Saraki’s trial splits APC

Vol. 6 No. 13

Saturday, March 26, 2016

LIVING

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National Mirror Online

SATURDAY STARTER

‘How I aborted 320 Who is Olaseni pregnancies in Libya’ Osifala?

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@NationalMirror

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NEWS

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Nigerian astronaut will be in space by 2030 —Minister

Saraki’s trial splits APC

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• Party leaders accused of ‘keeping quiet’ PASSION OF THE CHRIST

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ke Fun P.21

Drama showing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus to mark Good Friday in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Buhari dissociates self from #Istandwithbuhari P. 7

Easter tragedy averted in Borno

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•Suspected female bombers gunned down Sealxk T

Hot tips for good girls

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MARCH 26, 2016

Top Stories

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lebanese rapes 17-year-old cook Patience OgbO

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ational Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person is investigating a Lebanese, one Mr. Hussein, over an allegation that he raped and impregnated a 17-year-old girl identified simply as Rhoda and escaped to Lebanon.

Rhoda claimed she was paid N10,000 monthly as a chef in Hussein’s house at Allen Avenue Ikeja Lagos. Unfortunately, Roda who will give birth soon alleges that Hussein pounced on her and raped her two months after she got the job.

Rhoda who made the allegation in her statement to NAPTIP added that she found out she was pregnant two months after her boss allegedly raped her but her boss paid her N19,000 and sacked her after she told him she was pregnant with his child.

Narrating how her boss Mr. Hussein allegedly raped her, Rhoda said, “I started working with my boss Mr. Hussein as a maid last year. My salary was N10,000 monthly. My predicament started in the house when the brother to my boss who was about leaving the house asked me to meet his brother and collect money to purchase food items for the house.

I knocked on his door, he (Mr. Hussein) answered and asked me to come inside.

When I entered, I told him that his brother asked me to collect money to purchase food items. He said okay and got up from where he was sitting, acting like he wanted to get money and then grabbed me. The more I struggled, the more his grip overpowered me despite the fact I was shouting. He raped me that day. He didn’t rape me again till the following month when I discovered that I had missed my monthly cycle I informed him that I had missed my period. Instead of seeking solution to it, he raped me a second time. But I kept disturbing him about the growing pregnancy. What he did was send me to a nearby chemist with a prescription but the chemist refused to attend to me without his presence. He later went with me and bought some drugs which he asked me to take to abort the baby. I took the drugs but nothing happened. After some days, he bought another set of drugs which I drank yet l was still pregnant.”

Rhoda added that following the failure of the drugs to abort her pregnancy, Mr Hussein allegedly started threatening her.

She said “I was worried and I started disturbing him to find a solution to the problem he caused. That was when he started threatening me and later he sacked me after paying me N19,000. I was so afraid that when I went back to my brother’s house that brought me to Lagos, I didn’t tell him that I was pregnant for my boss. All I did was to wish the pregnancy will go away but it did not. Unknown to my brother that I was pregnant, he got me an-

other job where I worked for four months as a maid before my new employees discovered that I was pregnant and told my brother.”

Commenting on the pregnancy, Joshua, Rhoda’s brother is alleging that Mr. Hussein will get away with the rape as government agencies in charge of the case have compromised “It was January this year that we discovered she was pregnant. Her belly was still flat. We had to take her for scan. It was then she revealed that it was her former boss, Hussein, that is responsible for her pregnancy. So, we went to Hussein’s house to confront him, he denied being responsible for the pregnancy. So,

we reported the case to the Immigration Department in Ikeja and on February 9, 2016, they arrested him but he was later released. From immigration they took my sister to the National Agency For The Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP. Initially, officials of NAPTIP said she would be with them till she gives birth.

But last week, they came and started demanding that I should come and take my sister back, that she will soon deliver. The pressure and threats from NAPTIP has become too much to the extent that I don’t know whether they are protecting the interest of my sister who was abused by a foreigner or that of the foreigner. These atrocities by foreigners continue unabat-

poor?” he stated.

Efforts to reach Mr. Hussein was not successful as the security personnel manning the gate said he had travelled out of the country but one Mr Hassan claiming to be the nephew of Mr Hussein said his family will take care of Rhoda and her unborn child.

He said “Whatsoever happened between my nephew Hussein and Rhoda was a mistake and we are doing everything within our power to resolve the issue. Hussein has agreed to take care of Rhoda till she gives birth and then a DNA will be carried out to determine the paternity of the baby.

We are doing everything to ensure she delivers safely,” he added.

RSS saves 17-yr-old who tried jumping from Third Mainland Bridge in attempted suicide

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he operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) of the Lagos State Police Command has prevented a 17-yr-old from committing suicide According to the police, the RSS stopped the boy identified as Lanre before he could jump from the Third Mainland Bridge into the lagoon.

The young boy who is said to be a secondary school leaver and second son of his mother was standing at the edge of the bridge looking at the lagoon curiously when the attention of the RSS men was drawn by a mechanic.

Before he could jump in the lagoon the RSS officials held his legs and took him to the headquarters Asking the boy while he wanted to take his life, he said he decided to jump into the Lagoon after he lost N6,000 his mother gave him to buy foodstuffs at the Ita Faaji Market and his mobile phone to hoodlums on Lagos Island.

He said “I couldn’t summon the courage to go back home and tell my mum that I lost the money, I dont know those guys and have never seen them before” Lanre’s mother, who was summoned to the RRS office, said she was shocked to learn that he attempted suicide.

She said, “He has just finished his secondary school. I don’t know why he wanted to commit suicide. He is a sickle cell anaemia patient, but he has never been admitted in a hospital before. If I don’t tell you, you won’t know. He is athletic and doing just fine. His father has travelled overseas and re-married. We are doing fine with our lives.

“If he had returned home to tell me what happened, the worst I could have done was to slap him.

“I know I have been an exceptional mother to my four children. I have never allowed them to miss their father and they are doing quite well in their studies.” (Tiwa’s blog)

Eight babies, 9 pregnant inmates in Lagos female prisons – Official

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Lagos State Governor, Ambode

ight babies are currently living in Kirikiri Female Prisons, Lagos, with their mothers, while nine inmates are pregnant, an official said on Thursday.

Omotilewa lbirogba, the Director, Directorate of Citizens Rights (DCR), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, disclosed this while leading officials on a welfare check to the prison.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to decongest the prisons.

According to Mrs. lbirogba, there are currently 222 inmates in the prison.

She said: “Of the 222 inmates, 175 are awaiting trial, 43 convicted inmates, two inmates that are serving life sentences and two inmates who have been sentenced to death.

“There are also eight babies residing in

the prison with their mothers, while nine inmates are currently pregnant.”

On the future of the eight babies, Mrs. Ibirogba explained that once the infants attain the age of 24 months, they would be taken away from their mothers and handed over to appointed relations to nurture them.

The director added: “Our findings revealed that a lot of the inmates already have legal representations and have been granted bail by the courts but have not been able to perfect their bail conditions.

“There are plans by my directorate to provide free legal services to those whose cases are not going on well in the courts, while applications will be filed to vary bail conditions for those already granted bail by the courts.

“Contrary to what obtained in the past, the inmates looked neat, healthy, well fed and had no rashes on their bodies.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Starter

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Victim or predator

Who is Olaseni Osifala?

To the principal, vice-principal, teachers, parents and students of Queens College, Lagos, Olaseni Osifala is a high value teacher. Indeed, he won five awards at the last ‘World Teachers Day.’ But to some people, Osifala is a despicable sexual predator masquerading as a model teacher. So what’s true and what’s not about the embattled Biology teacher. Is the whole fiasco a mere campaign of calumny against the awardwinning teacher by some jealous elements or is Osifala actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing? PATIENCE OGBO sought to know.

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as the Federal Government ever set up a probe panel to investigate allegations against on single teacher? No one seems to know. History may actually be in the making at Queens College, Lagos, as the Federal Government has constituted a panel to investigate alleged sexual assault on a female student of Queen’s College, Lagos.

This was disclosed earlier this week in a statement issued by the Deputy DiCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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‘Male teachers in Queen’s College are molesters’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

rector, Press and Public Relations, in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Ben Goong, who said the investigative panel had two weeks to submit its report.

In the statement, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, urged the panel to unravel the truth behind the allegation and make recommendations to government based on the principles of truth, justice and fairness to all parties.

It advised parents, guardians, students and staff of Queen’s College who had credible information on the matter to avail same to the committee via the following telephone number: 07034613096 and email: saniabdu59@yahoo.com.

The statement stated: “Apparently disturbed by media reports over an alleged sexual assault on a JSS II female student of Queen’s College, Lagos by a male teacher in the same school, the minister has set up a panel to unravel the veracity of the allegations being leveled against the teacher.

“Several reports from the conventional and social media networks in the past few days have indicated that there was an alleged case of sexual molestation on a JSS II student by a teacher in the same school.

“The minister assured the general public, particularly parents and guardians whose wards are in any of the Unity Schools and Federal Government Colleges that their wards are in safe hands.

“He said the government will continue to do everything possible within the

My naMe is Toyin. i don’T know anyThing abouT allegaTion of sexual harassMenT. i don’T have a child in Queens college so why would i Make such allegaTion.

The TruTh is ThaT i aM hearing abouT This sTory froM you for The firsT TiMe. iT is sTrange soMeone will use My nuMber for such a Thing ambit of the law to protect their wards in all government schools across the country, including Queens College, Lagos.”

Lagos State, landlord of the Queen’s College, has also waded into the matter.

The State Commissioner for Youth and Social development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, has said that no jurisdiction will stop full investigation into Queen’s College child molestation case.

She said that since the school is located in the state and the alleged act was perpetrated in Lagos State, the school cannot stop Lagos State from investigating the matter.”

She said, “Although Queens College is a federal school, it is located in Lagos State. The state has encountered uncoop-

erative attitude of the school authorities and calls for the temporary removal of those concerned in the issue, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We, therefore, implore the Federal Ministry of Education to direct officials of the school to cooperate with state’s social workers in the best interest of the children. The state will not stand by and watch, but will always act in accordance with the Child Rights Act,” she concluded.

Apart from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State House of Assembly has also indicated interest in the case. UNICEF is also said to be asking questions.

The police has also waded into the

case. The Compliant Response Unit of the Lagos State Police Command is already on Osifala’s case.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, said, “As a responsible organisation, we are aware of a story trending on social media accusing a male teacher of Queens College, Lagos, one Mr. Osifala of assaulting a student.

We did not wait for a formal complaint to be made to the police as we have escalated a process to bring whoever is responsible to account.

“We have invited the principal and Mr. Osifala and I interrogated them. Our Compliant Response Unit has also taken over the investigation and we have received a letter from the Old Girls Association on their interim report on the matter. We have stepped into the matter even without them calling us into it. “ According to sources, while the principal was let off immediately, Osifala was not so lucky. The embattled teacher regained his freedom after more than 72 hours at the Police Headquarters, Ikeja, But that was not the first time Osifala had been to the police over the case. He is said to have previously visited the police to complain about the “false accusations” against him. He said he was being targeted by people jealous of his success in the school.

So what really is the issue? A blog featured a complaint by one Mrs. Chinyere CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MARCH 26, 2016

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‘Osifala is a man of proven integrity’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Okoye, mother of a Queen’s College student, that her JSS 2 daughter was sexually molested by Olaseni Osifala, a Biology teacher at Queen’s College.

Okoye asserts that Osifala cornered her daughter on her way back from relieving herself after lights out sometime last week. “She (the daughter) started screaming and then students started coming out. So he left her and pretended to punish her.”

The claims went viral on Social Media last weekend and the world has not known rest since then!

However, the school’s management and students have come out stoutly in Osifala’s defence, saying the allegation is false and a calculated attempt to dent the image of the school and the teacher.

To this end, the students and workers of the school embarked on a peaceful protest in support of the embattled teacher.

When Saturday Mirror visited the school, students, teachers and other workers of the school were seen carrying placards in a show of solidarity with the accused teacher whom they claim is a man of proven integrity.

The protesters blocked the entrance to the school and caused a gridlock for hours on Onike Road, Sabo, Yaba, where the school is situated.

Some inscriptions on the placards read, “Leave Osifala alone. He is a man of integrity,” “No Osifala, No Biology Examination,” and “Osifala Olaseni is our good teacher.”

The college alumni association was forced to convene an emergency meeting on the matter last Sunday. In a statement issued by the school after the meeting, Lami Amodu, the Principal, said the claims were an attempt to ridicule, not just Mr. Olaseni, but the “hard-earned reputation” of Queens College.

Said Amodu, “When I resumed work as principal here, I was told of a certain matron who housed a person that had attempted to have an affair with a student.

“I was not here when it happened, but as soon as I was told, I made sure that the matron was moved out of the school premises. I have zero tolerance for such behaviour. I have a daughter who schools here, even before I began work here. I will not take chances.

“As I talk to you, no single parent has come to me or any of my Vice-Principals to report Olaseni as a molester. I assure you that if the allegation was true, other parents would have been buzzing our lines non-stop. Children spread gossip fast. They would tell their parents or relations, if anyone was molesting them here. No parent would take such news lightly.

“When this news reached me, I summoned an emergency meeting of all the critical stakeholders. We all discussed before inviting Mr. Osifala. Every one

of my staff says positive things about the man. Of course they were all here (Queens College) before me, so they are qualified to assess members of staff properly.”

Mrs. Amodu said there appeared to be a campaign of calumny against Mr. Osifala who happens to be “the best teacher in our school.”

“During World Teachers’ Day, he bagged five awards. The students all have good things to say about him. Somebody somewhere is up to some mischief and we will uncover this unfortunate drama,” the school principal said.

“We place a premium on the security and welfare of our girls. We are all mothers. We will not allow any staff to endanger girls in this school.”

The school’s Head Girl, Tony Ativie Angel, who spoke on behalf of the students, said the allegation is false.

“They also said they saw our teacher with alcohol after lights out. This cannot be true because he speaks against alcohol in class. He is our Biology teacher, not Integrated Science as the story alleges, so you can see that someone is out to dent the image of the teacher and the school,” the Head Girl insisted.

“Knowing him from J.S.S 1 to S.S. 3 now, I can say that the allegations are wrong. I just heard the story this morning. The allegation is meant to tarnish the image of the prestigious Queens College and our hard working teacher.”

Another student, Omenyi Unoma, president of the Students Representative Council also stated that the allegation is false.

“We did not organise the girls for the protest. When they came for their Biology examination and were informed of the allegation against Mr. Osifala, our Biology teacher, they became angry and went on protest to vouch for the integrity of our teacher.”

The Chairperson of the school’s Parents-Teachers Association, Beatrice Akhetuamen took journalists round the PTA hostel where the alleged incident took place.

Mrs. Akhetuamen, while reacting to the allegation, stated that the school is investigating the matter.

“I have two daughters schooling here.

After six years in the school, I should be able to trust them to intimate me about things that happen in the school, especially when I ask. They have made it clear to me that no such thing occurred.

Meanwhile, no parent has called me to make any such allegation against the teacher in question and I find it very strange that such a thing had happened.

The students themselves would have given the matter leverage.”

Curiously, when Saturday Mirror contacted Mrs. Okoye on the mobile number given by the blogger, a woman picked the call and denied that she gave the story to

the blogger.

“My name is Toyin. I don’t know anything about allegation of sexual harassment. I don’t have a child in Queens College so why would I make such allegation. The truth is that I am hearing about this story from you for the first time. It is strange someone will use my number for such a thing to endanger girls in this school,” the owner of the number said.

Embattled Osifala has denied the allegations against him and maintained that investigation will vindicate him.

“I have been accused falsely. Students have openly confessed to being recruited to frame me up in the past. The teachers were there. They can tell you the truth.

All I want is to be the best teacher I possibly can. The reason I always win the awards is a function of my drive for excellence.

“It ensures that I am always busy. My work is not secret. I am an open book. I know that whatever I say now will not matter to those who made up their minds to judge me. Let God take control.”

However, despite the overwhelming support for Mr. Osifala, a group which has identified itself with the hashtag #NOTONOURWATCH has issued a press statement with allegations that Mr. Osifala and other male teachers in the school are molesters and should be properly investigated.

The statement by the group, signed by Laila St. Mathew Daniel, also accused the Queen’s College management of ignoring and overlooking reports of sexual harassment levelled against Osifala in 2005 when he was newly employed, as well as allegations against other male teachers.

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NATIONAL NEWS

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saraki’s trial splits APC

• Party leaders accused of ‘keeping quiet’ T he deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, has described the continued trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, as “worrisome,” saying there were flaws in the processes leading to the arraignment.

Frank said in a statement on Friday that it was dangerous that the leadership of the APC “chose to sit on the fence and watch Mr. Saraki swim or sink in his trial.”

“I sincerely hold that the current trial of Saraki is not only underserved, but amounts to paying a good man with evil. I also want to say that the leaders of our great party have unfortunately remained quiet in the face of evil.

“I don’t believe we have forgotten that the victory of the APC during the last general elections could not have been possible without courageous strategists like Saraki, who lent their political weight in favour of the APC at the risk of their own lives and personal survival,” Frank said.

“I don’t think we have forgotten how Saraki, as a Senator in the 7th Senate, brought the attention of Nigerians to the fraud perpetrated by the last administration in the name of fuel subsidy.

“I don’t think we have forgotten so soon how Saraki led five other governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC – a development that successfully turned the political tide against the PDP and eventually tipped the electoral scale against them during the 2015 general elections.

“I don’t think we have forgotten how Saraki led scores of Senators to cross over to the APC on the floor of the Senate.

“I don’t think we have also forgotten what he

gave of his time, personal resources and energy to ensure that the APC emerged victorious both at the National, State and Local Government level,” he said.

Saraki is facing a 13-count charge of alleged false declaration of assets.

On Thursday, the Code of Conduct Tribunal rejected Saraki’s argument that the case against him was flawed, and ordered the trial to continue.

Frank wondered why Saraki’s case was being treated differently at the CCT, which in 2011 struck out the case against one of the national leaders of the party “because he was not given the opportunity to deny or admit the alleged discrepancies in his asset declaration forms in line with Section 3(d) of the CCB/CCT Act unlike 11 other ex-governors who had similar cases of irregularities whose cases were dropped by the CCB after they were invited by the agency.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 3(d) of the CCB/CCT Act, which has been so undermined by the CCT in its Thursday ruling, states that the CCB shall: ‘Receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau (not the AGF or EFCC) considers it necessary to do so, refer such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by Section 20 of this Act in accordance with the provisions of Sections 20 to 25 of this Act: provided that where the concerned makes a written admission of such breach or non-compliance, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary’”.

Frank said it was pertinent to mention that when the particular section of the Act was pleaded in the defence of one of the leaders of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in 2011, the same chairman of the tribunal, Justice Danlandi Umar struck out the case for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the suit when he ruled that “…On Section 3(d),

I feel compelled by the argument of the learned SAN for the accused. It is a condition precedent for referring a charge to this Tribunal that the Accused ought to have been invited to either deny or admit the allegations against him.

This is missing in this case as the Complainant has no such evidence of a prior invitation. It would be proper for me at this stage to simply decline further exercise of jurisdiction having held that the co diction precedent to the instituting of charges against the Accused has not been complied with. I hereby resolve this issue in favour of the Accused…”

He added: “It is based on the above precedent that I want to ask why Saraki’s case is different? Why is the judiciary suddenly giving in to apparent blackmail from a section of the media by refusing to do their job as required by law?

“Already the Senate President has told the world that the trial has nothing to do with corruption but that he is being persecuted for emerging as the Senate President. To me the ominous silence of our leaders since the day he was arraigned uphill now serves to validate the claims of the Senate President that he is being

persecuted.

“Or where else in the world will the number three citizen of a country be hurled before a tribunal over alleged irregularities in his asset declaration forms 13 years ago, and the hierarchy of the ruling party, of which he is a bonafide member, will not come out to show solidarity or defend him?

“If it is true that the trial of the Senate President is not borne out of genuine desire to fight corruption, but is being carried out for selfish political ends, then who is next?

“I think the party needs to be courageous enough to speak out

against this unwholesome trend whose outcome will definitely not augur well for the overall development of our party and by extension the country at this hour.

“Even the holy scriptures admonish us not to muzzle the ox that thresh the corn. Saraki has paid his dues at a time it was suicidal for anybody to stand up against the then ruling PDP. I believe it is time for all of us to act to save our party. It is time to rally round our generals who have fought valiantly and led us to victory. To abandon Saraki is to abandon a worthy comrade,” he concluded.

(Premium Times)

Senate President Bukola Saraki (left), congratulating the representative of I-G, DIG Mamman Tsafe and DIG in Charge of Research and Planning, Mr. Jubril Adeniji, during the Juma’at prayer for Police Week 2016 at the National Mosque in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Easter tragedy averted in Borno •Suspected female bombers gunned down

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he Nigerian Army on Friday announced that its troops shot dead two suspected female suicide bombers in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, averting what could have been another tragedy in the troubled city.

The spokesperson for the Army, Sani Usman, said in a statement that the attackers were halted by troops and men of the Civilian JTF as they made their way into the

city before dawn.

Usman, a colonel, said, “The ever alert and vigilant troops of 7 Division Garrison based in Maiduguri, in conjunction with Civilian JTF averted yet another suicide attack on the innocent citizens in Borno State today.

“The troops intercepted two female suicide bombers at about 1.20am this morning, almost 100 metres south of Umurari village, outskirts of Maiduguri.

“However, one of the suicide bombers on sighting own troops detonated her explosive device, killing herself instantly, while the second bomber in an attempt to escape was gunned down by one of the Garrison snipers.

“The combined team of Nigeria Police and Nigerian Army’s Explosive Ordinance Device team safely detonated the unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices strapped on the gunned down sui-

cide bomber.

“It is important to state that there was no casualty beyond the two suicide bombers. Presently, the troops and the Civilian JTF deployed in the village are now combing the general area to forestall further breach of security.

“The situation in the area is calm and law abiding citizens are going about their normal activities without fear.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MARCH 26, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Buhari dissociates self from #Istandwithbuhari T

he presidency has formally dissociated itself from the #Istandwithbuhari advocacy group and has demanded that the group immediately stop claiming any alliance with the Buhari Administration.

A statement by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Friday, said the presidency also demanded that the persons behind the controversial #Istandwithbuhari group should stop using President Muhammadu Buhari’s name and that of his wife, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, to promote themselves and their activities.

“Among other reasons, we have found it necessary to distance the Presidency from the #Istandwithbuhari group because its premature and ostentatious celebration of the present administration’s

achievements is totally inconsistent with President Buhari’s philosophy of service with humility.

“While the present administration has indeed recorded significant successes in its priority areas of improving security across the nation, ending the Boko Haram insurgency, curbing official corruption and revamping Nigeria’s economy, President Buhari is well aware that his government still has a lot of national challenges to overcome.

“The President prefers to give his fullest attention to addressing those challenges without the unsolicited and unwelcome distraction of untimely praise-singing from groups with dubious and questionable motives,” the statement said. #IstandWithBuhari, which formed just months into Mr. Buhari’s tenure

and began canvassing support for the president, has been enmeshed in controversies lately.

In early March, its national coordinator, Mustapha Ramalan, resigned saying the group had derailed from its original path.

“Having led the organisation these past couple of weeks, I have reached a hard and inevitable decision of stepping down as its national coordinator with immediate effect,” Ramalan said. “If I must lead the organization, I must be convinced more than anyone, on the path we chose for ourselves,” he stated in his resignation letter.

He said he was not comfortable with how the group was going about the nine million-man march.

An associate of Ramalan, Abdullahi Aliyu, also said that Ramalan had asked for the group’s pro-

posed ‘nine million march in support of Buhari’ to be shelved but was overruled by the group.

“Ramalan is of the opinion that the ‘nine million-man pro-Buhari march’ should be postponed, because the government is still trying to pick up and hence should be given more time to justify the nine million-man march.

Not this time,” Aliyu said.

Earlier this week, the group was also accused of receiving donations from the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, who had attended at least one of the group’s solidarity rallies, and other government’s agencies.

The director general of the group, Chinedu Okpalanma, in a post on Facebook, however, denied the allegations.

(PREMIUM TIMES)

Commercial motor-cyclists queue for fuel at a filling station in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NYSC DG visits family of slain corps members, promises support JOel aJayi

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he National Youth Service Corps has assured that the family of Corps member, Okonta Dumebi Samuel, who was killed by unknown gunmen in Rivers state, will not be abandoned.

The Director-General, Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi, gave the assurance during condolence visits to the deceased’s family and the palace of the paramount ruler of Illah town in Oshimili North Local

Government Area of Delta State, the Ogbelani of Illah, Obi Akazue Gbemudu II. Olawumi told them that the NYSC was already working with INEC and the Rivers state government to ensure that Dumebi is given a befitting burial, and to provide support for the bereaved family.

The Director-General said the NYSC had always made the protection of Corps members a top priority not only during elections, but also throughout the service year.

He said the death of Dumebi, therefore, came to the

scheme as a rude shock.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Olawumi noted that he died while contributing towards fostering a credible electoral process and to the development of his fatherland.He further noted that the Corps member had successfully completed his election duty, submitted his results to INEC and was returning to his base when he was murdered.

The Director-General said steps are being taken in collaboration with relevant security agencies to hunt down the killers and

make them face the full wrath of the law.

He used the occasion to restate his appeal to political leaders, traditional rulers and other opinion leaders to always protect corps members posted to their communities.

Olawumi praised the people of Illah town for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage despite their grief.

The NYSC DG prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and community the fortitude to bear the loss.

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Agatu, Fulani leadership initiate peace talks Regina OtOkpa

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ollowing the reported killings of the Agatu people by Fulani herdsmen, the leadership of both parties has initiated peace talks to end the crisis and has called on the Federal Government to expedite actions to ensure lasting peace in affected areas.

Speaking during the second town hall meeting on ‘Stop the Agatu Killings’ organised by the Idoma Initiative in Abuja, the national secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, stressed the importance of having peace and normalcy return to Agatu land.

According to him, the need for peace in the affected community could not be over emphasised, given that both the Agatu people and the Fulani herdsmen in the area have both suffered massive loss arising from the crisis and were still suffering.

He said: “It is very important that we have peace in Agatu area because Agatu is divided with Nassarawa by the River Benue and you know how important water is for cattle rearing. That is why we need peace in Agatu area for our people to have a peaceful atmosphere where they can graze their cows in peace.”

Ngelzarma further called on the federal government and the governments of Benue and Nassarawa states to wade into the matter and establish a high powered committee comprising of both state governments, and the leadership of the aggrieved parties to foster lasting peace.

He noted that the committee was necessary “because without the government you can achieve very little in reconciling this crisis because the government has the law, the government has the authority, the government has everything for the crisis to be laid to rest, so we need the intervention of the two states, Nassarawa and Benue states, with the leadership of Miyetti Allah and the Agatu people to come in and establish a committee that will look at the immediate ad remote causes of the crisis in view of proffering solution to the problems.”

The national secretary however clarified that Fulani who carry guns alongside cattle were not Fulani herdsmen but cattle rustlers saying, “Wherever you see Fulani’s bearing

arms rearing their animals with AK 47, they are definitely cattle rustlers. They are not the real, peaceful Fulani herdsmen who rear their cattle around the communities. We also suffer from their hands too because our members cattle are always rustled by the day and are also kidnapped by them.”

The Chairman, Idoma Friendship Forum, James Idakwo, an indigene of Agatu, said that the Agatu people were ready to embrace peace and return to their communities to start the process of rehabilitation and most especially, continue with their farm work.

“We are prepared to embrace peace and if there is peace we are happy for it. Why not, we don’t have issues with the Fulani herdsmen. There is nothing that should bring problem between us. It is only that they have invaded our place and it is disheartening and worrisome.

In his remarks, the convener of Idoma Initiative, Barrister Paul Edeh, said that the peaceful coexistence between the Idoma people and Fulani herds men was not negotiable, adding that all parties must desist from insisting on issues that would further cause division.

“Over 40 communities have been displaced and their homes destroyed.

But as much as that has happened, we are preaching peace. Let peace reign, let normalcy return, let government reach out to the people, so that together, Agatu will be great again.

“We request the Federal Government to expedite action by ensuring that peace is restored, because as we speak, attacks are still ongoing. That should be the first fruitful and cogent thing that government should do and begin to quickly together its house to rebuild Agatu. The longer it takes the worse it will get for our people.

“We should begin to think of how to reconstruct Agatu starting with the roads, bringing water into Agatu because only then will the people begin to forget the pains, stress and trauma they have suffered all these while.”

Edeh who cried out to the leadership of MACBAN to prevail on the Fulani herdsmen to relocate to the other side of Nassarawa in the interim, while peace talks were ongoing, said about 20,000 Agatu indigenes were presently camped at different Internally Displaced Centres.

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IGP orders AIGs, CPs to provide security at Easter

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ssistant Inspectors General and commissioners of police have been told to ensure adequate security for worshippers, travellers and picnickers during Easter.

The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, gave the directive in a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole in Abuja on Thursday.

The statement directed all commissioners to personally ensure that all key and vulnerable points and all places of public resort are adequately and effectively protected.

It urged worshippers at churches to make conscious effort to know fellow members of their congregations, to know who was a stranger and reiterated the need for worshippers to be alert to security and report all suspicious characters and observations to the police The statement urged Christians to emulate and adopt the selfless lifestyle of Christ, and enjoined them to be open minded to issues of forgiveness, peace and harmonious co-existence.

It advised operators of motor parks, shopping malls and recreational centres to work very closely with the police and other security agencies as they strive to strengthen general security in their respective facilities.

Arase, in the spirit of the season, saluted officers and men of the police for their courage, dedication, tireless and selfless services to Nigerians and the country, especially, in the face of current challenges.

The statement further restated the commitment of the police administration to reposition the force for greater efficiency, better welfare package and more conducive working conditions.

The statement enjoined Nigerians to continue to support the police with useful information that could assist it in tracking undesirable elements in the society.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in FCT, Wilson Inalegwu, has ordered water-tight security at all worship centres, recreational centres and crowded places during Easter.

NATIONAL NEWS

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC aware of hardship in the land —Oyegun

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he National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, says the party is not unaware of the hardship Nigerians are currently facing.

Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said this while briefing journalists after the APC’s National Executive Council (NEC), meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

“Naturally, this would have been the time to roll out the drums and to celebrate loudly, but I think that being a government and a party that is responsive, we are very well aware of the hardships in the land.

“For that reason, it should be a period of introspection, a period for memories and a period for reminiscences.

“The problems we have are well known, of course originating from two wellknown factors: our squandered patrimony of course, and the unfortunate coincidence of the collapse of the price of crude oil.

“Nevertheless, in spite of these hardships, our government has recorded strides that are worth mentioning, that are worth celebrating and that are worth noting’’, he said.

He listed some of the strides as Mr. Buhari’s “focused, vigorous leadership against insurgency”, the Treasury Single Account, and the oil market.

“The price of crude is gradually beginning to crawl persistently, slowly but upwards.

“The fight against cor-

ruption: the gains are clear; the era of impunity is beginning to disappear from our land.

“Even from reading the papers, social media – critical as they may be – virtually every Nigerian accepts that corruption was perhaps the worst affliction that this nation has ever suffered from.

“Finally, the cost of governance is down. So, even with the lean resources, it is clear that all over the nation, from the federal level to the state level, we will be able to do more with less,” he said.

He acknowledged that these were hard times but urged party members to stand together, be re-dedicated to the party and the vision to which the people

voted them in.

He decried the March 19 Rivers State rerun elections, describing it as a disgrace.

He said: “O Rivers, Rivers. It is a disgrace. That is the only thing one can say.

“The assurance we can give you and the assurance Mr. President has given us is that these issues will be vigorously addressed.

“People must not get away with dastardly killings. It is a most bestial act and in no circumstance must behaviour like that be allowed to spread to the rest of the country.

“Unless you address it, you are, in fact, inviting other states to set up their own military wing,” he said.

He said NEC had, for the first time, established a bud-

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Istifanus Fuktur; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita and Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Hon Abubakar Bawa, during the HOS’ visit to the Ministry, on Thursday.

Nigerian astronaut will be in space by 2030 —Minister

The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, on Thursday in Abuja, said a Nigerian astronaut would land in space on or before 2030.

Mr. Onu made the pledge when the management team of the Defence Space Agency, led by the Director-General, Victor Udoh, an Air Vice Marshal, visited him.

The minister said the

Federal Government was putting all the structures on ground to ensure that Nigerian astronauts landed in space on or before 2030.

“The space programme is very important for a country like Nigeria.

“The ministry will work very hard in the years ahead to strengthen all the structures of the agencies that will help us to ensure that the nation

plays a role in the space,” he said.

He said the ministry would intensify efforts to ensure that all the arrangements needed were provided.

According to him, the space “is a major asset which nations like Nigeria must also be involved in for the purposes of protecting national interest”.

Mr. Onu assured the team that the ministry

would support and work with the agency in the best interest of the nation.

Earlier, the Director-General said the agency would like to collaborate with the ministry in order to be more efficient and effective.

He said working with the ministry would fasttrack accomplishments of the agency’s stated objectives. (NAN)

get for the party and set up a committee to streamline and downsize the party’s Board of Trustees in line with all other constitution amendments.

On the party’s vacant office of national publicity secretary, Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said one of the zones had nominated a candidate but that the party would await the congress to fill all vacant positions.

(NAN)

My abductors treated me well —Jonathan’s uncle

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negite Jonathan, 72, uncle and foster father to former president Goodluck Jonathan, says his abductors treated him well.

The Septuagenarian said on Friday in Bayelsa that his abductors gave him preferential treatment before setting him free.

The older Jonathan was abducted by gunmen on February 17, 2016, and was released this week after 35 days in captivity.

Mr. Jonathan said he was allowed to open his face while others were blind folded.

“I was properly taken care of by the kidnappers. I ate three square meals daily, my drugs were administered to me appropriately by the boys,” he said.

The chief said they even asked other kidnapped victims with him to start paying allegiance to him as the only person that was untouchable in the camp.

He said before they started treating him well, they argued between themselves from his house but on getting to the camp they resolved their issue.

However, the Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Asinim Butswat, said details of the release were not available.

Former President Jonathan had told the police that he would not succumb to the demand for ransom.

Mr. Jonathan and his wife, Patience, visited the chief shortly after his release.

(NAN)

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10 Army to establish boarding secondary school in Nasarawa Igbawase UkUmba LAFIA

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he resource centre of the Nigeria Army, in partnership with the Nasarawa State government, has concluded arrangements for the establishment of a Command Secondary School in Lafia, the state capital.

Director of the Army Resource Centre, Major General Johnny Hamakim, disclosed this to journalists in Lafia, adding that the idea was the army’s effort to add value to the development of education in the country.

He said the Army had since approved a request

by Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura for the establishment of a boarding facility Command Secondary School to augment the efforts of the state in the provision of conducive learning environment.

He said: “Our mission to Lafia is in furtherance of the relationship that was earlier established between the Army and the

state government, and we are prepared to commence renovation of the school allotted, to kick start the school.”

Hamakim highlighted some of the benefits which the state stands to get from the establishment of the school to include provision of employment to the unemployed youths as well as wooing investors into the state.

Earlier, the state Deputy Governor, Silas Ali Agara, who received the army delegation on behalf of Governor Al-Makura, said government has shouldered the responsibility of building male and female hostels, library, kitchen and dining hall, worship centres as well as landscaping the administrative block and fencing of the school to fast track its take off.

Agara therefore, appealed to the Army authorities to absorb both academic and non-academic staff of the Dunama College, Lafia, which government has donated for the take off of the Command Secondary School.

NORTH

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2016 Hajj

Bauchi approves N850,000 deposit payment ezekIel TITUs BAUCHI

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overnor Muhammad Abubakar of Bauchi State has approved the sum N850, 000 as payment of deposit ahead of the 2016 Hajj operation.

This was contained in a press statement made available to Saturday Mirror, and signed by the Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa

The collection of the deposit, according to the statement, will be conducted pending the official announcement of 2016 Hajj by the National Hajj Commission.

The Executive Secretary noted that government has approved the formation of Hajj Screening Committee at the board’s secretariat, including all the 20 LGAs of the state.

The aim, Hardawa added, is to ensure all intending pilgrims undergo committee scrutiny in order to ensure not only indigenes

or those residing in the state are captured, especially those of good character and physically and mentally fit.

Hardawa pointed out that all intending pilgrims wishing to register, should do so in their respective LGA headquarters or the board secretariat headquarters in Bauchi by March 30, 2016 The statement had urge intending pilgrims to come along with their e-passport not less than one year validity period, two passport size photographs, indi-

geneship certificate/introductory letter of employers including the sum of one thousand naira non-refundable fee.

The board, the executive secretary stressed, has completed preparations to conduct a transparent, free and fair exercise tagged Bauchi or Mecca on April 4, 2016 He therefore, called on the intending pilgrims to immediately pay their deposit in the designated banks, saying accommodation close to Kaaba in Mecca has been put in place for Bauchi State pilgrims.

...says women abducted by Boko Haram in Madagali ‘rescued’

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he Nigerian Army says 16 women and girls abducted on Wednesday in Madagali, Adamawa State, by suspected Boko Haram militants, have been rescued.

The Public Relations Officer of 28 Task Force Brigade, Mubi in Adamawa, A.O. Fadare, said troops rescued the women while pursuing their abductors, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Mr. Fadare did not give the number of those rescued.

“I am still trying to verify from Madagali as you know, the operation is still on,” he was quoted as saying.

Local sources said some of the women were taken from a bush where they had gone in search of firewood. Others were seized from a river while fishing.

Those abducted included 14 women and two girls.

A source said two women managed to escape the abductors by pretending to have drowned.

“The two women who are in real state of trauma explained that the suspected Boko Haram insurgents had a field day carting away the women when their escorts ran away for their dear lives,” the source said.

He said two vigilante operatives who escorted the women to the bush fled on sighting the heavily armed men, who arrived in good numbers.

“They left the women to their own devices as the gunmen were left unchallenged leading to the abduction of the said women,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the member representing Michika/Madagali Federal constituency, Adamu Kamale, said: “I just received the shocking news to the effect that about 16 women have been abducted by Boko Haram.

“We have been witnessing pockets of attacks contrary to the belief that security has been fully restored in the area. As a member of NASS (National Assembly), I have been calling for the deployment of security personnel but to no avail as the government seems to have relegated our concerns to the background.”

The Police Public Relations Officer of Adamawa, Othman Abubakar, said on learning about the development, the command deployed officers to the affected area.

He said police were working “round the clock to track down the abducted women and girls”.

L-R: Shehu of Borno, HRH. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai; Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr, Suleiman Dikko and Director, Office of the Executive Secretary UBEC, Alhaji Aliyu Kardi, on courtesy call to the Shehu, during UBEC management working visit to Borno to inspect UBEC projects in the state, on Thursday.

Ningi VVF centre treats over 400 patients in two years ezekIel TITUs BAUCHI

T

he National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Ningi in Bauchi State, has carried out successful surgeries on over 400 patients.

Medical Director of the Centre, Dr. Umar Nasiru Ibrahim, disclosed this when the wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, donated medical and other supplies to the centre through the Sun of Hope Foundation He added that the operation carried out on the hospital’s patients recorded about 90 percent success.

Dr. Ibrahim informed

that the centre, which was established two years ago to serve the North Eastern states, now caters for patients from almost all parts of the country as well as other Nigeria’s regional neighbours like Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

He however, informed that the centre still operates from the temporary site it is sharing with Ningi General Hospital due to lack of structures at its permanent site.

He commended the President’s wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and the Speaker’s wife, for their contributions towards the upliftment of women, children and the less privileged in the society

all over the country.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to provide take off grant to the centre while calling on the speaker’s and the President’s wife to liaise with other NGOs to build a rehabilitation centre for the VVF patients as well as provide an ambulance and another utility vehicle to assist in the operation of the centre.

Earlier, the Speaker’s wife, Gimbiya Dogara Yakubu, made the donation of hospital equipment including food items to the centre through her Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Sun of Hope Foundation.

She assured that the

first lady would soon visit the facility to undertake a comprehensive assessment with a view to improving it.

She further explained that her foundation was established with the objective of assisting women in health care delivery, education and economic empowerment.

She appealed to well meaning Nigerians, philanthropists and other NGOs to come to the aid of the VVF patients.

Items donated by the speaker’s wife include computers, beds, mattresses, detergents and foodstuffs to the patients receiving treatments at the centre.

MARCH 26, 2016

POLITICS

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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11

Wanted: Rallying point for Ndigbo Lekan adejuwon

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t is no longer news that what is lacking in Igbo nation at present, is a rallying point and a charismatic leader in the mould of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu who for several decades, committed himself to the cause of Ndigbo even to the detriment of what many believed to be a promising military career.

However, a cursory look at the antecedents of Chief Victor Umeh, who contested twice as the presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and recently a senatorial candidate of the party bore an eloquent testimony to a leader to watch as the likely successor to Ojukwu’s large shoes in national politics.

This is because, APGA as the preferred party of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, is still in control of Anambra State, one of the frontline states in the South East.

It would be recalled that Umeh has gone through the APGA ranks. He has been National Assistant Secretary, National Treasurer, National Chairman and now a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), within the party’s 15 years of existence.

Going back memory lane, Umeh was at the national secretariat of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside Ojukwu, APGA’s pro-tem chairman and scribe, Chief Chekwas Okorie and Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, as well as Chief Okey Nwosu who many had taunted as the party’s governorship hopeful in its home base of Anambra.

The coming into political landscape of Anambra by former governor Peter Obi was not unconnected with his legal battle challenging the alleged stealing of his electoral mandate by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate at the time, Dr. Chris Ngige.

In the ensuing legal battle which was won by Obi, many have attributed the relative success of Obi to the unrelenting support offered by Umeh who introduced Obi to APGA in the first instance.

Before then, Nwosu was the clear favourite of the party ticket, but he belonged to a tendency that was no longer in the party’s mainstream, the Chuba Okadigbo group.

Okadigbo himself had joined the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and was running mate to General Muhammadu Buhari in 2003 after dumping the PDP Obi emerged through a democratic process as APGA flag-bearer in Anambra.

He was not merely foisted on the party.

His campaign was methodical and well organised. At every level, Umeh featured, to the extent that when INEC declared Ngige governor-elect without the latter scoring majority of lawful votes, Umeh was Petitioner’s Witness One for Obi. Those who followed the proceedings both

at the Election Petitions Tribunal and Elections Appeal Tribunal knew how Umeh coordinated Obi’s case, liaising with the eggheads of his legal team like Senator Nathanial Anah and Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), to ensure victory, despite all the booby traps of delay set up by Ngige’s lawyers.

In the revision of Obi’s impeachment and his return to office, Umeh played an important role. Indeed, it was members of the Anambra State House of Assembly who impeached Obi through a dubious process that was vitiated by an error of procedure, lawmakers carrying out what amounts to a substantive service on Obi without an order of court. In that legal duel, Umeh again played the role of a coordinator.

It was the lucky idea upheld by Ojukwu that while Obi’s deputy, Dame Virgy Etiaba, should be sworn-in as governor, Obi should challenge his impeachment in court. It is also trite to note that even after the Court of Appeal had ruled that his impeachment was unlawful, Obi was too scared of then President Olusegun Obasanjo and the PDP hawks to go back to Government House in Awka.

“It was Ojukwu and I that went to Awka to install him. We got Etiaba to summon the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Security Service and briefed them on what we were about to do,” Umeh offered in an interview.

When Dr. Andy Uba was in a reverie over his governorship victory in which all major contestants were not allowed to vie, including Obi and Ngige, Obi was at the Supreme Court to seek interpretation of his tenure, whether it commenced on the day his counterpart Ngige wrongfully assumed office or when his own mandate was restored by the court. Umeh said that he was the one who gingered Obi on the need to seek tenure interpretation. If there is any confusion about Umeh’s leading role in that tenure interpretation matter, then a replay of the news scene on national television where elated party stalwarts lifted him shoulders high would suffice.

“If there is any Igbo man who God has raised to defend the Igbo cause, it is Umeh.

The young man is very useful to Igbo land,” said Chief Martins Agbaso, a former Special Adviser to President Obasanjo on Environment who was once an APGA chieftain in Imo State.

Agbaso was referring to the various injustices perpetuated in the South East political milieu against which Umeh showed commitment in fighting. One of such was the charade that threw up hitherto unknown Ikedi Ohakim as the governor of Imo State.

Agbaso contested the alleged electoral fraud from one tribunal to the other and ended up at the Supreme Court.

In the ensuing legal brickbat, paraphernalia of office was used by Ohakim and the PDP to frustrate him.

Among those who gave Agbaso the

Umeh support he needed in his legal battles with Ohakim and the PDP-led Federal Government was Umeh.

There may be others, like Paschal Dozie and his kinsman, retired Navy Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho.

This propelled Agbaso to make the above comment to some members of his legal think-tank led by Patrick Ikwueto (SAN).

But Obi, who was the governor of Anambra and at that time, the only APGA governor, did not give Agbaso any more support than offering some financial assistance towards his endeavour in court.

Just as he was adverse to Ohakim, Chief Umeh was seriously instrumental to the emergence of Okorocha as governor. At a time when quest for the party ticket caused a clash of interest between Okorocha and Agbaso, Umeh intervened and mediated peace.

It was a re-alignment of political interest between Okorocha who was eager to use the APGA platform to achieve his agelong governorship ambition of governing Imo State and the Agbasos of Emekuku (Owerri North LGA) who held the party structure in the state at the time.

That Jude Agbaso was impeached two years later was because both Okorocha and MartinAgbaso rebelled against the APGA leadership. Owelle Rochas was already on his All Progressives Congress (APC) course, and Agbaso was moving in the PDP direction, either group eager to wrest power from the other.

“When Rochas made the allegation that Martin Agbaso was part of a plot by PDP chieftains to unseat him, he said the truth, because I asked Martin about it and I was not satisfied by his answer,” Umeh was quoted to have said.

Umeh was not actually affirming Okorocha’s allegation wholesale, an allegation re-echoed in a popular newspaper interview by Benjamin Uwajimogu then Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, the very motivation for Jude Agbaso’s

impeachment, he only meant there was a basis for it.

In retrospect, Umeh came to limelight leading the struggle for the routing of pioneer National Chairman of APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie.

Okorie’s sudden somersault in favour of Ngige, that APGA would no longer back Obi’s bid to reclaim his mandate was believed to be a selfish political move as such important party decision could not be taken unilaterally and for Okorie to have taken such decision without the nod of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and leaders like Chief Ojukwu, Dr. Tim Menakaya, Dr. Nnia Nwodo and Rev Ezekiel Izuogu bespoke political rascality.

According to Emeka Etiaba, a Lagos lawyer, it was suspected at the time that money had changed hands between Ngige and Okorie.

Though, one of Ngige’s aides, Fred Chukwulobe, did deny that frantically. A prolonged legal battle ensued in which the judge of the Abuja High Court who first adjudicated in the APGA leadership tussle asserted that he would be surprised if anyone holds that Okorie’s newspaper comment that Obi did not win the 2003 governorship election in Anambra State did not amount to anti-party.

But what actually led to Okorie’s descent to nothingness in APGA was another unguarded newspaper statement that he was granting general amnesty to Ojukwu and other brigands in APGA. The use of the word, ‘amnesty’ reminiscent of the post-war reconciliation slogan of the Yakubu Gowon regime, doubled as an attack on the psyche of the Igbo who are yet to recover fully from the trauma of the civil war.

Of course, Okorie’s constant decline meant Umeh’s continued ascendency.

Invariably, the much more enlightened and business-like people of Anambra Central will not fail to avail themselves of this opportunity to be represented in Senate by a lover of justice and equity which Umeh symbolizes.

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POLITICS

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MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Imo State is the freest state in the Federation —Madumere Prince Eze Madumere is the Deputy Governor of Imo State. Madumere in this interview, lists the achievements of the Owelle Rochas Okorochaled administration, particularly the ‘Rescue Mission’ and a host of other issues.

LEKAN ADEJUWON reports:

I

t appears that a lot of construction works are ongoing in Imo State especially Owerri senatorial district.

How is your Rescue Mission government carrying on with these projects given the present economic downturn?

If you do a proper assessment of Owelle Rochas Okorocha led Rescue Mission government in the last dispensation, you would give him credit for his focus, visionary leadership and passion to develop Imo. We started the idea of 70% capital projects and 30% recurrent. For the first time since our new democratic administration, Imo State had some relief in road construction, road rehabilitation and infrastructural development. Our local governments received appreciable first lift as average of 18 kilometre road was constructed in each of the 27 local governments of Imo State.

We should not lose sight of the fact that we cannot discuss growth and development without making the environment conducive for businesses to thrive; for investors to appreciate the environment before investing. So, what you see is the vision and passion of a great leader in action. We are not just talking about by-passes but we are constructing the first ever flyovers in Imo State. I must bring to your knowledge the vigour with which the Governor has attacked ecological problems in Imo State, which I believe would have hampered movement and economic activities in many areas Many have perceived you and your principal, Governor Rochas Okorocha as rallying point for progressive politics in the South East. Have you lived up to this billing?

Leadership is all about mobilizing people to greatness. It does not exist in vacuum. The first thing to ask is if my leader and Governor has given the right leadership through his performance as the Governor of Imo State and his role in ensuring that Ndi Igbo are given their rightful place in the scheme of things. Of course, you know, it is only in Imo State that you have free education from primary to tertiary level. Imo State is among the states that have been able to pay salaries despite

Madumere

the economic downturn being. Since the inception of this administration, Rescue Mission Government has in no little measure ensured that there is security of life and property and we have never stopped at that but we have always created conducive atmosphere for our people to appreciate their home coming and at the moment.

Imo State is the freest state in the Federation where its citizenry are free to tell their government how they feel without fear of molestation or intimidation. That symbol of freedom, which is the soul of democratic rule is symbolised by the construction of freedom Square where you can go and pour your mind on how you feel about the government and you will be given publicity even on state-owned radio free of charge and we hear you. We give attention to constructive criticisms, especially when there is effort to make input towards making solving an issue.

Having said that, Governor Rochas Okorocha, people may have forgotten, has always played a major role to ensure that there is peaceful coexistence between the Igbo and their brothers in the North and in the South West. This is not unconnected with his many interventions at various critical moments. Governor Okorocha’s role in Nigeria Peace Forum shows he is not just an Igbo leader but a patriotic Nigerian leader who has never pretended about his wish for a more cohere and unified Nigeria and possibly a nation where tribal, ethnic and religious sentiments will be diminished.

Owelle has given the right leadership and it was his vision that opened the window of opportunity for Ndi Igbo in the present Progressive Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Of course, he was never given a chance when he campaigned vigorously for the emergence of the present Federal Government.

He was hounded and squeezed to a point but he daringly maintained his stand. That is what it takes to be a visionary leader. Today, Ndi Igbo are part of the government and our President is doing well to ensure that every zone gets their fair share of dividends of democracy.

Recently, your own people of Mbieri honoured you at an event at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State. Knowing the popular saying that a prophet is without honour in his own kindred and among his own people, how did this Prince obtain such immense recognition and honour amongst his own people?

Oh! That outing… That was a great honour done to me by my people. I must commend them for appreciating their own.

When I was the Chief of Staff, my people also hosted me to a lavished grand reception. Truly, my people are great and they appreciate the effort of the government since the inception of the Rescue Mission government. My people are just being appreciative because we have never had it this good in terms of having an Mbieri man being a Chief of Staff, and as if that was not enough, my leader, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha in his magnanimity found me worthy to be his deputy and to also run with him during the last general elections that ushered in this dispensation.

It is also important to note that there are some of my brothers who are also committed to another political family and they are bound to raise their head as an opposing force. This is democracy and it is indeed a reality in the polity. I appreciate them since they have in a way encouraged me to be always up and doing. The greatest honour they can do to me is their total support to Governor Okorocha who made it possible for Mbaitoli to be where they are today.

Frankly speaking, this is the largest single local government area in Nigeria with the highest registered voters, which has not reflected in their voting pattern. My people have more number of individual achievers and I believe bringing them together to pursue a developmental course will yield so much result. I am happy that they are beginning to appreciate that we are under achievers considering both human and material resources at our disposal.

How about all the raging controversies about Christmas villages and lights, do these have any economic importance or the same waste of resourc-

es on nothing?

My dear, you definitely will not expect everyone to clap for you even if you spill your blood for them, such people will still say you have done nothing. Since the inception of this administration, Rescue Mission Government has in no little measure ensured that there is security of life and property and we have never stopped at that but we have always created conducive atmosphere for our people to appreciate their home coming. None of those rumour mongers will tell you that our carnival has got national and international notice.

They will not tell you that our capital city is one of the most alluring in the country with a piece of artwork you could hardly find anywhere around with fountains.

They will not tell you that Imolites make over N1million. Photography alone constitutes about 30% of the earnings. Our Freedom Square is a beauty to behold as parents, young people and children find it so receptive that they would not let go. Without sounding immodest, Freedom Square hosts over one thousand people within the period under review. You can understand that beyond creating a place for family picnics and visits. The effort also created avenue to make our people generate incomes.

The city of Owerri was the last administrative headquarters of defunct Biafra, The pro-Biafran agitators refer to the Imo State Government officials as “sabo”, while the Imo establishment lampoons the protesters as working against the cause of Igbo Presidency.

In actual fact, who is sabotaging who?

For me, like I said in my last interview with my friends in the media, I made it plain that it is the inalienable rights of every citizen to protest and request of the establishment whatever that is due them.

Agitation is a means to an end but the issue is what is being agitated for. If you discuss about the welfare of the Ndi Igbo just like other zones have agitated but once it is something out of reach, it would definitely hit the rock. We are against anything that will break the country. Agitation for Biafra was basically born as a result of marginalisation and other issues that bordered on the insecurity of the life and property of the Igbo. Again, what our leader of blessed memory, Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu yearned for was never outright breakaway of Ndi Igbo but a Nigeria where equity, Justice and fairness would reign. He sought for extreme federal system of Government, if you like, confederation, which its agitation has refused to go away. The total secession was an option to still preserve the dignity of Ndi Igbo which I would consider devils alternative following the incongruous and irretrievable severed relationship among the leaders of the regions in the polity then. So, our leaders, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, understanding the intricacies of what is at stake, called for caution. He did not only stop at that, he initiated a move with his colleague governors of the South East to quell such agitation. It is unfortunate that we lost some of our children but it is better for Nigeria to remain an indivisible entity and we shall be better for it. All I will advise is for us all to join hands and say no to ethnicity, religious bigotry and fundamentalism, by then we would have achieved 80% nationhood.

MARCH 26, 2016

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TALKING POLITICS ‘Understand our position’ —President Muhammadu Buhari

“W

hen we came in after 16 years of PDP, each government had 42 ministries. We reduced them to 24, removed 21 Permanent Secretaries.

“We sat down and reflected seriously. We were all in the process of taking over at a time of national budget. So, imagine the volume of work and with what happened in the National Assembly, the padding, it would appear that below the Permanent Secretaries, there are still a lot of bureaucracies that are still with them.

“So, you have to appreciate the position we are in.

“Having cut 42 to 24, correspondingly, the parastatals will be cut down to some size and realigned and the boards reconstituted. We gave a blanket order which we had to rescind when we said all boards are suspended or dissolved.

‘APC has recorded strides despite challenges’

—Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, APC National Chairman

“T

hese are challenging times no doubt and this meeting is held at a period that calls for the best out of all of us.

“Firstly, it is almost a year ago when we won the national elections and secondly, that our dear president was installed as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ] “Naturally, this would have been the time to roll out the drums and to celebrate loudly but I think that being a government and a party that is responsive, we are very well aware of the hardships in the land and for that reason, it should be a period of introspection, a period for memories and a period for reminiscences.

“The problems we have are well known, of course originating from two well known factors, our squandered patrimony of course, the unfortunate coincidence of the collapse of the price of crude”.

“Nevertheless, inspite of these hardships, our government has recorded strides that are worth mentioning, that are worth celebrating and that are worth noting.

‘Reduction in salaries’ll curb do-or-die politics’ —Senator Ben Murray-Bruce

“I

f you really want to bid farewell to do-or-die politics, Nigerians must vehemently push for a ‘demonetization’ of politics at all levels.

“Money drives do-or-die elections.

“Those states with dwindling federal allocations will soon experience a decline in do-or-die politics.

“Do-or-die politics thrive because the president and governors have too much power over the treasury of their states.

Remove that and it will end.”

13

‘Buhari persecuting PDP members over 2019’ — Chief Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of PDP mate our party by raking up all manner of allegations of corruption against the Goodluck Jonathan administration and leaders of the PDP with a view to taking them to court on orchestrated charges.

“This has also confirmed our concern that this is the reason the federal government is persecuting and not prosecuting, Col. Sambo Dasuki. The APC and its leaders fear that Dasuki, given his vast political and security network, may be harbouring a presidential ambition, more so that the PDP has zoned its presidential ticket to the north.

“We are aware that President Buhari has directed security agencies to be more vicious in dealing with our members and has continued to subtly coerce the Judiciary to convict he PDP is conversant with the sin- those being charged to court. But what gives ister plan by the APC-led federal us joy is that President Buhari is not God and government to completely deci- we will not worship him.”

“T

‘Saraki’s trial in order, but should be treated with caution’

—CLO President Igho Akeregha

“W

e make haste to applaud this administration for its courage in bringing to courts one of its principal actors in the person of the Senate President.

“We acknowledge that this is part of the administration’s effort in stamping out corruption from our national life.

“However, after reviewing the trial so far, the CLO contends that while engaging this battle, the government may have unwittingly been walking in error and playing into the hands of those whose interest it is to whittle down and frustrate the anti-corruption battle.”

‘Suspending elections is illegal’ — Leo Ogor (PDP) House of Reps Minority Leader

“T

he conduct and action of INEC show not just incompetence, but a regression from the gains of the reformed electoral system as championed by President Goodluck Jonathan, which enabled the APC to win the 2015 elections,” “Nigerians have witnessed serial regression by INEC in the last few months, from the inconclusive Kogi elections where an interloper was installed without a deputy, to Bayelsa, to Imo where election was aborted and now Rivers,” “Section 218 stipulates the operational use of the armed forces, and the only person authorised to deploy them is the Commander in Chief. A situation where armed soldiers were carrying ballot boxes and electoral materials, is not only condemnable, but embarrassing,”

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MARCH 26, 2016

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MARCH 26, 2016

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Libya trafficking latest : I was forced to abort 320

pregnancies –Victim Patience OgbO

I

n continuation of the story of Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Libya for prostitution by a Nigerian syndicate allegedly led by a couple, Alhaji Muritala Sanni and his wife Alhaja Lateefat Sanni, 26-year-old Abigail, who is one of the three latest trafficking victims rescued from prostitution in Libya narrates how she was lured to Libya.

Abigail and the two other rescued girls are ill and have been undergoing treatment since they were returned to Nigeria through the efforts of the Alliance of Rights Defenders (ARD) a Non Governmental Organization who burst the human trafficking syndicate and have since rescued five girls trafficked for prostitution.

Abigail though expressed joy to be back in Nigeria after three years in Libya. However, is ill as she looks pale, with rashes all over her body.

She summoned strength as she narrated her ordeal in the hands of the traffickers.

She said, “I was living in Bayelsa State . I am an orphan. My parents are dead and I live with my siblings. After my parents died, the responsibility to cater for my siblings fell on me as I was the oldest child. Sometime in 2013, my sister’s friend Nursi came to our house in Bayelsa and saw me resting. She told me I was looking bored. Nursi then told me to come over to Lagos to meet her that she will introduce me to people that will assist me financially.

I was interested and I travelled to Lagos to see Nursi. Nursi took me to see Alhaja Lateefat and her husband Alhaji Muritala Sanni. They told me they can help me to make good money as an axulliary nurse in Italy. I told them that I had only worked as an axulliary nurse in Nigeria but they assured me that they have connections in Italy.

They told me to pay N10,000 for passport. After I paid the amount, Alhaji Muritala took two other ladies with me to see a herbalist called Ewe. Ewe put gin in a concoction pot and mixed it with a CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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MARCH 26, 2016

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‘They kept fifty of us in one room’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

black fish. He gave three of us to eat the concoction. After we ate the concoction, Alhaji Muritala took us to the bus park and we travelled to Kano by road. We met other agents who later moved us by road through the desert to Libya. I was scared and each time I asked them when the plane will come to take us to ltaly, the agent will tell me that we have to pass through desert first.

“At the end, we landed in Libya and Alhaji Muritala told us that we have reached our destination. They locked us up in one room with fifty other girls. We were not allowed to go out and they beat us mercilessly if we attempted to escape” Asked what she was taken to Libya to do for the trafficking syndicate, Abigail said she was forced to abort pregnancies for the girls.

“I was later moved from the room where I stayed with other girls to a private room where I was locked up. Alhaji Muritala and his wife control two brothels . One is called New York Up and the other is called White House. I was in New York Up alone in a room where they have kept surgical instruments for me to abort pregnancies. Each day, they bring girls to my room to have me about thier pregnancies. Alhaja Lateefat does not allow the girls to abort when they are one month pregnant. She waited until the pregnancies are up to four months and then forced me to abort for the girls.

“These girls were decieved by the couple Alhaji Muritala and Alhaja Lateefat Sanni that they are bringing them to Italy to work as hairdressers and tailors. These girls are as young as 9 years - 15 years old and they are forced to sleep with men as old as fifty years without protection.

There was a day I was moved with sympathy and I assisted a 9 year old girl to escape. I get beating whenever I refuse to abort for the girls. Alhaja Lateefat will use mopping stick to beat me mercilessly.

“I have aborted three hundred and twenty pregnancies. The teenage girls told me they used cumuber to disvirgin them before they were forced to sleep with men.

These men are usually criminals

Nigerian girls, American dream turned to prostitution in Libya

but Alhaja Lateefat and Alhaji Muritala do not care. All they are after is money and more money”.

Abigail further narrated how she and other girls were forced to

until I paid up the N2.4 million.

Alhaja Lateefat and her husband are still owing me N1.5 million for the work I did for them. It is sad that I did not come back with anything

These girls were decieved by The couple ThaT They are bringing Them To iTaly To work as hairdressers

and Tailors. They are as young as 9 years To 15 years old and They are forced To sleep wiTh men as old as fifTy wiThouT proTecTion part with millions of naira before they were freed by the gang.

She said “ I became fed up with the situation in the brothel and went to meet Alhaja Lateefat to give me freedom but she beat me up and said I have to pay her N2.4 million before I can go. I had to look for that money because she said that’s what the other girls paid and since I don’t have parents or any relations to send the money to her, then I should work for it if I want to get my freedom.

God helped me and brought two men to assist me pay. These men are armed robbers and whenever they come to visit me, I take from their money and pay gradually

to show for my three years labour in Libya. They took my money and put this sickness in me. I became very ill after I went in January to tell Alhaji Muritala that I cannot continue work but he refused to pay me my money. I got help from a church through the assistance of Alliance of Rights Defenders(ARD) to come back to Nigeria. I and two other girls were brought back by air on March 11th. We are very ill and need government help”.

It was gathered that following the revelations by the victims, the NGO had since petitioned the Inspector General of Police IGP Solomon Arase to arrest members

of the fleeing syndicate and rescue other girls still held in Libya and following the “Petition on Human trafficking, sexual and labour exploitation” by the NGO, the IGP has since directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Onikan Lagos to investigate the syndicate and one Inspector Bola Yusuf who assisted the syndicate to escape arrest .

Barrister Ojay Akinwale the Chief Executive Officer of ARD said “We have taken the responsibility to cater for thier treatment since we return them to Nigeria.

“These ladies are ill and in urgent need of medication and rehabilitation following the ordeal they passed through.”

Prince Tunji Oshokoya a private investigator who worked with ARD to locate the girls in Libya and also assisted in returning them to Nigeria urged government to help rescue the girls.

He said, “We are also working hard to fish out other members of the cartel. It is sad that following our pressure, and media reports on the trafficking ring, the syndicate are selling the girls in their custody to other cartels in in other countries.

Government should wake up and take Human trafficking seriously and stop those behind the cartel.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MARCH 26, 2016

Lekki killing: Government white paper to be released soon —Ambode

L

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said the Government White Paper on the civil disturbances that occurred at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) on October 12, 2015 which led to the killing of Alhaji Tajudeen Disu, Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Company, would soon be released.

Governor Ambode, who spoke while commissioning electrification project in 67 communities in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state, said no meaningful development can thrive in atmosphere devoid of peace, and as such the people should shun all acts that can lead to break down of law and order.

The late Disu was said to have been shot by assailants during an official visit to one of the villages within the zone.

Specifically, Disu was said to be resolving a land dispute between members of Okunraye community and some private companies embarking on various massive projects within the LFTZ. Governor Ambode, it would be recalled, had set up a five-man Panel of Inquiry chaired by a retired judge of the Lagos State High Court, Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, to look into the remote causes of the civil disturbances, and recommend steps to be taken to permanently resolve the issues connected to the clash.

Justice Olateru-Olagbegi, while submitting the report of the panel to Governor Ambode, had said members looked into the remote and immediate causes of disturbances which claimed the life of Disu.

He said that the tribunal also considered ways and means to be adopted to prevent a recurrence.

Olateru-Olagbegi said that the tribunal received 22 memoranda and had 33 witnesses, while 24 recommendations were made.

According to him, the LFTZ has vast potentials to transform the economic landscape of the state in terms of job creation and revenue generation, among others.

Speaking on the planned release of government white paper, Governor Ambode appealed to residents of the state to continue to live together in peace and avoid any act that may result in loss of lives and wanton destruction of lives and property.

He said: “I also make a special appeal to you all especially our community leaders for your cooperation to allow development to come to your communities.

“The disturbances we have had at the Lekki Free Trade Zone are not acceptable as we must join hands together to allow peace to reign.

“A government white paper into the panel of inquiry into the recent civil disturbances will soon be released,” Governor Ambode disclosed.

The Governor also said himself and his team would soon commence a tour of all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in May to inspect and commission projects.

Governor Ambode assured that he would also utilize the opportunity of the tour to listen to community leaders, adding that his administration remained committed to run an all-inclusive government.

SOUTH WEST

Lagos collapsed building:

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Court grants contractor N10m bail A

n Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday granted bail to Robert Nyong, the Managing Director of Lekki Garden Homes, where a five-storey recently building collapsed killing 35 people.

The Chief Magistrate, Afolashade Botoku, also admitted Taiwo Odofin, the contractor of one of the collapsed buildings, to bail in the like sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

Ms. Botoku ordered them to report at the State Criminal Investigation and intelligence Department, Panti-Yaba, everyday till the police complete their

investigations.

She also said that the defendants would submit their international passports and were not permitted to travel out of the country till the matter was concluded.

Ms. Botoku had on March 11 ordered the remand of Nyong, and Taiwo when they were arraigned following a remand application brought before it by the police.

The police had urged the court to remand the two defendants pending when it would conclude its investigation into the building collapse.

At the resumed hearing on March 23 to consider

their application for bail, the police did not produce the defendants.

Ms. Botoku, who decried the attitude of the police, stood down the case for an hour for the police to produce the defendant before their applications could be heard.

The prosecuting counsel, Goddey Osuyi, had informed the court that the police did not produce the defendants because of intelligence report that that some hoodlums had planned to attack the court.

Mr. Osuyi said in the interest of safety, it was not advisable for the police to bring the defendants to court.

The counsel to the defendants, Olabode Olanipekun and Mr. Uwangboje, told the court that the prosecutor had informed them earlier before the court sitting.

They urged the court to exercise its discretion in entertaining the excuse of the police.

In her ruling, Ms. Bokotu disagreed with the police, saying that the court would not submit itself to a threat because “it is the duty of police to ensure that adequate security is provided’’.

She adjourned the matter till March 24, and ordered that the police must ensure the two defendants were present in court.

Two men die in underground tank

T

wo men, trapped while working in an underground tank at a filling station in Lagos died on Friday.

The director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, confirmed the development in an interview with NAN. He said the men were working on routine maintenance of the tank when the incident happened.

Mr. Fadipe said the men were working at Fatgbems Filling Station at Ojodu, Berger before one of them got trapped in the tank.

He said the men died before fire servicemen could rescue them.

“We got the call at about 7.09 a.m. We were told

that one of the men inside the underground tank shouted for help but later collapsed.

“The second man, who was the supervisor for the work, decided to go and rescue them against people’s advice and he also inhaled fuel fumes from the tank and collapsed.

“Our men brought out their dead bodies and handed the body over to police officers from the Ojodu Division, who later took them to the mortuary,” Mr. Fadipe said.

He advised members of the public against putting their lives in danger, saying that rescue operations should be left for professionals.

Men from the Lagos State Fire Services and LASEMA recovering the body of Adekunle Ipaye and another nicked named United, who died from suffocation and gas emission while cleaning Underground Petrol tank of Fagbems Filling Station, in Lagos, yesterday.

Easter: Oyo NOA calls for peaceful celebration

Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

A

s Nigerians joined the rest of the world to celebrate Easter, the Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu, has enjoined the citizens of the state to exemplify the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ in all their endeavours.

The NOA boss in her

Easter message made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, said this is important given the present administration’s change mantra which encapsulates reviving our attitudinal and value re-orientation, shunning social vices and maintaining a peaceful co-existence amongst ourselves irrespective of our tribes or creed.

She also urged all

Christians to demonstrate the love that Christ showed by giving his life to save mankind.

She similarly implored the people of the state to reflect the teachings of Christ by tolerating and showing kindness to people around them both in the season and after.

While charging the people to continue praying relentlessly for the progress and unity of the

nation, she maintained that the Federal Government need the support of all in its efforts to put the nation back on the right track.

Dosunmu who then wished all Christians a happy and peaceful Easter celebrations, also tasked all road users to stay careful and vigilant so as to avert road mishaps before, during and beyond the Easter holiday.

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e

b

r

i

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y

album will shake Nigeria

—Yomi Peters

Juju maestro, Yomi Peters, needs little or no introduction.

The multi-instrumentalist, who has spent a good part of his life in the United States of America and relocated to Nigeria some years back with the sole aim of redefining juju music with his new dimensional juju music, tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO his latest plans, speaking glowingly of his latest album, Igbeyawo.

You are about releasing your latest album, Igbeyawo. What is your expectation for it?

I’m very optimistic that it will be evergreen after the release. And my teeming fans will so much like every bit of the video because we took our time to research and produce this juju music in another dimension that is second to none in the industry. It has African flavour and is specially made for every couple and happy homes.

Tell us about its video and who you featured in it.

It was shot at choice locations around Lagos, including Allen Avenue, Victoria Garden City and Lekki. In Igbeyawo, asides featuring Buga of Buga fame, prominent movie stars such as Babatunde Omidina, otherwise known as Baba Suwe, Bisi Ibidapo-Ope and others made cameo appearances.

Why has it taken you so long to come up with this album?

There were a lot of challenges in the course of releasing the album. We even tried to push it to the market in December, but it was quite unfortunate that we were unable to come out as we planned. We however give glory to God. By God’s grace, it will be released any moment from now.

Who is handling the marketing and distribution of the album?

There are lots of marketers who have picked interest to market the job after seeing the video, but we want to take our time and select the trusted and tested one among them. And we have also thrown it open to the public for anyone who has interest in the distribution.

When precisely are you releasing it into the market?

Any moment from now it will be released. Promotion has already started.

It’s already on major radio stations across the country. Thereafter, we will officially launch it when everything has been put in place because we want every house to enjoy Yomi Peters during the Easter celebration.

In fact, my fans in and outside Nigeria have been calling and sending mails asking me when the video will be released because they had thought that it would come out last December but we disappointed them.

This time around, we would try our best not let them down. We really want them to feel the rhythm, beat and lyrics of the video.

How will you rate your new album?

I rate it so high following what we have been able to package to the delight of our

fans. As I said earlier, it took us almost a year to do this. So you should expect something better and superb from Yomi Peters. It’s a full package of inspirational songs, which I believe many homes would like to have a copy when eventually released.

Who are your target audience?

It cuts across all the strata of the society. And especially couples and happy people. You will enjoy the album irrespective of your tribe. We actually took that decision to have a larger market. Juju music has gone beyond being a stereotype.

How do you intend to come out?

We will come out with a bang. As I am talking to you now, the audio is already running on major radio stations in Nigeria while the video is also gaining ground fast.

Your words to your fans out there?

I thank our fans across the world for the endless patience they have had for us towards the release of the video. We really appreciate them and their moral and financial support towards us. We assure them the album is ready and will be released soon into the market.

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with

Oseyiza Oogbodo 08036961187 kingseiza@gmail.com

Further embarrassment!

Tonto Dike too dumps D’Banj

T

hese are surely not the best of times for once-upon-a-time rated highly singer, D’Banj. Since his muct-talked-about split from Don Jazzy, he’s been trying to build another empire for himself aith DB Records as the central point of that empire.

Right now, though, the empire seems to be crumbling around him by the day with people he shouldn’t even have associated with in the first instance walking out on him by the day.

Just last week, DB’s in-house producer, DeeVee, who became really known in the music industry through his association with D’Banj, announced that he was moving on from their association.

Though his announcement was short, terse and sparsely worded, if you read between the lines of what he didn’t say or couldn’t say out of diplomacy, what DeeVee was actually trying to convey was that working with D’Banj was taking him nowhere so better to dump him.

As if the shame and embarrassment of that isn’t enough already, Tonto Dike, an actress whom everyone says can’t sing, but nevertheless earned a measure of credibility because D’Banj, a music success, signed her on, has now dumped him too.

Not a stranger to controversy and its benefits for her brand, the actress-singer

D’Banj

was the one who declared in an interview with Golden Icons that she has quit DB Records, and to add insult to injury, she said there was no issue between them, thereby inferring that D’Banj is on the way down and she’s not ready to go down with him.

When D’Banj was D’Banj, sought after all over Africa and all that, DeeVee and Dike wouldn’t have been able to walk out on him. Rather, they would be happy if he even gave them a role as his run-arounds.

So, with them dumping him instead, it’s obvious he has to do something real fast about revitalising his brand, or the centre might not hold for him again before too long.

Gospel music revolution!

Dike

Dele Gold drops Every Knee F

Gold

Isaac

rom every indication, the erstwhile façade of the gospel music sector is changing fast for the better with a new breed of gospel artists, who are more interested in spreading the gospel than enriching themselves, springing up.

A few weeks ago, Tolulope Isaac, who has at least three successful singles to his name, namely Jaburata, Thank You and O D’ayo, told E-News that money is not what motivates him as a gospel artist and that money will never play a factor in determining if he’ll perform in church or not.

According to him, if a church pays him to perform, glory be to God, and if they don’t pay, glory be to God as well as he’ll perform for them all the same.

Now, Dele Agbeyo, popularly known as Dele Gold, has unveiled the video of his latest album, Every Knee, and declared that making money is not his major motivation as a gospel artist.

Speaking during the week at the

unveiling of the Every Knee video directed by Dotun Taylor, Gold said, “I’m doing very well in my business so I don’t really need money from music. I’m always ready to perform free because my intention is to spread the Word of God through my music, and that’s my utmost priority.”

Also speaking, Babatope Agbeyo, CEO, Media Concepts International Limited, Gold’s record label, said he’s only supporting Gold’s music career because he told Gold that he mustn’t see music as a business, as an investment to make money, and Gold promised him so and is keeping to his promise and that’s why he’s supporting him.

Speaking as well, respected broadcaster, Ambrose Somide, said he first came across Gold while he was promoting his songs aggressively on Faaji FM and he’s been wondering why he was so aggressive but he now understands that it’s because Gold is more interested in propagating the gospel than making money.

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MARCH 26, 2016

Support group for female gospel artists lands in Lagos Dayo EmmanuEl

W

omen of African Origin in Music Ministry (WAOMM) has made a debut appearance in Nigeria.

The outfit with the aim of supporting female gospel artistes of African origin was founded by Isabella Ogo-Uzodike, a Nigerian gospel artist based in the United Kingdom.

Speaking in Lagos at the inaugural seminar titled, Step Up and Stand Up, WAOMM’s president, Isabella Ogo-Uzodike, told participants that the organisation was established with a divine passion to provide support for gospel artists in terms of providing needed encouragement and mentorship.

“My husband and I are pastors in the UK. I’m a minister and gospel artist. I had my first album in 2009. At the initial period in my career, I needed to connect with someone to mentor and encourage me. I yearned for a woman of African origin, I couldn’t find where I was,” she explained, stating further that “Not that there were no good people around, but I just needed someone of African origin who I can always relate with. This developed a passion in me and later, God helped us to start this organisation which is designed to answer such questions.The spirit of WAOMM is that we want to support ministers, we want to empower them for ministry and that is the whole essence of the ministry.”

According to her, WAOMM has made an inaugural appearance in various countries. “We were in America, Scotland, Canada, and in July, we are going to Italy and

by October we would be in Kenya. It’s all to equip women in African gospel music.

It doesn’t matter where they live, we want them equipped and encouraged. In Nigeria, our national coordinator is Onos Ariyo. We want a team of people who understand the terrain to coordinate,” she said.

Facilitating a session, Deji Irawo, Chief Responsibility Officer, X2D, a Christian entertainment channel, spoke on bridging the gap between the ministry and the industry. He enjoined the participants to have a connect between who they are and what they do.

Irawo also enjoined gospel artists in Nigeria to develop a relationship with God which would distinguish them and make them God’s oracles. “How can God send you on a message when you are not on the same page with him?” he asked.

In his own submission, gospel artist,

Ogo-Uzodike

Obe

music director and trainer, Segun Obe, told the participants to always be the best they can be. Obe, whose career has spanned two decades, agreed that “gospel music in Nigeria is growing, but it can be better. I don’t compare, but I want to say that gospel music definitely has its own place.

Spiritual singers are rising, and we now have more music making meaning.”

Another facilitator, Wilson Joel, a seasoned producer, told participating gospel artists to be original. “Don’t copy someone else’s lyrics. Gospel music has more opportunities than the secular and therefore, you as gospel artists must promote your work. There are now bloggers, online radio stations and the social media available to promote your work.”

Also at the event, award-winning gos-

Irawo

Laoye

pel artist, Nikki Laoye, enjoined upcoming artistes to be original and identify their style.

“You have to be original and identify your style,” she said. Encouraging them further on professionalism, she said, “Ensure you have a good press kit which should comprise of your short and well-written bio, a website where people can find you, good shots and a good press release written in third person mode.”

The event culminated in an evening concert tagged Women of Worship Concert. Onos Ariyo, Emmy Kosgei, Isabella Ogo-Uzodike, Efe Nathan, Glowreeyah, Nene Uko, Ighosa, Enkay, Ayo Vincent, Joan Paul, Chee, Toluwanimee, Blerisa, and Rejoice were among the performers.

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CLASSICAL LYRICS

Mr President

Artist: African China Verse 1 Food e no dey Brother eh water no dey And our country no good o Everyday for thief One day for owner e Poor man wey thief maggi Omo, dem go show im face For Crime Fighter [Crime Fighter] Rich man wey thief money Omo, we no dey see their face for Crime Fighter Tell me something now rude boy Rich man go dey halla prayer [Mo dupe] Poor man go dey shout Rich man go dey halla prayer [Mo dupe] Poor man go dey shout Make una lead us well No let this nation to fall inside well Chorus Mr. President [Lead us well] If you be Governor [Govern us well] If you be Senator [Senate am well] If you be police [Police well well, no dey take bribe] Oya lead us well [Nne me eh, govern us well] If you be Senator [Senate am well] If you be police [Police well well, no dey take bribe] Verse 2 Fuel e no dey Brother eh transportation no dey And our road e no good o What about the NEPA people o We no get light Everybody just dey halla Fuel no dey, na how we wan survive Many youth ready for work But as work no dey Na how dey wan survive We be giant of Africa Nut to get visa enter Ghana Na WAEC [Oh my God] Policeman go see white E go tell you say I say that thing na red Tell me something my people Make una lead us well No let this nation to fall inside well Repeat chorus Verse 3 Alhaji wey pull khaki Say the name of him party People Destroying People Na the name of the party Election for my country Na paddy paddy Wayo wayo Arrange no ni People wey vote them in Still dey live in pain This na disgrace I am so ashamed We don collect shop permit Collect trading permit You still dey burn shop You wan tell me say You no know when them pay Why you dey make us Dey live in pain Make una lead us well No let this nation to fall inside well

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JANUARY 16, 2016

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Double joy for Omotola I

f there’s a lady that can be said to be so lucky in Nollywood, that lady has to be Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. She’s probably the only Nigerian woman who has combined acting with marriage and her marriage is still intact.

Saying she is blessed is no longer something new. Gradually advancing in years, she still has a good figure and is still very attractive and many

good things are still coming her way.

And the latest of them is her wedding anniversary cum 48th birthday of her husband, Matthew, during the week on Wednesday.

And she was so happy at her double joy that she shared photos of herself and him online so her fans can rejoice with her.

Congrats, Omosexy.

Funke Akindele, Julius Agwu, others confirmed to speak at NEC

S

Omotola and hubby, Matthew

Nomolos! Dead singer drops latest video

T

here’s no doubt that the most shocking entertainment news this week is that of the death of

Nomolos

the entertainment personality, Solomon Olumuyiwa Osinuga better known as Nomolos.

The news is so shocking because no one saw it coming. It wasn’t as if people really knew that he was sick or had been sick for some time.

But the news just spread that he had died from typhoid fever and all his fans have been in mourning since then.

But ever an entertainer, even in death, the singer has dropped his latest music video, Beautiful Things, and his fans are already rushing to watch it.

And without much ado, his burial details have been released.

The burial ceremony will take place in Lagos on April 1st, 2016 after a service of songs on Thursday, March 31st, 2016.

Rest in peace, bro.

ome of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainers have signed up to be a part of the 4th edition of Nigeria’s umbrella entertainment conference NECLive holding in Lagos on Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

International entertainer D’banj, R&B superstar Banky W, dance sensation Kaffy, soulful singer Timi Dakolo, multi-talented viral entertainer Falz, fast-rising singer Simi, Project fame super alumnus Praiz, and YBNL disruptors Adekunle Gold and Lil’ Kesh have all been confirmed to lead conversations at this year’s event.

This year, musicians will join their colleagues from Nollywood, comedy, media, IT, fashion, sports and allied sectors to discuss issues and solutions, network and connect, while demonstrating ideas, products and services that can potentially deliver the kind of innovation the industry in particular, and the country at large, desperately needs.

Ubi Franklin, DJ Caise, Funke BucknorObruthe, Tonye Ibiama, Kayode Olowu, Joyce Ize Iyamu, Gab Okoye, John Ugbe, Tony Ojobo, Wole Oguntokun, Wana Udobang, Emem Ema, and Gbenga Adeyinka, will also participate in the conversation at what has now become the marketplace of ideas, products and services for Africa’s leading creative and entertainment industry.

NECLive is organized by THENETNG, in partnership with several Nigerian and international organizations. The event will hold

Akindele

at Landmark Events Center, in Lagos with comedian Tee A as host.

TIERs, Asurf Films release Hell or High Water trailer

T

he Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) in partnership with Asurf Films Limited have released the trailer for the highly anticipated short film, Hell or High Water, starring Enyinna Nwigwe, Daniel K. Daniel (AMVCA winner), Ashionye Michelle Racah, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, and Adedayo Davies.

Directed by the awardwinning filmmaker, Asurf Oluseyi, the short film is

themed around the traumatic experiences arising from socially constructed expectations imposed on persons with different sexual orientations.

The short film humanises the discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity through everyday realities in the Nigerian society where heteronormative expectations are the norm. This is important for educational and information purposes.

Asurf

EVENTS

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MARCH 26, 2016

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Uru Eke hosts Remember Me premiere

Top actress, Uru Eke, held the premiere of her movie, Remember Me, last weekend, and it turned out to be an occasion to remember, with many celebrities showing up at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos venue of the premiere. Victor Olaotan, Uche Jombo and Tunji Sotiminrin were some of the celebrities.

AY

Blessing Egbe

Kenneth Okolie

Uche Ogbodo

Victor Olaotan

Uru Eke Adunni Ade

Omoye Uzamere

Tunji Sotimirin

Uche Jombo

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Style & Glam

MARCH 26, 2016

StyGlelam and

com

n@yahoo.

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Style & Glam

MARCH 26, 2016

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Fashion frenzy

Get the festive look T

he Easter season is here and everyone is simply in a festive mood. As we all know, beauty has as much to do with your tasteful choice of outfits, makeup expertise and accessories than your desperation to expose your features. As you decide on what to wear on any of your dates this weekend, try a fresh look from these beautiful ladies on the red carpet of this year’s African Magic Viewers ‘Choice Awards event to create that fabulous response from your beholders. You can make do with these few cues: •If you love to appear bright, pick colourful and outstanding outfits •Go for bold and beautiful bracelets mix with

rhinestone or diamond types with gold or silver •Make also your rings bigger and of appreciable quality.

•If you love to make your face up, employ a make-up artist for the right amount of concealer, foundation and powder for an attractive face.

•Use brown colour for your eyebrows and a brow powder for a smoother blend.

•Define the eyes using darker colour to accent and start lining the lip from the Cupid ’s bow right in the middle of the upper lip.

•For smaller eyes avoid black liners, rather use navy.

•Do not forget an elegant but complementary shoes and bags to complement your look.

Fashion frenzy

MARCH 26, 2016

Style & Glam

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SOCIETY Mirror

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with Deola Adeoti.

Tel: 07055695565, mofat07@yahoo.com

Yusuf Buhari becomes toast of favour seekers

S

ince May 28th 2015, President Gen Muhammadu Buhari’s articulate son, Yusuf, has become the toast of everyone, including some who shunned him like a pest in the past.

From nowhere, Yusuf strolled into the consciousness of Nigerians when he appeared for the first time in public on his arrival to the country from the United Kingdom together with his father in the early hours of May 28.

Since then, Yusuf who is

the son of Hajiya Aisha Halilu, the second wife of President Mohammadu Buhari has become the darling of many.

Among those who have suddenly found love in Yusuf are the pretty daughters of wealthy Nigerians who will do anything to be his bride, businessmen seeking cover for their businessgone-sour and all sorts of favour seekers.

Reports reaching ‘Society Mirror’ has it that while many favour seekers have failed in their bid to get the President’s

attention, some of them are now subtly turning their attention to Yusuf, hoping that by being a friend of the family, they may gain the attention of Mr. President. In the process, sources informed that many of these influential people have made moves to spoil Yusuf silly with all sorts of expensive gifts but just like his father, Yusuf we heard, has refused to take any of these gifts. Apart from his no-nonsense attitude which he got from his father, Yusuf also tapped from his dad’s jovial nature.

Kemi Afolabi pregnant with second child

S

ultry actress, Kemi Afolabi is currently pregnant with her second child, The Point entertainment can exclusively report.

The ravishing actress confirmed this few days back while responding to a question from our staff on why she has put more weight.

When asked what was the reason for her new added weight? She said: “The fact is that I’m pregnant and more so I’ve overworked myself a bit. And don’t forget, I’m also growing older every day.”

However, the vivacious

actress failed to disclose how old her pregnancy is, but she’s speculated to be three months pregnant.

Married to a UK-based lover, Wale Adesipe, the couple has a daughter together.

Kemi had once described her husband as a ‘kind guy and a very quiet person.’ Wale is said to be an engineer and a building contractor and both were said to have met through a friend at a wedding ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo State. And before saying jack both fell in love and the rest as they say is history.

Born in Lagos into the

family of Alhaji and Mrs. Afolabi, Kemi attended Tunwase Nursery and Primary School in Lagos for her nursery and primary education, A-Z International School and Our Lady of Apostles School for her secondary school education and University Of Lagos (UNILAG) for her tertiary education, where she bagged her LL.B (Hons) degree in Law. She came into limelight when she featured in a movie titled Alagbara. Since then, she has starred in many Nollywood movies and produced the movie titled OJU APA.

Dagrin’s brother, Trod, storms music scene •Says ‘I Fear No Death’

S

ix years after the death of indigenous rapper, Olaitan Olaonipekun who was better known as Dagrin, his younger brother, Olatunbosun Olaonipekun has stepped forward to begin from where he stopped.

Better known as TROD which means The Return of Dagrin, the young Olatunbosun is a smooth-flow rapper blessed with depth, message and rhythm.

Currently an undergraduate of Sociology at the prestigious Taiye Solarin University, TROD comes with a rap style that will make listeners remember the late Dagrin. “TROD is to bring back what people have forgotten which is Miosofunyin entertainment (Dagrin’s record label),” he said.

On his sojourn into music, the young rapper says he started music while his brother was still alive. “Music runs in the family. I started music

while in primary school when I used to rap on instrumentals. My late brother also supported me then. And right now, it’s time to prove to the world what I’m made of.”

At the moment, the dark skinned rapper has a single on air titled ‘Ibile United.’ The song tells a story of a young lad coming from the hood, aiming to be successful and yet not denying his local root.

Apart from Ibile, the artiste says he has other tracks he’s recorded but all of them would be in his album which he initially titled The Return of Dagrin.

Though not signed to any label at the moment, TROD is solidly backed by his father, Chief Olaonipekun popularly known as Nelly.

Speaking on his son’s career, Nelly, who is the Balogun of Oluke in Itori Kingdom, Ogun State says Nigerians should watch out for him as music

flows in the family vein.

“I’m born to be a music memory and thank God this is happening in my presence. Nigerians have not seen anything yet. TROD is the new revelation. Apart from him, another of my child known as Olly is also doing well in the music industry. It’s the family heritage.”

And contrary to the widespread notion that Dagrin died a none-natural death, Dagrin’s dad believes his son’s death was natural and not spiritual.

“I’m sure his death was not spiritual.

If it was spiritual, he would have been forgotten by now. He died a natural death.

Echoing his father’s line of thought, TROD says he’s not afraid of death and that his brother died a natural death. “Even if I die too, I will take the studio to six feet. I’m not afraid of death,” he concluded.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion

Divine Okunnuga is the brain behind Culture Gate Fashions. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on her attraction to the business and her perception of Nigerian women where style is concerned. Excerpts:

W

27

Guest G

‘ I love escapades’

hat attracted you to fashion?

The attraction is simply for the passion I have for colours. I love beautiful but colourful outfits. I love it on people and I had always nursed the dream of making such outfits for people. I take pride in dressing people up in colourful ways, it excites me when I see people come out in beautiful outfits made by me and it really has a way of making me more creative on the job. I love escapades.

But there are many people in this business. How have you been able to make a way out?

If a business is worth the efforts, if it is making a good impression on people, definitely many more will join and that is exactly what is happening to the fashion industry. Nigerian women, even men are very fashionable. They love to appear in beautiful outfits and you cannot just get enough of them once you are good. The way I design my clothes has been standing me out and giving me an edge over others. It has warmed me into the hearts of

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MARCH 26, 2016

many such that I have more customers than I ever envisaged when I was taking off. I don’t just sew clothes, I design and create them. My outfits are not just the type you see anywhere. They are specially designed to stand you out everywhere you go.

What’s your perception of the fashion industry in Nigeria?

The Nigerian fashion industry has really grown and is still growing. It will continue to take the lead globally for as long as Nigerians remain fashionable and the designers creative. Designers keep coming up with designs that amaze even the international world. Of a fact, it is that we’ve got talents in Nigeria. I am always proud and excited about this.

What would you have been doing if not fashion?

I don’t think I would have chosen something else apart from fashion. It would have been nothing because the passion I have for it is stronger than any other thing.

What’s lurking in your food?

Insects: The idea that an insect adds a pink blush to candies, ice creams, yogurts, fruit juices, cheeses, and even butter makes some people go ouch! Think of the red cochineal insect as a natural food coloring. It appears safe but can cause reactions in a small number of people.

Ammonia: “Pink slime” is the nickname for “lean finely textured beef ” -beef trimmings sprayed with ammonia gas to kill things that can make you sick, like E. coli and salmonella. In 2012, public uproar over “pink slime” pressured chains such as McDonald’s, and Burger King to ban it. Still, you can’t tell from the label on your store meat if you are still getting it.

Sodium: Chips, cereals, crackers and other beloved treats contain a lot of salt, much more than you need, which can raise blood pressure and lead to heart disease. Processed foods -- even sweet ones -- are loaded with sodium. Why? It’s used to preserve, hold ingredients together, and enhance colour as well as to add flavor.

Quinine: Quinine puts the bitter flavor in tonic water, bitters, and some pre-dinner drinks and sodas. Legend has it that the gin and tonic was created by British officers who were looking for a tasty way to ease malaria in the tropics because quinine eases malaria symptoms.

High fructose corn syrup: Corn syrup and table sugar are not too different. They’re both about half fructose and half glucose. So the problem is more likely too much sugar in any form. To cut back on the sweet stuff, skip foods that list sugar or high-fructose corn syrup as one of the first ingredients.

Xanthan gum: This ingredient keeps oil and vinegar together. Salad dressings, sauces, ice creams, or baked goods are loaded with this common additive. It thickens and binds, or holds together ingredients that would naturally separate.

It’s made from bacteria that feed on corn and soy. How does that sound?

Artificial sweeteners: These sweeteners have had a controversial past. But today, they are believed to be safe if not overused. So how much is too much?

Think nine to 12 packets of saccharin in a day. That’s not too bad!

Sulfites: Sulfites keep colour in and bacteria out of foods like wine, dried fruits, frozen potatoes, fresh shrimp, jams and jellies. They are safe for most people but can cause mild to life-threatening reactions in about 5% of people with asthma. To avoid them, skip foods that list sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, bisulfite, or metabisulfite as an ingredient.

MSG: MSG, or monosodium glutamate brings out the flavour in canned soups, salad dressings, chips, and restaurant foods. Think Chinese food! Some people say it causes headaches, nausea, and neck tingling or burning -- though studies have not confirmed a link.

Nitrates and nitrites They prevent spoiling and give taste and colour to processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, salami, sausage, ham, and the like. They can also convert to a substance known to cause cancer in animals. Studies show that eating a lot of processed meats for 10 years doubles your risk of colorectal cancer. And what’s a lot of cured meat? For women, it’s two slices of bacon or half a hot dog two to three times a week. For men, it’s that amount five to six times a week. Experts say even eating smaller amounts over time increases colorectal cancer risk.

Sorbitol: This sugar alcohol cuts calories because it’s half as sweet as sugar, making it popular in diet candies, chewing gum, drinks, and other foods. It’s also popular with people who have diabetes because it is absorbed slowly and is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.

So what’s wrong with it? Gas, stomach cramps, and even diarrhea that can come from eating too much. Stick with less than 50 milligrams a day.

Air is a food additive. Very true! Air puffs out cheese puffs, lightens breakfast cereals, and even fluffs up ice cream.

Some brands of ice cream are almost 50% air, unlike their heavier (and richer tasting) premium cousins. This makes the airy brands lower in cost and calories. Air is a cheap and safe food additive.

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WOMAN ‘Nature hinders women’ From the telecommunication industry to the banking hall, to the fashion world and now event management, pretty Ndidi Obioha has distinguished her passion for creativity and flair for class.

The mother of three and multiple award winner shared with YEMISI ADENIRAN her exploits in life so far amidst other issues. Excerpts:

Y

ou have been honoured with series of awards in the fashion industries and business management world. How have you been able to achieve this?

Without any doubt, I owe whatever awards or achievement that might have been accorded me to God Almighty. We all know that without His support and approval no one in this world can achieve any success.

In addition to this however, I will also say God has endowed me with the ability to work very hard on whatever I am able to lay my hands on. My philosophy for life has all along been doing my best at all times. I believe whatever that is worth doing at all, is worth doing well. I don’t joke or play with whatever job I find myself

doing, I don’t give up to challenges, I face it very squarely. That has been my disposition to life and I thank God that it is working for me. I try as much as possible to give my best to whatever I am supposed to do. I always have the determination to succeed and God has been crowning my efforts with huge success.

So many women see their gender as their hindrance. What do you think?

It is a wrong notion to think one is unable to achieve something or some things because she is a woman. I don’t see anything that a man is doing that a woman cannot do. If any woman sees herself as a less privileged just because she is a woman, she is already defeated within and that feeling will

definitely hinder her. As far as I am concerned, I can do all things and hat is exactly what I want all women to believe. Our gender is no hindrance to our giant strides. We need to work on our disposition and find ways to overcome our nature that is usually against us.

Did you say it is women’s nature that is militating against them and not the men or the society?

It is women’s nature that is militating against them and not men or the society. We women are specially made. We are the one who at one time or the other must be married and have to abandon our careers at some point to go and join our husbands in another state or station to start all over again. By the time we meet again

with our male counterparts with whom we started the journey with, they definitely would have gone ahead of us, climbed higher than us. We are still the same person who will get pregnant and have to go on maternity leave for some time. We are still the one who must be nursing mothers for many years until we stop raring kids. It is a lot of work that nature has bestowed on us. This is why we have many managers both male and female always declining to employ women. They don’t want this excuses that are of course genuine to affect their works. In the marketing world, except you are ready to pay the price of avoiding the woman-excuses, that is when they see you as eligible. You will agree that many won’t employ

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

women who are pregnant because they don’t want excuses. Men won’t give such excuses. The same thing in so many departments, as secretaries and s on, men are mostly preferred. It is women that come up with excuses of menstrual pains, men don’t. But if one is able to overcome these excuses and is determined to stand out with hard work at her duties, she will definitely stand shoulder to shoulder with her male counterpart.

What’s your growing like and how much of it would you say has rubbed off on your adulthood?

I had a nice growing up. As a second child in the family of seven, we had enough company to stay with. We had enough fun. Our parents however did all to train us on how to face the challenges of life. They trained us about the importance of confidence.

This has really helped me in life as an adult. I had never in life felt inferior to anyone no matter how highly placed the person is. I always see myself as being able to do all things every time. I never suffered what they call low-esteem in life and I owe this to my parents who thought me to do all things right to be confident in the midst of others and at whatever I do.

Even while I was at the university, the Obafemi Awolowo University, I stood out tall in the midst of my contemporaries. I have learnt this and incorporated it into my children. It is important that parents teach their children the rudiments and essence of high esteem early in life to make them stand firm and confident in the midst of their mates. It will help them not to be swept away by all kinds of doctrines and ideas of their pairs.

They will be sure of themselves and belief in themselves.

Tell us some of the awards you have bagged in years past In 2009, I was the got the Event Planner of the Year from Fashion and Life magazine. In the following year, I got two awards from Corporate Amazons magazine, the Women of Excellence Award and the Event Planner of the Year. In 2011, the Nigerian Entrepreneurs Magazine awarded me with the Most Outstanding Event Planner of the year. The City People Fashion and Style magazine also honoured me with the Most Stylish Young Diva in 2014.

Where did you get the strength or the inspiration to move from one sector to the other like you have done?

Naturally, I am restless and adventurous person. Besides, the urge to create and manage things has always been in me. All these worked together to get me to where I am today.

I started from the telecommunication to marketing and banking to fashion and the entrepreneur world that is indeed my calling. Even in school, my adventurous nature pushed me organising a dancing competition that got undergraduates from other universities involved. I love to entertain people. But like I said earlier, I was never idle. Whatever I found my hands doing, I did it well.

Which of these ventures have

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MARCH 26, 2016

We Women are specially made. We are the one Who at one time or the other must be married and have to abandon our careers at some point to go and join our husbands in another state or station to start all over again.

We are still

the same group of persons Who Will get pregnant, go on maternity leave and be nursing mothers for years until We stop having kids. it

29

Keeping ABREAST

History is made as first black woman launches airline

•Siza Mzimela is also the first woman appointed to the International Air Transport Association’s Board of Directors in 67 years!

is a lot of Work that nature has bestoWed on us.

brought in more money?

My involvement in all that I have been part of was never driven by money. It had solely been for the passion to get it done and make an outstanding mark. I love imparting on my world and that has just been it. But they all brought in money and fulfilment at each point that I ventured into them.

Which of them gives you fulfilment most?

Honestly, I found fulfilment in being an even manager. And as you would see, it is a combination of all that I have done in life. This is where the saying that no knowledge gained is lost comes to play. When I was doing them, I never knew my destination would be in event management; I was just doing my own and giving it my best. I never knew that all of the experience would come to be of help to me as they are now. I just thank God. What advice do you have for the youths out there?

My advice for them is that they should be focused on that which their heart beats for. They should do all they can to excel in something honourable in life. They should imbibe the culture of hard work because it pays at the end of the day. Beyond this, they should ensure to give their best tt whatever they find themselves doing right5 now because it may just turn around to be of a great assistance to them in the future. Like I said, there is no knowledge that is gained that is a waste.

What do you have to say for career women?

They should not see themselves as second class citizens to men. We should also stop being enemies to ourselves. Women should encourage themselves, support themselves more than they have been doing. Career women should go the extra mile to make advancement in their chosen careers. They should not allow their nature to deter their growth anymore.

They should do the needed to cater for this and their husbands should help them to do this. They should support and encourage them as they strive at home and even on the job.

A

South African businesswoman, Sizakele Petunia Mzimela, has written her name in history books after she became the first black woman to launch her own airline, Fly Blue Crane.

According to reports, the Fly Blue Crane airline, which currently has two 50-seat ERJ 145s aircraft, provides domestic flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to cities in South Africa, including Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, and Kimberly.

The business mogul says she hopes to open up routes that will help small communities grow their economies through launching Fly Blue Crane.

She says, “It’s taken us a good 18 months to get to our first flight, which was on the first of September, but indeed, a lot of people just assume it happened overnight. I’ve always been passionate in using the airline to open the routes and actually grow the economies of the smaller towns.”

She added that she plans to expand their flight destinations to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo so she can serve more

communities. “The airline will aim to keep its current rates in order to make flying affordable for both business and leisure travel,” she said.

Fueled by her desire to provide equal service to all people, she says her aircraft are “all leather seats and everyone gets treated specially.”

She has earned the moniker ‘Mama Africa’ because she is passionate about opening up Africa to the world.

Siza Mzimela may have made history as the first black woman to own an airline, but she admitted the climb to the top has been difficult. “I don’t know how many times I’ve walked into meetings and people just assumed I was going to be the one taking notes.”

Besides being the first female CEO of two major airline companies in South Africa, Siza Mzimela is also the first woman appointed to the International Air Transport Association’s Board of Directors in 67 years.

Mzimela has also hired the services of an emergency airambulance service, Flying Doctors Nigeria, owned by Nigerian-British medical doctor, Olamide Orekunrin, to provide all health care services onboard.

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Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Benefits of co-sleeping for children

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hen a baby is on the way, most parents spend hours, days or weeks preparing a beautiful nursery with a gorgeous crib.

Society tells us that babies sleep on their own, in a crib, in a different room from their parents. More recently, health authorities have started suggesting that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib in the parents room, because proximity to the parents is important but many consider bed sharing to be dangerous.

In attachment parenting circles though, co-sleeping is quite popular and there is great opposition to the faulty conclusion that bed sharing is unsafe. Below are some of the benefits of bed sharing: Ease of breastfeeding: One study found that bed sharing infants breastfeed about twice as often as regular solitary sleepers, with the total duration of nightly nursing episodes amounting to almost three times of what is observed in lone sleep conditions. This can be particularly helpful in the case of infants that are not gaining enough weight, as they will be encouraged by the proximity to nurse more frequently. It is also helpful to working and pumping mums that struggle to pump enough during the day, since

night time nursing can increase their supply and also decrease their baby’s daytime needs. Also, it is easier to just roll-over and pop out a breast to nurse your baby than to get out of bed, go to another room, sit in a rocker for 20 to 30 minutes, and then return to bed (especially if this happens several times per night).

Better sleep for mom and baby: For us and for many cosleeping families, co-sleeping means more sleep and generally less anxiety about sleep. Mothers whose babies sleep in another room have to get out of bed to respond to their baby. This causes the mother to wake up more fully and makes it more difficult for her to fall back asleep. Also, she is less able to rest while tending to her baby than a mother who is in bed with her baby.

Mothers can react to baby: Co-sleeping mothers are more in tune with their baby’s sleep and can take action to keep their baby comfortable and safe during the night. Parents that have a baby in a separate room and use a baby monitor will hear their baby cry, but may not hear more subtle signs that their baby is uncomfortable. Missing those subtle cues can mean that the baby needs to wake more fully in order to alert the parents, which can result in more effort and time required to resettle the

Parenting

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baby.

Bed bonding results in more independent children: Generally speaking, research around secure and insecure attachments show that children that are securely attached to their parents become independent more easily and those that are insecurely attached end up being anxious or overly dependent. As it relates to bed sharing specifically, one study found that “routinely sharing the parents’ bed in infancy has been associated with greater self-reliance and social independence at preschool age than a history of solitary sleeping (Keller, M. A., and Goldberg, 2004).” Other studies have also consistently reported higher self-esteem among children and adults that co-slept during childhood.

Allows working parents to connect with their child: Findings have shown that some working parents complain about how little time they have with their kids during the week.

Some parents arrive home from work at 6pm and have their little ones in bed by 7pm. Some do manage to sneak in more than an hour of time together in the evenings. Usually they end up having close to three hours with their kids at home before bedtime. But being together

doesn’t end there. They can share a bed with one or the other of children every night.

That said, co-sleeping is not for everyone. Some parents are not able to sleep comfortably with a baby in bed with them and some babies are easily woken by the noises or movement of others in the room. In other cases, parents

may not be willing or able to give up certain things that they would need to give up to make their bed a safe place for their baby to sleep. In those situations, parents may wish to consider having the baby in a crib and possibly even in another room depending on the factors involved.

Tiny Feet

NAME: FIYINFOLUWA Tobalase BORN TO: Mr and Mrs Oladejo AGE: 8 days old BIRTH WEIGHT: 2.5 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Couple sell their baby on Update Facebook to buy iPhone

Chinese man and his wife have been jailed for selling their 18-day-old baby online so the man could buy a new iPhone.

According to information gathered, the man, from Tong’un, Fujian Province, used social media to sell his daughter for £2,500 (23,000 Yuan) so he could buy the Apple product and a motorbike, a court in China heard.

The man, identified only by the pseudonym ‘A Duan’, found a buyer through social media network QQ after spending time in internet chat rooms.

The evil parents, who were both 19-years-old when the baby was unintentionally conceived, reached an agreement to sell the baby because of financial hardship.

The mother of the child, given the pseudonym ‘Xiao Mei’, worked several part-time jobs but eventually agreed to let her partner sell her baby to buy the goods.

She reportedly told police: “I myself was adopted, and many people in my hometown send their kids to other people to raise them. I really didn’t know that it was illegal.”

The buyer, who has not been named, is said to have bought the baby for his sister. The sister still has the baby while officials decide on the best course of action.

The man was given a three year jail sentence while the woman was given a two-and-a-half year suspended sentence, according to media reports.

•How couple did one of the most unbelievable and heartless things ever by selling their baby on Facebook to purchase communication device

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MARC-H 26, 2016

divorce court

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‘He came to my shop to beat me and destroy my goods’

• I was told she is befriending a policeman, which I later confirmed. But when I confronted her, the next day she moved out of the house. I went to her shop to ask why she move out but while I was there, the policeman came with our family cooler with which she gave him food. That is why we fought in her shop —Husband

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n Osogbo Grade II Customary Court has dissolved the 13-year marriage between Kazeem Taibat and her husband, Sulaimon, over the wife’s infidelity.

Taibat had told the court that the marriage was blessed with three children, but that her husband did not care for the family. ``He does not care for the family; he does not provide for our feeding and he once came to my shop to beat me and destroy my goods.

“This is why I have come to court to dissolve our marriage,” he said.

Sulaimon said he agreed to the dissolution of the marriage, but denied his wife’s

‘My husband is a professional pretender’ • My husband is adulterous and he is a professional pretender. He is a church leader but a trouble maker; I want to enjoy the remaining years of my life, I cannot continue to stay with the man who beats me always —Wife • The allegations made by my wife are baseless, unnecessary and devil induced. These allegations are strange and frivolous —Husband StorieS by Muda oyeniran

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n Orile Agege Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a 30-year marriage between, Omolola and Kehinde Shobowale, on grounds of threat to life and infidelity.

The president of the court, Dr Kayode Whenu, held that the marriage had broken down irreparable. ``The binding love and affection is totally missing and despite all the counseling, the wife insisted on divorce hence the court has no choice than to oblige her.

``Starting from today, you ceased to be addressed as husband and wife; you shall go your separate ways and maintain the peace. ``The children in the marriage are adults and the only teenager among them stays with the oldest child, so there is no reason for custody in this case,’’ he ruled.

The petitioner, Omolola on November 2, 2015 had urged the court to dissolve her marriage to Shobawale, citing battery, threat to life and infidelity.

Omolola, 53, a caterer of No. 24, Bakare Jafojo Street, Abule Oki, Iyana Ipaja, a sub-

urb of Lagos, said that her husband beats her at will. ``My husband is adulterous and a defiant womanizer, he lives in deceit and he is a professional pretender. ``He is a church leader but a trouble maker; I want to enjoy the remaining years of my life, I cannot continue to stay with the man who beats me always. ``I took care of my children while they were young and I paid all their bills,’’ she said.

The mother of eight, aged 29 to 13 told the court that she had left her matrimonial home since 2013. ``The summation of the

years of trouble where I experienced hardship and hostile environment led me to have left the house. I want a divorce,’’ she insisted.

Her husband, Kehinde, 59, of 17 Bello Owolabi Street, Iyana Ipaja, denied all the allegations and opposed the request for dissolution. ``The allegations made by my wife are baseless, unnecessary and devil induced. These allegations are strange and frivolous. ``You will agree with me that it is not a normal situation that a partner is seeking dissolution of a 30-year-old marriage,’’ he said.

claim that he was not providing for the family.

“I take care of the family;I give them food, but she is adulterous. I was told she is befriending a policeman, which I later confirmed.

“But when I confronted her, the next day she moved out of the house. I went to her shop to ask why she move out but while I was there, the policeman came with our family cooler in which she gave him food.

“That is why we fought in her shop. The policeman too, has moved out of his house leaving his wife and five children without care.

“The situation of our marriage makes me unhappy and I weep; that is why I agree to the dissolution,” he said.

“She came with a son from another man when I married her, I have been taking care of the son and he still lives with me.

The Court President, Chief Bolarinwa Popoola, said: “both parties have agreed to the dissolution request with the defendant establishing his claim by citing the incident that happened in the plaintiff ’s shop.

“The court, therefore, dissolves the marriage forthwith. The boy brought by the plaintiff to the matrimonial home should be returned to his mother.

“The two older children of the marriage who are of age, should remain with the defendant, while the last child who is under-aged remains with the plaintiff.

“The defendant will pay an amount of N2000 monthly for the upkeep of the child; he should also be responsible for the medical care, education, welfare, and other needs of the child.

“Right of access is granted to both parties either through the court or as mutually agreed,” Popoola said.

(NAN)

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divorce court

‘My wife wants to kill me’

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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• Dorcas set my house on fire, but for the quick intervention of our neighbours who put out the fire before it extended to the other flats, the entire building would have been razed. She is getting worse every day, our children can even testify to it because they are the ones that always encourage me to continue to endure her. I cherish my life and want to use the life God gave to me in peace, I don’t want her again because I don’t want to die now —Husband • Please, save my marriage and do not grant my husband’s wish, I am not ready to divorce him because I still love him —Wife

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sexagenarian, Charles Aja, has asked an Alimosho Customary Court in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, to dissolve his 45year marriage to his wife, Dorcas, for alleged threat to his life.

He told the court that Dorcas, with whom he had four children, wanted to kill him.

“My wife is always threatening my life with acid; she has vowed to disfigure me,’’ he said.

He described his wife as a violent woman, who had on one occasion set his house on fire, and tendered photographs of the section of the house burnt as exhibit.

“Dorcas set my house on fire, but for the quick intervention of our neighbours who put out the fire before it extended to the other flats, the entire building would have been razed.

“She is getting worse every day, our children can even testify to it because they are the ones that always encourage me to continue to endure her.

“I was advised before today to quit the marriage but because I don’t want any of our children to be vagabond, that was why I endured the marriage up to this time,” the

petitioner said.

The sexagenarian urged the court to end because the love he had for the respondent had faded.

“I cherish my life and want to use the life God gave to me in peace, I don’t want her again because I don’t want to die now,’’ he said.

Dorcas, 65, a businesswoman, made a fervent plea to the court not to dissolve the marriage.

“Please, save my marriage and do not grant my husband’s wish, I am not ready to divorce him because I still love him,’’ she said.

The mother of four denied setting her husband’s house on fire and was ready to change her behaviour for good.

In her ruling, the President of the court, Alhaja S.O Mumuni, said the court would do everything within its power to save the marriage.

She said, “this court is more concerned about saving marriages and we have an obligation to try to reconcile this union rather than dissolve it.

Mumuni, therefore, urged the couple to maintain the peace, and adjourned the case till April 12 for further hearing. (NAN)

‘My wife got me arrested by police’ • She claimed she had been receiving calls from unknown people threatening to kill her and she was accusing me of sending them. She let out my apartment and sent away my security guard without my knowledge —Husband

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n Igando Customary Court, Lagos has dissolved a seven-year marriage between Musiliu Abdul, and his wife Bisola, over denial of sex.

The President of the court, Mr R.I Adeyeri, in his judgment held that both parties were no longer husband and wife; they were free to go their separate ways.

Abdul, 48, had filed a petition and urged the court to dissolve his marriage over sex denial. ``My wife always starve me of sex, she will not even allow me to touch her let alone make love to her,’’ he said.

He said that his wife arrested

him with police, accusing him of sending hire assassins after her. ``She claimed she had been receiving calls from unknown people who threatening to kill her and she was accusing me of sending them,’’ he said.

The petitioner claimed that his wife rented his house out without his consent and that she did not give him the money for the rentage. ``She let out my apartment and sent away my security guard without my knowledge,” the estranged husband said.

Bisola, 47, a businesswoman, told the court that she used to receive death threat from unknown

people and she believe it was the work of her husband.

She told the court that she never denied her husband sex, he used to ``have sex with me anytime he wanted to’’.

The respondent said that she rented the apartment out because her husband told her that he had willed the house to her daughter.

She said that she did not fight her husband until when she came back from London and her husband asked her to move to another room.

Bisola said that her husband came home one day to park all his belonging without quarrelling.

‘He punishes me by ‘I regret marrying my husband’ taking our baby away’ • On that fateful day that I briefly left the baby, before I returned, Ogundepo took the baby to an unknown destination. It was not until the following day when I reported the matter at a nearby police station that he was compelled to bring the child —Wife

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t Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, a middle age housewife, Oluwayemisi, has requested that her one-year marriage be dissolved.

She accused her husband, Akintunde Ogundepo, for allegedly kidnapping her baby.

According to her testimony, Oluwayemisi told the court that Ogundepo was a terrible husband.

She alleged that in addition to taking their sevenmonth-old baby to unknown destination, he often exposed her to torturous treatment like ceaseless beating.

“On that fateful day that I briefly left the baby, before I returned, Ogundepo took the

baby to an unknown destination.

“It was not until the following day when I reported the matter at a nearby police station that he was compelled to bring the child.

“He is used to doing this anytime he wants to punish me, thus exposing the baby to needless pains.

“Whether I argue with him on any given matter or not, he gives me deadly beating.

“Just a few days ago, Ogundepo gave me a deafening slap, such that I could no longer hear sound around me for some time,’’ she told the court. (wNAN)

• He simply married me because I was a banker so that he could collect money from me to finance his business.

But since I lost my job and nothing was forthcoming, he turned me into a punching bag —Wife • I moved out of our matrimonial home because my wife is a trouble-maker and all this boils down to the fact that I could not meet up with her monetary demands —Husband

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Lagos Island Customary Court has dissolved a 25year marriage between one Remi Ujagbor, 53, and Gladys Ujagbor, 48.

Remi, a clearing and forwarding agent, resides at No.56, Kofo Abayomi Avenue, Apapa, Lagos, while Gladys, an interior decorator, lives at No. 20, Eric Manuel Crescent, off Bode Thomas St., Lagos.

Remi had instituted the divorce suit on the union contracted in 1990 over allegations that his wife had been involving herself in domestic violence, unfriendliness and lack of peace with him.

The President of the court, Chief J.O. Ogunmola, in his judgment, granted the couple, blessed with three children, divorce, warning them to refrain from harassing and molesting each other.

Ogunmola ordered that the petitioner should pay N5, 000 to the respondent for the monthly upkeep of one of their children who is underage.

He said that Remi should also provide other financial assistance to the two other children.

“The children should also remain with their mother as agreed by both parties,” he ruled.

Earlier, Remi also told the court that Gladys, besides being unfriendly toward him was always fighting him.

He told the court that he was fed up with the union and pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage, based on what he called ``irreconcilable differences’’.

“I moved out of our matrimonial home because my wife is a trouble-maker and all this boils down to the fact that I could not meet up with her monetary demands,” he said.

However, Gladys, in her testimony, alleged that the petitioner was physically abusive toward her, adding that she had been better off without her husband since he had parked out of their matrimonial home.

She alleged that all efforts by her in-laws and her family

to reconcile them proved futile hence she pleaded with the court to dissolve the union.

“All what my husband said are lies, hell was let loose when I lost my job as a banker and I could not meet his financial needs.

“I regret marrying the petitioner because I have never enjoyed my marriage from the inception.

“He simply married me because I was a banker so that he could collect money from me to finance his business but since I lost my job and nothing was forthcoming, he turned me into a punching bag.”

She also alleged that the petitioner had threatened her on several occasions with cutlass and had since stopped providing financial assistance to their three children.

“I have gotten a job as an interior decorator and I’m doing perfectly well without him so I’m urging this court to dissolve our union without further delay,” Gladys pleaded.

(NAN)

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MARCH 26, 2016

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Dear Bukola

Having problems with your marriage, family, relationship, career or life generally?

Help is at hand with Bukola Oyetunji, Relationship Expert, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author of Stranded With a Status and One Good Spouse Deserves Another. www.bukolaoyetunji.blogspot.com, Follow on twitter @bukolaoyetunji

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

My fiancé wants me to become a Muslim Dear Bukola, am a 28 year old Christian woman in a relationship with a 35 year Muslim guy. We got engaged 3 months ago and plan to be married by the end of the year. The problem is that my Fiancé told me immediately after our engagement that it was compulsory for me to become a Muslim or else he would call the engagement off…. This has never been our agreement. My parents are born again Christians and I had to beg them before they gave me the consent to marry my fiancé with the assurance that he is okay with me remaining a Christian even after marriage. What do you think I should do now? I am confused….

I

My colleague’s body odour is killing me Dear Bukola, have this colleague that smells so badly. I have tried every possible means to indirectly let her know she needs to do something about it but she’s not sensitive enough to understand. Unfortunately for me, her desk was recently moved next to mine so it has become unbearable for me.

I wish I could tell her point blankly about her bad odour but I don’t want to hurt her feelings.

Dear colleague, here are times we need to have empathy for people around us especially someone like

your colleague. I believe for you to have noticed how badly she smells, someone else would have noticed too, unfortunately, they didn’t do anything to make her smell better. Now I want you to be the person that makes that change happen with her. Do you know that she may not know she smells?

That sounds impossible but it may be the case. Start by buying her a combo pack of perfume, body spray or any form of fragrance that may help her smell better. If she wonders why, just come up with a polite reason why you had to buy for her. If after this she still smells then you may have to tell her point blankly. In situations like this, she might need to work seriously on her personal hygiene, you know, wash her body twice daily and her private

areas as often as possible. Take proper care of her undergarments and make sure she wears them just once before washing. She can also try going around with a feminine body spray so that she can use it as often as possible during the day. Nice smelling body lotion, hand cream etc. can also help make her smell better…

All these boils down to her personal hygiene; which she has to put a lot of efforts into! With time, love as well and support from your part (and any other person willing to give), she will overcome the odour problem. If you can take it upon yourself to help her become a better person, she will respect and appreciate you for it.

Cheers.

M

Dear Anonymous, ou must really be a strong man to have tolerated your wife’s infidelity for over 6 years…. Some people cannot put up with any slight sign of infidelity from their spouse. However, I don’t think that is what marriage should be like. If a woman is promiscuous to the point that she rubs it in her husband’s face then believe me, the man’s life is in danger. At 29, with three kids, she is no more a child so she knows what she is doing.

Her action now cannot be compared to 10 years ago when you both got married as a result of pregnancy, so it should not be overlooked. You have to ask yourself if you want her to continue being a bad example to your children? You also have to think deeply if you want to continue living an unhappy life filled with regrets?

At 31 you are still young and there are

Y

men your age out there who are not even married so why should you live a life that has ended even before it’s started? Don’t let this woman make you miserable for the rest of your life. Talk to her parents or anyone you think she holds in high esteem. Let her know if she doesn’t change from her bad ways, the marriage may not last. I don’t preach divorce but I also do not support staying in a miserable marriage so if she is willing to make amends, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to give her a second chance but if she wouldn’t, then she deserves some space to help her think clearly. Also, I strongly advise you to use protection when having sexual intercourse with her because your health is important and it shouldn’t be toyed with….

At least until she turns a new leaf. I wish you all the strength you need.

I

T I think I married the wrong person

Dear Bukola, y wife and I got married young.

She was my school love. In truth, our marriage came up because she got pregnant but I was happy to have her as my wife. We got married traditionally and legally. She was 19 and I was 21 years old. Over the years, we have been blessed with two more children but I regret marrying her every day. This is our tenth year of marriage and my wife has been unfaithful for over 6 years now. She throws it in my face and doesn’t seem to care one bit.

Sometimes I just wish I had taken my baby from her when I discovered she was pregnant rather than get married to her. I am really fed up of her behavior though I think I still love her and wish she could change ….

Anonymous

Dear confused, irstly, I have slight reservations for relationships where you have to beg your parents to give you their consent…. If it doesn’t come naturally, it may not be a genuine one. Now, there are two sides to your issue. If you love your spouse very much and you can become a Muslim, it may not be a bad idea. On the other hand, if you believe in your parents very well to the point that you know they have good intentions towards you all the time, you should take their reservations seriously. I don’t think there is a crime in becoming a Muslim but it has to be something you personally want to do because if you agree to this now, you must be sure that you won’t regret it in the future. One thing I am not comfortable about however is that I sense a bit of deceit in play because your fiancé had no issues with your religion before the engagement why then did he suddenly give you an ultimatum now? If he had been clear about his intentions right from the beginning, I am confident your parents wouldn’t have allowed the engagement to take place in the first place…. I wonder if you know what that probably says about him? You need to talk to your parents about his mandate.

Let them give you their opinion and please be open- minded. Be thankful also that he told you this before marriage proper cause you still have some time to think and make proper decision.

Most importantly and like I always emphasise, your parents’ genuine consent matters…. Make sure you get it!

Best of luck with it.

F

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MARCH 26, 2016

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Male

Jide animashaun 08034710902

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Angle

How do you cope with No shoving please!

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hat do you do if you find yourself sharing a bed or a room with someone who snores? Your partner may be an intelligent, hilarious, thoughtful person who may generally be bringing out the best of you in the day time, but I guess saying the same thing at night is really a different kettle of fish on its own or something else at night. A prince charming during the day and beast at night who you will loathe as soon as he or she falls asleep each night. Why? He or she is prone to snoring, the tectonic sort of snoring that would make the walls rattle if we were cartoon characters. Those very loud decibels like the sound of a locomotive train in a china cup. As we’re all too real, this very loud and disturbing noise will make us miserable instead and most times we will end up losing sleep, while our partner will end up sore from the little kicks we would have been delivering as we try hard to get him or her to roll over so as to stop the snoring and we both end up waking, feeling wronged and resentful.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that snoring can wreak havoc on relationships.

It can take its toll on any couple or on any relationship and is one of the most common problems in the bedroom. It really isn’t exactly the kind of heavy breathing and loud noises you want coming from under the sheets especially when you want your relationship to be something worth having.

It can damage a couple’s sex life believe me. Most people who have snoring partners say they have less desire to have sex because of it. And thus sex can be a casualty of it because these couples in most cases end up wishing if not out rightly sleeping in another room because of their partner’s snoring. And that can be the start of a slippery slope that if not immediately curbed, can end up unconsciously breaking the relationship through incessant irritability and unnecessary sensitivity.

If you want to have a long lasting relationship therefore, the question is not whether to cope with a snoring partner but how to

cope with one. While the snoring may have been the root problem, moving into separate bedrooms has its own negative effects on intimacy and is not advised. Despite the prevalence of snoring, and its widespread impact on sleeping and creating mood swings and on relationships, it often is accepted as a not so silent epidemic but affecting a whole lot of people but I believe snoring shouldn’t be accepted as just part of sleep.

It should be seen as something that’s treatable and correctable, whether with assistance from medical professionals or tactics you can try on your own.

There’s no single “cure” for snoring, and I’ll be the last person to suggest that the trick that works like a charm for one partner will work for everyone.

What I can say though, is that the solution for you and yours is worth the search. So get on it, would you. While researching on this topic and meeting with some medical professional friends of mine, I discovered that weight loss can help with stopping snoring, as well as avoiding alcohol or sedating medications within three hours of bedtime. This is because extra tissues in the neck area courtesy of a few spare pounds or relaxation of muscles in the mouth and throat thanks to alcohol intake or a sleeping pill can contribute to the obstruction of the airway, causing those melodious vibrations sleepless partners know and love. Also, while we’re on the subject, know that a nightcap can spell trouble for non-snorers too because while it may help them fall asleep, it will affect sleeping patterns and may even disturb sleeping over a period of time.

Finally, here’s my advice for anyone sharing a bed with a snorer. Remember that snoring is also a medical condition and not a personal failing and seeing a doctor is advisable. Don’t exacerbate your sleeplessness with an outburst of anger. Occasional prodding and poking are fine, but if you’re counting on a long and happy marriage, beware the resentment and shoving. Get to the heart of the matter as quickly as you can.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Hot tips for good g 1. Show a little enthusiasm!

Good girl approach: Many of us have been taught that sex is not a high priority, so when your guy wants to do the horizontal tango, you make excuses or treat it like another chore on your to-do list.

Hot tip: Enjoy what feels good without reservation — and show your partner how excited you are by engaging him with your speech and movements. Understand that diving into the sack with someone who isn’t into it is like sharing a romantic meal with someone who’s watching television. Take the initiative! Wake him up with a below-thebelt kiss. Send him a naughty text message midway through the day. In bed, get into the moment by looking into his eyes and telling him how eager you are to be with him.

2. Speak Up! Good girl approach: Your bedroom sessions hardly leave you invigorated. In fact, you are scared that any attempt to spice things up will make you seem like a tramp.

Hot tip: Toss the dated worries. Liking sex doesn’t make you a hussy; it makes you human. Tell him how much you enjoy it when he kisses that special spot, or mention something you are craving in the heat of the moment! Just asking for something new can be

a huge turn-on for both partners. There’s a good chance he’d like to experiment too, but is keeping it to himself because he doesn’t want to offend you.

3. Love those thighs!

Good girl approach: You hate your hips, your backside is less than baby-smooth… blah, blah, blah.

Hot tip: Understand that men love sex — he’s absolutely thrilled when your thighs are wrapped around him - dimples, cellulite and all. He would never forgo what feels good to accommodate something as silly as your body insecurity. Give him the visualisation he craves and get off (pun intended) on the fact that you are the reason for every moan and squirm your man makes!

4. Get a new bedtime script!

Good girl approach: Your pillow talk doesn’t get much racier than a few “oh, baby’s” tossed in with a few “you feel so goods.”

Hot tip: Men are competitive by nature, and they love to know they are the best at whatever they are doing, including you. Just hearing you verbally tap into the action is enough to make him explode. Give him a blow-by-blow account of the action by telling him what he’s doing to you or asking questions such as, “Do you like it when I [insert

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MARCH 26, 2016

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Female

Angle

YEMISI ADENIRAN 08029894772 email: ydiran@yahoo.com

h a snoring partner?

N

This column is x-rated

girls

verb here] you?”

5. Get a little uncomfortable!

Good girl approach: You sleep in regular pyjamas or throw a tee-shirt on when it’s a little chilly. Sounds exciting?

Sorry, we don’t think so.

Hot tip: Men are visual creatures (that’s why porn stars are in business!).

Porn gals work this to their advantage and don sexy lingerie, all to enhance the experience. Welcome him into the boudoir in nothing but your birthday suit. Surprising him with something new will show him that he’s worth the effort, which will spark his heart as well as his, um, interest.

6. Get creative with the merchandise!

Good girl approach: You have an idea of what works for your guy, which is why you do that same thing again and again and…Oh so boring!

Hot tip: Your partner has dozens of hot buttons — from his toes to the back of his neck — and half the fun is finding out what works and what doesn’t.

Gently pinch or bite his nipples or kiss his chest and stroke his stomach gently with your nails. When you go below-

This column is x-rated the-belt, pay attention to all parts of the package.

7. Be a little selfish!

Good girl approach: You’re tired and overworked, and you haven’t visited your parents in ages. You’d love to get your hair done and go for choir practice, but you promised you’d run errands for your sister again, etc Hot tip: While good girls are taught to deprive themselves and be available for family and friends, the new hot you needs to make self-maintenance a high priority.

Whether it’s a manicure or a massage, do something that makes you feel and look good more than once a month. It will make you glow and add tons to your confidence.

8. Stop doing favours Good girl approach: You give oral as a “gift” for whatever special day, or tell him that if he’s good, you’ll let him try a new position.

Hot tip: Sexual desire is not a male-specific attribute, nor is it something that should be rationed. In fact, it’s practically as essential to a full life as food, water and shelter. Do things you know your partner will enjoy, while asking for what you want in return. In short, keep the bureaucracy out of the bedroom.

Find out what your partner likes, and as long as you are comfortable with it, give it to him generously. The only “requirement” you should have is that he recipro-

It’s a no no

o one enjoys a partner that snores. It is a snare to a healthy relationship. As a result of snoring, many of what used to be sweet affairs had turned sour.

Because of snoring, many a couple had had to engage in arguments again and again, while many had had to “part ways” by sleeping in different rooms. What’s the point sleeping on the same bed with your spouse when you would not get a sleep after all, because of the noise from his snoring?

A survey, some years back in Australia showed that two out of five women declared that their partners’ snoring made them to sleep in separate rooms. Three out of ten women said they had had to argue on different occasions with their partners and more than one in five people said snoring reduced the level of intimacy with their partners. And this: 30 out of 500 women spoken with in the survey blamed, in part, snoring for a break up of their relationship. It can be that bad.

If you wonder how it happens, then let’s consider what would happen if your partner snores and night after night, you lose sleep because of it. One, it affects your health. For someone who has been out to work much early in the day and had looked forward to coming back home into the warm embrace of the partner, particularly, during bed time, being disturbed by snoring would certainly be annoying, even when it is not deliberate. Disagreements may ensue over efforts or approach to solving the problem.

Many partners had tried to find a solution to the problem and this is simply by varying the time they come to bed. That is, one comes to bed before the other. But that has its implication: The amount of time needed for some bed time talk or intimacy is reduced.

Those who prefer to talk or stay in the arms of their partners till sleep creeps in lose out in the arrangement.

Another arrangement is a situation where the beds are separated and the partners sleep in different rooms.

The implication of this is worse than that of varying the time of sleep. It creates a wide gap between them and gradually, what used to be a lovely affair becomes one ordinary one lacking its original beauty.

Different things can be blamed for snoring and they include age; the way the individual is built; nasal and sinus problems; being overweight;

alcohol, smoking and mediations and sleeping position.

For instance, in the case of age, one’s throat is said to be narrower as one ages and the muscle tone in the throat decreases, thus causing snoring. Sleeping position can be a problem in the sense that lying on one’s back, for example, can cause the flesh of the throat to relax and block the airway.

However, one can try to work on it to save the relationship from collapse.

Here are some efforts to make the needed correction.

Shed some weight: Losing some weight can help in reducing the fatty tissue in the back of the throat and either decrease snoring or stop it totally.

Exercise: Some exercises to tone the arms and legs for example, can lead to a reduction in snoring. This is because the exercises can lead to toning the muscles in the throat.

Stop smoking: Smoking increases your chances of snoring because it leaves the airway blocked.

Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and sedatives: These things relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with breathing. So, doing away with them will help the situation.

Establish regular sleep patterns: Ensuring a bed time routine can help the situation. Hit the bed at the same time and sleep off make things better.

Apart from these, there are other recommendations by experts that should be observed during bed time.

They include clearing the nasal passage; keeping the bedroom air moist with humidifier; repositioning yourself by elevating your head some four inches and avoiding caffeine and heavy meals within two hours of going to bed, especially, dairy products and soymilk. Also, it is necessary to sleep on your side.

Women detest men who make sound like some trailers or bulls all in the name of snoring. Besides, such common excuses of being too tired or overworked just to cater for the family should be stopped. In addition, the regular fun that men go tom get from relaxation centers in the name of faaji (fun) need to be reduced too to keep their shape and weight under check.

With snoring reduced or totally stopped, you are bound to have a funfilled relationship. Nothing should hinder one from enjoying the fun that comes with night; not even snoring.

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Mirror

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Top 5 female police officers Widespread police brutality is one of the problems in Nigeria as well as in other countries. While conversations about solutions have been mostly focused on better training or a need for community engagement, a brilliant idea is being overlooked: increasing the numbers of women in the Nigerian Police Force. According to recent studies, female officers are less authoritarian in their approach to policing, less reliant on physical force and are more effective communicators. Here is a list of amazing Nigerian female officers. They are beautiful, they are brave, and they can roundhouse kick you in the face!

Olabisi Alofe-Kolawole

I

n August 2015, the inspector general of police, Solomon Arase, appointed Olabisi Alofe-Kolawole as the new force public relations officer. Alofe-Kolawole became the first female police officer to be appointed as national police spokesperson. She holds a first degree in law from Ogun State University and a Masters degree in police leadership and management from University of Leicester, the United Kingdom. Alofe-Kolawole said that one of her role models is Oprah Winfrey, the American TV celebrity who is the first known black female billionaire.

Sergeant Mercy John is a female police officer who disarmed two robbers who attempted to steal her belongings.

The brave sergeant was awarded by Babatunde Fashola, the former governor of Lago state, who congratulated her and encouraged not to relent in her efforts in the course of her duty. Sergeant John is a native of Ikori local government area of Cross River state. She was enlisted into the Police Force on July 1, 2000 and served in MOPOL 20, Force Ikeja from 2004 to 2012.

Aisha Umar Sule is a dedicated, smart and beautiful Nigeria police officer.

Ngozi Conchita Braide, who hails from Imo state, is a graduate of English from the Lagos State University.

She joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1996 as a cadet inspector and was part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Operation in Liberia in 2006. Ngozi also served with International Criminal Police Organisation, INTERPOL between 1999 – 2003. In 2007, she worked at Force Intelligence Bureau and Special Fraud Unit.

Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, who hails from Onitsha in Anambra state, is the second feminine commissioner of police and the seventeenth CP because the creation of Ebonyi state. Her journey within the Police Drive which began 29 years in the past has been powerful and eventful. However by means of onerous work and willpower she rose steadily up the ladder of law enforcement of-

Sergeant Mercy John

Aisha Umar Sule

Ngozi Conchita Braide ficials’ ranks. The governor of Ebonyi state described Abdallah: “Her joviality shouldn’t be taken as a right as a result of anyone who smiles like her may be strict and even troublesome.” Talking on the grand reception of her appointment, Abdallah stated: “I’m a lady with few phrases. I’m a girl of motion. I’m right here to work the speak, to not make noise.” –Naij.com

Peace Ibekwe Abdallah

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SEPTEMBER 26, 2015

Mirror

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Easter is here again!

•Devout Christians across the world celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ with bloody re-enactments, violent whipping and candlelight vigils. In Nigeria, churches are overflowing with the faithful while fun spots are running over with revelers. JULIET UMEH examines the different traditions.

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e-enactments of the crucifixion of Jesus, violent flagellation ceremonies and parades and pilgrimages are among the spectacular and deeply religious ceremonies taking place across Christian communities this week.

Held to mark the beginning of Easter, the celebrations across the globe all take on varying forms according to local Christian customs and ancient traditions.

In the Philippines, Roman Catholics have been photographed prostrating in front of a chapel as they are whipped in their annual flagellation ceremony.

The capital, Manila, is also hosting street plays featuring actors playing the role of a tortured Jesus Christ and Roman soldiers in the deeply observant Christian country.

Believers around the world mark the Holy Week of Easter in celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament.

Nigerian Christians are not left out. A procession featuring a bleeding ‘Jesus’ was spotted in the Ogba area of Lagos last weekend. Many such processions took place throughout this week in different parts of Nigeria as Christians nationwide are joining their brethren world over for the Easter celebration. Some Nigerian Christians consider the Easter season the best time to have a closer relationship with God. Therefore they move en masse to spiritual ‘mountains’ to have some review of their lives and call for God’s help where they feel things are not all right.

Many churches have found the Easter season as the most auspicious to plan vigils, revivals, 3-day or 7-day spiritual programmes that draw crowds of worshippers and legions of spiritual leaders from far and near.

Since yesterday, Good Friday, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has become ‘Jesus Way’ because the numerous churches sited by the sides of the expressway began spiritual programmes that promise every attendee healing, sanctification, restoration, liberation from evil forces, kingdom blessings and fresh prophetic experiences. The effect of the multiple religious programmes by the different households of God that are neighbours to the popular road is traumatic traffic snarl every day until the end of the festive season, but this has not stopped mammoth gospel-minded who had planned an encounter with God during this time when the world remembers his death and resurrection.

Even children, who because of their innocent ages and elementary knowledge, are unable to understand the wholesome personality, called Jesus Christ, let alone his death and resurrection, many churches organise picnics, concerts, love feast, choreography and so on for their enjoyment. Yet, the port of call of many children and adults this Easter period may not be churches or prayer grounds, but places of fun, music and dance, amusement parks.

Although, Saturday Mirror could not

Pope get information about the preparations many of the amusement parks in Lagos are making to satisfy the population of visitors this Easter, our correspondent observed that most managements of the parks have carefully mowed lawns in their environments, bought new chairs and overhauled their machines for amusements in order to offer the kids and other attendees value for the prices they will pay for funfair or prizes they will try to win.

However in Lagos, no place will compete with amusements parks on the volume of visitors scale as Lekki, Badagry

and Bar beaches, which will record imprints of numberless visitors’ footsteps on its sands. These places fascinates with the lure of sand marks, music and seaside attractions. Also some other visitors choose to visit the beaches for meditation and prayers while not a few lovers go in tow, arm in arm appreciating the affection they have for themselves.

An operator of a roast and grilled meat shop at the Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, popularly called Kris, told Saturday Mirror, last week, “This place becomes a beehive at Easter and Christmas periods

because of its topography and its natural scenery. Apart from the beach, there are other interesting or thrilling facilities that can be enjoyed such as boat, bicycle, horse, motor bike rides, music of different genres, drama by theatre groups and delicious dishes of different cultures very plenty, but at affordable fees,” he advertised.

In addition, most hotels, it was discovered during our correspondent’s survey, have also tried to improve on their services, most especially lodging and refreshments, to gain patronage during this Easter. Saturday Mirror, however, reliably gathered that they may find a strong rival in most drinking night clubs and brothels in Lagos widely frequented by men called Omo Eko and ladies described as Sisi Eko. They are renowned for visiting such places during festivities to drink, dance and smoke before engaging in arguments over politics, business, land, family and sex, an interesting universal topic.

On Good Friday, Christians, especially worshippers in orthodox churches, remembered Christ with a symbolic dramatisation of his crucifixion on the cross.

And on Easter Sunday, a symbolic meal of flesh and blood, bread and wine, will be served to celebrate Christ’s death and the victory of his resurrection in all churches in memory of his command – “Do this in remembrance of me.”

However, speaking on the best way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Lord Bishop of Awori Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Akinwamide Atere, condemned emphasis on material comforts in the name of celebrating Easter.

“To really celebrate Christ’ resurrection is to win more souls for him. The most important thing to do at Easter is to make sure the Kingdom of God is populated by new souls and the Kingdom of Satan is depopulated by rescuing the ‘lost sheep.’ God becomes happy when souls are won into His kingdom. Divine blessings that come with celebrating Easter the godly way can be forfeited if emphasis is placed solely in wining and dining,” the cleric stressed.

Making a comparison between Christmas and Easter, Atere told Saturday Mirror: “At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our savior, but at Easter, we celebrate the completion, the fulfillment of the ministry of He who was born at Christmas.

Both festivities are important, significant and symbolic in Christian life, but Easter is the victory Jesus brought to the world.”

Also describing the essence Easter and the best way to celebrate it, Prophet Uchenna Luke Obalum, of City of Signs and Wonders Lagos, says, “Easter is the period of taking deep thought about the journey of our redemption. The best way to celebrate it is to teach others around you about the journey of the cross and death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. It is the time to prove to Christ that we love and appreciate the price he paid for our sins, not the time to go deeper into sin.”

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cervical cancer: What every woman should know!

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ne may be tempted at this point in time to believe that every woman in Nigeria knows about cervical cancer.

Why? The information is all out there! It is second only to breast cancer as the commonest women’s cancer the world over. But in Nigeria, the story is slightly different. Cervical cancer is the number one killer cancer of women.

Meaning that, why breast cancer afflicts more women, cervical cancer kills more.

Now, if every woman knows about cervical cancer- its deadly nature and its preventable nature- while do scores of women besiege gynecological clinics in tertiary institutions across Nigeria on a daily basis, with terrible smell emanating from their emaciated bodies, seeking a late and costly care to a preventable and largely curable cancer?

Maybe most women haven’t heard about it after all, or they have heard but don’t know what to do about it. Maybe they even know what to do about it but are not sure how to go about it. And when they know how to go about it: where is the time? And where is the money?

It then behooves us to keep talking about it until every woman hears, every woman understands, every woman screens and every woman preaches it to the next woman.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the neck of the womb or cervix. The cervix serves as an entrance to the womb. It is that organ that dilates from 0-10cm when a woman is in labour but closes tightly to keep a baby in the womb until delivery. A powerful organ, it is about 4cm in length and 2.5cm in diameter and assumes different shapes in women of different age groups and different reproductive stages i.e. from onset of menses till menopause.

Cancer affecting the cervix occurs all over the globe.

Statistics: They are not nice!

–Every 2 minutes a woman dies of cervical cancer somewhere in the world –About 10,000 Women are at risk of developing Cervical Cancer every year in Nigeria –More than 80% of these will present in advanced stages, when little can be done –70% of deaths due to cervical cancer occur in developing countries –In Nigeria 70% of cervical cancer deaths occur in the rural areas, where little is known about the disease, healthcare services are poor and factors promoting cervical cancer are rife.

Causes: The Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection has been linked to practically all cases of cervical cancer. This virus, which is sexually transmitted is found to infect almost all sexually active women and is in fact one of the commonest sexually transmitted infection in the world. There are several types of HPV virus and not all of them are capable of causing cancer. Also, after an HPV infection, most women will clear the virus and be free of it in a few months to a few years. But in a small number of women, infection with cancer- causing HPV infection persists. When it does, it changes cells in a particular area of the cervix and makes them abnormal. If nothing is done at this stage, the abnormal cells go on to become full blown cancer cells and begin to spread to the rest of the body. In effect, curtailing HPV infection means curtailing cervical cancer.

But there are other factors known as disease modulating factors. What this means is that the presence of any of these factors singly or combined makes it easier for HPV infection to occur and persist while also enhancing the

ability of such infection to progress to cancer.

Such factors include: •Early age of sexual activity •Giving birth to many children •Having multiple sexual partners or having a partner with multiple sexual partners •Smoking •Co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection • Poor nutrition and low socio economic status •Immunodeficiency such as in HIV All the above except smoking are common amongst African women. When combined with lack of regular screening culture, it is no surprise that while the incidence of the disease keeps falling in other societies, it keeps rising in our clime.

Symptoms: Most times, especially at the early stages, cervical cancer is asymptomatic. Much later, the following symptoms could manifest: 1. Abnormal bleeding from the vagina 2. Bleeding after having sex 3. Abnormal vaginal discharge which could be smelly 4.Abdominal or pelvic pain 5. Backache etc Treatment: This largely depends on the stage at which the woman presents At the Precancer stages: Chances of cure are high and costs of treatments are lower. The abnormal cells can be burnt off, frozen or simply sliced off. Note that, cervical cancer stays for several years at this stage before resolving or progressing to full blown cancers.

In early cancerous stages: options of treatments available are: Surgery, Chemotherapy And Radiation therapy.

These measures are far more expensive, with limited availability in Nigeria In advanced stages: Treatment of cervical cancer may be no more than palliatives Prevention: This is the most important aspect of this piece. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers in the world.

Because it is a slowly growing cancer, regular screening is one good way to nip it in the bud.

In the United States for instance, due to popular practice of screening, cases of cervical cancer are said to have reduced by about 70%!

Making regular screening an effective form of secondary prevention.

Screening types: though the cancer is commoner in middle aged women; beginning from twenties, it is advised that women continue screening into the 7th decade, as it has been known to occur till the late sixties. It is important to note that most women who come down with cervical cancer have never had a screening done. There are many screening tests that aid in early detection of cervical cancer.

Perhaps the most popular is the Papanikolau(pap) smear : This test, named after the discoverer is cytology based. That is, its principle is based on cell study. To carry out the test therefore, some cells are scraped from the cervix and taken to the lab for analysis. The result which should be ready in a few days is highly reliable in detecting cancerous cells. The downside of Pap smear and perhaps the reason why few women embraced it in our setting include: The stress of two visits; for testing and for result collection The relatively high cost Coupled with lack of ready availability of expertise Pap smear generally requires well trained hands and substantial resources to carry out, but still remains the gold standard in medical circles for cervical cancer screening.

Visual inspection tests: These tests are usually carried out by staining the cervix with vinegar or iodine and interpreting the result based on an immediate color change. They are recommended for a resource- poor setting like Nigeria for the following reasons: 1. They are affordable and some organizations actually do it for FREE 2. They are easy to interpret, so require less intense training of personnel 3.They give results immediately, hence require a single visit, during which immediate treatment can also take place.

In addition, visual inspection tests are very sensitive tests and more reliable at detecting

cancer free cells.

There are other screening tests such as Colposcopy, Biopsy and HPV DNA that could be suggested by your doctor based on your own situation.

Vaccination: A major breakthrough in the primary prevention of cervical cancer is the availability of vaccines against the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). These vaccines are said to be more than 90% protective against cervical cancer. They are recommended for all females above 9yrs, to enable them acquire immunity against the HPV strains which are responsible for majority of cervical cancers. It is believed that young females will benefit while they are yet not sexually active and hence not exposed to HPV virus .In the same vein, adult females will benefit ,even with previous infection, as not only will the vaccine protect against the specific strains it contained, it will also enhance protection against other cancer-causing strain. In addition to vaccination, sexually active adult female must go for screening every 3-5years What to do?

In ridding our nation of this scourge, we all have roles to play Government should: Recognize cervical cancer as a public health problem and create awareness accordingly Make screening possible, accessible and affordable to every woman in Nigeria irrespective of location.

Endeavour to make vaccines available and affordable to all Provide effective treatment centers, which is affordable for those with established cancers Every woman should: Get screened Get vaccinated Know the symptoms of cervical cancer And Get prompt treatment Conclusion: Need I say more? The cervix is now in your court!!

You can chat with a doctor FREE at www. prettyhealthcare.com.ng. Every Wednesdays and Fridays (4-8pm)

Sport

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MARCH 26, 2016

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Lukmon Lawal of Nigeria (left) exchanging blows with Ihab Almatbouli of Jordan during their men’s heavyweight (81kg) clash at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Aftermath of Olympic qualifier:

What hope for Nigerian boxing?

IfeanyI eduzor

F

or some years, many Nigerians have expressed surprise at the sudden decline of boxing in the country. Not only are the country’s boxers at the amateur and paid ranks finding it difficult to rule the pugilist sport, but they are now at the mercy of boxers from smaller countries.

This sorry state of Nigerian boxing became more pronounced at the recent Olympic qualifiers in Yaoundé, Cameroon where ten boxers presented for the qualifiers, comprising of seven men and three women, feel short with only one, Efe Ajagba qualifying to represent Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics in August.

It is noteworthy that three of the boxers at the qualifiers won gold medals at the last Africa Games in Congo, Brazzaville while two were silver medalists.

Ajagba won gold medal at the All- Africa Games and Efetobor Apochi a silver medalist at the Games. Others are Korede Adeniyi, Kazeem Soyoye, Muyideen Oyakojo, Sadiq Umar and Abua Christian.

In the Women’s category are All-Africa Games gold medalists, Edith Ogoke-Agu, Kehinde Obareh, as well as Caroline Linus.

Interestingly, the same Mauritius boxer, Joseph Kennedy St. Pierre, who denied Nigeria’s heavyweight hopeful Apochi a gold medal at the African Games also cut short his dreams of being in Brazil, an indication that his victory over him in the Central African country was no fluke.

A look at the history of the country’s participation in the Olympics indicates that since 1952 when Nigeria first hoisted its flag at the Games, boxing has accounted for six medals out of a number of 23 medals made up of 3 gold, 8 silver and 12 bronze

medals won by the country in the Olympics.

Nigeria’s good show in the sport started at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics when Nojim Maiyegun won a bronze medal in the light middleweight clash, followed by another bronze medal won by Isaac Ikhoura in the light heavyweight category at the 1972 Munich Games.

After this feat, it took the boxers another 12 years to win a medal at the games when Peter Konyegwachie won a silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

The duo of David Izonritei and Richard Igbineghu also won silver medals in the heavyweight and super heavyweight respectively at the 1992 Barcelona Games, with Duncan Dokiwari winning a bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Aside these boxers, Nigeria has also produced great pugilists in the past such as former World middleweight champion, Dick Tiger Ihetu, Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey, Samuel Peter, Obisia Nwank-

pa, Joe Lasisi, Hogan Jimoh, Jeremiah Okorodudu, Ngozika Ekwelum, Eddy Ndukwu, Dele Jonathan and Davidson Andeh, who ruled amateur boxing for many years, and several others.

When these boxers held sway, it was unthinkable for Nigeria not to have many boxers that will pick Olympic qualifiers in the continent. The reverse is now the case, a situation many attribute to the steady decline of the technical input and preparation of athletes before any major tournament.

This gradual decline of the sport became apparent following the dearth of boxing tournaments and failure of the National Sports Commission/Ministry of Sports to sponsor athletes to foreign training tours which in the past helped in not only grooming boxers, but also giving them the required exposure to compete at international events.

Although Head Coach of Nigerian boxing team, Tony Konyegwachie, has attributed

the boxers’ failure to pick tickets to Brazil 2016 Olympics to biased officiating, there is still a big question on the criteria used to select the boxers.

Nigerians would like to know whether they were selected by the coaching crew based on their present or past performances or whether they were imposed on the coaches by the NSC or whether the training they underwent was good enough to face the over 200 boxers drawn from all countries of the continent for the qualifiers.

A good answer to these salient questions will help to guide against poor showing by Nigeria at future competitions.

As Nigeria awaits another opportunity to get slots at the Olympics through the women Olympic trials in Kazakhstan and the men’s event in Azerbaijan, it is important to plug the loopholes identified in Cameroon, if only to ensure that the country picks more tickets for the Rio Olympics.

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MIRROR SPORT

MirrorGolf Mirror With Pius Anakali

MARCH 26, 2016

Tel: 08023367071

Woods’ injuries may be self-inflicted, says Williams

T

iger Woods’ former caddie Steve Williams has cast doubt on the former world No1’s chances of winning another major and suggested the injury problems he has suffered in recent years might be self-inflicted.

The former number one ended his 12-year partnership with caddie Steve Williams after their relationship became strained No-one knows Woods’ game better than Williams, who shared in 13 of the American’s 14 major titles among 84 tournament victories together.

Their partnership broke down in 2011 and Woods has since not added to his major tally. The former world number one last played competitively in August last year.

Woods has slumped to 467 in the world rankings while he recovers from his latest back

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A

Tiger

surgery and there seems no prospect of an imminent return. Yet Williams is convinced the golfer can achieve more professional victories.

“I don’t doubt he will come back to the winner’s circle,” Williams told 5 live Golf.

“He is a great competitor, he has an incredible work ethic, when he can work hard and one thing he does know how to do is winning.

BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-am last year was incredible and I can’t wait to be involved again.

“Hitting my tee shot off the first in front of so many people was probably one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done, but once that was out of the way I relaxed and we had a laugh.”

“Justin has become a great friend over the last few years and I can’t wait to play alongside him.”

Horan attracted big crowds to the Wentworth course when he played with McIlroy but it was not totally without incident.

Mcllroy targeting a win against Spieth

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ory Mcllory is hoping for a Ryder Cup-style shootout with Jordan Spieth at this week’s World Match Play Championship in Austin.

Mcllroy

Title defence: Power Lee gets IDU support IfeanyI eduzor

Singer, Horan to partner Rose in BMW Championship

ne direction singer Niall Horan will team up with major winner Justin Rose in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May. The chart-topping singer will tee off with the 2013 US Open champ in the pro-am preceding the European Tour’s flagship event.

Horan played the star-studded warm-up to Europe’s biggest event with Rory McIlroy last year.

And he caddied for the four-time major winner at the Masters’ par-3 competition the month before, famously falling over while being interviewed.

Niall said: “Playing in the

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

They are not due to meet until the final of an event featuring the top 64 players in the game. Defending champ McIlroy feels a win over the world No.1 would send his stop-start season soaring.

McIlroy said: “It is important to get that winning buzz. I’d love to win before Augusta and this is my last chance.

“I feel I’m close. I’m not quite where they are, and I haven’t had the confidence of getting a win this year. This would be a great week to get that win or at least get close.

“If I can get a few good matches under my belt and progress to the weekend I feel that’s all I need; confidence-wise going into Augusta and beating Spieth in a headto-head battle in his home State would be the ultimate boost.

s the May, 1 title defence of his (PWA) Africa Wrestling heavyweight fight approaches, members of Isoko Development Union I Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State has pledged to give their full support to their son, Godspower Ikpide a.k.a Power Lee to enable him successfully defend the title against his challenger, Marvelous Buffalo of Angola.

President General of the Union, High Chie) Iduh Amadhe gave the assurance when Power Lee visited him and members of his executive council at his Uzede residence.

According to the former chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, all the entire sons and daughters of Isoko land are happy with the achievement of their son and will not relent in supporting him rule the world in the mats man game.

“We have not been privileged to have a son that has gone as far as Power Lee in clinching a continental title and as such we and our women wing have no choice than to support and encourage him as well as other upcoming athletes who may take after him and do exploits for the Isoko ethnic nationality.

“As you prepare to defend your title at the Asaba Township Stadium, we will mobilize all indigenes

(From left ) Chief Job Owhefere, Ododo 1 of Owhe Kingdom, Olusesan Olukoya, Secretary General, Pro Wrestling Africa, Godspower Ikpide, aka Power Lee, PWA African Champion, IDU president, and Prince Emmanuel Alighomuwe, Assistant Secretary, Isoko Development Union in a group photograph.

of Isoko land both at home and in the Diaspora to support you and ensure you bring glory to the country” the President General assured.

Earlier in his speech at the occasion, Power Lee who explained that his wrestling exploits started through traditional wrestling at Ofosu, a boundary town between Ondo and Edo State where he represented his community before moving to Lagos in 1987 where he became an amateur wrestler and then a professional wrestler in 1990, promised not to disappoint Nigerians.

Power Lee was later invited as one of the guest to the official visit of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1 to the Palace of the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His

Royal Majesty, Barrister Anthony Uvietoborie Ogbogbo where he was officially introduced to the Olu and other kings by the President General and Okpuzo Romanus Ejirememe Inana, the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom. The kings after praying for him, gave him royal blessings with a promise that they will be at the ring side to cheer him to victory.

Caption: (From Right ) Chief Job Owhefere, Ododo 1 of Owhe Kingdom, Olusesan Olukoya, Secretary General, Pro Wrestling Africa, Godspower Ikpide, aka Power Lee, PWA African Champion, IDU president, and Prince Emmanuel Alighomuwe, Assistant Secretary, Isoko Development Union in a group photograph.

ITTF: Nigerian open qualifiers serve off April 1 IfeanyI eduzor

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oreign and home based players who wants to be part of the 2016 ITTF World Tour tagged Nigerian open, are expected to compete in the Nigerian open qualifiers which will serve off on April 1.

The two-day tournament will witness the emergence of eight players made up of four men and four women that will join others in the main ITTF World Tour which holds on May 18 to 22 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

According to a statement by the

Nigeria Table tennis Federation, only the four highest ITTF ranked Nigerian players in the April 2016 world ranking in both events shall qualify automatically to represent the country while other players who does not have automatic qualification but wish to represent Nigeria are advised to play in the qualifying tournament.

The statement noted that only players registered by states which are affiliated to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) or foreign based Nigerian players are eligible to participate and that all players shall hold the current NTTF Player’s License, which must be produced on demand.

It stated further that all players shall signify their intention to play by registering with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation with a copy to the referee, warning that the organizers may disqualify a player if information supplied is found to be false. For the qualifiers format, the registered players shall be drawn into pools and matches will be played in round robin, with qualifiers from each group advancing into second round in both events, while matches in round one round robin shall be best of five games, while matches in round two shall be best of seven games and shall be played on knock-out basis.

HFN makes allowance appeal to Dalung PrIscIlla davIes

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andball Federation of Nigeria, HFN, has appealed to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung to intervene in settling the backlog of allowances owed players that participated in the last African Games in the Congo Brazzaville.

A total of 28 players and two coaches are yet to be paid their transport and local camping allowances promised them by the Ministry, especially after putting up a good show at the games.

Chief Coach of HFN, Fidelis Obi, who made the appeal in Minna, while speaking to Sports Writers said initially, the 28 players were not among

those captured to be camped for the games as the directive from the Confederation of African Handball to include them arrived late, one week to the games.

Hence, he noted the President of HFN and the Chairman, Kaduna state chapter of the Handball Association as well as the former Director General of NSC met and agreed to allow the players, including their two Coaches into the camp, pending approval.

According to him, as a result of the performance they put up, the Director General, who witnessed some of the matches, they played accepted to pay the local camping allowances for both the players and coaches but that has not be done.

The Coach while appealing to the

Minister on behalf of the team to help resolve the issue noted that at the moment most of the players are not happy with the situation, particularly considering their contribution at the Games.

Dalung

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Super Falcons remain 37th in FIFA ranking

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igeria stayed in 37th spot after gathering a total of 1602 points in the latest Fifa rankings for women released by Fifa on Friday.

Despite this motionless position, the Super Falcons remain the best team in Africa and are closely followed by Chinese Taipei who are ranked 38th with 1590 points.

Cameroon are rated second based team in Africa with 1496 points to place 46th in the world with the Black Queens of Ghana amazing 1475 points to stay third in Africa and 48th in

MIRROR SPORT

MARCH 26, 2016

the world.

The United States remain the top rated women team in the world with 2174 points, followed

by Germany in second place with 2117 points while France are placed third after gathering 2068 points.

Sweden which recently qualified for Rio 2016 as Europe’s third and final participant after coming out on top of a four-team mini-tournament hosted by the Netherlands moved two spots to sixth, while Norway have fallen to 11th, making room for Canada in the top ten.

A+A Wrestling: Title belts arrives Nigeria

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AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria, Egypt share points in Kaduna N igeria’s chances of qualifying for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana suffered a massive setback Friday when they failed to beat Egypt in a must-win game in Kaduna.

The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt, who thus stays on top of group G with seven points and host Nigeria in a reverse fixture in Alexandria on Tuesday. Nigeria has five points with Tanzania on four points.

Oghenekaro Etebo put Nigeria ahead on the hour, when he

scrambled home off a rebound after Kelechi Iheanacho’s sizzler came off the post.

However, in stoppage time, Mohammed Salah broke an offside trap by the home team to draw Egypt level.

Nigeria bossed ball possession after a bright start to the game, but Egypt threatened on the counter.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme pulled off the first big save of the day when he put out his foot to block a goal-bound effort

by Ahmed Hassan ‘Kouka’ after

18 minutes.

Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shennawi was also at his best in the closing moments of the game when he turned away a low, goal-bound shot by Kelechi Iheanacho in the 45th minute.

In first half stoppage time, subdued Odion Ighalo failed to direct his shot from inside the box with the Egypt defence at his mercy.

Nigeria continued to attack after the interval with Coach Samson Siasia giving Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi his first official game for the Eagles.

IfeanyI eduzor

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rganisers of A+A Intercontinental Wrestle Force Championship, a professional wrestling competition meant to celebrate the first year anniversary of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode in office have taken delivery of belts to be won during the event.

Coordinator and initiator of the tournament, Prince Olanrewaju Mohammed told Saturday Mirror that 10 title belts were delivered to the organizers from the producer in Austria last weekend, adding that the arrival of the belts is a turning point in the organization of the Intercontinental Wrestle Force, which has Alhaji. Abdullahi Enilolobo, as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.

“We have just taken delivery of the belts to show our seriousness ahead of the competition which will be held across 15 centers from 15-30 May this year, “ said Prince Mohammed, a former African wrestling champion.

“We have also received trophies for the most dressed wrestler of the tournament and for the most brutal fight.

These are belts manufactured in Austria and they met international standard, “he said.

According to him, the championship belts include the ones to be won by the best wrestler of the competition, most enter-

Ambode taining wrestler, survival series, royal rumble, super heavyweight, heavyweight, junior heavyweight, lady’s champion and tag team.

Mohammed who also doubles as President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation noted that the championship will start in Epe, the home town of the State Governor, after which it will move to Alimosho, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Eti- Osa, Ifako Ijaiye, Oshodi-Isolo, Badagry, Ojo, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Yaba, Kosofe-Ketu and Surulere while the grand finale will be staged at the Agege Stadium, the home town of Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa,” said Prince Mohammed.

He further disclosed that 24 home based wrestlers and 11 from African continent will be part of the show even as he announced that 35 wrestlers from Europe, America and Asia will also be part of the championship.

ITF set to reward Nigeria’s Osewa with European tour

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igeria’s Micheal Osewa look set to be rewarded by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) with a European Tour following his brilliant display at the recently concluded 39th ITF/ CAT African Junior Championships in Pretoria, South Africa.

Although Osewa failed in his bid to be crowned Africa’s best player in the boy’s U-14 category by losing to Damien Laporte of the Seychelles in the final held at the ITF High Performance Centre in Pretoria, he seems to have done enough to be among the few players that will be Hiddink

chosen across all the continents by the world governing body of tennis for the tour.

Osewa’s silver medal outing was the best in Nigeria’s history at the 25-nation event which is the biggest junior tennis in Africa.

Nigeria’s junior tennis head coach, Mohammed Ubale told Saturday Mirror that the 14-yearold, alongside Laporte, Ryan Randiek of Kenya Khololwalm Monsti of South Africa and a host of other players, will now be upgraded to the U-16 category in next year’s edition having been identified as one of Africa’s talented prospects in tennis.

Super Eagles

Brazil Friendly: Amoo excited with Dream team performance

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he interim head coach of the Nigeria U-23 team, Fatai Amoo has said the display of his boys against host Brazil has justified their emergence as the African champions, and shown that they really can win gold at the Olympics in Rio come August this year.

Speaking after the Dream Team defeated Brazil by a lone goal, Coach Amoo admitted that his boys struggled to contain the hosts in the first half as they launched their attack from the left wing, but the team was able to redress that in the second half.

“The first half was very

Amoo

difficult for us, but then it is expected, having in mind that we scored an early goal and as

such it was expected they would come all out against us to get the equalizer, but I must give my boys a lot of credit for holding their own.

“The boys did a great job if you recall that 80 percent of the boys we brought here were just meeting one another for the first time, and we needed to see all of them in match situation.

I’m happy we have seen them and this is hoping that as we play more friendlies, we would discover more players that will compete for jerseys before the Olympics proper” Amao concluded.

Dalung inaugurates committee for Beach Soccer AFCON

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he Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung on Thursday in Kaduna inaugurated the local organizing committee for the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations, Nigeria 2016.

With inspiring words and a buoyant smile, Dalung charged the committee to work hard and diligently, in order to deliver a championship that the Government and people of Nigeria would be proud of.

“You are exemplary Nigerians, no doubt about that. I want you to work at maximum capacity

to organize a competition that the whole nation would cherish.

You are capable of doing that, because the faces I see today are that of men and woman of immense caliber.”

The committee is headed by Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who is also the NFF 1st Vice President while NFF Executive Committee member, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande is vice chairman, with another NFF Executive Committee member, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu as member.

Other members are Adeyinka

Adeboye, Athanasius Okon, Bolaji Yusuf, Salisu Nakande and Nansel Nimyel. Others are Sunny Moniedafe, Margaret Icheen and Samson Adamu. Bola Oyeyode is Secretary of the committee with former NFF President Anthony Kojo Williams as Adviser.

The 2016 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations, which Nigeria will host in December, will also serve as the African qualifying tournament for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, holding in the Bahamas.

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LEISURE

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MARCH 26, 2016

Patience OgbO

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suspected blind man ,Monday Eriya 60 is among six suspects being investigated by the Lagos State police command for allegedly hijacking a truck and diverting goods worth millions of naira.

Eriya who claimed to be blind was arrested after policemen tracked a stolen truck conveying tyres to Ogun State and arrested the hijackers.

According to the police attached to the Special Anti- Robbery Squad ( SARS) Lagos State police Command, Eriya is an alleged member of the syndicate and he forged documents including waybill that enabled the hijackers to steal the truck of tyres.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatia Owoseni while paraded the suspects at the state Command Ikeja.

The suspects gave the names of other members of the syndicate as Monday Raya, a Naval rating simple identified as Peter, Francis Onoga ,Monday Eriya and Nonso Charles.

According to the police, the gang hijacked the truck conveying the tyres worth about N20million at the NIMASA junction in Apapa Lagos and allegedly kidnapped the driver and conductor of the truck with the assistance of a Navy personnel.

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Blind man arrested for forging Way Bill The allegation read “ One Monday Raya who in 2012 was charged to court for conspiracy and armed robbery, used a pick up van to hijack a trailer at NIMASA junction. Monday and his gang kidnapped the driver of the trailer and the conductor and they drove the stolen trailer containing tyres worth millions of naira to Toll gate in Ogun State where they were arrested by police “ The suspect Michael however stated that a Naval officer lured him to crime.

He said “ One Peter a Navy man called me on the phone to meet him at Shagamu Toll gate with waybill .I met him with three other persons inside the trailer and

he collected the way bill. I got the Way bill from Eriya Police later came and arrested me ‘” On his part, Onoga another suspect said he is not a member of the gang.

He said “ I met one Uche a Clearing agent who introduced me to Peter.I met Peter at the bridge at Berger Suya. After the gang members took over the trailer, Peter ordered me to take over the steering but we were later arrested in Ogun State .

Peter is the leader of the gang. Be used his uniform to intimidate other security me and gets away with the crime. I don’t know that the vehicle was stolen. I felt it belongs to one of them and they needed my help

to drive ‘ Eriya on his part said “ I need N100,000 to operate my eyes so when John told me to help get the Waybill, I charged them N100,000 but the police came and arrested me “” Nonso the conductor said “ I came to help them offload the tyres. Eze is the driver and I work with him at Onitsha. I was moving in the trailer but we stopped at Ogere toll gate and police arrested us’” The police stated that the the gang stole 2450 tyres worth N20million but the stolen goods and the trailer have been recovered while the alleged leader of the gang Peter is on the run.

Armed robbers raid hotels

Patience OgbO

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uspected armed robbers have been terrorising residents and business owners at EbuteMetta area of Lagos state and there seems to be no end in sight as the crime has continued to no avail.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the suspected armed robbers have raided six hotels in the last one month and carted away property worth millions of naira.

Residents and security personnel are not spared as investigation shows that the armed robbers are raiding homes , vandalising vehicles at will and daring security operatives whom they attack and inflict injury.

One of such armed robbery attacks according to residents ,was that the suspected armed robbers numbering about eleven, stormed the BF hotel at Odaliki Street Apapa Road on March 12th where they beat up the guests, stole cash and valuables including the CCTV recorder of the hotel .

A policeman informed Saturday Mirror that the suspected armed robbers raided about twenty rooms and escaped before policemen arrived.

The source who requested anonimity said “ according to report we received from the workers of the hotel , armed robbers stormed the hotel about 2am on March 12th. They scaled the fence and entered the reception. They were about 11 in number. Two of them wore face mask . They carried a pump action gun , sledge hammer and other dangerous weapon.

The armed robbers moved from one room to the other. They ended up ransacking

about 20 rooms. They turned the room up side down and beat up the lodgers. They collected cash,laptops and other valuables. The armed robbers also raided the hotel Director’s office and they stole the CCTV recorder. They used thier hammer to break down doors . One of the workers on night duty escaped through the window and called the proprietor of the hotel and he called the control room. But by the time the police arrived, the armed robbers have escaped with thier loot in a stolen vehicle they parked by the road side. They attempted to steal a car parked by the road side but they did not succeed”.

Saturday Mirror investigation shows that the gang of armed robbers also raided a newly built hotel called the Exclusive Mansion Hotel at Ondo Street Ebute Metta three days after they raided BF hotel.

A resident revealed that the suspected armed robbers raided rooms at Sharrylesh hotel at Vaugh Street Apapa Road,TSquare hotel at Parklane , XP hotel and they beat up lodgers including a Divisional Police Officer and made away with thier property.

Theirs resident who identified himself as Olumide Akeem is calling on security agencies to halt rising crime in EbuteMetta area .

He said “ These armed robbers have turned EbuteMetta to thier hot bed for all sorts of crime. From what we gathered, when they attack the Sharrylesh Hotel last month, they beat up guests including the Divisional police officer of Iponri police station. They attacked him and wounded him badly. He was lucky to have escaped with his life. The armed robbers who usually disguised as cultists called Kobagidi boys attacked and wounded three vigilantee men. The Vigilantes men are still receiving treatment . They rob hotels

from maiming and petty thieves to full blown armed robbery. They used to engage in supremacy battle but they have added armed robbery to it . These boys called Kogbagidi and Otto Boys reign supreme in EbuteMetta. Despite our efforts with police to have them arrested. We need government to take crime in EbuteMetta seriously and deploy special crack team to urgently curb the rising crime in EbuteMetta “ Mr. Oluseun Williams a community leader also urged government to take security serious in EbuteMetta. He added that the community will be organising a security conference to address the situation .

Siblings bury two men alive over N130,000 theft

Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni and residents at will. The other day, they attacked residents and robbed an American returnee one Alhaji Hamzat in his house. They beat him up with his family and escaped with his property including his Murano Jeep. These armed robbers killed a young man who witnesed their operation. They vandalise cars parked by the road side and steal side mirrors and wipers. Cars parked by road side are not safe either as they steal them even in broad daylight “ The Secretary of the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria Lagos Island Mr. Agbodimu Musbau expressed concern over the crime wave. He said “ Cultists have graduated

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he Ondo State Police Command has arrested two siblings who allegedly buried alive two persons – Igbekele Orisabinole and Ogbaro Erinbo.

The victims were accused of stealing N130,000 belonging to the suspects’ mother, Mrs. Ogunnuga.

The suspects – Omoniyi Alaleran and Oluwaseun EEnikuomehin, committed the offence on Omonira Street, Igbokoda, in the Ilaje Local Government Area on March 12, 2016.

It was gathered that Ogunnuga lost a sum of N130,000 and accused Erinbo and Orisabunole of stealing the money. She informed her two children, who tortured the duo to release the missing money.

The deceased duo reportedly denied commiting the crime, which was not accepted by their accusers.

After many hours of torture, the suspects allegedly took the victims inside a bush, dug a pit and pushed them inside it and covered the pit up to their necks.

The PPRO explained that the matter was being handled by the Special Investigative Bureau. (Tiwa’s blog)

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onica Momodu, 39, is cooling off at Aswani Police Station for allegedly torturing her 13-year-old housemaid, Sandra Egbadon, with a hot iron, at Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos.

The case was reported to the police after the maid was questioned by her teacher when she got to school the next day.

Sandra who revealed that she had washed her madam’s children’s clothes before she was made to fan her for hours added that: “On the day of the incident, my madam said I should use hand fan to fan her. I fanned her for a very long time and became tired. There was no light by then.

When power supply was restored, my madam said I should go and iron her children’s clothes. I was ironing the clothes when I fell asleep. I fell asleep because I was very tired. My madam came and used the pressing iron to burn my hand and leg. I was afraid to tell anyone, but my teach-

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MARCH 26, 2016

Housewife assaults maid with hot iron

My teacher called the er at school noticed the injuries when I went to police. Her husband is not aware of the way she school. treats me. He lives in Abuja and comes home once

Man murders prostitute because she did not satisfy him in bed man who paid to have a sex session with a prostitute was ultimately not satisfied with her performance and took a really drastic step to show his anger.

Zimbabwean Given Ngqabutho Nyoni, has been arrested by the police after he brutally beat up a prostitute who later died the next day, following a row over the sum of $2, after he demanded a refund of his money because he did not enjoy the sex session with her.

The lady of the night, identified as Agnes Mulazi, 20, died at the Mutare Provincial Hospital after she suffered severe head injuries from the assault on her

by Nyoni.

Manicaland Province Police Spokesperson, Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, confirmed the arrest of

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nyoni, of Chikwekwete Village under Chief Makombe.

According to a police report, the two met up in a night club when Nyoni approached Mulazi and asked for sex.

“They reportedly agreed on a $2 fee for a short time sex session.

But later, Nyoni demanded his money back, saying he had not enjoyed the romp. The two had an argument which degenerated into a fist fight.

“Nyoni reportedly picked an empty beer bottle and struck the woman on the forehead as she tried to flee from the scene.

“Mulazi sustained a deep cut on her forehead and bled profusely. She was rushed to Murambinda hospital before being transferred to Mutare Provincial hospital where she died.”

in a while. Whenever we travel home, she is kind to me in the presence of my father. I want to go back home.”

Monica however said Sandra injured herself with the iron out of fear when she chided her for dozing. (Tiwa’s blog)

Police nabs man with pounded human flesh O

peratives of the Lagos State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS have arrested three suspects in connection with pounded human flesh stashed in a sack.

One of the suspects, identified as Ekene, was arrested with the sack and he then implicated two other suspects who were also arrested.

The two other suspects included an Oil and Gas businessman (name withheld) and a middle aged man believed to be a native doctor.

They are currently detained at the police cell at SARS office in Ikeja, Lagos where they are being interrogated.

The Lagos State Police public Relation Officer, PPRO, SP Dolapo Badmos who confirmed the arrest said the suspects are undergoing interrogation following the discovery.

According to her, the police arrested Ekene with the human flesh and when he was interro-

gated he said he was sent by the oil magnate.

Police sources said Ekene was accosted by the police detective on routine checks along Bucknor area of Ejigbo with one white sack containing undisclosed content.

Ekene was ordered to open the sack and he confessed that it contained human flesh.

He was subsequently arrested and taken to the station where the matter was transferred to SARS. When he made a confessional statement, he told the police that he was promised N500,000 by the oil magnate who asked him to abduct a baby for him.

He said out of the money he was promised, he was paid N100,000 as advance and he went and abducted a two year old baby for him which he took to a native doctor as he was directed.

He said he was caught after he was returned the severed and pounded body to the man that

sent him to get his balance.

The suspects are presently in police custody and are undergoing interrogation.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ghost workers: Enugu government embarks on BVN-backed verification Emmanuel Ezeh, Enugu

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he Enugu State Government, in its resolve to checkmate ghost worker-syndrome in its public service, has directed the immediate biometric capture of its workforce and pensioners using Bank Verification Number (BVN).

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, who disclosed this at a press briefing after the 6th State Executive Council meeting within the year, held at the EXCO Hall, Government House, Enugu, said that the office of the Head of Service and the Ministry for Finance had been mandated to collaborate with UBA Plc to carry out the exercise with no cost to the state government.

Dr. Udeuhele explained that the exercise had become necessary in view of the bloated workforce and wage bills paid by the government despite the fact that workers have been retiring from the service on a yearly basis.

He explained that when this was done, the revenue profile of government was expected to increase to take care of her other human-oriented programmes and policies.

He added that the EXCO had in the meeting approved the constitution of the Tender Board to manage the process of contract awards for UBEC/ENSUBEB projects as contained in the approved action plan in line with government due process arrangement.

He equally said that Enugu State Government had approved its participation in the Archor Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria meant to diversify the state economy.

The Commissioner stated that this was necessitated by the dwindling income from the oil sector, noting that when this is done, it would create job opportunities for the teeming job seekers in the state.

According to him, each local government area was expected to provide at least 100 hectares of land for the Archor Borrowers Programme of the CBN.

MARCH 26, 2016

Prophet predicts second civil war in Nigeria CHRIS NJOKU, Owerri

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prophet of the Royal House of David, Godfrey Gbujie, has predicted that Nigeria would witness another civil war if the nation’s leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, did not act swiftly to resolve the national questions He said that part of the national question is, are Nigerians willing and ready to continue to co-exist in an entity called Nigeria, adding that much depends on the President to act now in resolving this issue without further delay.

This is even as the man of God said a serious air disaster would soon be recorded within the airspace of Imo State.

Gbujie, who gave the revelations in a press briefing held at his Akabo, Ahiara Mbaise, Imo State country home, yesterday, said that blood sucking demons were roaring across the six zones of the nation, noting that an honest approach in handling

the affairs of the nation was needed from Buhari and other leaders of the nation to avert the imminent war.

He said: “God’s anger on the leaders of Northern Nigeria was enormous in that another terrible rebellious group in addition to Boko Haram will spring up from the North very soon,” he said.

According to Gbujie, ``this second rebellious group will be led by two seasoned Nigeria army trained generals, and soon after, a more terrible and fiercer opposition group led by a younger trained Nigeria military commander will emerge from the South. ``This southern force will eventually cause the final disintegration and collapse of the Nigerian nation,” he said.

He said that two signs would herald his prediction. The first, according to him, would be a serious air disaster to be recorded within the Imo airspace soon.

“The nose of the aircraft shall point towards the west

and the burning tail, pointing to the east’’, he said. ``Another sign is that two very prominent Nigerians working and walking in partnership along a north/south highway shall make history. ``As they walk along, suddenly, the senior partner will get struck to death due to circumstance not very clear, and this will result to a serious commotion and public revolt in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that Nigeria under the present administration of President Muhammad Buhari was passing through a gathering storm of God’s anger and pitiable dangers.

Gbujie said that what informed his public revelation on the spiritual messages was the need for Nigerians and the world to take note and possibly apply the solutions to avert the dangers ahead.

“Due to certain overwhelming development in the spiritual realm over the Federal Republic of Nigeria, within the

last few months, in my Christian divine ministry as God’s commissioned and covenanted prophetic watchman over the nation. ”I could not help, but step out on faith to boldly and courageously open up and deliver to you certain message of the development for onward dissemination to the public and government and people of Nigeria’’, he said.

Gbujie, while presenting the solutions to the predictions, urged Buhari to urgently resolve the national question.

According to him, “for Buhari to resolve the national question, he should convoke a conference for various parts of Nigeria to state if they still want to remain one country or not.’’

On the anti-graft campaign, the man of God stated that the way and manner the anti-graft was going on was one of the major issues threatening Nigeria’s unity, especially amongst the nation’s armed forces.

L-R: Advisory Leader and Economist, Price Water House Coopers Limited, Andrew Nevin; representative of the Deputy Speaker, House of representative, Mr Emmanuel Ameh; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry(LCCI), Dr Nike Akande; representative of Vice President, Jumoke Oduwole and Regional Senior Partner, West Africa, Price Water House Coopers, Uyi Akpata, during the presentation of a book titled Nigeria Looking Beyond Oil, recently.

Murder of Enugu lawyer: NBA accuses Police of compromise Emmanuel Ezeh, Enugu

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he Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Enugu State government to probe the brutal murder of Enugu lawyer, Barrister Ejimofor Ozongwu, has commenced.

The panel, at its maiden sitting yesterday, called on all the parties involved to stand on the side of truth.

This is also as the Enugu State Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has expressed dismay over the manner the Police were investigating the murder case.

Ozongwu, who until his

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demise, was the Executive Secretary of the Movement for the Actualization of Adada State, was reportedly killed over a disputed piece of land in his village, Okwojo Ngwo, near Enugu at about 2pm on Christmas eve last year.

Speaking with reporters in Enugu shortly after attending the inaugural sitting of the panel, the state’s Chairman of NBA, Professor Osita Nnamani Ogbu, said they were dissatisfied with the manner the Police were handling the matter.

While insisting that the matter remained a murder case, he expressed regrets that most of the suspects were still working about the

streets, alleging that some of them had even travelled outside the country.

He, therefore, threatened that the NBA, Enugu State Branch might institute an action for Writ of Mandamus to compel the Police to carry out its duty, saying it appeared that “there are some sacred cows”.

Professor Ogbu insisted that it was only the state government that was serious on the matter, expressing happiness that the state government had vowed that justice must be done.

The brother of the late lawyer, Eric Ozongwu, who also spoke to journalists, said most of the suspected murderers were on the run, adding that the Commissioner of

Police and the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had assured that anybody that had a hand in the murder of his brother would go scot free.

Meanwhile, the Panel, chaired by Retired Justice Obieze, which is sitting at the Enugu State High Court, is expected to investigate and ascertain the immediate causes of the recent crisis in Ngwo Community, investigate and ascertain the number of persons killed, injured or threatened with injury in connection to the crisis, to identify persons, groups or institutions which either by acts of omission or commission were directly or indirectly involved or sponsored the violence and killings.

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Umahi to offset medical bills of the aged ALIUNA GODWIN, Abakaliki

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he Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, yesterday, stated his preparedness to offset medical bills of citizens of the state within the age of 80 and above.

Governor Umahi disclosed this during a service of songs in honour of his late mother, Mrs. Margaret Umahi, held at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki.

He noted that the state government will enact a law that will make it partially responsible for the state to offset medical bills of old people, especially people of 80 years and above.

He said: “We want to propose a bill to the state House of Assembly on how to take charge of our aged ones from the age of 80.

“Immediately after this event, we are sending a bill to the House of Assembly to make it compulsory that Ebonyi State government will henceforth, take partial responsibility of the medical care of these ones.”

Umahi described the allegation he stopped payment of pensions as untrue, and reiterated that it was a punishable offense if the pensioners are not paid between 15th and 20th of every month.

“When I was coming here, somebody sent me a text, and alleged that I stopped paying the pensions of our aged ones. I want to state clearly that I never did that.

“I still want to restate my earlier stand that all pensioners must be paid between 15th and 20th of every month, and failure to do that is punishable.”

Governor Umahi described his late mother as a mediator, who mediated for the family in their relationships with God and man.

He said his mother’s demise was still like a dream, but was happy that she died a fulfilled woman.

PAGE

46

Easter: Motor parks in Asaba record low patronage

M

otor parks in Asaba recorded low patronage during Easter celebration A correspondent of NAN who visited some of the parks in Asaba on Friday reports seeing few passengers.

Mr John Ofili, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kwale Park, said “patronage is very low this year compared to what it used to be in previous years”. ``People are not travelling the way they did last year. By this time last year, this place was filled with passengers. ``In spite of the increase in the price of fuel, we did not increase our transport fares and, yet, patronage is still low. ``Since morning, it is only two buses that have left this park and we have been struggling to load the third bus for more than two hours,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, some passengers who spoke with NAN attributed the low patronage recorded to non-payment of salaries and the economic situation in the country.

Mrs Jane Ukah, a civil servant with the Delta government, said ``there is no need wasting money on traveling for just no cause; this is not the time to waste money because the economy is biting hard on everybody.’’

Also, Mr Jude Akanbi, a business man, said ``traveling is not really necessary for now, except it is very important”.

“For me, I will prefer to stay in Asaba and thank God for giving us another opportunity to witness another Easter celebration,” Akanbi said

SOUTH SOUTH

MARCH 26, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa govt. confirms receipt of N1.24bn bailout funds T

he Bayelsa Government on Thursday confirmed that it received N1.24 billion from the Federal Government as bailout fund.

The government said the money was its share of the financial package given to states.

Deputy Governor of the state, John Jonah, disclosed this in Yenagoa during the government’s income and expenditure briefing for January.

He said the fund would be used to clear the backlog of salaries owed workers by the eight local government councils in the state.

Mr. Jonah said that the money was ready before the December, 2015 governorship election in the state, but alleged that Federal Government refused to release it.

According to him, the government did not release it because they said that Gov. Seriake Dickson would use it for his re-election bid.

“Yes, the money has been transferred to us now; it was ready before the governorship election and they felt that if the money was given to us, we will use it for election.

“They also felt that even if you pay salaries with it then, it will be a morale booster, so you will gain. So, they stopped it.

“Election is over, so we have to go through the process again and now we have the money,” he said.

Mr. Jonah clarified that the bailout was not a gift from the Federal Government, adding that the benefiting councils would pay back according to the proportion they would receive.

He said the money was given to Bayelsa based on

the requirements of the councils, explaining that it was for this reason all councils would not receive the same amount of money.

“Some councils are owing more than others, so they will get more than what others will get.

“Councils that will get twice more than others will pay back twice more

than what others will pay,” he stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that council workers in the state are owed between

eight and 10 months’ salary. In January, 2016, the state government accused the Federal Government of depriving it of the bailout fund.

The Director-General, National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen Johnson Olawumi (left) signing condolence register for late Chukwudumebi Okonta, (Youth Corps member who was killed during the Rivers re-run elections for the National and the State Assembly) in Illah, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Wike to Rivers people: Pray for peace, development DENNIS NAKU

PORT- HARCOURT

R

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has called on people of the state to pray for the peace of the state and her sustained development.

In an Easter message to the people of the state, Governor Wike advised Christians to re-dedicate themselves to sacrificial living as exemplified by Jesus Christ for the growth of the state.

The governor’s Easter message was contained in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic media, Simeon Nwakaudu.

He assured that his administration will continue

to work towards the promotion of security across the state in conjunction with security agencies.

He said that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ offers all Christians the privilege of rising with the Saviour into a new existence that would translate into better living.

While wishing the people of the state a joy filled Easter Celebration, the governor urged them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security operatives NUC approves Edo State University The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of Edo University, Iyamho, as the 41st State University and 142nd University in Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Julius Okojie, in a letter to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, dated 23rd March, 2016, conveyed the message.

The letter stated, “Consequent upon the formal presentation of the relevant gazette law, Academic Brief and Physical Master Plan and satisfactory report from the Advisory resource assessment visit, I write on behalf of the National Universities Commission (NUC), to inform His Excellency, that with effect from Wednesday, 23rd March, 2016, Edo University, Iyamho, has been recognized as the 41st State University and 142nd University, in the Nigerian University System.”

“We hereby pledge our support to the University and urge His Excellency and Edo State Government, to take full advantage of the professional and technical advice that we are statutorily required to give to State Governments, on the establishment and operation of their universities.”

“By a copy of this letter, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the National Youth Service Corps, have been informed of the establishment of the new University.”

“I wish to congratulate His Excellency and the good people of Edo State, on the establishment of Edo University, Iyamho,” the letter concluded.

Police confirm four dead in Eket cult clash

T

he Divisional Police Officer in Eket, CSP. Abdulkadir Jamal, on Friday confirmed that four people died in a cult clash in Eket, near Uyo in Akwa Ibom.

Jamal told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Eket that police were investigating the cause of the clash.

U.S. oil major ExxonMobil operates in Eket.

“We were informed and investigation is going on in the cult clash which led to the killing of members of the cult groups in Eket,’’ Jamal said.

He called on the populace to always give information to the police to help them to arrest criminals.

Jamal called on youths to stay away from crime, saying that criminals would always be made to face the wrath of

the law.

A NAN correspondent reports that the bodies of the dead could be seen at various locations in Eket.

A source, who pleaded anonymity told NAN that the clash was between Junior Vikings Confraternity and the rival Axe Men Confraternity.

The source explained that trouble started at a notorious night club on Ataobong Road in Eket and spilled over to

Rescue Point at St. Gregory’s area off Liverpool Street.

“The fracas started at Liverpool Street, opposite St. Gregory’s Primary school area, called “Forty-Forty” Drinking Parlor.

“The Axe guy harassed the Junior Vikings boy who was with a girl at the beer parlour that is where the trouble started. ’’ The source recalled that a man, suspected to be a cultist

also died last week at Mobil Mart along the Eket-Oron Road, Eket.

He said that two persons similarly died on March 24 at Udo Umoh Street in Eket.

“One of the bodies was found in his pool of blood along Udo Umoh Street, battered with machete cuts, while the other was found along Stadium Road,’’ the source added.

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