was really impressed started nursing the desire to be a queen. Although and inspired. That was when I sta just that. Next year I will enroll in the Most BeauI’m a model, I’m not done with ju and Miss Nigeria as well. I would also go into the tiful Girl in Nigeria pageant an acting world. I have acted before befo but that was when I was in school. My mom support and blessing. She doesn’t frown at what I’m has been giving me her supp mothers to emulate my mom and allow their childoing. I will love other mot dren be who they want to be in life.

As a model, is there any anything you wouldn’t want to show off?

I can model just an anything, including some scanty wears like bum shorts and bikinis. But to model nude, I can only do that with style.

What I mean is, if I’m told to model a lotion or body cream, I can bare some parts of my body to show off my smooth skin, but trust me, m the sensitive parts of me would still be concealed. Once I am on the stage as a model, I’m no longer O Damilola Damilo Aremu, I’m seen as a model and I should be allowed to do my work. But once I’m off the stage, allo I’m I Damilola; that is how it should be.

444

Sunday, December 16, 2012

GROWING UP with

Aunty Angela growingup5@yahoo.com

Hello children, I know some of you started your vacation last week while others will begin theirs this week. How was your school Christmas party? I hope you had lots of fun. I wish you a wonderful week.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

DID YOU KNOW? An octopus’ eyes have horizontal pupils

T

he large and complex eyes of an octopus help it to perform the two functions most necessary for survival and that is finding food and avoiding trouble. While most of the rest of the creature’s body is quite flexible in the water, the eyes are more solid.

Strangely, an octopus’ eyes have horizontal pupils. What is even more unusual is that the octopus’ eyes remain at the same orientation regardless of the creature’s position. So if it turns on its side or even upside down, the gaze of the eyes remain fixed in relation to the horizon.

WHO INVENTED WHAT…?

Wilson Greatbatch: Created Pacemarker, a life-saving medical device BRAIN

My name is Rex, I live on a farm. There are four other dogs on the farm with me.

Their names are Snowy, Flash, Speedy and Brownie.

What do you think is the name of the fifth dog?

Answer: Rex

QUOTE

Greatbatch

W

ilson Greatbatch was a lifelong inventor. And like many inventors, his most notable creation, the implantable cardiac pacemaker, was discovered accidentally.

In the 1950s, Greatbatch had left the Navy and was working as medical researcher. He was building an oscillator to record heart sounds when he pulled the wrong resistor out of a box. When he assembled his device, it began to give off a rhythmic electrical pulse. The circuit pulsed for 1.8 milliseconds and then stopped for one second. Then it repeated. The sound was as old as man: a perfect heartbeat. It was then he realised his invention could be used as a

pacemaker. He spent two years refining his device and was awarded a patent for world’s first implantable pacemaker.

Before then, pacemakers were the size of a TV and shocked patients during use, so you can imagine how an implantable device would change people’s lives.

His first pacemaker was implanted in a 77-year-old patient who lived 18 months with the device. In 1985, his pacemaker was recognised as one of the 10 greatest engineering achievements of the last 50 years by the National Society of Professional Engineers.

As pacemakers improved, Greatbatch was increasingly frustrated with battery technology and the limitations it imposed. In the early 70s, he left the world of pacemakers and began manufacturing lithium batteries. His company, Greatbatch, Inc, eventually supplied 90 per cent of the world’s pacemaker batteries.

He was known for his inv e n tor’s spirit which never gave up on a project, even after repeated failures. His persistence paid off.

When he died at the age of 92 on September 27, 2011 he held over 150 patents.

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

You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.

That is something you have.

–Jim Rohn

Wrong number

JOKES

A teenage girl spoke on the phone for about 30 minutes before she hung up.

“Wow! That was short. You usually talk for two hours. What happened?” asked her father.

“Well dad it was a wrong number,” replied the girl.

A cute dog A man walks into a shop and sees a cute little dog.

He asks the shopkeeper “Does your dog bite?” e?”

The shopkeeper answers, “No, my dog does not bite.”

The man tries to pet the dog and the dog bit him.

“Ouch, I thought you said your dog does not bite” he said.

The shopkeeper replies, “That is not my dog.””

Sport Quiz

H

e was born on February 26, 1984. He is a Togolese footballer who plays as a striker for Tottenham Hotspur and the Togo national team. He previously played for Metz, Monaco, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City. He was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2008. He is the cousin of footballer Gmal Tchaefa.

He was also eligible to play for Nigeria but chose to represent the country of his birth. He helped Togo qualify for the 2006 African Cup of Nations by scoring 11 goals in the qualifiers, more than any other player in the African qualifiers.

On January 8, 2010, he was one of the players involved when the Togo national team’s bus came under a gunfire attack on the way to the African Cup of Nations in Angola. The fatal attack, in which all the players survived but three other people were killed, led to Togo withdrawing from the tournament. He consequently announced his retirement from international football on April 12, 2010 in a statement which read, “I have weighed up my feelings in the weeks and months since the attack and I am still haunted by the events which I witnessed on that horrible afternoon on the Togo team bus. We were just footballers going to play a football match and represent our country, yet we were attacked by people who wanted to kill us all. It is a moment I will never forget and one I never want to experience again.”

He subsequently returned to international duty in November 2011 following assurances from the Togo Football Federation regarding safety, making his comeback in a 1–0 win over Guinea-Bissau in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Question What is the name of this footballer?

What jersey number does he wear for his club?

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

45

Sunday, December 16, 2012

MAZE

IT’S STORY TIME …

The Wolf and the Lamb

A

lamb was grazing with a flock of sheep one day. She soon found some sweet grass at the edge of the field. Farther and farther, she went, away from the others.

She was enjoying herself so much that she did not notice a wolf coming closer to her. However, when it pounced on her, she quickly started pleading, “Please, please don’t eat me yet; my stomach is full of grass. If you wait a while, I will taste much better.”

The wolf thought that was a good idea, so he sat down and waited. After a while, the lamb said, “If you allow me to dance, the grass in my stomach will digest faster.” Again the wolf agreed.

While the lamb was dancing, she got a new idea. She said, “Please take the bell from around my neck. If you ring it as hard as you can, I will be able to dance even faster.”

The wolf took the bell and rang it as hard as he could. When the shepherd heard the bell ringing, he quickly sent his dogs to find the missing lamb. The barking dogs frightened the wolf away and saved the lamb’s life.

Morale: The gentle and weak can sometimes be cleverer than the fierce and strong.

TONGUE TWISTER

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck If a woodchuck could chuck wood?

He would chuck, he would, as much as he could, And chuck as much wood as a woodchuck would If a woodchuck could chuck wood.

RIDDLES What has a neck but no head?

Answer: A bottle

ORIGIN AND MEANING OF WORD

What starts with a ‘P’, ends with an ‘E’ and has thousands of letters?

Answer: The Post Office.

Integrity

I am taken from a mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost everybody. What am I? Answer: Pencil lead.

What city has no people?

Answer: Electricity

I

ntegrity means the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

The word “integrity” comes from French intégrité or the Latin integritas, from integer which means whole or complete.

POP

46

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business

47

FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS December 16, 2012

ALSCON’s: Illegal deal trailed by audited accounts, assets’ depreciation controversies

Vice President, Namadi Sambo

BY TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

E

xcept for a few exceptions, Nigeria’s over 10 years of privatisation of public enterprises could be likened to a boxing tournament in which most players would want to think twice before jumping into the ring for a bout. This is still the case even today despite the fact that many analysts believe that the process is gradually wearing the toga of transparency.

For some investors who had thought pooling funds to acquire some of the entities in order to contribute their quota to national development efforts, going into the ventures had turned out to be an investment error, characterised by postacquisition pains associated with non-full disclosure of some of the entities’ liabilities in doctored balance sheets and sometimes, outright suppression of vital financial information in due diligence exercise on those entities.

But then, those cases may not be as complex and befuddling as the purported sale of the multi-billion Naira Ikot-Abasi , Akwa Ibom State-based Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) that culminated in the transfer of ownership and management of the company to an Ireland registered company - Dayson Holdings Limited, a transaction which today has become one of the sordid experiences

in the country’s privatisation programme.

Five years after the deal, the dusts raised by the exercise remain unsettled still.

The facts of the sale are that even before the Sales Purchase Agreement was finally sealed between the Federal Government and the buyers in controversial circumstances in 2006, the National Assembly other parties directly or indirectly involved or watching the ‘circuit show’ had cried foul and advised government against concluding the deal.

For instance, the House of Representatives in its Report on the ALSCO transactions and subsequent deliberations upon its Motion on the Privatisation of ALSCON had described the entire process that led to the signing of the SPA as dubious.

In its resolution passed on April 28, 2005 on the entire ALSCON exercise, the House resolved, inter alia, “that the President who ordered the re-negotiations with Rusal of Russia should direct the BPE and NCP and/or any other Agency or Ministry of Government to discontinue all negotiations with Rusal of Russia, as sale to the said company in a non-competitive bid at the price of $160 million is a fraud and not in the interest of the Nation”.

In addition, the Legislative House also resolved “that in the interest of justice, equity and transparency should allow the preferred bidder in ALSCON Privatisation- BFI Group corporation of USA, to sign the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA)

and commence the payment of the bid price ($410 million) in accordance with the singed pre-bid Rules of 20 May 2004 between BPE, BFI Group corporation of USA and Rusal of Russia. Or in the alternative to call for a fresh open competitive bid with not less than $410 million as the reserved price” Despite the soundness of the position of the Legislature and the absurdity of bid price of $205 million offered by Rusal as against the $410 million by the preferred bidder, BFI Group corporation of USA, the powers that be then opted to transfer the ownership of the flourishing company to Rusal in, as the recent Supreme Court judgment on the appeal filed by BFI Group, circumstances that calls to question the legality of the deal.

Five years into taking over of the ALSCON by Rusal, which was not even signatory to the SPA but came in another yet to be fully fathomed circumstances in the exercise, evidences abound that the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration had not acted pursuant to the broad policy objectives of the privatisation programme. The facts today are revealing enough.

For instance, prior to the bid, the company’s fixed assets as at December 31, 2003 which stood at about N127.7 billion based on Audited Accounts and Annual Report prepared by the audit firm, Pricewatercoopers Limited dropped significantly to about N14.5 billion in financial year ended 31 December 2011.

No sooner had UC Rusal taken over the control of the plant in early 2007 than its management carried out a comprehensive re-evaluation of the assets and marked down their value by over 76 per cent, from N129.9 billion at the end of 2006 to N30.98 billion.

It is a fact that within a span of five years than the value of the company’s assets have depreciated by about N105 billion. The certified true copy of the audit report by the audit firm of KPMG showed that consistently over the period, the assets have been dropping consistently ever since.

In what appeared a move to put the records straight, the management of the UC Rusal had in a newspaper publication absolved themselves of contributing to the decline in the value of assets, saying the depreciation in assets value was recorded during the management of the company by the Federal Government.

The company’s spokesman, Albert Daybin, was quoted in the publication as saying that “RUSAL started the administrative management of ALSCON in February 2007 while the reduction of assets value from N130 billion to N30.9 billion proven by the independent audit took place in January 2007. This was confirmed by the independent audit and financial advisory company, Deloitte, in its report.

“Therefore the statement that reduction in the cost of capital assets (equipment, machines, buildings and facilities

etc) of ALSCON was caused by some activities of RUSAL is totally wrong and in fact false” Daybin also argued that no material assets were withdrawn from the plant since February 2007 and that RUSAL increased stock in ALSCON warehouses from N4.87 billion to N8.4 billion, indicating that through the management’s sound business judgement, the value of the warehouse stocks was increased by N3.53 billion.

As sound as the submissions of the management of RUSAL appear, one of the posers that many analysts are wont to put before the management of the company is, what value has their taking over of the company actually added since 2007 when the audited accounts as at the December 2011 showed that the total assets value dropped from their own accepted N30.9 billion in 2007 to N14.5 billion?

Similarly, what has happened to the dredging of the Niger River as required in the SPA? How many Nigerians are now in the payroll of the company compared to the pre-acquisition period? What is the installed capacity of the plant now and what percentage of it is operational? Finally, who is responsible for N16.4 billion depreciation?

Again, independent searches conducted on the Company’s Audited Accounts and Report for 2008 indicated that one auditing firm by name Benson Gagar and Co (Chartered Accountants) prepared their Report and was filed by one Sabiu Mohammed Esq. A search through the Membership Register of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) showed no Benson Gagar as a member of the Institute.

Also, in the Form of Annual Returns (Form CAC 10), the names of the Directors listed in the Audited Accounts and Report conflicted with those filed by KPMG Professional Services prepared for the same financial year in which the Value of Depreciation of Assets also differ.

The management of Rusal owes Nigerians the duty to explain the relationship between it and Benson Gagar and Co and the circumstances that warranted the filing of two Annual Report and Accounts in 2008 by different firms in their behalf with different names of Directors listed in the filings.

It is hoped that clear clarifications of the above issues will help them in pursuing their proposed legal battle against the Federal Government following the latter’s recent moves through the NCP to enforce the Supreme Court judgment which was in favour of BIF Group, the preferred bidder in the 2004.

To do otherwise may amount to hiding the truth and as the legal dictum goes, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. It will be in the interest of the management of Rusal before heading for the International Arbitration Court to slam $500 million claims suit on the Federal Government to say all that it knows about the above posers.

48

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Personal Finance

Sunday December 16, 2012

49

Overcoming limiting money beliefs THERE IS A SECRET PSYCHOLOGY TO MONEY. MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT’S WHY MOST PEOPLE NEVER BECOME FINANCIALLY SUCCESSFUL. A LACK OF MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM; IT IS MERELY A SYMPTOM OF WHAT’S GOING ON INSIDE YOU –T. HARV EKER

ABOUT IT.

Inspirati with Lanre

Oyetade

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

L

imiting beliefs are thoughts ingrained in our consciousness either to the effect that something good is difficult, impossible or that we don’t deserve it.

They could have been formed from early childhood or through relationships in our latter days.

When applied to money, limiting beliefs could be in the form that we can do with just enough money to ‘get by’ in life, or that the superabundance is not attainable or that we do not deserve to be in the circles of the highly affluent in the society. Some even think they are not capable of paying the price necessary to be truly and honourably wealthy.

Whichever form they present themselves, limiting beliefs, even though are in the mind, are strong enough to hold us back from being truly financially successful.

Many people had heard their parents complain and fight over money in their childhood days, and in some cases equally were privy to their parents or guardians, whom they respected and looked up to so much, criticize the rich and the source of their wealth, and they had silently formed the opinion in their minds that it was impossible to make good money in a ‘clean’ way – that you had to be crooked to be truly affluent.

The mind, a wealth mine

In line with what all great thinkers have pointed out over time, Jack Canfield in his classic work, ‘The Success Principles’, reiterates that financial success starts in the mind. According to him, you have to first

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

Is this wise?

Dear Lanre, Since I started working, I’ve obtained a parcel of land and my building is 75% complete but I’ve not been investing anywhere else. Is this wise?

Musa Abu, 08036246045.

Dear Musa, An investment is something you put some resources on in the hope that it will bring you returns in the future. Now, imagine that you suddenly lost your current source of income, how will you cope?

Even if you had completed the building, it will only serve as a shelter for you and not a source of income unless you let it out. Even though you did not state your age, I can tell you that you need to urgently start investing in viable windows as may met your desires such as in the stock market, in the money market and in entrepreneurship ventures where you money will work for you and take care of you in the event of any exigencies. Re-

decide what you want and then believe that it’s possible and that you deserve it.

“Then you must focus on it by thinking about it and visualizing it as if it were already yours. And finally, you have to be willing to pay the price to get it – with discipline and perseverance over time.”

He further argues that most people unfortunately, however, never get to even the first stages of accumulating wealth and that too often, they are limited by their own beliefs about money and by the question of whether or not they deserve it.

A personal experience

My personal experience in the past time about limiting money beliefs was sincerely that I seriously doubted if one could afford the good things of life in our country with honest labour. Then, I would calculate what a graduate was earning and juxtapose it on just how long it would take him to be able to afford a good house, a good car and good investments for his twilight years, and would shake my head in resignation and wonder if it was not expedient to leave the shores of our country for the so called greener pastures.

But in coming across books on mindbuilding and motivation, I was to start shedding my limiting belief and come to accept truly that one could become truly wealthy even in Nigeria, doing honest work. I was to come to see that hard work, good planning and taking prompt advantage of opportunities were the trick to shedding the limiting beliefs and moving on towards my personal financial goals.

Identifying limiting beliefs

Jack Canfield goes on to assert that for a man to become wealthy, he would need to surface, identify, root out and replace any

member also that old age is silently but surely coming on you, just like it is on each and every one of us. So my friend, diversify your expenditure and start proper investment now!

On regular investment in stocks

Dear Lanre, Good morning to you. Please I read Sunday Mirror this morning i.e. the Money Consult column. Please help me on what to do on how to be investing in the stock market on a regular basis.

Prince Olalekan Alli Adebambo, 08028928383.

Dear Prince, Your best bet would be to get in touch with a stockbroker to assist you in doing this, in the event that you have any problem locating one, you may give me a call.

Investing in Treasury Bills

Dear Lanre, Happy Sunday sir. Please how can I invest in the money market (i.e. Treasury Bills) and what is the minimum outlay?

King Solomon, Ile-Ife, 08068288307.

Dear King, You can invest in Treasury Bills by approaching any bank, stockbroker or discount house. The minimum you need to invest in TBs with most banks is N100,000

negative or limiting beliefs he may have about money.

Complaints about wealth and criticisms of the wealthy, he says, heard in early childhood, can actually sabotage and dilute your later financial success, because they subconsciously emit a vibration that’s contrary to your conscious intentions.

In his own case, his father had consistently told him that rich people got rich by exploiting the working class and that money was otherwise hard to come by. So young Jack and his siblings were left with the limiting belief from childhood that no matter how hard you work, you never get ahead.

Overcoming the limiting beliefs

Canfield advocates a three-step technique to changing the early programming that leads to limiting beliefs about money, and replacing them with more positive and empowering ones.

First, he says to write down the limiting belief, then one should challenge, make fun of, and argue with the limiting belief and finally, he is to create a positive turnaround statement that is opposite to the limiting belief.

Lesson for parents It is just wise from the foregoing that parents should learn not to inadvertently ingrain their children and wards with the shackles of limiting beliefs about money but rather let them be privy into healthy discussions about finances and every other matter in their early life.

Think about it.

Don’t let your thoughts limit you….let them empower you!

while many discount houses do retail TBs at units of about N10,000 each.

How much for shares?

Dear Lanre, Good day. How is the family and business? Hope fine. Sir, I need your help in the area of shares. What amount of money do I need to have before I can buy shares in any firm? Please kindly text back.

Biodun Tade, 08027154865.

Dear Biodun, Shares can be bought from either the primary market e.g. through public offerings or from the secondary market (i.e. through the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange with the assistance of stockbrokers). To buy shares from the primary market, you need a minimum of a specified amount usually enough to buy a minimum of 500 units of the shares.

However, the minimum amount required for secondary market purchases varies from one stock broking firm to the other.

I know some stock broking firms accept purchasing shares of total worth as low as N10,000. With such amounts, you may decide to buy shares in any company of your choice. I am afraid I will not be able to reply you through text. I hope you will understand and that this medium will serve.

Wealth Nuggets ‘Top 10’ Thoughts are mightier than armies –Anonymous Ink, if not used, will dry up –Polish proverb Favour is the flavour that adds colour to a man’s labour; A day’s favour is greater that a lifetime of labour –Muyiwa Akintunde What we do tomorrow depends largely on our thinking today –Sidney Newton Bremeri Great men are they who see that (the) spiritual is stonger than any material force; that thoughts rule the world –Emerson The mind is everything; what you think, you become –Gautama Buddha The key that opens is also the key that locks –Kongo proverb Water floats a ship….water sinks a ship –Anonymous The bee that hath honey in its mouth, also hath a sting in its tail – Anonymous Picture in your mind the able, earnest, useful person you desire to be, and the thought you hold is hourly transforming you into that particular individual you so admire –Elbert Hubbard

50

News

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’ll resist any attempt to alter Nigeria’s secular nature –Oritsejafor damentalists live among us; they are not spirits, they are human beings.

But people must be prepared, though it’s risky, but listen, is Nigeria not worth taking a risk for?

A nation’s greatness will never manifest until there are men and women who will say this nation is worth risking something for.

“The greatness of Nigeria is in our hands. We are playing our part, but after a while, we will step aside.

So help us get this message to the grassroots.

SOLA ADEBAYO

P

resident of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has vowed that any attempt to force Nigerians into one religious belief would be resisted.

Oritsejafor said conscious efforts would be made to preserve the secular nature of the country, adding that fundamentalists seeking to impose one religion on Nigeria were on a fruitless journey.

The leader of the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria made these remarks at a meeting with the joint delegation of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and National Council of Muslim Youths Organisations (NACOMYO) in Warri, Delta State.

Sunday Mirror learnt that the forum was initiated in order to foster better understanding between Islam and Christianity as well as engender national unity and peaceful co-existence.

The CAN leader, who was visibly excited by the visit of the leaders of the two religious bodies, stated that those spearheading violent activities in order

LUTH doctors suspend strike

D Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (right) administering oral polio vaccine on Wodiat, Mrs. Mojilola Saka’s child, during the flag-off ceremony of Mop-Up Campaign Against Poliomyelitis at Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Lagos, yesterday.

to envelop Nigerians into one religion were merely wasting their time and resources.

His words: “Nigeria cannot be made a Christian country; Nigeria cannot be made a Muslim country; it is impossible. Help us get this message to the grassroots because if this understanding goes down, it will help kill those fundamentalist ideologies that some people have. God, who understands why He wants all of us to be in this nation, has allowed some of us to be Christians and some of us Muslims. We must all ac-

cept each other. Nigeria is first before anything else.

We must love ourselves. We must work together.”

Oritsejafor who presides over the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, said the country would only get out of the woods when the bad elements in the society are identified and flushed out, urging Nigerian youths to take a cue from the recent development in Benghazi, Libya, where some fundamentalists were ex-communicated for murdering an American ambassador.

He advised Nigerians, especially the youth to en-

gage in deliberate risks to salvage the country.

“Nigeria is first before everything else. We must love ourselves and work together; I want to challenge young people. In Benghazi, Libya, the American ambassador was killed, a man that used to sit with the people. After he was killed, young people in Benghazi rose up and said they would not accept it because they knew the fundamentalists among them. They went and caught and drove them out of Libya. They said this is unacceptable.

“The terrorists, the fun-

Catholic Church, others pray for Gov Chime DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

E

nugu Catholic Charismatic priest and founder of the Adoration Prayer Ministry; Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka, has declared a six-day fasting and prayer for God’s intervention on the prolonged absence of the State Governor, Sullivan Chime, from office.

Chime, who is rumoured to be ill, has been away for almost three months without any clear statement

on the governor’s whereabouts, except for government house claim that he embarked on accumulated leave.

Fr. Mbaka in his weekly Adoration Prayers said that given the confusion that Enugu State has found itself, only God could remedy the situation and prayed for God’s intervention.

The cleric prayed for quick recovery of the governor, while urging the adoration family to pray fervently for God’s intervention in his life.

Fr. Mbaka prayed, “Chime will not die. He will come back to finish his tenure. All those who are praying or waiting for news of his death will be put to shame in Jesus’ name.”

Also on Tuesday night, two churches, End Time Prayer Ministry and World Outreach International, also declared a prayer session for the quick recovery of the governor.

Rev. Gad Eya of the World Outreach told his congregation that the prayer became necessary

NIGERIA IN BRIEF

Mrs Roseline Utazi: transition of a quintessential mother at 92

Family members and relations of Mrs Roseline Utazi, were bewildered to hear the sad news of the demise of their mother, aunt and grandmother on December 1.

A woman with immense virtue as exemplified during her lifetime, she passed on at the Royal Hospital, GRA, Enugu where she had been battling with partial stroke for quiet sometime.

She was born into the family of Chief Dieke Nemi and Okpubeta Okpogo.

In those dark days when education was the exclusive reserve

“If there is no peace, there can be no development. The interesting thing about violence is that the old people sit at home and send the young ones to actually do the violence. But many times it originates from the elders.

I want to challenge you on both sides to say no to violence.”

He decried the state at which the North has been turned into a region of orphans and widows, who are now struggling to survive as a result of the activities of terrorists.

of the affluent, Roseline was visibly an entrepreneur which was evident in the level of trade she had embarked on which made her stand out among the crowd.

Following her assiduousness in her enterprise, she caught the attention of young Joseph Utazi, a staff of the then Public Works Department (PWD) who lattr married her and jointly, they began their sojourn in life at Eka Utara, Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state.

The marriage was blessed with eight issues. Madam Rose-

line, a devote Catholic and a member of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) ,brought her children up with the fear of God and successfully trained them educationally.

At the twilight of her time, she was residing with her son Hon Chukwuka Utazi, Commissioner for Transport, Enugu state where she was receiving medical attention from Dr Peter Chime, a consultant cardiologist.

Her remains will be buried at her husband’s village, AmaEzike, Nkpologu, Uzo-Uwani, local government area.

in view of the health importance of the governor to the people of the state.

“No situation is beyond God’s intervention. At this time in the state, it calls for God’s intervention and everybody must turn to God for his mercy on the governor.

In End Time Prayer Ministry, the congregation held an all night prayer session for the survival of the governor. They prayer fervently just as they cast and bound all spirit attack on the Enugu helmsman.

octors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, at the weekend suspended the indefinite strike they embarked on to seek a review of their `excessive’ monthly tax deduction.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the doctors, under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), started the strike on December 11.

President of the association, Dr Adetunji Adenekan, told a news conference in Lagos that the suspension was informed by the doctors’ concern for the lives of the patients.

According to him, the suspension was also at the instance of the National Association of Resident

Doctors (NARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos chapter.

“We have resolved to suspend our industrial action due to the intervention and insistence of our parent bodies - NARD and NMA in Lagos State.

“Also, we suspended the strike due to our patients’ interests which we consider paramount and because of our desires to forestall further unnecessary loss of lives of innocent and well-meaning Nigerians.

“We, as resident doctors, constitute a major workforce of the hospital, and if we continue this strike, work will not go on and we want to avoid further loss of lives.”

Church to determine Adetiloye’s burial ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

S

on of the late retired Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Abiodun Adetiloye, Adeola, has said that the church will determine the cleric’s burial.

This, he said, was in view of the fact that the late Adetiloye rose to the pinnacle as primate before he retired.

Adeola told journalists at his Ado Ekiti home yesterday that the hierarchy of the church, Ekiti State

government and the family would meet to decide the burial arrangement.

He said that the involvement of the state was as a result of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s promise when he paid a condolence visit to the family on Friday that the state government would be involved.

The retired Anglican Primate died at his Odo Owa Ekiti country home on Friday.

The family had since Friday been playing host to sympathisers who had been thronging the late cleric’s home for condolence.

StarTimes ready to partner Nigerians on Pay TV Ahead of the 2015 date for Nigeria to transit to digital broadcasting, Chineseowned digital entertainment provider, StarTimes, has expressed its readiness to partner with all Nigerians both in the city and villages to actualise the dream.

The company has equally promised to ensure that its loyal subscribers are not left out of technological digital advancement and given the best digital services affordable in line with its mission of

actualising quality, enjoyable and affordable digital entertainment’.

General Manager of the company in Plateau State, Mr Shuaibu Haruna, stated this while briefing journalists in Jos, the state capital, as part of activities to herald the company’s presence in the state.

He disclosed that the company has stunned the Pay TV industry with the introduction Digital Video BroadcastingSecond Generation Terrestrial

(DVBT 2 ) decoder which he said is an advanced DVBT 1 which the company started its operation with.

According to him, the new decoder has a stronger and higher transmitting capacity and can transmit up to 75 channels; over 32 channels, Basic Bouquet; over 45 channels, Classic Bouquet; over 55 channels, Classic Plus and over 70 channels, Unique Bouquet with their contents richly packed to suit the needs of users.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Zonal News

Sunday December 16, 2012

SOUTH SOUTH

51

SOUTH WEST

Angry women, youths hold Ekiti chief judge releases Bayelsa chiefs hostage 34 prison inmates EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

A

t least 200 women and youths from Nembe and its satellite communities in Bayelsa State yesterday held hostage scores of chiefs over their alleged lack of support for the implementation of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) signed with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

The protesting youths and women besieged the meeting venue where the chiefs were discussing community issues and disrupted it, as they locked the doors leading into the hall to avoid any escape by

the chiefs.

They alleged the chiefs were frustrating their efforts, especially on the non-implementation of the GMoU signed with the Anglo-Dutch oil company.

The women lamented that the nonchalant treatment meted out to Nembe

by SPDC would continue until the chiefs sat up and face the reality of the challenges in Nembe Kingdom.

Earlier in the month, women and youths of Nembe and its satellite communities staged a peaceful protest against SPDC over alleged neglect of the oilproducing communities.

Restoring of electricity in area was one of the major

demands of the community.

The protest led to the shutting down of one of the oil flow stations operated by Shell in Nembe, but it was reopened barely 24 hours after by soldiers guarding the facility.

It was gathered that the chiefs stayed away during the protest that generated tension in the community.

Sunday Mirror was informed that a peace meeting between the community and SPDC had agreed that the oil company should provide two CAT 200 KVA generating sets for the community before December 25, pending when it would procure a gas turbine to power electricity in the locality.

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

T

he gate of the Nigerian Prisons, Ado Ekiti were flung open to 34 inmates on the orders of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

Twenty seven of the inmates were granted unconditional release, while the remaining seven regained freedom on bail.

The chief judge said during a visit to the prison that the exercise, which was the second within the year, was to see to inmates’ welfare and decongest the

prison by discharging those that had been denied the access to justice.

He said that the released inmates were those who had spent more than they could possibly serve in view of the offences they were charged with and those who were in detention over frivolous allegations.

Daramola, who said that the gesture would bring succour to the released inmates, hoped that they had learnt their lessons and would live peaceably in the society.

The Comptroller of Ado Ekiti Prisons, Mr Aremu

Tajudeen, lamented the lack of adequate facilities in the prisons.

He appealed to the state government to assist in expanding the facility to ease congestion of the new prisons.

The released inmates, who expressed joy at their release, pledged to be of good conduct.

Two of them, Adebo and Oluwatimilehin, who had spent four years in custody, said they would be eternally grateful to the Chief Judge and the state government for the kind gesture.

2015: PDP elite garner support for Obi, warns against imposition AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

A

head of 2015 governorship elections, members of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Deltans in general have been called upon to respect and abide by the state conventional zoning formula and agreement of rotating the gubernatorial seat within the three senatorial districts of the state which will automatically pave way for Delta North to produce the governor.

The call was made at the weekend by a political group under the aegis of PDP Elite for Sam Obi 2015 at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of

the state during an enlarged meeting of the group.

While stressing that the member representing Ika North East constituency in the state Assembly and former acting governor of the state, Hon. Sam Obi, was the most credible candidate qualified to run the gubernatorial race come 2015, the group warned against any form of unhealthy wrangling come 2015 governorship election in the state.

In a communiqué issued shortly after the meeting, signed by the group’s chairman, Hon. Ureigho Enirurue; its secretary, Comrade Jerry Osiobe and the Public Relations officer, Comrade Onos Oletu in the council

arae said former speaker of the house, is a reliable hand that can lead Delta state to the Eldorado of its dream considering the fact that he (Obi) is a tested and trusted hand.

According to the group, the three months achievements of Hon Obi as Acting Governor of the state could be compared to three years achievement of some administrations, adding that the strong foundation he led within the few months reorganized the PDP which was in a decaying condition and brought about unprecedented victory for “Our amiable Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan during the Delta rerun election.”

Ita-Giwa commends FG over committee on displaced Bakassi indigenes TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

F

ormer Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters and Political Leader of Bakassi Peoples General Assembly, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has commended the federal government for setting up a committee on displaced Bakassi indigenes.

Senator Ita-Giwa in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos expressed heartfelt gratitude of the long suffering people of Bakassi to the administration of President Good-

luck Jonathan for the proactive response to their urgent request for proper relocation and resettlement.

She said that government’s intervension is a great relief to her people and a positive result to her efforts and campaigns aimed at resettling her people.

Her words: “Indeed the Bakassi People’s General Assembly view this development as a well taken first step towards the march to the promise land. It is hope that after the three months given for the committee to do its work, a headway may have been made.

“I also wish to thank the

Nigeria media, electronic and press for their patriotic reportage of the Bakassi issue, which has kept the plight of the Bakassi people on the front burner of national discourse.”

According to Senator Ita-Giwa while the Bakassi People’s General Assembly is grateful to the presidency, the legislature , well meaning civil society groups, activists and individuals as well as the Nigerian media, the Bakassi issue will be regarded as solved only when the currently displaced Bakassi people are properly resettled. Untill then, the struggle continues.

L-R: Onisan of Isan Kingdom, Oba Sunday Ajiboye; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, during the 20th Isan-Ekiti Unity Day Celebration, in Isan-Ekiti... yesterday.

Fashola flags off immunisation of 4.3m children against polio MURITALA AYINLA

T

he Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday flagged off the immunisation of 4.3 million children in the state, just as he vowed that the state would assist other states in eradication of the scourge from the country.

Fashola who flagged off the immunisation campaign tagged ‘Mop-Up’ polio at the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said that the four-day polio eradication campaign was embarked upon by the state government following the alert it received on the possibilities of an outbreak of poliomyelitis in the state.

The governor said that the state government received an alert a few days ago that there was a possible outbreak of the scourge in the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA owing to the indiscriminate defecation by the residents.

The governor warned that warped attitude towards environment was responsible for Nigeria’s inclusion among polio infected countries.

He said: “Indiscriminate defecation was responsible for Nigeria’s inclusion in the list of countries still affected by the scourge. Nigeria has no reason to be among the countries still battling with the eradication of polio in the world. But due to this act of indiscriminate defecation, we are still locked in that league.”

Fashola explained that the ‘Mop-Up’ polio eradication campaign was a doorto-door immunisation strategy, carried out in specific focal areas where the virus was known or suspected to still be circulating.

He warned the residents to desist from the illicit act, adding that the men of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) would be strengthened to improve on their arrest on

those who may be defecating on the streets.

The programme also attracted officials of the WHO,UNICEF, community leaders as well as top functionaries of the state government.

The governor urged opinion leaders across all divides resident in the state to assist in helping break the cultural barriers and educate their people on the necessity of polio immunisation, especially for all children from age 0 to 5.

He thanked the development partners, especially the Rotary International and the World Health Organisation for their collaborative effort in ensuring the success of the campaign to eradicate the scourge.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris said there has been no Polio virus that has been detected in any human being in the State since year 2009.

52

Zonal News

Sunday December 16, 2012

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH CENTRAL

NORTH WEST

Slain lawmaker buried in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

H

ouse of Assembly lawmaker, Alhaji Danladi Isa Kademi, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen at Hotoro Muradi, Kano has been buried amid wailing, by family members, political associates and friends.

The Chief Imam of Kademi, who led the funeral prayers for the repose of the deceased soul also prayed Allah to grant the family members the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Sympathizers and associates of the deceased, including the leadership of the State Assembly, who thronged the

burial also prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljanna Firdausi.

Prominent among dignitaries present at the funeral ceremony held yesterday morning at Kademi ,the deceased’s village were the Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, immediate past governor of the State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and his former Deputy, Alhaji Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Sagir Takai, who was the ANPP gubernatorial flagbearer in the last elections and the Chairman of the ANPP,Alhaji Sani Hashim Hotoro.

Others are the Speaker of the State Assembly, Alhaji Gambo Salau, the

House Majority leader, Hon Hamisu Cidare; the former commissioner , Hon Garba Gafasa; and top government functionaries.

It would be recalled that Kademi was gunned down by unidentified gunmen at an obscure area in Hotoro quarters, where he was relaxing with hiscontemporaries.

Meanwhile two suspects are assisting Kano Police in their investigations into the killing of Kademi.

Kano Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, confirmed the address of two persons, he said are principal suspects, just as the Joint Task Force has intensified their house to house for terrorists in the city.

Aliyu to build Freedom Square in Minna PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

N

iger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu ,has announced plans by his administration to construct a Freedom Square in Minna, the state capital, where people can go and ventilate their anger and frustration on any matter that affects them in the state.

Aliyu, who stated this during the inauguration of the Niger State chapter of Jerusa-

lem Pilgrim (JP) Forum and the award ceremony in his honour by the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said once the Square is built, people would be allowed to go there and display their anger, instead of venting it on others.

He explained that often time, a lot of people in the name of religion or any issue go about displaying their anger wrongly by attacking and destroying others, all in

the name of ventilating the way they feel.

He said, “ At the Freedom Square, people will be allowed to enter and ventilate their anger and frustration and not on the people. No one one should destroy any one in the name of religion whatever is the cause of frustration such of anger.”

Aliyu continued,” Even if it is me that you want to abuse, you are free, nobody will touch you.”

Katsina signs N45m agreement for eye treatment K atsina State Government at the weekend signed a N45 million memorandum of understanding with an Indian organisation, Tuisi Chanrai Foundation, for treatment of eye patients in the state.

Alhaji Hussaini Garba, the Commissioner for Health, signed the agreement on behalf of the government while Mr K. S. Murthy, signed for the foundation.

Garba said the agree-

ment, the second of its kind with the foundation, would cover three years during which eye patients would be treated across the state.

He said under the programme, government would bear 50 per cent of the cost while the foundation would foot the remaining percentage.

The commissioner noted that the agreement was part of the government’s efforts to provide effective

health care delivery.

Leader of the foundation’s team, Murthy, said that during the previous agreement, 8,054 eye patients were screened and 1,714 cataract patients were treated from August 2011 to November.

Murthy, who acknowledged the cooperation of the patients, assured government that the foundation would treat more patients in the state and provide them with drugs.

Kaduna NIESV chairman outlines plans to uplift branch

C

hairman of the Kaduna State branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mrs Adenrele Olowokure, has outlined plans to uplift the body.

She said in Abuja that the plans included creating more interest in the institution’s activities and increasing membership.

Olowokure said she had set out to reach out to senior professionals in order to encourage them to increase their interest in the branch’s activities.

The branch chairman also assured members that the branch’s executive committee would ensure the establishment of an Estate Department at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. ``This will enable the

university run the courses there as has been done at the Kaduna State University,’’ she said.

Olowokure said more orientation programmes and workshops would be organised, while probational and students’ classes would be encouraged in the professional body’s examinations.

She also promised to involve committee members to report back their observations, findings and solutions, assuring that the executive body would ensure an increase in the branch’s membership. ``We are also working on getting a befitting secretariat for the branch,’’ the Kaduna NIESV branch chairman said.

She commended members of the body who were recently inducted as asso-

ciates.

Olowokure said her joy knew no bounds over the active participation of members of the Kaduna branch at the national conference.

NIESV had on Friday, December 7 in Abuja held an induction ceremony for new members as associates.

Eight members of the Kaduna state branch were among the new inductees who were welcomed into the forum of class of 2012. ``I was impressed at the event and with the fact that more of our members will continue to appear at such induction conferences. ``This is because the elder professionals around them have shown concern to give them part of their wealth of experience.

R-L: Corps Marshal, FRSC, Osita Chidoka, presenting, Alhaji Mohammed Dasuki, National Security Adviser, with his new drivers licence while Deputy Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi looks on.

PDP group sets agenda for Kogi Elders’ Forum OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

A

group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, the United PDP Youths (UPY) has set objective for the party’s Elders’ Forum to kick-start the process of building bridges to link people rather than building walls to separate them.

The UPY, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Ayangba, Kogi State through its chairman, Noah Isiaka and the secretary, Musa Solomon, accused the elders of anti-party activities at home while seeking relevance in Abuja without bases in the state PDP. The youths specifically accused Senators Alex Kadiri, Muhammed Ohiare

and the former state chairman of the PDP, Chief John Odawn, of working against the interest of the PDP and rather worked for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) during the last governorship election in the state.

They said: “The elders writing to the national secretariats of the PDP have not been of any benefit to the members of the party in the state.”

Jang tasks northern governors on peace JAMES ABARAHAM JOS

P

lateau Governor Jonah Jang, has tasked the Northern Governors Forum’s Reconciliation and Peace Committee to find out the missing link to peace in the North. ``We are worried about the emergence of crises in the northern region, which was in the past very peaceful and buoyant; I personally don’t know where we got it wrong,” Jang lamented in Jos recently when the committee paid him a courtesy call in his office.

Jang said that the crises which bedeviled the North

since 1994 had “crippled our economy and there is need for urgent steps to be taken to save it from total collapse”.

“It’s unfortunate that today we are suspicious of each other even when our economy is going down by the day; after all, nobody can force the other to practice any religion.

“We need to look at how best we can go back to the old good days of peaceful coexistence more so that we need to leave a legacy for the future generations, “he said.

The governor, who disclosed that the problem of the crises in Plateau dated

back to 2001, called on the committee to be neutral in their findings in the state and put aside religious, tribal and regional sentiments.

According to him, “as you go out there to meet the stakeholders on the matter, you should be passionate enough to listen and analyse all without any form of bias because the issue is about restoring the lost glory of the past”.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Zakari Ibrahim told the governor that they are in Plateau on a fact finding mission on the protracted crises that have bedeviling the state over the years.

53

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ekpo makes case for home-based players P. 54

Sport

FEPSGA: Sports Minister, others, expected at P. 54 closing ceremony

KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS December 16, 2012

Eagles’ call-up excites Enyimba keeper SAYO OGUNDEJI

E

Adel Taarabt (in front) celebrating after scoring his opener against Fulham yesterday at the Loftus Road.

Taarabt’s brace earns QPR first league win

A

del Taarabt’s double ended Queens Park Rangers’ record-breaking winless start to a Premier League season as they beat Fulham 2-1 in an engaging London derby yesterday. The victory enabled QPR to avoid the unwanted record of being the first team for 110 years to fail to win their first 17 games in the English top flight.

QPR started the match on a bright note and could have gone ahead in the second minute after recalled striker Djibril Cisse was put through on goal following a glorious through ball from Taarabt.

The Frenchman’s scuffed shot was saved easily by Mark Schwarzer, though he had room to complain to referee Martin Atkinson after his progress was

impeded by a pull-back from defender Aaron Hughes.

That chance failed to wake Fulham from their stupor and their dozy start should have been punished when John Arne Riise played a blind pass back to Schwarzer, but Jamie Mackie somehow contrived to place wide from six yards when it looked easier to score.

A furious-looking Martin Jol watched on as his side’s lack of concentration was to blame again when Chris Baird felled Stephane Mbia just outside the area following a loose pass from Hughes, but Cisse and Taarabt wasted the resulting free-kick.

The Dutchman’s mood was not helped after the break when Fulham deservedly fell behind as Taarabt’s run went unchecked.

Benitez: Chelsea can win title P. 55

He broke from deep and hit a tame shot that, luckily for the hosts, took a hefty deflection off Hangeland and trickled into the net past the stranded Schwarzer.

Soon after, the error-strewn Baird was caught in possession just outside his own penalty box, but his mistake went unpunished as Cisse curled his shot just past Schwarzer’s left post.

Taarabt was continuing to light up a match which was devoid of much entertainment, and his stunning second goal saw him push through the gigantic figure of Hangeland before playfully flicking the top of the ball to create the space to slide in an unstoppable shot along the ground with the outside of his boot.

Fulham had not provided any attacking threat as strik-

ers Dimitar Berbatov and Hugo Rodallega struggled to spark into life. It was left to substitute Petric to finally find a way past Robert Green, his shot from outside the box looping off midfielder Alejandro Faurlin’s boot and beyond the keeper’s reach.

That moment of good fortune enticed the visitors to push on at the death, but they were unable to create an equaliser as QPR went home with the three vital points.

The victory was their first of the campaign at the 17th time of asking, halting a run of three consecutive draws since Harry Redknapp took charge in November following the dismissal of Mark Hughes. It also moves them above Reading and off the bottom of the table.

Mancini questions Clattenburg P. 55

nyimba of Aba goalkeeper and former junior international, Femi Thomas, says he is excited over his recent invitation to the Super Eagles camp who are currently preparing for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Coach Stephen Keshi had on Wednesday, released the list of home-based professional players expected to report to camp ahead of the competition slated for South Africa.

And the former youth international is relishing the prospect of featuring for the senior national team, describing the invitation as dream come true.

“Expectedly, I am excited to have been given the opportunity of being part of the senior national team ahead of a major championship like the Nations Cup and I am looking forward to playing my part.

“Every player is aware of the task ahead and the competition for places, but I am not really bothered about that at the moment than to do my best, while hoping that my form will be good enough to enable me make the final squad,” the former Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Ocean Boys of Bayelsa player added.

Ocheje laments over Azuka’s departure SAYO OGUNDEJI

S

unshine Stars of Akure goalkeeper, Moses Ocheje, says his club will miss the services of Izu Azuka who recently joined Esperance of Tunisia, but remain optimistic that the team has enough players that will help them push for honours come next season.

Azuka, a Super Eagles fringe player, recently signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the Tunisian champions after helping Sunshine reach the semi final stage of the CAF Champions League.

Ocheje, praised the forward for his contribution to the team’s outings, both in the domestic league and on the continent, and tipped him to succeed at his new club.

“Azuka was outstanding for us in any competition we were involved in and that is due to his dedication and desire to win which I believe will make him a success at his new club.

Vertonghen eyes top four P. 55

54

Sport

Sunday December 16, 2012

Ekpo makes case for home-based players IFEANYI EDUZOR

E

x-international, Friday Ekpo, has advised Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, to ensure he includes some of the invited home-based players in his final list of players that will prosecute the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by South Africa.

The Super Eagles gaffer this week invited 23 home-based players for camping in Abuja ahead of the championship. They will be later joined by their foreignbased counterparts before the coach announces his final list for the competition.

In an interview with our correspondent, he noted that for Keshi

to complete his rebuilding process, it is necessary that he includes some of the best home-based players in his final list to avoid a situation where the players will only be used as training materials.

“I have gone through the list of invited home-based players and I want to commend Keshi for a job well done, but there is the need for him to include some of those players in his final list as that is the only way the team can put up a good performance in South Africa,” Ekpo said.

He stated that in selecting his final list, Keshi must ensure that only those foreign-based players that impress in camp should be included in the Nations Cup final list to guarantee success at the competition.

T

he Minister of Sports and chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi and the Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali are among dignitaries expected at the closing ceremony of the on-going Federation of Public Civil Servants Games (FEPSGA) currently going on in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to the President of the association, Victor Orji, the duo will be joining Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio to declare the festival closed on December 19, as a sign of the importance they attached to sporting activities among civil servants in the country.

Meanwhile, both the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Games has attributed the delay in the commencement of some events at the festival to communication gap between the organizers and participants, even as they have put in place modalities to ensure that all events slated for the Games will be keenly contested before the closing ceremony.

Ministry of Niger Delta is presently topping the medals table with one gold, followed by Ministry of Water Resources and Head of Service which has a silver each to occupy the second position. The Ministry of Finance which won a bronze is occupying the third position.

Bolaji Abdulahi

Dutch coaches to train Cowbell Football Academy managers, players ANDREW EKEJIUBA

A

Ekpo

FEPSGA: Sports Minister, Charity Cup win galvanizes Heartland eartland goalkeeper, Dan have a fruitful season. others, expected at “Yes, the victory against Akpeyi has said his team’s H closing ceremony Charity Shield victory is a good Kano Pillars is a sign that we’ll IFEANYI EDUZOR

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

sign of more laurels in the coming season.

The Naze Millionaires successfully defended the title they won last year at the expense of Dolphins, courtesy of Chibuzor Ozurumba’s lone goal, with a 2-0 bashing of champions, Kano Pillars at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Akpeyi said his side’s success at this time of the year against hardfighting Kano Pillars is a strong indication that the Cup holders will

have good season ahead.

“It’s a thing of joy to retain the Charity Cup, as it is a reward of good preparations as we look forward to more laurels in the coming year.

“Of course, we were clearly the better side and that explained our hard-earned win against Pillars,” he said.

The Super Eagles’ goalkeeper however said he is ready for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations challenge.

team of youth coaches and their managers hit Lagos this weekend for an eight-day training programme for Cowbell Football Academy coaches and footballers under the initiative of Free-kicks.

Participants will also be drawn from academies such as BRF Academy, Team Pepsi and Team Academy Proprietors will make up the balance of 340 players.

Free-kicks is a youth and social engineering initiative on the platform of football by Godwin Dudu-Orumen, lawyer/journalist and a most engaging sports enthusiast.

According to Dudu-Orumen, the coaches will train about 60 local youth coaches and 400 players with about 160 of the latter drawn from the Cowbell Football Academy, promoted by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk.

BRF Academy, Team Pepsi and Team Academy Proprietors will make up the balance of 340 players.

Dudu-Orumen further spoke on the objectives of Free-kicks.

“Free-kicks will take children off the streets, provide them with direction, pull opportunities together for them, provide the right balance between football and academics for talents, gainfully engage as many children nation-wide year-in year-out. And we would be targeting ten thousand participants and beneficiaries in the first three years.

“Free-kicks will also act as a game changer for Nigeria’s football by taking up partnerships with men of goodwill and discerning organisations to heights not encountered before, by providing the right intervention at the developmental level through the execution of our programmes.

“Free-kicks will grow the game in Nigeria in association with the Lagos State Football Association and SOYA, a Holland based NGO committed to youth football development in Nigeria and driven by Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, a member of the board of Free-kicks,” he said.

COPA Lagos: Lebanon stuns Portugal S

Akpeyi

Azeez joins Kwara United S upersand Eagles’ striker, Abu Azeez, has teamed up with Nigeria Premier League (NPL) club, Kwara United.

The teenage forward sealed a one-year contract with the Afonja Warriors from Bridge FC just before the 2012 Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Worldwide kicked off.

Azeez has already trained with Kwara United for three weeks before teaming up with the Supersand Eagles for their defence of the Copa Lagos though he is yet to be issued a squad number at his new club.

“I’m so happy to have signed for Kwara United but I’m not fulfilled yet. I know it’s just a stepping stone. At least, I can show-

case what I’ve got, and possibly earn a national call,” the former striker of Lagos-based club, Owibeseb FC, said.

It will be Azeez’s debut season in the top flight and he revealed that he is not setting a target for himself.

“I won’t do that yet as it will be my first time in the Premier League and I don’t want to put myself under unnecessary pressure. But, I see myself doing well,” he remarked.

Azeez, however, will not be short of companion and guidance at Kwara United as his Supersand Eagles’ teammate, Ogbonnaya Okemmiri is already a first-team member at the Premier League club.

ix-time European champions, Portugal suffered a 4-5 upset in the hands of Lebanon with Haitham Fattal scoring a treble at the Copa Lagos yesterday.

As early as four minutes, Lucio Carmo’s overhead kick was pushed away by Mohammed Choukor but his clever flick seconds later put Portugal in front off a corner kick.

Two minutes later, Bruno Novo drilled the ball from inside his half but Choukor saved before Luiz Vaz scored a screamer one minute later out of nothing to put Portugal two-nil up.

Jose Maria’s goal was chalked off minutes later by ref Ogunmuyiwa Jelili after he fouled Mohamad Halawi en route goal.

It was all Portugal in the opening period, as Vaz’s dipping shot was tipped off by the hard-working 24-year-old Lebanese keeper as he was again tested by Novo within minutes.

In the second period, Choukor made two quick saves from Maria and Jordan Santos’ effort grazed the post on six minutes.

But Fattal helped Lebanon claw back into the game with a toe-poked finish as Portugal’s defence was breached for the first time.

Within a minute of his first goal, Fattal scored from the touchline with half a chance to put the game at 2-2.

Lebanon moved into the driving seat in the final period of the game as Halawi’s surprise header from all of 30 yards caught Joao Carlos out of position as the Asians went in front for the first time.

With less than 20 seconds left, Mohamad Merhi scored the winner for Lebanon to take the maximum points at the Eko Atlantic Beach Soccer Stadium in Lagos.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday December 16, 2012

Benitez: Chelsea can win title

R

afael Benitez is confident Chelsea can still challenge for the Premier League title and hopes victory in the Club World Cup will be a springboard to further success.

Chelsea face Corinthians in the final in Japan today and, by the time they return to England, the European champions could trail leaders Manchester United, who will have played a game more, by 13 points.

However, Benitez does not think such a gap is insurmountable and recalls how his Valencia side rallied from eight points down to win the Primera Division title in 2004.

“Before I came here I had a lot of other offers,” said Benitez, who is in interim charge until the end of the season after replacing Roberto Di Matteo.

“I could be working in Spain or Italy or China, earning massive money at a club in the middle of the table for 10 years. But I was waiting for a top side. I want to compete to win trophies.

“People have asked me questions about whether it’s a twohorse race between the two Manchester clubs. But realistically, with three points for a game, if you win two or three in a row you have more confidence.

“If we win here and play like

Mancini questions Clattenburg

R

oberto Mancini believes Mark Clattenburg’s decision to report Gareth Barry was influenced by his recent row with Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Manchester City midfielder Barry is serving a one-match suspension after admitting using insulting language towards Clattenburg during last Sunday’s derby defeat to Manchester United.

However, Mancini has questioned whether Clattenburg, who was the fourth official at the Etihad, is taking a hard-line stance after being forced out of the game for a month while being investigated for claims he used racist language towards Mikel.

Clattenburg was cleared of the allegations by police and the Football Association but still expressed concerns about his future in the game.

And Mancini said: “Gareth is a serious man, a serious player and I don’t know why Clattenburg said these things about him.

“I don’t know if it’s because he had this problem after Chelsea but I think every referee or fourth official should understand if a player uses inappropriate words

A

EURO BRIEFS

Fernandez de Blas backs Mourinho

R

Benitez

told the players here, yet, that we can win the league. If we win here it will make a difference. I can see in their faces they have belief. That means its working and we can talk about the movement we need.”

Balotelli not wanted by AC Milan –Berlusconi A

C Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has attempted to dismiss the ongoing reports of a January bid for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Speculation had increased in recent weeks after the San Siro club seemingly implied the Italy international was more than just a target who they only dream of signing.

And a poor display in last week’s Manchester derby and his absence from the squad at Newcastle United on Satur-

day has led to ideas City will be prepared to let Balotelli leave.

But Milan claims they are not ready to offer the striker a way out, as Berlusconi told Italian media: “I have never dreamt of him and it does not seem to me that he is in the plans of Milan.”

But, at the age of 22, former Inter Milan player Balotelli would fit in with Berlusconi’s vision for a new generation of young Milan stars.

eal Madrid vice-president Eduardo Fernandez de Blas has made clear that the club must do everything to defend Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese trainer has been at odds with a section of the Santiago Bernabeu faithful, as well as the media, after recent poor results have seen the Spanish champions fall 11 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and finish second behind Borussia Dortmund in Group D of the Champions League.

SWP backs Redknapp to save QPR

S

haun Wright-Phillips has backed manager Harry Redknapp to lead Queen Park Rangers to Premier League safety, despite the club sitting rock bottom and without a win this season. Redknapp has inspired previous ‘great escapes’ with West Ham and Portsmouth and the experienced 31-year-old winger believes he can do the same at Loftus Road.

Downing not needed at Anfield, says Rodgers

S

tewart Downing has been told by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers that he is no longer needed at Anfield.

Although Downing has tasted a reasonable amount of first team action in recent weeks, he admits he could be heading for pastures new during January’s transfer window.

Vertonghen eyes top four

J Clattenburg

after they have lost a game in the last second.

“I don’t know if he said those words against Chelsea players.

They decided not but this is another situation.

“This has come from Clattenburg. He should understand the situation, that is my opinion, but at the moment he doesn’t understand.”

Walcott question irks Wenger

rsene Wenger questioned the wisdom of a journalist in Friday’s press conference, after he was asked if Theo Walcott’s future had been affected by Arsenal’s shock defeat at Bradford.

Wenger was in prickly mood ahead of Arsenal’s Monday encounter at Reading, clearly still feeling the effects of that Capital One Cup exit at the hands of the League Two side.

He accused the media of creating “lies” surrounding an alleged bust-up between the Arsenal boss and Steve Bould, and did not react well to questions regarding Walcott.

Widespread reports in Fri-

we did on Thursday, with the quality going forward and the right balance in defence, we can go on a run.

“How many games? I don’t know. Others can do that, too.

But after three or four wins in a row, the confidence can be high.

So why not?

“At Liverpool, we had 11 games, drew against Arsenal and won the other 10. So why can’t we do the same here? To win here would be a big boost to everyone and we would go home with a lot of confidence”.

Asked if he had yet had that conversation with his Chelsea players, Benitez added: “I’ve not

55

day’s newspapers claim Walcott is the target of Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez, and Wenger was quizzed as to whether another missed trophy chance might push the England man out the door.

“I don’t understand your way of thinking. I cannot see that,” Wenger said. “How should the Capital One Cup impact on the desire of the player to be part of the long-term future of the club?”

Wenger was then asked: “Do you believe Theo will be part of the long-term future of the club?” And the Arsenal boss replied: “I believe so, yes.”

an Vertonghen believes Tottenham can finish in the top four under Andre VillasBoas this season, and hailed his manager’s attacking style of play.

The Belgian central defender, who has been playing in the left-back position due to Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s injury, has been in excellent form since his summer arrival from Ajax, with his solo effort in Spurs’ shock 3-2 win at Old Trafford a particular highlight.

Despite his side’s inconsistent form, Vertonghen believes that Spurs are more than capable of finishing in a Champions League qualification spot.

“Yeah we can (finish in top four),” he said. “Still we need to do a lot of work but we can get fourth.”

Downing

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Vertonghen

Until the 90th minute at Goodison Park last week, Spurs looked set to make it four straight Premier League wins, only for two late Everton goals to turn the match on its head.

City quash MLS rumours M anchester City have categorically denied reports that the club are set to buy an MLS franchise in New York.

There are claims in the United States that City are close to being awarded an MLS team in the borough of Queens for a record 100 million dollars.

Business sources in the US and Abu Dhabi revealed that City owner Sheikh Mansour

wants to explore the possibility of using football to promote the global brand of Abu Dhabi in any future investment.

City were reported to be on the brink of being awarded a second franchise in New York to be based in Queens and close to the site of Flushing Meadow, which currently hosts the US tennis open.

It had been suggested David Beckham had been approached

TEAM

P

GD

PTS

1. Man Utd

17

19

42

2. Man City

17

18

36

3. Chelsea

16

11

29

4. Everton

17

7

27

5. Tottenham

16

4

26

6. West Brom

16

3

26

7. Norwich

17

-6

25

8. Arsenal

16

10

24

9. Stoke

17

2

24

10. Swansea

16

5

23

11. West Ham

16

1

22

12. Liverpool

17

0

22

13. Fulham

17

-1

20

14. Aston Villa

17

-9

18

15. Newcastle

17

-7

17

16. Sunderland

17

-6

16

17. Southampton

16

-10

15

18. Wigan

17

-14

15

19. QPR

17

-15

10

20. Reading

16

-12

9

to be part of the scheme, which was to be named New York City Football Club and cost Blues owner Sheikh Mansour £100m.

However, Manchester City officials have distanced themselves from the talk, with a brief statement from the club reading: “Manchester City are not buying an MLS club.”

82,

Vol. 2 No. 53

Sunday, December 16, 2012

www.nationalmirroronline.net

N150

N I G E R I A

I N

age at which ex-Anglican Primate of Nigeria, Rev. Abiodun Adetiloye, died on Friday at his residence in Odo-Owa, Ekiti, Ekiti State.

F I G U R E S

N162.9

bn, amount the Minister of State for Power, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, said Nigeria and a Chinese Consortium are committing to power in Zungeru.

Wriggling out of the fuel subsidy trap

Back Page

Comment

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

with Jim Unah

T

he upper house of the National Assembly was apparently at pains, last Friday, approving the 2012 supplementary appropriation bill of N162 billion for fuel subsidy payment to marketers, at least, to checkmate the recurrence of fuel scarcity in the festive season.

Originally, N888.1 billion was budgeted as subsidy expenditure for 2012, but with the additional N161.7 billion now appropriated as supplementary for subsidy payment, it means that the Federal Government (FG) would be spending a whopping sum of N1.049 trillion on oil subsidy alone in one year.

Obviously, this is scandalous for a nation that is a notable member of the Organisation of oil producing countries - OPEC. That is why the Senate President, David Mark, understandably took umbrage at the entire subsidy regime and urged that it be scrapped altogether. But this is nothing new for a government that has been in the forefront of total subsidy removal.

Unfortunately, the oil subsidy regime had been run over the years in such a way that it put the country in a trap.

A crippling strategy adopted by those

who turned it into a racket was to destroy the refineries. Without locally refined petrol, you are compelled to import for domestic consumption from overseas and pay the international market price.

So, for the racketeers and cabals who had taken absolute control of the Nigeria’s oil economy, you were either saddled with endless payment of subsidy or you were compelled by the fraudulent activities of the cabals to put the local users of petroleum products completely at the mercy of the merciless oil marketers.

This is the scenario that is playing out itself with the continuous huge payment of subsidy and the accompanying threat by government to completely remove subsidy on petroleum products. By its halfway cleverness, over the years, the Nigerian State has trapped itself in the web of the fraud and corruption woven around the oil subsidy dispensation. It cannot now wriggle out of it merely by total removal of subsidy. That would be fatal for both the Jonathan government and the already overburdened Nigerian people.

The solution, which government is fighting shy to apply, is the other option at its fingertips - the stoppage of the importation of refined petrol. Unfortunately, that option, already applied without public outcry in virtually all other oil producing countries, is to refine its own crude, even if it is for local consumption only. When that is done, the government would not have to be weeping between the fraudulent oil

marketers and the oppressed and impoverished Nigerian people, who suffer the curse, rather than the blessing, of possessing oil wells in abundance.

Thus, the David Mark solution of total removal of subsidy is not an option at all, given the state of insecurity in the country now largely attributable to the absolute lack of social security measures to cushion the devastating effects of massive youth unemployment. Daredevil kidnapping and armed robbery have joined forces with the Boko Haram terrorism to rubbish social existence in the country. Apart from a few of them that are protected by the state, well over 140 million Nigerians live under siege - in a state of insecurity.

The last high profile kidnapping - that of the mother of the Finance Minister - just made the point that almost everyone can be adversely affected ultimately by bad government hopelessly inundated by fraudulent and corrupt practices.

Complicity with corruption is not the way out of our national malaise. Much less is the accustomed habit of unleashing further hardship on impoverished people the way to tackle a hydra-headed monster that threatens the moral, spiritual and psychic fabric, corporate identity and integrity of the nation. It can only happen by the doing of genuine political deeds. In the matter under consideration, revamping the four national refineries and empowering individuals to create small and medium size refineries all over the country to produce for the local market, and subsequently for

Messi, Falcao go head-to-head in Camp Nou

T

he big game in the BBVA Primera Liga today will see the best two strikers in Spain go head-to-head in the Camp Nou Stadium.

It shouldn’t be like that given the depth of talent on the pitch but Barcelona - Atletico Madrid is going to be all about Leo Messi taking on Radamel Falcao as Barca look to open a nine-point lead over the side, currently second in the Primera Liga table.

Falcao is the second highest scorer in the league and his five-goal tally against Deportivo la Coruna on Sunday saw him share headlines with Messi, who scored twice against Betis to break Gerd Muller’s 40-year record of scoring 85 goals in a year.

Messi netted two more in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash away to Cordoba to take his tally to 88 for 2012, with two matches left to play.

Real Madrid will hope that Atletico, who lost in the Bernabeu two weeks ago will take points of Barcelona (as they have done in the past), to allow Jose Mourinho’s side to narrow their 11-point deficit against Barca.

Madrid are clear favourites to defeat Espanyol in the Bernabeu today.

Espanyol are second from the bottom of the table, although they have improved since the arrival of Javier Aguirre as coach with two draws in two games.

They have traditionally lost

export, would tantamount to genuine political deed. It is a development that would make many Nigerians happy with and proud of the government; and it would also make the country to be respected by other nations of the world.

It is immoral and callous for those in government, like Senator David Mark, to keep passing the backlash of bad government over to the people. The task of creative statesmanship is to correct the weakness and effeminacy of a people by making the state strong and taking charge of its affairs and economic resources. The way the nation’s oil economy is run is shameful and embarrassing. How could any country worth the name go about importing what it has in abundance?

Senator David Mark is right in getting angry that so much money is paid out to marketers, a bulk of which is extortionate and fraudulent. But Nigerians in the mass do not share his proposal that total removal of subsidy would be helpful to the health of the country and its people.

Privileged people like him should join forces with President Goodluck Jonathan and our Finance and Petroleum damsels to get the refineries to work and empower more Nigerians to develop indigenous refining capacity and make small and medium scale enterprises and cottage industries out of crude oil; and further reduce the price of pump petrol from N97 per litre to N50 per litre, to let Nigerians feel like people blessed, not cursed by God, with the gift of crude oil.

Taarabt’s brace earns QPR first league win

P. 53

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Newcastle 1-3 Man City Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa Man United 3-1 Sunderland Norwich 2-1 Wigan QPR 2-1 Fulham Stoke 1-1 Everton PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Messi

to Madrid, although Karmin Benzema will be doubtful after suffering an ankle injury in their Cup defeat away to Celta Vigo.

Today’s Matches Tottenham v Swansea 13:30

West Brom v West Ham16:00 Monday, December 17, 2012 Reading v Arsenal 20:00

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd. Head Office: 155/161, Broad Street, Lagos. Tel: 0805 423 8905 Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor , Central Business District, Area 10, Abuja. Tel: 08070428249, Advert Hotline: 08098305995, e-mail: mail@mirroronline.net Editor: BOLAJI TUNJI. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos.

Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Ondo State. ISSN 0794-232X