Sunday, January 6, 2013 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

NEWS News

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Fire razes Ogun State Secretariat Seven vehicles burnt

NEWS

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Sunny Ade’s ex-band ‘boy’ arrested with cocaine at Lagos airport

DAYS TO GO AFCON: Esin warns Eagles of complacency Supporters club plans new songs

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Vol. 3 No. 4

N150

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Asari-Dokubo spits fire

Why I’m against the President His relationship with Obasanjo, Yar’Adua P. 13

SO, IF A MAN TAKES FOOD FROM MY MOUTH I SHOULD SUPPORT HIM? WHAT ARE YOU SAYING NOW? … WHY SHOULD I NOT EXPECT WHAT BELONGS TO ME, THAT OTEDOLA SHOULD EXPECT? THAT WALE TINUBU SHOULD EXPECT? THAT DANGOTE SHOULD EXPECT? THAT ADENUGA SHOULD EXPECT, BUT ME AT 50 YEARS I SHOULD NOT EXPECT? THAT JONATHAN SHOULD EAT IN THE VILLA AND FILL WITH EXCESS AND I SHOULD NOT EAT? AND I SHOULD SUPPORT HIM; I NO SHAME FOR THAT ONE. IF HE NO GIVE ME WETIN BE MY OWN, I GO FIGHT AM. PERIOD!

2015

Again, northern leaders plot against Jonathan

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‘Seek’ impeachable offences against President

Meetings hold in Kaduna, Kano and Abuja

Ex-INEC boss, Maurice Iwu, others record breakthrough in HIV/AIDS cure

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Senate to consider UNILAG name change on January 16 P. 9

To deliberate on PIB, agencies’ budget Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral during the ordination of 17 Catholic priests in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

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What’s new Politics

Okorocha, Anyanwu flex muscles ahead 2015

TALKING POINT OF THE PAST WEEK JANUARY 6, 2013

Ijeoma Imoh, a screen diva has featured in so many Nigerian movies and TV series. She featured in popular movies and soaps such as ‘Day Time Lovers’, ‘Exchange of powers’, ‘Tinsel’, ‘Treasure’, ‘True Love’, to mention but a few. She features in both Yoruba and Igbo movies as well. This billboard and runway model says she won’t accept roles that have to do with nudity as long as it has to do with Nollywood, but that she wouldn’t mind accepting such roles with both hands if it is in Hollywood.

Wellness

terrorism as he has assured Nigerians. It is unpatriotic for us to say Mr. President will fail. We cannot dismiss President Jonathan’s determination to terrorism, but our suggestion to the government is that if it wants dialogue, it should talk to members of the Boko Haram sect to name any country of their choice, like Saudi Arabia, which has diplomatic relations with Nigeria to play some mediatory roles.

We’ll soon arrest all terrorists –Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan has said that majority of those involving in bombings in the country had been arrested by security agents. The President said that the government was working hard to tackle the security challenges confronting the country to ensure maximum protection of lives and property. He spoke in Abuja at the New Year service held at the

Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Abuja, All Saints’ Church, Wuse. Jonathan specifically said that most of the people involved in the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State; the United Nations Building and the Police Headquarters building in Abuja had been arrested.

Ex-Senate Leader backs call for dialogue with terrorists ‘Post-natal care imperative to detect complications of pregnancy, delivery’ Medical experts refer to postnatal 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. Read more...

Former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, has supported the call on the Federal Government to dialogue with the Islamic fundamentalist sect, BokoHaram, so long as members the terrorist group make their demands known to Nigerians. Folarin stated this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while speaking with journalists after the

eighth day fidau prayer for his late brother, Alhaji Suleiman Aderemi Gbolagade Emiola. The former Senate Leader, who expressed worry at the menace of the terrorists group, described it as a new phenomenon which nobody thought of in the last 20 years and which now poses a new challenge to the nation’s security agencies.

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to meet their yearnings and raise the quality of life. He said that he would not be discouraged by those picking on every initiative and effort by his administration to provide good governance to Nigerians. “We are determined to continue to push forward. We will do more, not less. We will remain focused,” the President said in his New Year message

to Nigerians. President Jonathan promised to ensure that all the programmes and projects initiated by his administration were executed this new year. Promising that 2013 would be a better year, he explained that his administration achieved a lot last year in terms of the positive transformation of vital sectors, including public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development.

Cornel Udofia CEO CORNEL ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT

MON

If I must play nude, the stakes must be high –Ijeoma

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s resolve to end the Boko Haram insurgency soon, but said that the use of force might not yield positive result. The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, said dialogue remained the best option in ending terrorism. The ACF said: “We are praying that President Jonathan will succeed to end

‘We’re determined to meet Nigerians’ yearnings’

First thing on Monday morning, I say my prayers because as a member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFM), I don’t joke with prayers. I have always been trying to practice what my General overseer said we should be doing. He said we should actually start our week with prayers. I bought one of his books titled “Commanding the morning.” So, the first thing I do on Monday morning is to command the morning. I thank God for keeping me alive and committing everything into his hands. By seven in the morning, I will listen to the news. By eight or nine, I would be in the office to have a meeting between 11 and 12 with my staff to actually review how the week would be. I don’t believe in New Year resolutions. I believe in new day resolutions and new week’s resolutions. So, I have to see what I need to achieve for the week. I will keep one or two appointments on Monday.

TUE

Force won’t stop Boko Haram, says ACF

Emo-Worro, a village in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State on December 28, 2012. Governor Wada, who was rushed to Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja against the anticipated National Hospital after the accident, was operated upon for a broken thigh.

If I have an appointment with my clients, this is the day it commences fully. This normally falls around 3:0pm or 4:0pm.

WED WE ED

clude determining the pricing policy of petroleum products, regulating the supply and distribution of petroleum products and creating information databank. PPPRA Executive Secretary, Mr. Reginald Stanley, who confirmed the development, said: “We have completed the verification of claims for the payment of the N161 billion subsidy arrears.”

Five days after he was hospitalised in Abuja over the injury he sustained in an auto crash, Kogi State Governor Idris Wada has been discharged. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Jacob Edi, confirmed it to journalists. The accident occurred at

I don’t go out at all on this third day of the week. I sit down to read all the magazines that come out from Sunday to Wednesday. I take my time to read them.

THU

The Federal Government is to pay N161 billion fuel subsidy arrears to petroleum products marketers this month to enhance orderly importation this year. As part of the measures aimed at boosting fuel supply, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has completed the verification of all genuine claims. The agency’s duties in-

Wada discharged from hospital

I do have what I call a resort meeting with my group for us to see what we have achieved between Monday to Wednesday and Thursday and also look at the programme we are going to have by the weekend.

SAT FRI

FG to pay N161bn fuel subsidy arrears soon

SUN

Applause

Seven Days

I don’t go out again because Friday is always very free for me. On Saturdays, I normally have events. I may attend one or two weddings. I come back home to relax. I will be at the church by 7:0am. And by noon, I am done because our church doesn’t take much time. By 2:0pm or 3:0pm, if I have events to attend, I mean events that I either coordinate or package, I will attend them. *By Adaeze Amos (0802 301 2293)

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION January 6, 2013

House of Assembly complex

2013: Expectations from govt, by stakeholders TOLA AKINMUTIMI

or millions of ordinary Nigerians and major players in the social, economic and political landscape, year 2013 is coming with great expectations and dreams over various issues that are considered crucial to improving the socio-economic, political and indeed, spiritual well being of the people. Like other peoples in other climes, 2013 is coming, as it is usual with the beginning of each year, with many Nigerians setting new targets which the unfolding months would make or mar depending on how individuals and corporate entities respond to the dynamics of the operating environment in pursuit of their ambitions. This is despite the fact that the immediate past years did not bring much fulfilment in terms of meeting previous targets. To many of the citizens whose experiences about governance and its purpose have not been exciting over the years, year 2013 is projected to be promising if those in the position of leadership play their own part of the social contract well by creating enabling environment for actualisation of their personal and corporate drives

for sustainable development. Most Nigerians who spoke with Sunday Mirror demonstrated clearly, both in their tones and emotions from across the geo-political and ethno-religious divides, that they were ready to brace all odds in order to succeed if only the governments would fulfil their own side of the governance bargain by rising to the threat of insecurity, high costs of living and doing business as well as other negating factors, that over the years remained the bane of personal and collective aspirations for a worthwhile and glorious living. Legislature: More commitments to oversight functionsReps Speaking on what could form the roadmap to the legislative activities of the House of Representatives in the current year, the spokesman of the House, Hon. Zakari Muhammed, disclosed that more commitments would be given to oversight functions as well the primary functions of legislation, particularly on pending Bills with direct bearing on the welfare of the people and sustainable growth of the economy. He stated: “Besides taking our oversight more serious-

ly in order to ensure the full implementation of the 2013 Budget, we will also round off work on the Petroleum Industry Bill presently before us and intensify our work on the 1999 Constitution”. The Legislator hinted that the House would also look into pending reports on the Farouk-Otedola $620,000 bribery scandal and the N39million bribery allegation involving Hon. Herman Hembe and Director General Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh. The House, Sunday Mirror’s investigations revealed, would also prioritize the debate of its long-awaited report on the N30billion earmarked for printing National Identity cards and most likely consider report of its major probe of non-remittances to the Federation Account, by more than 60 agencies. Before it began the probe of non-remittances, the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had warned that if the habit of non-remittances continued, national budgets will continue to incur deficit. He therefore urged the affected government agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), among others, to be more accountable to CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

The Big Read

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aminu Tambuwal

Justice Adoke

Ahamba

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 the public in line with section 162 of the 1999 Constitution. Curiously, the agencies have insisted that by the Acts establishing them, they were to generate and spend on salaries and other things. Other things that are likely to engage the House on resumption are the oversight on the disbursements of funds to MDAs in December.

like minded in discharge of their judicial responsibilities. Judges must sit on time and they should avoid adjournments except where it becomes absolutely necessary; Judges must be in charge of their courts and avoid putting themselves in a situation that can compromise their independence and impartiality...” For an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Francis Mgboh, “I expect to see an improved and responsive judiciary that will truly be the hope of the common man, as that will restore public confidence that has hitherto been lost in our judicial system.

miles away. He said: “The first thing is to reposition the gas turbine generators that are already on ground or coming in so that those gas generators can be closer to the gas supply, it is easier to transmit electricity that has already been generated over a long distance than it is to carry gas pipe to that same long distance, it is 30 times more expensive to carry the gas pipe from where the gas is being generated all the way to Kaduna, or Kano or wherever. “Politically, it looks very nice that we carry the turbine and put in an area and then we bring the gas, but it is almost twenty if not thirty times more expensive, more complicated to carry the gas to that far place than it is to, generate the electricity where the gas is and then carry the electricity through high tension, much cheaper more clean less prone to accidents and even terrorists attack. “We want light, we want electricity, the people in that area do not care whether the electricity is generated 1000 kilometres away, they do not care, all they care is available electricity” he stated.

Judiciary, Power projects, top expectations

Judiciary: Charged to be independent and impartial Speaking on his expectations from the judiciary, which by his assessments, did not fare well in the preceding year, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, enjoined judges to always recognise the strategic role they play in stabilising the polity, and strive to discharge same with decorum and fear of God. He said: “I will simply say that the judiciary, in my humble opinion, did not do its utmost in arresting the decline of our political process, and I hope that in this year, the members of the hallowed institution will recognise and accept their strategic relevance in saving Nigeria from further decline.” Another member of the inner bar, Chief Mike Ozekhome, charged the arm of government to be independent, even as he recommended the removal of judges, who may have been found wanting in the discharge of their sacred judicial responsibilities. Ozekhome’s words: “I will want to see true independence and impartiality, particularly from political incursion into the hallowed precincts of the justice system by political profiteers and prostitutes, who will do everything to undermine the credibility of the judiciary, for the advancement of their political interests. “In other words, the judiciary should be more daring, more dating and more God- fearing in the discharge of its constitutional duties; I will want to see all the bad -egg judges flushed out, while those who have made the judiciary proud should be elevated”. According to Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, “There is no doubt that Nigerian judiciary has had its challenges in 2012. A lot of practising lawyers had one disappointment or the other and in some courts, judges were not sitting on time. And, when these judges come in late, they offer no explanation or apology to members of the Bar. In other cases where the courts did sit and conduct businesses, the quality of the decisions and rulings left much to be desired. In reading through some of these judgements and rulings, you can see and infer that all is not well with the justice delivery system of our judiciary. Some judges demonstrate outright intellectual laziness and jurisprudential indiscipline that one wonders why and how these judges found themselves on the Bench. That is not to say that all our judges are bad. “Be that as it may, In 2013, it is my expectation that all the vices that we noticed in 2012 and before , with our judiciary and justice delivery system, will be a thing of the past. I expect to see our judges at all levels to be business

Power Sector: Speedy completion of NIPPs Stakeholders in the power sector have also tasked the Federal Government on the need to refocus efforts on speedy completion of the National Independent Power Projects (NIPPs) in the year under review by repositioning the gas turbine plants in such a way that would make them closer to gas supply for effective electricity distribution across the country, and explore the possibilities of renewable energy. President of Electric Power Foundation, Dr. Otis Anyaeji, advised the government to give all the support that will enable the NIPP project to be completed within the year to ensure adequate and reliable power supply. Specifically, Anyaeji said government should quickly resolve the issue around retrieving equipment from the storage areas in Lagos for distribution to various sites so that the Niger Delta Power Holding Company can have access to those equipment in a timely manner whenever they are needed. “I think I would want the government to give all the support that will enable the NIPP project to be completed within the year. One of the them, of course has to do with the issue of retrieving equipment from the storage areas in Lagos for distribution to various sites, there are some problems around that but the government should quickly resolve that, give the Niger Delta Power Holding company access to those equipment in a timely manner whenever they are needed” he said. He also said that government should begin to consider other medium and long term projects especially as the NIPP project is nearing completion which could help in leveraging the drive for improved power generation and distribution in the country. In his comments, President of the Nigerian Conservative Foundation (NCF), Desmond Majekodunmi, said government should reposition the gas turbine generators in such a manner that those gas generators can be closer to the gas supply, stressing that it is easier to transmit electricity that has already been generated over a long distance than it is to carry gas pipe to that same long distance. According to Majekodunmi, the cost of laying the pipes all the way to the distant areas where they are required leaves much to be desired, and all Nigerians need is adequate electricity not minding whether it was generated

Housing: Implementation of projects with less than N5bn policy for local contractors Speaking on the specific areas that would jump start the housing and construction Industry in the country, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Bldr Chucks Omeife, while noting that there is better prospects for the housing sector in the new year, said that President Goodluck Jonathan should among other measures, ensure that the policy stance of the administration that projects with contractual value of less than five billion Naira should be given to local construction firms, be implemented this year. According to him, the policy if implemented would not only help to improve local capacity but would also go a long way in enhancing the capacity of local construction firm to engage in competitive bidding. He said: “Toward the end of 2012, Mr. President gave an order that government project that is less that N5billion should be given to local construction firm. It is a good policy statement that will help to reposition the construction industry if the Federal Government can muster the right political will to implement it. If it is implemented, it has the potential to turn things around in the industry, particularly in improving the capacity and capability of stakeholders”. The NIOB boss also noted that the new housing policy which was approved last year is capable of redefining housing sector in the country if its provisions are strictly followed. Besides the fact that the policy is a holistic document with far-reaching recommendations, Omeife pointed out that, “it also puts together issues of enabling environment, institutional framework and financial framework that provides mortgages for Nigerians.” “If it can be implemented, 2013 will be a year of massive housing for Nigerians of all classes, he added.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Sunday, January 6, 2013

The Big Read

Stakeholders want increased committment to health

Ozekhome

Dr. Chukwu, Minister of Health

Dr. Osahon

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 For the President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Chief Olabode Afolayan, the present administration would have made a good year for the housing sector in 2012 if the issue of construction funding, which had held the sector down for a long time, is settled through recapitalisation of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. He said that if the capacity of FMBN is enhanced, it would be better empowered to create mortgages and this would in-turn mean that as soon as houses are completed, people would be able to purchase them. Afolayan also noted that addressing the issue of land acquisition and titling in 2013 would go a long way in opening up the sector and make land more readily available for development. “We had the assurance of Mr. President during the last presidential retreat on housing on land titling. It was agreed that government should come up with a programme on land titling. We also agreed on the creation of Mortgage Refinancing Company. If all these can be implemented by the present administration this year, then the housing sector is up for a boom”, Afolayan projected.

Health: Increased political commitment to health care In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA), Dr. Osahan Enabulele, would like the Federal Government to focus on improving the level of political commitment to healthcare by all levels of government in Nigeria, including the patronage or utilization of public healthcare facilities in Nigeria by top political and public office holders as against the current frequent foreign travels for medical services which many of them prefer at tax payers’ expense. The medical expert therefore canvassed the enforcement of the subsisting policy restricting travels abroad for medical care by political and public office holders, especially for medical conditions that can be readily treated in Nigeria. In addition, he would want to see more funding commitment to healthcare services for millions of Nigerians through “improved healthcare funding/sectoral allocation and releases to the health sector by Federal, State and Local governments, backed with accountable utilization of the available resources”. Amplifying further on what he considers as the primary agenda requiring more commitment at all levels of government, the NMA boss stated that “governments should encourage a policy of universal salary structure for each professional group in the health sector. In the case of Medical and Dental practitioners, the full implementation of the 2009 approved Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) by all State Governments in Nigeria would improve the quality of healthcare service delivery in Nigeria, especially in the rural communities. “The measure would also consolidate on the PublicPrivate Partnership policy in the health sector to improve the quality of service delivery in the health sector; work on rapid expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and commitment to Universal Health Coverage by governments at all levels, to substantially reduce catastrophic health expenditures by Nigerians”, Enabulele added. He also believes that ban on indiscriminate advertisement of herbal and medicinal products on the electronic and print media; institution of stiffer penalties, including life imprisonment for quacks in the public and private healthcare sectors will go a long way in addressing the challenges posed by quacks to improved healthcare delivery system in the country. For the National President, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr. Godswill Okara, implementation of the Presidential Committee Report to be implemented with a view to harmonising professionals and workers in the health sector is also an agenda that should be pursued with utmost urgency by the government. “We also expect that the approved scheme of service for various professional groups will be implemented fully and comprehensively to ensure that people work with satisfaction because the issue of scheme of service borders quite a lot on how government business, as far as we are concerned in the health sector, is supposed to be conducted and organized. We expect that the Ministry of health facilitates the smooth implementation of this document in order to ensure harmony in the health sector. “Peace is very fundamental to the Ministry of Health. Once that is done, you will see that peace will return and people will work harmoniously for the benefit of the patients and the society. On the demand we are making at the Ministry, we have made it clear, if the demand are not acceded to, we will have no other choice than to continue with our agitation. We are expecting positive response to the issues we have raised. They are things that are straightforward and fundamental. “Nigeria has the personnel and the financial resources to drive the health sector. What we are lacking is the managerial acumen or expertise to drive the health sector. If professional health service administrators are allowed to do what they are professionally trained to do, the Nigerian health sector will turn around for better. What we see now is that the roles of professional health managers have been usurped”, Okara noted.

ket, a leading player, Ambassador Olufemi Timothy, expressed serious concern over the current structure of stock prices, saying that most of their prices do not represent the intrinsic values of most of the stocks, thereby fuelling speculations that another era of stock price manipulation may have been re-opened. Similarly, while noting that some of the reform measures introduced in recent times have been desirable to ongoing efforts aimed at achieving improved recapitalisation and growth of the capital market, the investment analyst, however warned on the need for the Federal Government to stem the tide of over-dependence of foreign investors in the drive. This is in view of the likely negative implications for the market if the present crises ravaging the Asian, American, and European economies are reversed for another booming era. Timothy, who is the also the National Chairman of Renaissance Shareholders Association, believes that government should be more firm in its regulatory and oversight functions in the capital market with a view to ensuring that any underground manipulations of share prices or other abuses are no longer allowed in the market. In addition, he canvassed some strategic and policy reform measures that would re-enact the glory of the market’s past years when retail investors were actually the major drivers of its growth, adding that to do otherwise would be tantamount to postponing another era of burst with the attendant negative implications for investors and the nation’s economy. “Government should be more firm in regulating the market because feelers continue to show that share prices are being tampered with at some level such that what you have currently as prices of some stocks do not represent their intrinsic values. Something is happening in this area and it is high time the regulatory authorities acted to avoid what was witnessed in the past. “Also, the current situation in which foreign investors are controlling up to 75 per cent of the market is not good for the economy. They are now coming because of the crises in their economies and if the economies peak, they will take away what they have brought. So, government should ensure that retail investors, who are Nigerians in most cases, are encouraged to come back and invest in the capital market. The present leadership of the market is not doing that and I think this is where the Federal Government should focus if we are to see sustained and long term growth of the market. “They should re-enact the glorious days of the 1990s by adopting measures that would make indigenous investors come back to the market like President Babangida did in those days. Those at the helm of affairs at the Stock Exchange now do not appear to understand the roles of retail investors in the drive for the market growth and that is why you see many companies are now reluctant to go into public offers or Rights Issue adventure because they are aware that local investors’ confidence in the market is lacking. In 2013, government should address this lapse in the overall interest of the country”, Timothy said. As desirable as the various agenda canvassed for implementation in the current year appears, it is quite likely that what eventually become the realities of the lofty dreams and expectations may be far from set targets and totally incongruous with efforts put into endeavours by individuals and other players in the physical space where major policy issues are affected largely by political considerations rather than value-adding potentials. As analysts have said over time, in order to reverse the ugly trend of yearly frustrations and properly reposition the country on the path of sustainable growth and global competitiveness as had been enunciated in sundry medium and long term policy frameworks, particularly the Vision 20:2020 policy blueprint, the President and his team would have to really tackle the problem of corruption – the greatest threat to transparent and accountable governance in the country. That seems to be the biggest agenda that must be pursued to logical conclusion if Nigerians’ expectation for improved life would not be dashed, once again!

Finance and Capital Market: Govt should be more firm in regulating role Reflecting on the prospects of the Nigerian capital mar-

With addittional contributions from Tordue Salem, Emma Onani, Femi Adeosun, Chidi Ugwu and Marcus Fatunmole.

News

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015: ACF, northern leaders pIot against Jonathan A ZA MSUE

rominent northern leaders and groups have begun surreptitious moves to resist President Goodluck Jonathan’s ambition to run for another term in 2015. The move which began late last year, peaked last week following reports that the President’s campaign posters have flooded Abuja, the nation’s seat of power. But the Presidency has distanced itself from the ‘Jonathan for re-election posters.’ Leading the northern opposition are leaders of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and those in the various northern groups, including their youth wings. Besides, sen-

ators and other lawmakers of northern extraction have been drafted in, to pursue the goal of wresting power from Jonathan. The ACF yesterday maintained that President Jonathan’s eligibility to contest in 2015 is already before a competent court of law, to decide whether or not he could be sworn in as President more than twice. ACF spokesman, Mr Anthony Sani said via text message to Sunday Mirror, “What is more? The case challenging his eligibility to contest in 2015 is in court on the ground that he has been sworn in as president twice already and that the constitution cannot allow him to be sworn in thrice. And so, the Presidency is not wrong to call the

sponsors of those posters to order, in the interest of democracy and morality” Confirming the political meetings, a northern youth group, Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) which is under the auspices of the ACF, said it had started reaching out to prominent northerners on how to clinch the 2015 presidency. The group’s national president, Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, in an interview with Sunday Mirror, said the northern 2015 agenda would be actualizsd if the elite teamed up as one. Gujungu said, “I just concluded a meeting with the chairman of the northern senate caucus , Senator Umaru Dahiru, for partnership with the Senate and House of Representatives members of northern extraction to ac-

Sylva fights back, says; ‘I don’t have 48 houses’ K AYODE FASUA

mbattled former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, yesterday denied that he owned 48 houses which have been seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Sylva who is currently standing trial before an Abuja High Court over an alleged N6 billion fraud, put a lie to media reports that he had 48 houses, saying he only possessed three properties and that the three properties in Abuja had been secured by a court order. Reacting through his counsel, Benson Ibezim, the ex-governor said in the first instance, he was not having 48 properties anywhere in the world. “The three properties (Sylva) has in Abuja had been secured by an order of court granted by F.C.T. High court and the Attorney General of the Federation and EFCC have been duly served since the 27th day of December, 2012. “The three properties covered by the order of F.C.T. High Court are properties that were legitimately acquired by Chief Timipre Sylva and

his wife before he became the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State. The records are quite clear on these properties as there is no iota of doubt as to the period of their acquisitionmore so as these properties were duly declared by Chief Timipre Sylva on his assumption of office as the Governor of Bayelsa State. “It must be observed that we became aware of the interim order of attachment granted to EFCC on 4th day of January, 2013 as same was attached to the court process that was served on us by EFCC on the said 4th January, 2013. It is elementary knowledge of law that a party can only be bound by an order of court upon service of the court order on the party. Chief Timipre Sylva was not aware of the existence of any order of a Federal High Court against him as none was served on him,” Ibezim stated. He added, “It is worthy to note that the Attorney General of the Federation and the EFCC were duly served with the order of F.C.T. High Court on the 27th day of December, 2012. “Rather than obeying the order of court, the

EFCC in flagrant disregard to the order of court is taking steps in respect of the properties by writing to the occupants of the properties covered by the order of court. “EFCC being a creation of law is expected to be law abiding and is advised to have respect for the order of court of FCT High court of 27th day of December, 2012 regarding the properties covered by the court order,” the former governor’s counsel complained Ibezim also complained that when Sylva became aware “of the sinister plan of the EFCC to humiliate him by throwing him out of his house that was bought before he became the governor of Bayelsa State, we wrote a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Chairman of EFCC. “Till date, both of them did not response to the said letters,” he declared.

Sylva

tualise the 2015 northern agenda. “Other northern elite members like former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar have started mobilising people but we are not part of it; we want to bring out a very credible candidate that is capable of fighting the 2015 presidential elections, whether president Jonathan is going to contest or not” Gunjungu added,“We in the Arewa Youth Forum this time round, are on the northern agenda. We have made our position clear to the government. The next President in 2015 will come back to the North this time round; not an Ijaw, Niger Delta person again,” he said Sunday Mirror gathered that secret political meetings have commenced in Abuja, Kaduna and Kano, aimed at pushing for the impeachment of President Jonathan whom they have noticed would not relinquish power in 2015. “But if the plan fails, they would shop for a competent candidate that would wrestle power back to the northern region,” a source revealed. The source added that

much as the North felt that it was too early to begin its campaigns for 2015, the Jonathan posters report had woken it from its slumber, paving the way for ongoing political faceoff. “Political meetings are going on in major cities in the North because no force will stop the North from producing president come 2015,” another northern elder, who would not want his name in print, revealed. Joining the fray too was the president of Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria (CRCN), Mallam Shehu Sani, who declared yesterday that there were going to be massive protests against the President’s purported ambition. In a telephone chat with our correspondent, Sani who earned the death sentence during the late General Sani Abacha military rule, over his activism, said Jonathan’s ambition might unleash crisis on the country “owing to his poor performance in office.” His words: “There is going to be massive protest against President Good-

luck Jonathan’s ambition in 2015of which certainly, people like me will lead in Nigeria. “President Jonathan’s 2015 presidential ambition will unleash a way of crisis on Nigeria; it will heat up the polity and provoke social tension.” Sani added that “Jonathan’s ambition is borne out of greed and desperation as his period in power has delivered nothing to Nigerians. Giving him more years is a complete waste of time.” According to Sani, the President has violated the principle of zoning of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by contesting the 2011 elections and that nobody would take him for his word again. Sani also cautioned, saying, “The issue of Jonathan should not be seen as an issue between the North and the South but it should be seen as the case of a man who cannot perform. “South-East and the West should not be hypocritical but should join all other forces that are aimed at scuttling President Jonathan’s ambition in 2015.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dateline

SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH THE PAST JANUARY, 6, 2013

Dasuki

Abacha

Deposition, banishment of Sultan Dasuki

K AYODE FASUA

n April 20, 1996, the eight-year reign of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, suddenly came to an end. Without smelling a rat, the Sultan responded to an urgent invitation to see the state’s military administrator, Colonel Yakubu Mu’azu, in his office. As was the style of first-class monarchs, the sultan responded to the invitation by being chauffeur-driven to the Sokoto Government House in a long convoy and with a retinue of palace officials. But certain things happened at that moment that shocked him. On getting to the state house, the military administrator did not come out to receive him as was the practice. Then, he was also surprised at the unusually high number of armed military guards at the government house. Also, as he made to enter the administrator’s inner office, Dasuki’s palace officials were denied entry with him. Since that was not the practice, the Sultan protested but he was curtly told that the administrator wanted to meet with him alone. At that stage, the monarch began to sense trouble. At the administrator’s office was also the Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Tsav, and the state director of the State Security Service, SSS, Alhaji Aboki. To the sultan’s amazement, the administrator told him that he (the Sultan) had committed unpardonable offences against the people, Islam and the state. He added that after due consultation with the kingmakers, the sultan had been deposed and banished from Sokoto. To the monarch, it was like a bad dream as he could not believe his ears. He began to shiver while a letter of sack given to him by the administrator fell off his clasped hands. But Tsav, the commissioner of police, picked it up and

tucked it into his hands. Dasuki at first was short of words as he quivered in disbelief. But at a stage, he found his voice and looked up straight at the administrator, “Why would you disgrace the Uthman Dan Fodio family like this?” But Mu’azu, the military administrator, having performed his brief, simply walked out of his office. This was during the rule of military Head of State, General Sani Abacha. Journey to exile Immediately after the tension-soaked session at the administrator’s office, Tsav told Dasuki that he was under arrest. While the royal father’s palace officials and other aides were still waiting for him in an inner room in the governor’s office complex, the sultan had been briskly herded out through another route and driven straight to the Sokoto airport by Tsav and his team. Dasuki requested to be allowed to go to his palace to take his drugs but the police personnel turned down the request. He also asked for where they were taking him but the police officers replied, “We don’t know.” In the real sense of it, they did not know as they only got a clear instruction to drive him down to the airport. While on their way to the airport, there was a signal that the place had been taken over by intending pilgrims, which could pose a challenge. This did not pose much problem to the police anyway, as they simply chased the intending pilgrims away from the tarmac, before the arrival of the deposed Sultan. At the airport, a plane had been waiting to take the sultan away. He, at this stage, resisted the arrest, saying he would rather die than enter the aircraft that was to take him on the journey to exile. His words: “This is a coup against the sultanate and as a leader, I should die fighting; I won’t enter any aircraft unless you kill me.”

But the leader of the security team detailed to take him in the flight quietly replied, “We have no instruction to kill anybody.” Again, when the sultan reminded them of the need for him to have with him his anti-hypertension drugs, the security personnel promptly assured him that they would buy them for him when they reached their destination. But where? Nobody was willing to say. While the Sultan still stuck to his gun that he would not enter the plane, he was firmly reminded of the indignity in a Sultan being dragged into the plane. Again, they told him that they were going on a long journey and that if he chose to go by road, he was free, provided he could endure the rigour. At that stage, the Sultan agreed to enter the plane. Inside the plane, reports said he kept telling the security personnel that “you know today but you don’t know tomorrow.” He also blamed his plight on his political enemies who were bent on destroying the “Buhari royal family.” The plane then landed at Yola, Adamawa State and the deposed Sultan was driven straight to one of the government guest houses. Sources said throughout the night, Dasuki was wide awake, and at about 4 a. m. the following day, he was taken out and driven to Jalingo in now Jigawa State, where he began a new life in exile. Tightened security In Sokoto, government promptly beefed up security following the Sultan’s removal, especially at the palace and at the ex-Sultan’s private residence along the University of Sokoto’s temporary site. Also, Dasuki’s family members, upon hearing of his dethronement, started moving out of the palace despite assurances from government officials that they could remain in the palace for as long as it would take them to get comfortable accommodation. It would seem that the state government had anticipated wild protests or riots with the level of tightened security following the removal. But the opposite was the case as most residents, though surprised, CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Dateline

The late Maccido

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Tsav

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mua’zu

Dasuki’s Deposition, banishment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 simply went about their normal business. Government justifies removal Colonel Mu’azu invited the Sokoto kingmakers to the government house where he officially informed them that the Sultan had been deposed and banished. He asked them to set in motion the process for the emergence of a new sultan. He also told them the series of offences committed by the dethroned monarch. Also in a broadcast to the state, the administrator pilloried Dasuki for how he conducted his affairs as sultan. His words: “The leadership role for which the state is known in the arena of politics and religion is fast slipping out of our grip as a result of lack of honest and sincere leadership.” He said since Dasuki became the sultan, many things went wrong, “which are of serious consequences.” He specifically listed Dasuki’s offences to include causing feud and enmity among the people and among the ruling houses, ignoring government directives and suggestions made to him, using government facilities and personnel without seeking permission, and inviting foreigners, especially diplomats, without notifying the government of Sokoto State. He further accused Dasuki of travelling outside his domain without the approval or notice of the government, and that he spent money on capital projects independent of government’s approval. Such acts, Mu’azu said, easily ridiculed both the palace and the government. Furthermore, the military administrator reeled out other offences of the deposed Sultan to include acts that brought negative consequences to the religion of Islam. “He is self-centred…and unable to account for all the donations and fund given by individuals or organisations for the construction of mosques and religious activities.” According to him, the deposed sultan is likely to appear before the failed banks tribunal. “It is shameful to see a Sultan in a witness box to answer some charges. This ugly development is totally unbecoming of either the Sultan or the revered Sokoto caliphate,” he explained. Appointment of Sultan Maccido On Sunday April 21, a day after Dasuki was dethroned by the military government and after the kingmakers had been briefed on the urgent need for the selection of another sultan, 69-year-old Mohammadu Maccido was named as the new sultan. In a twist of fate, it was Maccido who keenly contested with Dasuki for the coveted turban of the sultanate, eight years earlier. Then his late father, Sultan Abubakar Saddiq 111 had died and Maccido was reportedly favoured by the kingmakers to succeed him at first but at the last minute, the indices changed in favour of Dasuki. However, the announcement of Maccido elicited

widespread jubilations in the streets as the locals poured into the streets, shouting ‘Sai Maccido’. The new sultan was an American-trained agriculturist who studied public administration at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State and in the United Kingdom. Until his appointment, he was the Sarkin Kundun of Sokoto. Possible reasons for Dasuki’s removal Beyond the façade of the official reasons given for the sudden dethronement of Dasuki, observers believed that his sack by the military administration of General Abacha was to settle old scores. According to this school of thought, Dasuki’s insistence during the interim national government of Ernest Shonekan, in the wake of the annulment of the June 12 1993 presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola, that there should be no more military take-over, might have been his Achilles’ heels.

He reportedly advised then that Shonekan should be allowed to rule and handover to a democratically elected government, a proposition said to have hit Abacha below the belt, as he still wanted to rule as Head of State. For this, the Sultan was not forgiven. Again, the gulf between Aso Rock and the Sultan’s palace was further widened when the Sultan’s son, Sambo Dasuki, a lieutenant colonel and the present National Security Adviser, was named in an alleged coup plot involving former head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and 39 others. As a way of humiliating the Sultan, the Federal Government started assigning functions meant for the Sultan to other emirs who were junior to him. Besides, Aso Rock started playing host to perceived enemies of the Sultan within the sultanate, who then included Maccido. Also, when Abacha visited Sokoto, he snubbed Sultan Dasuki.

The man, Ibrahim Dasuki

brahim Dasuki was born in Dogondaji to a family of descendants from Uthman Dan Fodio; he is a member of the Buhari Royal House and a great-great grandson of Dan Fodio. He started education at a Quaranic school in 1928 and was there till 1931. He later attended Dogondaji Elementary School and the Sokoto Central School. Between 1935 and 1940, he was a student at the Sokoto Middle School where he was the school’s senior prefect during his third year. He later attended Barewa College with his stay being financed by the Sokoto Native Authority. On completing his secondary education and to fulfill scholarship duties, he joined the native authority as a clerk to the district officer in charge of treasury, though his original intention was to become a journalist. After spending five years as a clerk in the Sokoto Native Authority, Dasuki decided to try his luck in journalism. He applied to a position as a trainee reporter with Gaskiya Corporation only to be given the post of clerk. He accepted the clerkship position in 1945. A few years later, he became the cashier for the company where he learned the rudiments of accounting and organising a firm. However, he left Gaskiya in 1953 having felt he was underpaid. Subsequently, he entered the civil service at a time, the regional government’s northernisation programme was to take effect. Between 1953 and 1955, he was private secretary to the regional minister of Transport, in the person of Ahmadu Bello. He later went to Oxford University for

a one-year course, on his return he was posted to the Plateau division as assistant district officer, later becoming a pilgrims officer, and in 1963, a representative of the North to the board that conducted the Nigerian census of 1963. After leaving the census board, he continued working for the civil service in the regional ministry of Local Government and later Trade where he was permanent secretary and chairman of the Northern Nigeria Marketing Board. In 1969, he resigned from the civil service into a life of entrepreneurship. He was a member of the 1977 Constituent Assembly. As private citizen, his first high profile job was his position as chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation where he championed a policy of decentralization and the creation of district offices. Another major firm he is linked with is the Bank of Commerce International which he promoted in the 1970s and later served as the local chairman. The bank collapsed in the early 1990s and subsequently, allegations of bribery, money laundering and fraud in the bank’s dealing with Nigeria trailed the collapse. Dasuki also had interest in APROFIM, a company with interest in rice mill. He in 1988 ascended the throne of Sultan of Sokoto before he was deposed eight years after, by the Abacha government. Today, he lives in Kaduna. Source: Nigerian Wiki

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

s the Senate resumes plenary on January 16, one of the issues that will attract its attention is the consideration of the proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan to change the name of University of Lagos (UNILAG) to Moshood Abiola University, Lagos, (MAULAG). The Senate will also deliberate on the contentious Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The upper chamber adjourned for the Christmas and New Year holidays on December 20, 2012, shortly after both chambers of the National Assembly passed into law the 2013 harmonised budget of N4.99 trillion. Besides the anticipated

News

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Senate to consider UNILAG name change January 16 second reading of the PIB and subsequent debate on its general principles, the Senate will also consider budgetary proposals of about 40 agencies of government listed under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, as well as pending bills for acts to establish nine new universities. According to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, the need to prioritise the PIB, the agencies’ budgets as well as harmonisation with the

House of Representatives on the universities’ bill became imperative because same had been pending before the Senate since last year. Speaking with Sunday Mirror on phone, Senator Enang said: “One of the things the Senate will preoccupy itself with upon resumption is to look at other budgets under the fiscal responsibility act for agencies of government so as to enable them to function effectively this new year. “The Senate will also

consider the Petroleum Industry Bill, which has been pending for a while now. We will also consider other executive bills, particularly those that have passed second reading. “The Senate will also be working with the House of Representatives to get harmonisation on the nine universities so that they can have a law establishing them and start having their own budgets.” President Jonathan had on July 19, 2012, sent the “original version” of the

PIB to the National Assembly thus laying to rest the controversy on which version was the authentic one, as many were already in the public domain. Buttressing the authenticity of the bill submitted to the National Assembly, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, had said: “There is no other Petroleum Industry Bill for 2012. We have seen various adaptations appearing in the media, particularly online, that did not come from the

Federal Government and we are unaware of who posted them on these sites. “There is only one Petroleum Industry Bill 2012, which has been released for the first time to the National Assembly and will therefore be available on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources site for down loading. “You will notice that inside the bill there are water marks including a signature across each page that says the Petroleum Industry Bill for 2012 and the Coat of Arms of the nation and this is the only Petroleum Industry Bill that we have produced. “Therefore, all other versions or adaptations are not valid and have never been. I will like all Nigerians to please take note.”

King Sunny Ade’s ex-band boy arrested with cocaine at Lagos Airport OLUSEGUN KOIKI

O Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nation, Amb. Usman Sarki (left) longest-serving local staff of the mission in New York, Mr Joseph Onwe (2nd left), and others, during the presention of gratuity cheques to them by Sarki on Friday.

Iwu, others record breakthrough in HIV/AIDS cure

ormer National Chairman, Independent National Electoral commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, has been named among sciences who recorded a recent breakthrough in HIV/ AIDS treatment. The United States Food and Drug Administration, at the weekend, announced another breakthrough in the treatment of HIV/AIDS with the discovery of an oral botanical drug called Crofelemer. The new drug is the second botanical and an orally administered drug to be approved by FDA since 2006.

According to an online publication, theeagleonline. com.ng, the latest breakthrough owes its success to a pioneering research carried out in the United States by a team of scientists including Iwu, an acclaimed pharmacologist and tropical medicine expert. The first botanical drug to be approved in the United States was a topical green tea extract, Veregen, in 2006. Both botanical drugs meet all US pharmaceutical requirements and can be dispensed only by prescription. However, Crofelemer is the first drug to be approved

in the United States to treat HIV -associated diarrhea. It is derived from the latex of the South American sangre de drago tree (dragon’s blood, Croton lechleri). A red, blood-resembling latex leaks from the tree when its bark is cut, and it is this substance that contains the novel polymolecular structure crofelemer, originally developed and standardized by Shaman Pharmaceuticals. Fulyzag is the second botanical drug approved by the agency. The drug’s approval marks an important event in the decades-long history of crofelemer.

ne of the former guitarists of the Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, has been arrested with some substances suspected to be cocaine by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officials at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The suspect, Mr. Fatoke Abiodun, was said to have played for the veteran musician for over 30 years. He was arrested on January 1, 2013 on board Air France flight to Italy. He was arrested with the substance worth 1.575kg. An online statement signed by the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that the arrest followed the detection of two parcels of cocaine industrially hidden in the false bottom of the suspect’s luggage. Ofoyeju said that the NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar, confirmed the arrest. The statement reads in part: “We have made the

first arrest in the new year. The suspect, a guitarist by name Fatoke Abiodun, was found with 1.575kg of cocaine. The drug was discovered in the false bottom of his luggage during the outward screening of passengers to Italy.” Ofoyeju said the 62 year old grandfather, who is married to four wives with many children, had owned up to the crime, blaming his involvement on financial hardship. The suspect was reported to have said: “After my primary education, I only did one year in secondary school before I went into music. I can play any kind of guitar, but my music career is a sad story. I played for King Sunny Ade for 30 years before I was unceremoniously retired in 2007. “I was unprepared and without severance money, I saw the bitter side of life. This is my first time of involving myself in drug trafficking. I did it out of frustration because at my age I could not provide for my family. I am ashamed of myself.” Speaking on how he got involved in drug traffick-

ing, the suspect said: “I live in Ibadan with my family. I was invited to Lagos where I was given N50, 000 and they promised that every arrangement will be ready for me to travel soon. They promised to pay me N1 million. If not for my condition, I would have turned down the offer, but it was my last hope to free myself from financial difficulty. “I was given the bag and my ticket, but at the airport NDLEA detected the drug. Since then, I have been in deep pain. I feel sad because I have no one to help me.” NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, described the involvement of Abiodun in drug trafficking as sad and disappointing for a grandfather. Giade said the arrest was a good start for the anti-narcotic agent in 2013 and vowed that the year would be tough for drug traffickers. Ofoyeju said the suspect would be charged to court for unlawful exportation and possession of narcotics. If convicted, he could spend the next 25 years in prison.

NIGERIA IN BRIEF Hoares Methodist Church marks 21st Honey Service The Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Hoares Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Yaba, celebrated the 21st anniversary of the Busy Bees Society as well as the 50th anniversary of the church at the weekend. The celebration was held at the church’s cathedral, Yaba, Lagos. Speaking at the service, Secretary of the Conference of Methodist Church in Nigeria, Revd Raphael Opoko,

called on members of the Honey Bees Society to ensure their private lives reflects the sweetness of honey. According to him, they must ensure that their lives are a blessing to the widows, the motherless, the poor and the nation as a whole. He called the members of the busy bees to emulate the Lord Jesus in all their actions. The cleric, however, decried the state of Nigeria’s educa-

tion and the fall in societal morality. He also called on private universities to reduce their tuition fee, saying some of the schools are charging very high tuition fee. ‘‘It is the contributions, tithes and offerings of church members that built this universities and yet many of these church members cannot afford to educate their children in these schools,’’ the cleric said.

Transporters hike fares in Asaba after New Year holiday Transporters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, have increased fares as people return to their destinations after the Christmas and New Year holidays. An investigation by a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited Chukwudumebi and Efex Motor parks on Friday in Asaba, revealed that the transporters were charging N3, 000 from Asaba to Lagos instead of the usual N2,500.

The investigation also revealed that the transporters charged N4,600 from Asaba to Abuja as against N4,200. Some of the transporters who spoke to NAN attributed the increase to slight increase in the price of fuel and the large turnout of travellers. Chiedu Orji, a driver at Chukwudumebi park, said: “Since the season began, we have been buying petrol at N115 per litre, instead of N97 and there

is now way we can charge the same N2, 500 from Asaba to Lagos. Mrs Isioma Okpala, a Ticketing Officer with Efex Motors, said: “Apart from the slight increase in the price of fuel, the large turnout of passengers at this time of the year always attracts fare increase. ``This is the only time we can make up for our losses. This is our season and we shall make the best out of it’’.

Jonathan, Obasanjo make case for Nigeria’s unity CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

resident Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to love and tolerate one another. He said with determination and resilience, Nigeria would overcome its security challenges. The President, represented by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col.Sambo Dasuki (rtd), spoke at the wedding ceremony of Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s first daughter held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Aladinma, Owerri. Also speaking at the event, former President

Olusegun Obasanjo urged Nigerians to support effort aimed at ensuring the unity and progress of the country, saying the nation’s unity is non-negotiable. He said that political tolerance and religious harmony were needed to forge a stronger and harmonious nation, urging politicians to close ranks and build a virile country that would be the pride of all Nigerians. The former President said: “Let our politics have harmony, human face, acceptance of each other’s worth as Nigerians so that we can co-exist irrespective of our religious, political or ethnic backgrounds.” He described Governor

Okorocha as a detribalised Nigerian, noting that the governor, who contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries with him in 2003, had made significant contributions to the unity of the country. Urging the governor not to be deterred by criticisms, Obasanjo said: “As a leader, there is no way you can be perfect, even when you do the right things people will condemn you, but keep on doing what is right and let posterity judge your actions”. Earlier in his speech, Governor Okorocha expressed optimism that Nigeria would come of the current security challenges stronger and

more united. He urged leaders to promote peaceful co-existence among all religious, political and ethnic groups across the country, saying: “We should see ourselves, no matter where we hail from, as brothers and show one another love and tolerance”. In his sermon, the officiating priest, Bishop Gregory Ochie, advised Nigerian leaders to use their behaviuor to tame and discipline others. He also advised Nigerians to know their limitations, saying: “There are so many distractions in the world, do not be conformed to the world around you, lean on God and not on man”.

Fire guts Ogun Govt Secretariat, 7 vehicles burnt FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

o fewer than seven vehicles were burnt in the fire incident which gutted the car park section of the Obas complex at the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta yesterday. The fire disaster occurred few meters away from Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s office located within the Secretariat complex in Oke – Mosan but it was put under check by the quick intervention of the State Fire Services. The fire was allegedly set by some unknown persons to the bush behind the perimeter fence of the Ogun State Government Secretariat. Although the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) Kareem Olanrewaju claimed that only four of the vehicles parked within the area were gutted by fire, Sunday Mirror however gathered that six vehicles, said to have been part of those retrieved from the immediate past chairmen of the Local Government Caretaker Committees in the state were completely burnt while the seventh one

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Chime back soon –Aide DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

esidents of Enugu State are expecting the return of Governor Sullivan Chime, a member of the state’s executive council has said. The cabinet member, who was regarded as one of the confidants of Chime, told Sunday Mirror in confidence that the governor was aware of the tension generated by his long absence from the state, but laughed at the speculation that he was sick and gave directives to his aides on phone. The confidant claimed that he spoke with Chime on the expectation of his return by the residents, adding that the governor would be back soon. Stressing that Governor Chime was aware that he would stay outside the state beyond the three months granted by the Constitution, he handed over to his deputy in acting capacity. He said: “The governor was aware that he would stay outside the state beyond the period permitted by the Constitution, he, therefore, handed over to the acting governor. He did that before he left. So, why do people worry?” In the same vein, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, when confronted on why he issued condolence massage to the family of the late Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa, instead of addressing Chime’s death rumour, Achife said it was because

the governor instructed him to ignore the death rumour and issue the condolence massage. Chime was alleged to suffering from terminal sickness. He was rumoured to be suffering liver problem. Some people claimed that Chime had eye surgery and breathed through oxygen. They added that the governor had visited some specialist hospitals in India and Europe for treatment. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, had claimed that Chime was on leave and would soon be back. Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State claimed during Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s 80th birthday in October, last year that the Enugu State governor was not feeling quit well. Curiosity, however, arose last December when the Acting Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, presented the 2013 budget to the state House of Assembly. Outspoken Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma of the Anglican Church had, at a public function, burst out that if the governor was sick, the people should be told so they could pray for his quick recovery. The Bishop insisted that if all were well with Chime after all, he should make haste and come back to continue with the mandate given to him by the people. Spiritual leader of the Adoration Ministry in Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, during the eve of Christmas celebration prayed for the governor’s recovery.

Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu (left) being greeted by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed, who paid him a condolence visit over the death of the wife of Wazirin Bauchi, Alhaji Bello PHOTO: NAN Kirfi in Bauchi, yesterday.

was partially touched by the fire which raged for well over 30minutes. A towing vehicle belonging to the state government’s Parking Management Scheme was quickly arranged and was observed by our correspondent desperately making attempts to ferry the other vehicles not affected by the fire to safer areas. The incident occurred few days after a similar incident at the palatial Hilltop home of former president Oluse-

gun Obasanjo and another one in Ago-Egun in which the traditional ruler of the town lost his wife and two children. Our correspondent gathered at the scene of the incident that the fire was sparked off by the burning of bush around the secretariat by some unknown persons. Sunday Mirror also observed that raging fire crept into the premises of the complex through a water channel under the perim-

eter fence of the secretariat close to the space where the vehicles were parked, setting them ablaze immediately. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu; the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Funmi Wakama and many civil servants who thronged the scene of the fire incident expressed gratitude to God that the damage was minimal while no casualty was recorded.

Governor

Sullivan Chime

NIGERIA IN BRIEF Aregbesola unveils Ori-olokun in Ile-Ife

Fire razes block of flats in FCT A block of four flats located along Demonstration Road in Gwagwalada, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was yesterday gutted by fire. A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who witnessed the incident, reports that efforts by men of the FCT Fire Service to put out the fire failed. The fire started at about

10:am. Some occupants of the flat, who spoke to NAN, blamed the cause of the fire on one of the occupants whom they alleged left her cooker on. The suspected occupant, however, denied the allegation, saying that she had not even opened her kitchen when the fire broke out. “I had not even opened my kitchen this morning. I just

went across the road to buy chicken and met the house on fire on my return. “My little baby would have been in the fire if not that I carried him with me,’’ Ifeoma Amadi, the occupant, said in tears. Another occupant, simply identified as Augustus, was said to have travelled to Enugu this morning to attend his sisters` burial.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Saturday in Ile-Ife unveiled an Ife ancestral monument, popularly called Ori-Olokun, as part of activities marking the inauguration of Ori-olokun garden. The governor performed the unveiling of the huge Ori-Olokun sculpture at the Ori-Olokun Roundabout, formerly Mayfair Roundabout

in Ile-Ife. He described the monument as a precious heritage of the Yoruba race, and urged the people to protect and preserve it. Mr. Taiwo Olaiya, the Executive Secretary, Ife Central Local Government, under whose jurisdiction the garden is situated, also described the monument as the most famous in history.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday, January 6, 2013

Toyin Makinde-Akinrolabu marks golden age in style

rs. Toyin Makinde-Akinrolabu, wife of the former Executive Director, Global Media Mirror Limited and Resident Director , Premier University, Sao

Tome, Dr. Yele Akinrolabu clocked 50 years. A special thanksgiving service was held to mark the birthday at St Mary’s Anglican Church , Oluyole Estate, Ibadan on Sunday, December 30,

2012. After the church event, a reception was held for guests at Archbishop Akinfenwa Hall within the church premises. Pictures show some of the guests at the event.

Celebrant, Toyin and husband, Dr. Yele Akinrolabu cutting the birthday cake

L-R: Dr. Akinrolabu, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Managing Director/Editor-inChief, National Mirror and the celebrant

L-R: Dr. Akinrolabu, celebrant, Dr. Anthony Esiemokai and wife

Celebrant with hubby and their children

Celebrant with members of the Good Samaritans Society of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Oluyole, Ibadan

The Akinrolabus with Otunba Noah Fadayomi (right) and wife, Grace Olufunke Fadayomi (left)

Jonathan to inaugurate code of conduct for police Thursday

resident Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday inaugurate a professional Code of Conduct for the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubabar, has said. Abubakar announced this on Saturday while hosting newly promoted junior officers of the force to a party at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. “On the 10th of this month, a professional code of conduct will be launched by Mr President for all officers and men of the Nigeria police for the first time in the history of the Nigeria Police. We are putting in this effort to ensure that you are guided, to ensure that our officers are respected, to ensure that Nigerians understand what we should do and what we should not do. “We shall continue to

do away with things that are not supposed to be with the police. Our ethics must be professional ethics that will be respected and obeyed,’’ he said. The I-G also announced that following the approval of the president, the police have been removed from the contributory pension scheme. He said, henceforth, the force would have its scheme manned by personnel of the police.

“Today, the fight that has been on, that has to do with pension scheme of the Nigeria police is now history. ``The Nigeria police will have their own pension scheme. They will administer their own scheme by their own personnel. ``We are indeed very grateful to Mr President for his understanding, for his support and approval,’’ he said. According to him, the president is committed to the welfare and well-being

Jonathan

Abubakar

of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police. He said, already, a technical committee had been set up to look into the issue of salary and allowances of the police. Abubakar also said that by the middle of 2013, 700 housing units would be delivered to officers in the Inspectorate, and rank-and- file cadres. “God willing, 2013 will be a better year for members of the police because it is in our plan, just like we have started to feed our officers and men who are on duty at the force headquarters. ``I am putting in every effort to ensure that anywhere a policeman is on duty, he is being fed. “All these are measures we are taking to ensure that you are given the benefit that you deserve while in service and while alive. “We have done our best in the service of this country in spite of all odds,’’ he said.

Nigeria’s UN Mission pays $1.6m as staff gratuity T

he Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York has paid cheques worth $1.6 million as gratuity to its local staff who had served for between 30 and 40 years. The New York Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 17 beneficiaries included Nigerians, Beninios, Nigeriens, Ethiopians and Senegalese. Twelve of the beneficiaries were formally handed letters of disengagement, while 5 would be re-absorbed under a contract arrangement structure to be renewed every two years. NAN also learnt that the reabsorbed local staff would be given added responsibilities. Prof. Joy Ogwu, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria at the UN, who spoke at the occasion on Friday, noted that the Nigerian government considered staff welfare as paramount. She described the distribution of the cheques as a ``milestone in the history of the mission. “This has been a long struggle to realise and at the end we give glory to

God’’. Ogwu expressed optimism that the development would inspire hardwork and urged the staff to do better. Amb. Usman Sarki, the Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, had earlier disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja had directed the mission to adhere to the approved staff limit due to scare resources at its disposal. “In the light of dwindling funding and increasing insurance and medical and other debilitating financial cost, Mission has had to merge jobs and reduce staff strength. ``It is most unfortunate that with this development, some staff would have to be disengaged, if we are to avert serious financial embarrassment in the near future,’’ Sarki said. He, however, recalled that in the past, disengaged staff had been owed their gratuity for years. One of the beneficiaries, Mr Rober Vohougla from Niger, who spoke on behalf of others, commended the Nigerian government for giving them the opportunity to serve the country.

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STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU JANUARY 6, 2013

Outrage in Ondo community over murder of prince Hakeem Gbadamosi in Akure investigates the killing of Oriloye, a 23-year-old prince of Ode Etikan community in Ondo State, whose assassination was being linked with the selection of his father as monarch-elect.

riloye Oyetakin was full of life when he packed his bags and baggage and headed to his village in Ode Etikan in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State to celebrate the New Year and also to meet with relations for the annual general reunion of the extended family, which usually holds every December 30. Shockingly, his life was cut short before the reunion. He was sent to his early grave by some hoodlums who visited his home at about six o’clock, on December 27, 2012. Oriloye, 23,a prince of the community, and a son of the Oba-elect for the town, Adeleke Oyetakin, was said to be home with some relatives before some hoodlums numbering 10 invaded their compound and began to shoot sporadically to scare away people. But at the same time, the attackers

Oriloye (Inset: Olikan elect)

•23-year-old killed after announcement of father as monarch-elect •Regent also killed days after announcing monarch-elect went for their targets. Some family members were also shot and injured during the attack while some were seriously cut with machete and are still recuperating in hospitals. But the prince did not survive the onslaught, as he was shot and murdered right in his father’s compound. Apart from Oriloye, some other members of the family sustained varying degrees of injuries. Ademola Ikudehinbu was shot in the leg but was lucky to survive. He still nurses the injury; while Rev. Nelson Okunomo was stabbed and was at press time, still in the hospital. Palpable tension however rent the air in Etikan community with some people vowing to revenge the attack and murder of Oriloye, pointing fingers to a particular family in the town. The attack and the death of Oriloye were attached to the selection of his father, Adeleke Oyetakin as the Oba-elect. However, but for the intervention of the military who moved to the community, more deaths would have been recorded in the mass protest that followed the incident. Some arrests were made while some ammunition was also recovered from the people. But those behind the December 27 are still at large. Reacting to the death of the young man, the Caretaker Chairman of Ilaje Local Government area of the state, Hon. Banji Okunomo, an uncle to Oriloye, described the attack and the murder of the man as devastating, shocking and disturbing. He lamented that the dream of Oriloye was cut short at his prime “owing to the unrealistic, self-seeking, selfish ambition of some elements in the town.” He explained that the killing was deliberate and was masterminded by the aggrieved people who lost during the selection of the traditional ruler for the town saying the enmity has been in the land for a long time, following the selection of Adeleke as the Oba-elect. He pointed out that the regent of the town, Elder Sheme Omoriehwa,

lost his life after announcing Adeleke as the Etikan-elect Okunomo said, “This will be the second killing in the land after the selection of the Olikan-elect; the regent of this land, Elder Sheme was given the beating of his life after the selection process. He was beaten to a state of coma, following which he died. The perpetrators of the killing went unpunished and so there was no deterrent in carrying out the killing of Oriloye.” According to him, the genesis of this attack was the outcome of the selection process, where a major contestant to the throne, (names withheld) lost to Oyetakin and was aggrieved over the selection and headed to court. The said contestant, who could not be reached at press time, reportedly created “confusion, anarchy and chaos in the land, to thwart the installation of Oyetakin as the traditional ruler of the town.” Okunomo, however, posited that the imbroglio in the land would become a thing of the past once the Oba-elect is installed as the ruler of the town. He made it known that the Olikan-elect has been presented to the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, and that all that was required was the state government’s ratification and presentation of staff of office to the former. One of the residents of the community, Samson Molehin, on his part, blamed the state government for the lingering crisis in the community. He pointed out that the ratification of the Etikan-elect as the traditional ruler of the town is being delayed by the state government. He said “I strongly believe that the installation of Oyetakin as the Oba would bring an end to these killings and lawlessness in the land. The selection process is fair and democratic, out of four kingmakers, three voted for Oyetakin and one for Oroyo, another contestant; so why the noise over the stool? I envisage more serious security challenges if the Oba is not installed on time because we need a leader and once the Oba is installed all these will naturally died down.”

Speaking on the death of his son, the Oba-elect, Adeleke Oyetakin who was close to tears, described his late son as an easygoing person and said the killing was part of the ploy of his detractors to distract his attention from getting to the stool of his forefathers. He said, though, “All I want and demand is justice; I want the perpetrators’ of the killing to be brought to book. The boy is such an innocent boy who was here to celebrate with other members of the family. I am a peaceful person and I do not want to take the laws into my hand but I believe justice will be done.” He also called on Governor Mimiko to hasten his installation as the traditional ruler of the town, saying this would bring back sanity into the land since he had been selected through due process. Some arrests have been made over the murder of Oriloye while security agents are still on the trail of some of the people who are suspected to have taken part in the killing, as a number of them were said to have fled the community for fear of being arrested. The main contestant to the throne is also said to be in police custody, over his involvement. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Aremu Adeniran said investigation was in progress at the state Criminal Investigating Department, promising to communicate further developments. “The command is aware of the development and the case is under investigation at the state CID; we’ll communicate further development in due time,” he said. But the questions asked by the people and residents of this community are that, will the killing of the innocent boy be swept under the carpet like the regent of the town? Many of them believed the people of the town are sitting on the keg of gunpowder which could explode sooner than expected saying if the killers were not brought to book, an appraisal attack is imminent which could set the town on fire but they all called for the installation of Oyetakin as the ruler of the town in no distance time.

Down with kidney failure, Clementina needs N7m lifeline OLADELE LUQMON

lementina Agbonteme, 33 years old seamstress and an indigene of Edo State has been battling to survive an ailment that was first diagnosed as vomiting, generalised body swelling and restlessness. First, she was diagnosed as having diabetes five years ago, which later resulted in kidney failure at the later stage of the treatment. She was taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Irrua, Edo State for treatment, where she was on dialysis but thereafter, she had to be referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH from Edo State at the instance of her brother who is resident in Lagos. “This was because there was no one else to stay with except our relations who I had been staying with since the death of our father,” a distraught Clementina said, amid groans. Her father died in 2011

She was admitted at the LUTH for four weeks where she was on admission but she had to be discharged from the hospital at a stage. She was, however a regular caller at the LUTH, visiting twice weekly for ‘management’ at a cost of between N45, 000 to N50, 000. Her brother also said: “From the report made available to us by the LUTH, Clementina’s kidney disease stage is at the endstage which requires kidney transplant by a willing donor to save her life and the cost of operation is about N7 million. But at present, she requires twice weekly haemodialysis to keep her alive pending the time of the operation. “It is in the light of this that we are at Sunday Mirror newsroom to make this public, so that good-spirited Nigerians can come to assist her financially, so as to perform the operation and live a normal life again,” he pleaded. Clementina, a young bubbling lady has now emaciated badly. She urged well-meaning Nigerians to come to her aid, amid sobs. “I am using this medium to appeal to you, the public-spirited Nigerians to assist me in regaining my health; my relations have tried their best and they are still try-

ing to make sure that I regain my full health status but owing to financial constraint, they are tired. “The amount required, N7 million, is too big for my family to raise for the kidney transplant that was I told by the doctors that I have to do, that is why I am here begging Nigerians to assist me.” Clementina’s elder brother, Greg Agbonyeme, who accompanied her to Sunday Mirror newsroom, said that before their visit, efforts had been made to contact some churches and other organizations, which he said had been responding with their widow’s mite, He added that individuals have also been contributing to the cause of her sister’s and “it is this widow’s mite that we pool together to take her for weekly dialysis. “The idea of coming to the media house like National Mirror is to reach wider audience because I believe it is by doing so that people would be touched and reach out to her and know about her predicament, though we have written letters to churches, organisations via e-mails and other means, but the responses are in trickles. “But I believe by reaching out through the media outfits like this, we can have re-

Clementina on hospital bed

sponse that would quicken her treatment, because the early the operation is performed the better because as each day passes, a fresh danger appears posed her life. She has been depending on dialysis to survive since these days. How long will she continue to depend on that?” Greg, Clementina’s brother asked rhetorically. When asked whether she has seen a kidney donor, Greg said ‘no’, but expressed the hope that a donor or donors, would come at the appropriate time. Any contribution in assistance for ailing Clementine can be paid into this dedicated account: Clementina I. Agbonyeme UBA Plc; with Account number 1016516770.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER JANUARY 6, 2013

Asari-Dokubo: With the way Jonathan is going, he may not get second term The actualisation of resource control and self determination are at the heart of your group’s agitations in the last few years. To what extent will you say your group has achieveed these twin demands under President Goodluck Jonathan, who happens to come from that region? For me, government is not represented by an individual; it is represented by the ground norm. And the ground norm in Nigeria is the Constitution. And as long as the Constitution remains as it is, it cannot engender development because development can only be achieved when there are enabling laws. When you have the Land Use Act, Inland Waterway Act, Petroleum and Pipeline Act, and so many laws that confiscate the resources of the people, the land, the water, it becomes very difficult for an individual to change it. Goodluck Jonathan cannot on his own say this is the law and it becomes law like in some countries where some people would say I am the law. When Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq, he said and he would say I am the law, whatever I write with my hands is the law. Nigerian laws are worse than the Apartheid laws of South Africa before the eventual freedom. That is why we have always demanded for self determination through the peaceful Convocation of the Sovereign National Conference. In the thick of the agitation for these self determination and resource control, the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrested and charged you to court in Abuja… (Cut in). I was not only arrested during Obasanjo’s administration, I have been in and out detention, not because I am a rapist, a bunkerer or an armed robber, but because I am an Ijaw man who proclaimed to be and remained an Ijaw man. I have been arrested and interrogated by the men of the State Security Service more than 70 times. I have been in detention more than 40 times. There was a time I always prepared my bag, waiting for them to come. When they come, I pick my bag and follow them not knowing when I would be back. It is not a new thing. The only time I have not been arrested or harassed is during the current administration. When the late Umaru Yar’Adua was in power, it took the intervention of President Medvedev of Russia to bring me out of detention. That was when a question was asked about why an amnesty could be declared and at the same time effect arrest of others at the State House during a joint press conference between Russian President and Yar’Adua in 2009. My offence at that time was that I had the temerity to tell Yar’Adua that the amnesty was fraudulent. That was it, but shortly after then, I fled the country. For 10 months, I was outside the country until I arrived when Jonathan became Acting President. From Babangida to Yar’Adua, I have been detained by the government. National Mirror was monitoring and covering the case by then, but till now we are yet to ascertain the position of the case in court. I don’t even know what happened because I had no access to my lawyers and even my doctor. All I knew was that one day SSS officials just came and told me that I had been released and that I should go. I never applied for bail. Of course, I was privy to some surreptitious moves and so on. I never begged. There are people

Alhaji Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo, President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is arguably the most visible Niger Delta activist that has openly refused to submit himself to the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme. He has not only proclaimed the programme fraudulent, but insisted on the declaration of an independent Ijaw nation under a renegotiated term through the convocation of Sovereign National Conference. In this interview with the Abuja Bureau Chief, Iseoluwa Ige and Olufemi Adeosun, he speaks on Jonathan presidency, Boko Haram and other national questions. Excerpts:

Asari-Dokubo

who are alive. The Amayanabo of Nembe, His Royal Majesty, Edmund Madubebe Dakoru, came to me in my cell (at that time, former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva was his SA) came to beg me to change my lawyer and take Afe Babalola(SAN) and then make a bargain to beg Obasanjo. But I told him I would prefer to die in the prison. Also former governor of River State, Mr. Donald Duke, came to beg me, myself and his wife, Onari, attended the same Primary school. He told me there are only living heroes, but I told him that almost all the heroes that I knew were all dead. He told me that all I needed to regain my freedom was to go tell Baba that ‘I am sorry,’ but I insisted I would do no such a thing. I would never beg Obasanjo to release

me from prison. When Obasanjo knew I was not ready to beg, he tried to use some elders to come and talk to me, Chief Edwin Clark, George Alfred Diete -Spiff and several people from Niger Delta. Senator (Uche) Chuckwumerije and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also came, but I stood my ground. I cannot deny the fact that I am not Nigerian. I am an Ijaw man. If for that I am going to be killed, I am ready to die. So the government granted me bail behind my back. Since I came out, many people have been agitating that I should tell the government to discontinue the case, but I said it with Goodluck Jonathan or anybody? But I know why the government would want to use it as CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Interview

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Why should some people have oil blocs and I won’t’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 the last card to blackmail me to submission. I don’t give a damn. Last year, many of my mates, relations and friends died. They never knew they were going to die. They had tall dreams. So, how do I know that if I beg today, I will not die tomorrow? It will be very shameful for me. If the government feels it is going to use it, It cannot hold me. My aspirations and dreams are very clear. I came into this world to be alive, to glorify God and to lift up my people. I cannot come into this world and not contribute to bringing out my people from slavery. And to make sure we become free men and in doing that, I am ready to die because whether I am afraid and run away, death with still catch up with me. Our struggle is very clear; we are not struggling for Niger Delta Ministry or Presidency. We want an independent Ijaw nation with Ijaw people ruling themselves. But this first, should be negotiated. A Hausa man would not force me to live with him. A Fulani man, a stranger who invaded this country some 200 years ago, cannot force me to live with him. A Yoruba man cannot force me to live with him. I have Ibo blood. If I cannot live in Ijaw land, I can go and live in Ibo land. I know my root. But somebody I have no connection with cannot trust me. During the administrations of former Presidents Obasanjo and Yar’Adua, militancy was on the increase, but now that Jonathan is in power, it appears to have been reduced. Could it be because Jonathan share the same views with you on this self-determination? If he does, would you really say his administration is doing something towards the realisation of the emancipation of Ijaw people? I don’t think Goddluck Jonathan is going to do anything. We are becoming very impatient. But it will be wrong to fight your own brother. Jonathan is one of us; he is our brother, our blood, our flesh and our bone. You give him the benefit of the doubt and see if he shares the same aspiration with you. But overtime if it is clear he does not share the same aspiration with you, then you say, ‘my brother, e be like say the way you dey waka no be the way we dey do our own o, we wan leave you waka on our own o.’ And it would come to that because people are becoming impatient, they have started asking questions. The Boko Haram people are becoming bolder now. They think we have been subdued, and this is not what we can take. Our belief is that for us to peacefully live together, we must peacefully re-negotiate the terms of our living together and if Jonathan does not believe in that, then we must ask ourselves question whether we are on the same template. He is our brother, but we cannot sacrifice our freedom for him. When Isaac Boro started, he didn’t know Goodluck Jonathan, when King Jaja of Opobo started, he didn’t know Jonathan, when King Koko Okia of Nembe started, he didn’t know Goodluck Jonathan, when Nana of Itsekiri started, he didn’t know Jonathan. All the people who started this struggle never knew Jonathan. So, we cannot sacrifice our patriotic struggle for freedom for the sake of one man. We cannot do that. We must re-negotiate the terms and that is why there must be an un-inhibited gathering of the people with sovereign power to negotiate. Nobody can tell us that Nigeria is sacrosanct; it is not. It is a dubious, evil creation of the British for their economic interest and white supremacy. You cannot put an old wine in a new bottle; it will burst. For us, we have given Jonathan enough time to look at this fundamental issue of freedom. Jonathan became the President not because he was the best, but because of what he represents. When the Gbagi man from Abuja look at him, or a man from Birnin Kudu look at him, he sees in Jonathan his own image and picture - the image of the deprived , oppressed people who have been put under the jack-boot of the “Born to Rule Project.” It is the same thing with the Biron and Ogoni men. How can Jonathan stand shoulder to shoulder with former military President Ibrahim Babangida, it is not possible. It is the collective strength of the deprived people that said no to enslavement that brought Jonathan to power. If today, having climbed up, he pushes down the ladder, we will be waiting for him when he comes down.

Asari-Dokubo

Could that be the reason why you were quoted as saying that he would not be eligible for a second term? I didn’t say so; maybe you didn’t read my interview well. What I said was that the way Jonathan is going on, the South-South might lose its uninterrupted eight years because there are nothing on the ground, nothing is happening. That is the truth and it must be said without mincing words. You cannot continue to keep quite when nothing is happening. East-West Road is a death trap; the coastal roads that Yar’Adua spoke about have been thrown away. Where is the Ledum Mitte Report? How long shall we wait? In specific terms, what are your expectations from President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration? We expect nothing from him other than what belong to us. He cannot give us anything because he is a part of us. Whatever he is, we gave to him. Not the other way round. What we are saying is that ‘you are the one we have prepared for the battle, where are the bounties?’ Why did we lose our lives? Why did the Ibo youth corps

OIL BLOCKS BELONG TO US. WHY SHOULD (ALIKO) DANGOTE, (FEMI) OTEDOLA AND (MIKE) ADENUGA HAVE OIL BLOCS? WHO ARE THEY? WHAT RIGHTS DO THEY HAVE TO MY OIL BLOCS? WHAT RIGHTS DO THEY HAVE THAT

I DON’T HAVE? I AM NOT A GENTLEMAN AT ALL, WHAT BELONGS TO ME I WILL TAKE, PEACEFULLY OR BY FORCE.

members, Yoruba youth corps members, Itsekiri youth corps members and Urhobo youth corps members who stood their ground in the North were burnt alive? What did they sacrifice their lives for? Jonathan did not become President the way Yar’Adua and Obasanjo became President. Goodluck became President with the blood of the people because the “Born to Rule” people said that he would never win. He therefore cannot tell us we have no right to the benefits of what we fought and died for. Jonathan should not play with our emotions. When Goodluck Jonathan came into power and the agitation simmered, many people attributed it to the fact that some of the brains behind the agitation were allocated with oil block..(Cut in) That is an insult, oil blocks belong to us. Why should (Aliko) Dangote, (Femi) Otedola and (Mike) Adenuga have oil blocs? Who are they? What rights do they have to my oil blocs? What rights do they have that I don’t have? I am not a gentleman at all, what belongs to me I will take, peacefully or by force. Don’t you think some people would say that you are picking on the President at this time because he has fallen short of your personal expectations of him? So, if a man takes food from my mouth I should support him? What are you saying now? So if one Editor in National Mirror fires you today would you smile at him? Why should I not expect what belongs to me, that Otedola should expect? That Wale Tinubu should expect? That Dangote should expect? That Adenuga should expect, but me at 50 years I should not expect? That Jonathan should eat in the Villa and fill with excess and I should not eat? And I should support him; ‘I no shame for that one. If he no give me wetin be my own, I go fight am.’ Period! There is no two ways about it. Do you want me to die with my 18 children in hunger? No way! I am too prominent in this struggle; I have made some sacrifices. I did not emerge from the blue. I was the Vice-President of IYC, I was Deputy President of IYC and I was President. I started the armed struggle from the creek. Nobody wins and hands it over to peoCONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES JANUARY 6, 2013

N’Assembly deserves praises, not attacks P 16, 41 –Senator Kaka

“WE SEEM TO BE TURNING ROUND AND ROUND AND ROUND. I THOUGHT THAT SINCE WE NEGOTIATED WITH THE NIGERDELTA MILITANTS AND ABLE TO SECURE PEACE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FIND A WAY OF NEGOTIATING WITH BOKO HARAM AND LET US HAVE PEACE BECAUSE INSECURITY AFFECTS INVESTMENT –SENATOR RASIDI LADOJA

Sylva: Still more troubles for an ex-governor P. 40

Briefly

Bauchi Assembly appoints new deputy clerk

The Bauchi State House of Assembly Service Commission has approved the appointment of Alhaji Abdulqadir Jafaru as the new deputy Clerk. This is contained in a statement by the Assembly’s Director of Information, Alhaji Lamara Chinade, made available to the Journalists on Saturday. Jafaru, who until his new appointment was the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the Assembly, was selected from a number of officers who had applied for the position. The statement disclosed that the commission followed laid down rules in section 10 subsection one of the law establishing it to approve the appointment of Jafaru. It added that part of the criteria was based his the new deputy clerk’s seniority and experience. Jafaru was among 18 civil servants bestowed with state’s prestigious merit award last week. He hails from Dambam Local Government Area of the state.

Group advises Kogi to set up budget monitoring body

Okorocha

Anyanwu

Okorocha, Anyanwu flex muscles ahead 2015 CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he political atmosphere in Imo state was smoky last week. Reason for this was the clash between the convoys of the state governor, Rochas Okorocha and the Senator representing Owerri Senatorial District, Chris Anyanwu. Thus heating up the polity in the state. But to many observers, the clash is just a manifestation of the high-wire politics going on in the state ahead of the 2015 electoral contest, giving an insight into the nature of things to come in the heartland state. The Wednesday, December 26 clash was the height of the personality clash between the two public officials both of whom were elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Political observers attribute the clash to the cold war and political rivalry between Governor Okorocha and Senator Anyanwu who, they say is also nursing seriously the ambition to run for the state governorship seat in 2015, Governor Okorocha is

also rumoured to have a presidential ambition. But still watching the political terrain whether it would be a feasible project, and not wanting to lose on two fronts, still wants to hold on to the state for a second term. Observers in the state likened the governor’s intention to the incident that happened between late political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his kinsman, Chief Samuel Akintola when Chief Awolowo relinquished his seat as the Premier of the Western Region to contest for the Federal seat which led to serious crisis in the West when the later realised that there was no vacancy at the Federal level. Political analysts predict that similar clashes among politicians may mar the conduct of the 2015 elections in Imo State. The incident which has dominated political discussions was seen as desperate efforts by Okorocha to have absolute control of political structures in the state and to achieve this, all those perceived to be standing between the Governor and his ambition must either have their wings clipped

or be hounded out of the state. But the governor says that there was no political ambition attached to the encounter with the senator. There have been different stories on what actually happened that day, depending on who is telling, with the duo accusing each other of attempted murder. Senator Anyanwu immediately after the incident accused Governor Rochas Okorocha of ordering his security detail to attack her convoy and beat up her security men, leaving one of the men with a broken skull. But Okorocha’s spokesman Ebere Uzoukwa denied the claims by the senator. He said the senator breached protocol by using a siren, which has been banned in the state. “The senator’s vehicle suddenly rammed into the governor’s convoy close to the staff car, cutting off the lead security vehicle after overtaking dangerously and in a very suspicious manner,” Uzoukwa said. But, Senator Anyanwu recounts the incident in Owerri, the Imo State capital. She CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

The Kogi Government has been advised to set up an independent budget monitoring body to effectively track budget implementation. The call was contained in an 11-point communiqué issued at the weekend in Lokoja at the end of a one-day meeting of the Kogi State Economic Literacy for Budget Accountability in Governance (ELBAG), facilitated by ActionAid Nigeria. The communiqué was signed by Mr Victor Adejoh of Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development on behalf of ELBAG and Mr Mattaga Gerald, the Community Coordinator. The document said that the body would assess the budget performance of the state’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as local government councils in the state. It pointed out that in spite of government’s good intent ions and plausible budgetary provisions, an appraisal of the 2012 budget showed that it did not make positive impact on the lives of the poor in the state. “The MDAs in the state have not been accountable and transparent in budget implementation in the past year as no MDA clearly accounted for any capital projects in 2012.” The communiqué also recommended capacity building training for members of the state’s House of Assembly to sharpen their oversight function skills in ensuring that budgetary provisions were strictly adhered to and implemented. Budget staff of the MDAs, the communiqué added, also required training to develop their expertise in budget and budgeting processes. It urged government to adopt gender sensitive budgeting to enable it achieve its gender objectives, saying: “Our analysis of 2012 budget shows that no specific project was targeted at women, especially rural women.” The communiqué noted that the absence of elected Local Government Councils in the state had adversely affected accountability, transparency and participation of citizens at the grassroots in budget and budgeting process. It called for constructive relationship between government, the parliament and civil society organizations to promote synergy and cross-fertilization of ideas for effective implementation of government policies.

Wada

Politics

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N’Assembly deserves praises, not att Alhaji Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka is the former Deputy Governor of Ogun State and is currently representing Ogun East in the Senate. In this interview with Ayo Esan, he speaks on issues as they affect his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the activities of the Senate and the state of the nation. Excerpts: The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are already talking on the possibility of forming a mega party. Looking at what happened before the general election in 2011, where such an attempt couldn’t materialise, do you think the merger talk will work out this time? Well I am not God and there is no way I can give an assurance that it is going to work or to say it is not going to work. But I want to know and I want people to be very hopeful for something good in the sense that, the lack of cohesion among the opposition is what is giving the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) the field day to mess and foul the nation up. So, that the three major opposition parties are coming together is a very welcome development. And I am optimistic, and many people, even within the ruling PDP, are optimistic, that it is going to work. So we pray to God, we are working towards it and we are optimistic that it will work.

About 28 political parties were deregistered few weeks ago and the founders and leaders of these parties have threatened to go to court. What is your take on the issue? It is true that we have the fundamental freedom of association entrenched in the constitution; so anybody can come out to form any association, either political, social or whatsoever. But this time round, what we are saying is that the constitution also says that if you are unable to win a seat in any legislative house, then you are not okay to continue as a political party. Looking at it from the overall interest of the country, which overrides whatever personal interest or group interest, I also think that there is nothing bad in ineffective parties, unviable parties being deregistered once it is done within the confines of the law. And like I said, I pray that all opposition parties should genuinely think of the electorate and try to come together to provide credible alternative to the ruling party.

Recently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss, Professor Attahiru Jega said after 2015, it will be better for the country to be having its election in one day. Do you think this is feasible in Nigeria? There is no reason why it will not work. With proper education of the electorate, I believe it ought to work; because, it is something that is beneficial virtually to all manners of people in the country. Jega is stressing the aspect of cost-saving. That cost-saving to INEC is on one part, the cost-saving to the electorate in terms of the manpower loss is also very important. Because there are some of the electorate who will say ‘oh, you are having three days for election and as a result, some of them will not participate. And there is no law that makes it compulsory for people to go and vote. It is just a civic responsibility; so people have the option of not going to vote at all. So, to encourage the people to vote, if it is reduced to one day, there is nothing bad in it. To me, what are needed are transparency, honesty and not muddling up of things. So, once they put their acts together, it is a welcome development.

INEC has also said that the country should settle for a five- party system. Do you share this view? Even if it is possible to just have two political parties, I don’t mind. But in case we are having more than two, anyone that is viable should be allowed to exist. We should not peg it to five because a party that is Number Seven or Number Eight can work harder than before and then become Number Two or Number One at another time. We know in some other countries where political parties would be out of government for up to30 or 40 years and then come back to win an election, as they go back to the drawing board to re-engineer their strategies. But to me, if it is possible to say ‘yes, let’s have two political parties as we are developing democratically, it will be a welcome development. But if it is going to be more than two, the number of parties that were able to meet up the requirement of the law should be allowed to exist. Those who are going to die will die natural death or they will be deregistered as soon as they run foul of what the laws stipulate. As a member of the National Assembly, how will you react to the fact

that most of the members of the com the Senate to probe the high level of up being accused of corruption? Talking about oil subsidy fraud, i we have corruption in Nigeria is no l Nigeria has become endemic is also n systemic. It is virtually in the system So trying to rope in those who are problem. What will solve the proble doing oversight functions or the exec ernment are involved. What is impor the law to justice. Once they are brou as deterrent to the continuing damag To me, the issue is not whether som offered bribe or taking bribe. The giv ly guilty and we should bring them ernment, that is the executive, legisl whichever way, we have to bring them specific issue of the oil subsidy, you ago, the President brought a request sembly which the National Assembly to enable the Ministry of Petroleum e will be no shortage of fuel, but what w huge amount of money being release the country, fuel is not only scarce bu making movement difficult for the pe pened to that money, the N161 billion j So it shows that we are not planning to be called to question, because if we not be so much, the disparity should not doing well enough.

The National Assembly is also being not doing the job of checking the exc enough. What do you see to this? Worldwide, it is well known that th sometimes mixes party loyalty with being patriotic to say ‘yes, Mr. Presid Minister, what you are doing is not r same political party, they tend to forg That, once you have been elected, torate, those that voted for you and t that is where patriotism comes in. U

Disquiet over Jonathan, Asari-Dokubo’s EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA.

ormer militant leader in Niger Delta, Alhaji Mujahedeen Asari-Dokubo’s recent outburst against President Goodluck Jonathan has been raising eyebrows among concerned citizens in the country and Jonathan’s home state, Bayelsa. Asari-Dokubo, who is the leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), may have drawn the battle line with the President for economic reasons. Investigations by Sunday Mirror revealed that the ex-militant leader might be attacking the President for losing out of a contract on the securing of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta. Asari-Dokubo had warned Jonathan not to contest the 2015 Presidential poll .It would be recalled that this former militant in the media had earlier endorsed Jonathan for a eight -year rule when their romance sailing. The recent summersault on the part of the former militant leader is quite disturbing to top politicians in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), especially Jonathan’s retinue of supporters. It was gathered that Asari-Dokubo had lobbied some top government officials to retain his contract but, failed owing to a poor performance of the previous contract executed by the Kalabari-born activist. Our correspondent was informed that the ex-militant leader became aggrieved for having lost his contract and resolved to draw the battle line with the President .Not done; the ex-freedom fighter had taken a swipe on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, for alleged poor performance. Asari-Dokubo had advised President Jonathan to sack Orubebe from the Federal Executive Council. But, some discerning minds in Bayelsa State have argued

that the repentant militant leader was being personal and selfish in his fight against the President because of losing a contract he had benefitted from the system. While others noted that the ex-militant leader was entitled to his views. Several efforts to reach the Asari-Dokubo on the matter were unsuccessful. It is not known when the cold war between the ex-freedom and the President would end, even as some Ijaw leaders had waded into the matter to nip it in the bud. In an interview with an Ijaw leader in the Niger Delta and former Political Adviser in Bayelsa State, Chief Thompson Okorotie alias TKO, said everybody was entitled to his or her opinion, adding that some opinions could be radical and unreasonable. He said:”I don’t believe that it should be the place of Asari to begin to say President Goodluck Jonathan should not have a second term .Well, I don’t know what the issues are, I saw the headlines and I was very disturbed. Then I read a group that replied him. It appears that they are saying that there was a pipeline protection contract Dokubo which he has lost and this was the main motive for his recent outburst.” “If that is true, I don’t think we should bring our personal interest to bear on national issues. Group interest is by far more important than individual interest. The individual interest can only be protected by group interest. I believe that these are people who are quite acting mischief. I believe that with time he should be able to retrace his steps. He went beyond the marks in the remarks that he made.” Okorotie therefore appealed to the ex-militant leader to have access with the President and sort any issue he has with him. “I will prefer that he meets the President and so that they can discuss and sort out issues. I think the way he is going is not the best in the public terrain,”he said.

The Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly ,Konbowei Benson told our correspondent that he was not in a position to comment on Presidential matters ,but said Jonathan had not announced that he was contesting for a re-election in 2015 for now. His words:”I’m not in a position to talk about Presidential matters. I’m a state Speaker .So; I don’t intend to join myself on national issues for now. Mr. President has not said

Orubebe

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Sunday, January 6, 2013

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

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

Pension Reform Task Team’s row with Senate For about seven months now,

the nation’s Senate and the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, have been trading caustic vituperations. The upper legislature, against the backdrop of monumental pension frauds purportedly uncovered by the PRTT last year, suspected foul play by Maina and had alleged his involvement in pension frauds, too. Matters grew worse subsequently when the Senate ordered his immediate arrest. As sketchy as details of the undercurrents still are, we recall that at a time last year, the PRTT exposed a pension fraud in the range of N200 billion, over which the Senate Committee on Pensions invited Maina for proper briefing. When Maina got to the Senate, he had stated that he honoured the invitation for the purpose of clearing his name. The row, however, climaxed when months later, the Senate Committee on Establishment, Public Service, States and Local Government Administration, on discovering fresh facts on pension fraud, again summoned him. But Maina bluntly refused to show up. He had been invited to appear before the lawmakers to explain his role and some grey areas in the management of pension funds. His refusal prompted the Senate to issue a warrant of arrest against him. Chairman of the Committee, Aloysius Etok, who circulated the formal warrant of arrest to his colleagues in the Senate, said the Committee had been patient enough to give Maina a fair hearing. The Committee’s Vice Chairman, Kabiru Gaya, had broken down the inconsistencies dis-

covered in the fund, which necessitated Mania’s invitation as follows: For the Office of Head of Service of the Federation, out of a total of N139,056,523,955.20 released, N100,641,106,957.33 only was paid to pensioners, while the balance of N39,783,682,993 was unaccounted for. In respect of Police Service Pension Office, N131.5 billion was released in five years, but only N58.3 billion was paid to pensioners. The sum of N44.2 billion was yet to be accounted for. A total of N85,249,222,900.16 was released to the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office, but N27,452,200,993.72 was paid to pensioners, leaving a balance of N27,797,822,127 yet unaccounted for. Likewise, in the Military Pension Board, the sum of N317,609,082,566.05 was released, whereas N294,076,743,532.87 only was paid to pensioners, with the balance of N23,532,339,034 unaccounted for. For the Department of State Service (DSS) Pension Office, a total of N34,698,149,304.68 was released, out of which only N9,413,090,416 was paid out to pensioners with a balance of N26,121,394,662.63 not accounted for. The Senate had argued that the second invitation was premised on these fresh facts and the overwhelming evidence of lack of accountability; and wondered why the PRTT boss was silent on the confusing figures. The fresh facts, the Senate alleged, strongly suggested that the initial stolen pension funds recovered by Maina were diverted to his private account. Since then, the Senate and Maina have been exchanging vitriolic allegations and counterallegations bordering on de-

mands for bribes, compromised integrity and unjust persecution. This development is a distressing reminder of a good number of such altercations and namecalling in the past between some public office holders or eminent persons and both chambers of the National Assembly. The most recent being the Herman HembeArunma Oteh Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) bribe imbroglio; and the scandalous twist in the Farouk Lawan-Femi Otedola fuel subsidy theft probe. On each of these occasions, the probe becomes still-born and the purpose utterly defeated, with the culprits getting away with it and, sometimes, assuming a hero status. Such ‘will o’ the wisp’ trading of accusations have often placed Nigerians at the crossroads on how best to determine who, among the mutual accusers, is dirty and culpable, or clean on issues like the current SenateMaina debacle. Consequently, we demand an independent panel of inquiry to unravel the bone of contention between the Senate and Maina, as well as all such cases on ground. We think the recriminations have gotten to the stage that demands a transparent and trusted process to resolve. It is not just a question of the Senate being right and Maina being wrong, or vice versa. We believe that there is no smoke without fire. The public deserves to know the truth, and legitimately so, about why Maina has remained unshakably bold and daring in ignoring the invitation of the Senate; and why he has not been arrested despite the warrant of arrest issued against him by the upper legislature since last year.

Reminiscences JANUARY 6 IN HISTORY 1919: U.S President Theodore Roosevelt

President Theodore Roosevelt passed away. He died in his estate home in Long Island, New York. He took over office at age 43 after President McKinley was assassinated. He was the youngest president ever to take on the office of President of the United States.

1960: British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan

British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan began his “winds of change” tour of Africa in Ghana.

1973: U.S Hitlers Car

The car that Hitler was said to have used in a parade March was sold today. The price at an auction was $153,000,000. This car was a Mercedes-Benz 770K Sedan.

1980: U.S Chrysler Bail Out Following strong competition from the new Japanese and European car makers, President Jimmy Carter authorized $1.2 billion in federal loans to save the failing Chrysler Corporation

1992: U.S Gel Breast Implants

The Food and Drug Administration urged doctors to stop using silicone gel breast implants until they can be thoroughly evaluated for their safety risks

2000: U.S George W. Bush Wins After a five-week long debate regarding Florida voting ballots, George W. Bush was finally declared official winner of the Presidential election. This was one of the closest presidential election races in U.S. history.

2006: China Worst Storm in 25 Years

Western China faced its worst winter in more than 20 years with temperatures reaching -43C and more than 2 ft of snow, transport and infrastructure were badly affected and more than 100,000 people were evacuated after their homes collapsed under heavy snow.

2012: Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s Husband Granted Political Asylum

The husband of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was granted political asylum in the Czech Republic after his wife was controversially sentenced to seven years in prison and jailed for abuse of power.

Opinion

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

irst, let me wish the numerous readers and fans of this column, UNCENSORED, a very happy new year. I appreciate your regular messages and phone calls all through 2012. I enjoyed every incisive and constructive remark, your commendation and of course, your criticism. May you all enjoy the promise of a Double Portion and Next Levels of God’s grace and blessings this 2013. May I also extend my appreciation to the numerous readers and followers of National Mirror (as well as Sunday Mirror), a newspaper which, within just two years, has become the doyen of print journalism in the nation. No wonder, the news journal has earned several enviable laurels and awards in the past year. My heartfelt congratulations to the Publisher, Management and Staff of the newspaper and my wish is that 2013 shall bring greater mileages and successes. Now to the important assignment of the day: When is judgment day? We have had too many cases of indictment, crime and inhumanity involving public office holders, but we have never had any logical conclusion of any of the cases. That is why many persons wonder why there are so many commissions of inquiry, reports of panels, and recommendations of such panels; but yet there have not been any trials and convictions of the culprits. Shall the criminals and offenders always go unpunished? If that persists, will crimes in public office not multiply? One such critical reference point is the disappearance of the oil windfall ac-

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When is judgment day? crued between 1988 and 1994. Despite the overwhelming evidence established by the unpublished Okigbo Report that the $12.4 billion oil windfall was either squandered or stolen during the Babangida administration, nothing followed. The issue keeps cropping up. National Mirror even recently did an Editorial on it again, wondering why an Abuja Federal High Court would eventually strike out, after six successive adjournments, a suit by SERAP legitimately seeking a probe into how the public money evaporated. The oil windfall has become a dogging issue and an octopus that has refused to die. Yet, people in position of authority who should unmask and dock the culprits and accord them appropriate punitive measures simply turn deaf ears and blind eyes to the smart reports, evidence and clamour for justice. There are about 140 million people in Nigeria, out of which 40 million adults are jobless, and about 100 million live in extreme poverty, as well as 85 percent of the basic social infrastructures either non-existent or dilapidated. No potable water, no roads, no good schools, no good or affordable hospitals, and the electricity supply is probably the worst in the continent. Yet, few persons can still corner a whopping $12.4billion, which if utilized properly for public good, could solve permanently, the aforementioned social problems. Another crucial question is the subsidy theft and subsidy inquiry scandal. What is happening to the over 160 oil and gas companies indicted in the Farouk Lawan Report? Government was whining and crying over N1.3 trillion expended on subsidy on yearly basis, a fact that was later established by the House Committee on subsidy fraud to be a result of theft by oil companies managed by friends of public office holders. So, what is government doing about those culprits? Fair enough, President Jonathan has disclosed that the Lawan Report will be upheld and the suspects brought to book; but we are yet to see any arrests made, let alone prosecution. What of our man Farouk, what happens

to him? Is he going scot-free in spite of the convincing proof that he demanded and took bribes from Femi Otedola, one of those investigated by his Committee on subsidy theft? Farouk got part-payment of his alleged bribe request. And what of Otedola, is he going to become a hero for giving bribe to a federal lawmaker who delisted him from those found culpable of subsidy theft? What is the President Jonathan government doing about this? What will the House of Reps do to their member who demanded and got bribe? Is it going to remain business as usual? Also pertinent to recount was the House Committee probe on the Capital Market that was investigating Arunma Oteh of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last year. In the course of the probe, the Committee led by Herman Hembe was accused by Oteh of demanding N39m bribe and alleged to have benefitted in the past from the financial generosity of the Oteh-led SEC. With that, the case closed. But, should that be the case? What is government doing about such obvious and grim case of corruption that it has vowed to fight? And what is the House of Reps doing about their colleague’s gross misconduct? Is he still deemed fit to remain a “Honourable”? That brings us to the Senate. Senator Ndume was indicted as a friend and sponsor of Boko Haram. It is almost a year now that one Kondinga, already tried and convicted, got him exposed after a security analysis of the convict’s phones. But Ndume is still lying that he has nothing to do with Boko Haram, even after the analysis shows he has sent and received over 72 text messages bordering on Boko Haram patronage and operations. He is still a “Distinguished” Senator, making and passing laws for Nigeria. Who killed Dele Giwa? This is a million dollar question that has been asked over a million times? Nigeria is blessed with intelligence agencies such as the State Security Service (SSS), Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and other security agencies during that era. Heads of these agencies,

including Generals Halilu Akilu, Kunle Togun, and Aliyu Mohammed Gusau are still alive. President Ibrahim Babangida is still alive. Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe is still alive. We still have the active players in the events of the time much around. The media professionals who should know these things are still around. The Nigeria Police and its smart personnel are still in existence. Yet here we are still asking a simple question of an obviously state-sponsored assassination: who killed Dele Giwa? When are we going to unravel this man-made resolvable mystery? And when will justice be served for that unfortunate murder of an apostle of truth? Who killed Bola Ige? If Dele Giwa was just another ordinary overzealous journalist that could be easily silenced without an earthquake occurring, what about a serving Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation? He was assassinated very cheaply and like his assassination, the delusional myth created around his death is also cheap. He served as Minister under President Obasanjo. He had issues with a political camp led by Senator Iyiola Omisore in Osun State. But we also heard that he had issues with a powerful but very dangerous drug cartel led by a former military ruler on whom he had gotten dossiers for prosecution. Shortly after, the Justice Minister was killed, and yet the Minister of Justice in Nigeria could not even get justice! This is the story of Nigeria. Truth is not constant and lie reigns like a hero. Justice is despised while corruption flows like the River of Babylon. Consciences are dead as facts are covered up like a village masquerade. Falsehood is celebrated; falsetto is openly venerated, while exaggerated fallacy compromises the sanctity of universal justice. My prayer is that in 2013, the thief, the liar, the killer and the wicked in government houses (past and present) shall come to judgment. •Dr. Folarin teaches Politics and Inernational Relations at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Privatisation and electricity problem in Nigeria JULIUS ELUSAKIN

igeria is widely known to be a country with potential, renewable, reusable and non-renewable natural resources; probably the main reasons for her once prestigious tag, ‘the giant of Africa’. For example, it was argued that most of African countries, during the colonial era, attracted the European nations mainly for slave trade. Nigeria, on its part, had been attracted to for exploitation of natural resources. Subsequently, in 1908, Nigerian Bitumen Corporation commenced exploration activities in the Araromi area of the present Ondo State; an effort that was abruptly stopped with the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. It was Enugu in the Southeastern region that attracted attention in 1909 for the coal at Udi hill, and in 1937, Shell D’Arcy (Now Shell Petroleum Development Company) secured the sole concessionary rights for exploration in Nigeria. Shell’s activities were also interrupted by the Second World War, but resumed in 1947 in the Niger-Delta region, before a commercial quantity of crude oil was discovered at Oloibiri, in the present Bayelsa State, in 1956, by Shell D’Arcy engineers. After more than 50 years of exploitation, proven oil reserve is estimated as 37.2 billion barrels, making Nigeria 11th on the list of countries with proven oil reserves in the world; second only to Libya, with 47.1 billion barrel, in Africa.

Apart from crude oil, other lucrative energy resources have since been discovered in Nigeria. The country comes first in proven natural gas in Africa with 5,246 billion cubic meters amounting to 1.75 percent of world gas and 36.21 percent of the entire gas reserve in Africa. The rivers across Nigeria are potential energy resources for electricity. The assessment by Survey of Energy Resources in 2010 revealed that they Nigerian rivers are capable of providing a gross theoretical capability and economical exploitable capability of 43TWh/yr (4,902MW) and 30TWh/Yr (3,420MW), respectively. Nigeria is also one of the 70 countries with large coal reserve with her more than 2 billion metric tonnes. Uranium which is scantily found around the world has been reportedly found in good quantity in Nigeria. Professor Sambo, the DirectorGeneral of Energy Commission of Nigeria, at his presentation in Addis Ababa in 2009, observed that the natural resources are grossly under-utilised or wasted. The White Paper on Nigeria Renewable Energy Master Plan 2005, drafted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also shows that Nigeria is well favoured with solar resources. Nigeria’s population is about 162 million based on the World Bank record in 2011. Power generation and supply have reportedly ranged from 1,500 to 4,500 megawatts in the past decade. Experts’ reports have shown that Nigeria’s current energy per

capital of about 24watts is very low to support any serious economic growth. It is good to note that the Nigerian government under different Presidents or Heads of State has always promised to tackle the energy problem in the country, probably because it has become an open sore or it has been seen as the bane of infrastructure, industrial and human development in the country- which really is. In the present dispensation of governance, the current President, Goodluck Jonathan, presented a power reform roadmap on August 26, 2010 in Lagos, and highlighted the Nigerian advantage of natural gas, coal and hydro as energy sources, on the one hand, and his former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, made it known that the government had planned to generate 75 percent of the nation’s electricity from natural gas, and 25 percent from coal and hydro-power that would be owned by private entrepreneurs, starting from October 2012. As at December 2012, the privatisation exercise still remains inconclusive while the proposed gas fuel for the power is still being flared. The exploitation of the complementary fuel-coal has since been stopped. The operation at Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC) was shut down in 2003 for privatisation reason. While references are made in the media for possible sale of the NCC, the Nigerian Bureau of Public Enterprises, the government body tasked with selling public corporations, it was learnt, had begun

selling off the company’s assets to offset the NCC liabilities. Yet, there has been no explanation to Nigerians on the next target or acknowledgement of the failure or how it is being addressed. In 2013, there have been news reports (or is it yet a rumour?) of the tendency to increase electricity tariff and fuel prices. The Power Holden Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has apparently stopped giving out pre-paid meters, probably with the intention to continue to profit by charging people on estimated domestic and commercial billswhich is obviously a sharp practice. With the cashless policy, even at point of sale, corrupt practices are likely to reduce but not in some of the government agencies, where such a practice has become a norm. The privatisation of power generation and supply in Nigeria will boost competition for efficiency as it does in developed countries. A situation where the officers in the power sector are also retailers or wholesalers of imported power generating sets, where people are paid for inefficiency or where government offices, including PHCN, National Assembly and the Senate, and even Presidency power their offices with imported power generating engines, indicates a shameless situation, that suggests that government’s monopoly of power generation must be broken for the good of Nigerians. •Elusakin can be reached on Juliuselusakin@yahoo.com

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Applause LIFESTYLE, FASHION & ENTERTAINMENT JANUARY 6, 2013

If I must play nude, the stakes must be high –Ijeoma Ijeoma Imoh, a screen diva has featured in so many Nigerian movies and TV series. She featured in popular movies and soaps such as ‘Day Time Lovers’, ‘Exchange of powers’, ‘Tinsel’, ‘Treasure’, ‘True Love’, to mention but a few. She features in both Yoruba and Igbo movies as well. This billboard and runway model tells Adaeze Amos in this interview that she won’t accept roles that have to do with nudity as long as it has to do with Nollywood, but that she wouldn’t mind accepting such roles with both hands if it is in Hollywood. Apart from acting, which brought you to the limelight, what else do you have passion for? I have passion for modelling. I did a plus-size runway modelling for Remi by Laide. I’m also into TV series. What really motivated you into acting? It’s just the fact that I love drama. I express myself dramatically. I love things that have to do with me giving back to the society, expressing myself, trying to reach out to people. In a nutshell, it’s just the passion that drove me into acting. What did you read? I am still studying History and International Relations at the Lagos State University but I’m in the acting world because of the passion I have for acting. How have you been able to cope with the fact that you are a golden fish that has no hiding place? There is nothing much to it. I like it when I go out there; people recognize me and ask me if I’m the one they see on TV. When such a question comes, sometimes, I’m like no, because I will want to have my freedom to express myself out there. I’m just cool with that. I love my privacy. I love being out there and being me but if you eventually recog-

‘I LOVE HIGH-HEELED SHOES...

nize me as Ijeoma Imoh, it’s beautiful. I know I’m famous but I try to be nice as much as I can. I know I don’t have privacy, but at times, I tend to forget about him, so that I can be myself. After all, I’m just human. I have to do my thing. The difference between us and the rest is that you see me on the screen but you can’t just stop me from being me. But I try as much as possible to make sure I don’t fall into troubles. Troubles such as? Troubles (giggles). How do you cope with your fans? I wave back when they wave at me. Even when you are not in the mood? If I’m not in the mood to wave, I won’t be outside there. So, I try to smile and wave back at them. So, for anything that takes me outside, I’m willing to play along; except you are my friend and you have annoyed me, I may just be pissed off with you. What is that scandalous story ever written about you? They said I’m a lesbian. This is how it all came about. They asked me such a question. It’s not as if it is the fact. It is just question. That, so far, is what I think had been written about me. But not that they wrote that Ijeoma is a lesbian; it is only a question, ‘Are you one? Because of your role in the midst of people who are lesbians?’ But I ask: show me who those people are. Till date, they have not. In the acting world, who are your role models among your colleagues? I admire everybody as long as you can act. If you cannot act, I don’t think I would learn anything from you. I cannot tell you this is a particular role model. But from RMD to Ejike Asiegbu, Genevieve to Joke Silva and Lilian Bach, they all have different ways they interpret their roles. Every actor has his or her uniqueness. So, if I take something from each and every one of them, it’s not bad but at the same time, I try to put in my own expression. That makes me Ijeoma Imoh. I wouldn’t want anyone to say ha, she is acting like one actress or the other. You are my role model as along as you can act. What are you known for in the acting world? Nkiru Silvernus

is made famous because of the way she cries, Patience Ozorkwo, because of her wicked roles. How about you? I’m versatile. I know I can cry. Mercy Johnson has taken over crying roles from Nkiru Silvernus. In fact, before you say Jack, tears would start rolling down Mercy’s eyes. So, tell me who can’t cry? Have you seen Amaeze Maribe? Amaeze of those days? She cries like any other thing. So, a whole lot of people cry. Me, I can cry too; if you want me to cry, I will cry. If you want me to laugh, I will laugh; if you want me to frown, I frown. I’m versatile. What is that role you won’t accept no matter how much is at stake? In Nigeria, I will not want to play nude but if it is in Hollywood, I would. I would do so in Hollywood because of money and I would get a husband there at last, because they don’t care. But in Nigeria here, it is not like that and you should know that back home, we don’t propose to the guys, they propose to us. When you are less busy, what do you do to unwind? Oh my darling, I love dancing. I can dance old school tunes and even new school or even future school (laughs). I go to club to dance. Yes, I go to the club; that is the only place you can catch me. Apart from dancing, I also love singing. People say I have good voice. I love swimming, I love being with friends. Listen to people talk, gain experience, chat with people and I love travelling. A bit on your love life? My love life is moving smoothly, although it has its ups and downs. I’m not different from any other person. When are we expecting to hear your wedding bells toll? Please tell the man to propose. Meaning there is somebody there? Oh sure, there is. If there is nobody there, won’t you tell me to go and wash my head in a river? (Laughs) Fashion blunder common here? Well, some people wear things that don’t fit them. Please, whatever you are wearing, make sure it fits you. Whether you want to go skimpy, roomy, maxi or whatever, make sure it fits you. I don’t have issues with anyone opening up her breasts but make sure the breasts are firm.

‘DON’T LOOK DOWN ON MODELS, THEY ARE DECENT’

Applause

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘I love high-heeled shoes, that trait was certainly passed down from mum’ What did you read? I’m a graduate of Arts and Business Administration, which I think is a great combination as this has contributed to the growth and success of my brand of fashion. I as a person see fashion designing from two sides- the creative aspect of it and the business aspect. The creative aspect for me is innate, and with my acquired skills from business school, I am able to grow my business aptly. Why did you develop interest in fashion? Looking back from how I started, I certainly know I was destined to take fashion designing up as a career, because to a reasonable extent, fashion has always been part of my life. I could say that I began designing at a very young age, by creating and making garments as a past time for my dolls. This interest did not fade away as I grew into adulthood; instead I recognized it as an inherent talent and decided to explore designing as a career. So, on completing my post graduate course, I founded the brand Fashion For Life (FFL). Then I concentrated mainly on contemporary designs, as I was then influenced by the works from western designers. Over time, I have grown as a designer, and now have a signature design which is ‘The Caftan’. My debut design in Nigeria was the introduction of the empress caftan, reinventing the classic caftan look to meet the edgy modern woman look, a blend that erupted into thousands of interest globally. I have recently introduced the cloak caftan, the Princess caftan and goddess caftan into the market. But the goddess caftan attracts the most interest from my clients. I’ll also like to mention that I’m not restricted to designing only the caftans; I also design contemporary, red carpet, evening wears and casual wears. A peep into your childhood? I remember my childhood, with the fondest memories ever; my mum in many ways is responsible for these fond and happy memories. Dad was always there to spice up our days and also play his role to provide the balance expected. My family is quite close knit, growing up with three siblings and constantly being in the company of my extended family members is one of my treasured experiences in life. I knew all my cousins both paternal and maternal and we interacted quite often. I would like to add that as a kid I had over 200 cousins at some point. I’ve lost count now. My mum made sure we were either visiting or being visited, my mum is quite social, and loves to have people around her, maybe sometimes to show off her newest fashion acquisition. My Mum is quite fashionable, I actually do have some of my mum’s classic bags from the 60’s and 70’s in my handbag collection, and they are very well treasured. I also remember in the early 90’s, I discovered her collection of platform shoes, (Akpola as she called It.) Luckily at that time, my foot was the same size as hers. I remember wearing some of those platform shoes for fun. Some of them looked like they were actually carved by a wood workman. They were absolutely gorgeous shoes at the time. Mum is older now, and has reduced the height of her shoes. Guess she’s now left me to continue rocking does six-inch- shoes. Needless to say, I love high-heeled shoes, that trait was certainly passed down from mum. My childhood was perfect, I have the most amazing parents, a lot of travel, good education, a privileged life, quite religious (I was an altar girl in fact!). I always thank God and my Parents for such an amazing childhood. What particular style won’t you be caught dead in? As fashion designer, I can reinvent or upgrade a par-

Lola Adewole is the Creative Director and Chief Executive Officer Fashion For Life also known as FFL a fashion brand. She currently lives in Accra, Ghana. This lover of arts who also has intense passion for fashion tells ADAEZE AMOS in this interview how she loves helping clients find their individual styles based on their physical appearance and lifestyle

haps at one time or another. So, I would say that there are so many fashion offenders; and as such, we can now see the rise of many TV shows and print media frenzy about fashion blunders. In fact, entire TV shows are designed around what not to wear and who is committing fashion blunders and offences. Personally, I am particularly goaded with the assumption that the wearing of clothes made from Spandex will automatically make you slim, spandex does not equal slim, if you are not slim, you should stay away from such fashion trends like the leggings. Its only for a certain group of women, if you are not in this category, avoid it, there are so many other possibilities to look trendy. A few other blunders common in our society will be: over accessorizing. Too much jewelry is tacky and unattractive; the focus for accessorizing should be limited to one area of your body. Statement pieces such as a necklace or belt should not be combined in a tacky way. If you have to combine both, then one should remain subtle. Or instead, add a few bangles and simple hoops or stud earrings to enhance and pull an outfit together. Sometimes less is best! Another one which does get to me is seeing ladies leave the little white price tag or paper marking under the soles of their high-heel shoes. It’s just too tacky for fashion. Take time to remove them. Please, it’s not nice to look at when you’ve just walked by. It’s like wearing the dress with the price tag. Define your style? I’m a lover of long flowing elegant dresses. My style is simply classic. In your fashion shows, you use mostly Nigerian models. What are their lapses and their good sides? Modeling is a growing occupation in Nigeria, and with all things fresh and new, there are always a few challenges, from which you learn from and correct. Modeling is a profession, and for all models out there I’ll like to see a consistent level of professionalism. This way the industry will grow. We’ve seen the Nollywood industry blossom with a great level of professionalism and organization, they have done very well. I’ll like to encourage all Nigerian models to keep it professional, and to take it seriously, if this is the career they have chosen. It should not be treated as a part time, or some quick way of making money. I mean a situation where a model shows up late to a fashion show, or photo shoot, should not be acceptable. Also, the way a model carries herself or comports herself, is very important. I took a particular liking to a certain model called Lolade, who modeled for one of my early fashion shows. I was attracted to her ladylike and gentle behaviour. In fact, she was well mannered and cultured. In my own opinion, Models shouldn’t just model clothes; they should also model a lifestyle worth emulating by the younger generation.

ticular style to suit my personal style and taste. So, it’s difficult to say out rightly that you won’t see me wearing this style or that style. But what I can tell you is that you won’t see me wearing anything skimpy. My dress sense is quite elegant and classy. So it’s a no to skimpy outfits, besides I believe in dressing age appropriate What are those common fashion blunders in this part of the world? Fashion trends come and go but there are certain looks that are never in style. Whether it’s poor judgment or just a lack of honest friends, we all have fashion mis-

Who are some of the Nigerian women you admire? Nigerian women are exceptionally stylish, from the different regions that exist. Our traditional outfits have grown to a level that it is recognized and borrowed by other women from neighboring African countries. In recent times, Nigerian women have become a force to reckon with in the international fashion scene. I particularly admire the fashion sense of former beauty queen, Nike Oshinowo. Also on my list of women I admire are Daisy Danjuma and Bola Shagaya. They are fashion Icons in their own right.

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Cocktail Whispers

Stories by Olumide Segun-Oduntan

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

JANUARY 6, 2013

Why Toyin Aimakhu is happy Have you seen Toyin Aimakhu lately? In case you have not, let’s inform you that when you come across the celebrated actress, she would probably have a huge smile on her face. And you should not be surprised at Toyin’s state of happiness because she has a fantastic reason to be excited about. According to the latest feelers reaching Cocktail Whispers, Toyin Aimakhu will soon quit the spinsters’ club and walk down the aisle with the special man in her life. Yes, after a few months of dating, Toyin Aimakhu is now engaged to her heartthrob, Adeniyi Johnson. Cocktail Whispers gathered that Johnson proposed to Aimakhu a few days back and indeed she accepted his proposal and their journey to become man and wife has started in earnest. While the wedding date is yet to be fixed, it would interest you to know that the two love birds that are in the same line of work met at a movie location early last year and as they say, the chemistry clicked between them. And as the news of their engagement broke out, many of the couple’s friends put up a talk-of-the-town have started billboard to celebrate his sending words of daughters’ wedding prior congratulations to the event. The billboard to them. So, you adorns a major road in Nican send yours to ger State. them too. But while it is not yet

Governor Babangida Aliyu’s talk-of-the-town billboard By now, the people of Niger State and visitors to the state would have known that the ‘Chief Servant’ of the state, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu is one person who does thing in a big way. At least, the recent wedding fatiha of his daughters; Jamila and Farida goes to show the fact that the Niger State governor loves big things. Perhaps in order to show that he loves his daughters, whose hands he gave out in marriage a few days ago, Governor Aliyu, who holds a Ph.D in Public Policy Strategic Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U n i t e d States,

M femi

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certain how much Governor Aliyu spent in putting up the ‘wedding billboard’, its presence in the state has obviously set tongues wagging. Visible on the billboard are the photographs of the governor, his wife and his two daughters whose wedding the billboard was meant to celebrate.

If you think that playing football is about the only thing that Levente FC of Spain striker, Obafemi Martins has the heart for, then you would be pleasantly surprised to know that he does have a kind heart towards the needy. According to a report reaching Cocktail Whispers, the celebrated footballer spent the last Christmas period visiting hospitals and orphanages. And many people that saw Obafemi Martins at the hospitals may have thought that he was there to treat an ailment. But that was not the case. The popular footballer visited hospitals and orphanages during the festive season to show his kind heart. In fact, Cocktail Whispers learnt that the ace footballer, on behalf of his foundation, gave gifts to three hospitals and orphanages. He was also said to have spent about N10 million on hospital bills for new born babies at Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos. According to some of the people who witnessed the Obafemi Martins’ gesture, it was a pleasant way to show his kind heartedness.

Oba

Succor at last for Ngozi Nwosu If you are a well-wisher of Ngozi Nwosu, you would be excited to know that year 2013 will be a year of smile for the top actress. Yes, succor has finally come the way of the star actress of ‘Fuji House of Commotion’. Just in case you are not aware, the fairskinned Ngozi Nwosu has been down with kidney ailment for several months now. Probably because she did not want too much sympathy from people, the seasoned actress for while denied having any such illness until recently. But the illness later began to take effect on her outlook. And when it came out that she needed about N6 million for treatment abroad, many people moved to support the screen goddess, who had made them smile through her acts, with their cash. Cocktail Whispers gathered that she was able to raise about N2 million. However, a few days ago, just when it appeared that the full amount that Ngozi Nwosu needs for treatment was taking so much time in coming, the Lagos State Government came to her rescue by donating N4.5million to her. Now with about N6.5million in her account, the once agile role interpreter can proceed to have the treatment that would make her well again.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Sabina Umoren marks eight years on stage Fast-rising Gospel artiste/multi-talented On-Air-Personality of Naija 102.7 FM, Sabina Umoren celebrated her eight years on stage recently with a pacesetting thanksgiving concert. The colouful concert tagged New Dawn, was held at The First Assembly Church, Ogba, Lagos. It was a star-studded affair as her fellow gospel music stars and friends joined her to praise God with powerful performances. Celebrated gospel music stars that made the show classic included waves-making Monique of Oba Gbogbo Aye fame, Mike Abdul of the Midnight crew, Nikky Laoye, Ushbebe, Sunday Nweke, the Executive Dance Crew, Bouqui, Vivian Stephen, Lily Perez, Efizi among others. Top comedians such as Apororo, Helen Paul aka Tatafo and Ajebo were also present to add spice to the show with their inspiring but ribs-cracking jokes. As expected, the well-attended ceremony was graced by eminent guests such as Pastor Steve Akoni, Rev. Faith Ajiboye, the CEO and publisher of Today’s Music Africa Magazine, Deji Irawo, Executive Director, X2D Cable broadcast, Dare Art Alade, of MTN project West Africa project fame and a host of others. Speaking in an interview, Sabina, who is one of the sweetest voices in gospel music and on Nigerian radio today, declared that her eight years on stage has been full of drama. “I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly, but, you know what? I am gonna keep on keeping on,” she assured. “I am celebrating eight years of passionate services to God and to humanity through my “Sponsor-less” but amazing successful projects so far in Youth empowerment,” she stated. Sabina, popular known as Naija Pastor of Naija FM hails from Edo State. She is the youngest of her parent’s eight children, She led her family to the love of God through Jesus Christ at age nine. She is a passionate gospel singer, worship leader, songwriter, author, motivational speaker and renowned convener of youth empowerment and worship proLagos entertainment fans grammes. experienced unlimited fun and ecstasy like never before on Monday 24th December 2012, as the maiden edition of Nigeria’s most classical event, ‘Project Help: A Dance for Life’ took centre stage at the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island. The stage dance project was put together by Nollywood screen goddess, Monalisa Chinda. Hosted by versatile theatre acts Segun Arinze and Bimbo Akintola, the novel Christmas dance production featured an interesting array of movie stars such as Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Monalisa Chinda, Bovi and the incredible Bailamos Dance Company delivering electrifying perfor-

Olu Maintain shines at NMVA Awards Multiple awards winning Nigerian artiste, Olumide Adegbulu popularly known as Olu Maintain has added another feather to his cap. Few weeks after winning Best Video of The Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in NewYork, Olu Maintain has dazzled again at the recent sixth annual Nigeria Music Video Awards by winning the Best Reggae/Dancehall Video of the year with the top rated video of his popular hit, Nawti. The popular crooner had two nominations; Best Video of the Year and Best Reggae Video of the year. He however lost the Video of The Year and went home with Best Reggae/Dancehall Video of the year plaque. A day after the awards in Lagos, Olu Maintain also made an appearance at the EME Baddest Concert. While performing Big Boy with Banky W, a song originally written by eLDee Da Don featuring both artistes, the crowd went wild for Olu and eventually requested that he performed Nawti. The performance of Nawti was described by all as one of the major high points of the evening. Being the first major performance of the song since its release, the crowd, especially the ladies took out time to dance to the melodious rhythm of the song. And being a versatile artiste, Olu did not fail to impress with his stage craft. mances, thrilling Christmas recitals and breathtaking surprises that held audience spellbound from start to finish. The well attended event, organized and produced by Monalisacode Productions, saw in attendance celebrities and top personalities including Stephanie Okereke, Charles Novia, Tonye Cole, Rucky Sanda, Kingsley Ogoro, Chioma Chukwuma, Halima Abubakar, Zik Zulu Okafor and Saeon among others. This benefit dance production showcased even more theatrical elements and aesthetics as the Nollywood stars also delivered electrifying performances and recitals that intensified the tempo of the Christmas dance production.

Monalisa Chinda and friends dazzle at stage dance production

Honey Willis unleashes first single Honey Willis has released her first single, Pretty Girlz. Born in June 1987 in Akwa Ibom, Julie John Willis aka Honey Willis is a Nigerian artiste, model, and actress. Her early career started as a choir singer, were she first captured the eyes of many at her church. She always had a passion for the music art and this dream became reality when she made a permanent move to Lagos. She has since starred in a movie called ‘Beach 24’ which is slated for an early 2013 release, as well as roles in major music videos. With her first single entitled ‘Pretty Girlz’, Honey Willis looks to take the bar higher than music fans all expect-

ed. Coming from a small town, she has definitely encompassed any childhood dream and she is still going strong on her quest to global stardom. Prior to her recent studio accomplishments, most remember Honey Willis as the sexy vixen in Brymo’s ‘Ara’ video and also Sauce Kid’s ‘Carolina’. Her sultry moves and unique image landed her a Top 5 spot on the Channel O video vixen chart, and ever since, Honey Willis has been a favorite in every living room TV set with movie roles, guest appearances and interviews to name a few.

Eclipse debuts brand new single, Olodo After trending on Twitter on numerous occasions over the past couple of weeks, the anticipation for Eclipse’s brand new single, ‘Olodo’ has been at fever pitch. Now, the wait is over as Aboriginal Music presents Eclipse - the demi god - with his enthralling new single titled ‘Olodo’. Written and produced by Eclipse himself, ‘Olodo’ is an infectious bass-heavy record which sees the fast-rising crooner in witty story-telling mode as he recalls a “silly story of a girl who I met, who is only interested in me for money”. The new single is also laced with plenty of wit and humour to reveal the playful and funny side of Eclipse. The ‘Olodo’ single is to pave the way for the release of his forthcoming mix-tape due to be released under Aboriginal Music.

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Pastor Chidi charges parents on proper child upbringing

Praise Worship E-mail:richardeghaghe@yahoo.com

EDIFYING GOD

30 TAI ANYANWU

arious forms of predictions from the country’s Christian clerics continued to pour in at the weekend.

While the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said that the New Year would be better than 2012, he also asserted that Nigerians must pray fervently over some issues. According to Adeboye, the Federal Government must learn from past floods and major disasters witnessed in the country last year and take decisive precautions to avert a repeat, otherwise, the country might be plagued with another set of major disasters. He added that except prayers were intensified, prominent Nigerians could lose their lives, as it happened last year. But as for the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, 2013 has been characterized by 40-point broad events. In that wise, he listed that 2013 “is a year that will generate widespread rebellion; spark mysterious happening; cause horrible and pathetic sins; provoke disintegration and deception and is a year to play with sins.” He added: “It is a year of unusual turbulence, a year of uncommon lawlessness, a year volatile with short temper, a year of special prayer, a year when the accused will be the judge and a year of the rage of seas.” Pastor Olukoya also forewarned of natural disasters and the death of artistes and musicians , adding that in this year, nations that give support to “godlessness will be shaken.” As for the Apapa, Lagos District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. M.K Ogunbola, he warned against brazen acts of corruption in the new year. His words: “At the end of

E-mail:titusanyanwu.2012@gmail.com

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

2013: Adeboye, Olukoya, others warn Jonathan, Nigerians •Let’s pray against major disasters-Adeboye •Pray for artistes, musicians-Olukoya •Jonathan, others need prayers-Umoh

OWERRI

record crowd of about 5000 persons stormed Mgbidi, an Imo State community at the weekend, for the annual New Year international revival programme of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic

Learn from King Uzziah, leaders told Bishop Wale Adekoya, presiding bishop of Shalom International Christian Church, Gbagada, Lagos, and Director of Training and Education, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos state, has described 2013 as a year of ‘uncommon Help and all-round dominion”. The prophecy he disclosed, is revealed in the book of 2chronicles 26:1-15 in which King Uzziah, was able to acquire seven blessings, which included that of great prosperity, favour, accomplishment, influence, success, strength and dominion, because God marvelously and wonderfully helped him. According to the bishop, the keys to the marvelous helps for King Uzziah were among others, that he sought the Lord earnestly and walked in the ways of the Lord. “You can receive the same for our kings, leaders, governors, senators and rulers. They should learn from King Uzziah in this passage. They should eschew corruption, pride, greed, evil and immorality and pursue godliness, righteousness, love, peace and integrity.

Dankwambo urges Christians to pray for peace Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has called on Christians in the state to continue to pray for peace and stability in the country. Dankwambo made the call in Gombe at the weekend when he received the Christian community in the state who paid him Christmas homage. He said in spite of the challenges of 2012, the good relationship between Christian and Muslim faithful in the state made them to overcome the difficulties faced during the year. The governor said the achievement recorded by his administration was as result of the trust and support given to him by the people of the state irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences. Pastor Adeboye

the day whatever is approved which runs into trillions will end in people’s pocket. What I really want to say to our leaders is good name is better than riches and honour. It is what you do that people will remember you for, not what you failed to do. We won’t be remembered for the kind of house we built, or the kind of expensive car we ride. It is what we do for the public that

Apostle Umoh

Pastor Olukoya

we will be remembered for. “My advice for the legislature is that they should think more of the people they are representing than themselves. And the only way for them to do that is, implement those budgets, do things that will affect the people positively. “If you look at our nation today, I don’t see any road that is good enough for people to travel on and remember this

road problem has been on for over 15 years now and yet none of the roads is working. “If I am not mistaken, Lagos-Shagamu- Benin Road has been on before we came to what we call the Forth Republic. And till now, that road is still not okay. Many ministers have come and cried on getting to the scene of the bad spot. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

5000 storm Mgbidi for Lord’s Chosen crusade RICHARD EGHAGHE

Briefly

Revival Movement, which kicked off yesterday. The event, which enters its second day today, holds at the Lord’s Chosen International Secondary School compound, Mgbidi, Imo state, off the Onitsha – Owerri Road and has as theme,’ That My Wonders Be Multiplied’.

The interdenominational, international crusade kicked off with the man of God and General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, ministering. Our correspondent observed that two days before the crusade, accommodation had constituted a challenge as many resolved to seek

‘FOLLOW SPIRITUAL LEADINGS, CLERIC TELLS NATION’S LEADERS’

shelter in adjourning communities. Pastor Muoka, had observed that the grand opening of the crusade was an eye opener to the manifestation of God’s supernatural power and miracle in the lives of many, as there would CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Sunday Mirror/Babcock University Bible Quiz: Winners Dec. 23, 2012 • Paul Unuavworho (08034378721)

Winners Dec.30, 2012 •Femi Ojetunji • 08062421654 • 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 All I want you to do is to remain focused and connected to God. The time to be running from one prayer house to another is past. –Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE HOLY TRINITY

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A night of 365 hallelujahs in Ikorodu

A crowd at the event

Pastor Aromolaran

OKAY OSUJI

korodu, a sprawling community in Lagos, came alive recently. No fewer than 15, 000 people converged on the Ikorodu Town Hall situated in the town for an all night session of praise and worship. Tagged Convocation to Praise, the programme also saw the congregants shouting halleluiahs from late evening till the following morning. An orderly din reverberated through the area as the excited congregants shouted halleluiah 365 times. The event was organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Covenant of Peace Parish, Lowa Street, Ikorodu. The host pastor, Pastor Olaitan Aromolaran, said the programme was a direct mandate from God. He noted that God told him six months ago to give him something that had never been given before. “When the vision came a few months ago, and God said we should gather people in their numbers to give him what had never been given to him before, it appeared like a strange request. What does one give God that had never been given

to him before? I thought it was one huge amount of money, and I was wondering where one could have access to such money. But it was later revealed that what God wanted was a gathering of thousands of people who would shout 365 hallelujahs in one night. Since then, we started trusting God for a successful programme. And we thank God that it turned out a great success,” the pastor said. It was indeed, a very successful night. The programme’s coordinator, Pastor Wilson Idemudia, said the organisers were initially wondering whether the location would contain the crowd. “The 10, 000 seats initially arranged at the venue were quickly filled up, and we had to look for more chairs. But we thank God that those who couldn’t get seats were comfortable remaining on their seats for the duration of the programme. We give all the glory to God.” The programme started with a medley of songs and instrumentation by the Joy Cometh Praise Team whose members were clad in dark suits and white shirts. The night resonated with the rhythm as the congregation sang along. The melody blared forth from the giant speakers mounted around the expansive ground of the town hall. There was also a praise and worship session, during which some boys and girls danced round the venue,

each waving a white flag on which was inscribed Hallelujah. A female minister, Deaconess Odusina, was then called upon to read from the Book of Psalms. The Bible reading was followed by a performance by the Footprints of David, a group of young boys and girls that thrilled the crowd with South African music. As soon as they were done, the Covenant of Peace Dancers entertained the crowd. They were later replaced on the state by the Teens and Children’s choir of the parish. The mass choir, numbering over 200 choristers, then filed out in style. Directed by Pastor Ebenezer Shofowora, the women were dressed in purple gowns and yellow scarves, while the men wore purple shirts, black trousers and yellow bow ties. For 30 minutes, they sang various songs, backed up by the piano, saxophones, trumpets, and other instruments. Among them was popular Nollywood star, Funsho Adeolu. Pastor Oriola, a visiting minister, conducted the first set of 73 hallelujahs. Speaking on the topic, The Dancing God, he explained why God wanted mankind to always give him thanks. Other visiting pastors, including Pastor Kehinde, Prophet Tokunbo Richman, Prophet Olowoporoku, General Overseer, Love of Christ Chapel International, and others also ministered at the event.

Before the last set of halleluiahs was conducted by the host pastor, Pastor Aromolaran, popular gospel artiste, Evangelist Ayino Owoeye thrilled the crowd for over 30 minutes. While addressing the congregation, Aromolaran said he was delighted that the programme was successful. “At the beginning of this year, the Lord said to me, ‘I will take an offering from you.’ At that time, I thought it was something else. But six months ago, in the midst of revelation, the lord said, ‘you’re not yet big enough to give me money. What I want from you is that you will gather my people together, and they will shout 365 hallelujahs to me. Because, in 2013, I will walk through the land, but those that come to shout hallelujah will only get bigger in the new year.’ We have done what God asked us to do, and I believe your glory will manifest in the New Year,” he said. ” He then prayed for the congregation, Ikorodu town, including its monarch and chiefs, Lagos State and Nigeria. Security was tight at the venue, as guntoting policemen along with the church security team led by Tayo Oladipupo, ensured that nothing went amiss. Vendors of assorted items, including soft drinks, snacks, candies and the like also made brisk business at the venue.

2013: Adeboye, Olukoya, others warn Jonathan, Nigerians CONTINUED FROM Page 23 But what has their cry translated to? It is only to fool the public. I want to say to our leaders that they should be more interested in serving the people,” he urged. In his own view, the District Superintendent, West Africa and Central Africa headquarters of the The Apostolic Faith, located in Anthony Village, Maryland, Lagos, Rev Emmanuel Bayo Adeniran, said moral upbringing is key to national advancement, beginning with this year. “But if we cannot change the adults in a way that we have

tried, right from childhood, we can bring them into the way of God where moral principles that are really riveted to their health can guide them throughout their lives and they can be wonderful people, not only in their schools but in the place of work. “And by the grace of God, when we have such educational programme, integrity programme and moral education programme that really go and sink in the heart of the people, men and women that will rise to the position of authority in this country will be men of integrity, men that will fear God and will be men that will want to serve this

country with passion.” However, the General Overseer of Faith Tabernacle Reconciliation Ministry, Onipanu - Ota, Ogun State, Apostle David Umoh, urged President Goodluck Jonathan and all Nigerians to be united in prayers to avert an imminent air mishap that may take the lives of some prominent persons in government. Umoh, in his new year prophecy, particularly called on President Jonathan to pray and seek God’s guidance to save the nation from a massive human and material destruction that could rob the country of some of her leaders in bizarre circumstances.

The cleric stressed that the President could only be saved if he and all Nigerians sought the face of the Lord and do the wish of God, which the Holy spirit will continue to always dictate into his heart at all times. He urged him not to allow any demon to change his God-given nature. He also called on the security operatives attached to the presidency to double their efforts in the herculean task of providing adequate security for the president, and conduct thorough checks on the planes in the presidential fleet as well as device means to thwart the likelihood of any attack on the president’s air-

craft by suicide bombers. The Apostle equally advised the governments of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states to pray against fire outbreaks and other disasters in the new year, saying that fire outbreaks of monumental proportion may visit the four states in the south-west of the country, if urgent steps were not taken to avert the disasters through prayers and fasting. Umoh also counseled the governments at all levels to urgently rise to the challenges of the prevailing economic crisis, warning that the nation might witness an unprecedented famine in 2013.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

The Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Femi Adesina, with them is Deputy Managing Director of the SUN Newspapers presenting the award to one of the recipients- Chioma, an accounting student at the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos, accompanied by the President of the Foundation, Mrs. Aramide Oikelome with them is Mrs. Modupe Ayeni

Memorable Xmas inside a Lagos orphanage

…as Bestspring gives scholarship to 12 orphans RICHARD EGHAGHE

he discordant rhythm signaled by the words and actions of many Nigerians attests to the fact that this year’s Christmas left much to be desired as many, owing to financial handicap, were unable to celebrate the Yuletide as desired.

Suffice it to say that the hardship also took its toll on the indigent and less-privileged in our society, as many of them did not enjoy the largesse they usually get from well-meaning Nigerians, either in form of cash or kind, during Christmas and New Year seasons. The benevolent move of Bestspring Children and Youth Development Foundation in awarding scholarship to 12 children, orphaned as a result of HIV/ AIDS, will for years to come remain indelible in the minds of both the recipients and their care-givers. The epoch-making event, which took place penultimate Sunday at Yaba Baptist Church, Lagos also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Foundation and the annual “Joy to the World” charity concert in honour of orphans and vulnerable children. It was joy all the way as eminent persons from all walks of life came to celebrate and appreciate the strength and resilience of Bestspring Foundation to continue to heal and restore hope to the less-privileged, despite all odds. Orphanages present at the occasion included Christlight School for the Deaf, Egbeda, Citadel of Grace Orphanage, Igando; Precious Pearl Orphanage Home, Egbeda; Future Hope Orphanage, Ijegun and Modupe Cole School for the Physically Challenged, Akoka, to mention a few. In his welcome address, Dr Dapo Aye-

ni, who spoke on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Bestspring, congratulated the group on their first decade service to humanity. Ayeni attributed the successes recorded so far, to a combination of God’s favour and the resilience of the group to continually make impact. According to him, “most non-governmental organisations have come and gone, as they could not stand the pressure of demands from the less-privileged and indigent in the society”. But he was quick to add that “thankfully, this is not the case with Bestspring Foundation. “Over the years, Bestspring Foundation has embarked on numerous financially strenuous ventures to alleviate the suffering of orphans and vulnerable children. These include the supply of relief items to various orphanages in Lagos, renovation of hostels in orphanages and award of educational scholarships. These are examples of the various ways the foundation has impacted the lives of indigent children around us and although the exercise has been associated with lots of hardship, the foundation is still standing today by God’s grace”, said Ayeni. Although the Foundation is well known as a faith-based, non-governmental organisation that has touched the lives of many through its charity works, the group also specialises in music through the Bestspring Chorale, led by Dr. Albert Oikelome, a senior lecturer at the Creative Arts Department, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos. Interestingly, Bestspring Chorale has over the years, provided a platform of all brands of musical performances, ranging from the classical to contemporary. As such, it was a sight to behold when the chorale took the centre-stage to dole out various carol songs to the delight of the gathering.

On his part, the special guest of honour, Mr. Femi Adesina, the Deputy Managing Director of the SUN Newspapers, urged government at all levels to give more attention and support to the indigent in the society in order to curb the spate of criminality and social miscreants. While applauding the commitment of Bestspring Foundation to the indigent ones in spite of its limited resources, he urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the Foundation, assuring that “this is one credible group to partner with as they will make good use of whatever is give them to impact lives meaningfully and positively.” In her keynote address, the President of the Foundation, Mrs. Aramide Oikelome explained that Bestspring was born as a result of a divine directive to heal the hurt and restore hope, adding that the group also functions as a social crusader, advocate and care giver to children and youths, especially the orphans and vulnerable. According to her, the group targets “gifted but untapped ones in the society as they believe that every child has a seed of greatness which if nurtured under the right atmosphere, would shine in its full orbit.” While exuding great fulfillment at the glorious impact of the Bestspring EduCare Scholarship Scheme of the 2012 recipients, she added that the focus of the 2013 award was to award educational scholarship to 12 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in commemoration of the World AIDS Day. While speaking on the scourge of HIV/AIDS, she explained that it was the right of children infected and affected by the scourge to have their psychosocial needs met as this would limit the adverse effects of the disease on such wards and the larger society. There were also scores of testimonies

from recipients of last year’s scholarship. First on the list was a 14-year-old motherless girl (name withheld), who also happens to be deaf and dumb. Unfortunately, her irresponsible father had also abandoned her to her fate, hence even at a young age, her life was full of hardship. She, however, thanked Bestspring Foundation for helping her out with her education, thereby bringing hope to her hopeless situation. It was with misty eyes that many received the testimony of another recipient from Modupe Cole School, Toma Unu, a wheel-chaired victim of autism, who despite her burden, has decided to make a headway in life. She thanked the Foundation for making her dream come true. Toma, despite her physical challenge and inability to use her hands, is skilled in painting, which she does with her toes. With the financial support from Bestspring, she was able to produce a lot of art works, which were exhibited and purchased by participants at the concert. Toma could not help but cry as she testified to the great love showered on her by the Bestspring family. She prayed for the group and even led a song to appreciate the Foundation. Her words: “Never you give up on your dream because if you give up, you have lost all but if you hold on, you will win.” The event closed with donations and rendition of praise songs by various orphanages present at the event. “Although we could not raise the required amount needed to pay up the school fees of the awardees at the concert, we are undeterred. We are hopeful that God will yet send help through good-spirited people at home and abroad so that we can make true our promise to the children come January 2013”, said Mrs. Modupe Ayeni, another member of the Board of Trustees.

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2013, your year of greater signs and wonders –Pastor Okereke This year, there are greater things lying in wait for the children of God, according to this soul-stirring ministration by the General Overseer of Global Success Ministries, FESTAC Town, Lagos, Pastor (Dr) Chima Okereke. Excerpts:

Dr. Okereke

he Bible in Matthew 1:23 states, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is interpreted as, “God with us”. This is the fulfillment of the sign that the Lord said he shall give according to Isaiah’s prophecy in the book of Isaiah 7: 14; this is the greatest sign and wonder to mankind that a virgin who had not been with any man before would conceive. If God can do this, then, there is nothing He cannot do for you in 2013, your year of greater signs and wonders.

What is a sign in this context? It means a proof to say that whom you said you are; is exactly whom you are. God said that He will give a sign to prove His supremacy and he did; then what is a Wonder: let’s just use the word great and pleasant surprise; but

the good news for you today is that God has spoken concerning you that this year is not just for only signs and wonders but greater signs and wonders. Now there is no limit to the power of God; in Matthew 19: 26 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible”. Let’s consider some examples of what the Almighty God had done before to manifest greater signs and wonders. 1Samuel 16:1-13; God just called His Prophet Samuel and said I have decided to lift up a shepherd boy who is in the bush now taking care of sheep to become a king from this year. Even the father of David called Jesse did not invite David when the prophet came to the house, because no one believed such things could even happen in that family that year not to talk of the shepherd boy

being the recipient of such greater signs and wonders; but the truth of the matter is that it happened. In Psalm 113:7-8: He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people”. If He can raise the poor and the needy, what about you who has some connections already? A little job in your hands; you that have access to some funds already. Who told you that your own announcement won’t be this year? Of course, you will see with your own eyes that this is your year of Greater Signs And Wonders in Jesus’ name. The first area in your life that this greater signs and wonders shall begin in is your Financial Position. Just take a proper record of your financial position and social status as at last year; by the time you get to the third quarter of this year, you will discover that what happened to King David has happened to you in Jesus’ Name. God remembered him and sent a message across. God has remembered you and that is why He is sending this message across to you. In Genesis 26:12-14; “Then Isaac sowed in that land and received in the same year a hundred fold and the LORD blessed him. And the man waxed great and went forward and grew until he became very great. For he had possession of herds and great store of servants and the Philistines envied him.” I pray that in that Name above all other names, many shall envy you this year because of God’s blessings in Jesus’ name. Remember, he received in the same year and not the next year; so shall it be your portion in Jesus’ Name. If you have lost any position last year, get ready for a better position this year. It is your year of Greater Signs and Wonders. There is a great position meant for you but probably some wicked fellows with negative powers denied you access; this year God shall disgrace those enemies before your very eyes. God removes one and replaces with another that is better. They may say that you don’t have a god-father in Nigeria, but forget about all that; god-fathers cannot stand this Power of the Almighty God. Let’s take example from Esther in the Bible. She was an orphan and before longer she was taken captive as a slave; but what happened in her life that year, made it her year of greater signs and wonders; the queen of that land misbehaved and her position became vacant for Esther to step in. those wicked men and women that do not want you to lift your head up; they will begin to misbehave one by one this year for you to step into your position in Jesus’ Name. In the year 2010; I called a press conference in Abuja to speak on what God has shown to me about death of politicians and men in high Authority but after the warning that certain things be amended; especially using the National resources to better the life of the citizens, but nobody listened; even though many News papers and magazines carried the News then. We don’t want people to perish; we need repentance from them because this year, there are lots of things for the eyes to see and for

the ears to hear. But this is the right time for the right people to occupy position of Authority. Esther 2:7-12; tells us the story of how the orphan slave girl rose to become the Queen of the land. As God lifted Esther, so shall you be lifted in Jesus’ name. There are many that desire signs and wonders in the area of their health. Matthew 15:30 tells us that great multitude came with all kinds of sick people and those with diseases and He healed them all. No matter the name of that sickness or diseases; even when the Doctors say the name could not be ascertained; or could not describe it by the symptoms; the Name of Jesus shall heal you. During our services, healing is one of the easiest things Jesus does in our midst by His grace. So this is your year of greater signs and wonders and you shall enjoy good health. In the area of Barrenness; Psalm 113:9 says “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD”. In Genesis 21:1-6; we were told that a 90-year-old woman conceived and had a baby boy, so I decree that this is your year in Jesus’ Name. Just tell Him whether it’s a boy, girl or twins and probably mention their names, and it shall be so in your life this year in Jesus’ Name. If you really want this year to be a year of Greater Signs and Wonders in your life, what do you do? Let’s take an example from the life of David; one of his greatest secrets was that he loved God and was ready to do anything for God. 1 Chronicles 21:24; “But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price; for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.” The love of God is highly beneficial. It is the easiest avenue to enjoy greater signs and wonders this year. What commitment have you made for God? Have you forsaken some evil ways and repented because of your love for Him? Have you given anything to the poor? Have you done anything to spread the Gospel because of your love for Him and not necessarily for the Priest and Pastors to recognize you? This is the year for you to make decision to love God. Even if you climb to the top one way or the other that is not right; you should be ready for what will follow. In Jerimah 17:11; it is written “as the Partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool”. Love covereth multitude of sins; your love today for God shall be great beginning of mighty and prosperity which you never expected to come that way. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, you must find yourself on the righteous side. The Devil is a lair according to John 8:44; so Beloveth rejoice because this is your year of greater signs and wonders in Jesus’ Name. Amen I love you all with the love of my Master, the Almighty God. Remain Blessed in Jesus’ Name. •For further enquiries and counseling, please send text messages only through the following numbers: 08067802407, 07038638984, for prompt attention.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

2013 is year of vengeance, says Pastor Bamidele Last week, Pastor Lai Bamidele of Christ Glorious Evangelical Ministries had to put aside his usual preaching just to relay what God revealed to him during his prayers, concerning Nigeria. What the Lord revealed to him is what is herein presented as the man of God’s 2013 predictions. Excerpts:

Pastor Oloruntimilehin

Follow spiritual leadings, cleric tells nation’s leaders • Announces ‘TOMOG Bethel’ TAI ANYANWU

ounder of the Omnipotence Mission of God, Pastor Joshua Oloruntimilehin Daramola, has drawn the attention of Nigerian leaders to the need to make proper use of spiritual leadings offered by men of God.

Speaking during an exclusive chat with Sunday Mirror in Lagos, the man of God explained that God always give leaders wise counsel through revelation given to servants of God assigned to nations of the earth. He said: “Ours is to communicate the revelations given by God. When we make seemly unfavourable predictions, we are not actually saying that bad faith must befall the country. Predications are rather revelations which demand that proper corrective steps be taken to prevent an unfavourable situation,” he said. Pastor Oloruntimilehin who was announcing his church’s annual prayer convention, TOMOG Bethel slated for January 9-13, 2013, said; “God told me that in 2013, he will take some lives in Nigeria which many people will not expect. Strange things will happen in our country in year 2013.” The servant of God warned against other mishaps including fire disasters in market places and air crashes. “Those who are operating airplanes and those in charge of the aviation sector must ensure the airplanes are properly maintained to avoid more crashes.” Nigerian leaders should also avoid incurring more debts if they do not want to collapse the nation’s economy. He advised that 2013 should be a year where both Christians and Muslims should jointly pray for the success of Nigeria as a strong nation rather than pursue religious rivalry. “Christians and Moslems should know that we have lots of work to do in this nation. Collective prayer of all Nigerians can bring about solutions to our national problems. “The overriding need of the country is how Nigeria will succeed as a nation, which should be the prayer of both Chris-

tians and Muslims not religious rivalry. “If such prayers are not offered something terrible might befall the nation sooner that it could be imagined,” Pastor Oloruntimilehin warned. He reiterated the calamour for steady power supply for all Nigerian. He said, “ The first victory work we need to achieve in Nigeria in 2013 is light for all Nigerians. I have been saying in Sunday Mirror newspaper and other media. President Jonathan should concentrate his efforts at giving our country steady light. “First, God created world and it was covered with darkness He brought light to be and it is seen as physical light. That is the first light before any spiritual light. So let everywhere have light; after light, God created every other thing. When there is light in Nigeria the economy will begin to pick up; this is a revelation from God. When this is achieved other things will follow. “And when there is light everywhere evil doers will begin to fall; because their dark power in the cover of the dark. We will see our people transform into good citizen ready to build one strong and viral nation,” he asserted. Pastor Oloruntimilehin took the opportunity to invite everyone to TOMOG prayer conference adding that stubborn problems would receive solutions at the annual event. “I am inviting everybody to come to our Bethel this year which comes up between January 9-13, 2013, with their needs and expectations to receive their miracles. We have many mighty men of God like our Father, Supreme Evangelist Fakeye, the Ayo ni Cherubim and Seraphim Leader, Reverend Pastor Ashiwaju and other ministers. “Many gospel musicians will be on ground to minister glorious tune to the God of heaven. Some of them include Prince Debo, Femi Opelope, Opelepo Anointing, Alapanla, Prince Saba, Evangelist Sukomi Oladele and Ayanfe Omo. We have a lot of them that will come and praise God with us. “And we have been praying for Nigeria, we will continue to pray for our dear country,” he promised.

he Lord said I should tell (a former governor of Lagos State) that he should pray very well in 2013 because God wants to pass through his house. The lord said the former governor has put his hands in so many things. He should seek the face of God and ask God for forgiveness of his sins. God is not a God who does not have mercy on people. He should seek God for mercy because of some of the things he did, God’s judgment is about to descend. The Lord said that if the ex-governor seeks God’s face, He (God) will be merciful unto him. The Lord said that the Exgovernor’s spirit of giving is the only one major grace that the man is enjoying. If this influential former governor does not want Satan to confine him with sickness that will tie him down to one spot in 2013, he should seek God’s face. There is no man who can help him, except God. And God said he should serve God with a difference in 2013, with all his heart so that all he has built will not crash even in his face. God is giving him long life but with only one condition: if he decides to follow God. If he does not do that, he should pray against a sickness that will tie him down on one spot that may lead to another thing, God forbid. But the Lord said I should tell him that he should pray very well. Some of the ex-governor’s close followers will rebel against him in 2013. God said that he should drop all the things that are not clean that he must have put his hands into, but go back to God and say ‘Lord, I am sorry.’ God is not out to destroy a sinner but He is only out for a sinner to repent; and after his repentance, judgement. There is always a judgement day; so that He can always make his way for his tomorrow. There are lots of things that are hidden before men but are open to God. No man can hide from God. You can hide from men but there is a God in heaven that can see the nakedness of everyone. The Lord said I should tell them in the Senate: There are two people that are a great voices in that senate that may go in 2013 because of some of the things that they did. Some of them stole money. The money that belonged to the masses, they ‘ate.’ 2013 is time for vengeance, if they do not repent. The Lord said to me that out of the governors that are serving now, there are two state governors that must pray very well. One governor from the South-East and one governor from the North; if not, they may not end their tenure because of what they have dipped their hands into. The Lord said I should tell the leaders of this nation that they should serve this nation with the fear of God. Many of them are not serving the nation but they are serving their pockets. But God said He is the Lord who can see more than any man. The time of His vengeance is 2013. Many of them are already fighting for 2015; the Lord said a lot of them will not even witness that 2015. They should pray very well. And the Lord that we should pray, especially against our air, we should pray so that there will no plane crash in 2013. Corruption has eaten deep into the

aviation sector. And until that sector is reformed, I pray evil will not befall this nation. And the Lord said that the blood of those ones that died in the plane crash of June last year is crying to Him. It is better for the government and owners of those airlines to do something; if not, many of them that are in position today will lose their children because of the blood of the saints, the blood of innocent people that they have shed via the carelessness of the people in the aviation sector and the people in power. That is the message that God gave me for the nation. I pray that Nigeria will not scatter. This nation will not witness civil war. This nation will not witness problem. Anyone fomenting trouble should have a rethink. Finally, the Lord said I should tell the man that is at the helm of the affairs of this nation that a lot of lives have been lost during his tenure. This is the set time for him to go and seek the face of God. No amount of millions of visiting men of God will be able to assuage God’s vengeance. The only thing that will help him is to go to his closet and seek the face of God. God is angry against all of them. They encourage corruption in all the sectors of the nation; it is better for them now. The whole masses are suffering, they are living in a glass house. And there is an adage that says, ‘if you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones.’ The Lord said I should tell him, in 2015, he should have a rethink. I repeat; he should have a rethink before he takes a step that he wants to come for another term. The time that God has given him as grace is this term. After this term, let him go back to his village and enjoy his life. But if he insists that he will contest, I tell you...I will not say more than that. May the Lord bless this nation, in Jesus’ name. •For counselling contact: pst_lai@yahoo.com, phone 08074484415, 08027502864 and 08161285586

Pastor Bamidele

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

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Harden not your heart in 2013 –Pastor Muoka Pastor Lazarus Muoka, General Overseer, Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, with headquarters in Lagos, looks back on 2012 as he recalls several Ministry warnings he had given through prophecies but which were unheeded. This year, he warning urges tthat Nigerians, both the leaders and the led, should learn from their pitfalls. Excerpts: Excerp Exodus 11: 9 states, “And the LORD said unto Moses, M Pharaoh shall not un you; that my wonhearken unto b multiplied in the land ders may be of Egypt” Beloved, the year 2012 has come and gon gone, out of our horizon with it its political bickering, an anxiety and apprehension as I had predicted at the beginning of the year; that the year will be perilous. Its departure has however paved the way for the manifestation of the New Year 2013. The year has come, full of uncertainties for the people of the world. It is like wakiing up from a confused dr dream and be bamboozled by a more m confounded situation, thus, dash dashing all hope of existentiality. The suffering suffering, bloodbath, bitterness and acrimonies that have taken the centre stage of the social, political and economics activ activities of the world, particularly Nigeri Nigeria since some time now is a pointer to the fact that the world has completed its full circle and is at the verge of co coming to an end. People have become so s apprehensive of the world they are living in because of the a forementioned wickedness. Prayers aforementioned a an nd sacrifices have h and been made for the pu urpose of attracting at purpose the attention cu um interventio cum intervention of God, yet, none has yi iel e ded result because b yielded the demand for ri igh g teousness has not been met. righteousness w get to know that all And until we these things happening is a sign of th these the wrath of o God that is about to the u we would not come fall upon us, se to our senses. The truth of the ma whole matter is that the hue and cry that have enveloped the nahith tion hitherto will not be abated th year except th ex this we recognise God cre as our creator and His son Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and repent from our sin. Otherwise, we and child our children will not be saved from the mayhem. This year I cried out again to peo the people of the world particularly Nigeria not to continue harde hardening their heart from turni turning to God after seeing th evils going on in the all the wor and the impending world doo doom approaching manki kind. This is because all th these evil and atrociti being witnessed by ties ou generation are for our th wonders of God Althe m mighty to be multiplied. Last year when othe ers were predicting p peace and prosperity for the year, I sounded

a serious warning to the people that if they hardened their heart and refused to renounce their evil ways and come to God, the year would be characterised by political and economic confusion and above all more bloodshed would be witnessed. And true to my prediction, within 24 hours of cautioning the country, the petroleum brouhaha erupted which brought the socio- economics of the country to a standstill and this was followed by mayhem that has continued till date. Prior to that admonition, I had given similar warning to the people of the world that if they failed to put a stop to the loathing and abomination pervading the high and low places of the world, that God will destroy humanity again. And since the advice has not been heeded till now, God will continue to multiply His wonders in order to draw people to Himself. It was so in the days of Pharaoh when God allowed the stubbornness and obstinacy of Pharaoh and his people to remain, so that He may have greater opportunity to multiply His wonders in the land in order to make Egyptians know that He only is Jehovah, the self-existent God. The Book of Exodus 11: 6- 7 and 9 say, “And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. 7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. 9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt” If one compares the situation of this present day to the contest between Moses and the Israelites on one hand, and Pharaoh and the Egyptians on the other hand and the demonstration of God’s wonders, one could understand that the plagues and death of all the first-born in Egypt was forewarned by Moses but was ignored. And God therefore allowed His wonders to fall on them. You can see how slow God is to wrath. The plagues were foretold; the times were fixed and when angels slew the Egyptians, not even a dog bark at any of the children of Israel. So it will be this year 2013, if our people would continue to ignore the existence of God, God will continue to multiply His wonders among them but those that will come to Him shall be saved. At that time men will know what a difference God puts, and will put to eternity, between those that serve him and those that serve him not. The plagues against the Egyptians are standing monuments of the greatness of God, also the joy of the Chosen ones, and it was a standing monitor to the children of men in all ages not to provoke the Lord to jealousy or to strive with their Maker.

The wonders wrought against the Egyptians were a record for prosperity, that Jehovah alone, the God of the Chosen, was the sole Maker and Creator of the heavens and the earth. It was not to crush the poor that He wrought such mighty wonders, but to convince His enemies, to the end of the world, that no cunning or power can prevail against Him; and to show His followers that whosoever trusted in Him should never be confounded. The Lord does all things for his own sake and He does not make a man wicked, but when a man has made himself such, even then God bears with him. But if he repents not, when the measure of his iniquity is filled up, he shall fall under the wrath of God his Maker. The scripture says in Matt. 6: 33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” For us to have peace in the world, we must seek first the Kingdom and righteousness of God, so that the blessing of God will become ours. By making our first and chief care the promotion of the kingdom of God in this world, and seeking after His holiness and righteousness, all the good things of the Lord shall be ours. We must also understand that God’s kingdom cannot be sought without God’s righteousness and holiness which is the only way to happiness. If all the people of this country will begin to seek first God and His righteousness the year will be a good year for us. I know the people of the world will be expecting in the present year peace and economic stability but by the grace of God, my language may not be the language of the world. What I am saying may not be what the people will like. The truth is that the year 2013 will still be a hazardous year. Iniquity shall abound. Many people that are professing to be Christians will even fall out of the faith. Economic problems will arise. Many crises will be all over the world. But God allows those things so that the world will come to their creator and be saved. So the year will be full of uncertainties, calamites and sorrow. But in the midst of these calamities and sorrow the Church will be kept. We believe that the real children of God will be kept just like what happened in Egypt when God was about to take His children out. The world is heading for total collapse. All these things that people are crying about now are just the beginning. This year (2013) will be worse. And as those things are happening, it is making men to see the finger on the wall that they should return to their Creator before it is too late. If it becomes a bed of roses, they will not repent, so the issue is that God will allow His wonders to multiply so that men will come back to Him.

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Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

There is nothing like Holy Trinity –Pastor Samuel At Mende, Maryland area of Lagos, a young shepherd of God’s people, Pastor Samuel Effiong Daniel, presiding minister of Global Grace Ministries, is making waves. He barred his minds on matters of interest, which include the state of nation, his disbelief in the Holy Trinity, his prophetic outlook of 2013 and the progress of the country. He spoke with Tai Anyanwu. Excerpts: How could you be identified? My name is Brother Samuel Effiong Daniel. By the grace of God, the Lord has commissioned me to do His work. My ministry is all about reconciling souls back to God through the preaching of the word of God. That is what I am after. That is my mission. I am not after money. My anointing is not for money, my anointing is not for anything else; my anointing is to turn sinners to serve God. Do you run a church? Yeah. The church is called Global Grace Church. It is one year and six months old now. God has been faithful in the ministry; people have been coming, repenting and giving their lives to Jesus Christ; and God has also been blessing them. We have over 1000 members worshipping in our present location at 9, Adora Avenue, Mende, Maryland, Lagos. How is your church different from other churches? My ministry is different from other churches because, as an end-time church, we are hurrying up to make ourselves ready for the second coming of Christ. And God’s hand is upon the ministry, I know. How did you become a minister of God? My father was a Pastor in Apostolic Church; my mother too was a prophetess and she played the violin, an instrument in the same church. My grandfather was a native doctor and my grandmother, a prophetess. I am the first son of my father and my mother. By the grace of God, I was told from my infancy that I was going to be a servant of God; but I never believed it until 2002 when God arrested me in the process. Not until I became a mad man for six months. Now that you are serving God, what spectacular miracles have happened in your ministry? I give God the glory. I am not worthy to offer any miracle, but God has been doing a lot of things in the ministry. People have been testifying divine healings, marriages have been restored and many other wonderful things. Most importantly, sinners are getting saved. For instance, a young lady who was a lesbian for many years, came into the church

and after listening to messages, she had a total turnaround. She is no longer a lesbian. She is now a committed worker in the church. What is your attitude towards Christmas celebration? Christmas is not a Christian celebration. How can it be when all manners of wickedness happen? People committing fornication, getting drunk, kidnapping and killing during the festive season? I strongly believe Jesus Christ was not born on the 25th of December. I can prove that to you some other time. It is supposed to be a celebration where people will not die mysteriously, a period when ritual murder will not increase. The spirit of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of love and peace will pervade. Every day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ because his birth brought us liberation from all manners of evil. We don’t celebrate Christmas, but we celebrate the New Year. How do you teach your members to dress? Our dress code is to dress decently. How can a woman put on trousers to the church? A woman has to put on the dresses of a woman and a man the dresses of a man. You say you are a man but you put on earrings and put attachment on your hair. That is not how to dress. Dress and cover your body. Some men of God encourage their members to dress anyhow. Can you dress anyhow and enter a mosque? Can you dress anyhow and enter the shrine in your village? Why do Christians today dress anyhow in the church? It is unfortunate. How do we address you? General overseer, prophet or pastor? The Bible talks about five-fold ministry in the Bible, the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the pastor and the teacher. There is the deacon, a man full of the spirit of God and having only one wife; and also, a bishop. Any other name out of these is not scriptural, it is out of the will of God. His Holiness, His Eminence are not scriptural. General Overseer is the Holy Ghost while we are the overseers; we oversee His sheep; we are the shepherds, we are the rippers; but Holy Ghost is the general overseer. In the book

Pastor Samuel

of Psalm 111: 9, “Holy and Reverend is His name.” God’s name is reverend. I believe I am a prophet. You sound controversial; do you believe in the trinity? I don’t believe in the trinity because there is no trinity in the Bible. Trinity is a figment of men’s intellectual deduction. I don’t want to go further but I searched my scripture. The scripture tells me there is one God, one Lord and one mediator. Israel served only one God; God the father in Mathew 28: 9 says, “Go in and preach the gospel baptising them in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Ghost.” He says ‘in the name’ not ‘in the names’, singular name; so are you telling me that the name of the father is a name, the name of the son is a name and the name of the Holy Ghost is a name? Can you cash a cheque in the name of the father? So there must be a name. When I searched my scripture, the Bible tells me in the Acts of Apostles 2: 37 down, that all the apostles baptised people in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus said when you see me, you have seen my father. God has come and dwelled in His son, who has come and dwelt in the fullness of His father. Let’s turn to the state of the nation; what do you foresee for 2013? God ministered to me that He is going to restore the glory of Nigeria. Many countries have been mocking Nigeria.

This country is a good country. God has revealed to me that it is going to be a wonderful country. It is a godly country that Christians are here praying in love. It is a lovely country. God loves this country. And when I go into my closet and pray to God with fasting, God told me that in 2013, He is going to restore the glory of Nigeria. But write it down now that our leaders must ensure unity of the country. When we are in unity, God will rise and envelop this country with glory. Poverty will roll away in this country. And all the woes, shame, stigma of 419, kidnapping and corruption will disappear and other countries will rush to do business with Nigeria again. That is what God told me. I want to pray for the nation and our president for long life and prosperity. God put President Jonathan in position and ordained him to transform this country. I want to let you know that no man will kill him. So any man or woman that wants to rise against him is going to pay the penalty, thus said the Lord. His purpose in Aso Rock is not yet ended; when the time is up, God will tell him to leave and he will leave. I am praying for all the governors that are all doing well, including my state governor, Godswill Akpabio. They will not die untimely. God also told me that our national football team will fly victoriously in 2013. •For counseling contact Prophet Samuel via email globalgracechurch@yahoo. comor phone 08060143296 and 08164392405

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Pastor Chidi charges parents on proper child upbringing

Have trust in God, Kumuyi urges TAI ANYANWU

TAI ANYANWU

he General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, has advised Christians and other Nigerians to repose confidence in God in perplexing situations.

residing minister of King in Christ Power Ministries International, Pastor Chidi Anthony, has urged parents not to forget their first responsibility to God which he said is, proper upbringing of their children.

He made the plea while dedicating four babies in his Ajao Estate headquarters church, Lagos, recently. The clergyman noted that the family is a divine institution ordained by God, from the beginning of time. He insisted that children are special gifts from God Almighty that deserve all the care, protection and training for God’s glory, adding that it is important for all parents to recognise the obligation and responsibility to God. “Children are heritage from the Lord; they are committed into the care of parents for care, protection and training for His glory. What we are about to do now did not start today,” he added. “Let me read from the book of Luke 2: 22, “And when the days of purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord …Thank God for these families.” Obviously impressed with how the families brought their babies for dedication, he further noted, “These families know the importance of bringing their children for dedication to God.” With joy, he decreed: “As many as are believing God for the fruit of the womb, I decree that 14 months from now, you shall dedicate your own child.” To underscore the importance of proper child upbringing, he said, “Jehobed, of old trained her own child, Moses, after presenting him to the Lord. Hanna recognised that her child belongs to God. The Virgin Mary also brought the infant Jesus to the temple for dedication.” On that premise, the clergyman told parents to know that the act of dedicating a child does not automatically make the child a good Christian. “The parents should, likewise, perform their holy obligation and bring back to the Lord, the treasure which He has entrusted to them. “By so doing, they recognise and publicly acknowledge their responsibility to nurture and bring their children in the way of righteousness and godliness.” Turning to the parents of the babies being dedicated, he said, “This is your first responsibility to God, to whom you bring your child. I charge each of you that you will live an exemplary life before the child that he or she will know what it takes to be a good Christian.

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Pastor Chidi and wife

“That you will make your home a school where the child will receive Christian instruction; that you see to it that the baby is taken to church for additional instruction; that you shall pray for the child’s salvation when the child has reached the years of accountability, and endeavour to lead the child to Christ. “If you are willing to accept this charge, assent to the following pledge: In the sight of God and in this great assembly do you promise to bring this child in the fear and admonition of the Lord? “Yes, I will,” replied the happy parents. “Do you promise to lead them to accept Jesus Christ early as their Lord and personal saviour? “Yes we will.” “Do you promise to set example of godly and consistent life of righteousness to your children? “Yes we will,” they

concurred. Having perfected the dedication, the cleric pointed out that there is great need for families in Nigeria to give due importance to parental roles in children’s upbringing. According to him, the family is the smallest unit of influence where the quality of citizens of any nation is determined. Most of the problems that have become the bane of our society today are traceable to failure of families to bring up God fearing children, he explained. The result is that there are socially maladjusted children who do not care to wreck the wealth of this nation as long as the selfish desires are met. “We must come back to God and imbibe the life of righteousness for the good of all,” he insisted.

This, according to him, is the recipe for overcoming security-related challenges, which have been confronting the people. Drawing from Psalm 91, Pastor Kumuyi remarked that having abiding relationship with God is sure to triumph over every problem. “Don’t run away from where God has placed you. Focus on God and God will also focus on you. When you are abiding continuously in Christ, neither Satan nor his angels can ever touch you; for the promises of God affirm wholesome deliverances for all abiding believers,” Pastor Kumuyi further remarked. The General Superintendent further admonished Christians to strive to appropriate the fullness that God has made available through Jesus Christ, stressing this as the fitting antidote to the multifarious challenges facing mankind. Addressing thousands of participatants at the church’s retreat in Lagos, Pastor Kumuyi declared that failure to tap into the full redemption and covenant benefits through Christ, has cast a needless limitation on believers in particular and mankind in general. Speaking at the retreat on the topic ‘Identification with Christ,” the cleric declared that all Christians, crucified, buried and risen with Christ should possess “the unflagging capacity to realise, reckon and receive the abundant blessings God has deposited in Christ.” According to him, Christ has transferred his righteousness to every believer. And that moment one believes, Christ‘s righteousness is imputed into one. “This then is the gateway to receiving the fullness of blessings which span the spiritual, physical and material realms,” he emphasised.

5000 storm Mgbidi for Lord’s Chosen crusade CONTINUED FROM Page 23 be unprecedented testimonies to instant healing, salvation and deliverance. “As many as those that were brought on wheel chairs and crutches walked away from the crusade ground unaided, singing halleluiah in the highest because God Almighty has performed won-

ders in their lives and made them whole. Those with spinal cord injuries, paralysis, lameness, blindness, deafness and dumbness were not left out,” he added. “Today, Sunday, promises to deliver the multiplication of greater wonders by the special power of God, said Pastor Muoka. According to him, “The Lord of the Chosen that answers prayer

has assured me that no matter how bad your case or situation is, if you can find your way to this place, tomorrow (today) in good faith, you will not go back the same. Our most high God will make you whole again because His wonders keep multiplying by the day and your own is waiting. It will never leave you by”, he assured.

Pastor Kumuyi

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Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

It’s time for victory over stagnation –Pastor Adewunmi It is a terrible thing to be bogged down while other people are making progress. Pastor Segun Adewunmi, presiding minister of House of Prayer Ministries, in this episode, gives recipe on how to overcome stagnation in 2013. Excerpts:

ormally, stagnation is a situation of economic standstill but one could also be stagnated in other areas of life, like marriage, social aspect or child-bearing. Generally, stagnation is a delay in progress.

The word stagnation is actually the situation of a collection of water into which no new water flows and from which water does not flow out. Such stagnated water could be coloured, very impure and covered with dirty leaves. Usually, such collection harbours poisonous germs, dangerous reptiles including snakes and crocodiles. Same way, lives of stagnated people are full of anger, sorrow, bitterness and frustration. Some become unstable in their minds and unpredictable in their actions. It is indeed a bad life. Stagnated people can be rightly described as people caught up in spiritual pit of life. Pit means-while others are progressing, the stagnated is held down inside the pit, unable to walk or fly. The Bible identifies three kinds of pits namely, the pit of Joseph, the pit of Daniel and the pit of Lazarus. The peculiarity of the victim’s frustration explains the kind of spiritual pit he or she finds themselves. For example, the pit of Joseph portrays total lack, nakedness, vulnerability to attack of scorpions and snakes, menace of cold and hot weather; a situation where his brothers were eating while Joseph was starving. This type

of pit experience manifests in the lives of victims who are abandoned, despised, underrated, ignored and isolated. David had this experience when he cried out in Psalm 31 and especially verses 11-14; “I was a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to my acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me. I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said; Thou art my God.” We have two practical examples of people that were thrown into the pit of Daniel. These include a Head of State of Nigeria who later became the president, and a former second-in-command to the Head of State. While the former president was in prison, the latter was awaiting execution. The situation of both of them was that their survival was not expected, just like Daniel, after staying the night with the lions. But miraculously, their tormentors ‘expired’ and both were released. Daniel’s pit may also depict attack of terminal disease or a bad judicial or court case. David again survived the effect of the counsel of Ahithophel which was miraculously turned to foolishness. The pit of Lazarus was the pit of concluded bad fate. Lazarus was exhumed

Pastor Adewunmi

from the earth after four days in the Sheol. It is where impossibility becomes possible. Can anyone imagine a black man ruling or becoming the president of the United States of America? It is about a complete turnaround for those who have been forgotten.

Prayer of Release

As you step into year 2013, your message is in Deut. 1:6&7; “The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.”

This is the authority that will move and relocate you to your next level. Other quotable quotes for your libration are Exodus 12:29-36, Lev. 26:13, Chronicles 4:9&10, Jonah 2:2-9, John 8:36, and 2 Cor. 3:17. The above should be read out first thing in the morning and last thing at bed time for the whole of January 2013 by every victim of stagnation. The Lord told me that before the third month in 2013, He will break economic stagnation, marital stagnation, health stagnation, geographical stagnation, social stagnation and any other form of stagnation in the lives of those who diligently use the above operational words for their prayer. •For counseling, contact Pastor Segun Adewumi via email:pastorsegunadewumi@ gmail.com or phone 08039425631

Show love, despite odds –Pastor Olusore Pastor Israel Olusore, Founder of Livinglight International Church, in this message stresses the importance of love, saying it is a key weapon in fighting against the works of the devil. Excerpts:

an you imagine you carrying God? Will any Devil be able to attack you? Imagine it that God is here now. What else will be here? All the host of heaven will be here; and God is here right now. That means that any time you are operating in love, you are operating in God.

He said touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm. If the anointing of heaven comes upon you, no arrow of hell shall be able to affect you. God is love. Love has been perfected among us in this way that we may have boldness in the day of judgement. There is no fear in love. A perfect love casts out fear- 1Jhon 4:- because fear involves torments. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. Now look at verse 20, “If someone says that he loves God and hates his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his bother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? You have not seen God because God is a spirit. And this is the commandment we have from Him, that he that love God must also love his brother. Look at someone and tell that person ‘I love’; and may it be that you are beside

your wife and that you fought last night. Some people are in church now. Some people couldn’t even go to church because they had a boxing bout with their spouses the previous night. They are still mending fences now. Brothers and sisters are killing each other because of lack of love. Love is of God. If you offend me, I will ask you because in asking, there is healing. You don’t keep malice; a man of God does not strive. So, work in love. Without love, your faith will never work. Galatians 5:6 says, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision availeth much but faith which worketh by love. Verse 14 of that same chapter says, “Therefore love. For all the law is in one word: you shall love your neighbour as yourself. Even in death, David loved Saul and Jonathan. The person that claimed that he killed them, ‘God killed them’. David told him, ‘you have the guts to tell me that you killed the Lord’s anointed.’ He said, ‘Kill him.’ He wanted to killing of the late King to curry favour; and that is what a lot of us are doing. But as from now, as we embrace this life-

style, I see God giving us a definite change of story, in Jesus’ name. I see you working into your blessing. If you can just do this, you will see things changing for you. God is not a man that should lie. The God of Israel never lies. Finally, work in the spirit. To work in the spirit is to work in love. Look at Galatians 14-16: “Work in the spirit for all the law is fulfilled in one word even in this; you shall love your neighbour as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, beware, lest you will be consumed by one another. I say then, work in the spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Work in the spirit. Work in the spirit. Working in the spirit is working in obedience. Working in the spirit is obeying the word of God because the word of God is spiritual. After reading and putting this message into practice, I see everything working in your favour; I see you beginning to possess your possession. Whatever has not been working for you will begin to work from now? I prophesy into your life that from this moment, heavens begin to stand at attention for you, in the name of Jesus Christ.

You will never have a better yesterday. Friends, the Bible says that the path of the just is like the face of a shining light that shines more and more unto a perfect day. David in spite of his years of battle, waxed stronger and stronger. God was preparing him for the throne. The Bible says in 2 Samuel 3:1 that there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. Long war, as if David would never become a king. They might have told you that you would never become what God has said you will become; but God is saying He is fighting that battle for you.

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

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Sold out to stand out Going through the Bible quotations revealed some things viz –

alloweth be to the name of God Almighty. Our creator painstakingly deposited great raw materials and potentials inside us and His greatness is being witnessed daily the world over. What an awesome God.

Those not focused in life can never be a focus. Anything positively you consistently engage in for days will become part of your system and will ultimately announce you to the world. A studious student will come out in flying colours and a dogged fighter will remain a champion. Achievers, champions and movers are those committed to a cause, flowing with their full might, plunged headlong and wonderfully rewarded. That informed today’s piece – Sold out to stand out.

Charger

<Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do, and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phillipians 4 verses 8-9)

•Lovely and good report – Your daily voyage and endeavours. •Learned and received – Lectures, training you received. Improve because learning is a daily process. •Seen and must do – Be consistent in your work. Become better daily for in that discipline you will be announced in your world. The thrust of this message is that positive consistency pays. In that business you are engaged in, once you are consistent and eschew laziness, your success will speak volumes. You must be sold out to your work for you to stand out in your generation. A lazy student will get his result at the end of the term.

Get cracking

The job you are doing is enough to take you from obscurity to prominence. Lazy people always give excuses – the cloud is gathering storm, it is about raining, the sun is too scorching, a Nigerian adage says anyone always giving excuses of sun and rain will die of poverty and hunger. If you are serious with your work, your work will be seriously confirmed. Be sold out to that work and you will stand out, look around you and see those breaking new grounds daily, are you not spurred with their achievements to do something positive with your life? *America is known as God’s own country today because some black missionaries worked to their bones to create a wonderful America. *Britain is the second home to millions because Sir John Macpherson, Spencer Winston Churchill and the likes worked for the progress of Great Britain.

*It is a new progressive order in South Africa owing to the commitments of Dr. Nelson Mandela and other progressives to end apartheid and create a better country for the people. *Yorubas in the South Western Nigeria are known for their sophistication and robust educational lifestyle due to the focus of their first premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo with his free education programmes for the entire race. •Cherubim and Seraphim Church is a worldwide ministry owing to the solid foundation laid by the founder and prophetic legend, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase. Get cracking and be sold out to the work you are doing. It is the way you positively handle it that will turn it into a big business and catapult you to greatness. Don’t allow anyone to despise you and your work. Nobody thought comedy will become big business in Nigeria until the likes of Danjuma and Ali Baba turned it into a money spinning trade and the result – stand up comedians are now being celebrated. Are you a trader, singer, businessman, artiste/artist, student, church worker, accountant, Lawyer or a sewage attendant, no business is small once it bring money, feed your family and made your employer of labour – your zeal will bring you out for honours. Otunba Durojaye (also known as Gadhaffi) of DMT Toilets, in his lifetime, would tell you that ‘shit’ business is serious business. You can’t be up and doing in your business and not stand out in your generation. Be hardworking and keep on doing it, you will be greatly rewarded in due course.

Stand out One

Nigerian actors, Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) and Yinka Quadri are masters of the game

today owing to their hardwork, determination and survival instincts in the industry. The duo have passed through thick and thin in the acting world especially the Yoruba genre of the profession and are daily reaping the fruits of their labour for they stand out among their peers after being sold out to their trade.

Stand out Two

Gospel singers with unique voices, Lady Evangelists Bola Are, Funmi Jesugbaye, Dunni Olanrewaju, Bisi Alawiye, Atinuke Obanla, Esther Igbekele, Bukola Akinade and Tope Alabi are leading lights among women in Nigeria’s gospel music industry following their chorus – If others can make it, with God’s backing we can also be celebrated. With unparalled commitments, they never wavered in their pursuit for excellence and their fame has transcend Nigerian borders.

Stand out Three

A ringing name with great adaptability in Nigeria’s media industry is Dele Momodu. From teaching to press secretary, moved on as a columnist and within months became an editor. His resilience took him to the military Gulag; he later relocated to United Kingdom where he started Ovation Magazine which has brought him great honours. He sold his life to what he believed in and stood out in his generation. You must be sold out to stand out and know that commitment is a key in standing out. Phillip Emeka Emeagwali is being celebrated today as the inventor of the fastest software in computer but it took him 15 years of research to achieve the feat. Sold out to stand out. Run from sin. Jesus loves you. God bless Nigeria and you are lifted.

Your time to be favoured Hope for Hopeless with Pastor Goke

Aniyeloye

he word of life says in the book of Psalms 102 verse 13: “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come” Brothers and sisters, ladies and gentlemen, fellow citizens of Nigeria, I like to welcome you all to your morning of joy, lifting, breakthrough, fruitfulness and barrier breaking; year 2013. The year 2012 had its own challenges- a lot of killings here and there, kidnapping, plane crashes, communal clashes, natural disasters, religious violence and what have you. No doubt, the peace of the nation was threatened, yet the good Lord kept us. All glory to Him. The good Lord of Israel says: “The troubles of Nigeria may endure for 2012, but solution and joy comes in 2013.” Did I hear somebody say a big Amen to that? I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the ballet to the strong, neither yet the bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill but time and change happenth to them all”. I have 100 percent assurance from the Lord that your failure of last year is converted to success in 2013, every point of your ridicule is converted to your point of miracle because your time has come. Please note this; when the time

of a man comes, there is nothing, I mean absolutely nothing the enemy can do about it. The Bible says according to Psalm 23 verse 5: “Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over”. Right in the presence of your enemies, you will have a running over of blessing and joy this year in Jesus’ name. This year, the Lord will restore the glory of this nation and her enemies will just be made onlookers. Why? Because the Lord will render every one of our enemies useless and powerless. Today is the Sixth Day in the month of January, year Two Thousand and Thirteen. The number “Six” is number of man, and the number one is number of God and number of the beginning, when man was created by God, to have dominion over all He had created. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth”. Genesis chapter number 1 verse 28. The book of saint Luke Chapter number 10 verse 19 says “Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you”. When God says ‘nothing’, He means absolutely, ‘nothing’. This year, you will not be victim but a victor, you will not labour for another man to eat. Every one that is against you, God will fight them. Do you know you are created to have dominion over the ugly situation of yours? Yes you have being empowered.

You are a child of authority, you are not inferior to anybody, do you know by His grace I am not a photocopy of anybody, I am created to be original and that what you are. Don’t let last year hold you down. Your yesterday is a cancelled cheque, your tomorrow is a promissory note but your today is your cash, come on, stand to your feet, the time and year for you to be noticed has come. The Lord of host Himself will announce your arrival this year. It doesn’t matter how many times you tried and failed last year, I am assuring you that failure is not your portion this year in Jesus name. For several years, Mephibosheth was ‘Mr. Nobody’ but when his time to be favored came, even the strongest of his enemies could do but nothing about it. “And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” This year, every lost benefit of your father, you are getting them back in Jesus name. I mean every good your father had done in the past you are receiving a divine mandate to reap the benefit this year in Jesus name. “And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and when they had called him into David, the king said into him, art thou Ziba? And he said thy servant is he. And the king said is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet” ladies and gentlemen Ziba did not mention Mepheboseth’s name but he tried to paint a picture that he (Mephiboseth) is Mr. nobody. Everyone that has condemned you

will celebrate you this year. Mephibosweth had surrendered to fate before God decided to favour him, because “so then it is not him that willeth, nor of him that Runneth, but of God that Showeth mercy’ this year you will receive the mercy of God mephiboseth had lost hope, even his father’s servant said he cannot amount to anything anymore, but when the time to favour his Zion came, the man (Ziba) that has being lord over him was asked to till the land for him (Mephiboseth) and bring in fruits, that his masters son may have food to eat. I decree into your life, this year your enemies will turn to your messengers in Jesus name. Whatever you have passed through last year, you have come out of them this year in Jesus name. TO Nigeria: your time of restoration has come, every lost glory of yours shall be restored because your enemy will be silenced. No one or group of people can hold you to ransom. Any one that riseth against thee, will all fall for your sake. Any one that vowed that you will not experience peace will be buried untimely. “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing; then said they among the heathen, the lord hath done great things for them” In this year of signs & wonders, the Lord will do great wonders in this nation this year. We will all sing songs of victory. Its well with you, it’s well with this nation and we will break forth in Jesus name. •Contact: gokeaniye@gmail.com or gokeaniye999@yahoo.com

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Praise & Worship 33

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Another Busy Year Ahead for Pope Benedict XVI A

new encyclical, a visit to Rio and possibly two consistories of new cardinals are just some of the highlights expected for Pope Benedict XVI this coming year. Over the past few months, the Holy Father has been putting the finishing touches on his fourth encyclical, scheduled to be published during Lent. Dedicated to the subject of faith and published to coincide with the Year of Faith, the encyclical will be used by the Pope to offer encouragement to a world in crisis, Vatican sources say. It will follow three other encyclicals during this pontificate: two on the other theological virtues of charity, Deus Caritas Est (2005), and hope, Spe Salvi (2007), and a “social encyclical” — Caritas in Veritate (2009) — on how love and truth are essential to building the common good. Although he will turn 86 in April, and many have observed an increasing frailty, the Holy Father continues to travel. He has pledged to visit Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in June. But, so far, this is his only visit planned to take place outside Italy, and Pope Benedict continues to cut back on his long-haul travels, making just two trips in 2012. But there is an outside chance that he may visit Panama and Colombia. The Vatican has said that officials have been considering visits to these countries in the coming year, although nothing has yet been confirmed. During the Year of Faith, which runs through Nov. 24, many large and unprecedented events are planned. In May in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope will welcome all the Church’s ecclesial movements. The meeting, similar to those that took place during Pentecost in 1998 and in 2006, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of faithful. June will be one of the Holy Father’s busiest months. He will be convening the first-ever meeting with all the Church’s

apostolic nuncios, papal delegates and permanent observers to international organizations. The meeting is being convened with a view to being “an exchange of experiences to deepen the feeling of mission for the pontifical representatives” during the Year of Faith, according to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state.

Pro-Life meeting

On June 16, the Pope will host a world meeting of pro-life advocates at the Vatican, dedicated to the gospel of life. Also, for the first time, the Holy Father will lead an hour of Eucharistic adoration on the feast of Corpus Christi. The tradition fell out of use after the Second Vatican Council, but it has seen a resurgence, partly thanks to the Pope’s personal encouragement and that of his papal predecessor, Blessed John Paul II. In October, the Pope is expected to break a record when he canonizes 802 holy men and women in the same ceremony: 800 martyrs from Otranto, Italy, killed in 1480 out of hatred for the faith, plus the first Colombian saint, Mother Laura, and a Mexican nun, Blessed Mother Maria Guadalupe. Following his foray into Twitter, the Pope — or, rather, his team of communicators — is likely to extend his use of digital social media to help spread the message of the Gospel. In a few weeks, he will begin tweeting in Chinese and Latin. In a Jan. 1 interview for the Italian network Tgcom24, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli said once “some technical difficulties” are overcome, China will be added. “The Pope’s desire is to talk to the broadest number of people, to get in touch with men and women of every country,” said the president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. “So why not also in the Chinese language?” Also this year, Vatican sources say the Pope may take the rare step of holding two

Pope Benedict XVI

cardinal-making consistories in 2013, as he did in 2012. The number of cardinals under the age of 80, the only ones eligible to vote for a new pope, will be 10 short of the maximum limit of 120 by Oct. 19. Like last year, consistories may take place in both February and then again in November. Such regularity is rare, though it was relatively common up until the 1950s. Vatican officials say smaller, more frequent consistories are easier and more efficient to handle. As always, there will be some surprises this year, and away from the Apostolic Palace, news will also be made. The Vatican Bank will choose a new president in January to succeed Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, who was forced to step down last year. Later this year, President Barack Obama is also expected to choose a new ambassador to the Holy See to replace Miguel Diaz,

who has returned to academia. The choice will be hard, with Obama having to choose someone close or sympathetic to his administration’s policies while at the same time favorable to the U.S. bishops and the Holy See.

Good Health

Despite his age, Pope Benedict is still in relatively good health. In an interview shortly before Christmas with a German newspaper, his 88-year-old brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, said, apart from some trouble walking, the Pope’s health “was in order” and that he was “relatively fresh and constantly taking exercise.” That helps him “stay fresh,” Msgr. Ratzinger said about his younger brother, and prevents a “dampening of his spirits.” •Source: National Catholic Register

They that know their God Shepherd Life with Bishop Kingsley

Enakirerhi

elcome to the year 2013 in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. So many people desired to see this year but they couldn’t make it. Truly, it is not by might or by strength, it is God’s mercy and favour that have enabled us to see this New Year. This year will indeed bring many challenges. The Bible has clearly told us that we are in the latter days and the latter days will be times of great challenges. But be of good cheer because while the world and the wicked will be groaning under the coming challenges, those who are connected to God will be triumphing and overcoming those challenges because with God, we are more than conquerors. God has done it in times past, so we need not be afraid because He will do it again in our generation. When the Israelites were in the land of Egypt, God made a difference between the Egyptians and His people. While in the land of Egypt, they were experiencing the plagues of darkness and others. In Goshen where

the Israelites were staying, there were no such plagues occurring there. Again in Genesis 26:1-14 when there was a great famine in the land of Gerar, God told Isaac to remain in the land and sow in it. And when he did, the scripture recorded that he had an hundred fold harvest and waxed so great that the Philistines envied him. I want to prophetically declare that this year, while the wicked shall be experiencing hardship, your case shall be different. You shall experience divine provision that will cause your enemies to wonder. In Daniel 11:32, we are told, “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.” Here the scripture describes two categories of people. The first are those who “do wickedly against the covenant.” These are those who choose to disobey God’s word. God’s word is the covenant. Anyone who disobeys God’s word or chooses to live his or her life outside the will of God, the scriptures says, they shall experience corruption. Disappointment will be their portion. However, for the second group, i.e. those that “do know their God”, it is recorded that they shall be strong and do exploit. God means that we should obey Him and live according to His commandments. This set of people shall be overcomers in life.

Dearly beloved, 2013 even though is full of challenges, is also full of great things. I want to encourage you not to allow what happened in 2012 to discourage you. There may have been goals and dreams which you planned to achieve which did not come to pass. This is not enough reason for you to despair in 2013. This is a new year with lots of opportunities waiting to be utilised. Last year is gone and there is no point crying over spilt milk. The future is bright and pregnant of great things. The difference between 2012 and 2013 is the man made calendar. God’s timing is not limited or controlled by man’s calendar. So the fact that you did not receive that miracle in 2012, God has failed you. I can personally testify to the fact that God cannot fail because all through the years, I have seen the fulfillment of His promises in my life. This does not mean that there are some which are yet to manifest. Remember that God makes all things beautiful in His time and not our own. According to man-made time, God should have prevented Daniel from being thrown into the lion’s den. But God’s time was to rescue Daniel after he has been thrown into the lion’s den. If God had prevented the king from throwing Daniel into the lion’s den, some would have explained it that the king had a change of heart and that it was not God who did it. But as it is now, no one can doubt if it

was God who did the miracle. All those who were thrown into the den after Daniel were all consumed by the lions. So no one can say that the lions did not eat Daniel because they were not hungry or were sick or that there was no lion in the den at all. God is too much! I prophesy to you today that this year, God will do a new thing in your life that all those who will hear of it or see it will marvel and confirm that God is with you indeed. All those that laughed at you will come and laugh with you this 2013 in the mighty name of Jesus. All I want you to do is to remain focused and connected to God. The time to be running from one prayer house to another is past. Isaac refused to run to Egypt. He stayed focused and connected to God and his story changed. This year, continue to be faithful in those things you have been doing for God. Please don’t reduce your commitment to God as that will not reduce Him from being God. It will only deprive you of God’s blessing. Above all, I encourage you to remember that every new day and year brings us closer to the coming of Christ. It is time to live with eternity in view. Every other thing we acquire or achieve, we shall leave behind. Lay up for yourself, treasures in heaven where moth and rust will not corrupt and where thieves cannot break in to steal. Peace.

Praise & Worship

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

God shall make room for you!

he old year 2012 has passed into oblivion, with its problems and challenges. In Nigeria, its beginning was blanketed by civil unrest because of oil subsidy removal. Later we experienced several fatal plane accidents claiming many lives. We had preventable floods and fire outbreaks while Boko Haram continued their merciless killings unabated! The events touched all of our lives one way or the other. No matter how you rate 2012; “thank God, it’s over!” It is not by accident that you made it into 2013. God has a plan for you this New Year. Since He brought you to it, He will take you through it! I want you to be optimistic about your prospects this year. Believe this awesome declaration. God shall make room for you!

This biblical assertion comes from the story of Patriarch Isaac in Genesis 26. The setting was a famine that engulfed where he was staying. “There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham” (Gen 26:1). Even God’s children are not immune to the vicissitudes of life. Satan recycles situations similar to what has happened before, but the same God who brought victory before will fight your battle for you! The secret of prosperity for Isaac was that he consulted God and got specific directions. That made all the difference (Gen 26:2-6). The result: “then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous” (Gen 26:12-13). Do not be afraid to sow this year. Sow beside many waters (Num 24:7; Eccl 11:1). Sow in unusual places. Be bold and adventurous. God shall give you increase, in Jesus’ name. Your harvest shall not fail. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest . . . shall not cease” (Gen 8:22). Sow

where you are. Sow in the things of God. Your harvest shall be joyous and great. God gave Isaac 10,000% turn-over in his investment. Expect the mighty hand of Jehovah Jireh on all your undertakings this year 2013 in Jesus’ name! Amen. S o m e times, the same anointing that brings you success would breed enmity, envy, jealousy, and criticisms. Success creates jealousy; but let us not be surprised at this because it is the way of this world. If you build, some may seek to destroy, but build anyway. When you succeed, tongues would wag, but succeed anyway. Some may seek to minimize your achievements, attempt to erase your accomplishments from the annals of history, but please, never give up your dreams for negative substitutes. For Isaac, his success earned him national envy. “So the Philistines envied him. Now the Philistines had stopped all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth” (Gen 26:14-15). I have seen the gang up by people against another yield more success in my life! Let them publish, let them bark, let them gainsay and naysay: just keep at your work. “Ibajeeniyan, ko da iseOluwaduro.” This means: “People’s criticism of you cannot stop God’s blessing on you!” The jealousy and artifice of their enemies cannot prevent or restrain the blessing which the Lord designs for the pious. To suffer wrong and handle it with patience is always better than to revenge oneself and do wrong. Isaac had to dig to find watered well (Gen 26:18, 19, 21, 22). Water was often rec-

ognized as “the gift of God” (Isa. 44:3; Zech. 12:10). Many people, though thirsty, refuse to seek the living water. Real peace eludes them. Christ’s invitation to them echoes through the ages: “come unto me” (Matt 11:28). Isaac had to dig to find water but, many will not dig; but are content merely with wishes. They want to be made safe, not to be renewed; to be delivered from fear without exercising their faith. God has stipulated His appointed means of distributing His blessings: You must search/ dig the Scriptures (Psalm 119:130), pray for the Holy Spirit (Ezek. 37:9), and care for the salvation of others (1 John 3:17). “It is God’s will that we should dig. He may send a blessing unsought. But usually He works through means. The Bible, prayer, the LORD’S table, Christian converse, Christian work (Prov. 11:25) are all as wells, means for getting the water of life.” Let’s go a digging! Precious stones are seldom found on the earth surface! Expect hindrances on your path. It is normal, but not final. Enemies found a way to the wells that Isaac, his father, and their servants had dug and filled them with sand (Gen 26:15). Then Isaac and his servants dug other wells for which the Philistines contended and forcefully dispossessed them (Gen 26:18-21). Let none expect to possess wells of salvation without some form of trial of faith (1 Pet. 1:7) from those who love not the Lord. “A Christian member of a worldly family, or cast among careless associates, meets many hindrances. They may be open or veiled; in opposition or in mistaken kindness. And time for prayer is intruded on, and work for God is hindered, and a constant opposing influ-

Answer these questions and win a prize 1.

Who sat under the juniper tree and prayed that he would die? Where in the Bible?

God is saying to you that this 2013; “you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” Where can you situate this in the Bible?

I am the most holy article in the sanctuary and the visible token of God’s presence shines above me. Call my name and locate me in the Bible.

•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.

ence is felt to chill the love of God. Or the hindrance may be from within. In prayer, the mind may be overpowered by intrusive thoughts; besetting sins constantly gaining the victory; our spirits not in harmony with the “still small voice.” Remember it is God’s will through trial to give victory (1 Cor. 10:13).” The way of victory is always through trust and perseverance. If at first you fail, try again and again! Dig another well. Whatever be the well, God is the source of its spring. “Spring up, O well!” (Num 21:17). So Isaac moved “and dug another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, for now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land” (Gen 26:22). Those that follow peace, sooner or later, shall find peace: those that study to be quiet seldom fail of being so. Rehoboth means “room, room enough, and enlargements.” It comes from the root word r ab, “to make spacious.” I declare upon your life that God shall make room for you this new year 2013, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Where you have been rejected, you shall be accepted. Where you have failed, you shall succeed. Where your crop has failed, you will come back and reap abundantly. The stone that the builders have rejected will become the chief-corner stone (Ps 118:22; Matt 21:42; Acts 4:11). You shall be celebrated, elevated, promoted, consulted, motivated, transported, feted, noted, renowned, distinguished, and honored this year- 2013 and beyond. God shall make room for you in Jesus’ name! …to be continued •TundeOjewole, 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 30, 2012 Quiz 1.

Paul- Rom 7:15

Job-Job 42:10

Adam-Gen 2:19, 20

Can a Christian drink alcohol? Holy Inquiry with Pastor Paul

Nkirukah E-mail: pstpaul11@yahoo.com

Dear Pastor, Is it really sinful for Christians to drink alcohol? I am asking because I have already made a resolution not to stop, since the Bible, which I so much believe in, states that we should drink, but not in excess. From Jacob, Anambra State. Dear reader, Compliments of the season and welcome to the brand new year, 2013. This is indeed, the year of unlimited blessings. So, to be honest with you, it is very, very wrong for a born-again Christian to drink alcohol. In fact, it is a big sin. Let us find this out from the scriptures below. Proverbs 31: 4 to 6 reads; “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink

wine, nor for princes, strong drink. Verse 5: Lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Verse 6: Give strong drink (alcohol) unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Therefore, it is evident and obvious in verse 6 above, that alcohol is for anybody that wishes to perish. If I may ask, will you like to perish? I don’t think so. I know you may ask why the Bible says we should ‘take little wine because of our stomach’, but the wine the Bible is talking about here is made of grape; you know grape is bitter and that is why it is medicinal. So we can drink wine made of grape because of sugary things contained in what we eat and drink like fruit juice, mineral and non-alcoholic wine. The Bible or Apostle Paul is not talking about dry gin or beer. Moreover, let us see the book of Luke 1: 12 to 15; “And when Zacharias saw him (an Angel), he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. Verse 13, “But the Angel said unto him, fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son and thou shall call his name John.” Verse 14: And thou shalt have joy

and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth. Verse 15: For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. My dear, let us observe one important thing here in verse 15 above. I quote, “He should not drink wine nor strong drink (alcohol) because he shall be filled with Holy Ghost from the mother’s womb.” Therefore, if because he shall be filled with Holy Ghost, he will not drink wine nor strong drink (alcohol) it then means that Holy Ghost and alcohol do not agree, they are enemies, and as such, it will not only be wrong for true Christians to drink alcohol, but it is also abomination before God, and thus prevents the Holy Ghost from dwelling in you. Remember, the Bible states, your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, for the Holy Ghost dwells in you (1Corinthians 6). 19. Alcohol and the spirit of God are not of the same spirit. Remember that alcohol is also called spirit, and you know that two different Spirits cannot occupy one temple. And as I said earlier, that is why God warns that John should not drink alcohol because he

is filled with the Spirit of God (Holy Ghost) from the womb. As a matter of fact, it is not only a sin for a true Christian to drink alcohol, it will be the worse sin if you buy alcohol for anybody, even if you did not or cannot drink. So, giving up alcohol is not just the issue; you must not buy for anybody. If you have been doing that, you have to stop immediately. In conclusion, my advice to you is that, now that you have heard, you had better revoke that your resolution. I will congratulate you for doing so because it would have been more sinful for you to perish for lack of knowledge. Now you have the knowledge, don’t ignore it, tap into it as a believer. Don’t even buy or think of buying alcohol for anybody to drink; hence you will be poisoning the person, and leading him to committing a very big sin before God. I pray for God to give you the grace to stop completely without going back to it any more in Jesus’ name, Amen. Remember, and I quote, “resist the devil and he will flee from you; so resist him at all time.” Wishing you very blessed years ahead.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Beverly Naya, others qualify for MTV Base VJ search semi finals

Artiste, Sojay covers Miguel’s Adorn On a quiet afternoon in Iman Studios, all it took was a guitar, a microphone, and a camera to capture Trybe Records’ crooner, Sojay as he reinvented Miguel’s “Adorned” with a soulful acoustic rendition of the number one hit. Weaving his voice through laid back guitar riffs, Sojay glides through high notes effortlessly - blending the emotions of pure soul, with the edge of today’s modern R&B. Nigerian R&B fans are already familiar with Sojay after his 1st place finish in 2011’s Top Talent competition, but more recently casual music fans from around the world have chimed in to praise his stirring studio cover of Mario’s ‘Let Me Love You’. With his singles coming closer to release, and an album in the works, Sojay is definitely an artist to watch for in 2013.

Music channel, MTV Base has unveiled the thirty-two lucky qualifiers in the MTV Base VJ Search competition, following the auditions in Lagos a few days ago. Thousands of young hopefuls turned out for the auditions at Fantasy Land – fired with excitement at the prospect of getting through to the next round in the MTV Base VJ Search contest and winning a job representing MTV Base. Among the qualifiers are a diverse group of girls and guys that include Nollywood actress Beverly Naya, student Daala Oruwari, model Fredman Abraham, singer Meredine Roth, student Powella Samson, student Olumide Akinsola, student Prince Angel Bob and student Ayotunde Oyewumi among others. Fantasy Land was buzzing with ambitious young contenders as they queued up to audition for the gig of a lifetime - a one year contract with MTV Base. Celebrities BasketMouth, Banky W, Funke Akindele, Toolz, Brymo, L.O.S. and Burna Boy also dropped in to lend their support at the auditions. All of the qualifiers go on to compete in front of celebrity judges Banky W, Toolz, Funke Akindele and MTV Base’s Tim Horwood in the next stages of the competition, which will be televised on MTV Base and STV in January 2013.

Screen Icon winner, Diane Yekini clinches big movie deal

Ijeoma Agu shines in A Chronicles of Heroines

This New Year is certainly looking up to be a good one for London-based Diane Yekini. The upcoming actress who on the eve of the GIAMA Awards, won the Screen Icon Search (SIS) competition which was held for the sole purpose of identifying and recognizing young and future talents with the right qualities to get into the Nollywood industry. As winner of the inaugural SIS Competition, she earned airline tickets to Nigeria and Ghana to accomplish the ultimate prize of featuring in two movie deals with top producers, Emem Isong & Frank Rajah. Diane Yekini has now completed the initial stages of her first lead role script ‘The Refugee’ with ace director/producer Frank Rajah.

These are certainly feel-good times for fast rising actress Ijeoma Agu as she is steadily but surely moving up the Nollywood ladder. Fans of the captivating actress, who sharpened her acting skills at the Royal Arts Academy, will be happy The budding screen diva is currently in Nigeria, and scheduled to conto know that she recently put up an impressive stage tinue another production shoot with Emem Isong. Thereafter, she will performance. be travelling to the United States to complete her role in a Pascal Atuma Ijeoma pleasantly captivated many hearts with her production, . performance at a stage presentation titled, ‘A Chronicle The movie, ‘The Refugee’ depictes the hard life and struggles of the of Heroines’ to rave reviews from pundits. This follows three main characters in the movie starring Belinda Effah, 2012 GIAMA her recent successful role interpretation in the smash hit Best New Actress, Diana Yekinni, 2012 SIS winner; and Okawa Shaznay, a musical, ‘Hoodrush’. young Cameroonian upcoming actress. With the help of writer, Rita C Onwurah and stage director, Sola Roberts, Ijeoma put together a creative mix of characters and scenarios from different Nigerian classics. From ‘Odosun’ in Fred Agbeyegbe’s ‘The King Must Dance Naked’ to ‘Iyaloja’ , the bearer of bitter truths, as The Kingdom Music boyo, Broda Martins, Chuks Chidube, Praise brilliantly crafted by Wole Soyinka in ‘Death and The Kings Foundation (KMF), the Machine, Reverend Ekpenyong Bassey and Horseman’, a plot was strung together trailing the life of gospel music umbrella put his karis band, Gladys Solomon and Cherish an African woman who grapples with the societal scourges together by frontline gospel Wade among others. that confront her - physical abuse, the pains of polygamy The concert also featured a music seminar musicians in Nigeria, has and the heartbreak that accompanied the age old tradition taken the bull by the horn, as and training for old and up-and-coming gospel of killing of twins in the Nigerian Delta. it were, to accomplish its aims artistes. “How to Finance Your Music” was the With the creative insertion of a narrator and a few more and objectives. The musician’s topic of the seminar. The guest speaker, iconic fictional characters created from scratch, the team scored high body led by the legendary Rev- Broda Martins of the “Mushin Olosa” fame did points in putting this all together in one piece. erend Ekpenyong Bassey of the justice to the topic. In the midst of the music and movements under the dim About two million naira was raised for the Karis Band recently held a Charity lights, one thing that may have continually creased the faces of Concert to raise funds for the prog- disabled at the programme. After the funds were the audience into different variations of emotion, was how Ijeoress and well being of handicapped raised from the high-spirited and compassionate ma transited from one character to another. audience for some of the disabled folks present Nigerians. Of course the fast-rising role interpreter achieved it by purThe concert was held at the Pot- at the show, the highpoint of the event was the posefully differentiating the nuances and gestures of each of the ter’s House parish of The Redeemed breath-taking ministrations and performances personalities being portrayed. The more memorable characterChristian Church of God (RCCG), Ikeja, by the blind students of the Bethesda Home of switch was from a young naïve girl to her dreamy father. Lagos. It featured soul-reviving music the Blind, Yaba, Lagos. They further mesmerThe second high point of the day was the singing. The backstage ministrations from five star gospel musi- ized the audience when they performed their inchorus served well measured amounts of mood heightening music cians like; Aity Dennis-Inyang, Hope Da- credible choreography and songs accompanied which helped the messages sink properly. vies; Anne Inyang, Obus Zalee, Faith Aji- by their full blind instrumentalist.

KMF holds concert for the disabled

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Connecting

Vanessa with

Vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

Making New Year love resolution

t’s the dawn of a New Year and it is characteristic of people to have New Year resolutions. Smokers vow to draw their last smoke on New Year’s Eve, while those who are overweight resolve to shed some weight in the coming months of the year. Unfortunately, these resolutions fail to see the light of day as the months roll by and the pressures of life set in. Then you see them go back to the same thing they resolved not to do. Often times, it is not as if people do not want to keep up with the resolutions they made at the beginning of the year, but the problem is that they actually make it unrealistic! A child who wants to walk will first of all learn how to crawl. You cannot expect habits you formed years ago or the weight you have gained over time to disappear at the blink of eyes. The same logic should be applied when you are setting relationship goals for this year. Don’t expect magic in your love life, that everything will fall in place like a fast-forwarded movie. You see, people often neglect this part of their life when setting goals. Some think it is only financial, habit breaking and career goals that should be set as New Year resolution. But they forget that man is a social animal and anything that affects your relationship with people, your spouse or even your boyfriend or girlfriend, will invariably affect the lofty goals you have set for yourself in other areas of life. If you have never set up a relationship goal before, I think you should start thinking in that diModels rection now as the year is still very young and you still have time to correct some of the mistakes that had taken place in your love life. I believe it is important that everyone add relationship goals as part of their New Year aspirations. First of all, ask yourself this question: what do I want to see happen in my relationship this year? If you are married, set up realistic goals on how to be a better wife or husband. You do this by taking a paper and pen and writing down those things your spouse has always liked about you and resolve to improve on them. Take for instance, if your husband is the type that enjoys your cooking, think out more creative dishes that will always tantalise his appetite and make him come home for dinner more often. Sit down and draw a family menu that will give any top-flight restaurant a run for its money! Also, if there are behaviours he/she has complained against you, be humble enough to also write them down and look at ways you can be a better person this year. Don’t expect the complaints to reduce automati-

cally when you start off with actualising your goals. There will be times you might slip in your resolve, making your partner to be upset with you. This is the time a lot of people give up on their relationship goals, telling themselves the issues in their relationship may never be resolved. Instead, be more determined to make it work, by adding more gusto to your plans. Find fun-ways to bring back the waning love in your relationship and at the same time, face facts on issues that need to be ironed out squarely, between the two of you. In setting your relationship goal for the year, be determined to see that issues that crop up between you and your partner never get swept under the carpet. One of the major causes of relationship breakups is unresolved issues between partners. By glossing over complaints made by your partner without completely resolving them, can destroy the love in that relationship. No matter the extent of the quarrel you may have, be determined to always talk about it and resolve it as soon as possible. If you are still single and searching, the beginning of the year is the best time to sit down and

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Heart-throb Send text only to 08025253996

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think out ways of finding the right partner. Look at the circle of friends you moved around with last year. Is there someone among them that caught your fancy? There is this saying in Nigeria that ‘what you are looking for in Sokoto is inside your Shokoto (pocket)’’. In other words, that long-awaited love you crave for might just be found in someone very close to you but your eyes have been searching in faraway lands and it never occurred to you that this person living in your neighborhood might just be the longawaited partner you have been waiting for. So in your relationship goal as a single person this year, resolve to throw away all your previous hang-ups that looked like you are building castles in the air. Keep an ear to the ground. Make sure your eyes are always focused, so as not to miss the ‘’good’’ that has been staring you in the face, all this while. I wish everyone a fun-filled and sunny love life this year!

I am Matt, 28 years old. I need a Sugar Mummy that can take good care of me while she gets the best of my loyalty –0806806390 My name is Elvis. I am 25 years old from Edo State. I live in Lagos and I need a Sugar Mummy between 37 and 45 years old –08123267086 I am Gbenga, 30 years old. I am fair in complexion, romantic and cute. I need a Sugar Mummy who will take care of me and I will satisfy her —08068778821 My name is Kenneth; I am 38 years old, living in Lagos. I want a sexual relationship with a woman with no strings attached –08034878078 I am Shut Samuel, 28 years old AND based in Abuja. I need a sugar Mummy –08034919590 Ibrahim is my name, 27 years old. I live in Kano. I want a sweet baby that will support me in my education –08053325315 I am Jacob John. I am 29 years old. I live in Abuja. I want a rich, sexy and romantic Sugar Mummy between 30 and 40 years old –08178846556 My name is Rachael based in Lagos. I am good in bed. I need a Sugar Mummy. –08061194548 I am Brown, 24 years old. I am based in Ibusa, Delta State. I need a Sugar Mummy from any part of Nigeria who can support me financially, while I satisfy her. –08156007096 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!

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Weddings Engagements CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS JANUARY 6, 2013

Yoruba actress, Toyin Aimakhu and Tinsel actor Adeniyi Johnson engaged

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

BABIES OF THE WEEK

ne of the happiest days in the life of every woman is the day the man she truly loves proposes to her. Right now, pretty Toyin Aimakhu is one of the most excited young women in this New Year. Toyin, the light skinned Yoruba actress is now officially engaged to her boyfriend, Adeniyi Johnson. It was gathered that Adeniyi proposed to his sweetheart on Monday, December 31, 2012 at a dinner date. Toyin, of course had no idea about his intentions while going on a dinner date with her sweetheart; however she was surprised when he asked her to marry him. After Adeniyi proposed, high spirited Toyin who could not hide her joy took to twitter to share the good news with her friends and fans. And thus tweeted: “Yaaaay oh my GOD best gift ever. 2013 is sweet already. yaaaaaay.” The lovebirds got engaged after about five months of dating. They met at a movie location sometime last year and were said to be so much in love and inseparable. This was after her romance with her ex boyfriend Kunle Soyombo ended when he allegedly dumped her for his pregnant girlfriend. Adeniyi is also an actor, he featured in the popular soap opera, Tinsel and is said to be three years older than Toyin.

Ilorin Emir’s daughter, Princess Halima weds heartthrob

he families of Agberemi and Gambari came together recently to celebrate the union of their children,in grand style. The couple was gorgeously dressed in the full Yoruba regalia. While Halima looked stunning in her gold lace wrapper and top matched with maroon and gold colour headgear, Abdul complemented his bride in a maroon outfit which he paired with a cream coloured cap. The wedding took place at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin while the lavish reception followed at Royal Shekina and suites Hall, Ilorin, offa garage, Ilorin. Abdul and Halima met through some friends and became best of friends ever since. According to Halima, she was attracted to Abdul because of his numerous traits. “I was at-

tracted to him because of his warmness of character, kindness, intelligence and humility.” What was Halima’s reaction when Abdul proposed? “I was surprised at first but excitement followed immediately,” she revealed. What pet names do they call each other? The couple emphasized that they call each other Hally and Olly. And what will they do to spice up their marriage? “To continue to cherish and love each other and create more family time,” stressed Halima. The bride, Halima is the daughter of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Zulu Gambari while the groom, Abdul is the son of Alhaji and Alhaja B.A Agberemi.

Charis Oluwatosin Bolajoko was born at Araba Medical Centre, Ekoro-Meiran, Lagos to Pastor Sanmi and Opeyemi Bolajoko. He was delivered at 5.00pm and weighed 3.4kg. “During the pregnancy I did not crave for any special food as I ate any food that is delicious. I also ate fruits such as watermelon and apple,” stressed Opeyemi. Were there obvious physical body changes during the pregnancy? “Well, aside my protruding stomach, there were no other body changes. However, I looked prettier,” she said. What do they love about Oluwatosin? “We love the fact that he sleeps well. He also does not disturb,” Opeyemi stressed. What do they want Oluwatosin to become in future? “Well, it is my desire to see him take Music Production as his career, revealed Opeyemi. What is the meaning of his names, Opeyemi said, “Charis means grace and Oluwatosin in Yoruba means God is worthy to be served,” Opeyemi concluded.

Oluwafikayomi Oluwademilade Odusanya was born at Fuja Hospital, Lagos to Abiodun and Omolara Odusanya. She was delivered at 10.42pm and weighed 3.2kg. What did Omolare crave for during the pregnancy? “I craved for beans and yam. I also drank lots of water,” she stressed. What do Oluwafikayomi parents love about her? “She sleeps and eats well. She is also a little beautiful princess,” Omolara revealed. What do they want her to become in future? Omolara said they want her to become a doctor. “We want her to become a successful medical doctor.” What is the meaning of Oluwafikayomi? “Oluwafikayomi means God has added joy to our life,” Omolara said.

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A Fashionista’s

World JANUARY 6, 2013

Don’t look down on models, they are decent –Onyinye Emeasoba Onyinye is the first and reigning ‘Miss Brighter Future’, a beauty pageant. The dark complexioned beauty in this chat with Angela Davies reveals that modelling is not all about nudity. Who organised the ‘Miss Brighter Future’ Futur beauty pageant? It was organised organis by Helen Ailemen. Ailem She was ‘Miss IndeIn pendent 2007’ and a this is her first beaubea ty pageant. As Miss Brighter Future, what are some som of your duties? implies, As the name impli beautiwe are promoting beau have ful young girls that ha groom bright future. We groo models upcoming and future mod so that they can become suinvolved permodels. I am also involv in charity work. How was growing up for you? my Growing up was good; I had m parents beside me. My mother supsu ported my modelling career right from fro the beginning but my father was against again it at first, but now he is in support. Now, No I am a model and I am also the first Miss M Brighter Future queen. How did your journey into modeling start? I started at a very tender age; that was when wh I was in Primary Four. I worked with Modela and a I was groomed along with other models but due d to schooling, I had to do modelling by the side. But B now, I have the whole time and I am putting everyeve thing into it. What is fashion to you? Fashion is life. It is our everyday’s life. The way you y dress is the way you are going to be addressed. What is your fashion statement? I like anything casual but obviously when I am going goi to an event, I have to dress sexy, sassy and chic. However, Howev whenever I am attending events, I wear clinging gowns. gow Well, can you model nude for billions of dollars? No, sorry I can’t although I have not come across acro such an offer yet. Who are your modelling role models? I love Tyra Banks and Oluchi OnO weagba. I love Oluchi because becau she is a highly spirited spirit person; perso

she was picked up from nowhere. In fact, God raised her. I love her because she is representing Nigeria and Africa as a whole, well. She is good at what she does and that is where I want to see myself. What would you say are the misconceptions people have about models? People think modelling is all about nudity and living a crazy lifestyle but that is not true. Most models are decent and responsible young girls. Yes, we have those who give models a bad name by getting involved in things all because they want to get to the top or be used for jobs. People should not look down on models, we are decent people. Some models have alleged that models are not being paid well. How true is this? Well, it depends on the aspect of modelling you are involved in. There are classes of modeling; we have ushering, runway and beauty pageants. For instance, if you are going for a pageant, you will be told how much you will be paid and it is usually big. For ushering, I won’t say the pay is too big but it is just okay. Then the pay for the runway depends on the designer you are modelling for. As a beauty queen, when preparing for a red-carpet event, what do you have at the back of your mind? It depends on the kind of event. For instance, if I am attending a night event, I love to wear outfits with sequence because they are flashy and it goes with the night. But for an afternoon event, I like wearing outfits with colours that pop like orange. I like bright colours. Then my make-up will be simple yet alluring. If you have to flaunt any part of your body, where will that be? I will flaunt my tummy, cleavage and legs. My tummy is flat, my legs are hot and my cleavage is not too big but they are okay. In flaunting these parts, what kind of outfits do you love to wear? I flaunt them in casual clothes and in my short, clinging dresses. I can flaunt my tummy in the night because I have to be flashy to draw attention. How do you love your make-up? I love my make-up simple and I love red lipstick. How do you love to carry your hair? I love side-parting, flowing down, not too long and not too short. What fashion item you can’t do without as a woman? Wow! I love my mascaras and red lipstick. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? In five years, I should be done with school; I should still have my modeling career going, get married and take care of myself and my family.

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Opinion

SundayJanuary 6, 2013

Jonathan and the white cock story

New Year day is always an occasion to sound nice. It is a day soaked in the sweet pool of uncanny jocosity and practised sorority, all of giddy friendliness. Even on this day, a man you once caught in a compromising position with your wife would still manage to get from you, a grin, no matter the inner habour. As witnessed with this year’s, as it always is, a preponderance of firecrackers and mock rockets rent the air, fizzling out in seconds, like a domineering swagger upon the harmattan miasma. Only for the process to be renewed by jabberingly chirpy children, who would crouch somewhere in the patio, to reload the ‘bangers.’ Hit hard by a debilitating fire incident on the Lagos Island in which explosives stored inside warehouses caught fire and wrecked havoc, the Lagos State Government talked tough on prosecuting the banger freaks, but the threat sooner appeared as a good attempt to flog a dead horse. Like no man’s business, Lagosians and indeed Nigerians displaying happiness for being alive to the break of a new year, simply went berserk, as it were, detonating the sparklers. While the citizenry was upbeat on New Year day for one reason or the other, so was President Goodluck Jonathan. In his address to the country to herald 2013, a year confirming that he has spent two, out of a four-year mandate, the President was effervescent, as he reeled out his performance sheet on which he scored his government high in all areas of examination. “We are determined to push forward. We will do more, not less. We will remain focused,” a bubbly President assured. Jonathan added that his administration achieved a lot last year, describing the achievements as the transformation

of vital sectors which include public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development. Without giving vent to unruliness, what the President gleefully claimed as his achievements can be summarised under the metaphor of a mesmerizing tale by the white cock. The robust white cock, the story goes, dazzled the poultry of some dowdy fowls with the tale of its recent flight to the seventh cloud. “Indeed, I flew far above the hawks and even the airplanes,” the cock lied. And at the end of the tale, while it hoped to get a resounding applause, the other roosters merely gazed at the cock, in bemusement. Perhaps in a bid to give the President’s self-ensconcing a dispassionate appraisal, it is instructive to recapitulate a criticism by the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), way back in January 2011. Then, the CNPP had practically pilloried the young administration of Jonathan for what it described as “orgy of waste and corruption in government.” The group in a statement by its publicity secretary, Osita Okechukwu, then said it was worried over the depletion of the nation’s foreign reserve from $20 billion in 2007 to less than $3 billion as at the period. The CNPP continued in its list of faux pas: “The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan on January 19 (2011), in continuation of orgy of waste and corruption, awarded consultancy contract at over $7million, for Coal-fired Power Plants to be located in Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Gombe States. “In the same meeting, the FEC reawarded road contracts earlier awarded running into billions, among which was

the dualisation of Agege-Ota-Abeokuta, a road awarded to Julius Berger Plc in 2001 at N7.1billion. “Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) is miffed by such wastage and cover-up of corruption under President Jonathan, which accounts for why the over $20billion the regime inherited in May 2007 has depleted to less than $3billion.” Never mind the opposition; they are seen as irredeemable doomsdayers who are simply bellicose because they are shut out of the steaming hot broth obtainable from the dinner table of power. But what is only what investigating are the allegations which they have brought up, about which antecedents have shown as mostly valid. But since the allegations were made two years back about colossal amounts of money from the foreign reserves frittered away on re-awarded projects with a view to lining pockets, then the incubation of the CNPP’s accusations, by now, should have manifested in full-blown truth, absolute lie or half-truth. Regarding the award of consultancy contract for coal-powered plants at Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Gombe States at over $7 million, perhaps in that regard, the Jonathan administration in two years, has performed wonders which only a man with a third eye can see. The starry-eyed citizens, it would seem, are still wondrously fazed inside government’s wilderness of assurance. How about the re-awarded dualisation of Agege-Ota-Abeokuta Road at the cost of N7.1billion? Two years on, the condition of the road is akin to the fate of the Biblical man who after having a few demons expelled from his veins, still went back to his sinful vomits and thus attracted a legion of virulent and super-

Kayode de Fasua ua

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

sonic demons. The road is an eye-sore. Though the President spoke glowingly about his achievements in the transportation sector, pray, he was not referring to the stampeded release of 2,000 buses as ‘palliative’ in the wake of the confused determination of the administration then to remove oil subsidy. After all, the buses in the fleet of Lagos State Government under the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) are more than 2,000. Improvements in the health, education and agricultural sectors, just as in the white cock story, are bemusing to all who are habituated in the Nigerian fashion of claiming without producing evidence. Yet, for the oil and gas sector, the masses would never know if the President performed as he professed, as big Alsatian dogs are at the gates of oil installations to test the legs of anyone who dare to poke-nose, in addition to fierce-looking armed guards. Thus, we are urged to include in our New Year resolutions, a commitment to give more support to the implementation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation. In repay, government will continue to “hereby assure’’, “express commitment to goals” and make “promises” of a paradise on earth. When will this perambulation end?

Tackling the challenge of water supply MAGDALENE UKUEDOJOR

n a report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ranked Nigeria third globally on the list of countries with inadequate water supply and sanitation coverage. The 2012 report placed Nigeria behind China and India, as countries with large population without adequate water supply and sanitation coverage. Nigeria also occupied the 130th position on the Global Water Poverty Index of developing countries still battling with water and sanitation accessibility. Based on this scenario, experts insist that if tangible efforts are not made to achieve the water and sanitation goals of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), efforts to attain the other goals of ending poverty, achieving food security, improved health and economic empowerment will remain futile. Nigeria is one of the countries that were adjudged to be ``off-track’’ in meeting the water and sanitation targets of the MDGs by 2015, due to lack of coordination, abandonment and poor funding of various water projects. According to available statistics, Nigeria’s land area is about 91 million hectares. Out of this figure, 82 million hectares are arable but only 42 percent of the lands are currently under cultivation Owing to inadequate

water resources. Nigeria has about 264 medium and large dams with a combined storage capacity of 33 billion cubic metres of water. Of these dams, 210 are owned by the Federal Government, 34 are owned by states, while 20 are owned by private organisations. The dams, which have about 350,000 hectares of irrigable land in their vicinities, are largely underutilised. The Presidential Committee on Projects’ Implementation set up by the Federal Government in June 2012 inspected water projects spread across the country. The inspection was undertaken to analyse the immediate and long-term potential of the water projects in the six geopolitical zones of the country as well as the challenges facing them. A total of 111 water projects at different stages of construction and rehabilitation were inspected: 33 of these are dams, 40 are water supply schemes, while others are irrigation projects. As a result of the project assessment tour, 57 irrigation projects were earmarked for rehabilitation. In addition, the Water Sector Reform and Public Private Partnership Unit was established in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to boost synergy among all tiers of government, development partners and private organisations in water projects. Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, the Minister of Water Resources, said that there were 14,000 dysfunctional hand-pump boreholes across the country, pledging

that 1,000 of them would be rehabilitated. Besides, the minister noted that over 44 per cent of the country’s water facilities were dysfunctional. `Òver the years, the Federal Government has invested substantial funds toward the provision of potable water supply infrastructure across the country, as part of efforts to attain the MDGs. ``However, the infrastructure, particularly the hand pump boreholes, had rapidly deteriorated due to lack of adequate maintenance,’’ she added. Ochekpe, nonetheless, reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to increasing water and sanitation coverage in the country. ``This will be done through participatory investment by the three tiers of government, the private sector and the beneficiaries with the following targets: `Ìncreased rural water supply coverage from 44 per cent to 60 per cent by 2012 and to 75 per cent by 2015; from 32 per cent to 65 per cent in the area of sanitation by 2015. `Ìncreased urban water supply from 65 per cent to 70 per cent by 2012; 85 per cent by 2015; and 100 per cent by 2025 to meet the African Water Vision target.’’ However, stakeholders have been proposing strategies for the completion of the numerous abandoned water projects. They particularly stress the need for community participation and the training of local manpower in the water sector. They believe that if beneficiary communities are involved in the execution of water

projects, efforts will be made to ensure their timely completion. They, however, stress the need for the proper scrutiny of ``constituency projects’’ relating to water. Meanwhile, Oba Michael Adesina, the Olowu of Owu-Ijebu, has called on lawmakers and politicians to desist from the misuse of water budgets. ``Some people because of their privileged positions in the legislature say they want constituency projects; then, they take government money to execute a project that probably does not rhyme with national water supply schemes. ``The money that should have been used to benefit all, a few people will use it in their constituencies and that reduces the budget available for the ministry and water corporations in various states. ``Constituency projects are hardly completed; in fact, less than 25 per cent of the projects are completed and the money is fully spent,’’ Adesina said. The traditional ruler also stressed the need for the timely release of funds for the execution of water projects by all tiers of government. All the same, experts call on the Federal Government to do all within its powers to ensure the completion of all water projects. The fulfilment of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, Water Sector Reforms, the MDGs and Vision 20:2020 depend solely on the citizens’ access to water supply, they add. •Ukuedojor is of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Politics

Sunday, January 6, 2013

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Sylva: Still more troubles for an ex-governor EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA.

he travails of the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, are yet to be over despite his ouster from office on January 27, last year. During the week, the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) seized 48 properties allegedly belonging to the ex-governor of Bayelsa State. Sylva was relieved of his position following a Supreme Court judgment which ruled on his tenure. The

former Governor’s trouble started when he fell out with his erstwhile boss, President Goodluck Jonathan. This led the Okpoama-born politician to lose his second term ambition. It would be recalled that the former Governor was schemed out from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in November, 2011. This led to his disqualification from the race. Despite plea by the Governors’ Forum to save Sylva’s job, it was resisted by the Presidency. According to unconfirmed reports, the former Governor was alleged to be plotting

Sylva

to foment trouble ahead of the 2015 election. It was further gathered that Sylva was opposed to Jonathan’s re-election bid. It is obvious that, the president has had his way; this is evident in the fact that Jonathan’s loyalists hold sway in the current administration in the state led by Governor Seriake Dickson. At present, the Governor who has spent nine months in office re-iterated that government will open up the rustic villages in the coast that lack access road. Stakeholders have however advised that the well built Governor should focus on development and desist from hunting perceived political enemies that served in Sylva’s administration. The latest travail of the ex-governor is his present tango with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The agency has taken the ex-governor to court on charges of corrupt practices while in office. The high court sitting during the week granted interim injunction for the temporary seizure of 48 houses belonging to Sylva. The former Governor’s trial is viewed in some quarters as a witch-hunt exercise, while others argued that Sylva should face justice for his alleged maladministration in the state. Sylva has however denied ownership of the seized properties. To many, the present problem of the ex-governor is not unconnected to his problem with the president. Indeed, there are fears in Sylva’s camp that his political opponents are after him. This fact was further lent credence by allegation that security operatives have been on the trail of the ex-governor for several months. It was further gathered that some of Sylva’s loyalists have defected to Gov-

Okorocha, Anyanwu flex muscles ahead 2015 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 described the governor’s security men’s action as “frightening” and “brutish”, adding that she had been threatened in the past at several occasions in the state. Giving a graphic detail of the clash between her convoy and the governor’s security men, Senator Anyanwu said: “My day started around 9.30am when I visited the governor at the Government House on Tuesday to exchange pleasantries and he asked if I had adequate security and I said “yes” after which I left for my home town, Mbaise.” “When we got to Azara Egbelu, we heard siren coming behind us and when it grew louder, we parked (our vehicles) to allow the convoy to pass. But, surprisingly, the approaching convoy which comprised of truck loads of armed and stern looking men double crossed us and pulled out two of my drivers, dragging them into the bush where they were mercilessly beaten and left with broken skull and bruises. “When I could not bear it any more, I rushed out of my car barefooted and started shouting: “I am Senator Chris Anynawu please don’t kill my driver, but one of the armed men charged at me and threatened to shoot me for running into the governor’s convoy. All these while, the Governor was seated in his car with the glass wound

down and I heard him shout at his security men to disarm my orderlies”. Mrs. Anywanwu described the Governor’s action as “a misplaced show of power. The power of the state is so enormous and you don’t need to intimidate, harass or kill your people to assert your powers as a governor”. Contrary to claims that Okorocha ordered his security details to attack the Senator’s convoy, Uzoukwa, narrated that Anyanwu knew the implications of forcing out the Governor’s convoy out of the road, but went ahead to commit the security breach that could have ended on a bloody note if not for the Governor’s peaceful disposition. According to him, danger was averted because the Governor who was visibly shocked by the Senator’s show of ‘recklessness’, remained calm, while she continued to rain abuses on the Governor after hitting his Aide and Chief Security Detail with her shoe. Reacting, the state chairman of APGA, Marshal Okafor Anyanwu, who took side in support of the governor, said there are records of the past encounters the soft-spoken senator had with some elders in the state, alleging that the senator had acquired the antecedent of disrespecting her elders and constituted authorities as well as fighting in the public.

“It is on record that the senator had a similar encounter with former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and on a different occasion slapped Innocent Nwoga, a People’s Democratic Party chieftain and broke his walking stick. She also did same to a commissioner in the state”. He therefore condemned the act as brazen disrespect and total breach of security and protocol. The special assistant to Senator Anyanwu, Obinna Ibe, had in a statement in Owerri accused Okorocha of promoting thuggery and violence in the state, arguing that by the incident, the governor was merely taking on an innocent, cultured woman. However, some analysts blamed both the governor and the senator for breaching the constitution as it applies to the use of sirens. Mr. Obi Amaze told Sunday Mirror that the constitution says no government officials including the elected no matter how highly placed should use siren beyond 6 p.m. “That’s why when it is exactly 6 o’clock in the evening, the governor’s escort (Dispatch Riders) disembarked for the day and if you observe the senior military personnel, they cover their number plate and blare only the horn. But the situation in this country mostly in Imo State is an eyesore. You can not differentiate between the governor and some politicians who

ernor Seriake Dickson’s camp to enable them remain relevant in politics and governance. The former Governor’s loyalists alleged that Sylva was betrayed by some top politicians and government functionaries that benefitted from his administration that lasted for almost four and half years, others insist that Sylva laid the foundation for his present travail as his tenure was saddled with alleged corruption and lack of focus. On the contrary, a former Commissioner in the immediate past administration in the state, who pleaded anonymity, claimed former Governor Sylva constructed most internal roads in the Yenagoa, the state capital. He equally dismissed reports that Sylva’s tenure was a failure. He alleged that all the former Governors that ruled the state have their weak points which he wouldn’t want to put in print. The politician challenged Dickson’s administration to develop the state, especially on infrastructure and education. The ex- commissioner said Dickson was yet to convince the citizenry that it has revolutionized the education sector in the state. However, one disturbing poser in the political circle in the state is whether with Sylva’s present travail, he could still remain relevant in the murky waters of politics in the oil-rich state. In an interview, foremost activist and community Leader in Nembe, Chief Nengi James, said the former Governor has no problem. “Sylva does not feel he has some problems. I’m aware that Sylva has a case with EFCC .Seizure of Sylva’s houses is not a big deal. After all, some other persons have had their property seized by the court in the past, “James said. now intimidate the masses.” He however said that the governor needs not have picked quarrel with the senator knowing that they are both from the same party, “moreover she is a woman who ordinarily the governor should have ignored; accept there’s more to the clash than ordinary eyes can see.” Some political analysts in the state equally agreed that the clash goes beyond the surface. Apart from the perceived interest of the senator in contesting for governorship election in 2015, Governor Okorocha, it was gathered, has not been happy with the senator because of her lack of interest in party activities in the state. “Since the senator won the senatorial seat on the platform of APGA, she has been ignoring all functions organised by the state governor and the governor definitely may not like it. “Also, Senator Anyanwu has not shown any interest in the projects going-on in the state and I don’t think the people who voted for her in the last election will be happy over such attitude,” a source said. However, the senator said her presence at public functions has never been welcomed by the governor and his men. “I have been harassed, intimated and threatened at different occasions in the past, even they have threatened to burn down my FM Radio station in the state and even kidnap me,” the senator disclosed.

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tacks –Senator Kaka

mmittees set up in the House and f corruption in the oil sector ended

it is just one of too numerous. That longer news. That the corruption in no longer news. It has even become of everybody, just as the blood flows. e trying to curb it will not solve the em is to say whether those who are cutive or even those outside the govtant is to bring whoever runs foul of ught to justice, I am sure it will serve ge corruption is doing to our system. me people are being polluted or being ver and the taker of bribe are equalto justice. Whether it is in the govlative and the judicial arms, or not, m to justice. And when we look at the will know that not quite two weeks t for N161 billion to the National Asy granted. And the excuse given was ensure that during the Yuletide, there we had was the contrary. Despite the ed, we discovered that everywhere in ut is also nearly totally absent, thus ople. The question now is; what hapjust released to augment the subsidy. well. Our budgetary activities need e have a budget, the variation should not be so much, it shows that we are

g rated low; it is being accused of cesses of the executive arm well

he ruling party that is in the majority national patriotism. So rather than dent, what you are doing is not right; right, but because they are from the get their role. you are representing the entire electhose that didn’t vote for you. And Unfortunately, we allow partisanship

to distract us. We allow a lot of pecuniary gains to distract us from doing what is right. Otherwise, we should be doing what is expected of us irrespective of political parties, irrespective of the zone we come from. That is the only thing that can guarantee the greatness of the country. Right now, I will say that we are not totally committed but we are trying. This is because if the National Assembly is not trying, you will not be hearing all those discoveries that are coming out from the various probes, from the various investigations, from the various oversight functions we were able to exert. So far so good, we are learning, we are growing democratically, and as we move on, we will have more statesmen among those in the National Assembly who will put the interest of the nation above any personal or partisan consideration.

the same time still work in the legislative houses without total distraction. Why I am saying this? The reason is that if you give somebody who is a doer or somebody who is active and pro-active a multiple job to do, he will know how to organise himself and if you give such people or individuals the latitude of one year to accomplish a task, they will be relaxing and be sleeping on the job. And if you say ‘fine, it is going to be within one month, you will see that a good hand will get probably a better job done in one month than what they will do in a year. That is why I said ‘job expanse within available time.’ If for whatever constraint there is an emergency and you want me to remove something from so so place, I can use my ingenuity to design a way of getting that thing accomplished within a few seconds. Whereas, if you give me the latitude of two or three days, then I will now be looking at the strategy: what do I do , how will I plan it? At the end of the day, it will not be better than what I did under emergency. CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide said that members of the National Assembly sit for only three days in a week and that they should sit more than three days in a week because of the enormity of the work before them. Please react? Chief Akinjide is my papa, my highly respected statesman, so I won’t contest whatever he says with him. But all I know and what the law says is that the National Assembly must sit for a minimum of 180 days in a year. So we sit for three days which is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Monday and Friday were supposed to be used for committee’s assignments and committee’s assignment is actually the nucleus or if you like, the heart of the activities of the National Assembly. Beyond that one, Saturday and Sunday are meant for us to even liaise with our constituencies’. So, in actual fact, the entire seven days are supposed to be occupied. Whether some are truly occupied or not, it is their own kettle of fish. But in reality, and in practicality, that is the way it is supposed to be. So in essence, Mondays and Fridays are for committees’ works and other preparatory works, and then, Saturdays and Sundays for constituency linkage. By the time you add them together and remove all the breaks within them, you will still discover that we are able to make the 180 days required by the law So the idea of a part-time legislature being canvassed by some people may not work in Nigeria? No, as far as I am concerned. If it is for the overall interest of the nation and believing that there will be job expanse within available time, if it is made part-time, I have no objection and I will endorse it if that will save money. If that will bring more credible people to the legislative arm of government whereby people can still engage in their profession and at

s cold war he is contesting election for now. Until, the appropriate time, whether he will contest or not, he will make his position known to Nigerians. That has been said often and on .So, if people are going ahead to say he should not contest election or contest. Well, he is a Nigerian and he has every right to contest and not to contest. “ State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Markson Fefegha, said it was a national issue and wouldn’t

Jonathan

Politics

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Kaka

want to dabble into the matter for now. In an interview, Ijaw activist and National Youth Leader, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Miriki Ebikibina, noted that President Jonathan has the constitutional right to vie for any elective position in the country. “I strongly share and align with the view of the school of thought that President Goodluck Jonathan needed to consult widely with both the geo-political zones and the political allies in the West, East and Northern part of the country. This is needful as Mr. President sees himself more of a President of the numerous people who voted across the nation for him into power.” “Asari’s position can be viewed from an actual view of captioning the reality on ground, based on what gains the South –South geo-political zone where Mr. President comes from have achieved. Certainly, there are more of sycophants, rather than political think-tanks to read the political calculations of 2015.” Opinion leader and former State Secretary ,Civil Liberties Organization,(CLO), Alagoa Morris, said citizens could express their feelings as freely as possible because the Nigerian Project was nobody’s personal enterprise. Alagoa lamented that the nation had been in the Wilderness of arrested development, thereby widening the lacuna between the rich and poor in society. “Any Nigerian, who is really pained by our arrested development mainly occasioned by lack of charismatic and visionary leadership and endemic corruption would not be in the same boat with those who love to take their seat on the fence or just take delight in joining the bandwagon. Unless, some real positive changes in terms of infrastructural and institutional development are seen as direct dividends of democracy, I see no good reason when Mr. President should seek reelection in 2015. “ “This is more so, as some Nigerians are of the view that they heard and read Mr. President saying he needed just tenure as President. And, I belong to that group of Nigerians who thought they heard Mr. President made that pro-

nouncement, I stand to be corrected. However, Mr. President and his supporters, as fellow Nigerians, are free to see things the other way. It is in this very view that I see Asari Dokubo’s position on 2015 as most apt and, I see reasons with him. “ “What is happening in the North is not relatively new; the only worrisome aspect is the attack on innocent Nigerians and foreigners and the terrorist tag it has assumed. This is the very bad and condemnable side of Boko Haram. Agreed that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is implementing the amnesty program to a satisfactory level, I am yet to see other aspects of the Ledum Mitee -Led Niger Delta Technical Committee recommendation in terms of developing the Niger Delta, environmental issues relating to gas flares and oil spills, among other issues.” Alagoa regretted that most communities in the Niger Delta were threatened by coastal erosion, oceanification and flood, stressing these area lacked access roads and basic amenities, despite the oil that was sustaining the nation’s wealth. “The East-West Road is another great pointer to my disappointment. Any Niger Deltan, who doesn’t see these things I am talking about as problems are entitled to their opinions too. They may be agents of those sharing our commonwealth or seeing things from the other side of ethnicity. To be really fare to Mr. President and his supporters, this administration may have done some remarkable things, but I am yet to notice them.” “Apart from what I have given as my reasons for agreeing with Asari Dokubo on the 2015 Presidency, I wish to see Dr. Goodluck Jonathan return to Bayelsa State alive. Hence, if he wishes to abide by his one term tenure statement which some of us felt he made, nobody or party should try to persuade him to be hardened like the Egyptian King in the day of Moses, Pharaoh whose heart was hardened by God Himself. On the issue of Mr. President and former President OBJ, I think I may not totally agree with Asari here because people can disagree and agree again.”

422

Sunday, January 6, 2013

GROWING UP with

Aunty Angela growingup5@yahoo.com

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WHO INVENTED WHAT…?

Nobutoshi Kihara inv

Hello Children, How are you all doing? Once again, I wish you all a Happy New Year. How many of you have written down your goals for 2013? I am sure after reading Archie’s story you will be motivated to do so. I wish you all a wonderful week.

Archie’s New Year - A short story about resolutions

alkman is actually a Sony trademark and was the name used for portable tape or cassette deck players. These were meant for the listening pleasure of a single person and the trademark was later expanded for other portable Sony devices for audio and video entertainment. The term Walkman is also given to a range of the Sony Erricson range of mobile phones which also became im-

he year 2012 has ended and a New Year is here, thank God everyone is rejoicing, Archie too was excited for another New Year’s Day. He knew it was a time for parties, cross over services and for staying up all night at least only for this day. It was also a time for beautiful fireworks and bangers he said to himself. However, Archie also understood that the New Year Day was also for planning. For him, it was the perfect time to think of things to do for the whole year. They call them “resolutions.” That is a fancy word for goals, and people make a list of them to help fulfill their dreams and ambition for the year. With New Year’s resolutions, one can leave the past behind; and put aside mistakes for greater happiness to find. It was a great tradition, Archie loved to think ahead; but somehow as each year went by, the goals slipped from his head. He kept them for a little while and as the time went on, his resolutions did not stand. He made too many goals, and some were much too hard to do. Then he forgot his plans because he lost his goal sheet too. But this year it would be different he promised himself.

Archie did not want to fail, and clever as he was, he knew that somehow he will prevail. He set his mind to making resolutions he would keep. His thoughtful mind went straight to work, without a bit of sleep. Then Archie found a way to keep his goals and make them true. He thought of a new method, and he knew just what to do. But this year he chose just a few - the most important ones. He always wrote his goals down, but they were soon mistakenly thrown away. So, this year he decided to post them up where they would always be on display. So Archie made a simple form and wrote down his goals for the year. He taped it to the calendar in his room and his bathroom mirror, so that he will not mistakenly threw it away once again. Each time he looks up to the calendar and into the mirror, his goals were there to read and this made him really happy and joyful. He told himself, “I know it is just the beginning of the year but I know this new method will surely work for me with the help of my parents and older siblings.” Moral: Achieving your set goals sometimes needs a new method for them to be achieved.

mensely popular. Walkman was a device that was designed and created by audio engineer Nobutoshi Kihara who worked for Sony and was known as “the wizard of Sony”. The Sony co-chairman Akio Morita wanted a device where he could listen to his favorite operas during the Trans Atlantic flights. The concept was well liked and was originally marketed in Japan in 1979 and was amazing, since it gave free-

MEANING OF WORD

Goal setting

A goal is whatever an individual or a group is trying to accomplish. Consequently, goal setting is the process of setting targets for accomplishment.

Goal setting is also a process used by individuals and groups to measure performance and get adequate results.

MAZE

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

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ented the walkman dom to young people to listen to their music with light weight headphones. Even though Morita hated the name Walkman, the name stuck on and the promotional campaign using the name had already begun and to change the name midway would have been extremely expensive for the company. In 2007 March, the digital flash based video walkman was released and was named the A800 series. Kihara, whose innovations helped win more than 700 patents, led in developing products like the company’s first success, a magnetic tape recorder and the magnetic tape to go with it. Other products included the transistor radio and television, one of the world’s first videotape recorders, the Betamax, eight-millimeter video movies, the digital still camera known as Mavica and a

catalog of smaller and lighter variations of these products. The Walkman by Sony faced stiff competition from other companies such as Toshiba, Aiwa, Panasonic etc, but the personalization of the gadget worked in its favor for almost 20 years and the essential design remained unchanged. N o bu t o s h i was born in Tokyo on October 14, 1926. He attended Waseda University in Tokyo, then joined Sony’s predecessor, Tokyo Telecomm u n i c at i o n s Engineering C o r poration in 1947 as a new university graduate. He retired from Sony in 2006. Nobutoshi Kihara died at 5:20 am on February 13, 2011 due to heart failure at the age of 84. He was commonly called Mr. Walkman in the press.

TONGUE TWISTERS

BRAIN TEASERS Five men went to church. It started to rain. Four men ran for cover, but got wet on the way. The one man who stayed behind stayed dry. How? Answer: The dry man was a body in a coffin. The other four were pall bearers. It lives without a body, hears without ears, speaks without a mouth, and is born in air. What is it? Answer: An echo

POEM

A New Year

If a Hottentot taught a Hottentot tot To talk ere the tot could totter, Ought the Hottenton tot Be taught to say aught, or naught, Or what ought to be taught her? If to hoot and to toot a Hottentot tot Be taught by her Hottentot tutor, Ought the tutor get hot If the Hottentot tot Hoot and toot at her Hottentot tutor? Don’t pamper damp scamp tramps that camp under ramp lamps.

QUOTE

You always pass failure on the way to success. –Mickey Rooney

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Another fresh new year is here … Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give! This bright New Year is given me To live each day with zest … To daily grow and try to be My highest and my best! I have the opportunity Once more to right some wrongs, To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs! William Arthur Ward

Facebook plea

Charles was watching cartoon in the sitting room when his father’s friend arrived at about 6 pm. So that Charles does not eves drop on their conversation, his father asked him to go to go up to his room for the time being. Charles was so angry because it was his favourite cartoon. He left angrily to his room, picked up his lap top and started chatting with friends.

JOKES When it was time for dinner, his father went to know on the door but Charles did

not respond. They waited for almost 10 minutes but Charles did not still join them for dinner. His father the thought he must be on chatting on facebook, so he wrote on son’s Facebook wall: “Dear Son, How are you? All are fine here. We miss you a lot. Please!! TURN OFF THE COMPUTER and COME DOWN FOR DINNER!!!

The biggest lie Two boys were arguing when their teacher entered the classroom. The teacher says, “Why are you boys arguing?” One of the boy answered, “We found a N1000 note and decided to give it to who-

ever tells the biggest lie.” “You should be ashamed of yourselves,” said the teacher, “When I was your age I didn’t even know what a lie was.” The boys gave the N1000 note to the teacher.

DID YOU KNOW? School age children need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep Children need more sleep per day in order to develop and function properly: up to 18 hours for newborn babies, with a declining rate as a child ages. A newborn baby spends almost nine hours a day in Rapid Eye Movement sleep (REM). By the age of five or so, only slightly over two hours is spent in REM. Studies say that school age children need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep.

RIDDLES What do you call a brainy insect? Answer: A spelling bee. Why did the chicken cross the road? Answer: To get to the other side Which letter of the alphabet has the most water?

Answer: The C The more you take away, the larger it becomes? What is it? Answer: A hole Why do bees hum? Answer: Cause they do not know the words

POP

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Lessons of Life

ANGELA DAVIES lessonsoflife2@yahoo.com 08023342083

TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART JANUARY 6, 2013

‘Is there anything wrong in marrying our housemaid?’ This is the concluding part of the interesting story of Derex, Claudia and Shaki.

week later, I and my siblings decided to have dinner at the same restaurant where I proposed to Claudia and I got the shock of my life. As we entered the restaurant, we saw Claudia kissing a young man at a corner. I was shocked to my bone marrow. On sighting us, she whispered something into his ears, picked up her purse and they left immediately. “It is over Derex, please forget about Claudia. She does not deserve your love,” said Paul my elder brother. I could neither eat nor drink as I kept seeing the flash of how Claudia was kissing another man. Although it was a hard and painful decision to make nevertheless I made up my mind to forget about Claudia and move on with my life. I informed my parents about the latest development and my decision when I got home. Then my mother said, “I am sure that was the young man I saw her with the other day. My son no woman is worth the trouble,” she added. A few months later, I discovered that I had started developing interest in Shaki. I liked her intensely each passing day and I had to open up to her. She was shocked when I told her that I have fallen in love with her. Shaki started avoiding me but I told her she had nowhere to run to as she would soon become my wife. One day, she said to me, “Brother Derex, I want only God’s will to be done in my life.” To assure her that I was serious about marrying her, I informed my parents about my decision. The day I informed my parents that I was in love with Shaki and would want her to be my wife, my mother flared up. “Derex, you must have gone out of your mind. You want to marry our house help? What did you see in her? Her tribal marks alone should scare you, “she stressed. “The fact that she is our house help does not make her less

a woman. She is a nice woman and she has all the qualities I want in a wife, so what else am I looking for? And talking about her tribal marks, that is even one of the things I love about her,” I revealed. This made my mother even angrier and she started cursing the day she brought Shaki into our home. My father just asked me to have a rethink and I assured him there was nothing to think about as my mind was made up.

Some days later, I bought her some gifts to show my appreciation and thank her for how she took care of me when I was sick. She simply said thank you but I begged her for a hug and before we knew it, we ended up in the bed. I had no regret making love to Shaki because I had come to love her so much. Weeks later, Shaki woke up vomiting and this surprised everyone especially my mother. “What is wrong with you

Shaki?” she asked. “Madam I woke up and started vomiting. Maybe it is because of the beans I ate last night,” she assured. Not convinced enough, my mother took Shaki to the hospital and after some test was conducted, it was discovered that she was pregnant. “Who is responsible for this pregnancy?” My mother angrily asked. “It is brother Derex,” Shaki revealed. “I know it is not my son, so if you don’t tell me the truth, I will beat you and send you out of my house,” she threatened. Then I said, “Mum, if Shaki says the pregnancy is mine, then, it is mine. I believe her,” I stressed. This made my mother really angry. “Derex, how could you disgrace the family in this manner?” she asked. “Mother, I only followed my heart and Shaki is the woman I want to marry,” I said. My mother started maltreating Shaki which did not go down well with my father and me so I threatened to move out of the house with her but my mother pleaded that she would change her attitude towards her and she truly did. She accepted Shaki and started treating her as if she were her daughter and this made everyone happy. However, whenever I bring up the issue of marriage, my mother seems not to be too happy about it. Anyway, Shaki gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and this made me love her even more. She is pregnant with my second child and my mother is still reluctant about us getting married. She kept talking about the difference in our social status and I promised her I will send Shaki to further her education so that she will fit into our class but she is still obstinate. The truth is that Shaki has added so much value to my life, aside that, I believe she is my missing rib and I love her so much. Honestly, is there anything wrong with marrying our house help?

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

RESPONSES

Re: ‘Help, my husband has discovered I was impregnated by a fake prophet!’ Dear Harmony, I will suggest that your husband, Elliot takes you back. Yes you were deceived by a fake prophet but it was out of desperation to get pregnant and so you could not read in between the lines. The mistake you made was that you didn’t tell your husband. However, you should have known that he was a fake prophet. Elliot, please take your wife back so that you could both start on a clean slate. But please allow the baby remain with his

mother for now. This should be an eye opener for all of us. Harmony, I wish you the best of luck. Mrs. Adesina, Lagos – 07083698578 Elliot as a man and an African is disappointed and no longer trusts you, but, I bet he loves you. Keep religion aside, beg him, keep the child away from him and talk to him one on one. The child’s father, I believe will come for him someday, I advise you give him his child.

Jones Shammah, Lafia, Nasarawa – 08172633483 It is quite unfortunate that you had to be impregnated by a so called filthy prophet all in the name of being desperate for a child. You should pray fervently and fast to give your husband his own children irrespective of having a child for a fake prophet. Clara Azubike, Onitsha – 08188810889 You have made a big blunder because

you failed to use your mind properly. Pray to God for forgiveness for being morally loose and you do not expect Elliot to find it funny. You are a black sheep. Apeji Onesi, Lagos – 08060504740 Well since Elliot could not get her pregnant and another man did, even if he was a fake prophet, he should just forgive her and continue to stay with her. 07082428256

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Sunday, January 6, 2013

Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES JANUARY 6, 2013

‘Post-natal care imperative to detect complications of pregnancy, delivery’ VANESSA OKWARA

he birth of a child in Africa is often heralded with bursts of great joy and happiness. The days and weeks after a child is born come with a lot of emotional and physical changes in the life of both mother and child. Adequate care is prescribed to preserve their life, total wellbeing and ensure there are no attendant complications after birth. 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. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says a little less than half of all mothers and newborns in developing countries do not receive skilled care during birth, and over 70 per cent of all babies born outside the hospital do not receive any postnatal care. This, they said, has resulted in about 70 per cent of maternal deaths in Nigeria owing to five major complications: hemorrhage, infection, unsafe abortion, hypertensive disease of pregnancy and obstructed labour. Equally, from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted, it was discovered that the majority of births in Nigeria (66 per cent) occur at home and only onethird of live births during the five years preceding the most recent demographic health survey occurred in a health facility. A smaller proportion of women receive postnatal care, which is crucial for monitoring and treating complications in the first two days after delivery. Only 23 per cent of women who gave birth outside a health facility received post-natal care within two days of the birth of their last child. More than seven in 10 women who delivered outside a health facility received no post-natal care at all. A family physician with Mayfield Hospital and Maternity in Ijesha area of Lagos State, Dr Ogechi Iwuchukwu, said the importance of post-natal care cannot be overlooked as it is crucial to the survival of the mother and child after birth. “This is the time to give optimal care to both mother and child to ensure they are in perfect health condition. It’s a time to respond to their needs through prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of common problems or complications in both mother and infant, including preventing mother-to-infant disease transmission. Educating the mother and her family concerning maternal nutrition; breastfeeding; counselling and provision of contraceptives before the resumption of sexual activity and the immunisation of the infant are all the activities built into the post-

FACTS Postnatal care is the period beginning about one hour after the delivery of the placenta and extending through the next six weeks. It is the time to give optimal care to both mother and child to ensure they are in perfect health condition.

natal period,” she counselled. The medical expert said immediate care should occur within 24 hours of delivery, preferably within the first six hours, at the place of birth which is usually in the hospital. This is to exclude complications such as postpartum haemorrhage. The blood pressure should be watched constantly by the doctor who assesses whether the uterus is contracted and that the mother is able to urinate. The baby is also given immediate attention to assess bladder and bowel function, check the skin colour for any evidence of jaundice occurring; make sure the umbilical cord is kept clean

‘Women with gestational diabetes risk Type 2 diabetes’ Mr. Chima Adinu, a diabetes specialist with Apex Diabetes Screening Centre, said that women who experience gestational diabetes had increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Adinu told the News men in Jos that this form of diabetes typically occurred during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. ``Gestational diabetes occurs during

pregnancy; it is like Type 2 diabetes because the body becomes resistant to insulin. ``It generally disappears after the birth of the baby, but women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life,” he explained. According to him, such risk can be decreased with lifestyle modification

such as healthy dieting, lesser weight, constant exercise and routine sugar level checks. ``Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy are therefore advised to stick to a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, poultry, seafood and nuts. ``Such women should also have limited intake of red and processed meats.

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then supplemented breastfeeding for at least one year and up to two years or more. Proper family planning should be initiated during the six week post natal care to avoid unwanted pregnancy and proper child spacing. and dry; listen to the infant’s cry (high, piercing cry can be a sign of illness) and check the rate of breathing, heart rate and temperature. These are especially important during the first six hours. She said it is also a time to counsel mother about infant CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

HEALTH NEWS

Unfriendly hospital environment can lead to fear of hospitals –Psychologist Mr. Adedotun Ajiboye, a psychologist with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, said a patient could suffer hospital phobia due to an unfriendly atmosphere in the hospital. Ajiboye told journalists that hospital phobia included fear of blood,

injection and dead bodies. ``Hospital staff should be cautious of how they attend to patients so that they do not scare them away.’’ Ajiboye advised that health workers should have a positive attitude toward patients. The psychologist said

that environmental therapy such as pleasant decor and odour in the hospital could help cure the phobia. ``Welcoming attitude from health workers, maximal and cordial attention given to the patient, especially if such a person gets worried easily, ’’ he further advised.

Wellness

Know your organs

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Fallopian Tubes

Fallopian tubes or oviducts are the two long, thin tubes that connect to a woman’s uterus (one on each side). It stretches from the uterus to the ovaries and measure about 8 to 10 cm (4 to 6 inches) in length. The fallopian tubes are a necessary part of the female reproductive system. They are the superhighways that allow an egg to travel to the uterus, and the point where egg and sperm can join to become a fetus. Their major function The sole function of the fallopian tubes is to serve as a pathway for an egg, released from an ovary, to travel to the uterus. During a woman’s fertile years, the fallopian tubes are essential to the reproductive process. Once per month, the ovary ruptures, releasing an egg into one of the fallopian tubes. The tiny cilia guide the egg along the tube and into the uterus, where, if fertilized, the egg will implant for pregnancy. In a woman’s body the tube allows passage of the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Its different segments are (lateral to medial): the infundibulum with its associated fimbriae near the ovary, the ampullary region that represents the major portion of the lateral tube, the isthmus which is the narrower part of the tube that links to the uterus, and the interstitial (also intramural) part that transverses the uterine musculature. The tubal ostium is the point where the tubal canal meets the peritoneal cavity, while the uterine opening of the Fallopian tube is the entrance into the uterine cavity, the utero-tubal junction. Long fringes The other ends of the tubes flare open with several long fringes, called fimbrae, on the end. After ovulation, these fimbrae beat back and forth to help guide the egg into the fallopian tube. Once inside the tube, tiny hairs called cilia push the egg along and toward the uterus.

Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube if the egg encounters a sperm. If an egg doesn’t become fertilized within 24 to 36 hours after ovulation, it will deteriorate and be removed by the body’s immune system like any other dead cell in the body. Fertilised ovum When an ovum is developing in an ovary, it is encapsulated in a sac known as an ovarian follicle. On maturity of the ovum, the follicle and the ovary’s wall rupture, allowing the ovum to escape. The egg is caught by the fimbriated end and travels to the ampulla where typically the sperm are met and fertilization occurs; the fertilized ovum, now a zygote, travels towards the uterus aided by activity of tubal cilia and activity of the tubal muscle. After about five days the new embryo enters the uterine cavity and implants about a day later. Infection and tube blockage These tubal cilia are essential to the movement of the egg through the tube into the uterus. If the tubal cilia are damaged by infection, the egg may not get ‘pushed along’ normally but may stay in the tube. Infection can also cause partial or complete blockage of the tube with scar tissue, physically preventing the egg from getting to the uterus. Women wishing to prevent pregnancy often undergo a procedure called tubal ligation, to prevent eggs from meeting with sperm. Any process such as infection, endometriosis, tumours, or scar tissue in the pelvis that cause twisting or chinking of the tube damages the Fallopian tube or narrows its diameter increasing the chance of an ectopic pregnancy: a pregnancy developing in the Fallopian tube or another abnormal location outside the uterus.

Importance of post-natal care for mother and child CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 immunisation schedule. “Every woman should know the immunisation schedule of her baby. Some of them include BCG given to prevent tuberculosis between 5-30 days following birth at selected health centres in the country; Oral polio vaccine at two-month visit; DPT and Hepatitis B vaccine at the two-month visit and HIB (Haemophilus Influenza B) vaccine at the two-month visit. These immunisations are very important. A mother needs to keep to this schedule to avoid her baby getting sick with one disease or the other,’’ Dr Iwuchukwu said. What is the next post-natal care after the mother and her baby are certified to go home? Experts say it is the time for the mother and child to be properly cared for at the home front. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lay so much emphasis on the value of breastfeeding for mothers as well as their child. Both international bodies recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then supplemented breastfeeding using baby formula for at least one year and up to two years or more. Dr Iwuchukwu said it is necessary for her to sound a note of warning to members of the family, especially to the fathers, about the emotional health of a woman during the first few weeks after delivery. “Changes in their hormone levels make a woman feel tearful, irritable, depressed and tired. Often, between three and five days after the birth, they may feel particularly low and emotional. This time is referred to as the ‘baby blues’ and it’s said to be caused by sudden changes in their hormone levels. Support and reassurance are essential, particularly in the early days and weeks. She is advised to rest as much as she can, eat healthily and accept offers of help. Husbands should lend helping hands to their wives at this stage. She needs all the emotional support from the home to recover her emotional well being as well as her physical shape. It is not the time to demand sex from your

wife as this might push her into resenting you and even the baby,” she advised. She also counselled the woman to introduce post-natal exercise into her daily routine though this should not be stressful or the strenuous type. “We recommend that a woman should start what we call the kegel or vaginal exercise. This helps to tighten the vaginal walls so that she will be able to control the passage of urine. Gentle post-natal care exercise will help tighten up your abdominal and vaginal muscles, so make time to do them every day. If you feel you’re not disciplined enough to exercise on your own, join a local post-natal class,” she advised. Post-natal care will not be complete without the mother and child going for the customary six weeks after-birth care. This is the period when the mother and child go back to the hospital for an evaluation of their health six weeks after the birth of the child. The expert says this check-up is necessary to detect and follow up complications of pregnancy or delivery; assess the reproductive organs to see if they have gone back to their shapes without any problem. It is also to ensure that lactation is well established, the infant is growing well and also counsel regarding contraceptive method options. It is also necessary to initiate some forms of family planning at this time because some women can conceive even while breastfeeding. “Post-natal infertility usually lasts for approximately six weeks for the woman who does not breastfeed exclusively. Sometimes the infant’s on-demand pattern of feeding may not support prevention of ovulation. For these reasons and to provide maternal recuperation before another pregnancy occurs, contraception should be offered during the post-natal period,” she urged. The medical expert advised couples to seek advice from the family planning division of our hospitals for the appropriate type of contraception they wish to use to avoid early pregnancy and properly space their children.

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Your

BONE Health

with Dr. Olatunji Idowu

Growth plate fractures and injuries (2) Children who participate in athletic activity often experience some discomfort as they practice new movements. Some aches and pains can be expected, but a child’s complaints always deserve careful attention. Some injuries, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage and interfere with proper growth of the involved limb. Although many growth plate injuries are caused by accidents that occur during play or athletic activity, growth plates are also susceptible to other disorders, such as bone infection, that can alter their normal growth and development. Additional Reasons for Growth Plate Injuries • Child abuse can be a cause of skeletal injuries, especially in very young children, who still have years of bone growth remaining. One study reported that half of all fractures due to child abuse were found in children younger than age 1, whereas only 2 percent of accidental fractures occurred in this age group. • Injury from extreme cold (for example, frostbite) can also damage the growth plate in children and result in short, stubby fingers or premature degenerative arthritis. • Radiation, which is used to treat certain cancers in children, can damage the growth plate. Moreover, a recent study has suggested thatchemotherapy given for childhood cancers may also negatively affect bone growth. The same is true of the prolonged use of steroids for rheumatoid arthritis. • Children with certain neurological disorders that result in sensory deficit or muscular imbalance are prone to growth plate fractures, especially at the ankle and knee. Similar types of injury are seen in children who are born with insensitivity to pain. • The growth plates are the site of many inherited disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system. Scientists are just beginning to understand the genes and gene mutations involved in skeletal formation, growth, and development. This new information is raising hopes for improving treatment of children who are born with poorly formed or improperly functioning growth plates. Signs That Require a Visit to the Doctor • Inability to continue play because of pain following an acute or sudden injury • Decreased ability to play over the long term because of persistent pain following a previous injury • Visible deformity of the child’s arms or legs • Severe pain from acute injuries that prevent the use of an arm or leg. • How Are Growth Plate Fractures Diagnosed? • After learning how the injury occurred and examining the child, the doctor will use x rays to determine the type of fracture and decide on a treatment plan. Because growth plates have not yet hardened into solid bone, they don’t show on x rays. Instead, they appear as gaps between the shaft of a long bone, called the metaphysis, and the end of the bone, called the epiphysis. Because injuries to the growth plate may be hard to see on x ray, an x ray of the noninjured side of the body may be taken so the two sides can be compared.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is another way of looking at bone, provides useful information on the appearance of the growth plate. In some cases, other diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound, will be used. If you have any problem or question about your musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and muscles) do send me a mail at tunjiidowu@live. com for advice. Meanwhile, your comments and feedback on the issues discussed are highly welcomed.

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Business FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday January 6, 2013

FIRS: Between tax collection and charity BY TOLA AKINMUTIMI, ABUJA

he Federal Inland Revenue Service has over the past few years gone through a well-integrated and carefully implemented transformation agenda which translated to substantial gains in terms of the implications for improved non-oil tax revenue earning capacity for the country. Arguably as one of the public agencies whose operational platforms have been strengthened by massive Information Technology infrastructure and well-trained human capital endowment, the Service is not only fully positioned for effective tax administration in the years ahead but has, by its recent achievements in area of its core mandate as well as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) foray into other crucial sectors, demonstrated itself as a vision-driven organisation with a large heart for the well-being of some old and young Nigerians. For instance, a few months ago, the FIRS provided some support to needy Nigerians by offering them free medical services, skill acquisition training, guidance and counseling on career choices to youths, adults and parents. In the project which took place in Igarra, Edo State, about 300 Nigerians got free eye tests, while 158 others got eye glasses based on test carried out on them tested for different levels of eye ailments. Similarly, several indigenes of the community and others within its vicinity also benefited from different kinds of eye treatment and more than 261 persons were tested for HIV/AIDS, H pertension and Diabetes. In her paper titled “Leadership and Actualising Your Potential” delivered at the opening session of the weeklong intervention programme, the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Service, Mrs. Ifueko OmoiguiOkauru, urged the people to be productive and take their destiny in their own hands. She pointed out that God has given everybody the right to choose from succeeding and failing and encouraged the people to work hard and be focused in order to achieve their aspirations, adding that “your background does not matter. Whether you are born rich or poor, if you decide to achieve success, then, you will”. Expressing satisfaction at the people’s turn-out for the exercise, the tax administration Amazon said she was happy to see that her dream to give back to the people is coming to fruition. Her words: “Thank you for making our (FIRS) dream a success. The truth of the matter is that we (FIRS) and other organisations cannot give everybody jobs. But there are many things out there which you can make a decent living on. We then decided to use this opportunity of the ABA festival to educate the people. “If God has blessed us this much, why then should we stay at home, in poverty, waiting for a magic day, which is not coming, when everybody will have a job? We decided to focus on the things that are important to the community like skills acquisition and health. That is why we chose

Omoigui-Okauru

to use this opportunity to offer free skill acquisition training and medical services”, Omoigui-Okauru said. Some other indigent people were also trained in Agriculture, Building, Plumbing, Construction Engineering and Photography, amongst other fields of academic/vocational endeavours. In addition to intervening in the healthcare sector, the FIRS has also focused its CSR searchlight on the education sector thorugh its sponsorship of the Presidential School Debate (PSD) competition for secondary schools nationwide. Omoigui Okauru, said that debate offered opportunity for students to propagate a taxpaying culture and a Nigeria where taxation would be the bedrock for sustainable development. Represented at the flag-off ceremony in Lagos about 16 months ago by Mr. Joseph Osaghe, Tax Controller Victoria Island, the FIRS boss explained that the exercise would further enlighten the younger generation on issues of tax education, and build culture of voluntary tax compliance, adding that the Service decided to sponsor the 2011 debate competition in order to promote a good tax culture among Nigerian youth. “I am aware that this competition has been on since 2000 and I am greatly honoured when the organisers invited FIRS to sponsor this year’s edition and to make taxation its theme. It has always been part of our efforts in

FIRS to strike a balance between the implementation of tax laws and educating the populace (taxpayers) to willingly obey the laws in order to ensure voluntary tax compliance in Nigeria. This effort is not only aimed at ensuring more revenue generation and simplicity in tax administration, but to build a bridge between the old and the younger generation to enhance the culture of tax compliance” she added Okauru, who recalled the inauguration of the Board of the Student’s Tax Advocacy initiative (STAI) in 2010 as part of the steps being taken to build a culture of tax compliance in the people, said that “the establishment of STAI is one of the multi-dimensional approaches employed by the Service to promote taxation in the education sector” In the area of its core mandate, the FIRS has also in the past three years been surpassing governments and other stakeholders’ expectations on revenue generation and tax awareness campaigns amongst other initiatives that are transforming into a public sector brand that is warming itself into the hearts of taxpayers. For instance, for the 11 month ended November 30, 2012, the agency’s tax revenue collection profile which stood at N4.645 trillion had surpassed the N3.6 trillion provisional annual budget estimates for the year and total collections of N4.628 trillion for the 2011 year. “The collection represents an increase revenue collection performance of about N17.07 billion when compared to the total collection for 2011 and also an increase in the Service tax revenue collection performance of about N485.43 billion when compared with the total revenue of N4.160 trillion realized for the same period in 2011. In furtherance of its commitment to the development of the educational sector, the FIRS collected N183.9 billion Education Tax (EDT) as at the end of November and remitted same to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund). The amount represents two percent of accrual of EDT deductable from company’s profits operating in the country. The collections for the 11-month period showed an increase of N55.9 billion over total collection of N128 billion in 2011 FIRS, which has a statutory responsibilities to assess, collect and account for revenue, had since 1994 when TetFund was established remitted more than N591 billion to the Fund. The huge contributions to reposition the educational sector explain the reason behind the TetFund award of excellent and due diligent to the Service recently in Lagos. The Acting Executive Chairman of FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, who spoke at the occasion when the remittance was made, gave the assurance of the Service’s determination to ensure improved collection of Education Tax (EDT) in the years ahead. Analysts of public governance are of the view that if other entities, especially those charged with the responsibility of collecting revenues for government, adopt the FIRS’ strategy in giving to the society in areas of critical national needs, poverty and other socio-economic challenges confronting most ordinary Nigerians would be gradually be giving way for their improved well-being.

TUC backs FG’s move to acquire 30 aircraft T

he Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) yesterday backed the Federal Government’s plan to acquire 30 aircraft to boost domestic operations in the aviation industry. TUC’s General Secretary, Mr Musa Lawal, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the congress was supportive of any positive policy that would enable the government to achieve its objectives.

Lawal was reacting to the disclosure by Mr Yakubu Dati, General Manager, Corporate Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), of the government plan while inspecting the renovated Benin Airport. Dati had said that the aircraft would be distributed to domestic airline operators, a departure from the old practice, where they were given money from the Avia-

tion Intervention Fund to shore up their businesses. ``We are not against the government leasing aircraft to private operators who can manage them very well and return our money because the planes will be bought with public funds,’’ Lawal said. He said in the past, Nigeria Airways was grounded because some people booked seats without paying under the guise of be-

ing on official duty. The TUC scribe said that the government must ensure that the funds to be invested in the planes were recovered. He also urged the government to learn from past mistakes and ensure that the exercise was well executed to achieve its intended results. Lawal said that the government must also be ready to face reality, admit its mistakes and make

corrections where necessary. ``The government has good intentions but if the implementation goes wrong, it should have the courage to admit and make amends.’’ Lawal, a former general secretary of the Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), also spoke on the reported cement glut, noting that it had not reflected in the price.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business

Sunday January 6, 2013

Create business-friendly environment, FG told

Property Watch •For Lagos area as at Friday Dec. 6, 2013 A. Building materials Cement: Dangote Cement per bag of 50 kg.......N1,800 Burham Cement per bag of 50kg.......N1,800 Elephant Cement…………………N1,800 Sandcrete blocks 6 inches sandcrete block ..........N130 9 inches sandcrete block ..........N150 Sand Sand per tipper load .......... N12,000 Sharp sand (double) ..........N22,000 Gravel (single) ...................N18,000 Gravel (double) ..................N23,000 Granite ...............................N120,000 Reinforcement 8mm(153) pieces per ton (N125,000 10mm (153) pieces per ton .......... N135,000 12mm ............................................N161,000 16mm ........................................N172,000 20mm (53) pieces ....................N122,000

he Managing Partner, Baileycole Consulting, Mr Ola Tubi, has urged the Federal Government to create a business-friendly environment for rapid economic transformation.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, Tubi said that Nigeria lacked viable economic structures. He also observed that the country was endowed with enormous potential and creative ideas but the process of executing business was cumbersome. He also noted that there too much administrative bottlenecks and protocols in government hindered business operations in the country. According to him, for a nation to remain economically viable, its processes of running business must be simplified. “Too much of protocols and admin-

istrative bottleneck hinder growth of businesses. “Government needs to set up good policies and say this is the position I want everybody to follow. “The policy must be simplified as much as possible and backed by law. It is easy for people to get things done in compliance with laid down rules.” Tubi noted that the government was not doing enough in terms of business encouragement. He urged government to be proactive in the process of economic transformation by reviving ailing infrastructure. “To achieve a sustainable economy the critical sectors such as power and transportation, among others, must be functional,” he said. ‘Non-repayment of SMEs loan, cause of high business cost’ A financial expert, Mr Ed-

die Osarenkhoe, has attributed the failure of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to repay their loans to the high cost of doing business. Osarenkhoe, a former President of Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, that the difficulty in doing business had retarded the nation’s tempo of business activities. According to him, it has also placed limitation on the nation’s economic potential and reduced entrepreneurial skills in the country. ` `The SMEs are the bedrock of any nation that wants to develop because they contribute positively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ‘’ Osarenkhoe noted that the SMEs spent huge amounts of money to run their generat-

‘NNPC earned N686bn from refined products’

Wood Timber (hard) 1x1x12 ..........N1,000 Timber (hard) 2x2x12 ..........N600 Timber (hard) 2x4x12 ..........N700

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said it made about N686 billion, from the sales of refined products from the three refineries in the country last year.

Soft wood 2x2x12 ..........N250 2x3x12 ..........N300 Plywood 3x3x6-----------------N3,500 2x4x8-----------------N2,400 Roofing Sheet Corrugated iron sheet per bundle ...N10,000 Asbestos 4x8 per piece ..................N1,600 Asbestos (solo) ............................N1,100 B. Landed property Focus area: Lagos Mainland 1. Four bedroom detached house with BQ at Omole Phase 11, Kosofe -----N40m Estimated price in 5 years------------N60m 2. 800 square metres at block 47 at Isheri North Estate, Lagos ---------- N6m Estimated price in 5 years----------N15m 3. 6 bedroom wing of duplex plus BQ at Adeniyi Jones off Opebi, Lagos------- N55m Estimated price in 5 years------------N100m 4. A land measuring 5.081 square metre at Ajasa, Ipaja, Lagos------------------------------N25m Estimated price in 5 years---------N50m 5. 2 nos bungalows on 800 square metres along Oba Akran, Lagos----------------N150m Estimated price in 5 years----------N250m 6. 1.12 acres of land with uncompleted building at Marwa Road, Satellite Town, Lagos---------------------------------------------------N1,5bn Estimated price in 5 years------------------N2bn 7. Uncompleted block of flats at Isheri -Osun, Lagos--------------------------------------------------N15m Estimated price in 5 years-------N20m 8. Four bedroom duplex at Gbagada------N18m Estimated price in 5 years-----------N30m 9. 8 nos of 3bedroom flats with BQ at Surulere, Lagos---------------------------------N80m Estimated price in 5 years----------N100m 10. A detached house at Oke Ira, Ogba, Lagos--------------------------------------------------N22m Estimated price in 5 years---------N35m •Compiled by Dayo Ayeyemi, E-mail: dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com

ing sets daily due to instability in the nation’s power supply. He said that inadequate power supply had an adverse effect on the cost of production and made it difficult for some of the SMEs to pay back their loans to financial institutions. ``When the SMEs do not pay back their loans, there will not be funds for finance houses to lend to new investors and this affect their operations.’’ Osarenkhoe also said that that lack of funds would bring about stagnation of economic development and the attendant challenge of unemployment and poverty. “For meaningful development to be achieved, the Federal Government must give urgent attention to electricity in order to have an effective SMEs operators in the country,’’ he said.

L-R: Customer Business Manager, Kaduna, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Mr. Ogunmoroti; winner of 1million naira, Aminat Ahmed; a distributor, Mrs. Anike Faseyitan and Corporate Communication Manager, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Mr. Akomen Omijeh, during the Cadbury Yummy Life Promo prize presentation in Kaduna, recently.

Non-repayment of SMEs loan, cause of high business cost –Expert A

financial expert, Mr Eddie Osarenkhoe, has attributed the failure of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to repay their loans to the high cost of doing business. Osarenkhoe, a former President of Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, that the difficulty in doing business had retarded the nation’s tempo of business activities. According to him, it has also placed limitation on the nation’s economic potential

and reduced entrepreneurial skills in the country. ` `The SMEs are the bedrock of any nation that wants to develop because they contribute positively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ‘’ Osarenkhoe noted that the SMEs spent huge amounts of money to run their generating sets daily due to instability in the nation’s power supply. He said that inadequate power supply had an adverse effect on the cost of production and made it difficult for some of the SMEs to pay back their loans to financial insti-

tutions. ``When the SMEs do not pay back their loans, there will not be funds for finance houses to lend to new investors and this affect their operations.’’ Osarenkhoe also said that that lack of funds would bring about stagnation of economic development and the attendant challenge of unemployment and poverty. “For meaningful development to be achieved, the Federal Government must give urgent attention to electricity in order to have an effective SMEs operators in the country,’’ he said.

In a budget presentation made by the NNPC to the National Assembly, the Corporation stated that its projected earnings from the sale of refined products was N802.88 billion for the year 2012, and that it had realized N455.3 billion as at September last year. The Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) however frowned at the report on the refined products sale , as the Chairman, Senator Magnus Abe, said it did not give a comprehensive analysis to the what each refinery earned at the end of last year. Also, the NNPC in its breakdown said, that it generated a total amount of N868.44billion, while its operating expenses for the year 2012 gulped a total of about N654.23 billion. For its Capital Expenditure, in the last Fiscal year, the Corporation said it spent N13.9 billion. For the year 2013, the country’s oil firm said it was projecting a revenue of N1.003 trillion, with a corresponding total expenditure, that includes operational and capital expenses of about N953.05 billion. It blamed the shortfall on its projected 2012 revenue on the under performance of the plants, and believed that with necessary Infrastructure now in place, the operations would improve this year and the corporation will experience a huge boom in its sales. The Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) is expected to resume from its break next week.

Interview

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Jonathan Presidency does not represent aspiration of Ijaw people’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 ple. That is why those who were at the cadre of revolutions in North Korea, in China and elsewhere that are pushed forward for leadership. So, nobody can push me around; it is not possible. I don’t expect anything from Jonathan. I demand what belongs to me. If he doesn’t give me, I will fight. How then would he be able to settle down with the business of governance if you, his kinsman, is fighting him on one hand and Boko Haram is killing innocent Nigerians, causing security challenges? It is because he is unable to manage his goodwill. If people support you and make sacrifices for you, you should appreciate them. But if you sit down comfortably in Aso Rock and become Pharaoh who did not know Joseph, then Moses would come to lead the people to freedom. Since Boko Haram is fighting him, he must be cautious and ruminate on this. (Bola) Tinubu supported Jonathan to win the last presidential election, but what is his relationship with Tinubu today? Obasanjo fought for him, what is his relationship with Obasanjo? Jerry Gana, Solomon Lar and Edwin Clark put their lives on the line, what is his relationship with them. Why are they angry with him? That means you are not able to manage your goodwill. And if you are not able to do that, I cannot hold forth for you at radio and television houses. Would there be peace if President Jonathan decides to give you what belongs to you? Obasanjo gave me. Yar’Adua even did more. He gave me right to lift oil, 10,000 barrels. Almost every month I was getting 5,000 DPK until I disagreed with him. Five

thousand tonnes of DPK at that time translated to N36 million. Obasanjo offered to make me the first Director of Youth Sport and Women Affairs at the Directorate of NDDC, I rejected it because Obasanjo awarded a contract worth N4.5 billion in my village, Soku, when I told him that my people were suffering and he, a man from Abeokuta, was enjoying. I am a king in my village. NDDC has also awarded another dredging contract in Soku. When this terrible flood came, Soku was never flooded. Under Yar’Adua, he awarded road construction in my community. Even with all that, I spoke against Obasanjo government. When SSS wanted to recruit new hands during Obasanjo’s administration, I went to him, spoke to him and he said ‘bring a list of your people’ and I took the list, the people went for interview. Luckily out of the 15 people, only two did not pass. During Obasanjo’s government, they were recruiting people in the Immigration Service. Some Obasanjo’s aides told me to meet with the immigration officials. Some of my people were recruited. These things were done under Obasanjo’s administration. Even when I was in prison, Obasanjo took filling stations to my village, (Funsho) Kupolokun gave me the management of that mega filling station. Are you satisfied with the way Jonathan is addressing the menace of Boko Haram? There is no way you can crush an armed agitation, it has not happened anywhere around the world. The most vociferous and boastful state, Zionist Israel, who claims all sorts of credit, has not been able to silence Hamas, with all its scientific powers. The United States has not been able to silence armed agitation against global policies of repression. In Libya, they have not

‘N’Assembly deserves praises, not attacks’

have equal opportunities within the system. If we are in an egalitarian society where the government provides the minimum requirements for every citizen, I am sure all We have the Boko Haram insurgency in the North which these things rearing their heads, including Boko Haram, the government has tried to curtail to no avail; we also would not have reared their heads. If for whatever reahave kidnapping in the South-South which later spread son, instead of having below 400,000 police personnel, we to the South-East and is now in South-West. There are now have something in a region of a million, we will have also several armed robberies on our major highways. more policemen per the number of men they are policing. How do you see the security challenges facing Nigeria Unfortunately, the irony is that we are in a naand what is the way out? tion producing over 600,000 graduates from It is very sad, very sad to have the type of various tertiary institutions every year, security challenges we are having in this graduates that are not employed and country and yet no solution in sight. To yet, we have under-staffed police discuss the issue, it may take us days. force. Our police force is not only As you are just asking me now and under-staffed, it is undertrained you are expecting me to delve into and ill-equipped and yet, yearit within a short time, it is a long in-year-out, we continue to process. The kidnapping you are vote money into it. I don’t talking about is not only limited know what is disturbing us, to the South-East or South-West. since we have graduates Only yesterday, a legislator in that are even ready to do the Gombe House of Assembly street cleaning. Why is it was kidnapped . So it is becomthat we cannot trap them ing a national challenge and to as they are leaving their date, we had the mother of a youth corps, draft them former Managing Director of into the police force so that World Bank , a serving Minister we can have enough men for Finance, who is also the cowithin the police force? ordinating minister for the econThen beyond that, we omy for that matter, and a profeshave been talking about sor in her own right at the age of the state and local govern82, being kidnapped . As of today, we ment policing There is no way haven’t been told of those who are rewe can run away from it Those sponsible for it. The wife of former Govwho believe that unitarisation of ernor of Western State and immediate past the nation is to their advantage, the Sen. Kaka ambassador to the United States of America earlier they call themselves to order and was also kidnapped for many days, just to mention come to the reality that there is no way somea few. And yet, we have not been able to unravel the reason body that is not used to the culture, not used to the sobehind it and those behind it, talk less of punishing them. cial norms, of a particular group will come there and That is why I sad, it is very bad. It is very sad because we effectively police the area, the better. There is an adage know the purpose of those kidnapping. The purpose is that says ‘strangers have got two eyes but they cannot see so simple, so straight forward; they want to make money. because they remained strangers.’ So, the more they look And all these ones are pointing to the fact that we don’t the less they see. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

Asari-Dokubo

been able to root out (Mommar) Gadaffi’s men with all the bombing, the killings and the spate of genocides committed against the people of Libya. In Syria, with the United States, Zionist Israel, the NATO and the armed bandits that entered the country have not been able to silence the voices of the resistance of the people of Syria. How do you expect Jonathan to silence Boko Haram. It is difficult to fight people without face. Boko Haram is not just a religious movement; it has something to do with the agitation of those who have the mentality of “Born to Rule.” This is the last battle. It is either we become their slaves or they win or we regain our freedom and go our separate ways. It has nothing to do with religion. Yes, initially, the “Yusuffirian” movement was a religion movement, but the Northern political elites thought they had got their own militants in the like of Asari Dokubos, the Tompolos and they embraced them. It is a Northern militia against the government of Goodluck Jonathan to distract and make sure he did not work. When Yar’ Adua killed Yusuf, that did not cure it. It has now become an octopus, with several wings. It was very easy to trace the group during the leadership of Yusuf. But now you don’t see anybody, that was why when Yusuf was killed, I condemned it. I said the consequences would be far reaching, but some people were jubilating. Even if Jonathan wants to give them power in 2015, we will not allow it because he does not have such discretion. Then we will meet at the battle of Armageddon. They are killing and bombing at home. Now there is every suspicion that the helicopter crash in which (Andrew) Azazi and (Patrick) Yakowa died is not an accident. There is a build-up. People are saying this is not an accident. A time will come when a group of people in Port-Harcourt and anybody that looks like Boko Haram will be killed - innocent people - the “Maruwas” and the “Mesuyas”. It will reach a point of elasticity where people would not be able to stand it again. When our agitation was on, we did not kill and bomb people. The easier thing to do by any Ijaw man is dynamite. People know how to make dynamite in every Ijaw village. That is the point that Jonathan presidency has been able to prevent. What then do you think is the way out? That is where I am driving at. The man has tried to make peace with them, but they have refused to dialogue. When Azazi said ‘you cannot negotiate with terrorists,’ he was sacked. There are people who are gaining from the Boko Haram enterprise, people who are buying guns and other weapons. If you go to some offices, you will see CCTV, some people get the contracts. Boko Haram is a big enterprise. Some businessmen would want it to go on, like some people are working to sabotage power sector so that we continue to buy generators and run on diesels.

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South News

Sunday January 6, 2013

Man, 27, commits suicide in Ibadan KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ragedy struck in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital yesterday, as residents of Idi Oro at Amuloko, along Akanran in the Ona Ara Local Government area, woke up to behold a 27-year-old traditional title holder, Kasim Adeniran, hanging on the ceiling of his father’s house. Sunday Mirror learnt that Kasim, father of four

and husband of two wives, was seen Friday night by some of the residents of the area, who were unaware that he was suicide bound. It was gathered that Kasim put on a generating set in the house and left it till late in the evening, and was in the six-room building with his children (two boys and two girls) till everybody had gone to sleep. But for his first child, Anifa, 10 years old, who opened the front iron-door

from within and went out of the building to inform a nearby neighbour that she saw his father with a rope in the passage of the building. The deceased, until his death was Oluwo’ (leader) for the Ogboni confraternity in Egbeda area of Ibadan Anifa told the neighbours that her father had on Friday night before she slept, given his mobile phone and a suicide note to her to keep, saying that he would need to go and

do something early in the morning, and would not need to take them along. It was learnt that Kasim and his first wife Modinat, had a fight recently, leading to her leaving the house for some weeks before coming back. She was said to have left again for Lagos on Thursday, while Kasim was brooding over the situation, according to some people the deceased spoke with on Thursday and Friday.

A/Ibom set to tackle flood in Uyo metropolis A

kwa Ibom Government says it has set machinery in motion to tackle flooding in Uyo metropolis. Mr. Etido Inyang, the Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom Governor on Technical Matters, disclosed this in Uyo on Saturday while fielding questions from newsmen on the activities of his office. He said that the flood normally experienced in some parts of the city would soon be a thing of the past with the various interventions by the government to tackle the challenge He disclosed that contract to handle the control of flood in the city had been awarded and that work had started. “Contract has been awarded and we need two rainy seasons to really take care of the situation. ``We have taken from the House of Assembly to Tropicana, behind Tropicana and across the third ring road to Mbiakok in Nsit

Ibom council area.” He said that another major drain would be constructed from the State Secretariat to IBB Way by Women Development Centre through the third ring road and empty into Ibesikpo valley. “So there is a well articulated plan already put in place to control flood in the state capital and its environs. ``I think in all, the administration has taken the issue of flood very well. ‘’We have a master plan that was done by TRO & Partners and daily, we are executing that plan. By the next two rainy seasons, you will not see any flood in Uyo and its environs,” he said. The special assistant advised citizens to stop excavating the soil near the outfalls to avoid prevent erosion inherent in such practice. Inyang explained that it was part of the plan that made Itam junction and its environs now flood free.

Man crushed by train in Lagos middle-aged man hanging on a train was yesterday morning crushed to death in Agege, Lagos when he lost his grip and fell on the track of the Ijoko-bound train. The victim whose name could not be immediately ascertained, was said to have boarded the train at Ijoko but characteristically was trying to evade payment, by hanging on the stairs of one of coaches of the train. He was cautioned by one of the railway checkers but he did not heed the warning. But on reaching Iju Station, it was alleged that he alighted and went to buy a small local dry gin which he gulped at once. He continued his journey with that train, still hanging

on the stairs of the coach; but shortly before Agege Railway Station, passengers in the last four coaches of the train experienced a vibration which suggested that something had been crushed by the train. The staff who had told him to come into the coach shouted “this man has killed himself”. The staff member who did not want his name in print informed our correspondent that the victim was cautioned to desist from hanging, to no avail. His words: “I told him to enter into the coach as hanging on the stairs is dangerous; he refused, saying that he was okay on the stairs, it was a ploy to evade being checked. I had to leave him when I was prevailed upon by other passengers on board. See now, what he had done to himself,” he said.

ber KJA 776 AG. Adesuyi further revealed that the arrest of the suspects would not have been possible without the help of men of the State Security Service (SSS) who provided surveillance and reinforcements. While commending his men for the gallant performance, Adesuyi said that the command would leave no stone unturned in its determination to rid the state of vandals.

He said that the suspects would be taken to court at the end of investigation for prosecution. The NSCDC commandant appealed to the people to always inform the command of any suspicious movement in their neighbourhood, saying that they remain committed to the protection of lives and property. The paraded suspects have denied involvement in the alleged crime.

OLADELE LUQMON

L-R: Rev. Sister Ignatia Okafor, Dr. Nathan Ododo and Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, South-East Zone, Dr. Damaris Onwuka, at a quality improvement training for doctors in Enugu at the weekend Photo: NAN

Ebonyi inaugurates committees on illegal schools T he Ebonyi State Government has inaugurated a five-man committee on illegal schools for each of the 13 local government areas of the state. At a ceremony in Abakaliki at the weekend, the state Commissioner for Education, Mr. Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo, said that the government was determined to sustain the gains it had made in the fight against illegal and substandard schools in the state. He said that each committee, to be headed by an education secretary, would ensure that schools without approval by the ministry did not operate and is expected to recommend the prosecution of the owner of such a school. Chibueze-Agbo said that the committees had been empowered to regularly assess facilities in all approved public and private schools to ensure that standards were maintained. “When a school loses some facilities upon which approval was given to it to operate,

such a school will automatically become substandard and not fit to operate in our academic environment. “It is your duty to constantly assess and monitor facilities existing in schools in our local governments with a view to ensuring that they maintain acceptable standards as nothing short of the best is good enough for our children.’’ He identified the existence of illegal and substandard schools as one of the major causes of examination malpractice in the state, adding that the work of the committee would reduce this malpractice. “When we send the operators of illegal and substandard schools out of business, then we will be on the verge of winning the war against examination malpractice in the state. “The task before you, therefore, is an onerous one and you must show deep commitment; government is so passionate about ridding the state of the monster of unapproved and

substandard schools. “It is my candid belief that you will live above board and that within three months of operation the state will have better result’’ The Commissioner said that statistics showed that Ebonyi has a total of 332

approved public and private secondary schools spread across the state. He said that 221 secondary schools belonged to government while 111 secondary schools were privately established by individuals and organisations.

Oyo NSCDC arrests 4 suspected vandals

he Anti-Vandal Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, yesterday arrested four suspected pipeline vandals. The four suspects, Tijjani Abdulahi, 33; Sarafa Sanusi, 35; Wasiu Ajibola, 35; and Sunday Solomon, 40, were paraded at the Command Headquarters at Iyaganku, Ibadan, by the State Commandant, Mr. Clement Adesuyi. Adesuyi, Adesuyi told newsmen that the suspects were arrested late Friday evening at Ajanla farms area in Sanusi Village along the La-

gos/Ibadan Exress way. He said that the alleged culprits had already tapped into an NNPC petroleum pipeline that passed through the area and were only waiting to convey the products when they were apprehended. The commandant said items recovered from the vandals included welding machine, drill, sledge hammer, hose clips, two rolls of hose lines, screw drivers, clamps and a generator. Other items impounded were an unregistered Jincheng motorcycle and a Nissan Bluebird saloon car with registration num-

North News

Sunday January 6, 2013

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Insurgency: Shettima laments Borno floats new mass destruction of projects irrigation scheme INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has expressed concern, saying there has been mass destruction of government projects by detractors hiding under the umbrella of the Boko Haram insurgent group. Shettima in an emotion-laden voice, made the lamentation when he paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Ibrahim Mohammed

ElKanemi at his palace yesterday. The governor was at Bama to lay the foundation stone of Bama ultramodern hospital which was razed by fire in 2010. The project is billed to cost N823.7 million. He said his administration had in the last two years embarked on massive construction of roads and drainages, schools, boreholes and others. He regretted that most of these people-oriented projects had become tar-

get of attacks to hoodlums or those he described as enemies of progress, which he said was unacceptable. Shettima while expressing sympathy to all traders who lost their shops/ stalls to the 2010 inferno however advised the traders against displaying their wares along the main roads as it flouts traffic rules and also endangers their lives. He promised to reconstruct the burnt market to modern standard and

name it after the Shehu of Bama. He said the market when constructed would have about 941shops, a fire service station, a clinic, offices, car parks, a mosque, roads and drainages, a police station, boreholes among others. He also promised that the Bama Central Mosque would be re-constructed in the next three months to enable the people of the area have a befitting place of worship at the council headquarters

L-R; Military Airport Commandant, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Group Capt. Adeniyi Amesinlola; Principal Staff Officer to Corps Marshl, Mr. Julius Asom; Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Osita Chidoka; and Deputy Corps Marshal Operation FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; at the Arrival of Corps Marshal on Aerial Surveillance in Abuja...on friday.

Nassarawa Dep Gov tasks youths on peace

he Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dameshi Luka, yesterday urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of peace for the sustainable growth and development of the country. Luka made the call at the Mada Development Association youth wing’s cultural carnival in Akwanga Local Government area of the state. The deputy governor, who was represented by his

Special Assistant, Mr. Daniel Ango, said that there was the need for the different ethnic groups in the country to cultivate the culture of peace and building for national development. Luka commended the association for its role in building peace in the community. He called on parents to speak the mother’s tongue with their children to enable them to identify with

their communities. Luka also advised the youths not to allow themselves to be used as agents of manipulation and destruction, but should rather engage in meaningful ventures. Also speaking, Alhaji Lawal Kassim, the chairman, Akwanga Local Government council, commended the youth wing for organising the carnival to showcase their cultural heritage. He also urged

them to establish a research centre that would serve as a platform for learning, for the upcoming generation. Earlier, Sommeh Rinzeh, the National President of the association, had said that the aim of the carnival was to showcase Mada’s cultural heritage among the youths. He called on the youths to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

2015: Benue NLC chair declares for Governor HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

s activities rev ahead of the 2015 general elections in Benue State, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Simon Anchaver, has declared his ambition to run for governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Making the declaration yesterday in a chat with Sunday Mirror, Anchaver also said he had offered himself to serve the people in that capacity so as to bring the much-needed change the electorate are yearning for. He was enthusiastic that if given the opportunity, his administration would bring about an all-encompassing govern-

ment devoid of opposition politics whereby every stakeholder would have an input in the running of government. He said this would be unlike the old order, “Where people are not allowed to express their feelings in matters that affect them.” “Gone are the days when our people were known for dedication and hard work in every re-

sponsibility entrusted in them but somehow, that has been relegated to the background, which by the grace of God we shall restore it back” Comrade Anchaver also stressed that his candidature was favoured by the state’s zoning formula more so as his people of Minda axis of zone ‘B’ are expected to produce the next governor.

INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

he Borno State Government has embarked on a massive irrigation scheme around the riverine communities across the state, to enable farmers and the jobless youths become self- reliant and economically stable. Governor Kashim Shettima stated this yesterday when he visited some communities in Konduga Local Government area, which is one of the areas that benefited from the ongoing irrigation project. He said that his administration, having identified that poverty is one of the factors that led to youth restiveness, would leave no stone unturned in order to economically transform their lives with the scarce resources at its disposal. While distributing vegetable seeds and assorted bags of fertilizer to over

100 irrigation farmers free of charge, Shettima urged them to be more committed to the scheme as his government was ready to assist farmers in whatever capacity in the state. He noted that agriculture is one of the critical sectors that provide jobs to over 70 percent of the state’s population; hence government would continue to deploy resources in it, so as to enhance economic development in the state. In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Usman Zanna, said the Konduga irrigation scheme which covers 25 hectares of land mass, was not the only scheme that had undergone the “Kashimic Agricultural Revolution” as similar resuscitation also took place in Damasak with the installation of three units of brand new irrigation pumps.

Kwankwaso goes tough with illicit drug dealers AUGUSTINE MADUWEST KANO

ix days after sacking patent medicine dealers from the popular Sabon Gari market in Kano, the State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday in Kano said he would not rescind the decision. Speaking during an enlarged meeting with the leadership of various markets spread across Kano yesterday, Kwankwaso said, “Trading in drugs is not like selling tomatoes in the market, which every Tom, Dick and Harry can be engaged in. According to him, dealing in drugs is a specialized business across the globe, pointing out that only those in the fields of Pharmacy and Medicine are qualified to sell and dispense drugs in duly registered patent medicine stores and pharmacies outside the Sabon Gari market. Before they are issued licences to operate, according to the governor, they must have mandatorily registered with the appropriate regu-

latory bodies, like National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). “Anybody who toys with medicine is toying with death,” he added, warning that his government would not fold its arms and allow quacks to be involved in the sale and dispensing of drugs. He used the occasion to disabuse the minds of the public that the decision to descend hard on illicit drug dealers was meant to witchhunt a particular group as being insinuated in some quarters, stressing that it was meant to protect lives. “Let no one misconstrue my decision; I am not banning the sale of drugs in Kano but insisting that only qualified personnel should be engaged in the sale and administration of drugs in the state.” To this extent, Kwankwaso advised all those eager to continue in the drug sale business in the state to go and acquire skills in medicine or pharmacy as it is not an all-comers’ job.

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School sports festival holds Jan 24 P. 54 –Mohammad

Sport

AFCON: Esin warns Eagles of P. 54 complacency KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS January 6, 2013

Dolphins to resume camping Jan 7 IFEANYI EDUZOR

Debut goal! Demba Ba (left) makes sure and grabs a debut goal for new club Chelsea.

English FA Cup: Demba Ba scores twice on Chelsea debut

emba Ba scored twice on his Chelsea debut yesterday as the FA Cup holders came from behind to beat Southampton 5-1 to ease into the fourth round at St Mary’s Stadium. Ba scored a goal in either half, the first a tap in from a yard and the second a classic strikers finish from a pass by Eden Hazard, in what was eventually a comfortable win for the Blues. Chelsea, four times winners in the past six seasons, are clearly in no mood to hand over the cup they won by beating Liverpool 2-1 in last May’s final. Rafael Benitez made five changes to the side that started the surprise 1-0 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday and the visitors were forced to weather one or two uncomfortable moments

before taking command at St Mary’s Stadium. But the London club, who entertain Swansea City in the League Cup semi-final first leg on 9 January, remain on course for a cup double after recovering from a poor start. All eyes were on Ba, the £7m signing from Newcastle United as the scorer of 29 goals in 54 Premier League appearances for the Magpies quickly endeared himself to Chelsea’s 4,592 travelling supporters with a committed performance. This was only the Senegal international’s second appearance in the competition - his previous FA Cup outing coming in a West Ham United shirt in February 2011. He failed to find the net as the Hammers overcame Burnley 5-1 in the fifth round two

Boateng considers Italy exit P. 55

years ago, but Ba had no such problems against Southampton, who are now left to focus on avoiding relegation from the Premier League. The Saints, who had failed to progress past the third round only once in the previous 10 attempts, had taken a 22nd-minute lead when former Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez finished with the outside of his right foot following a fine pass by Jason Puncheon. But any hopes of a shock vanished when Chelsea scored twice in 10 minutes before halftime to turn the tie upside down. Ba, who teased and tormented the visitors’ defence throughout, equalised when he got the last touch on the line to Juan Mata’s goalbound attempt. Suddenly the European champions were revitalized as Victor

Moses made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time with a left-foot halfvolley from a cross by Ashley Cole, chasing the eighth FA Cup winners medal of his career. The second half was oneway traffic, Branislav Ivanovic making it 3-1 in the 52nd minute with a powerful header from Mata’s left-wing cross before Ba wrapped up a highly satisfactory debut with Chelsea’s fourth goal after flicking home Eden Hazard’s ball. It was left to substitute Frank Lampard to wrap up an impressive Chelsea win when he scored from the penalty spot after Steven Davis was adjudged to have handled. Lampard’s 83rd-minute penalty means he is now Chelsea’s joint second-highest goal-scorer alongside Kerry Dixon, with 193 goals for the Blues.

Mascherano delighted with Vilanova’s recovery P. 55

anagement of Nigeria Premier League (NPL) side, Dolphin Football Club of Port Harcourt has announced that the players will now report to camp on January 7, to enable them prepare adequately for the coming season which from all indications will start in February. According to the media officer of the club, China Acheru, the club decided to shift the earlier date of reporting to camp from December 27, 2012, as a result of the uncertainties surrounding the kick off date of the league, even as he assured that the management has put all logistics on ground to ensure a successful campaign in the new league season. “When we sent our players off for Christmas break, we gave them a three-day holiday because at that time we thought the League will start on January 5. “From all indications the season will not start until February and the management of the team agreed that a few days won’t kill the players considering we have a very long season ahead,” Acheru said.

NSF urges LGs to promote swimming at grassroots T

he Nigeria Swimming Federation (NSF) has appealed to Local Government Councils to help promote swimming at the grassroots. NSF Technical Director Olugbenga Lawal, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, said the sport was suffering from neglect. He said that talents abound at the grassroots but could not be tapped due to the lack of swimming pools. According to him, swimming pools are the greatest and most important asset of the sport and if each council area could build a 25-metre pool, it will help swimmers to develop. “Swimming is not developing because our local government council authorities are not doing what is needed to be done to promote the sport. “A 25-metre pool in every local government area will be okay to groom swimmers who can be future champions and win laurels for the country,” Lawal said.

Ba can help Torres, says Benitez P. 55

Sport

AFCON: Esin warns Eagles of complacency SAYO OGUNDEJI

x-Nigerian international, Etim Esin, has advised the Super Eagles not be complacent if they are to go far at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for South Africa. The Eagles had on Wednesday, held the Catalonia national team to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly aimed at preparing the team ahead of the continental championship and Esin who was impressed with the team’s display called on the team to maintain the standard, adding that the Stephen Keshiled team could be the surprise package of the tournament.

According to the former Iwuayanwu Nationale’s talented midfielder, the right mixture of both foreign and local players should give Nigeria a good representation at the tournament. “The team’s build up is in the right direction, but they must be disciplined because they cannot afford any form of complacency if they want to emerge champions. “Many people didn’t give Zambia any chance during the last edition, but they surprised everybody to win the tournament and I believe the Eagles can also emulate them going by the caliber of players in the team and the wealth of experience of the technical crew,” Esin said.

Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor with

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NBB of C boss assures on Nigerian boxers P Mohammad

School sports festival holds Jan 24 –Mohammad ANDREW EKEJIUBA

Super Eagles celebrating after crushing Lone Stars of Liberia to qualify for the Nations Cup.

Supporters club plans new song for Eagles IFEANYI EDUZOR

he President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Dr. Rafiu Ladipo says that the club has perfected plans to release new songs that will propel the Super Eagles to perform well at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in South Africa. According to him, the lyrics of the songs is made up of patriotic wordings that can change the fortune of the team even as he disclosed that members of the club will storm South Africa in their hundreds to give adequate support to the

Super Eagles. “The Supporters Club as part of its patriotism has composed new songs that will propel the Super Eagles fly above other teams at the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa. “As is with our tradition, the lyrics of the songs are so organized that when any player listens to it, such a player will be ready to spill his blood on the field of play to ensure they get the desired victory,” Ladipo said. Meanwhile, Ladipo has advised the Super Eagles to be weary of Burkina Faso and Ethiopia in the group stage of the competition.

APFAN president says future of football academies bleak T oyin Popoola, General Secretary, Association of Proprietors of Football Academies of Nigeria (APFAN), Lagos chapter, said yesterday that the future of football academies in the country was bleak. Popoola told the News Agen-

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Sunday January 6, 2012

cy of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that most academies were relatively poor and lacked adequate training facilities. “The future of football academies is not too bright. It is bleak and the needed environment to groom the players is lacking,” he said.

he President of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Mallam Ibrahim Mohammad, has revealed that the long awaited Nigeria School Sports Festival will hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from January 24 to February 3. Speaking exclusively to Sunday Mirror, Mohammad said the event which is aimed at discovering talented athletes from schools promises to be action-packed following government’s decision to support grassroots sports development. “We are ready to organize a hitch-free event because this is a competition among schools in the country that is aimed at discovering our future stars and Olympians from the grassroots. “We are also aware that the present Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has reiterated the need to support a competition of this magnitude because of its enormous gains. The school sports festival is one avenue by which we can get future athletes who will replace our ageing stars in sports. “Having said that, the situation on ground regarding the competition in Port Harcourt is that we are talking with the Commissioner of Sports in Rivers State, Hon. Fred Igwe, and he has given us his words that they are ready, but there is need for all the requests made by NSSF ahead of the competition to be met and funds released on time to enable NSSF prepare. Remember we depend on states for sponsorship in issues of this nature because NSSF has no budget from any quarters. We do not receive any allocation from government or any sports ministry, so host states are responsible for our activities,” he said. The NSSF President spoke further on the number of event lined up for the festival. “We have 22 events, but out of that number, 19 events are going to be medal scoring, while the rest are non-scoring events like golf. “Also, the events are going to be categorized into three; the first being U-13 for pupils in primary schools, then this will be followed by U-15 for students in Junior Secondary Schools and U-18 for students in Senior Secondary Schools. And there will be cultural displays by schools which will be a scoring event at the festival,” the NSSF president added. Meanwhile, between 8,000 and 10,000 students are expected to take part in the event while members of Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) are expected to be present as observers. Also expected at the event are members of the sports committees of the National Assembly and coaches of our various national teams who are expected to be present to pick talented athletes for grooming.

resident of Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, Dr. Godwin Kanu has expressed optimism that this year will usher in a new era in Nigerian boxing. He told our correspondent that boxers like Isaac Ekpo, Lateef Kayode and Larry Ekundayo are some of the boxers expected to do the country proud in various weight categories, even as he assured that the board will intensify efforts to ensure that more Nigerian boxers are ranked by relevant boxing bodies this year. “I am optimistic that Nigerian boxers will excel in year 2013, because we have capable boxers who

are ready to do the country proud in their various weight categories. “You are quite aware that some of the boxers like Isaac Ekpo, Lateef Kayode and Larry Ekundayo gave a good account of themselves last year and I expect them to consolidate on that achievement and perform better this year. “Some of these boxers were unable to become world champions last year because they could not have a shot at the world title, while Segun Ajose only missed the opportunity of becoming world champion due to ill luck, but I’m optimistic that this year will be different, “ he concluded.

Okorodudu charges NBF to be more focused E x- Olympian, Jeremiah Okorodudu has advised Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) to be more focused in 2013 in order to avoid the poor result posted by Nigerian pugilists last year. According to him, there is the need for sports administrators in the country to take the issue of regional championships serious as that is the only way to discover talents that will take over from the ageing athletes. “My advice to the Nigeria Boxing Federation is that they should avoid the mistakes of last year and put in place adequate logistics for regional tournaments where budding athletes could be discovered.

Okorodudu

“The advantage of these regional tourneys is that boxers discovered there would be invited to participate in a national championship where the best pugilists could be selected and prepared for major championships.

Pacquiao rules out retirement

ormer eight division world boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao, has reacted to an advice by a Filipino Doctor that he should save himself from contacting Parkinson disease by quitting boxing with a declaration that he is feeling fine and not considering quitting boxing. Pacquiao last December received his first knockout in his career when Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez stunned him in the 6th round of their 12-round

encounter thereby raising questions about his ability to continue fighting, with many boxing pugilists advising him to retire. Filipino doctor Rustico Jimenez also said he had spotted “Tremors” in Pacquiao’s hands while observing him on television and feels that the twitching is signs of early Parkinson’s disease. However, Pacquiao has dismissed all these; saying he is not ready to hang his gloves yet.

Manny Pacquiao (right) lays face down on the canvas following his sixthround knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez last month.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday January 6, 2012

Boateng considers Italy exit A C Milan midfielder KevinPrince Boateng has admitted that he may leave Italy after he was racially abused by supporters on Thursday. The 25-year-old walked off the pitch after being subjected to racist chants during a midseason friendly against fourthtier Pro Patria. His team-mates followed him off the field and he has since re-

ceived the backing of his club, including Coach Massimiliano Allegri and President Silvio Berlusconi, as well as a number of prominent figures in the football world. But he has now admitted that he is unsure about his future in Serie A. “It’s not something which you can just shake off. “I will sleep on it for the next

Mascherano delighted with Vilanova’s recovery B

arcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano says he and his team-mates had never imagined that coach Tito Vilanova would be back with them so soon. The coach underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in December, leaving team affairs in the hands of assistant Jordi Roura, but has been taking training recently. “After everything that we have experienced, the week before the game against Valladolid we did not think that Tito could be back with us so soon. “Sharing the only open training session of the year is a special day for the club and for us, and that so many people attended is great. We are not used to it and it makes it a special day,”

Ba can help Torres, says Benitez C

helsea interim manager Rafa Benitez is confident the signing of Demba Ba will ease the striking burden on Fernando Torres. Senegal international Ba completed his £7million switch to Stamford Bridge from Premier League rivals Newcastle on Friday.

Vilanova

three nights and then sit down with my agent Roger Wittmann next week. We will have to see if it’s really worth carrying on playing in Italy,” he said. The private and public backing of Berlusconi, who stated that Rossoneri players should always walk off the pitch in the face of abuse, as well as coach Allegri, may not be enough to keep Boateng in the country.

EURO BRIEFS

Valdano questions Mourinho’s achievements

Boateng

Mancini fires Mario warning

anchester City boss Roberto Mancini has warned Mario Balotelli not to waste his natural talent following his latest indiscretion. Mancini was involved in a training ground bust-up with the controversial forward on Thursday, the pair having to be separated after the City boss reacted angrily to a poor Balotelli challenge on Scott Sinclair. It is the latest in a long line of disciplinary issues surrounding the 22-year-old - both on and off the pitch - since his arrival from Inter Milan in 2010. His manager has continually backed him throughout, though this latest incident appeared to put his City future in severe doubt. Mancini was quick to play down the clash at a press confer-

Mascherano said at an open training event for club members. Barcelona currently sit top of the La Liga table after amassing 49 points in their 17 fixtures so for places, particularly after voicfar this season. ing his opinion that new faces were needed in conversation with his compatriot. “Fernando is happy to see good players signing because it means we can win more games. “I was talking with him in the last couple of weeks and he said we needed more bodies. We know he is playing too many games but we couldn’t rotate him like we could with other areas of the squad because we did not have Benitez many options in attack. “So Demba is a good option Torres has already clocked up 32 appearances for the Blues for us because I can manage both this term due the shortage of strikers and hopefully it will options up front for the Premier good for both of them. “It is one thing if Torres needs League side, a situation which was exacerbated by the sale of it, but it’s good for the team to have players competing for their Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool. Benitez is confident the places because you can keep evSpain international will wel- eryone on their toes,” Benitez come the increased competition said.

ence on Friday, insisting it was “nothing” and there would be no further action taken. However, he did fire a warning to the Italy international, saying that if he does not change his ways he could fail to realise his enormous potential. “I think he should understand the career of players is very short. “He is 22 - three, four or five years can pass in one second. “I hope that the days arrive that he can understand that he can’t leave his quality like this. I hope for him - also if he did a lot of mistakes - he can change,” said Mancini. He also played down the potential damage to City’s reputation following this latest bust-up and is confident his stance over Balotelli is supported by the club’s owners.

out, the pressure has increased on the Frenchman as he looks to bring silverware back to the Emirates. Wenger himself has admitted his frustration with the club’s trophy drought. “It bothers me (not to win trophies), of course it bothers me because I’m not here to watch other people win trophies. “I think it is an important moment of the season for us, to strengthen the confidence of the team. “We feel we are on a good run

but how far can we go? To win in the FA Cup will strengthen us. “For us it’s important to show continuity and consistency and the FA Cup is part of that. To get people to believe more in the team it’s important that we win on Sunday,” Wenger said. Despite Wenger’s ambition to go all the way in the cup, he understands that the Gunners will face tough opposition today in the light of that dispiriting loss to Michael Laudrup’s side on December 1.

ormer Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano has labelled Jose Mourinho’s record at the club as “average”. Real are reigning La Liga champions and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second successive season last term, but lie 16 points behind Barcelona in this season’s title race.

Aguero unfazed despite marital heartache

anchester City striker Sergio Aguero says he remains happy at the club but admits the recent breakdown of his marriage has tested his focus. The 24-yearold recently split with his wife of four years, Giannina Maradona, youngest daughter of Argentine legend Diego and mother of the couple’s son, Benjamin.

Aguero

Ferguson not worried over Ferdinand deal

Kalou flattered by Prem talk M L ille striker Salomon Kalou says Liverpool and West Ham have both been linked with a January move for his signature. The Ivory Coast forward only moved to France last summer on a free transfer following his release by European champions Chelsea, penning a four-year deal. However, the 27-year-old has struggled to find his best form for the Ligue 1 club, scoring just three times in 18 appearances. Lille are reportedly ready to sell the former Feyernoord youngster in the January transfer window, with an asking price in the region of £2.8 million mooted.

Wenger determined to break trophy drought

rsene Wenger has called for his side to respond appropriately when they face Swansea in the FA Cup third round today. The Gunners are looking to make amends for their 2-0 home defeat suffered at the hands of the Welsh club earlier in the season - and bolster their chances of winning their first trophy in eight years. After the club missed out on qualifying for the semi-final of the League Cup, losing to Bradford City in a dramatic penalty shoot-

Wenger

anchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he isn’t concerned about Rio Ferdinand’s contract situation. The 34-year-old’s current deal at Old Trafford runs out at the end of this season, with the former England international free to negotiate terms with other clubs.

Ferdinand

Redknapp enters race to sign Lescott QPR have joined the race to sign Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott as Harry Redknapp bids to beat the drop. The west London side are looking to strengthen their defence and Redknapp is keen on England defender Lescott and QPR are understood to be prepared to meet his £90,000-a-week wages.

Lescott

N I G E R I A

N1.3 Vol. 3 No. 4

Sunday, January 6, 2013

www.nationalmirroronline.net

N150

I N

trillion; amount the Federal Government lost to underpayments, under-assessment, according to NEITI chairman, Ledum Mitee.

F I G U R E S

N190

billion; the total revenue recorded by Delta State between January and September 2012.

Cement glut or Dangote-Ibeto war?

Back Page

Comment

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

with Jim Unah

perators of the Dangote Cement Plc declared at the end of December 2012 that the shutdown of its plant in Gboko was not in consequence of some turnaround maintenance, as is being speculated, but because of the burdensome overhead cost of running it vis-a-vis the prevailing fall in the demand for cement in the country. Joseph Makoju, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement who doubles as the President of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) confirmed that owing to the temporary shutdown of the plant; as it was recording unsold stock of about 38,000 tonnes of cement at the Gboko factory, it had been forced to retrench well over 2,500 of its workers. The cause of the glut, Makoju alleged, is due to government’s insensitivity and inability to provide “good investment climate for local investors to grow their businesses”. Likewise, the management of Lafarge WAPCO Cement Nigeria Plc, at its Ewekoro plant in Ogun State, has complained bitterly of the set back in their operations as a result of the glut in the cement market; with the issue of poor sales, unsold stock and excess cement in the country dominat-

ing board meeting discussions and affecting employer-employees relations in the industry. According to the Lafarge WAPCO management, there are about 220,000 metric tonnes of a quasi cement product called clinkers, lying exposed to the elements in Ewekoro, and about 60,000 tonnes of cement lying unsold in the company’s silos; implying that the glut in the cement market is having a devastating blow to their productivity. The point in issue here is that since the company’s storage facilities have been stretched beyond capacity, management may be compelled to shut down some of its plants; meaning that another huge job loss is imminent in the cement industry. Thus, for Lafarge and for Dangote, the culprit in all of this is the imported cement, largely from Asian countries, which is selling lower than the locally manufactured ones. Paradoxically, the same companies now complaining of low demand and unsold stock arising from strangulating competition from cement importing firms in the country, were for a long time importing bulk cement which they re-bagged in their plants both in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin; pretending to be cement manufacturers, thus sabotaging the local content requirement in their operating regulation. These cement majors, for a long time, secured import waivers from the then Obasanjo government, manipulated the powers-that-be to drive away competition, by denying the same import waivers to the non- favored cement companies and flushed them out of business; thus creating both mo-

nopolistic and oligopolistic situations that resulted in the hike of the price of cement, now the albatross of the construction industry. That situation resulted in the hike of the exfactory price of a 50 kilogram bag of cement from about N550 to N1, 450 in 2009 till date. In those days of the strangulation of users of cement by the cement majors who turned the special waivers granted them to price manipulative power, the Ibeto Cement was shut down by the unfavorable circumstances into which government favoritism forced it to operate. After several years of being chased out of business, a Daniel came to judgement in the person of President Sehu Musa Yar Adua, who restored the license of Ibeto Cement and a court judgement that authorized it to import bulk cement for a given number of years, apparently to regain what it lost in the years of persecution from government and business rivals. This point of view is so easy to glean if one considers that as Dangote Cement and Lafarge WAPCO are complaining about the glut in the cement market, the management of the Ibeto Cement are hotly contesting that claim. In a swift reaction to the claim of the cement giants that glut has occurred in the cement sector because of imported cement from Asia, the management of the Ibeto Cement contend that there was no way that the volume of cement imported by their company could ever result in a glut in cement market. In their view, which sounds quite plausible, were the giants right in their claim, the first indication would be a drastic reduction

AFCON: Injury rules Kalu out

English FA Cup: Demba Ba P. 53 scores twice on Chelsea debut

...as Ayew’s hamstring gives Ghana concern

izespor forward, Uche Kalu has been ruled out of the Nigerian squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa this month. Kalu has struggled to recuperate from a groin injury and has opted to leave Nigeria’s pre-AFCON camp in Faro, Portugal. The former Enyimba forward could not train with the rest of the squad this week owing to the injury and had been placed under close supervision by the Nigerian team doctor. He also missed out of Wednesday’s friendly against Catalonia. On Friday, Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi had requested from the medical team to know the health status of the player before next week’s deadline to submit his

final squad of 23 players to CAF for the AFCON in South Africa. The player’s lawyer, Chike Onyeacho, has shed more light on Kalu’s decision to be ruled out from the Super Eagles’ trip to South Africa. “Unfortunately Uche (Kalu) will take no further part in the Nations Cup preparations and competition proper because of a groin. He has opted to return to the country so that he doesn’t aggravate the injury any further. “The injury was the reason he missed the last two games of his club (Rizespor) in Turkey. Uche would have hidden the injury and probably make the Nations Cup squad but he is aware of the implications as he is still young and knows that the 2014 World Cup

in the price of the product. But surprisingly, the price of cement has remained higher in Nigeria than any other country on earth. How is it possible for a glut to be with a stable price regime? Although the reply could be that the high overhead cost of cement production -- cost of gas and the Low Pour Fuel Oil -LPFO- which is a major source of power for the cement plants, have largely been responsible for the stable price of cement in the face of glut, the best indicator of a glut is drastic fall in price. The hunger and greed for monopolistic power by opulent businessmen know no bounds. Whatever the cement majors do to force the hands of government, it should never translate to the strangulation of any existing cement company in the country. Government should continue to allow competition in the cement industry to flourish. While it is proper for local industries to be protected, government should not fall into the trap of the cement giants to return to the era of absolute oligopoly, which gives favored firms the power to manipulate others out of competition, and enslave consumers. The way that government could help to resolve the alleged glut in the cement industry to save jobs which the majors are using to arm twist government to enable them achieve their oligopolistic ambition is not to stifle restituted companies out of existence, but to bring down the cost of operation of firms drastically; to encourage even the importers of bulk cement to opt for local production.

ENGLISH FA CUP RESULTS Brighton 2-0 Newcastle United Aston Villa 2-1 Ipswich Man City 3-0 Watford Peterborough 0-3 Norwich Kalu

qualifiers and other matches are still there to play for Nigeria,” said Kalu’s lawyer. Meanwhile, Ghana midfield star Andre Ayew could miss the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa after injuring a hamstring while training with French club Marseille.

QPR 1-1 West Brom Southampton 1-5 Chelsea Tottenham 3-0 Coventry Wigan 1-1 Bournemouth ENGLISH FA CUP FIXTURES Today’s Matches Swansea v Arsenal 13:30

Mansfield v Liverpool 16:00

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