Sunday, March 31, 2013

Big Read News

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Insurgency: Who is winning the battle?

SM Extra

Parents battle hospital over toddler’s eye loss

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Doctors caused the problem –Mother We are not aware –Hospital management www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 3 No. 16

Sunday, March 31, 2013

N150

Patience Jonathan sick again, in Europe for treatment P. 7

Shuttles between Spain, Germany

Considers treatment in US hospital

Police/NSCDC clash

FG to conduct forensic ballistics on ammunition

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4 die, 20 injured in Ogun auto crash

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We are not done with Maina yet – Senate

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President Goodluck Jonathan (left) condoling with Mama HID Awolowo over the death of her son, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, in Ikenne, Ogun State, yesterday

Jonathan in Ikenne, promises support for Awolowo’s family News

Easter: Fear grips Kano residents as JTF, police beef up security

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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What’s new Politics

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Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK MARCH 31, 2013

Pipeline vandalism in Lagos: Police kill civil defence officers, free oil thieves

2010 Independence Day bombing: Henry Okah jailed 24 years

Passion

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Tope Oshin-Ogun: I’ve worn low cut for 11 years; it’s my signature look Talented and stylish Tope Oshin-Ogun is a multiple award-winning filmmaker. She is a director, producer, casting director as well as the owner of Sunbow Productions Limited. In this interview, the mother of four boys reveals that the art of filmmaking is not an easy one as people presume.

She also speaks about work, marriage and other issues.

A South African court has sentenced Henry Okah, former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, to 24 years in jail for masterminding deadly car bombings in Abuja and Warri in 2010.

On January 21, Okah was found guilty on 13-count charges of terrorism, including delivering, placing, and detonating an explosive device. Prosecutors had called for life sentence.

The conviction was related

to two car bombings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in which 12 people were killed and 36 injured on October 1, 2010 and an earlier attack in May in which one person was killed and others injured, when a car bomb went off near a political gathering in Warri, Delta State.

Okah was arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, a day after the October 1 attacks following a complaint by the Federal Government.

R wantt N Reps National ti l Lib Library named after Achebe The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a motion urging the Federal Government to name the National Library building in Abuja after the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Hon. Charles Odedo (APGA, Anambra), called on the House to recognise “the fact that Prof. Chinua Achebe through his literary works had relentlessly fought against corruption, oppression, injustice and bad governance”.

He said: “Achebe brought honour to Nigeria with his

literary works that included his novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’.

The novel which was written in 1958, over 50 years ago, has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide”.

The mover of the motion urged the House to observe a minute silence in Achebe’s honour; send a letter of condolence to his family; be represented during his burial ceremony and to urge the Federal Government to name the National Library headquarters under construction in Abuja after him.

Chief Abiodun Olujimi FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE

MON

Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Edward Dickson, Oluwole died at 5.40 p.m. at the Wellington Hospital, St Johnswood, London.

The deceased had been ill for some time. Between 2011 and 2012 he was on admission for about a year at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State.

I wake up to cook, eat, do what I have to, go out to town and come back home to sleep.

TUE

Scion of the Obafemi Awolowo family and Publisher/Vice Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, died on Wednesday. He was aged 70.

According to a statement issued by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of

On Tuesday, I do my hair because there will be low traffic. I also go to the salon because there won’t be anybody there.

The people would have gone to work. I go there to do my hair, my nails and see a few people and come back.

WED

Mr Fred Agbaje is a Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist. He speaks about the controversy surrounding the pardon granted to some Nigerians and the demand for immunity by members of the House of Representatives, among others.

Tribune publisher, Oluwole Awolowo 70, dies in London

I do what I should. I mean anything that comes up.

THU

With Alamieyeseigha, FG should also grant pardon to Bode George, Ibori, Igbinedion –Agbaje

grants, living in the country without required documents.

The 57 Nigeriens were deported to their home country by the NIS. Parading the suspects shortly before they were deported, the Comptroller of Immigration, Lagos State Command, Mr. Rasheed Odupeyin, said no weapon was found on any of the suspects but they had to be repatriated for living in Nigeria illegally.

On Thursday, because it is close to the weekend, I make sure I cram all other things together. I mean things that I have failed to achieve because the day ends early in the morning on Friday and you can’t find anybody in the afternoon of Friday. I make sure I get up, go to mass, come back from mass and it is quick if I want to go to the bank or if I need to see anybody in any ministry. If I need to go and do some work on the computer, I go and do them. Once in a while we have meetings at the commission (National Communication Commission). I attend such meetings.

FRI

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In what appears to be a followup to the arrest of some suspected Boko Haram sect members in Lagos last Thursday, the State Police Command and the State Task Force on Environmental Offences have arrested a total of 92 suspects from various parts of the state.

Among them were 57 Nigeriens and 18 Malians, who according to the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, are illegal immi-

If you see me dressed you will know it is an easy day. This is because you cannot do much after 12.00 p.m. on Friday. It is easy for me to see my friends and talk to them. I go shopping. That is it for Friday.

SAT

Interview

It was revealed that the two officers killed were an Assistant Inspector of Corps, AIC, Gabriel Adaji and Inspector of Corps, Innocent Aigbe.

Also, a police staff identity card with the number 120622 belonging to one Inspector Sunday Gabriel attached to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, a pistol as well as a communications radio were allegedly recovered at the scene.

I think everybody at the market knows me when I get there.

They would say, ‘Mummy come and buy from me’. This is because I wake up and go straight to the market. I do not like people shopping for me because I always want to eat the best of whatever, so I shop myself. I go to the market and buy everything that I think I need to keep me for the whole week. I leave the market for shopping centres and find all those small things that you can’t find in the big, open market.

I go home to call all my friends on the phone. Anyone that is available will come. We spend the evening together and eat, gist, recap for the week and there it goes.

SUN

PDP: A party’s unending search for reconciliation

Confusion reigned in Lagos as some rogue policemen killed two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Ikorodu area of the state in a bid to free some pipeline vandals the corps had apprehended.

The killings led to revenge attacks on policemen by civil defenders near the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa amid sporadic shooting which created panic in the area.

Police arrest 92 suspects over Boko Haram threat in Lagos

I am a Catholic. I attend early morning mass on Sundays. I normally wake up at 5.20 and I don’t even take a shower. I just dress up and go to church. I come back at about 7.30 a.m. I cook a delicious meal, eat and go to bed. I will be on bed till about 2.00 p.m.-3.00 p.m. Of course, my children will keep on coming to the room asking me whether I am fine but I would sleep till 4.00 p.m. when I will I go out. Most times I just drive around maybe to the shops to replenish for the week. *By Adaeze Amos (0802 301 2293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION March 31, 2013

Insurgency: Who is winning the battle?

The blast on UN building (Inset: Madalla Church, Niger State)

The Boko Haram “war” has, in recent times, assumed a dangerous dimension. This is in spite of the country’s security agencies’ claim that they have been able to tackle the sect in their deadly trade. So, what is the verdict on the raging “war” of terror in the country? Who is winning this duel – the security agencies or the sect? This is what this report by Head, Special Investigations, Isioma Madike, focuses on

“I

have lost my nose. There is a deep gorge in my stomach; I am placed on drip. I am feeling the pain. I may die any moment from now. Only God will avenge what these people have done (to) me. I will never forgive them.”

This was how one of the victims of last massacre in the ancient city of Kano summed up what happened to him on that black day. The bloodbath on March 18, in Sabongari area of Kano State, an area reserved for non indigenes, remains, according to some commentators, the height of provocation since the Boko Haram insurgence started nearly four years ago. Reports have put the casualty figure, mainly from the South, to an estimated 5000 Nigerians. Non Nigerians have also become victims since the onslaught of the Muslim sect began in different parts of the North.

The attacks had, over time, been targeted on groups and strategic locations like the United Nations, Police, Army, Churches, Primary Schools, Markets, Mosques, Clubs, Car parks, Homes and Garages. The Islamist militant

group is known as Jama’atu Ahlus Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad, or Boko Haram. They have been creating havoc across the North of the country and in the capital, Abuja.

Its violent attacks on the UN building and churches among other places had threatened to destabilise Nigeria. Before the recent Kano attack, the group had hit the office of the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 1, David Omojola, and followed with multiple explosions and gun battles with armed security personnel in the Marhaba area of the ancient city.

Baba Halilu Dantiye, a spokesman for the Kano State government, also confirmed that the sect had earlier bombed a regional police office, the immigration and a building used by Hisbah, the state security police. Before then, the group had claimed responsibility for the Christmas Day bombing of a church in Madalla in Niger State near Abuja that killed 58 people and the August 26, 2012 suicide-bombing of the UN building in the Federal Capital Territory that killed 24 people. The Sultan of Sokoto

SECURITY AGENCIES HAVE ARRESTED MORE SECT MEMBERS –JONATHAN

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described these actions as that of the forces of evil, and urged Nigerians not to see the sect’s activities as a religious war between Muslims and Christians. The group had also explained that the latest attack in Kano was to avenge the persecution of its members in that state. Yet, to Antony Goldman, head of PM Consulting, which specialises in risk analysis in West Africa, “it’s another declaration of intent and indication of a problem that’s getting bigger, not smaller.” The attacks, he added, represent a “significant challenge for the government of Nigeria,” Since August 2011, Boko Haram had planted bombs almost weekly in public places or in churches in Nigeria’s Northeast. The group has also broadened its targets to include setting fire to schools. In March 2012, for instance, about 12 public schools in Maiduguri were burnt down in the wee hours of the night, and as many as 10,000 pupils were forced out of school owing to their activities. Yet, many say that Boko Haram dislikes the politics in northern Nigeria, which they believed had been seized by a group of corrupt, false Muslims. And so, it wants to wage a war against such people, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria generally, to create a “pure” Islamic state ruled by Sharia law.

Incidentally, such justifications have failed to persuade many, as well as international organisation into seeing reasons for callous acts. For instance, the UN SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon, was once appalled at the frequency and intensity of the sect’s attacks on innocent citizens.

The African Union (AU) had also condemned what it CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

DAN-MUSA: GOVT LOST THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN TERROR WAR

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The Big Read

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Security agencies have arrested more sect members –Jonathan

Ihejirika

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 called “senseless” attacks on people of varied nationalities by the group. While the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, reacted to the spate of killings by saying that the Islamic militants posed a worse threat to the country than the 1967-1970 Nigerian civil war. “We will not fold our hands and watch enemies of democracy perpetrate unprecedented evil in our land; and I want to re-assure Nigerians and the international community that all those involved in these dastardly acts would be made to face the wrath of the law,” Jonathan had said.

He had, on several occasions too, reiterated his administration’s total condemnation of the attacks on innocent people and reassured all Nigerians and friends of the country that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to end the spate of mindless attacks and killings in parts of the country. According to him, “it is worthy of note that in recent weeks, national security agencies have identified and arrested more of these agents of darkness than at any other time. Their hideouts and modus operandi are also being consistently exposed.” While calling on the populace to remain patient and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, President Jonathan assured that government would continue to build on the recent successes by security agencies until terrorism is totally defeated in the country with the support, cooperation and solidarity of all patriotic citizens.

The President’s worry is understandable. Despite his spirited efforts to wipe out the Boko Haram and its activities, it is almost impossible for a day to go by without reports of the sect’s deadly attack on innocent citizens. The security agencies and Boko Haram had also for some time now engaged in what appears to be a superiority contest.

Initially, the sect appeared to have the edge, but just as public confidence in the security agencies had begun to wane, the tide changed. At a point, it seemed that the group was the one engaged in a battle for

survival. For instance, when a Boko Haram suicide bomber hit the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Division 1, in Kaduna, it did not have the devastating effect of previous strikes. Accounts of the incident showed that it was a failed mission. Two explosives-laden vehicles meant to take out the army division, a Toyota Sienna and a Honda Accord, were stopped before reaching their destination by vigilant soldiers.

The driver of the Toyota, who was dressed in military uniform, was shot in the head after ignoring orders to stop. His vehicle exploded near the division’s car park, shattering only car windows and the glass wall in the frontage of the division’s headquarters.

According to Raphael Isa, a Major General and director, army public relations, the bomber was the only casualty of the attack. Isa explained that the military was closing in on the notorious sect through the arrest of its key leaders, who are currently aiding security agencies with intelligence.

He also said that the military was processing more information that may lead to the arrest of other members of the sect. News that a faction of the sect had volunteered to dialogue with the Federal Government equally enhanced speculations that the unsuccessful attacks by the sect members, recently, are a pointer to the effect of the heat from the security organisations on their hideouts and armoury.

There had also been information that scores of members of the sect had been arrested in Kano and Maiduguri, which now appeared to be their bases. It was gathered that armed soldiers, working with information provided by members of the public and some of those arrested, had, successfully stormed different neighbourhoods in Kano and Maiduguri, to pick up suspects.

But, issues of possible human rights abuses are being raised over the arrests. This is because the suspects are neither paraded before journalists nor charged to any court, thus prompting suspicion that the military may be engaged in extra-judicial killings.

The government has, overtime however,

Dasuki

Yusuf

Abu Qaeda

Musa

denied this, explaining that suspects usually would appear in court when investigations into their cases are concluded.

Eleven suspected members of the sect in Maiduguri were reportedly killed on January 29. A lieutenant colonel and then spokesman of Joint Task Force (JTF), Mohammed Hassan, had said that the suspects were killed during a gun battle with soldiers. Another account by the families of those killed refuted that, saying instead that soldiers walked into their houses and took their wards away, only for them to learn that they were killed days later. A similar allegation was made against the military in Kano after the 2012 attack on the city. Soldiers were said to have killed a man and his pregnant wife in Hotoro, two days after the group attacked Kano. While the soldiers branded the victims as members of Boko Haram, who tried to resist arrest and engaged them in gun duel, their families cried foul, claiming they died in extra-judicial circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Emirs are said to be under pressure of late. This followed threats by the sect to attack Sokoto, the domain of the Sultan. The group had viewed some northern Emirs, including the Sultan, as supporters of the Nigerian state and, therefore, enemies of the sect. Abbas Anas, the younger brother of Abubakar Ibn ElKanemi, the Shehu of Borno, was killed by suspected Boko Haram members in his house in Maiduguri. But, the sect had been cautious in attacking other Emir’s palaces. Though, there was a puzzle when the group attacked the convoy of the Emir of Kano and threatened to do the same to that of the Sultan, who they perceive to be working against them. The threats are now taken seriously by some individuals who believe that it may just be a matter of time for such to happen if nothing concrete is done by the country’s security operatives to checkmate such.

Perhaps, the recent attacks in Kano may have as well changed the thinking of those who thought the group was in a kind of tac-

tical retreat from what they perceived as the superior fire power of the JTF. This situation has now fuelled tension with many asking the question: who is winning the war on terror in the country?

In spite of President Jonathan’s assurance way back in March 2012, that his government is winning the war against terrorists and would continue to progressively destroy their ability to unleash murderous attacks on peaceful, law-abiding citizens, not many are taken by that statement. He had urged Nigerians not to despair or be discouraged by the persistence of attacks by the Islamic sect. Curiously too, the JTF is saying that there cannot be clean victory in the war against terrorism. Although, it pointed out that the government can mitigate it if there is consistency in counterterrorism policy with long term strategy that is dynamic in approach to tackle the incidence in the country. It had earlier claimed to have captured the operational base of the sect in the Kano metropolis and killed one of the influential members of the sect suspected to be its spokesperson with the name, Abu Qaeda. “Of course, these are remarkable achievements and deserve commendation,” the JTF said. But, the said killing of Qaeda has remained doubtful ever since.

Many thought, now erroneously, that the attack against the sect’s operational bases would go a long way in reducing the terrorists’ activities in the northern part of Nigeria. There is, no doubt, the fact that the JTF assault on the sect’s active bases had weakened their organisational capacity to some extent, but that had failed to prevent them from launching further attacks on Nigerians and foreigners alike.

“The JTF should continue and ensure they locate and destroy all Boko Haram’s operational and command centers in Nigeria. The government should also locate their sponsors and active sympathizers for arrest and prosecution under the new antiterrorism law. And the Nigerian Judiciary must rise up to the occasion by compliCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Big Read

Sunday, March 31, 2013

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‘Allegations of extra-judicial killings rife’ menting the effort of the security agencies.

It is disheartening to see how those who have been arrested and charged to court with credible evidences have been released from time to time without punishments commensurate to their deed,” said Chief Okey Ralphs Nwosu, chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In line with Nwosu’s advice, security operatives in Lagos State have swung into action with more seriousness, a few days ago.

On Tuesday, they handed over no fewer than 93 suspected terrorist to the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) for prosecution. The suspects were said to be mainly Chadians, Malians and Nigerians. NIS spokesperson in Lagos Command, Muyiwa Odunubi, confirmed the incident. There were fears last week that the sect might have infiltrated Lagos State following the raid of a building in Ijora Badia area of the state, suspected to have harboured the suspected terrorist. Arrested in the Lagos building was a Chadian, who was simply identified as Aminu while his second’s identity, though confirmed to have come from the northern part of Nigeria, could not be immediately ascertained. The arrest of the two suspects, perhaps, triggered off more raids by the state security operatives, which brought the number to the 93 now in Immigration custody.

However, since his appointment as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) appears to be consolidating on the existing “carrot and stick” strategy with much emphasis on diplomacy, intelligence gathering and analysis for operational tactics. The product of this approach gives timely interventions that prompted the arrest of the influential cadres and enable the JTF to locate the Boko Haram’s operational center in Kano and other cities in Nigeria. The ability of the NSA to coordinate all the Nigerian security agencies in working together as a team has also reduced the traditional rivalry between them. A retired Commissioner of Police, who does not want his name in print, said, “a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy must be centered on four goals: first, stop terrorists from committing acts of violence by capturing them, disrupting their cells, or if necessary, killing them.

Second, keep the most dangerous weapons out of terrorists’ hands. Third, recognising it is impossible to prevent all attacks. And fourth, prevent radicalisation by helping to deal with the grievances that are spawning terrorists. But, the government cannot achieve all these with only the use of force.

It could do more through an approach deeply rooted in good governance,” he said.

Incidentally, the unending crisis of Boko Haram insurgency in the North and Borno State in particular, seem to be assuming a new dimension, as nobody can categorically say whether the battle is being won by the JTF or the sect. This is because in several incidents that the JTF and the sect clashed, there had always been recorded casualties on both sides. The rebellion has left thousands of civilians killed by either stray bullets or explosions/bomb blasts by the combatants. In 2009, when the revolt erupted, the security agencies looked like having upper hand when they dislodged the sect members and subsequently demolished of the enclave of their leader, Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf. That was before he was

suspected to have been extra- judiciously killed by the police. Unfortunately, the sect re-grouped and has been fighting ever since, with sophisticated weapons to boot.

In an interview with JTF Spokesman in Maiduguri, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, he insisted, that the JTF is winning the battle with the cooperation from government and members of the public. Musa said that the Task Force in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, killed about 52 suspected terrorists and has recovered assorted arms and ammunitions within the last 10 days. “We lost only two of our personnel during the raid.” Sagir added, “based on information and intelligence report, series of operations were conducted by the Joint Task Force’ Operation RESTORE ORDER in the last 10 days in Borno State. The latest was the one conducted at Bulabulin, Bayern Quarters and Jajeri in Maiduguri metropolis between 3 – 8 pm on Friday, February 8. During these operations, there were exchange of fire that led to the death of 52 Boko Haram terrorists; including 10 commanders of the sect and about 70 of them were also captured. The JTF lost only two personnel, three were wounded and no civilian casualty was recorded,” Musa said.

Incidentally, Abu Zinnira, the new spokesman of the group, had debunked such claim by the JTF. He stated instead that it is his group that is having the upper hand. He also dismissed the reported killing of 20 members of the sect, who attacked a military barracks in Monguno in northern part of Borno State on Sunday, March 3, insisting that in the two incidences, soldiers had only succeeded in killing civilians. “This message is from the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad in respect of the purported killing of our members during a raid by the JTF in Jajeri area of Maiduguri. The truth of the matter is that we are the ones that triumphed during the encounter because we killed many soldiers and destroyed four armoured personnel carriers (APCs).

What is obvious is that the JTF had only succeeded in killing innocent civilians, not our members as they claimed.

“The JTF had made similar claims in respect of the attack we launched on their barracks in Monguno on Sunday, March 3.

They alleged to have killed 20 of our members and destroyed four of our vehicles.

This claim is far from the truth. The fact is that we lost only three of our members but have succeeded in attacking and destroying their barracks including two APCs. We also carted away arms and ammunitions. When you see, you will believe; we challenge Nigerians to go to Monguno and see the ruins of the barracks. As far as we are concerned, the attack in Monguno favoured our movement,” he said.

Others have been reacting too. The spokesman of the Action Congress, Lagos State chapter, Joe Igbokwe, has accused the country’s security agencies of sleeping while the nation is on fire. “This nation is at war with itself and all the country’s Army, Police, Air Force, Navy, SSS, NIA and DIA are sleeping. This country is not at war with any country right now and, therefore, there is no reason why they cannot help to checkmate this criminal insurgence. If the President uses all the oil money to do this, let it be. When there is no life, nothing else matters. America, Israel,

Luxury buses after the blast in Sabongari park, Kano

Relatives of victims of Madalla bomb blast

Victims of Maiduguri blast being buried in Anambra State

China, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and even South Africa can be of help. He must seek help abroad and spend if our security agencies are failing,” Igbokwe said.

Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, also believes the government is “complacent” in dealing with the Boko Haram sect. To him, the security agencies are not doing enough about the sect’s activities, which he described as “a very sad thing.” But, renowned security consultant, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, in an apparent reaction to the recent Kano bombing called for robust security measures at land transport facilities including bus stations, interstate taxi parks and state-owned transport corporations. He also called for proper protection of railway terminals, river transport jetties and airports throughout the country. He said that since transportation infrastructure has been targeted by Boko Haram terrorists, there was the need to beef up security of these terminals in order to arrest future terrorist bombings.

He, therefore, called for the following security measures in transport terminals: passenger identification card enforcement,

body search, use of hand-held metal detectors, use of bomb-sniffing dogs, and hand search of carry-on luggage. He also called for the application of CPTED principles such as structural barriers, speed brakes, concrete bollards and blast curtains in order to defend transportation infrastructure against terrorist attacks. He said that transportation systems needed to be competently protected since they formed a part of the national critical infrastructure.

Such protection, according to him, would increase their resilience against terrorist attacks. He added that it was obvious that the terrorists were intent on destroying the productive base of the Nigerian economy hence the infrastructure attack. “Boko Haram is a merciless, equal opportunity killer,” the security expert said.

Abubakar Dan-Musa, Nigeria’s deputy Senate President in the Second Republic is equally disturbed about the insurgency in the northern region. In his views: “What would have been the chance of the government to win this war against terrorism was lost because of the stubbornness of those in power. At least, it is on record that the Sultan of Sokoto and President, Supreme

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The Big Read

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dan-Musa: Govt lost the opportunity to win terror war

Ribadu

Nwosu

Bello

Maku

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, offered this opportunity when he called on the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, to grant amnesty to the Boko Haram sect. The request was turned down on the grounds that the group is composed of ghosts. It was a gross miscalculation and an action that could further threaten the stability and peace of the country. It is also unfortunate for a country almost torn apart by security problems, a situation where lives are lost daily and commerce destroyed, causing untold hardship to the generality of the people of the North and the country at large. As it stands now in the North particularly, nobody can say he is immune from attack; this is despite the fact that the situation has caused untold hardship to Nigerian people who now find survival very difficult,” he said.

In like manner, the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has warned the Federal Government on the continuous killing of its members by Boko Haram. He said that millions of Christians in most northern states affected by Boko Haram have become agitated and aggrieved, thereby making it difficult for CAN to guarantee any form of co-operation from its members should there be a fresh attack on the churches. “I will make a final call. I repeat a final call, to the Nigerian government to clearly refine and neutralize the problem as other nations have done. The church leadership has hitherto put great restraint on aggrieved millions but can no longer guarantee such co-operation if the trend of terror is not halted immediately,” Oritsejafor warned.

Also, the Kano State chairman of CAN, Bishop Ransome Bello, said the situation is still dicey and confusing. “Some months back, it looked like the crises was abating and people were getting relaxed and excited over the relative calm. In fact, most of the people who fled Kano State in the wake of the January 20, 2012 bombings had started making gradual return and businesses

Ekhomu

were picking up. Church attendance, which was depleted following the attack, started picking up and at that point, it was like the government was in total control of the situation and winning the campaign against terrorism. But recent events, particularly in Kano where pockets of attacks resulting in colossal loss of lives have become a daily occurrence, we are beginning to wonder whether the security operatives have gone to sleep; the people’s morale have been dampened by the murderous development lately, especially, the explosions that rocked the New Road Luxury Park, Sabon Gari, Kano, and claimed hundreds of lives. This kind of situation does not suggest that the battle is being won; and I think more efforts should be put in place by the security agencies to deal with this calamity. There should be more practical measures such as increased security patrol and fresh deployment of military men to the streets of Kano; we are all living in fear as everybody is now vulnerable,” Bello affirmed.

But to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, the war against the Boko Haram is gradually being won. He said the challenge posed by the sect is being surmounted through the effort of all Nigerians. “The threat posed by the Boko Haram terrorist group is a challenge we all must come together to overcome. Though, the battle is gradually being won, we must remain focused and proactive at all times. As combat support arms, we have major roles to play in this regard,” the army chief said.

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has also reaffirmed that “a lot is going on; deployments and arrests are being made. Everything is being done to bring this dispensation we have come into under control. Talking about consistent fight against terror, all of us know that wherever terror raises its ugly head, it is not a conventional war, where the military will go to one side and the terrorists group to the other side for a confrontation. Terrorists use undercover attacks, what you call guerilla welfare. They do not operate under the light of self proclamation of who their identities are. There are several countries

like Algeria and Pakistan and several others that have come under terrorist attacks for over a decade and in those countries, you still have isolated attacks in spite of all the deployments that have taken place,” the Minister said, assuring that “what is going on is a new phase in this nation, which will not continue for long.

Before now, a range of conflicting narratives had spawn up around Boko Haram, and the group’s origins, motivations, and plans had remained a matter of debate.

Seen as an Islamist religious sect, the group has targeted Nigeria’s police, rival clerics, politicians, and public institutions with increasing violence since 2009. Some experts say they should primarily be seen as leading an armed revolt against the government’s entrenched corruption, abusive security forces, strife between the disaffected Muslim North and Christian South, and widening regional economic disparity in an already impoverished country. They also argue that Abuja should do more to address the issues facing Nigerians.

Mohammad Yusuf, a radical Islamist cleric, created Boko Haram in 2002 in Maiduguri, the capital of the northeastern state of Borno. The group aimed, at the time, to establish a fully Islamic state in Nigeria, including the implementation of Sharia courts across the country. Paul Lubeck, a University of California professor studying Muslim societies in Africa, says Yusuf was a trained salafist, (a school of thought often associated with jihad), and was strongly influenced by Ibn Taymiyyah, a 14th century legal scholar, who preached Islamic fundamentalism and is considered a “major theorist” for radical groups in the Middle East.

Boko Haram colloquially translates into “Western education is sin.” The sect calls itself Jama’atu Alhul Sunnah Lidda’Awati wal jihad, or “people committed to the propagation of the prophet’s teachings and jihad.” There are also analysts’ who say the movement is an outgrowth of the Maitatsine riots of the 1980s and the religious/ ethnic tensions that followed in the late 1990s. Yusuf had criticised the northern Muslims for participating in what he saw

as an illegitimate, non-Islamic state and preached a doctrine of withdrawal. But violence between Christians and Muslims as well as harsh government treatment, including pervasive police brutality, some say, encouraged the group’s radicalisation.

Human Rights Watch researcher, Eric Guttschuss, once said that Yusuf gained supporters “by speaking out against police and political corruption.” Boko Haram followers, also called Yusuffiya, consist largely of hundreds of impoverished northern Islamic students and clerics as well as university students and professionals, many of whom are unemployed. Some followers may also be members of Nigeria’s elite.

In July 2009, Boko Haram members refused to follow a motor-bike helmet law, leading to heavy-handed police tactics that set off an armed uprising in the northern state of Bauchi and spread into the states of Borno, Yobe, and Kano. The incident was suppressed by the army and left more than 800 dead. It also led to the televised execution of Yusuf, as well as the deaths of his father in-law and other sect members, which human rights advocates described as extra-judicial killings. In the aftermath of the 2009 unrest, “an Islamist insurrection under a splintered leadership” emerged. Boko Haram began to carry out a number of suicide bombings and assassinations from Maiduguri to Abuja, and staged an ambitious prison-break in Bauchi, freeing more than 700 inmates in 2010.

In November 2011, the group staged what many considered its most deadly attacks so far in Maiduguri as well as Yobe’s Damaturu and Potiskum, targeting churches, mosques, banks, and police stations. At least 150 people were reported killed. November’s violence attracted more international attention for the group, with condemnations from the head of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the Pope, the UN Security Council, and the UN secretary general. Bombings on Christmas Day in 2011, targeting churches and killing dozens raised fears about the possibility of another spate of religious violence between Muslims and Christians.

Experts say the prison-break, use of propaganda, and the bombing of police headquarters in June 2011 indicated an increasing level of sophistication and organisation, which could point to outside help.

In August 2011, U.S. officials claimed the group has ties to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which operates in northwest Africa, and Somalia’s al-Shabaab, another militant Islamist group. Security officials in Nigeria and internationally are concerned that the group has splintered into one that is focused on local grievances and another seeking contacts with outside terror groups. “What is most worrying at present is, at least in my view, a clearly stated intent by Boko Haram and by alQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb to coordinate and synchronize their efforts,” said General Carter Ham, head of U.S. military operations in Africa, who noted that such a relationship would be “the most dangerous thing to happen” to Africans and to U.S. interests in the region.

Additional reports by Augustine Madu-West (Kano) and Inusa Ndahi (Maiduguri).

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday, March 31, 2013

7

Patience Jonathan sick again, in Europe for treatment

L-R: Aro of Ogbomoso and former Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu; Yeye Oba Olaronke; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III and Chairman of the occasion and Awujale of Ijebuland, PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI Oba Sikiru Adetona, at the wedding of the son of Soun, Yemi, in Lagos, yesterday.

MUYIWA OYINLOLA NEWS EDITOR

N

igeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan is sick again. According to report by SaharaReporters, the first lady is shuttling between Spain and Germany in search of treatment. Quoting a source, the online news portal said Dame Jonathan was also contemplating receiving medical treatment from a US hospital.

According to information, the current health challenges have accounted for her absence from several official events in Abuja and her home state of Bayelsa State over the last few days. Her absence was especially felt during the Good Friday service held in Aso Rock Villa Chapel which

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday paid a condolence visit to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos in Ogun State over the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo and promised that his administration would stand by the children of the deceased.

The president, who arrived in Ikenne, the home of the Awolowos at exactly 2. 55 p.m. in a military chopper marked NAF 571, was led to the compound of the Awolowos by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Adesegun, where former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the family members were already waiting.

Jonathan commiserated with the matriarch of the family and prayed that God grant the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.

He described the death of Chief Oluwole as painful not to the family alone, but to the entire country,

had in attendance her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan. No explanation was offered for the absence.

She was said to have, a few days ago, made a quiet exit from Abuja en route to France where she was to allegedly receive some unspecified award. However, a source within the Presidency said Mrs. Jonathan’s trip to France was a ploy to enable her to shop for new doctors in Europe for her deteriorating health.

A source disclosed that she left France for Spain.

The same source disclosed that the First Lady was considering being moved to a US hospital. However, a source in the US who is close to the First Family told SaharaReporters that he has “not heard from the first lady regarding her trip to the US.”

Ayo Osinlu, spokesman of the First Lady, has however said Mrs. Jonathan’s trip to Europe was in order to care for an ailing elderly woman who helped to raise her. He failed to disclose the specific European nation where Mrs. Jonathan’s foster mother is hospitalized.

During Mrs. Jonathan’s first extended medical sojourn in Germany, Mr. Osinlu was said to have misled journalists by declaring that the First Lady was merely vacationing abroad after what he described as a series of grueling official functions, including the hosting of a conference of African First Ladies.

Apart from being absent at the Friday church service at the presidential villa , she was also missing at another key event

where her Africa First Ladies Peace Mission donated relief material to the war-torn country of Mali.

An aide of the First Lady reported that a minister, Ms. Jumoke Akinjide, represented Mrs. Jonathan at the event where relief material was donated to Mali.

During the church service at the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan was flanked by his elderly mother, Eunice Jonathan, as well as Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and Ndudi Elumelu, a member of the House of Representatives who was allegedly indicted for corruption in the power sector projects.

One of the last times Mrs. Jonathan was seen in public was on her return from an official visit to Cote d’Ivoire on March 2, 2013. She later made a brief visit to Lagos where she attended a dinner organized for Nollywood stars. Afterwards, she was sighted in Paris where she received the “Global Women Leader for Peace Award 2013.”

Since receiving the award on March 17, the First Lady has not been seen in any official photos released from the Presidency.

Her trip to Paris coincided with her husband’s official visit to Equatorial Guinea. Mr. Jonathan was accompanied on that official visit by two female ministers, Stella Oduah of Aviation and the Petroleum minister.

A source in Abuja said Mrs. Jonathan had not been seen in public for

close to a week and half, including during a breakfast meeting with the members of the House of Representatives led by Leo Ogor on March 21, 2013.

Sunday Mirror’s efforts to reach Osinlu for his reaction to the story were futile as calls made to his mobile phone were not answered.

After initial denial when she returned to the country last October 17 after about seven weeks medical trip abroad, Dame Patience opened up on Sunday, February 17, this year, on her admission at a German hospital last year, saying that she was actually dead while in hospital, but God brought her back to life.

The disclosure at a thanksgiving service held at the Aso Villa Chapel was contrary to her earlier claim that she did not undergo any surgery or tummy tuck at Horst Schmidt Klinic in Wiesbaden, Germany, when she was away from the country last year August.

On her arrival into the country, Dame Patience at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport had denied that she went to Germany for medical treatment, saying that, “I read in the media where they said I was in the hospital.

God Almighty knows I have never been to that hospital.

I don’t even know the hospital they mentioned.

“I have to explain what God has done for me. I don’t have any terminal illness. I did not go for cosmetic surgery or tummy tuck. My

husband loves me as I am and I am pleased with how God created me,” she had said at the airport on her arrival.

But at the thanksgiving service at Aso Villa Chapel four months after, the First Lady said that her tummy and intestines were actually opened and she underwent multiple surgeries.

She told the congregation at the service which was attended by her husband and other top government officials that her corpse would have been brought back to the country.

“I remember when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was the President of the country; I was close to his late wife, Stella. We worshipped together in this chapel, Dame Patience said “It was a painful moment for me that time when she died and her corpse was brought here.

“That was how my corpse would have been brought here. It was not an easy experience for me. I actually died; I passed out for more than one week.

My intestine and tummy were opened.

“People are always afraid of operation (surgery) but in my own case, while my travail lasted, I was begging for it (surgery) after the third operation because I was going to the theatre every day.

“It was God who saw me through. I did eight or nine operations within one month. It was not an easy one”, the First Lady had said then.

President in Ikenne, assures of support for Awolowo’s family bearing in mind that Mama HID is still alive.

He, however, expressed appreciation to the family for integrating him to be one of the sons in the Awolowo dynasty.

The President, who said he lacked the appropriate word to express his heartfelt sympathy about the death however made biblical allusion which prescribed three scores and 10 years to express appreciation to God that the deceased attained the age at which he died.

“Mama, accept our condolence. It’s a period that we lack words even though as a teacher and politician, I’m generally somebody of very few words. But in some situations, even the very few words disappear.

“So, we really lack words to express our feelings. Ordinarily at that 70, which is why I have said that from biblical injunction, three scores and ten is an age

where you thank God to attain, especially in a country where the average life span is below 50.

“But under the circumstances, his death is painful to all of us. To me, I’ve seen the way the Awolowo family has taken me as one of their own and I would have loved to be here almost every day. Gbenga Daniel can attest to that.

“You have taken me as your own; this is not the period to say it and I have the opportunity to say that and the whole world can know.

I remain grateful to you for integrating me into the great Awolowo family”.

Jonathan said that was why he asked the first time he heard about the death whether they had informed mama?

“It was Douglas that told me that they have not informed her and I asked him to go to Lagos and follow this,” he added.

He promised to stand

by the children of the deceased, particularly the younger ones that are still expecting significant parental care.

“I pay my personal condolence to mama and the entire members of the family and I also condole with the children, especially the younger ones that are still expecting significant parental care. I join the bishop to say that God knows everything and he knows the reason for everything”.

“On our part, we will continue to be members of the family and any little thing that God has given us the privilege to do for the children, they are my children and my brothers. So mama, it is painful but God knows best and we pray that you don’t experience this again and God will see you through. Mama, I’m your son, I will continue to be with you,” Jonathan assured.

Speaking onbehalf of

the Awolowo dynasty, the first daughter of the family, Rev. (Mrs.) Tola Oyediran, declared that the family appreciated the President for identifying with them at this period of their grief.

“Even when we thought it was too big for us to carry, you were there to help us carry the load. We did not think at all that you would come and see us.

“What you have done today will remain forever in our hearts and we pray for you and your entire family that you will never know sorrow in Jesus’ name. Everything that you desire in your heart, we pray that the Lord will grant it to you. I want to welcome you on behalf of Awolowo family and mama and to assure you that your stay here will be peaceful. And to all of you I welcome you all,” said Mrs Oyediran.

Also speaking, the younger sister to the de-

ceased and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Netherlands, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, lamented that God did not answer the family’s prayer for mama HID not to grief again.

Recalling how President Jonathan had vowed to do all within his ability to ensure that mama HID does not grief again, Awolowo-Dosumu, however, disclosed that the death of Wole ‘posed a terrible blow’ for the family bearing in mind that it came exactly two weeks to the second anniversary of her sister’s death who was another daughter of the family, Ayo Soyode.

She also expressed optimism that the family would readily accept whichever lesson God wanted them to learn, stressing that “we will all be there and see God and he will tell us why He did this and then we will understand.

8

News

Sunday March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Easter Messages

Nigerians must live together –Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has urged all Nigerians to live in peace and harmony, saying that they should effectively resist by all means possible, the evil machinations of global terrorists and their misguided domestic accomplices who seek to provoke turmoil, hatred and harmful divisions.

In his Easter message to the nation, Jonathan said that for the nation to successfully achieve its positive vision of becoming one of the most dominant nations on the global stage in the shortest possible time, Nigerians must stay together as a people.

He noted that irrespective of religion or faith, all holidays provide fresh opportunity to establish stronger bonds with family,

friends and others for more enduring, harmonious and beneficial relationships.

The President also urged the citizenry to rededicate themselves to living in peace and oneness with all members of their communities no matter their ethnicity, religious beliefs or places of origin.

He also admonished all to continue to exhibit restraint and understanding in the face of seeming prov-

ocations, saying that those who mindlessly and indiscriminately attack churches, schools, health workers, motor-parks, banks and ordinary road users must be seen as the brainwashed pawns of international terrorism.

The President pointed out that they do not represent any true religion or section of the country, stressing that Nigerians must never play into their

hands by succumbing to their nefarious ploys to incite religious, ethnic hatred and division.

Jonathan assured Nigerians that he as well as the security agencies and the armed forces would continue to fully discharge their constitutional responsibilities for the protection of the unity and territorial integrity of the country with all the powers and forces available at their disposal

Akpabio canvasses unity A

kwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, yesterday extended his best wishes for a joyful Easter celebration to all Christians in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio, who described Easter as the most important event in the Christian calendar, maintained its lesson should not be lost on all Christians.

The governor urged Christians to learn a lesson from Christ’s sacrificial death, and be more committed to service to humanity, even as they deepen their aspirations for a greater Akwa Ibom State.

Maintaining that the state had covenanted with God for His help at the beginning of the year, he maintained that the veil of lies and falsehood unleashed against the state in the media by enemies of progress was regrettable but could be seen in the light of Jesus Christ’s admonition, “blessed are you when men shall persecute you and say all manner of evil and lies against you, rejoice and be glad because so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

He expressed happiness that through righteousness

and truth, as espoused in the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the state today stands in the midst of what it and our country celebrate as “uncommon transformation”.

He maintained that his administration shall continue to raise the bar of governance, and make all Akwa Ibom people proud in all aspects of human endeavours.

He urged all Akwa Ibom Christians to let the lessons of Easter inspire them to make sacrifices for the unity and progress of ‘our state and nation’.

He prayed that the life and teachings of Jesus should inspire the good people of Akwa Ibom to strive harder for a world knit together by love, and a state where ‘our children shall be judged by the contents of their character and not their ethnic or tribal stock’.

He contended that the death of Christ stands out as a perfect example of unconditional love, and urged all Christians to show unconditional love to their neighbours and key into the spirit of the season, by sharing gifts with the less privileged.

We shouldn’t squander Christ’s sacrifice –Ekweremadu

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eputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday called on Nigerians not to squander Christ’s sacrifice.

He made the call in a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of Easter.

In the statement issued in Abuja and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu, he advised Nigerians to pray for the nation and imbibe the Saviour’s virtues of selfsacrifice and unconditional love at Easter. ``A praying nation is a winning nation, but we must match our prayers

with good work, fervent patriotism, and unconditional love for others so as not to squander Christ’s sacrifice. ``At Easter, we must endeavour to resurrect bonds of love not dictated by ethnicity, tainted by religious bias or polluted by prejudice and political interests. ``We should revive that strong sense of patriotism as such enables us to live in full consciousness of the fact that Nigeria is bigger than all of us.’’

Ekweremadu wished the Christian faithful and all Nigerians a merry and hitch-free Easter celebration.

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko; Secretary General, Muslim World League, Makkah –Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdullahi Al-Turki and Vice-President Namadi Sambo during the international conference on Islam and the fundamentals of peaceful co-existence in Nigeria, in Sokoto, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Fashola calls for oneness, tolerance, restraint

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s Christians in the country join their counterparts globally to celebrate Easter, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called on all Nigerians to collectively imbibe the spirit of oneness, tolerance and restraint as panacea for overcoming the nation’s current challenges.

In his Easter message to all Nigerians, Fashola said such intrinsic values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love and harmony in our society, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to all of the selflessness, love and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn.

According to the governor, “Remembering that foundation is particularly meaningful this Easter because our nation is facing challenges that we can overcome, if we choose to, by exercising collective tolerance

and restraint”.

Noting that this season calls to mind the selflessness, love and tolerance which were the hallmark of Jesus Christ’s life during His earthly life, the governor declared, “It is a season when we should pause and reflect on our individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love and peace in our society.

“Therefore, as we celebrate the Passiontide in sober recollection of Christ’s crucifixion, let us think about how we can each help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, by working in the spirit of oneness,” the Governor enjoined.

He commended Lagosians for their continued demonstration, promotion of mutual understanding and coexistence in spite of existing ethnic, cultural and religious diversities, adding that they have been a leading light in the country where such di-

versities still dominate the life of the people.

“My dear Lagosians, let me acknowledge the leading role which you have all played and continue to play in keeping the torch of unity in Nigeria alight as you continue to live together in peace, harmony, love and mutual understanding in this our beloved City-State of diverse tribes, cultures, languages and religions.

“Because of you, we are a shining example to the rest of the nation and I cannot thank you enough. I can only urge you not to depart from this exemplary path, because I am convinced that it will lead our nation and generations after us, to a brighter, rewarding future,” the governor said.

He promised that his administration would continue to deliver to the people on its promises of enhanced services in all sectors of the economy.

Kumuyi urges Christians to emulate Christ to reap His reward

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eneral Superintendent, Deeper Bible Life Church, Pastor Willliam Kumuyi, yesterday urged Christians expecting God’s reward to emulate Jesus and live as he did.

In a sermon delivered at the Church’s ongoing National Easter Retreat in Lagos, he said, only Chris-

tians who sacrificed and suffered the way Christ did should expect to be crowned by God. In his sermon entitled, ‘’From Crucifixion to Coronation”, he said that, ``a life that has been saved from damnation through faith

by Christ must be lived for the glory of Christ and not in pursuit of earthly things

that are temporary. The glories of the earth pass away but the people who do the will of God will live forever. `` Christians who live victorious Christian lives, conquering sins daily, following Christ’s commission to evangelise the world and living as co-heirs with Him, will surely be crowned.’’

Mark preaches peace, forgiveness GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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enate President, David Mark, yesterday called on Christians and all Nigerians to continue to live in harmony with one another as demonstrated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Senator Mark in his Easter message to Christians yesterday said, Christ died on the cross of Calvary as a sacrificial lamb and for the forgiveness of sins of mankind, and urged Nigerians to use the season of Easter as a period of reconciliation with one another.

He tasked the faithful to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ which is anchored on forgiveness and willingness to help others saying, the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection is the joy of all Christians.

According to him, “there are lessons we must learn from the sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross of Calvary. He was sinless and condemned for our iniquity. Despite the torments and pains, He was praying for his accusers and killers.

We should emulate such virtue and have a forgiving spirit”.

The Senate President called on the Boko Haram sect and other warring groups across the country to sheathe their swords and embrace peace and forgiveness as one people and nation with a common destiny.

Let’s keep hope alive –Amosun

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gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his Easter message, called on all citizens to keep hope alive in spite of the challenges confronting the nation.

He noted that the triumph of Jesus Christ over death was an assurance that with abiding faith in the power of the almighty God, we could always overcome our challenges and emerge victorious from every contest of life.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Amosun said the resurrection of Christ “is a testimony to the supremacy of God and offers hope of eternal life to those who dedicate their lives to the service of God and humanity.”

The governor therefore called on all to repent of their sins and reconnect with God.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday March 31, 2013

9

Senate not done yet with Maina ...set to challenge restraining order on IGP

EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

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he Senate has indicated its intention to appeal Wednesday’s order of perpetual injunction by a federal high court sitting in Abuja, which restrained the police from executing its February 2 warrant of arrest issued against the embattled chairman of the disbanded Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina.

Responding to a text message by Sunday Mirror, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, said the upper chamber would “certainly” challenge the March 27 judgement of the court restraining the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, from arresting Maina.

Earlier, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Enyinnaya Abaribe, said that,”The Senate is on Easter vacation. As soon as it recon-

venes and discusses the matter, I will let you know.”

Justice Adamu Bello had answered Maina’s request for “a perpetual injunction” against arrest, based on the February 2 warrant of arrest by the upper chamber, in the affirmative.

The judge held that the police could not arrest Maina based on the aforesaid resolution, which he maintained was neither gazetted nor published in the Senate’s journal.

Wednesday’s judgement was consequent upon a motion on notice for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental right against possible arrest by the police, in compliance with a February 2 warrant of arrest issued by the Senate.

In addition to an order of injunction sought, Maina had also prayed the court to award the sum of N1.5 billion against the Senate President, David Mark, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.

The applicant told the court the amount would serve as damages against the “psychological trauma he was subjected to”.

His counsel, Mr. M.A Magaji (SAN) had urged the court to grant the motion, citing section 122 (c) of the Evidence Act, where he said the law allows the court to “take judicial notice of the proceedings of the National Assembly”, with a view to resolving whether they exercised their powers within the limit of the constitution”.

“Nowhere in section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), was arrest mentioned”, the applicant’s counsel argued.

While raising objection to the motion, counsel to Senate President, Mr. Ken Ikonne, and that of IGP, Pamela Ohabo, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the basis that it lacked merit.

Specifically, Ikonne argued that the “applicant’s supporting affidavit is

incompetent, even as he stressed that the affidavit in support of the motion should have been sworn to by the applicant himself.

“Where the applicant cannot do so, the affidavit shall be accompanied by a statement stating why the applicant cannot, and once non-compliance touches on commencement, it can no longer be cured by waiver”, Ikonne argued.

On that basis, he urged the court “to dismiss the suit because the enabling environment for fair hearing was provided by the respondent, but the applicant failed to utilise it.

In his judgement, Bello held that, the conditions precedent to the issuance of a warrant of arrest were not fully followed, hence the invalidity of the warrant of arrest.

While acknowledging the powers of the Senate, by virtue of sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as

amended), to summon agencies of government as well as public officials, the judge noted that such powers were not absolute.

Bello stated that the respondents were not able to show, by evidence, that the investigation of pension fund administration by the Senate Joint committee on Establishment, complied with the extant provision of section 82.

He maintained that for a warrant of arrest or resolution to be said to have been properly or validly issued, same must be published in government gazette.

The failure, therefore, of the respondents (in this instant the Senate) to attach a gazetted copy of the February 2 resolution to their counter-affidavit, the court reasoned, dealt a fatal blow on their defence as well as quest to compel Maina to appear before the committee.

Nonetheless, Justice Bello clarified that the parliament

has the powers to make laws, expose corruption, summon and cause an investigation to be carried out.

This was even as he declined to award any cost to the applicant.

Part of the judgement reads: “It is in furtherance of the Senate committee’s invitation of pension administration that the Senate invited the applicant to appear before it.

“The burden is on the respondents to show that the resolution of the Senate passed is gazetted and contained in its journal.

“I must say, regrettably, that the respondents have failed to produce or annex this gazette in their counteraffidavit...The implication of the failure to produce or annex this important document is that, there is no evidence before me that the warrant of arrest was properly commenced and in compliance with section 82 of the constitution.”

Aregbesola decries religious disharmony in Osun G

overnor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has warned those who are bent on causing confusion in the state by using religion as an instrument, to desist from such unwholesome act.

The governor, who was speaking at the swearing-in of the local government executive secretaries of the 30 local government areas and one area office, said religion was too sensitive an instrument to use to cause sectarian violence.

Aregbesola said by their nature, the Yoruba respect all religions and thus do not fight over religions.

He said the disgruntled elements are the ones sponsoring crises and promoting hatred and division among the people.

“We don’t fight over religion in Yoruba land. It is a very sensitive instrument

which must not be used to cause chaos and disharmony.

“Yoruba people respect all religions. They have not and will never fight over religion. Our people will never be influenced by their dastardly act.

“In all the religions, salvation is personal. It is not collective. Those who want to use religion to distabilise the state will meet their waterloo,” Aregbesola explained.

The governor said the people of the state had seen the difference between the government of yesterday and the current administration, adding that while lethargy, lack of creativity and commitment to the welfare of the people characterised the former administration, the people have seen that the government of the day promotes welfare of the people above every other interests.

He commended the local

government secretaries in the state for their performance, organisation and clear thinking.

He stated that the renewal of the council bosses’ mandate was because about eight weeks ago government and the council areas initiated the rural and community development programme that is unprecedented in the annals of the country’s history.

“This is to let the world know that we are a structured, organised and reasonable set of people.

“At one fell swoop, we began the construction of 218km roads in all the local governments and the area office.

“It is scarce to see across the country where any government has embarked on such ambitious programme.

“It was not just a grandstanding. We announced it and backed it up with money.

A cross section of intending travellers boarding a free train organised by the Osun State Government to mark the Easter celebration at the Ido Terminal, Lagos State, over the weekend.

“We demonstrated what clear thinking was; what clear organisation was and what financial wizardry was.”

He said the people of the state are not only benefitting from the roads but “also the healthcare system and education reforms. The benefits

are many.”

He said with the progress made so far, Osun would soon become a model state in the country.

NIGERIA IN BRIEF Islamic group begins retreat

Monarch mourns Ayadi His Royal Highness, Oba Orimisan Akinlalu of Erinje Kingdom in Okitipupa council of Ondo State, has commiserated with Hon. Lawson Ayadi’s family who died last Thursday.

The monarch, in a statement by his spokeperson, Olufemi Aduwo, said Ayadi was a nationalist and

frontline politician who was committed to the growth of the town. HAyadi was the majority leader of old ondo State House of Assembly in the Third Republic. “He had a kind nature, gifted and industrious and, above all, uncompromisingly upright and decent,” the monarch added. Ayadi was

survived by wife, children and brothers among who is Mr. Opeoluwa Ayadi, chairman, SAGIF and managing director, New Golden Hotels, Abuja. The royal father enjoined all sons and daughters of Erinje to join the Ayadi family and give a befitting burial to the deceased.

To address issues concerning the growth of Islam in the country and also the welfare of its members, Islamic Brotherhood of Nigeria (ISBON), yesterday began its yearly retreat in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

This was made known in a statement issued by the National

Ameer of the group, Justice S. B. Belgore, in Abuja.

According to the statement, all members of the group, their families and friends are enjoined to be at the Da’awa camp activities which promise to be interesting.

National Chairman, ISBON, Alhaji Mansur Ab-

dulha, mid said the Ogbomoso camp was a life-time opportunity for members from all over the country to meet with fellow brothers and forge a common front to advance the cause of Islam.

Other delegates are also expected from Ghana, Togo, Niger and Chad.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

10

Man in the News MARCH 31, 2013 MAR

ABDULRASHEED MAINA

Accused of fraud, dogged by controversies

AYO ESAN

C

onfronted with myriads of problems associated with the pension administration in the country, government believed that setting up of a Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT, would clean the Aegean’s stables and also believed that the solution could be found to the reign of sleaze by having a professional pension administrator at the apex level of the Task Force.

After setting up the PRTT, the name that came to mind then as possible chairman was that of Abdulrasheed Maina.

Maina who had worked at the Customs, Immigration and Prison Pensions Office, CIPPO, for years and was at the time of appointment a Deputy Director, was seen as a man made for the job: an experienced pension administrator and a round peg in a round hole..

The PRTT took off in 2010 and had as its primary assignment, reformation of the way and manner in which pensioners waited for years without getting their pension and retirement entitlements.

When he assumed duty, Maina and his team embarked on a biometrics verification exercise nationwide to fish out pension thieves and also make the procedure for getting money easier. The task force under Maina was said to have exposed the pension administration that had hitherto been enveloped in a shroud of secrecy and silence for over 44 years as well as recovered and saved over N221 billion pension funds.

The task force was also credited with the detection of 73,000 fake pensioners, enrolment of over 50,000 genuine pensioners and payment of harmonised arrears for over 38,000 pensioners However, Maina though appointed to head the reform team to help in restoration of sanity to Nigeria’s deeply corrupted pension scheme, was said to have in the process become enmeshed in allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds.

Despite his claims that the task force under him had been able to recover over N151 billion, he was unable to shake off the weighty allegations that he embezzled money from the police pensions account.

He was alleged to have, with the pension money, opened accounts in different banks.

One of those bank accounts was said to have been opened in the name of his younger brother. It was also alleged that the illegal transactions were reportedly yielding an interest of about N100 million monthly.

Not only that, the PRTT former boss was accused of spending up to N1billion to carry out biometric verification for retirees, both in Nigeria and abroad.

The Senate Pension Probe Committee which was headed by Aloysius Etug and Kabiru Gaya said on the whole, Maina allegedly misappropriated about N195 billion. The committee was of the view that this had resulted in extreme difficulties in getting money to pay thousands of pensioners.

Though Maina denied all the allegations levelled against him, he refused to honour the invitation of the National Assembly and with this act, he did not help matters as he seemed to make the allegations real in the eyes of the public, many who had expected him to attend the Senate floor to clear his name.

Maina also like former Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, said he was being persecuted for refusing to succumb to the senators’ demand for bribe.

But during a heated debate on a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and supported by 107 members, over Maina’s persistent refusal to honour the legislature’s invitation, a tough-talking Senate President David Mark pointedly told the president to choose between Maina and the Senate.

Many senators were of the opinion that Maina’s perceived show of disrespect was because he had the support of the president.

The Senate, therefore, demanded that the president should order Maina’s dismissal from the public service and that he should be arrested and prosecuted for fraud.

During the debate on the motion, Mark said the Senate had been pushed to the wall over Maina’s alleged contempt for the legislative institution, adding, “Senate has teeth to bite and it will bite when it will bite”.

He further said that the cup of Maina’s offences had run over, and that the Senate had given him a long rope to hang himself.

He added: “Maina is just an individual who perhaps said much more than he could manage and he has crucified himself. That is the bottomline of this. He has crucified himself. The executive now has to choose between Maina and the Senate. That is the bottomline. If they choose to go along with Maina, fine; we will react accordingly. And to extend the hand of friendship is the correct thing to do, because we must work together.

“There is no running away from that one. It is a test case. If Maina remains, then the Senate will react appropriately and I don’t think we are short of ideas nor are we short of what we want to do. We know the step to take. So, I want to thank you all for your contributions. We can’t enumerate the sins of Maina. They are too many to mention,” an apparently angry Mark said.

At the end of the debate, the Senate resolved that Maina should be dismissed from public service immediately and simultaneously disengaged from any act relating to public duty. They also resolved that Maina be immediately arrested, investigated and prosecuted in a law court.

The senators also summoned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, to appear before the committee of the whole House to explain why he has failed to arrest Maina.

The Senate last December had ordered the arrest of Maina for his alleged refusal to honour an invitation by the joint Senate Committee probing the management of pension funds in the last five years.

Mark had signed a warrant of arrest, which mandated the IG to arrest and bring Maina to the Senate by all means.

But Maina headed for the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, asking it to stop the Senate and the police from breaching his fundamental rights.

He sought an order of the court to quash the report of the Senate committee, which indicted him for fraud, and another order to invalidate the warrant of arrest issued against him.

And only last Wednesday, an Abuja Federal High Court granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate, and the Inspector General of Police from arresting or executing the warrant of arrest issued on Maina.

The court, presided by Justice Adamu Bello, granted the order in its judgment in a suit filed by Maina to enforce his fundamental human rights. He thereby set aside the warrant of arrest issued on him by the Senate on February 2, 2013.

Following the development, Maina, through his counsel, Mr. M. A. Magaji, SAN, dragged the Senate, Senate President, Clerk of the Senate, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration, the Inspector General of Police, as well as Senators Aloysius Etuk and Kabiru Gaya, before the Abuja FHC, asking the court to stop his planned arrest, and also order the respondents to pay him the sum of N1.5billion as compensation for the trauma and psychological pain they allegedly caused him and his family.

The Senate and the IGP, through their counsel, Ken Ikonne and T. A. Ngoso, had opposed the application, and asked the court to dismiss it.

But delivering the judgment, after three adjournments, on Wednesday, Justice Bello granted Maina’s prayers.

The judge held that the warrant of arrest was invalid because the Senate did not fully follow the conditions precedent to the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

Although he acknowledged the powers of the Senate to summon government agencies, as well as public officials, by virtue of the provisions of sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Justice Bello however noted that such powers are not absolute.

According to the judge, before a warrant of arrest or resolution could be said to have been properly or validly issued, it must be published in a government gazette.

The judge nevertheless noted that the National Assembly still has the powers to summon government agencies and officials, and also conduct investigations.

After setting aside the warrant of arrest and granting an order of perpetual injunction restraining the IG and the Senate from arresting Maina, Justice Bello advised the former PRTT boss to submit himself to the Senate.

What surprised many in the face-off between the national legislators and Maina was that government was reluctant to sack him from office after the Senate had passed such decision. It was even the belief of many that the Federal Government was tacitly providing him cover against arrest and investigation.

At a point when money meant for police pensioners was said to have been embezzled, and many retired policemen were queuing up for days on end to receive their nonexistent stipends; at a time when the Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar, who was ordered to produce Maina at the Senate said a wanted Maina was nowhere to be found, the PRTT boss was said to be cruising around town in bulletproof cars, under heavy police protection.

The Federal Government only decided to move against Maina when it had become apparent that he had fled the country, a school of thought submits. This is curious, to say the least. After initially countering the Senate’s order for his dismissal from service by saying it had no power to sack Maina, the Presidency later ordered his dismissal on account of absenteeism.

11

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES MARCH 31, 2013

Anxiety as Nwoye battles to unseat Ameke

P 12

Anenih

CERTAIN THINGS HAVE TO BE DONE TO

Afenifere: Working towards P 13 uneasy reconciliation

ENSURE THAT THIS NATION IS PULLED BACK FROM THE SECOND ROUND OF WHAT IS LEADING TOWARDS A CIVIL WAR –PROFESSOR WOLE SOYINKA

Oyo Minority Leader makes case for Oke-Ogun

Tukur

PDP: A party’s unending search for reconciliation MUYIWA OYINLOLA

S

ince his team assumed the running of the affairs of the party a year ago, National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has continued to seek peace and unity among members.

The party had been enmeshed in various crises including the one generated with the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as party’s presidential candidate during its 2010 primaries.

With the division among party stalwarts in various geo-political zones and the battle to regain its lost members, Tukur’s emergence was no doubt greeted with the need to reconcile aggrieved members and also reposition the party for victory in the forthcoming general elections.

In an effort to achieve these, Tukur and his team for months visited a number of states and geo-political zones, including the South-West, South-East, SouthSouth, North-East and North-Central, but achieved little or no success.

Early signs that his peace mission to Ibadan, Oyo State (South West) may not be successful emerged when some notable party members, including former Presi-

dent Olusegun Obasanjo and his loyalists boycotted the meeting.

Others absent included former National Secretary of PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the party’s National Vice Chairman, Chief Olusegun Oni; National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha and former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao- Akala.

Obasanjo’s absence did not come as a surprise. Alleged not to be in good terms with President Goodluck Jonathan, the former president has paid heavily for this, with his perceived loyalists holding key positions in the party removed unceremoniously.

The sack of Oyinlola, Oni and Mustapha is alleged to be a direct fall-out of the president’s frosty relationship with the former president. At the Ibadan meeting, Obasanjo, it was gathered, neither showed up nor sent any representative. The former Ogun PDP deputy governorship candidate in the 2011 elections, Tunde Oladunjoye, who spoke on behalf of the former president, said he (Obasanjo) was not invited to the meeting, but a source at the party’s national headquarters denied this claim.

Present were former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; former PDP National Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo; Interim National Vice Chairman (South-West),

Chief Ishola Filani; former Governor of Ondo and Ekiti States, Dr. Olusegun Agagu and Ayo Fayose, respectively; two members of the party Board of TrusteesAlhaji Shuaib Oyedokun and Chief Ebenezer Babatope and other party leaders.

While many adjudged the meeting to be a success, the power brokers in the party and the Presidency, described the Ibadan parley as a flop.

From Ibadan, Tukur proceeded to Enugu on the same mission to bring aggrieved party members together.

Though the roll-call at the meeting was quite impressive, not a few party leaders were disappointed that some key political actors in the South-East geo-political zone, who were invited, stayed away. They included former vice-president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo; Chief Chris Uba, to name just a few.

Days after Tukur left Port Harcourt at the end of his South-South reconciliation tour, the ripples it generated are yet to settle. Described as the most well attended CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Briefly

The Minority Leader in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adekunle Rafiu, has called on both the executive and the legislative arms of government in the state to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of Visitation Panel on autonomy for Saki satellite campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

He said this would further infrastructural development of Oke-Ogun geo-political zone of the state. Rafiu while speaking with the Sunday Mirror said apart from the autonomous for Saki satellite campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan to full-fledged tertiary institution, the state government should take a step forward in construction and completion of Saki/Ilesha/Ibaruba Road.

Rafiu, who is representing Saki West state constituency, while expressing concern over the condition of this road, called on the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Monsurat Sumonu, to ensure the implementation of autonomy status to Saki satellite campus of the state-owned polytechnic.

The lawmaker while analysing the distribution of tertiary institutions in the state according to geographical zones, explained that Oyo State consists of 33 local governments in which Ibadan with 11 local governments has seven tertiary institutions, Oyo with four local governments has four, Ogbomoso with five local governments has two and Ibarapa with three local governments has three tertiary institutions. But Oke-ogun with 10 local governments, he lamented, has only one, which is a satellite campus.

Rafiu pointed out that during the electioneering campaign of Governor Ajimobi, he promised the people of Oke-Ogun a university for the prevalence of equity and justice.

“And upon his assumption in office as the governor of the state, Ajimobi constituted a visitation panel headed by a reputable Professor from University of Ibadan and a renowned barrister as the secretary to look into the activities of The polytechnic, Ibadan and to suggest ways forward for educational development of the state”.

Afegbua mobilises for Edo council poll A chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Malik Afegbua, has urged party members to settle their grievances before the April 20 council polls in Edo State.

Afegbua made the call at weekend at Oghomere village near Fuga during the inauguration of Etsako Central campaign train for the forthcoming council elections.

He said reconciliation became imperative because ``every vote is important and all aggrieved members must come to a roundtable for discussion with a view to resolving all lingering issues, if any’’.

Afegbua who is the party’s Edo North leader and Board of Trustees member said the election, like any other, was important to the party. ``We cannot afford to lose any vote. In this regard, I am calling on all candidates to extend their hands of fellowship to aspirants who lost out in the primaries,’’ he said.

The ACN chieftain said the party had painstakingly chosen candidates that would ensure its victory at the polls.

According to him, the candidates are not only to ensure victory but also expected to compliment the development strides of the governor of the state. ``All the candidates must ensure development is spread round the nooks and crannies of the state. ``We have warned that no candidate must deliberately concentrate efforts at developing his immediate community to the detriment of other areas in the council,’’ he said.

12

Politics

Sunday, March 31, 2013

L-R: Tambuwal, Nwoye and Ameke

ANAMBRA EAST/WEST CONSTITUENCY

Anxiety as Nwoye battles to unseat Ameke •Tambuwal under pressure, waits for S’Court TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

T

he tussle for the Anambra East/West Federal Constituency may drag on a little longer, despite a recent ruling by a court in Enugu nullifying the election of Hon. Chriscato Ameke, who presently occupies the seat at the House of Representatives.

The Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sunday Mirror gathered, is not comfortable with having a member he ‘knows’ for a , that he doesn’t ‘know’.

This disposition, provoked the National Association Nigerian Students (NANS) to a protest last week. Tambuwal however insisted the House would wait for legal processes to be exhausted before a decision would be taken on the matter.

Earlier, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Zakari Mohammed, had on behalf of the House warned the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and its ex-president, Comrade Tony Nwoye, to shelve their plan to protest at the National Assembly premises.

But despite the warning of Zakari and the Speaker, the group and its erstwhile President have insisted that the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency seat being occupied at the House by Hon. Amaeke must be vacated for Nwoye.

Their argument is that a High Court and an appellate court had nullified Ameke’s claim to the seat and declared Nwoye the winner in the 2011 election that had Amaeke ‘wrongfully’ declared winner and sworn into the House.

But Zakari at a press briefing had called on the dissenters to await a Supreme Court judgement on the matter.

Mohammed who made this disclosure at a House weekly briefing said, “We do not have anything personal

against Nwoye; all we are saying is that the full course of the law must be followed to its logical conclusion.

“This is hinged on the fact that we do not want this institution rubbished by repeated swearing in of members who have cases.”

Mohammed had insisted that the Speaker would not bow to pressure to swear in Nwoye.

He said the Chamber would wait for the decision of the court on the matter. He said the case is currently in the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal, noting that it would be legally unwise to “act on the matter”.

Asked if the case is not the same with that of Mrs Okadigbo which the apex court decided on some months ago and which is akin to that of Nwoye, he argued that every case has its peculiarities and is treated on its merit by courts. He clarified that the House had no intention of denying Ameke his legal rights, stressing that the Speaker will swear in Nwoye any day the Supreme Court rules in his favour.

Also, the NANS last Thursday vowed to barricade the NASS gate until their former president, Nwoye, is sworn in.

NANS president, Yinka Gbadebo Ayefele, and chairman of forum of ex-NANS leaders, Comrade Femi Osabinu, had noted that it was unfortunate that Nwoye was yet to be sworn in despite court orders, the advice of Director of Legal Services of National Assembly, and the recommendations of the four-man panel set up by the Speaker and headed by Chief Whip of the House, Hon Ishaka Bawa all asking for Nwoye’s swearing in.

NANS President said, “We have notified the State Security Service (SSS), the Police and other security agencies on our plan to protest and occupy the National Assembly over this issue; we are not seeking their permission but to request for their guidance.”

It would be recalled that the contest is over who between the two,(Chriscato Ameke and Tony Nwoye) was

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the seat in the 2011 National Assembly election. Ameke is currently occupying the seat .

But Nwoye has been putting pressure on the Speaker to swear him in.

While Amaeke is waiting until the apex court decides.

They are relying on Speaker Tambuwal to intervene.

In the last one week, Tambuwal has been under intense pressure over it.

After the judgment of the High Court, Ameke approached the Court of Appeal in Enugu asking that the order of the lower court be vacated. He asked for stay of execution while he challenged the decision at a higher court. But early this month, the Appeal Court dismissed his application, thereby staying the judgment at Awka.

Before the matter reached that point in Enugu, Tambuwal had declined consent to the decision to swear in Nwoye on the basis that the legal office of the National Assembly had not advised him to do so.

The advice by Mr. Charles Yoila on behalf of the Head, Litigation and Counseling of the National Assembly through the Clerk of the National Assembly on February 26 asked the Speaker not to grant Nwoye his request to be sworn in because of a pending appeal on the matter for stay of execution of the order.

Nwoye returned to the Court of Appeal, Enugu once again. The court later dismissed the appeal for stay of execution on February 27.

Nwoye’s counsel after this wrote the Clerk of the National Assembly on the development and asked once again that his client be sworn in.

A letter signed by Saleh Abubakar, Head, Litigation and Counseling on behalf of the Clerk addressed to the Speaker on March 4 directed that: “Hon. Speaker, we advise that Hon. Tony Nwoye be sworn in as the Notice of Appeal and the Motion for stay of execution were struck out by the Court of Appeal.”

Based on this, Nwoye again appealed to the Speaker to swear him in as the House resumes sitting in obedience to the court order and rule of law.

A clear message that Nwoye would not be admitted into the chamber last Tuesday showed when it was not contained in the day’s order paper.

The leadership did not leave the issue to remain in the realm of speculation. The Speaker’s media aide, Imam Imam, told the media that Nwoye could not be sworn in because the apex court was yet to dispose of all issues concerning the matter.

He explained that Ameke’s case is still pending at the Appeal Court, Enugu . Ameke stressed the position of the Speaker with a statement that the Court of Appeal in Enugu has reserved judgment on the case.

But Nwoye who held a press conference that same day, dismissed the Ameke and Tambuwal’s claim.

Nwoye displayed a copy of the order of the court dismissing the notice of appeal.

He argued that the House leadership was simply frustrating him because the judgment of the court he got was based on a Supreme Court decision. And the matter the apex court decided on is exactly the same as his.

The two were over the right candidate in the primary elections. Since the highest court has declared in Okadigbo’s case that the proper primary list is that from the Waku team, which he, Nwoye, was also a winner, he is roundly a beneficiary of the judgment and going to the Supreme Court over the same matter is just an intention to buy time.

Nwoye said that he had shown much restraint and patience with the tactics of the House and is now calling on Nigerians and lovers of the tenets of democracy to prevail on the Speaker of the House to admit him to the House as a member.

“Mr. Speaker is a lawyer in addition to being the head of the House of Representatives. I understand his meticulous approach to the matter in order to uphold due process, but now that all legal hurdles have been crossed and every barrier cleared, I don’t see further reason why he should not act on the advice and swear me in, because it is overdue. That will be victory for justice and our democracy,” Nwoye declared.

Whether the speaker will do so or not remain to be seen.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Sunday, March 31, 2013

13

AYO ESAN

T

he pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, recently held a reconciliatory meeting, a move which was designed to heal the wounds of the past and ensure the unity of the group which in the past had shaped the way the South-West politics should go.

The meeting which was held at the Akure country home of the leader of the group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who also chaired the meeting, was said to have in attendance, many old hands within the group.

It was gathered that the meeting was the resolve of some leaders of the group who felt that the perceived marginalisation of the Yoruba by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration was as a result of the polarisation of the Afenifere group.

The proponents of the meeting, therefore, felt that there was the need to bring all the old members back to the fold so that the Yoruba could speak with one voice.

With the convening of the meeting and the caliber of people that attended it, many believe that the division among members of Afenifere has come to an end as members of the break-away faction of the group attended what could be termed the enlarged meeting held in Akure, last Monday.

Among those in attendance at the meeting are Messrs Segun Ojo, Jimi Agbaje, Yinka Odumakin, Akin Onigbinde, Dayo Adeyeye, Senator Iyiola Omisore and others.

Fasoranti, while addressing the meeting, welcomed the returnees back home and urged them to remain steadfast in the quest to realise the emancipation of the Yoruba race.

He said: “Gentlemen, you are welcome back home.

With your return, I want you more than before to join in moving the Afenifere forward. Loyalty, honesty, sacrifice, love to the people and respect for one another are some of the hallmarks of our political association, the Afenifere.

“Unfortunately, these were some of the qualities the leaders of AD, especially those who found themselves in office lacked which almost led to the demise of the association. Now that you are back, we want you to strengthen those virtues I have enumerated which earned us respect of the people.”

The octogenarian extended the olive branch to others who were not at the meeting but who might want to return to the fold, saying they would be welcomed.

The Afenifere leader also said, “As for others who sincerely want to come back and help in strengthening the association, as they come, let them come with open minds to serve like our great leaders.”

It was gathered that the meeting had fruitful discussions on how to advance the cause of the Yoruba and protect its interests. It was also agreed by those in attendance that a lot of knotty issues should be ironed out and that personalities hitherto at cross purposes be reconciled.

It would be recalled that when it became practically clear that the conflict within the larger Afenifere group could not be resolved, the young elements in the group broke away from the Fasoranti-led Afenifere and formed a parallel group known as the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG).

To many who observed what transpired at the Akure meeting, they believe a stage has been set to give a new phase of life to the group.

But political observers also believe that key political actors in the South-West, especially the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) leaders and the state governors were absent at the meeting .

It was gathered that most of these ACN leaders disagreed with the decision of the leadership of the Afenifere to invite all the original members of the group, irrespective of political affiliation.

Those that were considered for invitation to the meeting were those known to be members of the steering committee of the group right from pre-

L-R: Fasoranti, Oshun and Odumakin

AFENIFERE

Working towards uneasy reconciliation 1999 date. These included some political figures that were in the group from the time of Senator Abraham Adesanya’s leadership Thus, despite the peace effort, many are already disassociating themselves from the decision of the Akure meeting and the outcome of the meeting.

At the Akure meeting, Afenifere Renewal Group , ARG was recorded as present. This ordinarily would not have been an issue of debate because prominent members like Odumakin and Agbaje were conspicuous at the meeting, but for the simple reason that the ARG, like the older Afenifere, has also been polarized into two- the Odumakin group and the Hon. Wale Oshun group. .

The Odumakin group is said to have disagreement with the ACN over an unresolved issue of betrayal during the period between 2000 and 2003.

The Oshun-led group therefore distanced itself from reports that it was involved at the Akure meeting where members of the group reconciled with Afenifere leaders.

Oshun said that ARG was not at the meeting and that “Whoever attended and or participated at that meeting did so entirely on their own volition.”

Oshun who is an ACN member said the group stayed away from the reconciliation meeting because of the presence of Senator Iyiola Omisore at the meeting, while Omisore was said to have countered by saying that the group had opened its doors for genuine reconciliation to take place and so there was no need to exempt him from the meeting.

Omisore was said to have issued a statement through his media aide affirming the role Oshun played in the crisis that bedevilled the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the Afenifere during the party’s convention .

It would be recalled that prior to the inception of

democracy in the country in 1999, Afenifere was a powerful political organisation and the party that it formed, the AD won all the South-West states in the 1999 general election.

Problem started within the organisation when the AD governors had disagreement with the leadership of the group. The issue in contention then was the alleged claim by the governors that they were supposed to be the leaders of the party while the leaders of the Afenifere should limit their leadership to the organisation and not to the political party’s arm.

All efforts to reconcile the governors and the leadership of Afenifere could not be realised until the death of its chairman, Senator Abraham Adesanya. After Adesanya’s death , the group became polarised into two camps. One group picked Chief Fasoranti as its leader while the former AD governors picked Senator Ayo Fasanmi as their own leader.

Effort to reconcile the two factions by the wife of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Mrs H.I.D. Awolowo, brought more confusion as many Yoruba leaders who are PDP members stormed Ikenne , the venue of the meeting claiming to also belong to Afenifere. This made the former AD governors led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the serving ACN governors to shun the meeting as they claimed that they could not sit together with the PDP Yoruba members because according to them, they are not part of Afenifere.

Political analysts and watchers are of the view that the unification of the Afenifere may be a mirage because the leadership of the group presently are not in the same political party with the governors in the state and there is hardly any way the two groups can work together as a result.

14

Politics

Sunday, March 31, 2013

PDP’s search for reconciliation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

of Tukur’s zonal tour so far, the meeting which held at the Civic Centre in the oilrich city was attended by all the governors in the South-South.

Midway into the meeting, however, the host governor, Chibuike Amaechi and his Delta State counterpart, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, allegedly walked out to the consternation of their fellow governorsSeriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and other party members.

Though the two governors have denied insinuations that they walked out, explaining through their media aides that they duly took permission from Tukur to attend to other pressing matters, the controversy their action generated still lingers.

Amaechi’s ‘affront’ is being interpreted as a subtle way to express his alleged displeasure over the moves by the president and the party to remove him as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the formation of the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF), headed by Akpabio. The Rivers State Governor has not attended the two meetings of the PDP Governors Forum since it was established.

At the North-East reconciliatory meeting held in Bauchi, two governors in the region were conspicuously absent. They are the Adamawa State helmsman, Muritala Nyako, and his Gombe State counterpart, Ibrahim Damkwambo. The latter’s immediate predecessor, Senator Danjuma Goje, also stayed away.

Nyako’s absence may not be unconnected with his battle for supremacy with Tukur over the control of the party apparatus in Adamawa. Tukur, it was gathered, is alleged to be positioning his eldest son,

Awwal, a former member of the House of Representatives, to succeed Nyako in 2015, a plot the governor is alleged to be aware of and is determined to scuttle.

It was a visibly angry Tukur, who was alleged to have privately confided in other top party members who accompanied him to Makurdi, venue of the North-Central meeting, that the party has its hands full in its quest to solve the crisis bedevilling it.

Sources revealed that Tukur was worried that none of the governors in the zone, including those believed to be loyalists of the president, attended the meeting.

Only the host governor, Gabriel Suswam, reportedly sent his deputy, Chief Steve Lawani, while the governors of Plateau, Kwara and Niger states failed to show up.

Concerned that Tukur’s tour, planned as the first in the series of reconciliation moves by the party, has recorded little success, the Presidency, according to sources, has ordered security agencies to place the activities of governors perceived to be antagonistic to the president’s alleged second term ambition on strict surveillance.

With the North-West remaining the only zone yet to host Tukur, it remains to be seen how the party and the Presidency intend to put their reconciliation agenda back on track.

However, with the seeming failure of the Tukur’s led team to achieve a total success in the reconciliation bid, the party’s Board of Trustees chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, has commenced a panic tour of the states governed by the party with a view to appeasing the governors that had been threatened earlier by both Jonathan and Tukur, especially Amaechi (Rivers) and Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

Meanwhile, indications that the Anenih-led team may achieve what Tukur could not achieve emerged last week with the warm reception he received from Aliyu, during the team’s visit to Niger State.

The Niger governor is perceived in some quarters as ‘anti-Tukur’ and ‘anti-Jonathan’.

In his welcome remarks, Aliyu assured Anenih and visiting members of the BoT that none of the PDP governors was eager to leave the party unless the party pushed them out.

He, nevertheless, tasked the party to ensure that things were done properly as he frowned against the alleged breaches by the party’s national leadership.

Responding, Anenih assured that issues of such magnitude as the presidency would be determined to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

He said: ““PDP has not yet taken a final decision on who picks our presidential ticket for 2015. The ticket is still open to all members as we are still consulting.

“The issue of candidate is a very strategic matter that is very close to most of the leaders. It should not be made a market place issue.

“There will be enough consultations as it will be the responsibility of leaders and followers to take decision. The leaders know what to do when the time comes.

“Nobody will push anybody out of the party. For us to have come all the way from Abuja to come and see our ‘son’ shows how committed we are to face our challenges squarely. We believe in dialogue and consultations.

“We are going from state to state to talk to our leaders, to appreciate the contributions of leaders, to see how to move things forward. We are in Niger State to discuss all issues pertaining to the development of Nigeria in private audience with the governor.”

Anenih commended the efforts of the state government on efforts being made to provide adequate security in Niger State, which he said had made Niger one of the most peaceful states in the country.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan

He called on the people of the state to continue to rally round the government for more meaningful development to take place in the state.

The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the party, Senator Walid Jibrin, said, “Our chairman of BoT is already visiting the states to discuss with the governors and I know that his discussion is yielding fruitful results. He will visit all the governors and have one-on-one discussion with them. The governors are with us.

The party has thereby said that Anenih has lived up to his reputation as a “consensus builder.”

The party has described the intervention of the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Tony Anenih, in the current reconciliation efforts as “statesmanly” and complimentary to the realisation of the goals of its current National Working Committee.

With the renewed effort of the party to reconcile aggrieved members through the Anenih team after Tukur’s failed bid, opinion moulders are watching to see if the former will succeed in his bid.

The failure of Tukur to achieve the task has also become a major source of worry among members, and it has also raised concern over his influence and capability to win the 2015 elections for his party.

Nwike declares for Anambra governorship and deep sense of commitment. I …harps on people’s welfare honesty guess, for the first time, I present myself

AYO ESAN

A

medical practitioner and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant in Anambra State, Dr. Patrick Nwabufo Nwike, has said that he is going for the governorship race in the state to put Anambra State back on the map of progress.

He promised a proper welfare package that would propel every Anambrian to an optimum quality level.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the 54-year-old younger brother of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Chudi Nwike, said Anambra State always seems to lack something; ‘an altruistic individual that actually cares rather than one that wishes to grab a little bit of power.

“Anambra State deserves someone that believes in ‘you’ and someone that is not scared to stand up and point out a wrong”.

“So, the challenges facing Anambra State today require a new approach and drastic change process. The new Anambra State that we dream of has a vision for a change: a change for a good cause and a change that will bring about visible and enduring prosperity for our people.

“The Government we shall put in place will stand up to these challenges with all

before you as a candidate who strongly believes in ‘YOU’ and in myself and this belief in ‘YOU’ can only make me a very strong representative for you”, he said.

He called on all indigenes and residents of the state to join hands together to chart a new course to meet these challenges saying, “indeed, the time is now.

“We also want to impact on the people, the true dividends of democratic governance through consultative and interactive forum for communal participation and thus leave a legacy that will remain the benchmark for assessing the performance of any future government”, he said.

“In addition to that, our hallmark would be honesty and purposefulness and we shall work in the fear of God without fear or favour. Our administration shall be highly people oriented such that the people of Anambra will have a collective say on how they want to be led and governed. We shall work to do things that the people of Anambra will like. Our stand point shall be people’s preferences and we shall work for it to happen.”

He said he has just a five-point agenda for the state and according to him these are “ superb healthcare delivery, sound education policy, agriculture/road development, social/youth development and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME).

15

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Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER MARCH 31, 2013

With Alamieyeseigha, FG should also grant pardon to Bode George, Ibori, Igbinedion –Agbaje President Jonathan in conjunction with the Council of State recently granted pardon to some Nigerians but what has drawn wild condemnation was that of former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. What is your take on this development?

In as much as I cannot fault the power of the President under section 175 of the amended constitution as to the exercise of his prerogative of mercy but the simple question is, can the President exercise that prerogative of mercy on the advice of the Council of State without regards to public opinion, public interest and to the mood of the nation?

The answer is definitely no. In as much as there is no limitation on that power vested in the President by that section 175, that does not mean that he can act arbitrarily or that he can just without consideration of public interest or the fairness of equity of the act and just go on and carry it out. Consultation is a very good thing in democracy but ironically in our own democracy, it is missing. People hardly consult. That was why there was a lot of brouhaha in respect of the budget.

If the government had consulted, it would have known that certain names that have benefitted from prerogative of mercy should not have been there. I am being specific on Alamieyeseigha because his name has rubbished whatever good intention the President had in granting that prerogative of mercy. Otherwise how do you group the names of the late Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya and Major-General Abdulkareem Adisa together with that of Alamieyeseigha?

Those officers were punished for political offence, treason, unlike a man who was convicted by a competent court of record for economic crime. There is a world of difference between an economic crime and a political crime.

In fact, in the international scene, economic crime is viewed as a crime against humanity. It will be grossly irresponsible for anybody to just lump those people together under the guise of granting prerogative of mercy.

How do you see this in relation to the war against graft?

The circumstances and the nature of the offences differ.

The public opprobrium attached to those offences differs.

There is so much increase in crime rate in Nigeria today and this is traceable to the high level of unemployment which in itself is traceable to high level of poverty. When you talk of poverty, it is this embezzlement by public officers of money that would have been used in addressing unemployment, in setting up of cottage industry and the rest of them that will subsequently empower and employ people and is being siphoned by the negligible few. Some of these people have been arrested, tried by the regular court, convicted and now you are granting pardon to them. How do you place such a pardon or juxtapose it with the fight against corruption? Meanwhile, Section 15 subsection 5 of the Constitution says it shall be the duty of all agents of government to eradicate all forms of corruption. How do you justify such pardon with the fight against corruption? The court has convicted somebody and you are granting him pardon. The mood of the nation now or in other words, the tide of public opinion now and public interest does not favour the grant of any form of pardon, whether general pardon or qualified pardon to the likes of Alamieyeseigha. In any case, whatever may have made the President to grant Alamieyeseigha pardon must also be extended to Lucky Igbinedion, Bode George and also to James Ibori. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. It is then that we will know that in the international scene, we can be treated like lepers - people who are unserious with the fight against corruption, whose government has embraced uncritically corruption. That is why corruption is not reducing in Nigeria today. The court has convicted somebody meanwhile the people are shouting

Mr Fred Agbaje is a Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist. In this interview with Ayo Esan, he speaks about the controversy surrounding the pardon granted to some eminent Nigerians and the demand for immunity by members of the House of Representatives, among others. Excerpts:

Agbaje

that the courts have not been doing enough in terms of conviction as if the courts can manufacture evidence to convict people of corruption. In any case, the few that the courts have been able to convict, you are granting pardon to them. In other words, the Federal Government is saying that the courts can go to blazes.

But the Federal Government said what informed its decision was because these people have shown remorse for their action Is that how to elongate the doctrine of separation of powers and the principles of constitutionalism upon which the present constitution is founded? Is what the government has done not an aberration of Section 15; subsection 5 dealing with eradication of corruption? Government is not eradicating corruption, it is promoting it.

The argument of the government that these people have shown remorse is not it. Who is to determine whether any convict has shown remorse; is it not the society?

The government is behaving as if sovereignty belongs to it. Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria under the constitution and it is the people that can decide whether someone has shown considerable remorse or not. It is not

for the government to arrogate such sovereignty which is vested in the people of Nigeria to itself. That is not the reason the government granted pardon to the likes of Alamieyeseigha. They granted him pardon because he is the commander of the Ijaw nation and the President needed him for his second missionary journey come 2015. That is the bottom line. It was for political reason and that is why he just lumped all of them together. If I come from the family of the late Yar’Adua or the late Adisa or that of Diya, I would sue the Federal Government for joining me with Alamieyeseigha. The fact is that the government has shot itself in the foot.

There was also a revelation during the debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that more than 80 per cent of the oil blocks are owned by some northerners. How do you see such revelation?

What is in the PIB bill that it has taken this long? Let me tell you, the PIB is one of the oldest bills that have been in that House. It’s been suppressed from the inception of democracy in the country since 1999. But because of vested interest, revelations of which are now coming to CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Interview

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Govt needs to dialogue with Boko Haram’

has characterised the Farouk scandal is what they want to cover. They want to render useless the entire provision of Section 6 of the constitution that deals with the judicial power. In other words, they want to render impotent our courts so that you cannot go to court and challenge certain action. I will not be surprised if the same legislators would tomorrow call for the abrogation of Section 6 of the constitution that deals with the judicial power. They can say they now want a government of the legislature and the executive. That will be the height of madness.

Agbaje

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 light, each time the bill comes up, they kill it. It is only in this country that you have the so-called parliamentarians put their selfish aggrandizement or selfish interest before national interest. It is only in this country that you hear of a parliamentarian or legislature talking of what is in that law for us and not what is in that law for Nigerians or national interest. If there is nothing in the bill to satisfy their personal aggrandizement or enhance their political interest, they kill it and yet they say they are representing the people. I am not surprised, after all, how many of them were lawfully elected? When you look at the majority of laws passed, they are those that will enhance electoral fraud in this country. They are not laws for good governance or for advancement of democracy in the country.

Otherwise, how will any legislator empower INEC on what the constitution has not empowered it to do. The National Assembly now passed law for INEC to de-register political parties. It was the constitution that created those political parties and the constitution did not give INEC such powers. Will that type of law enhance good governance or promote democracy? The answer is no.

So what is in the PIB that is taking so long? It is selfish, parochial interest as against national interest that is at play. Selfish interest has overridden national interest.

This is a bill that would have enhanced sanitisation of the oil sector, particularly in the downstream and enhanced employment for Nigerian citizens, reduced the oil theft that is going on under the nose of the President in Aso Rock and guaranteed clean environment for the indigenous society where this oil is being tapped. When you look at the overall interest and the advantage that is accruing from PIB, it is not only encouraging but amazingly good that every right-thinking member of the society should embrace it including the so-called legislators. But unfortunately for selfish, narrow-interests, some politicians have made up their minds that, that bill will not see the light of day. When you look at the population of those who are actually antagonising it, these are the direct beneficiaries of the theft and criminal allocation of our oil wells. The beneficiaries are the ones that are kicking against it. Is it therefore a surprise that the senators have been pushed to the wall to now declare openly that 83 per cent of oil wells are owned by a particular segment of the Nigerian society? It is the same segment that does not want to see to the success of that PIB law.

I think we are gravitating towards revolution.

Obasanjo said it and people thought he was joking. LtGen. Danjuma said it lately and many thought he was joking. He said what is happening in the North will precipitate massive revolution very soon. We are gravitat-

IN ANY CASE, WHATEVER MAY HAVE MADE THE PRESIDENT TO GRANT ALAMIEYESEIGHA PARDON MUST ALSO BE

LUCKY IGBINEDION, BODE GEORGE AND ALSO TO JAMES IBORI. WHAT IS SAUCE FOR THE EXTENDED TO

GOOSE IS SAUCE FOR THE GANDER ing towards it. The Arab Spring will happen here and the political holocaust will be so devastating and those who think they will not reap from the whirlwind will be so shocked.

The national legislators are making move to have immunity as is being currently enjoyed by the President and the governors. How do you see such move?

It is the silliest thing to do. When you look at the Section 4 of the constitution that deals with the power of the national assembly, they are supposed to make laws for good governance in Nigeria. How does a law that shields the legislators from the reach of common man promote good governance? If anybody should be shielded, it is the common man first, by providing him with adequate security and welfare. But rather, as I said earlier, our political rulers are self-centred in their actions and activities than in the interest of the common man. How can anybody be thinking in this democratic experiment that the legislators should be given immunity? The constitution provided immunity for the President, Vice-President, the governors, the deputy governors and this is heavily criticised as it had been an encouragement to corruption. In any case, what of the legislative immunity that is already in place and the common law principles which also gave immunity to the legislators in respect to whatever they say in the House? Apart from this common law of immunity, there is an Act of parliament passed since 1959 which gives immunity to the national assembly members in respect of whatever they do in the house. It is called parliamentary privilege anywhere. It simply means that those members of the National Assembly that are clamouring for that have a skeleton in their cupboards. The hue and cry that

The issue of amnesty for Boko Haram has also been a subject of debate of late. What have you to say about this?

The Sultan of Sokoto was the first person to throw the bombshell that we should have amnesty for the Boko Haram. The Sultan knows what he was talking about. Perhaps, he had in mind that government granted amnesty to the Niger-Delta militants, then why not Boko Haram?

Again, the other argument is that Boko Haram are faceless and that we cannot grant amnesty to faceless people.

But what baffles me in the Federal Government’s argument is that the same Government that is quick to say Boko Haram are faceless is the same, particularly under the regime of Goodluck Jonathan about a year ago, who said that members of the same Boko Haram have infiltrated his government. How did the president know? It means that he knows the people who have infiltrated his government and who have been busy terrorising innocent people, yet the Government till today has not pointed them out. It is therefore a contradiction in terms, of the highest order and incongruous statement. You cannot discuss with faceless people and at the same time you said the same faceless people have infiltrated your government.

It shows that somebody is lying along the line. The same people that the Federal Government is describing as faceless have held meetings with some of the governors in the North. Did they hold the meetings with the ghosts? That is what the Boko Haram people are saying; I am not holding brief for them. They held meetings with the governors, why don’t you tell them to get the identity of these people so that the Federal Government can dialogue with them too? Instead of the Federal Government staying on Mount Kilimanjaro and pretending like Pontius Pilate as if nothing is happening in Nigeria, a lot is happening by way of socio-political and economic decadence. The constitution guarantees right to life and that is why the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government to the people of Nigeria is mainly two, peace and security as well as welfare. Why hasn’t the Federal Government found a means of reaching out to the Boko Haram so that the sanctity of life can be preserved?

To be honest, the economic activities in the North have been paralysed. That is why the likes of General Danjuma have cried out that the economic situation in the North is in shambles. The southerners in the North are migrating.

It is almost getting to a situation of ‘to thy tent Oh Israel’ now. Why don’t you arrest the situation if dialoguing with the so-called Boko Haram will bring peace? Unless you are saying your government is not one of peace. Why don’t you negotiate with them? Must the Federal Government wait until the governor of Borno State says ‘I know these people, come and meet me to take you to them’?

What I am interested in is that there must be peace in this land. Enough of senseless killings! Why did it take the President so long to go to the Boko Haram infested Borno State? Why did the Federal Government wait till APC governors went there? The APC has scored a cheap political point. This was what the Federal Government ought to have done first.

My position is simple: Forget the claim that some people are faceless. The government knows them, security agents know them and the President has said that they have infiltrated his government.

Recently, the main opposition parties in the country ANPP, CPC, ACN- among others came together to form a mega party. How do you see this development?

There is nothing wrong with it. Constitutionally speaking, there is nothing wrong with it. That is even a demonstration of the principles of democracy. Don’t forget that the constitution guarantees freedom of association.

If by that freedom, you can comply with section 221-229 of the constitution which has to do with political party formation, you can metamorphose from mere association of friends to political parties. What has happened is an elongation of democratic principles.

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As a new Pontiff emerges W

ith Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now Pope Francis I, officially assuming duty recently as the new Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City, he will face some daunting tasks and scandals, foremost of which are the creeping effects of growing secularity on the Universal Church, as well as weighty sex scandals plaguing the senior cadre of the clergy. The Pontiff has, however, signalled a shift in direction and charmed his flock by preaching greater humility. It is thus the hope of many that the largest church in the world, which has steadily been suffering grave and unusual setbacks bordering on immorality, is set for an era of purification.

It is, however, pertinent to note that the Catholic concept of reforms excludes escalating social problems of secularity, such as the ordination of gay priests, gay marriage, birth control or abortion. The Catholic understanding of reform is still within the conservative sense of greater purity, unencumbered and true celibacy, purging the leadership of sexual immorality, and insulation of the Universal Church from the rot of secularism. The tone for reforms had been set by the Pope-Emeritus, Benedict VI, the immediate past Pontiff of the Catholic Church, who had boldly stated that the church would need to stand up and stand firm in the light of a changing world. With the emergence of Pope Francis I, there is no gainsaying the fact that the church is, indeed, ready for the much expected reform. The new Pope was second to Benedict in the contest for the papacy in 2005; and after the emer-

gence of Benedict as Pontiff at the time, he was appointed as the point-man to head Pope Benedict’s reform agenda. It is, consequently, expected that Pope Francis would be able to pull through the reform process to fruition.

Over the decades, the church has had a tepid image on issues of pedophile among the clergy, and other forms of sexual immorality. One leading member after the other had either been busted in scandal or had openly confessed and resigned from leadership position, amid cases of infidelity towards the canon law and spiritual calling. Some have been accused by members of sexual abuse years before such clergy rose to reverend prominence. The latest case before the emergence of the new Pope was the admittance to infidelity and eventual resignation of the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland. Mired in such controversies, and faced with the increasing challenge of possible persecution in countries where such volatile issues as homosexuality and abortion are being condoned or legalised (two abhorrent practices to which the Catholic Church is fanatically opposed), the Pontiff, indeed, requires deeper spiritual sensitivity and discernment.

Initiating a process of spiritual renewal for the mission is also imperative.

Beyond the scandals is also the daunting task of unification of the church. In the last 20 years or more, the Catholic fold has been torn apart by ideological and doctrinal issues, with battle lines drawn between the conservative, moderate and radical or charismatic members. This had led to

splinter movements within the general Catholic family; and the formation of partly Pentecostal and partly Catholic movements in which there is religious syncretism of sorts, which has rather confounded the leadership and compromised, albeit debauched the essence of Catholic life.

Nevertheless, with his pedigree as a very humble priest, who believed so much in the originality and holiness that characterised the Catholic faith, and whose sanctimonious mission right from the scratch in Argentina, to when he was appointed as a Cardinal, has not been in doubt, it is rightly expected that Pope Francis 1 will take account of all the distressing challenges and address them as soon as possible. They include the drive for ecumenism, that is, a monolith church for the world, devoid of schisms and conflicting doctrines; fight against racial or ethnic divisions, as well as uniting the body of Christ to include Christians all over the world that are increasingly facing secular incursions and threats from antagonistic faiths that continually erode their spirituality and freedom of worship. It is also expected that the Pontiff will nip the immorality mess in the bud once and for all. Hopes are high that the new Catholic helmsman will restore the pride of purity for which the world knew, cherished and respected the Catholic movement over the ages. Let the Catholic Church return to that era when all and sundry in the Christian world embraced it as the sanctuary of truth, undiluted biblical injunctions, as well as moral uprightness and lessons.

Reminiscences MARCH 31, IN HISTORY 1940: Churchill warns against German invasion

The first sea lord of the admiralty, Winston Churchill, warned that a million German troops were massed on the borders of Luxembourg, Belgium and Holland ready to strike and that England and its allies must be prepared to protect other countries in the forthcoming conflict.

1959: Dalai Lama granted asylum in India

The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, crossed the border into India after a 15-day journey on foot from the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, over the Himalayan Mountains seeking asylum.

This follows the Chinese repression of the rebellion by Tibetans in Lhasa.

The Dalai Lama was granted political asylum in India.

1964: Coup d’état ousts Brazilian president

A military coup d’état in Brazil led by Gen. Humberto Castello Branco ousted President Joao Goulart.

1986: Britain abolishes Greater London Council

The GLC or Greater London Council was abolished after 97 years of local rule in London, England.

1992: UN imposes sanctions on Libya

The United Nations Security Council voted to ban flights and arms sales to Libya, for shielding six men accused of blowing up Pan Am Flight 103 and a French airliner.

1994: Nature magazine announces discovery of skull

The discovery, in Ethiopia, of a complete skull of Australopithecus afarensis was announced by Nature magazine.

2004: Four US contractors ambushed, murdered in Iraq

Four Blackwater Security Consulting (BSC) employees were ambushed and murdered in Fallujah, Iraq. The four armed contractors, Scott Helvenston, Jerko Zovko, Wesley Batalona and Michael Teague, were dragged from their cars, beaten, and set ablaze.

2011: U.S. - Missing cobra found

A deadly Egyptian cobra that had escaped New York’s Bronx Zoo was found alive in the zoo’s reptile house almost a week after its escape. During its absence the snake had become a minor celebrity after someone set up a Twitter account in its name and started making humorous comments.

18

Opinion

Sunday March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The amnesty black market in Nigeria Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan deserves thumbs-up for his stand on proposed amnesty for terrorists in the country.

The president had, at an interactive session with northern elders, during his last visit to Borno and Yobe states, turned down the proposition by the elders for amnesty to be extended to the notorious Boko Haram (BH) members who had been tormenting the north for over two years. He had challenged the elders to put an identifiable face on the group, produce them to a roundtable and compel them to sheathe their swords before the thought could even arise. Jonathan had also asked the elders to put themselves on the line if after amnesty the elders were echoing the voice of Sultan Sadiq Abubakar III, Sokoto Sultan and leader of the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, who had strongly demanded amnesty for the sect members. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) had immediately joined in the call; but the youth wing of that group, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) had opposed the demand, describing it as a charade.

The amnesty demand has its roots in the President Umar Yar’Adua’s policy between 2008 and 2009, of calling for armistice from the Niger Delta militants and be granted amnesty in return, which would come with settlement in varied forms, including financial compensation, education and training in special areas that could make them have meaningful value and become useful in national development. The militants’ cause was rooted in the age-long exploitation and desecration of the Niger Delta envi-

ronment by multinational oil companies who had been condoned and shielded by the Nigerian government, whose members are monetary beneficiaries of the despoliation of that region.

The region gave Nigeria all the huge wealth that has made it a great nation; but what the people of the area get in return are gas flaring, oil spillage on land and water, destruction of aquatic life (which is the region’s source of occupation and livelihood) and exposure to health hazards. These, coupled with abandonment of their roads, schools, medical centres and other social amenities, has made the people of the Niger Delta socially and economically maligned, buffeted and condemned. The link roads between Niger Delta states have totally collapsed; their agriculture and fishing are as good as dead because of the spillage and flaring, while their sons and daughters remain largely uneducated.

These were issues from independence, which, among others, including political marginalization (until more recently) had propelled the struggles of Isaac Boro and Ken Saro-Wiwa, two great sons of the region whose bitter end further demonstrated the unconcern for the plight and sentiments of the people.

From the General Sani Abacha era, rather than look into the multiple disarticulations of the Niger Delta social and economic life and the enormous contradictions that would culminate in a restless run of genuinely aggrieved people, successive administrations wielded the big stick and applied the sledge hammer to compel obedience. General Olusegun Obasanjo levelled Ogoni in 1999 because of the growing militancy and attack on security operatives in the area by armed gangs. The Joint Task Force (JTF) has applied maximum force in attempt to arrest the situation. The continued exploitation and impoverishment of the people have however, created more problems for the state, which include pipeline vandalism either as sabotage or to scoop as alternative source of income, oil theft, emergence of illegal refineries in the swamps, piracy along the coastline, kidnapping of

oil companies’ expatriates and other acts of terrorism.

But the Yar’Adua administration took the bold step of granting the militants amnesty and thereafter mobilized them for national development. Majority of the militants, who however surrendered their arms and hoped for the best, soon became self-centred and forgot the cause of social justice for the greater good of the Niger Delta or infrastructural problems which led them into the organized movement, but rather began to see the amnesty as a lifeline for personal aggrandizement.

This is where the amnesty instrument became abused and completely useless as a means of addressing conflicts of social injustice. Boko Haram soon emerged and unlike the Niger Delta militants, they were different in vision, philosophy, demands and operations. It is pertinent to note that their vision is not clear and demands impossible. They want an Islamic state of Nigeria. They seek an end to western education. They want the Christian president to renounce his faith and become a converted Muslim. Boko Haram (BH) members load their cars with bombs and explode them on churches, mosques, banks, police stations, public schools and motor parks. BH members invade worship centres and public places and rain bullets and killing innocent men, women and children. Army patrol vehicles are attacked and soldiers killed.

The terrorist group has killed thousands without regrets and has, through its arrogant leader, boastfully declared to slaughter more. Expatriates are kidnapped and murdered at will; and they continue to toss government around on dialogue, ceasefire and proliferation of group. They dare government, and as one group declares its willingness to end the violence, the same day, another group goes on killing spree to prove to the world that it stands for total war against the state. The targets in more recent times since the battle to save the soul of Mali began have been French nationals and southeasterners in Nigeria.

It is in the middle of all these brazen

acts of brigandage and murder of people that the Sultan and some others called for amnesty for the BH members. When is amnesty offered to an anti-state people? It is when renegades surrender their arms, surrender themselves to or are arrested by the state, renounce all violence, show total sense of remorse and are genuinely committed to working with the state to end disorder. Amnesty refers to pardon for fugitives that have abandoned their illegal acts. Amnesty is not given to active gangsters who have boldly told the state that its war is total and infinite.

It is therefore laughable to ask for amnesty for a cantankerous and an unrepentant group. The demand for amnesty by the northern leaders shows either a lack of understanding of the situation on ground, or unconcern for the feelings of those whose family members had been killed by the BH since 2010. The northern leaders’ call is unbelievable. They have shown that they do not care about the victims of their murderous kinsmen.

One would expect them not to make such ridiculous demand of amnesty.

They should be helping government with strategy and information on how to smash the group members and bring an end to the violence. They are supposed to be elders whose wisdom should not be in doubt: rather than asking for amnesty and cheapening it, giving the impression of another cheap commodity in a loose or informal market; the northern elders should join in condemning and frustrating the efforts of BH. The amnesty is unfounded, baseless, immoral and legally speaking, ultra vires.

President Jonathan has thus acted well by rejecting amnesty. This wise and statesmanlike declaration by the president should silence the demand once and for all and send the callers to a thinking laboratory, after which such ridiculous demands should never drop from people’s mouths anymore.

•Dr. Folarin is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, Political Science/ International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

Kolanut: Nigeria’s edible language OLUWASEGUN IJABIKEN

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olanut is an indigenous tropical crop, cultivated in the West, consumed in large quantity in the North and celebrated in the eastern part of Nigeria.

Its physical characterisation in terms of shape varies from oval to spherical and the colours are usually white and red-violet, with the latter being more common.

There are about seven species of kolanuts but the two major commercially exploited in Nigeria are cola acuminate and cola nitida.

Kolanut is not only peculiar to Nigeria, it can also be found in other West African countries such as Sierra-Leone, Liberia, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon and Congo River Basin.

In Nigeria, before the discovery of crude oil, when agriculture contributed 90% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Kolanut was largely one of the major cash crops that generated revenue for our economy through exportation and industrial utilisation. Then, Nigeria produced about 88 percent of the world’s kolanuts.

Kolanut is richly cherished as flavouring for soft drinks, wines, candies and beverages. It is used as a stimulant to drive away sleep, increase alertness, sus-

tain energy and suppress hunger. African warriors were often given kolanuts before going to war. Kolanuts are also utilised as source of colourant for cloth dyeing.

It has the following contents; caffeine, theobromine, d-catechin, i-epicatechin, kolatin, kolanin starch, glucose, fatty matter, tannins, anthocyanin pigment and protein.

The major ethnic groups of Nigeria: Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo, all identify with this unique crop.

The Yoruba, who call it “Obi”, are known to farm and trade in it, because their soil is well endowed for it. Here, kolanut is third in importance as an indigenous cash crop, with the palmtree and cocoa tree as first and second, respectively.

“Obi” is their generic name for it but when referring to it as major species, it is called “abata” (colanut acuminata) and “gbanja” (colanut nitida).

A culture similar to the Igbo, which was common among the Yoruba in the past, was the use of kolanut as one of the other materials in blessing newly wedded couples, but these days, Christianity has obliterated that part.

The Hausa who are predominantly Muslims, owing to Islamic prohibition on alcohol, use kolanuts as a substitute, since it is mildly addictive. They call it

“goro” and they are the major eaters of it.They don’t lay emphasis or attach any cultural or symbolic essence and celebration to kolanuts than taking it as an anti-depressant, thirst reducing stimulant as well as substitute for alcohol as earlier mentioned.

In Igbo mythology, different crops are believed to have a spirit force and kolanut is one of them. They call it “Oji”, despite the widespread of Christianity, they do not toy with ascribing a level of appreciation and symbolic importance to it. It remains central to the social practices and interaction among the people.

They include it in the many rituals and social gatherings such as courtesy visits, meetings, weddings, naming ceremony, coronation and funerals. Here, the kola rites are divided into four parts: the presentation, blessing, breaking and distribution. This usually commences with a popular saying, “He who brings kola, brings life”.

The host breaks the kola nut into its cotyledons and distributes them according to age of those present, starting with the eldest. The host eats the first piece to show that it is not poisonous.

In any of the afore-mentioned gatherings, if a Yoruba is seen to be present, he is usually given the honour of breaking

the kolanut, (since Yoruba produce it) as a way of launching it before it is distributed.

Kolanut has kept the Igbo people unified, allowing them to constantly uphold their cultural values, as well as establish and reinforce socio-political interactions among them.

It is an established fact that kolanuts remain the only edible language that is recongnised, valued, appreciated and honoured by every Nigerian, creating a national sense of affinity.

Government, therefore, needs to tap into this area as a means of fostering national unity. First, money should be invested on its plantation and sale, both within and also for exportation, and in return, both the communities of cultivators and consumers would have improved tremendously.

Kola nut should also be portrayed on postage stamp and currency designs as a symbol of national unity. Thereby instilling the mindset of its unifying and leveling ground in us. This will project the crop as a viable tool for social and economic change and the nation at large would be better for it.

•Ijabiken is of National Mirror newspapers.

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EDIFYING GOD

QUOTE God’s word can scold anyone; He has no respect for your position or where you are coming from. God’s word can pierce anyone.

–Pastor Bamidele

Sunday March 31, 2013

Ademowo, at Easter, flays Christians’ unserious attitude •Says it is wrong to chew gum during worship

K AYODE FASUA

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he Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), who is also the Bishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo, at the weekend, lamented growing un-seriousness among Christians in the country.

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, where clergymen under the Anglican Church and their wives converged for the symbolic Last Super of Christ, preparatory to Easter, Ademowo was particularly piqued that rather than listen to sermon on worship days, many Christians resort to chewing gum.

“They come to the church confused and go as far as taking chewing gum during worship or Holy Communion.

Can anybody sit before an earthly Oba (Yoruba traditional ruler) and be chewing gum? This is not only an insult to God but also sinful and people who do this should pray for forgiveness and stop it forthwith,” he urged.

The bishop stressed that while in a church for worship, utmost attention and decorum are required as a mark of honour to God. In his homily with the theme, ‘Following the Master’ (John 13:13), Ademowo also reminded the clergy of its vow to serve God and His people faithfully, urging it to emulate Jesus Christ who washed the feet of his disciples as a mark of humility and service.

“We are all servants and messengers of the gospel; therefore, nothing should be too mean in the service of the lord, because a faithful servant never goes without his reward.”

He added that through the shedding of Christ’s blood on the Cross of Calvary, he had sealed the work of redemption of mankind, and he as such urged his priests to always make this known to their congregations, “that salvation is no longer in any other, than that which is in Christ.”

You shall rise from zero to hero, says Pastor Okereke 22

Most Rev. Ademowo

Experience the resurrection power –Pastor Samuel

He appealed to the people to continue to pray for an end to the current security challenges that had bedevilled some parts of the country.

The governor said that the period was being observed to remember Jesus Christ, who paid the supreme price in order to save souls.

Yuguda also called on Christians to use the Easter celebrations as sober reflection and self-evaluation towards relating with the Creator and their fellow man.

According to him, you must amend where necessary as Bauchi State and our country as a whole needs peace now more than ever before.

“We cannot, therefore, afford to allow ourselves to be divided along religious or ethnic lines, but must allow peace to reign in order to make progress.

“The government has taken all measures to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people of the state,” Yuguda said.

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1,500 youths for Oyo retreat Over 1, 500 youths from all parts of Oyo State have converged on Lead City University, Ibadan for a weeklong spiritual and moral retreat.

The event which commenced with accreditation at the school’s Sports Centre on Thursday, is centred on Bible-based workshop, sports, lectures and training on career development.

The youths who were mostly from Winners Chapel across the state had gathered at the Adeline Hall, venue of the event within the Lead City campus saying they looked forward to a spiritually rejuvenating experience.

Managers of Adeline Hall, Kunle Olaniran, said besides the spiritual benefits derivable by the youths, they stood to enjoy a camp environment with ambience, suitable for mental and spiritual development.

“Every year, we host thousands of members of the Deeper Life Bible Church here for similar activities. So we urge these youths to make the best of the occasion to achieve their set objectives,” he said.

RCCG holds Holy Ghost night for children

Ven Opara

At the event, the Archdeacon of Kirikiri, a Lagos community, The Venerable Levi Opara, described the Last Super as one of the serious landmark events of the Holy Week, “which Lord Jesus Christ instituted.”

He urged Christians to re-dedicate themselves to the service of God and reflect on the lessons of Easter.

On the occasion, the Provost of the Cathedral, Very Rev. Pelu Johnson, led long intercessions and prayed for Nigeria, the President and the continued peace of the country.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda has called on Christians in the state to emulate the preaching of Jesus Christ, which teaches peace, honesty and love for one another.

In his Easter message to the people in Bauchi, Yuguda urged them to bury their ethnic, religious or political differences and live in peace and harmony with one another.

Briefly

As part of Christian activities marking Easter, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, will be holding a special Holy Ghost Service for children. It is scheduled for Friday, April 5, at Redemption Camp Grounds, starting from 7.00 p.m.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye will be ministering on the theme, ‘Arrows of the Mighty.’ The church advises all parents to bring their children to the venue early.

Sunday Mirror/Babcock University Bible Quiz: Winner of March 24, 2013 • Femi Ojetunji (08186353527) • 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.

Enjoying in godly wealth – Pastor Enakirerhi 45

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Praise & Worship

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bishop wants pay-cut for public office holders T

o stem the continuous slide in the cost of governance and living, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev Hilary Odilichukwu Okeke, has advocated a cut in the salaries, allowances and perquisites of their offices.

The cleric described it as an unfortunate vicious circle of widespread corruption, selfaggrandizement, self-serving, ego-trips and megalomania, the foisting of these leaders on the electorate through “hook and crook means” at the elections, with little or no plans to use the offices to improve the lot of the electorate.

Bishop Okeke who disclosed this in his Easter message yesterday in a press briefing, observed that “most Nigerians watch helplessly as trillions of naira are dissipated at every level by those who should be there to serve and not to be served…” He acknowledged that the sing-song on the lips of all has been transformation, but such has not been seen in the attitude of the public officers.

He noted that the new Pope Francis has taken off on strong signal of simplicity, humility and

L-R: Pastor (Mrs.) Ikenna with Pastor (Mrs.) Fagbnoyede; Lady Evangelist Beatrice Ajoke Bamidele and the General Overseer, Pastor Samuel Babatunde Ogunfowokan at the 2013 National Convention of Christ Healing Evangelical Church (CHEC) held at its camp ground at Loburo Mowe, Ogun State.

service, hence would be a lesson to all in authority around the world, including Nigeria. He, therefore, urged for a reasonable cut in the emoluments of public officers in the country and also for a strict prioritization of common good over personal interest and the enthronement of service

over exploitation and embezzlement of public resources.

The cleric condemned the idea of amnesty for the Boko Haram, wondering how and why anyone would propose such bizarre project. He insisted that true peace in the nation would only come from sincerity and honesty. According

to him, “we are yet to be sincere to our country and that is why we often pamper evil doers. The call for amnesty for the Boko Haram sect is not sincere, and I wonder if those proposing that have addressed their minds on those they have killed…”

On the demise of Prof Chinua

GCM turns 21, commissions Gloryland Dome RICHARD EGHAGHE

W

ith a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment, members of the Glory Christian Ministries (GCM), a thriving Christian Ministries set to evangelise the world, celebrated its 21st anniversary last weekend in Lagos.

The occasion which was graced by eminent men of God, including Bishops Mike Okonkwo of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); John Osa-Oni of the Vineyard Christian Ministries, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the latter Rain Assembly as well Pastor Simeon Afolabi of First Love Assembly, coincided with the official dedication of the new ultra-modern Gloryland Dome Cathedral of the ministry, at OdoOlowu, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

All through the five-day anniversary celebration, the Church choir supplied sonorous and highly inspirational gospel tunes.

There were also Christian drama, praise and worship sessions, deliverance, salvation and series of miracles as guest pastors and bishops took turn to preach the word of God to win souls. The climax of the anniversary fiesta was the official commissioning of the Gloryland dome by Pastor Tunde Bakare, supported by his wife, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the host pastor;

L-R: Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly, performing the dedication of Gloryland dome, supported by founder and host pastor, Glory Christian Ministry, Dr. Iroufagha James.

and the founder of GCM, Dr. Iroufagha James, among others Earlier in his sermon, titled, “Let The Flow Continue’, Bishop Okonkwo, the presiding minister of TREM, glorified God for making the dreams of GCM a reality in ministry works while also congratulating the church on its 21 years and completion of the edifying building for God. “I congratulate you on this momentous achievement. It is a testimony of the faithfulness of

God and an evidence of the efforts you all put into completing this edifice. But I want to urge you not to rest on your oars. If there is any time that this ministry needs to pray more and work even harder, then this is the time,” Bishop Okonkwo stated.

In dedicating the domeshaped church edifice, Pastor Bakare also the ministry for not only attaining 21 years but for also completing the ultra-modern church building, saying,

“what you are seeing today is a testimony of what God will do in your life”.

Bakare, thereafter, rolled out 10 dedication prayer-points for the church from the prayers of King Solomon in the Bible, while reading from the book of 2 Chronicle 6, from verse 18.

Pastor Bakare remarked that he was present when the dream of GCM started 21 years ago and “I am proud of this ministry for coming this far,” he stated.

RCCG province gives back to society TAI ANYANWU

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ver 4000 men, women and children in Ebute Meta, Lagos and environs smiled home last Saturday, having received an all-embracing package, including food stuff, medication, household needs and many more, from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 1.

Many also had an opportunity to learn one trade or the other varying from hair making, nails treatment, soap making, tie and dye, in response the church’s effort to empower as many people as possible economically.

The alleviation unit in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Lagos State was on hand to complement the RCCG’s effort to give back to its host community.

Speaking at the event, which held at Oke Edo Junior High School, Ebute Meta, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Risikatu Titilayo Akiyode, expressed her ministry sport for the church’s event.

She announced that the Poverty alleviation unit in the ministry would put up modalities to train those member of the community who desire to learn some skills.

To that effect she said that anyone who has not skill should put down their names in the relevant department of RCCG Province 1, adding that resource persons would be urgently sent down to teach such ones relevant skills.

Speaking, Pastor Olaniyan of the corporate social responsibility department in the province said: “It is an all embracing package. It is not a one and for all thing. Every year, we have one project or the other all over Lagos state, but we have a particular weekend devoted to our social corporate responsibility just to highlight that and be able to do something.

“We are also ministering to girls that are socially maladjusted, commercial sex workers.

They are invited to this place. We have organized people who wil to talk to them; and we are also likely to screen them for HIV if the kits arrive on time.”

Olaniyan explained that a water project that is being worked on and would be to commission in a few week was part of the churches corporate social responsibility intended to give back to its host communities.

The event was rounded off with a soccer competition between RCCG club side and youths from the host community. The teams that came tops received cash gifts from the church.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

Sunday March 31, 2013

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Understanding your dreams, by Pastor Adewunmi T

Dream is the believer’s day to day guide through life often by his or her guardian angel (Holy Spirit). “Pay attention to it, because it has serious implications”, says House of Prayer Ministry’s General Overseer, Pastor Segun Adewunmi. Excerpts:

h e w o r d ‘dream’ normally refers to what we experience at sleep, which at times has some consequences in our lives. There are three types of dreams namely: Natural dream, Revelation dream and Demonic dream.

Natural dream: This is a dream that has no consequence whatsoever in the life of the dreamer. It is normally a reflection of the mind while asleep. One can experience some ‘Fantasies’ in line with ones thoughts. For example, one that was hungry slept off while expecting the food may find himself or herself eating in the dream. A situation of anger, fear and anxiety about something or sleeping in a strange environment can lead to fantastic dreaming. Dreams of this nature are called Natural dreams because they are mere reflections of the mind of the dreamer. Some sickness situations especially malaria could cause a natural dream. Usually, natural dreams occur in a situation of half asleep. The dreamer rolls on the bed like he is restless and his eyelids blink continually. This is why medical people sometimes diagnose complaints of a natural dream as manifestation of malaria.

Revelation Dream: A Revelation dream is a dream experienced in a state of deep sleep with closed eyelids. It is a prophetic dream which tells of what will happen to the dreamer immediately or in a distant future. It can also tell of events that may not directly concern the dreamer. We have the example of how the events of hundreds of years concerning the generation of Abram was revealed to him. We can also recall how King Abimelech was warned not to have intercourse with Sarah. The story of how Joseph dreamt of the sheaves of his brothers bowing down to his

own sheaf and how the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down to him was the prophecy that was actualized when he became the Prime Minister in Egypt.

Some other notable revelation dreams include: •The dream of Pharaoh which Joseph accurately interpreted.

Gen 41:1-36 •The dream of Samuel about the household of Eli. 1Sam3:10-18 •The dream of Nebuchadnezzar which he forgot and which Daniel vividly recalled and accurately interpreted. Daniel 2:24-49 •The dream of Joseph where God revealed the circumstance of the pregnancy of Jesus by Mary his wife to him. Matt 1:18-25 •The other dreams of Joseph by which the life of baby Jesus was protected from Herod. Matt 2:13-23 •The dream of Pontius Pilate’s wife warning Pilate that Jesus was actually an innocent man.

“When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him” (Matt 27:19) •The dream of Paul when a man requested him to come over to Macedonia to help.

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us”. (Acts 16:9) Sometimes a Revelation dream warns of the danger ahead which can be averted if the dreamer takes necessary action. It also tells of various plans of God which we can focus on and target as our destiny. Some people are gifted in Revelation dreams. Such people are guided in their everyday life program by their dreams.

It occurs several times that one finds himself in a place or a situation in which his mind flashes back momentarily in remembrance of having been in the exact situation in his dream before. Such a remembrance helps the dreamer to decide what to do in such a situation. For example, there was an occasion when I was expressing my anger but got the reflection in my mind of how that anger led to some dangerous situations in my past dream upon which I quickly adjusted and doused the anger.

Some dream experiences have peculiar

meani n g to the dreamer.

For example, dreaming of a clean river, a rock, vehicles and aircraft can mean spiritual power for the dreamer. Guardian angels also help using the personalities of the spiritual leaders, church colleagues, parents either dead or alive, good friends and other benevolent people, plaiting or barbing of hair as a sign that success awaits the dreamer. Weeping or crying in a dream can mean a landmark or a turning point in the life of a dreamer.

Generally, a Revelation dream is an important means by which believers are guided in their day to day lives through their guardian angel (Holy Spirit). It is possible for the dreamer to develop the spiritual gift into seeing visions, especially The Word of knowledge, The Word of wisdom and Discerning power.

The word of knowledge tells of the situation, the word of wisdom is about what to do for the expected result while Discerning spirit reveals the states of spiritual forces at work in a particular situation.

To be continued next week •For counseling, contact Pastor Segun Adewumi on 08039425631 Or Email: past orsegunadewumi@gmail.com

Echoes of Palm Sunday in Abuja JOEL AJAYI AND RICHARD EGHAGHE

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ast Sunday, it was a carnivallike celebration of sorts for thousands of Christians, across the country, especially Catholics and other Orthodox and Pentecostal church faithful as they joined millions of their counterparts across the world to mark the Palm Sunday feast amid pomp.

The convivial spiritual atmosphere that permeated most of the churches was characterised by worshippers who moved in procession, rendition of victorious songs, and distribution of palm leaves to assembled worshippers as they danced to mark the holy feast.

The feast commemorates Je-

sus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four synoptic gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. The excitement and victorious mien of the believers replicated vividly the old event as captured in Matthew Chapter 21 v.6 to 11 when multitudes spread their garments while others cut palm leaves to celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday, which is the final week of Lent, is the week in which Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ’s death and His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Some of the clerics and worshipers who spoke to Inside FCT relived the spiritual value of the feast which, they said, should be observed as the time for prayer, reparation, repentance, spiritual works as well as praying in line

Worshippers in procession, rendering victorious songs, and distributing palm leaves to assembled worshippers as they danced to mark Palm Sunday

with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

At the Rosemary Catholic Church, Wuse Zone 2 Abuja, the Parish Priest, Rev. Innocent Jooji, urged Christians to imbibe Christ’s life and teachings about

love and sacrifice; given the fact that Christ gave up His heavenly glory to live among men and later died for their salvation.

He advised Christians not to be deterred by the crime and in-

security problems in the country like kidnapping, bombing, armed robbery, burning of the churches in the North and killing of innocent people because of their faith.

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Praise & Worship

Founder and General Overseer of Global Success Ministries (GSM), Pastor (Dr.) Chima Okereke, in this special Easter sermon wishes all to remain steadfast, in the word and service of God as He is sure to lift you from zero to hero, no matter the evil plot of the devil in your life.

Sunday March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

You shall rise from zero to hero, says Pastor Okereke

G

enesis 39:20 states, “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison”; Genesis 41:42 “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt”.

Now Joseph was bought from the brothers by the Ishmeelites and Joseph was brought down to Egypt where Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hands of the Ishmeelites. Joseph lived with Potiphar and God blessed his house for the sake of Joseph but one day, the devil decided to use the wife of Joseph’s master to stop him from being lifted to the Hero level; it came to pass that the woman cast her eyes upon Joseph and tried to lure him to sleep with her but Joseph refused, then she lied against Joseph such that when his master heard about it, he casted Joseph in to the prison.

My beloveth in the Lord, I want you to understand this chapter and verses of the Bible very well. Know ye now that if you are a champion or a Hero or Heroine, you are the target of the devil; the devil will be looking for your loupe holes, so that he can attack and the purpose for the attack is to stop you from becoming that champion, hero or Heroine. The book of John 8:44 says “….devil is a lair”; who is the devil to speak when God have not spoken, it is only God that have the final say in your life. From the time Joseph was sold by the brothers to the period he was thrown into prison was the plan of the devil to stop Joseph from becoming a Hero.

Now the actions of the brothers and Potiphar’s wife became a channel to the achievement of God’s plans for Joseph to be lifted Him from Zero to the hero level.

It doesn’t matter the circumstances surrounding you now; just be faithful and remain focused and God shall bless and lift you up mysteriously.

The zero level is the level that can be regarded as a rough edge starting point.

A level where things are not the way it ought to be, a level where it seems like your dream and plans towards greatness are shattered; a level where all effort to succeed in life proves abortive, it is a period when the enemies kept your joy and prosperity hostage while the Hero level is a level of celebration for your achievement; this achievement is not the one you achieved by your effort but through God; it is the level where the word of God

Pastor Okereke giving monetary gift to a widow

according to the book of Jeremiah 29:11 comes to pass in your life making you a hero or heroine.

In Exodus 3:7 “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows”; and God delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians and brought them into the land of Canaan where milk and honey flows according to the book of Exodus 3:17 Joseph was a nobody before, he was brought to Egypt as a slave and in the process of serving his master, was thrown into prison but later he ruled over Egypt.

In the book of Esther 2:17; it was recorded that Esther the slave and an orphan girl was chosen to be the Queen among the many fair and young virgins that gathered together at shushan’s palace to the custody of Hegai. Esther was at the zero level but God made her a heroine when she became a Queen of that Land. I prophesy to you that God shall lift you from zero to Hero by the power in the blood of Jesus.

Now if you look at the life of all these people whom the Lord lifted from Zero to Hero in the past, there were certain good works which they did and stop their old ways of doing things and as well certain characteristics which they possess that guaranteed marvelous elevation to the Hero level. One of the things they stopped in their lives is sin; In the book of Genesis 39:11-20 Potiphar’s wife tried to lure Joseph into sleeping with her but Joseph refused and she accused him falsely which led to Joseph been thrown into the prison.

The book of Esther 2 says that when it got to the turn of Esther to go into the king’s palace, she refused to use any makeup which was given to everyone of the maidens to use; but Esther decided to go into the king’s presence natural. The Israelite; as many that indulge into sin where not among the people that entered into the

promise land. These people were able to resist sin and they were all exalted at the end to hero and heroine and today they are recognized and celebrated from generation to generation. Sin is a reproach and a complete hindrance to the Blessings of God in your life. I pray that God will sanctify you with the Blood of Jesus, show you mercy and bless you in Jesus’ Name. Other characteristic are meekness, humility and obedience which could be regarded as criteria to becoming a hero or heroine. In Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”.

Inheriting the earth means that you shall be blessed here on earth first. It doesn’t mean that they don’t have their own good ideas or option to apply at a period of time in their lives but they were obedient specifically to instructions such that through their obedience and sincerity of their heart, they found favour in the sight of man and with God and they were tremendously blessed; they were humble to everyone around them, they never see themselves as been better than others, they never allowed pride to over whelm them, it was because of their humility that God lifted them up according to the book of James 4:6 “But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble”.

When you are humble, the spirit of righteousness and holiness will be upon you because you will be rendering service and always be obedience to orders and commands of God Almighty.

I pray that the spirit of meekness, humility and obedience shall rest upon you today in Jesus’ Name. When the spirit comes upon you, ask God for the grace to put them into practice. It is obedience that begets meekness and humility.

If you want to be a hero or heroine, you have to listen to the word of God, obey and put it into practice; for the Bible said in the book of Romans 10:17“So then faith co-

meth by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”. It is through the word of God that you will be bold; God can use people to speak to you, it could be your spiritual father, Pastors, mentor, and other good people around you; God could even speak through your subconscious mind; but be careful that you listen to the one that will guide you aright and yield a positive result that will make you to be celebrated; the book of 2Chronicle 20:20 says “And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper”.

I prophesy into your life that you shall be lifted from zero to hero, from insult to result, from mockery to miracles by the power in the Blood of Jesus; in the mighty name of Jesus. When you obey the word of the Lord, He will love you and shower his blessings upon you. The only thing that can deprive you of your uplift is Sin; for the book of Proverb 14:34 says “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”. What is sin; it simply means disobedience and Holiness means obedient. Obedience to the word of God will make the love of God wax stronger in you and you shall be experiencing the blessings of God in your life. If you want to experience God’s blessings without sorrows; then you have to be obedient to the word of God for the book of Proverb 10:22 says, “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it”. I pray that through this sermon; God shall lift you up in Jesus’ Name. Remain Blessed.

Love you with the love of Jesus.

•For more enquiries; please send text messages or call the following numbers: 07038638984, 08101597149 for prompt attention.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

Sunday March 31, 2013

W Only the wise serves God, says Pastor Daramola Founder of Omnipotence Mission of God, Pastor Joshua Oloruntimilehin Daramola, shows the supremacy of God in this article. According to him, only the wise serves God. Excerpts: Oloruntimilehin

ho is the God that people are serving all the time? Where is He? Where does He live? Is He living in heaven or on earth?

Nobody claimed to have seen God. In the scripture, Moses, Elijah and Jesus were seen on earth. None of them met each other on earth but Jesus heard about Moses and Elijah and preached about their words. The stories and the era of these people are facts and witnesses about God’s greatness.

Today, many people have not seen God physically. But they do know about the existence of a Supreme Being who owns and controls the universe and the activities of man i.e. eating, drinking, walking, speaking, etc. That Supreme Being is God. Elders describe God as the One that does what He likes.

He created people in different forms, some are able and some are disabled from birth. All these creations have shown that He does what He likes.

Then who is this God? If some people do not know Him, then are they supposed to be doing His wish or not? The person that can kill and revive, bring about sorrow and happiness. Are we not to fear Him? Some people say God is tough or harsh but these people are in affliction and suffering. Similarly, some people say God is tough but they are living unpleasant life. But God is tough; that is a fact; this is because He does whatever He likes.

The Bible says in Isaiah 45 verse 7, “I form the light and create darkness. I make peace and create calamity, I, the Lord, do all these things”.

Jesus was asked whether it was the sin of the blind man’s parent that made him blind from birth. Jesus replied that the blind man was created in that form so that the work of God should be revealed in him. John 9 verse 1-3.

Imagine how it sounds to the human ear that somebody was deliberately created blind so that he or she could be used for signs and wonder. Now would anybody say God is not tough? Some people are still suffering; they cannot have regular meals. They don’t have money and good life is far from them. Those who are passing through such problems are not better than the blind man that

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Jesus Christ healed.

The blind man, for instance, is more likely to attract sympathy and arms from people than someone who has no deformity. Yet some people say God is not tough. If God is not tough, He would not allow friends to depend on each other for survival, husband to depend on the wife, some elderly ones to depend on their younger brother or sister.

God could have ensured that everybody is treated equally. Brethren, it is noteworthy that everyone should rely on God; because whoever relies on God shall not lack the good things of life. This is how God works. Whoever says that God is not tough and complains about the church doing one thing excessively and does not embrace what is Godly, that person subjects himself or herself to perpetual suffering.

But those who serve God diligently are people who understand the supremacy of God. Such also pray fervently, they do not sleep and slumber, but they are careful to move closer to God. Such people make conscious sacrifices to keep their spirit being in tune to do God’s good pleasure; when it comes to eating good foods and drinking good wine and wearing good clothes, they are modest about all that. If they refuse to do all that pleases God and serve Him; then they will know God is tough. If you do not serve God you would not eat and if you do not serve Him and you are eating you are cheat and eating from Satan.

For me, I serve God diligently and I do not lack good things of life with my family. God revealed to me several years ago three things required for man to do on earth. First, he showed me that man should eat very well. Secondly, man should worship and serve God; and third, man must die. God has commanded every living soul to worship and serve Him whether it is convenient or not. Many people would have fallen short of God’s commandments but things can be reverted if you are sober and beg for forgiveness of your sins. God does not forgive unless you request for it. Let us seek for His favour and mercy.

Refuse to be destroyed, obey God’s words, by Pastor Bamidele The biggest problem of many Christians is that they work contrary to God’s words, says Pastor Lai Bamidele of Christ Glorious End-Time evangelical Ministries, Lagos. Excerpts:

T

he word of God nourishes our body. The word of God is also milk to our body. What does milk stand for? Milk stands for growth, which means that milk is guaranteed by the milk of the work of God. What is the word of God? What makes the word of God to be unique?

The word of God is life-transmitting, life-giving and life-transforming. God’s word is life-emitting and transmitting. Listen to me, your problem is not only because there is a slump in the nation’s economy; but because there is a problem in your covenant walk with God. Every time a man is working contrary to the word, then he is working contrary to his breakthrough. I told you earlier on that God’s word is life-emitting, lifetransmitting and life-transforming. If you are a Christian and you want your life to be transformed, then get the word.

There is no point waiting for miracle to happen on its own. You can make miracles happen via the word.

Life is a choice; it is a choice for you to wait for God’s word. Now, listen to me; you can make them happen…a choice to wait and also a choice to be a waste. You either wait on God’s word or you become a waste to your generation.

The word of God is not just fire but it carries a consuming fire. Please, open with me to the book of Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

The Bible is emphasising in that scripture that the word of God carries power; it is a two-edged sword, the

word of God has no respect for anybody, to personality, position or placement. God’s word cannot be changed.

Do you know one problem that believers have today?

Most Christians today love to take God’s word to suit themselves. Listen to me, the word of God can scold anybody and in any church where you belong, everywhere you find yourself, if the word of God cannot scold you then you have no future.

God’s word can scold anyone. I recollect some few years ago, in one of our Sunday services; I preached the word. And I laid emphasis on tithing that day. At that time I was still living at Isheri then. I did not come to church that with my car. And after the service I entered public transport, as I was coming home that night, a word came upon me.

And said my son, you preached tithing today, but you too you owe me some tithe. You owe me some tithe.

And when that word came, I knew it from the throne. I knew of a truth I owe Him for few weeks then. Because of the challenges I had, I refused to pay my tithe.

The moment I got home, I searched all my pockets.

Every change I had in them at home, I did not even care to think of what my family will eat. The following morning as I was coming to church, I dropped everything for God. God’s word can scold anyone; He has no respect for your position or where you are coming from. God’s word can pierce anyone. Recently, I scolded one of our church members here; I was trying to correct the person. You are a worker in this church. It is not good that you will be coming to church by 9 am.

A good worker that knows his onion should know that he should be at Sunday school, before the service begins. And I was trying to correct the person and the person picked offence and said I am not going to that church again. Listen to me; if you serve God in truth and righteousness, it is not me that will be blessed. Be-

fore you come back to bless me you would have eaten and got satisfied.

So if I am telling you the truth, and you say you don’t like the truth, go ahead. Listen to me, in the diary of God, God has nothing to do with the economy of your nation.

The problem that Christians have today is that we are going against his word.

Ask your neighbour, “Are you prepared to hear the truth?

God’s word carries God’s wisdom. Did you know that it is the child that the father loves that the father scolds? If a child gets to the level of don’t scold me, destruction is inevitable. Your life shall not be destroyed.

•For counselling contact: pst_lai@yahoo.com, phone 08074484415, 08027502864 and 08161285586

Bamidele

PASSION A Lifestyle Magazine

Sunday March 31, 2013

‘My first time of falling in love...’ >>27 ‘I went to a night club in my pyjamas’

By Chris Okagbue >>29

Tope Oshin-Ogun: I’ve worn low cut for 11 years; it’s my signature look

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Passion

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tope Oshin-Ogun: I’ve worn low cut for 11 years; it’s my signature look Talented and stylish Tope Oshin-Ogun is a multiple award-winning filmmaker. She is a director, producer, casting director as well as the owner of Sunbow Productions Limited. In this interview with Angela Davies, the mother of four boys reveals that the art of filmmaking is not an easy one as people presume. She also speaks about work, marriage and other issues.

When and how did you get into acting?

I started acting in 1997. From studying Theatre Arts in school, then at the Lagos State University, I got recommended by my lecturers for professional jobs outside.

Why opt for directing and producing now?

I yearned for more after some years of acting and this led me to a new passion in directing and producing.

Don’t you think those behind the camera are hardly recognised?

In more developed industries, people behind the camera are more recognised. But I would say the reward of a filmmaker in this part of the world is the fulfilment gotten from producing/ directing a work of art to be enjoyed by all. And that is priceless.

Which is more challenging, acting or directing and producing?

For me, directing and producing are more challenging. They task my brain the more. Putting together the elements of a production and bringing it to life, translating black ink on paper to a work of art to be enjoyed by all on screen are no easy feat.

How do you feel being behind the cameras now?

I feel totally at home and I love it.

As a woman, how do you deal with male colleagues who cannot cope with you as a female director?

Honestly, I had this problem with men at the beginning of my directing career, but hardly anymore. Except when it’s a new project and we have to go through the usual motions of raised eyebrows at a female director and that hushed look that says, ‘What do you know about this woman?’ However, this and other hushed questions are quickly answered adequately when proper shooting starts.

What I do is to ignore, pretend they don’t exist and just throw myself into my work and do a damn good job of it. And due respect and regard follow automatically.

How do you cope with the work as a wife and mother, especially as your job takes you away from home most times?

Simple, it is God’s grace. He will not put on me more than I can bear. Also, I have great children, a wonderful, supportive and loving husband.

What motivates you in life?

God and the hunger to do even better than I did yesterday.

How long have you been married?

I have been married for 11 years.

Being married for 11 years, what lesson has marriage taught you?

In marriage, you learn as you go. It is a school that never ends and you can never be prepared

enough.

What would you say has been responsible for the success of your marriage?

God’s grace and mercy; friendship, forgiveness and love between my husband and I. What makes you happy about being a woman?

Motherhood is a special gift and miracle from God. To be able to carry another life within one, bring it to life, and nurture to adulthood. It is a great privilege.

How was growing up for you?

Growing up for me was quiet and peaceful. I grew up in a Christian home where both parents were pastors and they were strict.

Most women spend so much on their hair just to look good. Why wear a low cut?

I find it very comfortable and flattering. It’s become my signature look and I have worn it for 11 years now. It’s very convenient for me.

What is the misconception you think people have about you?

People mistake my shyness and being reserved for being snobbish.

What in your opinion is the secret to a long lasting marriage?

Prayers, friendship, loyalty to each other and the union, patience with each other and forgiveness.

Away from directing and producing, who is Tope Oshin Ogun?

She is a God-lover, a mother and a wife.

Define your style Simply put, comfortable but unique.

How do you like your make-up?

I like it light but when am going for an event, I like it a bit loud.

When you are sad, how do you make yourself happy?

I listen to music or go see movies.

What can you do for love?

Give all of me.

What is your greatest fear in life?

I have none. My life is in God’s hands.

What are some of the movies you have directed, and which was the most challenging?

The Young Smoker, Till Death Do Us Part, Journey to Self and New Horizons. My most challenging at any given point in time is my next film.

What is your philosophy of life?

There are no boundaries. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can be anything I want through Christ who makes me who I am.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Applause

I DON’T HAVE CHALLENGES IN MY JOB BECAUSE

I LOVE FASHION PERSONALLY. I LOVE LOOKING GOOD, SEEING GORGEOUSLY DRESSED WOMEN

Adekanmbi

‘My first time of falling in love...’

ADAEZE AMOS

O

ne thing going for Olaitan Adekanmbi, presenter of Oye, a fashion show on television, is the fact that she lives up to what she promotes.

This was evidenced during the Nigerian Television Fashion Show organised by Galaxy Television in Oregun, Lagos.

She was seen introducing her colleagues to the red carpet which started at exactly 2 p.m. She walked delectably in her simple Ankara dress to the entrance of the event and back to her table encouraging ladies who came for the show to have their names penciled down first before the red carpet.

She was enjoying every bit of her job as the presenter and producer of the fashion show on Galaxy Television.

Adekanmbi who is single but not desperate to settle down with just any man still remembers her first time of falling in love. “The first time I fell in love was when I gained admission into the university. I really enjoyed every bit of it but I wouldn’t want to reveal his name please.”

Perhaps, her first love had the attributes of her dream man which, of course, are “good looks, fear of God and a caring heart. I wouldn’t want to have anything to do with any man who is always shabbily dressed - one who doesn’t take his dress sense very seriously,” she affirmed.

She also told Sunday Mirror, “Yes, Oge is a fashion programme that promotes African culture and heritage through style.” According to her, her job is not challenging at all because it is her hobby. “I don’t have challenges in my job because I love fashion personally. I love looking good, seeing gorgeously dressed women and every aspect of my job,” she said.

This language graduate of the University of Lagos who sees fashion as

a way of life, comfort and style, says that one thing that puts her off today’s trends is the way some ladies abuse them by slipping into what does not fit their shape and body frame just because they want to be trendy.

“Ladies should always know that for every shape and body frame there is a dress. I hate ladies who force themselves into trends that are not suitable for their shape and body frame…ladies that are seen in dresses that their daughters should go for. I mean ladies who don’t have the right swag for a particular trend or fashion and they still force themselves into such, all because they want to be trendy. They want to flow with what’s in vogue.

It is wrong! In fact, this is one fashion blunder I will like ladies to curb.

Go for styles that you are comfortable in; know your physique first, the colour that is suitable for your complexion and ensure you dress bearing in mind your age. For instance, I take my time to dress bearing in mind what fits me, so as not to appear shabbily dressed or become intimidated in the midst of my fellow fashionistas. That is one thing I have never experienced in my life. I have never been intimidated in the midst of my fellow fashionistas” As a style pundit, she unveils what every woman stands to benefit by dressing well. “First, a lady is addressed by the way she is dressed. Second, when you make extra effort to look good, you are invariably appreciating the good works of God. It is also a way of representing your family in the society. A well dressed woman represents her husband and family.

There is no doubt about this. That also applies to a woman who is known for her shabby dressing and poor mannerism or a lady who is known for wearing revealing dresses. Anyone who sees her would wonder the kind of home and family she comes from. Thirdly, when a woman is known for dressing well, she is invariably showcasing womanhood positively,” she disclosed.

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Faces & Events

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuface, Annie Macaulay’s Dubai wedding

I

t was indeed a spectacular white wedding between ace musician, Tuface Idibia, and his lifelong sweetheart, Annie Macaulay, in Dubai on March 23.

The wedding was held at the front view of the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, by Jumeirah Beach Resort in Dubai. It was witnessed by 250 guests randomly picked from a cross section of Nigerian senators, musicians, Nollywood actors and actresses.

Bride and Groom

The couple with their daughter, Isabella

The coup

Ini Edo, Kate Henshaw, Mike Ezuruonye Rita Dominic and Susan Peters

Tunde Demuren and Banky W

L-R: (fron Bride and wife, Pas Ogah; br Lagos St State, yes

Jim Iyke and a friend Papa Omisore, Eldee, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid and Andrew Esiri

Susan Peters, Ena Maya Lawani, Terry Waya and Florence Ita Giwa

Some gue

Guests

MGBN Tourism 2012, Ifeoma Umeokeke (right ) and a friend

Chidi Mokeme and Uti Nwachukwu

Love and

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Dude Style I like clothes that cling to my body

Naughtiest Thing The naughtiest thing I’ve ever done

Chike Osigwe Osigwe, popularly known as Fresh Prince Prince, is a model, fashion designer and television presenter. In this interview with Angela Davies, he emphasises that he likes clothes that cling to his body.

What’s your style?

My kind of style is very simple. I like clothes that are very comfortable for me to go out in. I don’t like over-size clothes but those that cling to my body.

What is your favourite piece of clothing?

That would be my shoes, T-shirt and jean.

What won’t you be caught wearing?

I won’t be caught wearing over-size clothes like agbada.

Which is most expensive fashion item you have ever bought?

My boot; it was very expensive.

What about your signature perfume?

I wear 212 for men. I love the fragrance.

What’s your best colour?

Purple; I just like the colour. Aside from that, it signifies royalty.

Your after shave cram I like New Metro.

What’s that fashion item you cannot do without?

I can’t do without singlet. It is very important for me.

Who’s your best designer?

I like Paul Smith because he is a simple man. Also, I like his designs; they are always simple but unique.

What’s your philosophy of life?

Do what you expect people to do to you. Don’t treat people bad.

What are your dislikes?

I hate people who are deceptive things; I mean those who pretend or act what they are not.

What are your likes?

I like people who love fun, crazy but not mad.

Describe yourself in three words Simple, loves babies and funny.

‘I went to a night club in my pyjamas’

By Chris Okagbue

To tell you the truth, I have done a lot of naughty things in my life. In fact, I enjoy doing silly things that make people laugh when they hear it. Take for example, last year December; I and a couple of my friends went to a highbrow night club in Lagos in our pyjamas! Can you imagine that?

It was not really something we planned or staged, it happened spontaneously. I have some friends who also enjoy doing funny things as well. We just like to do things out of the ordinary.

That day, we were just chilling at home, bored and thinking of what we could do to spice up the evening.

That was when the crazy thought of going to a night club in our pyjamas came to my head. When I suggested it to my friends, they readily bought the idea and we all set off to this exclusive nightspot wearing just our pyjamas.

When we got to the club, we noticed that people kept staring at us but we didn’t care because we were having so much fun and also enjoyed seeing the incredulous looks on their faces when they looked at us. We were just laughing as we headed to the entrance of the club where two bouncers stood to ward off undesirable elements from entering into the club.

I could sense they wanted to stop us when they saw us approaching, so I quickly stood in front of my friends and smiled at one of the bouncers who recognised me immediately. The guy shouted, ‘Ah! Ultimate, I didn’t know it was you dressed like that!’ He just shook his head and laughed but quickly ushered us in and even gave us one of the best tables in the club.

That was how we became the topic of discussion in the club that day and our table also became where it was happening because other people wanted to join us and we all had fun and danced the night away.

I really enjoyed myself and I’m sure we gave everybody that came to the club that day something very funny to go home with. I’m sure nobody has ever thought of appearing at a night club dressed in pyjamas. I like to stand out and make all the difference in everything that I do.

Chris Okagbue emerged the winner of the reality TV show, the Gulder Ultimate Search Season 8: the Contest of Champions, held in 2011. He is a model, musician and Nollywood actor.

Interview by Vanessa Okwara

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

&

Weddings Engagements CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS MARCH 31, 2013

Bishop Oyedepo’s daughter, Love, weds sweetheart O n Saturday, March 23, the families of Oyedepo and Ogah were united to celebrate the wedding of their daughter, Love Oyedepo and son, Stephen Ogah.

The holy matrimony took place at the Covenant University Chapel, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State. The classy but low-key wedding was attended by a number of top government dignitaries and clergy. It was learnt that the romance between Love and Stephen started sometime last year.

The couple was joined in holy matrimony, which lasted exactly two hours, by Pastor Paul Eneche, one of Bishop David Oyedepo’s spiritual sons in the ministry. Reception followed immediately at the Faith Academy multi-purpose hall and cafeteria 2 all within Canaanland. While invited top dignitaries were hosted at the magnificently decorated Faith Academy multi-purpose hall which was the main reception venue, others were hosted at cafeteria 2.

Pretty Love was full of smiles as she looked radiant in her simple but stunning three-quarter sleeve wedding dress. Her bouquet was a mixture of red and white roses, while Stephen, the groom, looked dapper in his black suit, white shirt and black bow tie.

The couple had their traditional wedding on Thursday, March 21 at the bride’s family house inside Canaanland. They were strikingly dressed in lemon green traditional attire.

The wedding was attended by the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR; First Lady of Lagos State, Abimbola Fashola; First Lady of Ogun State, Funke Amosun; First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs Obioma Imoke; Bola Are; Bishop Joseph Agboli; Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and wife, among others.

Beautiful Love is the first daughter of the Presiding Bishop of

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

Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, while Stephen is a graduate of Covenant University and a Personal Assistant to Bishop David Oyedepo.

See more pictures on page 37

Hadeel Adeyinka Alabi was delivered at Newgate Hospital Services Ltd, Ogba to Adetoyese and Olayinka Alabi. He was delivered at 4.45 p.m. and weighed 3.1kg.

According to Olayinka, during the pregnancy, “I craved for cold drinks and different kinds of fruits such as apple, watermelon and oranges.”

What irritated Olayinka during the pregnancy? She said she disliked the smell of drugs. “I disliked the smell of drugs during the pregnancy,” she said.

What do Hadeel’s parents love about him?

“We love everything about him - his smiles, the way he eats and sleeps,” said Olayinka.

What do his parents want him to become in future? “God’s choice is the best and He is the one to guide him right. Though his father wants him to be a Chartered Accountant,” Olayinka said.

What is the meaning of his name? “It means righteous,” she Olayinka.

His gentle, God-fearing disposition attracted me –Taiwo OLUWASEGUN IJABIKEN

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t was grandeur on Saturday, March 16 as Taiwo Fashanu and Olaniyi Ayeni had their traditional wedding in the presence of friends and relatives at Hebron Events Centre, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

The couple met four years ago when Taiwo accompanied a friend to pay Olaniyi a visit. They became friends and after three months, it became obvious that there was more to their relationship than mere friendship. After three years, Olaniyi proposed to his sweetheart, Taiwo in the presence of his family members on his younger sister’s wedding day which took place on September 22, 2012.

When asked what Taiwo appreciates about her soul-mate, Olaniyi, she said, “He is gentle, caring and God-fearing. After a year of our relationship, I got convinced that he is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with”, she revealed.

It was an eventful day at Hebron, with the traditional wedding which took place under a canopy, coming first. It was eloquently anchored by Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko. The couple dressed in full Yoruba attire made from lace and aso-oke of gold, cream and red colours. They were also adorned in coral beads. Guests were treated to delicious meals and assorted drinks.

After the traditional wedding, a grand reception followed immediately in a hall within the same venue. The venue was filled to capacity by guests, ranging from family members, friends, colleagues, customers and neighbours, who all came to felicitate with the newly-wed. The hall was radiantly decorated with the colours of the day which were orange and gold. The event was compeered by broadcaster and actor, Kingsley Momoh.

The couple who later appeared in a blue outfit could not conceal their joy and happiness, as they danced in consonance to the music which serenaded the atmosphere by AO2 Musical Organisation. Guests had lots of assorted food and drinks to eat and drink. They also went home with various souvenirs.

Taiwo, who hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State works with Dini Travels and Tours, while Olaniyi from Ilaje in Ondo State works with Orientals Hotel, Lagos.

Ayomide Iyiola AbdulAzeez was born at Al-Iman Medical Centre, Dopemu, Lagos to AbdulWaheed and Medinah AbdulAzeez.

He was delivered at 12:00 p.m. and weighed 2.5 kg., “I craved for fruits and beans a lot during the pregnancy. I also lived eating amala with lots of vegetable.” Medinah disclosed.

Speaking on her physical body changes, Medinah said, “Many people did not know I was pregnant initially because my stomach was not too big. However, I looked more beautiful. I had no swollen feet, nose or face.”

What do they love about Ayomide? “He sucks a lot, sleeps well and loves to play too. He is calm and smiles a lot,” Medinah stressed.

What do they want him to become in future? “An engineer,” she said.

What is the meaning of his name?

“Ayomide means my happiness has come”, Medinah explained.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Pregnancy Talk with

Adaeze Amos

Foods you must avoid as you celebrate Easter Foods to eat during pregnancy

During last Easter, Kate’s large living room was crowded with familiar guests who came to celebrate with her and her husband. Again, it was her birthday. The slim, petite woman looked radiant in her purple chiffon dress. Edward, her husband, no doubt, looked happier because his wife was three months pregnant. They had been married for six years.

Kate ensured that her guests were served sumptuously before sitting beside her husband. She watched her friends enjoy both food and drink which included brandy. Moments later, she too decided to take some sips from her hubby’s drinking glass. She chatted and laughed away with friends who danced with their partners in their shimmering evening dresses.

Surprisingly, Kate drank herself to a state of stupor as she felt light in her legs.

She eventually managed to walk upstairs to her bedroom with cramp-like pains within her lower abdomen, as if she was going to observe her monthly flow. When she noticed some stains on her panties, she called the attention of Edward who watched how she staggered upstairs. He hurriedly drove her to the hospital where the doctor confirmed that the pregnancy had dropped. The couple was at the hospital while their guests who didn’t know what was happening busied themselves with music and buzz. One year after, Kate is yet to be pregnant.

As another Easter Sunday arrives, be careful about what you eat and drink, especially if you are pregnant, to avoid health risks for you and your baby. Don’t get carried away and soak yourself in liquor.

Medical experts have said that, “beer, alcoholic wines and spirits rob developing cells of oxygen and nutrients, and prevent normal foetal development. The effects of alcohol exposure in the womb on intellectual abilities and physical growth are permanent.”

Medical experts say there is no level of alcohol consumption that is known to be safe at any time during pregnancy.

Therefore, as you celebrate the Resurrection of Christ today, ladies try and avoid drink and food that would put you and your unborn baby in jeopardy. You can liven up your lunch with vegetables. If you are the type that loves colours, make your Easter meal colourful and healthy with a salad of dark, leafy greens and other colourful vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, olive, avocado, celery, pepper and carrot. Add

chickpea or ‘edamame’ (fresh soy bean) if need be. Fruits like orange, apple, pear, dried cranberry also add colour and nutrition to salads.

According to experts who have itemised the nutritional benefits of these foods: Avocados: They are affordable and experts have said they are loaded with folic acid vital to forming your baby’s brain and nervous system. “Take more of these, after all no mother would want to have an empty-headed baby. Get some ripe ones.

Avocados are a delicious way to get your vitamins. Spread some ripe ones on your whole grain, roll as a healthy substitute for butter. Keep in mind that avocados are high in fat (though the very good kind) and calories, so heap them on your plate only if you’re having trouble gaining weight,” says nutritionist, Chioma Iroha.

Carrots are colourful vegetables you must not lack in your fridge. They come with vitamin A, so they are important for the development of your baby’s bones, teeth, and eyes.

Green pods are actually a must have.

They are cooked soybeans — and they taste so much better than they sound. Packed with protein, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A and B, edamame can be scooped up by the handful as a snack (salt them lightly, and you’ll never miss the chips), or toss into just about anything you’re cooking, from soups, to pasta, to casseroles, to succotash, to stir-fry. They also make a gas-free stand-in for beans.

Nuts are chock-full of important minerals (copper, manganese, magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium, and even calcium) and vitamin E. Even though they’re high in fat, they are mainly the good-for-you kind. In a nutshell, go nuts with nuts (in moderation if you’re gaining quickly, liberally.

Oatmeal is good because, according to experts, they are full of fibre, the B vitamins, iron and a host of other minerals.

Fill your breakfast bowl with them.

Red pepper: A super-source of vitamins A and C, with plenty of B6 in the bargain, a red pepper is one of nature’s sweetest ways to eat your vegetables. Chop them into salsa, slice them into stir-fries and pasta dishes, or roast or grill them (with a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon) and serve them up in sandwiches, salads, or antipastos.

Spinach is rich in folic acid, iron, vitamin A, and calcium.

Yogurt contains as much calcium as milk — but it’s packed with protein and folic acid too. So instead of soaking yourself in beer and liquor, try yogurt.

• Next week in this column we’ll let you into all about kegel exercises in pregnancy, especially if you are experiencing urine leakage when you sneeze, cough or laugh. Have a healthy Easter celebration.

Single’s Bliss with

Akpomiemie …a peep into the world of a seriously searching sister!

If you pretend to love me, God will pretend to hear your prayers too!!!

I am back from where I stopped last week Sunday and I have a few shockers for you! Some women are nothing but gold diggers. When a man is seriously single, they wouldn’t look his way, but the very moment they see a well dressed, beautiful lady by his side, I don’t know why that is when they pick interest in the guy. They think the guy has money to make the babe look nice, thus will do same or more for them.

Those yeye church sisters are very guilty of this as well.

Imagine o! Immediately we arrived Desmond’s church - one of the popular wassup churches on the Island, the ushers couldn’t even hide eyeing him. Their smiles were not holy at all; you could see that the yeye pretenders were seriously sending green light to Desmond. Trust Waffi babes like me. I put my arm inside him own and pulled along with him. One of the old-mama-youngee ushers in a flash eyed me from head to toe while I lowered my sunshade and stared at her as if she was a heap of trash.

These ladies are in for it with me; they can’t take this one away from me! NEVER!!!

When we got into the church, a babe who was already seated and is not an usher, with very desperate smiles was motioning at Desmond to come sit by her. It was when Desmond got to the seat that she saw our hands intertwined! Well, na she invite us, so, I sat near her, while Desmond sat at the end where there was no other seat near him. The babe was just frowning like someone who drank bitter leaf juice! Well, na she sabi o!!! She had the option of swapping seats o, after all, there’s no superglue on the seat, while that part of the church auditorium is not the only place where there is oxygen for breathing or the only place where the Holy Spirit will minister to her.

Desmond held unto me as a loving husband would and we whispered and giggled all through until the service started. I could see from the corner of my eyes that the other lady was so uncomfortable and kept changing sitting positions. I kept telling myself: “abeg, make this thing stand up dey go jooor”!!!

Well, when praise and worship started, we were told to turn to our neighbours and greet them and say something nice to them. Shuo, see me see trouble o! Desmond was my neighbor and we were smiling lovingly at ourselves and saying nice things only for the thing who ought to turn to her neighbor- one ugly looking short thing, rather, stretched a handshake to Desmond- not even me her next neighbor, saying: “good morning brother, you’re looking great, God bless you”.

I am loving Desmond o and I’m happy that the mumu babe who dumped him had no eyes to spot husband material. You see, we bad babes can spot husband materials who will make it in life, while those so-called good girls don’t. Rather, they keep chasing after guys who are humbled by poverty, thinking they are actually good guys. Na lie! You can only tell who a man really is when he has made much money! Anything outside that, forget it! Go for the rich ones who have shown who they are, not the ‘good guy’ with empty pocket who will develop hunchback when small coins enter his hands!!!

Desmond did not take that babe’s handshake o! Rather, he told her: “good morning and God bless you too”. I controlled myself from bursting into laughter. Desmond and I simply looked the other way as if we had started our own worship even before the praise and worship leader said we should lift up holy hands!

Well, service was awesome but for that babe by my side who intermittently will laugh and pass a comment at Desmond each time the pastor cracked a joke! We were about leaving when this babe walked up to Desmond introducing herself that she is the branch manager with one of the new generation banks on the Island and would be glad if Desmond could grant her the opportunity to market some of their corporate services. See me, see wahala o! She even asked for his phone number so that they could arrange a meeting. Well, I love Desmond’s response! “You could discuss with my wife; she handles everything about our finances and I’ll fly with whatever decisions she makes”. The babe’s face use style change o! Desmond immediately gave her a number and she was all smiles. When she asked what name to use in saving it, he told her: “Mrs. Emomoemi Nemi- it’s my wife’s number”. The babe face change again! Desmond gave her my phone number.

The battle with those rich desperate sisters was not over o! Immediately we stepped out of the church, the ushers we saw earlier swarmed around us with pretentious smiles. These ones seem to be more experienced at the game of indirectly chasing a man; they were busy concentrating more on me as if I be small pikin wey no know their game. If only they knew that God pretends to hear the prayers of anyone who pretends to love me! Arrant nonsense!!!

36

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Heart-throb

Connecting

Vanessa

...Find your soul mate here

with

Amazing love –the Easter story

M

atilida grew up without knowing her parents. According to the story she heard from her aunty who raised her up, her mum got pregnant for a guy who came to do his national youth service in their village near Owerri in Imo State. Unfortunately, he had gone back to his state in the West before her mum realised she was pregnant with his child.

All efforts to trace him through the records he had left at the NYSC zonal office proved abortive.

Her mother didn’t have any other choice than to endure the shame and ridicule of the villagers and have the baby out of wedlock. She developed complications during delivery at the local maternity home and died almost immediately she was born. That was how Matilda was raised by her aunty who lived in Lagos when she was only three years old after being nursed by one of the women in the village who also gave birth during that period.

Living with her aunty was more or less like dining with the devil’s advocate. She never failed to remind her of the circumstances of her birth on daily basis. She enjoyed beating her and calling her a bastard or any other unprintable appellation that crossed her mind at the time of the beating which was quite often. In fact, she was the resident maid in the house and also the unpaid shop attendant in her auntie’s provision shop across the street where they lived.

All her life, nobody had ever shown her love, so it was not surprising when she fell in love with the first man that ever did so. She had just turned 17 and was about to round off her WAEC examinations when Akin started showing interest in her. He was a final year student in one of the state Polytechnics in the country. They started their secret affair and before she knew it, she got pregnant. When her Auntie discovered, she threw her out of the house screaming that she was just like her mother.

When she told Akin of her predicament, he too turned his back on her telling her to go and abort the baby that he was still too young to be a father. She didn’t have anywhere else to go, so she started sleeping under the staircase in one of the buildings close to her Auntie’s house. One

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of the women living in the building discovered she was pregnant and took her to a charity organisation that caters for women with unwanted pregnancies where she delivered safely a bouncing baby boy.

She lived in the dormitory provided by the NGO for about nine months wondering what she was going to do when the one year grace given by the organisation to stay and nurse her baby elapses. She was still in that contemplative mood when an elderly man dressed in very expensive clothes visited her. After asking her a series of questions concerning her background which she found awkward, the man suddenly hugged her crying and calling her “my daughter”!

She was shocked to her marrows and couldn’t believe her ears. Her own father has come to her rescue! He explained to her that he started searching for her for about a year now when he accidentally discovered he fathered a daughter when he did his National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in the East.

He apologised for abandoning her all these years saying he didn’t know of her existence.

He took her and her baby to his big house in a posh area in town where she was warmly welcomed by his wife and children. They accepted her as a member of their family and showered her with so much love and attention. Her step mum even offered to care for her baby so that she could further her education.

Today, Matilda is a chartered accountant and is working with a reputable investment company. She will soon be getting married to a wonderful man who loves her very much.

Thanks to a father’s unconditional and amazing love, she was rescued at the brink of destitution. Her life has taken on a whole new meaning and today she can look back at her past and smile knowing her story is an inspiration for anyone passing through similar situation to receive strength even in the face of rejection.

Love is stronger than death! The greatest is love! The greatest one is the one who loves the most! That is the message Easter brings to us every year. Whatever situation you may think you are in right now, find solace in the fact that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel and that the night is in its darkest form just before the breakof the dawn.

Trust me; you will pull out of that predicament stronger and wiser, especially when you embrace the love story that is embedded in the Easter message. It is surely a feast to celebrate but it is equally a mission to accomplish. Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? Use this Easter holiday to find that person and reconcile your differences. Is there someone in your neighborhood that needs a little show of love from you? Don’t hesitate to open your arms as well as your pocket because love is a verb; it calls for action. Easter must move us to action and not love professions alone. This is the only way we can make love reign supreme in a world filled with hatred and cold indifference.

Happy Easter everyone!

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Faces & Events

37

Oyedepo’s daughter, Love, weds T

he delectable daughter of the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Love Oyedepo walked down the aisle with Stephen Ogah at the Covenant University chapel, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State on Saturday, March 23, 2013.

The event had in attendance a number of dignitaries.

PHOTOS: Yinka Adeparusi

Group Managing Director, Global Fleet Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (right) and Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori

The couple during the exchange of vows

ple

L-R Bishop David Oyedepo, Stephen, bride’s mother, Pastor Faith Oyedepo and father of the groom, Mr. Ogah Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sarah Sosan (left) and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Ethics and Values, Mrs. Sarah Jibril.

nt row) Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; father of the d Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo; his stor Faith; Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; the groom, Stephen ide, Love Jesutobi; wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun and wife of tate Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, during the weding ceremony in Otta, Ogun sterday.

L-R: Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola and Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Pius Anyim (right) and another guest at the church service.

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and his wife, Pastor Nomthi.

ests at the reception

Stephen cutting their wedding cake

Pastor Isaac Oyedepo, the bride’s elder brother

Comedian, Holy Malam

Bishop David Abioye giving the sermon.

38

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends set to rock Ibadan After several shows and events, ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, has boasted that his upcoming show, Laffmatazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends billed to take place in the ancient city of Ibadan today will be his best show ever.

The show which is coming up on Easter Sunday at Jogor Center will see actress, Funke Akindele and Omo Baba Olowo crooner, Davido lead retinue of stars on the day.

Speaking on the show, Gbenga Adeyinka said his ‘boastful’ statement is not about the high number of stars gracing the stage on that day but the level of preparation he and his team have put into it.

“I know Funke Akindele and Davido are big so are the other stars coming but this show will be about the total package. I can assure you that you will see all the stars in different elements than you have ever seen them. The

level of preparation going into this is huge, I’ve never prepared for any show like this in my career. You know I’ve done quite a number of shows, this will be different.

Actress, Funke Akindele also revealed that she will be rocking Ibadan in her ‘Jenifa’ style. “I will be bringing ‘art’ to stand-up comedy on Easter Sunday. My performance will be artistic and very funny. I have something special in mind on that day. You all should look forward to it. And I must add, Gbenga Adeyinka impresses me daily with his level of preparation. This will be a good show,” she concluded.

Other acts expected at the show are Jaywon, Dammy Krane, May D, LKT, Capital Femi, Omobaba, Lepacious Bose, Skales, Owen Gee, Seyi Shey, Explicit, among others.

According to the organisers, the show has the endorsement of Oyo State First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and Juju legend, King Sunny Ade.

Emeka Ike takes a stand against gay at Vchannel’s show Popular Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, who is on self-imposed sabbatical from the movie industry, recently took a stand against legalising gay marriage in the country at Vchannel’s Celebrity Night Out held at Troy Lounge in Lagos.

Emeka, while fielding questions from April and Bridget, presenters from the cable station on state of the nation, said Nigeria should not follow the footsteps of United Kingdom (UK) that legalised same-sex marriage recently.

“Knowing our penchant for ‘copying’

others I want to plead with Nigerians not to encourage same sex marriage.

I don’t hate gay but I don’t support gay marriage either. God does not want it, our culture forbids it. We should not encourage what is not right. This is about defending whatever is left of our culture. Nigeria should not go the way of UK, we are people of culture. I want our legislators to stick to their guns and not legalise what will be eroding our culture and make us godless people,” the actor said.

Young Entrepreneurs Award gets sponsors After setting the pace last year in her maiden edition as an award exclusively designed to spur on young, energetic and vibrant Nigerian entrepreneurs to continue the hard work by rewarding them, the momentum is still on, as this year’s edition of The Abuja Young Entrepreneurs Awards 2013, tagged a night of glamour and entertainment’ bags two new sponsors.

Telaveras Group and Vlisco Nigeria are the two new sponsors willing to stake their brands for the concept of the AYE Awards.

The organizers of the event, Fusion Lifestyle limited said “This is just the beginning of greater landslide for AYE Awards. Our vision for the award is that we are able to reach and reward a huge number of Nigerians who are giving their best to make their lives and the country as a whole better”.

Voting is still on for nominees for AYE Awards in the following categories; Beauty, Education, Entertainment, Fashion Accessories, Fashion and Design, Food and Drink, Health and Fitness, Hospitality and Event Management, Information and Communications Technology, Media and Arts, Philanthropy, Specialized Services, Young Entrepreneur of the Year , through the website.

The Abuja Youth Entrepreneur Award is aimed at encouraging ingenuity, while promoting self-reliance and independence in young individuals. The event will hold on Friday, April 19, at The Abuja International Conference Center, and it is packaged by Fusion Lifestyle limited a young, constantly evolving company made up entirely of young entrepreneurs. The maiden edition of The Abuja Young Entrepreneurs Awards (AYE Awards), which was held last year, was regarded as a huge success.

Koga Entertainment online TV goes 24 hours After weeks of test running and working on feedbacks, Koga Entertainment is set to launch 24 hours online television come Monday, April 1, 2013. According to a source, the online TV channel will be available on all mobile devices that use internet and computers all over the world.

At the moment the station does six hours broadcast from 12noon to

6pm but will go 24 hours from Monday, April 1, 2013.

“With presence of good team and unusual segments, Koga TV will deliver new experience,” an official of Koga Robert Jeyibo said.

He added that, “we have pulled people with diverse experiences and skills. We will be giving Nigerians mobile entertainment for free. Our

plan is to turn mobile devices to entertainment devices.”

Koga Entertainment is an entertainment outfit that since breaking into the entertainment sector in 2011 have provided outstanding services, with the unveiling of its four mega studios for use by people in entertainment, media and the general public.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Nawab excites fans with dazzling music video Directed by Gambit - who has previously created exciting visuals for the likes of Dipp and Yemi Alade among others - comes one of the best music videos to come out of Nigeria in recent times, for your viewing pleasure.

It is none other than the debut music video from emerging Hip-Hop artist and songwriter Nawab for his brand new single titled Binu Binu Coming with a rap style that is completely unique and different from what is out there at the moment and matched by a gloriously catchy and infectious hook, Nawab rides the bass-heavy Smokey-produced musical backdrop with a braggadocios flow, punch-line-heavy wordplay and lyrical dexterity that will leave you hitting the replay button.

Visually, Gambit Pictures steps it up yet again with a music video creation that not just brings Nawab’s single further to life but also more than dwarfs some of the Nigerian music videos on current rotation, with its creativity, originality and sheer exquisiteness.

Afri-Culture partners with the African Films Development Awards Afri-Culture has partnered with the African Film Development Foundation, which is aimed at celebrating and recognizing those that have contributed towards the development of African Cinema.

The foundation is the organizer of the African Films Development Awards, which is billed to place on Saturday June 29, 2013 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The awards ceremony is dedicated to promoting, identifying and celebrating excellence within the African Film Industry. The awards show will be hosted by Hollywood actors Kerry Washignton (Scandal/Django) and Tracy Morgan (Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock).

Chuckie drops off another Price 2 Pay mix-tape material With just a few hours to go before the release of the Price 2 Pay mix-tape from Chuckie, he has dazzled his fans by releasing another good tune for his fans’ listening ears.

This song, as produced by Quebeat and featuring Trick, alongside Tuburna is titled Favourite Lady. From the title, it

Know Your Movies gains global protection As events unfold for the successful production of the first ever biggest television game show in Africa titled Know Your Movies which is based on movies, Equity Concepts entertainments has joined Format Recognition and Protection Association (FRAPA) for global protection of this format.

The Best of The Black President 2 rocks the airwaves Afro-beat lovers will be delighted to know that the complete works of the late Afro-beat icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, consisting of almost 50 albums, are now being re-packaged, with in-depth track commentaries written by Afrobeat historian Chris May, and prepared for a three-batch re-launch between March and September 2013.

The re-release programme was spearheaded recently by the release of The Best Of The Black President 2, a 2CD collection with foreword written by Senegalese-American R&B/hip-hop artist Akon. The 12 tracks (none under 10 minutes) include 1975’s Everything Scatter, probably one of the ultimate Afro-beat tracks, as well as an extended version of the classic Sorrow, Tears and Blood, inspired by the South African apartheid regime’s crushing of the Soweto uprising in 1976.

Fela recounts stories such as police making unsuccessful attempt to charge Fela for possession of weed (Expensive Shit) and speaks out about the practice of skin-bleaching among Nigerian women (Yellow Fever).

Fela’s final period of recording is covered too with 1992’s Underground System (Part 2, inspired by Fela’s friend, Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara and his assassination.

In his introduction Akon writes: “Despite everything they threw at him, Fela’s music and his message never lost their way. He was always real and he was always with the people. That’s why we love and miss him all the more.”

Akon, who grew up on Fela’s music, believes “Fela’s political beliefs were ahead of their time in so many ways, not least in their global vision. Today, the most influential protest movements – the environmental campaigners, the Occupy activists – have global perspectives ... It is a risky business attributing opinions to people who have passed on, but it’s safe to say that Fela would almost certainly have stood alongside today’s environmental and economic activists, and that he would just as certainly have approved of their global outlook.”

is easy to tell this one’s for the ladies.

Chuckie has been drawing attention since the release of the remix to his On A Lowkey track, on which he featured Alaye and he seems to have put in quite a good effort in the compilation of his mixtape as he endears his fans to anticipate it’s release this March, 2013.

Fela

FRAPA is an international body dedicated to the protection of formats. Established in 2000 by a group of key industry professionals, FRAPA represents numerous companies from within the television and broadcast industry. Its members include format creators, producers, distributors and broadcasters.

Patty Geneste, chairman of FRAPA said that it is pleased to welcome Equity Concepts Entertainments as a member of FRAPA. “We hope to build on your membership, cementing our prime position as an independent trade and Protection association in the world of television formats.”

The unique television game show which kicked off last year with an official press conference is first of its kind in Nigeria, even globally as it is a sharp departure from all other TV game shows. Software was actually created which acts as the graphic engine of the TV game Show which pulls different genres of movies. The organisers also have customized stage design visualized and built by Nigeria’s best stage designer. Hence, the need for a local and global copyright format.

According to the CEO of Equity Concepts and founder of Know Your Movies, Rowland Okorie, “Nigeria has undergone a paradigm shift in its appreciation and taste for local movies and their very own indigenous cast/story so for this reason Nollywood, Gollywood and Bollywood films would feature prominently in the game show. As part of this indicatives and added plus to our company’s social philosophy.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

40

Lessons of Life

ANGELA DAVIES lessonsoflife2@yahoo.com 08023342083

TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART MARCH 31, 2013

‘Acquisitive tendency made me lose three children in a day’ We conclude in this edition the story of Victoria who lost her three children in one day because of her materialistic disposition. Now, Ebuka, the embittered husband, has thrown her out of his home.

I

was shocked by Ebuka’s utterance but I assured him that nothing would happen to the children because they are in good hands. All I think of is my business and pleasure. I am either in London today, Spain next week or India the week after, etc.

Well, it’s so bad that sometimes I even forget the name of my children’s school. As strange as it may sound, I never attended any of their Open Day which is meant for parents to know how their children or wards were performing in school neither did I attend the Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, meeting which holds just once every term. However, my husband does not joke with these events, I remember twice or thrice when he postponed his trips just to ensure he attends these meetings. I lived this kind of lifestyle until something tragic happened in my family.

The twins fell ill two days to my planned trip to the United Kingdom and I took them to the hospital. The doctor ran some tests and told me they had mild malaria but the drugs would make them feel better in a day or two.

So I felt there was no need to postpone or even cancel my trip. I told the nanny to take good care of them and give them their drugs at the specified time. I promised to call the house to find out how they are doing. Ebuka strongly kicked against that trip but my mind was made up. “Victoria, please why not postpone this trip and take care of our sick children? I have never asked you to do this but I just feel this time it is important. Can you please for once put your family before business and pleasure?” Ebuka pleaded. “The doctor said they will be fine in a few days.

Honey, I promise that I will call the house every single day to know how they are faring. Darling, it’s just a two weeks trip; I will be back before you know it,” I promised. I hugged and gave him a peck before leaving for the airport.

As promised, I call every day, fortunately both Ebuka and the nanny told me my daughter’s were recuperating and Junior was fine as well. When I arrived in the country two weeks later, Ebuka was supposed to pick me up at the airport but he didn’t show up. When I called his cell phone, it wasn’t going through so I decided to take a taxi home. I met only the maid who told me my three children were rushed to the hospital the previous night because they all suddenly started feeling feverish.

I dropped my bags and headed straight to the hospital. There, I saw my three adorable children looking frail.

Ebuka told me they were all feverish at the same time.

Minutes later, he angrily said, “Victoria, if anything happens to my children, you will see the other side of me and believe me, you won’t like it. So woman go down on your knees and begin to pray.” My world started falling apart when about an hour later the doctor informed us that one of the twins just passed away. I saw my husband weep like a little girl whose toy has just been snatched while I sat on the floor looking lost and confused. While we were still trying to accept the sad news, two hours later, we were with the second twin when we noticed that she was gasping for breath.

Quickly, I rushed to call the doctor. He came into the room with two nurses and asked us to leave so that he could examine her. I left the room praying that nothing should happen to her but unfortunately when he came out of the room, he was looking gloomy. “Doc, what is wrong with my daughter?”I asked. “Madam, I am sorry we did

all we could but we lost her too,” he said. I suddenly found myself sitting on the floor. With teary eyes, Ebuka asked, “You this woman, what are you still doing here? I pleaded with you to postpone your trip just this once but you refused. What kind of mother are you that your children’s health meant nothing to you?” As harsh as Ebuka sounded, I knew I deserved any kind of treatment I would get from him.

At about 9:30 p.m., that same day, Junior was pronounced dead too. Thus, in one day, I lost my three children. Immediately the doctor pronounced Junior dead, Ebuka hurriedly dashed out of the room and drove off like a drunk leaving me and the nanny behind. When we finally got home, I saw my belongings by the gate. “What are my belongings doing here?” I asked the gateman. “Na oga bring them drop here,” he said. As I was about to knock on the entrance door, apparently Ebuka had heard my voice from inside, he quickly opened the door and closed it behind him, hence, preventing me from going into the house.

He starred at me almost two minutes and retorted with tears in his eyes, “Victoria our marriage is finally over and I would advise that you leave my house immediately.” I went down on my knees, held his legs and asked him to forgive me. I cried and begged but he said to me, “You have nothing left in my house. You came emptyhanded, so you must leave empty-handed as well. Since your businesses and travelling around the world are more important to you, I am glad to announce to you that you

RESPONSES

now have all the time in the world to do so without thinking about anybody.”

I pleaded with Ebuka to give me a second chance so that we could start all over but he refused. I understood him completely. I knew I was never a good mother but I promised to be if I ever get married again. The truth is that my materialistic tendency made me lose my three children, husband and home in one day. When all my pleas fell on deaf ear, I left Ebuka’s house in pain and shame.

I felt if only I had postponed my trip and performed my motherly duties, I believe my children would still be alive today.

About six months later, I sold off my boutique and supermarket and relocated to another state in order to start life afresh. I must admit that it has not been easy. However, I have made up my mind to be a good mother and wife if and when the opportunity presents itself again.

The last I heard about Ebuka was that he had relocated to Canada while his younger brother, Uche, is the one managing his businesses in Nigeria. Whether he has remarried or not, I don’t know but I wish he could forgive me for all the pains I caused him.

This is a lesson for mothers and wives who are too busy to have time for their family, especially their children. I learnt the very hard way and I still regret it. Losing three children in one day is enough punishment and anguish in a life time.

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

Re: ‘How identical twin brothers impregnated twin sisters’ Dear Francisca, I am of the opinion that you are fulfilling your destiny. Now that you and your sister are pregnant for twin brothers, but cannot possibly identify who impregnated whom, you may have to conduct the marriage ceremony together and live in the same house. In the course of time, there will emerge some distinguishing signs or factors.

Though you mentioned that they are not talking about marriage, you need to bring

in your parents into the picture, so that both parents will persuade them to cement the marriage.

Patrick Adiasor, Surulere –08033452087.

Francisca is Dele’s wife while Franca is Wale’s wife. That is because Dele started his relationship with Francisca. Franca and Wale only came in later, and so should be husband and wife.

–08099881148.

Since the twin brothers played along, it means the four of them were involved interchangeably. Since the twin brothers cannot determine who each of them impregnated, the onus is on the twin sisters.

Since women are said to have intuitional knowledge of the owner of their pregnancy, let the twin sisters use their ‘intuitional knowledge’ to determine which of the twin brothers impregnated each of them. But I would say, Dele impregnated Francisca since they were the first to meet and Wale

impregnated Franca. However, the onus to disprove shifts to the twin brothers.

Uncle B – 08030448828.

You girls think you are smart. All you need to do is for both of you and your sister to calculate from the way you played pranks, then, trace who impregnated each of you. But always bear in mind that ‘the slow movement of the leopard is not a sign of cowardice.’ Be wise.

Peace, Festac - 08038320409

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Bishop wants pay-cut for public office holders T

o stem the continuous slide in the cost of governance and living, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev Hilary Odilichukwu Okeke, has advocated a cut in the salaries, allowances and perquisites of their offices.

The cleric described it as an unfortunate vicious circle of widespread corruption, selfaggrandizement, self-serving, ego-trips and megalomania, the foisting of these leaders on the electorate through “hook and crook means” at the elections, with little or no plans to use the offices to improve the lot of the electorate.

Bishop Okeke who disclosed this in his Easter message yesterday in a press briefing, observed that “most Nigerians watch helplessly as trillions of naira are dissipated at every level by those who should be there to serve and not to be served…” He acknowledged that the sing-song on the lips of all has been transformation, but such has not been seen in the attitude of the public officers.

He noted that the new Pope Francis has taken off on strong signal of simplicity, humility and

L-R: Pastor (Mrs.) Ikenna with Pastor (Mrs.) Fagbnoyede; Lady Evangelist Beatrice Ajoke Bamidele and the General Overseer, Pastor Samuel Babatunde Ogunfowokan at the 2013 National Convention of Christ Healing Evangelical Church (CHEC) held at its camp ground at Loburo Mowe, Ogun State.

service, hence would be a lesson to all in authority around the world, including Nigeria. He, therefore, urged for a reasonable cut in the emoluments of public officers in the country and also for a strict prioritization of common good over personal interest and the enthronement of service

over exploitation and embezzlement of public resources.

The cleric condemned the idea of amnesty for the Boko Haram, wondering how and why anyone would propose such bizarre project. He insisted that true peace in the nation would only come from sincerity and honesty. According

to him, “we are yet to be sincere to our country and that is why we often pamper evil doers. The call for amnesty for the Boko Haram sect is not sincere, and I wonder if those proposing that have addressed their minds on those they have killed…”

On the demise of Prof Chinua

GCM turns 21, commissions Gloryland Dome RICHARD EGHAGHE

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ith a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment, members of the Glory Christian Ministries (GCM), a thriving Christian Ministries set to evangelise the world, celebrated its 21st anniversary last weekend in Lagos.

The occasion which was graced by eminent men of God, including Bishops Mike Okonkwo of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); John Osa-Oni of the Vineyard Christian Ministries, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the latter Rain Assembly as well Pastor Simeon Afolabi of First Love Assembly, coincided with the official dedication of the new ultra-modern Gloryland Dome Cathedral of the ministry, at OdoOlowu, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

All through the five-day anniversary celebration, the Church choir supplied sonorous and highly inspirational gospel tunes.

There were also Christian drama, praise and worship sessions, deliverance, salvation and series of miracles as guest pastors and bishops took turn to preach the word of God to win souls. The climax of the anniversary fiesta was the official commissioning of the Gloryland dome by Pastor Tunde Bakare, supported by his wife, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the host pastor;

L-R: Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly, performing the dedication of Gloryland dome, supported by founder and host pastor, Glory Christian Ministry, Dr. Iroufagha James.

and the founder of GCM, Dr. Iroufagha James, among others Earlier in his sermon, titled, “Let The Flow Continue’, Bishop Okonkwo, the presiding minister of TREM, glorified God for making the dreams of GCM a reality in ministry works while also congratulating the church on its 21 years and completion of the edifying building for God. “I congratulate you on this momentous achievement. It is a testimony of the faithfulness of

God and an evidence of the efforts you all put into completing this edifice. But I want to urge you not to rest on your oars. If there is any time that this ministry needs to pray more and work even harder, then this is the time,” Bishop Okonkwo stated.

In dedicating the domeshaped church edifice, Pastor Bakare also the ministry for not only attaining 21 years but for also completing the ultra-modern church building, saying,

“what you are seeing today is a testimony of what God will do in your life”.

Bakare, thereafter, rolled out 10 dedication prayer-points for the church from the prayers of King Solomon in the Bible, while reading from the book of 2 Chronicle 6, from verse 18.

Pastor Bakare remarked that he was present when the dream of GCM started 21 years ago and “I am proud of this ministry for coming this far,” he stated.

RCCG province gives back to society TAI ANYANWU

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ver 4000 men, women and children in Ebute Meta, Lagos and environs smiled home last Saturday, having received an all-embracing package, including food stuff, medication, household needs and many more, from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 1.

Many also had an opportunity to learn one trade or the other varying from hair making, nails treatment, soap making, tie and dye, in response the church’s effort to empower as many people as possible economically.

The alleviation unit in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Lagos State was on hand to complement the RCCG’s effort to give back to its host community.

Speaking at the event, which held at Oke Edo Junior High School, Ebute Meta, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Risikatu Titilayo Akiyode, expressed her ministry sport for the church’s event.

She announced that the Poverty alleviation unit in the ministry would put up modalities to train those member of the community who desire to learn some skills.

To that effect she said that anyone who has not skill should put down their names in the relevant department of RCCG Province 1, adding that resource persons would be urgently sent down to teach such ones relevant skills.

Speaking, Pastor Olaniyan of the corporate social responsibility department in the province said: “It is an all embracing package. It is not a one and for all thing. Every year, we have one project or the other all over Lagos state, but we have a particular weekend devoted to our social corporate responsibility just to highlight that and be able to do something.

“We are also ministering to girls that are socially maladjusted, commercial sex workers.

They are invited to this place. We have organized people who wil to talk to them; and we are also likely to screen them for HIV if the kits arrive on time.”

Olaniyan explained that a water project that is being worked on and would be to commission in a few week was part of the churches corporate social responsibility intended to give back to its host communities.

The event was rounded off with a soccer competition between RCCG club side and youths from the host community. The teams that came tops received cash gifts from the church.

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Understanding your dreams, by Pastor Adewunmi T

Dream is the believer’s day to day guide through life often by his or her guardian angel (Holy Spirit). “Pay attention to it, because it has serious implications”, says House of Prayer Ministry’s General Overseer, Pastor Segun Adewunmi. Excerpts:

h e w o r d ‘dream’ normally refers to what we experience at sleep, which at times has some consequences in our lives. There are three types of dreams namely: Natural dream, Revelation dream and Demonic dream.

Natural dream: This is a dream that has no consequence whatsoever in the life of the dreamer. It is normally a reflection of the mind while asleep. One can experience some ‘Fantasies’ in line with ones thoughts. For example, one that was hungry slept off while expecting the food may find himself or herself eating in the dream. A situation of anger, fear and anxiety about something or sleeping in a strange environment can lead to fantastic dreaming. Dreams of this nature are called Natural dreams because they are mere reflections of the mind of the dreamer. Some sickness situations especially malaria could cause a natural dream. Usually, natural dreams occur in a situation of half asleep. The dreamer rolls on the bed like he is restless and his eyelids blink continually. This is why medical people sometimes diagnose complaints of a natural dream as manifestation of malaria.

Revelation Dream: A Revelation dream is a dream experienced in a state of deep sleep with closed eyelids. It is a prophetic dream which tells of what will happen to the dreamer immediately or in a distant future. It can also tell of events that may not directly concern the dreamer. We have the example of how the events of hundreds of years concerning the generation of Abram was revealed to him. We can also recall how King Abimelech was warned not to have intercourse with Sarah. The story of how Joseph dreamt of the sheaves of his brothers bowing down to his

own sheaf and how the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down to him was the prophecy that was actualized when he became the Prime Minister in Egypt.

Some other notable revelation dreams include: •The dream of Pharaoh which Joseph accurately interpreted.

Gen 41:1-36 •The dream of Samuel about the household of Eli. 1Sam3:10-18 •The dream of Nebuchadnezzar which he forgot and which Daniel vividly recalled and accurately interpreted. Daniel 2:24-49 •The dream of Joseph where God revealed the circumstance of the pregnancy of Jesus by Mary his wife to him. Matt 1:18-25 •The other dreams of Joseph by which the life of baby Jesus was protected from Herod. Matt 2:13-23 •The dream of Pontius Pilate’s wife warning Pilate that Jesus was actually an innocent man.

“When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him” (Matt 27:19) •The dream of Paul when a man requested him to come over to Macedonia to help.

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us”. (Acts 16:9) Sometimes a Revelation dream warns of the danger ahead which can be averted if the dreamer takes necessary action. It also tells of various plans of God which we can focus on and target as our destiny. Some people are gifted in Revelation dreams. Such people are guided in their everyday life program by their dreams.

It occurs several times that one finds himself in a place or a situation in which his mind flashes back momentarily in remembrance of having been in the exact situation in his dream before. Such a remembrance helps the dreamer to decide what to do in such a situation. For example, there was an occasion when I was expressing my anger but got the reflection in my mind of how that anger led to some dangerous situations in my past dream upon which I quickly adjusted and doused the anger.

Some dream experiences have peculiar

meani n g to the dreamer.

For example, dreaming of a clean river, a rock, vehicles and aircraft can mean spiritual power for the dreamer. Guardian angels also help using the personalities of the spiritual leaders, church colleagues, parents either dead or alive, good friends and other benevolent people, plaiting or barbing of hair as a sign that success awaits the dreamer. Weeping or crying in a dream can mean a landmark or a turning point in the life of a dreamer.

Generally, a Revelation dream is an important means by which believers are guided in their day to day lives through their guardian angel (Holy Spirit). It is possible for the dreamer to develop the spiritual gift into seeing visions, especially The Word of knowledge, The Word of wisdom and Discerning power.

The word of knowledge tells of the situation, the word of wisdom is about what to do for the expected result while Discerning spirit reveals the states of spiritual forces at work in a particular situation.

To be continued next week •For counseling, contact Pastor Segun Adewumi on 08039425631 Or Email: past orsegunadewumi@gmail.com

Echoes of Palm Sunday in Abuja JOEL AJAYI AND RICHARD EGHAGHE

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ast Sunday, it was a carnivallike celebration of sorts for thousands of Christians, across the country, especially Catholics and other Orthodox and Pentecostal church faithful as they joined millions of their counterparts across the world to mark the Palm Sunday feast amid pomp.

The convivial spiritual atmosphere that permeated most of the churches was characterised by worshippers who moved in procession, rendition of victorious songs, and distribution of palm leaves to assembled worshippers as they danced to mark the holy feast.

The feast commemorates Je-

sus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four synoptic gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. The excitement and victorious mien of the believers replicated vividly the old event as captured in Matthew Chapter 21 v.6 to 11 when multitudes spread their garments while others cut palm leaves to celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday, which is the final week of Lent, is the week in which Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ’s death and His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Some of the clerics and worshipers who spoke to Inside FCT relived the spiritual value of the feast which, they said, should be observed as the time for prayer, reparation, repentance, spiritual works as well as praying in line

Worshippers in procession, rendering victorious songs, and distributing palm leaves to assembled worshippers as they danced to mark Palm Sunday

with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

At the Rosemary Catholic Church, Wuse Zone 2 Abuja, the Parish Priest, Rev. Innocent Jooji, urged Christians to imbibe Christ’s life and teachings about

love and sacrifice; given the fact that Christ gave up His heavenly glory to live among men and later died for their salvation.

He advised Christians not to be deterred by the crime and in-

security problems in the country like kidnapping, bombing, armed robbery, burning of the churches in the North and killing of innocent people because of their faith.

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We live in a world of words –Pastor Olusore Until you speak God’s word, you will not release His faith. But when you speak out your desires and release God’s kind of faith, situations will bow to you, says Pastor Israel Olusore of Livinglight International Church. Excerpts:

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verything harassing you has a voice.

Whatever you see contrary to the word of God has a voice. Poverty has a voice. Operation has a voice. Whatever situation you find yourself has a voice.

In Mark 11, beginning from verse 14, the Bible says that the fig tree spoke to Jesus in a way, we didn’t hear what it said. But at the end of the day, the Bible says, “And Jesus answered unto it, no man shall eat of you hereafter”, Jesus said, and the disciples heard it.

Before a man commits suicide, he must have heard, ‘You can never make it; you must give up. This is the end of your life, there is no point going home.’ But if in that situation he replies, ‘A righteous man falls seven times and rises up again’, he would still be alive. Confession: That is God’s kind of faith.

In verse 22, Jesus said to them, when they told Him what they had seen concerning His cross, Jesus answering them, said, “Have faith in God.” In other words, have the God kind of faith. And this is the God kind of faith. ‘Whosoever shall say to this mountain’…that challenge, that marital crisis, that frustration, that joblessness or that reproach… ‘Whosoever shall say to this mountain, be removed…’; in other words, you tell them what you want.

Enough is enough, it will be enough; and you shall not doubt in your heart. He may be doubting in himself saying this thing I am saying, will it ever come to pass?. But if

Desti Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

E-mail:femilanre01@yahoo.co.uk, sms or call 08030752799

W

elcome to a new and fruitful week in Jesus name. This week, the Lord will be lifting your head and opening a door of remembrance unto you for good in Jesus name.

A woman considered barren, reading this teaching, the Lord said I should inform you that this week, the reproach will be taken away (Amen).

Last week, I made mention of three things God gave unto man to help him (man) live satisfactory on earth and still fulfill God’s purpose.

The first was dominion. God gave man dominion over the created things.

2. God gave man the Blessing. Genesis 1:28 states that, “and God blessed them, and God say unto them…” The word blessed as used in the scripture above is the same as ‘empowered’ and that is why all through the bible, whenever God blesses a man, He speaks further. He tells him what He (God) has empowered him (man) to do.

When God blessed man- (empowered man), He went further to state what the empowerment was meant for, it was for man to be fruitful, multiply and replenish and subdue the earth. Fruitfulness here connotes increase and it is not limited to child bearing alone. The bible in the book of proverbs 10:22 makes reference to God’s blessings that He gave unto man in

you know in your heart that God will honour your faith, you will have whatever you demanded.

When I met my wife, one of the things we started saying is, ‘day by day…’, and as we go on, the way opens up; two, we have a glorious destiny concerning our future, but in the present, there was nothing to indicate that we were anything near wealth.

I joined a ministry that when the man of God starts declaring, you will think that the thing is already on ground. When God said to him (the man of God) in 1981, that they were going to build a tent that will sit 50,000 people, they were not up to 10 in the church. And that he saw wings flying; they didn’t even have a car.

Has it not come to pass? So you don’t need anybody to hear you. Hear yourself and God. Let the situation hear you. God is only waiting for you to speak. If you don’t speak out what you believe, you will never become what you believe. We live in a world where we fight a war of words.

Everything I have been saying, I have been declaring, none shall fall to the ground.

This church is going to be one of the foremost churches in the world. This church is going to be one of the richest ministries in the world. This church in every city of the world shall have a representative.

I have been saying that when God said to us that by 2020, this church is going to be fully represented in all the nations of the world, I don’t know when, I don’t know how. But I know it is coming to pass. Listen

to me, this ministry has never had a better last year. Oh, somebody might say ‘eh, how many people are here, look at empty chairs. I am not preaching to white chairs; there are millions. Because I know what God has said and I have seen it proved… that is, you speak it first before you see it.

David spoke it first. Then heaven sanctioned it, it wasn’t the sling that killed Goliath, it was God that killed him. David’s stone hit Goliath on the forehead. Ordinarily, the force of the stone should make Goliath to fall backward, but the Bible records that he fell face down. Implicitly, when the stone hit his forehead, what God did was to give Goliath a hard knock from the back side and push him to fall flat on his face.

And when God knocks somebody, he will fall forward.

You see, that is very simple. God said, ‘ah David, you have got it, you have committed me and you have spoken. Now I am going to do as you have said. As truly as you have said, you have spoken; also shall I do unto you. Confession. Romans 10: 10, ‘With the heart we believe unto righteousness; with the mouth we confess what we want to see.’ Confession is made unto salvation. Are you getting that? So, if you don’t speak God’s word, you’ve never released God’s faith. God’s kind of faith is released by declaring God’s word, God’s promise for your life.

•For counseling contact email: info@livinglightng.com or phone 08028425555

Olusore

Understanding God’s purpose for creating man (3) the beginning, it said, “the blessing of the Lord maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with it”. The blessing being referenced here is the same blessing God gave unto man in Genesis 1:28.

To be blessed means to be empowered to do things. When a man is not blessed, he is cursed (which means to have negative powers working against his success.

Blessing is the empowerment a man receives to do the will, counsel and purpose of God with ease.

Curse was what man received after the fall of Adam, praises be unto God in the highest because according to Galatians 3:13-14, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: that the blessings of Abraham might come unto the gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith”. Hallelujah, praise God. Man through sin brought curse while God through Jesus Christ brought the blessing. Once you are a child of God, you are detached from the pedigree of cursed men and grafted to the blessings of Godwhich is His empowerment to do His will and counsel on earth. However, the genuine knowledge of this truth plus practical demonstration of this knowledge through prayer is what guarantee the manifestation.

As God’s child, (if you are born again) you are no longer cursed but blessed because of Jesus Christ, therefore, walk in the reality of this truth. Once you are born again – a member of God’s family, you qualify for the blessing. If the blessing is

on you, the fruits of the blessing will show forth. Being part of God’s family is what qualifies you for the blessing but you will also need to take a bold step of faith by living a blessed life. For example, a blessed life gives to the poor and needy, gives to support God’s work on earth, gives to honor his/her parents, so irrespective of what you consider little or small, you can start exercising your faith as a blessed one in Christ Jesus, Hallelujah. Beloved, your part in walking in the reality of this truth is simply to BELIEVE. Praise God. Apart from dominion & the blessing, the third thing God gave man is 3. The Seed. Genesis 1:29 states that “and God said, behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you, it shall be for meal”. Furthermore, Genesis 8:22 states that, “while the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease”.

The seed is a powerful gift of God for mankind, with a man’s seed, he can predict the future. God has given man the seed for him to determine what he desires his tomorrow to be like; for whatsoever a man soweth, that he shall reap also. The law of the seed is a universal law that applies to all.

We can always get our desired future by the “seed” God has given unto us. Speaking to them in Genesis 1:29, God told him, “…behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed…” God needed to add emphasis (behold), God knew that man would never see the seed if He did not

emphasize, that was why He told Adam to behold it (that is., to look, observe carefully). Every man created by God has gotten a seed which was why he told man to be fruitful; a man cannot be fruitful if he is not ‘seedful’. Being fruitful demands being ‘seedful’; seeds vary from words, services, acts, gifts, prayers amongst many other things.

Seeds are not limited to money as so many think. Your skills, special abilities are seeds that can bring forth fruits to God’s glory. Identifying and recognizing your seed plus maximizing it well will connect you to unlimited greatness.

Don’t forget that you are blessed and not cursed and cannot be cursed because you have given your life to Christ and if you have not, the process is simple: •Believe in your heart that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

•Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary paying the price for your sins and rose from the dead the third day to establish your victory •Confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord and saviour.

•Repent of all sins before the Lord and forsake them.

•Welcome into God’s family.

Please locate a bible believing church and share you new birth experience with the church leaders.

•For further prayer & counseling Please contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Ibadan, Oyo State 2348030752799, 2348053695097 Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

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Phone : 08033258648

Discipline the Nation with Bishop Wale

Adekoya

E-mail: shalom_ministeries@yahoo.om

Genesis 1:26-28 states, “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have domino over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27, So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28, 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 air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Here we see the dominion mandate given to the second Adam. The purpose of God is that the first Adam will reproduce man of his nature and likeness to fill and dominate the whole earth. This was to be through the process of fruitfulness and discipleship by which the nature of God is reproduced in

Praise & Worship

Sunday March 31, 2013

The dominion mandate every man born on earth and thereby leading to the world being filled with men and women of God’s nature, likeness (i.e. character, righteousness and Godliness).

But you know that man failed in this assignment in Chapter 3 of the book of Genesis which leads to the sending of the second and last Adam to come and restore man to fulfill his initial purpose and mandate by God. Genesis 3:14-21 adds,”And the Lord God said unto the serpent, because thou host done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat oil the days of thy heel. 15, and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16, Unto the woman, he said: I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shlt bring forth children and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

17 “And unto Adam he said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, thou shlt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18, Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19, in the sweat of thy face

shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return.

20 “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21, Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

This restoration of man to fulfill his Edenic role and mandate is the purpose of the son of God Jesus Christ the seed of the woman who will bruise the serpent. Jesus having accomplished this plan of restoration made a great declaration in Matt 28:1820. This is the dominion mandate been restored by Jesus as he spoke to the eleven disciples.

Matt 28:18-20: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore and teach all nation, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Ghost. 20, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen.

Because of the fall of man and corrup-

Unprecedented: Pope Francis washes feet of Muslims in Easter rite

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ope Francis washed the feet of 12 young offenders including two girls and two Muslims at a Rome prison at the weekend, in an unprecedented version of an ancient Easter ritual, seen as part of efforts to bring the Catholic Church closer to those in need.

The pope knelt down, washing and kissing the young prisoners’ feet in the first Holy Thursday ceremony of its kind performed by a pontiff in prison, and the first to include women and Muslims.

“Whoever is the most high up must be at the service of others,” Francis said at the mass in the Casal del Marmo youth prison, a fortnight after being elected Latin America’s first pope.

“I do this with all my heart because it is my duty as a priest, as a bishop. I have to be at your service. I love doing it because this is what the Lord has taught me,” the 76-year-old said.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said many of the participants broke down in tears at the ceremony, which was open only to Vatican media. One young man had to be replaced at the last moment because he was too overcome with emotion.

Video footage from the ceremony showed the pope pouring water over the feet — one of them with tattoos — bending down to kiss them and looking each of the 12 prisoners in the eye before moving on.

Lombardi said that while this was the first time a pope had washed women’s feet, Francis had performed this type of ceremony in his native Argentina many times before becoming pope including in jails, hospitals and old people’s homes.

The Holy Thursday ceremony is usually held in a basilica in the city centre and commemorates the gesture of humility believed to have been performed by Jesus Christ before his death to his 12 disciples at their last meal.

Popes performing the ritual have usually washed the feet of priests.

Catholic traditionalists are likely to be riled by the inclusion of women because

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tion of man’s nature by Satan through the disobedience of Eve and Adam, they have come under the rule, oppression and attacks of the enemy. This has made deliverance to become a part of the dominion mandate. It now became obvious that deliverance and discipleship becomes the key to fulfilling this dominion mandate.

Isaiah 6:1-3 reads: I the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. 2, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn. 3, To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Jesus is declaring the mandate of God in Isaiah 61:1-3. It emphasises the two keys to accomplishing the mandate. In verse 1, He enumerated the deliverance aspect of the mandate.

•For more information contact Bishop Wale Adekoya Shalom_ministries@yahoo.com

Salvation Army leader charges Nigerians to fight corruption ANDREW EKEJIUBA

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he Territorial Commander and national leader of the Salvation Army in Nigeria, ‘Commissioner’ Mfon J. Akpan, has called on Nigerians to eschew corruption and embrace the teachings and significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Pope Francis kissing the leg of a Muslim

all of Jesus’ disciples were male — the same justification used to explain why only men can be Catholic priests.

Francis has already broken with several Vatican traditions with his informal style, although he is yet to begin tackling the many problems assailing the Roman Catholic Church including reform of the scandal-ridden Vatican bureaucracy and bank.

Local prison chaplain Gaetano Greco said he hoped the ritual would be “a positive sign in the lives” of the young offenders at the prison, which has around 50 inmates aged between 14 and 21.

Earlier on Thursday, the pontiff told Catholic priests at a mass in St Peter’s Basilica to stop their “soul-searching” and “introspection”.

“We need to go out… to the outskirts where there is suffering, bloodshed, blindness that longs for sight and prisoners in thrall to many evil masters,” he said.

The former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was known in Argentina for his strong social advocacy during his homeland’s devastating economic crisis, his own humble lifestyle and his outreach in poor neighbourhoods.

Holy Thursday is the first of four intensive days in the Christian calendar culminating in Easter Sunday, which commemorates Christ’s resurrection.

On Friday, Francis will recite the Passion of Christ — the story of the last hours of Jesus’s life — in St Peter’s Basilica, before presiding over the Via Crucis — Way of the Cross — ceremony by the Colosseum, where thousands of Christians were believed killed in Roman times.

While a frail Benedict, now 85, presided over last year’s celebrations from under a canopy next to the Colosseum, Francis is expected to take part in the procession and even carry the wooden cross on his shoulder for part of the way.

On Saturday, the pontiff will take part in an evening Easter vigil in St Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican has not yet said whether Francis will follow the tradition of baptising eight adult converts to the Catholic Church during the service.

On Sunday the Vatican’s first nonEuropean pope in nearly 1,300 years will celebrate Easter mass in front of tens of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter’s Square and then pronounce the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to Rome and the world.

In his Easter message to Nigerians, he said there are all kinds of happenings that all Christians should believe in, participate in and be excited about when issues of resurrection is raised.

“Resurrection happenings are important. They help to shape our lives in a good and godly way.

“From Matthew 28:1-10, the following were recorded as some resurrection Sunday happenings.

The stone rolled, the guards feared, the women ran and the Savior appeared,” he said.

He further explained that, while we may throw stones, God rolls stones and He rolls the right stones, in the right direction and at the right time.

Reacting to the fight against corruption in the country, the Salvation Army leader in Nigeria said the cancerworm is arguably the most challenging problem facing the country today.

“Corruption is the most dangerous of the ills in our present society today which has eaten so deep into the fabrics of our society. We need a concerted effort and determination from everyone of us starting with our leaders to be able to cleanse our country from this menace.

“We in the Church are constantly praying for divine providence upon our leaders and followers alike because all need to eschew corruption at all level. Don’t give or take bribe. Churches should not just celebrate riches, but preach against ill-gotten wealth,” he said.

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Praise & Worship

Sunday March 31, 2013

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Understanding the root of financial fortune! (5) T The Voice o of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org Phone: 7747546-8

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oday is Easter Sunday, a day when Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. As you celebrate, don’t forget that Christ is the reason for the season. I Wish You A Wonderful And Happy Easter!

Welcome to your regular column. I know the teachings we had so far this month, have opened you up to what it takes to access and enjoy financial fortune.

As I bring to you the concluding part of this series, I shall be recapping the main points raised during the course of my teachings this month, for more clarity and understanding.

In the first week, I taught on the reality of economic crunch and financial fortune.

It does not take a century to experience a change; it only takes the truth. Recognize that financial fortune is a reality!

God has no special favourites; what you believe determines what you become. His Word says:As many as receive Him, He gave power to become the sons of God(John 1:12). You have to believe and receive, so as to be empowered to become. For instance, God spoke to me 32 years ago, I received it, believed it, and I screamed, “Yeah, I can

never be poor.”Thirtytwo years after, poverty had to agree it has no way with me.

It is not the hard work, expertise or skill of a man that makes rich,but the blessings of the Lord that maketh rich(Proverbs 10:22). The world, today, is facing the worst economic challenges.

I told you, in this period of economic holocaust, if you are a child of God, your case is different. An understanding of your peculiarity, therefore, becomes very vital, so you can flow in God’s blessings, even when others are suffering losses. To be exempted from this horrible economic season, I said you need to be divinely empowered.

In the second week, I showed you how to connect to the covenant channels of blessings. The first is through tithing. Tithing is a command from God.It is the master key to enjoying financial miracles. It is the tenth part of whatever increase you enjoy. It does not belong to you; it belongs to God(Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:6-10). Tithe as the anchor term of the covenant delivers the following blessings: •It averts the curse of poverty.

•It stops the devourers from molesting your resources.

•It opens to you the windows of heaven, for blessings to pour unhindered.

I taught on a covenant pathway to financial fortune, which is God’s Word. Every blessing of God is ordained to reach us through God’s Word (2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, the knowledge of the Word is the gateway to our inheritance in Christ (Acts 20:32).

In the third week, I taught on channels through which God blesses us. Some of

them are: •Through the rain of divine ideas: When you give, God responds to your giving principally through the transmission of His divine ability and ideas back to you. God said He will open for you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing (Malachi 3:10). That is, He will pour out the rain of the Holy Spirit upon you, Who will give you divine ideas on how to create or generate wealth. The windows of heaven open to connect you with ideas that will in turn lead you into your blessings.

• Through the rain of divine favour: God commands His favourupon you in response to your giving. As a result, in spite of whatever economic crisis, political instability and pressures, there will be pleasure all around your life, because of God’s favour.

• Through the works of your hands: God blesses you in response to your giving through the works of your hands. Proverbs 10:4 says: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Just as some men become rich, some others become poor. Your choice is what determines your lot.

Also, I showed you the following roots of true prosperity: True prosperity begins with your spiritual prosperity.

It is not a game of give and receive, it’s a quality walk with God. It does not answer to those who crave for it, but to those who crave after God. It does not answer to those who love it; it answers to those who love God. In the fourth week, I taught on cov-

enant keys for accessing your inheritance in financial fortune. Some of them are the keys of faith, hard work, priestly blessings, and sacrifice.

Besides, I showed you the following channels of blessings, which include, tithe, giving to parents and giving to prophets.

Friend, the power to enjoy financial fortune is the preserve of the children of God. The questions now are: Are you a child of God? Are you saved? Are you born again?

You become a child of God by confessing your sins and accepting God as Your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.

Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the Living God. Today, Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know, I am born again!

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Understanding Financial Prosperity, Breaking Financial Hardshipand Winning The War Against Poverty.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have three services on Sundays, holding at 6.30 a.m, 9.00 a.m.and 11.00 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you.

Write and share your testimony with us through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Destiny helper (2)

Blessed be the name of the Lord for His marvelous grace and blessings received this past week. We lift up our banner of praise to Jehovah Nissi for positive turnaround. May His name be praised forever. Amen.

Flowing from the blessings of last week, I pray that your destiny helper will locate you now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.

cause God says Heaven will show mercy and favour to those who receive divine clemency.

•Forces of nature Everything God created will be working in your favour. People wonder how you are making it, unknown to them that the ground has been blessed for your sake. The moment Israelites entered Goshen, forces of nature changed in their favour to the dismay of the Egyptians. *Right steps Seizing the initiative, becoming the driver of your life. Jacob’s case suffice here. He told the Angel that he will not let Him go unless He blesses Him. He was resolute, determined, focused and ready to prayerfully take steps to change his life for the better. Are you praying or playing your life away?

Help from above

Jesus’ journey

“And they compel one Simon, a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.” (Mark 15 verse 2).

May God bless His word. We spoke extensively last week, tracing the genesis of divine helpers and helping hand in the Bible and used King David as case study.

In continuation of my research, the Holy Spirit ministered to me that the manifestation of your divine helper must flow with divine clemency, forces of nature and taking the right steps, the right way, the right time and at the right moment.

Divine arrangement

*Divine clemency Heaven has decided to help you. As you move in your journey, you will never lack divine assistance and provisions. It is not your making, just divine arrangement. Give glory to God always for being in that position be-

Our Lord Jesus Christ was sent into the world to fulfill a mandate. We said earlier that John the Baptist and the Apostles were His destiny helpers but He needed to complete the assignment and someone, somewhere must come into the picture to finish the course because time is ticking away.

Know that there are different destiny helpers for different assignments in your voyage on earth. I pray you will not miss your destiny helpers in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.

•Level One – John the Baptist – Destiny proclaimers.

•Level Two – 12 Apostles – Foot soldiers and banner lifters.

•Level Three – Three Special Apostles and Lady Evangelists – Smooth operators.

•Level Four – One beloved Apostle – Divine Generallissimo and Troop Commander.

•Level Five – Simon, the Cyrenian – Destiny fulfiller. The postage stamp on your letter until it is delivered into your hands. Without

a postage stamp, no letter moves in the post office. The postage stamp may be small but highly effective, the moment it is on that letter and registered with government seal, the letter touches the world in few days.

Destiny fulfiller

Simon the Cyrenian is Jesus destiny fulfiller. He came into the picture as Jesus was being taken on the final lap of the journey.

The story was interesting because he was not prepared but made to do it. Once a postage stamp is sealed on a letter, it has no choice than to go with the letter.

•Simon was compelled – He was compelled to help Jesus Christ. He was not prepared but forcefully made to do it. Jump up now and run 360 degree in your room like a drowning man desperate to come out from the sea and pray like thunder, O Lord, compel my helper from the four corners of the world to locate me now by fire….

•Simon passed by – He was just going his own way but Heaven made him to pass by the place Jesus was. Within 24 hours, your divine helper will pass by your house to locate you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

•Coming out of His country – While coming out he had a different agenda in mind but God changed all that. The Holy Spirit said you must observe one day vigil for this special one. God, let my own agenda/my case become number one in the mind of my divine helper. He/She will have sleepless nights and be restless until he/she settles my case positively in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

•Made to bear His cross – Jesus in the physical was weary and tired until Simon came to bear His cross for Him. I know you won’t miss this one. Your cross bearer will locate you this week in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Divine tips

Who is your destiny helper? Some are blind spiritually not to see their helper. Evil veil of the devil is removed from your eyes now in Jesus name.

You need to pray aggressively for your helper to locate you, devil has gone haywire and demonically computerized now. It may interest you to know that the devil has installed his own satellite dish in the space monitoring people the world over. Success is for those who are smart, spiritually alert and wiser than the devil.

Devil is on the prowl, seeking who to devour but know that He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. You are too loaded to be downloaded by the devil.

Right moves •David prayed and God arranged his destiny helper to locate him.

•David prayed and his destiny helper waited for him.

•David prayed and did not miss his helper.

•David prayed, though rejected initially, later became the chief cornerstone.

•David prayed and did not die before the manifestation of his glory.

•David prayed and those mocking him were put to shame.

•David prayed and the spirit of God came upon him.

Someone must help you, you can’t do it alone. Namaan the leper did not know that the little maid from Israel could lead him to his healing in life. The widow of Zarephat gave little to Prophet Elijah and became a successful businesswoman and lender to many nations. Abraham entertained Angels and became father of many nations. Learn to do things that will stir up your helper.

Are you ready? It is a tragedy not to be ready when your time comes.

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Praise & Worship 45

Sunday March 31, 2013

How to get over someone you love Christian Relationship with Taiwo

Odubiyi

E-mail: info@pastortaiwoodubiyi.org.uk

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love a man and there is no doubt that he likes me. He later told me that he is engaged to be married. I knew that getting involved with him would be wrong so I stopped seeing him. He doesn’t call me again but the truth is that I really love him, and the fact that I can never be with him hurts me real bad that I pray to God each morning to remove the emotions and feelings I have for him. I’ve cried several times, prayed and prayed that God should never even let me feel for any man again because this has really destabilised me. I’ve tried getting over him, but each time, I find myself thinking about him. I’m so sure he’s not even doing the same. I can’t believe this is really happening to me because I’m not even a guy freak. I just want to talk to someone before this thing they call feelings, emotions or whatsoever tears me apart! What do I do? – A fan.

Dear fan, I understand how you are feeling. Indeed, it’s so good loving somebody, somebody loves you back. Loving someone you cannot have can be very painful, and having to force yourself to forget that person feels really bad.

In ‘My First Love’, one of my novels, Lisa experienced the pain of loving the wrong person. She found it difficult to be-

lieve that she had lost Mofe. Why then did God bring him into her life – she wondered.

Whitney Houston’s song ‘I will always love you’ came to her mind and she began to sing, her voice trembling. “If I should stay, I would only be in your way, so I’ll go but I know, I’ll think of you every step of the way, And I will always love you. You, my darling you, bittersweet memories, that is all I’m taking with me.” She burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

The pain was intense. But later on, she realised there was no point in listening to sad and depressing songs that would make her keep weeping. As King David did in the Bible, Lisa strengthened herself in the Lord. Before the end of the year, she met another man who loved her very much and was unattached. Soon, she was able to tell herself, “I might not have married my first love but I married my true love.”

It is not easy losing someone you love.

People in this kind of situation wonder about a lot of things: Why did it happen?

What should they have done? Did they do the right thing? They seek answers to various questions in their bid to understand what is going on. The truth is that they may not get answers to all the questions.

Getting over the pain of loving the wrong person might seem impossible but it is not, it can be achieved. It might seem as if the pain would break you apart forever but don’t let that happen.

Quite a number of people have experienced it and they survived. The pain will not go away immediately but it will eventually. How long it takes will depend on what you do and how you handle yourself and your emotions. It might be a matter of

days or a few weeks, and it could last for years.

How can you get over it?

What are some of the things you need to know that will help you bounce back and be happy again?

•One of the things you need to do in order to move forward as the man obviously has, is to determine whether or not you did the right thing by ending the relationship when you discovered he is engaged. Did you do the right thing? Yes. You made the right decision. The Bible tells us in Luke 6:31, ‘And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.’ This man is engaged to be married, he shouldn’t have started seeing you in the first place.

Your relationship with him was not meant to be.

•Pray about it and keep praying until you feel better. Tell God how you feel and ask Him to heal your heart and strengthen you. He will. There is nothing we cannot pray about. Lisa realised she needed to pray if she would move forward.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6,7 NKJV) •Realise that what you are going through is just a phase and it will not last.

It is not the end of your life. Remember, when you are down to nothing, God is up to something.

• Realise and tell yourself that there is a man out there for you. This man who does not love you is definitely not the one

for you and there is no reason to cry or lose sleep over a man who belongs to another woman.

• When you find yourself thinking about him, stop and divert your attention.

Choose something else to think about that is good. Don’t torture yourself. Tell yourself that you have no choice but to get over this person.

• Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Phil 4:8 NKJV) •Remove reminders of the person such as photos, gifts and letters. If you don’t want to destroy them or throw them away, put them away in storage until such a time when you can look at them without feeling upset. This is one of the things that Lisa did. Staying away from some of the places you went with the person will also help you to put the past where it belongs. Also, don’t look him up on facebook to see how he’s faring. You don’t need to know. It will just make you upset.

• Don’t tell yourself that you will never get over him, and avoid making such statements to your friends. That will only make it difficult for you to forget him. Remember, words are powerful.

• Do things that will make you happy and good again. Avoid listening to depressing songs or things that might make you cry. You don’t need them. Go out for a walk or lunch. You might not feel like doing so but it will do you a world of good.

Enjoying in godly wealth Shepherd Life with Bishop Kingsley

Enakirerhi Last week, the anointed man of God and General Overseer of the Heroes of Christ Ministry, with international headquarters in Ughelli, Delta State, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi, sent the message across that it is God’s will for His children to prosper. In this edition, he outlines conditions which must be met before one can enjoy godly wealth.

Excerpts:

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irst, in order for you to access and enjoy this godly wealth, you must aspire to have godly wealth. Many believers today think it is evil to aspire to be wealthy. When you have this kind of mentality, there is no way you will walk in godly wealth. You must aspire to be a blessing to others and the work of God. You must have a mental picture of what you want to achieve financially. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that where there is no vision,

the people perish. Without a financial vision, your financial goal will be frustrated. It is vision that will propel you into making a plans to actualise your goal.

Secondly, you must know that it is not enough to have a vision of godly wealth; you must take steps to actualise it. This is why you need to start something.

God will not throw money from heaven, you must engage in something through which the Lord will bless you. You must be willing to start small and to make sacrifices in order to achieve your financial goal. Job8:7 say “though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase”.

Great men did not become great overnight. They started from somewhere.

Start a small business today and watch God multiply your efforts into something great. I know of a woman who started hawking frozen fish from place to place who today has her own frozen food company. There is nothing wrong with starting small. The only problem is when you remain small. I dare you to start something today and watch God increase that small business.

Another thing you must do in order to enjoy godly wealth is for you to be diligent and industrious in your business.

Some believers who own shops never bother to open their shops till mid day.

When you are not available whenever your clients come, how do you expect them to keep patronizing you? As a mechanic, you are not around when your customers want an urgent work done.

You will end up driving them away. If you

want to truly enjoy godly wealth, then you must be ready to work. In Proverbs 10:4 we are told that the man who deals with a slack hand will be poor, while the hand of the diligent makes rich. In Proverbs 22:29 we are told “ seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”. Diligence is the pathway to financial greatness.

It is important to state here that for you to walk in godly wealth, you must be passionate about your business or job.

A Sales man without passion or enthusiasm will never succeed in that profession.It takes passion for a business to be able to make sacrifices for that business.

It is passion that will make you to be punctual and consistent at your office. It will make you to speak well to customers who are rude and arrogant. Your passion for your business will make you to dress well. This is important because your appearance speaks a lot about you. If you are dressed shabbily to your work, it will be difficult for prospective rich customers to commit into your hand huge sum of money. So dress well to work.

Another thing that will help you walk in godly wealth is the application of godly principles in your business. Such principles like faithfulness. Whenever you promise to deliver goods or services at a stated date, please do all you can to keep your word. People hate those who are not faithful to their promise. The same thing goes when you take a loan from someone. Please pay back on the day you promise. When you fail to do

so, there will come a time when you will need money for your business and you will not be able to access it because of your previous track record of unfaithfulness. Integrity in business is the key to business growth.

You must also resist the temptation of cheating your clients. The moment they realise you are a cheat, they won’t want to do business with you anymore. Always ensure you supply goods according to specifications. Don’t supply substandard goods. Don’t sell a Taiwan product and say it is a Japanese product. Always tell them the truth.

Finally, you must be generous to God’s work. You must not forget that the reason why God is making you wealthy is so that you can be a blessing to His work.

Hence you must pay your tithes regularly as this will guarantee your continuity in business. One of the reasons why God is blessing me is because I give back over 80% of what He gives me back into the work. If God knows that you will not forsake the work of His kingdom, then He will pour out His blessing upon you. In Proverbs 11:24-25 we read thus: “There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watereth also himself ”.

If you truly want to remain financially relevant, then be a sacrificial giver to God’s work.

•For counseling or enquiries send an email to bishopnoproblem@yahoo.com

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Praise & Worship

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday March 31, 2013

A day to remember

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ow do we get the lunar year? By the revolution-movement of the planet earth around the sun taking about 365 days. How do we get the month? By the movement of the moon around the planet earth taking about 30 days. How do we get the 24-hour day? By the rotating of the planet earth upon its axis. How do we get the seven-day week?

There is no tenable explanation from the observation of any heavenly body or nature generally! The only explanation is found in the Christian Scriptures from Genesis 1:1-2:4—“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens” (Gen 2:1-3).

The earth and all its known contents were created in six days, “by the word of the Lord” (Ps 33:6). “For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast” (Ps 33:9). God rested on the seventh-day to commemorate the creation. The Sabbath is the Birthday of the world! It is God’s signature on His handiwork. You may forget or be ignorant of your birthday, but you cannot change your birthday! This is also true of the Sabbath. It is a day to remember!

The Sabbath is the sign of God’s authority over His creation. “Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you” (Exod 31:13; see v. 17; Ezek 20:12, 20). The Sabbath signifies deliverance, freedom, release, and liberation. The Sabbath is “a real liberator,”

providing a “release from the hardship of life and social inequalities, not only every seventh day but also every seventh year, on the sabbatical year (Lev 25:8), and every ‘seven Sabbaths of years,’ on the jubilee year (Lev 25:8).”

Jesus’ inaugural Nazareth Sabbath address draws on Isaiah 61:1-2 (also 58:6): “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18).

Jesus’ healings on the Sabbath are acts of love, compassion, and mercy, teaching us that the weekly Sabbath, of all days, “is the most appropriate for healing” (Mark 1:25; 2:5; Luke 13:16; John 5:14; 9:38). It is a day to do good. A day of benevolent service. A day to show concern. The Sabbath emphasizes the importance of loving one’s neighbor and showing concern and compassion to the needy and the defenseless in the society. Freedom to rest on the Sabbath is to be granted to the manservant, the maidservant, the son of the bondmaid, the cattle, and the sojourner and/or alien.

“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh you shall rest; that your ox and your ass may have rest and the son of your bond-maid and the alien may be refreshed” (Ex 23:12; 20:9-10).

The first entrance of the Sabbath in Genesis chapter 2 signifies “God’s initial entrance into human time to bless and sanctify human beings with His divine presence,” thus making the Sabbath a symbol of “God’s future entrance into human flesh to become ‘Emmanuel-God with us.’” The theme of Sabbath rest according to Abraham Joshua Heschel “is the same

as happiness and stillness, as peace and harmony.” The age of the Messiah is often described as a time of sabbatical rest. The annual Sabbaths provided release from personal debts, slavery, and social injustices, typifying the Messianic deliverance (Is 61:1-3, 7; 40:2). The concept of forgiveness parallels the release from financial indebtedness and social injustices of the annual Sabbaths; sometimes called “the release,” “the Lord’s release,” and “the year of release” (Deut 15:1, 2, 9; 31:10; Lev 25:10).

William G. Blaikie noted: “The Sabbath is God’s special present to the working man, one of its chief objects is to prolong his life, and preserve efficient his working tone. The savings bank of human existence is the weekly Sabbath.” The Sabbath clears away the rust of the whole week. It is the symbol of divine commitment to restore broken relationships. It is the solace of my care-worn brow. Holy rest for humanity. A day to cease from anxious care.

A day to forget all disappointments, grief, and oppression and tear. A Day of days.

Israel Shenker in Coat of Many Colors (1985) wrote: “The Sabbath was not intended to be simply a desert of prohibitions, but rather an oasis for moral restoration and seemly pleasure.” The true and conscientious observance of the weekly Sabbath as a day of rest, worship, religious teaching has a direct bearing on the moral well-being of the community. It will yield the promotion of holiness, righteousness.

A day to keep company of angels. A day of God’s majesty. A day for song, praise, and prayer. “If your soul has no Sabbath, it becomes an orphan,” adapting Albert Schweitzer’s quip. “The more a man bows his knee before God, the straighter he stands before men.”

A day to fling wide the temple

Answer these questions and win a prize 1.

1.

Meaning of Hannah in the Old Testament.

2.

What name is given to the first five books of the Bible?

3.

Jesus resurrected on the third day after crucifixion. True or false?

•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.

of our heart, free from earthly cares, adorned with prayer, love, and joy. A day with showers of blessings, precious reviving, and refreshing, rests in a world of speed and hectic days. A day of splendour and triumphant gladness. A day to breathe the fresh air of heaven. A day to manifest the mercies of the Messiah. A day of surrender and faithfulness. A day of wonders that thrills the soul. A day to set our affection from earth to things above. A fountain of righteousness and garden of grace. A day of pure delight. A day of fellowship, friendship and family.

A day of sure and safe retreat from every stormy wind and swelling tide engulfing our lives. A day of tender charity, steadfast faith, patient hope, childlike trust, quiet, brave endurance. A day for offering our lives in service and kindness to God and humanity. A day of adoration, thankfulness, worship, and praise. A day of covenant, consecration, and promise. A day that takes our hearts and minds far away from the press of the world all around us to God’s throne where grace abounds.

The Sabbath is a sign of eternity. A day of rest and gladness and joy and light. A balm of care and sadness; most beautiful, most bright. A cooling fountain in life’s dry and dreary sand. A day of calm, sweet repose, and sweet reflection. A day of love and light. A day of miracles and healings. A day to raise affection from earth to things above. A day of grace and peace and shelter; an emblem of eternal rest. A day of God’s total presence and glory; crowning jewel of creation, blest, hallowed sanctified. A day to wipe away every tear from every cheek; banish care and silence fear. A day devoid of shadows.

A day of recreation and renewal. The Sabbath is the brightest day of every week! A Day to Remember!

•Tunde Ojewole, PhD, is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. For enquiries, contact: ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng or call/SMS

Answers to March 17, 2013 Quiz 1.

City of David-1 Chronicles 11:4-7

2.

Kiss-Matthew 2:48, 49

3.

Solomon- 1kings 4:30, 31

Is it compulsory to forgive?

Holy Inquiry with Pastor Paul

Nkirukah E-mail: pstpaul11@yahoo.com

Dear Pastor, A friend offended me so badly, though I will not want to disclose what she did to me.

I have vowed never to forgive her because I know she did it intentionally. But of recent, another close friend with whom I discussed the issue, said if I don’t forgive, it constitutes a very big sin on my part as a Christian. Could that be true? Is it compulsory that I must forgive? Please help me with some scriptures to convince me. Thanks for your good work.

Rosemary M., from Calabar.

Dear reader, Though your question is a simple one, permit me to ask whether you are a real Christian, a believer. I mean a believer that believes in the Bible as the word of God, and that all the words of God are the truth,

the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Without that, you may find it difficult to understand, believe or accept.

First and foremost, let me specially inform and confirm to you that it is true that if you cannot forgive your friend or anybody their sins, you will not only be committing a very big sin but you also will be committing unforgiving sin, unforgiveness is an un-forgiven sin. There is no need talking too much, let’s quickly pick our Bibles to examine carefully the scriptures below for good understanding.

Matthew 6: 14 – 15 reads; For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11: 24 – 26 reads, “Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them, 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses, 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

According to the scriptures above, it is also very important that you forgive people

their trespasses or sin to avoid your prayer not to be hindered, so un-forgiveness can also hinder prayers not to be answered.

Luke 17: 3 and 4 read, “Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, forgive him, 4 And if he trespasses against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”

Matthew 18 : 23 – 35 reads, “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants, 24; and when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents, 25 But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made, 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all, 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the dept 28 “But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, pay me that thou owest, 29 And the

fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying have patience with me, and I will pay thee all, 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the dept, 31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all was done.

32 “Then his lord, after that he had called him said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that dept , because thou desiredst me: 33 shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him, 35 So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.”

The above scripture has said it all; so if you cannot forgive people their trespasses, neither will God also forgive you your trespasses. So un-forgiveness is an unforgiven sin. As you can see in the above scriptures, everyone that has unforgiving heart shall be tormented in hell. But I pray that this will not be your portion.

So, forgive your friend no matter what, to avoid the wroth of God.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday March 31, 2013

47

Christ and the lessons of Easter C

hrist Jesus, the Lamb of God, in his peregrination while on earth, had particularly taught through his activities, that the mother dog can bite and play with its puppy, using the same teeth.

On one occasion, Jesus was moved to pity seeing hunger boldly written on the faces of a motley crowd that has come to grace his evangelical tutorial. He thus prayed on five small barley loaves and two fish and before you could say Jack Robinson, the food items had multiplied beyond control. The people, numbering 5,000, ate to no end. Yet, there were baskets of food left unconsumed. And then Christ warned regarding the leftover: nothing must waste. Perhaps his instruction was carried out.

Also, while paying an unscheduled visit to the synagogue in Jerusalem, he saw mercantilism at its apogee. While some, inside what could be equated with today’s church, were haggling over the price of doves, the pepper and tomato sellers also hummed disturbingly, in the market tradition.

An embarrassed Jesus stood aghast, watching the desecration of a supposed high place. He promptly reached for a big cane or his era’s equivalent of a horsewhip or koboko, and thrashed both buyers and sellers. ‘Haba, why have you turned my father’s house to a market?’ Harried, the marketers took to their heels, fleeing with the speed of Ben Johnson.

These two instances in the Bible cast a realistic look at the character of humans.

On the one hand, a man laid prostrate by hunger would be so wrenched that his helplessness and earnest craving for help would be counted for him by the divine beings as sheer sublimity.

The heavens would in tandem open, allowing his bailout to trickle down to him. But once the son of man is well fed and his tummy is protruded, he loses the sublime consciousness and thereafter gives vent to wastages and the binge. This was aptly demonstrated in Christ’s miracle of the loaves and fish. As for the synagogue spanking, it was simply concomitant with extending a handshake to the undeserving.

In his psychosomatic excitement, one not deserving the handshake would want it extended beyond the elbow and in no time, force an embrace. When the people were given unfettered access to the house of God, hardly did anyone foresee the possibility of their abusing the privilege, by turning it into a market.

Was it not, therefore, a symbolic representation of what operates today, of how many churches in Nigeria are clear-cut business centres? Not to say that most of today’s churches are market places is to escape the risk of sounding sacrilegious.

Nevertheless, how many of these religious centres have given back to the society in the form of corporate social responsibility, which some big companies are wont to do? Again, in the days of Christ, the prevailing ‘automobile’ was horse-ride while the holoi poloi, the poor citizens, relied on legwork, as means of transportation.

Re-collectors postulate on the possibility that Jesus, while nearing the end of his mission on earth, resolved to ride on a donkey to Jerusalem because of paucity of funds. This was coming at a period that Judas Iscariot, the treasury manager in the discipleship, had possibly emptied the treasury. Yet same Christ, while in need of money, miraculously secured it from

the mouth of a fish.

Therefore, one could safely explain that the son of God was so circumspect he did not want to abuse his ability to perform miracles. Were it not so, he would simply conjure up 13 horses into existence and he and his disciples would have galloped down to Jerusalem. Today, however, different makes of cars and Jeeps have redefined evangelism.

This is aside from the fact that aerial preaching can now be conducted through helicopters and jets. While some men of God stand commended for frugal living amid stupendous riches of their churches-as they still reach out to fend for the poor-the same cannot be said of others, who operate as lords of the manor.

The message of Christ to mankind ought to permeate the ages, in practical terms, if we actually aspire to be like him. In historiography, the Crucifixion of Christ for daring to call himself King of the Jews amounted to judicial murder.

But in Christendom, it was a fulfillment of a divine purpose; that he was fated to die by being nailed to the Cross at age 33 and three days later, rise from the grave and then ascend unto the heavens.

Therefore, his having to rise from the dead signifies triumph for his followers, over ‘death.’ While his mortal body in the grave was expected to be decomposing, his divinity was said to have journeyed to the Hades, to collect the key of life from the devil. Having secured the key, his mortal body, we are told, was quickened and he flew to heaven.

That is therefore, the essence of today’s Easter being celebrated by Christians worldwide.

But historians, with the gait of the

Kayode de Fasua ua

kayodefasua@nationalmirroronline.net (07043855192; SMS only, pls)

atheist, see the rising and flying to heaven of Christ as mere bunkum, cooked up to tickle the imagination of the faithful. Without doubt, these historians are usually dissentients to the resurrection story, as modern history frowns at what cannot be empirically supported. Nonetheless, history is handicapped in that, the ladies who saw Jesus rise in the wee hours of what is now Easter Sunday, were never grilled by the historians of their time.

However, the truth about mankind’s perception of Christ is that, the mere description of him as a lamb, which connotes that he is meek, easygoing, unassuming and ever forgiving, becomes a certificate of indulgence for many to commit sins, without applying the brakes. After all, he will still forgive me, they are wont to say.

Tut, was it not the same Jesus who fed the multitude with miraculous five loaves and two fish that also beat the hell out of another crowd that had turned his father’s house to a market place? Will he love enough to suffer fools gladly? Such are the lessons to learn on a day like this, as we celebrate Easter.

•This article, though having minor adjustment, was first published on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2012.

Pastor Obadare: Giant of the faith BAYO OLUWASANMI

I

f you want to “dig the old wells” (Gen. 26:18) and benefit from the rich preaching heritage of the church, listen to Pastor Timothy Obadare.

Obadare, the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and founder of the World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry (WOSEM) headquartered in Akure, Ondo State, passed away recently at age 82.

There is no greater compliment one could pay a preacher than to say that he preaches like Charles Spurgeon.

You’ll find Spurgeon’s name in almost every book that deals with the church in Victorian England. Similarly, Obadare was a household name in Pentecostal evangelism in Nigeria.

For generations, Obadare has inspired the best preaching in Nigeria.

While at Akure in the early 80s, it was a joyful routine for me to wake up at dawn to hear him preaching on the radio. I spent most of the wee hours of the morning meditating on his ear-tingling message.

I must confess that many times, his preaching have driven me to my kneels in confession and prayer.

Like Spurgeon, he was married to the pulpit. His expository teaching of the Bible left no one in doubt that he was an evangelist of extra ordinary order.

Both his radio/TV listeners and his congregants knew that God had sent them a dedicated pastor. He was always pray-

ing, always preaching, always visiting the sick, always catechizing, and always studying.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Obadare often fell asleep at night talking about Christ, and often spoke about Christ while sleeping.

Obadare’s sermon always hinged on three favorite images of the church – the bride of Christ, the vineyard of the Lord, and the ship.

In today’s world of headache and haste, Obadare’s sermons proved a ready healing balm for the troubled, the tormented, and the spiritually disturbed.

He was a wonder in his own day. He was a many-sided man – so commanding, so simple, so humble, so selfless, so entirely Christ’s man.

To paraphrase Spurgeon on preaching, Obadare preached a “fixed faith” and he was sent forth with a “definite message” from God. He boldly preached the truth as he saw it in Scripture. If his sermons hurt some individuals or groups, he could care less and never apologized.

Obadare practiced what he preached.

He was not only a preacher, he was a fighter. If his preaching ever led to controversy, he was not the type of a preacher that would retreat.

He was both a Calvinist and Puritan preacher to the core.

As a Calvinist, he preached no diluted gospel. And he was not an admirer of those who preached that way. He was the man who makes the water boil.

As a Puritan preacher, he was always fighting for Biblical truth and would

sacrifice anything to defend the doctrine of God’s grace.

Obadare preached as a man who has seen God face to face.

He was an evangelist with a burden for the oppressed and the poor, a crusader who hated social evils.

A spiritual man who guided many believers into a closer fellowship with Christ, an ambassador whose calling caused him far beyond his own local church and denomination.

Obadare would always frown and reject any confederacy with those who depart from the truth. He was a defender of the evangelical faith.

His preaching always lit the fuse of conversion and reformation. He flattered one’s weaknesses, laughed at one’s jokes, and fed people with irresistible compliments.

He used preaching as the “communication of divine truth through human personality.” He believed the truth must come through his character, his affections, his whole intellectual and moral being.

After hearing Obadare’s preaching, you’re left with the impression that you have been face to face with a man of God! He was instrumental for the explosive ecclesiastical message of the Apostolic Church today. Like Paul, he planted so many churches taking the message to the remotest parts of Nigeria.

In the midst of controversies, Obadare believed that the best way to promote union is to promote truth. He helped the evangelical cause best by concentrating on his denominational ministry – WOSEM.

He demonstrated example of a practical life based on Apostle Paul’s message to the Romans – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12: 11-12).

“Be joyful in hope,” even when things went wrong, he hung to his hope in God which gave him joy.

“Patient in affliction,” he remained patient because he knew God will use whatever he was going through for good.

“Faithful in prayer,” when tough times came, he had a choice: he could either pray continually or he could panic.

Obadare chose the former. He was a giant of the faith.

Obadare’s own brand of Pentecostal evangelism is diametrically opposed to the preaching of noonday Pentecostal televangelists. His was a theology of liberation and not theology of prosperity.

His ministry was a combination of local church, rescue mission, social center, Sunday school, and Bible Institute.

Like all of us, Obadare had his faults and weaknesses. But he magnified God’s grace and glorified God’s son. We can all be faithful as he was in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The life and ministry of this humble man of God is an example to us of what the Lord can do in the life of an ordinary person who is totally yielded to him.

As you journey home, we wish you safe trip. Please enjoy the company of other great colleagues – the senior evangelists – Paul, Peter, James, and John.

Rest in Peace!

•Oluwasanmi is a social analyst

50

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

51

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES MARCH 31, 2013

Using unsterilised needle for tattoo can infect you with Hepatitis B virus –Expert

Earpiercing with unsterilised neddle can infect with HBV

Getting a tattoo or body piercing with unsterilised needle can infect you with Hepatitis B

Immunisation is key in the prevention of Hepatitis B virus

VANESSA OKWARA Most people may know that disease such as HIV/AIDS or gonorrhoea can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, but how many are aware that hepatitis B virus is yet another illness that can be contracted through unprotected sex with an infected person?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is as contagious as the HIV virus. The world health body stated that this is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV. The reason is that, unlike HIV, Hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for at least seven days. During that time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not infected. It is a major global health problem

and the most serious type of viral hepatitis. It can cause chronic liver disease and put people at high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

Worldwide, WHO estimates that about two billion people have been infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and more than 350 million have chronic (long-term) liver infections. Also, an estimated 600, 000 persons die each year due to the acute or chronic consequences of hepatitis B. The Medical Director, Healing Cross Hospital Okota, Dr (Mrs.) Esan, said the need to create awareness of this infection cannot be overemphasised. “A lot of people, especially in this part of the world, are not aware of the severity of this disease.

A lot has been said about HIV, both in the hospitals and the media, but people still need to know that there is another ailment

Katsina distributes N7.9m drugs for measles control Katsina State Government has procured drugs worth N7.9 million for the control and management of measles, Alhaji Hussaini Garba, the Commissioner for Health, has said.

Garba said this in an interview with newsmen

recently in Katsina.

He said the drugs had been delivered to the 34 primary healthcare coordinators for distribution to all comprehensive health centres in the state.

“The drugs are to be given to patients infected with measles free of

charge,’’ he said, and expressed delight that the outbreak of the disease was being controlled in the state.

He restated the commitment of the government to provide effective healthcare delivery in the state.

which attacks the body and also transmitted the same way that HIV is being transmitted and that is the Hepatitis B virus,” she warned.

Medical research revealed that hepatitis B virus can be either acute or chronic.

It causes an acute illness with symptoms that last several weeks, including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; weight loss, spiderlike blood vessels and abdominal pain. Hepatitis B is chronic when the body can’t get rid of the hepatitis B virus. Children, especially infants, are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B, which usually has no symptoms until signs of liver damage appear. Without treatment, chronic hepatitis B can cause scarring of the liver, called cirrhosis; liver cancer; and liver failure.

Dr Esan stated that the hepatitis B virus is spread mainly by exposure to infected blood or body secretions. “In infected individuals, the virus can be found in the blood, semen, vaginal discharge, breast milk, and saliva. The most common way people contract this virus is by having unprotected sex with an already infected person. We see this occurrence largely among young adults and homosexuals; people who have had more than one sex partner in the last six months or have a history of sexually transmitted disease. Also we see the transmission of this virus in people who take hard drugs by using contaminated needles. They hardly remember to sterilise the needles as they share the illicit drugs among themselves.

People can also get infected with this CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

HEALTH NEWS Expert tasks Nigerians on family planning A reproductive health expert, Mrs. Mikiai Amachree, has advised Nigerians to take advantage of family planning facilities in hospitals to reduce abortion-related deaths in the country.

Amachree, a reproductive and family planning coordinator in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, made the call at a

‘Community Sensitisation Lecture on Reproductive Health’, organised by the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Port Harcourt.

The lecture which had its emphasis on post-abortion care and family planning was aimed at exposing Nigerians to the dangers inherent in unsafe abortion.

“I would want to advise my co-women and even men that family planning has been made available to us in all the states of the federation to help check abortion.

Amachree said that all the health centres offered family planning services, pleading with the media to sensitise Nigerians on the matter.

52

Wellness

Know your organs

T

Sunday, March 31, 2013

The human Ear

he ear is the organ that detects sound. It not only receives sound, but also aids in balance and body position. The ear is part of the auditory system. The Its structure can be divided into three main parts: the outer ear or pinna, the middle ear and the inner ear.

The outer ear collects sounds from the environment and funnels them through the auditory system.

The outer ear is composed of three parts, the pinna (or auricle), the external auditory canal (or external auditory meatus), and the tympanic membrane (or eardrum).

Role: The middle ear transmits sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. The middle ear consists of an oval, airfilled space approximately two cubic cm in volume. The middle ear can be thought of as a room, the outer wall of which contains the tympanic membrane. The back wall, separating the middle ear from the inner ear, has two windows, the oval window and the round window. There is a long hallway leading away from the side wall of the room, known as the Eustachian tube. The brain lies above the room and the jugular vein lies below. The middle ear is lined entirely with mucous membrane (similar to the nose) and is surrounded by the bones of the skull.

Interpreting/transmitting sound: The inner ear is responsible for interpreting and transmitting sound (auditory) sensations and balance (vestibular) sensations to the brain. The inner ear is small

(about the size of a pea) and complex in shape, where its series of winding interconnected chambers, has been compared to (and called) a labyrinth.

The main components of the inner ear are the vestibule, semicircular canals, and the cochlea.

The outer structure of the ear is responsible, in part, for helping us to place the original location of a sound, be it ahead or behind, above or below us. It also helps to funnel and focus sound waves on their way to the middle ear and auditory canal.

Tympanic membrane: The middle ear contains the auditory canal, which terminates in the eardrum, or tympanic membrane. Attached to the other side of the eardrum, in a small space of air, are three tiny bones or ossicles, the malleus, incus and stapes (or hammer, anvil and stirrup) which then attach to a fluid-filled structure called the cochlea of the inner ear at a point called the oval window. It is in the cochlea that the vibrations transmitted from the eardrum through the tiny bones are converted into electrical impulses sent along the auditory nerve to the brain. The inner ear, which is surrounded by bone, also contains semicircular canals, which function more for purposes of equilibrium than hearing.

Some of damages that can occur in the human ear include: Ear canal injuries which can come from firecrackers and other explosives, and mechanical trauma from placement of foreign bodies into the ear. The ear canal is most often self-traumatized from efforts at ear cleaning.

Others include: Outer ear trauma, middle ear trauma and inner ear trauma.

‘Immunisation protects children from Hepatitis B virus’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51 virus through tattooing, and body piercing. A lot of people think it’s only HIV that you could contract when you use an unsterilised needle but they don’t know that they could also be infected with HBV. We need to sound a note of warning to those who are in this business to always make sure that they use new needles for their clients,” she advised.

Other ways HBV is contracted is through accidental needle sticks. This is usually a problem for those who work in the hospitals, laboratory attendants and anyone else who comes in contact with human blood. Pregnant women infected with HBV can also pass the virus to their babies during childbirth.

However, the expert clarified that hepatitis B viruses cannot be spread by casual contact, such as holding hands, sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, hugging, coughing or sneezing.

Can this ailment be treated? Dr Esan said: “There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Acute because it is usually short-lived and will go away on its own and the patient may not need treatment. Chronic hepatitis B is treated with drugs that slow or stop the virus from damaging the liver. The length of treatment varies; it is very expensive and rarely affordable by the common man. All the same, vaccination remains the best treatment since it is a preventive measure for both the young and the old. If you are not sure you’ve got the HBV vaccine before, I’ll advise that you go and get it as soon as possible to protect yourself from the deadly virus,” she counselled.

She sounds a note of warning to all mothers to make sure that their children are immunised. “All infants should receive the hepatitis B vaccine. This is the foundation of hepatitis B prevention. HBV vaccine remains the only way to protect yourself and your children from contracting this disease since the virus can survive outside the body for up to a week unlike other deadly viruses. Immunisation protects children from this deadly virus. It is important that mothers complete their chil-

dren’s immunisation schedule as HBV vaccine is also included in the dosage,” Dr Esan advised.

The diagnosis for the ailment can be made only with specific hepatitis B virus blood tests. These tests are known as hepatitis ‘markers’ or ‘serology.’ A liver biopsy is a test for liver damage which is also used to check for hepatitis B. Dr Esan counselled that, “if you are at higher risk of hepatitis B, especially if you are sexually promiscuous, it is important to get tested. Many people do not know they are infected. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent liver damage.’’

Ways you can reduce the risk of being infected with hepatitis B virus: Know the HBV status of any sexual partner. Don’t engage in unprotected sex unless you’re absolutely certain your partner isn’t infected with HBV or any other sexually transmitted infection.

Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex. If you don’t know the health status of your partner, use a new latex condom every time you have sexual contact. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of contracting HBV, they don’t eliminate the danger entirely. Condoms can break or develop small tears, and people don’t always use them properly.

Stop using illicit drugs. If you use illicit drugs, get help to stop. If you can’t stop, use a sterile needle each time you inject illicit drugs. Never share needles.

Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing. If you choose to undergo piercing or tattooing, look for a reputable shop. Ask questions beforehand about how the equipment is cleaned. Make sure the employees use sterile needles. If the staff won’t answer your questions, look for another shop.

Ask about the hepatitis B vaccine before you travel.

If you’re planning an extended trip to a region where hepatitis B is more common, ask your doctor about its vaccine well in advance. It’s usually given in a series of three injections over a six-month period.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Your

BONE Health

with Dr. Olatunji Idowu

Osteoporosis: Causes, signs and symptoms (2) Consequences of osteoporosis Osteoporotic bone fractures are responsible for considerable pain, decreased quality of life, lost workdays, and disability. Up to 30 per cent of patients suffering a hip fracture will require long-term nursing-home care. Elderly patients can develop pneumonia and blood clots in the leg veins that can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) due to prolonged bed rest after the hip fracture. Osteoporosis has even been linked with an increased risk of death. Some 20 per cent of women with a hip fracture will die in the subsequent year as an indirect result of the fracture.

In addition, once a person has experienced a spine fracture due to osteoporosis, he or she is at very high risk of suffering another such fracture in the near future (next few years). About 20 per cent of postmenopausal women who experience a vertebral fracture will suffer a new vertebral fracture of bone in the following year.

Rate of ailment in US, no data in Nigeria In the U.S., 44 million people have low bone density (10 million have osteoporosis, and 34 million have osteopenia). This amounts to 55 per cent of the U.S. population aged 50 years and older. One in two Caucasian women will fracture a bone due to osteoporosis in her lifetime.

In the U.S., direct health-care costs from osteoporosis fractures amount to a billion dollars, without even taking into account the indirect costs, such as lost days at work and productivity.

Approximately 20 per cent of those who experience a hip fracture will die in the year following the fracture.

One-third of hip-fracture patients are discharged to a nursing home within the year after fracture.

Only one-third of hip-fracture patients regain their pre-fracture level of function.

With the aging of America, the number of people with osteoporosis-related fractures will increase exponentially. The pain, suffering, and overall impact on health and economic costs will be enormous.

In Nigeria, data relating to this is not available but the outlook is not expected to be better than this.

Factors that determine bone strength Bone mass (bone density) is determined by the amount of bone present in the skeletal structure.

Generally, the higher the bone density, the stronger the bones. Bone density is greatly influenced by genetic factors, which in turn are sometimes modified by environmental factors and medications. For example, men have a higher bone density than women, and African Americans have a higher bone density than Caucasian or Asian Americans.

Normally, bone density accumulates during childhood and reaches a peak by around age 25. Bone density then is maintained for about 10 years. After age 35, both men and women will normally lose 0.3 per cent-0.5 per cent of their bone density per year as part of the aging process.

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.

53

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU MARCH 31, 2013

Mother: Adenike Ezekiel

Parents, hospital battle over toddler’s eye loss •Doctor’s negligence caused the problem –Mother •We are not aware –Hospital management OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

T

he story of little Oluwajuwon Moturayo Ezekiel, a three-month-old baby girl, is a pathetic one. Instead of being a source of joy to her parents, she is now a harbinger of sorrow, owing to the negligence of a doctor attached to the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The baby is suffering from post-partum disability caused by the eye injury which she sustained during assisted forceps delivery at the hospital. Her mother, Adenike Ezekiel, a petty trader residing at 15, Tutugbua Street, off Danjuma, Akure, had gone to the hospital to be delivered of the baby.

Adenike had earlier visited the Akure South Local Government Health Centre located along Arakale Road in the state capital, where she was initially receiving antenatal care on December 7, 2012. But the distraught woman was referred to the Mother and Child Hospital the following day because of the hard labour she was experiencing and the incapacity of the health centre to handle her case.

After going through a difficult delivery period, she was later delivered of a baby girl. But instead of being happy, Adenike began to weep when she saw that the left eyeball of the baby had been plucked out of its socket. The baby, her first, was bleeding through the affected eye. She was later told the baby’s condition would only be handled at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State.

Narrating her experience in tears, Adenike said, “On December 8, 2012 at about 9am, I was delivered of a baby

through forceps. In the course of the delivery, one Dr. Akindadeju Babatunde, who was attending to me, repeatedly complained of having overworked himself and performed duties meant for more than three doctors. The doctor repeatedly showed no care but utmost disdain for pains I went through during the delivery and he repeatedly shouted at me for no reasons. In the course of my tiredness and indifference to my plight and bitterness of mind, the doctor pierced Oluwajuwon Moturayo with a scissors thereby causing her permanent blindness.

“The doctor and his colleagues and superiors barely showed care and concern to the plight of my baby as they merely stopped the blood and told me to consider what happened as an act of God. My husband and family members expended a lot of money to ensure that my baby’s sight was restored but all to no avail. We had to borrow money from the cooperative society when we could not foot the medical bills. I have spent close to N1million on the baby since then. It costs N8,000 for bed space at the UCH, Ibadan; Utra sound cost N5,000; Scan cost N25,000; cost of emergency on that day was N25,000 and I have equally spent about N550, 000 on drugs and injections, to mention a few.”

Adenike added that since the incident occurred, she had been left frustrated and abandoned by the management of the Mother and Child Hospital. She said on the fateful day, no ambulance was provided to assist her to Ibadan or financial assistance provided for her, adding that she wrote a letter to the doctor to inform him of the alleged negligent conduct that caused the loss of sight of her baby but did not get any response.

She also said every effort to get the attention of the state government has proved abortive. Adenike has, however,

Baby Ezekiel

resorted to begging to foot her baby’s medical bill. She called on well-meaning members of the public to render her baby financial assistance through First Bank Account Number: 3069491015 with Account name: Adenike Ezekiel Ademokunwa.

According to the Medical Report issued by the Consultant Surgeon of the Department of Ophthalmology, UCH, Dr. O. Fasina, the postpartum disability of Oluwajuwon was caused by the trauma to the left eye sustained during assisted forceps delivery at the Mother and Child Hospital.

The report read in part: “Examination revealed a neonate with sutured laceration of the left upper and lower lids with medical canthal involvement, proptosed left eyeball with lateral deviation. The visual acuity was difficult to assess. She was subsequently admitted, commenced on IV Unasyn 120mg 12hly, IV Amakacin 20mg 12hly (for seven days) and Oc Maxitrol and she had suture tarsorrhaphy done.

“She had ocular utral sound and CT scan done while on admission and was discharged on 24th December 2012 to follow-up clinic. She has been followed up as out-patient since then and is presently stable enough to undergo surgical repair of the eyelids lacerations and orbital exploration with squint surgery under general anesthesia.”

Forceps Delivery, which is a process of taking child delivery through an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical treatment, is said to have been archaic.

Medical doctors, who spoke with Sunday Mirror, said Forceps is used when the doctor can see the head of the baby but the mother is not making much effort during prolonged labour. According to them, the forceps is hooked to the head of the baby to start pulling it out.

The attendant consequences are said to be compressing or puncturing the neck or skull of the baby, or any other damage. The delivery method, they said, might also cause mental illnesses later in life. Because of its disadvantages, which outweigh its benefits, such a method was said to have been replaced with the caesarean session.

However, the family of the baby has filed a law suit against the hospital and the Ondo State Government before an Akure High Court, joining Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

53

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU MARCH 31, 2013

Mother: Adenike Ezekiel

Parents, hospital battle over toddler’s eye loss •Doctor’s negligence caused the problem –Mother •We are not aware –Hospital management OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

T

he story of little Oluwajuwon Moturayo Ezekiel, a three-month-old baby girl, is a pathetic one. Instead of being a source of joy to her parents, she is now a harbinger of sorrow, owing to the negligence of a doctor attached to the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The baby is suffering from post-partum disability caused by the eye injury which she sustained during assisted forceps delivery at the hospital. Her mother, Adenike Ezekiel, a petty trader residing at 15, Tutugbua Street, off Danjuma, Akure, had gone to the hospital to be delivered of the baby.

Adenike had earlier visited the Akure South Local Government Health Centre located along Arakale Road in the state capital, where she was initially receiving antenatal care on December 7, 2012. But the distraught woman was referred to the Mother and Child Hospital the following day because of the hard labour she was experiencing and the incapacity of the health centre to handle her case.

After going through a difficult delivery period, she was later delivered of a baby girl. But instead of being happy, Adenike began to weep when she saw that the left eyeball of the baby had been plucked out of its socket. The baby, her first, was bleeding through the affected eye. She was later told the baby’s condition would only be handled at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State.

Narrating her experience in tears, Adenike said, “On December 8, 2012 at about 9am, I was delivered of a baby

through forceps. In the course of the delivery, one Dr. Akindadeju Babatunde, who was attending to me, repeatedly complained of having overworked himself and performed duties meant for more than three doctors. The doctor repeatedly showed no care but utmost disdain for pains I went through during the delivery and he repeatedly shouted at me for no reasons. In the course of my tiredness and indifference to my plight and bitterness of mind, the doctor pierced Oluwajuwon Moturayo with a scissors thereby causing her permanent blindness.

“The doctor and his colleagues and superiors barely showed care and concern to the plight of my baby as they merely stopped the blood and told me to consider what happened as an act of God. My husband and family members expended a lot of money to ensure that my baby’s sight was restored but all to no avail. We had to borrow money from the cooperative society when we could not foot the medical bills. I have spent close to N1million on the baby since then. It costs N8,000 for bed space at the UCH, Ibadan; Utra sound cost N5,000; Scan cost N25,000; cost of emergency on that day was N25,000 and I have equally spent about N550, 000 on drugs and injections, to mention a few.”

Adenike added that since the incident occurred, she had been left frustrated and abandoned by the management of the Mother and Child Hospital. She said on the fateful day, no ambulance was provided to assist her to Ibadan or financial assistance provided for her, adding that she wrote a letter to the doctor to inform him of the alleged negligent conduct that caused the loss of sight of her baby but did not get any response.

She also said every effort to get the attention of the state government has proved abortive. Adenike has, however,

Baby Ezekiel

resorted to begging to foot her baby’s medical bill. She called on well-meaning members of the public to render her baby financial assistance through First Bank Account Number: 3069491015 with Account name: Adenike Ezekiel Ademokunwa.

According to the Medical Report issued by the Consultant Surgeon of the Department of Ophthalmology, UCH, Dr. O. Fasina, the postpartum disability of Oluwajuwon was caused by the trauma to the left eye sustained during assisted forceps delivery at the Mother and Child Hospital.

The report read in part: “Examination revealed a neonate with sutured laceration of the left upper and lower lids with medical canthal involvement, proptosed left eyeball with lateral deviation. The visual acuity was difficult to assess. She was subsequently admitted, commenced on IV Unasyn 120mg 12hly, IV Amakacin 20mg 12hly (for seven days) and Oc Maxitrol and she had suture tarsorrhaphy done.

“She had ocular utral sound and CT scan done while on admission and was discharged on 24th December 2012 to follow-up clinic. She has been followed up as out-patient since then and is presently stable enough to undergo surgical repair of the eyelids lacerations and orbital exploration with squint surgery under general anesthesia.”

Forceps Delivery, which is a process of taking child delivery through an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical treatment, is said to have been archaic.

Medical doctors, who spoke with Sunday Mirror, said Forceps is used when the doctor can see the head of the baby but the mother is not making much effort during prolonged labour. According to them, the forceps is hooked to the head of the baby to start pulling it out.

The attendant consequences are said to be compressing or puncturing the neck or skull of the baby, or any other damage. The delivery method, they said, might also cause mental illnesses later in life. Because of its disadvantages, which outweigh its benefits, such a method was said to have been replaced with the caesarean session.

However, the family of the baby has filed a law suit against the hospital and the Ondo State Government before an Akure High Court, joining Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

54

SM Extra

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

B

arely a week after the death of literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe, arrangements are in top gear by his kinsmen, to give him a befitting burial.

Sunday Mirror learnt that red cap chiefs and the Ogidi Town Union would hold a meeting during the Easter holiday for the purpose of making a formal announcement of his death and unveiling his burial arrangement.

Key sons of Ogidi who spoke on the demise of Professor Achebe, said since he was an Ozo title holder and a key member of Ndi Ichie, formal announcement of his death and burial plan would be relayed to the community officially, after his kinsmen had made consultations with the key traditional institutions, like the red cap chiefs and the town union government.

It was gathered that the direct family members of Achebe – the Umunna – would meet with members of his kindred and other key traditional institutions in Ogidi during the Easter holiday to announce his death formally and arrange for his burial at a future date.

Already, key individuals and some groups, including relations and the head teacher of his former school, Akpakogwe Central Primary School, Ogidi, established in 1931 by Venerable Archdeacon C.T. Basden, who was then a member of the Legislative Council of Nigeria, have reacted to his passing on.

It will be recalled that Akpakaogwe Central School, established a year after the birth of Prof Achebe, was where he had his primary education between 1936 and 1942. He entered the school which was then known as St Philips Central School at the age of six. Since then the school which is domiciled in the premises of St Philips Anglican Church, Ogidi has witnessed many transformations. When Sunday Mirror visited the Ikenga-Ogidi community and the Central School, recently, most residents who spoke regretted Achebe’s death, while the teachers who looked forward to their playing a big role during his burial, were full of joy that they are working in a school attended by Achebe.

Speaking on their feeling about the sudden death of Achebe, Dr Emmanuel Obianagha, a politician and community leader, who said he is a cousin of the deceased author, said his death was a big blow to the entire Ogidi people.

Dr Obianaghan descrribed Achebe as an honest man who started from the scratch. He said that, like his book, Achebe was a man of the people who lived an exemplary life and touched many people.

Shedding light on what they had lost with his death, Dr Obianaghan said, “His death devastated us and for now we have nobody to refer to. In fact, it was through him that Ogidi town is known in Nigeria and across the world. Now that he is no more, it will affect us a lot. He was a very big shoe which nobody else will be able to wear.”

He said Achebe inspired them to go to school and that it was for his good works that made the community to confer on him the title of “Ugo belu na oji”.

On the issue of a formal announcement of his

The late Achebe

How Achebe inspired our education, say students of his former school •Kinsmen, red cap chiefs set to formally announce his death •Head Teacher happy working in the late writer’s former school death, Dr Obianagha said, “We are in deep mourning in Ogidi; his death came suddenly and by Easter period when everybody must have come together, the formal announcement of his death will be made by the community”.

Similarly, Chief Julious Obidike, a key son of Ikenga Ogidi, who lives opposite the expansive compound of the deceased professor at Ikenga-Ogidi, described his death as a big blow to the community.

According to Chief Obidike, “We have lost an iroko, a lion, there can never be another Chinua Achebe again in person. We the Ogidi people have lost a gem and his death is irreparable”.

In a related development, the head teacher of Akpakaogwe Central School, Mrs Ngozi Oraka, who disclosed that people from the neighbouring towns

of Abatete, Eziowele and Abacha who attended the school in those days, said they were devastated over Achebe’s death, especially at a time they were expecting to benefit from his generosity.

She also stated that Achebe inspired many of the pupils, to the extent that they always expressed the wish to be like him when they grew up to adulthood.

Meanwhile, as the public awaits the formal announcement of his death and the unfolding of the burial plan, the Anambra State Government has opened a condolence register in his honour at the Government House, Awka.

Similarly, Senator Chris Ngige who commiserated with the family, Ndi Ichie Ogidi and the global community, has urged them to bear the loss with fortitude.

Parents blame infant’s loss of eye on hospital’s negligence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 for Health and the doctor as defendants. The suit, dated 7th March, 2013, seeks an order asking the defendants to pay N1billion as exemplary damages for the permanent disability and life impairment done to the baby.

While the suit also seeks N2, 6667,000 for ‘Special Damages’, it seeks an order directing the defendants to assume the responsibility for the daily upkeep, care and maintenance of the baby, including her health bills and school fees up to the university level at any university of her choice.

When contacted for his reaction, the Medical Director of the Mother and Child Hospital, Dr. Akintan, said he was not aware of the incident. “I am not aware of the case of that baby because the Mother and Child Hospital since

2010 has had well over 10, 000 people. So, for me to then pinpoint one, a particular one, is difficult. I am not aware of the case. We are yet to hear anything about the court case.

It is on the pages of newspapers,” he said.

A lawyer and human rights activist, Morakinyo Ogele, urged the state government to compensate the parents of the baby, wondering why a delivery method that has been abandoned in modern medical practice should be used in the hospital.

He said: “The Mimiko administration has showcased to the whole world that the Mother and Child Hospital is the best thing that has happened to the people of the state, collecting awards here and there. But I have been saying and I shall continue to say that efficiency is lacking in the Mother and Child Hospital or maternity, whatever you

call it. How can they be using a method, biceps, which is said to be archaic in the modern practice of medicine in a hospital meant to reduce infant and maternal mortality? I think doctors now use caesarean operation.

“That is why we have been criticising Mimiko that he is only fooling the whole world about the Mother and Child Hospital. When you get there, there are lots of atrocities being perpetrated. I commented one time that the place had become a slaughter’s slab. I think the authority should compensate the parents of that child with N5billion. They have rendered that baby useless to some extent by plucking her eye. I think the parents should get justice in court. The doctor carelessly removed the eye of the baby through an archaic method. When they prove their case, I think the hospital’s authority is in problem.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business

55

FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday March 31, 2013

TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

A

rguably one of the most relevant agencies to national development, the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, has over the past 14 years been vigorously pursuing its mandate by developing the space capabilities for Nigeria’s sustainable development and through other technological solutions that have direct bearing on improved performance of key sectors like agriculture, health, education, Information Technology, medicine, security, disaster management and many others.

Yet, despite the silent value-adding ventures, the agency is neither appreciated by ordinary Nigerians for whom its activities promise great socio-economic opportunities nor seen by analysts as enjoying adequate support through legislative, financial and policy backing by the Federal Government, which although aware of its immense socio-economic capacity to contribute to its transformation agenda. It has yet to prioritise the NARSDA’s needs in yearly fiscal and monetary policies.

These lapses and other issues were the concerns of participants from across the world at the National Space Dialogue and Media Conference held on Thursday in Abuja, as legislators, scientists, engineers, security experts, military and para-military personnel and journalists rose after over eight hours of brain-storming sessions on the roles of the agency in national development with a consensual verdict: that NASRDA should get more legislative funding and other operational supports on a sustainable basis in order to realise Nigeria’s ambition of becoming one of the 20 most developed economies globally by year 2020.

In his welcome address at the forum with the theme, ‘Space Technology and Disaster Management: Setting an Agenda on Partnership for National Development’, the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Bassey Ewa, noted that space technology which reflects the comprehensive power of a nation and the driving force behind the economies and security of most developed economies could present the yardstick for Nigeria to embrace space science and technology as a tool for defence and security, and socio-economic development.

While noting that the agency has performed creditably since its establishment in 1999, the minister restated government’s continued commitment to the implementation of its space technology programme to enable Nigeria to leverage on the spin-offs of the advances in space technology for sustainable management of her resources and wealth creation.

Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice, a former Director-General of the NARSDA, in his goodwill message at the forum, described the agency’s growth and contributions to national development as remarkable and urged Nigerians, journalists and other stakeholders to continue to support its initiatives targeted at creating the space programme capacity required by Nigeria to really translate the broad policy objectives in the Vision 20-2020 into socio-economic development realities.

The lawmaker, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee of Science and Technology and pioneer initiator of the space programme agenda, urged the leadership of the NASRDA and others to continue to mobilise all stakeholders in support of its operations,

Space research

Stakeholders seek increased funding for NARSDA

Ewa

Mohammed

particular to employ the tool of lobbying against the current NIGCOMSAT Bill in the National Assembly seeking to duplicate space technology agencies in the country.

He said: “I think there is a threat to our programme, where an institution that is supposed to be an appendage of NASRDA started replicating NASRDA’s programme.

When NIGCOMSAT was set up, it was set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle to commercialise the bandwidth from the satellite launched by NASRDA unfortunately those that are supposed to manage the programme decided that NIGCOMSAT would become a parallel space agency which no country in the world can accept.

“We in the National Assembly we are looking at the Bill and I hope the Honourable Minister will play his roles because politics allows lobbying. You have to lobby the National Assembly in whatever you can do. You have to lobby because if the Bill has been passed as it was sent to Senate, I think you should be packing your bags and baggage”, Senator Boroffice added.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, Hon Isiaka Biodun Akinlade, who was represented by a member of the committee, Hon. Muniru Abiodun Hakeem, assured that the National Assembly would continue to support the agency with a view to ensuring the implementation of its programmes for national socio-economic development.

“We are giving our words as a Parliament, each time NASRDA come up for assistance, they have our support, and they have our backing. We would do whatever is within our capacity to support the agency.

We have seen that NASRDA if supported will help Nigeria in areas of security and all the disaster areas we are passing through as a country and that we are imploring the Executive to tap more and put more resources into running this place”, Akinlade added.

While acknowledging the support of government for the agency over the years, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Seidu Muhammed, noted that adequate funding would be required to enhance the opera-

tions and broaden the manpower and other resources base of the agency in order to translate its enormous capabilities into productive ventures for Nigeria’s socioeconomic competitiveness in the increasingly changing, technology-driven global economic order.

Muhammed, who spoke with Sunday Mirror at the sidelines of the Conference, believes that if two per cent of the nation’s GDP is committed to Science and Technology as required by the Nairobi Declaration which South Africa and some other East African countries are moving towards its realisation, Nigeria will be effectively positioned to implement its space programme and by implication, translate the opportunities of the initiative to national competitive advantage in the near future.

The NASRDA boss said: “It is obvious that there is general complaint that Science and Technology needs some funding priorities. It is also obvious that by the 1980 Lagos Plan of Action, the Minister for Science and Technology recommended one per cent of our GDP and the recent Nairobi Declaration is talking about two per cent. In the light that South Africa and some of the countries in East Africa are now moving along that line that every year two per cent is given to Science and Technology and this thing is shared among Science and Technology operators.

“This, we believe, is what we need to do in Nigeria and that is exactly what we are talking about, so that every year, this it is not at the NEMT or Minister of Finance level; the Science and Technology community should sit down and prioritise. If we do that, priorities would be given appropriately to the sectors that deserve them and then the nation and this sector can grow. The problem is funding. We have already trained over 100 people but we are having these limitations.

So we are appealing to government to look at us once more and be able to look at this” In his comments, Professor Matt Perkins, who is also the Managing Director of Surrey Satellite Technologies Limited, partners to NASRDA, noted that the agency has contributed significantly in creating a strong space technology pedestal for Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the space programmes race and expressed the hope that if additional support is given it, Nigeria has the potential of getting $50 as return on every dollar spent on the development of science and technology within the next 10 years.

He said: “Nigeria has really moved on in terms of it space-based capabilities. It has capabilities. I will expect to see from Nigeria’s investment over the next 10, 15 years you would get return of more than 50 to one return on investments; that is, for one dollar spent here, you get $50 back in the next 10 years,” Perkins projected.

Other globally renowned academics and professionals who graced the event, include Professors Victor Olunloyo, a Fellow of the Academy of Science; Leo Daniel of Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Muhammed Sani Sidi of NEMA, Dave Hodgson of DMC International Imaging, UK; Dr Anthony Anuforo of NIMET, and the Deputy President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Prince Rotimi Obamuwagun, among others.

In their well-researched papers, the participants noted that there was the need for more commitment on the part of government and other stakeholders to optimise the capabilities of NASRDA for sustainable development in the years ahead.

56

Business

Property Watch •For Lagos area as at Friday March 29, 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 Wood Timber (hard) 1x1x12 ..........N1,000 Timber (hard) 2x2x12 ..........N600 Timber (hard) 2x4x12 ..........N700

Sunday March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘NAICOM paid N1.2bn insurance claims in 2012’

T

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) yesterday said N1.2 billion claims were settled through the intervention of its Complaint Bureau in 2012.

In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by Mr Lucky Fiakpa, Director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said the amount was paid on the 52 cases handled by the Bureau.

The statement said the complaints included Motor, Marine and Life insurances, Bond Issues and Pension matters. ``The complaints were received from individual policyholders, beneficiaries and government agencies, SERVICOM, Legal Aid Council and Public Complaints Commission. ``This is heart-warming

and a message to policyholders that they now have a listening ear in NAICOM,” it said.

The statement said that in 2012, the Complaints Bureau handled 349 cases out of which 86 were fresh complaints.

It said the Complaints Bureau also held nine adjudication meetings, while majority of the disputes resolved were through correspondences.

The statement said about 85 per cent of the insurance institutions responded to queries or directives issued by the Commission for claims settlement.

It said the increase in the number of complaints received in 2012 followed the various publicity campaigns embarked upon by the Commission. ``This has made members

of the public and policyholders to be more informed of the Commission’s window of dispute resolution, which is not only effective but timely,” it said.

According to the statement, the Complaints Bureau discharges its responsibilities either through correspondences with the insurance companies involved or through adjudication.

The statement said the response and cooperation of insurance companies involved in any dispute with policyholders had been encouraging.

The Complaints Bureau is the unit solely responsible for receiving and processing complaints against insurance companies for non-settlement of claims.

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

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

Nine years after, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend published a revised guide to bank charges first issued in 2004 to provide standard application of charges in the industry, while minimising bank-customer conflicts.

The review is undertaken with imputes from stakeholders including members of the Bankers’ Committee.

The apex bank said in a circular by I.T. Nwaoha, acting director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, became necessary “in order to reflect current developments in the market and provide clarity on banking terms.”

Among others, the document approves, with effect from Monday, April 1, 2013, a N100 annual debit card maintenance charge, while hinting of a gradual phaseout of commission on turnover from this year, until 2016 when customers’ accounts will no longer be debited for transactions on current accounts.

For now, banks are to charge no more than “N3 per mille” this year as COT; N2 in 2014; and N1 in 2015; before moving to zero COT from 2016, the CBN said in the document.

In addition, “the banks should not charge COT on returned outward clearing cheques, reversal of transactions and all bank-induced debts.”

Payment of claims to oil marketers goes digital

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

CBN to phase out COT by 2016

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Managing Director/CEO, HASAL Microfinance Bank Limited, Mr. Rogers Nwoke (right), handing over the keys of a new tractor to the Secretary of Integrated Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Awe, Nasarawa State, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpo, being the bank’s donation to the association, recently.

Oil, gas field operators are broke, says expert

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he Managing Director, Metib Oil and Gas, Mr Adewumi Ilori, yesterday attributed the lack of fund and technical capacities as constraints confronting marginal field operators.

Ilori told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that such limitations were some of the reasons several fields had not commenced production decades after they were allocated.

He said the programme, which was meant to boost local participation in oil exploration, had not contributed significant value to the sector because only 11 out of the many allocated field were producing. ``The most threatening problem facing small com-

panies is bad wells. You are gone once you drill a well in a wrong place. ``Hence, it is critical to get correct data. The more quality your data, the more confident you are. And you need to start producing before you can get funding from banks. ``That is the most critical challenge. Before you bid, it is important you have some money to do some basic things. This is because partners will rip you off if you don’t have some degree of financial backing,” he said.

Ilori warned marginal field operators to be more sensitive to their host communities’, aspirations and dynamics.

He said that the relation-

ship between operators and host communities was crucial to production process.

He also said that host communities, especially those in Delta State, were properly and fairly engaged by operators.

According to him, five per cent returns are given to oil producing communities even before government’s pronouncement on the issue.

The question, he said, should border on how the funds would be equitably administered so that it does not end up in few hands.

He said it would be better to educate host communities that business ventures have to make money before they can engage in charity activities.

he Petroleum Equalisation Fund Management Board (PEFMB) says the Federal Government has stopped the manual payment of transportation claims to petroleum products marketers in the country.

The General Manager (Corporate Services) of the board, Mr Goddy Nnadi, speaking to newsmen in Lagos said the board stopped the manual payment of marketers’ claims after it launched an electronic claims management solution, nicknamed “Project Aquila”.

“It is part of the original plan to ensure payment of claims within 72 hours. Project Aquila is an e-loading and payment system that will ease the process of marketers’ getting their entitlements,” he explained.

Nnadi said that over 200 members of PEFMB staff and more than 1,500 marketers had been trained on the application of the Project Aquila software.

He also said that more than 15,000 petroleum products conveying trucks nationwide have been captured in the Project Aquila website platform.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

ONITSHA

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ormer Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku yesterday marked his 80th birthday and golden jubilee of marriage at his country home, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state amidst pomp even as President Goodluck Jonathan and other notable Nigerians congratulated him and his wife.

Speaking during the church service to mark the occasion at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Obosi, the Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop of All Nigeria, Rt Rev Nicholas Okoh described the life of Chief Anyaoku as worth living. A life full

of God’s favour and kindness even as he tasked him to re dedicate his remaining life time to the service of black race.

Rev Okoh said that the country though passing through a lot of security challenges could still stand if only the leaders become servant leaders who will be ready to devote their lives to the service of God and humanity.

He described the double celebration of a life worth living of ripe age at 80 as worthwhile and congratulated the couple for being married for 50 years in the face of the current challenges which include gay marriage and other societal ills.

He urged the Anyaokus to always remember that they were kept together

by God for the purpose

of protecting the society as well as protecting the black race, adding “your ability to say and stand by the truth must always be impeccable and doing that, you must be the servant of the people”.

In his goodwill message, President Goodluck Jonathan expressed joy with the ripe age Anyaokus have attained and prayed God to protect them and grant them more fruitful years to serve the country.

President Jonathan represented by the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Worgu described the former Commonwealth scribe as a leader whose commitment to the growth of the country is total and called on him to re-dedicate himself to the service of God and humanity.

NAFDAC arrests two, impounds N25m fake products

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wo brothers, Henry and Ekene Ezeani, have been arrested by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC for alleged illegal manufacture, possession, distribution and sale of unwholesome alcoholic beverages.

The agency also seized a supposed aphrodisiac concoction called ‘The Prince Alomo-Bitters’, worth over N25million Naira.

The suspects who hail from Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government area of

Anambra State are a part of organised syndicate under NAFDAC surveillance who specialised in faking popular brands of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages especially ‘Alomo Bitters.’

A team of NAFDAC officials led by Mr. Joseph Asikpo accompanied by security personnel and pressmen apprehended them while they were producing the fake products in their residence at 140 Ojora Royal Compound, Coker Village in Lagos.

According NAFDAC’s

sources, one of the suspects, Ekene had been arrested in 2012 for a similar offence in Oke-Arin market after which he was released on bail.

His brother, Henry on the other hand, admitted to be the owner of the business, stating that he learnt the trade of wine production from a South African company where he had worked before he was deported in 2011.

He said that he engaged in the illegal business to earn a living and raise money to establish his own company.

JTF arrests 21 suspected oil thieves •Impounds two vessels, 55 boats EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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peratives of the Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) have arrested 21 suspected oil thieves in separate raids in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Abia states.

The security agency equally impounded two vessels used in loading illegally refined products at the Nigerian Ports Authority’s jetty in Bonny, Rivers State, while a fishing trawler with fake documents which was loading illegally refined fuel in communities was also seized.

Spokesman of the JTF,

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Jonathan, Gowon, others eulogise Anyaoku at 80 NWABUEZE OKONKWO

Zonal News

Sunday March 31, 2013

Lt.Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday to Sunday Mirror, said the security also impounded 55 assorted boats and trucks used for illegal bunkering at Otumara and Araton in Warri South Local Government, Delta State.

Nwachukwu said the suspects were being interrogated at the JTF Sector Two Headquarters, Port Harcourt, before they would be handed over to prosecuting agencies for further investigation and subsequent prosecution.

According to the JTF image maker, one of the

seized vessels, MV Buyus, with 12 crew members was caught lifting crude oil from a pipeline point belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company along Akassa river, Bayelsa State.

He noted that Fishing Trawler, identified as BolaJoko was impounded at the NPA jetty while discharging stolen and illegally refined products into large plastic tanks in Bonny, Rivers State.

Nwachukwu further said the seized vessel are currently secured at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard in Brass Local Government, Bayelsa State.

Gunmen kill policeman at daughters’ wedding INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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Policeman was on Friday afternoon killed by unknown gunmen at a wedding ceremony of his two daughters in Damboa town in Damboa Local Government area of Borno State, Sunday Mirror has gathered.

Residents of the town told our correspondent that the deceased policeman was shot dead in front of his house while conducting the wedding of his daughters shortly

after the Friday congregation jumat prayer.

It was gathered that the policeman left the town for months following death threat sent to him by unknown people but only returned to the town last week in order to give out his daughters in marriage.

“He came back last week to marry out his two daughters but was shot dead on Friday after Jumat while the wedding was going on,” a resident of the town who preferred anonymity, said.

It was gathered that the deceased officer is from

Michika Local Government area of Adamawa State but resident in Damboa.

In another development, a telecommunication network mast has been burnt down in Ajigin village, an outskirts of Damboa local government area.

Locals said that the airtel’s mast which was just repaired last Thursday was burnt down for the second time.

Efforts to get the Borno Police spokesman, DSP Gideon Jibrin, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, were successful as at the time of filing this report.

Adamawa by-election: PDP aspirants to pay N650,000 for nomination form P DP aspirants interested in contesting the by-election for the vacant seat in Nasarawo/Binyeri state constituency of Mayo-Belwa Local Government of Adamawa State will pay N650,000 for nomination form.

The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Umaru Kugama, announced this at a news conference in Yola over the weekend.

According to Kugama, expression of interest form costs N100,000 and nomination form attracts N500,000 while administration fee is N50,000.

He said the sale of the nomination form would end on April 9.

Kugama, however, explained that female aspirants would only pay for expression of interest and administration fee.

He said the party had fixed April 11 to 12for screening of aspirants and April 13 for the party primaries.

Kugama, who assured aspirants of free and fair primaries, said the date for the exercise was, however, subject to approval of the national secretariat of the party.

“We are going to conduct free, fair and credible primaries to be monitored by officials from the national headquarters,” Kugama said.

Meanwhile, INEC has fixed April 19 as deadline for the submission of names of candidates by political parties and May 11 for the by-election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nasarawo/Binyeri byelection follows the death of the member representing the constituency Ahmed Gangwaso in 2012.

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Adamawa Controller of Prisons, Mr Andrew Barka, who did not give details, said some of the prisoners were re-arrested while some returned on their own.

Barka said “the inmates are returning and so far more than 20 are back. Some were re-arrested while some returned on their own.’’

Also giving update on the incident, the Chairman of Ganye Local Government, Alhaji Mo-

hammed Farouk, said normalcy had returned to the town and business activities had resumed in full.

Farouk said that the council had already compiled its report on the incident, adding that about 17 places were attacked with 26 deaths recorded during the incident.

He said that out of the 26 people killed, 21 had been identified while five were yet to be identified.

Prison attack: Freed 20 inmates return

o fewer than 20 out of the 127 inmates freed during last week’s attack on Ganye Prison in Adamawa, have returned.

Gunmen attacked about 17 places, including the prison in Ganye, headquarters of Ganye Local Government, set free 127 prisoners, and killed the senior officer in charge of the prison, Assistant Controller, Baba Musa.

Confirming the development yesterday in Yola,

2 killed in Gombe night attack

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he Police in Gombe State have confirmed the killing of two people when gunmen attacked Kumo Police Division in Akko Local Government Area on Friday night.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Sule, said in Gombe that the dead were among the attackers.

Sule said the police recovered one AK 47 rifle

and two motorcycles from the attackers.

“As far as I am concerned, none of my men was killed.

“What I know is that two of the attackers were killed and we recovered one AK 47 rifle and two motorcycles,” he said.

Sule, however, said he was expecting details of the incident since it occurred in the night.

He decried the lack of information from the public to enable the police to prevent such attacks.

Some residents of Kumo town said on telephone that they heard sounds of gunshots when the attackers came in the night.

They said they could not sleep in the night because of the exchange of fire between the police and the attackers.

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Sunday March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NDLEA arrests FAAN Police/NSCDC clash: FG may conduct forensic officials over drug trafficking at Lagos Airport ballistics

OMEIZA AJAYI

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he Federal Government panel set up to probe into the bloody altercation between the Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) might soon conduct a Forensic Ballistics to determine the character of the ammunition used in killing two civil defence officers in the fracas, Sunday Mirror has exclusively learnt.

Assistant Inspector of Corps (AIC), Gabriel Adaji and Inspector of Corps, Innocent Aigbe, two officers in the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the NSCDC were reportedly gunned down Wednesday morning during a clash with policemen following the arrest of some oil pipeline vandals in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. Five other civil defence officials were said to have also sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Only at the weekend, spokesperson for the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC, Kehinde Dada, said the corps would conduct a post-mortem exam-

ination on the bodies of its two slain officers.

Although she was quoted as saying that the case was being handled by her superiors at the headquarters in Abuja, Sunday Mirror checks last night revealed that an external panel constituted by the Federal Government in the wake of the crisis has begun probing into the issue.

Top NSCDC officials said the corps was patiently waiting for the outcome of the probe.

However, Corps Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Okeh said if an autopsy would be conducted on the slain officers, the responsibility would naturally fall under the purview of the external panel. “If there is anything like that, then it is the committee set up by the Federal Government that would do that”, he said in a telephone chat with our correspondent.

Assistant Director, Public Relations in the Department of State Service could not be immediately reached for media enquiries.

The Police however said until the forensic ballistics is conducted, it would be presumptuous to

conclude that either of the agencies was responsible for the killings.

“A forensic ballistics is an important component of such an investigation.

Until it is scientifically carried out, it is presumptuous to conclude on who actually killed the officers.

“For now it is not possible for me to tell you the exact date and place when it will be carried out”, a police source said.

He dispelled rumours of an inter-agency rivalry between the two vital agencies of government, explaining that they had always worked together and have continued to work together even after the “unfortunate incident”.

“We have always worked together. It is not today that we started. We have always gone on several joint operations. So, if an unfortunate incident like this now happens, people should not just make remarks but should know that something could have gone wrong. Besides, when did the civil defence start carrying arms? It is also possible that in such a panic situation, they might have misfired”, the source stated.

Apo 6: MASSOB to enforce sit-at-home on June 8 NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday restated its commitment to ensure the success of the scheduled June 8, 2013 sit-at-home exercise in Igboland in remembrance for the six innocent Igbo traders who

were killed in Apo Village, Abuja on June 8, 2005.

MASSOB’s Regional Administrator for Onitsha Region 4, Chief Arinze Igbani, who disclosed this yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, said arrangements had been concluded to carry out the order, as directed by the MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.

Igbani, therefore, directed all the people of

Ayamelum who are predominantly under Region 4 to ensure the success of the exercise which he said is part of the struggle to end the relegation of Ndigbo to the background.

He further stated that the essence of the sit-at-home exercise is for every Igbo man to remain indoors and reflect on the brutal killings of Ndigbo from different directions, including the Ezu River saga.

Nigerians should hold govt officials accountable, says ICPC boss N onchalant attitude of an average Nigerian to how public funds are being spent by government officials is responsible for the high rate of poverty in the country, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Mr Ekpo Nta, has said.

He also admonished the youths on the unholy ways they were using the

social media describing it as a “total disgrace.”

Nta made these comments at the week-end while receiving the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko at ICPC headquarters in Abuja.

He reminded Nigerians that they had every right at any point in time to demand accountability from

their leaders.

He tasked them: “ Let me give you a challenge, take one local government and follow the appropriation that is released to them from the Federal allocation, internally generated revenue and the budget that will be approved by the legislative house of the Local Government and monitor it publicly and publish”.

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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peratives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday foiled a plot by some airport staff to aid and abet a suspected drug trafficker in circumventing security checks.

The alleged mastermind of the offence is a driver with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Olatubosun Michael Olatunji, a female cleaner, Mrs Uzoma David and one Mr Ekene Victor Uchenna who have been found to be part of the drug racket.

An online statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju stated that the trio were exposed

when a drug smuggler, Adetunji Oladeji Joseph who wore an official tarmac reflective jacket posing as an airport staff was arrested at theMurtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Joseph according to Ofoyeju ingested 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.350kg.

He stated that the drug smuggler was illegally taken to the boarding gates of the airport.

The NDLEA boss warned members of the airport community against compromise calculated to undermine security measures at the nation’s airports by a female cleaner.

However, the Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that the agency would not compromise in

SOUTH WEST

the discharge of its duties.

The anti-narcotic boss while describing the incident as an act of sabotage promised to prosecute all persons involved in the criminal act as deterrence to others.

He however expressed disappointment over the lack of trust exhibited by the members of staff.

He said, “It is disappointing for workers at the airport community to indulge in such high level compromise. Their action is inimical and a calculated attempt to undermine security measures at the airport. They will be prosecuted for others to see the bitter consequences of compromise. Drug barons always seek to corrupt officials through bribery but we are working to counter such acts of infiltration.

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwahed Omar; Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye; and his wife, Olori Yemisi, shortly after the conferment of Otunba Atayeshe on the NLC president by the Oluyin, in Iyin-Ekiti, yesterday.

Four die, 20 injured in Ogun auto crash FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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o fewer than four persons were confirmed dead, while 20 others were seriously injured in two separate accidents which occurred at the Lagos–Benin and Lagos– Ibadan expressways of Ogun State yesterday.

The first accident which occurred at the Ogere area along the Lagos–Benin expressway claimed the lives of three persons, while 12 others were seriously injured, while the second accident which happened around 5:20pm in the evening shortly after the Malo Petrol Filling Station in Ogere axis of the Lagos – Ibadan expressway claimed a life.

In the lone accident which occurred at Ogere area, which of the express-

way was said to have been caused when the front tyre of the Benin-bound Toyota Hiace bus with registration number (Edo) USL 09 XA burst, thereby swerving off the road and hitting a palm tree by the side of the road.

An eyewitness account claimed that the vehicle was at top speed which made the accident to be very fatal.

Sunday Mirror however, gathered that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) present at the scene of the accident rescued the victims and had taken both the dead as well as the injured to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode. One person was said to have died in the second accident which occurred shortly after the Malo Filling Station in Ogere Remo axis of the Lagos–Ibadan expressway.

The Ogere Unit Commander of the FRSC, Godwin Joseph Sangbasa, who confirmed the accident to Sunday Mirror, said 19 persons were involved in the accident, which happened around 5:20pm yesterday.

Sangbasa said only one person died, while eight others sustained serious injuries in the auto crash which involved a Peugeot 406 car with registration number (Lagos) KRD 102 BF and a black coloured Toyota Hiace bus with registration number (Lagos) As 892 MUS. The Unit Commander, who attributed the the accident to dangerous driving, further stated that all the victims had been taken to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Shagamu for medical treatment.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH WEST

Zonal News

Sunday March 31, 2013

Easter: Fear grips Kano Orji accuses works residents as JTF, Police minister of neglecting beef up security Abia roads

AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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s anxiety mounts in the North over the safety of Christians in today’s Easter celebration, security agents in the commercial city of Kano have made frantic efforts to beef up security in the city, to ensure a violence-free celebration.

Apart from a house-tohouse search for suspected terrorists and weapons of mass destruction being piled up in some parts of the city, as well as flashpoints, the 3 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army has also deployed more men to strengthen security in the state.

Bompai headquarters of the Kano State Police Command on the other hand, has equally involved 4,000 policemen in the Easter security arrangement.

Our correspondent who went round the city yesterday reported that armoured personnel carriers from the 3 Brigade and

the Police headquarters have been deployed to beef up security in strategic locations and flashpoints, which serve as hideout for suspected terrorists.

Increased presence of security personnel was witnessed in most of the churches in the non-indigenous community of Sabon Gari, where residents have been gripped by fear, following renewed attacks by Islamic extremists, particularly over the bomb blast recently in the motor park that claimed several lives.

Sunday Mirror also noticed improved vehicular patrol in and around the city by the military Joint Task Force (JTF) and the police.

Investigations further revealed that most of the churches have made personal arrangements to ensure that they are adequately fortified by engaging private security organisations to support in that direction.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, said his Command was

involving 4,000 men in the Easter security build-up, adding that the normal security arrangement, which includes stop and search and surveillance are also part of the arrangement to ensure that the Easter is celebrated without hitch.

His words: “The Command is leaving nothing to chance to ensure we have violence-free Easter celebration; you are aware we have raiding flashpoints during which a number arrests of suspects were made and a number of weapons of mass destruction intercepted; this is all part of the effort to usher in a hitch-free Easter.”

Captain Ikedichi Iweha, Spokesman for the JTF in Kano , said the military had placed its men on red alert: “We are working very hard and as I speak with you now, military men in the streets of Kano have more than doubled, while the house-tohouse search is still in progress; as it is now, I think the level of security in Kano is encouraging.”

GEORGE OPARA ABIA

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bia state governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has accused the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, of deliberately refusing to visit the state since he was appointed minister to avoid facing the people over the dilapidated condition of federal roads in the state.

Orji told the minister to continue to avoid visiting the state if he so decides, but warned that he would “enter in the bad book of the state and its people if

the 65 kilometre OhafiaArochukwu road flagged off at the weekend is not completed as budgeted.”

Governor Orji who spoke at the flag-off of Nkporo-Abriba-Ohafia and Ohafia-Arochukwu federal roads wondered why the minister has not visited Abia State since over two years that he assumed office even when the state has many federal roads yearning, as it were, for attention.

The governor who also expressed disappointment that the minister could not use the opportunity of flag-

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off of the two roads to visit Abia and see things for himself, also said he wanted to send a representative when he got information that the minister was not coming but changed his mind because “my people are involved and the roads are for them”.

His word:”The minister (of works) has not visited Abia state for once, at least to see things for himself because seeing is believing.

If he comes, we will take him to the sites, he will see things himself. Why he is not visiting Abia state? I don’t know,” he lamented.

CAN tackles bishop over amnesty for Boko Haram A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he umbrella body of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 northern states and Abuja yesterday called on Bishop of Anglican Communion, Wusasa, Buba Lamido, to desist from attacking Christian leaders over their amnesty stance on Boko Haram insurgency.

Addressing a press conference, CAN’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Oibe, while deploring the statement credited to the bishop in support of the amnesty, said CAN stood firm against dialogue or pardon being

canvassed for the sect.

CAN, however, alleged that since Boko Haram activities started in the North, 70 churches belonging to the TEKAN family, especially in Yobe and Borno states, had been burnt down, with the death of over 300 members, including 20 pastors.

He called on the people not to compare the sect with Niger Delta militants who he said were freedom fighters.

He said the gruesome killings in the region should not be encouraged through amnesty.

The CAN spokesman said, “Ordinarily, I would not have joined issues

with Bishop Buba Lamido of Anglican Wusasa because we don’t even know each other.

“First of all, he said I claimed to be a spokesman for the northern CAN. It was not a claim, I was duly elected by representatives of delegates that came for that election and CAN will never abandon Christians who are suffering in the North.”

“Two, prominent Nigerians, including the president of the country said ‘no amnesty.’

“The CAN which I belong to said no amnesty; wellmeaning Nigerians say no amnesty. How will you begin to promote amnesty? He asked rhetorically.

Kano Akkad commission disburses N16.1m

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ano State Akkad and Endowment Commission said yesterday that it disbursed N16.1 million as Akkad (alms) to 1,794 indigent persons last year.

The Director-General of the commission, Altai Sufiyanu Gwagwarwa, said in Kano that N10 million was given to 1,000 needy persons in the first phase of the programme.

According to him, the sum of N2.5 million was distributed to 250 widows as assistance to enable them start small businesses.

“Each of the beneficiaries was given N10,000 as assistance to ameliorate his sufferings as well as to enable him start a business.

“The whole idea behind

giving Zakkat to the poor use the money to establish some useful ventures which will make them selfreliant,’’ he said.

He said another N1.5 million was also distributed to another batch of 150 persons in addition to another N1.5 million disbursed to new converts to Islam and stranded travellers as assistance.

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha (left), and his new deputy, Eze Madumere, after taking his oath of office in Owerri yesterday.

Shun corruption, Okorocha tells new Dep Gov CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday bemoaned the exit of his former deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso, even as new deputy governor, Eze Madumere, took the oath of office amidst mammoth crowd.

While describing the exit of the former deputy governor as “unfortunate”, he advised the new deputy governor to shun aggrandizement and selfcentredness.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new deputy governor at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Exco Chambers, Okorocha, noted that circumstances have brought Madumere to office as the deputy governor.

He noted that new re-

sponsibilities have fallen on the shoulders of the new deputy governor.

“You must remain committed to delivering the rescue mission agenda and to succeed in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people, there must be sacrifice.

To succeed, you must not think of the next election, but how to improve the lot of the people”.

Okorocha described the impeached deputy governor as a young man he was very fond of, stating that, “I cherish the Agbaso family. But government has to move on”.

Earlier in his speech, shortly after taking the oath of office, administered by the State Chief Judge, Benjamin Njemanze, the newly appointed deputy governor

exclaimed that, “I never dreamt of becoming the deputy governor of Imo State, circumstances have made me the deputy governor.

“Although the circumstances that removed Agbaso from office were not pleasant, I still wish him the best in his future endeavors”.

Reaffirming his commitment to the rescue mission agenda of the state government, Madumere, noted that, “as an Apostle of the rescue mission, I will remain committed to the actualization of the vision of the state government”.

Madumere until his emergence as the deputy governor was the Chief of Staff to Governor Okorocha, a position he held for about two years.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wenger puts P. 63 Gunners on notice PREMIERSHIP

Sport

KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS March 31, 2013

I have fulfilled my dream P. 62 playing for Eagles – Ogu

AYAC 2013: Junaid targets relay gold YEMI OLUS

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Unfortunate! Van Persie (2nd from right)sees his shot hit the knee of Titus Bramble (3rd from right) and fly into the net for an own goal against Sunderland yesterday.

igeria’s silver medalist in the women’s 400m at the ongoing African Youth Athletics Championships (AYAC), Abimbola Junaid, has promised to win a gold medal in the relays which will take place today at the Warri Township Stadium in Delta State.

So far, Nigeria has dominated the 100m, 400m and long jump events and Junaid, who was beaten to second place by National School Sports Festival silver medalist, Edidiong Ofonime in the 400m says she is ready to set the track ablaze once more.

She said, “Coming to this championships, my target was to win the 400m, but unfortunately for me, I finished second. However I am happy because this is

my first international outing for Nigeria. I must admit that I was scared when I was about to run because of the magnitude of the competition, but I made it at the end of the day.

“I am very confident that we are going to win the relays because we have worked hard and by the grace of God, we will make it. Our coaches have done their best and our training went fine. I want to represent Nigeria more often; that’s my goal.”

The four-day event comes to an end today with the 5km walk, javelin (girls), high jump (boys), 400m hurdles (girls), 200m (boys and girls), shot put (girls), triple jump (girls), 800m (boys), and 1,500m (girls). Other events include the discus (boys), 110m hurdles, 3,000m (boys), and the medley relay.

Red Devils down Sunderland to extend lead

M

anchester United took another stride towards a 20th league title yesterday with a comfortable 1-0 win at Sunderland.

United’s first-half winner came when Robin van Persie fired in a shot from the left which flew into the net off the knee of Titus Bramble.

Sunderland never looked like breaching a United defence that has not conceded a Premier League goal in 627 minutes.

Van Persie was denied in stoppage time by Simon Mignolet as injury-hit Sunderland finished deflated.

The result leaves Premier League leaders United with 77 points from 30 matches ahead of neighbours Manchester City.

While manager Sir Alex Ferguson knows another league title is almost in United’s grasp, the result leaves Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill looking nervously at the bottom end of the table, his side only few points ahead of Wigan.

Sunderland - with Danny Graham

leading the line in place of the injured Steven Fletcher – started the game positively with the visitors initially looking a little unsure at the back but the Black Cats were unable to create a clear chance to test keeper David De Gea. United, unbeaten at Sunderland since 1997, soon settled and began to seize the initiative as both teams sparred for the right to break the deadlock.

And the stalemate was broken as United took the lead just before the half hour with a goal that had an element of fortune.

Van Persie jinked past Phil Bardsley on the left side of the penalty box before hitting a low shot which first brushed against Bardsley, then deflected off Bramble before passing Mignolet.

Van Persie - without a goal for United in seven games - appeared to claim the strike but it was recorded as a Bramble own goal.

Ferguson was immediately forced into

Allegri delighted with P. 63 Balotelli

a change as Rafael was limped off with a groin injury. Chris Smalling switched to right-back with Jonny Evans partnering Nemanja Vidic in central defence.

Sunderland goalkeeper Mignolet then did well to tip away a wickedly curling Van Persie free-kick as United threatened to increase their lead before the break.

O’Neill must have demanded more movement and energy from his depleted side during the interval after a lethargic first-half showing.

United looked more than comfortable but De Gea was anything but after an accidental clash with Vidic left him needing lengthy treatment.

Sunderland tried to raise their game after the break but United were happy to probe for a second goal while protecting their advantage.

Adam Johnson forced Smalling to head to safety from his nice cross, which De Gea, who was still feeling the effects of his collision with Vidic, was happy to

Beckham coy on PSG future P. 63

leave his central defender to clear.

The home side enjoyed a better spell as the game entered its final quarter and O’Neill introduced Connor Wickham and Sebastian Larsson in a bid to put United under more pressure.

Alexander Buttner combined well with Ashley Young before unleashing a fierce shot which Mignolet did well to push away for a corner from which Vidic flashed a header wide.

United remained almost in cruise control and Van Persie was denied by Mignolet deep into injury time.

Sunderland failed to create a decisive effort on the visitors’ goal as their winless run extended to eight league matches.

While the Black Cats face a fight to avoid the drop, United will freshen up their team for Monday’s FA Cup quarterfinal replay at Chelsea in full knowledge that another Premier League title is within touching distance.

Robben shrugs off exit P. 63 rumours

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday March 31, 2013

Brazil 2014: Olajengbesi tips Eagles to qualify SAYO OGUNDEJI

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ollowing Super Eagles’ lacklustre performance in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya last weekend in Calabar, an ex-international, Seyi Olajengbesi, says Nigeria will eventually qualify for the mundial, but called on the team to raise its game.

The Eagles forced the Harambee Stars to a 1-1 draw despite beating the rest of the continent to emerge Africa Champions at the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Kenya’s Francis Kahata had put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute and would have snatched a famous victory for his side, except for Nnamdi Oduamadi’s extra time equaliser which saved the Nigerian team from losing the three points at home.

The former Shooting Stars of Ibadan player, who is not bothered about the draw, revealed that winning the Nations Cup makes the encounter more difficult for the Eagles, but expressed confidence in the Stephen Keshi-led team to pick the needed points to qualify for the mundial in

subsequent matches.

“There is still every opportunity for the Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2014, because if the team should work hard and pick the available points in subsequently matches during the qualifiers, they will surely land in Brazil. This also means that we must not dwell on the result of the game against Kenya because football can be very funny at times.

“The Kenyans wanted to beat the African champions at all cost and that did not work for them, but am quite confident Nigeria has the experi-

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Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

Oloukun plays down defeat he still has a lot to offer in the

by Gerber heavyweight division.

BO heavyweight “It is true that I have contender, Gbenga W recorded some losses in my Oloukun (18-9, 11 KO’s) has

described his last defeat by German-based heavyweight prospect, Edmund Gerber (23-1, 14 KO’s) as a temporary setback, promising to come back better in future.

Gerber, last weekend defeated Oloukun by an eightround unanimous decision, making it his 9th loss in his last 11 fights.

Speaking shortly after the fight, he noted that he will Olajengbesi not allow the loss to affect ence needed to beat them his future fights insisting that in Nairobi,” Olajengbesi said.

past fights, but that is not an indication that I cannot challenge for the biggest fight in the heavyweight category.

“My defeat to Edmund Gerber was a temporary setback and I hope to go back to the drawing board and see how to make amends before another fight.

People should not judge me with this fight because, I still have a lot to offer to the heavyweight division,” the German-based boxer said.

AYAC: Nigerian team will make Rio 2016 – Josiah YEMI OLUS

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board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Jide Josiah is confident that a large percentage of the athletes representing Nigeria at the ongoing African Youth Athletics Championships (AYAC) in Warri, Delta State, would be at their peak and will qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He made this remark during a breakfast meeting which the Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, had with the Nigerian contingent.

Josiah posited that since the bulk of athletes

representing the country were very young, they would stand a good chance of making Nigeria proud at the next Olympics.

He said, “I am sure that these athletes will form the core of Nigerians that will go for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games because by then most of them will be about 19 or 20 years of age. Most of these athletes are still in secondary school, so they still have time on their side.”

Josiah said the federation was careful in the selection process to ensure that the athletes were of the right ages in order to forestall issues of disqualification.

“We have done every-

Rugby stakeholders meeting holds in Lagos ANDREW EKEJIUBA

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he stakeholders meeting of Nigerian rugby will hold in Lagos on April 11 to review the last four years of the concessioning of rugby in the country and proffer a way forward for the sport in the light of the dissolution of the present boards of sporting federations by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The rugby stakeholders meeting will have in attendance all the rugby club representatives, state rugby association representatives, the outgoing board members, rugby marketers and any other

interested parties, while the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Olympic Committee will also be invited as observes.

This meeting is also expected to properly educate all rugby stakeholders on the guidelines for the forthcoming elections into sporting federations issued by the NSC towards repositioning sports in the country.

According to the Vice President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Senator Isa Kachako, this will greatly help to normalize things within the NRFF to reflect a true democratic structure of administration that will in turn bring normalcy with-

thing possible to ensure that we present a team that will not be disqualified. It is true that we want to win, but we do not want to do so by default. I am also happy to say that for the 20 days that we were

in camp, there was no case of misdemeanor; the athletes were well behaved.

We will continue with the camp after the championships with other juniors we got from previous competitions,” he concluded.

Oluokun (left) lands a devastating blow on an opponent during one of his fights.

Aboderin assures on Kareem

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L-R: Silver medallist in boys 100m, Alsibela Abebe of Ethiopia, gold medallist, Divine Oduduru of Nigeria and bronze medallist, Adedeji Yusuf also from Nigeria, with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State during the medal presentation at the AYAC in Warri on Friday.

in the comity of rugby playing unions of the world, especially as regards CAR & IRB operations as a bonafide member union with all entitlements.

Meanwhile, the International Rugby Board (IRB) through its Regional Development Manager in Africa, Mr. Jean-Luc Barthes, has disowned and disclaimed the purported appointment of Mr. Fred Ollows as an IRB Arbitrator for Nigeria rugby elections.

In a mail sent to “Friends of Rugby”, he denied knowledge of the appointment, insisting that it is only Ollows that can explain who approved his appointment.

Mr. Jean-Luc Barthes said: “I have made inquires with IRB and CAR in Africa and I discovered that neither CAR nor IRB are in-

ecretary General of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin, is optimistic that Commonwealth Super- flyweight champion, Yakub Kareem, is capable of defending his title against British Paul Butler on April 12, at the Liverpool Olympia.

The fight which was originally scheduled to take place on March 8, was postponed because of late issuance of British visa to the champion.

He told our correspondent that Kareem is the best

Super- flyweight boxer in the Commonwealth of Nations and will only use the fight to prepare himself for greater challenges ahead.

“Kareem is a very good boxer and one of the best pugilists in the Super- flyweight category and I know he will not disappoint us on April 12.

“I am quite convinced that he will defend his title against his British challenger and be in the best position to have a crack at the world title in future,” he said.

Haye stages comeback

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ormer WBA heavyweight champion, David Haye, has announced his intention to stage a comeback to the ring on June 29 at the Manchester Arena.

Haye lost his WBA belt in July 2011 when he was defeated by WBO, IBF and WBA champion Wladimir Klitschko in Germany.

The 32-year-old boxer beat fellow Briton, Dereck Chisora in his last fight in July.

According to him, he is

Typical Nigeria Rugby action

volved in the appointment of Ollows as arbiter during your union elections.

“I don’t know who appointed him and he is in a better position to tell us who approved his appointment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further details”.

Haye

planning to stage a comeback to enable him become once again a heavyweight champion.

“I want to be a world heavyweight champion again. I’ve been waiting for the phone to ring from ‘Team Klitschko’ but it hasn’t happened.

“Their path doesn’t include me this year. Instead of sitting around waiting, I want to get back in there. People want me back and they’ll be able to see it on June 29,” he stated.

62

Sport

Sunday March 31, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I have fulfilled my dream playing for Eagles –Ogu SAYO OGUNDEJI

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igeria international and Académica de Coimbra of Portugal attacking midfielder, John Ugochukwu Ogu recently made his debut for the Super Eagles during last weekend’s World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

Standing at 6 feet 3inches tall, one could easily take Ogu for a basketball player, but the midfielder maestro derives joy playing professional football.

Like many of his peers, while growing up, Ogu had different things he wished to accomplish and certainly, playing football to the highest level and representing his fatherland was one of them.

“Of course, right from childhood, I love anything sports, but football for me has always been very special and I am happy I made the right choice.

“I could have played basketball because of my height or any other sports for that matter, but I guess growing up watching and playing amateur football all over my neighborhood helped in my decision to stick to the round leather game,” the midfielder said confidently.

The support and the necessary assistance rendered to the teenager by his family did help the budding star to remain focused in his chosen career. And having made up his mind on what he wanted to do, the young Ogu took the first step that was capable of bringing his dreams into reality when he joined Starlet FC of Lagos in 2005.

Barely a year in the club, the rookie moved to a football academy, Fly Sports Academy also of Lagos. And it was there that he had a successful trial with a Slovenian club, NK Drava Ptuj which landed him his first professional contract.

Ogu however admitted he found his new environment a bit difficult adapting to at the beginning, but later adjusted himself and settled down to business. Therefore, it was no surprise that he spent the next four seasons in Eastern Europe.

“My time in the academies in Nigeria really helped in the sense that it taught me the rudiments of the game and what it takes to be a successful footballer.

Though getting into Europe is another story entirely, but I had no choice than to get used to the environment and convince my employers that they have not made a mistake signing me from Nigeria.

“My teammates really made my stay worthwhile, as they helped me to settle down in no time. I had a fantastic time learning my trade with the club and I’m happy to have been given the opportunity of playing professional football in Europe.

“Aside the aforementioned, I made up my mind not to let my family down because they have been the pillar supporting my career since I decided to go into football.

“I got all the support from my fam-

ily and I think that made things a lot easier for me. I owe everything I have achieved till date to them,” Ogu said with a tinge of seriousness.

The attacking midfielder joined Atlético Clube of Portugal in the summer of 2010 after spending four seasons with NK Drava Ptuj of Slovenia.

Six months after, Ogu was again on the move to Spain with UD Almería which was playing in the second tier of the country’s professional league.

Not satisfied with the situation in Spain, Ogu who failed to break into the squad moved back to Portugal, this time joining a mid-table club, Uniao de Leiria, but the experience ended on a bad note as the Portuguese team ran into troubled waters.

“I had a short spell in Spain before moving back to Portugal because I was not satisfied. Uniao de Leiria had some financial problems which made it almost impossible for them to pay players ‘wages and that led to players terminating their contract and looking for better deals elsewhere. It was a tough time for everybody because we were not doing well in the league and the club couldn’t raise the capital to pay the players for doing their job,” he said.

Ogu recalls filing out for the relegation-bound team against Feirense in one of the league matches with only eight members of his team available for selection, as most of the remaining players have either left or protesting non-payment of their outstanding wages.

“It was a bit weird in the sense that only eight of us were available to play and we just have to get the job done because we were professionals. Some of us do really love the club, though they owed us at that time. Unfortunately the team got relegated and I had to move on with my career. I really wished situations were different because the officials of the club and fans were really nice to me,” Ogu said.

Ogu joined his current club Académica de Coimbra at the beginning of the current season and has every reason to smile again. He has featured in 18 of his team’s 23 league matches and his performances in the UEFA Europa League where his team finished third in the group stage behind Viktoria Plze of Czech Republic and Atlético Madrid of Spain respectively are prove to the fact that he has matured as a player.

“I am really happy with my progress so far in the league and playing in the European competitions alongside some of the world’s best players is an experience every player wants to have.

“Though we have been knocked out of the tournament and our position in the league still needs to be improved upon, I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve,” Ogu affirmed.

His performances for his club side however have not gone unnoticed as the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi , invited him to be part of the squad

that played a 1-1 draw with the Harambee Stars of Kenya in the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Ogu who described the invitation as a dream come through, expressed satisfaction to have been able to achieve his childhood ambition.

The player who shared the same room with his childhood friend and the lone goal scorer, Nnamdi Oduamadi, added that meeting the legend, Nwankwo Kanu in Calabar was the climax of his homecoming.

“Playing with the likes of Mikel Obi who is my role model and other fantastic footballers in the national team gives me a sense of fulfillment and I know I have what it takes to hold a regular shirt in the team.

“I grew up watching the likes of Austin Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and Nwankwo Kanu play exciting football and I felt excited to have met them especially Kanu during the qualifier in Calabar,” he enthused.

Meanwhile, despite the disappointing result in the qualifier, the midfielder believes the Eagles will bounce back to pick the world cup ticket, adding that playing at the FIFA World Cup finals will be a great achievement in his career.

John Ugochukwu Ogu in action for his former club, Uniao de Leiria of Portugal.

I COULD HAVE PLAYED BASKETBALL BECAUSE OF MY HEIGHT OR ANY OTHER SPORTS FOR THAT MATTER, BUT

I GUESS GROW-

ING UP WATCHING AND PLAYING AMATEUR FOOTBALL ALL OVER MY NEIGHBOURHOOD HELPED IN MY DECISION TO STICK TO THE ROUND LEATHER GAME.

Ogu (right) with Nigeria’s soccer legend Kanu Nwankwo in Calabar last weekend.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Benitez justifies Terry role C

helsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has defended his use of John Terry and praised the improved form of Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard.

Benitez has been criticised for giving Terry just one Premier League start since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge in November.

The Spaniard has indicated this is due to the superior pace and tactical awareness of David Luiz, even citing an unspecified game as an example.

“The opponents had a player that was very, very fast on the right side and I could play David Luiz, who is a very fast defender covering the left-back.

“They also had players working between the lines. David Luiz is tactically a very good defender. So you adapt your tactics and your players,” Benitez said.

In contrast, Terry’s long-time Chelsea team-mate Lampard has flourished under Benitez, scoring 13 goals from 19 starts under the former Liverpool boss.

“This is because the way we organise the shape of the team allows him to go forward, like he did in the past but he is scoring more goals now than he was at the start of the season,” adds Benitez.

The performances of Torres have been less productive on paper but the manager still believes there has been a significant improvement since the arrival of fellow striker Demba Ba.

Sport

Sunday March 31, 2013

EURO BRIEFS

Wenger puts Gunners on notice A

rsene Wenger has warned his players that their futures depend on their performances in the final nine games of the season.

The Frenchman has recently dropped goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and club captain Thomas Vermaelen.

The Gunners manager says that he will be looking to improve the squad this summer and his transfer activity at the end of the season may depend on how his players finish the campaign.

“What is important is we look at how we finish the season, how well we play and make the decisions who to buy and who to sell at the end of the season.

“This will be influenced by the

Allegri delighted with Balotelli

A

C Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has expressed his delight over Mario Balotelli and believes the player has already reached the level of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The coach insists the Italy international has a similar playing style to Ibrahimovic, although his early success at Milan indicates Balotelli still has much more to offer.

Wenger

way we play in our last nine games but what is important is to analyse where we can improve at the end of the season,” Wenger said.

The Arsenal manager has been disappointed that his team did not fight for the title this season and acknowledged ‘blips’ in the domestic cup competitions – but is largely pleased with the commitment shown by his side.

The 63-year old continued: “What is for sure is that we didn’t fight for the championship. What is for sure is that we have had some blips that were not expected - Blackburn and Bradford.

“But, overall, I must say the attitude of the team has been great and when everyone is here we have a strong team.”

Beckham coy on PSG future P

Terry

Robben shrugs off exit rumours

A

rjen Robben has quashed ‘insane’ reports he could leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season to join either Galatasaray or Inter Milan.

The 29-year-old struggled with a succession of injuries in the first half of the season and has been forced to settle for a place in coach Jupp Heynckes’ rotation system at the Allianz Arena.

The scenario has prompted speculation Robben could join up with Netherlands team-mate Wesley Sneijder in Istanbul or make the switch to Serie A, but the winger insisted there is no truth in the rumours.

“One day it’s Galatasaray, the next it’s Inter. It’s insane and none of this is in my head,” Robben said.

“I’m solely thinking about the match against Juventus and the return leg after that. It’s only about my team and our objectives. Anything else is written and fabricated; I have no influence on it.”

aris Saint-Germain midfielder David Beckham has refused to rule out the possibility of him extending his stay at the club.

The former England captain arrived in the French capital on a short-term contract in January but Coach Carlo Ancelotti said earlier this week he would like to retain the services of the veteran beyond the end of the season.

Beckham, who turns 38 in May, is remaining coy on the issue, but said he was enjoying life at the Parc des Princes.

“At my age, we need to take one season at a time, but for now, I feel very comfortable here.

“I have great respect for Carlo as a manager and as a person. If he says he wants to keep me that makes me very proud,” Beckham enthused.

Robben

63

Balotelli

Torres wants ‘crazy’ schedule striker Fernando looked at Torres believes his side Chelsea

Torres

is being asked to fulfill a “crazy” fixture list, as they prepare for three crucial games in the space of just six days. With yesterday’s Premier League trip to Southampton quickly followed by an FA Cup quarter-final replay on Monday and then a Europa League tie with Rubin Kazan on Thursday, Torres has called on English football chiefs to revise the fixture schedule.

Sissoko looks up to Toure

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ewcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko has heaped praise on Yaya Toure, labelling the Manchester City star a role model. Sissoko, 23, believes English Premier League and La Liga titlewinner Toure is a positive example and hopes to have a similar career to the former Barcelona midfielder.

Sissoko

Giroud: We must keep hold of Giroud believes best players Olivier it is vital Arsenal

Giroud

Beckham

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder came in for stern criticism for travelling to China in an ambassadorial role during the recent international break. But he believes there was nothing unprofessional about him taking the trip.

“I have not heard anything in terms of the critics,” Beckham said.

“But if this is the case, I am a professional and I always have been.

“It was a very special moment. I got to represent the Chinese league and PSG. I missed just two days of training. I’m back and I caught up.

What counts is the team, the manager, players and fans.

“Physically, I feel great. I always look after myself. I have always been professional in all the clubs. I am very happy to be in Paris and the club treats me as if I’ve been here for 10 years.”

retain the services of their best players if they are to progress as a team and end their trophy drought.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has seen a number of high-profile names leave the club in recent seasons, with the likes of Robin van Persie seeking new pastures with Manchester United last summer.

Rodgers: Sturridge can learn

D

aniel Sturridge has been urged to learn from Liverpool strike partner Luis Suarez by manager Brendan Rodgers. Suarez hit the headlines for the wrong reasons once again this week after an altercation with Chile defender Gonzalo Jara while on international duty for Uruguay.

Sturridge

Cambiasso annoyed over club’s Milan midfielder Esinconsistency Inter teban Cambiasso has la-

Cambiasso

mented his team’s inconsistency throughout the Serie A season. Inter looked like legitimate Scudetto contenders after ending Juve’s 49-game unbeaten run in the league back in October, but their hopes were dashed by a subsequent spate of injuries and a serious crisis of confidence.

N I G E R I A

N18.844

Vol. 3 No. 16

Sunday, March 31, 2013

www.nationalmirroronline.net

N150

trn, amount the Budget Office of the Federation, said the Federal and State governments generated and spent between 2011 and 2012.

I N

F I G U R E S

N1

trn, sum the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, disclosed as what FG still spends on fuel subsidy.

Constituency projects palaver

Back Page

Comment

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

with Jim Unah

I

n the 2013 budget estimates, one hundred billion Naira (N100bn) only was appropriated, provided for, to fund constituency projects; to enable each of the 469 lawmakers in the two houses of the National Assembly to showcase the dividends of democracy to the people in their constituencies, who elected them.

Apparently, there has been no convincing evidence on ground, in the last 14 years of uninterrupted civil rule in the country that politicians who canvass for votes could point to, to get people to vote for them in future elections. If the executive arm of government had instituted real governance since 1999 by executing projects that could significantly touch the lives of the people, it is most likely that there would be no justification for proposing estimates in the budget for the constituency projects.

Ordinarily, it is not within the purview of the legislators to saddle themselves with the task of executing projects of any kind. Their job is simply to make laws for the good governance of the Nigerian State, and to perform some

oversight, supervisory, functions on the activities of the executive arm of government. But where the executive has failed woefully to demonstrate clear, visible evidence of performance; and yet able to retain power successively, then, the temptation for the legislature to join in the frolic of proposing and paying for contracts that are not executed would be strong, even though they stand ethically condemned with their executive cronies for any complicity in corrupt enrichment.

The tendency of most Nigerians, including our later-day legislators, to solicit participation in corruption prone activities is shocking and reprehensible. It is true that the executive arm has failed Nigerians; but that is no excuse for the lawmakers to be agitating for corruption prone activities to be extended to them; just like the bill on legislative immunity. No one should, in good conscience, be agitating for justice in corruption. There can be no justice in corruption. Corruption is the product of greed, and where greed is celebrated, people simply dig the grave of their commonwealth. People, our lawmakers inclusive, should stand up for what is right; rather than succumb to the temptation of shamelessly calling for participation in corruption related activities.

The quest of the nation’s lawmakers for involvement in constituency proj-

ects execution is perceived by many as an affront on the executive, a deliberate ploy at the usurpation of executive power, and a betrayal of the desire to outdo the executive in its corruption antics.

We have cases of contracts awarded, money collected and projects not executed, that is, cases whereby money is paid out for contracts not executed. How many of such cases have the legislators raised alarm on that resulted in the recovery of stolen contract money and the prosecution of the culprits? What is the meaning of the oversight function of the legislature if the House Committees cannot put pressure on the executive to perform their functions creditably? It has simply been one huge story of complicity and collusion with the executive by the legislature. Execution of constituency projects by the legislature would be a veiled refusal of the lawmakers to play a second fiddle. They are asking to live like the Joneses; the implication being a call for justice in corruption.

Interestingly, some of the legislators, whether at the lower or upper house, have been local government chairpersons, state commissioners, and even governors who had wielded executive power and been part of its corruption antics. These are the ones particularly pained by executive recklessness and profligacy; not for the sake of righteous indignation, but for not being in a position to award and collect money for con-

Keshi, Nwoko honoured for excellence

T

he Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) has honoured Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, and Prof. Damas Nwoko for excellence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that OFAAC, the cultural affinity of Delta’s Anioma people, recognised Keshi as a football legend and Nwoko for excelling in painting and sculpturing.

The organisation gave the two personalities a plaque each at a lecture to mark its 10th anniversary on Friday in Asaba, Delta.

The lecture’s theme was “Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Anioma”, with the lecture’s title “Prospects, Potential and Place of Anioma in the Geographical Evolution of Nigeria (Anioma, Her Burning Issues and the

Fourth Cockcrow)”.

In his address the OFAAC National President, Mr. Kester Ifeadi, lauded the duo of Keshi and Nwoko for doing the people of Anioma proud in their chosen careers.

“There is no better time to celebrate Keshi and Nwoko than now when the organisation is marking its 10th anniversary.

“Keshi is an accomplished footballer and a model for the youth, while Nwoko is a mentor and builder who has turned his home in Idumuje Ugboko into a tourist centre,” he said.

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof.

Chike Edozien who was the chairman of the occasion, thanked OFAAC for its role in building unity among the Anioma people through culture.

“We are here today to honour

tracts that would never be executed. This appears to be the unspoken genesis of the constituency projects palaver. That being the case, the people of the pen profession must rise to the occasion, and remind the lawmakers that the best way to deal with the corrupt elements in the executive arm of government is to perform their oversight functions creditably; not the other way round.

This does not argue the case that the executive arm is being let off the hook with our over concentration of attention on the legislature. Our main way to check executive recklessness and profligacy and compel corrupt elements to account for their stewardship is by the excellent performance of oversight functions on the executive by the legislature. This cannot happen when the legislature is always caught pants down by the public in angling to take over the function of the executive arm of government. Not even the charge of mediocre performance or non-performance by the executive could ever legitimise the ambition of legislators to take over the job of the executive. What will call the bungling magistrates of state in the executive to order is the uncompromising performance of supervisory functions by the lawmakers over projects implementation by the operators of the executive arm of government; and thus, put an end to the constituency projects palaver.

EPL: Red Devils down Sunderland to P. 60 extend lead AYC FINAL RESULT

Egypt 5 - 4 Ghana PREMIERSHIP RESULTS

Sunderland 0 - 1 Man United Arsenal 4 - 1 Reading Man City 4 - 0 Newcastle Utd Southampton 2 - 1 Chelsea West Ham 3 - 1 West Brom Wigan 1 - 0 Norwich Keshi

two of our sons who have done us proud. We are honouring Keshi and Nwoko for doing us proud nationally and internationally,” he said.

Swansea 1 - 2 Tottenham PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES

Today’s Match Aston Villa v Liverpool 13:30

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