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Abia LGA: Alleged plan to substitute candidate breeds trouble T
he people of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, in Abia North Senatorial Zone have appealed to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, not to substitute the winner primary election, Mr. Bonny Ikwuegbu, with any other candidate, in order to maintain peace and order. Meanwhile, there is palpable fear, apprehension and uncertainty over alleged plan by a group to substitute the winner of the primary with the loser. Most members of the community who spoke under condition of anonymity expressed sadness over the development, but vowed to fight it with the last drop of their blood if such a thing
happens. According to source from the community, who gave his name as Edward Okorie, his people know those who are plotting to upturn the peaceful exercise to their own selfish desires. “Time when people allow impunity in Isuikwuato election is over, our people are apprehensive over this development. What we are asking the party is to do the right thing, they shouldn’t subvert the wish of the people. “They should release the result of the primaries to the winner whom we already know, because if they had wanted to select, they should have done so from the beginning instead of subjecting popular candidates to rigorous expenses only to take it
•Governor denies endorsing any candidate
from them and give it to an unpopular candidate who the people did not vote for,” he said. Another candidate who spoke under anonymity said: “Since they allowed people to canvass for support and they did, and people came out to show their choice, they should respect the wish of the people. If this is not done, no one can predict what the outcome will be, there could be protest, chaos and even anarchy. The people have chosen the person they would want to lead them.” However, a Local Government Source explained that Chmezie Armstrong , a onetime Chairman of Isialangwa
North LGA was sent to conduct the primaries and he conducted it peacefully to the delight of all who attended, including all the past Chairmen of the Council. “After the accreditation which was done at the gate, everybody came in and sat down. The ballot box was brought and shown to everybody to see that it was empty. The voting materials were distributed and all the three contestants were represented by their agents. The exercise went smoothly as all the delegates wrote the names of their choice candidates and voted accordingly. “There was no problem. After that the result was
counted and Ikwuegbu Bonny emerged as the winner by scoring 79 votes, followed by Nnamdi Udeze who scored 17 votes and Pius Okoma scored 10 votes. The whole thing was recorded at the Chairman’s office where papers were signed and everybody left peacefully. There was no dispute or argument with anyone, it was a smooth and peaceful exercise. “But this morning (yesterday) we started getting phones calls from different places that PDP had concluded plans to substitute the winner with the loser, and we are saying no to the effrontery. Any attempt to announce another person who is not the winner will definitely spell
doom for some people in this LGA,” he warned. Meanwhile, the state Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has said that he did not endorse any aspirant, as there was no reason for such. In a statement he issued through his CPS, Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos, the governor said that any claim to such endorsement is false. He said that he will only endorse dully nominated party candidates presented by the PDP as he is bent on providing a level playing ground for all participants in the elections. He assured all Abians that he would do everything in his power to ensure the conduct of a free and fair local government poll on the 17th of December 2016.
IPOB leader, Kanu writes Trump from prison
T
he embattled and incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has written the US President-elect, Donald Trump, congratulating him on his victory and pledging to work with his government upon the actualisation of Biafra Republic. The handwritten letter, according to sources, which was smuggled out through his friend, conveyed his happiness over Trump’s victory. The handwritten letter, the source said, was submitted to the media and publicity department of the IPOB yesterday’s morning. The letter, which was later, typed and circulated among journalists, read: “It is with great joy that I, Nnamdi Kanu received the news of your election victory as the 45th President of the US. “Mr. President-elect, the American people have given you their mandate and trust, not only to make ‘America Great Again,’ but also to bring positive changes in the affairs of humanity. “Your victory has placed a historic and moral burden upon
you to liberate enslaved nations in Africa, trapped in artificially created boundaries designed to reinforce colonial domination and subjugation.” Kanu told Trump that self-determination is a sacred right of all people as demonstrated by the good people of United Kingdom when they opted out of the European Union. He said it was imperative to draw historical parallels between his victory and that of the great Dwight Eisenhower a fellow Republican, who was instrumental in the dismantling of European colonialism in Africa. Kanu called on Trump to follow in Eisenhower’s footsteps by bringing to a deserved end neocolonial enslavement, currently championed by puppet dictatorial and tyrannical regimes. “The IPOB have every confidence that as the leader of the free world, you have both the capacity and the will to confront the challenges ahead and meet the expectations of the American people in particular and the oppressed people of the world in general.
L-R: Commissioner for Health in Anambra, Dr Josephat Akabuike; Gov. Willie Obiano; and leader of the All Progressives Alliance (APGA), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, during the Grand Reception and Mega Rally for Gov. Obiano in Nanka, Anambra, yesterday. PHOTO /EO/BJO/NAN.
APGA SWC suspends Abia chairman for gross misconduct
IFEANYI ASHIKODI, UMUAHIA
T
he state chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) ) Abia state chapter, Rev. Austin Ehiemere, has been suspended by the State Working Committee [SWC] over alleged misconduct and violation of party rules. Speaking with newsmen on Friday at the secretariat Umuahia, on the outcome of their meeting, the state secretary of the party, Sunday Onukwubiri, said that Ehiemere was working against the directives of the national chairman of the party.
Onukwubiri said that the national chairman of the party had directed that aspirants should pay all nomination form monies into the national bank account of Fidelity Bank, but Ehiemere directed otherwise that the monies should be paid into the state account at FCMB. He disclosed that the offence further include acts of misconduct, compilation of list of candidates for the local government election in Abia State outside the party secretariat without any SWC member knowing about the list. He also noted that the chairman deliberately and
fraudulently removed names of aspirants that passed through all the processes of purchasing the nomination forms, screening out those who won and replacing their names with those who never bought forms “Gross violation of party guidelines and hijacking of the processes for the conduct of the primaries, which specifically said that primaries should be conducted by local government party chairmen, whose names are with INEC”. He stated that the chairman sold nomination forms from his office and was collecting cash from
aspirants without the knowledge of members of the SWC which is against the rules and regulations of the party as enshrined in the constitution. Onukwubiri said that with the actions of the party chairman which has brought the party to disrepute, he will face the consequences of his actions according to the constitution of the party. The party SWC therefore, passed a vote of no confidence on the state chairman of the party and demanded that he steps down as the party chairman pending the hearing and determination of the allegations against him.
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Kano seeks China’s assistance on $1.85bn rail project
K
ano State government has appealed to the Peoples Republic of China to assist in its city light rail project, expected to gulp $1.85 million. Acting Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, who made the call when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjian, at the Government House, in Kano, explained that the assistance is against the backdrop of the China– Africa Cooperation Action Plan, outlined in Johannesburg, in 2015. The plan emphasizes infrastructure development in African countries, among
other things. Abubakar explained that 85 percent of the contract sum would be sourced from foreign loan while 15 percent balance would be sourced locally. He pleaded with the Chinese government to facilitate funds for the project from a Chinese bank. “The rail, with a total length of about 73 kilometers, will crisscross Kano metropolis which would be executed in four phases,” Hafiz said. He also added that, “the contractor has expressed confidence in the ability of the state government to make the project a huge success.”
The Acting governor further requested Chinese authorities to assist Kano in agricultural productivity, “in view of its huge untapped resources” and pointed out that “there is a lot of room for full-scale agricultural chain development in the state. We have the land and the largest water reservoir in the country. We have 23 big and small dams with a total of 3.3 billion cubic liters of fresh water which, in the past 40 years, have been seriously underutilised.” On alternative energy, Abubakar said “scientific proof has shown that the state has the highest and
most consistent level of radiation in Nigeria…” Prof. Hafiz also tasked the Chinese government to fully support Nigeria to address its demographic, educational, economic diversification and other challenges, pointing out that China is a model for Nigeria in many respects. In his remarks, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjian said Nigeria has a very competitive edge in agriculture and human resources, assuring that his country would support Nigeria to exploit its potential for accelerated development. He said Nigeria must
seize the opportunity of what he termed “China’s over capacity”, resulting in relocation to other places, to revamp its economy, pointing Chinese states and local governments are keen in investing in places such as Kano, for mutual benefit. Chinese investors, he added, are also willing to invest in the manufacturing sector of Nigeria’s economy as part of attempt to actualize resolutions of the China – Africa Cooperation Action Plan, and asserted that his country has a lot to offer, having been rated as the first in manufacturing in the world.
Bauchi appeals to FG on Nutrition, dietetics curriuculum in northern states Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI
B
auchi State government has appealed to the Federal Government and members of the academia to facilitate the opening of Nutrition and Dietetics courses in the nation’s tertiary institutions, especially universities up North where the scourge of malnutrition is mostly felt. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Halima Mukaddas, described as commendable the role of Dietitians in the battle against malnutrition, which signifies their position in the health team and their role in curative and prevention/promotion of health. She said at the National Workshop/Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Institute of Dietetics holding at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Thursday that efforts are targeted at reducing the incidences of malnutrition to the barest minimum in the state. Dr. Halima Mukaddas explained that in order to produce the much-needed human resources for health for the provision of nutrition services, the state government approved the commence-
ment of training in Nutrition and Dietetics at Diploma level in the College of Health Technology, Ningi, Bauchi State These efforts, according to her, have started yielding results because the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate for the state from the recent Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)/National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Food Security and Livelihood Vulnerability
Survey has shown significant drop Mukaddas stated further that the government in a bid to tackle the scourge of malnutrition set up a committee on Food and Nutrition and provided a budget line for nutrition activities, as well as domesticated the National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (NSPAN). She said that in the same token, her minis-
try has allocated 30% of the state’s Saving One Million Lives Program for Result (SOMLP for R) funds out of the six other areas that will share the remaining 70%, a clear indication that Bauchi is positioning for great things in nutrition. Dr. Mukaddas, while announcing N2.5 million government’s donation to the state chapter of the Nigerian Dietetics Association
to facilitate the hosting of the conference, urged participants to make use of the forum to cross fertilize ideas in the profession. The National President of Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria, Dr. Grace Fadupin had in an address at the occasion, commended the Dietitians for their desire to ensure that Dietetic profession remains strong despite the crisis in the Dietetic Association family.
Renowned Islamic cleric, Sanusi Gumbi, dies
A
Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Muhammed Sanusi Gumbi, is dead. Family sources said
the died pital 10:00 after
renowned cleric at a private hosin Abuja at about p.m. on Thursday a protracted ill-
ness. He is survived by two wives, many children and grand children. The funeral prayers
took take place after Juma’at prayers yesterday at Sultan Bello Mosque, Angwan Sarki, Kaduna.
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele (L) and Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa inspecting a rice farm at Sara in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa, yesterday.PHOTO: MUSTAPHA SUMAILA/BJO/NAN
Traders protest higher taxes in Kuje
T
raders Association in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday took to the streets to protest the increase in taxation by the authorities. A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who monitored the protest in Kuje reports that shops along major streets in the council were shut. Mr. Uche Nwokedi, the acting chairman of the association said members of the association had taken to the streets to protest increment in taxation from N3, 000 to N36, 000. Nwokedi said the protest was also to express the association’s displeasure over the use of force and touts by the consultant engaged by the Area Council to collect the taxes. According to him, some members of the association were on Thursday taken to court by the consultant for failure to pay what the traders called ‘outrageous tax’. He said the use of the court to introduce higher taxes instead of dialogue was not in the best interest of the traders and the council. “Most of us, including those taken to court paid our taxes since January and we have our receipts with us. “The consultant has not engaged us before coming up with these outrageous taxes, and we will resist it,” he said. Alhaji Abdullahi Galadima, Chairman, Kuje Area Council, while addressing the protesters, said the council was not aware that some members of the association were taken to court by the consultant. He expressed dismay over the action, adding that the consultant has not been legally engaged to collect taxes on behalf of the council. “Our agreement with him is on temporary basis. He has not been fully engaged by the council because no document has been given to him. “This administration is committed to the protection of the rights of all residents. So, issues like this engagements and town hall meetings are what is needed,” he said. The council chairman who ordered the withdrawal of the cases in court urged the traders to be calm and go about their normal businesses.He said the consultant has been cautioned against the use of force and touts to collect revenue. NAN
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NOVEMber 12, 2016
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Microfinance banks want more involvement of rural dwellers in banking activities Boladale Bamigbola, Osogbo
O
sun State branch of the National Association Of Micro finance Bank has urged Central Bank and other financial regulatory agencies in
the country to ensure that rural dwellers are more actively involved in banking system. The association said when more banking activities are done among the rural dwellers, cash being kept in inappropriate
LASU suspends Director
T
he authorities of the Lagos State University, LASU, have suspended the institution’s Acting Director of Sports, John Adeogun, for allegedly relinquishing his official responsibilities. The suspension is contained in the university’s official bulletin, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Friday in Lagos. The bulletin said the Vice-Chancellor, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, had approved an immediate suspension of Mr. Adeogun. Mr. Adeogun doubles as Assistant-Director at the Agege Campus of the university. “Adeogun remains suspended, pending the outcome of the
investigation into the allegations levelled against him. “The suspension of the director came on the heels of allegations of relinquishing his official responsibility,’’ the bulletin stated. Mr. Adeogun was also accused of involving a non-LASU staff in conducting sensitive official assignments. “Consequently, Adeogun has been directed to hand over his official positions to the director of external system and the chairman, sports management board respectively, ’’ the publication stated. Mr. Adeogun is a lecturer in the Department of Human Kinetics and Sports at the university. (NAN)
places would be properly kept while the depositors are encouraged to use available schemes to access money to setup Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises scheme. Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, the chairman of the association, Prince Yemi Adeoye, also disclosed that, 750 jobless people have been gainfully employed by the micro finance bank in the state. He commended
Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the payment of the interest on the first tranche of six hundred and ten million naira (N610m) loan disbursed to various beneficiaries by the state micro finance banks and added that the association has reasonably worked on financial inclusion of the active poor who he said have imbibed saving and banking culture. “Those of them who do not have opportunity to
save, after encouraging and educating them on importance of saving, would be exposed to how it would benefit them”, he said. The association would do its best to see that, rural dwellers are adequately carried along in the saving of their monies, saying members of the association have disbursed over N2billion loan to various beneficiaries in the state to enhance their business transactions. He expressed
readiness of the bank to pursue the Rural Business plan for its teeming rural populace in the state. “As part of our meaningful and indelible contributions to the growth and development of the state, the association is in harmonious relationship and collaboration with the state micro credit agency (OMCA) to disburse the N2billion loan to the beneficiaries,” Adeoye concluded.
L-R: Deputy Vice ChancellorAcademics, University of Ibadan, Prof. Gbemisola Oke; Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu; Head of the Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Prof. Benjamin Ehigiem, at the 40th Anniversary Lecture of the Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan titled: “Psychology and the Change Agenda”, in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
Ogun community protests harassment by naval personnel Femi Oyeweso, Abeokuta
R
esidents of Aniseere Ipamesan community in Sango - Ijoko Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ogun state have appealed to the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun as well as the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to come to their rescue by prevailing on authorities of the Nigerian Navy over incessant harassment in the community by their personnel. In a petition addressed to the Chief of Naval Staff, De-
fense Headquarters in Abuja, dated 30th October, 2016 and signed by the leadership of Anisere Community Development Association, the community accused the Naval personnel of aiding and abetting activities of land grabbers popularly called “Omo Oniles” in the Sango-Ota area of the state and threatening the lives of innocent people. The petition, which is coming barely a month after the Ogun state House of Assembly criminalised activities of the land grabbers in the state, is however, seeking the urgent attention Governor Amosun
as well as that of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone II as the community leaders alleged that the Naval personnel have continued to meddle in chieftaincy disputes in the area, land cases as well as that of the transport unions in Sango Ota. Copy of the petition obtained by National Mirror yesterday, which cited instances of where the Naval personnel had breached the peace of Anisere/Ipamesan community, also alleged that several complaints of lawlessness of the Naval personnel to the office of the Commandant of
the Navy School of Music in Ota yielded no result. “Without being immodest, one continues to wonder if it is the duty of Naval personnel to follow land speculators and even become their errand boys in the present day Nigeria. Must the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy be turned into thugs and omo oniles because of the financial inducement attached to it?” “As if that was not enough, on October 29, 2016, the Naval personnel attached to the local government for environmental sanitation duties immediately after the exer-
cise stormed Aranse/Anisere community and started shooting, harassment and disturbing the community on the pretence that they were invited by a group to assist them over land issues.” Residents of the community however, declared that they have exhausted their patience “in the face of near daily intimidation and insults” by the Naval men and wanted the urgent intervention of the state government over what they termed “continuous harassments, intimidation and threat to lives” in the area.
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NOVEMber 12, 2016
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W/Cup qualifier: We’ll give everything against Algeria – Mikel …as Ezenwa allays goalkeeping worries
S
Rohr
Rohr rallies support for Nigeria to beat Algeria Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has said he expects fans to fill up the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo and cheer the Super Eagles to victory against Algeria. A win at home today will consolidate Nigeria’s leadership of their World Cup qualifying group after they won 2-1 in Zambia last month and Algeria and Cameroon cancelled each other in Blida. “The fans should help us to win this game,” urged Rohr.
“What I can assure everyone is that the team will fight on the pitch, they will give everything.“We will have a big game.” He also disclosed that all 23 players are fit and available for selection. The Eagles had their final training by 4pm yesterday at the training pitch of the Godswill International Stadium, while the visiting Algerians work out inside the mainbowl of the stadium.
Djokovic will return to form, says Murray
A
ndy Murray expects Novak Djokovic to “start playing his best tennis again” soon as the pair prepare to compete for the world number one ranking. Britain’s Murray overtook Djokovic in the rankings on Monday and needs to match his results at next week’s ATP World Tour Finals to end 2016 on top. However, the Serb has won the past four titles at London’s O2 Arena. “There’s no reason to think he won’t have a really good tournament,” said 29 year old Murray.
Djokovic’s form has been the subject of much debate in recent months, with just one tournament win to his name since June and early exits at Wimbledon and the Olympics. Murray added: “Before then he’d been playing great; it wasn’t months, it was years he was playing great tennis. “So for him not play his best tennis for a couple of months, I’m sure it’s not too much to worry about and I’d imagine shortly he’ll be back to playing his best tennis”, he concluded.
Sharapova to be reinstated as UN ambassador
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ennis star Maria Sharapova will be reinstated as a UN goodwill ambassador when her suspension for using a prohibited drug expires next April, a UN statement says. It says that the UN is looking forward to working with her to discuss her role “at an appropriate date”. The player admitted in March that she had taken the substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January. She was subsequently banned for two years by an investigating tribunal. But last month her suspension was reduced to 15 months after she filed an appeal. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) appointed the tennis star as a goodwill ambassador in February 2007, but suspended her in March after her doping admission. “The UNDP is glad to learn that Maria Sharapova can return to the sport she loves sooner than expected and we will lift the suspension of her role as our goodwill ambassador
once the reduced ban expires in April 2017,” the UN statement says. “We understand that Ms Sharapova will be focused on resuming her tennis career and we look forward to discussing her role and engagement with the UNDP at an appropriate date.” Sharapova said she had been taking meldonium since 2006 for health issues but said she did not realise it had been added to the banned list on 1 January 2016 as she knew it by another name - mildronate. After her admission, Sharapova’s sponsors were divided in their response. Sports firm Nike, racket manufacturer Head and bottled water company Evian all said they would stand by her. But Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer cut ties with her in March while Porsche also expressed concern about continuing its links. In June, Forbes said Sharapova was the world’s second highest-paid female athlete, behind her rival Serena Williams. Related Topics
uper Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi has said that his team is ready to dig deep for a battle against the Greens in order to secure qualification for the Fifa World Cup, saying that Nigeria “have to give everything” to win today’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria. The Super Eagles began their campaign on a winning note against Zambia in Ndola, and victory against the Desert Foxes will boost their chances of qualifying for the global football showpiece in Russia. According to the Chelsea midfielder, the players are aware of the game’s importance and would do all it takes to ensure victory in Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. “We all know what this match means, why we have to give everything,” Mikel told NFF website. “Yes, we started the race well by winning in Zambia, but we have to approach this match even more seriously. “The Algerians will come with determination and they will play hard, but we will play harder. Meanwhile Super Eagles goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa has promised that any of the three goaltenders selected will deliver a clean slate against the Desert Foxes of Algeria. Ezenwa said the three-time African champions are unperturbed by the Algerian antics and will go to pitch to claim the three points at stake. “The goalkeeping department is perfectly well taken care of by the three goalkeepers; Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi and Dele Alampasu.
Eagles team “Nigerians should relax and go to sleep with both eyes closed confident that any of the goalkeepers given the nod to man the post will give a 100 percent performance. “We have been talking to ourselves about the match and the relationship is cordial and healthy. Nigeria top Group B with three points, while the Algerians who were held to a 1-1 draw against Cameroon boast of one point with Zambia sitting at the base with no point. Caption: Super Eagles celebrate after scoring a goal in a match Police begin football corruption investigation Police have opened a criminal investigation into an allegation of bribery after reviewing material from the Daily Telegraph’s investigation into suspected corruption in football. Sam Allardyce left his post as England boss after the newspaper investigation claimed he offered advice on how to “get around” rules
on player transfers. He had been in charge of England for one game before his exit. But police said Allardyce “is not part of the investigation”. In a statement, 62-year-old Allardyce said he welcomed the confirmation, adding: “I was always confident that this would be the case as there was no evidence against me. I now ask that the Football Association deals with this matter as quickly as possible. “While I am sad that my tenure came to an end early, I am nonetheless proud to have been chosen to manage the England football team and hope that today’s confirmation from the police will give me the opportunity to move on.” The FA, English Football League and Premier League have all been waiting for the City of London Police to complete its review of the Telegraph’s evidence so they can proceed with their own inquiries.
Iwobi senior, a Lawyer, who also played semi-professionally in Nigeria for Vasco da Gama of Enugu. “So, should a club like Barcelona come with more money, he will certainly stay back at Arsenal because now it is not about him making money, it’s about him concentrating on his career, progressing and going on to the next stage.” He recounted: “I took him to Arsenal when he was 6 and they signed when he was 8. All he has known is Arsenal. He has never gone on loan; he has always been with Arsenal. “He has broken into the first team and what they all talk about
is his humility. Personally, that’s very important because when a player starts getting arrogant that’s when the player fails.
Iwobi will reject Barcelona millions for Arsenal — Father
Alex Iwobi will turn down a big-money move to mighty Barcelona to stay at Arsenal because he is still learning the trade, according to his father. The 20-year-old Nigeria international has been at ‘The Gunners’ since he was six and he is now a first teamer. His father, Chuka, said his son is still developing at the top London club and would rather stay put there. “In football, you never say no. But at this point in time, he is at the right place. He’s doing well at Arsenal, but should any club come for him now, the answer would certainly be no,” said
Iwobi
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MIRROR SPORT
MirrorGolf With Pius Anakali
NOVEMber 12, 2016
Amapakabo who won the just cWrestling: Tel: 08023367071
Power Lee sets sight on world title IFEANYI EDUZOR
P Willet
Masters champion, Willet drops out of top 10
E
ngland’s Danny Willett has dropped out of the world rankings top 10 for the first time since winning the Masters at Augusta in April. The 29-year-old jumped from 12th to ninth when he won the green jacket. Since finishing second in September’s Italian Open, Willett has missed the cut in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and
tied 68th in the Turkish Airlines Open last Sunday. “To be honest, I don’t really want to be out there playing golf,” he said. He has now dropped to number 11 in the world. Australia’s Jason Day retains top spot, with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy in second. “It couldn’t happen at a worst time,” added Willett. “Things are just not going our way, nothing feels great”, he stated.
Storm keen to enjoy golf after European Tour reprieve
G
raeme Storm plans to focus on simply enjoying his golf next year after receiving a European Tour reprieve for 2017. Storm finished 100 Euros short of the prize money needed to guarantee his spot for next year. However, he kept his card after world number eight Patrick Reed’s points were deducted because he did not play the minimum five tournaments required. “I’m relieved. It’s been a topsyturvy time,” 38-year-old Storm told
BBC Tees “The rules are the rules; if you don’t play your numbers then you know you’ll come out of the order of merit and lose your membership. “In 2017, I just want a fast start, the last couple of years I’ve set goals and targets, but not achieved them. “Now I want to play golf and enjoy it, not push too hard and give myself a headache trying to reach goals.”
Race to Dubai: Stenson in a good start
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ace to Dubai leader Henrik Stenson shot three birdies over his final four holes to surge into contention on the first day of the Nedbank Challenge. The Swede, who carded a threeunder 69, must win this weekend and hope Danny Willett finishes outside the top 10 to end 2016 as Europe’s top golfer. Stenson trails Felipe Aguilar, Jeunghun Wang and England’s Ross Fisher by one. “It would be nice to wrap up the Race to Dubai this weekend, but I just want to play as well as I can for these two weeks and see where it takes me,” said Stenson, referring to next week’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. “You’re always going to look a little bit and see what the other guys are doing. “I’ve got to focus on my game and I managed to do that, so I’m happy with my work.”
Stenson fought windy conditions in Sun City earlier in his round, but birdied holes 15, 16 and 17 to finish the day at three under par. He was one of just 20 players in the field of 72 to finish below par and one of seven lying one shot off the leaders - a group that also included England’s Chris Wood and Scotland’s Richie Ramsay.
Stenson
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ro Wrestling Africa (PWA) heavyweight wrestling champion, Power Lee has declared his intention to rule the world in the mats man game with a declaration that having conquered the continent, there is nothing again to fight for in Africa. “There is nothing more to fight for at the continental level. Right now, there are no more warriors to conquer. It is better to take the war to the international circles where I am ready to do the country proud”, stated the Akiehwe, Isoko, Delta State born wrestler. The budding star who have defeated some of the most dreaded wrestlers in the land such as Stainless Golden Bullet, Super Samson, Red Scorpion, De Lion Man of blessed memory, Black Heritage, Eagle the Great Nail, Mighty Man, Strong Bone Erukujeje, and African superstars like Tya Mupepe of Congo DRC, Michel Noudem of Cameroon and Marvelous Buffalo of Angola who he defeated on May 1, 2016 to retain his African title noted that it is time for him to fight the toughest and roughest wrestlers in the world. According to the champion who is rated as number three contender to the heavyweight throne by the North Carolina, United States of America based Allied Independent Wrestling Federation, arrangements are in top gear to enable him travel to the United States and fight ‘Ty Tyson’ in a
...seeks corporate sponsorship
Power Lee
duel tagged USA versus Africa to commemorate the 25th anniversary of AIWF noted that he needs corporate sponsors to be able to make the trip. “I need to show the world that I am ready to face professional wrestling superstars in USA, Canada and the whole of Europe and Asia. I’m planning to storm the US with African hospitality which will not stop me from showing my pro wrestling skills and prow-
ess to the outside world. As am talking to you now, I have already sent a warning signal to TY Tyson by sending some of my video clips to Matt Classic, the anchor man of AIWF which has 93 professional wrestling bodies affiliated to it for him to see what am capable of doing as I prepare to reign supreme in world wrestling and that is why am appealing to Delta State Government, the Sports Ministry and corporate Nigeria to help me achieve the dream”, he concluded.
Basketball: 3000 players set for South/South 3x3 tour T his year’s edition of the South-south 3x3 basketball tour will begin on November 18 across the six states in the zone. The event which is open to all players, is being organized by the zone’s representative on the board of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engineer Musa Kida in conjunction with the zonal office of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, and is powered by the AMK Foundation. Participants will contest in four categories; U- 18 boys and girls, as well as senior men and women. In statement signed by the Event Director, Fubara Onyenabo, the preliminary round of the tour will
commence on November 18, when Benin City will host the Edo State preliminaries. It will be the turn of Asaba to host that of Delta on November 19, While Yenagoa will host the tour in Bayelsa State on November 20. The tour moves to Port Harcourt, River State on November 21, while Uyo will host on November 22 before the preliminary train ends in Calabar on November 23. All matches are scheduled for 8am to 5pm daily. After the preliminaries, champions in each category from the six states will converge in Calabar from November 23 to 28 for the zonal finals. Onyenabo called on all intending participants to
submit their registration forms to their state coordinators for onward entry on the FIBA 3x3 Planet before November 16. He added that participants at the finals, which will feature 4 players per team, will be given free kits and will win trophies and cash prizes like in the past editions. It will be recalled that last year’s edition of the event was highly successful leading to basketball players clamouring for this year’s edition. The FIBA 3x3, which evolved from the street basketball, was introduced a few years ago by FIBA to increase awareness and entertainment value of the game is now an attractive sport amongst Nigerian youths.
Spo rt Battle of Uyo: Super Eagles target victory over Algeria Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMber 12, 2016
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Super Eagles in a group photograph
IFEANYI EDUZOR
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igeria’s Super Eagles will be targeting a victory against the Desert Warriors of Algeria when both teams meet today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo in a 2018 Russia World Cup qualifier. The Super Eagles who are leading Group B with three points following their 2-1 victory over Chipolopolo of Zambia in Ndola in their first game at the qualifiers will be hoping to gain a 9th victory in all competitions over their North African opponents who were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in their first game of the qualifiers. There have been 17 clashes between both teams all at competitive level, with Nigeria winning eight times, drawing three and losing six. The first clash between both countries was on 10th January 1973, during the football event of the 2nd All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted. The match ended 2-2.
Seven years later, the Green Eagles would thrash the Algerians 3-0 to lift their first Africa Cup title. In their last four confrontations, the Eagles have enjoyed a winning streak against the Algerians, which is more than the three consecutive wins Algeria had over Nigeria between October 1981 and March 1982. In the qualifying race for Espana ’82, Algeria beat Nigeria 2-0 in Lagos and 2-1 in Constantine, and the Fennecs as they were then called came from behind to edge the Eagles 2-1 at the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations in Libya. The last time the two teams met was at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Angola in which Nigeria piped the Foxes 1-0. A closer look at both teams indicates that apart from the fact they are not new to each other; both teams parade some of the best players in the continent and are also rated among the top teams in Africa which makes today’s cracker interesting. While Nigeria will be aiming to consolidate on their position following their first win in the campaign, the Algerians who sacked Serbian Coach Milovan Rajevic following
their draw with Cameroon at home in the opening round of the qualifiers last month will be aiming for an upset against Nigeria knowing that a loss or draw will not do them any good in their quest to be in Russia. In order to ensure total victories for their teams, handlers of both teams have assembled a crack team made up of mainly European based professionals to prosecute today’s match. Nigeria’s technical adviser, Gernot Rohr who had earlier closed the door to home based players and their foreign counterparts who are not playing regularly for their clubs has invited players like; captain Mikel John Obi, assistant captain Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi, Wilfred Ndidi , Oghenekaro Etebo ,John Ogu, William Paul Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo , Uche Henry Agbo, Tyrone Ebuehi , Abdullahi Shehu, Musa Muhammed , Elderson Echiejile, Kingsley Madu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon , Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo , Brown Ideye, Alex Iwobi and goal keepers; Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu. On the other hand, his Algerian counterpart, Belgian Georges Leekens also
called up Arsenal’s 18-year-old midfielder Ismael Bennacer, Qatar-based attacker Baghdad Bounedjah as well as Yacine Benzia, France-born Bordeaux’s rising star Adam Ounas, In-form Leicester City forward Islam Slimani who switched his international allegiance to Algeria recently amongst others to prosecute the all important match.. Although Nigeria’s first choice goal keeper, Carl Ikeme will be missing in action as a result of injury but the Super Eagles technical crew has assured Nigerians that his replacement is capable of keeping the Algerians in check in today’s cracker.
Today’s Fixtures
South Africa v Senegal Uganda v Congo Cameroon v Zambia Nigeria v Algeria Cape Verde v Burkia Faso Mali v Gabon Morocco v Cote d’Ivoire
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Artificial Fertilisation W
hen Louise Brown, the first test tube baby was born in 1978, it was into a world skeptical about the propriety or otherwise of intruding into a God given natural process. It was difficult to believe at the time that a baby born outside the normal process of male and female copulation could be ‘normal’. Religious organisations were disturbed, while people were happy and concerned at the same time. Even the medical world at the time was critical of Edwards and Steptoe, the two pioneers of the procedure. Over times evidence has proven that the so called test tube babies are not evil after all and that artificial fertilisation, popularly known as invitro fertilisation, is a viable means for couples who would have remained childless to have their babies. Louis herself, now 36yrs old has gone on to deliver babies of her own and recent statistics have shown that there are close to six million individuals worldwide who are products of invitro fertilization. Definition: Artificial fertilization or invitro fertilization is a process of artificially fertilizing a woman’s egg with a sperm within or mostly outside the body. In most cases the fertilized egg{s} is implanted back into the uterus towards achieving a successful pregnancy. Types: The procedures involved in artificially fertilizing an egg outside the female body vary and usually depend on the problems identified by the attending doctors. Some are used to correct male factor infertility while others are for female factor infertility. Also, the age of the couple and their financial strength will determine their being offered at least one of the following Artificial Insemination: In this method, the sperm is introduced directly into the uterus with a catheter, bypassing the cervix, in order to increase its chances of meeting the egg. Prior to the procedure, fertility drugs may be given to the woman to ensure eggs are readily available for fertilization Its use: This is the procedure of choice in men with low sperm count or with few normal sperm cells. Also for women whose cervical environment is hostile to their partner’s sperm or the mucus in the cervix is not efficient in transporting the sperm. It is a simple procedure and relatively cheap when compared to other methods. Invitro fertilization: Here a more elaborate procedure takes place. The woman is prepared to mature a good number of eggs which are now removed. About the same time, the husband’s sperm is collected. These two are then mixed in a petri dish outside the body and incubated for fertilization to occur. One or two of these fertilized eggs are now put back into the uterus, where they are expected to grow. In most instances the remaining embryos are frozen and kept for future use, in the event that the procedure fails for that particular cycle.
Its use: It is used for women whose tubes are defective and would not allow the passage of the eggs from the ovary to meet with the sperm. It is also useful in men with defective sperm quality as it gives the sperm a better chance of fertilizing the egg. Intacytoplasmic Sperm injection (ICSI): a modified form of invitro fertilization. Rather than introducing thousands of sperms and leaving one to fertilize the egg, a single healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into the core of the egg to aid fertilization. When fertilization occurs, the embryo is then implanted in the uterus. Its use: It is the best procedure in men with very low sperm count; as long as there are sperm cells, it gives such men the chance of having their own babies without seeking a sperm donor. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) : rather than allow fertilization occur outside the body, this method only helps the sperm and egg to meet i.e in a petri dish before being transferred immediately without incubation to the fallopian tubes where actual fertilization occurs. Its use: it is the preferred method when one of the two fallopian tubes in a woman is still functioning adequately. Some couples also prefer it on religious ground as the final fertilization takes place inside the body. Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): a middle ground between IVF and GIFT. In ZIFT the actual fertilization occurs outside the body. The embryo is then transplanted into the fallopian tube as against the usual practice of implanting it in the uterus. Its use: It is also good when at least a tube is functioning well and the problem is more with ovulation. In addition, it is considered when the sperm quality is poor. Others: There are myriads other methods which are variations of the common procedures but are not as popular in our
society. They are also fraught with a lot of moral, religious and legal issues. They include Sperm donation: Another man apart from the male partner donates his sperm for fertilization with the eggs of the female partner. This is in a situation where the male partner has no sperm cell at all or where the cells are genetically defective and not desirable for reproduction. Egg donation: a younger healthier {often anonymous} woman may donate her eggs which are then artificially fertilized by the sperm of the male partner before being transferred to the female partner for continuation of pregnancy. Women whose ovaries have failed prematurely or due to age and are no longer producing eggs may benefit from this. It is also used when the available eggs are genetically defective Surrogacy: in some cases, someone aside the female partner may be recruited to carry a pregnancy after the couples sperm/eggs have been used to achieve fertilization. This happens in cases where there is total absence of a womb or the womb is structurally and functionally defective as not to be amenable to correction. It may also be used in place of adoption when both couples are infertile but wants their own pregnancy. Sadly, it is also being used by gays just as donor sperm is used by lesbians to have babies. Success rate: The success rate of artificial fertilization varies and ranges from 15-50 percent at the first try for the different procedures. It depends on a number of factors including: The age of the couples: the older a couple becomes the more difficult it is to achieve pregnancy even with artificial
fertilization. It best below 35yrs and becomes progressively more difficult above 40yrs.This is because less eggs and less healthy sperm cells are produced at advanced ages. The number of fertilization cycles: couples are usually advised that artificial fertilization may not succeed the first time and repeat procedures increase the chances of success. Availability of funds: lack of funds may reduce the number of cycles a couple can try and also determine when couples will start trying. As such, the success rate is affected. The huge cost involved, is one major reason why most couples in Nigeria who are interested in the procedure are finding it difficult to do. The number of implanted embryo or eggs: it used to be the practice that several eggs or embryo are implanted to increases the chances of one surviving. However, when new technologies make more eggs survive, the problems of multiple order pregnancy which has a lesser chance of growing to term surfaced. As such, ability to strike a balance between the two factors will also determine the success or otherwise of the procedure. Conclusion: Couples who have identifiable causes of infertility that is correctable with artificial fertilization should not hesitate to do so early. On the other hand, couples whose cause of infertility is not known may also consider the option, as evidence has proven they also benefit from these procedures. And when all else fails, adopting a baby is always an option. You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng.Wednesdays and Fridays (4-8pm)
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NOVEMBER 12, 2016
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‘Backpacks are regular companions of students’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
their laptops, files, valuable good or items in them. These professionals include bankers, computer scientists, soldiers’ policemen, lawyers, teachers among many others. When asked why backpacks, some say it makes them comfortable and reduces the stress of carrying their stuffs in different places. Others say is it not comfortable because, it gives them backaches or reduces their walking speed. Depending on the type of load in the backpacks, some get comfortable with it while others don’t. The American Academy of Orthopedic surgeons has proved that heavy load in a backpack causes injuries such as spine ache, bad walking posture and falling, stressing that a backpack should contain 10-15 percent of a carrier’s body weight. There are good and bad effects of backpacks, you can reduce the pain it causes by reducing the load you carry and reduce the daily carriage. You should not carry the bags in a particular way all the time, the body is very sensitive so you can carry it with one hand or vice-versa. According to Ayodeji Egbeyemi, a staff of a multi-national communication company the act of carrying backpacks comes easy because it helps him to sort all his items in one piece, and create a level of comfortability for him. ‘’Carrying backpacks for me has been very easy. I feel very comfortable since I don’t put heavy loads in it,” he said. Most respondents, who spoke to Saturday Mirror, explained that the carrying of backpacks goes beyond keeping valuables. To them, it is a fashion statement which is a part of dressing, and not only that, it compliments attire, and sort of make the wearer look elegant. However, Susan Ojukwu, a Fashion Consultant, said that at such a point, a distinction is drawn between the masculine and feminine backpacks. She said that while the women’s type is designed in a stylish and girlish form that looks petite with different attractive colors, which one can wear with a jeans and tank top or any form fashionable top, the men has a more bulkier type, which women also used. She believes that wearing of backpacks harnesses the dress sense of a woman, most especially, adding that it brings out the smartness of the person when worn with the right attire. She stressed that the regular ‘woman stuffs’ are conveniently put in them. “I put all my stuff inside, and so do many others. I prefer it to handbags because it’s very comfortable
to wear. Once I am dressed, I just pick it up, and off I go.” But a respondent, who gave her name simply as Zainab Adedeji, a student of Kwara State University believes that backpacks are stressful, and not very comfortable to carry, because according to her, she feels aches in her body whenever she carries it.
“It is not my thing at all; I don’t get comfortable when carrying it. All my body pains me even with the shoulder pad added,” she said. No matter how it is viewed, Alabi Adeoluwa, a social commentor, said that it is the trending thing now, and people flow with the trend. He stressed that one can get backpacks in different forms, tex-
tures and sizes. In fact, according to him, there is one for anyone who is interested. He opined that there are so many stylish options at the moment, ranging from conventional canvas to pure leather and designer backpacks, and it can be carried with both hands and one hand too, but the most important thing is that it is trendy and classy unlike the use of briefcases which is nerdy and old fashioned. However, the joy of carrying backpacks are misplaced by most people as some use it to carry different heavy loads, which it is not meant for, thereby defeating the purpose. “Backpacks are not suitcases as some people have turned to, thereby rendering it useless to carry and unattractive to sight as a fashion statement. The usefulness of backpacks involves carrying ones load in a safe and convenient way without stress,” said another respondent, Bidemi, who goes everywhere with his backpack. A celebrity menswear stylist Ashley Weston based abroad thinks backpacks are not worn on every cloth especially suits, saying that apart from appearing awkward on the wearer, it can also damage fabrics and pads. He added that doing so amounts to wardrobe malfunction, and unstylish. “If you’re wearing a suit or blazers often, then a backpack should not be part of dressing. Backpacks can never be worn with any of these outfits because the shoulder straps will ruin the shoulder pads and wrinkle your jacket all over the back. Unless you’re going for the IT guy look, please don’t wear your backpack (or messenger bag!) with these outfits.” However, a Medical Doctor, Dr. Omotunde Omoniyi, who specializes in the treatment of bones and bone setting, noted that aside the aesthetics of backpacks on the carrier, there are very intrinsic setbacks involved as regards health when backpacks, either heavy or light are carried. He explained that there is always a weight attached to the bag, and falls on the waist bone, and compresses the shoulder. “Note that the bone is not fibre or rubber; it is solid. As a result, when it suffers compression, it doesn’t come up again, and gradually, the carrier’s bone is slowly, but steadily flattening,” the doctor said. No matter what is said of the backpack, one thing is obvious, it is a package for reduction of stress and enhancement of elegance in fashion. Choose the type that is right for you, and pack limited items therein, and you will surely enjoy the use of backpacks.
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What’s in your backpack?
It is said that every mistake is a style. It must be added that when such a mistake has been cultivated as a style by the generality of the public, it becomes a trend. Backpacks seem to have transcended from being an item for holding odds and ends to becoming a fashion statement. ERIC ELEZUO reports.
M
ariam left home one morning feeling empty. In her subconscious, she knew that something was missing in her fashion build-up though she couldn’t place it. She had however, gone far from the house when she realized what was missing. It was her backpack; a regular companion of hers whenever she is leaving home for school. But on this day, Mariam was not going to school;
she was running an errand for her mother that does not in any way require the carrying of a backpack. Mariam’s case has become the situation of most young people of today who has seen the use of backpack as another form of makeup in their dressing before leaving home. This attitude has practically become an addiction for not a few people. Backpacks can also be called
I put all my stuff inside, and so do many others. I prefer it to handbags because it’s very comfortable to wear. Once I am dressed, I just pick it up, and off I go school bag or school pack. It is carried on one’s back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders. However, there are different makes of the item in terms of size and make. Back packs are commonly used by students,
as it makes it useful for them to carry their books and textbooks and other relevant items. But nowadays, packs are used not only by school children, but also by professionals, who claim to carry CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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divorce court
NOVEMBER 12, 2016
‘She lied about her age’
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• That woman is a liar because she lied to me about her age. I found out when I was going through her school certificates. When I confronted her, she said I should mind my own business, that it is her life —Husband
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43-year-old man, Uchenna Nwosu, recently pleaded with an Agege Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his marriage of eight years. The father of three accused his wife, Christiana, of being disobedient, nagging and assaulting him publicly. He claimed that the marriage started on a wrong foot and because of that, it could no longer work. “My wife is a very disobedient woman, she nags at every little thing I do. She disobeys me and also encourages the children to disobey me as well. “That woman is a liar because she lied to me about her age. I found out when I was going through her school certificates. “When I confronted her, she said I should mind my own business, that it is her life. To me, this is not marriage, this is hell. “On May 28, 2011, she wanted to go out that evening but I was trying to persuade her not to go because her children needed her to prepare food for them. Instead of her to stay back, she
left, giving the excuse that she had an important thing to attend to. “When she came back, she met my children and I watching a programme on the television, the next thing she did was to switch off the television and asked me to return the money she lost because I delayed her from achieving what she went out to get. I saw that I couldn’t handle the situation again so I moved out. “A month later, she came to my office to embarrass me. She tore my shirt in the public pretending to demand the children’s school fees. Due to this incident, the management asked me to resign. “Before I got married to her, my family did not approve of our union, but I went ahead because of the love I had for her then but now, I can’t take it anymore, I want a divorce,” Uchenna pleaded. However, Christiana refused to show up at any of the hearings at the Magistrate’s Court and the Customary Court. The president of the court, Mr. Emmanuel Sokunle adjourned the case for continuation of hearing.
‘My husband lied owning a store, but he’s popcorn seller’ • He once punched me in my stomach and I lost my first pregnancy after a fight. I have lived every minute of my life in fear, but I cannot go back to my parents because of the bride price —Wife
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disappointed wife says she falsely believed her husband owned a provision stores, but knew he sold popcorn by the roadside. Margaret Agwu said her husband, Onu, persuaded her parents to let him marry her when she was just 12 years– promising to educate her–and they obliged. Aside, Onu told Margaret’s parents he owned a provision store in Lagos and also lived in a flat. All, Margaret said, turned to be a lie. As couple, Margaret alleged Onu usually beat and strip her. “He once punched me in my stomach and I lost my first pregnancy after a fight. I have lived every minute of my life in fear but I cannot go back to my parents because of the bride price,” she said. Margaret, now 45, said Onu, later, ran away with their five children – one of whom she
said is now married without her knowing about it. “When I called him after he packed out, he just told me that he was no longer interested in the marriage and since then he refused to pick my calls”. Margaret told an Igando Magistrate Court to dissolve the marriage, citing no more love for Onu. She also urged the court to assist her return Onu’s N600 bride price to him. Moreover, Onu also claimed he was no longer interested in the marriage when the court called him on the telephone. Consequently, Adegboyega Omilola, the court president dissolved the marriage. “Throughout the duration of this case, the respondent refused to honour court summons, therefore, the court has no other choice than to dissolve the union”,Omilola said.
‘I am not the father of her second child’
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• My wife usually leaves our matrimonial home without informing me, and I have caught her with several other men; I am not the father of the second child she is carrying —Husband • I left home due to several beatings, and I met another man who is father of my second child, I am also not interested in the marriage anymore, please separate us —Wife
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n Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos State has dissolved the fouryear-old marriage between an Islamic cleric, Mr Abdullateef Jamiu, and his wife, Mutiat, over adulterous act. Jamiu, 40, who resides at Rilwan Lawal St., Lowa Estate in Ikorodu, had in November asked the court to dissolve his marriage due to adultery by his wife. He told the court that his wife deserted him for two years due to her adulterous act. The cleric accused his wife of leaving home unannounced. “My wife usually leaves our matrimonial home without informing me, and I have caught her with several other men; I am not the father of the second child she is carrying,” he said.
However, Mutiat, 31, an auxiliary nurse, did not deny the allegations leveled against her. “I left home due to several beatings, and I met another man who is father of my second child, I am also not interested in the marriage anymore, please separate us,” she said In his judgment, the Court President, Mr Olu Adebiyi, said since efforts to reconcile the couple proved abortive, he had no option than to dissolve the union. “Without further deliberations on this matter, this marriage had ceased to be henceforth,” Adebiyi said. He also ordered the parties in the suit to maintain the “status quo” with regards to the custody of the only child of the union, pending the decision of the fam-
ily court. “The petitioner should pay N6,000 monthly for the child’s upkeep and also be responsible for the child’s medical allowances and school fees. “Visitation right is granted to the petitioner,” Adebiyi ruled. Similarly, a Lagos Island Customary Court also dissolved a 16-year-old marriage between one Rashidat Adegbenro and her husband, Remilekun Adegbenro, over allegations of being violent, irresponsible and constant battery. President of the court, Chief J.O. Ogunmola, in his judgment dissolved the union contracted in 1999 and warned them to refrain from harassing and molesting each other. (NAN)
‘She barbed her hair against my wish’ • A man, Mr. Olusegun Adetunji Adeyiga of 13, Sherifatu Close, Ilupeju, Shasha, Lagos has vowed to divorce his wife, Mrs. Temitope Oluwakemi Adeyiga, for barbing her hair against his wish
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deyiga who filed a divorce petition against his wife at the Grade ‘B’ Alimosho Customary Court, sitting at Iyana Ipaja, described his wife as an incorrigible woman. He disclosed that he had almost yielded to the pleas by court officials and family members to suspend his action and give his estranged wife another chance. He appealed to the court to continue proceedings in the matter since his wife had gone against his wish by having her hair cut.
Mrs. Temitope who showed no sign of remorse told the court that she begged her husband but to no avail. She said if her husband insisted on the divorce, the court should separate them, adding that she would go on with her life. Temitope’s mother, Mrs. Ojo, who was in court, confirmed her daughter’s bad behaviour but urged the court court to prevail on Mr. Adeyiga to suspend his action. Afraid that her daughter would attack her for testifying against
her in court, the mother urged the president of the court to warn her not to harass her after the court proceeding. Ruling on the matter, the court president, Mrs. A. O. Olatunji, who observed that the respondent, Temitope, did not show any sign of remorse, warned her not to harass her mother for testifying against her. She warned that doing so would amount to contempt of court which is punishable by three months’ imprisonment. She later adjourned the matter.
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divorce court
‘He doesn’t provide food for me ’
• I want an end to this marriage because he has even abandoned me at home. So, I am no longer interested in the marriage —Wife
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n Ilorin Area Court has dissolved a four-year marriage between Aminat Abubakar and Ahmed Ibrahim for abandonment. Aminat, a resident of Ita Alamu, prayed the court to dissolve her marriage to Ahmed because he no longer cater for her. She said the marriage, which was contracted in 2012, which produced no child was no longer appealing to her. “He doesn’t provide food or
any other thing for my sustenance maybe because I have not given birth yet. “I want an end to this marriage because he has even abandoned me at home. So, I am no longer interested in the marriage,” she said. The defendant was not present in court, but the presiding judge, Abdulquadr Ibrahim, dissolved their marriage and issue a certificate of divorce to the petitioner.
‘My husband wants to sacrifice our son’ F
‘She has no virgina opening’
• My wife had been deceiving me since we got married I have never seen her pass through menstruation. My wife does not have any vagina opening. Anytime I ask her for sex, she would give an excuse to back up her refusal. Meanwhile, we have been praying to God to give us children —Husband
• I came across our 11-year-old child recently and I saw multiple razor mutilation all over his body. “It was a gory site to behold and I immediately became apprehensive of what my two children were undergoing in my absence with Raufu.Then, the child told me that his father, Raufu took him to a ritualist who compelled him to carry some sacrificial objects at 1:00 a.m. after designing his body parts with razor mutilation —Wife • My lord, he is my son, I cannot use him for anything negative, but to take care of his spiritual deficiency — Husband
Stories by Muda Oyeniran
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Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan has dissolved a 12-year marriage between an Ibadan-based businesswoman, Sekinat and her husband Raufu Abdulakeem, over attempted child sacrifice. The President of the court, Mr Ademola Odunade, held that there was nothing the court could do since Sekinat and Raufu had both concluded to part ways. Odunade, however, awarded custody of the two children produced by the union to Sekinat for proper motherly care.
He directed Raufu to pay a monthly feeding allowance of N3,000 for the upkeep of each of the two children in addition to been responsible for their education and other welfare. Sekinat had said that Raufu sent her away from the house in order to offer their 11-year-old child for sacrifice. “My lord, after Raufu, had sent me packing from his home more than a year ago, I came across our 11-year-old child recently and I saw multiple razor mutilation all over his body. “It was a gory site to behold and I immediately became apprehensive of what my two children were undergoing in my absence with Raufu. “Then, the child told me that
his father, Raufu took him to a ritualist who compelled him to carry some sacrificial objects at 1:00 a.m. after designing his body parts with razor mutilation. “The boy further said that his father, Raufu, had alleged that he was trying to prevent him from further stealing and that was the reason for the sacrifice. “My lord, the fundamental questions at this point is that Raufu is an Alfa with strong Islamic background, what is his association with an herbalist and making a child at that tender age to undergo such a midnight exercise. “Before sending me out of his house, Raufu had subjected me to such dehumanizing ex-
periences such as regular battery and inadequate care for I and the two children. “I have all along been responsible for the welfare of the children and I want to have custody of all the children because he might use them for ritual,” Sekinat stressed. Raufu, however, denied the allegation. He acknowledged that it was true that he took his son to a ritualist and the intention was to cure him of the spirit of stealing in him. “My lord, he is my son, I cannot use him for anything negative, but to take care of his spiritual deficiency,” Raufu said. NAN
‘Husband divorces wife for being dirty’
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man has divorced his wife over her dirty and indecent ways. The husband, James Fidelis, told an Ejigbo Customary Court about his wife’s,
Imabong Fidelis, dirtiness. He said efforts to make her change didn’t yield any result, adding that she mismanages the children’s upkeep. The president of the Cus-
tomary Court moved to dissolve the marriage with immediate effect. The court, after listening to the estranged couple, directed Fidelis to pay his wife
N20,000 monthly for their children’s upkeep, and additional N250,000 accommodation fee. The couple were married in August 2001 and have three children between them.
emi Olayiwole told a customary court in Ake, Ogun state, his wife, Kemi, has no virgina opening and has kept it a secret from him since they married. “My wife had been deceiving me since we got married I have never seen her pass through menstruation. My wife does not have any vagina opening. “Anytime I ask her for sex, she would give an excuse to back up her refusal. Meanwhile, we have been praying to God to give us children”, he told the court. Having found out, he decided to approach his wife’s parents, who confirmed it to him. “My wife did not tell me anything about her condition before we got married, until February this year that she confessed to me that she had never experienced menstruation in her life. “I thought she was lying, so I went to see her parents who told me it was true, and that they thought their daughter explained to me before we got married,” he stated. Olayiwole also accused the wife of constantly fighting him, all for which he wanted the marriage dissolve Although, the wife was not in court and was said to have severally ignored summons for her appearance, Olalekan Akande, the court president dissolved the marriage.
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Female
Angle
JULIET UMEH 08037939592 email: juliumeh@gmail.com
you date your colleague?
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This column is x-rated than women’s. Like women, men have erectile tissue and nerve endings on their nipples, and wellplaced lips or a tongue on a man’s nipples can be very pleasurable. But guy’s nipples are also more sensitive to pain. Women might like their nipples being pinched or even nibbled, but when fooling around with the male variety of nipples, be gentle. What’s his favourite position? And why? Doggy style is a man’s best friend. Studies and polls verify what animals have known for millions of years: Men absolutely love getting it on from behind, and the ladies love it, too. It’s a winner for everybody. The position gives guys great control and deep penetration -- all the better to reach the woman’s G-spot. Are testicles really elastic? Testicles are a teeny tiny sperm nursery, hanging there between men’s legs. They help keep the sperm at the perfect temperature even though their body temperature (as well as the surrounding temperature) fluctuates. That’s why the testicles hang low when the weather’s warm – and get shriveled and snug against their bodies when it’s cold. Do men sweat more than women? Ever wonder why after sex, your guy looks like he just ran a marathon, when you barely broke a sweat? Women actually have more sweat glands than men, but they produce less sweat. Women tend to have a higher skin temperature than men. So, when women are overheated, their bodies don’t have to produce as much sweat to cool back down to a normal temperature. What causes aching balls? Have you ever teased a guy, only to stop and leave him on the floor, clutching his balls, tears in his eyes? He’s just been afflicted with aching balls, and it’s probably the worst feeling in the world. When a man is really aroused, blood rushes to the penis and testicles. Valves in blood vessels close and lock, maintaining the erection and engorging the testicles with blood (it’s called vasocongestion). When this pressure builds, the only way to relieve it is through climax. Though aspirin is known to do the trick, men insist the only way out of aching balls known to man is getting the real thing. If you are not in the mood
This column is x-rated or the right shape, let him know you know aspirin, panadol or paracetamol will make him better Circumcised or uncircumcised? What’s your preference? You can have great sex with both circumcised and uncircumcised men. What may, be a surprise, though, is that you’ve probably experienced both kinds and not even known it. Circumcision is popular in Nigeria, but between 70 to 80 percent of men worldwide never go under the knife. When fully erect, the foreskin retracts along the shaft, and the two kinds of penises are indistinguishable. What are his sexual fantasies like? Ever wonder if your man would like to have sex with your best friend? The sad answer is “Yes.” It’s called the Conquistador Syndrome. Traditionally, men’s fantasies tend to revolve around one man with multiple women, which may include your aunt, roommate, sister, niece, housegirl…or even your mum! Is there a difference between orgasm and ejaculation? Is it possible for guys to have sex all night without needing the half hour of downtime after every orgasm? Put simply: yes. Some men train themselves to orgasm without ejaculating. It’s very difficult, and some men won’t ever be able to do it. An orgasm is an involuntary muscle contraction, a reflex reaction, while ejaculation is the release of sperm. So, how can a guy stay strong for hours and hours of sex? Masturbation, of course. It’s possible for men to masturbate until they build to climax, and then hold it until the sensation subsides. After doing this for awhile, men can experience orgasm without coming. How long can a guy stay hard before it becomes uncomfortable? Blood gathers in the testicles during sex, so if ejaculation doesn’t occur, it hurts. In the rarest of cases (or when medication is involved) erections can last up to four (most likely very painful) hours. There are a number of folk remedies for this pain, like taking a cold shower. But whenever this happens, the ‘poor’ victim often insists on the sweetest remedy – sex!
Think hard
ost times many people see office dating as unhealthy. But to me, why not? I don’t see anything wrong with it. But, one thing is certain; it is for mature minds that will be able to handle anything that comes out of it. I hope you are aware that meeting in the same office environment can equally be an instigator for starting a lasting relationship which could translate into marriage eventually? But, dating should be done in a responsible manner as not to compromise the organizational values. Research has shown that many people got married just because they met at work place; knowing each other from their office gave them the opportunity to have a family today. Having said that, provided that the activities of the two love birds are not clashing with the office values, the rules and regulations in that office are maintained, there’s nothing wrong with it. I said this because you cannot say that you are in love with someone and you leave your duty post to engage in trivial matters to the detriment of your job. You see, this is exactly why I noted that it is for mature minds, not for babies. Some companies however don’t allow their staff to date each other because it is against their policy. But come to think of it, let’s look at this critically, you spend most of your waking hours at work, you rarely get out for lunch, never mind dinner. You’d like to meet that special someone, but you just don’t know where and how to look. Suddenly, luck smiled on you, and cupid shoots his arrow, and it hits the person in the next office. Your heart starts beating faster, and blood rushes to your head. Out with all reason -- love is in the air! You then looked at it critically; you already have lots in common, will you say because he or she is my colleague I won’t go ahead having taking my above noted points into consideration? Still standing on my grounds that office romance is for mature minds, you need to ask yourself some pertinent questions: When it ends, what will your life be like? Will you be peering around corners to make sure your former love isn’t in the hall and avoiding the company picnic for fear your ex will flaunt a new love interest? Well, if you won’t be able to handle the under listed points of mine, don’t think about dating a coworker or else you are calling for depression or rather planning to become a visitor to one of the nearby hospitals. •For companies that its policy is
against fellow employees dating each other for fear of unknown, are you ready to leave the job if the bubble burst? Also if you are wise enough to hide your romantic activities from the prying eyes of your fellow workers and the romance ends in marriage, definitely one of you must leave the job. Then, ask yourself as a man or woman, am I ready to leave the job for the sake of love? If your answer is yes, then forge ahead. •Let’s say you become involved with someone in your department, and you receive a promotion. Now you’re in a relationship with your subordinate as a man. This opens up the possibility of blackmail. And what happens when it comes to conducting reviews and disciplining your honey? Waoo, you get the picture? •Still thinking of dating a coworker? Are ready to play it cool. Better start popping extra vitamins and heighten your sense of discretion because you’ll need a lot of energy and concentrated effort to keep your office romance just between the two of you. And when coworkers eventually find out, you may be the subject of ridicule and suspicion: This is because here are some of the comments you get: “I can’t believe she’s going out with him.” “Look who she’s dating.” Therefore, if you don’t want people to focus on your professional abilities, don’t give them reasons to fuel the rumor mill. •You may think this is a private affair, but is it really? Logic tells you your romantic involvement will impact your coworkers directly. If you sit together in the company cafeteria, will people now feel they should give you privacy? Will they exclude you from certain conversations, because they don’t know what you’ll relay to your new love? Consciously or subconsciously, your relationship may influence decisions that go well beyond a lunchroom. Your romance may color everyone’s judgment with regard to promotions, projects, team building and responsibilities. The relationship could make it more difficult for your department -- and depending on your position, your company -- to operate effectively. If your relationship ends badly, will your ex-love tell Human Resource you were making unwanted advances? If you still feel your coworker is the one, what do you do? If you work for a big company, transfer to another department or facility. If that’s not an option because of your profession or company size, get yourself a new job.
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Male
Jide animashaun 08034710902
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Angle
Office Romance: Should y O
Apply wisdom
ffice romance is very common these days as the office is where most of us spend almost all our daytime waking hours. We spend a third or more of our lives in the office or other places of work. The office is a non-threatening environment where opportunities of meeting potential dating partners abound. The opportunity of getting to know them in close quarters is also available. Well handled, it may even lead to a serious relationship that will end up in marriage. On the other hand, handled badly, the end may be so disastrous that it may cost you your job or something else. Most companies used to frown on office romance and some even went as far as banning it, especially in the financial sector because of the perceived idea that there may be conspiracy to defraud the company. Now, a lot of these companies have relaxed the rule because of the recognition of the inevitable. What is now the rule is that it should not be carried out during office hours. In most cases, mutually agreeable relationships between colleagues pose no danger to anyone if handled with tact and decorum. Happy staffs who are in love will translate to a happy workforce which will also translate into a healthy workforce with little time spent on time wasting making frivolous calls to boyfriends or girlfriends on official time that should be used doing something meaningful in the office. Also, workers that are very happy seldom ever fall ill. This will help reduce time spent on health related issues. Be that as it may, should people date their colleagues? I’d say that it depends on what we really want from the relationship. If what you want is a relationship that may lead to a meaningful marriage, then no problems, but if it is to just have a fling with your colleague, you must be very careful because it is loaded with dangers. A ‘broken heart’ can create a bizarre severe emotional stress for some people and handling failed relationships can be di-
sastrous for a lot of people. A slight misunderstanding between couples can also spill over to work performance and therefore disrupt the targets achievement. Before you decide to embark on an office romance and fall head over heels in love with your colleague, there are certain things you have to consider. Is your job more important to you than love? Any romance can be distracting, not to talk of office romance. When the object of your affection works with you, you may find yourself gazing at your sweetheart instead of tending to your job responsibilities. An office romance also complicates the working relationship you may have with your colleague. Offering good natured criticism and receiving it from your colleague may become very difficult. You may not be able to again, because of your romantic liaison. A disagreement at home will find its way to the office and a disagreement at the office will equally find its way home. One may also end up being a ‘prisoner to love’. This is because you may be forced by the situation on ground to stay in the relationship longer than you may want to. The fear of damaging your working relationship with your colleague after the breakup is also very real. Breakups are generally very hard to bear and seeing your ex everyday can be grueling, even if both of you handle things in the best way possible. Finally, remember that sometimes love cannot be denied. If your feelings about a co-worker are so strong that you can’t deny them any longer, in spite of the warnings you have just read, remember, office romance is not to be flaunted in the face of colleagues. You’ve got to hide your love away from public scrutiny not because you are afraid, but to save yourselves a lot of headache later on. Your co-workers don’t need to, and as importantly don’t want to be privy to the ups and downs of your relationship. Above all, in everything, apply wisdom.
SEX TALK This column is x-rated 15 things women want to know about men (but are afraid to ask) Men are enigmatic creatures. What’s with those erections in morning? What does he like best in bed? And does he really think about sex all the time? Here are the answers to the questions you’ve been too polite to ask your man.
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ow confident is he about his size? When it comes to how big men are, a great majority of men think they’re smaller than they really are. Except of course for sexual megalomaniacs! Men are naturally insecure about it. So if you’re with a man and feel compelled, for whatever reason, to comment on his size, the only acceptable adjectives are “big” and “biggest.” In reality, the average size of a penis is 5.5 to 6.2 inches erect, and 4.7 to 5.2 inches when nothing is up. About 2/3 of all men fall within that range. Six inches is a good size. Does he masturbate? And why? All men masturbate. The ones who say they don’t are lying. And there are no known health hazards for masturbating too much. However, too much self-love might make it harder for a guy to reach orgasm with a sexual partner if he becomes too accustomed to doing it all by himself. Do men really think about sex all the time? Women love thinking men think about sex every seven seconds. But is that actually true? Not exactly. A study says 54 percent of men think about sex every day or several times a day (compared to 19 percent of women). However, in a recent study of 1,009 middle-aged and older couples in long-term (average 25 years) relationships, women are the ones who value sex the most in a relationship, while men want more cuddling. Not surprising if the law of diminishing returns is anything to go by! Are there other reasons apart from lust why men have erections? Not really, sexperts say. Except of course they are
sleeping when the erection occurs. Most men wake up every day with a fully erect penis. It’s a healthy thing for a man to wake up hard. It shows that men are producing healthy amounts of testosterone. Men produce more testosterone in the morning, while girls produce more testosterone at night. This may explain why they have that bad habit of rolling over and going to sleep right after sex, while the woman is hoping for more loving. What do men prefer: Handjobs, blowjobs, or the real deal? There’s not a girl in the world that can manually satisfy a guy better than he can satisfy himself. Not one. And sure, there are cases where a great blowjob might be more pleasurable to a guy than a so-so romp between the sheets. But until further notice, heed these words: ‘Intercourse is better than everything.’ What happens to a man after a few drinks? Your man goes out with his pals for drinks and comes back. You do everything to get some action out of him, and…nothing. It’s called Temporary Alcohol Impotence, and it affects men and women alike. It deadens nerve endings and slows down responses. It makes it difficult for men and women to come. There’s a “sweet spot” where guys can maintain an erection, but can’t ejaculate, which can lead to hours of drunken (read: SLOPPY) sex. But alcohol also impairs impulses between the brain and the genitals, and if he goes over the edge, he won’t be getting back up for a while. What can you do with his nipples? It turns out men’s nipples aren’t too much different
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will improve the endurance between both partners, as both looks out for the interest of one another. What would you advise that women should look out for in a man? What to look out for is not quite difficult. Young women should look out for loyalty, intelligence, respect, hard work. The man must have the ability to protect, selflessness and submissive to authority among many other things. Now, the reason for submissive to authority is because if the man fears where he is, his nation, and fears everything around him and not try to violate anything, he is likely to have conscience and he is a law abiding person. He also knows that even though nobody is there that God is always there. But the most captivating point which is experiential for me is his ability to be committed to Christ because it is only Him that can influence every area of his life. It must not be with the general use of the word “Godly man”....but someone committed to Christ-like values and living. That’s how I got to where I am today; 19 years down the line in my marriage is a proof of enormous work and investment in marriage accompanied by God’s grace and faithfulness. What is your description of a responsible man? The first step for any responsible man is to become the man he’s meant to be. To realize exactly who he is, his strengths and weaknesses, and what he can offer the world as a whole not only his partner. I’m not saying he must be perfect. He could be terribly imperfect, but be reminded of it every day by himself through various steps he’s taken and has landed him in bad shape, which must automatically allow him plenty of room for growth and repentance. He must stand up for every move and steps taking in error or out of error. You can depend on a man; you can’t depend on a boy in marriage. A man is proud, often to a fault. He doesn’t “change” but rather evolves. Ladies must desist from changing a man, but let him evolve into the man he’s meant to be. A responsible man does not neglect or shelves his responsibilities. I call them “TOUM”....The Own-Up Man. Do you think all men that beat their wives or fiancée are irresponsible? Yes, they are. As the equation of marriage is that two shall become one, it’s inconceivable to imagine that someone can beat himself. Like my friend abroad, Mrs. Martin Akioyame will say jokingly “You are the neck, Remi is the head” meaning the head can’t stand without the neck...we always laugh around this joke whenever we are together. It’s hilarious, but that’s actually the truth! When should a woman call it quits in an abusive marriage? Why did you ask “when “...Lots of women are curious of how to prepare themselves against divorce, so the question “when” could be scary for the time limit you are proposing. However, if a marriage gets to the level of threat to life, separation can be considered for reconciliation and healing purposes. If you love a woman, it should be your goal to make sure she is better than she
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NOVEMBER 12, 2016
if a marriage gets to the level of threat to life, separation can be considered for reconciliation and healing purposes. If you love a woman, it should be your goal
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Keeping ABREAST
What Clinton’s loss says about women
to make sure she is better than she was, when she met you and not worse or battered after meeting you was, when she met you and not worse or battered after meeting you. Can we learn more from your childhood, how was your growing up like? I was born and raised in Isolo, Lagos. I am number two and first girl out of family of seven. I went to school in Lagos. My primary school was in St Agnes Primary Yaba and Secondary School was Wesley Girls Yaba, whereas my College was at Adeniran Ogunsaya College of Education Ijaniki. I later proceeded to University of Ilorin. From there I proceeded to business and I also did some other curses. My childhood was hung around school and church, and now a wife to the most charming man on earth, a mother of three beautiful kids, a pastor at Soaring Eagle International Ministry, marriage counselor and life coach, a business woman. I am an on-air-guest counselor at wazobiafm-95.1 and Wazobiatv. I am excited more now than my childhood days, having gone to places such as schools, churches, offices, homes and some other media houses opening people’s mind to the reality of having a great choice and be responsible for every choice they make. Tell us how do you joggle among all these duties? How do you strike a balance? Of a truth, when I see something of a great cause especially councelling on marriage that has to do with the Lord I have extreme passion and strength. It is quite tasking because my kids are also in the burden school. Sometimes I have to shuttle between their school and here, church and office, office and being a devoted and focus wife. I thank God that my husband is also supportive, so it makes my job easier. Sometimes if I’m tired he takes me to the radio or television stations. So he helps me a lot. This is why I say couples must know each other and make up their mind that this is my life and we are going to work together and be together for as long as we live. With that you have so much strength to fulfill your dreams and your purpose in life.
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illary Clinton came so close to winning the White House that she had planned to deliver her victory speech beneath a symbolic glass ceiling. It was intended to be a night that would celebrate a historic first -- serving as a high point in a toxic election cycle. But in the end, the glass ceiling wasn’t broken. The surge in female voters that Clinton’s campaign hoped for didn’t materialize. Clinton never even came to the microphone beneath that ceiling that she had hoped would symbolize a historic milestone, instead calling Donald Trump to concede. According to early exit polls, Clinton underperformed Barack Obama among women. Turnout among women was 1 point higher than in 2012, but Clinton only got the support of 54% of women -- compared to Obama’s 55%. Trump actually won 62% of white non-college educated women to Clinton’s 34%. Clinton won white college educated women 51% to Trump’s 45%, according to those same polls. Clinton led among independent women but only by a 4-point margin. It was a stunning conclusion to a race where the first female nominee of a major party was matched with a candidate who has made the most sexist, misogynistic comments of any nominee to run for president in recent memory. Women typically make up 52 to 53% of the electorate in presidential years, but Clinton’s allies and advisers realized early on that the history-making nature of her candidacy was not generating much excitement among voters -- certainly not in the same way that electing the first African-American president had galvanized Democratic voters around Barack Obama in 2008. “Hillary Clinton is an incredibly polarizing figure, in a way that Barack Obama was not,” said Jennifer Lawless, director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University. “He was an amazing orator, he was inspirational, the way that he spoke about helping to generate a post-partisan politics -- a lot of those promises and a lot of that language was something that had not been seen in politics.”
“She (was) running as the first woman candidate for a major party nomination, and that’s incredibly significant,” Lawless said. “But she also represents the establishment -- and those are competing forces.” There were successes for female politicians on the ballot Tuesday. Tammy Duckworth picked up a Senate seat for Democrats from Illinois. Kamala Harris won a Senate seat from California and Catherine Cortez Masto kept the Nevada Senate seat in Democratic hands. But complicating matters for Clinton this time, older women who were excited about casting their first ballot for a female president had already done so when she ran against Obama in 2008. On the flip side, millennial women often rejected the notion that gender should be a factor in their vote, particularly if their loyalties lay with Clinton’s primary rival, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Over her three decades in public life, Clinton has struggled to strike the right balance in addressing her gender and the role it has played in her career. She became a polarizing figure for women early on with her infamous remark about staying home and baking cookies. She made women’s rights a central focus for her both as first lady and as secretary of state. She has touched on those experiences, as well as her own near-glass ceiling-shattering moments during key moments throughout the 2016 race, most notably at the Democratic convention. But she tried not to overplay her hand, perhaps in part because she was faced an opponent who openly accused her of playing “the woman card.” “Frankly, if Hillary were a man, I don’t think she’d get 5 percent of the vote,” Trump memorably said during an April victory speech at Trump Tower after a series of primaries in northeastern states. “The only thing she’s got going is the woman’s card,” Trump said. “And the beautiful thing is that women don’t like her.” Those women did not decide for Clinton on Tuesday night. And in the end, the glass ceiling held firm. Food for thought for all women there! (With CNN.com reports)
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WOMAN ‘Couples should not take each other for granted’ She is a woman of many parts. She’s a businesswoman, a pastor, marriage counselor and life coach, an on-air-guest counselor. In this interview with JULIET UMEH, Counselor Mrs. Folake Remi-Bankole, highlights some of the reasons marriages have issues in Nigeria, solution and how singles girls could make the right choices while choosing life partners. Excerpts:
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omeone said 70 percent of marriages in Nigeria break before they are made. I don’t really know how factual this figure is, but what would you blame the numerous broken marriages that we have these days? This statistic might be exaggerated because there are no proper record of divorce as documented in advance countries. However, the rate still differs within the country as a whole; for example marriage failures vary from urban to rural locations. Some marriages within the country are undocumented so are the divorce rate too. Having said that, Africans are value people who embrace and cherish our value systems. Today, these values are daily eroded by uncensored influence of western civilization on us and the value system that support our marriages. There are various things
written around marriages which are not acceptable by me. It either kills the drive or raise undue sensitivity between partners. Marriages must be built to last; but now we are reading and watching why you must have back-ups in case your marriage fails rather than building fireproof around marriages e.g. pre-nuptial agreement. I am yet to see people who dug their grave, buy their coffin in expectation that they don’t know when they will die, even when they are well advance in age. What do you think could account for marriages that started with so much love developing problems to the extent of irreconcilable differences? Now let me pick some things people called irreconcilable differences. We have balancing between home and work, communication patterns, sexual intimacy, personal habits, sharing
household responsibilities, in -laws and extended family involvement, outside friendships, debt, difficulties in disciplining children as some of the so call differences which will always be hanging around us as couples and we will always have these differences around us. Then rather than looking at them as irreconcilable differences, these differences are not deficiencies and I don’t know why they should become irreconcilable. Couples should embrace them instead of eliminating them, knowing fully that these are part of what keeps our mutual love and respect glowing in the union. Some couples who are successful today have some hidden world within these ordinary moments and these moments are keys to couples building friendships and sexual intimacy. It’s as simple as that. Couples should not take each other for granted. Every word your
partner says must be treated as classic and with respect. Differences are not deficiencies they are just part of life. What are the things you would recommend as basics for a longlasting marriage? Of the couples who decide to spend their lives together, many fail to make it last. If you stop now and try to number how many couples you know that have had their marriages end in divorce, you will most likely have to write them down so you don’t lose count. It is a sad truth in today’s world. But why do so many people go into marriage as if they are on a shopping spree? I have various points on mind but the one that struck me most is the lack of generosity and selfishness displayed between couples. If couples can be generous in words and in actions, it can be a great deal for the marriage. Additionally, if they can be selfless it
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Style & Glam
NOVEMber 12, 2016
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NOVEMber 12, 2016
Fashion frenzy
Style & Glam
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10 fashion rules for wearing leggings
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e love leggings as much as anyone, but, as with any fashion staple, there are ways to wear them well, and ways to wear them so that you look cool and on-trend
1. Leggings are not pants. Leggings are wonderful in so many ways, including their ability to blend style and comfort in one clothing item. But they are not, under any circumstance, considered pants. They also are not office attire-for that we have plenty of smart on-trend looks to choose from, nor are leggings to be worn as tights under dresses. 2. Mix it up. You can wear them with a button-down long shirt belted around the waist and ankle boots or with high boots and a long blazer. This is a sharp and classy look but still very comfortable. 3. Long tops rule. It’s safe to proclaim that tops should, in almost all cases, be long enough to cover the buttocks when wearing leggings. But most rules in fashion can be broken by someone who knows what they are doing, but generally speaking, yes, it’s much more flatter-
Fashion frenzy
ing to pair leggings with a long top. 4. Length matters. Leggings should fall just above the ankle-anything shorter automatically creates a stinted silhouette by cutting you off at the shin.
Or for an elongated, almost seamless silhouette, try over-the-knee leather boots. Have fun and be versatile with your footwear pairings.
8. Consider the occasion. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid wearing leggings for a job interview or holiday parties, and formal settings like a wed5. Wear bold prints cautiously. As fun as colourful and floral-prints legding or meeting the parents for the gings are, they are really only flattering first time. on long, lean legs. Stick with a basic colour palette for ultimate utility and 9. Or wear them anyway. Since curve-appealing wear. Darker leggings there’s always an asterisk to every rule are more flattering on most bodies. As in fashion, if you can make the rest of a rule, stick with black and charcoal. your outfit work around your leggings, then go for it. Honestly, someone with a great eye can probably style them in 6. Wash your leggings. Just as lega way that they can be worn anywhere, gings aren’t pants (or tights), nor are they jeans either-unlike denim, leggings but it’s really, really tricky. need to be washed regularly. The elas10. This is not yoga class. Unless ticity relaxes as your body heats it up you are currently in a yoga studio, or and the washing helps it to go back to normal. Leggings are partially or totally on your way to class (or straight home synthetic and so they don’t breathe as right after) this is not the time to make workout wear-as-daywear happen. well and they do need to be washed at Striving to be comfortable in your outleast every other wear. fit is one thing, but pairing leggings with 7 Consider your footwear. For a sleek, running shoes and a sweater while runbiker chic spin on leather-patchwork ning errands on Saturday could lead you leggings, pair with a cool moto boot. down a slippery slope into a sweats-only
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Style &Glam
ET UMEH with JULI
ail.com
meh@gm
9592) juliu
(0803793
MAJU showcases RINNOVO
D
esigner, Motunrayo Jimoh, founder of Fashion Label, MAJU, recently put together a fashion Sunday to celebrate the release of her latest collection, Rinnovo. The eagerly anticipated event at Tickle Bay, hosted by fashion enthusiasts Denola Grey & Zina Anumudu, introduced the crowd to a newer and more vibrant side of the womenswear brand. MAJU is a female fashion label
founded in 2008 by Jimoh. Maju’s creations are always upbeat with today’s fashion and some of her designs also carry a vintage look. Her creations include accessories, purses, bags and clothes. In May 2015, Maju launched an online shop for its fashion and accessories brands in a move to reach more buyers and fashion loyalists in Nigeria. Shopmaju.com has since its launch been helping ladies to discover themselves.
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NOVEMber 12, 2016
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Dubai Tourism sponsors The Wedding Party D
ubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has officially announced its collaboration with Elfike Collective’s The Wedding Party. Arguably the most anticipated social event of the year, the grand world premiere of The Wedding Party was selected by Dubai Tourism as part of its Vision 2020 initiative. The vision was approved in May 2013 by His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, as a strategic roadmap to attracting 20 million visitors per year by 2020, doubling the number welcomed in 2012. Speaking on the partnership, executive producer, Mo Abudu, said, ‘Nigerians have a warm affection for Dubai. It is a favourite destination for weddings, family holidays and business trips. We are proud of this partnership and we look forward to treating some lucky cinema goers to an unexpected discovery of a city that we all love. We also look forward to hosting the representatives of Dubai Tourism in Lagos this November.” The grand world premiere will hold on
The Wedding Party’s poster
Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Guests can walk away with amazing prices including luxury accommodation courtesy Arabian Falcon, theme park passes courtesy IMG Worlds of Adventure, and helicopter rides courtesy Alpha Tours
Helicopter Rides. Dubai Tourism will also give away other VVIP gifts to lucky premiere guests. Also, in the Win With the Wedding Party Promo, real life couples-to-be can win anything from bridal makeup by Zaron Cosmetics, to cakes from Cakes by
Tosan, KOTS Catering, complementary venue hire courtesy of Dorchester Events Centre, grooms’ styling by Mai Atafo to invitation design by The Wedding Store. Don’t be told. Start planning now to win with The Wedding Party.
Shiikane support D’Banj’s UK tour Martel B returns with Feel Alright
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ultiple MTV EMA, BET, World Music and MOBO Award winner D’Banj, will be making his return to the UK after a four year hiatus following his 2012 UK TOP 10 hit Oliver Twist, with his biggest UK tour supported by arguably the hottest Afrobeats rising star
Shiikane
Tekkie who will be performing a slew of his recent hits including Duro and Pana. The ultimate entertainer D’Banj, will be thrilling his UK fans to an unforgettable, spellbinding performance at the most explosive and star-studded Afrobeats concert the country has seen this year with support
from Shiikane, Mayorkun, Dremo, Paigey Cakey and Ms Banks, plus many more. The UK tour powered by Afrobeats Artistry kicks off in Manchester Academy 11th November, Birmingham 12th November and the grand finale 13th November in London hosted by Afrobeats biggest influencer in the UK Abrantee (Capital Xtra) who has had an incredible year hosting concerts including Sarkodie, R2bees, Afrobeats Live and also billed to host Diamond Platnumz who is supporting Neyo, Davido @ Koko and The Ghana Music Awards. With a career that has spanned 12 years and over 20 million records sold, D’banj is widely regarded as one of the best and most esteemed live performers and the world’s biggest African musical star.
P
Martel B
resented by his own K3 Music imprint, British-Nigerian musician Martel B is back with his massive new single titled Feel Alright, in collaboration with Sean Focus and fast-rising Nigerian-based producer Otyno, who has previously worked with the likes of 2Face Idibia, Kelly Hansome, Sugarboy and Tillaman, among others. Exciting new offering Feel Alright comes on the back of two massive hits for Martel B last year, Take You Home featuring Roro Benson, which was championed by Link Up TV, and Badda Dan Dem which was supported by the likes of Complex UK, MTV Wrap Up, GRM Daily and the MOBO Awards. Serving as the first taste of what is to come from Martel B in 2017, Feel Alright is a glorious return to form for the East London native. With its excellent R&B and Afrobeats sensibilities, the record shows off Martel B’s infectious flow, lyrics and vocal melodies, and is sure to be an instant favourite among fans and critics alike.
IllBliss)
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NOVEMber 12, 2016
CLASSICAL LYRICS
Art X Lagos: Contemporary art finds firm footing in West Africa T
he maiden edition of ART X Lagos took place between the 4th and 6th of November at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The 3-day art fair was designed by TP-Collective to widen Nigeria’s connection to the contemporary art scene across Africa and internationally. ART X Lagos was created to provide the best insight into what the visual art sector in Africa has to offer to a wider local and international audience, and encourage African and international patrons to visit Lagos. ART X Lagos had a record breaking 5,000 visitors spread over the three days, who got to see the best art works by over 65 African artists such as South Africa’s William Kentridge, Zimbabwe’s Kudzanai Chiurai, Ghana’s Jeremiah Quarshie, Cameroon’s Barthelemy Togou, Mali’s Amadou Sanogo and Nigeria’s Sokari Douglas Camp, Rubi Onyiye ChiAmanze, Ade Adekola, Rom Isichiei, Alimi Adewale, George Osodi, Victor Ehikamenor and Lakin Ogunbanwo to name a few. ART X Lagos was a unique fusion of art, lifestyle and culture. The VIP Opening Preview on the first day witnessed a large turnout of art collectors, artists, gallery owners, film and music celebrities, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, media gurus and A-listers on the social scene. They got to experience first-hand the various works on display. The winner of the ART X Prize was also announced at the Opening Preview, after a rigorous and diligent process that began in September 2016. Day 2 and 3 of the art fair also witnessed a large turnout of guests who, besides viewing the works on display, were part of ART X Talks- an integral component of the fair’s special programmes. The talks provided a dynamic and vibrant discursive platform to highlight some of the topical issues concerning contemporary art and its evolving infrastructures across the continent. Composed of panel discussions, presentations and conversations, the distinguished list of guest speakers included artists, collectors, curators, gallerists, writers and entrepreneurs, who all engaged in the possibilities of art as a vehicle through which our contemporary experience can be articulated and understood. Speakers included Nigerian collector, Omooba Yemisi Shyllon, who owns over 6,000 art works, Chief Curator and Director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town, Mark Coetzee, and Curator at the Tate Modern, London, and Zoe Whitley. Other speakers on the various panels were the renowned
Simi
artists Professors El Anatsui and Bruce Onabrakpeya, the art patrons Ngozi Edozien and Femi Lijadu, and the cultural entrepreneurs Mo Abudu, Reni Folawiyo and Bolanle Austin-Peters, who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel discussions. One program that had guests at the exhibition really excited was ART X Live! which had two components. ART X Live: The Studio curated by A Whitespace Creative Agency, where a collective of emerging artists drew and painted live at the venue! These artists included: Uthman Wahaab, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu, Osi Itegboje, Stacey Okparavero, Olatunde Alara, Kadara Enyeasi and Karo Akpokiere. There was also ART X Live: Intersections, a live art and sound performance installation that fused emerging visual artists and 4 of the fastest rising music artistes, produced by Ikon. Intersections was co-curated by Fatherland Media and A Whitespace Creative Agency, and featured stars such as Vector, Simi, Falana and Poe performing alongside visual artists Yadichinma, Stacey Ravvero, Tunde Alara and Dricky. Speaking at the closing, Tokini Peterside, ART X Lagos Founder, and Managing Director of TP-Collective, said: ‘The
response to ART X Lagos has been simply phenomenal. Over 3 days we have watched visitors from various parts of Nigeria, Africa and the international community, engage with the best contemporary art from around our continent. These visitors were excited by the talent on display, and their reactions to the work and our interactive projects, have solidified our commitment to the mission and ambition of ART X Lagos. We are so motivated by the turn out that we have already begun the journey towards ART X Lagos 2017. We thank our sponsors – Access Bank, 7UP, Anap Jets and Chapel Hill Denham – and our Media Partners and Lifestyle Partners, as well as the galleries and artists, without whom this would have been impossible. We look forward to seeing you next year, as we set out to further reinforce the city of Lagos’ position as a cultural capital in Africa! ART X Lagos enjoyed supportive sponsorship from Access Bank, 7UP Bottling Company, ANAP Jets, Chapel Hill Denham, Mot Hennessy, Neukleos, The Moorhouse Hotel and The Wheatbaker Hotel. There were also a number of partners and media partners including The Guardian, Ebony Life TV, Smooth FM, Beat FM, Trace TV, Africa Magic, Accelerate TV, Bella Naija, Ventures Africa, Pulse, YNaija and many more.
Katapot
Artist: Reekado Banks Intro Reekado … yeah It’s Don Jazzy ye Chorus If dem like make dem fire katapot of envy Dem throw us bomb of jealousy Dem stand dey eye our progress See dem no fit put asunder If dem like make dem fire katapot of envy Dem throw us bomb of jealousy Dem stand dey eye our progress See dey cannot stop our love oh Verse 1 See no be me fine pass Oh my pretty baby girl Still you stand by me Even though I make you vex … oh why Why you love me like this Tell me why baby why I deserve this Oh aii Baby baby ah … hmm hmm hmm Mo gbo pe kikan kikan ni o kan ju My baby baby no dey kanju Even when your friends dey ranju As we dey good dem dey mon’ ju You still respect my hustle I count on you, u no dey burst my bubble eh Girl, there will be no me Without you by my side How I want take survive How I want live this life Now only god go fit decide Na you dey burst my bololo dada … dada Yea ah Repeat chorus Verse 2 Oh baby I will tell the world, you are my lady Nothing dey fit do my lover They cannot put asunder No never So happy oh Na me and you forever And the day after Oh oh wooh wooh wooh Oh baby, dem no know, dem no know Oh we almost gave it up … gave it up Oh we never had it all….had it all baby, baby, dem no know … dem no know Se bi aye lon’ pariwo … pariwo Baby, I love you gidigan gidigan Oh aii aii aii aii … ah ah Oh aii aii aii aii … ah ah Chorus If dem like make dem fire katapot of envy Dem throw us bomb of jealousy Dem stand dey eye our progress See dem no fit put asunder If dem like make dem fire katapot of envy Dem throw us bomb of jealousy Dem stand dey eye our progress See dey cannot stop our love oh.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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NOVEMber 12, 2016
s w ne 2Baba releases video for Hate What You Do To Me
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Oseyiza Oogbodo 08036961187
kingseiza@gmail.com
Moelogo
M
usic legend 2Baba has unleashed the video for Hate What You Do To Me, a fan favourite off his 6th album - The Ascension. Fans will be excited to see the music video which was shot during 2Baba’s recent trip to Milan, Italy, the fashion capital of the world, and also the home of liquor brand Campari. The video was directed by UK-based video
director Luke Biggins who had worked with 2baba on other videos including the award winning Let Somebody Love You. Hate What You Do To Me is the 8th track on The Ascension album. The track is a romantic cult classic that tells the story of a love - hate relationship. The track was produced by Nigerian international music producer Femdouble.
2Baba in the video
Toke Makinwa releases cover art Que Peller premieres Carolina video featuring Olamide for her memoir On Becoming
F
I
The cover art
s it a movie? Is it a documentary? Is it a reality show? Social media has speculated profusely over the last week since the release of Toke Makinwa’s On Becoming visuals. The wait is finally over. We can now confirm that ‘On Becoming’ is the title of Toke Makinwa’s book. In her memoir, we meet the real Toke Makinwa, going from bubbly child to lonely teenager after the devastating loss of both her parents and now one of Nigeria’s most successful media personalities. She also breaks her silence on the marriage scandal and how it changed her life, finding forgiveness and strengthening her faith in God. On Becoming is Toke’s journey through pain to victory. The book goes on release on the 28th of November 2016 in bookstores across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, United Kingdom and United States. E-Books will be available on Kindle, Amazon, OkadaBooks and others.
Peller
ollowing the commercial success of Eleniyan song/ video, the charismatic artiste/ magician Que Peller and video director Frizzle have once again teamed up to bring us crisp, colourful and classy visuals, this time to the new single Carolina which features rap heavyweight Olamide. Shot on location in Lagos, Nigeria, the video features actress and winner Miss Charismatic (MBGN 2013) Ronke Tiamiyu as Carolina, and takes us through the tale of two love-birds getting through the phases of meeting, getting to know
each other, spending time together, getting intimate and doing many other things that love birds do. Viewers will particularly love the beautiful magic stunt at the end of the video, with Que reminding us that aside making good music, he’s capable of a lot more with the inclusion of magic in his general art. Frizzle once again brings his A-Game to deliver a masterpiece video project, with carnivals, bonfires, et al. The video features cameo appearances by Daddy Showkey, label-mates Base One and Airboy, Lil Kesh, B-Red, Danagog, amongst others.
Nky Hadassa readies new album
E
sther Nikiruka Onyinyechi Samuel Eboh, popularly known as Nky Hadassa, is currently putting finishing touches to her latest album which she’ll drop soonest. According to popular entertainment consultant and artist manager, ID Montana, who is working closely with Hadassa, the album will take over the industry and catapult Hadassa to the forefront of the Nigerian and entertainment industry. “Hadassa is multitalented, and that is the secret of her success. She has starred in over fifteen movies like Kingdom Of Fire, Reality, Dangerous Mood. She is also a scriptwriter and member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria/Spain. Coming from a family of great singers, she has a wonderful voice which the nightingale would envy. Just watch out for her as she’s definitely taking over.”
Hadassa
Fefe
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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMber 12, 2016
ELEBRITY
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Passion made me a musician
y
—Da Emperor
Da Emperor is one of the buzzing music artists. Critics ate him as very promising. OSEYIZA OOGBODO met him to find out what all the buzz is about. Why are you into music?
The reason is simply my passion for it. It’s what I love doing. Music is me spitting out my soul through the speakers. Plus I came into the industry with the aim of taking indigenous rap to a global scale. That is, representing our dialect and culture worldwide. How long have you been in music?
For as long as I can remember. I knew I started from the church choir at a tender age when I was living with my guardians where I grew up. I could remember being a choir member to being the choir master at a tender age. Then years passed by, and around 2008, I started writing lyrics of my own. 2010, 2011 I hit the studio and did two songs at a go. Those two songs were Am A Rapper and Facebook Prediction featuring Don D King. During this same time, Don D King also featured me on a hit song we never got to release titled Love Advice. What have you achieved in music?
I have achieved a whole lot. Glory be to God and to those supporting the brand and to fans worldwide. I won’t want to start listing, but so far, each time I look back, I’ve got enough reasons to keep moving. Last year, I premiered the video of my hit single, Para Mode, at
the Silverbird Cinemas, Ikeja. I decided to do something no indigenous rapper has done, I performed alongside a live band. These two actions were exceptional, and I can categorically say I’m the first indigenous rapper to make those moves. It’s all part of the plan in taking indigenous rap music international. What are your plans?
Plans, plans, plans. I’m sticking to the script, man proposes God disposes. We putting in work, we counting blessings. Album workload in progress first and foremost, and still featuring on songs, and in videos, movies and so on. The major is to keep progressing, that’s why we keep the flag flying. What’s your candid view of the industry?
My view is from a skyscraper. The industry is growing, getting better, bigger and stronger day by day as we can all see. It’s a good thing. Big brands are also very supportive these days so it makes the hustle easier. It will always keep getting better. Are you facing any challenges or you’re finding it very easy?
Challenges are a usual thingy. Without obstacles, there can’t be a winner. I do face lots of challenges just like any other A-list act does, but the deal is to
live with these challenges and get better by finding either a solution to them or a way around them.
awards and appreciation from all over the world. I think that’s a major achievement and huge progress for the Nigerian music industry.
What do you like most about the music industry?
What do you hate about it?
Well, the fact that new faces, talents and careers are springing up and also the fact that we are now being recognized internationally and given opportunities to exploit, get international endorsement, tour and we’re also receiving
Well, about the music industry, I’ve learnt to live it up. So I won’t say I hate anything about it as long as it keeps getting better. It’s a global world, and all kinds of music genres are welcome, so there’s nothing to hate.
Entervaganza
The Saturday Mirror Magazine
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15 things women want to know about men (but are afraid to ask)
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POLITICS
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Revenge of the ‘Deplorables’ By Robert Scheer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TRUTHDIG.COM
T
he people Hillary Clinton derided as a “basket of deplorables” have spoken. They have voted out of the pain of their economic misfortune, which Clinton’s branch of the Democratic Party helped engender. What you have is a defeat of elitism. Clinton’s arrogance was on full display with the revelation of her speeches cozying up to Goldman Sachs—the bank that caused this misery more than any other—and the irony of this is not lost on the people who are hurting and can’t pay their bills. This is a victory for a neofascist populism—scapegoating immigrants and Muslims—and if Bernie Sanders had been the Democrats’ candidate, I feel confident he would have won. We were denied the opportunity of a confrontation between a progressive populist, represented by Sanders, and a neofascist populist. It’s a repudiation of the arrogant elitism of the Democratic Party machine as represented by the Clintons, whose radical deregulation of Wall Street created this mess. And instead of recognizing the error of their ways and standing up to the banks, Clinton’s campaign cozied up to them, and that did not give people who are hurting confidence that she would re-
spond to their needs or that she gave a damn about their suffering. She’s terminally tone-deaf. So too were the mainstream media, which treated the wreckage of the Great Recession as a minor inconvenience, ignoring the deep suffering of the many millions who lost their homes, savings and jobs. The candidate of Goldman Sachs was defeated, unfortunately by a billionaire exemplar of everything that’s evil in late-stage capitalism, who will now worsen instead of fix the system. Thanks to the arrogance of the Democratic Party leadership that stifled the Sanders revolution, we are entering a very dangerous period with a Trump presidency, and this will be a time to see whether our system of checks and balances functions as our Founding Fathers intended. Make no mistake about it: This is a crisis of confidence for America’s ruling elite that far surpasses Nixon’s Watergate scandal. They were the enablers of radical deregulation that betrayed Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s contract with the American people in the wake of the Great Depression. The people are hurting, and regrettably, Trump was the only vehicle presented to them by either major party in the general election to register their deepest discontent. The Trump voters are the messenger; don’t demonize them in an effort to salvage the
The Trump voters are the messenger; don’t demonize them in an effort to salvage the prestige of the superrich elite that has temporarily lost its grip on the main levers of power in this nation. Thankfully, the Clinton era is over prestige of the superrich elite that has temporarily lost its grip on the main levers of power in this nation. Thankfully, the Clinton era is over, and the sick notion that the Democratic Party of FDR needed to find a new home in the temples of Wall Street greed has been rudely shattered by the deep anger of the very
folks that the Democrats had presumed to represent. That includes working-class women, who failed to respond to the siren song of Clinton, whom the democratic hacks offered instead of a true progressive like Sanders or Elizabeth Warren. Yes, we need a female president, but not in the mold of Margaret Thatcher.
‘Not my president, No Trump, No fascist USA’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE flag. In Washington DC, Protesters gathered for a second night outside the White House before marching to picket the new Trump International Hotel in Washington DC - but their initially peaceful protest also ended with arrests. Disappointed voters of all ages lit candles before moving on to Trump’s new hotel. There, people’s chants of ‘say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here’ were met with cheers. Others chanted: ‘They go low, we go high’. As the night wore on, however, things became less placid; a flag was burned in the street, and later a man was handcuffed and bundled into a van by Secret Service. Other cities affected by protests included San Diego, California; Dallas, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Las Vegas,
Nevada. They followed election-night protests that took place on university campuses in Democrat states, after alcohol-fueled parties descended into wakes as swathes of Republican red spread across the map. On the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, a group of around thirty Trump supporters tried to shout down demonstrators. In Pennsylvania, hundreds of University of Pittsburgh students marched through the streets, with some in the crowd calling for unity, while others organised an event entitled: ‘Emergency Meeting: Let’s Unite to Stop President Trump.’ Students chanted: ‘No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA’. Students at several colleges started petitions urging professors to cancel classes due to their ‘emotional distress’ after election result On Wednesday, a Yale economics professor announced he was making an exam
‘optional’ after receiving ‘heartfelt notes’ from multiple students who were in shock over the result. Other teachers cancelled classes and one professor from Cleveland State University told her students to come dressed in ‘warm clothes’ as they were going on strike. Schools in Boston offered counselling so that students could face the ‘challenging weeks’ ahead - while other educators opted to bring in their pets as ‘therapy’. The University of Maryland was one of a number of schools across the country that decided to postpone exams, with Professor Alan Peel labelling Trump a ‘hazard’. “The nation in which you currently reside decided last night to elect a president whose own words have painted him a moral and possibly physical hazard to
many of us,” he wrote in an email to students. “I am convinced it is necessary to postpone any assessments whose scores might very well reflect circumstances far beyond the mastery of the current material.” The University of Vermont’s president Tom Sullivan offered time for tea and meditations. “This is a challenging time for many of our colleagues and students, who may be feeling isolated and concerned for personal welfare,” he wrote. Furious students started protesting across the country, with more than 1,500 angry California high school students walking out of classes in Berkeley. Some students held anti-Trump signs that read ‘Nasty Women Unite,’ ‘F*** Donald Trump’ and ‘No Deportation, No Profiling, No Brutality.’ Others waved Mexican flags. (Mailonline.com)
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POLITICS
NOVEMBER 12, 2016
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
‘Not my president, No Trump, No fascist USA’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 turning nasty after some protesters threw bottles at officers and torched a police car. An office block was also attacked, daubed with ‘f*** Trump’ and ‘kill Trump’ graffiti and then set alight. And thousands more filled streets in Los Angeles before taking over the 110 Freeway while other protesters gathered outside City Hall, lighting fires and waving Trump heads on sticks. There were 14 arrests. In New York, home of the President-elect, at least 30 people were arrested when cops cracked down on twin demonstrations in Columbus Circle and at Trump Tower. As many as 7,500 demonstrators were believed to have been split between the two locations, chanting ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Donald Trump, go away, racist, sexist, anti-gay.’ Cher and Madonna were among the NYC protesters, with Cher telling one supporter they needed to ‘fight.’ Trump’s poll-defying win has sparked a wave of similar rallies across the country. Protests stopped traffic in Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California, among many others. Outside the White House, a candlelit vigil was being held in protest against Mr Trump’s inflammatory and divisive brand of politics. But even peaceful protests in that city went awry, with at least one protester being bundled into the back of a van by the Secret Service. Masses of protesters - more than 6,000, marched down a cop-lined Broadway, protesting the election of Donald Trump. The group had convened in Frank Ogawa Plaza for a peaceful but passionate protest - that plan, however, went to pieces after 8pm after the crowd threw glass bottles at the police line. The cops responded in kind, firing incendiary devices into the crowd as unlawful assembly orders were read out. Two groups were still contained by police in the area, feeding fires and being blocked from entering the I-90. It’s not yet clear how many - if any were arrested in that incident, but one person was taken in after shining a laser at a police helicopter - something that cops say is a federal offense. Twitter videos showed many fires burning in downtown streets, and cops marching in formation on Crowds of disgruntled voters packed into the northern plaza of Union Square, in Downtown Manhattan - among them pop star Cher. One protester announced on Facebook: ‘Cher just told me we have to fight. I trust in Cher.’ Madonna posted footage of crowds chanting ‘Not my President!’ on her Instagram feed. The rally, organised by a group called Socialist Alternative, called on people to ‘build a movement to fight racism, sexism, and Islamophobia’. Among the crowd was teacher Julia Dunn, who said: “There’s a man who’s the human embodiment of hate who’s going to become our next president, so the best thing we can do is try to connect with peo-
ple who are representing love and connection.” ‘Fight white power’ and ‘Love Trumps Hate’ were printed across dozens of placards as people voiced their anger over the election result. There were reports of ‘multiple arrests’ as the crowd started their march 40 blocks uptown towards Trump Towers. Father Craig Wolf was reportedly detained as he marched with his 15-year-old daughter and her friends. There were reports of at least 30 arrests. One woman taking part in the event was Julie Rossman, 30, who said: “He is a misogynist, he’s a racist, and he ran a campaign on hate and lies.” In Columbus Circle demonstrators hung a plastic effigy of Donald Trump as cries of ‘Black Lives Matter’ rang out across the crowd. At around 8pm, NYPD officers outside Trump Hotel & Tower attempted to break up the crowds and move them onto the sidewalk. Video on Twitter shows rows of police standing in the road as a robotic voice warned that anyone refusing to leave the street would be arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Countless thousands of protesters were seen across Los Angeles streets, swarming in what was described as an apparently disorganized protest, with no particular start or end point. As time wore on, the crowd looked increasingly out of control, it said. Many of the protesters took over the 110 Freeway, stopping traffic completely. Others headed to City Hall, where they lit fires on the steps and waved around placard and signs - as well as a papier mâché Donald Trump head on a stick. Police eventually dispersed the crowd around the fires and put them out. A socialist councilwoman’s call for a protest was met in mass in Seattle. Kshama Sawant called for a massive protest on Wednesday night and a nationwide shutdown on Inauguration Day. “I appeal to you, let’s have a massive protest, and tell America we do not accept a racist agenda,’ she said. And so at 4pm hundreds began to amass in the park, objecting through bullhorns to being ruled by billionaires. Their
numbers swelled until thousands were amassing downtown. They then traveled to Capitol Hill, and on into the University District. In a separate incident, five people were shot dead at around 7am, while the protest was ongoing. Police have said there was no link between the two events. In New Orleans, dozens of protesters gathered in Lee Circle to protest the election, setting fire to an effigy of Trump and vandalizing the monument - dedicated to Confederate general Robert E Lee - with spray-painted slogans. Among the slogans on the pillar and its base were ‘Black Power,’ ‘Dismantle White Supremacy’ and ‘F*** Trump,’ NOLA.com reported. The protesters chanted ‘No Trump! No KKK! No fascist USA!’ Local Monica Jean, who declined to give her last name, told the crowd: “I am a gay Latina woman. Last night, I found out that most of my country hates me.” A nearby Chase Bank window was also broken after the protest peeled away from the monument and went down St Charles Avenue. Passersby said masked men were responsible. Thousands of protesters filled downtown San Francisco before heading up to the Castro District. Cable car lines were down while the protest passed under the cables, with some holding signs and placards reading ‘Dump Trump’ and ‘Build Bridges, Not Walls.’ Chants of ‘f*** Donald Trump’ and ‘No racist USA, no Trump, no KKK,’ were reported as the masses marched, some with children in pushchairs. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love was showing precious little love for Donald Trump, as a march that started at The University of Pennsylvania became a rally at City Hall. That rally attracted hundreds, then around 1,000, people who headed out onto the streets, protesting ‘We’re not Trump’s America.’ The group marched to Temple University, causing delays for traffic, and then on through the city. A US flag was burned at Temple University. The streets of Chicago, Illinois, were overrun with protesters Wednesday night as anti-Trump fever took hold. A small
group of demonstrators were picketing the Trump International Hotel and Tower in the city in the afternoon. They were later joined by dozens more before taking their protests to the streets. Thousands of activists carrying signs reading ‘stop Trump!’ and ‘shut down white supremacy’ marched through the streets of the Loop, blocking traffic and surrounding cars. Anti-Trump protester Sam Barber Kennedy said: “We’re just not happy about Trump. He’s a bigot. We can’t have that as the face of America. We’re a joke of the world.” In Boston, a small crowd of around 50 who gathered at Boston Common to protest around 7pm swelled into a crowd of 4,000, according to police, as incandescent Bostonians descended on the area. Local government dispatched 75 officers as a precaution, but the protest - organized by Boston Socialist Alternative - soon swelled to gargantuan proportions. Female and male protesters started a call-and-response chant of ‘My p***y, my choice’ and ‘Your p***y, your choice,’ as they occupied the space. Their numbers were added to by others from a separate anti-Dakota Access Pipeline event that had taken place earlier in the day, and they soon joined the chants of ‘F*** your wall.’ The protest eventually went mobile, marching past the State House under the watchful eyes of police. In Portland, Oregon, American flags were set ablaze in the hipster capital as dozens of people blocked traffic and forced delays on two rail lines, and that number ultimately swelled to around 2,000. Earlier in the evening, when there were just a few protesters gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Trump supporters had arrived to jeer at and taunt them. At one point, one of the Trump backers was chased across the square and hit in the back with a skateboard. That almost broke into a full-on fight but it was ultimately broken up. A separate group on the march swelled in numbers as it blocked roads downtown and in north-east Portland. At one point, a small group of people burned an American flag. It then merged with another group at Pioneer Courthouse Square, increasing numbers dramatically. In Richmond, Virginia, hundreds of protesters took their anger onto the I-95. The march began at Virginia Commonwealth University, before proceeding onto Broad Street and Belvidere, then down the south ramp of the Interstate. The group stopped traffic there, but were removed by police. It’s not yet clear whether there were any arrests. They then looped back around and to the VCU campus. Some then peeled away to protest at the Virginia State Capital. One Twitter video showed the group marching down the I-95. Another showed the group occupying a wide street, raising banners painted with the gay pride colors, and another designed to look like an upside-down US CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
NOVEMBER 12, 2016
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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POLITICS 10 Who won’t accept America’s election result now? • • • • • •
Exams postponed in universities over anguish of students, violent protests break out across streets Plot to impeach President Trump has already begun Thousands of people are calling for Donald Trump to be impeached Professors say he could be removed over claims of sexual abuse, fraud One of the petitions to contest presidency has amassed 13,322 signatures Online searches for ‘How to impeach a president’ surged after the result
It is just a few days since Donald Trump was elected President - but thousands of furious liberals are already plotting ways to remove him from office. Within hours of the Republican’s unexpected win over Hillary Clinton, people were calling for him to be impeached over claims of sexual abuse, fraud and racketeering. Online searches for ‘How to impeach a president’ surged hours after the result, with the question seeing a 4,850 per cent rise on Google. One of the seven petitions to contest his presidency amassed more than 13,322 signatures in a matter of hours as furious protests across the United States intensified. A number of professors have thrown their weight behind the movement, saying there is a ‘strong case’ to impeach Trump and stop him from taking the top job. Speaking on Newsnight on Wednesday, English historian Simon Schama said: “It is not a moment for calm, it is a moment for contesting what seems to be a very dangerous point in American history. “George Washington warned against despotism and that’s what we’re facing.’
University of Utah Law professor, Christopher Peterson, said he found evidence to charge Trump with fraud and racketeering - felonies within state and federal law. He claimed that Trump University was unaccredited and taught students getrich-quick schemes. Trump is set to go on trial in three weeks over his now-defunct Trump University, potentially taking the witness stand weeks before his inauguration. The lawsuit, filed in 2010, claims Trump University gave seminars across the country that were like infomercials, pressuring people to spend $35,000 for mentorships. In a 23-page article, Professor Peterson laid out why Congress should impeach Trump over these claims. “In the United States, it is illegal for businesses to use false statements to convince consumers to purchase their services,” Mr Peterson said. “The evidence indicates that Trump University used a systemic pattern of fraudulent representations to trick thousands of families into investing in a program that can be argued was a sham. “Fraud and racketeering are serious
crimes that legally rise to the level of impeachable acts.” Impeachment is where a formal accusation of serious wrongdoing is lobbied against a sitting president or any other senior US official. The US Constitution states that the House of Representatives can vote to impeach and kick an official out of office, but it’s the Senate that actually tries the case. ‘The President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States’ who may be impeached and removed only for ‘treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours’, reads the act. Thousands marched through downtown Boston on Wednesday night, waving signs and chanting anti-Trump slogans to protest the election. The crowd held signs that read ‘Love Trumps Hate,’ ‘Trump is racism,’ and ‘Impeach Trump.’ In her speech to concede defeat on Wednesday, Clinton told her supporters to accept the shock result - despite winning the popular vote. Flanked by her husband Bill and daughter Chelsea, she said: “Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an
open mind and the chance to lead.” At one point in Trump’s campaign he said he could reject the result of the election if he lost to Clinton. Speaking during the final televised debate, Mr Trump, who has previously said the election has been rigged against him, raised the possibility he could launch a challenge to the results. Asked directly if he would accept the results, Mr Trump said: “I will look at it at the time, what I’ve seen is so bad.” Meanwhile, violence has broken out at anti-Trump rallies across America overnight as tens of thousands marched against the President-elect before angry mobs attacked police, started fires and shut down highways. The streets of downtown Oakland in California were choked with smoke Thursday as police launched tear gas and protesters lit fires, in what became by some distance the most violent of the many protests against the election of Donald Trump. More than 6,000 protesters were seen on the streets of Oakland with an initially peaceful march down a cop-lined street CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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NOVEMBER 12, 2016
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Attacks on Trans-Forcados line are to sabotage peace process —Clark Elo Edremoda, WARRI
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lder statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has said continued attacks on oil and gas installations in the region are deliberate attempts to sabotage the peace process with the federal government. The Ijaw national leader stated this yesterday at
a press briefing in Warri, disclosing that a meeting would be scheduled to figure out ways to deal with the situation. However, he urged the presidency not to be distracted by the renewed hostilities, noting that several factors, including politics, were responsible for the clamp down of major assets in the region. Chief Clark, while describing perpetrators of the recent attacks as criminals, opined that they were
not aggrieved, but out to truncate the dialogue process already established, adding that the innocent members of the community will be left to suffer the aftermath of their actions. “Our boys were still boasting in the social media that they were going to attack, they do this, do that. I was in my house when they sent to me that FG has sent troops to the creeks in a houseboat opposite Oporoza and that some boys have been ar-
rested. We intervened and those boys were release. So the question is, what do we want, particularly these boys. What are they looking for? They are enemies of the people, they are criminals. “If something is being done so that we all can benefit, the fight you are fighting did not start today. You have not even waited for the dialogue to take place, and then you are not an aggrieved person. Then you have other ulterior mo-
tives. “So we will soon have a meeting of PANDEF to discuss this thing and take a position. Let me also warn that there are some politicians who are also members of the Niger Delta that are fighting themselves and it is not unlikely that some of these people are involved in these bombings to discredit each other. “The recent blowing up of Trans-Forcados Pipeline operated by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) is no longer a matter arising from grievances, but an act design to sabotage the present peace process.
“I want to emphasise that no Government sits by, and watch its National Assets being destroyed. It is the innocent members of the communities that would bear the brunt of possible reprisal attacks by military. “We appeal to FG to go on acting on the requests we made to Mr. President on the 1st of November. We will deal with this situation. We won’t sit down at home with arms folded and allow some few individuals to destroy our destiny. “A larger meeting will be called to review the situation and take a position”, he said.
No plan to retrench staff – NPA
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L-R: Student of Isale -Eko Senior Grammar School, Fatai Atanda; Wealth Management, FBN Merchant Bank Ltd, Mrs. Ada Okoli; Student of IsaleEko Senior Grammar School, Shuiab Damilola, Principal, Isale-Eko Senior Grammar School, Mrs.Osunde Regina and Head, General Services, FBN Merchant Bank Ltd, Mr. Segun Adebayo at the 2016 World Savings Day, in Lagos recently.
Minister faults calls for true federalism
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inister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, has faulted calls for true federalism by prominent Nigerian politicians, saying many of them do not understand what the concept entails. He said this yesterday while presenting a lecture on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan. The minister criticized true federalism crusaders, particularly South-West, accusing them of failing to uphold the tenets of the concept by refusing to conduct local government
elections. He said, “A lot of people from the South West especially the state governors have been making repeated calls for true federalism. But, it is always a problem to define what true federalism means. “Among the state governors making the call for true federalism are those who have not conducted local government elections. They have refused to conduct the election that would make them autonomous. They have always been appointing caretaker chairmen for the councils.” While speaking on the
topic, “Psychology and the Change Agenda”, he said, “A lot of times, most of the resources of the local governments are controlled by these state governments. What examples are they giving? They should first provide good examples in their various states before clamouring for true federalism.” He commended the anti-corruption stance of President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that “change is important to leaders of governments, communities, corporations and nations around the world. In Nigeria, the change mantra of
the administration of President Buhari is now widely known within and outside Nigeria. The change is expected to cover all spheres to cover all spheres of life.” The Head of the department, Prof. Benjamin Ehigie, listed several achievements of the department, particularly in the last 10 years. He said, “For the decade that has just passed, the department has recorded lots of achievements. Apart from those already mentioned, the department has produced 11 first class graduates.
he Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, is not planning to retrench staff, its Managing Director, Hadiza Usman, has said. She spoke on Thursday during a tour of Warri Port and described the story of retrenchment as a “rumour’’. Ms. Usman said rather than the NPA retrenching staff, management would recruit more staff. She said the management had tasked the General Manager, Human Resources, to bring up ideas on succession plan of the organisation. Ms. Usman said the management has introduced performance-based appraisal whereby every personnel would be appraised based on his or her performance, The managing director said that the management would take remedial measures so as not to allow ships be grounded at the Escravos breakwaters due to high siltation. She suggested that emergency remedial measures be put in place to ensure that no vessel runs aground at the Escravos breakwaters. The Manager of Warri Port, Simeon Okeke, had highlighted the dangers posed by the breakwaters and the channels leading to the port due to high siltation. He said that in the absence of vital buoys, it has become impossible to nav-
igate, adding that a number of times, vessels went aground. The port manager also lamented that the right vessels were not coming into Warri Port because of the shallow nature of the berths. Mr. Okeke suggested dredging and mooring of the channels of Warri Port as well as the removal of wrecks. He said that more manpower should be recruited into the various departments. He also talked about the problem of encroachment of port land and litigations. Mr. Okeke said there should be a review of port tariffs and restructuring of the port. “The port needs intensive promotion to give the correct image as well as the complete rehabilitation of the facilities in the port,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quotes him as saying. The Chairman of the Board of NPA, Emmanuel Adesoye, said that NPA should carry out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Mr. Adesoye urged the management to do physical development of the communities around them. The Chairman, Maritime Workers’ Union, Monday Ihembe, said that the dredging of the Warri Port to accommodate bigger vessels was very important.
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N2.1bn debt: Court orders Skye bank to take over Obat Oil’s depot Wale Igbintade
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ollowing its inability to pay alleged N2.1 billion debt, a Federal High Court in Lagos has directed Skye
Bank Plc to take over Obat Oil and Petroleum Limited’s depot. Justice Jude Dagat also directed the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos
How I paid N15.1m to my kidnappers —Oniba Mornach tells court
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he traditional ruler of Iba town, Oba Goriola Oseni, yesterday told a Lagos High Court how he paid his abductors the sum of N15.1 million to secure his release. He stated this at the trial of four of his alleged kidnappers namely; Duba Furejo, Ododowo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo. They are standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, robbery, armed robbery, felony and kidnapping preferred against them by the Lagos State Government. Earlier, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), who led a team of counsel for the state, prayed the court to exclude the public from the trial. In an oral application, Kazeem stated that the defendants were likely part of a criminal enterprise and that it would serve the interest of justice as well as the safety of the witnesses for the matter to be closed to the public. The court granted his request despite the objections of Chief Selowei Baidi for the first and second defendants, Mr J. O. Egwuaroje for the third defendant and fourth defendant counsel, Anthony Onwueze Justice Taiwo ruled there was nothing prejudicial about the application and assured the defence of fair hearing. She ordered all journalists in court to identify themselves by their official Identification cards in order to be allowed to cover the proceedings. Led in examination by Kazeem, Oseni, 73, testified as first prosecution witness and narrated how at about 8pm on July 16, he was kidnapped while watching TV in a room at the palace and held in captivity for three weeks in an unknown riverine camp. He described his abductors - about nine in number - as shirtless, heavily armed men wearing only black trousers and said they ac-
costed him as he went to investigate a noise from his sitting room. “’This is the king,’ the gunmen said. I said, ‘what can I do for you?’ Then they grabbed me. I was putting on only a boxer short because I was preparing to take a bath. My Oloris (Queens) came in and asked them where they were taking me to but they fled when the gunmen released bullets into the decking of the room,” Oseni told the court. He said the gunmen dragged him out of the palace and began shooting sporadically as they left the main gate, killing his security guard and a motorcyclist in the process. They also shot at one of his Oloris, he alleged. “They started pushing me and shouting ‘trek, trek’, till I fell and injured my arm. My toe nail was also forcibly removed, so they carried me,” Oseni said. The men, he continued, took him to a speedboat where he was driven away to a riverine camp with about 50 militants. The next day he was driven in another boat to a bigger camp with six houses and more of the militants. He pointed at the first, second and third defendants in the dock as being part of his alleged abductors, but explained that the fourth defendant was one those that used to visit the camp. He said they demanded N500million ransom but his family paid N12million and then another N3.1million to younger group within the kidnappers, totalling N15. 1million following which he was released. The Oba’s son Prince Kazeem, who testified as the second prosecution witness, said he delivered both ransom money of N12m and N3.1m to the militants at a canal near Igbehinadun in Iba. He said they negotiated the ransom from N500m to N40m but they couldn’t raise that amount, especially after the government refused to pay any ransom.
Commissioner of Police as well as the court’s Deputy Sheriff to assist in the enforcement of the order. Consequently, Obat Oil and Petroleum’s depot at H.I.M. Oba (Dr.) F.E.O. Akinruntan Close, Beachland Estate, Apapa, Lagos, was sealed up yesterday pending liquidation of the debt. Skye Bank had through an Originating Motion sought the enforcement of an arbitral award dated August 7, 2015. Skye Bank had sought to recover a loan debt
N2,142,462,572.26 owed it by Obat Oil and Petroleum. The loan was guaranteed by His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Frederick Eniti Akinruntan. The bank further sought to recover 15 per cent interest on the amount from April 2014 till the liquidation of the debt. The case was taken before an arbitrator, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), during which Obat Oil and Dr. Akinruntan appealed for concessions and waivers on the amount of ac-
crued interest, fees and commissions. After the arbitration, the Arbitrator held that it would be fair and equitable to award N1,406,944,352.76 to the claimant, which represents the amount the respondents admitted as being the outstanding balance as at March 31. Aare Babalola also awarded 10 per cent interest annually on the N1. 4billion from the April 1l, 2014, till final liquidation of the amount. The bank, however, al-
leged that Obat Oil and Dr Akinruntan failed to comply with the Arbitration Award. It applied to the court to order the award’s enforcement. Granting the application, Justice Dagat made an order granting Skye Bank leave to enforce the Arbitration Award against the respondents. In compliance with the order, Skye Bank yesterday proceeded to enforce the Arbitration Award against Obat Oil and Petroleum and Oba Akinruntan.
L-R: Deputy Group Chairman, Obasanjo Holdings Limited, Dr. Daniel Afsu; Managing Director, Intra African Trade Initiative, Kanayo Awani; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Chief Representative of Made in Africa in Nigeria, Jason Zhu and representative of the Export-Import Bank of China, Ms. Yang Fan, after a team from the Agro Processing Export Business Investment paid a courtesy visit to the governor in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office, yesterday.
NDLEA file charges against five NAHCO staff over 144kg ephedrine smuggling Olusegun Koiki
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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it has filed charges against the five officials of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, who attempted to smuggle 144kg of ephedrine to Maputo, Mozambique. The anti-narcotics agency said that it has filed charges against the staff at the Federal High Court, Abuja This is as NDLEA disclosed that more facts have emerged on the failed mission of the staff at the Abuja Airport. The spokesman of NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju in a statement said that the suspect led by the Chief Security Supervisor of NAHCO, Mr. Garba would be charged for conspiracy, aiding and abetting the unlawful exportation of the drug to Mozambique.
According to him, preliminary investigation by the NDLEA revealed how the NAHCO staff who were in charge of cargo safety and security, conspired with suspected drug trafficking syndicates in swapping already screened consignments by security agencies at the airport with similar packages that contained narcotics. He said that all these were made known through its intelligence report, stressing that in the course of the investigation, the agency extended its search light by inviting a number of airport officials suspected to be involved in the incident for interrogation. He however declared that others interrogated were cleared by the anti-narcotics agency while five staff of NAHCO including a load controller who is still at large were found to be seriously indicted in the crime.
He alleged that the staff were deliberately working to undermine security measures at the airport by swapping already screened cargoes with similar consignment that had been stuffed with narcotics. He accused the Chief Security Supervisor, Mr. Audu Garba of the prime suspect in the entire crime. Others are two security assistants, Nasiru Ibrahim and Haruna Abdullahi, a driver, Adamu Dasura as well as a load controller, Victor Ahenje who is at large. He added, “It was disclosed that the defendants were taking undue advantage of their position and privilege by deploying the official vehicle of NAHCO in the said act of sabotage. Furthermore, the shipment of 144kgs of ephedrine concealed among hair relaxers and cereals was swapped with
a similar package that was screened by all security operatives. “Unfortunately for the suspects, what appeared to be a discreet plot to unlawfully export narcotics to Mozambique through an Ethiopian airline flight was promptly nipped in the bud by the NDLEA.” Commenting on the issue, the Abuja Airport Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Hamisu Lawan said that the management of NAHCO at the Abuja airport was cooperating with investigators. Lawan described the act as a case of outright swapping of already screened cargoes with similar bags, noting that its investigators had made significant progress in the case. Also, the Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that weak-links must be identified and strengthened.
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DasukiGate: Court remands former Air Marshal in prison
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he Federal High Court on Friday ordered that a retired Air Marshal, Tony Omeniyi, be remanded in Kuje Prison, after he pleaded not guilty to allegations of diverting funds meant for the purchase of arms. Mr. Omeniyi was accused, alongside his company, Huzee Nigeria Limited, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of diverting over N136 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. The defendant’s counsel, Wahab Olatunji, had made a request for his client’s bail saying the offence is bail-able. After listening to arguments from counsel, the judge, Nnamdi Dimgba, fixed November 14 for hearing and determination of the application for bail; but ordered Mr. Omeniyi be remanded in prison till that day. The EFCC also arraigned two suspects, Sada Adamu and Babatunde Faro, employees of Diamond Bank Plc, before the same court for alleged fraud to the tune $1 million.
(ABUJA)
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igeria’s current arguably most famous prison, Kuje Prison, has over 70 undergraduate inmates, head of the prison, a Deputy Controller of Prisons, Akilu Abdullahi, said Friday. The inmates however began their degree programmes through the National Open University at the prison, having obtained their West African Senior Secondary School Examination, WASSCE, results from the prison, said Abdullahi. The prison chief stated this when non-governmental organizations working on a project known as “Youth Matters in Nigeria” visited the inmates to interact with them on the need to shun all vices that could further imperil their future. The visit was to also enable them suggest to government areas of mental and other health programmes they think gov-
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Terrorism inhibiting development in Africa—Buhari
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resident Muhammadu Buhari has called on African leaders to form a strong united front to defeat terrorism and violent extremism inhibiting development in Africa. A statement issued yesterday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari spoke while receiving Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto at the State House. Buhari expressed concern that the continent was still grappling with acts and effects of terrorism after a successful de-colonisation campaign. Acknowledging the valued cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya in the fight against terrorism, the President commended the East African country for the recent successes recorded in tackling terrorism in the region. “A situation in which insecurity continues to obstruct the process of national development should not be allowed to continue”, the President told Ruto, a special envoy to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kuje prison has over 70 inmate undergraduates —Controller Marcus Fatunmole
NOVEMBER 12, 2016
ernment should initiative for the nation’s youths. The group comprises Silver Lining Initiative, SLNI, KVS International, INVICTA Communication Limited, Education as a Vaccine (EVA), Parents against Drug Abuse (PADA), and Mike Omotosho Foundation (MOF) They work in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health. About 100 inmates who were assembled at the prison identified drugs, alcoholism, illicit and unprotected sex as major problems for the nation’s youth. They claimed peer influence pushes youths to do what never intended to do. While many of them feel visibly remorseful for being in the prison, religious institutions and other empowerment programmes initiated for them seem to have given them a hope of better life after leaving the prison. Some of the drugs identified to constitute threat to the nation’s youths are narcotic, tramadol, cocaine, ammagadol, marijuana, diazepam, Exxon 5, valium, heroin, Indian hemp.
On the forthcoming election of a new leadership for the African Union Commission (AUC), Buhari said African States needs a very strong leadership at the AUC that would encourage member states to refocus their resources and energy toward human and national development.
On Kenya’s request for Nigeria’s support for the candidature of Ambassador Amina Mohammed, Kenya’s Foreign Minister, who is vying for the AUC Chairperson, Buhari said Nigeria would hold robust consultations with other African leaders on the need for strong and capable leadership that would
respond to the current challenges facing the continent. In his remarks, Ruto commended Buhari for his leadership, particularly on regional security and the fight against corruption. Ruto said Buhari’s effort to eradicate terrorism and violent extremism
had emboldened the continent’s resolve to achieve lasting peace and security. He said, “For the decade that has just passed, the department has recorded lots of achievements. Apart from those already mentioned, the department has produced 11 first class graduates.
Children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) studying under the sun at the Stafanos Foundation Camp in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO:SUNDAY ADAH/JAU/BJO/NAN
Bank of Industry disburses N36.82bn in nine months
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he Bank of Industry (BoI), disbursed N36.82 billion as loans in its Large Enterprise Directorate between January and September, an official has said. Adetokunbo Akinsola, Head, SME Group of the bank, represented by Obaro Osa, gave the figure during the bank’s SME Forum held at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair. “BoI is positioned to deepen finance to small and large enterprises for the expansion of productivity and job creation in the industrial sector. “Under the large en-
terprise directorate, Food Processing Group and Agro-Processing Group, (BOI) disbursed N13.5 billion and N3.099 billion loans respectively to food and agro-based businesses. “N2.9 billion loan was disbursed by the Solid Mineral Group while Gas and Petrochemical Group disbursed N5.03 billion in the said period,” he said. Mr. Akinsola said that the Gender and Creative Industry Group through its segment based products namely; Fashion Fund and Nollyfund, disbursed N1.8 billion and N665 million. “N10 billion was dis-
Inusa Ndahi
on roads and highways in the country, the Borno State Sector Commander of FRSC, Shehu Iliyasu has disclosed. Iliyasu made this known on Friday in Maiduguri, in an interactivesession with journalists on the implementation and safety of installing speed limiters in vehicles in the state.
bursed to businesses under the Engineering and Technology group while N497 billion was disbursed under CBN’s Intervention funds, through commercial banks to 600 beneficiaries, ” he said. According to him, BoI’s strategic focus is to drive the financial inclusion of the unbanked population of artisans and market women toward building an inclusive economy. Earlier, Nike Akande, President, LCCI, advised SMEs to be innovative through introduction of new products and services, deployment of technology and participation at trade fairs.
She also proposed exploring new market trends and investigating new sources of raw materials that do not require foreign exchange. Ms. Akande commended BoI’s special intervention funds for youth and women entrepreneurs, geared toward job creation and industrialisation. She said that the industrial sector required credit support from development institutions like BoI to thrive in the country’s quest for local production, import reduction and currency stability. (NAN)
FRSC Pegs Speed Limit To 80-120Kph For Trucks, cars MAIDUGURI
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he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has pegged the speed limits of trucks and cars to 80 and 120 kilometres per hour (Kph), with effect from January 1, 2017 to reduce rates of auto crashes and deaths
He said that most of the auto crashes that killed and injured many people in the state, are caused by over speeding. Citing Beneshiekh’s recent auto crash in Borno, Iliyasu said: “The deaths of 24 people last July at Benisheikh town could have been avoided, if the bus had a speed limiter installed. The driver was on
top speed, but he could not negotiate the 45 degree angle road into the town, before crashing to kill 25 people with 16 others injured.” He said that when a driver, is on top speed, there is a tendency for tyre busts and veering off the road or highway to crash into a ditch or side tree and buildings.
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FG clampdown on money changers I
n order to force a favourable exchange rate for the Naira, the Nigerian government has commenced a clampdown on money changers, called Bureau De Change operators. Dozens of money changers have since Wednesday been arrested by officials of the State Security Service, SSS, in Lagos and Abuja. The arrests, it was learnt, commenced after a meeting between the SSS, officials of Nigeria’s Central Bank, CBN, and leaders of the Bureau De Change in Abuja over the weekend. At the meeting, held in Abuja, the officials agreed that sharp practices by Bureau De Change operators was a major factor responsible for the value of the Nigerian currency which has gone as high as N480 to a dollar at the black market and the parallel market despite selling below N400 at the official market. “The meeting agreed to
force the bureau de change to buy from willing sellers at N390 or lower and sell to willing buyers at N400 or below,” an official briefed on the agreements said. The Naira value was arrived at after considerations of recent actions by the Central Bank to stabilise the currency. The Bank now allocates dollars to licensed money changers through Travelex at about N381 per dollar, to enable them sell to end users at about N385 per dollar. As part of the guidelines, the Central Bank directed the operators not to sell foreign exchange above two per cent margin of the buying rate. However, there have been reports that some money changers, particularly those unregistered, have been engaging in some illegal activities considered to be undermining the foreign exchange policy. On Monday, the Central
Bank warned Nigerians in the Diaspora against patronising unlicensed money transfer operators. The bank said the illegal operators use Naira-denominated accounts opened in local commercial banks to lure unsuspecting customers with ridiculous exchange rates. The foreign currencies from such transactions, the CBN said, were used to fund the activities of the parallel market. The CBN warned deposit money banks (DMBs) against being used to carry out such illegal transactions, saying it would not hesitate to block such accounts when discovered, while operators would be handed over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution. Officials react The President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, ABCON, Aminu Gwad-
abe, did not answer calls to his telephone seeking his comments on the development. He also did not respond to a text message sent to his telephone. A senior Central Bank official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the issue, said the bank was aware of the arrests of the money changers. “The security operatives are doing their job. None of the registered BDCs operating according to the stipulated guidelines has been affected,” the official said. “The unregistered operators in the black market are the ones responsible for the pressure on the Naira, with the artificial exchange rate they use.” Despite the clampdown, however, it was learnt that the money changers have still found a way to shortchange the system. At their base in Zone 4 in
FG fears Trump may scuttle climate change deal
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he Nigerian government has expressed fear that the emergency of Donald Trump as the President of the United States could portend great danger to Paris climate change agreement. One of the striking features of the Paris agreement was a commitment by all Parties to limit global temperature at 1.5 C in order to significantly reduce risks and impacts of climate change. However, many commentators had feared that the emergency of Donald Trump as the President-elect of the US could scuttle the climate change deal Mr. Trump had never
hidden his disdain for the environment, particularly, issue of climate change, which he described during one of his campaigns as a ‘hoax’. Addressing journalists on the Nigeria’s participation at the UNFCCC, COP22, holding in Marrakech, the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, expressed similar concerns about Trump’s position on the issue of climate change. She said the earlier he understood that those things he said during the campaigns had no basis in reality, the better for the US and also for the whole global community.
According to the minister, so many evidences abound across the world to convince anyone that climate change is real. She said, “We congratulate the American people for their process with democracy. That has really tested them. We are looking see exactly what it is President elect, Donald Trump is going to do in reality. “In his election campaign, he said a number of things that gave grave concern to governments around the world. You cannot say that climate change is not real today. Science has proven it, so also has the extent of human suffering and attendant loss
of lives and valuable property, given credence to it. “We can make those connections. This agreement has gone very far, we want US to be part of this because they would benefit as well as us. Our job, when we go to COP this time, is to sit with the delegation and make sure they know the importance of transitioning to the President elect with clear indications of how important it is to remain at the table with their commitments.” Mohammed, however, said if the US refused to be persuaded, the world would not wait, saying that “it will not have effect if they don’t go the way they are supposed to go.”
Abuja, the Nigerian capital, money changers reportedly tell interested customers that the dollar is sold for N400. Suspicious of the identity of the enquirer, the operators tell unfamiliar customers that they, however, do not have dollar to sell. Familiar trusted customers are, however, told they can buy the dollar at about N470. The black market opera-
tors are a toast of Nigerians and businesses who find it difficult to access foreign exchange from the banks. An over 50 per cent increase in price of crude, Nigeria’s main export commodity, and a reduction of volume of exported oil due to militancy in the Niger Delta, has reduced the country’s foreign earnings, thus causing a scarcity of foreign exchange.
Femi Fani-Kayode sighted at Kuje Prisons
E
xcept he was able to meet his bail conditions later yesterday, Former Minister of Aviation and Director of Media and Publicity for re-election bid of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Femi Fani-Kayode , was seen at the Kuje Prisons at 9:am yesterday. He was seen by our correspondent at the office of Deputy Controller of Prisons, Akilu Abdullahi, possibly perfecting his bail conditions. Fani-Kayode was welldressed and kept smiling all through the period our correspondent was with him. The fiery critic of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was re-arrested on 21st of last month by the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, for allegedly collecting N26 million from the $2.1 billion Arms Procurement Fund over which former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, among other chieftains of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are being tried. The arms intended to be purchased with the fund were to be used to fight Boko Haram insurgents that have ravaged the nation’s north-east states of
Yobe, Borno and Adamawa. Fani-Kayode pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge preferred against him when he was arraigned by the anti-graft agency. He is standing trial for charges bordering on corruption, criminal breach of trust and diversion of funds. The alleged offences are punishable under the Money Laundering Prohibition Act (2011) as amended in 2012. Fani-Kayode was apprehended by the EFCC on Friday, October 21 while leaving the Federal High Court premises in Lagos States. Trial judge, John Tsoho, granted him N50 million bail-bond last Wednesday when he was arraigned, after spending days in the EFCC custody. The court also directed him to produce a surety, who must be a senior civil servant that has a landed property in Abuja worth N50 million. He was to be remanded at the Kuje Prisons pending when he would meet his bail conditions. Kayode, who has been vindicated by the nation’s court on similar charges, is also trying trial in different courts in the country for other charges.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 12, 2016
Saturday Starter
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‘Poverty alleviation ’ll decrease prevalence of child hawking’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
The second way is through their parents, who send them to the street to hawk to supplement their family income. In most cases, their families migrated to the city on their own but could not cope with the high cost of living. Deplorable living conditions and the high rate of unemployment in rural communities because of the government’s focus on development projects in cities have given people no option but to migrate to the city. It fosters the notion that migrating to the city is the best way to break the poverty cycle. Third, they are orphans who lost their parents either to disease or terrorist activity. They live on the street and hawk for survival According to Mr Isiaka Saheed, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, Child street hawking opposes the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. “Nigeria is a signatory to the convention, which was established in 1989. The convention makes it an offence to involve children in an activity which impacts negatively on their health and well-being. The convention also emphasizes the need for the government to protect children from exploitation” He added: “In addition to the convention, Nigeria’s Child Rights Act has similar provisions. It says children should be protected from trafficking and/or street hawking. But the implementation of these provisions has been abysmal to date. Children are still being trafficked and pushed into street hawking despite the many dangers associated with it. In the past the government has provided some structural interventions. These include the Universal Basic Education programme. Introduced in 1999, it was intended to guarantee tuition-free compulsory basic education for all children in Nigeria. But due to poor infrastructure, inadequate funding and lowering education standards, the impact is yet to be felt. Despite the emotional trauma and physical dangers these vulnerable children face, little is being done to protect them or to discourage such practices. Poverty alleviation, health education and protective child rights policies would decrease the prevalence of child street hawking. A Sociologist and a public affairs analyst Mr. Tajudeen Isola said the parents of children who street hawk should be empowered economically, to be able to take care of them. “ But the government should also create awareness about child trafficking and provide affected children with support. Constantly denying children their right to be protected and cared for has an impact on their effective development and well-being and is an injustice. A concerted effort should be made to implement the UN convention and the provisions of the Child Rights Act. More importantly, the government must understand the psychological impact of this trade. It must tailor interventions to meet the needs of these children and to reduce the practice”
Measures such as providing free education to all children at the
primary level, strict enforcement of
the law against child abuse, arresting parents whose children are found hawking on the streets could be used to control and gradually eradicate child hawking and begging alms on the streets ‘Measures such as; providing free education to all children at the primary level, strict enforcement of the law against child abuse, arresting parents whose children are found hawking on the streets could be used to control and gradually eradicate child abuse of any form especially hawking and begging alms on the street. Two, like many other members of the public who was interviewed had the following to say on this issue; “I find parents who encourage their ward to wander off and beg on the for alms despicable and unfit to be called parents in any case, the government has a huge part to play in enforcing the child act law… providing infrastructure, and improving the economic standards to accommodate the poor and less privileged in our society. Even if the family needs to survive, it shouldn’t be at the expense of the children. Most families that involve in such give excuses due to poverty level. Nothing can justify such act. The kids are just on their formative years and can’t make informed decisions. I think
parents that involve in such lack sense of responsibility and vision... Parents should be responsible for their kids and not vice versa. The dangers include; deprivation of education which is a form of empowerment, exposure to sexual abuse, development of thuggery activities, kidnapping for rituals or trafficking for body organ usage, exposures to various infections (like pneumonia, malaria, HIV, e.t.c) and psychological and emotional defeat among other kids and peers” “Possible solutions could include; re-orientation for kids and parents, adequate empowerment of parents, registration of such kids into formal educative schools, employing the service of genuine social workers in collaboration with government and NGOs with the aim to rehabilitate scheme, more donors towards achievement of goals, after few years of progress, the government puts and enforces a law that bans or prohibits child begging with remarkable penalty and adverts/advocacy campaign against such act should be launched”
One of the parents whose child was hawking had this to say; “work na work, and person need to survive. E no get where bad things no dey happen, but na God dey keep person. As government say we must buy shop, where they want make we see the money?” Apart from children young adults and adults also engage in hawking for various reasons.In a visit to some of the motor parks in Nigerian cities, some ingenious youths expressed their views on their efforts to resist economic hardships. Kabiru, an 18-year old boy, explained that he lost his father two years ago. With no job for his mum and as the first child out of four, he has to take up the responsibility to fend for the family. Through trading, he has seen himself through secondary school. Another woman, who sells plantain chips at a motor park in Ibadan explained “I come from Gbongan everyday to sell chips here at Ibadan.” Gbongan is one of the towns in Osun state, while Ibadan is the capital city of Oyo state. “I am not restricted to a particular area because there are needs, demands and responsibilities to be met at home,” she said. Chukwudi Obi, 23, had to halt his university studies when his parents could no longer pay his fees after their retirement. He resorted to selling headphones, car chargers, and other electronics on the road. “I was in my second year when my parents lost their jobs. This made me stop my University education to settle for electronics hawking. I believe that as much as there is life, there is hope; there is much to be enjoyed after struggle,” Obi quipped. With no end in view to this manner of trading, will the legislation be reviewed in favour of these ones? Or will they be totally scrapped from Nigerian roads? The answer still hovers in space.
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NOVEMBER 12, 2016
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‘14 million children involved in economic activities’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
to be killed by hiT and run drivers, they end up being raped by wicked men(if they are girls) and many contract deadly sexually transmitted infections including HIV/ AIDS; some may even end up as prostitutes while the boys may become armed robbers or gangster Street hawking is common sight in Nigeria’s cities., the practice has been on the rise which perhaps is the result of spiraling poverty and the worsening economic situation Children especially the girls sell products such as boiled groundnut, fruit and chips that they carry on trays balanced on their heads. The menace of child hawking can never be over-emphasized. Unfortunately, it appears to be a normal business in Nigeria, hence most people do even as much as arch an eyebrow at it, let alone proffer sustainable solutions to it. Street hawking entails selling various items on the streets, sachet water, bottled water, bottled and canned soft drinks, beef rolls, sausage rolls, sweets, gums, sunshades, phones, power banks, wall papers, vegetables, some other items inclusive. Myriads of children are found hawking or begging for alms on streets with high traffic jam intensity, and selected residential areas in a bid to survive and make a living. What should get one-thinking is the fact that most of these kids have parents, yet they seem unconcerned that their children do such for a living. Some children even go as far as migrating to busy cities to engage in such activities, and it is really disheartening. Investigations by Saturday Mirror revealed that most traders are not sent by
In a recent study carried out in Aba metropolis, over half of the hawkers were children between the ages of
10 and 19 years. The involvement of children in street hawking constitutes child labour and is a form of child abuse
their biological parents, as some of them have been sent away from their families to faraway climes as hired help. Sometimes, they are taken away by a relation on the pretext of helping them out but end up in the streets selling one thing or the other. Some people use the same pretext of helping poor families to take these children and traffic them to other cities. The hazards associated with children hawking and begging on the streets are enormous and cannot be overrated. Agreed some few get to save something meaningful from it, but so many others get killed by stray bullets or reckless drivers, get rapped, face teenage pregnancy or have to undergo abortion, some get robbed; become armed robbers and prostitutes, and so many other unbecoming occurrences. In a study carried out in Aba metropolis by the Department of Community Medi-
cine Department of Paediatrics, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State over half of the hawkers were children between the ages of 10 and 19 years. The involvement of children in street hawking constitutes child labor and is a form of child abuse. Findings from this study revealed that a large number of people; children, men and married women indulge in street hawking as a means of livelihood. Unemployment and poverty were identified as factors contributing to hawking activities. Street hawking poses numerous health and social risks, hinders educational development and should be discouraged. The authors therefore, recommend the strict implementation of policies against Street hawking activities. Government support in job creation and poverty alleviation would help to mitigate this trend.
The International Labour Organization estimates that in Nigeria about 14 million children between the ages of five and 14 are involved in a form of economic activity. Globally there are 168 million children involved in child labour. Of these, 59 million are from sub-Saharan Africa. Child Street hawking is one of the main forms of child labour. Others include children working at building sites or on farms. Nigeria’s population is estimated at 183 million with about 50% below the age of 18. There is a need for the government to make adequate provisions for education, care and protection for this group, if the nation wants to progress. In 2008, the Lagos state government banned Child Street hawking during school hours to reduce the practice. But since then, addressing child street hawking has not been on the government’s agenda. Street hawking has huge implications for children’s physical and emotional well-being. It exposes them to sexual abuse, physical exhaustion, vehicle accidents, death and malnourishment and drug and substance abuse and prostitution. Research shows that among the young girls who street hawk, there is a low awareness of pregnancy or the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Researchers have described child street hawking as an exploitative form of child labour. There are three ways that children become street hawkers. First, most of them are trafficked from the rural communities to the cities for illicit businesses. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 12, 2016
Saturday Starter
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How can we get our children off the streets? Despite several efforts by government and relevant agencies to put an end to street hawking, especially by children, the practice seems to go on unabated, a phenomenon which experts attribute to the increasing poverty level among the populace, writes MUDA OYENIRAN
K
uburat(not real name) who was hawking sachet water otherwise known as ‘pure water’ was recently knocked down by a vehicle on top speed at Agege area in Lagos state as she was about to cross the road to attend to a customer. All attempt to save her life by the people in the vicinity proved abortive as she gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital. She was aged 11. According to the people at the scene of the accident, the total cost of her goods could not be more than N500. The scenario above aptly captured the risk being faced by millions of children in Nigeria who daily hawk on major streets across the country. For those who are lucky not CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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NOVEMBER 12, 2016
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Top Stories 2 Unknown gunmen behead three children in Taraba village Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO
A
t least three children were on Monday beheaded in Dissol village of Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, throwing the community into mourning. The victims from a family of four met their death when they went to had their bath in a nearby stream. The parish priest of the victims Rev. Fr Julius Ioryue told journalists in Jalingo on Friday that the beheaded children were in the stream together with other people when the incident happened. He explained that the unknown gunmen armed with dangerous weapons attacked, killed and beheaded three out of
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ties across the state urged the people not to revenge, but look up to God who she said is the giver of life. She advised members of the community to be careful in their dealings with one another, saying justice for all evil meted out to fellow men will surely come no matter how long it takes. “The governor has always say, give me peace and I will give you development. Without peace there can never be devel-
opment. As regard the security report on the killings I want to assured you that I will channel it to the appropriate quarters for timely government intervention,” she said. In his remarks, Rev.Fr. Julius Iorgue commended the Governor’s wife for her concern to the family and the people of the state and prayed God to comfort the family.
NSCDC rescues 18-year-old pregnant girl from committing suicide UMUAHIA
WOMAN ‘Couples should not take each other for granted’
the four children of Mr. and Mrs. James Agambuegh who have been thrown into deep psychological shock. Wife of the Taraba State Governor, Barr. Mrs. Anna Darius Ishaku while on a condolence visit to the family on Friday appealed to the people of Gassol Local Government to embrace peace and live in harmony with one another. Mrs. Ishaku who lamented the continuous loss of precious lives in communi-
he Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps,(NSCDC) Abia State Command Umuahia has rescued an 18 years old pregnant girl Miss Deborah (surname withheld) for attempting to commit suicide. According to the Commandant said the girl was rescued at a forest in Ossah Mission Hill, Umuahia while trying to commit suicide adding that the victim hails from Ariaria in Osisioma Local Government Area of the State. Briefing newsmen, the commandant Walter Akubiro said the girl was frustrated and lost hope in life when their mother, Mrs. Happiness (surname withheld) abandoned her and her three younger
sisters to remarry in 2013 after the death of their father. The NSCDC boss noted that efforts made by the girl to better her life and that of her younger ones proved abortive and last hope she relocated to her boyfriend house David Surname (withheld) in Aba. Speaking further said under the circumstance the young girl find herself became pregnant for her boyfriend inthe-course-of their living together, but unfortunately for her the boyfriend denied the pregnancy and ejected her. The commandant noted that Deborah having been overwhelmed by her present condition and help coming from nowhere resulted in her wondering around the street until she made up her mind to take her life by committing suicide. He disclosed that help came her way when an officer of NSCDC attached to
Ossah Mission hill area sighted her in the forest trying to kill herself and rushed to rescued her. The State Commandant said efforts made by Nigerian Security and civil defence Corp Anti-Child Trafficking Unit to reach the mother of the girl and her boyfriend proved abortive. Akubiro while parading the victim assured her of adequate care by the corps and a brighter future for her irrespective of her situation. He therefore enjoined the general public to be their brothers keeper and to always give helping hand to venerable persons in the society, adding that such gesture goes a long way to make the society a better place, he however appeal to anti child trafficking unit of the corps to be up and doing to nip in the board such societal problem.
NYSC member drowns in boat mishap
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National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member is believed to have drowned in a boat accident on Thursday in Okpotuwari Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa. Sources in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday that the corps member, who hailed from Anambra drowned when the canoe he boarded capsized. Tontiemote Yeiyei, a resident, said the
deceased, who was serving at Okpotuwari Community, had gone to Ondewari with two of his friends across the Osiana creek by a hand paddled canoe. Mr. Yeiyei said the ill-fated canoe encountered rough currents at the jetty as the deceased and the others were returning to Okpotuwari. He said that following the boat accident, sympathisers quickly raised a search party, during which the two others were rescued alive.
“The rescue team searched for the remains of the drowned corps member to no avail, and local divers later joined them but they are yet to find the body. Hopefully it will be afloat by Saturday. “The survivors have been stabilised and are being taken care of at a clinic,” Yeiyei said. Marine police sources in Southern Ijaw said that the incident was yet to be reported.
Soldiers kill three female suicide bombers in Maiduguri
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oldiers in the early hours of Friday shot three women strapped with explosive device on their bodies while attempting to invade Maiduguri, an official said. Explosions reverberated across the city as two of the bombs went off on the women, killing three of them. The police spokesperson in the state, Victor Isuku, a deputy superintendent of police, confirmed the incident in a text message sent via his office’s WhatsApp handle. “This morning at about 0530hrs, three (3) female suicide bombers with IED strapped to their bodies were sighted by military patrol team in Umarari village, near Mulai
towards Maiduguri”, he said. “They were promptly gun down and the IED on two of them exploded killing all three of them. The unexploded IED on the third was rendered safe and detonated by Police bomb disposal Unit who promptly mobilized to the scene”. Boko Haram’s hostility, especially suicide bomb attacks, has increased since the release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls mid October. The Borno State police commissioner, Damian Chukwu, recently blamed the increased Boko Haram attacks on the coming of the dry season, which, he said, gives the insurgents ample access routes to invade the city through bush paths.
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Saturday, November 12, 2016
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FG clampdown on money changers
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L-R: Kenya Special Envoy of President of H.E UhuruKenyatta/Deputy President of Kenya, Hon. Williams Ruto; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari and Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Khadija Bukar Ibrahim, during the visit of Kenya Special Envoy to Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:STATE HOUSE
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How I paid N15.1m to my kidnappers
—Oniba Mornach tells court DasukiGate: Court remands former Air Marshal in prison Sealxk T
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15 things women want to know about men (but are afraid to ask) P. 24
Quote of the day
“We should not look at that as a reflection of the relationship. Don’t let us politicise very important issues. As we said this is work in progress”
— Minister of Finance, Kemi AdeosunSenate President, Bukola Saraki, on the Senate’s rejection of President Buhari’s request for a foreign loan plan of $30bn. He spoke shortly after he joined Buhari for Jumat prayers at the Presidential Villa.
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Conspiracy of convergence: Any political distance? T
he world has conspired to converge (a flat world) – to share blessings. But what was not envisaged is the sharing of curses! A conspiracy of the convergence of one world! Whose interests and what next? What political agenda for the convergence? What political paradigm to be adopted and whose interests? Before globalization, every county adopted any form of political dispensation and practice. To some, it was all about democracy, proclaiming equality and the rule of law with emphasis on strong judicial system where there is respect for law and social justice. Some nations preferred military government where there is maximum rulership demonstrating authoritarianism. Some nations simply continued with communism. To them, it was about the welfare of every one. Others practiced the traditional system that gave the entire country to a single family which ran the state as a personal estate! Globalisation is aimed at leading to convergence towards one dominant (political, economic and cultural) system, as put by Fukuyama in the End of History, Sachs and Warner in The Convergence of test, or Jimoh Ibrahim in Conspiracy of Convergence, a process leading to greater interindependence and mutual awareness among economic, political and social units in the world and among actors in general. Those who argue for a convergence of the world argue in sympathy of the need for the entire world to be celebrated as a flat world. They insist that the celebration of the 21st Century can only be
CFR
Which political system should we adopt? Should we opt for the western democracy of Britain and America, with their followers? Or do we prefer China’s communism, or the kingdom hierarchy of Saudi Arabia? Do we follow the Sheiks of UAE? in a world that is in convergence. Thomas Friedman leads the arguments in this regard. Regrettably the mythological paradigm of the conceptualisation of the United Nations is almost being kissed good night today. The conspiracy is to keep the United Nations aside while the discussion is ongoing or to force her to arrange some meetings! There is nothing to demonstrate the defence of Article 2(4) “Prevention of the use of force,” and Article 2(7) “Non interference in the domestic and internal political affairs of member nations.” Specifically, the United Nations’ Article 2(7) provides the argument postulated
by Friedman, which almost gives no room for doubt that the conspiracy of the convergence is already a success. According to Friedman, “distance is dead, the wall has been taken down, and Americans have gotten lazy!” So if one country has “gotten lazy,” then the world is captured in convergence – apologies to Friedman. Does that mean that it was America that was holding the convergence? Pankay Ghemamat wrote much from the influence of business. To him, if we redefine global strategy, there is nothing to suggest that a flat world is in the offering, for “we are more wire, but no
more global, or “globaloney.” The policies that we fickle humans enact are surprisingly reversible and international economic integration may be inherently incompatible with national sovereignty.” The main question, beyond the happiness of Friedman, is to ask if the world was connected and if there was integration that was beyond the praxis of the United Nations? Which political system should we adopt? Should we opt for the western democracy of Britain and America, with their followers? Or do we prefer China’s communism, or the kingdom hierarchy of Saudi Arabia? Do we follow the Sheiks of UAE? If we adopt the Saudi political system and the wisdom of monarchies, we simply say goodbye to democracy! Who will protest? Why? If that is not good enough and we opt for the communism of China, we do not need the strong institutions and we can accommodate corruption as it is in China. We again say goodbye to democracy! But what is wrong with that and where are complaints going to come from? Will the minority impose their political system on the majority? God forbid! Which way do we go? Which one should we adopt? The new convergence cannot operate two different political systems for one flat world. If we do, the convergence is not complete politically. A vote for one political system is key to the unity of the world. An imposed political system is preparation for the Third World War. (God forbid). The barrier of political distance as it stands, leads to the question: Will the conspiracy of convergence (a flat world) succeed?
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NOVEMBER 12, 2016
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Anti-Trump protests turn violent in America
T
he Police in Portland, Oregon, U.S., have classified the anti-Trump protests in the area as a “Class C felony” after a once peaceful protest turned into a riot. Demonstrators were seen attacking drivers and committing acts of vandalism during their march against Donald Trump’s election Thursday night. According to KPTV, one driver had her windshield smashed and someone painted “Capitalism kills” on a nearby convenience store. The state Department of Transportation briefly shut down Interstate 5 between the Marquan Bridge and the Fremont Bridge due to the demonstration. Parts of Interstate 84 were also temporarily closed. Protesters in Portland’s Pearl District were breaking windows of several businesses and some were arming themselves with rocks from a construction site, police said. “People attending any of the various protest events are encouraged to obey all laws and be respectful of others who are using city streets, freeways and mass transit. “Marching into and blocking streets is illegal, and dangerous to protesters as
well as road users and has a significantly negative impact to our community. “Pedestrians walking on the freeway is illegal and extremely dangerous to all road users,” Portland police said. KPTV reported that the groups Don’t Shoot Portland and Black Lives Matter combined in Portland to become Portland’s Resistance. The founder told the station that “Trump is going to be our president. We need to save our city and hopefully allow people to come here to be a city where there is hope.” Anti-Trump demonstrations erupted across the U.S. for the second straight night. The protests took place in Portland, Chicago and New York. In New York City, a large group of demonstrators once again gathered outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue Thursday night chanting angry slogans and waving banners baring anti-Trump messages. In Denver, protesters managed to shut down Interstate 25 near downtown Denver briefly Thursday night. Denver police tweeted around 10 p.m. that demonstrators made their way onto
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A riot is a Class C felony in Oregon.
the freeway and traffic was halted in the northbound and southbound lanes. Police say the interstate was reopened about half an hour later as the crowd moved back downtown. Earlier protests in Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs on Wednesday and Thursday went off peacefully. In San Francisco’s downtown, highspirited high school students marched through, chanting “not my president” and holding signs urging a Donald Trump eviction. They waved rainbow banners and
Mexican flags, as bystanders in the heavily Democratic city high-fived the marchers from the side-lines. Hundreds of protesters demonstrated outside Trump Tower in Chicago and a growing group was getting into some shoving matches with police in Oakland, California. Another protest was building in Los Angeles, where 28 people were arrested Wednesday for blocking traffic during a demonstration that also saw vandalism to some buildings and a news truck. (NAN)
Russia confirms link with American President-elect, Donald Trump
T
he Russian government has confirmed an open secret, that US President elect, Donald Trump is chummy with President Vladimir Putin and there was contact between them during the Election campaign. The confirmation was made Thursday by one Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov. He even added that Mr. Putin’s aides were in touch with members of President-elect Donald Trump’s political team during the U.S. election campaign. Accused by defeated Democratic contender Hillary Clinton of being a puppet of President Vladimir Putin after praising the Russian leader, Mr. Trump had dismissed suggestions he had anything to do with the Russian government during the campaign. Reuters reported that Ryabkov’s comments could prove politically awkward for the president-elect. “There were contacts,” Interfax cited Ryabkov as saying. “We are doing this and have been doing this during the election campaign.” Such contacts would continue, he added, saying the Russian government knew and had been in touch with many of Mr. Trump’s closest allies. He did not name names. “Obviously, we know most of the people from his (Trump’s)entourage. Those people have always been in the limelight in the United States and have occupied high-ranking positions,” he said. “I cannot say that all of them, but quite a few have been staying in touch with Russian representatives.” Moscow was just beginning to consid-
er how to go about setting up more formal channels to communicate with the future Trump administration, said Ryabkov. A spokeswoman for Mr. Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation opened a preliminary inquiry in recent months into allegations that Mr. Trump or his associates might have had questionable dealings with Russian people or businesses, but found no evidence to warrant opening a full investigation, according to sources familiar with the matter. The agency has not publicly discussed the probe. The U.S. government has blamed Russia for cyber attacks on Democratic Party organizations. Mr. Trump, who has spoken of his desire to improve tattered U.S.-Russia ties, has said he might meet Putin before his inauguration, but Putin’s spokesman has said there are currently no plans for such a meeting. Interfax reported on Wednesday that Dmitry Peskov, Mr. Putin’s spokesman, would be in New York this week for a chess tournament, a few blocks from Trump Tower, where the president-elect has his office. But it cited Mr. Peskov as saying he did not plan to pass any message to Mr. Trump from Mr. Putin. The Russian parliament erupted in applause on Wednesday when it heard that Mr. Trump had been elected and Mr. Putin told foreign ambassadors he was ready to fully restore ties with Washington. Mr. Ryabkov was more circumspect
though, saying the Russian Foreign Ministry felt no euphoria about the Republican’s win despite wanting to normalise relations with Washington. Moscow and Washington are at odds over Syria, Ukraine and NATO. Mr. Ryabkov said Mr. Trump’s allies had made some tough statements about Russia during the campaign and that his ministry was therefore not harbouring any “rose-tinted” hopes. “We are not expecting anything in particular from the new U.S. administration,” Interfax quoted Mr. Ryabkov as saying.
Vladimir Putin
American judge rules against President-Elect Donald Trump
U
.S. Federal judge, Gonzalo Curiel, on Thursday in San Diego, California, largely sided with plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit against President-elect Donald Trump over the defunct Trump University. The case is scheduled to go to trial later this month and Trump is expected to testify in his own defence against allegations that Trump University for-profit business seminars were a hoax and hundreds of individuals were charged large sums of money for courses that were essentially worthless. Judge Curiel ruled against Trump’s legal team seeking to ban testimony relating to Trump’s conduct during the presidential campaign. Mr. Curiel also ruled against Trump’s request to ban testimony about Trump University’s “F” rating by the Better Business Bureau and the fact that it has since gone bankrupt. He also denied a request by Trump’s lawyers to ban discussion of the financial condition of students, many of whom described themselves
as poor, and what impact the seminar fees had on their lives. Mr. Trump’s lawyers argued testimony about the presidential campaign, and testimony about the other elements of the case are irrelevant and would serve to colour the jury’s opinion of Mr. Trump and his business venture. Mr. Curiel ruled in favour of allowing Trump’s defence team to call students who would tell “success stories” about how the courses improved their understanding of business and real estate. Mr. Trump has steadfastly defended Trump University as a worthwhile investment for participants. The courses promised to offer students inside information on how he built his business. In a technical ruling, Mr. Curiel found insufficient evidence or supporting case law to warrant granting Mr. Trump’s other requests, though he said Mr. Trump’s lawyers could object to individual pieces of testimony during the trial. The trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 28.
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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
C’River begins recruitment of personnel into state’s homeland security service RICHARD NDOMA, CALABAR
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overnor Ben Ayade has that recruitment of persons into the Cross River State Homeland security has began. He said this at the just concluded retreat organised by state government for political appointees in Cross River State. It would be recalled that few month ago, Ayade revealed that the state was to set up a Homeland Security Service as part of measures
to address the issues of crime and other security challenges in the state. National Mirror gathered that the governor is making provision for smooth operation of the security agencies. Sequel to this, over 400 vehicles have been bought and branded by the state government for both the homeland security and green police. The recruitment for the homeland security is been coordinated by the governor’s chief security officer. The measure is another in-
novative initiative by the Ben Ayade-led administration to create employment for the teeming youth population of the state. On the need for the establishment of the security outfit, Governor Ben Ayade while receiving the French Consul-General, Laurent Polonceaux, and his entourage on a courtesy visit in his private residence in Calabar, explained that the Homeland Security Service will be an entirely non-arm bearing outfit, and that the state will rely
on the support of the Government of France for technical and other logistics for the outfit. The Cross River State governor envisaged that the Homeland Security which is expected to provide 3000 jobs for people of the state, will however, be a complete departure from the traditional attitude to security operations, and that it will concentrate but not limited to providing intelligence, profiling of visitors coming in and out of the state, neighbourhood check
and watch and providing intelligent data and services to the Police. The governor asserted that “with the visit of the Consul-General of France in Nigeria and with the useful deliberation we had, looking the security challenges facing the state and the Niger Delta at this period and looking at how Lafarge can do business much better in a less security tense atmosphere, it became imperative for us to create a security architecture that can protect Lafarge and extend other services to other citizens and visitors to Cross River. Cross River has been the home of tourism, a signature and hallmark of hospitality and good lifestyle for all Africans; hence it is imperative we make it very safe.
It is against this background that Cross river State Government with technical partnership from the French government would be looking at the possibility of setting up a Cross River state Security services. The cross River Homeland Security service is a complete departure from what is the tradition, it will however include but not limited to things like providing intelligence, profiling of visitors coming in and out, providing intelligence services also, doing neighborhood check, neighborhood watch and to understand who comes in and out, providing intelligence data and services to Police, but it will be a non-arm bearing, but with vehicles, and personnel parading and inviting people”.
Ayade lauds Buhari on Onnoghen’s appointment as acting CJN RICHARD NDOMA, CALABAR
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L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor-elect, Philip Salawu; Bauchi Governor MA Abubakar; Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Kaduna State Governor Nasir Elrufai; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Kaduna Deputy Governor, Bala Bantex, when Tambuwal unveiled the Upper Mission Road in Benin City, yesterday.
AEP, monarchs canvass return of Esan language in school curriculum OLUSEGUN KOIKI
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s part of efforts to avert the extinction of Esan Language, a professional body, Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) and traditional rulers in the community, have called for the inclusion of the language in schools’ curriculum. This is just as they advised parents to teach and speak Esan language to their children at any point in time. The groups made this call while speaking at the AEP 12th Esan Economic Empowerment Workshop with the theme, ‘Esan Language: Is it on the verge of Extinction? at the Samuel Adegboyega University Hall, Ogwa, Edo State, yesterday. Setting the ball rolling, the President of AEP and former Speaker of Edo State House
of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Egbadon, said that the essence of the gathering was to brainstorm on the need to prevent Esan Language from extinction, adding that the language was fast dying, as parents no longer speak Esan to their children. He observed that as of today, the language was endangered and that if drastic steps were not taken to address the issue, the language may become extinct in the next 25 years. The former speaker stated that the gathering at Ogwa was to find a way to salvage the language. The former lawmaker posited that during his primary school days, he was taught Esan Language in school, but today, the language was no longer taught in schools, which he said had further made the language go
into extinct. He said, “If you don’t understand Ishan language, there is no way you will understand the culture itself. We want Esan language re-introduced in schools’ curriculum. We intend to reach out to our people abroad on this matter. It is a very serious one. We have come to seek support and prayers of every Esan man and woman. But, the Speaker of the Edo State of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Justin Okonoboh, said that Esan language could not go into extinction, adding that the fear of language going into extinction was not restricted, as even the French and English people also entertain such fears. He maintained that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, had also called for the inclusion of Edo language and history in schools’ curriculum during
his coronation. The Speaker added that the Oba had implored the government to include Edo language and Benin history in schools’ curriculum, assuring that he would ensure that Esan language does not go into extinction. Also speaking at the occasion, the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness, the Onojie of Ekpoma, Ehizojie Abumere Anthony 11, commended AEP for bringing the issue to the fore. On his part, the Onojie of Ogwa, His Royal Highness, Zaiki Victor Agbomere Ehizojie 11 re-echoed the words of the Onogie of Ekpoma, but decried a situation where despite the fact that both parents are Esan, yet the children cannot communicate in Esan language.
overnor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, yesterday described the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Mohammadu Buhari as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria as a round peg in a round hole. Ayade made the remark in a congratulatory message, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita in Calabar Ayade described Justice Onnoghen’s elevation as an honour well deserved by a patriot and gentleman: “Your appointment as the Chief Justice of the Nigeria is a clear testimony to your integrity, morality, industry, passion and commitment to the values and noble ideals for which our people are known for. “On behalf of the government and good people
of Cross River State, I wish to congratulate you most profoundly on your welldeserved elevation. For us, this is a charge on you to do more and give more of your honest and selfless service to humanity and society as a whole. We are indeed proud of you.” Governor Ayade particularly thanked President Buhari for his special consideration of Cross River sons and daughters in several of his top appointments. “Our profound gratitude goes to our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari, for his graciousness in appointing our son, Justice Walter Onoghen, as the Chief Justice of the Federation. “For us, this appointment is one of several you have given to our sons and daughters in recent times. It is an indication of how much you love us a state and as a people.”
Oshiomhole appoints four Permanent Secretaries
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n the eve of his departure as Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole has appointed four new PermanentSecretaries. The Chief Press Secretary of the governor, Mr. Peter Okhiria, listed the appointees as Mr. Anthony Okungbowa, Ministry of Justice; Mr.
Kadiri Bashiru, Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress; Mr Y.A Imoudu, Chairman, Association of Secondary School Principals; and Mrs Obosamwinye Obazee, Headmistress. The new permanent secretaries were sworn in by the outgoing governor yesterday.