Saturday 14th, may, 2016

Vol. 6 No. 20

Saturday, May 14, 2016

POLITICS

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National Mirror Online

NEWS

@NationalMirror P.7

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POLITICS

State governors spend New deadly disease Jerry Gana can’t funds on personal stop National breaks out • Stephen Johnson Syndrome Convention — PDP luxury — Kalu

We’ve not removed Osinbajo fuel subsidy — P. 9

... as FG assures of price reduction later •Labour issues 5-day ultimatum •TUC gives May 18 deadline

P. 8

FIFA gets first female scribe P. 41

L-R: Second Deputy President, Trade Union Congress(TUC), Augustine Etato; TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and TUC, First Deputy President, Sunday Salako, after an Emergency Meeting of the National Executive Council(NEC) on the recent increase in the price of fuel in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

PENGASSAN, NUPENG support new fuel price ...demand N90, 000 minimum wage P. 8

• APC appeals to NLC, Nigerians Sealxk T

Is bigger always better ?

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P. 34

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Top Stories

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Building collapse: Angry mob attacks Amosun Femi OyewesO ABEOKUTA

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ragedy struck in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital when the Ultra-Modern Market Complex being constructed by the Ibikunle Amosun administration yesterday collapsed on the construction workers at the site, killing one person instantly.

The four-storey shopping complex, christened Itoku Olori-Eku building, and located at the Odo-Oyo axis of Itoku Market in the Abeokuta metropolis suddenly caved in around 8.30am Friday morning when 18 persons who are part of the construction workers had barely worked for 30 minutes.

Five persons, including a woman who eventually died on the way to the hospital were allegedly rescued alive and taken to the nearby State Hospital in Ijaiye, Abeoku-

INSIDE

Crime Watch

Egbeda murder: Homicide detectives visit crime scene

Page 43

Mirror

Fire disasters: Any end in sight?

Adeneye

ta by sympathizers which principally comprised of personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC).

The development however forced the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and key top government functionaries to make an unscheduled visit to the scene of the collapse to assess the degree of damage.

The story however changed when angry sympathizers hauled stones and pebbles on the governor who was accompanied to the scene by heads of all the security agencies in the state, including the state Commissioner of Police, Abdul-Majid Ali, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), and of the Special State Security outfit, OP MESA. The angry mob alleged that the state governor had allowed the contractor handling the building project to continue building with sub-standard materials, thereby setting the death trap on the workers and other members of the public.

Raining curses and other unprintable words on the governor, the mob, which substantially comprised of youths, also alleged that they were irked by the attitude of the state government for abandoning its supervisory role in the project, which they claimed gave the contractor the opportunity to do a shoddy job on the project.

The attack on Governor Amosun forced all the armed security agencies to sporadically shoot live bullets and teargas canisters into the air to scare away the angry mob, while some of the Nigeria Army personnel attached to the OP MESA made efforts to make some arrest but were called to order by their superiors.

The governor also made several efforts to calm down the mob, appealing and assuring them that those trapped under the rubbles would soon be rescued.

Speaking with journalists however, one of the emergency medical personnel at the scene of the building collapse, Dr. Adekunle Adeyemi, confirmed that eight persons were rushed to his hospital in Ijaiye, Abeokuta out of which one was confirmed dead.

Adeyemi further stated that the conditions of five of the victims had stabilized at the emergency ward where they were admitted, while one victim was still at the theatre of the same hospital and one other demanded to be discharged immediately.

The doctor further informed journalists that he had spoken with the site engineer, whom he said told him that 18 persons were engaged to work at the site yesterday morning and that he could only account for nine of them.

Assassins kill housewife, daughter in Delta

Pg 15

Dear Bukola I have a serious crush on my boss

Pg 35

divorce

court

‘I detest my wife because she bleached her skin’ Pg 30

Keeping ABREAST Female pilots demand space to pump breast milk on duty

Amosun

Meanwhile, there were anxieties as to the total number of persons trapped under the rubbles of the collapsed building as eyewitnesses told journalists that several other petty traders selling food, water and other consumables to the construction workers were also at the site as at the period the tragedy struck.

Saturday Mirror further gathered that two of the construction workers who were trapped under the rubbles were making phone calls and sending sms to their colleagues, appealing that they needed quick rescue from the pains they which were.

As at the time of filing this report, rescue operations were still ongoing as officials of the National Emergency Management Agency had joined in the rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building.

And on the sad issue, the Ogun State Government says it has successfully rescued all 16 construction workers trapped under the collapsed shopping mall and that Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who arrived the site shortly after, helped in coordinating rescue efforts.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, later said that no one had been confirmed dead yet.

He said five workers sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, while eight were rescued unhurt.

“At the moment, records from the site engineers indicate that there were 16 workers on site at the time of the unfortunate incident and they have all been accounted for,” he said.

“Eight of them were rescued unhurt, five who sustained different degrees of injuries are presently receiving treatment at the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, one is critically injured, AND two have been discharged,” Adeneye explained.

The commissioner added that efforts to clear the rubbles at the collapsed building site were ongoing. He said the operation must be carried out carefully as some non-construction workers may have been trapped under the ruins.

... son survives

NOsa akeNzua ASABA

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uspected hired assassins yesterday in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State allegedly killed a housewife and her daughter while her son escaped.

Reports said the incident occurred in the early hours. It was reliably gathered that the assassins went berserk after they had forced the gate of their target victims open.

Rosemary Odeh, an eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent, said the assassins numbering over five allegedly cut the housewife in the throat with a knife and her daughter with broken bottles before they shot at the son who narrowly escaped death.

The suspects were said to have made away with their belongings after their victims were subjected to dehumanizing treatments.

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa

But the police image maker in the state, Celestina Kalu who confirmed the incident, said that the housewife and the daughter died on their way to the hospital after they were rushed to a nearby hospital by neighbours in the area. She said that the police were on the trail of the suspects with a view to arresting them.

While calling for useful information

that could help to arrest the suspects, Mrs. Kalu said that the injured boy was admitted into a private hospital where he is currently responding to treatment. She said the police recovered the knife the suspects used in killing the housewife and the daughter before they escaped into thin air, “we are on top of the situation and we will do our best to bring them to book” the police image maker added.

Unconfirmed sources said the woman and the daughter were killed after they allegedly refused to comply with the warnings to give out the daughter or be killed after their efforts to allegedly marry her failed.

The victims were identified as Mrs. Veronica Iguowe and Felicia Iguowe.

They were allegedly locked in a litany of troubles over a slain daughter over two years ago before they were killed.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Starter

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Rape: Will life jail abolish crime?

Despite the fact that the Senate has passed a bill which prescribes life imprisonment for rapists and sex offenders, the crime seems to go on unabated across Nigeria, writes MUDA OYENIRAN

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ew days ago, a 75 year-old man who allegedly raped an 11 year old in Ogun state was arrested by the police almost a year after the senate passed a new bill recommending life sentence for rape offenders. This has raised fears and doubts as to whether the new penalty for persons convicted of rape was punitive enough to put an end to the heinous acts in the country.

The Senate which passed the Sexual Offences Bill, in 2015 prescribes life imprisonment for rapists and those who have sexual intercourse with children less than 11 years.

The passage of the bill followed the report of the Committee CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Starter

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‘Number of cases is cause for concern’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Chaired by Umaru Dahiru. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Chris Anyawu listed some of the sexual offences captured by the bill to include gang rape, lacing drinks with drugs with intent to sexually abuse, deliberately infecting partner with HIV and other diseases.

Others, according to her, include child sex tourism, sexual harassment and prostitution of persons with mental disabilities.

She said the bill had mandated the storing of names of sexual offenders in database for institutional and social discrimination.

“Culprits would never be employed in any institution where they may pose a risk to unsuspecting persons. You can see that the penalties are weighty,” she said.

She also said convicted offenders would be subjected to compulsory medical examination, while “those that, however, bring false sexual allegation against any person will also be liable for punishment.’’

A human rights lawyer, Evans Ufeli, has said that despite overwhelming reported cases of sexual assaults, Nigeria has recorded only 18 rape convictions in its legal history.

Mr. Ufeli spoke at the 5th edition of ‘The Conversation,’ a quarterly public dialogue that focuses on child abuses and parenting in Lagos.

“The Nigerian criminal code recommends life imprisonment for rape convicts and 14 years for attempt rape, but only 18 people have ever been convicted in Nigeria,” said Mr. Ufeli, who had been handling sexual assault cases for over a decade.

The lawyer said that sexual abuse matters in law courts are sometimes frustrated by the government, which usually acts as the prosecution.

“Government agents who are saddled with checking sexual assaults, especially the police and public prosecutors, compromise their profession,” Mr. Ufeli said.

Several child rights advocates who spoke at the gathering urged parents and guardians to allow their children, while they are still in their formative years, to be vocal about sexual matters as a solution to the rising cases of child abuse.

The advocates also said that the perpetual silence on the issue of child rape had done a lot to worsen the matter because it “sends no serious warning to would-be rapists.” ‎”It’s high time people started speaking about rape; parents must allow their children to discuss matters that are sexually-explicit in nature,” said Itoro Eze-Anaba, who runs the Mirabel Centre, a rehabilitation facility for victims of child abuses which is run in collaboration with the Partnership for Justice.

Mrs. Eze-Anaba noted that rape matters must evolve from being about the victim to

being about the perpetrator.

“A good percentage of those who have been assaulted have had to face the consequences of their ordeal despite their innocence,” she said.

Timilehin Oyebode, a sexual assault victim, said that paedophilia is “a psychological problem that requires only psychological solution” and that rapists don’t necessarily deserve jail sentence.

“The first step that must be taken in reducing sexual assaults on children is to support victims to have the courage to openly speak about their experiences,” said Ms. Oyebode, the Chief Executive Officer of Attitudinal Development International, who said she started suffering sexual abuses at age five.

Rape remains one of the more prevalent but under-reported crimes in Nigeria.

Lagos State alone reported 12,120 cases of rape in the last four years. The number of rape cases in the country has always been cause for concern for both government and non-governmental organizations in Nigeria, like Project Alert, who campaign nonstop against it.

These concerns pushed the Lagos State Government Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) to approach the Lagos State legislature for a solution, to which it has now responded by deeming it a criminal offence to not report cases of rape to the appropriate authorities. This crime is punishable by a two-year imprisonment. The law affects employees under the state government who work directly with children.

Though These Tough laws are welcome, They are meaningless wiTh poor

enforcemenT.

The police and

prosecuTors have clearly failed To sTand up for vicTims of sex crimes

This law was a follow up to the training of 190 people as ‘responders’ to cases of rape and sexual abuse by the Lagos State Government that was just concluded on August 16 of 2015. The responders are teachers, nurses, and social workers equipped with skills that enable them to obtain information concerning cases of sexual abuse and report them adequately.

In the United States the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that 68 percent of rape cases do not get reported; nine out of 10 women are victims, children constitute 12 percent of victims, and 98 percent of sexual offenders never spend a day in prison. The low numbers of reported cases are because most of the victims feel ashamed and traumatized. In countries like Nigeria where society attaches great stigma to victims of sexual violence, these numbers are likely higher. Some place are known for their maltreatment of rape victims, with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Somalia, India, and Afghanistan even throwing them in prison in extreme cases.

In response to this particular problem, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Coordinator of DSVRT, has asked the media to use its power to focus attention on perpetrators when reporting and publicizing these crimes, and always include contact details of help sources for the victims. According to her, this helps to build solid support systems for rape victims.

Punishment for sex offenders is wideCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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‘Society connives to protect rapists, paedophiles’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

spread around the world, but punishment for people who fail to report knowledge of such crimes is not yet common. This is mainly due to the fact that a bystander is not necessarily bound by duty to make a report. However, an event in California in 2009 involving the gang-raping and beating of a 15-year old girl has caused American states to reconsider. States are now hinting at implementing laws that carry punitive consequences for witnesses to such awful crimes who fail to report, placing the protection of the victim’s life before a bystander’s privacy. This new law in Lagos State follows the same direction and serves as a push for the delegated individuals to carry out their duties effectively.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based crimes. Altogether, the DSVRT has trained 800 people in Nigeria to help in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

The new law passed by the Lagos State Government shows immense support for the victims of rape. If the law serves its purpose, more states in Nigeria might see the need to pass such a measure into law.

The society appears to connive within itself to protect rapists and paedophiles, and to frustrate and traumatise abused women. . The social and legal order simple protect licentious lustful men. The law and procedure of prosecuting sex crimes are lenient in favour of the offenders. There is need for tougher laws, tougher enforcement of sex crime laws, and effective prosecution of sex offenders. Lagos State took a giant step in 2011 when it made rape and many other sex crimes punishable by life imprisonment in its new Criminal Law. Section 258 provides that “(1) Any man who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman or girl, without her consent, is guilty of the offence of rape and liable to imprisonment for life.” Subsection (2) provides that “A woman or girl does not consent to sexual intercourse if she submits to the act by reason of force, impersonation, threat or intimidation of any kind, fear of harm or false or fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act.” Unhappily, the new law did not go far enough against spousal rape, which has been criminalised in many parts of the world. Subsection (3) provides that “Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who are married is not unlawful”, thereby permitting a husband to ‘rape’ his wife, giving wide leverage for family related sexual violence. But the law is tough against other sex crimes. Section 259 punishes unconsented oral or anal sex including gay sex, with life imprisonment. The section provides thus: “Any person who penetrates sexually the anus, vagina, mouth or any other

Protesters

opening in the body of another person with a part of his body or anything else, without the consent of the person is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for life”. The new Lagos Criminal law also punishes sexual harassment, though with paltry imprisonment of 3 years without option of fine. The offence is defined widely as follows: “262 (1) Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favours, and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which when submitted to or rejected– (a) implicitly or explicitly affects a person’s employment or educational opportunity or unreasonably interferes with the person’s work or educational performance; (b) implicitly or explicitly suggests that submission to or rejection of the conduct will be a factor in academic or employment decisions; or (c) creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning or working environment. Furthermore, inappropriate sexual advances, touching or smooching of another are criminalised in the law, by section 261, which provides that “Any person who sexually touches another person without his consent is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for three years.”

But according to Chino Obiagwu of the Legal Defence & Assistance Project, LEDAP “Though these tough laws are welcome, they are meaningless with poor enforcement. The police and prosecutors have clearly failed to stand up for victims of sex crimes, most of who would rather die in

Justice Minister and Attorney General of Federation,

tortuous silence than expose themselves to secondary traumatisation in the hands of justice system officials. It is time the society stands up to demand for justice for victims of sex crime in the way the Indian society rose up in unison to demand an end to impunity for rapists. This is a social responsibility for all men and women of conscience.”

Adaobi Egboka, the Executive Director of LEDAP, said: “We are not saying the state government is doing nothing. But it has to do more. Rape cases should be prosecuted in such a way that victims and parents of victims will be willing to come forward and make reports.”

The women therefore called on the government to strictly enforce the law against

Federal Minitry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan

rape so as to serve as a deterrent to others.

A cross section of Nigerians who spoke to Saturday Mirror however said the life imprisonment as punishment for rape was not punitive enough to serve as deterrent saying the judiciary could not be totally trusted in the country.

Mrs Funmi Abass, a teacher even recommended capital punishment for offenders especially peadophiles while Alhaji Fatai Abass, a businessman wants offenders castrated.

“If you cut their manhood, they will have nothing to commit the offence again. It is like saying that if your eyes will make you enter hell fire it is better you remove it”, he added.

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MAY 14, 2016

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 14, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

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A million Jerry Ganas can’t stop National Convention —PDP ObiOra ifOh, ABUJA

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has re-

sponded to the threat by the founding fathers to stop next Saturday’s planned national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State as it insists

that a million Jerry Ganas cannot stop the convention.

The party’s National Secretary, Professor

Adewale Oladipo, who spoke on Friday, said nothing can stop the convention.

Professor Oladipo

said the delegates to the national convention have been elected at ward congress.

“There are also statutory delegates like former governors, former

chairmen, Senators, House of Representatives members, they are all there. The court injunction is not going to affect the National Convention,” he added.

…as Sheriff, Adewole disagree over S’West zonal congress O biOra i fOh ABUJA

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L-R: Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culter, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba and Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, Dr Jaf Momoh at a news conference on Stephen-Johnson Syndrome in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

New deadly disease breaks out

…one killed, another hospitalised T he Minister of Health, Issac Adewole, has revealed that there is a new disease in Nigeria which has killed a Nigerian while another is currently undergoing treatment at the National Hospital Abuja.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, on Friday, Mr. Adewole said the health condition known as Stephen Johnson Syndrome (SJS) was an unusual allergic reaction in Nigeria and some parts of Europe.

He said, “We have to find a means to communicate with Nigerians, so they should all be aware of this dangerous disease and it is the sole business of government to enlighten the society by trying to increase their awareness, knowledge and to improve their quality way of life.”

Dr. Olanrewaju Falodun a Senior Consultant Physician/Dermatologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, shed more light on the disease and the cases being handled in his hospital.

“Stephens Johnson Syndrome is an immune complex mediated hypersensitivity reaction that typically involves the skin and mucous membranes and was first described in 1922 by Albert Stevens and Frank Johnson,” Mr. Falodun said.

SJS is a rare and unpredictable reaction, and is also a minor form of toxic epidermal necrolysis with less than 10 percent body surface area involvement, the consultant said.

“SJS is a rare but serious and potentially

life-threatening contagious drug reaction.

Incidence of SJS is estimated between 1.1 and 7.1 cases per million per year and is more prevalent in women than men.

Incidence in Europe is two per million per year” Mr. Falodun said.

He confirmed that two cases were being treated at the Abuja National Hospital, saying one patient already passed while the other was still undergoing treatment.

He said the incidence was higher in Africa due to extensive use of herbal preparations and the prevalence of HIV. He listed the symptoms of the SJS disease to include fever, sore throat, running nose, fatigue, general aches and pains, ulcers in mouth, genitals, anal regions as well as

conjunctivitis.

The health complications, Mr. Falodun said, are pigmentation problems, skin scarring, scarred genitals, joint pains, lung diseases, obstructive disorders and eye complications, adhesions, ulcers, and blindness.

He however said the cause of the disease remained unknown in a quarter to half of cases but that self-medications appeared to be one of its causes.

He advised Nigerians to avoid misuse of drugs, while individuals with previous drug reactions should always inform healthcare practitioners so that in future they would be able to predict who is at risk of the disease using genetic screening.

here was confusion within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ‎with regards to Saturday’s South West zonal congress of the party.

The National Secretary, Professor Adewale Oladipo, at a press conference on Friday said the party has been duly served with court order and will abide by the decision.

“We are in receipt of an order from the Federal High Court in Lagos, which had ordered us to put a stop to the exercise pending when the case filed is heard and resolved.

“As a law abiding political party, we have been served this order.

“I, as the National Secretary of the party, and Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju, the National Auditor, who are the two representatives of the zone, want to tell you that the party has decided to abide by the order,” Oladipo added.

Chief Gbenga Otemolu, South West zonal Secretary, on behalf of the zonal executive, had approached the court demanding the suspension of the congress on the ground that their tenure had

not expired.

But the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who is already in Taraba State for the North East zonal congress, said he was yet to be communicated on the court order.

“I have not received any court order. I am in Taraba preparing for my congress.

“I have not seen the National Secretary.

He was meant to be in Osun.

“I have given directives before I left that there should be a congress. I will only stop when court gives me order to stop. The National Secretary, I have not seen him, I have not spoken to him. I am in Taraba right now, trying to do my congress,” Sheriff said in a tele-conference.

The Secretary of the PDP organising committee for South West zonal congress, Henry Ikoh, said he was already on his way to Akure, Ondo State capital for the congress.

“I want to tell you categorically that the congress is going on. I have the result sheets.

“It is not to my knowledge that the congress has been suspended. The chairman is not aware. As a matter of fact, the chairman and other members are waiting for me in Akure,” Ikoh stated.

ents must face processes of law to be reintegrated PAGE

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Fuel hike:

NATIONAL NEWS

FG assures Nigerians of price reduction later AdeolA Tukuru ABUJA

F

ederal Government yesterday assured Nigerians that prices of products will come down as the production from our refineries become more regular and stable.

The FG through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr.

Babachir David Lawal, also assured that as a result of the competitiveness and efficiencies that this deregulation policy will enthrone.

In a release signed by him in Abuja, he explained that since “our return to democratic rule in 1999, one problem that has troubled our nation incessantly has been the availability and cost of petroleum products.

“A number of reasons have been advanced for the problem and they include the cost of crude oil, the

operational condition of our refineries and much later, the costs associated with the importation of petroleum products.

“All of these reasons however, can be attributed to one single factor, which is simply our inability to produce locally the products that we consume. Our situation, over the years became compounded because of the total neglect of our refineries.

“Rather than address the issue of local refining of crude oil, we resorted to massive importation of petroleum products. This was criminalised when the cost of crude oil became very high and government revenue soared and could absorb the absurdity.

“Regrettable, this monumental corruption that crept into this unreasonable business of products importation stayed with us until the departure of the last administration.

“By this time, the price of crude oil has plummeted to its lowest in a decade and our volume of sales had declined considerably due to the glut in the international oil market, and indeed the disruptions in our production capacity caused by the activities of unpatriotic and criminally minded militants.

“At the same time, the nation’s foreign exchange reserve was completely depleted. The consequences of our past actions are that the nation, today, cannot afford subsidy payments.

“Our reserves have become so low, government has to enthrone tight monetary measures in the allocation of foreign exchange.

For months now, Nigerians have been subjected to severe hardship as a result of scarcity of petroleum products.

“This scarcity has lingered for this long because government has largely

been the sole importer of petroleum products.

“The private importers have refused to do business at this time because they truly cannot sell at the prevailing government controlled price and make profit especially, because of the inability of government to sell foreign exchange to these importers at the official rate.

He further added that in the circumstance, government is left with no option but to partially deregulate the sector and assume the role of a regulator.

“The ceiling of N145.00 per litre is the highest in the band approved for the cost of PMS (petrol). The implication is that the price can be lower. Indeed, for government imported products, it is lower” “My appeal to everyone is that commentators should restrain from deliberately inflaming the situation” he said.

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari is insensitive, out of touch —TMG

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he Transition Monitoring Group, a coalition of over 400 civic organisations working to promote democracy and good governance in Nigeria, has strongly condemned the increase in price of petrol, saying the move has exposed President Muhammadu Buhari as an “insensitive and out of touch” leader.

In a statement signed

by Ibrahim Zikirullahi, the group’s chairman, TMG said Mr. Buhari’s measure is “ill-timed and badly advised”.

“To say the least, this imposition portrays the government as insensitive, and out of touch with the daily unbearable plight of the ordinary Nigerian. Coming at a time when the implementation of the recently signed 2016 Budget, is yet to take off, the hike in

TUC gives May 18 deadline to revert price he National Executive Council (NEC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) held an emergency meeting yesterday in Lagos, over the federal government recent increase in the price of petrol.

The Body rejected the astronomical increase in the price of Petrol from #86.50 per litter to #145 per litter and demanded the government should revert to the old price before Wednesday

18, May, 2016.

The President, Comrade Bala Kaigama, said the federal government has also been giving Wednesday as deadline to invite the leadership of the labour for discussion aimed at determining the appropriate way forward.

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also directed the leadership of the TUC, NLC and the Civil Society Allies will work out action plans to protest the fuel price hike should the Government fail to meet up Wednesday 18 May, 2016 deadline.

astronomical increase in the price of petrol from N86.50 per litre to N145 per litre and demanded that the government should revert to the old price regime with immediate effect.

“The NEC in session gave the federal government up till Wednesday, 18th May, 2016 to invite the leadership of labour

for discussion aimed at determining the appropriate way forward.”

Kaigama said, the union was already working with the Nigeria Labour Congress and other civil society allies with a view to marshaling plans for a total showdown with the federal government, should it fail to revert to the old price.

SAmuel AdeTimehin

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L-R: Vice Chairman, Western Zone, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Comrade Samson Odewale; Chairman, NATA, Alhaji Kasali Obisesan; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, Babcock University, Prof Sunday Owolabi and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, at the NATA Day 2016, in Iwo, Osun State, yesterday.

the face of groaning and pains, is ill-timed and badly advised.

“It is tantamount to killing a willing horse to ask the Nigerian people, who are already carrying the heavy burden of the failure of governance over the years, to take on one more load of extreme economic hardship, as represented by the imposed price of petrol,” TMG said.

Mr. Zikirullahi also said that TMG’s support for Mr. Buhari is contingent on the effect of his administration’s policies on Nigerians.

Mr. Zikirullahi also expressed TMG’s intention to coordinate its resistance to the increments with the organised labour.

“TMG will join forces with Labour and other activists to resist this hike.

Labour issues 5-day ultimatum to FG over pump price olufemi A deoSun ABUJA

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he Trade Union Congress (TUC), yesterday gave the federal government five days ultimatum within which it must revert to the old pump price of N86.50.

It warned that the union may be pushed to embark on mass protest in conjunction with its sister organisation, the

...alerts workers for mass protests Nigeria Labour Congress and other civil society allies, should government press on with the new pump price of N145.

The federal government had on Wednesday announced the removal of subsidy on petroleum product with a new pricing template pegging a litre of Premium Motor

Spirit(PMS), otherwise known as petrol.

The new pricing regime has sparked negative reactions from the various stakeholders.

While the outcome of the National Executive Council of the NLC is differed till today (Saturday), a communique issued at the end of the TUC emergency Na-

tional Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday, rejected the new pump price, describing it as outrageous and insensitive.

The communiqué, which was signed by the TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, reads in part, “The NEC-in-Session rejected in its entirety the

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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NATIONAL NEWS

We’ve not removed fuel subsidy —Osinbajo

Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

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ice President, Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said that the Federal Government has not removed fuel subsidy with the new price regime in which petrol now sell for N145 per litre In a statement personally signed by Osinbajo titled “The Fuel Pricing Debate: Our Story”, he said the main issue was not about the new price regime but how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.

According to him, the real issue was not the removal of subsidy, stressing that at $40 a barrel there was not much of a subsidy to remove.

Osinbajo said, “I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.

“The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.

I will hopefully address that in another note.

“Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real issue is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.

“In any event, the President is probably one of the most convinced pro-sub-

MAY 14, 2016

sidy advocates”, the Vice President said While explaining the issues involved in the new price regime, Osinbajo said while local consumption of fuel was almost entirely imported, NIgerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), exchanged crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50 per cent of local fuel consumption while the remaining 50 per cent was imported by major and independent marketers.

He further said, “These marketers up until three months ago sourced their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official rate.

“However, since late last year, independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel because they have been unable to get foreign exchange from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount required for fuel importation alone is about $225million!)”

“Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by dedicating more export crude for domestic consumption.

Besides the short term depletion of the Federation Account, which is where the FG and States are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up, NNPC also lacked the capacity to dis-

tribute 100 % of local consumption around the country. Previously, they were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason for the lingering scarcity)” “We realised that we were left with only one option. This was to allow independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import fuel.

We expect that foreign exchange will be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar, (current interbank rate). They would then be restricted to selling at a price between N135

and N145 per litre”, Osinbajo stated.

“We expect that with competition, more private refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity, prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4 2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are working optimally they will produce

just about 40% of our domestic fuel needs” “You will notice that I have not mentioned other details of the PPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the cost component largely responsible for the substantial rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem, in the face of dwindling earn-

9

ings”, the Vice President further explained.

It would be recalled that Minister of State of Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu had on Wednesday, announced the new price regime after a stakeholders meeting at the Presidential Villa Kachikwu had said with the new price regime, the price of petrol would not be above N145 per litre.

Comparative petrol prices in some African countries •Nigeria – N145 • Kenya – N241.03 • S/Africa – N237.05

• Ghana – N211.15 • Ethiopia – N197.21 • Tunisia – N181.27 • Egypt – N175.3

• Angola – N151.39 • Algeria – N53.78 • Libya – N23.9

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) with US Deputy Secretary of State , Anthony Binken during a visit to Vice President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ANAYO OPARA

New fuel price regime inevitable — Lai Mohammed

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he Federal Government has said the introduction of a new price regime for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) has become inevitable in order to halt the crippling fuel scarcity in the country and ensure availability of the product.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this at the inauguration of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Marketers Conference in Lagos on Friday, said only the liberalisation of petrol supply will ensure the availability of the products.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I can tell

you that, that decision is inevitable, if we are to end the crippling fuel scarcity that has enveloped the country, ensure the availability of the products and end the suffering that our people have been subjected to,” he said.

He said the crash in the price of crude oil, which has impacted negatively on foreign exchange earnings, has further compounded the crisis in fuel supply.

“With the drastic fall in the price of crude oil, which is the nation’s main foreign exchange earner, there has also been a drastic reduction in the amount of foreign exchange available. The unavailability of forex and the inability to open letters of credit have forced

marketers to stop product importation and imposed over 90% supply on the NNPC since October 2015, in contrast to the past where NNPC supplies 48% of the national requirement,” the minister said.

He further elaborated that in the absence of available forex lines or crude volumes to continue massive importation of PMS, it is clear that unless immediate action is taken to liberalise the petroleum supply and distribution, the queues will persist, diversion will worsen and the current prices will spiral out of control.

Alhaji Mohammed, however, said the liberalisation of petrol supply and distribution will allow marketers and any Nigerian entity willing

to supply PMS to source for their forex and import PMS to ensure availability of products in all locations of the country.

He noted that the resultant fuel scarcity has created an abnormal increase in price, resulting in Nigerians paying between N150 and N300 per litre as prevalent hoarding, smuggling and diversion of products have reduced volumes made available to citizens.

The Minister explained that the new fuel price regime should not be misconstrued as the removal of subsidy since there is no provision for subsidy in the 2016 Appropriation, saying the erstwhile PMS price of N86.50 gives an estimate subsidy claim of N13.7per litre, which translates to

N16.4 billion monthly.

“There is neither funding nor appropriation to cover this,” he explained.

Alhaji Mohammed used the occasion to draw the attention of Nigerians to the renewed insurgency and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, which have drastically reduced national crude oil production to 1.65 million barrels per day, against 2.2 million barrels per day planned in the 2016 budget thereby reducing income to Federation account and also affecting crude volumes for PMS conversion.

Listing the benefits of the new price regime, he said it would end the recurrent fuel scarcity by ensuring product availability across the country, reduce hoarding,

smuggling and diversion of products substantially, improves fuel supply situation through private sector participation, creates labour market stability, as this will potentially create additional 200,000 jobs through new investments in refineries and retails and prevents potential loss of 400,000 jobs in existing investments”.

Alhaji Mohammed gave the assurance that under the new price regime, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) will be further empowered to ensure a level playing field and strict compliance with market rules by all stakeholders and consumer protection.

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MAY 14, 2016

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PENGASSAN, NUPENG support new fuel price •demand N90, 000 minimum wage

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he joint meeting of the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN and the Nigeria

Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, ended on Friday with a declaration of support for the government’s new price of petrol.

The federal government

Dino Melaye gives Buhari 7-day ultimatum to reverse fuel price hike

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resident Muhammadu Buhari should ‘immediately reverse’ the new policy measure he announced for a deregulation of Nigeria’s petroleum downstream because of the “unbearable” effects it will have on Nigerians, a senator from Kogi State, Dino Melaye, has warned.

Mr. Melaye, writing on his Facebook page Thursday night, said the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress should intervene in the matter, threatening to mobilise Nigerians for mass protests if his demand is not met.

Mr. Melaye posted the demand from London where

he’s currently attending an anti-corruption summit with Mr. Buhari.

“My sincere advice is for the National Chairman of the party to suggest that the federal government immediately reverse the announced increase in the pump price of PMS,” Mr. Melaye wrote. “If after 7 days from Monday there is no reversal, I will mobilize Nigerians from all walks of life for the mother of all protest. This is not what we promised Nigerians. The time is not right and the negative effects will be unbearable.

A word is enough for the wise.”

New petrol price illegal — Falana

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agos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has described the increase in the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145.00 as illegal and contemptuous.

“In view of the illegality, insensitivity and immorality of the price increase the federal government should cancel it, revert to the status quo and consult widely with all relevant stakeholders in the society,” he advised.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday and titled, “The illegality, immorality and insensitivity of fuel price increase ”, the lawyer justified his view that the increase in the pump price by government was illegal.

Falana cited the case of Bamidele Aturu versus Attorney-General of the Federation (unreported suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2009) where the Federal High Court declared illegal and unconstitutional the policy decision of the federal government to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum

industry contrary to the combined effect of the provisions of the Price Control Act and the Petroleum Act. He lamented that in total defiance of the said order of the federal high court, the federal government has deregulated the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

Although, the minister in-state, Dr. Ibeh Kachukwu while justifying the new policy regime, claimed that “PPPRA has informed me that it will be announcing a new price band effective today, 11th May, 2016 and that the new price for PMS will not be above N145 per litre.” Since the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), which is statutorily empowered to recommend the price of petroleum products has not been reconstituted the unilateral decision of the Executive Secretary of the body to fix the pump price at N145 per litre is ultra vires and illegal in every material particular”.

had on Wednesday announced the take-off of full deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum industry, which changed in petrol price from N86.50 to N145 per litre.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, criticised the decision, and vowed to resist what it called “the height of insensitivity and impunity”.

Nigerians had expected

the two oil workers unions, which are key affiliates of the NLC, to follow suit with strong words against the new fuel price.

But, at the end of the meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, the leadership of the two unions in a joint communiqué noted the benefits of price modulation mechanism introduced early this year, urging government to consult all interest groups to cushion the effect

of the new price on the people.

“The NEC-in-session had an extensive discussion on the recent price modulation and is of the view that price deregulation has its benefits in the immediate and near future,” the two unions said.

“Government should engage with the stakeholders to work out a clear direction on how to reinvest the gains of the policy into the

economy to cushion the effect of the price on the people,” they said.

The communiqué signed

by PENGASSAN President, Francis Johnson, and his NUPENG counterpart, Igwe Achese, asked government to pay attention to the state of the nation, particularly on issues bordering on national security, power, bad roads, unemployment/ casualization and redundancy in the oil industry.

Representative of the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Adetunkunbo Kayode (right) presenting certificate to participants of German Dual Vocational Training Partnership with Nigeria, Miss Ukam Mbafan, at the Graduation ceremony in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Shun Melaye, other protest threats —Group AdeolA Tukuru ABUJA

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civil society organisation, Stand Up Nigeria, SUN, has called on Nigerians to shun the threat by Senator Dino Melaye, to mobilise Nigerians to protest the pump price hike by the federal government.

The group led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Philip Agbese, who spoke with newsmen yesterday in Abuja said it is most unfortunate that the ranks of such persons as led by the likes of Dino Melaye, has decided to take a break from defending corruption at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to demand that subsidy should be restored.

Agbese said it is sad that a member of the National Assembly who was part of passage of a 2016 Appropriation Act (budget) that made no provisions for

subsidy is asking that the practice should be sustained.

“An Appropriation Act is a law and the National Assembly exists to ensure the executive does not spend outside the budget approved in the act, we do not need legal expert to tell us that Dino Melaye is asking the Presidency to break the same law he passed as a lawmaker with his colleagues.

“We do not know the extent to which the notorious subsidy cabal has reached out to some paid activist but we know that it is time for Nigerians to remove Dino Melaye’s influence from public opinion same way subsidy has been removed from petrol.

“Even before the expiration of the ultimatum given by several groups including the one by Melaye, we want to sound this clearly that Nigerians are no longer subsidising life

of pleasure and luxury “Nigerians are not intimidated by Melaye’s protests threats, if he wants cheap petrol, authorities have declared that anyone can import so he should use his salary and allowances from the Senate for such purposes”, he said.

We similarly place the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Unions Congress (TUC) on notice that the present government’s commitment to fight corruption has altered the configurations and this is not 2012 Occupy Nigeria era.

“If there will be any protests, they will be solidarity marches in support of and to thank President Buhari for keeping to his promise of hitting at the heart of corruption, which we all know is the phantom petroleum subsidies.

“NLC and TUC would do well to be reminded of the aftermath of the Occupy Protests, their officials

exploited it as opportunity to get juicy panel and committee appointments after they criminally hijacked and called off protests that they did not initiate.

The masses, who by the way are mostly in support of the federal government decision, will never again be used as bargaining chips by ambitious unionists” he said SUN told the federal government and Presidency that the war is not over as the activities of the likes of Melaye, NLC, TUC and others have proven that the cabal will stop at nothing including sustained sabotage to get their fix of slush funds.

“We acknowledge with great satisfaction the decision of the federal government to finally and completely end payment of subsidy on petrol thereby ending years of the reign of kleptomanias that have stolen the country blind.

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Illegal possession of firearms: Police clampdown on suspects in Taraba Justin tyopuusu JALINGO

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araba Police Command yesterday paraded 10 suspects and a large cache of arms and ammunitions recovered at separate locations.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shaba Alkali, who paraded the suspects, explained that the operations in Bali, Donga, Gassol and Takum local government areas, carried out by Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in conjunction with the local communities and vigilante led to the recovery of Five AK47s, Two Assault rifles, several rounds of different calibers of ammunitions, and a red Toyota Corolla car.

“A joint operation of SARS, the local communities and vigilante groups, has cracked down the proliferation of firearms, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other associated forms of criminality and a lot of success has been recorded in the recovery of firearms and ammunitions as well as the criminals.

“The suspects in custody are giving relevant information to help the ongoing investigation, and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed,” Alkali sated.

The CP warned criminal elements bent on disturbing the peace of the state to either quit the state now or face the full wrath of the force.

He called on the people of the state to be vigilant and share useful information with the police for their own safety.

Suspects paraded by the police were; Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Baushe, Ayuba Iliya, Abubakar Umar, Vereshe Mbashinya, Yunusa Buba, Kole Abdu, Dan-Mallam Bawa, Yahaya Adamu and Isa Mahamadu.

MAY 14, 2016

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Court reaffirms Alfa as PDP Kogi East Senatorial Candidate Wale ibrahim LOKOJA

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he electorate in Kogi East Senatorial District may have got a respite of having a senator representing the district as the Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed the election of the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isaac Alfa, as duly elected PDP candidate.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Alhaji Danladi Abubarka, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday. The

statement stated that with the development, AM Isaac Alfa will represent Kogi East Senatorial District.

Abubarka explained that the Court had on Tuesday struck out the application filed by Senator Attai Aidoko seeking a stay of execution over the judgment against him to stop parading himself as PDP candidate.

The statement noted that Justice Nnamdi Dimgba in his ruling had dismissed the motion filed by Senator Aidoko, stressing that granting the prayers as contained

in the application would amount to standing justice on its head.

“Justice Dimgba had in an earlier declaratory judgment declared Alfa as winner of the Kogi Eastern Senatorial primary election. He therefore, ordered PDP to withdraw the submission of Aidoko’s name to INEC, and replace it with Air Marshal Isaac Alfa’s name, and ordered Senator Aidoko to stop parading himself as PDP candidate-elect henceforth,” the statement said It would be recalled that Alfa had approached the Federal High Court,

Abuja to challenge the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee to willfully denied him the mandate given by the people of Kogi East and gave it Senator Aidoko, who allegedly disrupted the PDP primary election on 7th December, 2014 at Idah “The Senatorial re-run election in Kogi East was declared inconclusive according to INEC returning officer, Mr. Salihu James, because the election was fraught with irregularities and election materials were allegedly snatched”, it noted

Staff of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) protesting against the management of the Hospital in Jos. PHOTO:NAN

Ex- Minister visits Borno IDPs, pledges empowerment inusa ndahi, MAIDUGURI

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he former Minister of Niger Delta and now Executive Secretary of Peace, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation Initiatives (PRRI), a Non Governmental Organization, Dr. Sam Ode, has visited various resettlement camps hosting thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as the Head Office of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where he expressed readiness to support and empower victims of insurgency, who are willing to go back to their liberated communities.

Dr. Ode, accompanied by his team on Friday, said PRRI, which is a new NGO set up in the last one month,

is primarily concern on how to empower victims of insurgency in the north east, particularly IDPs whose houses were destroyed as a result of Boko Haram’s deadly activities and those in Benue and Taraba states who also suffered the same fate as a result of communal clashes.

The former Minister who was at SEMA office, off Shehu Laminu Way in Maiduguri, told the Chairman of the Agency, Engineer Ahmed Satomi, that they were in Borno to sympathize with the government, and people of the state who suffered untold hardship and loss of lives due to terrorists activities, and to interface and explore areas of partnership on how PRRI will assist in rehabilitating and empower IDPs in various skills acquisition schemes in the state.

While thanking Borno State Government under Governor Kashim Shettima, the Military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and liberation of communities in the north east, Dr. Ode said his NGO will join the bandwagon to see how it can complement efforts of other humanitarian agencies to alleviate the hardship and sufferings of the IDPs through drilling of boreholes and rehabilitation of destroyed structures in liberated communities.

He noted that some of the plans already mapped out for the IDPs are to make them economically empowered by training them into fields of tailoring, carpentary, vulcanizing and plumbing, and engaged them in modern agricultural practices.

He then solicited cooperation from SEMA and the

IDPs who are the real beneficiaries of the programme earmarked by his team, and prayed God to restore peace, not only in Borno, but the country as a whole.

Responding on behalf of the SEMA chairman, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Isa Alkali Goni, thanked the former Minister and his team for setting up an NGO which will directly impact positively on the lives of the IDPs. He said the state Governor, Kashim Shettima, has already set up a new Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation, which has started rebuilding destroyed structures in all the communities of Benesheikh, Konduga, Dikwa and Bama local government areas among others, and that the intervention of PPRI is not only timely but commendable as over one million IDPs have indicated interest of going back to their communities.

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FG takes takes savings campaign to rural communities in Nasarawa igbaWase ukumba LAFIA

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ederal Government’s Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) yesterday took its campaigns on savings culture to rural communities in Nasarawa State with a call on women to form cooperatives in order to enhance easy access to loan facilities.

RUFIN Communication Liaison Officer in Nasarawa State, Samuel Tabe, gave the charge during a one-day village level group formation saving campaigns programme for rural women in Gbata, Wamba Local Government Area of the state.

The liaison officer explained that the aim of the sensitization was to encourage rural poor households, particularly women, youths and the physically challenged, to form cooperative societies for rainy days.

He stated that RUFIN is funded by the Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to strengthen microfinance institutions and establish linkages between financial institutions in order to create viable inclusive rural financial system.

He said: “It is in view of this that RUFIN is organizing this village level group formation saving campaigns for rural women in Nigeria, particularly in Nasarawa State, to form saving and cooperative societies in order to have easy access to micro, medium and small loans facilities. Tabe commended the women saving groups for their successful business story, and urged those who are yet to form saving and cooperative societies to do so considering its enormous benefit.

He added that cooperative societies would also help in arresting their emergency financial problems. Speaking, the Sole Administrator of Wamba Local Government Area of the state, Musa Shuaibu- Wayo, called on the people of the area and the state to form saving and cooperative societies in order to improve their living condition.

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Ajibola assumes CIBN presidency

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r. Joseph Olusegun Ajibola steps in today as the 19th President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, the umbrella professional body for bankers in Nigeria. He succeeds Otunba (Mrs) Debola Osibogun who elected president in 2014.

Ajibola was elected first vice-president of the institute on May 17, 2014 after being second vice-president; national treasurer; chairman, Finance and General Purposes Committee; and chairman, CIBN Press.

He was member, Governing Council, 2004-2008; chairman, Lagos branch, 2006-2008; chairman, CIBN Investment Sub-committee, 2006; chairman, Consulting Committee, Lagos branch, 2002-2006; second vice-chairman and chairman, Lagos Bankers Night Committee, 2000-2002; and assistant secretary, Kano branch of the institute.

He has also served as member, Faculty on Banking Practice; member, Board of Directors, Accion Microfinance Bank Ltd; and current chairman, Board of Directors, Bowen Microfinance Bank Ltd. A deacon of the Baptist Church, Ojota, Lagos, Ajibola attended the University of Ife, Ile-Ife where he graduated with a first class and M. Sc. Degrees in Economics in 1983 and 1986 respectively.

Elder Adejuwon for burial

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ll roads lead to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State today at the final burial ceremony of Late Elder Francis Ayoola Adejuwon. He was aged 78.

Details of the burial ceremony are as follows.

Thanksgiving and memorial service will hold at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Ibukun, Olorunsogo, Off Road 7, Ile-Ife, at 10am. Reception follows immediately at Enuwa Square, Ile- Ife, Osun State.

Adejuwon, a businessman and community leader, is survived by wives, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren

Adejuwon

SOUTH-WEST

MAY 14, 2016

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Lagos remains most attractive investment destination in Africa —Ambode L

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday emphasised the leadership status of the State as the most attractive location financially and socially for investment in Africa, just as he reiterated the commitment of his administration towards putting in place policies to attract investment and

facilitate conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.

Ambode, who spoke in Lagos at the grand opening of CFAO Yamaha Showroom and Assembly Plant, said with a population in excess of 21 million, a significant proportion of which comprises of the mid-class with strong purchasing pow-

ers, he was convinced that the state has what every investor desires in investing in any city.

He said aside the fact that Lagos accounts for 60 percent of Nigeria’s industrial capacity, the state also attracts between 70 to 80 percent of $6bn annual Foreign Direct Investment (DFI) into Nigeria, adding that measures are being

taken to increase the figure by 50 per cent.

He lauded the collaboration between CFAO of France and Yamaha of Japan to bring about the joint venture in Lagos, Nigeria, saying the partnership was good news for Lagos’ economy and a boost to the efforts of his administration in bringing investment to the state.

Court quashes arrest warrant on ex-Ekiti PDP scribe Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

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n Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has quashed a warrant of arrest issued against the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Secretary, Dr Temitope Aluko.

The High Court presided over by Justice John Adeyeye set aside the bench warrant issued by an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court on ground that the motion was not filed within three months allowed by law after Aluko had given evidence before the Tribunal. The state government had through the Office of the Attorney General on February 3 secured the bench warrant seeking Aluko’s arrest at an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Mr. Adesoji Adegboye.

The government approached the Magistrate’s Court to compel the Police to arrest Aluko for alleged perjury after claiming that the election which brought Governor People of Boripe North Local Government of Osun State protesting at the Palace of Olona of Ada yesterday, on the sitting of Council Headquarters at Iree.

Ayo Fayose to power was rigged.

According to the Certified True Copy of Enrolment of Order issued at the High Court Registry, Justice Adeyeye ruled that “this application ensure that its laws are files, containing reports of addition to the 1,536 active he Lagos State was brought pursuant kept updated and readily investigation submitted by criminal prosecution files, Government on to Order 40 of the High accessible to the general the Police and issuance of the DPP’s office was also Friday said that it Court of Ekiti State Civil public has completed a new legal advice has been able handling 137 applications prosecuted a total of 1, 536 Procedure Rules. compilation of the Lagos to hasten considerably the for enforcement of Fundacriminal cases in all courts “Order 40 Rules (4) Laws, which includes all speed of criminal prosemental Rights. in the last one year through provides as follows: An amendment and additions. cutions by reducing the “With regards to the Directorate of Public He said, “In line with the application for judicial time spent on issuing legal criminal prosecutions, our Prosecution (DPP). review shall be brought direction of His Excellenadvice.

Directorate of Public ProsState Attorney General within three months of cy, the Governor of Lagos “In the period under ecutions is committed to and Commissioner for State, Mr. Akinwunmi review, out of 1,209 police ensuring that all offenders the date of occurrence Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, Ambode, the 2015 Revised investigation files sent are brought to book, thereof the subject of applicawho disclosed this during Laws of Lagos State are to the DPP’s office for by discouraging impunity tion. the ongoing ministerial now accessible online to legal advice, the Unit has in our society.

“Since Dr Aluko was press briefing to herald the the general public, which already completed work The Directorate is also alleged to have commitone year anniversary of provides access to all the on 940 while the rest are committed to speedy trails, ted the offence of perjury the Governor Akinwunmi Laws that have operated in when he testified before still being processed, especially so that suspects Ambode administration, the state since inception in the Election Petition many requiring additional are not detained for too said that out of the total 1967”. information or further long awaiting trial.

Tribunal on 12/11/2014, number of cases being “The landmark achieveinvestigation by the Police “The truism ‘justice the subject matter of the prosecuted, judgments ment within the past one or other relevant agency,” delayed is justice denied’ is application is clearly were delivered in 15 of the year are indicative of the the Commissioner said. one of our guiding princia period of more than matters being handled by people-oriented theme of Kazeem said the governples, especially in criminal three months stipulated the Directorate. the governor’s agenda, ment has always taken the justice administration.

by Order 40 Rule (4).

He said out of the 1,536 which includes establishBoth the victims of a crime lead in legislation and law cases, 1,375 cases are cur“The application havment of mobile courts, acreform initiatives just as and the alleged offender rently being prosecuted at ing been brought outside cess to justice, fight against he assured of the present deserve to have their case the Federal and State High the period stipulated by domestic and sexual vioadministration’s commitresolved at the earliest Courts as well as 122 and lence as enactment of laws the Rules of this Court, ment to continue ensuring possible time,” he said.

38 respectively at the Court in my humble view, is that every citizens of Lagos that provided the springHe said the Legal of Appeal and the Supreme Advisory Unit which incompetent. It should board for improving and State has access to justice.

Court. promoting socio-economic be dismissed. I hereby He said the State focuses exclusively on the Kazeem said that in dismiss it.” activities,” Kazeem said.

Government in order to review of criminal case

Lagos prosecutes 1,536 criminal cases in one year

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MAY 14, 2016

POLITICS

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Delta Guber: Intrigue, horse trading ahead of 2019 Ahead of 2019, political intrigues and horse trading have commenced in earnest in Delta State, with politicians believed to be power brokers plotting to stop governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s 2019 second term ambition, reports NOSA AKENZUA.

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ith the popular axiom that statesmen think of the next generation while politicians think of the next election is fast becoming the heat in the present day Delta politics ahead of 2019, as the “godfathers” of politics in “The Big Heart” state are currently plotting to stop Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from running for a second term come the 2019 governorship race.

While Okowa appears to have been undaunted, he has mobilised gauntlet against the groundswell of formidable political forces gathering against him, with a view to finding a chink in their amour and exploiting to bag a second term in office.

As sub-plot to the intrigue, a source at Government House, Asaba who pleaded anonymity categorically told our correspondent that all is not well in Okowa’s cabinet, describing palpable disinterestedness in matters of state being discussed and half-hearted contributions during cabinet meetings by acolytes of some power centres in the state ostensibly led by the jailed former Governor, James Ibori.

To illustrate, the source said “the body language” of Commissioner of Finance, David Edevbie, an Ibori appointee in Okowa’s cabinet “loudly screams disinterest and a wish to be somewhere else during cabinet meetings usually chaired by Governor Okowa. He is a man who appears to simply drag his body to the meetings, contributing little or nothing of substance to the discussions.”

The source stated that Edevbie had long wanted to resign from Okowa’s government but he was waiting for words to that effect from Ibori who allegedly installed him in Okowa’s cabinet as “the eyes and ears of the former governor and the Urhobo nation.”

“Although Edevbie is the commissioner of finance, he is only occupying that office in name because Okowa, knowing the intrigues going on and a political Maradona of some sort, has planted his own man as the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr. Kingsley Emu, to monitor the finance ministry, effectively caging Edevbie, which the latter is naturally very unhappy about,” source said.

The source noted that “this development and similar blocking from government business of other appointees of the power brokers in Delta politics like those of the militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, loyalists of the immediate past Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan triggered the move by these forces to start the plan of replacing Okowa in 2019 with

Okowa another candidate from Delta North, where the governor hails from.”

The source, disclosed that “currently almost all commissioners in Uduaghan’s cabinet and some SSAs are meeting every month in one of the hotels at the central senatorial zone to perfect the plot to replace Dr. Okowa comes 2019.”

“As it is now, the people Okowa trust in his cabinet are the Ikas, especially, his principal secretary, Hilary Ibegbulem, the Commissioner for economic planning, Dr. Kingsley Emu and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ehiedu Aniegwu, amongst others”.

In another side to the plot, the source said Governor Okowa is also involved in a face-off with Senator Ighoyota Amori who has accused Okowa of not fighting for him to retain the Delta Central Senatorial seat he lost at the Court of Appeal and turning around to oppose his (Amori’s) bid to become chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state.”

The source added that Governor Okowa has also identified and brought to his camp, the billionaire businessman, Ayiri Emami, who is from the South Zone as his point man in political chess game.

According to the source, “the backbone of Okowa (in the 2015gubernatorial election) was the South Zone where Tompolo came from.

Tompolo nominated Okowa’s Deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, who is seen as having no political clout to command votes in the South Zone.

But Okowa is very uncomfortable with the current fight between the Federal Government and Tompolo in court and reasoned that this might affect his chances in 2019, especially if the Federal Government is able to clip Tompolo’s wings. So he has brought Ayiri to his camp to take over Tomplo’s structure and get the South Zone votes for him.”

As yet another plot to unseat Okowa come 2019, sources have also told our correspondent that powerbrokers from the Central Zone and outside it were involved in convincing Chief Great Ogboru to join the All Progressives Congress, APC. They have also wooed former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei, for the battle of 2019, “with Ogboru being proposed as his deputy.”

A source, stated that “the APC is considering

Victor Ochei as their best option against Okowa in 2019 for the sake of the Anioma agenda and Ogboru as his deputy.

Great Ogboru might not want to deputise Victor Ochei, who hails from Delta North Zone (Anioma) just for power’s sake. But then, you cannot say ‘never’; he (Ogboru) might accept that offer because of his thirst for power.”

Palpable tension and fear of the unknown continued to mount in the state following political build-up by All Progressive Congress, APC in the state to take over from the ruling party, PDP. During the 2015 governorship election, the PDP campaigned on the mantra of power shift to Delta North Senatorial district with the valid and sustained argument that the former Governors of the state, Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan were from Delta central and Delta South Senatorial districts respectively.

Expectedly, while the majority of the population, the Urhobos are in Delta Central and some parts of Delta South, the Urhobos were reportedly not persuade and they failed in their Labour Party, LP and All Progressive Congress, APC instead the electorate voted Senator Authur Ifeanyi Okowa who campaigned on the political reality of Pan-Deltan Agenda and prosperity for all Deltans.

Today almost twelve months after the election of Okowa, his prosperity agenda and Pan-Deltan agenda is leaving sour taste in the mouth as most prominent members of his party are defecting in large numbers to the All Progressive Congress, APC. The big blow that hit the state PDP is currently creating serious rumpus.

Sources said with Chief James Ibori home coming in few months from now there is the fear of the unknown, strong indications are that PDP in the state might be crumbled to rags soonest.

As it were, strong moves by the opposition party may have unsettled the former Governor Ibori’s loyalists who our informed sources said had secretly resolved to cross-carpet if the present unfolding drama in PDP persist.

Intense pressures are mounted on the Ibori’s loyal lawmakers to impeach Mr. Monday Igbuya, the present speaker of the State House of Assembly and replace him with Ibori’s daugh-

ter, Miss Enatieke Ibori.

Trouble is brewing in Igbuya’s camp on whether to follow the instruction of the Grand master, Chief Ibori or not; but the speaker’s Chief press secretary, Mr. Henry Ebireri dispelled this as untrue, saying that good cordial relationship exists between the speaker (Monday Igbuya) and Ibori.

He said: “It is not true that my Oga will be removed and be replaced by Ibori’s daughter, my Oga is in Ibori’s camp”.

Some notable members currently in APC led by the colourful and charismatic Chief Paulinus Akpaki had explained why they dumped PDP for APC, saying that come 2019 the party will wrestle power from Okowa led administration and kick the party out of the state.

Chief Ayiri Emami, a prominent politician who bankrolled the governorship ambition of Mr. Tony Oboh, the failed anointed son of Ex-Governor Emmanuel Udughan and John Akwara, who defected to All progressive Congress, APC may also had sent jitters down the sky within the PDP’s family in the state.

Sources squealed that Chief Ibori in the last meeting he held with Okowa and Uduaghan in London insisted that the duo should decamp from the party, PDP in 2019 to APC where he reportedly assured to play major roles that will determine the next Governor of the state.

While Dr. Uduaghan and Senator Okowa walk tight ropes in what was described as uphill task assignment, dependable sources said anger is gradually building up over Okowa’s shoddy performances in the last twelve months but Okowa’s Chief press secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu described those who score Okowa low as detractors, saying that Okowa had lived up to expectations and had also scored the best among the thirty-six states governors.

The defection of these political heavy weights in the state had unsettled the ruling party despite the posture of the leadership of the party.

Chief Paulinus Akpeki, a former commissioner in the Uduaghan administration said: “We are just John the Baptist, Christ is coming, He has sent us his disciples out to come and conquer, we shall seize power from PDP in this state”.

But the former chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor in his reaction to the gale of defection said that the party was not perturbed and shall continue to be the main party in the state.

He described the defectors as lazy and hungry politicians that lack character and the political will to advance the cause of any political party, adding that they do not have the grassroots basic to do the political will of the people.

Despite the claims of the PDP state former chairman, the political clout of Akpeki in Delta Central in general and in Sapele local government area is simply phenomenal and it would be politically unwise to dismiss him with a wave of hand.

Expectedly, Aniocha South, Aniocha North Councils are reportedly under invasion of APC group members who pretend to be members of the PDP who have been disillusioned by what they described as Okowa’s weak ideologies to make them irrelevant in the scheme of things.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My regrets for Nigeria —Akin Aduwo Taking a retrospective view of the state of the nation, Vice Admiral Akin Aduwo, former Chief of Naval Staff, former military governor of the defunct Western State and a civil war hero is a sad man. The Ode Aye, Ondo State-born sailor is full of regrets that the country, which he and other compatriots fought to keep together is in tatters in this interview with, LEKAN ADEJUWON.

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ou will agree with me that some of the problems confronting the nation are legion like the issue of state creation, ethnicity and corruption among others. Now, as one of few Nigerians who fought to keep this country one and almost 46 years after the civil war, we still have divisive tendencies, drumbeat of war, groups wanting to pull out of the country This country is put together- I cannot say, forced to live together, but was put together without any questions asked. It was by the order of the British Empire. We are a nation of strange bedfellows religious, tribal, educated, illiterates and all differences of opinions even language, which only came under one flag of independence on October 1, 1960. That was 56 years ago. It has not had enough time to make itself a nation or a matured, self-protecting, single nation. The reason for that was that, the country was put together as it was in the percentage of illiterates or learned, cultured, matured citizenry. Since then, a lot of self discriminating, self-determinating attitudes had created a lot of selfishness, where everybody wants to be governors, wants to be honourable commissioners and political prejudices and all sorts of distracting involvements and the arrogance of power has continued to divide us.

You mentioned that some people think they will be better off, if they break away from the country.

Where would they go? They never think that the devil you know is better than the one they don’t know. Maybe they are going to meet across the desert or across the lake and oceans. You may leave this country as hard as things are, But to go outside the country to join other people, you may found out that your life there will be worse than it has ever been, but a lot of politicians don’t think and when they see they cannot find their ways, they result to what Yoruba people called boo ba o pa boo ba o bu lese meaning: I should get rid of that opponent, that human obstacle in my way. You think your life will be better off. It is a great deal of senseless evil behaviour that has polluted our political existence and that is the bane of Nigeria’s problems today. We talk of corruption where did corruption start? It is

Olatunji not from stealing money which has become the greatest part of it, even our own law making assembly who either borrow money or wriggle their ways to become honourables At the end of the day, they are the loudest noise makers about peace, about justice, oh, share arrogance.

Sometimes, one loses the word to describe the dishonest, the dishonourable things that go on in our honourable and distinguished lawmaking assembly. Nobody thinks of Nigeria as a nation. They go round the villages, hamlets and waterways to campaign. The campaign itself, is just for show. Most of them have planned and fine tuned ways of getting elected by whatever means .they are only thinking of themselves and when they get there the laws they make they themselves are exempted from obeying those laws. That is why all these agitation for this, for that state creation, local government, state police keep coming, that is the poison that is killing Nigeria.

Sixteen years of democracy, yet we still have grinding poverty, no jobs, decaying infrastructure our educational system is in shambles to mention a few... would you say this is the Nigeria that people like you fought to keep as one?

It is very difficult for me to respond to question of what Nigeria should have been and why it has not been what it should have been. There is a lot seemingly unfortunate in this country of ours, even under the military and under the democracy that was terminated in 1966, and the democracy in existence now. It makes one very sad because you have just mentioned it in few words a while ago and I have had to say it in public a few times.

This is definitely not the country that the likes of myself and several others of my colleagues, who never even survived the war fought to keep as one. Like I said, many of our colleagues died for that war on both sides. It is an event that divided this country into pieces because that was the time when everybody started to realise that, so, I am a Yoruba man, an Iboman, Hausa, Uhrobo and itshekiri. That was also the result of creation of all the states. Pre- 1966 take over, in a coup by

the military, I was the first Commanding Officer of Naval Base, Calabar, NN ANANSA, which was commissioned on October 1964, when Chief MT Mbu was the minister of Aviation Affairs and Chief of the Navy, was late Admiral Wey. And going from Calabar to Oron to Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, I just felt although, I was in the Efik and Ibiobio areas of Nigeria but not entirely different people but I know that when Akwa Ibom was created from Cross Rivers State, there was hardly any government left in Calabar. Service cars, official cars, carpets, official houses had all disappeared.

Same thing happened in many other states when they were created and I say that, is this not the Nigeria we fought for and it makes one regret for patriotically fought to keep Nigeria one As the last military governor of the old Western State of Nigeria, your sudden removal was said to be controversial.

What really went wrong and when should Nigerians be expecting to read your memoirs about the event and your service to the nation?

A biography on me had been written published and was publicly presented since 1996. It is titled; ‘30 days in power, 4 years in command’, because after those 30 days as the military governor from 3rd of August to the 3rd of September 1975, exactly 30 days I was recalled and posted to India as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser, so I have never even sat in office as military governor. Reference to General Obasanjo’s own book in which, he referred to me as being so slow taking actions that would have been required by the Federal Military Government about the handing over of the University of Ife and repairing the internal roads in Ibadan, which he said I had not done in 30 days but then as to the University of Ife episode, which was under lock and key. When I got there as a result of students unrest and appointment of substantive Vice Chancellor. Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi then was under consideration, but on getting there without a new substantive VC in office, I had to work with the one who was there. As for Ibadan roads, I didn’t even know the treasury of the state, we had not appointed any

commissioners, I had to deal with the Permanent Secretaries. I didn’t know how much the road would cost and where the money would come from. So to place all those on me, was unfair. So when I got the phone call to return to Lagos, and as far as my service commission was concerned, I had to obey the law but I was happy that about two years later, even before Gen Obasanjo became Head of State, he himself wrote in his book-‘ Not my Will’ page 18 specifically about my withdrawal as military governor from Ibadan and made reference to ‘this officer was too slow for our expected speed of duties’. This fine Naval Officer, the word ‘fine’ I wish he had put under capital letter. “This fine Naval Officer was then returned back into the service” The government had announced that I was nominated for an overseas course, whereas I returned as a graduate of the US Naval College, the best that ever existed on the surface of earth six months, before I was appointed the military governor, so I could not have been nominated for another overseas course but I was posted to India.

People were still guessing what happened to this man just a few days after he had assumed office.

The likes of Justice Teslim Elias did not believe that I was just withdrawn from Ibadan and sent to India, when he found out. He flew to New Delhi to make sure he saw me alive face to face to confirm that indeed I was alive hale and hearty and not in jail in kirikiri or expelled from Nigeria because at that very time, he was the president of Igbobi College Old Boys Association, my alma mater. He spent a night in New Delhi. He called the High Commissioner and the message reached me and I went to see him in his hotel room and he said, ‘now I am happy, I am delighted, now I believe you are alive. That really made me very happy, plus that book Gen Obasanjo wrote later on, describing me as a fine naval officer but all in all by the grace of God Almighty, five years later, I became the Naval Chief of black Africa strongest largest navy, as Chief of Naval Staff under President Shehu Shagari, whom I have never met in person until the day of the swearing in and strangely enough, all the service chiefs appointed by him were Christians and were from states not governed by his political party. He was NPN, I was from Ondo State, Pa Ajasin who was UPN was my governor. Gen Akinrinade, who was Chief of Defence Staff, was from Osun State.

Bola Ige of the UPN was his governor. Inspector General of Police, Sunday Adewusi is from Ogbomoso, his governor was Bola Ige, Abdul Bello, Chief of Air Staff and Sanda Diallo were from Gongola State. All of us were Christians and the NPN ruled none of those states we came from. If any president after Shagari make such appointment today, they will impeach him, there will always be crisis of, this is not from my state, that is not from my constituency. How can that make us a united nation?

How do you spend life in retirement because you still look very active Oh I pray to my God that has kept me alive as many, some who are probably better than myself have passed on. God has a reason for keeping me alive. I have no skeleton in my cupboard, against my commission, services to the nation and family. I am grateful to God for that. I am once a sailor, always a sailor. I used to have a boat when I was living in Victoria Island at weekends as member of Lagos Boat Club, I cruise my boat to Naval Base or Naval Dockyard or to boat club in Kirikiri area, Then I tried to start a farm back home but people will always want to eat where they didn’t cook and after several years of losing money, the product of my labour, I gave it up.

Now I am trying to concentrate on my God driven effort to put up some estate buildings and office blocks one of which I just completed.

www.nationalmirroronline.net MAY 14, 2016

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Fire disasters: Any end in sight?

In the last four months, there have been several fire incidents in many parts of the country.

Many lives have been lost; a great number of people injured and thousands displaced, while properties worth several millions of Naira have been destroyed in the disasters. Public Relation Officer of the Federal Fire Service in Lagos bares his mind on why this plague has continued and what the agency is doing to check it, JULIET UMEH reports.

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or Mrs. Rachel Ajibade, the wife of late Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajibade, who was killed in an inferno recently in the Oja area of Shomolu Local Government, Lagos, life has become meaningless even though she and her last child escaped the fire that killed her husband and her two other children Miss Wuraola, 19 years old, and Shakirat, 15 years old. Report has it that the 65-yearold Ajibade was burnt to death with his two children while trying to re-fuel his electricity generating set. It was gathered that the late children died trying to rescue their father who got trapped after the explosion. But as luck would have it, Mrs. Ajibade, was able to escape the inferno with the last child of the

family.

As if the loss of the three in the same family was not enough in one day, another man was also killed in another fire outbreak in the Ikotun area of Lagos. According to a report, a bedridden man seeking healing at the Synagogue Church of All Nation, SCOAN, was burnt to death in a hotel his family secured for him close to the church in the Ikotun area of Lagos on the same night the Shomolu fire occurred.

The man identified as Felix Ifeanyi reportedly lit a candle, which fell on the furniture while he was asleep with his grandson. The candle light later spread over the room, resulting in a huge fire that consumed him.

Sources said late Ifeanyi had been bedridden for months after contracting an unknown ailment, and efforts to get cured in different hospitals proved abortive. It was learned that other lodgers at the hotel were not aware of the inferno until his five-year-old grandson ran out calling for assistance to put out the fire.

Efforts to put out the fire early, according to sources, proved abortive because they were unable to source water.

While Lagos residents were still mourning the death of these people, confusion arose at the Lagos State Secretariat on May 5, after a section of the building housing the Ministry of Energy, also known as Block 6, was gutted by fire around 2pm. The fire, according to reports started following a spark from the internet equipment house in the ministry’s accounts department.

According to eyewitnesses’ accounts, staff in the ministry noticed thick and choking smoke in the accounts room around 2.00pm and later discovered that it was a fire raging.

However, Lagos State Fire Service was quickly alerted and it came in with two trucks, few minutes later.

Director, Administrative and Human Resources of the ministry, Mrs. Fiyinfoluwa Ogunbanke, said the fire emanated from the internet box in the account department, explaining that the internet box was not switched off when power was out.

She described the incident as minor, saying there was no casualty, but added that the

ministry needs more time to take stock of materials that may have been consumed by the fire.

Last month, there was fire outbreak at the Mammy Market in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos. Report has it that goods worth millions of naira were feared to have been lost to the inferno. The fire, which started at 3 am consumed most of the market areas, where children’s clothing and other perishable items were being sold. But the cause of the fire was unknown, according to an eyewitness.

In March, no fewer than two persons were killed in a fire incident, which completely razed over 100 structures in Small Kuramo, located along the Lekki Beach road, Lagos Island Local Government. The victims of the fire incidents were a 27-year-old man identified as Azeez and a young female adult simply named, Kemi - both of them were sleeping when the fire broke out at about 3.00 am.

Residents of the area explained that the fire spread so rapidly that many could not remove their properties from their apartments, adding that the fire was beyond the control of the residents.

Secretary of Small Kuramo, Mr. Micheal Onuwaje, said the fire gutted property worth N50 million, noting that it cost N500,000 to construct each of the burnt structures.

However, some residents blamed the incident on a generating set, while others said the fire was due to the carelessness of a female CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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‘Every house needs a fire extinguisher’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

resident who stored fuel in the house and was cooking beside it.

Onuwaje said he learnt someone “was refuelling a generator that was when it exploded. Before the fire service officials came, some young men managed to put it out.

Unfortunately, Lagos State Fire Service director, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, last week announced that between January and April this year, the service responded to more than 500 fire incidents, noting that April alone had about 109 incidents. Fadipe said the service lost one fireman in the same period as he appealed to members of the public to stop attacking firemen while carrying out their legitimate duties.

Fadipe however, made the appeal in Alausa-Ikeja during the celebration of the International Firefighters’ Day to remember firemen that died in the cause of their duties. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Stop Attack on Firefighters… the Unsung Heroes.’

He said: “The challenge we have is that people don’t always call firemen in time; they would have been making efforts to rescue the situation.”

Obviously, fire disaster is taking a toll on Nigeria not only Lagos.

In Kano State, a mid-night fire last Tuesday gutted the famous Kurmi Market in Kano metropolis, destroying property worth millions of Naira. Sadly, the disaster came about a month after a huge fire razed the Muhammad Abubakar Rimi Market in the metropolis, destroying goods and cash worth billions of Naira.

An eye witness said the fire started around 11.45 p.m and destroyed no fewer than 30 shops before men of the state Fire Service could put it out.

The state’s director of the Fire Service, Alhaji Mustapha Rulwan, who confirmed the incident, said men of the service were able to quench the fire around 1.00am. He also said the cause of the inferno was still unknown but advised people to take precautionary measures while fighting fire.

On Wednesday, explosion also rocked Onitsha market, where no fewer than 12 persons sustained various degrees of burns following an explosion, which rocked a settlement known as Kara Market, along Atani road, Ogbaru, near Onitsha in Anambra State.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO of Anambra State police command, DSP Ali Okechukwu, the explosion was caused by fuel stored in a jerry can for future use.

Incessant fire incidents across the nation have continued to generate response from Nigerians. As for Chidi, a Lagos-based businessman, “it’s obvious that solving the power problem would automatically cut Nigeria’s problems down by more than 50 per cent.

Fire disasters are just some of the cumulative effects of an inefficient power system.

I hope greed doesn’t destroy this country totally. Most fire incidents are caused by the unplanned nature of the city. However, the Nigeria fire service staffs are another set of waste. All monies allocated to that corporation have always been embezzled. This shows in all their excuses like, no vehicle, no fuel, no driver etc. Premises of fire service parastatals always look deserted.”

Ambrose Ajibade a civil servant also said:

“Most of the fire incidents are suspected arson, if investigated well enough. What the people need is insurance, even though they don’t foresee fire; you need to have yourself protected just to avoid starting all over again.

We still need effective governance in Nigeria; when that is in place, all aspects of law keeping will be effective. Such incidents could be prevented; losing one’s entire life gains in a snap of the finger will be totally reduced.”

Says Engr. Ola Olajide, a Lagos resident: “It is quite pathetic the way we lose human lives and properties worth millions of naira in this country. I think what our people need is reorientation. Every house should have a fire extinguisher. It’s not a waste. No one wishes for disaster but they happen, and they start small sometimes. There are so many possible sources of fire in the house, office or shop - from the cooking stove to the electrical fittings and appliances, the generator and candle and no thanks to power generating companies. May God help us and give us leaders with vision leaders who have the masses at heart.”

Maxwell Obong also observed: “The other day I saw a fire truck trying to make its way through the traffic on Ikorodu road. It was blaring its siren. I don’t know if it was actually going on an emergency mission or not, but I could imagine the impossibility of the truck arriving the scene of any fire on time with such a sorry hold-up. Nigeria is not yet prepared to prevent disasters. Instead there are some dubious people (those who pray for

incidents to human errors, explaining that 80 per cent of fire incidents are attributed to human errors. If you want to take a critical look at carelessness, accidents and arsons, you will see that there are human elements because it takes a human being to set a house on fire whether by carelessness or by whatever attitude. Then, on accidents, except for the natural causes, most accidents happen through human beings. So, barely over 80 per cent of fire incidents can be attributed to humans,” Mr. Abiola said.

He said there is a reduction in cases of fire now than before due to preventive efforts.

“Actively, fire incidents in Lagos reasonably has reduced when one compares 2016 with the period 1999 to 2007 and if there is 500 cases

Most of the fire incidents are suspected arson, if investigated well enough. what the people need is insurance, even though they don’t foresee fire. you need to have yourself protected just to avoid starting all over again disasters, knowing full well that they would benefit) would even make money when it’s time for resettlements, renovations and relief supplies.”

However, Saturday Mirror visited the Federal Fire Service in Lagos Island for its response to the statistics released by the Lagos State Fire Service. Public Relations Officer of Federal Fire Service, Mr. Musa Sunday Abiola, while responding, said calls received by the agency could also be some of the things that got the number up to 500. But he said not all the calls will turn out to be bad cases. “Some of them are still properly managed, depending on the level of safety education one has especially as regards fire safety. So, it is not all the cases that metamorphose into fully blown situation. By and large, the basic reasons for fire outbreak is majorly attributed to human causes which include carelessness and accidental occurrences; but we still have natural causes and we still have arsons,” he said.

He however attributed most of the fire

within this short period, as at then, it would have been 1000 because if you notice, you will find that we have a preventive arm whose major mandate is to go out, look at buildings and advise the owners or occupants on what they need to know about safety. For examples, extinguishers are to be serviced bi-annually or annually, depending on the level of the use.

“We have strengthened our preventive arm that carries out education and inspection regularly on most facilities and that has helped reduced fire outbreaks. In those times, the rate at which we respond to fire everyday was up to five or six times and the worst of all is always during November/December when you don’t even have rain at all. If you notice, you will see that this year has been very hot and it has contributed; environmental factor has also contributed to why we have more fire outbreaks,” he explained.

However, Mr. Abiola also explained other measures they are about exploring to halt incessant fire incidents. “We are also looking at

the opportunity to give lectures to the public such as holding market rallies. We want something central where we can gather people to our facility and try to give them education.

We are also considering taking up columns whether monthly or weekly in papers as the case maybe, where we can give tips and education on fires.”

Apparently, most fire disasters occur in market places. But the Federal Fire Services PRO explained: “During our fact findings about constant fire outbreaks in markets, market people alleged that when they might have gone home some miscreants and homeless people who come to sleep in markets contribute to the incidents. When you have a group of people that you can’t control their behaviour, it’s a challenge and it still boils down to the human carelessness aspect I talked about earlier,” he said.

He however identified their challenges.

While commending the effort of government, he also pointed out that most fire stations are very far away and when there is an emergency the issue of traffic sets in. “The internationally accepted standard is five minutes and by that, we are supposed to have more stations so that it will be easier to tackle fire from when it starts, to when it becomes full blown.

In most cases, we have to grapple with traffics.

He also expressed concern on people’s attitude towards safety when fire service men try to educate them. “People don’t take us serious when we are talking to them about safety. They always reject the advice of First Aid kits, with talks like it is not their portion and the likes. Fire outbreaks are not necessarily about praying; you need to have the basic knowledge,” he said.

He called on citizens of Nigeria to support the effort of government the way they do to some government agencies like police. “We want more people to come in and invest in fire services like they are doing with the police.

We want people to give us appliances, more utility vehicles to fight fire.”

In response to some of the observations of the public such as lack of water for fire trucks, he explained: “Most of our appliances carry a certain quantity of water and it depends on the country that produced it. Some of the appliances carry about 3,000 gallons of water and the highest is 12, 000 gallons of water. By the time we discharge the first one, it takes time to go back to get it refilled. That’s why we are advocating that people should build fire hydrants in public places like hotels and schools. We cannot take water from any other place except from hydrants.

Entervaganza

The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Fashion

Be a show stopper with Ankara accessories P.24

Sex talk Is bigger always better? 2

P.34

Relationships Should couples explore new sex positions?

P.34

Kehinde ... star actress

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MAY 14, 2016

ELEBRITY ELEBRIT ELEBRI TY

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I can’t judge gays and lesbians

—Beverly Naya Beverly Naya doesn’t need much introduction with her status as an A-list actress. She told OSEYIZA OOGBODO how she earned her coveted status.

What is your actual impression of Nollywood?

I think Nollywood has grown a lot within the last five years. I think it’s getting better and better by the day and the quality of our films is getting better. Everything is just getting better and I’m truly impressed with where we are today because we’ve improved the industry drastically quickly in such a short spate of time. And I’m really, really excited to see where we would be in another five years’ time.

What is one thing fans don’t know about you?

Well, there’s one thing that I don’t think I’ve said very often. I don’t grow hair on my legs so I’ve never had to shave my legs before. Thankfully, I’m not one of those females who have to worry about shaving their legs every week. I’ve never had to do it in my life. That’s one thing my fans don’t know about me.

Aside acting, what other things do you do?

Right now, I’m acting full-time but I’m going into production. But I want to start with a documentary. So, I’m producing a documentary called ‘Fifty Shades of Black.’ It’s basically about empowering young girls to love themselves. Now, what I mean is that there’s obviously something that I’ve noticed in our society where I feel like people aren’t sure about how they feel about themselves. You know, some women aren’t proud to be dark-skinned and look how they look. Via the documentary,

I hope to empower and inspire women to love their complexion and love themselves just the way they are because all black is beautiful, whether you’re light-skinned, dark-skinned or brown-skinned. I hope to highlight the issues concerning colourism because I think colourism is an issue that’s starting to plague Africa, especially Nigeria. And this is where young people believe that one complexion is more desirable and more beautiful than the other, which isn’t necessarily true. So, I intend to do that in the documentary. And yeah, that is really what I’m working on at the moment.

Who is your role model?

I would say my mum. My mum is a very strong, courageous and amazing woman. I would say she is definitely one of my biggest role models. She’s a huge inspiration of mine and she has just achieved so much in her life. And I admire that she is very hard working, very ambitious and I really admire that about my mum. If I was to pick a person in entertainment, then I would say Oprah Winfrey. She’s a huge inspiration. I love everything, I love how far she’s come as a woman considering everything she’s gone through. She just keeps thriving, keeps pushing, she keeps getting better and more successful. So, she’s an inspiration for that reason.

Your mum has played an important role in your life. Was there ever anytime she didn’t support you?

No. my mum has always supported my career. She’s always believed in me. her only

issue was the fact that once I finished with my A’ Levels, I wanted to go to university to study acting and she was totally against that because in as much as she believed in me as an actor, we all know that acting can be quite volatile. It can be demanding and at the same token, it’s a dicey business some don’t make it. So, she advised me to study something else in university so I have a back-up plan in case my acting career doesn’t take off as planned. So, yes, I decided to study filmmaking and once I graduated, I moved to Nigeria and she supported me from the very beginning. Since the first time she saw me act, she’s been my number one supporter and I really appreciate that.

In one of your recent movies, Surulere, you played the part of Omosigho who falls in love with Seun Ajayi somewhat suddenly. Do you believe in love at first sight?

No. I don’t necessarily believe in love at first sight… But then I do believe that you can meet someone that you genuinely connect with, someone you could see yourself with in the future. But then I wouldn’t call that love at first sight because you still need to get to know that person. And when you get to know that person, that person may not be the person that you thought you liked in the beginning. So for that reason, I don’t necessarily believe in love at first sight.

Are you currently in a relationship?

No, I’m not in a relationship at the moment. I’m just taking it one day at a time.

I know that the right guy will come into my life when it is time. But at the moment, I’m just enjoying the process of going on dates and meeting new people and

hopefully, I’d meet the one soon. Let’s see what happens.

Some news reports have linked you romantically with Uti Nwachukwu but you denied. Do such stories affect your romantic life?

Oh no, not at all. First and foremost, Uti is my good friend and there was no truth to that rumour. So, it never affected my love life in any way because I don’t think people actually believed that I dated Uti. So, rumours like that have never affected my love life.

In western countries, same-sex relationships are becoming accepted in everyday life but in Nigeria and many parts of Africa, it is illegal. What is your own position regarding same-sex relationship?

Well, I don’t really condone same-sex marriage. Obviously, whatever your preference is, it’s up to you. But samesex people getting married in the church is not really how it’s supposed to be in my opinion. Being a Christian and everything, I feel like marriage is a sacred thing and it was originally planned so that a man and a woman can go to church and be married in unity. So, I just feel like I don’t really agree with samesex marriage but at the end of the day, who am I to judge? I’m not really in a position to judge anyone.

Do you have a crush in the movie industry?

Actually, I don’t. We do have a host of very goodlooking actors but I like to keep it as professional as possible because I don’t really look at them in that light. But yes, we have a few very handsome actors in the industry.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

s w ne

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with

Oseyiza Oogbodo 08036961187 kingseiza@gmail.com

War looms in Adeleke family

Kenneth Okonkwo’s wife finally gives birth after nine years of marriage

… as Davido lays claim to father’s assets A

I

f there’s one thing that’s a constant in the world, it’s the fact that people constantly bicker over money and assets.

Such bickerings occur mostly when a wealthy person dies and his descendants begin fighting over how his property should be shared.

Even when the wealthy person in question leaves a will, it doesn’t stop his children, siblings and others fighting over his properties.

As a matter of fact, before a wealthy person dies, some people are already looking forward to his death just so they can lay their hands on his assets.

And now, Davido has posted a picture of himself and his billionaire father, Dr. Deji Adeleke, online and captioned it: “The king and the heir!!! So much money in this picture, it’s not even funny… Love you dad! Great Man!!! My Hero!”

Without mincing words, he has announced himself as the heir to his father, even though he has elder siblings.

Oh well, he’s the most popular of his father’s children.

Davido and his father, Dr. Adeleke

-list Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, is definitely one of the most happiest men on earth right now as his wife has finally given birth to a bouncing baby boy after nine years of marriage.

Their home was finally blessed with the baby boy last weekend after Kenneth’s wife, Ifeoma, was delivered of the boy in Baltimore, USA at St Joseph Medical Centre.

Unsurprisingly, Kenneth immediately took to social media to share the news as well as pictures of Ifeoma and the baby and captioned the pictures: “God has been faithful. To him be the glory for giving us another Ken.” Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo.

The Okonkwos

Tiwa Savage gets her Bimbo Akintola, Kehinde Bankole, others groove on star in musical movie T o be successful in life, you must be strong, and it’s obvious that Tiwa Savage became successful because she’s strong.

Akintola

Bankole

f you love Nigerian music, you are in for a brand new treat as new movie 8 Bars and A Clef chronicles the rise to grace of a talented act, Victor E. Starring Nollywood favourites such as Bimbo Akintola, Wale Ojo, Linda Ejiofor and Kehinde Bankole, the movie has as its lead character the multi-talented alternative music act Ibukun (IBK) SpaceshipBoi with the iconic Ade Bantu who makes a stellar Nollywood debut.

Expect a lot of love, drama, tears and great music as the movie follows the struggles of a young talented rapper (IBK) who battles a learning disability, a dysfunctional home and betrayal to make it in the Nigerian music industry.

8 Bars and a Clef was produced and directed by Chioma Onyenwe for Raconteur Productions and was first screened at AFRIFF in November 2015. It will hit the cinemas in June.

I

That strength stayed with her through her recent troubles and it seems it hasn’t deserted her as she’s already getting her groove on even as the dust of her troubles is yet to settle.

She has taken the wise step of posting online a message to everyone that she’s moving on with her life.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and kind words this trying time. Without it, I do not know how I would have made it through. Most importantly, thank you for your continued prayers for Tunji, myself and Jamil. May God meet each and every one of you in your time of need.”

And she’s fast getting her groove on as it has been disclosed that she’ll be in Jenifa’s Diary as well, meaning she’ll soon be all over your TV screens.

Tunji, let’s know what’s up with you oh!

Savage

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CLASSICAL LYRICS

1404 Entertainment unveils new acts

T

he music industry is about to witness the entrance of two new talented music acts that are ready to give many established stars the run for their money if the information given out by their management company, 1404 Entertainment, is anything to go by.

At a recent press briefing in Lagos where the duo of Shittu Ganiyu otherwise known as S-Gee and Samuel Adeyemi also known as S-Gandy were unveiled to the media, bold statements about how their careers would be managed and how they intend to break into the music industry were made.

It has been a steady rise for both artists as they hope that their new record deal with 1404 Entertainment would pave way for their breakthrough, and according to them, “We are not here to compete with anybody but to create own space and make our mark.”

1404 Entertainment has put together a team of seasoned industry experts who would be putting heads together to ensure that S-Gee and S-Candy hit the ground running as soon as possible.

When asked what their first project

would be like, the record label’s manager, Dami Adenuga, hinted that 1404 is focused on creative innovation and dexterity in the entertainment industry.

“We have studied the music industry and we are ready to unleash these new tal-

ented acts that would blow people’s minds away when they start releasing their songs.

I am glad to be part of this great team, because in less than three months, it is going to be new songs and videos that would be banging in every club and streets.”

Signs and Wonders hits the streets T

Adeife

he much-awaited album, Signs and Wonders, has finally hit the air waves. The album which is packaged by Alpha and Omega Music Incorporated with the multi-talented artist, Prophet Stephen Adeife, on the steer is poised to take the air waves by storm. According to Alpha & Omega Music’s Emmanuel Eldan: “This is a time of history in our company.

Prophet Adeife is an artist who is highly gifted and has a lot of potentials musically.”

Signs and Wonders will be publicly presented next weekend in Lagos and the marketing and distributing will be handled by Alpha and Omega Music Incorporated.

This is the third album to be released

by Adeife, but the first under the label of Alpha and Omega Music. The first,

released in 1998 is How Great Thou Art, and the second is Adoration in 2003.

Asked why the long break before Signs and Wonders, Adeife said there have been a lot of church activities, and the Lord did not instruct him to record.

“But once the Lord gave the go ahead, I went and recorded Signs and Wonders.

Now, the Lord has told me that it is time for me to record all the songs He has given me for the benefit of mankind.”

Speaking further, he said, “Tracks one, two, four and six are all responding to the power of God, thereby demonstrating signs and wonders, and how they abundantly favour my course.”

The album opens with the hit track, Wonderful is the Lord. Others include Iwo L’ope Ye, Bless the Lord Oh My Soul, Oluwa Iwo L’ayin, Tremble Before God and Mo Gbo Ohun Oluwa.

Funmi Adebayo drops Iyanu Yio Sele C all her the latest gospel artist in town and you won’t be wrong as that’s exactly what Sister Funmilayo Adebayo is.

And to prove that she means business, she has released her debut album, Iyanu Yio Sele, made up of the title track, Bami Se Temi Baba, Jesus You’re

Wonderful, Kilorope Kolese and a bonus track which is just an instrumental.

Speaking with E-News, she said she’s sure that all the tracks will be hit tracks and that her main reason for delving into gospel music is because she wants to spread the Word of God and win souls for Christ.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adebayo Adebayo

Amorawa

Artist: Wande Coal Intro Black Diamond Wande Coal Burna They would know Ye Oh Baby oh Ehn ehn Just lemme know Ehn ehn Lemme know It’s LeriQ Call the paramedic Chorus Amorawa o, ta ba ri rawa Amorawa o, ta ba ri rawa Ta ba ri rawa o, amorawa Ta ba ri rawa o o, amorawa Oda na, hey je n r’owo e lo Hey je n r’owo e lo ke Hey je n r’owo e lo Hey je n r’owo e lo ke Verse 1 Many years from now We go dey on fire Nothing they’ll fit do us Won le ja mi laya You see tell me now where them dey When I dey sing for choir Bad mind tryna take control of me But omo devil is a liar ... Devil is a liar And that’s why me and my homies we roll We roll like we on fire I’m growing so hot And I’m living so large That nobody fit to come disturb me for real Jen r’owo e lo … real Jen r’owo e lo ke ... for real Jen r’owo e lo ... for real Eh Chorus Verse 2 The don dada Still relevant like BlackBerry charger Stand fit!

Never shake nor stagger Now you can’t take badman fit your maga God punish any Tell me what ya friends what ya smoke with Them kill up with the person send your mama roses You see a man face but never know him motive That’s why you learn to never ever show emotions Ehn ehn Somebody help me If dem be dey with their G All the things wey we dey see Fighting for oxygen o Back then when we be small pikin Na my niggas from the start From when it all begin Chorus Verse 3 Yea yea oda na Kill them with the rhythm that’s all they need Yes yes yes yes I believe Ever praying for the better Cause it’s all we need yea All we need We gotta learn from this Oh my brother omo na God we need As long as we got air we breathe yea All I need … all we need Jen r’owo e lo Jen r’owo e lo ke

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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After long silence, Tonto Dike spits fire!

‘Spousal prayer better than sex’ ‘Beware of men who are parasites’

C

ontroversial actress, Tonto Dike, has been quiet for quite some time now, maybe because she’s now married and has a baby, but she made the news again with her latest online post which is just like her, no-holds-barred in its message.

According to the post: “Praying together is the most intimate act a couple can engage in. My husband and I do nothing without hitting those knees on the ground to God Almighty.

It’s better than sex, I tell ya. But also give ur spouse good TLC always.

“It’s time for women to stop entertaining the boffinry of satisfaction that comes from mere social media posts or the envy that comes from those images you see showcasing the picture perfect couples. Men who prey on women view their victims as less than human. Run Away from such human.

“In his mind they’re just variables in a math equation to get to a desired result or conclusion. Ladies, there is no reasoning with him or appeasing to his sensibilities, because ur only a nut in his mind and falling in love is

the last thing on his mind. He will say whatever u want to hear and become the man u always dreamed about to suck u in his world , and once ur locked in he will unleash the wrath of who he really is. The more u try to get him to be accountable for his behavior , the more he will have u thinking ur losing ur mind , as he attempts to blame you for his cheating and putting his hands on u. He can’t reciprocate ur love, because he disconnected from his own moral compass a long time ago . He doesn’t operate in right vs wrong , only wins vs losses. Every woman that gives him his way and let’s him treat her like shit is a win & when she finally wakes up and no longer allows him to control her it’s a loss.”

She concluded the post with more salient relationship advice, declaring that “RUN AWAY FAST FROM TOXIC MEN/WOMEN … #SAYNOTODOMESTICVIOLENCE#StayawayfromvoilentMen/Women … #Love yourself enough to know when to take a bow #Rp … #RIP TO WOMEN lost in domestic violence.”

Dike

2Baba, MI to headline Africa tour 2

2Baba

MI

Baba and African rapper number one, MI Abaga, pulled a surprise on ace OAP, Olisa Adibua, and millions of listeners on the Morning Drive on The Beat 99.9 FM, Lagos recently with the unscheduled announcement of Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption.

The two superstars took the lid off the #DisruptionAfrica teaser campaign that has taken social media by storm for days driven by mindbending images and distorted quotes to end growing speculation within and outside entertainment circles.

They announced that they will be co-headlining the Lagos leg of Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption and a couple more cities across the continent to be subsequently announced.

2Baba added that Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption will kick off in Nairobi, Kenya on June 11 with East African royalty Sauti Sol and Churchill co-headlining. The first in the series of

shows to mark the return of the critically acclaimed game-changing concert experience will also feature guest cameos

by Nigeria’s premiere comedy brand, Alibaba; Tanzania’s pop princess Vanessa Mdee; and star comic, MC Jessy.

Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless is credited with changing the game and setting the standard for mainstream music concert production in Nigeria. Earlier series built around the enthralling catalogue of 2Baba, then known as 2face Idibia were 2face Live: Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless, Lagos 2010; Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: Away & Beyond, Lagos 2012; and Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: Live at the 02 Arena, London 2012.

It’s 2016 and the brand returns bigger and more audacious with Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption. Judging by the mode of the announcement, Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless seems poised to deliver a truck load of delighful disruptive surprises over the next 18 months.

EVENTS

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MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VGMAs rock Ghana The Ghana Music Awards was the talk-of-the-town last weekend in Ghana, and it lived up to expectations with many superstars, including Nigeria’s Wizkid, in attendance. Ghana’s A-list celebrities who attended include Nadia Buari, Joselyn Dumas and Efya.

Efya

Ehiz

Nadia Buhari

Joselyn Dumas

Selly

Jasmine

Hamamat Montia LadyJay

Moet Abebe

Nikki Samonas

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Style & Glam

MAY 14, 2016

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and

an isi Adenir with Yem

com

n@yahoo.

1158) ydira

(0803780

LeggyfromStuff H

spotless ot, straight and light any legs are a girl’s de erywhere day. They are ev ible. Whether and simply irresist ort, fair or dark you are tall or sh a long way to skinned, they go e loudest fashion help you make th ver and wherever statement whene d. they are displaye dress them up You can choose to , knickers and in cute mini gowns e sure to have skirts and you ar

applause Are they But wait a minute. e you proud well shaped and ar are, you can of them? If they as much swagger flaunt them with put on those as possible. Just knickers and cute mini-dresses, u are good to go. miniskirts and yo Yinka Fashola These models from Moofa make a of Nigerian label display

MOOFA

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Style & Glam

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Style & Glam

Fashion frenzy

Be a show stopper with Ankara accessories T

he Ankara fabric adds flavour and spice to an outfit any day, anytime. To take it a niche higher, just add a touch accessories designed with the Ankara fabric and you will be amazed at the magical look you will have.

Meanwhile, they come ia a wide variety. From handbags, clutch bags, shoes, sandals, bangles, earrings to rings, the list is simply endless.

When these accessories are put together with the right outfit, you are

Fashion frenzy

just game for red carpet events. .... they give you a show stopping look!

And they are adaptable too. You can pair them with dresses of all types, plain t-shirts, jeans and printed or patterned blouses or dresses. Only be sure not to wear with bold or strong patterns because the accessories already have a lot of detailing A good choice for your formal or informal events, the Ankara accessories give you a show-stopping look all day long.

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MAY 14, 2016

SOCIETY Mirror

Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi set to wed

F

or those who never knew that one of Nigeria’s most eligible bachelor in the person of Seyi Tinubu, is a hopeless romantic, going by what just happened last weekend, the dandy lawyer as affirmed that he is one in many ways. This is going by how he serenaded his heartrob and jewel-Layal.

The son of the Governor Emeritus of the state of aquatic excellence, better known to all as Lagos, who is also the National Leader of the reigning party in Nigeria (the APC), the one with the title Jagaban of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; took matters into his hands when he

decided to cast away the tag of the ultimate ladies’ man by presenting a ring to his jewel of inestimable value in Ghana last year.

However, despite rumours of infidelity in the duo’s relationship, they have agreed to go together as no negative comment or backlashing can stop them from tying the knot.

The love birds have released their pre-wedding photo shoot.

The wedding which is set to take place later this year will be a grand wedding which will attract the ‘who is who’ among politicians, billionaire business men as well as top society figures in the country.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

with Deola Adeoti.

Tel: 07055695565, mofat07@yahoo.com

Femi Pedro’s second coming

F

rom political doldrums, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, is gradually inching his way back to political reckoning. The erstwhile CEO of First Atlantic Bank has been off the political scene for a while, but now he’s resurfaced and more determined to beat his former records.

It would be recalled that the smooth-talking bank gaffer was drafted from the banking sector to become the deputy after the then governor; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

facilitated the impeachment of his former deputy, Kofoworola Bucknor.

But in the build up to the 2007 elections, Pedro parted ways with his benefactor, Tinubu over his ambition to succeed him. At that time, Tinubu had pitched his tent with the now outgoing governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and Pedro had to defect to the Labour party, and resigned his lofty position for him to concentrate more on his guber ambition.

However, he lost woefully

but not totally defeated. In 2011, he defected to People’s Democratic Party where he hoped to reinvigorate his ambitions, but he didn’t win even the primaries.

And now, just like the biblical prodigal son, the ambitious politician is back to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and he is now at the right hand of his former boss, Tinubu, following him to everywhere he goes.

He’s now said to be hanging for any political appointment that may be thrown at him.

Why Pretty Okafor remains PMAN President A lthough the recent ruling delivered by the Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Hon. Justice C.M.A Olatoregun-Ishola which set aside the Consent Judgment establishing the National Executive Caretaker Committee of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), did not surprise many, it may have hit the rocks all the same.

According to a statement signed by PMAN’s General Secretary, Kenny Ama George, this is because a Notice of Appeal and motion on notice filed by their counsel, Ogbeide Kingsley Ukumhen Esq. which picked many holes on why the

ruling can best be described as ‘’dead on delivery,’’ as he put it, already checkmates it.

The defendants had wondered, after the ruling, why ‘’we were not part of the mentioning, not part of the hearing and not part of the ruling. Hence PMAN under Mr Pretty Okafor, remains unshaken by the proceedings,’’ as the defence lawyer put it.

According to Ukumhen, the trial judge erred in law by setting aside a Consent Judgment that was entered by the court based on terms of settlement that was neither an issue before the court nor contested by any parties to the suit.

He also observed that from available records, it is obvi-

ous, apparent and undisputed that parties to the suit entered, executed and filed several terms of settlement based on which the court only gave its seal upon. ‘’Further to the above, the law is trite that the terms of settlement properly executed and duly filed by parties to a suit doesn’t become consent judgment of court unless and until pronouncement is made to that effect by the court binding parties thereto accordingly.’’

For the avoidance of doubt, he said that it must be noted that Hon Justice O. E. Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on the 31st day of October, 2014, pronounced the terms of settlement dated and filed on the 13th day of October 2014, a Consent Judg-

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion

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Guest G

‘Designing makes me Surprising things that feel on top of the world’ can hurt your heart

Bubu Ogisi is the Creative Director of iamISIGO fashion label. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on the fun and challenges she faces on the job.

T

here are lots of fashion designers around today. How do you cope with the competition?

I don’t see any big deal in competition.

As a matter of fact, competition brings life into business. It is what any business needs to thrive and to become better. If there are not many people in a particular business, it is not a good sign. It can only mean that the business is not impacting on the public. But if we have more people there, everyone will be at alert. No one will want to joke with his or her job.

For fashion designing, it helps inspire

creativity. It keeps any serious-minded designer on her toes. It makes one to want to get better.

What attracted you to fashion designer?

I just love the fun of creating something adorable from something that used to be nothing. It is like trying to be like God who called forth reality out of unreality.

I love the fun of designing. It makes me feel fulfilled. I am creating something out of nothing. And when people now come around to appreciate it, I just feel on top of the world. It is fun, it is fulfilling.

You know that a bad diet and too little exercise can hurt your heart. But there are lots of sneaky sources of heart disease you may not be aware of

Shift work Working at night or irregular hours raises your risk of a heart attack, according to a recent study from Western University in Canada. Researchers say shift work has a bad impact on the body’s circadian rhythm (a.k.a. your “internal clock”), and they think that harms your heart. So if you don’t work regular day hours, take extra steps to lower your risk of heart disease: Get exercise, eat a balanced diet, and see your doctor for regular checkups.

Traffic delays Anyone who’s ever been stuck in bumperto-bumper traffic will tell you it’s stressful.

That may be why research links spending a single hour in traffic to higher odds of having a heart attack. High noise levels -- like the kind you hear on a freeway -- are also linked to heart disease. If you can’t avoid traveling during rush hour, squash stress by listening to relaxing music. Or share the ride and chat with your fellow passenger.

Early menopause If you’re a woman and you go into menopause before you turn 46, your odds of having a heart attack or stroke may be twice as high as those who go through it later. A drop in estrogen, a hormone with heart-friendly effects, may play a role. Ask your doctor to test you for heart disease risk factors (like high cholesterol).

Snoring If your partner says you regularly snore or you sound like you’re gasping for air while sleeping, see your doctor. You might have a serious condition called apnea. It can happen when your airway is partially blocked and it causes you to have pauses in your breathing.

The disorder is linked to high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, strokes, and heart failure. Treatments can help you breathe easier and lower your risk for heart disease, too.

Not getting good sleep When you routinely get less than 6 hours of sleep a night, you raise your risk of higher blood pressure and cholesterol. It increases the odds you’ll become obese and get diabetes, too (both of which can hurt your heart).

That doesn’t mean you should sleep your way through the day. When you spend more than 9 hours horizontal on a regular basis, it raises your odds of getting diabetes and having a stroke -- major risk factors for heart disease.

Pamper your brain, body, and heart -- aim for even to nine hours of slumber a night.

An unhappy marriage A good match makes your heart happy and healthy. Older adults who are content in their unions have a lower risk of heart disease than those who aren’t, according to a recent study from Michigan State University. The likely cause? Stress. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to make bad diet choices and do other things that can hurt your ticker, like drink too much alcohol. What’s more, stress hormones may have a negative effect on the heart.

Loneliness When you spend time with loved ones, it thwarts stress and helps you stay active.

Lonely folks may be more likely to have heart disease. If you’re not near family or close friends, get connected by helping someone in need.

Belly Fat Any extra weight is hard on your heart, but the kind around your midsection is especially dangerous. It may trigger your body to make hormones and other chemicals that can raise blood pressure and have a bad effect on your blood vessels and cholesterol levels.

If you’re a woman and your waist is more than 35 inches around, or 40 inches if you’re a man, talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan.

Too much television time People who park themselves in front of the television a lot are more likely to get heart problems than those who limit their TV time.

Every hour you spend watching TV on a daily basis may increase your risk by almost 20%.

Sitting is the most likely culprit; it’s linked to problems like high blood pressure. Until researchers know how and why TV and heart trouble are connected, try to limit your time in front of the tube.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WOMAN

‘Every child needs parental bonding’ Raising a total child should be a priority of every parent. But while this is the desire of most parents, a lot of factors appear to be limiting them from achieving this goal. In the just concluded National Parenting Conference, held at the Guiding Light Assembly, Ikoyi, the First Lady Of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunso Amosun spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on some of these factors and offered ways of curbing them.

You recently clocked 50, yet you look 16.

What is the secret?

It’s God. It could not have been me or any other person. It is very wrong for anyone to attribute any achievement to himself because there is nothing we are today that has not been enabled by God Almighty. So, for all the good things in my life, I give God all the glory..

I owe all to God who has kept me and my household this far. I thank Him for everything.

How would you rate today’s parents on the issue of parenting of children?

I would say they have tried but they can do better. Every child comes from God which is why it is important that parents take the issue of parenting very seriously.

As far as I have observed, today’s youths need more care than they are getting currently from their parents.

What are some of the factors hindering today’s children from being total children?

First on the list is the fact that most mothers are now career women. This is robbing children off the total attention that should

be devoted to them. Many of these children are left at some nannies’ places or with some house-helps who just do whatever they like with them. Many are left to grow to trust their friends more than they should have trusted their parents. Today’s parents are too busy with their jobs and appear to care less for their children. All we do is to go in search of money and other material things to keep the home going. There is nothing wrong with this because money is an essential tool in bringing up the kids. However, it is important for mothers especially to create more

time for their children, speak and train them in the right way so that they will grow up as a total adult who can take responsibilities when they are no longer strong or alive to do so. It is important that parents get to know their friends, what they do at their leisure time and guide them where necessary.

Most children are left under the care of their schools. Do the schools have no positive roles to play on children?

Schools are training grounds for children but they are not to play parental roles to children.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

They offer educative roles to children but they should not be interchanged for the parental role of the real parents of the children.

Some parents have turned schools to dumping grounds for their children. This is not good enough.

Some even go to the extent of passing bulk to teachers and management of their kids’ schools whenever anything goes wrong with their children or whenever their kids exhibit any immoral behaviour. They blame the schools.

This is very wrong. Parents should stop blaming schools for their children’s misbehaviour.

The role of these schools is not the same as the parents’. They are not supposed to play the role of parents neither should they be blamed for the moral errors of these kids.

What about the social media?

The social media and media generally are going all the way to mislead these children. While the media is good for its exposure on information to the children, it should also be blamed for its different ugly and bad information that it passes to the children.

Today’s children are too exposed and free with the social media that they learn a lot of things that should be kept far away from them. The peer group influence is also there. Because these children are left to enjoy too much of freedom and liberty that children of yester years were not exposed to, they learn more corrupt things than one can imagine.

What then would you offer as solutions?

Definitely, the bulk of the assignment rest on the parents. I am not saying parents or mothers should stop working, but I am saying they should create more time for their children. Parents should not for any reason feel guilty for not being around all the time. They must work because the kids, the family need money to thrive. However, they must find a way of striking a balance between their jobs and parenting.

The children that they fail to bring up well today will definitely ruin their joy and whatever thing they might have acquired in their hay days. They must ensure that they are the best friends of their children. They must find a way to their children’s hearts such that they become their confidants.

Would you say mothers should shoulder this responsibility?

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MAY 14, 2016

The making of a ToTal child is noT The responsibiliTy of a woman or The moTher alone. iT involves The men. boTh of Them should be vigilanT and proacTive when iT comes To issues of Their children.

While mothers are expected to champion this course, the making of a total child is not the responsibility of a woman or the mother alone. It involves the men. Both of them should be more vigilant and proactive when it comes to the issues of their children. They must make their issues first on their list of preference.

They must instil the fear of God in them and set specific rules to guide them. They must teach them the values of gratitude, respect, love and show them how to practise these by being role models to them. What this means is that parents should practise whatever they preach.

They must also teach them how to accept their faults and learn from them. They should praise them when they do well and correct them in love when they go wrong.

They must be technologically informed too, so that they can monitor whatever they do on the social media. This is what I do and it is working for me. Above all, they must pray for them so as to become children they will not only be proud of but children that will be the pride of the nation as a whole. They should endeavour to listen to them and not shout them down whenever they try to bear their minds on an issue.

They should be good listeners.

Every parent should bond with their children. A total child is a pride and strength of any nation.

29

Keeping ABREAST Female pilots demand space to pump breast milk on duty

• Employers must accommodate‘lactation issues’ as they would any employee’s medical needs –Lawyer

F

our female pilots allege that they have been discriminated against for being pregnant and trying to breastfeed their children, according to claims filed by their lawyers.

The women say their employer fails to offer either paid maternity leave or job reassignment for pregnant pilots and does not provide a convenient, private place for pumping milk at work.

The four pilots say that constitutes unequal treatment on the basis of sex and has resulted in women suffering financial harm, pain and illness.

One said that she was disciplined for leaving the cockpit to pump breast milk and said “we should not have to choose between breastfeeding and our jobs.”

Pilot Shannon Kiedrowski said: “No woman should have to go through what we went through.”

She added in a blog post: “If commercial airlines want to attract and maintain the most qualified workforce, they are going to have to take a hard look at whether their policies meet the needs of new parents. We should not have to choose between our jobs and breastfeeding our children.

“Rather than support me, company management questioned my parenting choices as well as my commitment to my career. They even questioned why I didn’t switch to formula.”

A spokesperson for her employers said: “The duties of a commercial airline pilot present unique circumstances. We have made good-faith efforts to identify and provide rooms and other secure locations for use by breast-feeding pilots during their duty travel.”

The American Civil Liberties Union said it had filed discrimination claims with the Equal Employment

Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of Kiedrowski, employed since 2002; Brandy Beck, employed in 2003; and Erin Zielinski and Randi Freyer, who have worked for the same airline since 2013.

In documents filed with the EEOC on Monday, the women described their struggles to get their employer to provide places for them to pump breast milk during work days that can last more than 12 hours and include flights of up to five hours on schedules lasting up to five days.

The US commercial airline they work for has designated a room for breast milk pumping at its hub at Denver International Airport, but the pilots said it was not always convenient to their gates and that such rooms were not always available at other airports.

Kiedrowski told the EEOC she has pumped milk in an aeroplane restroom.

On one occasion, she said she was given a written reprimand and told leaving the flight deck to pump raised safety issues.

Jeff Nowak, a Chicago attorney who has represented employers in such cases, said the EEOC has said employers must accommodate ‘lactation issues’ as they would any employee’s medical needs.

He said the Denver airport room provided for pumping might be considered adequate accommodation.

The pilots also described to the EEOC failed attempts to get assignments outside the cockpit that would have let them work longer and continue earning while pregnant.

Their employer requires pregnant pilots to go on maternity leave following the 32nd week of pregnancy.

Phoebe Taubman, another attorney said that such forced leave policies are not uncommon and stem from concern about an employee going into labour while on the job.

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MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

divorce court

‘My fetish husband married me with charms’

• When I was single, my husband approached me that he wanted to marry me. I told him that I had a fiancé and that our marriage was near. Musili a bricklayer came back the following day and touched me, I don’t know how I got to his village, and I started having babies. —Wife

O

ne Omotosho Adejoke has dragged her husband, Omotosho Musili before an Igando Customary court, alleging that he confused and lured her with charms before they got married.

The complainant, a 39-yearold food vendor told the court that her husband was adulterous.

She claimed her husband was in the habit of bringing his lovers to their one-room apartment to spend days or months before leaving.

She, however, prayed the curt to dissolve her 16-year-old marriage, stating that, “When

‘I detest my wife because she bleached her skin’ • The smell of her body since she started bleaching is not good for my health, why should she be bleaching at her age? She is now a grandmother. Besides, she goes out at will without my permission. She also curses a lot and her curses are coming to pass in my life — Husband • He calls me a witch. He curses me at the slightest opportunity. He said I won’t be successful as long as I remain in his house. That is why I changed to Christianity —Wife StorieS

by

Muda o yeniran

A

n Igando Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a 36-year marriage between a septuagenarian, Mr Mutahiru

Saibu and his 53-year-old wife, Monsurat, over bleaching and conversion of religion.

Delivering his judgment, the court’s President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola said that the petitioner was adamant in

spite of all mediation from the court and family members.

“Since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several interventions, therefore, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union in spite

‘Our pregnant neighbour died after my wife fought her’

.

• My wife fights a lot. She fought our pregnant neighbour. The woman died the following morning. —Husband

M

r Olaiya Adegbo asked the Igando Customary Court to dissolve his marriage because his wife cheats on him with their neigbour.

The 59-year-old man, while asking the court to dissolve his 23-year marriage, cited infidelity as one of the reasons he no longer wants to be in the marriage.

The man identified as Mr Olaiya Adegbo, asked Court to dissolve his marriage, which produced four kids because his wife cheats on him with their neigbour.

While narrating the story he said, “That fateful day, I came back home earlier and could not find her in our room, two of my neighbours told me that they sighted her when she sneaked into her lover’s room.

“I went to knock on his door but he refused to open after hearing my voice.

“I continued knocking and he later opened his door, and I saw my wife hiding behind his door sweating and panting, I greeted her and left.

“After some days, her lover died and my wife disappeared from the house without taking

anything and refused to come back.

“My wife later went to marry another man, who also died after some months of their marriage,” he said.

Adeagbo also told the court that his wife was always at loggerheads with their neighbours.

“My wife fights a lot, she fought our pregnant neighbour but the woman died the following morning.

“Every house we rented, we were always evicted because of her frequent fighting with me and neighbours. She once stabbed me with a knife.

of the fact that the wife still claims she loves her husband.

“The court pronounced the marriage between Mutahiru Saibu and Monsurat Saibu dissolved today, both parties henceforth ceased to be husband and wife.

“Both parties are free to go their separate ways without any hindrances and molestation,’’ Omilola ruled.

The petitioner, a 76-yearold retired civil servant, had sought the dissolution of the marriage over his wife’s alleged bleaching and conversion to Christianity.

The septuagenarian told the court that as an Imam, his wife’s conversion from Islam to Christianity has brought shame on him.

“Her name is Monsurat before I married her, my wife is now known in the whole Celestial Churches in Lagos; I’m an Imam, how do I explain that?’’ he asked.

He said that his wife CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

I was single, my husband approached me that he wanted to marry me; I told him that I had a fiancé and that our marriage was near.

“Musili a bricklayer came back the following day and touched me, I don’t know how I got to his village, and I started having babies.

“Musili a bricklayer came back the following day and touched me, I don’t know how I got to his village, and I started having babies,” she lamented.

On accusation of infidelity, Adejoke said “I always leave the bed for them and sleep on the floor, on four occasions I had reported him to our families.

“Recently, he came home with a lady who stole my pants and brassier, I discovered that after she had left.

“I told my husband to retrieve my underwear from his lover, he later came home with a bra and pant but those were not the underwear that was missing,” she added, noting that her husband was always threatening her life.

“My husband is threatening to kill me, my hair dresser informed me that anytime I finished making my hair that my husband always come begging her to give him my hair.

“And he always tells me that if I leave him that he will kill me and run away.

“I am the one responsible for feeding the family, paying the house rent and the children’s school fees,” the mother of four boys noted, adding that she was scared of contracting sexually transmitted diseases from her husband due to his unfaithfulness.

Meanwhile, on his part, her 47-year-old husband denied all the allegations.

He said, “I pay my bills, I usually give her N500 per day, but she also assists me as any good wife will do.

“I returned the underwear my lover took away from our house and I never approached my wife’s hairdresser requesting for her hair.

The respondent begged the court to help him appeal to his wife that he still loves her.

The Court President, Adegboyega Omilola, advised the couple to go back home, talk over the issue in peace and adjourned the matter.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

divorce court

‘She wants me to lick her private part’ A 66 -year old retiree, Michael Adesanya Agboola, has said that he fell apart with his ex-wife, Funke Alasiri because he stopped licking her private part. But, his estranged wife has denied the allegation. Agboola, whose 11year old marriage to Funke was dissolved by the Agege Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Lagos, added that when he demanded an explanation for her unusual request, she told him it was the vogue among couples and that he must do it to satisfy her. The

Osun State-born driver who also claims his ex- wife forcibly evicted him from a bungalow he built on 26, Apode Street, Ojodu, Lagos, about four years ago in order to inherit it, said further that it is high time he challenged her in the open over the ownership of the house because of his futile attempts to get justice at theLagos State Citizens Mediation Centre which he said declined to act on the matter for no clear reason. “We started having problems because of her violent attitude.”

MAY 14, 2016

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‘My husband comes home drunk every night’

• He jumps on me when I am already asleep and has sex with me. Because of this, I have given birth to six children. He does not provide for them, neither does he pay their school fees —Wife

A

‘I detest my wife because she bleached her skin’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

bleached her skin and that he detested it.

“The smell of her body since she started bleaching is not good for my health, why should she be bleaching at her age? She is now a grandmother. ``My wife goes out at will without my permission. She also curses a lot and her curses are coming to pass in my life,’’ he said.

Saibu said that when he told his wife that he has diabetes, the next day she started singing that God should add honey and sugar to her life.

He said that Monsurat always says that he will soon die, which he knew was true, but that even if he had a day to live, he wants to live in peace.

The respondent, Monsurat, a businesswoman, told the court that all the allegations levelled against her were false.

A mother of four, Monsurat said that since her husband bought a new mattress in 2005, he had stopped sharing the same room with her. ``When I complained, a family meeting was held but still no change. ``Mutahiru always defames my reputation by calling me a witch.

“He calls me a witch, he curses me at the slightest opportunity, he said I won’t be successful as long as I remain in his house, that is why I changed to Christianity,’’ Monsurat said.

The respondent said that her husband does not give her money to cook in the house but that he usually gives money to the children to cook for him.

She said that Saibu does not care for her and that when she was sick and hospitalized for three weeks, he did not come to the hospital even for once to check on her.

mother of six, Omowunmi Oluwadamilare, has pleaded with an Orile Agege Customary Court to dissolve her marriage over drunkenness, battery and lack of care by her husband. Omowunmi, a civil servant, who lives at 12, Aranseolu St., Oko-Oba Road, Orile Agege, a suburb of Lagos, told the court that her husband, Abiodun, was a drunkard and beat her after drinking.

“My husband comes home

drunk every night; he jumps on me when I am already asleep and makes love to me. “Because of this, I have given birth to six children. “He does not provide for their children, neither does he pay their school fees.

“I provide for them and even pay house rent,” the 35-year-old woman said. The mother of six, aged between three months and 13 years, told the court that her husband of 13 years, had refused to change. “He still hit me last night when he came home drunk.

“ I have told him to pack his belongings and leave the house but he would not listen. “I am tired of his attitude; please separate us so that I can be free,” she said.

Abiodun did not appear before the court for the fifth time.

The Court President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, told Omowunmi to maintain the peace and directed the court bailiff to serve Abiodun the court summons again.

He adjourned the case for further hearing.

‘She does not want me to make love to her’

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• I have been denying my husband sex because he borrowed N690,000 from me and has refused to pay. I will continue to starve him of sex until he pays the money —Wife

A

n Igando Customary Court in Lagos has intervened and saved a 12year marriage between Azeez Idowu and his wife Naimotu, over lack of sex from crashing.

The Court President, Mr Hakeem Oyekan, was able to reconcile the couple after several adjournments and interventions.

Oyekan, who stuck the petition, admonished the couple to maintain peace always.

“I urged both of you to go home and continue in love and peace,” he said.

The respondent, Naimotu, 39, a businesswoman, had told the court that she would continue to deny her husband sex until he had paid the debt owed her.

Naimotu who said this while responding to a petition by her husband, said: “I have been denying my husband sex because he borrowed N690,000 from me and has refused to pay.

“I will continue to starve him of sex until he pays the money.

“Azeez is in the habit of swearing and cursing me with a charm called ‘Ishan egungun’: a specially prepared masquerade’s rod and this is affecting my life,” the mother of two, said.

She, however, urged the court not to grant her husband’s wish for the dissolution of their marriage, saying that she was still in love with him.

The petitioner, Azeez, 45, businessman, had asked the court to dissolve the marriage over alleged sex denial by his wife.

“My wife does not want me to touch her nor make love to her, I am tired of the marriage because I am neither a stick nor a stone,” Azeez said.

Azeez alleged that his wife loved attending social activities and hardly stayed at home.

“Whenever she goes out, she would not return home until after five days or seven days.”

“My wife will go from one party to another; spending days and neglecting the family.

“I have reported her severally to her father who always calls her to order, but there has been no positive change,” Azeez said.

He described Naimotu as a liar, not trustworthy and always inconsistent in her words and actions.

“Naimotu lies a lot; one day, she told me that she was going to Mushin in Lagos State, but some hours later, someone called to tell me that she was in Igbo-Ora in Oyo State.

“When I called her and confronted her that she was in Oyo state as against Mushin she claimed she was going to mushin when she left home, she switched off her cell phone.

“She took permission on another day that she was going to Oshodi, but someone saw her at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun; I cannot just account for her movement.”

He pleaded with the court to dissolve the union since he was no longer interested and did not love her anymore.

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Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Coping with your inquisitive child Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

D

O: Provide opportunities for social interaction, preferably in groups or with a wide variety of people. Parents, siblings, play dates with friends are great, but even public play spaces where they don’t know anyone will work. Extroverts are naturally inclined to meet new people. If they can find someone to talk to, they will.

DON’T: Always make social time structured. Classes and organized activities definitely go a long way towards meeting an extroverted child’s need for being social, but there are often restrictions on how children may interact in them–expectations with regard to sitting still, being quiet, and listening to directions. “Social free play” is more effective at meeting an extrovert’s needs for expression, as they can self-adjust and be as unstructured and outspoken as they need to be.

2. Extroverted kids are up front about their emotions. Though they don’t necessarily have the language skills to identify their feelings, extroverts readily express laughter, excitement, tears, frustration and anger through their voices, actions, and body language. An extrovert processes life externally, so all emotions that stem inside a child get turned right back out at the world.

A lack of emotional restraint is healthy and normal for extroverted kids. Just as introverts need to find quiet outlets for expressing their

feelings, extroverts need to find appropriate verbal and physical ones.

It’s not just a preference, it’s a must for their healthy emotional development.

DO: Accept their feelings. A child being vocal about what’s going on inside of him is not wrong. Let your extrovert know that anything he is feeling is OK, and it’s healthy to express it. It’s how he expresses these feelings that may not be OK. Teaching extroverts skills like taking positive time outs and how to redirect their physical reactions to anger takes time and is so worthwhile in teaching children appropriate emotional expression.

DON’T: Try to make a child’s feelings go away, however exuberant they may be. When she’s upset, don’t tell her, “I don’t want to hear it,” or that it’s time to be quiet. She’ll learn that feelings are to be suppressed, which goes against an extrovert’s nature and creates stress.

3. Extroverted kids are experiential learners. They are action oriented as opposed to thought oriented; they prefer doing hands-on activities to sedentary ones. Remember, extroverts come alive by engaging with their environment, so learning is more effective for them when they can immerse themselves in a subject using as many of their senses as possible. Lessons are quickly learned when there is talking, laughing, touching, playing; doing.

This means that in school, they’ll find the most meaning and enjoy-

ParentingUpdate

W

hen babies smile early in life, it is a good sign, says a study. By encouraging your baby to smile, according to the researchers the University of Lake City, you’re helping her develop self-esteem. It lets her know that her feelings are important and that she can affect her environment. It’s also important for her overall brain development.

The researchers, therefore recommend that parents choose a period when the baby is relaxed. Because a hungry baby isn’t inclined to smile. They also advise that you take the baby in your arms with her face very close to yours since at this age your baby sees best at 8-12 inches away. Then, smile widely at her and offer a warm “hello” in that sing-song pitch parents do so well.

“After two tough months of late-night feedings and diaper changes, you’re in for a big treat -- a smile from your baby. Sure, you’ve seen your baby smiling since soon after birth. Often newborns will smile in their sleep.” said the lead researcher. .

“Sometimes a smile in the early weeks of life is simply a sign that your little bundle is passing gas.

ment in work that is cooperative, verbally engaging, experimental, and likely not at their desks.

DO: Ensure that your extroverted child is able to learn in an environment that suits her needs. Seek out schools and teachers who incorporate as much practical “field work” as possible into their curricula.

At home, engage your child with dialogue, discussion, questions, games, playfulness and hands-on experience in things that are to be learned.

Also take advantage of groups, clubs, and other extra curricular activities to help extroverted kids meet their sensory needs.

Opportunities for performing on a stage (such as in plays or musicals), working as a team (sports), or engaging verbally with others (scouts) are wonderful ways for extroverts to learn new skills.

DON’T: Assume that kids will learn something just by being told, even if they’re told over and over again.

Implementing a one-way-listening style of communication (meaning: parent talks, child listens) goes against an extrovert’s nature, and can make learning frustrating for an extroverted child.

4. An extroverted child can be alone. Extroverts crave stimulation, but that doesn’t mean they need to be entertained by someone all of the time. It is possible to have alone time “extroverted style” by including music, audio books, or some type of physical activity

(swing, trampoline, punching bag) into their alone time.

DO: Aim for some alone time every day for your extrovert, even if it’s just a few minutes. Work towards a balance that works for your and your child. For all children, learning how to be alone and not depend on someone to keep them occupied

is a valuable skill to develop.

DON’T: Place unnecessary restrictions on how alone time should occur. If your extrovert needs to sing or talk to herself, bounce up and down, or go outside to “sword fight” trees with a stick, let her do what she needs to unwind. Alone time doesn’t necessarily mean quiet time.

Tiny Feet

NAME: Oseni Hamdat

BORN TO: Mr and Mrs Ibrahim Oseni AGE: 19 days old BIRTH WEIGHT: 2.7kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Early babies’ smile good for high self esteem — Study

But starting between 6 and 8 weeks of life, babies develop a “social smile” -- an intentional gesture of warmth meant just for you.

This is an important milestone. Your pediatrician will ask you whether you’ve seen your baby’s grin at her two-month well child visit. So be on the lookout,” he added.

Below are other signals of your baby’s smile at this stage.

She’s growing up and starting to figure out human behavior.

She realizes that smiling back at you gets your attention.

Your baby’s brain development is advancing and her communication skills are on track.

If you’re trying to get your baby to smile and can’t seem to coax a grin, don’t fret. It may take a few attempts.

Your baby may smile past you and not look you in the eyes. That’s just her way of avoiding stimulation overload and exerting some control over her world.

If your child was born prematurely, give her a few extra weeks or a month to grin. As a general rule, the more premature, the more time it will take to

catch up.

Respect differences between you and your partner in the way each of you plays with the baby. Dads often arouse babies during play while moms are more lowkey. Your baby loves both styles.

For dads who find being a new parent challenging, extra bonding time with baby helps strengthen the relationship and ease stress.

Caring for baby at this age is still demanding. Work with your partner to relieve each other for naps, exercise, or the “downtime” all parents need.

Keep your connection: find time for just you and your partner while baby is sleeping or somebody else is caring for her Culled from www.WebMD.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Mirror

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Our ordeal at health facilities –Lagosians

ERIC ELEZUO discovered after a tour of some health care facilities in Lagos State, that those saddled with the responsibility of giving health have abused it.

T

he popular assertion that health is wealth re-echoes the high importance attached to the health sector of every community, state or the nation in general. Consequently, it is of high importance to Nigerians and of course the world population.

Much as this sector is supposed to provide care and succour in the time frailty, incapacitation and helplessness, the opposite seems to be the case. This is just as medical issues raise some concerns ranging from relationship of medical personnel with patients to issues of treatment, hospitality in the various wards, availability of facilities, cost of treatment, delay before commencement of treatment and a host of other issues.

Amina Mohammed, a seven-month pregnant woman, who was encountered at the Primary Heath Care Centre located at Okokomaiko told Saturday Mirror that she had been sitting unattended to at the place.

She complained that the young nurse she met had with mildness told her to sit somewhere and wait. She said in her Hausa ladened tongue: “I have been here since 8:30, and

this 9:15, yet I have not been attended to. It is not as if I was given a better place to sit as a pregnant woman, or spoken to in a mild tone. The nurse that sent me away talked to me as if I was disturbing her,” she said.

While Saturday Mirror lingered around, another woman walked in.

She stylishly deposited some notes in the palms of a bosomy nurse, which quickly disappeared into her large apron-like white overall. And with a smile, she led the woman into another room.

The complaints of medical personnel’s harsh treatments of patients had become so loud, prompting the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga, to visit three primary health care centres in the local government, which include, Akowonjo, Ayobo/Ipaja and Egbe Idumu on an impromptu note last week His findings were outrageous as the facility and personnel at Egbe Idimu were nothing to write home about.

Saturday Mirror visited the Ikeja General Hospital, where a female patient narrated her ordeal with a

male nurse. The patient, who simply gave her name as Faith told our correspondent that she went through a little hazard before she was attended to. She said: On arrival at the hospital at about 3:00pm, I went to the enquiry unit, where I was further directed to get a card. Surprisingly, the receptionist, who said his name was KC, told me that I could not see the doctor after I had got my card because he has closed for the day. I was like why, and insisted that it was not time for closing. After much trouble, he agreed to let me see the doctor if I could give him ‘something’. While I was wondering what it meant to give him something, he added, “just anything in your mind, give me any amount, and they will attend to your file right away” otherwise you may join the others or come back tomorrow,’ the young woman said, still looking dazed.

At the emergency ward, a certain Mr. Jide complained bitterly about the cost of tests and also the procedure. According to him, “The cost of running a test to ascertain ailments is too high; “I had to pay a lot of money just for test; I wonder what the final cost of treatment will be...”

He added: “Even at this, I go through unnecessary time wasting process to book for the test. Emergency cases are really in the hand of God oooh...”For Jide, it takes God to save

emergency cases as the proper attention is not at its best yet.

Another patient, though not an emergency case, gave his name as Obafemi, he said the nurse who attended to him was just aggressive, and that was his first time of being admitted. He stated that he never knew he wouldß be admitted, so he came unprepared.

“If you see the kind of aggression I received from the nurse I spoke to, you will gladly agree to go home and die there. I came unprepared for admission because I did not know I would be admitted. I had asked a nurse I could get water to bath she rudely responded that it was not her business. She told me I should have prepared myself in every way before coming on admission”.

Miss Ann, a young woman, who brought her mother to the hospital, also has a sorry tale to tell. “I brought my mother, who needed urgent attention to the hospital, but could not get a bed space for a whole two days. She had to call a family friend who knows a nurse there, before they were given a bed space, and properly attended to her dad.

According to her, “He sat on a wheel chair for two days because they told me there was no space...” She however, stated that some hospitals are just annoying, adding that “This one is just pathetic, our government hospitals need more attention”.

It is not known why hospital, staff exhibit some of the attitude they portray since it is on record that they are paid and remunerated.

Mr. Adeola Makanjuola, a practicing physician, who refused to allow the use of his hospital name, said that most times, it is not about payment but upbringing, stating that most of these people were badly brought up.

“You see, human beings can be terrible when they want to. Why would someone be harsh to a patient, or demand bribe from him who is purportedly dying? This is a matter of wrong upbringing,” he said.

However, in an interview with Idoko David, a resident of Idumota, he said his experience was satisfactory in terms of prompt attendance and care. He however, lamented the very poor toilet facilities, which he described as a disease-generating centre in a health house. He asserts: “Your illness can even increase with the state of the toilet there”.

A state Ministry of Health source said that the health situation is what the government is presently tackling, as they are undertaking impromptu visits of healthcare centres to ascertain the viability of the environment and its officials.

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Mirror

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerian student cleared of •Victim claims she thought she was having rape in UK sex with his white friend A

Nigerian student was falsely accused of rape by a 21-year-old shop assistant who claimed she drunkenly thought she was having sex with his white friend, a court heard yesterday.

Sam Obeghe, 24, was having sex with the woman at his flat at the end of a drunken night out in Bolton, Greater Manchester, only to stop when she unexpectedly cried the name of his 22-year-old friend Zack Garrigan.

As he did so, the woman, who had earlier been having sex with Mr Garrigan at the flat in nearby Heaton, ran her fingers through Mr Obeghe’s hair and realised she was with the wrong man.

She stormed out in hysterics, her mother alerted police and within three hours of the encounter, University of Salford Economics student, Obeghe, was arrested in his pyjamas.

He was ordered to face court and endured a 17-month wait until a trial, but was unanimously acquitted of rape by a jury at Bolton Crown Court after just 27 minutes of deliberation.

During the trial the woman said the bedroom was ‘pitch black’ and she couldn’t see anything, despite Nigerian-born Mr Obeghe being of a different ethnicity and having various different features from white Mr Garrigan.

The incident occurred on December 5, 2014 when the woman had got drunk while out with a friend. The two women met Mr Obeghe and Mr Garrigan in the Vogue bar in Bolton and in the early hours of the morning the four of them plus another man went to the student’s flat.

Mr Obeghe, who had not been drinking, gave the party a lift in his BMW but once they got back the woman and Mr Garrigan began kissing and headed into the defendant’s bedroom for sex.

The woman said she and Mr Garrigan did not have intercourse and she fell asleep whilst he went into the lounge to try to find some Viagra.

But she told the court she was subsequently woken by a man

she thought was Mr Garrigan in the bed and they began having sex.

She said: “I was saying Zack’s name because I thought it was him I was having sex with. The person hugging and kissing me didn’t feel any different. I thought this was Zack “I called his name four or five times. It went on for a couple of minutes until I put my hands through his hair and realised it was not Zack but was Sam. I was screaming ‘what are you doing?’

“He ran out of the room. I was embarrassed and ran out. Zack was asking what was wrong. I was just saying that I needed to get out.”

Obeghe, said he had met the woman while helping Garrigan celebrate his birthday, and he agreed to let the group go back

to his flat at 5am.

“I could tell she was drunk her and Zack were the same,” he said. “Music was playing and they were kissing and then went into my bedroom.

“I sat there thinking ‘what have I done,’ bringing them back here because I had work the next day. I saw Zack coming out, first naked and I was saying ‘come on, I need to go to bed.’

“I asked him, ‘are you guys leaving?’ But he was not really paying attention to what I was saying and I said ‘I’m going to go and get her out.’

“I walked into the bedroom sat on the bed and started nudging the woman saying ‘go and meet Zack in the living room’. At first I lay there thinking ‘finally I can go to bed’ but she grabbed me.

“I was just thinking I didn’t

I was just thInkIng I dIdn’t really want to have sex wIth her. But I’m a human BeIng and If you get touched lIke that, you have a motIvatIon to move on

really want to have sex with her.

But I’m a human being and if you get touched like that, you have a motivation to move on.

“I figured she was probably very drunk but she grabbed me saying “come on Zack.” Then I realised she’s thinking I’m Zack so I jumped off the bed and jumped out of the room.

“I went into the living room and told Zack, ‘Man you will not believe what she’s just done.’

Zack was sort of laughing and then I saw her storming out and she was screaming. I was in shock. I didn’t climb on top of her and kiss her.”

After the not guilty verdict, Obeghe, now 26, was too upset to comment, but his lawyer Sarah Johnson said, “We are not suggesting this is a wicked woman telling a wicked pack of lies.

But she couldn’t remember everything that happened in that bedroom. She’s not someone you can say is accurate and reliable.

“She said the room was pitch black and she couldn’t see anything, despite the defendant being of a different ethnicity, having different features and a different voice.

“It was only when putting her hand through his hair she put her head back and it’s that movement of her head that allows her to see that it’s Sam and not Zack.”

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MAY 14, 2016

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Dear Bukola

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

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

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

I hate my mother in-law Dear Bukola,

I

I have a serious crush on my boss Dear Bukola,

I

have a very beautiful, curvy and fashionable boss who I have had a crush on right from the moment I laid my eyes on her. I don’t care that she is married with 2 kids because she is just everything I want in a woman. I think of her every time and always try everything possible to be in her office.

She is the only reason I go to work every day, in fact, I really like this woman! Please what can I do to get her to look my way? Anonymous.

Dear anonymous,

Y

ou know I don’t really have a problem with you having a crush for your boss because it happens. The issue I have right now is that you are not looking for a way to get over the crush; rather you are interested in knowing how

to get your boss to look your way… you make me laugh, like seriously?

Anyway, my advice for you will be directed at ways through which you can get over the crush. Firstly, you must know that she is your boss and she is married (with kids). If she were a single lady, I would have encouraged you to speak your mind to her but for Christ’s sake, she is married! No matter how attractive she is, she belongs to someone so she is out of your reach. Secondly, if you love your job, I think it would be better you forget about these feelings you have because if she gets to know, you may probably lose your job. Let your relationship with her be strictly professional; don’t overstep your bounds! Also, focus more on getting the type of woman you

want elsewhere. There are suitable ones out there who have everything you want in a woman, stop wasting your time on the one that is already taken… you deserve your own woman. Lastly, if you think it will be difficult for you to get over these feelings then you should quit the job so that you can clear your head. If she remains the only reason you go to work every day, I smell trouble because as a man there are more important reasons why you should be working. There’s a future ahead of you that needs proper planning so don’t allow yourself to be crushed by a pointless crush. Go on your knees and ask God for grace to get over this phase you are in. All the best!

Dear marketing executive, irstly, I understand your plight because I have been in your shoes before, but I thank God because it is one of the things that molded me into the person I am today. Having said that, one thing I want you to know is that having these targets and doing our possible best to meet them gives us the strength to meet targets we set for ourselves in life generally. I want you to do this job having in mind that you have bills to pay and that it is a means of getting that done. Jobs are not easy….

If everyone could just wake up every morning, lazy around and get paid for it, do you think anyone would go to work? ‘Fortunately’, life is not as easy as that, you work before you eat so get going! Put your best in reaching your targets because if it were not realizable, it wouldn’t have been given. See the job as an opportunity for you to boost your self-confidence and be a bolder person. Lastly, try to be appreciative of what you have because so many unemployed people out there wish they had this job….

They would do everything possible to be in your shoes. Good luck with it!

My work is too stressful Dear Bukola

I

work as a marketing exec utive in one of the financial institutions in the country.

Recently the target that has always been a bit difficult to meet was outrageously increased. I don’t know if these our superiors want us to kill ourselves in order to be productive at the job. It is really becoming too stressful for me. What do you think I should do?

F

have seen mothers in law that treat their daughters in law with love, but this my own is very wicked. She sees me as her rival and I don’t know why. There’s nothing I do that is good to her. I have asked my husband severally why his mother is so unfair to me but he thinks I am the one not trying hard enough to satisfy her. Recently, we had a family party where I was majorly in charge of the arrangement.

I tried to make everything perfect most especially because I wanted to satisfy my mother in law but right in front of everybody, in the middle of the party, she embarrassed me by rubbishing every effort I put into it. That was the moment I began to hate her… I seriously now understand why some single ladies pray to be married to men who are motherless.

Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous, irstly, you must know that no matter what anyone does to you, hate is a big word to use because it has a way of consuming us. You have to let go of such emotions towards your mother in law. Also, do you know that two wrongs don’t make a right? If she has made up her mind to be very mean to you that shouldn’t stop you from loving her. This is why I agree with your husband that you are not trying hard enough to satisfy her. The only way you can win your mother in law over is by loving her with all your heart. See her as your mother after all, if your mother embarrasses you in the front of everybody, that doesn’t mean you would hate her. I know it may be a bit difficult for you to do but please pray for grace. I am giving you this advice because I want you to enjoy your husband. A mother is very important in the life of her children, most especially her sons because she is more often than not their first love so if you want your husband to dance to your tunes, be ready to do everything possible to satisfy his mother. Come to think of it, it wouldn’t really cost you much. Simply let go of all negative feelings you have towards your mother in law and try your utmost best to forgive her for not appreciating your efforts as expected. Your marriage is your number one priority but your mother in law is a key player in determining how much happiness you get from it. I hope you understand the point I am trying to make? I wish you all the grace you need!

F

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MAY 14, 2016

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Male

Jide animashaun 08034710902

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Angle

Should couples explor I

Why not?

t’s too easy to slip into a routine with your partner. Just like with work, study, going to the gym or even eating, sex can become routine and boring if care is not taken. And in most cases we do tend to allow lethargy to creep into our relationship with our partner. When that happens, you and your partner will start looking elsewhere for your thrills.

And if one is not careful. That may sound the beginning of the end of the relationship. Sex plays a significant part in most relationships, but how many couples explore more than a handful of positions? Or how many couples avoid some of the more common positions because they are “too ordinary” and “overused”? Or too used to being in their comfort zones that they are not ready at all to think outside the box where sex and their relationship is concerned. Don’t be afraid to try new ways of adding spice and zest to your relationship with your partner is what I tell anyone who come seeking my advice on issues relating to sex.

Sex is an aspect of life that is full of paradoxes. Stripping away clothes can make the strongest among us feel remarkably vulnerable. Over time, sex with even the most loving partner may become deeply familiar, and yes, not so interesting again. This overfamiliarity can even go beyond what we thought initially to the extent that the very foundation of the relationship may become affected and yet there’s usually plenty of uncharted territory to explore that we tend not to be bothered about.

Just as surprising, exploring other sexual positions may peel back the covers on other problems that have gone unnoticed and it may end up helping to treat or at least alleviate some of the problems such as difficulties with arousal or a partner’s flagging sex drive due to overfamiliarity or physical discomfort during sex. Adding to your repertoire of sexual positions not only adds interest to lovemaking, but your sexual well-being goes hand-in-hand with your overall mental, physical, and emotional health. Exploring other sexual positions may set off a chain reaction that will help

bridge the gap of helping to solve or at least alleviate this cycle of emotional issues and relationship troubles that need to be addressed as well.

Before sex can take a turn for the better in any relationship, it is likely you and your partner must take steps to work on improving it. No matter what you enjoy or bemoan about your sex life, new sexual position explorations is an adventure that can help take your relationship a step higher in building a more enduring and physically satisfying relationship because as you age, your sexual responses will start slowing down. Also, understand that the physical changes in your body mean that you’ll need more time to get aroused and reach orgasm. When you think about it, spending more time exploring new sex positions during sex isn’t a bad thing because working these physical necessities into your lovemaking routine can open up doors to a new kind of sexual experience that will be amazing if not exactly out of this world for both of you.

Exploring other sex positions helps to put the fun back into the relationship. It adds creativity to an otherwise relationship already going south. And it helps to create a new positive attitude about your sexuality. It also creates a room for new romance to be added back into your relationship because the creativity involved helps to make you more romantic. All in all, it adds sparks or zest into an otherwise boring routine that you are used to. And because the new positions are from your creativity, it expands the scope of your mind positively towards the way you see yourself and your partner thereby creating a positive aura for the relationship.

Finally, the scriptures never said what a husband and wife are or are not allowed to do sexually.

Husbands and wives are instructed not to deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time.

This verse perhaps lays down the principle for sexual relations in marriage. Whatever is done, it should be mutually agreed upon.

No one should be encouraged or coerced to do something he or she is uncomfortable with or thinks is wrong.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Is bigger always better?

Continued from last week

M

en love to brag about the size of their penis. It is believed that the bigger the penis, the more fun the woman will have. But is this always the case?

Away from the empirical to the theoretical, a recent study asked women how much they value penis size as an important aspect of a man’s body.

About two-thirds of women, 67.4 per cent, said that size is somewhat important but not of overriding significance or major concern to them.

A further 21.4 per cent, more than 1 in 5, felt that penis size simply wasn’t important.

Only 11.2 per cent of women said that size was very important to them. Clearly, plenty of women don’t place a heavy emphasis on the importance of size!

The study also asked men from four age groups about their level of satisfaction with the size of their genitals.

Overall, very few men reported dissatisfaction with their size – only 10.3 per cent said they were dissatisfied, and a mere 1.7 per cent said they were very dissatisfied. 29.5 per cent had neutral feelings about their size, being neither particularly satisfied nor dissatisfied.

A majority of men were content - 44.5 per cent reported

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MAY 14, 2016

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Female

Angle

YEMISI ADENIRAN 08029894772 email: ydiran@yahoo.com

re new sex positions?

Variety is the spice of life

S

This column is x-rated that they were satisfied with their size, and an additional 14 per cent noted that they were very satisfied.

Satisfaction also varied by age group. While 39.4 per cent of men aged 18–24 reported being satisfied, this increased to 51 per cent among men aged 45 and over.

The proportion who were very satisfied showed little change overall, starting at 15.7 per cent of those aged 18–24 and growing to 16.9 per cent of men aged 35–44, before slightly declining to 13.5 per cent of men aged 45 and over.

Meanwhile, levels of dissatisfaction appeared to decline more significantly with age.13.1 per cent of men aged 18–24 were unhappy, but only 7.7 per cent of men aged 45 and over, reported being dissatisfied with their size. And while 3 per cent of men aged 18–24 noted that

This column is x-rated they were very dissatisfied, no men aged 45 and over felt that way.“It’s possible that young men may have plenty of exposure to popular misconceptions about penis size and its relevance to sex, and less life experience that would indicate otherwise,” one of the researchers explained. “As they age they may acquire experience and have more opportunities to learn that size may be less important than they once believed,” he added.

As the majority of men were satisfied or very satisfied with the size of their penis, 59.4 per cent of the men in the study also said size did not affect their sexual confidence. And a further 24.7 per cent said their size actually increased their confidence. Just 15.8 per cent said the size of their penis had decreased their sexual confidence!

ex as we all know is very important in any relationship. Beside the physical connection that it aids between lovers, it enables deep happiness which at the long run brings other good attributes like good physical appearance, emotional stability and longer life since every form of stress and loneliness is disallowed.

Studies have repeatedly shown also that married couples of all ages who report higher levels of relationship satisfaction also report having good sex lives.

It’s pretty much accepted across the board of relationship therapists that not having sex when you want to makes people unhappy, causing feelings of frustration, depression, rejection, self-doubt, difficulty concentrating and low self-esteem.

Some relationship experts have also observed that the excitement that accompanies every round of a sex session goes a long way to keep the players healthier as well as make him or look forward to having another session soonest.

This is why it is important for couples to ignite more life and fun into their sexual life for a healthier relationship.

In other words, going the missionary way or sticking to just a particular style of sex is not just monotonous but can be very boring.

Having sex in different positions can never bring any harm but inject youthfulness into the life of a woman and the relationship as well.

Sex, is a kind of physical exercise that couples need. So, having it in a non-active form can only jeopardize this advantage. Below are some other styles that couples can explore.

One incontestable fact about men, irrespective of their age, status and faith is that they love sex. Women also do, no doubt, but men’s passion for it is almost larger than life itself.

Yes, they love sex and that is why whenever the topic of discussion is centered on it, their interest is 100 per cent. Because of the amount of interest they have in sex, they seem to value their women more if she knows what makes them feel on top of the world, especially, in the bedroom.

Much as it is incontestable therefore that men love sex, there are certain sex positions that research have shown that they love as they, really, drive them crazy. These positions are like spices; they add colour to that game of intimacy. The positions give couples the abundant opportunity of exploring each other more, thus making the whole exercise more pleasurable than you can imagine.

Besides, having sex in one position can be monotonous, making it very boring. Therefore, trying a number of some positions that men appear to like would definitely add pep to it and remove the boredom that may want to rear its head in what, normally, should be real fun.

The new missionary option: Although this position is common worldwide as it is viewed as the standard sex position and favorite of many men, more fun need to be injected into it.

It is a style that should make the couple to still engage in a number of other intimate things like locking lips and even communicating with

the eyes. The woman also has the opportunity of putting her hips to work and also determine the movement together with the man. It is not a male dominated scenario after all. Where the woman wants the man to slow down or go deeper, she can indicate or control by guiding him. . May be the love for it is derived from the fact that it puts men in control even while being intimate. It is the position which puts the man on top while the woman is lying on her back The new missionary option: Although this position is common worldwide as it is viewed as the standard sex position and favorite of many men, more fun need to be injected into it.

It is a style that should make the couple to still engage in a number of other intimate things like locking lips and even communicating with the eyes. The woman also has the opportunity of putting her hips to work and also determine the movement together with the man. It is not a male dominated scenario after all. Where the woman wants the man to slow down or go deeper, she can indicate or control by guiding him.

Babe on top: This position appears to be a reverse of the first position. Now, the woman is in charge, and for all that you care, the man loves it. The love for this derives from the fact that he wants to please the woman by allowing her to be in control like he does in the first position. With this position, you have the opportunity of setting the pace while he is lying down on his back. The position gives her the opportunity of moving at her pace unlike where he calls the shot. Mind you, in his position too, he can do a number of things, particularly, determining the pace. His hands are free to do some romantic work which adds to the flavour of the exercise.

Reverse cowgirl: This is another position that can be fun. It is called the reverse variation of the woman on top position. It gives the man the sexy view he would get while engaging in a doggie position. The man is still in control, nevertheless. Although this position doesn’t give room for the kind of touching or eye contact that other positions may permit. It is bound to create the kind of pleasure that will last in your memory for a very long time.

Doggie style: Adopted from the way dogs do their thing, this style gives the man the opportunity of entering from the rear while the woman is kneeling down in front of him. The man is, again, in control. He determines the pace and the amount of penetration. One advantage of this style is that it allows for deeper penetration. The style makes the two of you feel good.

Standing up position: This style is delightful especially if your partner is in a hurry to get you. He may have you bent over the kitchen table or have you leaning against the wall. It is a position which sex experts would describe as good for a quickie.

It would be actually wrong to conclude that these are the only sex positions available.

There are definitely some others. However, with these few ones, you have the variety from which your partner can choose from and love you very well for it. So, stop the monotony and spice the fun with another position.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Diabetes Mellitus II •Increasing rates in Africa, youths worry experts

W

e are back to our discussions on Diabetes Mellitus. Last week, we discussed, among other things, the definition of diabetes, its types and the risk factors that may predispose one to the illness. I also remember asking us to exercise a little. Did you? Congratulations if you did. It means you can enforce self discipline and you are already on your way to living a healthier life. If you didn’t, don’t be discouraged. You can start today! And you know what? It becomes easier when you make it a habit. Back to our discussions.

Symptoms: Now I cannot resist sharing a little anecdote here. It happened that a diabetic fellow was approached by his friend who was urinating excessively and frequently, and having some burning sensation at the tip of his penile shaft. He wanted his advice on what to do. Now, these symptoms are similar in some ways to the symptoms our diabetic friend had prior to his being diagnosed of diabetes. So, sparing his friend the stress of going through diagnosis, he gave him some of his oral anti -diabetic drugs to swallow and reassured him his symptoms will improve in no time. Within a short time of swallowing the drugs, his friend became sweaty, his body began to shake and soon after he collapsed and was rushed to the emergency room. It was there the history helped the doctors in making a diagnosis of hypoglycemia-a condition characterized by an extremely low level of blood sugar-Thank God he was revived. It turned out our friend merely had a urinary tract infection which shared some symptoms with diabetes. Therefore, it is good to ensure that no matter how similar our symptoms are to our friends or relatives’, we always undergo proper diagnosis. It might just be two different things presenting in a similar way.

The common symptoms of diabetes are; •Excessive urination(polyuria) especially at night(nocturia) •Feeling very thirsty and having to drink a lot of water •Feeling unusually tired •Losing weight and muscle bulk •Having recurrent episodes of fungal infection •Nursing wounds that heal poorly •Having Blurred vision •Experiencing tingling or numbness in the feet or toes

Someone with diabetes may not have obvious symptoms and may in fact live with the disease for a long time without knowing. This however doesn’t stop it from leading to complications. Therefore, regular medical checks are imperative to ensure early diagnosis and prevention of diabetic complications.

Diagnosis: Diagnosing diabetes is through various blood glucose checks, including fasting blood glucose, post prandial glucose check and others as deemed fit by the physician. They are generally simple tests and should not take more than few minutes. It is advised that every adult –especially those above 40-check their blood sugar at least once a year.

Treatment: The treatment of diabetes is multipronged and multidisciplinary. It is aimed at keeping blood sugar within normal limits always in order to prevent complications. Treatment also depends on the type and how severe the condition is and it is tailored to meet the specific need of the individual concerned. Generally diabetes is controlled by: Diet: diet for diabetics must be low in simple sugars, cholesterol and fats but high in fibre, fruits and vegetables. It should also include more fish and less meat. Your doctor will advise you further on how best to modify your diet.

Exercise: this is important for both type 1 and 2 diabetes, as it increases body’s sensitivity to insulin. At least 30 minutes a day of exercise will help.

Weight reduction: this is a major way to control your blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Your target should be body mass index(BMI) in the normal range of 18-25

Oral hypoglycemic: these medications which are in different groups with different mechanism of action are used in type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar .They function by either reducing insulin resistance or stimulating insulin producing cells to produce more insulin.

Insulin: administration of insulin is the mainstay of treatment in type 1 diabetes as practically no insulin is produced internally. For type 2 diabetes, insulin is used when oral drugs fail or in resolving acute diabetic crisis. It may also be combined with oral anti diabetics.

Surgery: less frequently, pancreatic surgery may be considered in type 1 diabetic with severe complications, while weight loss surgery is an option open to type 2 diabetics who have difficulty losing weight and are morbidly obese.

Others: diabetics should avoid smoking, control their cholesterol, and monitor their blood pressure closely to reduce chances of complications. For gestational diabetes, delivery of the baby will most times control the diabetes and may serve as treatment.

Complications: Complications in diabetes usually results from poor blood sugar control. This is due in most cases to lack of compliance to medications by the individuals affected. In this regard, diabetics require health education.

While the difficulty associated with pill swallowing or injection jabs is understandable, it is very important to assist these people in seeing that complications of diabetes are more difficult to manage. In addition, complications affect the quality of life in a negative way. Diabetes may be complicated with:

Loss of consciousness from excessively low sugar, induced by diabetic medications Damage to the kidneys Damage to the eyes(diabetic retinopathy) Damage to the nerves(neuropathy) Damage to the feet(diabetic foot) which may result in amputation And Cardiovascular accidents Prevention: Type 1 diabetes is basically not preventable and can only be managed.

For type 2 diabetes, prevention rests on lifestyle modification mainly and it is a repeat of some treatment measures. If you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, preventive efforts is particularly useful for you as it lowers your risk of developing the disease and its complications significantly. Choose a lifestyle that involves •Regular physical activity •Normal weight •Healthy diet •Non smoking •Normal sleeping pattern And •Protective footwear Conclusion: After all said and done, diabetes is one disease you can see coming and duck. And if you are diabetic already, you can minimize its effect on your quality of life and simply go on living. This is possible when you learn about the disease, get involved in your treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng. Every Wednesdays and Fridays (4-8pm)

Sport

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MAY 14, 2016

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39

Rio 2016 Olympics: How prepared are Nigerian athletes?

Nigerias-4x100m-womens-team

IfeanyI eduzor

W

hen the country’s contingent to London 2012 Olympics came back to the country without a single medal to show for their effort, many Nigerians believed that the country’s worst outing at the biggest sporting event in the World will serve as a lesson to sports administrators in the country.

The London 2012 Olympic Games was the first competition since the 1988 Seoul Olympics that Nigeria would participate in the event without winning a single medal.

As is the practice over the years, the government then under President Goodluck Jonathan immediately after the “show of shame” in London, inaugurated a sports summit to look into the immediate and remote causes of the country’s athletes poor showing in London; proffer solutions on how to avoid a repeat occurrence as well advise government on how to reposition the country’s sports to put it at par with that of other countries of the World.

Although the summit

identified poor funding, inadequate preparations, low morale and lack of adequate exposure of athletes as part of the problem confronting Nigerian sports but little was done to remedy the situation before the former President was voted out of office.

While millions of Nigerians had expected those at the helms of the country’s sport to correct the lapses discovered in the last Olympics to enable the country put up a better performance at the 2016 Rio Games, nothing concrete was done to remedy the situation.

This situation has made many people believe that Nigeria will be going to another jamboree in Brazil because there is nothing on ground to indicate that we have learnt our lesions from the London 2012 miserable outing.

However, while many has blamed inconsistent sports policy as the bane of the country’s sports development, others felt that the frequent changing of Sports Ministers coupled with the appointment of those with little or no sports background contributed immensely to the poor.

results posted by Nigeria at international competitions.

A good example was when shortly after the Sports summit, the then Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, was replaced with Tamuno Danagogo, who rather than building on the programmes of his predecessor, discarded advice of experts at the summit.

It was in this precarious situation that the country found itself when various Olympic trials began with the country’s athletes finding it difficult to pick qualification for the Games even in sports where we had comparative advantage because of inadequate preparation.

Taking a proper look at the qualifiers, one will be surprised to discover that in boxing, out of a total of ten pugilists made up of seven men and three women that represented the country in the Olympic qualifiers in Cameroon only two boxer; Efe Ajagba and Caroline Linus were able to pick ticket for Rio Olympics while none of our athletes made it in the taekwondo qualifiers which gave the country bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The story is not different in the track and field events where the country’s only medal hopeful, Blessing Okagbare could not be said to be in top form ahead of the Games.

Blessing Okagbare, who is an Olympic and World Championships medalist in the long jump and a world medalist in the 200 meters as well as holds the Women’s 100 meters Commonwealth Games record for the fastest time at 10.85 seconds and African record holder in the event at 10.79 seconds could not be said to be in superlative form considering her performances in the various invitational tournaments she had participated in lately.

It is true that the country’s basketball male team will return to the Olympics after making its debut at the London Games, but it is yet to be seen how far the team will go in the Games considering the pedigree of other countries in the slam and dunk game.

As the countdown to the Olympics begins, it seems the country is paying more attention to football; a team event which accounts for only one gold medal

at the detriment of other sports like Rowing and Yachting, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling and athletics which is capable of giving Nigeria many medals.

There is no denying the fact that for the country to reclaim its leadership position in sports in the continent; this ugly scenario that made Government spend so much on football at the detriment of other sports must be stopped as that is the only way Sporting Federations can get adequate funding.

Although there is no denying the fact that football is regarded as the number one sport all over the World, but we must start now to adequately fund other sports, so as to be in position to go for medal haul at 2020 Olympics.

Taking a critical look at our preparation for the forthcoming Olympics, one will not be mistaken to conclude that Nigeria might be going for another jamboree in Brazil or that Nigeria winning a medal will be a miracle because of inadequate preparation, poor funding and fire brigade approach that has characterized preparation for Rio 2016 Olympics.

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MIRROR SPORT

MirrorGolf Mirror With Pius Anakali

MAY 14, 2016

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Tel: 08023367071

Olympic: Scott expresses fear over Zika spread

Adam Scott

A

dam Scott says he harbours fears for the health of world No1 and friend Jason Day as well as everyone involved with the Olympic Games.

Scott would not be playing in Rio regardless of the Zika virus causing havoc for Rio

organisers but the Australian golf star hopes those involved are taking the warnings and risks seriously.

The Australian pulled out of the Olympics mainly for scheduling reasons, preferring to prioritize time with his young family around the last two major championships and FedEx Cup playoffs.

But he also has serious concerns about the mosquitoborne Zika virus and the implications it could have for world health in general.

“I have not used it as an excuse although it would be very convenient to do so. It is only part of my concerns,” Scott said.

Willet, Spieth set for Players’ championship

M

asters champion Danny Willett and runner-up Jordan Spieth face the sternest of challenges when they return to action at this week’s Players Championship.

Neither has competed since the drama of Augusta more than a month ago, and they face the strongest field of the year on a TPC Sawgrass course that demands the utmost precision.

This is the week when golf bursts back to life at an

Spieth

event that is a major in all but name. It heralds the start of a hectic spell that includes the US Open, PGA Championship as well as the game’s return to the Olympics in Rio.

Oloko give reasons for artistic gymnastics tourney IFEANYI EDUZOR

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he chairperson of the Lagos State Gymnastics Association, Adebamike Oloko, has expressed optimism that the state athletes will do well at the on-going 2nd Lagos State Invitational Artistic Gymnastics Championship holding at the indoor sports hall of Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba.

Gymnasts from five Southwest states; Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun and hosts, Lagos are competing for honours at the four day championship organized by the association in conjunction with the Lagos State Sports Commission.

According to her, the event will help Lagos State’s gymnasts test their skills against their counterparts from other states, adding that the competition will also help the association to select athletes for other events including the National Sports Festival.

“We expect that this would be an avenue for us to improve the skills of our athletes as well as select those

that will represent the state in future competitions.

“As you are aware, we have competitions coming up later in the year such as Youth Games coming up in August and the National Sports Festival scheduled for November. These are avenues for us to improve on our athletes skills,” Oloko said.

Apart from using the invitational championship to prepare athletes, the chairperson opined that it’s a good platform for the participating states to develop the sport from the grassroots.

Lagos dominated the maiden edition last year, but Oloko expects tough competition from the other states this year.

“We are banking on our strong point which is our junior and senior category, I believe that we’ll do well and hopefully take first this time around” she concluded.

The championship will end today.

Medals and certificates of participation will be given to the winners and all athletes who featured in the tournament.

Chairman of the Abuja Polo Club, Senator Kabir Jibril, and Polo Captain, Musty Junaid presents a prize to Nigeria’s top-rated player, Bello Buba (R) at the 2015 Unity International Polo Tournament. Abuja is ready for the 2016 edition

Abuja agog for 2016 Unity Polo Tournament A

bout twenty teams will participate in the 2016 edition of Peace and Unity Polo Tournament scheduled to hold at the exclusive Guards Brigade Polo Club in Abuja, next week.

The teams, drawn from all the major polo clubs across the country, will vie for the top prizes in a weeklong event that has over the years remained the biggest and the most attended polo fiesta in the nation’s capital city.

The Captain of Guards Polo Club, Mustapha Junaidu told Saturday Mirror that the tournament, would hold from May 17 to 22.

According to Junaidu, all the visiting teams and a handful of Abuja teams would contest for four traditional main trophies that comprise the Guards Challenge Trophy, Guards Brigade Trophy, Legislative Shield and President Cup, as well as individual awards to be won by the best performers.

Junaidu revealed that World stars from Argentina and their counterparts from South Africa and England are also expected at the event to showcase their skills in the high stake and the events biggest prize,

…20 teams eye top prizes the President Cup and the Legislative Shield series.

“Top-ranked Nigerian players that include Ibrahim Mohammed and the highest handicap player, Bello Buba whose team, Keffi Ponys, won the last two editions and Jamilu Mohammed who plays for the former champions, Abuja Rubicon, will also participate,” the club captain said.

“Other Nigerian players like Umar Kabir and Abdulmalik Badamasi will also compete in the highly rated tournament that attracts over 60 players while about 400 horses of local and foreign breeds will be involved in the games,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Guards Polo Club, Senator Mohammed Kabiru Jibril, has described the 2016 tournament as unique, saying it is designed to celebrate not only peace and unity in the country but also showcase Abuja as a major tourism centre in Africa.

“This edition will be the most competitive and the most exciting in years as we aim to use it to celebrate the peaceful transition of government

in the country,” Senator Jibril remarked.

He thanked the various sponsors and donors for what he described as their unprecedented support at ensuring huge success for the impending event.

“It is worthy of note that we are being supported by corporate giants in communication, banking, oil and gas and manufacturing sector of the economy,” he stressed.

Tournament Manager, Aliyu Umaru, said all the committees had worked with painstaking resolve to ensure lived up to its billing in marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day this year.

“Our pitch is in top shape and the location of the Guards Polo Club remains a tourist delight. Participants are guaranteed the most exciting and memorable time in Abuja,” he enthused.

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected as Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale of the prestigious weeklong festival that will also be attended by royal fathers, state governors, members of the National Assembly, captains of industries, diplomats and thousands of polo fans.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Federation Cup Round of 64 venues W OMEN Oleh: Alberto Queens vs Osun Queens Benin: FC Robo Queens vs Rivers Angels Oleh: Abia Angels vs Rising Queens Owerri: Ibom Angels vs Edo Queens Lokoja: Sure Babes vs Gift of Life Queens Osogbo: Martin White Doves vs Tokas Queens MEN Abuja: Kwara United vs Galadima Best Lokoja: Sunshine Stars vs Giwa FC Owerri: Abia Comets vs Nembe City Abuja: Damaturu FC vs Dynamite FC Lokoja: Rovers FC vs Flash Flamingoes Kaduna: Nasarawa United vs FC Abuja Makurdi: Go Round vs Yobe Stars Umuahia: Rivers United vs Papilo FC Lokoja: Kaduna FC vs Bridge Boys

Enugu: Shooting Stars vs Wikki Feeders Lokoja: FC Zamfara vs Almar FC Oleh: Heartland FC vs Top World Owerri: J. Atete vs Akwa Starlets Bauchi: El-Kanemi vs Katsina Feeders Abuja: Sokoto United vs Crown FC Zaria: Fasbir FC vs Niger Tornadoes Ijebu-Ode: ABS FC vs Yenegoa City Jos: Akure City vs Enugu Rangers Benin: Kogi United vs Ekiti United Makurdi: Wikki Tourists vs FRSC FC Jos: Dreams FC vs Akwanga Selected Zaria: Plateau United vs Zara FC Lokoja: Gateway FC vs Kano Pillars Lagos: Prime FC vs Inneh Stars Abuja: Yarmalight vs Warri Wolves Bauchi: Jigawa Stars vs Gashaka Buffaloes Kaduna: MFM FC vs El-Kanemi Babes Kaduna: Katsina United vs FC Lokoja Owerri: FC Ifeanyi Ubah vs Ebonyi United.

MIRROR SPORT

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Senate threatens to arrest Dalung

…accuses him of running parallel NFF

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he Senate Committee on Sports has threatened to arrest the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, over his failure to honour its invitation to brief the committee on Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the 2016 Rio Olympics slated for August, even as they accused him of running a parallel Nigeria Football Federation.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Obinna Ogba, who was visibly angry over the sports minister’s absence, said the committee was disappointed with Dalung’s nonchalant attitude towards its invitations.

“Nigerians are waiting to know how the country is prepared for the forthcoming Olympics and the World Cup qualifiers which is around the corner. Nigerians need to know how far the ministry has gone in its preparation and yet the minister finds it difficult to brief the nation

on what the ministry and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is doing in preparation for the world tournaments,” he noted.

Ogba said the committee would give the minister another chance to appear before it on Thursday next week, adding that if he failed to honour that invitation the committee would invoke its constitutional powers.

“The sports minister has not been respecting the Senate. Again my personal assessment of the Minister is based on the myriad of challenges facing him, one of which is the 2016 Rio Olympics. One wonders what he has been able to do about Nigeria’s preparation for the competition,” he said.

He wondered why the Minister always took delight in running a parallel administration with the NFF president in handling the affairs of football in Nigeria.

Ogba said: “The President of Nigerian Football Federation will make a statement and the Minister would

enegal’s diplomat, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura has been appointed as Fifa’s first female secretary general.

She succeeds former Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, who was banned from football related activity for 12 years.

Samoura, 54, spent 21 years working for the United Nations and will start at football’s governing body in June.

“It is essential Fifa incorporates fresh perspectives as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation,” said Fifa President Gianni Infantino.

“She has a proven ability to build and lead teams, and improve the way organisations perform. Importantly for Fifa, she also understands that transparency and accountability are at the heart of any well-run and responsible organisation.”

Samoura’s appointment, announced at Fifa’s congress in Mexico

City, completes a new-look to an organisation which has been dogged by corruption allegations under Valcke and previous president Sepp Blatter.

Blatter, who had led Fifa since 1998, stood down last year and was later suspended from football for six years for breaching ethics guidelines.

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura

On his appointment in February, Infantino said he would “work tirelessly to bring football back to Fifa and Fifa back to football”.

Samoura, who will undergo eligibility check before her role is ratified, currently works for the UN in Nigeria, and speaks four languages.

She started her UN career as a senior logistics officer with the World Food Programme in Rome in 1995 and has since served as country representative or director in six African countries, including Nigeria.

“Today is a wonderful day for me, and I am honoured to take on this role,” she said.

“This role is a perfect fit for my skills and experience; strategic, high-impact team building in international settings which I will use to help grow the game of football all over the world.

“I also look forward to bringing my experience in governance and compliance to bear on the important reform work that is already underway at Fifa.

N

fully he will be ready. The doctors are in a position to assess him and when they do that we will know the level of the injury. But we hope that it is not a serious injury and we hope from now till our game against Burundi he will be available,” said Amuneke.

Osimhen

Dalung make a contrary one and we cannot continue like this.

“I have directed the Committee’s Clerk to send a well worded letter of invitation to him to meet with the Committee,” he concluded.

Bishop Mike Okonkwo FIFA gets first female scribe tourney kicks off today S IfeanyI eduzor

L

ocal Organizing Committee of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo football tournament has announced that the 14th edition of the tournament will kick off today at the football pitch of the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Chairman of the Committee, Malachi Ndubuzor, told Saturday Mirror that the championship which is used by the presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) to empower the youths and help them develop their talent will attract a total of 64 teams who will be vying for honours in the tournament.

“We are organizing this tournament which is now in the annual calendar of the church as part of the Bishop’s effort to empower the youths, encourage healthy competition amongst them, and help them develop their talents.

“To show how popular the game has become, we initially had over 70 entries but after a careful screening of the teams, we were able to select 64 teams that will take part in the competition “It will also interest you to know that many great footballers Hiddink has been discovered through

this championship and we are going to make the finals of this year’s edition more glamorous because it will coincide with the 71st birthday of our Bishop”, Ndubuaku said.

According to him, the first match of the Group stage will see Mighty Stars taking on Starlet Fc while Stallion Atlectico will square up with Sparrow Fc. The last match for today will be between Rehoboth Fc and Hephzybah Fc Action will continue tomorrow, Sunday, May 15, when Rechabite Fc will face Royal Sporting FC in the first match of the day before Ypen Fc takes on Diamond Fc in the final match of the day.

Bishop Mike Okonkwo

Injury concern for U-20 star, Osimhen igeria U-20 head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, is a worried man after star striker, Victor Osimhen, suffered a shoulder injury in Thursday’s warm-up game with the U-23 team.

Amuneke has said that the Wolfsburg man is going to be assessed to determine the extent of the injury sustained.

However, the Flying Eagles gaffer is hoping that the 17-yearold striker will not be ruled out of the 2017 African Youth Championship qualifying match in Burundi on May 21.

“I am not a doctor but hope-

Uganda suspended from U-20 AFCON

U

ganda has been thrown out of next year’s U-20 AFCON after they fielded an ineligible player, who has two different birth dates.

Uganda defeated Rwanda 3-2 on aggregate in the AFCON qualifiers, winning 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 in Rwanda.

Rwanda had protested against

four Uganda players, arguing they were not eligible for the agegrade competitions.

But according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), it has been discovered that only Aheebwa James has two birth dates; 19/5/1998 on his passport and 27/3/1997 on his Inter-clubs registration.

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MAY 14, 2016

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Fuel pump increase: APC appeals to NLC, Nigerians ObiOra ifOh ABUJA

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s Nigeria Labour Congress, students, civil societies and other Nigerians plan a show down against the federal government over the increase in the premium Motor Spirit (fuel) price, the national leadership of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress has appealed for understanding with the government.

The APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who addressed a press conference at the national secretariat of APC in Abuja on the increased fuel pump price, agreed that the increase would add hardership to Nigerians, even as he admitted that it was in the best interest of Nigerians as well.

Odigie-Oyegun reiterated that the subsidized fuel price has never been beneficiary to Nigerians but the very few cabals in the sector.

He stated that the partial deregulation of the petroleum sector would free the economy, thereby providing money for the government for job creation.

Appealing to Nigerians to bear with the government on the increase of fuel pump price from N86.50k to N145, he said, “l invited you because of the fundamental announcement that was made within the last 24 hours because I wanted to join my voice with that of the Minister to appeal to the Nigerian public, to our unions and other civil society groups for understanding of the situation that has led to the partial deregulation of fuel prices.

“Yes, Nigerians have a right to subsidy on that one natural resource that the good Lord has endowed us with. But there is no question at all that over time, the subsidy regime has become so intensely manipulated, so abused that it really was no longer operating in the interest of the Nigerian public.

“I think that it has become very clear that the kind of queues that has become endemic over several regimes in this nation is a clear indication that something has gone seriously wrong with the subsidy

regime. Those who were privileged were exploiting it to amass more wealth.

Meanwhile, the people for who it is basically meant have to bear the cost in higher transport fare. Each time these queues develop, of course the ordinary Nigerian bears the cost while the importers and manipulators of the system are the ones that make all the money.

“I don’t know how many people have drivers. So, you and I and in fact having the middle class of this nation queuing at petrol stations for long hours to buy fuel at over N200 per liter. A situation like that is reverberating to the detriment of the same people that the government has sworn to protect and to promote. What the new regime is therefore doing is to ensure availability and having fuel so as to prevent indecent queues at petrol stations, which has become something that is no longer desirable especially considering the fact that when you eventually get the fuel, it is already overpriced.

“From our point of view as a party, it has become necessary to fully and in order to recover from the economic situation which we have been plunged, to totally free the economy and let the normal laws of demand and supply operate. Of course, with government standing bye to protect the long suffering Nigerian, who is at the margin”.

Speaking on the short term effect of the increase, the APC national chairman said, “It is unfortunate; it is painful what has happened; and it will increase cost in all directions. But in the medium term, in three months at best, I foresee that the prices will come crashing down when there is availability. NNPC will continue to be in the field anyway either through the refineries whenever our pipelines are allowed to function or through importation and so will continue to be a player in the fuel supply market.

“Prices are bound to come down. A typical example is what happened when mobile phones were introduced. I remember

that I bought a SIM card for over N30,000 but today, it is virtually free. If we free the fuel market, that same thing will happen which was as a result of competition”.

Also, to draw the argument of fuel subsidy removal in favour of government, Oyegun said, “In any case, the current budget did not provide for subsidy and so, if the region of subsidy is to be reintroduced,

it can only divert resources from the crying needs of other sectors, including the programme to help the Nigerians living at their margin.

“So, the appeal which is a very sincere appeal to the Nigerian people; yes there is a lot of hardship, yes increased pump price will also increase that hardship but the economy is being freed in a way that the ordinary Nigerian will become

the major beneficiary and we are talking of a matter of months from removing this one last bottleneck that has held the Nigerian economy down.

Asked if there would be cushioning measure put in place by federal government, the party chairman said, “I think that is something that will very much be under consideration. I suppose this had to be done urgently because

the depredations at the fuel stations was really too much and this had to be done immediately. The issue of cushioning will come and I am sure the ministry will be looking at that”.

It would be recalled that when former President Goodluck Jonathan increased fuel pump price to N97 in 2012, the administration established SURE-P to cushion the effect.

Fashola meets solar power promoters, investors

NYSC 2016 Batch ‘A’ Corps members, during their passing out parade at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Jos yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

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he Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has met with sponsors, investors and promoters of Solar Energy in the country saying. the time was now ripe to take forward the solar power projects in the country and begin to deploy it as an integral part of the Energy Mix in the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve incremental power.

Fashola, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, which took place at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Auditorium in Maitama, Abuja, said the country needs all the energy it could possibly source in order to attain the goal of incremental, steady and ultimately uninterrupted power.

The Minister, who said the meeting was convened

to, among other reasons, discuss how to bridge gap between the cost of solar and other sources of energy available with the sponsors of the solar initiatives, assured that as soon as this is concluded government would quickly then sign their commercial agreements and power purchase agreements so that they could go to their financiers and banks to draw down and start the projects across the country.

Noting that the solar energy is more expensive than other types of energy, Fashola, however, said the advantage it has over other energy types was that the price seldom goes up. “It stays fixed or comes down”, he said, adding that the purpose of the meeting was to see how we can bring the cost to market price and “at its most competitive price and hopefully make it

affordable to people”.

“Solar is one of the options for incremental power. You know I have been talking about the roadmap to power from incremental to steady to uninterrupted power. So we are walking our talk.

We are looking everywhere where we can get energy”, the Minister said adding the reason the country has not had solar till now was that it also comes at a cost.

He explained further, “At the market price today in Nigeria, and I qualify “in Nigeria”, it is a little more expensive than even gas power and the issue now is how we can bring down the price; because if we don’t bring down the price, it means that government will continue to subsidise this with the propensities that subsidies carry with them”.

“But the market price at entry is 17 cents per kilowatt/hr, which if you multiply with 200 will get you N34, which is more expensive than the current gas and other types”, he said adding, however, that the plan to get the production at a satisfactory price and fast-track the takeoff of the projects was consistent with government’s plan for an Energy Mix. Reiterating that the problem remained essentially the price “and the liquidity issue that are in it going forward”, Fashola said the implication of government taking on the initiative without resolving the cost being presented by the sponsors and promoters, was that government would be paying about N3 billion to subsidize power adding, “We can’t carry that kind of subsidy”.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Crime Watch

43

Egbeda murder: Homicide

detectives visit crime scene

Patience OgbO

H

omicide detectives, attached to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department at Panti, Yaba, have begun Investigations into the alleged murder of a Lagos based housewife, Ronke Shonde, as they have visited the crime scene, where her husband was said to have allegedly murdered her.

Saturday Mirror further gathered that the police detectives are carrying out the investigations to find out what transpired between the couple that led to the death of the mother of two.

The visit to the crime scene, Saturday Mirror learnt, followed statement by the suspect on Monday that he did not kill his wife as being circulated.

A source revealed to Saturday Mirror that the suspect is cooperating with detectives to unravel the death of his wife.

The source, which requested anonymity, said “He, (Lekan Shonde) was brought in to the SCID on Monday night from the Lagos State Commissioner of police office and he was interrogated by the Homicide detectives. He maintained that he did not kill his wife and would have escaped if it were a premeditated murder. He submitted himself to all the interrogation and was willing to give further comments. Right now, he is in Homicide custody and he is being monitored. Autopsy will be conducted on the corpse to find out what or who killed her”.

News of the alleged murder of Ronke Shonde hit the social media last weekend, with allegations making the rounds that her husband allegedly strangled her to death in their home at Egbeda, a surbub of Lagos, following a domestic scuffle.

It was gathered that Shonde allegedly locked his wife’s corpse in their apartment with their two children and he fled with his wife’s phone.

Four days after the alleged murder, Mr. Shonde showed up after he threatened to commit suicide. However, his friends and family convinced him to give himself in to the police, which he did on Monday.

In his statement, Shonde accused his wife of infidelity as he maintained that he loved her and only slapped her after she returned home from visiting her lover.

In his statement to the police, he said, “ I love my wife. I am shocked that she is dead. I only slapped her after she came

Lekan and late Ronke Shonde home from seeing her lover. She took my money that day and held my leg that I should forgive her. I left the house in anger but I did not beat her. I did not strangle her as being alleged. I ran away because my neighbours told me that my wife was dead. I was shocked to hear she had died, because I left her crying at home. If I had planned to kill

her, I would have escaped”.

Lagos State Commissioner of police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, said the case would be thorough investigated. Confirming that the suspect was in police custody, Owoseni said an autopsy will ascertain the cause of death, adding that the police was yet to interrogate Shonde.

“It is still an allegation and the police

is not the court of law to pronounce anyone guilty or otherwise.

“He has turned himself in. I confirm he is in our custody. We will ensure we get to the root of the matter.

He shall be interrogated and investigation is ongoing. We cannot say for sure what happened but autopsy report will prove cause of death,” he said.

Patience OgbO

N100,000 from stealing vehicle parts before I was arrested. I can put all I have made from stealing to be around N56,000 before I was arrested. I feel bad but it’s hunger that made me to go into stealing vehicle parts. I will not do it again if the government forgives me”.

The other suspect, Samuel said he has only realised N34,000 from stealing vehicle spare parts before he was arrested.

“It is not as if I don’t have job but I cannot tell you why I steal vehicle parts. I just started stealing this year and I have not made much. I have stolen vehicle parts from the cars parked on the road. I cannot tell you how many car parts I stole but I have not made much from this business. I think I have made about N34,000. I have different customers at Ladipo Spare parts market, where I give the stolen vehicle parts to buy.

I don’t know that I will be arrested so

soon”.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the suspects are undergoing investigations at the Federal Special Anti- Robbery Squad (FSARS), Lagos command, to arrest other members and receivers of the stolen vehicle spare parts.

Lagos State Commissioner of police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni said the suspects were arrested at different locations in the state following a tip off from members of the public.

The Lagos police boss however urged members of the public to be security conscious and report all suspicious movements to the police.

He said. “ The suspects were arrested following a tip off from members of the public. Following their arrest, they confessed to stealing vehicle parts, which they sold to traders at Ladipo market.

They will be charged to court after a thorough investigation is conducted.”

We are yet to hit it big —Suspects T

wo men arrested by policemen attached to the Lagos State police command are telling detectives how they stole vehicle parts in the state.

The suspects identified as Emmanuel Samuel and Nwosu Udeme were arrested for allegedly stealing vehicle parts, which they later sold to traders at the Ladipo Spare parts market in Lagos.

The suspects however said their regret is that they are yet to hit it big in stealing vehicle parts before the police arrested them.

Udeme said, “ I was a bus conductor but I don’t make much from my work. I decided to start stealing vehicle parts to make ends meet. I usually go to where they abandoned cars and remove the parts, which I take to Ladipo Spare part market to sell. I have not made up to

Do you have a story for us? Contact 08138773277 or crimewatchmirror@yahoo.com

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Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Technician stabs step -brother to death Patience OgbO

P

olicemen attached to the Ilemba Hausa police station at Ajangbadi in Lagos, have arrested a 20-year-old man, Chibikem Ijeoma for allegedly stabbing his stepbrother Ifeanyi 18 to death.

It was gathered that, the brothers fought each other over a hearing device on May 4 at their home at 29 Showemimo Street, Ajangbadi.

Saturday Mirror gathered that Chibikem allegedly broke a bottle in anger and stabbed Ifeanyi on the leg.

The deceased was however rushed to the hospital and all efforts to save him proved abortive, as he has lost a lot of blood.

Eyewitnesses’ account submitted that he died from the wound.

Their father, Mr. Robert Ijeoma narrated what happened on that fateful day.

“Ifeanyi was my love child and has been living with me for a few years now. That fateful day, I woke up to the noise of the two of them, fighting over hearing device. Ifeanyi was accusing Chibikem of stealing his hearing device but we separated them and warned them not to fight again. I left them and went to my shop at Alaba International market but

Owoseni

later in the evening, I received a phone call that Chibikem had stabbed Ifeanyi. Ifeanyi was rushed to the Sabo hospital and the Goodness and Mercy hospital but he died from the wound he sustained. The case was reported to the police and they arrested Chibikem.”

The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Loveth, however urged the police to carry out a thorough investigation as she said she suspects foul play.

“When I was carrying Ifeanyi’s pregnancy his father Robert rejected me. I suffered to cater for him. My family rejected me and

I went through difficulties to carry the pregnancy. God helped me and I gave birth to him. One month after his birth, a man came and showed interest in me.

He went on to marry me and together we raised Ifeanyi until his father came and asked that he wanted his son back. I did not want him to go to that house. I pleaded with Ifeanyi to remain with me but he eventually went to live with his father. However, he told me that Chibikem and the mother don’t like him. Chibikem had threatened Ifeanyi not to live with them and when he told me how he was maltreated in his father’s house, I told him to come to and live with me, but he refused. I only got a call that fateful day that he was dead.

I am in shock. They conspired and wasted my son. They killed him in cold blood because they do not want him in that family.

I am in pain. I want police to investigate this matter t horoughly. I suspect this murder was premeditated and all those behind his untimely death should be arrested and prosecuted”.

The suspect however said he was under a spell, which pushed him to stab his stepbrother to death.

He said. “ I don’t know what came over me. Ifeanyi provoked me. He accused me of stealing his hearing device. I told him

to stop accusing me that I have my own hearing device, which I brought out and showed him, but he was ready for a fight. I was not ready to fight him but he hissed. I slapped him after he hissed and we fought that morning but we were separated.

I went to work in a shop where I am learning how to fix CCTV as a technician.

Later that evening, some boys came to look for me. They told me that it was Ifeanyi that sent them to waylay me. Those boys are his seniors in his shop.

When I got home, I questioned Ifeanyi why he sent some boys to waylay me and he said I could not do anything to him. I became very angry and took a bottle, broke it and stabbed him on the leg. I don’t intend to kill him.

When I saw blood gushing from his leg, I became afraid.

My mother came out and tied her wrapper round his leg to prevent him bleeding to death. I assisted them to take him to the hospital but he died shortly after. I am confused myself. I don’t know what came over me to stab Ifeanyi”.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Unit State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department at Panti Yaba for thorough investigation.

Oyo anti-crime outfit nabs six students for cultism M

en of the Oyo State security outfit, codenamed Operation Burst, have arrested six students of the Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa, for cultism and cult related activities.

The security men who followed a lead from a renounced cultist, said the security operative has been on a surveillance and monitoring of the suspects for about three months, following continuous reports of cult related activities by the school management before the eventual arrest Parading the suspects at the headquarters office of the security outfit, the Commander of the outfit, Brigadier-General Usman Yussuf, said three of the suspects confessed to be members of different cult groups According the him, the day of

reckoning started counting for the suspected cultists when one Shina Owonikoko, a secondary school student renounced cultism and reported to the school security unit.

He added that the cultists put efforts to woo him back to their fold not long after he gained admission into the institution, stating that his refusal attracted molestation, assault, exploitation and harrasment from the cult groups at various times He said, “following our intolerance for crimes in the state, six students of Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa were arrested for cultism and cult-related matters.

“We have been following on a lead from one renounced cultist whom the cult members have been tormenting to woo him back to their midst. He has suffered a lot of molestation and

harassment from the group but he has been so supportive in providing useful information that led to the arrest of the suspects.

“Although investigation is still ongoing but three of the suspects have confessed to be cultists while the other three have also been identified as cultists by those who confessed despite their initial denial”.

He gave the names of the students as Olufunmilayo Olanrewaju Bamidele, 24, ND 1 student of Mass Communication department; Oluwafunmilola Oloyede, 23, ND II Computer Science student and Olowonikoko Oluwasina, 24 Others are Mubarak Adesewa Moshood, 24, ND II Fine Art student; David Abodunrin, 22 and Agbebi Oluwafemi, 23.

While assuring members of the public of the commitment of

the anti-crime squad to providing round the clock security in the state, Yussuf noted that the outfit is still as robust as ever.

He then urged members of the public to make use of the phones line provided by the security outfit anytime to burst crimes in any part of the state Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the cultist, Owonikoko recounted he has paid various sums of money to the group just for them to let him beHe said, “the cult boys have collected N50, 000 from me before. There are times they collect N5,000 and at times N3, 000 at other times.

There was a time they collected my ATM cards to withdraw money from my account just to drink.

There were occasions they would just come to my house and cart away my food stuffs, just to lure

me back to join them.”

Explaining why he refused to rejoining the group, he said, “I was a cultist from my senior secondary school one (SSS1) but after an incident, my parents got to know about my involvement and my subsequent arrest. I was tortured by the military and since then I vowed not to rejoin the group “But I have attended their general meeting about two times, just to get information about their movement which I later reported to the security outfit to ensure the arrest”.

However, Yussuf assured that the matter would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Airtel Nigeria.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Suspected Cross River hoodlums attack Ebonyi community ...as Police denies killings ALIUNA GODWIN, ABAKALIKI

S

uspected gunmen believed to hail from Cross River State were yesterday reported to have invaded Amaagu Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, shooting sporadically to sack the community.

Confirming the incident, the state’s Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), ASP George Okafor, said there was a report of heavy shooting around the disputed boundary between Ochenyim-Amagu. Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and Adadama of Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Thursday though no lives were lost.

He stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, in company of officers and men of the Command has been in the trouble zone to quell the unrest.

Okafor also said that the command has arrest-

ed a policeman and a good number of other suspects in connection with the killing of a policeman along Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway by hoodlums last month.

He debunked the rumor making the rounds in the state that a policeman shot dead his colleague, saying “no record of such incident in the Command.

He said: “You all are aware that a police officer was shot on the 8th of April 2016 along Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway by hoodlums who were robbing along that road.

“The policeman rushed to the robbery scene following a distress call, but unfortunately, he was shot and his rifle snatched from him, which we are still investigating and have made some arrests.

“And another incident recorded last month is the case of kidnapping of one Hilary which is also under investigation, and as soon we are through with investigations, we are going to brief you accordingly.

SOUTH EAST

PAGE

45

Umahi stops movement of herdsmen through farmlands in Ebonyi ALIUNA GODWIN, ABAKALIKI

T

he governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, yesterday, announced his readiness to stop the passage of herdsmen through farm lands in Ebonyi State to avert further crisis generated by the activities of the herdsmen in South East zone of the country.

Umahi made this known while addressing

security chiefs in Ebonyi State, including the leader of the South-East Hausa Community among others which took place at the office of the Commissioner of Police, located opposite Government House, Abakaliki.

He said: “I am deeply concerned about the life of every Nigerian, both those living in Ebonyi State and outside the state. It is our duty to protect the lives of every Nigerian and those who are not Nigerians.

And when you have tension building up, you must as chief security officers, have an interactive section and see how we can calm the situation down.

“The last time we met, we were told that our Fulani/Hausa brothers who have lived here for about 50 to 60 years do not pose any problem or threat to us. People that pose problem and threat to us are those who pass through the land. And now,

I will be handling the two together. The first one is to say to you, they should not pass again because the tension is very high.

“I did not want to bring the community people, but there is a delegation from all the local government areas here because there is high tension built up not only in Ebonyi, but everyone handles his in his own way. For now, you have to tell them to stay out of passing, the Governor said.

Court sacks APGA member in Abia Assembly

T

he Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, has nullified the election of Kelechi Onuzurike, a member representing Umuahia North state constituency in the state House of Assembly. The court also ordered that fresh election be conducted within 30 days while Onuzurike and other defendants were ordered to pay N8 million compensation to the plaintiff.

The judgment was given in respect of a suit filed by Mr. Sunday Ifeanyi Ajero, who claimed in the suit to be the authentic candidate of the party before he was displaced by the defendants.

The court held that Onuzurike, who won the seat under All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was not the rightful candidate of the party at the 2015 General Elections.

Reacting to the judgment, Counsel to Ajero, Smart Ugochukwu Apu, said the judgment was a confirmation that Ajero, is the rightfully nominated candidate for Umuahia North state constituency.

But in a swift reaction, counsel to Onuzurike, Chief Uwandu Onyenakom, described the judgment as an error of the High Court which he said the Appeal Court would correct.

“What you have heard is the judgment of the court; the judge promised that we would get the copy of the judgment; we will peruse the judgment and subsequently pursue the rights of our clients as best as we can on appellate level. We are not worried, I have met with my client and he is in high spirit.”

He said that his client has every reason to be joyful because, though the judgment was given against them, they have substantial grounds of appeal, and believe that the Court of Appeal will do the needful in no distant time. “ We shall look at the judgment holistically, come up with grounds that will enable the appellate court to take a second look at the judgment and award us victory.”

The judge said that INEC which is the third defendant should conduct an election within 30 days, but the defendants have the right of appeal which stretches up to 90 days, so by the time we get the judgment tomorrow, we will file notice of appeal and also file a motion for a stay of execution until the Court of Appeal determines the appeal,” he explained, adding, “ we are confident that this error will be corrected as the Court of Appeal will identify the error and correct it,” he said.

Commissioner of Police for Enugu State, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu (r),addressing a news conference on activities of the command in Enugu with him is Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Finance, Mr Amaechi Oliver.

Disarm herdsmen immediately - S’East monarchs tell FG EMMANUEL EZEH, ENUGU

T

raditional rulers in the South-East zone of the country have called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to disarm rampaging herdsmen.

The monarchs stormed Enugu yesterday in solidarity with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi over the attack on Nimbo community by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State also came calling yesterday, along with an entourage

made up of the leadership of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of his state and some members of the state executive council.

Obiano said his government and the people of Anambra State were solidly behind the government and people of their sister state in this crisis.

Both group of visitors on solidarity visits commended Governor Ugwuanyi for the calibre of leadership he exhibited that worked to stave off further bloody crisis in the wake of the Nimbo attack.

One of the leaders of the South East Tradition-

al Rulers Council and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, who was also on the entourage of Governor Obiano, told the two governors that it was the view of the monarchs that the people of the geopolitical zone should gird their loins, and not allow this kind of attack to take their people unawares again in the future.

The Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Eberechi N. Dick, who led the monarchs to Government House, Enugu, urged the government to take the call for disarmament seri-

ous in view of the danger herdsmen’s menace poses to the sovereignty of the country.

They declared that Governor Ugwuanyi showed effective leadership in handling the recent attack on the people of Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Ugwuanyi said their visit “is really very comforting and reassuring, and it goes to confirm our sense of brotherhood and the common grief that we share as a people.”

PAGE

46

PCN seals up 27 pharmacies, 111 patent medicine stores in Delta Amour udemude ASABA

F

or allegedly dispensing what it called poison in form of drugs to members of the public, poor storage conditions, selling medicines above the approved list for patent medicine vendors as well as non-registration or renewal of premises, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed up at least twenty-seven pharmacies and 111 patent medicine stores in Delta State.

Carrying out the operations yesterday, in pharmacies and patent medicine stores in Asaba, Sapele, Warri, Kwale, Ozoro, Ughelli, Oleh and Ogwashi-Uku, the Director and Head of Inspection and Monitoring Department of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Mrs. Antonia Aruya, disclosed that some recalcitrants, who had broken the seal of PCN, would be made to face the full weight of the law, adding that measures have been in place in the state for the smooth prosecution of violators of the regulations of pharmacy practice.

“We have just started in Delta State, and we are going to prosecute. We have put the structure on ground for the prosecution to take place. Our lawyer would be on ground by Monday to work with the Commissioner of Police, to ensure that those who broke our seal will be apprehended and prosecuted. We have taken quite a number of cases to court.

In fact, last two weeks in Kano, four patent medicine vendors were sentenced to six months imprisonment after we tried to make them comply, and they were not willing to do so.

“They broke our seal, and we have to prosecute them. The activities of PCN are not punitive; they are meant to be corrective. We want to sanitize the value chain so that when people visit a pharmacy or patent medicine shop to buy drugs, they are sure that what they are buying is what they are supposed to buy, and it will do what is supposed to do in their system

SOUTH SOUTH

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

State Governors not prudent, spend funds on personal luxury – Kalu rotimi FAdeyi

F

ormer governor of Abia State, Orji Uzo Kalu has said that State Governors are not prudent in their spending, accusing them of using state’s funds to satisfy personal comfort.

Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo in his office at the Presidential Villa, Kalu said the poor financial management by governors was the reason states are finding it difficult to pay workers’ salaries and meet other financial obligations According to him, the demand by governors for more funds from the federal government cannot be justified considering the resources and funds available to them, saying that they are more interested in drawing a huge sum of N35 million as traveling allowance.

He said, “I think most of these governors are doing very well and some of them also are living in the euphoria of the office. You can see most of them who are very active; I don’t need to count them for you.

“The issues of crying for fund, honestly, in my opinion, these governors have enough funds to work for their people because if you check, the money drawn as security vote is excessive.

They should stop that.

“Unless they stop drawing on security vote they will not have enough funds to work with and most of them are living in absolute luxury, which is not their money that they worked out for. So it

is impossible to continue living in this manner.

“Most of the governors are even living in Abuja now; they don’t even live

in their states, honestly. If you look at the books very well, in each trip they make, they will take traveling allowance of N35 million,

which is unheard of, Kalu explained.

He stressed that the private sector has a key role to play in national development if the govern-

ment create the enabling environment for them to thrive, stressing that they also need government guarantees and access to credit.

L-R: Executive Directo Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd., Dr. Albert Okorogu; former Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu; MD Neya Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Grunder Raju and MD, Niger Delta Power Holding Ltd., Mr. James Olotu after a visit to the Presidency in Abuja, yesterday.

Akwa Ibom Assembly wants beggars off Uyo streets

A

kwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed the state government to immediately remove beggars from the streets of Uyo, the state capital.

The assembly, Thursday, unanimously passed a resolution to that effect, after hearing a motion brought before it by the member representing Oruk-Anam State Constituency, Udo Kieran.

The Assembly directed the commissioner for women affairs to work with the Uyo Capital City Development Authority to ensure that the resolution was effectively carried out.

“The beggars, some of whom are said to be underage children, should be rehabilitated in children’s home or other rehabilitation facilities in the state,” the Assembly said.

Mr. Kieran, who is the majority leader of the House, told the Assembly that the influx of beggars and their daily activities in Uyo, was becoming alarming, and should be discouraged, especially with the current security situation in the country.

Mr. Kieran also said the sight of beggars almost everywhere within the city of Uyo was capable of having

psychological effect on the people of the state.

“On daily basis, most especially in the afternoons and evenings, women and children stand at strategic junctions cuddling babies and toddlers begging for alms,” Kieran had said, while arguing his motion.

“These beggars, who are mostly non-indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, stand at Two-Lane junction by Ibom

Hall, the Ibom Plaza, among other places.”

Aniekan Uko (Ibesikpo Asutan), while arguing in support of the motion, said the beggars couldn’t have come from Akwa Ibom State because, according to him, begging was alien to the people’s culture and tradition.

Ime Okon (Ibiono Ibom), in his contribution to the debate, said that an average Akwa Ibom person would do everything to protect his

dignity, and would therefore, not find it dignifying to stand on the streets to beg.

The Assembly directed security agencies in the state to find out where the beggars sleep at night, and if they had other motives for coming to the state.

The Speaker, Onofiok Luke, thanked members for being sensitive to issues affecting the people of the state, and urged security agencies to live up to their responsibilities.

INEC denies announcing result of Tai Local Government Area

T

he Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, has said that the commission has not announced the result of the March 19 re-run election for Tai Local Government Area.

Ikoiwak told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by telephone that allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the commission had compiled and sent the result to its headquarter was false. `` To the best of my knowledge parties and

their agents have been collecting certified copies of the election results, which they want to use at the election tribunal. `` Allegation made by the PDP is not true. `` I also want to state that Mrs Amina Zakari, an INEC National Commissioner, mentioned in the allegation is presently out of the country,” he said.

The Publicity Secretary of PDP in Rivers, Mr Samuel Nwanosike, had told newsmen that the party had uncovered plans by INEC to

announce the result of Tai Local Government Area.

He said Tai was one of the eight local governments in the state re-run elections were cancelled.

Nwanosike also said that Zakari was behind the plan to announce the result in favour of All the Progressives House of Representatives candidate.

He said that the party was worried about the development because election did not take place in the local government area.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PAGE

47

Tanzania cuts live parliamentary coverage

O

n April 19, the live coverage of proceedings in the Tanzanian parliament ended as a government decision to halt the service went into effect.

The move, announced

by Information Minister Nape Nnauye in January, has led to protests from the opposition party and journalists’ groups, who said they view the decision to stop live broadcasts of parliamentary debates as tantamount to censorship.

When Nnauye announced details of the ban in Parliament on January 27, he said that the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings by the state broadcaster, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, cost too much, according to news accounts. At a press conference on February 2, Nnauye said that the service cost the state broadcaster $2.1 million a year. Opposition parties dismissed the argument that the service was halted because of costs and offered to pay for the service, but their offer was rejected the media reported.

Live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings, which air for about four hours a day while parliament is in session, are popular in Tanzania. In a country where the ruling party has held power for more than half a century, the broadcasts are viewed as a rare outlet where the relatively small but lively opposition can hold the government to account and citizens get an unvarnished version of government matters being discussed by parliamentarians.

Instead of a full broadcast of proceedings, the parliament’s press team will distribute selected highlights to TV stations at the close of a day’s session, according to press accounts.

Absalom Kibanda, an editor with the independent New Habari newspaper and a former chairman of the Tanzania

Editors Forum, told CPJ there was little trust that selected highlights would accurately reflect the proceedings. He said that the government’s move was widely viewed as an attempt to stifle press freedom.

“Live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings is one of the most important avenues through which the people can see their elected representatives holding cabinet ministers and government officials to account. The government has however never been comfortable with this

and has tried to ban the broadcasts several times before, and we are very disappointed that they have carried through with their threats this time,” he said.

At a news conference about the decision on April 24, Theophil Makunga, chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum, said, “We condemn the decision for it has denied people their rights to information …

To prohibit cameras in the debating chamber is an open strategy to violate freedom of press.”

Ayub Rioba, the

managing director of the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, which provided the live feed, did not immediately respond to CPJ’s request for comment.

The BBC reported that since the coverage was halted members of parliament have been recording parliamentary debates on their mobile phones and uploading the footage to social media. A petition has also been set up on the social causes website Change.org, urging the government to reverse the decision.

Parliament, which

is dominated by the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Party of the Revolution), has tried to halt the service before.

In February 2013, it announced that live broadcasts would be replaced with footage recorded and edited by parliamentary authorities, according to press accounts. Officials backtracked after protests by journalist groups, including the Media Council of Tanzania. On that occasion, the cost of the service was not cited as an issue.

Although President John Magufuli, who came

into office in October 2015, and his administration have been praised for its anti-corruption drive, the government has taken measures to limit media freedom. CPJ reported in January on the closure of a weekly Swahililanguage newspaper, Mawio, which was shut down after it reported on the political crisis in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar. In March, a journalist was abducted and beaten by unknown assailants while reporting on an election in Zanzibar, which was boycotted by the opposition.

Queen wins $70 grocery voucher

H

old your horses!

What’s that Queen Elizabeth II is holding...?

The long-reining monarch was gifted a £50 ($72) voucher to spend at UK grocery giant Tesco, after her steed romped to victory at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

But whether or not HM will canter down to the Royal Family’s

local branch to spend her whinny-ings remains to be seen.

The idea of the Queen carrying her own shopping bags back to Buckingham Palace might seem a little far-fetched, but perhaps not for much longer.

Her Majesty’s horse, Barber’s Shop, won the RoR Tattersalls Thoroughbred Ridden Show

Horse Championship Thursday to hand her the top prize.

The four-day event, held on the grounds of Windsor Castle, will also host celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the 66th edition of the annual show, in which 900 horses and 1,500 riders will perform.

Queen Elizabeth

Donald Trump denies resurfaced recording

D

onald Trump said Friday a newly resurfaced recording of a man that sounds like Trump posing as his spokesman isn’t him, despite evidence he admitted it in the past.

“It was not me on the phone,” Trump told NBC’s “Today” show when the recording was played for him during a live interview. “And it doesn’t sound like me on the phone, I’ll tell you that, and it was not me on the phone.”

NBC was asking Trump about a Washington Post report that published earlier Friday that claims Trump routinely made calls to reporters in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s posing as

a publicist named John Miller or John Barron, advocating for himself and answering questions about his personal life and business dealings.

The man in the 14-minute recording sounds much like Trump, and the Post pointed to Trump’s long appreciation of the name Barron, including the name of his youngest son. The Post also cited 1990 court case testimony in which Trump testified, “I believe on occasion I used that name.”

On “Today” Friday morning, Trump at first said he didn’t “think” it was him on the recording.

“This sounds like one of the scams, one of the many scams, doesn’t sound like me,” Trump said. “I don’t think it was me, it doesn’t sound like me.”

When pressed by the anchors, Trump explicitly said it wasn’t him.

And then he testily told the journalists to move on.

“You’re going so low to talk about something that took place 25 years ago whether or not I made a phone call?”

Trump said. “Let’s get on to more current subjects.”

But Trump’s history of impersonating his own spokesman has long been an open secret at the Trump Organization and among

New York media circles.

At least one former Trump Organization executive has confirmed to CNN that Trump at times responded to media requests personally under the guise of a spokesman.

Trump’s apparent alter ego was quoted repeatedly and prominently in newspapers, magazines and especially in the gossip pages of New York tabloids.

In 1984 and 1985, several New York Times articles attributed quotes about Trump’s business dealings to “John Barron, a vice president of the Trump Organization.”

And Trump’s unofficial biographers also pulled the thin veil off Trump’s cover identity.

Michael D’Antonio wrote in “Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success” that “John Barron was a way for Trump to talk himself up.”

“He’d be able to express things that he wanted expressed about himself by someone that wasn’t him,” D’Antonio wrote.

And the audio recording reveals more than just a remarkable likeness to Trump’s own voice, but also in the spokesman’s cadence, word choice and the billionaire’s trademark bravado.

Quote of the day

“The activities of Fulani herdsmen for me is a dangerous trend. We also know that that was how Boko Haram started and people felt it was normal and before you knew, it snowballed to a very big problem that we are still having in the country.”

—Lagos State House of Assembly member, representing Oshodi/ Isolo Constituency 2, Sir Jude Emeka Idimogu.

Saturday, MAY 14, 2016. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

BACK PAGE

David Cameron’s Panama Papers dilemma rruption

I

f David Cameron’s father was mentioned in the global mess known as #PanamaPapers, what moral high ground is he standing on to continue to provide leadership for Britain?

Perhaps the easiest way of sweeping things under the carpet is by quickly organising a world summit on corruption. But exactly when was this summit planned? Was it after Cameron was prominently featured in the Panama sleaze or during Britain’s preparation for 2016 budget? Is it an annual event? If so, when was it held last year?

Who is a fool Mr. Cameron? Or who is Mr. Cameron fooling?

What can be more aptly tagged as political corruption than Cameron briefing Her Majesty, the Queen of England, about his ‘urgent ‘summit on corruption?

It was simply an unsolicited memo to redeem his failing moral legitimacy arising from the damning Panama corruption report, using Nigeria’s name to launder his image before the Queen.

According to the embattled Prime Minister of Britain, Nigeria is “fantastically corrupt.” Is Nigeria the only country attending the summit?

In a quick bid to frustrate the cheap popularity strategy of Cameron, the Archbishop of Canterbury quipped, “But the current president is not corrupt.”

A disappointed Cameron was ignored by the Queen, who only said “Yes” to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s

…corruption teaching co

CFR

Parliament members who were caught in scandals of lesser magnitude than

#PanamaPaPers

in the Past took the honorable way of resignation.

PerhaPs mr. cameron is above the law?

testimony that President Buhari is not corrupt. Cameron’s political script collapsed!

Britain has paraded an impressive record of achievements in the past centuries. Closely guarded, even more than her laws, is the moral legitimacy of her rulers a praxis that has distinguished her in the comity of nations.

It will be disappointing to let go of such sterling record of achievement to protect or please a ‘clever’ Prime Minister!

Once an expose of the nature of #PanamaPapers is in the

open, the appropriate thing to do is to resign. Despite the protest from Labour and beyond 11, Downing Street, the world is still looking up to the British Parliament to create room for the election of a new prime minister. The Queen too must be thinking hard.

If Panama is unresolved, what is more to debate in a world summit on corruption where Mr. Cameron will deliver the opening speech? What a global convergence with a singleminded “conspiracy” to kill #PanamaPapers and legalise

corruption!

The banner of trust hangs on the British Parliament to do the needful on the Panama documents, for the parliament in Britain is beyond the United Kingdom. It is a parliament of the Commonwealth of Nations. There cannot be double standards. God forbid!

The sordid details of #PanamaPapers have been played out in the open. More lurid details are on the way, according to the whistleblower.

The integrity of everyone in the Parliament is under surveillance.

Parliament members who were caught in scandals of lesser magnitude than #PanamaPapers in the past took the honorable way of resignation. Perhaps Mr. Cameron is above the law? Or is it a case of double standards? It had better not be!

Mr. Cameron has been quoted as saying the week that the Panama outrage first seeped into public consciousness was not an easy week for him! How could it have been an easy week? Corruption is never easy business!

One hopes Mr. Cameron would be kind enough to return the portion of the proceeds that were traced to Britain before the loot finds its way back to Panama. *Ibrahim writes from the Judge Business School of the University of Cambridge

Printed and published by Global Media Mirror Limited: Head Office, Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street Lagos; Abuja Office: NICON House, Central Business District Area, Abuja.

Email:mail@nationalmirroronline.net. MD/CEO: Sunday Olajide: 08060852080; Editor: Gbemisola Olujobi: 07033860196; Advert Hotline: 07066178740. ISSN 0794-232X.

Quote of the day

“The activities of Fulani herdsmen for me is a dangerous trend. We also know that that was how Boko Haram started and people felt it was normal and before you knew, it snowballed to a very big problem that we are still having in the country.”

—Lagos State House of Assembly member, representing Oshodi/ Isolo Constituency 2, Sir Jude Emeka Idimogu.

Saturday, MAY 14, 2016. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

BACK PAGE

David Cameron’s Panama Papers dilemma rruption

I

f David Cameron’s father was mentioned in the global mess known as #PanamaPapers, what moral high ground is he standing on to continue to provide leadership for Britain?

Perhaps the easiest way of sweeping things under the carpet is by quickly organising a world summit on corruption. But exactly when was this summit planned? Was it after Cameron was prominently featured in the Panama sleaze or during Britain’s preparation for 2016 budget? Is it an annual event? If so, when was it held last year?

Who is a fool Mr. Cameron? Or who is Mr. Cameron fooling?

What can be more aptly tagged as political corruption than Cameron briefing Her Majesty, the Queen of England, about his ‘urgent ‘summit on corruption?

It was simply an unsolicited memo to redeem his failing moral legitimacy arising from the damning Panama corruption report, using Nigeria’s name to launder his image before the Queen.

According to the embattled Prime Minister of Britain, Nigeria is “fantastically corrupt.” Is Nigeria the only country attending the summit?

In a quick bid to frustrate the cheap popularity strategy of Cameron, the Archbishop of Canterbury quipped, “But the current president is not corrupt.”

A disappointed Cameron was ignored by the Queen, who only said “Yes” to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s

…corruption teaching co

CFR

Parliament members who were caught in scandals of lesser magnitude than

#PanamaPaPers

in the Past took the honorable way of resignation.

PerhaPs mr. cameron is above the law?

testimony that President Buhari is not corrupt. Cameron’s political script collapsed!

Britain has paraded an impressive record of achievements in the past centuries. Closely guarded, even more than her laws, is the moral legitimacy of her rulers a praxis that has distinguished her in the comity of nations.

It will be disappointing to let go of such sterling record of achievement to protect or please a ‘clever’ Prime Minister!

Once an expose of the nature of #PanamaPapers is in the

open, the appropriate thing to do is to resign. Despite the protest from Labour and beyond 11, Downing Street, the world is still looking up to the British Parliament to create room for the election of a new prime minister. The Queen too must be thinking hard.

If Panama is unresolved, what is more to debate in a world summit on corruption where Mr. Cameron will deliver the opening speech? What a global convergence with a singleminded “conspiracy” to kill #PanamaPapers and legalise

corruption!

The banner of trust hangs on the British Parliament to do the needful on the Panama documents, for the parliament in Britain is beyond the United Kingdom. It is a parliament of the Commonwealth of Nations. There cannot be double standards. God forbid!

The sordid details of #PanamaPapers have been played out in the open. More lurid details are on the way, according to the whistleblower.

The integrity of everyone in the Parliament is under surveillance.

Parliament members who were caught in scandals of lesser magnitude than #PanamaPapers in the past took the honorable way of resignation. Perhaps Mr. Cameron is above the law? Or is it a case of double standards? It had better not be!

Mr. Cameron has been quoted as saying the week that the Panama outrage first seeped into public consciousness was not an easy week for him! How could it have been an easy week? Corruption is never easy business!

One hopes Mr. Cameron would be kind enough to return the portion of the proceeds that were traced to Britain before the loot finds its way back to Panama. *Ibrahim writes from the Judge Business School of the University of Cambridge

Printed and published by Global Media Mirror Limited: Head Office, Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street Lagos; Abuja Office: NICON House, Central Business District Area, Abuja.

Email:mail@nationalmirroronline.net. MD/CEO: Sunday Olajide: 08060852080; Editor: Gbemisola Olujobi: 07033860196; Advert Hotline: 07066178740. ISSN 0794-232X.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PAGE

47

Tanzania cuts live parliamentary coverage

O

n April 19, the live coverage of proceedings in the Tanzanian parliament ended as a government decision to halt the service went into effect.

The move, announced

by Information Minister Nape Nnauye in January, has led to protests from the opposition party and journalists’ groups, who said they view the decision to stop live broadcasts of parliamentary debates as tantamount to censorship.

When Nnauye announced details of the ban in Parliament on January 27, he said that the live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings by the state broadcaster, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, cost too much, according to news accounts. At a press conference on February 2, Nnauye said that the service cost the state broadcaster $2.1 million a year. Opposition parties dismissed the argument that the service was halted because of costs and offered to pay for the service, but their offer was rejected the media reported.

Live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings, which air for about four hours a day while parliament is in session, are popular in Tanzania. In a country where the ruling party has held power for more than half a century, the broadcasts are viewed as a rare outlet where the relatively small but lively opposition can hold the government to account and citizens get an unvarnished version of government matters being discussed by parliamentarians.

Instead of a full broadcast of proceedings, the parliament’s press team will distribute selected highlights to TV stations at the close of a day’s session, according to press accounts.

Absalom Kibanda, an editor with the independent New Habari newspaper and a former chairman of the Tanzania

Editors Forum, told CPJ there was little trust that selected highlights would accurately reflect the proceedings. He said that the government’s move was widely viewed as an attempt to stifle press freedom.

“Live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings is one of the most important avenues through which the people can see their elected representatives holding cabinet ministers and government officials to account. The government has however never been comfortable with this

and has tried to ban the broadcasts several times before, and we are very disappointed that they have carried through with their threats this time,” he said.

At a news conference about the decision on April 24, Theophil Makunga, chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum, said, “We condemn the decision for it has denied people their rights to information …

To prohibit cameras in the debating chamber is an open strategy to violate freedom of press.”

Ayub Rioba, the

managing director of the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, which provided the live feed, did not immediately respond to CPJ’s request for comment.

The BBC reported that since the coverage was halted members of parliament have been recording parliamentary debates on their mobile phones and uploading the footage to social media. A petition has also been set up on the social causes website Change.org, urging the government to reverse the decision.

Parliament, which

is dominated by the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Party of the Revolution), has tried to halt the service before.

In February 2013, it announced that live broadcasts would be replaced with footage recorded and edited by parliamentary authorities, according to press accounts. Officials backtracked after protests by journalist groups, including the Media Council of Tanzania. On that occasion, the cost of the service was not cited as an issue.

Although President John Magufuli, who came

into office in October 2015, and his administration have been praised for its anti-corruption drive, the government has taken measures to limit media freedom. CPJ reported in January on the closure of a weekly Swahililanguage newspaper, Mawio, which was shut down after it reported on the political crisis in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar. In March, a journalist was abducted and beaten by unknown assailants while reporting on an election in Zanzibar, which was boycotted by the opposition.

Queen wins $70 grocery voucher

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old your horses!

What’s that Queen Elizabeth II is holding...?

The long-reining monarch was gifted a £50 ($72) voucher to spend at UK grocery giant Tesco, after her steed romped to victory at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

But whether or not HM will canter down to the Royal Family’s

local branch to spend her whinny-ings remains to be seen.

The idea of the Queen carrying her own shopping bags back to Buckingham Palace might seem a little far-fetched, but perhaps not for much longer.

Her Majesty’s horse, Barber’s Shop, won the RoR Tattersalls Thoroughbred Ridden Show

Horse Championship Thursday to hand her the top prize.

The four-day event, held on the grounds of Windsor Castle, will also host celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the 66th edition of the annual show, in which 900 horses and 1,500 riders will perform.

Queen Elizabeth

Donald Trump denies resurfaced recording

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onald Trump said Friday a newly resurfaced recording of a man that sounds like Trump posing as his spokesman isn’t him, despite evidence he admitted it in the past.

“It was not me on the phone,” Trump told NBC’s “Today” show when the recording was played for him during a live interview. “And it doesn’t sound like me on the phone, I’ll tell you that, and it was not me on the phone.”

NBC was asking Trump about a Washington Post report that published earlier Friday that claims Trump routinely made calls to reporters in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s posing as

a publicist named John Miller or John Barron, advocating for himself and answering questions about his personal life and business dealings.

The man in the 14-minute recording sounds much like Trump, and the Post pointed to Trump’s long appreciation of the name Barron, including the name of his youngest son. The Post also cited 1990 court case testimony in which Trump testified, “I believe on occasion I used that name.”

On “Today” Friday morning, Trump at first said he didn’t “think” it was him on the recording.

“This sounds like one of the scams, one of the many scams, doesn’t sound like me,” Trump said. “I don’t think it was me, it doesn’t sound like me.”

When pressed by the anchors, Trump explicitly said it wasn’t him.

And then he testily told the journalists to move on.

“You’re going so low to talk about something that took place 25 years ago whether or not I made a phone call?”

Trump said. “Let’s get on to more current subjects.”

But Trump’s history of impersonating his own spokesman has long been an open secret at the Trump Organization and among

New York media circles.

At least one former Trump Organization executive has confirmed to CNN that Trump at times responded to media requests personally under the guise of a spokesman.

Trump’s apparent alter ego was quoted repeatedly and prominently in newspapers, magazines and especially in the gossip pages of New York tabloids.

In 1984 and 1985, several New York Times articles attributed quotes about Trump’s business dealings to “John Barron, a vice president of the Trump Organization.”

And Trump’s unofficial biographers also pulled the thin veil off Trump’s cover identity.

Michael D’Antonio wrote in “Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success” that “John Barron was a way for Trump to talk himself up.”

“He’d be able to express things that he wanted expressed about himself by someone that wasn’t him,” D’Antonio wrote.

And the audio recording reveals more than just a remarkable likeness to Trump’s own voice, but also in the spokesman’s cadence, word choice and the billionaire’s trademark bravado.

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PCN seals up 27 pharmacies, 111 patent medicine stores in Delta Amour udemude ASABA

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or allegedly dispensing what it called poison in form of drugs to members of the public, poor storage conditions, selling medicines above the approved list for patent medicine vendors as well as non-registration or renewal of premises, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed up at least twenty-seven pharmacies and 111 patent medicine stores in Delta State.

Carrying out the operations yesterday, in pharmacies and patent medicine stores in Asaba, Sapele, Warri, Kwale, Ozoro, Ughelli, Oleh and Ogwashi-Uku, the Director and Head of Inspection and Monitoring Department of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Mrs. Antonia Aruya, disclosed that some recalcitrants, who had broken the seal of PCN, would be made to face the full weight of the law, adding that measures have been in place in the state for the smooth prosecution of violators of the regulations of pharmacy practice.

“We have just started in Delta State, and we are going to prosecute. We have put the structure on ground for the prosecution to take place. Our lawyer would be on ground by Monday to work with the Commissioner of Police, to ensure that those who broke our seal will be apprehended and prosecuted. We have taken quite a number of cases to court.

In fact, last two weeks in Kano, four patent medicine vendors were sentenced to six months imprisonment after we tried to make them comply, and they were not willing to do so.

“They broke our seal, and we have to prosecute them. The activities of PCN are not punitive; they are meant to be corrective. We want to sanitize the value chain so that when people visit a pharmacy or patent medicine shop to buy drugs, they are sure that what they are buying is what they are supposed to buy, and it will do what is supposed to do in their system

SOUTH SOUTH

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

State Governors not prudent, spend funds on personal luxury – Kalu rotimi FAdeyi

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ormer governor of Abia State, Orji Uzo Kalu has said that State Governors are not prudent in their spending, accusing them of using state’s funds to satisfy personal comfort.

Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo in his office at the Presidential Villa, Kalu said the poor financial management by governors was the reason states are finding it difficult to pay workers’ salaries and meet other financial obligations According to him, the demand by governors for more funds from the federal government cannot be justified considering the resources and funds available to them, saying that they are more interested in drawing a huge sum of N35 million as traveling allowance.

He said, “I think most of these governors are doing very well and some of them also are living in the euphoria of the office. You can see most of them who are very active; I don’t need to count them for you.

“The issues of crying for fund, honestly, in my opinion, these governors have enough funds to work for their people because if you check, the money drawn as security vote is excessive.

They should stop that.

“Unless they stop drawing on security vote they will not have enough funds to work with and most of them are living in absolute luxury, which is not their money that they worked out for. So it

is impossible to continue living in this manner.

“Most of the governors are even living in Abuja now; they don’t even live

in their states, honestly. If you look at the books very well, in each trip they make, they will take traveling allowance of N35 million,

which is unheard of, Kalu explained.

He stressed that the private sector has a key role to play in national development if the govern-

ment create the enabling environment for them to thrive, stressing that they also need government guarantees and access to credit.

L-R: Executive Directo Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd., Dr. Albert Okorogu; former Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu; MD Neya Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Grunder Raju and MD, Niger Delta Power Holding Ltd., Mr. James Olotu after a visit to the Presidency in Abuja, yesterday.

Akwa Ibom Assembly wants beggars off Uyo streets

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kwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed the state government to immediately remove beggars from the streets of Uyo, the state capital.

The assembly, Thursday, unanimously passed a resolution to that effect, after hearing a motion brought before it by the member representing Oruk-Anam State Constituency, Udo Kieran.

The Assembly directed the commissioner for women affairs to work with the Uyo Capital City Development Authority to ensure that the resolution was effectively carried out.

“The beggars, some of whom are said to be underage children, should be rehabilitated in children’s home or other rehabilitation facilities in the state,” the Assembly said.

Mr. Kieran, who is the majority leader of the House, told the Assembly that the influx of beggars and their daily activities in Uyo, was becoming alarming, and should be discouraged, especially with the current security situation in the country.

Mr. Kieran also said the sight of beggars almost everywhere within the city of Uyo was capable of having

psychological effect on the people of the state.

“On daily basis, most especially in the afternoons and evenings, women and children stand at strategic junctions cuddling babies and toddlers begging for alms,” Kieran had said, while arguing his motion.

“These beggars, who are mostly non-indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, stand at Two-Lane junction by Ibom

Hall, the Ibom Plaza, among other places.”

Aniekan Uko (Ibesikpo Asutan), while arguing in support of the motion, said the beggars couldn’t have come from Akwa Ibom State because, according to him, begging was alien to the people’s culture and tradition.

Ime Okon (Ibiono Ibom), in his contribution to the debate, said that an average Akwa Ibom person would do everything to protect his

dignity, and would therefore, not find it dignifying to stand on the streets to beg.

The Assembly directed security agencies in the state to find out where the beggars sleep at night, and if they had other motives for coming to the state.

The Speaker, Onofiok Luke, thanked members for being sensitive to issues affecting the people of the state, and urged security agencies to live up to their responsibilities.

INEC denies announcing result of Tai Local Government Area

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he Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, has said that the commission has not announced the result of the March 19 re-run election for Tai Local Government Area.

Ikoiwak told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by telephone that allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the commission had compiled and sent the result to its headquarter was false. `` To the best of my knowledge parties and

their agents have been collecting certified copies of the election results, which they want to use at the election tribunal. `` Allegation made by the PDP is not true. `` I also want to state that Mrs Amina Zakari, an INEC National Commissioner, mentioned in the allegation is presently out of the country,” he said.

The Publicity Secretary of PDP in Rivers, Mr Samuel Nwanosike, had told newsmen that the party had uncovered plans by INEC to

announce the result of Tai Local Government Area.

He said Tai was one of the eight local governments in the state re-run elections were cancelled.

Nwanosike also said that Zakari was behind the plan to announce the result in favour of All the Progressives House of Representatives candidate.

He said that the party was worried about the development because election did not take place in the local government area.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Suspected Cross River hoodlums attack Ebonyi community ...as Police denies killings ALIUNA GODWIN, ABAKALIKI

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uspected gunmen believed to hail from Cross River State were yesterday reported to have invaded Amaagu Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, shooting sporadically to sack the community.

Confirming the incident, the state’s Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), ASP George Okafor, said there was a report of heavy shooting around the disputed boundary between Ochenyim-Amagu. Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and Adadama of Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Thursday though no lives were lost.

He stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, in company of officers and men of the Command has been in the trouble zone to quell the unrest.

Okafor also said that the command has arrest-

ed a policeman and a good number of other suspects in connection with the killing of a policeman along Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway by hoodlums last month.

He debunked the rumor making the rounds in the state that a policeman shot dead his colleague, saying “no record of such incident in the Command.

He said: “You all are aware that a police officer was shot on the 8th of April 2016 along Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway by hoodlums who were robbing along that road.

“The policeman rushed to the robbery scene following a distress call, but unfortunately, he was shot and his rifle snatched from him, which we are still investigating and have made some arrests.

“And another incident recorded last month is the case of kidnapping of one Hilary which is also under investigation, and as soon we are through with investigations, we are going to brief you accordingly.

SOUTH EAST

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45

Umahi stops movement of herdsmen through farmlands in Ebonyi ALIUNA GODWIN, ABAKALIKI

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he governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, yesterday, announced his readiness to stop the passage of herdsmen through farm lands in Ebonyi State to avert further crisis generated by the activities of the herdsmen in South East zone of the country.

Umahi made this known while addressing

security chiefs in Ebonyi State, including the leader of the South-East Hausa Community among others which took place at the office of the Commissioner of Police, located opposite Government House, Abakaliki.

He said: “I am deeply concerned about the life of every Nigerian, both those living in Ebonyi State and outside the state. It is our duty to protect the lives of every Nigerian and those who are not Nigerians.

And when you have tension building up, you must as chief security officers, have an interactive section and see how we can calm the situation down.

“The last time we met, we were told that our Fulani/Hausa brothers who have lived here for about 50 to 60 years do not pose any problem or threat to us. People that pose problem and threat to us are those who pass through the land. And now,

I will be handling the two together. The first one is to say to you, they should not pass again because the tension is very high.

“I did not want to bring the community people, but there is a delegation from all the local government areas here because there is high tension built up not only in Ebonyi, but everyone handles his in his own way. For now, you have to tell them to stay out of passing, the Governor said.

Court sacks APGA member in Abia Assembly

T

he Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, has nullified the election of Kelechi Onuzurike, a member representing Umuahia North state constituency in the state House of Assembly. The court also ordered that fresh election be conducted within 30 days while Onuzurike and other defendants were ordered to pay N8 million compensation to the plaintiff.

The judgment was given in respect of a suit filed by Mr. Sunday Ifeanyi Ajero, who claimed in the suit to be the authentic candidate of the party before he was displaced by the defendants.

The court held that Onuzurike, who won the seat under All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was not the rightful candidate of the party at the 2015 General Elections.

Reacting to the judgment, Counsel to Ajero, Smart Ugochukwu Apu, said the judgment was a confirmation that Ajero, is the rightfully nominated candidate for Umuahia North state constituency.

But in a swift reaction, counsel to Onuzurike, Chief Uwandu Onyenakom, described the judgment as an error of the High Court which he said the Appeal Court would correct.

“What you have heard is the judgment of the court; the judge promised that we would get the copy of the judgment; we will peruse the judgment and subsequently pursue the rights of our clients as best as we can on appellate level. We are not worried, I have met with my client and he is in high spirit.”

He said that his client has every reason to be joyful because, though the judgment was given against them, they have substantial grounds of appeal, and believe that the Court of Appeal will do the needful in no distant time. “ We shall look at the judgment holistically, come up with grounds that will enable the appellate court to take a second look at the judgment and award us victory.”

The judge said that INEC which is the third defendant should conduct an election within 30 days, but the defendants have the right of appeal which stretches up to 90 days, so by the time we get the judgment tomorrow, we will file notice of appeal and also file a motion for a stay of execution until the Court of Appeal determines the appeal,” he explained, adding, “ we are confident that this error will be corrected as the Court of Appeal will identify the error and correct it,” he said.

Commissioner of Police for Enugu State, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu (r),addressing a news conference on activities of the command in Enugu with him is Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Finance, Mr Amaechi Oliver.

Disarm herdsmen immediately - S’East monarchs tell FG EMMANUEL EZEH, ENUGU

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raditional rulers in the South-East zone of the country have called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to disarm rampaging herdsmen.

The monarchs stormed Enugu yesterday in solidarity with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi over the attack on Nimbo community by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State also came calling yesterday, along with an entourage

made up of the leadership of the Traditional Rulers’ Council of his state and some members of the state executive council.

Obiano said his government and the people of Anambra State were solidly behind the government and people of their sister state in this crisis.

Both group of visitors on solidarity visits commended Governor Ugwuanyi for the calibre of leadership he exhibited that worked to stave off further bloody crisis in the wake of the Nimbo attack.

One of the leaders of the South East Tradition-

al Rulers Council and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, who was also on the entourage of Governor Obiano, told the two governors that it was the view of the monarchs that the people of the geopolitical zone should gird their loins, and not allow this kind of attack to take their people unawares again in the future.

The Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Eberechi N. Dick, who led the monarchs to Government House, Enugu, urged the government to take the call for disarmament seri-

ous in view of the danger herdsmen’s menace poses to the sovereignty of the country.

They declared that Governor Ugwuanyi showed effective leadership in handling the recent attack on the people of Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Ugwuanyi said their visit “is really very comforting and reassuring, and it goes to confirm our sense of brotherhood and the common grief that we share as a people.”

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Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Technician stabs step -brother to death Patience OgbO

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olicemen attached to the Ilemba Hausa police station at Ajangbadi in Lagos, have arrested a 20-year-old man, Chibikem Ijeoma for allegedly stabbing his stepbrother Ifeanyi 18 to death.

It was gathered that, the brothers fought each other over a hearing device on May 4 at their home at 29 Showemimo Street, Ajangbadi.

Saturday Mirror gathered that Chibikem allegedly broke a bottle in anger and stabbed Ifeanyi on the leg.

The deceased was however rushed to the hospital and all efforts to save him proved abortive, as he has lost a lot of blood.

Eyewitnesses’ account submitted that he died from the wound.

Their father, Mr. Robert Ijeoma narrated what happened on that fateful day.

“Ifeanyi was my love child and has been living with me for a few years now. That fateful day, I woke up to the noise of the two of them, fighting over hearing device. Ifeanyi was accusing Chibikem of stealing his hearing device but we separated them and warned them not to fight again. I left them and went to my shop at Alaba International market but

Owoseni

later in the evening, I received a phone call that Chibikem had stabbed Ifeanyi. Ifeanyi was rushed to the Sabo hospital and the Goodness and Mercy hospital but he died from the wound he sustained. The case was reported to the police and they arrested Chibikem.”

The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Loveth, however urged the police to carry out a thorough investigation as she said she suspects foul play.

“When I was carrying Ifeanyi’s pregnancy his father Robert rejected me. I suffered to cater for him. My family rejected me and

I went through difficulties to carry the pregnancy. God helped me and I gave birth to him. One month after his birth, a man came and showed interest in me.

He went on to marry me and together we raised Ifeanyi until his father came and asked that he wanted his son back. I did not want him to go to that house. I pleaded with Ifeanyi to remain with me but he eventually went to live with his father. However, he told me that Chibikem and the mother don’t like him. Chibikem had threatened Ifeanyi not to live with them and when he told me how he was maltreated in his father’s house, I told him to come to and live with me, but he refused. I only got a call that fateful day that he was dead.

I am in shock. They conspired and wasted my son. They killed him in cold blood because they do not want him in that family.

I am in pain. I want police to investigate this matter t horoughly. I suspect this murder was premeditated and all those behind his untimely death should be arrested and prosecuted”.

The suspect however said he was under a spell, which pushed him to stab his stepbrother to death.

He said. “ I don’t know what came over me. Ifeanyi provoked me. He accused me of stealing his hearing device. I told him

to stop accusing me that I have my own hearing device, which I brought out and showed him, but he was ready for a fight. I was not ready to fight him but he hissed. I slapped him after he hissed and we fought that morning but we were separated.

I went to work in a shop where I am learning how to fix CCTV as a technician.

Later that evening, some boys came to look for me. They told me that it was Ifeanyi that sent them to waylay me. Those boys are his seniors in his shop.

When I got home, I questioned Ifeanyi why he sent some boys to waylay me and he said I could not do anything to him. I became very angry and took a bottle, broke it and stabbed him on the leg. I don’t intend to kill him.

When I saw blood gushing from his leg, I became afraid.

My mother came out and tied her wrapper round his leg to prevent him bleeding to death. I assisted them to take him to the hospital but he died shortly after. I am confused myself. I don’t know what came over me to stab Ifeanyi”.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Unit State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department at Panti Yaba for thorough investigation.

Oyo anti-crime outfit nabs six students for cultism M

en of the Oyo State security outfit, codenamed Operation Burst, have arrested six students of the Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa, for cultism and cult related activities.

The security men who followed a lead from a renounced cultist, said the security operative has been on a surveillance and monitoring of the suspects for about three months, following continuous reports of cult related activities by the school management before the eventual arrest Parading the suspects at the headquarters office of the security outfit, the Commander of the outfit, Brigadier-General Usman Yussuf, said three of the suspects confessed to be members of different cult groups According the him, the day of

reckoning started counting for the suspected cultists when one Shina Owonikoko, a secondary school student renounced cultism and reported to the school security unit.

He added that the cultists put efforts to woo him back to their fold not long after he gained admission into the institution, stating that his refusal attracted molestation, assault, exploitation and harrasment from the cult groups at various times He said, “following our intolerance for crimes in the state, six students of Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa were arrested for cultism and cult-related matters.

“We have been following on a lead from one renounced cultist whom the cult members have been tormenting to woo him back to their midst. He has suffered a lot of molestation and

harassment from the group but he has been so supportive in providing useful information that led to the arrest of the suspects.

“Although investigation is still ongoing but three of the suspects have confessed to be cultists while the other three have also been identified as cultists by those who confessed despite their initial denial”.

He gave the names of the students as Olufunmilayo Olanrewaju Bamidele, 24, ND 1 student of Mass Communication department; Oluwafunmilola Oloyede, 23, ND II Computer Science student and Olowonikoko Oluwasina, 24 Others are Mubarak Adesewa Moshood, 24, ND II Fine Art student; David Abodunrin, 22 and Agbebi Oluwafemi, 23.

While assuring members of the public of the commitment of

the anti-crime squad to providing round the clock security in the state, Yussuf noted that the outfit is still as robust as ever.

He then urged members of the public to make use of the phones line provided by the security outfit anytime to burst crimes in any part of the state Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the cultist, Owonikoko recounted he has paid various sums of money to the group just for them to let him beHe said, “the cult boys have collected N50, 000 from me before. There are times they collect N5,000 and at times N3, 000 at other times.

There was a time they collected my ATM cards to withdraw money from my account just to drink.

There were occasions they would just come to my house and cart away my food stuffs, just to lure

me back to join them.”

Explaining why he refused to rejoining the group, he said, “I was a cultist from my senior secondary school one (SSS1) but after an incident, my parents got to know about my involvement and my subsequent arrest. I was tortured by the military and since then I vowed not to rejoin the group “But I have attended their general meeting about two times, just to get information about their movement which I later reported to the security outfit to ensure the arrest”.

However, Yussuf assured that the matter would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Airtel Nigeria.

PAGE

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Crime Watch

43

Egbeda murder: Homicide

detectives visit crime scene

Patience OgbO

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omicide detectives, attached to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department at Panti, Yaba, have begun Investigations into the alleged murder of a Lagos based housewife, Ronke Shonde, as they have visited the crime scene, where her husband was said to have allegedly murdered her.

Saturday Mirror further gathered that the police detectives are carrying out the investigations to find out what transpired between the couple that led to the death of the mother of two.

The visit to the crime scene, Saturday Mirror learnt, followed statement by the suspect on Monday that he did not kill his wife as being circulated.

A source revealed to Saturday Mirror that the suspect is cooperating with detectives to unravel the death of his wife.

The source, which requested anonymity, said “He, (Lekan Shonde) was brought in to the SCID on Monday night from the Lagos State Commissioner of police office and he was interrogated by the Homicide detectives. He maintained that he did not kill his wife and would have escaped if it were a premeditated murder. He submitted himself to all the interrogation and was willing to give further comments. Right now, he is in Homicide custody and he is being monitored. Autopsy will be conducted on the corpse to find out what or who killed her”.

News of the alleged murder of Ronke Shonde hit the social media last weekend, with allegations making the rounds that her husband allegedly strangled her to death in their home at Egbeda, a surbub of Lagos, following a domestic scuffle.

It was gathered that Shonde allegedly locked his wife’s corpse in their apartment with their two children and he fled with his wife’s phone.

Four days after the alleged murder, Mr. Shonde showed up after he threatened to commit suicide. However, his friends and family convinced him to give himself in to the police, which he did on Monday.

In his statement, Shonde accused his wife of infidelity as he maintained that he loved her and only slapped her after she returned home from visiting her lover.

In his statement to the police, he said, “ I love my wife. I am shocked that she is dead. I only slapped her after she came

Lekan and late Ronke Shonde home from seeing her lover. She took my money that day and held my leg that I should forgive her. I left the house in anger but I did not beat her. I did not strangle her as being alleged. I ran away because my neighbours told me that my wife was dead. I was shocked to hear she had died, because I left her crying at home. If I had planned to kill

her, I would have escaped”.

Lagos State Commissioner of police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, said the case would be thorough investigated. Confirming that the suspect was in police custody, Owoseni said an autopsy will ascertain the cause of death, adding that the police was yet to interrogate Shonde.

“It is still an allegation and the police

is not the court of law to pronounce anyone guilty or otherwise.

“He has turned himself in. I confirm he is in our custody. We will ensure we get to the root of the matter.

He shall be interrogated and investigation is ongoing. We cannot say for sure what happened but autopsy report will prove cause of death,” he said.

Patience OgbO

N100,000 from stealing vehicle parts before I was arrested. I can put all I have made from stealing to be around N56,000 before I was arrested. I feel bad but it’s hunger that made me to go into stealing vehicle parts. I will not do it again if the government forgives me”.

The other suspect, Samuel said he has only realised N34,000 from stealing vehicle spare parts before he was arrested.

“It is not as if I don’t have job but I cannot tell you why I steal vehicle parts. I just started stealing this year and I have not made much. I have stolen vehicle parts from the cars parked on the road. I cannot tell you how many car parts I stole but I have not made much from this business. I think I have made about N34,000. I have different customers at Ladipo Spare parts market, where I give the stolen vehicle parts to buy.

I don’t know that I will be arrested so

soon”.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the suspects are undergoing investigations at the Federal Special Anti- Robbery Squad (FSARS), Lagos command, to arrest other members and receivers of the stolen vehicle spare parts.

Lagos State Commissioner of police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni said the suspects were arrested at different locations in the state following a tip off from members of the public.

The Lagos police boss however urged members of the public to be security conscious and report all suspicious movements to the police.

He said. “ The suspects were arrested following a tip off from members of the public. Following their arrest, they confessed to stealing vehicle parts, which they sold to traders at Ladipo market.

They will be charged to court after a thorough investigation is conducted.”

We are yet to hit it big —Suspects T

wo men arrested by policemen attached to the Lagos State police command are telling detectives how they stole vehicle parts in the state.

The suspects identified as Emmanuel Samuel and Nwosu Udeme were arrested for allegedly stealing vehicle parts, which they later sold to traders at the Ladipo Spare parts market in Lagos.

The suspects however said their regret is that they are yet to hit it big in stealing vehicle parts before the police arrested them.

Udeme said, “ I was a bus conductor but I don’t make much from my work. I decided to start stealing vehicle parts to make ends meet. I usually go to where they abandoned cars and remove the parts, which I take to Ladipo Spare part market to sell. I have not made up to

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Fuel pump increase: APC appeals to NLC, Nigerians ObiOra ifOh ABUJA

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s Nigeria Labour Congress, students, civil societies and other Nigerians plan a show down against the federal government over the increase in the premium Motor Spirit (fuel) price, the national leadership of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress has appealed for understanding with the government.

The APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who addressed a press conference at the national secretariat of APC in Abuja on the increased fuel pump price, agreed that the increase would add hardership to Nigerians, even as he admitted that it was in the best interest of Nigerians as well.

Odigie-Oyegun reiterated that the subsidized fuel price has never been beneficiary to Nigerians but the very few cabals in the sector.

He stated that the partial deregulation of the petroleum sector would free the economy, thereby providing money for the government for job creation.

Appealing to Nigerians to bear with the government on the increase of fuel pump price from N86.50k to N145, he said, “l invited you because of the fundamental announcement that was made within the last 24 hours because I wanted to join my voice with that of the Minister to appeal to the Nigerian public, to our unions and other civil society groups for understanding of the situation that has led to the partial deregulation of fuel prices.

“Yes, Nigerians have a right to subsidy on that one natural resource that the good Lord has endowed us with. But there is no question at all that over time, the subsidy regime has become so intensely manipulated, so abused that it really was no longer operating in the interest of the Nigerian public.

“I think that it has become very clear that the kind of queues that has become endemic over several regimes in this nation is a clear indication that something has gone seriously wrong with the subsidy

regime. Those who were privileged were exploiting it to amass more wealth.

Meanwhile, the people for who it is basically meant have to bear the cost in higher transport fare. Each time these queues develop, of course the ordinary Nigerian bears the cost while the importers and manipulators of the system are the ones that make all the money.

“I don’t know how many people have drivers. So, you and I and in fact having the middle class of this nation queuing at petrol stations for long hours to buy fuel at over N200 per liter. A situation like that is reverberating to the detriment of the same people that the government has sworn to protect and to promote. What the new regime is therefore doing is to ensure availability and having fuel so as to prevent indecent queues at petrol stations, which has become something that is no longer desirable especially considering the fact that when you eventually get the fuel, it is already overpriced.

“From our point of view as a party, it has become necessary to fully and in order to recover from the economic situation which we have been plunged, to totally free the economy and let the normal laws of demand and supply operate. Of course, with government standing bye to protect the long suffering Nigerian, who is at the margin”.

Speaking on the short term effect of the increase, the APC national chairman said, “It is unfortunate; it is painful what has happened; and it will increase cost in all directions. But in the medium term, in three months at best, I foresee that the prices will come crashing down when there is availability. NNPC will continue to be in the field anyway either through the refineries whenever our pipelines are allowed to function or through importation and so will continue to be a player in the fuel supply market.

“Prices are bound to come down. A typical example is what happened when mobile phones were introduced. I remember

that I bought a SIM card for over N30,000 but today, it is virtually free. If we free the fuel market, that same thing will happen which was as a result of competition”.

Also, to draw the argument of fuel subsidy removal in favour of government, Oyegun said, “In any case, the current budget did not provide for subsidy and so, if the region of subsidy is to be reintroduced,

it can only divert resources from the crying needs of other sectors, including the programme to help the Nigerians living at their margin.

“So, the appeal which is a very sincere appeal to the Nigerian people; yes there is a lot of hardship, yes increased pump price will also increase that hardship but the economy is being freed in a way that the ordinary Nigerian will become

the major beneficiary and we are talking of a matter of months from removing this one last bottleneck that has held the Nigerian economy down.

Asked if there would be cushioning measure put in place by federal government, the party chairman said, “I think that is something that will very much be under consideration. I suppose this had to be done urgently because

the depredations at the fuel stations was really too much and this had to be done immediately. The issue of cushioning will come and I am sure the ministry will be looking at that”.

It would be recalled that when former President Goodluck Jonathan increased fuel pump price to N97 in 2012, the administration established SURE-P to cushion the effect.

Fashola meets solar power promoters, investors

NYSC 2016 Batch ‘A’ Corps members, during their passing out parade at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Jos yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

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he Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has met with sponsors, investors and promoters of Solar Energy in the country saying. the time was now ripe to take forward the solar power projects in the country and begin to deploy it as an integral part of the Energy Mix in the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve incremental power.

Fashola, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, which took place at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Auditorium in Maitama, Abuja, said the country needs all the energy it could possibly source in order to attain the goal of incremental, steady and ultimately uninterrupted power.

The Minister, who said the meeting was convened

to, among other reasons, discuss how to bridge gap between the cost of solar and other sources of energy available with the sponsors of the solar initiatives, assured that as soon as this is concluded government would quickly then sign their commercial agreements and power purchase agreements so that they could go to their financiers and banks to draw down and start the projects across the country.

Noting that the solar energy is more expensive than other types of energy, Fashola, however, said the advantage it has over other energy types was that the price seldom goes up. “It stays fixed or comes down”, he said, adding that the purpose of the meeting was to see how we can bring the cost to market price and “at its most competitive price and hopefully make it

affordable to people”.

“Solar is one of the options for incremental power. You know I have been talking about the roadmap to power from incremental to steady to uninterrupted power. So we are walking our talk.

We are looking everywhere where we can get energy”, the Minister said adding the reason the country has not had solar till now was that it also comes at a cost.

He explained further, “At the market price today in Nigeria, and I qualify “in Nigeria”, it is a little more expensive than even gas power and the issue now is how we can bring down the price; because if we don’t bring down the price, it means that government will continue to subsidise this with the propensities that subsidies carry with them”.

“But the market price at entry is 17 cents per kilowatt/hr, which if you multiply with 200 will get you N34, which is more expensive than the current gas and other types”, he said adding, however, that the plan to get the production at a satisfactory price and fast-track the takeoff of the projects was consistent with government’s plan for an Energy Mix. Reiterating that the problem remained essentially the price “and the liquidity issue that are in it going forward”, Fashola said the implication of government taking on the initiative without resolving the cost being presented by the sponsors and promoters, was that government would be paying about N3 billion to subsidize power adding, “We can’t carry that kind of subsidy”.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Federation Cup Round of 64 venues W OMEN Oleh: Alberto Queens vs Osun Queens Benin: FC Robo Queens vs Rivers Angels Oleh: Abia Angels vs Rising Queens Owerri: Ibom Angels vs Edo Queens Lokoja: Sure Babes vs Gift of Life Queens Osogbo: Martin White Doves vs Tokas Queens MEN Abuja: Kwara United vs Galadima Best Lokoja: Sunshine Stars vs Giwa FC Owerri: Abia Comets vs Nembe City Abuja: Damaturu FC vs Dynamite FC Lokoja: Rovers FC vs Flash Flamingoes Kaduna: Nasarawa United vs FC Abuja Makurdi: Go Round vs Yobe Stars Umuahia: Rivers United vs Papilo FC Lokoja: Kaduna FC vs Bridge Boys

Enugu: Shooting Stars vs Wikki Feeders Lokoja: FC Zamfara vs Almar FC Oleh: Heartland FC vs Top World Owerri: J. Atete vs Akwa Starlets Bauchi: El-Kanemi vs Katsina Feeders Abuja: Sokoto United vs Crown FC Zaria: Fasbir FC vs Niger Tornadoes Ijebu-Ode: ABS FC vs Yenegoa City Jos: Akure City vs Enugu Rangers Benin: Kogi United vs Ekiti United Makurdi: Wikki Tourists vs FRSC FC Jos: Dreams FC vs Akwanga Selected Zaria: Plateau United vs Zara FC Lokoja: Gateway FC vs Kano Pillars Lagos: Prime FC vs Inneh Stars Abuja: Yarmalight vs Warri Wolves Bauchi: Jigawa Stars vs Gashaka Buffaloes Kaduna: MFM FC vs El-Kanemi Babes Kaduna: Katsina United vs FC Lokoja Owerri: FC Ifeanyi Ubah vs Ebonyi United.

MIRROR SPORT

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Senate threatens to arrest Dalung

…accuses him of running parallel NFF

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he Senate Committee on Sports has threatened to arrest the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, over his failure to honour its invitation to brief the committee on Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the 2016 Rio Olympics slated for August, even as they accused him of running a parallel Nigeria Football Federation.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Obinna Ogba, who was visibly angry over the sports minister’s absence, said the committee was disappointed with Dalung’s nonchalant attitude towards its invitations.

“Nigerians are waiting to know how the country is prepared for the forthcoming Olympics and the World Cup qualifiers which is around the corner. Nigerians need to know how far the ministry has gone in its preparation and yet the minister finds it difficult to brief the nation

on what the ministry and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is doing in preparation for the world tournaments,” he noted.

Ogba said the committee would give the minister another chance to appear before it on Thursday next week, adding that if he failed to honour that invitation the committee would invoke its constitutional powers.

“The sports minister has not been respecting the Senate. Again my personal assessment of the Minister is based on the myriad of challenges facing him, one of which is the 2016 Rio Olympics. One wonders what he has been able to do about Nigeria’s preparation for the competition,” he said.

He wondered why the Minister always took delight in running a parallel administration with the NFF president in handling the affairs of football in Nigeria.

Ogba said: “The President of Nigerian Football Federation will make a statement and the Minister would

enegal’s diplomat, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura has been appointed as Fifa’s first female secretary general.

She succeeds former Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, who was banned from football related activity for 12 years.

Samoura, 54, spent 21 years working for the United Nations and will start at football’s governing body in June.

“It is essential Fifa incorporates fresh perspectives as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation,” said Fifa President Gianni Infantino.

“She has a proven ability to build and lead teams, and improve the way organisations perform. Importantly for Fifa, she also understands that transparency and accountability are at the heart of any well-run and responsible organisation.”

Samoura’s appointment, announced at Fifa’s congress in Mexico

City, completes a new-look to an organisation which has been dogged by corruption allegations under Valcke and previous president Sepp Blatter.

Blatter, who had led Fifa since 1998, stood down last year and was later suspended from football for six years for breaching ethics guidelines.

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura

On his appointment in February, Infantino said he would “work tirelessly to bring football back to Fifa and Fifa back to football”.

Samoura, who will undergo eligibility check before her role is ratified, currently works for the UN in Nigeria, and speaks four languages.

She started her UN career as a senior logistics officer with the World Food Programme in Rome in 1995 and has since served as country representative or director in six African countries, including Nigeria.

“Today is a wonderful day for me, and I am honoured to take on this role,” she said.

“This role is a perfect fit for my skills and experience; strategic, high-impact team building in international settings which I will use to help grow the game of football all over the world.

“I also look forward to bringing my experience in governance and compliance to bear on the important reform work that is already underway at Fifa.

N

fully he will be ready. The doctors are in a position to assess him and when they do that we will know the level of the injury. But we hope that it is not a serious injury and we hope from now till our game against Burundi he will be available,” said Amuneke.

Osimhen

Dalung make a contrary one and we cannot continue like this.

“I have directed the Committee’s Clerk to send a well worded letter of invitation to him to meet with the Committee,” he concluded.

Bishop Mike Okonkwo FIFA gets first female scribe tourney kicks off today S IfeanyI eduzor

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ocal Organizing Committee of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo football tournament has announced that the 14th edition of the tournament will kick off today at the football pitch of the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Chairman of the Committee, Malachi Ndubuzor, told Saturday Mirror that the championship which is used by the presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) to empower the youths and help them develop their talent will attract a total of 64 teams who will be vying for honours in the tournament.

“We are organizing this tournament which is now in the annual calendar of the church as part of the Bishop’s effort to empower the youths, encourage healthy competition amongst them, and help them develop their talents.

“To show how popular the game has become, we initially had over 70 entries but after a careful screening of the teams, we were able to select 64 teams that will take part in the competition “It will also interest you to know that many great footballers Hiddink has been discovered through

this championship and we are going to make the finals of this year’s edition more glamorous because it will coincide with the 71st birthday of our Bishop”, Ndubuaku said.

According to him, the first match of the Group stage will see Mighty Stars taking on Starlet Fc while Stallion Atlectico will square up with Sparrow Fc. The last match for today will be between Rehoboth Fc and Hephzybah Fc Action will continue tomorrow, Sunday, May 15, when Rechabite Fc will face Royal Sporting FC in the first match of the day before Ypen Fc takes on Diamond Fc in the final match of the day.

Bishop Mike Okonkwo

Injury concern for U-20 star, Osimhen igeria U-20 head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, is a worried man after star striker, Victor Osimhen, suffered a shoulder injury in Thursday’s warm-up game with the U-23 team.

Amuneke has said that the Wolfsburg man is going to be assessed to determine the extent of the injury sustained.

However, the Flying Eagles gaffer is hoping that the 17-yearold striker will not be ruled out of the 2017 African Youth Championship qualifying match in Burundi on May 21.

“I am not a doctor but hope-

Uganda suspended from U-20 AFCON

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ganda has been thrown out of next year’s U-20 AFCON after they fielded an ineligible player, who has two different birth dates.

Uganda defeated Rwanda 3-2 on aggregate in the AFCON qualifiers, winning 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 in Rwanda.

Rwanda had protested against

four Uganda players, arguing they were not eligible for the agegrade competitions.

But according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), it has been discovered that only Aheebwa James has two birth dates; 19/5/1998 on his passport and 27/3/1997 on his Inter-clubs registration.

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MIRROR SPORT

MirrorGolf Mirror With Pius Anakali

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tel: 08023367071

Olympic: Scott expresses fear over Zika spread

Adam Scott

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dam Scott says he harbours fears for the health of world No1 and friend Jason Day as well as everyone involved with the Olympic Games.

Scott would not be playing in Rio regardless of the Zika virus causing havoc for Rio

organisers but the Australian golf star hopes those involved are taking the warnings and risks seriously.

The Australian pulled out of the Olympics mainly for scheduling reasons, preferring to prioritize time with his young family around the last two major championships and FedEx Cup playoffs.

But he also has serious concerns about the mosquitoborne Zika virus and the implications it could have for world health in general.

“I have not used it as an excuse although it would be very convenient to do so. It is only part of my concerns,” Scott said.

Willet, Spieth set for Players’ championship

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asters champion Danny Willett and runner-up Jordan Spieth face the sternest of challenges when they return to action at this week’s Players Championship.

Neither has competed since the drama of Augusta more than a month ago, and they face the strongest field of the year on a TPC Sawgrass course that demands the utmost precision.

This is the week when golf bursts back to life at an

Spieth

event that is a major in all but name. It heralds the start of a hectic spell that includes the US Open, PGA Championship as well as the game’s return to the Olympics in Rio.

Oloko give reasons for artistic gymnastics tourney IFEANYI EDUZOR

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he chairperson of the Lagos State Gymnastics Association, Adebamike Oloko, has expressed optimism that the state athletes will do well at the on-going 2nd Lagos State Invitational Artistic Gymnastics Championship holding at the indoor sports hall of Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba.

Gymnasts from five Southwest states; Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun and hosts, Lagos are competing for honours at the four day championship organized by the association in conjunction with the Lagos State Sports Commission.

According to her, the event will help Lagos State’s gymnasts test their skills against their counterparts from other states, adding that the competition will also help the association to select athletes for other events including the National Sports Festival.

“We expect that this would be an avenue for us to improve the skills of our athletes as well as select those

that will represent the state in future competitions.

“As you are aware, we have competitions coming up later in the year such as Youth Games coming up in August and the National Sports Festival scheduled for November. These are avenues for us to improve on our athletes skills,” Oloko said.

Apart from using the invitational championship to prepare athletes, the chairperson opined that it’s a good platform for the participating states to develop the sport from the grassroots.

Lagos dominated the maiden edition last year, but Oloko expects tough competition from the other states this year.

“We are banking on our strong point which is our junior and senior category, I believe that we’ll do well and hopefully take first this time around” she concluded.

The championship will end today.

Medals and certificates of participation will be given to the winners and all athletes who featured in the tournament.

Chairman of the Abuja Polo Club, Senator Kabir Jibril, and Polo Captain, Musty Junaid presents a prize to Nigeria’s top-rated player, Bello Buba (R) at the 2015 Unity International Polo Tournament. Abuja is ready for the 2016 edition

Abuja agog for 2016 Unity Polo Tournament A

bout twenty teams will participate in the 2016 edition of Peace and Unity Polo Tournament scheduled to hold at the exclusive Guards Brigade Polo Club in Abuja, next week.

The teams, drawn from all the major polo clubs across the country, will vie for the top prizes in a weeklong event that has over the years remained the biggest and the most attended polo fiesta in the nation’s capital city.

The Captain of Guards Polo Club, Mustapha Junaidu told Saturday Mirror that the tournament, would hold from May 17 to 22.

According to Junaidu, all the visiting teams and a handful of Abuja teams would contest for four traditional main trophies that comprise the Guards Challenge Trophy, Guards Brigade Trophy, Legislative Shield and President Cup, as well as individual awards to be won by the best performers.

Junaidu revealed that World stars from Argentina and their counterparts from South Africa and England are also expected at the event to showcase their skills in the high stake and the events biggest prize,

…20 teams eye top prizes the President Cup and the Legislative Shield series.

“Top-ranked Nigerian players that include Ibrahim Mohammed and the highest handicap player, Bello Buba whose team, Keffi Ponys, won the last two editions and Jamilu Mohammed who plays for the former champions, Abuja Rubicon, will also participate,” the club captain said.

“Other Nigerian players like Umar Kabir and Abdulmalik Badamasi will also compete in the highly rated tournament that attracts over 60 players while about 400 horses of local and foreign breeds will be involved in the games,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Guards Polo Club, Senator Mohammed Kabiru Jibril, has described the 2016 tournament as unique, saying it is designed to celebrate not only peace and unity in the country but also showcase Abuja as a major tourism centre in Africa.

“This edition will be the most competitive and the most exciting in years as we aim to use it to celebrate the peaceful transition of government

in the country,” Senator Jibril remarked.

He thanked the various sponsors and donors for what he described as their unprecedented support at ensuring huge success for the impending event.

“It is worthy of note that we are being supported by corporate giants in communication, banking, oil and gas and manufacturing sector of the economy,” he stressed.

Tournament Manager, Aliyu Umaru, said all the committees had worked with painstaking resolve to ensure lived up to its billing in marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day this year.

“Our pitch is in top shape and the location of the Guards Polo Club remains a tourist delight. Participants are guaranteed the most exciting and memorable time in Abuja,” he enthused.

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected as Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale of the prestigious weeklong festival that will also be attended by royal fathers, state governors, members of the National Assembly, captains of industries, diplomats and thousands of polo fans.

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

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Rio 2016 Olympics: How prepared are Nigerian athletes?

Nigerias-4x100m-womens-team

IfeanyI eduzor

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hen the country’s contingent to London 2012 Olympics came back to the country without a single medal to show for their effort, many Nigerians believed that the country’s worst outing at the biggest sporting event in the World will serve as a lesson to sports administrators in the country.

The London 2012 Olympic Games was the first competition since the 1988 Seoul Olympics that Nigeria would participate in the event without winning a single medal.

As is the practice over the years, the government then under President Goodluck Jonathan immediately after the “show of shame” in London, inaugurated a sports summit to look into the immediate and remote causes of the country’s athletes poor showing in London; proffer solutions on how to avoid a repeat occurrence as well advise government on how to reposition the country’s sports to put it at par with that of other countries of the World.

Although the summit

identified poor funding, inadequate preparations, low morale and lack of adequate exposure of athletes as part of the problem confronting Nigerian sports but little was done to remedy the situation before the former President was voted out of office.

While millions of Nigerians had expected those at the helms of the country’s sport to correct the lapses discovered in the last Olympics to enable the country put up a better performance at the 2016 Rio Games, nothing concrete was done to remedy the situation.

This situation has made many people believe that Nigeria will be going to another jamboree in Brazil because there is nothing on ground to indicate that we have learnt our lesions from the London 2012 miserable outing.

However, while many has blamed inconsistent sports policy as the bane of the country’s sports development, others felt that the frequent changing of Sports Ministers coupled with the appointment of those with little or no sports background contributed immensely to the poor.

results posted by Nigeria at international competitions.

A good example was when shortly after the Sports summit, the then Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, was replaced with Tamuno Danagogo, who rather than building on the programmes of his predecessor, discarded advice of experts at the summit.

It was in this precarious situation that the country found itself when various Olympic trials began with the country’s athletes finding it difficult to pick qualification for the Games even in sports where we had comparative advantage because of inadequate preparation.

Taking a proper look at the qualifiers, one will be surprised to discover that in boxing, out of a total of ten pugilists made up of seven men and three women that represented the country in the Olympic qualifiers in Cameroon only two boxer; Efe Ajagba and Caroline Linus were able to pick ticket for Rio Olympics while none of our athletes made it in the taekwondo qualifiers which gave the country bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The story is not different in the track and field events where the country’s only medal hopeful, Blessing Okagbare could not be said to be in top form ahead of the Games.

Blessing Okagbare, who is an Olympic and World Championships medalist in the long jump and a world medalist in the 200 meters as well as holds the Women’s 100 meters Commonwealth Games record for the fastest time at 10.85 seconds and African record holder in the event at 10.79 seconds could not be said to be in superlative form considering her performances in the various invitational tournaments she had participated in lately.

It is true that the country’s basketball male team will return to the Olympics after making its debut at the London Games, but it is yet to be seen how far the team will go in the Games considering the pedigree of other countries in the slam and dunk game.

As the countdown to the Olympics begins, it seems the country is paying more attention to football; a team event which accounts for only one gold medal

at the detriment of other sports like Rowing and Yachting, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling and athletics which is capable of giving Nigeria many medals.

There is no denying the fact that for the country to reclaim its leadership position in sports in the continent; this ugly scenario that made Government spend so much on football at the detriment of other sports must be stopped as that is the only way Sporting Federations can get adequate funding.

Although there is no denying the fact that football is regarded as the number one sport all over the World, but we must start now to adequately fund other sports, so as to be in position to go for medal haul at 2020 Olympics.

Taking a critical look at our preparation for the forthcoming Olympics, one will not be mistaken to conclude that Nigeria might be going for another jamboree in Brazil or that Nigeria winning a medal will be a miracle because of inadequate preparation, poor funding and fire brigade approach that has characterized preparation for Rio 2016 Olympics.

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Diabetes Mellitus II •Increasing rates in Africa, youths worry experts

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e are back to our discussions on Diabetes Mellitus. Last week, we discussed, among other things, the definition of diabetes, its types and the risk factors that may predispose one to the illness. I also remember asking us to exercise a little. Did you? Congratulations if you did. It means you can enforce self discipline and you are already on your way to living a healthier life. If you didn’t, don’t be discouraged. You can start today! And you know what? It becomes easier when you make it a habit. Back to our discussions.

Symptoms: Now I cannot resist sharing a little anecdote here. It happened that a diabetic fellow was approached by his friend who was urinating excessively and frequently, and having some burning sensation at the tip of his penile shaft. He wanted his advice on what to do. Now, these symptoms are similar in some ways to the symptoms our diabetic friend had prior to his being diagnosed of diabetes. So, sparing his friend the stress of going through diagnosis, he gave him some of his oral anti -diabetic drugs to swallow and reassured him his symptoms will improve in no time. Within a short time of swallowing the drugs, his friend became sweaty, his body began to shake and soon after he collapsed and was rushed to the emergency room. It was there the history helped the doctors in making a diagnosis of hypoglycemia-a condition characterized by an extremely low level of blood sugar-Thank God he was revived. It turned out our friend merely had a urinary tract infection which shared some symptoms with diabetes. Therefore, it is good to ensure that no matter how similar our symptoms are to our friends or relatives’, we always undergo proper diagnosis. It might just be two different things presenting in a similar way.

The common symptoms of diabetes are; •Excessive urination(polyuria) especially at night(nocturia) •Feeling very thirsty and having to drink a lot of water •Feeling unusually tired •Losing weight and muscle bulk •Having recurrent episodes of fungal infection •Nursing wounds that heal poorly •Having Blurred vision •Experiencing tingling or numbness in the feet or toes

Someone with diabetes may not have obvious symptoms and may in fact live with the disease for a long time without knowing. This however doesn’t stop it from leading to complications. Therefore, regular medical checks are imperative to ensure early diagnosis and prevention of diabetic complications.

Diagnosis: Diagnosing diabetes is through various blood glucose checks, including fasting blood glucose, post prandial glucose check and others as deemed fit by the physician. They are generally simple tests and should not take more than few minutes. It is advised that every adult –especially those above 40-check their blood sugar at least once a year.

Treatment: The treatment of diabetes is multipronged and multidisciplinary. It is aimed at keeping blood sugar within normal limits always in order to prevent complications. Treatment also depends on the type and how severe the condition is and it is tailored to meet the specific need of the individual concerned. Generally diabetes is controlled by: Diet: diet for diabetics must be low in simple sugars, cholesterol and fats but high in fibre, fruits and vegetables. It should also include more fish and less meat. Your doctor will advise you further on how best to modify your diet.

Exercise: this is important for both type 1 and 2 diabetes, as it increases body’s sensitivity to insulin. At least 30 minutes a day of exercise will help.

Weight reduction: this is a major way to control your blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Your target should be body mass index(BMI) in the normal range of 18-25

Oral hypoglycemic: these medications which are in different groups with different mechanism of action are used in type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar .They function by either reducing insulin resistance or stimulating insulin producing cells to produce more insulin.

Insulin: administration of insulin is the mainstay of treatment in type 1 diabetes as practically no insulin is produced internally. For type 2 diabetes, insulin is used when oral drugs fail or in resolving acute diabetic crisis. It may also be combined with oral anti diabetics.

Surgery: less frequently, pancreatic surgery may be considered in type 1 diabetic with severe complications, while weight loss surgery is an option open to type 2 diabetics who have difficulty losing weight and are morbidly obese.

Others: diabetics should avoid smoking, control their cholesterol, and monitor their blood pressure closely to reduce chances of complications. For gestational diabetes, delivery of the baby will most times control the diabetes and may serve as treatment.

Complications: Complications in diabetes usually results from poor blood sugar control. This is due in most cases to lack of compliance to medications by the individuals affected. In this regard, diabetics require health education.

While the difficulty associated with pill swallowing or injection jabs is understandable, it is very important to assist these people in seeing that complications of diabetes are more difficult to manage. In addition, complications affect the quality of life in a negative way. Diabetes may be complicated with:

Loss of consciousness from excessively low sugar, induced by diabetic medications Damage to the kidneys Damage to the eyes(diabetic retinopathy) Damage to the nerves(neuropathy) Damage to the feet(diabetic foot) which may result in amputation And Cardiovascular accidents Prevention: Type 1 diabetes is basically not preventable and can only be managed.

For type 2 diabetes, prevention rests on lifestyle modification mainly and it is a repeat of some treatment measures. If you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, preventive efforts is particularly useful for you as it lowers your risk of developing the disease and its complications significantly. Choose a lifestyle that involves •Regular physical activity •Normal weight •Healthy diet •Non smoking •Normal sleeping pattern And •Protective footwear Conclusion: After all said and done, diabetes is one disease you can see coming and duck. And if you are diabetic already, you can minimize its effect on your quality of life and simply go on living. This is possible when you learn about the disease, get involved in your treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng. Every Wednesdays and Fridays (4-8pm)

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MAY 14, 2016

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Female

Angle

YEMISI ADENIRAN 08029894772 email: ydiran@yahoo.com

re new sex positions?

Variety is the spice of life

S

This column is x-rated that they were satisfied with their size, and an additional 14 per cent noted that they were very satisfied.

Satisfaction also varied by age group. While 39.4 per cent of men aged 18–24 reported being satisfied, this increased to 51 per cent among men aged 45 and over.

The proportion who were very satisfied showed little change overall, starting at 15.7 per cent of those aged 18–24 and growing to 16.9 per cent of men aged 35–44, before slightly declining to 13.5 per cent of men aged 45 and over.

Meanwhile, levels of dissatisfaction appeared to decline more significantly with age.13.1 per cent of men aged 18–24 were unhappy, but only 7.7 per cent of men aged 45 and over, reported being dissatisfied with their size. And while 3 per cent of men aged 18–24 noted that

This column is x-rated they were very dissatisfied, no men aged 45 and over felt that way.“It’s possible that young men may have plenty of exposure to popular misconceptions about penis size and its relevance to sex, and less life experience that would indicate otherwise,” one of the researchers explained. “As they age they may acquire experience and have more opportunities to learn that size may be less important than they once believed,” he added.

As the majority of men were satisfied or very satisfied with the size of their penis, 59.4 per cent of the men in the study also said size did not affect their sexual confidence. And a further 24.7 per cent said their size actually increased their confidence. Just 15.8 per cent said the size of their penis had decreased their sexual confidence!

ex as we all know is very important in any relationship. Beside the physical connection that it aids between lovers, it enables deep happiness which at the long run brings other good attributes like good physical appearance, emotional stability and longer life since every form of stress and loneliness is disallowed.

Studies have repeatedly shown also that married couples of all ages who report higher levels of relationship satisfaction also report having good sex lives.

It’s pretty much accepted across the board of relationship therapists that not having sex when you want to makes people unhappy, causing feelings of frustration, depression, rejection, self-doubt, difficulty concentrating and low self-esteem.

Some relationship experts have also observed that the excitement that accompanies every round of a sex session goes a long way to keep the players healthier as well as make him or look forward to having another session soonest.

This is why it is important for couples to ignite more life and fun into their sexual life for a healthier relationship.

In other words, going the missionary way or sticking to just a particular style of sex is not just monotonous but can be very boring.

Having sex in different positions can never bring any harm but inject youthfulness into the life of a woman and the relationship as well.

Sex, is a kind of physical exercise that couples need. So, having it in a non-active form can only jeopardize this advantage. Below are some other styles that couples can explore.

One incontestable fact about men, irrespective of their age, status and faith is that they love sex. Women also do, no doubt, but men’s passion for it is almost larger than life itself.

Yes, they love sex and that is why whenever the topic of discussion is centered on it, their interest is 100 per cent. Because of the amount of interest they have in sex, they seem to value their women more if she knows what makes them feel on top of the world, especially, in the bedroom.

Much as it is incontestable therefore that men love sex, there are certain sex positions that research have shown that they love as they, really, drive them crazy. These positions are like spices; they add colour to that game of intimacy. The positions give couples the abundant opportunity of exploring each other more, thus making the whole exercise more pleasurable than you can imagine.

Besides, having sex in one position can be monotonous, making it very boring. Therefore, trying a number of some positions that men appear to like would definitely add pep to it and remove the boredom that may want to rear its head in what, normally, should be real fun.

The new missionary option: Although this position is common worldwide as it is viewed as the standard sex position and favorite of many men, more fun need to be injected into it.

It is a style that should make the couple to still engage in a number of other intimate things like locking lips and even communicating with

the eyes. The woman also has the opportunity of putting her hips to work and also determine the movement together with the man. It is not a male dominated scenario after all. Where the woman wants the man to slow down or go deeper, she can indicate or control by guiding him. . May be the love for it is derived from the fact that it puts men in control even while being intimate. It is the position which puts the man on top while the woman is lying on her back The new missionary option: Although this position is common worldwide as it is viewed as the standard sex position and favorite of many men, more fun need to be injected into it.

It is a style that should make the couple to still engage in a number of other intimate things like locking lips and even communicating with the eyes. The woman also has the opportunity of putting her hips to work and also determine the movement together with the man. It is not a male dominated scenario after all. Where the woman wants the man to slow down or go deeper, she can indicate or control by guiding him.

Babe on top: This position appears to be a reverse of the first position. Now, the woman is in charge, and for all that you care, the man loves it. The love for this derives from the fact that he wants to please the woman by allowing her to be in control like he does in the first position. With this position, you have the opportunity of setting the pace while he is lying down on his back. The position gives her the opportunity of moving at her pace unlike where he calls the shot. Mind you, in his position too, he can do a number of things, particularly, determining the pace. His hands are free to do some romantic work which adds to the flavour of the exercise.

Reverse cowgirl: This is another position that can be fun. It is called the reverse variation of the woman on top position. It gives the man the sexy view he would get while engaging in a doggie position. The man is still in control, nevertheless. Although this position doesn’t give room for the kind of touching or eye contact that other positions may permit. It is bound to create the kind of pleasure that will last in your memory for a very long time.

Doggie style: Adopted from the way dogs do their thing, this style gives the man the opportunity of entering from the rear while the woman is kneeling down in front of him. The man is, again, in control. He determines the pace and the amount of penetration. One advantage of this style is that it allows for deeper penetration. The style makes the two of you feel good.

Standing up position: This style is delightful especially if your partner is in a hurry to get you. He may have you bent over the kitchen table or have you leaning against the wall. It is a position which sex experts would describe as good for a quickie.

It would be actually wrong to conclude that these are the only sex positions available.

There are definitely some others. However, with these few ones, you have the variety from which your partner can choose from and love you very well for it. So, stop the monotony and spice the fun with another position.

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Male

Jide animashaun 08034710902

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Angle

Should couples explor I

Why not?

t’s too easy to slip into a routine with your partner. Just like with work, study, going to the gym or even eating, sex can become routine and boring if care is not taken. And in most cases we do tend to allow lethargy to creep into our relationship with our partner. When that happens, you and your partner will start looking elsewhere for your thrills.

And if one is not careful. That may sound the beginning of the end of the relationship. Sex plays a significant part in most relationships, but how many couples explore more than a handful of positions? Or how many couples avoid some of the more common positions because they are “too ordinary” and “overused”? Or too used to being in their comfort zones that they are not ready at all to think outside the box where sex and their relationship is concerned. Don’t be afraid to try new ways of adding spice and zest to your relationship with your partner is what I tell anyone who come seeking my advice on issues relating to sex.

Sex is an aspect of life that is full of paradoxes. Stripping away clothes can make the strongest among us feel remarkably vulnerable. Over time, sex with even the most loving partner may become deeply familiar, and yes, not so interesting again. This overfamiliarity can even go beyond what we thought initially to the extent that the very foundation of the relationship may become affected and yet there’s usually plenty of uncharted territory to explore that we tend not to be bothered about.

Just as surprising, exploring other sexual positions may peel back the covers on other problems that have gone unnoticed and it may end up helping to treat or at least alleviate some of the problems such as difficulties with arousal or a partner’s flagging sex drive due to overfamiliarity or physical discomfort during sex. Adding to your repertoire of sexual positions not only adds interest to lovemaking, but your sexual well-being goes hand-in-hand with your overall mental, physical, and emotional health. Exploring other sexual positions may set off a chain reaction that will help

bridge the gap of helping to solve or at least alleviate this cycle of emotional issues and relationship troubles that need to be addressed as well.

Before sex can take a turn for the better in any relationship, it is likely you and your partner must take steps to work on improving it. No matter what you enjoy or bemoan about your sex life, new sexual position explorations is an adventure that can help take your relationship a step higher in building a more enduring and physically satisfying relationship because as you age, your sexual responses will start slowing down. Also, understand that the physical changes in your body mean that you’ll need more time to get aroused and reach orgasm. When you think about it, spending more time exploring new sex positions during sex isn’t a bad thing because working these physical necessities into your lovemaking routine can open up doors to a new kind of sexual experience that will be amazing if not exactly out of this world for both of you.

Exploring other sex positions helps to put the fun back into the relationship. It adds creativity to an otherwise relationship already going south. And it helps to create a new positive attitude about your sexuality. It also creates a room for new romance to be added back into your relationship because the creativity involved helps to make you more romantic. All in all, it adds sparks or zest into an otherwise boring routine that you are used to. And because the new positions are from your creativity, it expands the scope of your mind positively towards the way you see yourself and your partner thereby creating a positive aura for the relationship.

Finally, the scriptures never said what a husband and wife are or are not allowed to do sexually.

Husbands and wives are instructed not to deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time.

This verse perhaps lays down the principle for sexual relations in marriage. Whatever is done, it should be mutually agreed upon.

No one should be encouraged or coerced to do something he or she is uncomfortable with or thinks is wrong.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Is bigger always better?

Continued from last week

M

en love to brag about the size of their penis. It is believed that the bigger the penis, the more fun the woman will have. But is this always the case?

Away from the empirical to the theoretical, a recent study asked women how much they value penis size as an important aspect of a man’s body.

About two-thirds of women, 67.4 per cent, said that size is somewhat important but not of overriding significance or major concern to them.

A further 21.4 per cent, more than 1 in 5, felt that penis size simply wasn’t important.

Only 11.2 per cent of women said that size was very important to them. Clearly, plenty of women don’t place a heavy emphasis on the importance of size!

The study also asked men from four age groups about their level of satisfaction with the size of their genitals.

Overall, very few men reported dissatisfaction with their size – only 10.3 per cent said they were dissatisfied, and a mere 1.7 per cent said they were very dissatisfied. 29.5 per cent had neutral feelings about their size, being neither particularly satisfied nor dissatisfied.

A majority of men were content - 44.5 per cent reported

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Dear Bukola

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

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

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

I hate my mother in-law Dear Bukola,

I

I have a serious crush on my boss Dear Bukola,

I

have a very beautiful, curvy and fashionable boss who I have had a crush on right from the moment I laid my eyes on her. I don’t care that she is married with 2 kids because she is just everything I want in a woman. I think of her every time and always try everything possible to be in her office.

She is the only reason I go to work every day, in fact, I really like this woman! Please what can I do to get her to look my way? Anonymous.

Dear anonymous,

Y

ou know I don’t really have a problem with you having a crush for your boss because it happens. The issue I have right now is that you are not looking for a way to get over the crush; rather you are interested in knowing how

to get your boss to look your way… you make me laugh, like seriously?

Anyway, my advice for you will be directed at ways through which you can get over the crush. Firstly, you must know that she is your boss and she is married (with kids). If she were a single lady, I would have encouraged you to speak your mind to her but for Christ’s sake, she is married! No matter how attractive she is, she belongs to someone so she is out of your reach. Secondly, if you love your job, I think it would be better you forget about these feelings you have because if she gets to know, you may probably lose your job. Let your relationship with her be strictly professional; don’t overstep your bounds! Also, focus more on getting the type of woman you

want elsewhere. There are suitable ones out there who have everything you want in a woman, stop wasting your time on the one that is already taken… you deserve your own woman. Lastly, if you think it will be difficult for you to get over these feelings then you should quit the job so that you can clear your head. If she remains the only reason you go to work every day, I smell trouble because as a man there are more important reasons why you should be working. There’s a future ahead of you that needs proper planning so don’t allow yourself to be crushed by a pointless crush. Go on your knees and ask God for grace to get over this phase you are in. All the best!

Dear marketing executive, irstly, I understand your plight because I have been in your shoes before, but I thank God because it is one of the things that molded me into the person I am today. Having said that, one thing I want you to know is that having these targets and doing our possible best to meet them gives us the strength to meet targets we set for ourselves in life generally. I want you to do this job having in mind that you have bills to pay and that it is a means of getting that done. Jobs are not easy….

If everyone could just wake up every morning, lazy around and get paid for it, do you think anyone would go to work? ‘Fortunately’, life is not as easy as that, you work before you eat so get going! Put your best in reaching your targets because if it were not realizable, it wouldn’t have been given. See the job as an opportunity for you to boost your self-confidence and be a bolder person. Lastly, try to be appreciative of what you have because so many unemployed people out there wish they had this job….

They would do everything possible to be in your shoes. Good luck with it!

My work is too stressful Dear Bukola

I

work as a marketing exec utive in one of the financial institutions in the country.

Recently the target that has always been a bit difficult to meet was outrageously increased. I don’t know if these our superiors want us to kill ourselves in order to be productive at the job. It is really becoming too stressful for me. What do you think I should do?

F

have seen mothers in law that treat their daughters in law with love, but this my own is very wicked. She sees me as her rival and I don’t know why. There’s nothing I do that is good to her. I have asked my husband severally why his mother is so unfair to me but he thinks I am the one not trying hard enough to satisfy her. Recently, we had a family party where I was majorly in charge of the arrangement.

I tried to make everything perfect most especially because I wanted to satisfy my mother in law but right in front of everybody, in the middle of the party, she embarrassed me by rubbishing every effort I put into it. That was the moment I began to hate her… I seriously now understand why some single ladies pray to be married to men who are motherless.

Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous, irstly, you must know that no matter what anyone does to you, hate is a big word to use because it has a way of consuming us. You have to let go of such emotions towards your mother in law. Also, do you know that two wrongs don’t make a right? If she has made up her mind to be very mean to you that shouldn’t stop you from loving her. This is why I agree with your husband that you are not trying hard enough to satisfy her. The only way you can win your mother in law over is by loving her with all your heart. See her as your mother after all, if your mother embarrasses you in the front of everybody, that doesn’t mean you would hate her. I know it may be a bit difficult for you to do but please pray for grace. I am giving you this advice because I want you to enjoy your husband. A mother is very important in the life of her children, most especially her sons because she is more often than not their first love so if you want your husband to dance to your tunes, be ready to do everything possible to satisfy his mother. Come to think of it, it wouldn’t really cost you much. Simply let go of all negative feelings you have towards your mother in law and try your utmost best to forgive her for not appreciating your efforts as expected. Your marriage is your number one priority but your mother in law is a key player in determining how much happiness you get from it. I hope you understand the point I am trying to make? I wish you all the grace you need!

F

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Mirror

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerian student cleared of •Victim claims she thought she was having rape in UK sex with his white friend A

Nigerian student was falsely accused of rape by a 21-year-old shop assistant who claimed she drunkenly thought she was having sex with his white friend, a court heard yesterday.

Sam Obeghe, 24, was having sex with the woman at his flat at the end of a drunken night out in Bolton, Greater Manchester, only to stop when she unexpectedly cried the name of his 22-year-old friend Zack Garrigan.

As he did so, the woman, who had earlier been having sex with Mr Garrigan at the flat in nearby Heaton, ran her fingers through Mr Obeghe’s hair and realised she was with the wrong man.

She stormed out in hysterics, her mother alerted police and within three hours of the encounter, University of Salford Economics student, Obeghe, was arrested in his pyjamas.

He was ordered to face court and endured a 17-month wait until a trial, but was unanimously acquitted of rape by a jury at Bolton Crown Court after just 27 minutes of deliberation.

During the trial the woman said the bedroom was ‘pitch black’ and she couldn’t see anything, despite Nigerian-born Mr Obeghe being of a different ethnicity and having various different features from white Mr Garrigan.

The incident occurred on December 5, 2014 when the woman had got drunk while out with a friend. The two women met Mr Obeghe and Mr Garrigan in the Vogue bar in Bolton and in the early hours of the morning the four of them plus another man went to the student’s flat.

Mr Obeghe, who had not been drinking, gave the party a lift in his BMW but once they got back the woman and Mr Garrigan began kissing and headed into the defendant’s bedroom for sex.

The woman said she and Mr Garrigan did not have intercourse and she fell asleep whilst he went into the lounge to try to find some Viagra.

But she told the court she was subsequently woken by a man

she thought was Mr Garrigan in the bed and they began having sex.

She said: “I was saying Zack’s name because I thought it was him I was having sex with. The person hugging and kissing me didn’t feel any different. I thought this was Zack “I called his name four or five times. It went on for a couple of minutes until I put my hands through his hair and realised it was not Zack but was Sam. I was screaming ‘what are you doing?’

“He ran out of the room. I was embarrassed and ran out. Zack was asking what was wrong. I was just saying that I needed to get out.”

Obeghe, said he had met the woman while helping Garrigan celebrate his birthday, and he agreed to let the group go back

to his flat at 5am.

“I could tell she was drunk her and Zack were the same,” he said. “Music was playing and they were kissing and then went into my bedroom.

“I sat there thinking ‘what have I done,’ bringing them back here because I had work the next day. I saw Zack coming out, first naked and I was saying ‘come on, I need to go to bed.’

“I asked him, ‘are you guys leaving?’ But he was not really paying attention to what I was saying and I said ‘I’m going to go and get her out.’

“I walked into the bedroom sat on the bed and started nudging the woman saying ‘go and meet Zack in the living room’. At first I lay there thinking ‘finally I can go to bed’ but she grabbed me.

“I was just thinking I didn’t

I was just thInkIng I dIdn’t really want to have sex wIth her. But I’m a human BeIng and If you get touched lIke that, you have a motIvatIon to move on

really want to have sex with her.

But I’m a human being and if you get touched like that, you have a motivation to move on.

“I figured she was probably very drunk but she grabbed me saying “come on Zack.” Then I realised she’s thinking I’m Zack so I jumped off the bed and jumped out of the room.

“I went into the living room and told Zack, ‘Man you will not believe what she’s just done.’

Zack was sort of laughing and then I saw her storming out and she was screaming. I was in shock. I didn’t climb on top of her and kiss her.”

After the not guilty verdict, Obeghe, now 26, was too upset to comment, but his lawyer Sarah Johnson said, “We are not suggesting this is a wicked woman telling a wicked pack of lies.

But she couldn’t remember everything that happened in that bedroom. She’s not someone you can say is accurate and reliable.

“She said the room was pitch black and she couldn’t see anything, despite the defendant being of a different ethnicity, having different features and a different voice.

“It was only when putting her hand through his hair she put her head back and it’s that movement of her head that allows her to see that it’s Sam and not Zack.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Mirror

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33

Our ordeal at health facilities –Lagosians

ERIC ELEZUO discovered after a tour of some health care facilities in Lagos State, that those saddled with the responsibility of giving health have abused it.

T

he popular assertion that health is wealth re-echoes the high importance attached to the health sector of every community, state or the nation in general. Consequently, it is of high importance to Nigerians and of course the world population.

Much as this sector is supposed to provide care and succour in the time frailty, incapacitation and helplessness, the opposite seems to be the case. This is just as medical issues raise some concerns ranging from relationship of medical personnel with patients to issues of treatment, hospitality in the various wards, availability of facilities, cost of treatment, delay before commencement of treatment and a host of other issues.

Amina Mohammed, a seven-month pregnant woman, who was encountered at the Primary Heath Care Centre located at Okokomaiko told Saturday Mirror that she had been sitting unattended to at the place.

She complained that the young nurse she met had with mildness told her to sit somewhere and wait. She said in her Hausa ladened tongue: “I have been here since 8:30, and

this 9:15, yet I have not been attended to. It is not as if I was given a better place to sit as a pregnant woman, or spoken to in a mild tone. The nurse that sent me away talked to me as if I was disturbing her,” she said.

While Saturday Mirror lingered around, another woman walked in.

She stylishly deposited some notes in the palms of a bosomy nurse, which quickly disappeared into her large apron-like white overall. And with a smile, she led the woman into another room.

The complaints of medical personnel’s harsh treatments of patients had become so loud, prompting the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga, to visit three primary health care centres in the local government, which include, Akowonjo, Ayobo/Ipaja and Egbe Idumu on an impromptu note last week His findings were outrageous as the facility and personnel at Egbe Idimu were nothing to write home about.

Saturday Mirror visited the Ikeja General Hospital, where a female patient narrated her ordeal with a

male nurse. The patient, who simply gave her name as Faith told our correspondent that she went through a little hazard before she was attended to. She said: On arrival at the hospital at about 3:00pm, I went to the enquiry unit, where I was further directed to get a card. Surprisingly, the receptionist, who said his name was KC, told me that I could not see the doctor after I had got my card because he has closed for the day. I was like why, and insisted that it was not time for closing. After much trouble, he agreed to let me see the doctor if I could give him ‘something’. While I was wondering what it meant to give him something, he added, “just anything in your mind, give me any amount, and they will attend to your file right away” otherwise you may join the others or come back tomorrow,’ the young woman said, still looking dazed.

At the emergency ward, a certain Mr. Jide complained bitterly about the cost of tests and also the procedure. According to him, “The cost of running a test to ascertain ailments is too high; “I had to pay a lot of money just for test; I wonder what the final cost of treatment will be...”

He added: “Even at this, I go through unnecessary time wasting process to book for the test. Emergency cases are really in the hand of God oooh...”For Jide, it takes God to save

emergency cases as the proper attention is not at its best yet.

Another patient, though not an emergency case, gave his name as Obafemi, he said the nurse who attended to him was just aggressive, and that was his first time of being admitted. He stated that he never knew he wouldß be admitted, so he came unprepared.

“If you see the kind of aggression I received from the nurse I spoke to, you will gladly agree to go home and die there. I came unprepared for admission because I did not know I would be admitted. I had asked a nurse I could get water to bath she rudely responded that it was not her business. She told me I should have prepared myself in every way before coming on admission”.

Miss Ann, a young woman, who brought her mother to the hospital, also has a sorry tale to tell. “I brought my mother, who needed urgent attention to the hospital, but could not get a bed space for a whole two days. She had to call a family friend who knows a nurse there, before they were given a bed space, and properly attended to her dad.

According to her, “He sat on a wheel chair for two days because they told me there was no space...” She however, stated that some hospitals are just annoying, adding that “This one is just pathetic, our government hospitals need more attention”.

It is not known why hospital, staff exhibit some of the attitude they portray since it is on record that they are paid and remunerated.

Mr. Adeola Makanjuola, a practicing physician, who refused to allow the use of his hospital name, said that most times, it is not about payment but upbringing, stating that most of these people were badly brought up.

“You see, human beings can be terrible when they want to. Why would someone be harsh to a patient, or demand bribe from him who is purportedly dying? This is a matter of wrong upbringing,” he said.

However, in an interview with Idoko David, a resident of Idumota, he said his experience was satisfactory in terms of prompt attendance and care. He however, lamented the very poor toilet facilities, which he described as a disease-generating centre in a health house. He asserts: “Your illness can even increase with the state of the toilet there”.

A state Ministry of Health source said that the health situation is what the government is presently tackling, as they are undertaking impromptu visits of healthcare centres to ascertain the viability of the environment and its officials.

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Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Coping with your inquisitive child Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

D

O: Provide opportunities for social interaction, preferably in groups or with a wide variety of people. Parents, siblings, play dates with friends are great, but even public play spaces where they don’t know anyone will work. Extroverts are naturally inclined to meet new people. If they can find someone to talk to, they will.

DON’T: Always make social time structured. Classes and organized activities definitely go a long way towards meeting an extroverted child’s need for being social, but there are often restrictions on how children may interact in them–expectations with regard to sitting still, being quiet, and listening to directions. “Social free play” is more effective at meeting an extrovert’s needs for expression, as they can self-adjust and be as unstructured and outspoken as they need to be.

2. Extroverted kids are up front about their emotions. Though they don’t necessarily have the language skills to identify their feelings, extroverts readily express laughter, excitement, tears, frustration and anger through their voices, actions, and body language. An extrovert processes life externally, so all emotions that stem inside a child get turned right back out at the world.

A lack of emotional restraint is healthy and normal for extroverted kids. Just as introverts need to find quiet outlets for expressing their

feelings, extroverts need to find appropriate verbal and physical ones.

It’s not just a preference, it’s a must for their healthy emotional development.

DO: Accept their feelings. A child being vocal about what’s going on inside of him is not wrong. Let your extrovert know that anything he is feeling is OK, and it’s healthy to express it. It’s how he expresses these feelings that may not be OK. Teaching extroverts skills like taking positive time outs and how to redirect their physical reactions to anger takes time and is so worthwhile in teaching children appropriate emotional expression.

DON’T: Try to make a child’s feelings go away, however exuberant they may be. When she’s upset, don’t tell her, “I don’t want to hear it,” or that it’s time to be quiet. She’ll learn that feelings are to be suppressed, which goes against an extrovert’s nature and creates stress.

3. Extroverted kids are experiential learners. They are action oriented as opposed to thought oriented; they prefer doing hands-on activities to sedentary ones. Remember, extroverts come alive by engaging with their environment, so learning is more effective for them when they can immerse themselves in a subject using as many of their senses as possible. Lessons are quickly learned when there is talking, laughing, touching, playing; doing.

This means that in school, they’ll find the most meaning and enjoy-

ParentingUpdate

W

hen babies smile early in life, it is a good sign, says a study. By encouraging your baby to smile, according to the researchers the University of Lake City, you’re helping her develop self-esteem. It lets her know that her feelings are important and that she can affect her environment. It’s also important for her overall brain development.

The researchers, therefore recommend that parents choose a period when the baby is relaxed. Because a hungry baby isn’t inclined to smile. They also advise that you take the baby in your arms with her face very close to yours since at this age your baby sees best at 8-12 inches away. Then, smile widely at her and offer a warm “hello” in that sing-song pitch parents do so well.

“After two tough months of late-night feedings and diaper changes, you’re in for a big treat -- a smile from your baby. Sure, you’ve seen your baby smiling since soon after birth. Often newborns will smile in their sleep.” said the lead researcher. .

“Sometimes a smile in the early weeks of life is simply a sign that your little bundle is passing gas.

ment in work that is cooperative, verbally engaging, experimental, and likely not at their desks.

DO: Ensure that your extroverted child is able to learn in an environment that suits her needs. Seek out schools and teachers who incorporate as much practical “field work” as possible into their curricula.

At home, engage your child with dialogue, discussion, questions, games, playfulness and hands-on experience in things that are to be learned.

Also take advantage of groups, clubs, and other extra curricular activities to help extroverted kids meet their sensory needs.

Opportunities for performing on a stage (such as in plays or musicals), working as a team (sports), or engaging verbally with others (scouts) are wonderful ways for extroverts to learn new skills.

DON’T: Assume that kids will learn something just by being told, even if they’re told over and over again.

Implementing a one-way-listening style of communication (meaning: parent talks, child listens) goes against an extrovert’s nature, and can make learning frustrating for an extroverted child.

4. An extroverted child can be alone. Extroverts crave stimulation, but that doesn’t mean they need to be entertained by someone all of the time. It is possible to have alone time “extroverted style” by including music, audio books, or some type of physical activity

(swing, trampoline, punching bag) into their alone time.

DO: Aim for some alone time every day for your extrovert, even if it’s just a few minutes. Work towards a balance that works for your and your child. For all children, learning how to be alone and not depend on someone to keep them occupied

is a valuable skill to develop.

DON’T: Place unnecessary restrictions on how alone time should occur. If your extrovert needs to sing or talk to herself, bounce up and down, or go outside to “sword fight” trees with a stick, let her do what she needs to unwind. Alone time doesn’t necessarily mean quiet time.

Tiny Feet

NAME: Oseni Hamdat

BORN TO: Mr and Mrs Ibrahim Oseni AGE: 19 days old BIRTH WEIGHT: 2.7kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Early babies’ smile good for high self esteem — Study

But starting between 6 and 8 weeks of life, babies develop a “social smile” -- an intentional gesture of warmth meant just for you.

This is an important milestone. Your pediatrician will ask you whether you’ve seen your baby’s grin at her two-month well child visit. So be on the lookout,” he added.

Below are other signals of your baby’s smile at this stage.

She’s growing up and starting to figure out human behavior.

She realizes that smiling back at you gets your attention.

Your baby’s brain development is advancing and her communication skills are on track.

If you’re trying to get your baby to smile and can’t seem to coax a grin, don’t fret. It may take a few attempts.

Your baby may smile past you and not look you in the eyes. That’s just her way of avoiding stimulation overload and exerting some control over her world.

If your child was born prematurely, give her a few extra weeks or a month to grin. As a general rule, the more premature, the more time it will take to

catch up.

Respect differences between you and your partner in the way each of you plays with the baby. Dads often arouse babies during play while moms are more lowkey. Your baby loves both styles.

For dads who find being a new parent challenging, extra bonding time with baby helps strengthen the relationship and ease stress.

Caring for baby at this age is still demanding. Work with your partner to relieve each other for naps, exercise, or the “downtime” all parents need.

Keep your connection: find time for just you and your partner while baby is sleeping or somebody else is caring for her Culled from www.WebMD.com

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divorce court

‘She wants me to lick her private part’ A 66 -year old retiree, Michael Adesanya Agboola, has said that he fell apart with his ex-wife, Funke Alasiri because he stopped licking her private part. But, his estranged wife has denied the allegation. Agboola, whose 11year old marriage to Funke was dissolved by the Agege Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Lagos, added that when he demanded an explanation for her unusual request, she told him it was the vogue among couples and that he must do it to satisfy her. The

Osun State-born driver who also claims his ex- wife forcibly evicted him from a bungalow he built on 26, Apode Street, Ojodu, Lagos, about four years ago in order to inherit it, said further that it is high time he challenged her in the open over the ownership of the house because of his futile attempts to get justice at theLagos State Citizens Mediation Centre which he said declined to act on the matter for no clear reason. “We started having problems because of her violent attitude.”

MAY 14, 2016

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‘My husband comes home drunk every night’

• He jumps on me when I am already asleep and has sex with me. Because of this, I have given birth to six children. He does not provide for them, neither does he pay their school fees —Wife

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‘I detest my wife because she bleached her skin’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

bleached her skin and that he detested it.

“The smell of her body since she started bleaching is not good for my health, why should she be bleaching at her age? She is now a grandmother. ``My wife goes out at will without my permission. She also curses a lot and her curses are coming to pass in my life,’’ he said.

Saibu said that when he told his wife that he has diabetes, the next day she started singing that God should add honey and sugar to her life.

He said that Monsurat always says that he will soon die, which he knew was true, but that even if he had a day to live, he wants to live in peace.

The respondent, Monsurat, a businesswoman, told the court that all the allegations levelled against her were false.

A mother of four, Monsurat said that since her husband bought a new mattress in 2005, he had stopped sharing the same room with her. ``When I complained, a family meeting was held but still no change. ``Mutahiru always defames my reputation by calling me a witch.

“He calls me a witch, he curses me at the slightest opportunity, he said I won’t be successful as long as I remain in his house, that is why I changed to Christianity,’’ Monsurat said.

The respondent said that her husband does not give her money to cook in the house but that he usually gives money to the children to cook for him.

She said that Saibu does not care for her and that when she was sick and hospitalized for three weeks, he did not come to the hospital even for once to check on her.

mother of six, Omowunmi Oluwadamilare, has pleaded with an Orile Agege Customary Court to dissolve her marriage over drunkenness, battery and lack of care by her husband. Omowunmi, a civil servant, who lives at 12, Aranseolu St., Oko-Oba Road, Orile Agege, a suburb of Lagos, told the court that her husband, Abiodun, was a drunkard and beat her after drinking.

“My husband comes home

drunk every night; he jumps on me when I am already asleep and makes love to me. “Because of this, I have given birth to six children. “He does not provide for their children, neither does he pay their school fees.

“I provide for them and even pay house rent,” the 35-year-old woman said. The mother of six, aged between three months and 13 years, told the court that her husband of 13 years, had refused to change. “He still hit me last night when he came home drunk.

“ I have told him to pack his belongings and leave the house but he would not listen. “I am tired of his attitude; please separate us so that I can be free,” she said.

Abiodun did not appear before the court for the fifth time.

The Court President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, told Omowunmi to maintain the peace and directed the court bailiff to serve Abiodun the court summons again.

He adjourned the case for further hearing.

‘She does not want me to make love to her’

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• I have been denying my husband sex because he borrowed N690,000 from me and has refused to pay. I will continue to starve him of sex until he pays the money —Wife

A

n Igando Customary Court in Lagos has intervened and saved a 12year marriage between Azeez Idowu and his wife Naimotu, over lack of sex from crashing.

The Court President, Mr Hakeem Oyekan, was able to reconcile the couple after several adjournments and interventions.

Oyekan, who stuck the petition, admonished the couple to maintain peace always.

“I urged both of you to go home and continue in love and peace,” he said.

The respondent, Naimotu, 39, a businesswoman, had told the court that she would continue to deny her husband sex until he had paid the debt owed her.

Naimotu who said this while responding to a petition by her husband, said: “I have been denying my husband sex because he borrowed N690,000 from me and has refused to pay.

“I will continue to starve him of sex until he pays the money.

“Azeez is in the habit of swearing and cursing me with a charm called ‘Ishan egungun’: a specially prepared masquerade’s rod and this is affecting my life,” the mother of two, said.

She, however, urged the court not to grant her husband’s wish for the dissolution of their marriage, saying that she was still in love with him.

The petitioner, Azeez, 45, businessman, had asked the court to dissolve the marriage over alleged sex denial by his wife.

“My wife does not want me to touch her nor make love to her, I am tired of the marriage because I am neither a stick nor a stone,” Azeez said.

Azeez alleged that his wife loved attending social activities and hardly stayed at home.

“Whenever she goes out, she would not return home until after five days or seven days.”

“My wife will go from one party to another; spending days and neglecting the family.

“I have reported her severally to her father who always calls her to order, but there has been no positive change,” Azeez said.

He described Naimotu as a liar, not trustworthy and always inconsistent in her words and actions.

“Naimotu lies a lot; one day, she told me that she was going to Mushin in Lagos State, but some hours later, someone called to tell me that she was in Igbo-Ora in Oyo State.

“When I called her and confronted her that she was in Oyo state as against Mushin she claimed she was going to mushin when she left home, she switched off her cell phone.

“She took permission on another day that she was going to Oshodi, but someone saw her at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun; I cannot just account for her movement.”

He pleaded with the court to dissolve the union since he was no longer interested and did not love her anymore.

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MAY 14, 2016

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divorce court

‘My fetish husband married me with charms’

• When I was single, my husband approached me that he wanted to marry me. I told him that I had a fiancé and that our marriage was near. Musili a bricklayer came back the following day and touched me, I don’t know how I got to his village, and I started having babies. —Wife

O

ne Omotosho Adejoke has dragged her husband, Omotosho Musili before an Igando Customary court, alleging that he confused and lured her with charms before they got married.

The complainant, a 39-yearold food vendor told the court that her husband was adulterous.

She claimed her husband was in the habit of bringing his lovers to their one-room apartment to spend days or months before leaving.

She, however, prayed the curt to dissolve her 16-year-old marriage, stating that, “When

‘I detest my wife because she bleached her skin’ • The smell of her body since she started bleaching is not good for my health, why should she be bleaching at her age? She is now a grandmother. Besides, she goes out at will without my permission. She also curses a lot and her curses are coming to pass in my life — Husband • He calls me a witch. He curses me at the slightest opportunity. He said I won’t be successful as long as I remain in his house. That is why I changed to Christianity —Wife StorieS

by

Muda o yeniran

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n Igando Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a 36-year marriage between a septuagenarian, Mr Mutahiru

Saibu and his 53-year-old wife, Monsurat, over bleaching and conversion of religion.

Delivering his judgment, the court’s President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola said that the petitioner was adamant in

spite of all mediation from the court and family members.

“Since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several interventions, therefore, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union in spite

‘Our pregnant neighbour died after my wife fought her’

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• My wife fights a lot. She fought our pregnant neighbour. The woman died the following morning. —Husband

M

r Olaiya Adegbo asked the Igando Customary Court to dissolve his marriage because his wife cheats on him with their neigbour.

The 59-year-old man, while asking the court to dissolve his 23-year marriage, cited infidelity as one of the reasons he no longer wants to be in the marriage.

The man identified as Mr Olaiya Adegbo, asked Court to dissolve his marriage, which produced four kids because his wife cheats on him with their neigbour.

While narrating the story he said, “That fateful day, I came back home earlier and could not find her in our room, two of my neighbours told me that they sighted her when she sneaked into her lover’s room.

“I went to knock on his door but he refused to open after hearing my voice.

“I continued knocking and he later opened his door, and I saw my wife hiding behind his door sweating and panting, I greeted her and left.

“After some days, her lover died and my wife disappeared from the house without taking

anything and refused to come back.

“My wife later went to marry another man, who also died after some months of their marriage,” he said.

Adeagbo also told the court that his wife was always at loggerheads with their neighbours.

“My wife fights a lot, she fought our pregnant neighbour but the woman died the following morning.

“Every house we rented, we were always evicted because of her frequent fighting with me and neighbours. She once stabbed me with a knife.

of the fact that the wife still claims she loves her husband.

“The court pronounced the marriage between Mutahiru Saibu and Monsurat Saibu dissolved today, both parties henceforth ceased to be husband and wife.

“Both parties are free to go their separate ways without any hindrances and molestation,’’ Omilola ruled.

The petitioner, a 76-yearold retired civil servant, had sought the dissolution of the marriage over his wife’s alleged bleaching and conversion to Christianity.

The septuagenarian told the court that as an Imam, his wife’s conversion from Islam to Christianity has brought shame on him.

“Her name is Monsurat before I married her, my wife is now known in the whole Celestial Churches in Lagos; I’m an Imam, how do I explain that?’’ he asked.

He said that his wife CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

I was single, my husband approached me that he wanted to marry me; I told him that I had a fiancé and that our marriage was near.

“Musili a bricklayer came back the following day and touched me, I don’t know how I got to his village, and I started having babies.

“Musili a bricklayer came back the following day and touched me, I don’t know how I got to his village, and I started having babies,” she lamented.

On accusation of infidelity, Adejoke said “I always leave the bed for them and sleep on the floor, on four occasions I had reported him to our families.

“Recently, he came home with a lady who stole my pants and brassier, I discovered that after she had left.

“I told my husband to retrieve my underwear from his lover, he later came home with a bra and pant but those were not the underwear that was missing,” she added, noting that her husband was always threatening her life.

“My husband is threatening to kill me, my hair dresser informed me that anytime I finished making my hair that my husband always come begging her to give him my hair.

“And he always tells me that if I leave him that he will kill me and run away.

“I am the one responsible for feeding the family, paying the house rent and the children’s school fees,” the mother of four boys noted, adding that she was scared of contracting sexually transmitted diseases from her husband due to his unfaithfulness.

Meanwhile, on his part, her 47-year-old husband denied all the allegations.

He said, “I pay my bills, I usually give her N500 per day, but she also assists me as any good wife will do.

“I returned the underwear my lover took away from our house and I never approached my wife’s hairdresser requesting for her hair.

The respondent begged the court to help him appeal to his wife that he still loves her.

The Court President, Adegboyega Omilola, advised the couple to go back home, talk over the issue in peace and adjourned the matter.

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They offer educative roles to children but they should not be interchanged for the parental role of the real parents of the children.

Some parents have turned schools to dumping grounds for their children. This is not good enough.

Some even go to the extent of passing bulk to teachers and management of their kids’ schools whenever anything goes wrong with their children or whenever their kids exhibit any immoral behaviour. They blame the schools.

This is very wrong. Parents should stop blaming schools for their children’s misbehaviour.

The role of these schools is not the same as the parents’. They are not supposed to play the role of parents neither should they be blamed for the moral errors of these kids.

What about the social media?

The social media and media generally are going all the way to mislead these children. While the media is good for its exposure on information to the children, it should also be blamed for its different ugly and bad information that it passes to the children.

Today’s children are too exposed and free with the social media that they learn a lot of things that should be kept far away from them. The peer group influence is also there. Because these children are left to enjoy too much of freedom and liberty that children of yester years were not exposed to, they learn more corrupt things than one can imagine.

What then would you offer as solutions?

Definitely, the bulk of the assignment rest on the parents. I am not saying parents or mothers should stop working, but I am saying they should create more time for their children. Parents should not for any reason feel guilty for not being around all the time. They must work because the kids, the family need money to thrive. However, they must find a way of striking a balance between their jobs and parenting.

The children that they fail to bring up well today will definitely ruin their joy and whatever thing they might have acquired in their hay days. They must ensure that they are the best friends of their children. They must find a way to their children’s hearts such that they become their confidants.

Would you say mothers should shoulder this responsibility?

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The making of a ToTal child is noT The responsibiliTy of a woman or The moTher alone. iT involves The men. boTh of Them should be vigilanT and proacTive when iT comes To issues of Their children.

While mothers are expected to champion this course, the making of a total child is not the responsibility of a woman or the mother alone. It involves the men. Both of them should be more vigilant and proactive when it comes to the issues of their children. They must make their issues first on their list of preference.

They must instil the fear of God in them and set specific rules to guide them. They must teach them the values of gratitude, respect, love and show them how to practise these by being role models to them. What this means is that parents should practise whatever they preach.

They must also teach them how to accept their faults and learn from them. They should praise them when they do well and correct them in love when they go wrong.

They must be technologically informed too, so that they can monitor whatever they do on the social media. This is what I do and it is working for me. Above all, they must pray for them so as to become children they will not only be proud of but children that will be the pride of the nation as a whole. They should endeavour to listen to them and not shout them down whenever they try to bear their minds on an issue.

They should be good listeners.

Every parent should bond with their children. A total child is a pride and strength of any nation.

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Keeping ABREAST Female pilots demand space to pump breast milk on duty

• Employers must accommodate‘lactation issues’ as they would any employee’s medical needs –Lawyer

F

our female pilots allege that they have been discriminated against for being pregnant and trying to breastfeed their children, according to claims filed by their lawyers.

The women say their employer fails to offer either paid maternity leave or job reassignment for pregnant pilots and does not provide a convenient, private place for pumping milk at work.

The four pilots say that constitutes unequal treatment on the basis of sex and has resulted in women suffering financial harm, pain and illness.

One said that she was disciplined for leaving the cockpit to pump breast milk and said “we should not have to choose between breastfeeding and our jobs.”

Pilot Shannon Kiedrowski said: “No woman should have to go through what we went through.”

She added in a blog post: “If commercial airlines want to attract and maintain the most qualified workforce, they are going to have to take a hard look at whether their policies meet the needs of new parents. We should not have to choose between our jobs and breastfeeding our children.

“Rather than support me, company management questioned my parenting choices as well as my commitment to my career. They even questioned why I didn’t switch to formula.”

A spokesperson for her employers said: “The duties of a commercial airline pilot present unique circumstances. We have made good-faith efforts to identify and provide rooms and other secure locations for use by breast-feeding pilots during their duty travel.”

The American Civil Liberties Union said it had filed discrimination claims with the Equal Employment

Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of Kiedrowski, employed since 2002; Brandy Beck, employed in 2003; and Erin Zielinski and Randi Freyer, who have worked for the same airline since 2013.

In documents filed with the EEOC on Monday, the women described their struggles to get their employer to provide places for them to pump breast milk during work days that can last more than 12 hours and include flights of up to five hours on schedules lasting up to five days.

The US commercial airline they work for has designated a room for breast milk pumping at its hub at Denver International Airport, but the pilots said it was not always convenient to their gates and that such rooms were not always available at other airports.

Kiedrowski told the EEOC she has pumped milk in an aeroplane restroom.

On one occasion, she said she was given a written reprimand and told leaving the flight deck to pump raised safety issues.

Jeff Nowak, a Chicago attorney who has represented employers in such cases, said the EEOC has said employers must accommodate ‘lactation issues’ as they would any employee’s medical needs.

He said the Denver airport room provided for pumping might be considered adequate accommodation.

The pilots also described to the EEOC failed attempts to get assignments outside the cockpit that would have let them work longer and continue earning while pregnant.

Their employer requires pregnant pilots to go on maternity leave following the 32nd week of pregnancy.

Phoebe Taubman, another attorney said that such forced leave policies are not uncommon and stem from concern about an employee going into labour while on the job.

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WOMAN

‘Every child needs parental bonding’ Raising a total child should be a priority of every parent. But while this is the desire of most parents, a lot of factors appear to be limiting them from achieving this goal. In the just concluded National Parenting Conference, held at the Guiding Light Assembly, Ikoyi, the First Lady Of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunso Amosun spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on some of these factors and offered ways of curbing them.

You recently clocked 50, yet you look 16.

What is the secret?

It’s God. It could not have been me or any other person. It is very wrong for anyone to attribute any achievement to himself because there is nothing we are today that has not been enabled by God Almighty. So, for all the good things in my life, I give God all the glory..

I owe all to God who has kept me and my household this far. I thank Him for everything.

How would you rate today’s parents on the issue of parenting of children?

I would say they have tried but they can do better. Every child comes from God which is why it is important that parents take the issue of parenting very seriously.

As far as I have observed, today’s youths need more care than they are getting currently from their parents.

What are some of the factors hindering today’s children from being total children?

First on the list is the fact that most mothers are now career women. This is robbing children off the total attention that should

be devoted to them. Many of these children are left at some nannies’ places or with some house-helps who just do whatever they like with them. Many are left to grow to trust their friends more than they should have trusted their parents. Today’s parents are too busy with their jobs and appear to care less for their children. All we do is to go in search of money and other material things to keep the home going. There is nothing wrong with this because money is an essential tool in bringing up the kids. However, it is important for mothers especially to create more

time for their children, speak and train them in the right way so that they will grow up as a total adult who can take responsibilities when they are no longer strong or alive to do so. It is important that parents get to know their friends, what they do at their leisure time and guide them where necessary.

Most children are left under the care of their schools. Do the schools have no positive roles to play on children?

Schools are training grounds for children but they are not to play parental roles to children.

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Fashion

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MAY 14, 2016

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Guest G

‘Designing makes me Surprising things that feel on top of the world’ can hurt your heart

Bubu Ogisi is the Creative Director of iamISIGO fashion label. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on the fun and challenges she faces on the job.

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here are lots of fashion designers around today. How do you cope with the competition?

I don’t see any big deal in competition.

As a matter of fact, competition brings life into business. It is what any business needs to thrive and to become better. If there are not many people in a particular business, it is not a good sign. It can only mean that the business is not impacting on the public. But if we have more people there, everyone will be at alert. No one will want to joke with his or her job.

For fashion designing, it helps inspire

creativity. It keeps any serious-minded designer on her toes. It makes one to want to get better.

What attracted you to fashion designer?

I just love the fun of creating something adorable from something that used to be nothing. It is like trying to be like God who called forth reality out of unreality.

I love the fun of designing. It makes me feel fulfilled. I am creating something out of nothing. And when people now come around to appreciate it, I just feel on top of the world. It is fun, it is fulfilling.

You know that a bad diet and too little exercise can hurt your heart. But there are lots of sneaky sources of heart disease you may not be aware of

Shift work Working at night or irregular hours raises your risk of a heart attack, according to a recent study from Western University in Canada. Researchers say shift work has a bad impact on the body’s circadian rhythm (a.k.a. your “internal clock”), and they think that harms your heart. So if you don’t work regular day hours, take extra steps to lower your risk of heart disease: Get exercise, eat a balanced diet, and see your doctor for regular checkups.

Traffic delays Anyone who’s ever been stuck in bumperto-bumper traffic will tell you it’s stressful.

That may be why research links spending a single hour in traffic to higher odds of having a heart attack. High noise levels -- like the kind you hear on a freeway -- are also linked to heart disease. If you can’t avoid traveling during rush hour, squash stress by listening to relaxing music. Or share the ride and chat with your fellow passenger.

Early menopause If you’re a woman and you go into menopause before you turn 46, your odds of having a heart attack or stroke may be twice as high as those who go through it later. A drop in estrogen, a hormone with heart-friendly effects, may play a role. Ask your doctor to test you for heart disease risk factors (like high cholesterol).

Snoring If your partner says you regularly snore or you sound like you’re gasping for air while sleeping, see your doctor. You might have a serious condition called apnea. It can happen when your airway is partially blocked and it causes you to have pauses in your breathing.

The disorder is linked to high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, strokes, and heart failure. Treatments can help you breathe easier and lower your risk for heart disease, too.

Not getting good sleep When you routinely get less than 6 hours of sleep a night, you raise your risk of higher blood pressure and cholesterol. It increases the odds you’ll become obese and get diabetes, too (both of which can hurt your heart).

That doesn’t mean you should sleep your way through the day. When you spend more than 9 hours horizontal on a regular basis, it raises your odds of getting diabetes and having a stroke -- major risk factors for heart disease.

Pamper your brain, body, and heart -- aim for even to nine hours of slumber a night.

An unhappy marriage A good match makes your heart happy and healthy. Older adults who are content in their unions have a lower risk of heart disease than those who aren’t, according to a recent study from Michigan State University. The likely cause? Stress. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to make bad diet choices and do other things that can hurt your ticker, like drink too much alcohol. What’s more, stress hormones may have a negative effect on the heart.

Loneliness When you spend time with loved ones, it thwarts stress and helps you stay active.

Lonely folks may be more likely to have heart disease. If you’re not near family or close friends, get connected by helping someone in need.

Belly Fat Any extra weight is hard on your heart, but the kind around your midsection is especially dangerous. It may trigger your body to make hormones and other chemicals that can raise blood pressure and have a bad effect on your blood vessels and cholesterol levels.

If you’re a woman and your waist is more than 35 inches around, or 40 inches if you’re a man, talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan.

Too much television time People who park themselves in front of the television a lot are more likely to get heart problems than those who limit their TV time.

Every hour you spend watching TV on a daily basis may increase your risk by almost 20%.

Sitting is the most likely culprit; it’s linked to problems like high blood pressure. Until researchers know how and why TV and heart trouble are connected, try to limit your time in front of the tube.

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SOCIETY Mirror

Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi set to wed

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or those who never knew that one of Nigeria’s most eligible bachelor in the person of Seyi Tinubu, is a hopeless romantic, going by what just happened last weekend, the dandy lawyer as affirmed that he is one in many ways. This is going by how he serenaded his heartrob and jewel-Layal.

The son of the Governor Emeritus of the state of aquatic excellence, better known to all as Lagos, who is also the National Leader of the reigning party in Nigeria (the APC), the one with the title Jagaban of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; took matters into his hands when he

decided to cast away the tag of the ultimate ladies’ man by presenting a ring to his jewel of inestimable value in Ghana last year.

However, despite rumours of infidelity in the duo’s relationship, they have agreed to go together as no negative comment or backlashing can stop them from tying the knot.

The love birds have released their pre-wedding photo shoot.

The wedding which is set to take place later this year will be a grand wedding which will attract the ‘who is who’ among politicians, billionaire business men as well as top society figures in the country.

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with Deola Adeoti.

Tel: 07055695565, mofat07@yahoo.com

Femi Pedro’s second coming

F

rom political doldrums, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, is gradually inching his way back to political reckoning. The erstwhile CEO of First Atlantic Bank has been off the political scene for a while, but now he’s resurfaced and more determined to beat his former records.

It would be recalled that the smooth-talking bank gaffer was drafted from the banking sector to become the deputy after the then governor; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

facilitated the impeachment of his former deputy, Kofoworola Bucknor.

But in the build up to the 2007 elections, Pedro parted ways with his benefactor, Tinubu over his ambition to succeed him. At that time, Tinubu had pitched his tent with the now outgoing governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and Pedro had to defect to the Labour party, and resigned his lofty position for him to concentrate more on his guber ambition.

However, he lost woefully

but not totally defeated. In 2011, he defected to People’s Democratic Party where he hoped to reinvigorate his ambitions, but he didn’t win even the primaries.

And now, just like the biblical prodigal son, the ambitious politician is back to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and he is now at the right hand of his former boss, Tinubu, following him to everywhere he goes.

He’s now said to be hanging for any political appointment that may be thrown at him.

Why Pretty Okafor remains PMAN President A lthough the recent ruling delivered by the Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Hon. Justice C.M.A Olatoregun-Ishola which set aside the Consent Judgment establishing the National Executive Caretaker Committee of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), did not surprise many, it may have hit the rocks all the same.

According to a statement signed by PMAN’s General Secretary, Kenny Ama George, this is because a Notice of Appeal and motion on notice filed by their counsel, Ogbeide Kingsley Ukumhen Esq. which picked many holes on why the

ruling can best be described as ‘’dead on delivery,’’ as he put it, already checkmates it.

The defendants had wondered, after the ruling, why ‘’we were not part of the mentioning, not part of the hearing and not part of the ruling. Hence PMAN under Mr Pretty Okafor, remains unshaken by the proceedings,’’ as the defence lawyer put it.

According to Ukumhen, the trial judge erred in law by setting aside a Consent Judgment that was entered by the court based on terms of settlement that was neither an issue before the court nor contested by any parties to the suit.

He also observed that from available records, it is obvi-

ous, apparent and undisputed that parties to the suit entered, executed and filed several terms of settlement based on which the court only gave its seal upon. ‘’Further to the above, the law is trite that the terms of settlement properly executed and duly filed by parties to a suit doesn’t become consent judgment of court unless and until pronouncement is made to that effect by the court binding parties thereto accordingly.’’

For the avoidance of doubt, he said that it must be noted that Hon Justice O. E. Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on the 31st day of October, 2014, pronounced the terms of settlement dated and filed on the 13th day of October 2014, a Consent Judg-

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Style & Glam

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 14, 2016

Style & Glam

Fashion frenzy

Be a show stopper with Ankara accessories T

he Ankara fabric adds flavour and spice to an outfit any day, anytime. To take it a niche higher, just add a touch accessories designed with the Ankara fabric and you will be amazed at the magical look you will have.

Meanwhile, they come ia a wide variety. From handbags, clutch bags, shoes, sandals, bangles, earrings to rings, the list is simply endless.

When these accessories are put together with the right outfit, you are

Fashion frenzy

just game for red carpet events. .... they give you a show stopping look!

And they are adaptable too. You can pair them with dresses of all types, plain t-shirts, jeans and printed or patterned blouses or dresses. Only be sure not to wear with bold or strong patterns because the accessories already have a lot of detailing A good choice for your formal or informal events, the Ankara accessories give you a show-stopping look all day long.

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Style & Glam

MAY 14, 2016

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spotless ot, straight and light any legs are a girl’s de erywhere day. They are ev ible. Whether and simply irresist ort, fair or dark you are tall or sh a long way to skinned, they go e loudest fashion help you make th ver and wherever statement whene d. they are displaye dress them up You can choose to , knickers and in cute mini gowns e sure to have skirts and you ar

applause Are they But wait a minute. e you proud well shaped and ar are, you can of them? If they as much swagger flaunt them with put on those as possible. Just knickers and cute mini-dresses, u are good to go. miniskirts and yo Yinka Fashola These models from Moofa make a of Nigerian label display

MOOFA

EVENTS

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MAY 14, 2016

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VGMAs rock Ghana The Ghana Music Awards was the talk-of-the-town last weekend in Ghana, and it lived up to expectations with many superstars, including Nigeria’s Wizkid, in attendance. Ghana’s A-list celebrities who attended include Nadia Buari, Joselyn Dumas and Efya.

Efya

Ehiz

Nadia Buhari

Joselyn Dumas

Selly

Jasmine

Hamamat Montia LadyJay

Moet Abebe

Nikki Samonas

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MAY 14, 2016

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After long silence, Tonto Dike spits fire!

‘Spousal prayer better than sex’ ‘Beware of men who are parasites’

C

ontroversial actress, Tonto Dike, has been quiet for quite some time now, maybe because she’s now married and has a baby, but she made the news again with her latest online post which is just like her, no-holds-barred in its message.

According to the post: “Praying together is the most intimate act a couple can engage in. My husband and I do nothing without hitting those knees on the ground to God Almighty.

It’s better than sex, I tell ya. But also give ur spouse good TLC always.

“It’s time for women to stop entertaining the boffinry of satisfaction that comes from mere social media posts or the envy that comes from those images you see showcasing the picture perfect couples. Men who prey on women view their victims as less than human. Run Away from such human.

“In his mind they’re just variables in a math equation to get to a desired result or conclusion. Ladies, there is no reasoning with him or appeasing to his sensibilities, because ur only a nut in his mind and falling in love is

the last thing on his mind. He will say whatever u want to hear and become the man u always dreamed about to suck u in his world , and once ur locked in he will unleash the wrath of who he really is. The more u try to get him to be accountable for his behavior , the more he will have u thinking ur losing ur mind , as he attempts to blame you for his cheating and putting his hands on u. He can’t reciprocate ur love, because he disconnected from his own moral compass a long time ago . He doesn’t operate in right vs wrong , only wins vs losses. Every woman that gives him his way and let’s him treat her like shit is a win & when she finally wakes up and no longer allows him to control her it’s a loss.”

She concluded the post with more salient relationship advice, declaring that “RUN AWAY FAST FROM TOXIC MEN/WOMEN … #SAYNOTODOMESTICVIOLENCE#StayawayfromvoilentMen/Women … #Love yourself enough to know when to take a bow #Rp … #RIP TO WOMEN lost in domestic violence.”

Dike

2Baba, MI to headline Africa tour 2

2Baba

MI

Baba and African rapper number one, MI Abaga, pulled a surprise on ace OAP, Olisa Adibua, and millions of listeners on the Morning Drive on The Beat 99.9 FM, Lagos recently with the unscheduled announcement of Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption.

The two superstars took the lid off the #DisruptionAfrica teaser campaign that has taken social media by storm for days driven by mindbending images and distorted quotes to end growing speculation within and outside entertainment circles.

They announced that they will be co-headlining the Lagos leg of Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption and a couple more cities across the continent to be subsequently announced.

2Baba added that Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption will kick off in Nairobi, Kenya on June 11 with East African royalty Sauti Sol and Churchill co-headlining. The first in the series of

shows to mark the return of the critically acclaimed game-changing concert experience will also feature guest cameos

by Nigeria’s premiere comedy brand, Alibaba; Tanzania’s pop princess Vanessa Mdee; and star comic, MC Jessy.

Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless is credited with changing the game and setting the standard for mainstream music concert production in Nigeria. Earlier series built around the enthralling catalogue of 2Baba, then known as 2face Idibia were 2face Live: Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless, Lagos 2010; Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: Away & Beyond, Lagos 2012; and Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: Live at the 02 Arena, London 2012.

It’s 2016 and the brand returns bigger and more audacious with Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption. Judging by the mode of the announcement, Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless seems poised to deliver a truck load of delighful disruptive surprises over the next 18 months.

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MAY 14, 2016

CLASSICAL LYRICS

1404 Entertainment unveils new acts

T

he music industry is about to witness the entrance of two new talented music acts that are ready to give many established stars the run for their money if the information given out by their management company, 1404 Entertainment, is anything to go by.

At a recent press briefing in Lagos where the duo of Shittu Ganiyu otherwise known as S-Gee and Samuel Adeyemi also known as S-Gandy were unveiled to the media, bold statements about how their careers would be managed and how they intend to break into the music industry were made.

It has been a steady rise for both artists as they hope that their new record deal with 1404 Entertainment would pave way for their breakthrough, and according to them, “We are not here to compete with anybody but to create own space and make our mark.”

1404 Entertainment has put together a team of seasoned industry experts who would be putting heads together to ensure that S-Gee and S-Candy hit the ground running as soon as possible.

When asked what their first project

would be like, the record label’s manager, Dami Adenuga, hinted that 1404 is focused on creative innovation and dexterity in the entertainment industry.

“We have studied the music industry and we are ready to unleash these new tal-

ented acts that would blow people’s minds away when they start releasing their songs.

I am glad to be part of this great team, because in less than three months, it is going to be new songs and videos that would be banging in every club and streets.”

Signs and Wonders hits the streets T

Adeife

he much-awaited album, Signs and Wonders, has finally hit the air waves. The album which is packaged by Alpha and Omega Music Incorporated with the multi-talented artist, Prophet Stephen Adeife, on the steer is poised to take the air waves by storm. According to Alpha & Omega Music’s Emmanuel Eldan: “This is a time of history in our company.

Prophet Adeife is an artist who is highly gifted and has a lot of potentials musically.”

Signs and Wonders will be publicly presented next weekend in Lagos and the marketing and distributing will be handled by Alpha and Omega Music Incorporated.

This is the third album to be released

by Adeife, but the first under the label of Alpha and Omega Music. The first,

released in 1998 is How Great Thou Art, and the second is Adoration in 2003.

Asked why the long break before Signs and Wonders, Adeife said there have been a lot of church activities, and the Lord did not instruct him to record.

“But once the Lord gave the go ahead, I went and recorded Signs and Wonders.

Now, the Lord has told me that it is time for me to record all the songs He has given me for the benefit of mankind.”

Speaking further, he said, “Tracks one, two, four and six are all responding to the power of God, thereby demonstrating signs and wonders, and how they abundantly favour my course.”

The album opens with the hit track, Wonderful is the Lord. Others include Iwo L’ope Ye, Bless the Lord Oh My Soul, Oluwa Iwo L’ayin, Tremble Before God and Mo Gbo Ohun Oluwa.

Funmi Adebayo drops Iyanu Yio Sele C all her the latest gospel artist in town and you won’t be wrong as that’s exactly what Sister Funmilayo Adebayo is.

And to prove that she means business, she has released her debut album, Iyanu Yio Sele, made up of the title track, Bami Se Temi Baba, Jesus You’re

Wonderful, Kilorope Kolese and a bonus track which is just an instrumental.

Speaking with E-News, she said she’s sure that all the tracks will be hit tracks and that her main reason for delving into gospel music is because she wants to spread the Word of God and win souls for Christ.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adebayo Adebayo

Amorawa

Artist: Wande Coal Intro Black Diamond Wande Coal Burna They would know Ye Oh Baby oh Ehn ehn Just lemme know Ehn ehn Lemme know It’s LeriQ Call the paramedic Chorus Amorawa o, ta ba ri rawa Amorawa o, ta ba ri rawa Ta ba ri rawa o, amorawa Ta ba ri rawa o o, amorawa Oda na, hey je n r’owo e lo Hey je n r’owo e lo ke Hey je n r’owo e lo Hey je n r’owo e lo ke Verse 1 Many years from now We go dey on fire Nothing they’ll fit do us Won le ja mi laya You see tell me now where them dey When I dey sing for choir Bad mind tryna take control of me But omo devil is a liar ... Devil is a liar And that’s why me and my homies we roll We roll like we on fire I’m growing so hot And I’m living so large That nobody fit to come disturb me for real Jen r’owo e lo … real Jen r’owo e lo ke ... for real Jen r’owo e lo ... for real Eh Chorus Verse 2 The don dada Still relevant like BlackBerry charger Stand fit!

Never shake nor stagger Now you can’t take badman fit your maga God punish any Tell me what ya friends what ya smoke with Them kill up with the person send your mama roses You see a man face but never know him motive That’s why you learn to never ever show emotions Ehn ehn Somebody help me If dem be dey with their G All the things wey we dey see Fighting for oxygen o Back then when we be small pikin Na my niggas from the start From when it all begin Chorus Verse 3 Yea yea oda na Kill them with the rhythm that’s all they need Yes yes yes yes I believe Ever praying for the better Cause it’s all we need yea All we need We gotta learn from this Oh my brother omo na God we need As long as we got air we breathe yea All I need … all we need Jen r’owo e lo Jen r’owo e lo ke

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

s w ne

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MAY 14, 2016

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with

Oseyiza Oogbodo 08036961187 kingseiza@gmail.com

War looms in Adeleke family

Kenneth Okonkwo’s wife finally gives birth after nine years of marriage

… as Davido lays claim to father’s assets A

I

f there’s one thing that’s a constant in the world, it’s the fact that people constantly bicker over money and assets.

Such bickerings occur mostly when a wealthy person dies and his descendants begin fighting over how his property should be shared.

Even when the wealthy person in question leaves a will, it doesn’t stop his children, siblings and others fighting over his properties.

As a matter of fact, before a wealthy person dies, some people are already looking forward to his death just so they can lay their hands on his assets.

And now, Davido has posted a picture of himself and his billionaire father, Dr. Deji Adeleke, online and captioned it: “The king and the heir!!! So much money in this picture, it’s not even funny… Love you dad! Great Man!!! My Hero!”

Without mincing words, he has announced himself as the heir to his father, even though he has elder siblings.

Oh well, he’s the most popular of his father’s children.

Davido and his father, Dr. Adeleke

-list Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, is definitely one of the most happiest men on earth right now as his wife has finally given birth to a bouncing baby boy after nine years of marriage.

Their home was finally blessed with the baby boy last weekend after Kenneth’s wife, Ifeoma, was delivered of the boy in Baltimore, USA at St Joseph Medical Centre.

Unsurprisingly, Kenneth immediately took to social media to share the news as well as pictures of Ifeoma and the baby and captioned the pictures: “God has been faithful. To him be the glory for giving us another Ken.” Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo.

The Okonkwos

Tiwa Savage gets her Bimbo Akintola, Kehinde Bankole, others groove on star in musical movie T o be successful in life, you must be strong, and it’s obvious that Tiwa Savage became successful because she’s strong.

Akintola

Bankole

f you love Nigerian music, you are in for a brand new treat as new movie 8 Bars and A Clef chronicles the rise to grace of a talented act, Victor E. Starring Nollywood favourites such as Bimbo Akintola, Wale Ojo, Linda Ejiofor and Kehinde Bankole, the movie has as its lead character the multi-talented alternative music act Ibukun (IBK) SpaceshipBoi with the iconic Ade Bantu who makes a stellar Nollywood debut.

Expect a lot of love, drama, tears and great music as the movie follows the struggles of a young talented rapper (IBK) who battles a learning disability, a dysfunctional home and betrayal to make it in the Nigerian music industry.

8 Bars and a Clef was produced and directed by Chioma Onyenwe for Raconteur Productions and was first screened at AFRIFF in November 2015. It will hit the cinemas in June.

I

That strength stayed with her through her recent troubles and it seems it hasn’t deserted her as she’s already getting her groove on even as the dust of her troubles is yet to settle.

She has taken the wise step of posting online a message to everyone that she’s moving on with her life.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and kind words this trying time. Without it, I do not know how I would have made it through. Most importantly, thank you for your continued prayers for Tunji, myself and Jamil. May God meet each and every one of you in your time of need.”

And she’s fast getting her groove on as it has been disclosed that she’ll be in Jenifa’s Diary as well, meaning she’ll soon be all over your TV screens.

Tunji, let’s know what’s up with you oh!

Savage

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MAY 14, 2016

ELEBRITY ELEBRIT ELEBRI TY

c

e

l

e

b

r

i

t

y

I can’t judge gays and lesbians

—Beverly Naya Beverly Naya doesn’t need much introduction with her status as an A-list actress. She told OSEYIZA OOGBODO how she earned her coveted status.

What is your actual impression of Nollywood?

I think Nollywood has grown a lot within the last five years. I think it’s getting better and better by the day and the quality of our films is getting better. Everything is just getting better and I’m truly impressed with where we are today because we’ve improved the industry drastically quickly in such a short spate of time. And I’m really, really excited to see where we would be in another five years’ time.

What is one thing fans don’t know about you?

Well, there’s one thing that I don’t think I’ve said very often. I don’t grow hair on my legs so I’ve never had to shave my legs before. Thankfully, I’m not one of those females who have to worry about shaving their legs every week. I’ve never had to do it in my life. That’s one thing my fans don’t know about me.

Aside acting, what other things do you do?

Right now, I’m acting full-time but I’m going into production. But I want to start with a documentary. So, I’m producing a documentary called ‘Fifty Shades of Black.’ It’s basically about empowering young girls to love themselves. Now, what I mean is that there’s obviously something that I’ve noticed in our society where I feel like people aren’t sure about how they feel about themselves. You know, some women aren’t proud to be dark-skinned and look how they look. Via the documentary,

I hope to empower and inspire women to love their complexion and love themselves just the way they are because all black is beautiful, whether you’re light-skinned, dark-skinned or brown-skinned. I hope to highlight the issues concerning colourism because I think colourism is an issue that’s starting to plague Africa, especially Nigeria. And this is where young people believe that one complexion is more desirable and more beautiful than the other, which isn’t necessarily true. So, I intend to do that in the documentary. And yeah, that is really what I’m working on at the moment.

Who is your role model?

I would say my mum. My mum is a very strong, courageous and amazing woman. I would say she is definitely one of my biggest role models. She’s a huge inspiration of mine and she has just achieved so much in her life. And I admire that she is very hard working, very ambitious and I really admire that about my mum. If I was to pick a person in entertainment, then I would say Oprah Winfrey. She’s a huge inspiration. I love everything, I love how far she’s come as a woman considering everything she’s gone through. She just keeps thriving, keeps pushing, she keeps getting better and more successful. So, she’s an inspiration for that reason.

Your mum has played an important role in your life. Was there ever anytime she didn’t support you?

No. my mum has always supported my career. She’s always believed in me. her only

issue was the fact that once I finished with my A’ Levels, I wanted to go to university to study acting and she was totally against that because in as much as she believed in me as an actor, we all know that acting can be quite volatile. It can be demanding and at the same token, it’s a dicey business some don’t make it. So, she advised me to study something else in university so I have a back-up plan in case my acting career doesn’t take off as planned. So, yes, I decided to study filmmaking and once I graduated, I moved to Nigeria and she supported me from the very beginning. Since the first time she saw me act, she’s been my number one supporter and I really appreciate that.

In one of your recent movies, Surulere, you played the part of Omosigho who falls in love with Seun Ajayi somewhat suddenly. Do you believe in love at first sight?

No. I don’t necessarily believe in love at first sight… But then I do believe that you can meet someone that you genuinely connect with, someone you could see yourself with in the future. But then I wouldn’t call that love at first sight because you still need to get to know that person. And when you get to know that person, that person may not be the person that you thought you liked in the beginning. So for that reason, I don’t necessarily believe in love at first sight.

Are you currently in a relationship?

No, I’m not in a relationship at the moment. I’m just taking it one day at a time.

I know that the right guy will come into my life when it is time. But at the moment, I’m just enjoying the process of going on dates and meeting new people and

hopefully, I’d meet the one soon. Let’s see what happens.

Some news reports have linked you romantically with Uti Nwachukwu but you denied. Do such stories affect your romantic life?

Oh no, not at all. First and foremost, Uti is my good friend and there was no truth to that rumour. So, it never affected my love life in any way because I don’t think people actually believed that I dated Uti. So, rumours like that have never affected my love life.

In western countries, same-sex relationships are becoming accepted in everyday life but in Nigeria and many parts of Africa, it is illegal. What is your own position regarding same-sex relationship?

Well, I don’t really condone same-sex marriage. Obviously, whatever your preference is, it’s up to you. But samesex people getting married in the church is not really how it’s supposed to be in my opinion. Being a Christian and everything, I feel like marriage is a sacred thing and it was originally planned so that a man and a woman can go to church and be married in unity. So, I just feel like I don’t really agree with samesex marriage but at the end of the day, who am I to judge? I’m not really in a position to judge anyone.

Do you have a crush in the movie industry?

Actually, I don’t. We do have a host of very goodlooking actors but I like to keep it as professional as possible because I don’t really look at them in that light. But yes, we have a few very handsome actors in the industry.

Entervaganza

The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Fashion

Be a show stopper with Ankara accessories P.24

Sex talk Is bigger always better? 2

P.34

Relationships Should couples explore new sex positions?

P.34

Kehinde ... star actress

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MAY 14, 2016

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‘Every house needs a fire extinguisher’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

resident who stored fuel in the house and was cooking beside it.

Onuwaje said he learnt someone “was refuelling a generator that was when it exploded. Before the fire service officials came, some young men managed to put it out.

Unfortunately, Lagos State Fire Service director, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, last week announced that between January and April this year, the service responded to more than 500 fire incidents, noting that April alone had about 109 incidents. Fadipe said the service lost one fireman in the same period as he appealed to members of the public to stop attacking firemen while carrying out their legitimate duties.

Fadipe however, made the appeal in Alausa-Ikeja during the celebration of the International Firefighters’ Day to remember firemen that died in the cause of their duties. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Stop Attack on Firefighters… the Unsung Heroes.’

He said: “The challenge we have is that people don’t always call firemen in time; they would have been making efforts to rescue the situation.”

Obviously, fire disaster is taking a toll on Nigeria not only Lagos.

In Kano State, a mid-night fire last Tuesday gutted the famous Kurmi Market in Kano metropolis, destroying property worth millions of Naira. Sadly, the disaster came about a month after a huge fire razed the Muhammad Abubakar Rimi Market in the metropolis, destroying goods and cash worth billions of Naira.

An eye witness said the fire started around 11.45 p.m and destroyed no fewer than 30 shops before men of the state Fire Service could put it out.

The state’s director of the Fire Service, Alhaji Mustapha Rulwan, who confirmed the incident, said men of the service were able to quench the fire around 1.00am. He also said the cause of the inferno was still unknown but advised people to take precautionary measures while fighting fire.

On Wednesday, explosion also rocked Onitsha market, where no fewer than 12 persons sustained various degrees of burns following an explosion, which rocked a settlement known as Kara Market, along Atani road, Ogbaru, near Onitsha in Anambra State.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO of Anambra State police command, DSP Ali Okechukwu, the explosion was caused by fuel stored in a jerry can for future use.

Incessant fire incidents across the nation have continued to generate response from Nigerians. As for Chidi, a Lagos-based businessman, “it’s obvious that solving the power problem would automatically cut Nigeria’s problems down by more than 50 per cent.

Fire disasters are just some of the cumulative effects of an inefficient power system.

I hope greed doesn’t destroy this country totally. Most fire incidents are caused by the unplanned nature of the city. However, the Nigeria fire service staffs are another set of waste. All monies allocated to that corporation have always been embezzled. This shows in all their excuses like, no vehicle, no fuel, no driver etc. Premises of fire service parastatals always look deserted.”

Ambrose Ajibade a civil servant also said:

“Most of the fire incidents are suspected arson, if investigated well enough. What the people need is insurance, even though they don’t foresee fire; you need to have yourself protected just to avoid starting all over again.

We still need effective governance in Nigeria; when that is in place, all aspects of law keeping will be effective. Such incidents could be prevented; losing one’s entire life gains in a snap of the finger will be totally reduced.”

Says Engr. Ola Olajide, a Lagos resident: “It is quite pathetic the way we lose human lives and properties worth millions of naira in this country. I think what our people need is reorientation. Every house should have a fire extinguisher. It’s not a waste. No one wishes for disaster but they happen, and they start small sometimes. There are so many possible sources of fire in the house, office or shop - from the cooking stove to the electrical fittings and appliances, the generator and candle and no thanks to power generating companies. May God help us and give us leaders with vision leaders who have the masses at heart.”

Maxwell Obong also observed: “The other day I saw a fire truck trying to make its way through the traffic on Ikorodu road. It was blaring its siren. I don’t know if it was actually going on an emergency mission or not, but I could imagine the impossibility of the truck arriving the scene of any fire on time with such a sorry hold-up. Nigeria is not yet prepared to prevent disasters. Instead there are some dubious people (those who pray for

incidents to human errors, explaining that 80 per cent of fire incidents are attributed to human errors. If you want to take a critical look at carelessness, accidents and arsons, you will see that there are human elements because it takes a human being to set a house on fire whether by carelessness or by whatever attitude. Then, on accidents, except for the natural causes, most accidents happen through human beings. So, barely over 80 per cent of fire incidents can be attributed to humans,” Mr. Abiola said.

He said there is a reduction in cases of fire now than before due to preventive efforts.

“Actively, fire incidents in Lagos reasonably has reduced when one compares 2016 with the period 1999 to 2007 and if there is 500 cases

Most of the fire incidents are suspected arson, if investigated well enough. what the people need is insurance, even though they don’t foresee fire. you need to have yourself protected just to avoid starting all over again disasters, knowing full well that they would benefit) would even make money when it’s time for resettlements, renovations and relief supplies.”

However, Saturday Mirror visited the Federal Fire Service in Lagos Island for its response to the statistics released by the Lagos State Fire Service. Public Relations Officer of Federal Fire Service, Mr. Musa Sunday Abiola, while responding, said calls received by the agency could also be some of the things that got the number up to 500. But he said not all the calls will turn out to be bad cases. “Some of them are still properly managed, depending on the level of safety education one has especially as regards fire safety. So, it is not all the cases that metamorphose into fully blown situation. By and large, the basic reasons for fire outbreak is majorly attributed to human causes which include carelessness and accidental occurrences; but we still have natural causes and we still have arsons,” he said.

He however attributed most of the fire

within this short period, as at then, it would have been 1000 because if you notice, you will find that we have a preventive arm whose major mandate is to go out, look at buildings and advise the owners or occupants on what they need to know about safety. For examples, extinguishers are to be serviced bi-annually or annually, depending on the level of the use.

“We have strengthened our preventive arm that carries out education and inspection regularly on most facilities and that has helped reduced fire outbreaks. In those times, the rate at which we respond to fire everyday was up to five or six times and the worst of all is always during November/December when you don’t even have rain at all. If you notice, you will see that this year has been very hot and it has contributed; environmental factor has also contributed to why we have more fire outbreaks,” he explained.

However, Mr. Abiola also explained other measures they are about exploring to halt incessant fire incidents. “We are also looking at

the opportunity to give lectures to the public such as holding market rallies. We want something central where we can gather people to our facility and try to give them education.

We are also considering taking up columns whether monthly or weekly in papers as the case maybe, where we can give tips and education on fires.”

Apparently, most fire disasters occur in market places. But the Federal Fire Services PRO explained: “During our fact findings about constant fire outbreaks in markets, market people alleged that when they might have gone home some miscreants and homeless people who come to sleep in markets contribute to the incidents. When you have a group of people that you can’t control their behaviour, it’s a challenge and it still boils down to the human carelessness aspect I talked about earlier,” he said.

He however identified their challenges.

While commending the effort of government, he also pointed out that most fire stations are very far away and when there is an emergency the issue of traffic sets in. “The internationally accepted standard is five minutes and by that, we are supposed to have more stations so that it will be easier to tackle fire from when it starts, to when it becomes full blown.

In most cases, we have to grapple with traffics.

He also expressed concern on people’s attitude towards safety when fire service men try to educate them. “People don’t take us serious when we are talking to them about safety. They always reject the advice of First Aid kits, with talks like it is not their portion and the likes. Fire outbreaks are not necessarily about praying; you need to have the basic knowledge,” he said.

He called on citizens of Nigeria to support the effort of government the way they do to some government agencies like police. “We want more people to come in and invest in fire services like they are doing with the police.

We want people to give us appliances, more utility vehicles to fight fire.”

In response to some of the observations of the public such as lack of water for fire trucks, he explained: “Most of our appliances carry a certain quantity of water and it depends on the country that produced it. Some of the appliances carry about 3,000 gallons of water and the highest is 12, 000 gallons of water. By the time we discharge the first one, it takes time to go back to get it refilled. That’s why we are advocating that people should build fire hydrants in public places like hotels and schools. We cannot take water from any other place except from hydrants.

www.nationalmirroronline.net MAY 14, 2016

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Fire disasters: Any end in sight?

In the last four months, there have been several fire incidents in many parts of the country.

Many lives have been lost; a great number of people injured and thousands displaced, while properties worth several millions of Naira have been destroyed in the disasters. Public Relation Officer of the Federal Fire Service in Lagos bares his mind on why this plague has continued and what the agency is doing to check it, JULIET UMEH reports.

F

or Mrs. Rachel Ajibade, the wife of late Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajibade, who was killed in an inferno recently in the Oja area of Shomolu Local Government, Lagos, life has become meaningless even though she and her last child escaped the fire that killed her husband and her two other children Miss Wuraola, 19 years old, and Shakirat, 15 years old. Report has it that the 65-yearold Ajibade was burnt to death with his two children while trying to re-fuel his electricity generating set. It was gathered that the late children died trying to rescue their father who got trapped after the explosion. But as luck would have it, Mrs. Ajibade, was able to escape the inferno with the last child of the

family.

As if the loss of the three in the same family was not enough in one day, another man was also killed in another fire outbreak in the Ikotun area of Lagos. According to a report, a bedridden man seeking healing at the Synagogue Church of All Nation, SCOAN, was burnt to death in a hotel his family secured for him close to the church in the Ikotun area of Lagos on the same night the Shomolu fire occurred.

The man identified as Felix Ifeanyi reportedly lit a candle, which fell on the furniture while he was asleep with his grandson. The candle light later spread over the room, resulting in a huge fire that consumed him.

Sources said late Ifeanyi had been bedridden for months after contracting an unknown ailment, and efforts to get cured in different hospitals proved abortive. It was learned that other lodgers at the hotel were not aware of the inferno until his five-year-old grandson ran out calling for assistance to put out the fire.

Efforts to put out the fire early, according to sources, proved abortive because they were unable to source water.

While Lagos residents were still mourning the death of these people, confusion arose at the Lagos State Secretariat on May 5, after a section of the building housing the Ministry of Energy, also known as Block 6, was gutted by fire around 2pm. The fire, according to reports started following a spark from the internet equipment house in the ministry’s accounts department.

According to eyewitnesses’ accounts, staff in the ministry noticed thick and choking smoke in the accounts room around 2.00pm and later discovered that it was a fire raging.

However, Lagos State Fire Service was quickly alerted and it came in with two trucks, few minutes later.

Director, Administrative and Human Resources of the ministry, Mrs. Fiyinfoluwa Ogunbanke, said the fire emanated from the internet box in the account department, explaining that the internet box was not switched off when power was out.

She described the incident as minor, saying there was no casualty, but added that the

ministry needs more time to take stock of materials that may have been consumed by the fire.

Last month, there was fire outbreak at the Mammy Market in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos. Report has it that goods worth millions of naira were feared to have been lost to the inferno. The fire, which started at 3 am consumed most of the market areas, where children’s clothing and other perishable items were being sold. But the cause of the fire was unknown, according to an eyewitness.

In March, no fewer than two persons were killed in a fire incident, which completely razed over 100 structures in Small Kuramo, located along the Lekki Beach road, Lagos Island Local Government. The victims of the fire incidents were a 27-year-old man identified as Azeez and a young female adult simply named, Kemi - both of them were sleeping when the fire broke out at about 3.00 am.

Residents of the area explained that the fire spread so rapidly that many could not remove their properties from their apartments, adding that the fire was beyond the control of the residents.

Secretary of Small Kuramo, Mr. Micheal Onuwaje, said the fire gutted property worth N50 million, noting that it cost N500,000 to construct each of the burnt structures.

However, some residents blamed the incident on a generating set, while others said the fire was due to the carelessness of a female CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My regrets for Nigeria —Akin Aduwo Taking a retrospective view of the state of the nation, Vice Admiral Akin Aduwo, former Chief of Naval Staff, former military governor of the defunct Western State and a civil war hero is a sad man. The Ode Aye, Ondo State-born sailor is full of regrets that the country, which he and other compatriots fought to keep together is in tatters in this interview with, LEKAN ADEJUWON.

Y

ou will agree with me that some of the problems confronting the nation are legion like the issue of state creation, ethnicity and corruption among others. Now, as one of few Nigerians who fought to keep this country one and almost 46 years after the civil war, we still have divisive tendencies, drumbeat of war, groups wanting to pull out of the country This country is put together- I cannot say, forced to live together, but was put together without any questions asked. It was by the order of the British Empire. We are a nation of strange bedfellows religious, tribal, educated, illiterates and all differences of opinions even language, which only came under one flag of independence on October 1, 1960. That was 56 years ago. It has not had enough time to make itself a nation or a matured, self-protecting, single nation. The reason for that was that, the country was put together as it was in the percentage of illiterates or learned, cultured, matured citizenry. Since then, a lot of self discriminating, self-determinating attitudes had created a lot of selfishness, where everybody wants to be governors, wants to be honourable commissioners and political prejudices and all sorts of distracting involvements and the arrogance of power has continued to divide us.

You mentioned that some people think they will be better off, if they break away from the country.

Where would they go? They never think that the devil you know is better than the one they don’t know. Maybe they are going to meet across the desert or across the lake and oceans. You may leave this country as hard as things are, But to go outside the country to join other people, you may found out that your life there will be worse than it has ever been, but a lot of politicians don’t think and when they see they cannot find their ways, they result to what Yoruba people called boo ba o pa boo ba o bu lese meaning: I should get rid of that opponent, that human obstacle in my way. You think your life will be better off. It is a great deal of senseless evil behaviour that has polluted our political existence and that is the bane of Nigeria’s problems today. We talk of corruption where did corruption start? It is

Olatunji not from stealing money which has become the greatest part of it, even our own law making assembly who either borrow money or wriggle their ways to become honourables At the end of the day, they are the loudest noise makers about peace, about justice, oh, share arrogance.

Sometimes, one loses the word to describe the dishonest, the dishonourable things that go on in our honourable and distinguished lawmaking assembly. Nobody thinks of Nigeria as a nation. They go round the villages, hamlets and waterways to campaign. The campaign itself, is just for show. Most of them have planned and fine tuned ways of getting elected by whatever means .they are only thinking of themselves and when they get there the laws they make they themselves are exempted from obeying those laws. That is why all these agitation for this, for that state creation, local government, state police keep coming, that is the poison that is killing Nigeria.

Sixteen years of democracy, yet we still have grinding poverty, no jobs, decaying infrastructure our educational system is in shambles to mention a few... would you say this is the Nigeria that people like you fought to keep as one?

It is very difficult for me to respond to question of what Nigeria should have been and why it has not been what it should have been. There is a lot seemingly unfortunate in this country of ours, even under the military and under the democracy that was terminated in 1966, and the democracy in existence now. It makes one very sad because you have just mentioned it in few words a while ago and I have had to say it in public a few times.

This is definitely not the country that the likes of myself and several others of my colleagues, who never even survived the war fought to keep as one. Like I said, many of our colleagues died for that war on both sides. It is an event that divided this country into pieces because that was the time when everybody started to realise that, so, I am a Yoruba man, an Iboman, Hausa, Uhrobo and itshekiri. That was also the result of creation of all the states. Pre- 1966 take over, in a coup by

the military, I was the first Commanding Officer of Naval Base, Calabar, NN ANANSA, which was commissioned on October 1964, when Chief MT Mbu was the minister of Aviation Affairs and Chief of the Navy, was late Admiral Wey. And going from Calabar to Oron to Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, I just felt although, I was in the Efik and Ibiobio areas of Nigeria but not entirely different people but I know that when Akwa Ibom was created from Cross Rivers State, there was hardly any government left in Calabar. Service cars, official cars, carpets, official houses had all disappeared.

Same thing happened in many other states when they were created and I say that, is this not the Nigeria we fought for and it makes one regret for patriotically fought to keep Nigeria one As the last military governor of the old Western State of Nigeria, your sudden removal was said to be controversial.

What really went wrong and when should Nigerians be expecting to read your memoirs about the event and your service to the nation?

A biography on me had been written published and was publicly presented since 1996. It is titled; ‘30 days in power, 4 years in command’, because after those 30 days as the military governor from 3rd of August to the 3rd of September 1975, exactly 30 days I was recalled and posted to India as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser, so I have never even sat in office as military governor. Reference to General Obasanjo’s own book in which, he referred to me as being so slow taking actions that would have been required by the Federal Military Government about the handing over of the University of Ife and repairing the internal roads in Ibadan, which he said I had not done in 30 days but then as to the University of Ife episode, which was under lock and key. When I got there as a result of students unrest and appointment of substantive Vice Chancellor. Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi then was under consideration, but on getting there without a new substantive VC in office, I had to work with the one who was there. As for Ibadan roads, I didn’t even know the treasury of the state, we had not appointed any

commissioners, I had to deal with the Permanent Secretaries. I didn’t know how much the road would cost and where the money would come from. So to place all those on me, was unfair. So when I got the phone call to return to Lagos, and as far as my service commission was concerned, I had to obey the law but I was happy that about two years later, even before Gen Obasanjo became Head of State, he himself wrote in his book-‘ Not my Will’ page 18 specifically about my withdrawal as military governor from Ibadan and made reference to ‘this officer was too slow for our expected speed of duties’. This fine Naval Officer, the word ‘fine’ I wish he had put under capital letter. “This fine Naval Officer was then returned back into the service” The government had announced that I was nominated for an overseas course, whereas I returned as a graduate of the US Naval College, the best that ever existed on the surface of earth six months, before I was appointed the military governor, so I could not have been nominated for another overseas course but I was posted to India.

People were still guessing what happened to this man just a few days after he had assumed office.

The likes of Justice Teslim Elias did not believe that I was just withdrawn from Ibadan and sent to India, when he found out. He flew to New Delhi to make sure he saw me alive face to face to confirm that indeed I was alive hale and hearty and not in jail in kirikiri or expelled from Nigeria because at that very time, he was the president of Igbobi College Old Boys Association, my alma mater. He spent a night in New Delhi. He called the High Commissioner and the message reached me and I went to see him in his hotel room and he said, ‘now I am happy, I am delighted, now I believe you are alive. That really made me very happy, plus that book Gen Obasanjo wrote later on, describing me as a fine naval officer but all in all by the grace of God Almighty, five years later, I became the Naval Chief of black Africa strongest largest navy, as Chief of Naval Staff under President Shehu Shagari, whom I have never met in person until the day of the swearing in and strangely enough, all the service chiefs appointed by him were Christians and were from states not governed by his political party. He was NPN, I was from Ondo State, Pa Ajasin who was UPN was my governor. Gen Akinrinade, who was Chief of Defence Staff, was from Osun State.

Bola Ige of the UPN was his governor. Inspector General of Police, Sunday Adewusi is from Ogbomoso, his governor was Bola Ige, Abdul Bello, Chief of Air Staff and Sanda Diallo were from Gongola State. All of us were Christians and the NPN ruled none of those states we came from. If any president after Shagari make such appointment today, they will impeach him, there will always be crisis of, this is not from my state, that is not from my constituency. How can that make us a united nation?

How do you spend life in retirement because you still look very active Oh I pray to my God that has kept me alive as many, some who are probably better than myself have passed on. God has a reason for keeping me alive. I have no skeleton in my cupboard, against my commission, services to the nation and family. I am grateful to God for that. I am once a sailor, always a sailor. I used to have a boat when I was living in Victoria Island at weekends as member of Lagos Boat Club, I cruise my boat to Naval Base or Naval Dockyard or to boat club in Kirikiri area, Then I tried to start a farm back home but people will always want to eat where they didn’t cook and after several years of losing money, the product of my labour, I gave it up.

Now I am trying to concentrate on my God driven effort to put up some estate buildings and office blocks one of which I just completed.

MAY 14, 2016

POLITICS

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Delta Guber: Intrigue, horse trading ahead of 2019 Ahead of 2019, political intrigues and horse trading have commenced in earnest in Delta State, with politicians believed to be power brokers plotting to stop governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s 2019 second term ambition, reports NOSA AKENZUA.

W

ith the popular axiom that statesmen think of the next generation while politicians think of the next election is fast becoming the heat in the present day Delta politics ahead of 2019, as the “godfathers” of politics in “The Big Heart” state are currently plotting to stop Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from running for a second term come the 2019 governorship race.

While Okowa appears to have been undaunted, he has mobilised gauntlet against the groundswell of formidable political forces gathering against him, with a view to finding a chink in their amour and exploiting to bag a second term in office.

As sub-plot to the intrigue, a source at Government House, Asaba who pleaded anonymity categorically told our correspondent that all is not well in Okowa’s cabinet, describing palpable disinterestedness in matters of state being discussed and half-hearted contributions during cabinet meetings by acolytes of some power centres in the state ostensibly led by the jailed former Governor, James Ibori.

To illustrate, the source said “the body language” of Commissioner of Finance, David Edevbie, an Ibori appointee in Okowa’s cabinet “loudly screams disinterest and a wish to be somewhere else during cabinet meetings usually chaired by Governor Okowa. He is a man who appears to simply drag his body to the meetings, contributing little or nothing of substance to the discussions.”

The source stated that Edevbie had long wanted to resign from Okowa’s government but he was waiting for words to that effect from Ibori who allegedly installed him in Okowa’s cabinet as “the eyes and ears of the former governor and the Urhobo nation.”

“Although Edevbie is the commissioner of finance, he is only occupying that office in name because Okowa, knowing the intrigues going on and a political Maradona of some sort, has planted his own man as the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr. Kingsley Emu, to monitor the finance ministry, effectively caging Edevbie, which the latter is naturally very unhappy about,” source said.

The source noted that “this development and similar blocking from government business of other appointees of the power brokers in Delta politics like those of the militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, loyalists of the immediate past Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan triggered the move by these forces to start the plan of replacing Okowa in 2019 with

Okowa another candidate from Delta North, where the governor hails from.”

The source, disclosed that “currently almost all commissioners in Uduaghan’s cabinet and some SSAs are meeting every month in one of the hotels at the central senatorial zone to perfect the plot to replace Dr. Okowa comes 2019.”

“As it is now, the people Okowa trust in his cabinet are the Ikas, especially, his principal secretary, Hilary Ibegbulem, the Commissioner for economic planning, Dr. Kingsley Emu and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ehiedu Aniegwu, amongst others”.

In another side to the plot, the source said Governor Okowa is also involved in a face-off with Senator Ighoyota Amori who has accused Okowa of not fighting for him to retain the Delta Central Senatorial seat he lost at the Court of Appeal and turning around to oppose his (Amori’s) bid to become chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state.”

The source added that Governor Okowa has also identified and brought to his camp, the billionaire businessman, Ayiri Emami, who is from the South Zone as his point man in political chess game.

According to the source, “the backbone of Okowa (in the 2015gubernatorial election) was the South Zone where Tompolo came from.

Tompolo nominated Okowa’s Deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, who is seen as having no political clout to command votes in the South Zone.

But Okowa is very uncomfortable with the current fight between the Federal Government and Tompolo in court and reasoned that this might affect his chances in 2019, especially if the Federal Government is able to clip Tompolo’s wings. So he has brought Ayiri to his camp to take over Tomplo’s structure and get the South Zone votes for him.”

As yet another plot to unseat Okowa come 2019, sources have also told our correspondent that powerbrokers from the Central Zone and outside it were involved in convincing Chief Great Ogboru to join the All Progressives Congress, APC. They have also wooed former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei, for the battle of 2019, “with Ogboru being proposed as his deputy.”

A source, stated that “the APC is considering

Victor Ochei as their best option against Okowa in 2019 for the sake of the Anioma agenda and Ogboru as his deputy.

Great Ogboru might not want to deputise Victor Ochei, who hails from Delta North Zone (Anioma) just for power’s sake. But then, you cannot say ‘never’; he (Ogboru) might accept that offer because of his thirst for power.”

Palpable tension and fear of the unknown continued to mount in the state following political build-up by All Progressive Congress, APC in the state to take over from the ruling party, PDP. During the 2015 governorship election, the PDP campaigned on the mantra of power shift to Delta North Senatorial district with the valid and sustained argument that the former Governors of the state, Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan were from Delta central and Delta South Senatorial districts respectively.

Expectedly, while the majority of the population, the Urhobos are in Delta Central and some parts of Delta South, the Urhobos were reportedly not persuade and they failed in their Labour Party, LP and All Progressive Congress, APC instead the electorate voted Senator Authur Ifeanyi Okowa who campaigned on the political reality of Pan-Deltan Agenda and prosperity for all Deltans.

Today almost twelve months after the election of Okowa, his prosperity agenda and Pan-Deltan agenda is leaving sour taste in the mouth as most prominent members of his party are defecting in large numbers to the All Progressive Congress, APC. The big blow that hit the state PDP is currently creating serious rumpus.

Sources said with Chief James Ibori home coming in few months from now there is the fear of the unknown, strong indications are that PDP in the state might be crumbled to rags soonest.

As it were, strong moves by the opposition party may have unsettled the former Governor Ibori’s loyalists who our informed sources said had secretly resolved to cross-carpet if the present unfolding drama in PDP persist.

Intense pressures are mounted on the Ibori’s loyal lawmakers to impeach Mr. Monday Igbuya, the present speaker of the State House of Assembly and replace him with Ibori’s daugh-

ter, Miss Enatieke Ibori.

Trouble is brewing in Igbuya’s camp on whether to follow the instruction of the Grand master, Chief Ibori or not; but the speaker’s Chief press secretary, Mr. Henry Ebireri dispelled this as untrue, saying that good cordial relationship exists between the speaker (Monday Igbuya) and Ibori.

He said: “It is not true that my Oga will be removed and be replaced by Ibori’s daughter, my Oga is in Ibori’s camp”.

Some notable members currently in APC led by the colourful and charismatic Chief Paulinus Akpaki had explained why they dumped PDP for APC, saying that come 2019 the party will wrestle power from Okowa led administration and kick the party out of the state.

Chief Ayiri Emami, a prominent politician who bankrolled the governorship ambition of Mr. Tony Oboh, the failed anointed son of Ex-Governor Emmanuel Udughan and John Akwara, who defected to All progressive Congress, APC may also had sent jitters down the sky within the PDP’s family in the state.

Sources squealed that Chief Ibori in the last meeting he held with Okowa and Uduaghan in London insisted that the duo should decamp from the party, PDP in 2019 to APC where he reportedly assured to play major roles that will determine the next Governor of the state.

While Dr. Uduaghan and Senator Okowa walk tight ropes in what was described as uphill task assignment, dependable sources said anger is gradually building up over Okowa’s shoddy performances in the last twelve months but Okowa’s Chief press secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu described those who score Okowa low as detractors, saying that Okowa had lived up to expectations and had also scored the best among the thirty-six states governors.

The defection of these political heavy weights in the state had unsettled the ruling party despite the posture of the leadership of the party.

Chief Paulinus Akpeki, a former commissioner in the Uduaghan administration said: “We are just John the Baptist, Christ is coming, He has sent us his disciples out to come and conquer, we shall seize power from PDP in this state”.

But the former chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor in his reaction to the gale of defection said that the party was not perturbed and shall continue to be the main party in the state.

He described the defectors as lazy and hungry politicians that lack character and the political will to advance the cause of any political party, adding that they do not have the grassroots basic to do the political will of the people.

Despite the claims of the PDP state former chairman, the political clout of Akpeki in Delta Central in general and in Sapele local government area is simply phenomenal and it would be politically unwise to dismiss him with a wave of hand.

Expectedly, Aniocha South, Aniocha North Councils are reportedly under invasion of APC group members who pretend to be members of the PDP who have been disillusioned by what they described as Okowa’s weak ideologies to make them irrelevant in the scheme of things.

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Ajibola assumes CIBN presidency

D

r. Joseph Olusegun Ajibola steps in today as the 19th President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, the umbrella professional body for bankers in Nigeria. He succeeds Otunba (Mrs) Debola Osibogun who elected president in 2014.

Ajibola was elected first vice-president of the institute on May 17, 2014 after being second vice-president; national treasurer; chairman, Finance and General Purposes Committee; and chairman, CIBN Press.

He was member, Governing Council, 2004-2008; chairman, Lagos branch, 2006-2008; chairman, CIBN Investment Sub-committee, 2006; chairman, Consulting Committee, Lagos branch, 2002-2006; second vice-chairman and chairman, Lagos Bankers Night Committee, 2000-2002; and assistant secretary, Kano branch of the institute.

He has also served as member, Faculty on Banking Practice; member, Board of Directors, Accion Microfinance Bank Ltd; and current chairman, Board of Directors, Bowen Microfinance Bank Ltd. A deacon of the Baptist Church, Ojota, Lagos, Ajibola attended the University of Ife, Ile-Ife where he graduated with a first class and M. Sc. Degrees in Economics in 1983 and 1986 respectively.

Elder Adejuwon for burial

A

ll roads lead to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State today at the final burial ceremony of Late Elder Francis Ayoola Adejuwon. He was aged 78.

Details of the burial ceremony are as follows.

Thanksgiving and memorial service will hold at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Ibukun, Olorunsogo, Off Road 7, Ile-Ife, at 10am. Reception follows immediately at Enuwa Square, Ile- Ife, Osun State.

Adejuwon, a businessman and community leader, is survived by wives, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren

Adejuwon

SOUTH-WEST

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos remains most attractive investment destination in Africa —Ambode L

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday emphasised the leadership status of the State as the most attractive location financially and socially for investment in Africa, just as he reiterated the commitment of his administration towards putting in place policies to attract investment and

facilitate conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.

Ambode, who spoke in Lagos at the grand opening of CFAO Yamaha Showroom and Assembly Plant, said with a population in excess of 21 million, a significant proportion of which comprises of the mid-class with strong purchasing pow-

ers, he was convinced that the state has what every investor desires in investing in any city.

He said aside the fact that Lagos accounts for 60 percent of Nigeria’s industrial capacity, the state also attracts between 70 to 80 percent of $6bn annual Foreign Direct Investment (DFI) into Nigeria, adding that measures are being

taken to increase the figure by 50 per cent.

He lauded the collaboration between CFAO of France and Yamaha of Japan to bring about the joint venture in Lagos, Nigeria, saying the partnership was good news for Lagos’ economy and a boost to the efforts of his administration in bringing investment to the state.

Court quashes arrest warrant on ex-Ekiti PDP scribe Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

A

n Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has quashed a warrant of arrest issued against the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Secretary, Dr Temitope Aluko.

The High Court presided over by Justice John Adeyeye set aside the bench warrant issued by an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court on ground that the motion was not filed within three months allowed by law after Aluko had given evidence before the Tribunal. The state government had through the Office of the Attorney General on February 3 secured the bench warrant seeking Aluko’s arrest at an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Mr. Adesoji Adegboye.

The government approached the Magistrate’s Court to compel the Police to arrest Aluko for alleged perjury after claiming that the election which brought Governor People of Boripe North Local Government of Osun State protesting at the Palace of Olona of Ada yesterday, on the sitting of Council Headquarters at Iree.

Ayo Fayose to power was rigged.

According to the Certified True Copy of Enrolment of Order issued at the High Court Registry, Justice Adeyeye ruled that “this application ensure that its laws are files, containing reports of addition to the 1,536 active he Lagos State was brought pursuant kept updated and readily investigation submitted by criminal prosecution files, Government on to Order 40 of the High accessible to the general the Police and issuance of the DPP’s office was also Friday said that it Court of Ekiti State Civil public has completed a new legal advice has been able handling 137 applications prosecuted a total of 1, 536 Procedure Rules. compilation of the Lagos to hasten considerably the for enforcement of Fundacriminal cases in all courts “Order 40 Rules (4) Laws, which includes all speed of criminal prosemental Rights. in the last one year through provides as follows: An amendment and additions. cutions by reducing the “With regards to the Directorate of Public He said, “In line with the application for judicial time spent on issuing legal criminal prosecutions, our Prosecution (DPP). review shall be brought direction of His Excellenadvice.

Directorate of Public ProsState Attorney General within three months of cy, the Governor of Lagos “In the period under ecutions is committed to and Commissioner for State, Mr. Akinwunmi review, out of 1,209 police ensuring that all offenders the date of occurrence Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, Ambode, the 2015 Revised investigation files sent are brought to book, thereof the subject of applicawho disclosed this during Laws of Lagos State are to the DPP’s office for by discouraging impunity tion. the ongoing ministerial now accessible online to legal advice, the Unit has in our society.

“Since Dr Aluko was press briefing to herald the the general public, which already completed work The Directorate is also alleged to have commitone year anniversary of provides access to all the on 940 while the rest are committed to speedy trails, ted the offence of perjury the Governor Akinwunmi Laws that have operated in when he testified before still being processed, especially so that suspects Ambode administration, the state since inception in the Election Petition many requiring additional are not detained for too said that out of the total 1967”. information or further long awaiting trial.

Tribunal on 12/11/2014, number of cases being “The landmark achieveinvestigation by the Police “The truism ‘justice the subject matter of the prosecuted, judgments ment within the past one or other relevant agency,” delayed is justice denied’ is application is clearly were delivered in 15 of the year are indicative of the the Commissioner said. one of our guiding princia period of more than matters being handled by people-oriented theme of Kazeem said the governples, especially in criminal three months stipulated the Directorate. the governor’s agenda, ment has always taken the justice administration.

by Order 40 Rule (4).

He said out of the 1,536 which includes establishBoth the victims of a crime lead in legislation and law cases, 1,375 cases are cur“The application havment of mobile courts, acreform initiatives just as and the alleged offender rently being prosecuted at ing been brought outside cess to justice, fight against he assured of the present deserve to have their case the Federal and State High the period stipulated by domestic and sexual vioadministration’s commitresolved at the earliest Courts as well as 122 and lence as enactment of laws the Rules of this Court, ment to continue ensuring possible time,” he said.

38 respectively at the Court in my humble view, is that every citizens of Lagos that provided the springHe said the Legal of Appeal and the Supreme Advisory Unit which incompetent. It should board for improving and State has access to justice.

Court. promoting socio-economic be dismissed. I hereby He said the State focuses exclusively on the Kazeem said that in dismiss it.” activities,” Kazeem said.

Government in order to review of criminal case

Lagos prosecutes 1,536 criminal cases in one year

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Illegal possession of firearms: Police clampdown on suspects in Taraba Justin tyopuusu JALINGO

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araba Police Command yesterday paraded 10 suspects and a large cache of arms and ammunitions recovered at separate locations.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shaba Alkali, who paraded the suspects, explained that the operations in Bali, Donga, Gassol and Takum local government areas, carried out by Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in conjunction with the local communities and vigilante led to the recovery of Five AK47s, Two Assault rifles, several rounds of different calibers of ammunitions, and a red Toyota Corolla car.

“A joint operation of SARS, the local communities and vigilante groups, has cracked down the proliferation of firearms, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other associated forms of criminality and a lot of success has been recorded in the recovery of firearms and ammunitions as well as the criminals.

“The suspects in custody are giving relevant information to help the ongoing investigation, and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed,” Alkali sated.

The CP warned criminal elements bent on disturbing the peace of the state to either quit the state now or face the full wrath of the force.

He called on the people of the state to be vigilant and share useful information with the police for their own safety.

Suspects paraded by the police were; Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Baushe, Ayuba Iliya, Abubakar Umar, Vereshe Mbashinya, Yunusa Buba, Kole Abdu, Dan-Mallam Bawa, Yahaya Adamu and Isa Mahamadu.

MAY 14, 2016

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Court reaffirms Alfa as PDP Kogi East Senatorial Candidate Wale ibrahim LOKOJA

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he electorate in Kogi East Senatorial District may have got a respite of having a senator representing the district as the Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed the election of the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isaac Alfa, as duly elected PDP candidate.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Alhaji Danladi Abubarka, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday. The

statement stated that with the development, AM Isaac Alfa will represent Kogi East Senatorial District.

Abubarka explained that the Court had on Tuesday struck out the application filed by Senator Attai Aidoko seeking a stay of execution over the judgment against him to stop parading himself as PDP candidate.

The statement noted that Justice Nnamdi Dimgba in his ruling had dismissed the motion filed by Senator Aidoko, stressing that granting the prayers as contained

in the application would amount to standing justice on its head.

“Justice Dimgba had in an earlier declaratory judgment declared Alfa as winner of the Kogi Eastern Senatorial primary election. He therefore, ordered PDP to withdraw the submission of Aidoko’s name to INEC, and replace it with Air Marshal Isaac Alfa’s name, and ordered Senator Aidoko to stop parading himself as PDP candidate-elect henceforth,” the statement said It would be recalled that Alfa had approached the Federal High Court,

Abuja to challenge the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee to willfully denied him the mandate given by the people of Kogi East and gave it Senator Aidoko, who allegedly disrupted the PDP primary election on 7th December, 2014 at Idah “The Senatorial re-run election in Kogi East was declared inconclusive according to INEC returning officer, Mr. Salihu James, because the election was fraught with irregularities and election materials were allegedly snatched”, it noted

Staff of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) protesting against the management of the Hospital in Jos. PHOTO:NAN

Ex- Minister visits Borno IDPs, pledges empowerment inusa ndahi, MAIDUGURI

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he former Minister of Niger Delta and now Executive Secretary of Peace, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation Initiatives (PRRI), a Non Governmental Organization, Dr. Sam Ode, has visited various resettlement camps hosting thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as the Head Office of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where he expressed readiness to support and empower victims of insurgency, who are willing to go back to their liberated communities.

Dr. Ode, accompanied by his team on Friday, said PRRI, which is a new NGO set up in the last one month,

is primarily concern on how to empower victims of insurgency in the north east, particularly IDPs whose houses were destroyed as a result of Boko Haram’s deadly activities and those in Benue and Taraba states who also suffered the same fate as a result of communal clashes.

The former Minister who was at SEMA office, off Shehu Laminu Way in Maiduguri, told the Chairman of the Agency, Engineer Ahmed Satomi, that they were in Borno to sympathize with the government, and people of the state who suffered untold hardship and loss of lives due to terrorists activities, and to interface and explore areas of partnership on how PRRI will assist in rehabilitating and empower IDPs in various skills acquisition schemes in the state.

While thanking Borno State Government under Governor Kashim Shettima, the Military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and liberation of communities in the north east, Dr. Ode said his NGO will join the bandwagon to see how it can complement efforts of other humanitarian agencies to alleviate the hardship and sufferings of the IDPs through drilling of boreholes and rehabilitation of destroyed structures in liberated communities.

He noted that some of the plans already mapped out for the IDPs are to make them economically empowered by training them into fields of tailoring, carpentary, vulcanizing and plumbing, and engaged them in modern agricultural practices.

He then solicited cooperation from SEMA and the

IDPs who are the real beneficiaries of the programme earmarked by his team, and prayed God to restore peace, not only in Borno, but the country as a whole.

Responding on behalf of the SEMA chairman, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Isa Alkali Goni, thanked the former Minister and his team for setting up an NGO which will directly impact positively on the lives of the IDPs. He said the state Governor, Kashim Shettima, has already set up a new Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation, which has started rebuilding destroyed structures in all the communities of Benesheikh, Konduga, Dikwa and Bama local government areas among others, and that the intervention of PPRI is not only timely but commendable as over one million IDPs have indicated interest of going back to their communities.

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FG takes takes savings campaign to rural communities in Nasarawa igbaWase ukumba LAFIA

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ederal Government’s Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) yesterday took its campaigns on savings culture to rural communities in Nasarawa State with a call on women to form cooperatives in order to enhance easy access to loan facilities.

RUFIN Communication Liaison Officer in Nasarawa State, Samuel Tabe, gave the charge during a one-day village level group formation saving campaigns programme for rural women in Gbata, Wamba Local Government Area of the state.

The liaison officer explained that the aim of the sensitization was to encourage rural poor households, particularly women, youths and the physically challenged, to form cooperative societies for rainy days.

He stated that RUFIN is funded by the Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to strengthen microfinance institutions and establish linkages between financial institutions in order to create viable inclusive rural financial system.

He said: “It is in view of this that RUFIN is organizing this village level group formation saving campaigns for rural women in Nigeria, particularly in Nasarawa State, to form saving and cooperative societies in order to have easy access to micro, medium and small loans facilities. Tabe commended the women saving groups for their successful business story, and urged those who are yet to form saving and cooperative societies to do so considering its enormous benefit.

He added that cooperative societies would also help in arresting their emergency financial problems. Speaking, the Sole Administrator of Wamba Local Government Area of the state, Musa Shuaibu- Wayo, called on the people of the area and the state to form saving and cooperative societies in order to improve their living condition.

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MAY 14, 2016

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PENGASSAN, NUPENG support new fuel price •demand N90, 000 minimum wage

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he joint meeting of the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN and the Nigeria

Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, ended on Friday with a declaration of support for the government’s new price of petrol.

The federal government

Dino Melaye gives Buhari 7-day ultimatum to reverse fuel price hike

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resident Muhammadu Buhari should ‘immediately reverse’ the new policy measure he announced for a deregulation of Nigeria’s petroleum downstream because of the “unbearable” effects it will have on Nigerians, a senator from Kogi State, Dino Melaye, has warned.

Mr. Melaye, writing on his Facebook page Thursday night, said the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress should intervene in the matter, threatening to mobilise Nigerians for mass protests if his demand is not met.

Mr. Melaye posted the demand from London where

he’s currently attending an anti-corruption summit with Mr. Buhari.

“My sincere advice is for the National Chairman of the party to suggest that the federal government immediately reverse the announced increase in the pump price of PMS,” Mr. Melaye wrote. “If after 7 days from Monday there is no reversal, I will mobilize Nigerians from all walks of life for the mother of all protest. This is not what we promised Nigerians. The time is not right and the negative effects will be unbearable.

A word is enough for the wise.”

New petrol price illegal — Falana

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agos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has described the increase in the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145.00 as illegal and contemptuous.

“In view of the illegality, insensitivity and immorality of the price increase the federal government should cancel it, revert to the status quo and consult widely with all relevant stakeholders in the society,” he advised.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday and titled, “The illegality, immorality and insensitivity of fuel price increase ”, the lawyer justified his view that the increase in the pump price by government was illegal.

Falana cited the case of Bamidele Aturu versus Attorney-General of the Federation (unreported suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2009) where the Federal High Court declared illegal and unconstitutional the policy decision of the federal government to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum

industry contrary to the combined effect of the provisions of the Price Control Act and the Petroleum Act. He lamented that in total defiance of the said order of the federal high court, the federal government has deregulated the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

Although, the minister in-state, Dr. Ibeh Kachukwu while justifying the new policy regime, claimed that “PPPRA has informed me that it will be announcing a new price band effective today, 11th May, 2016 and that the new price for PMS will not be above N145 per litre.” Since the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), which is statutorily empowered to recommend the price of petroleum products has not been reconstituted the unilateral decision of the Executive Secretary of the body to fix the pump price at N145 per litre is ultra vires and illegal in every material particular”.

had on Wednesday announced the take-off of full deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum industry, which changed in petrol price from N86.50 to N145 per litre.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, criticised the decision, and vowed to resist what it called “the height of insensitivity and impunity”.

Nigerians had expected

the two oil workers unions, which are key affiliates of the NLC, to follow suit with strong words against the new fuel price.

But, at the end of the meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, the leadership of the two unions in a joint communiqué noted the benefits of price modulation mechanism introduced early this year, urging government to consult all interest groups to cushion the effect

of the new price on the people.

“The NEC-in-session had an extensive discussion on the recent price modulation and is of the view that price deregulation has its benefits in the immediate and near future,” the two unions said.

“Government should engage with the stakeholders to work out a clear direction on how to reinvest the gains of the policy into the

economy to cushion the effect of the price on the people,” they said.

The communiqué signed

by PENGASSAN President, Francis Johnson, and his NUPENG counterpart, Igwe Achese, asked government to pay attention to the state of the nation, particularly on issues bordering on national security, power, bad roads, unemployment/ casualization and redundancy in the oil industry.

Representative of the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Adetunkunbo Kayode (right) presenting certificate to participants of German Dual Vocational Training Partnership with Nigeria, Miss Ukam Mbafan, at the Graduation ceremony in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Shun Melaye, other protest threats —Group AdeolA Tukuru ABUJA

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civil society organisation, Stand Up Nigeria, SUN, has called on Nigerians to shun the threat by Senator Dino Melaye, to mobilise Nigerians to protest the pump price hike by the federal government.

The group led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Philip Agbese, who spoke with newsmen yesterday in Abuja said it is most unfortunate that the ranks of such persons as led by the likes of Dino Melaye, has decided to take a break from defending corruption at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to demand that subsidy should be restored.

Agbese said it is sad that a member of the National Assembly who was part of passage of a 2016 Appropriation Act (budget) that made no provisions for

subsidy is asking that the practice should be sustained.

“An Appropriation Act is a law and the National Assembly exists to ensure the executive does not spend outside the budget approved in the act, we do not need legal expert to tell us that Dino Melaye is asking the Presidency to break the same law he passed as a lawmaker with his colleagues.

“We do not know the extent to which the notorious subsidy cabal has reached out to some paid activist but we know that it is time for Nigerians to remove Dino Melaye’s influence from public opinion same way subsidy has been removed from petrol.

“Even before the expiration of the ultimatum given by several groups including the one by Melaye, we want to sound this clearly that Nigerians are no longer subsidising life

of pleasure and luxury “Nigerians are not intimidated by Melaye’s protests threats, if he wants cheap petrol, authorities have declared that anyone can import so he should use his salary and allowances from the Senate for such purposes”, he said.

We similarly place the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Unions Congress (TUC) on notice that the present government’s commitment to fight corruption has altered the configurations and this is not 2012 Occupy Nigeria era.

“If there will be any protests, they will be solidarity marches in support of and to thank President Buhari for keeping to his promise of hitting at the heart of corruption, which we all know is the phantom petroleum subsidies.

“NLC and TUC would do well to be reminded of the aftermath of the Occupy Protests, their officials

exploited it as opportunity to get juicy panel and committee appointments after they criminally hijacked and called off protests that they did not initiate.

The masses, who by the way are mostly in support of the federal government decision, will never again be used as bargaining chips by ambitious unionists” he said SUN told the federal government and Presidency that the war is not over as the activities of the likes of Melaye, NLC, TUC and others have proven that the cabal will stop at nothing including sustained sabotage to get their fix of slush funds.

“We acknowledge with great satisfaction the decision of the federal government to finally and completely end payment of subsidy on petrol thereby ending years of the reign of kleptomanias that have stolen the country blind.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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NATIONAL NEWS

We’ve not removed fuel subsidy —Osinbajo

Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

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ice President, Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said that the Federal Government has not removed fuel subsidy with the new price regime in which petrol now sell for N145 per litre In a statement personally signed by Osinbajo titled “The Fuel Pricing Debate: Our Story”, he said the main issue was not about the new price regime but how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.

According to him, the real issue was not the removal of subsidy, stressing that at $40 a barrel there was not much of a subsidy to remove.

Osinbajo said, “I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.

“The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.

I will hopefully address that in another note.

“Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real issue is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.

“In any event, the President is probably one of the most convinced pro-sub-

MAY 14, 2016

sidy advocates”, the Vice President said While explaining the issues involved in the new price regime, Osinbajo said while local consumption of fuel was almost entirely imported, NIgerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), exchanged crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50 per cent of local fuel consumption while the remaining 50 per cent was imported by major and independent marketers.

He further said, “These marketers up until three months ago sourced their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official rate.

“However, since late last year, independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel because they have been unable to get foreign exchange from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount required for fuel importation alone is about $225million!)”

“Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by dedicating more export crude for domestic consumption.

Besides the short term depletion of the Federation Account, which is where the FG and States are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up, NNPC also lacked the capacity to dis-

tribute 100 % of local consumption around the country. Previously, they were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason for the lingering scarcity)” “We realised that we were left with only one option. This was to allow independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import fuel.

We expect that foreign exchange will be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar, (current interbank rate). They would then be restricted to selling at a price between N135

and N145 per litre”, Osinbajo stated.

“We expect that with competition, more private refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity, prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4 2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are working optimally they will produce

just about 40% of our domestic fuel needs” “You will notice that I have not mentioned other details of the PPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the cost component largely responsible for the substantial rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem, in the face of dwindling earn-

9

ings”, the Vice President further explained.

It would be recalled that Minister of State of Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu had on Wednesday, announced the new price regime after a stakeholders meeting at the Presidential Villa Kachikwu had said with the new price regime, the price of petrol would not be above N145 per litre.

Comparative petrol prices in some African countries •Nigeria – N145 • Kenya – N241.03 • S/Africa – N237.05

• Ghana – N211.15 • Ethiopia – N197.21 • Tunisia – N181.27 • Egypt – N175.3

• Angola – N151.39 • Algeria – N53.78 • Libya – N23.9

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) with US Deputy Secretary of State , Anthony Binken during a visit to Vice President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ANAYO OPARA

New fuel price regime inevitable — Lai Mohammed

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he Federal Government has said the introduction of a new price regime for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) has become inevitable in order to halt the crippling fuel scarcity in the country and ensure availability of the product.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this at the inauguration of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Marketers Conference in Lagos on Friday, said only the liberalisation of petrol supply will ensure the availability of the products.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I can tell

you that, that decision is inevitable, if we are to end the crippling fuel scarcity that has enveloped the country, ensure the availability of the products and end the suffering that our people have been subjected to,” he said.

He said the crash in the price of crude oil, which has impacted negatively on foreign exchange earnings, has further compounded the crisis in fuel supply.

“With the drastic fall in the price of crude oil, which is the nation’s main foreign exchange earner, there has also been a drastic reduction in the amount of foreign exchange available. The unavailability of forex and the inability to open letters of credit have forced

marketers to stop product importation and imposed over 90% supply on the NNPC since October 2015, in contrast to the past where NNPC supplies 48% of the national requirement,” the minister said.

He further elaborated that in the absence of available forex lines or crude volumes to continue massive importation of PMS, it is clear that unless immediate action is taken to liberalise the petroleum supply and distribution, the queues will persist, diversion will worsen and the current prices will spiral out of control.

Alhaji Mohammed, however, said the liberalisation of petrol supply and distribution will allow marketers and any Nigerian entity willing

to supply PMS to source for their forex and import PMS to ensure availability of products in all locations of the country.

He noted that the resultant fuel scarcity has created an abnormal increase in price, resulting in Nigerians paying between N150 and N300 per litre as prevalent hoarding, smuggling and diversion of products have reduced volumes made available to citizens.

The Minister explained that the new fuel price regime should not be misconstrued as the removal of subsidy since there is no provision for subsidy in the 2016 Appropriation, saying the erstwhile PMS price of N86.50 gives an estimate subsidy claim of N13.7per litre, which translates to

N16.4 billion monthly.

“There is neither funding nor appropriation to cover this,” he explained.

Alhaji Mohammed used the occasion to draw the attention of Nigerians to the renewed insurgency and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, which have drastically reduced national crude oil production to 1.65 million barrels per day, against 2.2 million barrels per day planned in the 2016 budget thereby reducing income to Federation account and also affecting crude volumes for PMS conversion.

Listing the benefits of the new price regime, he said it would end the recurrent fuel scarcity by ensuring product availability across the country, reduce hoarding,

smuggling and diversion of products substantially, improves fuel supply situation through private sector participation, creates labour market stability, as this will potentially create additional 200,000 jobs through new investments in refineries and retails and prevents potential loss of 400,000 jobs in existing investments”.

Alhaji Mohammed gave the assurance that under the new price regime, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) will be further empowered to ensure a level playing field and strict compliance with market rules by all stakeholders and consumer protection.

ents must face processes of law to be reintegrated PAGE

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Fuel hike:

NATIONAL NEWS

FG assures Nigerians of price reduction later AdeolA Tukuru ABUJA

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ederal Government yesterday assured Nigerians that prices of products will come down as the production from our refineries become more regular and stable.

The FG through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr.

Babachir David Lawal, also assured that as a result of the competitiveness and efficiencies that this deregulation policy will enthrone.

In a release signed by him in Abuja, he explained that since “our return to democratic rule in 1999, one problem that has troubled our nation incessantly has been the availability and cost of petroleum products.

“A number of reasons have been advanced for the problem and they include the cost of crude oil, the

operational condition of our refineries and much later, the costs associated with the importation of petroleum products.

“All of these reasons however, can be attributed to one single factor, which is simply our inability to produce locally the products that we consume. Our situation, over the years became compounded because of the total neglect of our refineries.

“Rather than address the issue of local refining of crude oil, we resorted to massive importation of petroleum products. This was criminalised when the cost of crude oil became very high and government revenue soared and could absorb the absurdity.

“Regrettable, this monumental corruption that crept into this unreasonable business of products importation stayed with us until the departure of the last administration.

“By this time, the price of crude oil has plummeted to its lowest in a decade and our volume of sales had declined considerably due to the glut in the international oil market, and indeed the disruptions in our production capacity caused by the activities of unpatriotic and criminally minded militants.

“At the same time, the nation’s foreign exchange reserve was completely depleted. The consequences of our past actions are that the nation, today, cannot afford subsidy payments.

“Our reserves have become so low, government has to enthrone tight monetary measures in the allocation of foreign exchange.

For months now, Nigerians have been subjected to severe hardship as a result of scarcity of petroleum products.

“This scarcity has lingered for this long because government has largely

been the sole importer of petroleum products.

“The private importers have refused to do business at this time because they truly cannot sell at the prevailing government controlled price and make profit especially, because of the inability of government to sell foreign exchange to these importers at the official rate.

He further added that in the circumstance, government is left with no option but to partially deregulate the sector and assume the role of a regulator.

“The ceiling of N145.00 per litre is the highest in the band approved for the cost of PMS (petrol). The implication is that the price can be lower. Indeed, for government imported products, it is lower” “My appeal to everyone is that commentators should restrain from deliberately inflaming the situation” he said.

MAY 14, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari is insensitive, out of touch —TMG

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he Transition Monitoring Group, a coalition of over 400 civic organisations working to promote democracy and good governance in Nigeria, has strongly condemned the increase in price of petrol, saying the move has exposed President Muhammadu Buhari as an “insensitive and out of touch” leader.

In a statement signed

by Ibrahim Zikirullahi, the group’s chairman, TMG said Mr. Buhari’s measure is “ill-timed and badly advised”.

“To say the least, this imposition portrays the government as insensitive, and out of touch with the daily unbearable plight of the ordinary Nigerian. Coming at a time when the implementation of the recently signed 2016 Budget, is yet to take off, the hike in

TUC gives May 18 deadline to revert price he National Executive Council (NEC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) held an emergency meeting yesterday in Lagos, over the federal government recent increase in the price of petrol.

The Body rejected the astronomical increase in the price of Petrol from #86.50 per litter to #145 per litter and demanded the government should revert to the old price before Wednesday

18, May, 2016.

The President, Comrade Bala Kaigama, said the federal government has also been giving Wednesday as deadline to invite the leadership of the labour for discussion aimed at determining the appropriate way forward.

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also directed the leadership of the TUC, NLC and the Civil Society Allies will work out action plans to protest the fuel price hike should the Government fail to meet up Wednesday 18 May, 2016 deadline.

astronomical increase in the price of petrol from N86.50 per litre to N145 per litre and demanded that the government should revert to the old price regime with immediate effect.

“The NEC in session gave the federal government up till Wednesday, 18th May, 2016 to invite the leadership of labour

for discussion aimed at determining the appropriate way forward.”

Kaigama said, the union was already working with the Nigeria Labour Congress and other civil society allies with a view to marshaling plans for a total showdown with the federal government, should it fail to revert to the old price.

SAmuel AdeTimehin

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L-R: Vice Chairman, Western Zone, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Comrade Samson Odewale; Chairman, NATA, Alhaji Kasali Obisesan; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, Babcock University, Prof Sunday Owolabi and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, at the NATA Day 2016, in Iwo, Osun State, yesterday.

the face of groaning and pains, is ill-timed and badly advised.

“It is tantamount to killing a willing horse to ask the Nigerian people, who are already carrying the heavy burden of the failure of governance over the years, to take on one more load of extreme economic hardship, as represented by the imposed price of petrol,” TMG said.

Mr. Zikirullahi also said that TMG’s support for Mr. Buhari is contingent on the effect of his administration’s policies on Nigerians.

Mr. Zikirullahi also expressed TMG’s intention to coordinate its resistance to the increments with the organised labour.

“TMG will join forces with Labour and other activists to resist this hike.

Labour issues 5-day ultimatum to FG over pump price olufemi A deoSun ABUJA

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he Trade Union Congress (TUC), yesterday gave the federal government five days ultimatum within which it must revert to the old pump price of N86.50.

It warned that the union may be pushed to embark on mass protest in conjunction with its sister organisation, the

...alerts workers for mass protests Nigeria Labour Congress and other civil society allies, should government press on with the new pump price of N145.

The federal government had on Wednesday announced the removal of subsidy on petroleum product with a new pricing template pegging a litre of Premium Motor

Spirit(PMS), otherwise known as petrol.

The new pricing regime has sparked negative reactions from the various stakeholders.

While the outcome of the National Executive Council of the NLC is differed till today (Saturday), a communique issued at the end of the TUC emergency Na-

tional Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday, rejected the new pump price, describing it as outrageous and insensitive.

The communiqué, which was signed by the TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, reads in part, “The NEC-in-Session rejected in its entirety the

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May 14, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

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A million Jerry Ganas can’t stop National Convention —PDP ObiOra ifOh, ABUJA

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has re-

sponded to the threat by the founding fathers to stop next Saturday’s planned national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State as it insists

that a million Jerry Ganas cannot stop the convention.

The party’s National Secretary, Professor

Adewale Oladipo, who spoke on Friday, said nothing can stop the convention.

Professor Oladipo

said the delegates to the national convention have been elected at ward congress.

“There are also statutory delegates like former governors, former

chairmen, Senators, House of Representatives members, they are all there. The court injunction is not going to affect the National Convention,” he added.

…as Sheriff, Adewole disagree over S’West zonal congress O biOra i fOh ABUJA

T

L-R: Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culter, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba and Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, Dr Jaf Momoh at a news conference on Stephen-Johnson Syndrome in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

New deadly disease breaks out

…one killed, another hospitalised T he Minister of Health, Issac Adewole, has revealed that there is a new disease in Nigeria which has killed a Nigerian while another is currently undergoing treatment at the National Hospital Abuja.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, on Friday, Mr. Adewole said the health condition known as Stephen Johnson Syndrome (SJS) was an unusual allergic reaction in Nigeria and some parts of Europe.

He said, “We have to find a means to communicate with Nigerians, so they should all be aware of this dangerous disease and it is the sole business of government to enlighten the society by trying to increase their awareness, knowledge and to improve their quality way of life.”

Dr. Olanrewaju Falodun a Senior Consultant Physician/Dermatologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, shed more light on the disease and the cases being handled in his hospital.

“Stephens Johnson Syndrome is an immune complex mediated hypersensitivity reaction that typically involves the skin and mucous membranes and was first described in 1922 by Albert Stevens and Frank Johnson,” Mr. Falodun said.

SJS is a rare and unpredictable reaction, and is also a minor form of toxic epidermal necrolysis with less than 10 percent body surface area involvement, the consultant said.

“SJS is a rare but serious and potentially

life-threatening contagious drug reaction.

Incidence of SJS is estimated between 1.1 and 7.1 cases per million per year and is more prevalent in women than men.

Incidence in Europe is two per million per year” Mr. Falodun said.

He confirmed that two cases were being treated at the Abuja National Hospital, saying one patient already passed while the other was still undergoing treatment.

He said the incidence was higher in Africa due to extensive use of herbal preparations and the prevalence of HIV. He listed the symptoms of the SJS disease to include fever, sore throat, running nose, fatigue, general aches and pains, ulcers in mouth, genitals, anal regions as well as

conjunctivitis.

The health complications, Mr. Falodun said, are pigmentation problems, skin scarring, scarred genitals, joint pains, lung diseases, obstructive disorders and eye complications, adhesions, ulcers, and blindness.

He however said the cause of the disease remained unknown in a quarter to half of cases but that self-medications appeared to be one of its causes.

He advised Nigerians to avoid misuse of drugs, while individuals with previous drug reactions should always inform healthcare practitioners so that in future they would be able to predict who is at risk of the disease using genetic screening.

here was confusion within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ‎with regards to Saturday’s South West zonal congress of the party.

The National Secretary, Professor Adewale Oladipo, at a press conference on Friday said the party has been duly served with court order and will abide by the decision.

“We are in receipt of an order from the Federal High Court in Lagos, which had ordered us to put a stop to the exercise pending when the case filed is heard and resolved.

“As a law abiding political party, we have been served this order.

“I, as the National Secretary of the party, and Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju, the National Auditor, who are the two representatives of the zone, want to tell you that the party has decided to abide by the order,” Oladipo added.

Chief Gbenga Otemolu, South West zonal Secretary, on behalf of the zonal executive, had approached the court demanding the suspension of the congress on the ground that their tenure had

not expired.

But the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who is already in Taraba State for the North East zonal congress, said he was yet to be communicated on the court order.

“I have not received any court order. I am in Taraba preparing for my congress.

“I have not seen the National Secretary.

He was meant to be in Osun.

“I have given directives before I left that there should be a congress. I will only stop when court gives me order to stop. The National Secretary, I have not seen him, I have not spoken to him. I am in Taraba right now, trying to do my congress,” Sheriff said in a tele-conference.

The Secretary of the PDP organising committee for South West zonal congress, Henry Ikoh, said he was already on his way to Akure, Ondo State capital for the congress.

“I want to tell you categorically that the congress is going on. I have the result sheets.

“It is not to my knowledge that the congress has been suspended. The chairman is not aware. As a matter of fact, the chairman and other members are waiting for me in Akure,” Ikoh stated.

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MAY 14, 2016

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‘Society connives to protect rapists, paedophiles’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

spread around the world, but punishment for people who fail to report knowledge of such crimes is not yet common. This is mainly due to the fact that a bystander is not necessarily bound by duty to make a report. However, an event in California in 2009 involving the gang-raping and beating of a 15-year old girl has caused American states to reconsider. States are now hinting at implementing laws that carry punitive consequences for witnesses to such awful crimes who fail to report, placing the protection of the victim’s life before a bystander’s privacy. This new law in Lagos State follows the same direction and serves as a push for the delegated individuals to carry out their duties effectively.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based crimes. Altogether, the DSVRT has trained 800 people in Nigeria to help in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

The new law passed by the Lagos State Government shows immense support for the victims of rape. If the law serves its purpose, more states in Nigeria might see the need to pass such a measure into law.

The society appears to connive within itself to protect rapists and paedophiles, and to frustrate and traumatise abused women. . The social and legal order simple protect licentious lustful men. The law and procedure of prosecuting sex crimes are lenient in favour of the offenders. There is need for tougher laws, tougher enforcement of sex crime laws, and effective prosecution of sex offenders. Lagos State took a giant step in 2011 when it made rape and many other sex crimes punishable by life imprisonment in its new Criminal Law. Section 258 provides that “(1) Any man who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman or girl, without her consent, is guilty of the offence of rape and liable to imprisonment for life.” Subsection (2) provides that “A woman or girl does not consent to sexual intercourse if she submits to the act by reason of force, impersonation, threat or intimidation of any kind, fear of harm or false or fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act.” Unhappily, the new law did not go far enough against spousal rape, which has been criminalised in many parts of the world. Subsection (3) provides that “Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who are married is not unlawful”, thereby permitting a husband to ‘rape’ his wife, giving wide leverage for family related sexual violence. But the law is tough against other sex crimes. Section 259 punishes unconsented oral or anal sex including gay sex, with life imprisonment. The section provides thus: “Any person who penetrates sexually the anus, vagina, mouth or any other

Protesters

opening in the body of another person with a part of his body or anything else, without the consent of the person is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for life”. The new Lagos Criminal law also punishes sexual harassment, though with paltry imprisonment of 3 years without option of fine. The offence is defined widely as follows: “262 (1) Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favours, and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which when submitted to or rejected– (a) implicitly or explicitly affects a person’s employment or educational opportunity or unreasonably interferes with the person’s work or educational performance; (b) implicitly or explicitly suggests that submission to or rejection of the conduct will be a factor in academic or employment decisions; or (c) creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning or working environment. Furthermore, inappropriate sexual advances, touching or smooching of another are criminalised in the law, by section 261, which provides that “Any person who sexually touches another person without his consent is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for three years.”

But according to Chino Obiagwu of the Legal Defence & Assistance Project, LEDAP “Though these tough laws are welcome, they are meaningless with poor enforcement. The police and prosecutors have clearly failed to stand up for victims of sex crimes, most of who would rather die in

Justice Minister and Attorney General of Federation,

tortuous silence than expose themselves to secondary traumatisation in the hands of justice system officials. It is time the society stands up to demand for justice for victims of sex crime in the way the Indian society rose up in unison to demand an end to impunity for rapists. This is a social responsibility for all men and women of conscience.”

Adaobi Egboka, the Executive Director of LEDAP, said: “We are not saying the state government is doing nothing. But it has to do more. Rape cases should be prosecuted in such a way that victims and parents of victims will be willing to come forward and make reports.”

The women therefore called on the government to strictly enforce the law against

Federal Minitry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan

rape so as to serve as a deterrent to others.

A cross section of Nigerians who spoke to Saturday Mirror however said the life imprisonment as punishment for rape was not punitive enough to serve as deterrent saying the judiciary could not be totally trusted in the country.

Mrs Funmi Abass, a teacher even recommended capital punishment for offenders especially peadophiles while Alhaji Fatai Abass, a businessman wants offenders castrated.

“If you cut their manhood, they will have nothing to commit the offence again. It is like saying that if your eyes will make you enter hell fire it is better you remove it”, he added.

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MAY 14, 2016

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‘Number of cases is cause for concern’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Chaired by Umaru Dahiru. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Chris Anyawu listed some of the sexual offences captured by the bill to include gang rape, lacing drinks with drugs with intent to sexually abuse, deliberately infecting partner with HIV and other diseases.

Others, according to her, include child sex tourism, sexual harassment and prostitution of persons with mental disabilities.

She said the bill had mandated the storing of names of sexual offenders in database for institutional and social discrimination.

“Culprits would never be employed in any institution where they may pose a risk to unsuspecting persons. You can see that the penalties are weighty,” she said.

She also said convicted offenders would be subjected to compulsory medical examination, while “those that, however, bring false sexual allegation against any person will also be liable for punishment.’’

A human rights lawyer, Evans Ufeli, has said that despite overwhelming reported cases of sexual assaults, Nigeria has recorded only 18 rape convictions in its legal history.

Mr. Ufeli spoke at the 5th edition of ‘The Conversation,’ a quarterly public dialogue that focuses on child abuses and parenting in Lagos.

“The Nigerian criminal code recommends life imprisonment for rape convicts and 14 years for attempt rape, but only 18 people have ever been convicted in Nigeria,” said Mr. Ufeli, who had been handling sexual assault cases for over a decade.

The lawyer said that sexual abuse matters in law courts are sometimes frustrated by the government, which usually acts as the prosecution.

“Government agents who are saddled with checking sexual assaults, especially the police and public prosecutors, compromise their profession,” Mr. Ufeli said.

Several child rights advocates who spoke at the gathering urged parents and guardians to allow their children, while they are still in their formative years, to be vocal about sexual matters as a solution to the rising cases of child abuse.

The advocates also said that the perpetual silence on the issue of child rape had done a lot to worsen the matter because it “sends no serious warning to would-be rapists.” ‎”It’s high time people started speaking about rape; parents must allow their children to discuss matters that are sexually-explicit in nature,” said Itoro Eze-Anaba, who runs the Mirabel Centre, a rehabilitation facility for victims of child abuses which is run in collaboration with the Partnership for Justice.

Mrs. Eze-Anaba noted that rape matters must evolve from being about the victim to

being about the perpetrator.

“A good percentage of those who have been assaulted have had to face the consequences of their ordeal despite their innocence,” she said.

Timilehin Oyebode, a sexual assault victim, said that paedophilia is “a psychological problem that requires only psychological solution” and that rapists don’t necessarily deserve jail sentence.

“The first step that must be taken in reducing sexual assaults on children is to support victims to have the courage to openly speak about their experiences,” said Ms. Oyebode, the Chief Executive Officer of Attitudinal Development International, who said she started suffering sexual abuses at age five.

Rape remains one of the more prevalent but under-reported crimes in Nigeria.

Lagos State alone reported 12,120 cases of rape in the last four years. The number of rape cases in the country has always been cause for concern for both government and non-governmental organizations in Nigeria, like Project Alert, who campaign nonstop against it.

These concerns pushed the Lagos State Government Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) to approach the Lagos State legislature for a solution, to which it has now responded by deeming it a criminal offence to not report cases of rape to the appropriate authorities. This crime is punishable by a two-year imprisonment. The law affects employees under the state government who work directly with children.

Though These Tough laws are welcome, They are meaningless wiTh poor

enforcemenT.

The police and

prosecuTors have clearly failed To sTand up for vicTims of sex crimes

This law was a follow up to the training of 190 people as ‘responders’ to cases of rape and sexual abuse by the Lagos State Government that was just concluded on August 16 of 2015. The responders are teachers, nurses, and social workers equipped with skills that enable them to obtain information concerning cases of sexual abuse and report them adequately.

In the United States the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that 68 percent of rape cases do not get reported; nine out of 10 women are victims, children constitute 12 percent of victims, and 98 percent of sexual offenders never spend a day in prison. The low numbers of reported cases are because most of the victims feel ashamed and traumatized. In countries like Nigeria where society attaches great stigma to victims of sexual violence, these numbers are likely higher. Some place are known for their maltreatment of rape victims, with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Somalia, India, and Afghanistan even throwing them in prison in extreme cases.

In response to this particular problem, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Coordinator of DSVRT, has asked the media to use its power to focus attention on perpetrators when reporting and publicizing these crimes, and always include contact details of help sources for the victims. According to her, this helps to build solid support systems for rape victims.

Punishment for sex offenders is wideCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Rape: Will life jail abolish crime?

Despite the fact that the Senate has passed a bill which prescribes life imprisonment for rapists and sex offenders, the crime seems to go on unabated across Nigeria, writes MUDA OYENIRAN

F

ew days ago, a 75 year-old man who allegedly raped an 11 year old in Ogun state was arrested by the police almost a year after the senate passed a new bill recommending life sentence for rape offenders. This has raised fears and doubts as to whether the new penalty for persons convicted of rape was punitive enough to put an end to the heinous acts in the country.

The Senate which passed the Sexual Offences Bill, in 2015 prescribes life imprisonment for rapists and those who have sexual intercourse with children less than 11 years.

The passage of the bill followed the report of the Committee CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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MAY 14, 2016

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Building collapse: Angry mob attacks Amosun Femi OyewesO ABEOKUTA

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ragedy struck in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital when the Ultra-Modern Market Complex being constructed by the Ibikunle Amosun administration yesterday collapsed on the construction workers at the site, killing one person instantly.

The four-storey shopping complex, christened Itoku Olori-Eku building, and located at the Odo-Oyo axis of Itoku Market in the Abeokuta metropolis suddenly caved in around 8.30am Friday morning when 18 persons who are part of the construction workers had barely worked for 30 minutes.

Five persons, including a woman who eventually died on the way to the hospital were allegedly rescued alive and taken to the nearby State Hospital in Ijaiye, Abeoku-

INSIDE

Crime Watch

Egbeda murder: Homicide detectives visit crime scene

Page 43

Mirror

Fire disasters: Any end in sight?

Adeneye

ta by sympathizers which principally comprised of personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC).

The development however forced the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and key top government functionaries to make an unscheduled visit to the scene of the collapse to assess the degree of damage.

The story however changed when angry sympathizers hauled stones and pebbles on the governor who was accompanied to the scene by heads of all the security agencies in the state, including the state Commissioner of Police, Abdul-Majid Ali, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), and of the Special State Security outfit, OP MESA. The angry mob alleged that the state governor had allowed the contractor handling the building project to continue building with sub-standard materials, thereby setting the death trap on the workers and other members of the public.

Raining curses and other unprintable words on the governor, the mob, which substantially comprised of youths, also alleged that they were irked by the attitude of the state government for abandoning its supervisory role in the project, which they claimed gave the contractor the opportunity to do a shoddy job on the project.

The attack on Governor Amosun forced all the armed security agencies to sporadically shoot live bullets and teargas canisters into the air to scare away the angry mob, while some of the Nigeria Army personnel attached to the OP MESA made efforts to make some arrest but were called to order by their superiors.

The governor also made several efforts to calm down the mob, appealing and assuring them that those trapped under the rubbles would soon be rescued.

Speaking with journalists however, one of the emergency medical personnel at the scene of the building collapse, Dr. Adekunle Adeyemi, confirmed that eight persons were rushed to his hospital in Ijaiye, Abeokuta out of which one was confirmed dead.

Adeyemi further stated that the conditions of five of the victims had stabilized at the emergency ward where they were admitted, while one victim was still at the theatre of the same hospital and one other demanded to be discharged immediately.

The doctor further informed journalists that he had spoken with the site engineer, whom he said told him that 18 persons were engaged to work at the site yesterday morning and that he could only account for nine of them.

Assassins kill housewife, daughter in Delta

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Dear Bukola I have a serious crush on my boss

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divorce

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‘I detest my wife because she bleached her skin’ Pg 30

Keeping ABREAST Female pilots demand space to pump breast milk on duty

Amosun

Meanwhile, there were anxieties as to the total number of persons trapped under the rubbles of the collapsed building as eyewitnesses told journalists that several other petty traders selling food, water and other consumables to the construction workers were also at the site as at the period the tragedy struck.

Saturday Mirror further gathered that two of the construction workers who were trapped under the rubbles were making phone calls and sending sms to their colleagues, appealing that they needed quick rescue from the pains they which were.

As at the time of filing this report, rescue operations were still ongoing as officials of the National Emergency Management Agency had joined in the rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building.

And on the sad issue, the Ogun State Government says it has successfully rescued all 16 construction workers trapped under the collapsed shopping mall and that Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who arrived the site shortly after, helped in coordinating rescue efforts.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, later said that no one had been confirmed dead yet.

He said five workers sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, while eight were rescued unhurt.

“At the moment, records from the site engineers indicate that there were 16 workers on site at the time of the unfortunate incident and they have all been accounted for,” he said.

“Eight of them were rescued unhurt, five who sustained different degrees of injuries are presently receiving treatment at the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, one is critically injured, AND two have been discharged,” Adeneye explained.

The commissioner added that efforts to clear the rubbles at the collapsed building site were ongoing. He said the operation must be carried out carefully as some non-construction workers may have been trapped under the ruins.

... son survives

NOsa akeNzua ASABA

S

uspected hired assassins yesterday in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State allegedly killed a housewife and her daughter while her son escaped.

Reports said the incident occurred in the early hours. It was reliably gathered that the assassins went berserk after they had forced the gate of their target victims open.

Rosemary Odeh, an eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent, said the assassins numbering over five allegedly cut the housewife in the throat with a knife and her daughter with broken bottles before they shot at the son who narrowly escaped death.

The suspects were said to have made away with their belongings after their victims were subjected to dehumanizing treatments.

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa

But the police image maker in the state, Celestina Kalu who confirmed the incident, said that the housewife and the daughter died on their way to the hospital after they were rushed to a nearby hospital by neighbours in the area. She said that the police were on the trail of the suspects with a view to arresting them.

While calling for useful information

that could help to arrest the suspects, Mrs. Kalu said that the injured boy was admitted into a private hospital where he is currently responding to treatment. She said the police recovered the knife the suspects used in killing the housewife and the daughter before they escaped into thin air, “we are on top of the situation and we will do our best to bring them to book” the police image maker added.

Unconfirmed sources said the woman and the daughter were killed after they allegedly refused to comply with the warnings to give out the daughter or be killed after their efforts to allegedly marry her failed.

The victims were identified as Mrs. Veronica Iguowe and Felicia Iguowe.

They were allegedly locked in a litany of troubles over a slain daughter over two years ago before they were killed.

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State governors spend New deadly disease Jerry Gana can’t funds on personal stop National breaks out • Stephen Johnson Syndrome Convention — PDP luxury — Kalu

We’ve not removed Osinbajo fuel subsidy — P. 9

... as FG assures of price reduction later •Labour issues 5-day ultimatum •TUC gives May 18 deadline

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L-R: Second Deputy President, Trade Union Congress(TUC), Augustine Etato; TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and TUC, First Deputy President, Sunday Salako, after an Emergency Meeting of the National Executive Council(NEC) on the recent increase in the price of fuel in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

PENGASSAN, NUPENG support new fuel price ...demand N90, 000 minimum wage P. 8

• APC appeals to NLC, Nigerians Sealxk T

Is bigger always better ?

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