Saturday 21st, May, 2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Vol. 6 No. 21

Saturday, May 21, 2016

CRIME

Family cries over abducted toddlers

P.43

National Mirror Online

@NationalMirror

N150

NEWS Kwara APC Chairman, Was Serah Luka at Secretary kidnapped kidnapped home or in school? P.9

NEWS

P.7

Buhari warns Niger Delta militants:

Don’t confront my government P. 8

...as another pipeline is bombed

Nigeria Labour Congress in Lagos State took their protests to the Lagos State Secretariat and the Office of the Head of Service, yesterday.

N1. 5bn scam: Ex-NIMASA DG, Omatseye Fuel crisis: NLC accuses FG of ‘divide and rule’ Sealxk 16 steamy sex secrets T P. 34

P. 10

P. 9

A m a P.2 2

gets five years imprisonment, weeps

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MAY 21, 2016

Top Stories

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SSA to Benue governor gunned down Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has challenged security agents to fish out killers of his Senior Special Assistant on security, Mr. Denen Igbana, who was gunned down in the early hours of yesterday by unknown assailants at his home in Tionsha, a suburb settlement in the capital city. Governor Ortom expressed grief over the sudden demise of his aide whom he said contributed immensely to the success of his amnesty programme which re-

INSIDE

ceived accolades within and even beyond the shores of the country. He lamented that those behind the dastardly act have “in a way succeeded in killing a part of me in a bid to slow down the tempo of the security apparatus under my

administration, but nevertheless I have issued strong directives to all security agencies for the perpetrators of this act to be fished out under any circumstance with a view to bringing them to justice. “When I was seeking to become Governor, I did not bargain to preside over dead citizens. The calamities befalling the state in recent times are too enormous to contain with the issue of herders and the inhabitants ravaging the state on one hand and kidnapping on one hand and assassination on the prowl is something that security agencies has to wake up from their slumber and tackle the menace.” He charged commercial motorcyclists

plying the capital city to henceforth operate between 6am to 8pm only, warning that anyone who violates the directive must be accordingly sanctioned in the state. Earlier, Elder Thomas Ayakpam said the unidentified gunmen on a motor bike trailed the deceased to his compound in the odd hours of the morning and shot sporadically at his Toyota Hilux truck and sensing danger, he came out of the vehicle and in the process of escape, was shot point blank. The son to the deceased, on hearing the news, collapsed and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the metropolis. The Governor however requested that he

Denen Igbana

should be taken to the Benue State Teaching Hospital for better medical care. Meanwhile, the state commissioner of police, Mr. Paul Yakadi, has pledged that his men will comb the settlement and even beyond 24 hours to ensure that the murderers are fished out and brought to face the wrath of the law.

Police charge alleged wife killer, Lekan Shonde, with murder Wale IgbIntade

Why is rape on the increase?

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People

Meet Amina Ali, first rescued Chibok girl

Pg 34

Dear Bukola My husband thinks I’m no longer right for him

Pg 35 divorce

court

‘I caught my wife having sex with another man’ Pg 30

Crime Watch

‘Evil forces manipulated me to kill my twin brother’

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he State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of Police Command, Panti-Yaba, yesterday charged the alleged wife Killer, Mr. Lekan Shonde, before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ebute-Metta with murder. Shonde was accused of killing his 37-year-old wife, Ronke, by giving her fist blow which led to her death, on May 5, at their residence, 3, Tiamo Street, Egbeda, Lagos. The offence, according to the prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, is contrary to and punishable under section 221 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011. The 51-year-old defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charge. Upon his plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand him in prison pending when Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, will issue an advice on the matter. The prosecutor said the remand application was pursuant to section 264(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice of Lagos state, 2011. Consequently, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adelaja, said the offence being a capital in nature, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody for the first 30 days, pending which the DPP would have issue an advice on the matter. The matter has been adjourned till June 24 for mention. Meanwhile, the remains of Ronke

Shonde have been laid to rest.

Saturday Mirror gathered that she was buried on Friday at the Atan cemetery in Lagos.

Family ravaged by midnight fire in Delta nosa akenzua ASABA

he death of Tega and Elo, two female children of a family of six, who died from first degree burn sustained in a midnight fire that ravaged a building in Ujevwu, Udu LGA recently, is a pathetic story and a sad reminder of the lack of care and brotherly concern that society has slipped into. Tega (age 13) and Elo (11) were children who had hopes of a great future. They were good children given to domestic chores and also imbued with the attitude of care for those around them. They went to bed like every other family in the neighbourhood on February 9, 2016 hoping to go about their normal duties the following day. But at about 1:00am at night, a certain power surge caused a spark that resulted in a big fire outbreak. The entire building went up in flames and in the darkness and amidst the confusion and thick smoke from the fire, the family of Joseph Simple including his wife and four children were caught by the raging fire. The mother, Blessing, and three of his daughters, Tega, Elo and Elizabeth suffered serious burns, with only the last child escaping unhurt. Nothing was salvaged from the building. Simple and the four affected members of his family were rushed to the Divine Mercy Hospital, in Ovwian where the doctors and nurses battled seriously to save the situation. The indigent family could not foot the hospital bill. For two months, the doctors, out of mercy and human sympathy, did everything

humanly possible to care for the victims. Investigation revealed that the victims had stayed in the hospital without financial help to offset their hospital bills. At that stage, pus was already oozing out of the body of the children who were badly affected by the fire. The family left the hospital but there was no home to return to. Their abode was already in ruins. There was no cash on them to rent a new apartment. It was a most devastating experience for the family. They had to secure a shanty little hut, made of corrugated iron sheets for them to rest their heads. By the time they got home, Elo had passed on to further increase the pains of the Joseph family. Help was not coming from nowhere. There was no food for the troubled family, no clothing and decent shelter. While they were still mourning the death of Elo, the second girl, Tega, breathed her last also. It was not just the accident that killed the children. They would have lived if help had come in good time. By the time they got to their new shanty abode at the corner of Egini, close to Ujevwu, the flow of pus had attracted flies in uncontrollable manger, making worms to feast on the sores from the burns. It was a most pathetic sign when Saturday Mirror visited the family to get the account of what they had suffered in recent times. As at the time of writing, the wife, Blessing, was still in terrible shape. But one of the surviving children appears to have left danger zone. The last child of the family, who was not affected, is doing well but their shelter is nothing to write home about.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 21, 2016

Saturday Starter

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Fuel price hike: One

hardship too many? While the federal government has insisted that the recent fuel price hike is in the best interest of the nation and Nigerians, the poor masses who have been groaning under the weight of the present economic hardship say the step would further add to their woes, reports MUDA OYENIRAN

“N

145 Per litre is a death sentence, I stay with the masses” a statement currently trending on the social media aptly captured the feelings of average Nigerians in reaction to hike in the price of petrol from the official price of N86.50 to N145 Before this increment in fuel price, many Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardship due to non-payment of workers’ salaries and the astronomical increase in price of food and other goods and services Recently, a teacher identified as Nasiru Lukuman of Saint Lukes Grammar School, Molete in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital reportedly slumped while teaching in the classroom. The teacher, Saturday Mirror gathered has been trekking several miles to school on empty stomach on a daily basis due to non-payment of his accumulated salaries. Similarly, the vice-principal of the same school, Emmanuel Olajide, reportedly died recently as a result of hunger apparently due to non-payment of four months’ salary by the state government. Also on a pensioner, Mrs Kemi Kazeem told Saturday Mirror how hunger and diseases had sent many of her pensioner colCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Saturday Starter

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‘N145 per litre is a death sentence’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

leagues to their early graves due to unpaid pension arrears. “Many of them would not have died when they did but because they have no money to feed and take acre of their health. Even those of them that have children do not fare better as the children are also owed backlog of salaries where they work. Please help us beg the government to pay us in order to save us from untimely death”, she added. Saturday Mirror also gathered that school proprietors are feeling the ‘heat’ of the economic crisis because many parents could not pay the school fees of their wards. A teacher at a Nursery/ Primary school who preferred anonymity told Saturday Mirror how parents of pupils who used to pay school fees of their wards as at when due, have become debtors to the school authority due to their inability to pay their children school fees. “They come to beg us almost on a daily basis not to send their wards home saying they could not pay because of the situation in the country”, she added Sylva Okereke, a journalist told Saturday Mirror that he almost broke down in tears when he saw the number of pupils that were sent out of the classrooms at the Maryland Convent, a private catholic School in Lagos adding it has never been that bad since his kids resumed in the school. “Many pupils were sent out because their parents have not paid school fees. Before now, I only see 2 or 3 pupils, but now I see many of them outside because their parents could not afford to pay school fees”, he added Many Nigerians on the social media have also bared their minds on the present situation in the country especially the latest fuel price hike Mrs. Zita Okegbu wrote on her face book wall : “Lord help us to survive the hardship in this country because is getting worse by the day, hunger is killing people, nothing is affordable anymore, business is not moving workers are been dropped everyday and the ones retained are paid after 2 to 3 months. Lord please come to the rescue of your children because only you lord can save your children, Balaam was paid to curse the Israelite and he ended

Protesters

up blessing them. Lord let every man or woman paid to curse this nation turn to bless it because you hold the heart of kings in your hand in Jesus name Amen” Greg Ugbaja posted on his face book wall: 20 litres in your car, 10 litres in your generator at N145 for 30 days is N130, 500.Nepa bill, food, pamperss and miscellaneous excluded Another facebook user posted on his wall: “Nigerians are groaning under the weight of this government. This was not what we bargained for. God exempt us from this economic Holocaust” Bishop Seun Adeoye of Sufficient Grace and Truth Ministry, Okinni, Osun State recently embarked on one man rally against the present hike of fuel price from N86 to N145 by the federal government. Speaking in Osogbo, Osun State, Rt. Rev Adeoye stated that he took the step because he was of the opinion that the Muhammad Buhari’s administration has not been fair to downtrodden Nigerians by the increase in the price of petrol. “Nigerians are passing through hell now. People should see the government as a big father who will give them solace in time of crisis. But this father is wielding a big stick against the people. “This increase in pump price of petrol is

uncalled for. In the last one year, Nigerians have seen an increase in virtually everything apart from their earnings. We have seen increase in electricity tariff, increase in bank charges and the astronomical increase in food items. “Churches in Nigeria today are becoming centres for distribution of food items and relief materials to unfortunate Nigerians who had been deceived by elites in government. “Those who are telling Nigerians to bear the cost and allow the new price regime to stand are people flying over us in their choppers. Even if they call the price N1, 000 they will still buy it. “I also believe there is a time for everything. There is a time to speak and a time to keep quiet. For me, presently in Nigeria, this is a time to speak no matter whose ox is gored. “Some may disagree with me on why as a Bishop I left the pulpit for the streets to express my dissatisfaction on the current fuel hike from N86 to N145 by the Federal Government of Nigeria but I am not bothered about the opinion of men, I am moved by the Spirit of God to do what I did. “I cannot do anything otherwise but to obey God. Indeed, my major resolution during my enthronement as a Bishop was that I am going to use the office to fight for the oppressed, to be

Those who are Telling nigerians To bear The cosT and allow The new price regime To sTand are people flying over us in Their choppers.

even if They call The price n1, 000, They will sTill buy iT Bishop Adeoye on a lone protest

the voice for the voiceless and to stand by the downtrodden. “I cannot afford to be a conformist when people are hungry and suffering. I cannot keep mute when leaders who should be concerned about the plights of the oppressed are living in their comfort rooms but tell Nigerians to take heart in their plights”. He urged President Buhari to listen to the voice of the poor and the oppressed in this country to drastically reduce the price of PMS. The civil society groups have also risen in strong condemnation of the fuel price hike and the general economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians The Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG) has taken a position against the hike in the pump price of petrol, threatening to mobilize against its implementation. COSEG in a press statement issued recently and signed by Ifedayo Ogunlana and Rasaq Olokooba, chairman and secretary respectively, described the new price policy of the federal government as announced by the minister of state of petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, as “callous and a way not to reward Nigerians who are currently undergoing stress as a result of the lingering economic recession in the country.” The group said it rejects the “dubious policy and will therefore mobilize the people to come out en-masse to show their grievances against the policy. According to COSEG, “When Buhari was elected; the Nigerian people thought his government would proffer solutions to their problems. But with this new policy of indirectly hiking fuel pump price and indirectly fixing the price at N145, we know we have goofed. “We therefore reject this new policy and CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 21, 2016

Saturday Starter

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‘Fuel price hike like killing a willing horse’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

will mobilize and join millions of Nigerians on the street to reject it. We are going to the street to demand the reversal of the evil policy.” COSEG declared that “Nigerians cannot be taken for a ride for so long a time.” “The federal government is taking the respect the people have for Buhari to the pit. The average Nigerians today are finding it hard to eat and this government is compounding their problems day-in, day-out,” it said. The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), a coalition of over 400 civic organizations working to promote democracy and good governance in Nigeria has also stoutly rejected the N145 pump price of petrol imposed by Federal Government. According to them, the imposition portrayed 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 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” “As is the case with this latest hike, we must place it on record that it is absolutely anti-people. TMG will join forces with Labour and other activists to resist this hike. With the many economic woes afflicting the country, including job losses, massive unemployment and galloping-inflation, the least we expected the government to do was to give Nigerians a breather, and allow some form of recovery to take place through a stimulus package injected into the economy to rev it back to life before placing any further burdens. To our utmost disappointment however, ordinary Nigerians have been hung out to dry, and left at the mercy of shylock fuel importers” Samson Akindele, a broadcaster and public affairs commentator said even though he was not opposed to the subsidy removal, he was against the manner it had just been carried out by the federal government. He accused the federal government of being insensitive to the suffering of the masses who have been impoverished by non-payment of backlog of salaries including the attendant high cost of goods and services. According to him, the federal government should have made the subsidy removal a gradual process in order to lessen its effects on the poor masses. “Palliative measures such as cheap and affordable mass transit system should be provided across the country so that many Nigerians do not have to use their cars as well as stable power supply so that people don’t spend much on fuelling their generators”, he added. While defending the federal government action, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the introduction of a new price regime for petrol has become inevitable in order to halt the crippling fuel scarcity in the country and ensure availability of the product. He stressed that only the liberalization of petrol supply would ensure the availability of the products.

Protesters

Mohammed explained that 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,” he said. Mohammed 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 liberalize the petroleum supply and distribution, the queues will persist, diversion will worsen and the current prices will spiral out of control. He, however, said the liberalization 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. 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”. The minister further assured that under the new price regime, the Petroleum Products

President Buhari

Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum

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. Also in an attempt to douse the tension generated by the fuel price hike, the All Progressive Congress (APC) national Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun said at a recent news conference in Abuja that the price of petrol was bound to come down. Citing the example of what happened when the telecommunication industry was deregulated; Oyegun noted that competition would force the price to go down

“A typical example is what happened when mobile phones were introduced. I remembered that I bought a SIM card for over N30,000, but today it is virtually free.If we free the fuel market, the same thing will happen”, he added Speaking further, Oyegun said: “So the appeal is a very sincere to the Nigerian people. Yes there is a lot of hardship and 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.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

MAY 21, 2016

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MAY 21, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

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Nigerian Army insists second rescued girl among abducted Chibok schoolgirls

he Nigerian Army has defended its earlier statement that a second girl rescued by its troops on Thursday, was among the nearly 300

school students abducted from a secondary school in Chibok, by Boko Haram. The army dismissed reports that Serah Luka’s

All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD. BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR • PUBLISHER

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• MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

BEN MEMULETIWON • ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI

• SATURDAY EDITOR

AYO OLESIN

• SUNDAY EDITOR

CALLISTUS OKE

• EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

OBIORA IFOH

• ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

Chibok parents confirm Serah Luka’s identity adeola tukuru ABUJA

community leader in Chibok, Haruna Mutali has confirmed that the second returnee, Serah Luka was an SSS 1 learner at GSS Chibok, who was abducted by the insurgents in her home in Madagali. Mutali, throught the BringBackOurGirls Spokesperson, Sesugh Akume, also commended the gallant Nigerian army, the Civilian JTF, and the other security forces. In a press statement signed by him in Abuja, said “ We are strongly with you, as through great sacrifice you annihilate the insurgents, return our compatriots, reclaim our territories,

and restore peace and normality especially in northeast Nigeria. “We are excited with the news of yet another rescued Chibok girl. “We appeal to the humanity in us to stay positively focused on emerging developments. We wish to advice caution in disseminating information too promptly, as we appeal that we respect the human dignity of our returnees and their loved ones, as we engage on this topic. “We are strongly with you, as through great sacrifice you annihilate the insurgents, return our compatriots, reclaim our territories, and restore peace and normality especially in northeast Nigeria,” he said.

Buhari condoles Al-Sisi on EgyptAir crash rotImI FadeyI ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and the people of Egypt on Thursday’s EgyptAir crash which claimed many lives. In a telephone call yesterday to condole the Egyptian leader on the loss of 66 lives in the crash, Buhari assured Al-Sisi and the people of Egypt of the sympathy of all Nigerians as they mourn the passengers and crew of EgyptAir

MS804. A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari told Al-Sisi that the thoughts and prayers of Nigerians are with the families and friends of bereaved Egyptians and other nationals who are in sorrow as a result of the tragic air crash. The President prayed that God would comfort all those who lost relatives and friends in the crash and grant eternal rest to the souls of those who died.

name was not on the list of girls taken from the school by the militants on April 14, 2014. A statement from the army announcing Ms. Luka’s rescue, said she was a native of Madagali in Adamawa State and was number 157 on the list of the kidnapped Chibok girls. But a community leader, Pogu Bitrus, told the Associated Press Friday, that Ms. Luka was not on the list of 218 students still missing from the mass abduction. He also said the number 157 on the list was not Serah Luka. Mr. Bitrus suggested the rescued girl may have been visiting older sisters at the school the night of the kidnapping, according to the news agency. Also, Yakubu Nkeki, the

head of the Chibok Abducted Girls Parents group, told the AFP that his records showed only two girls with the surname Luka. “These are Kauna Luka Yana and Naomi Luka Dzakwa. Among the list of parents, we have only four priests and none of them is Luka,” he was quoted as saying. “Among the girls, none of them is from Madagali (in Adamawa State). They were either from Chibok, Damboa, Askira and Uba (all in Borno state). So I can say… that this girl is not among the abducted Chibok girls. But Sani Usman, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, said on Friday afternoon that the military stood by its earlier statement.

He said the army as an institution had resolved not join issues with those who have clear “political agenda”. Mr. Usman said the army had verified all the details Ms. Luka provided shortly after she was rescued, saying only established government institutions have the powers to confirm the identity of a citizen. “We cannot be dragging words with people who have clear political agenda. The facts speak for themselves that that girl came from Adamawa and, beyond all reasonable doubt; she is amongst those that were abducted on the 14th of April 2014 in Government Secondary School, Chibok. “For anybody to wake up and say he’s the head of

Chibok community and the girl was not amongst those kidnapped is wrong. If the principal of that school comes out and say ‘this is my nominal role and I don’t have such student’ then we can be debating the matter,” Mr. Usman said. “She is not from Chibok but Adamawa and she may not have been on any of the unofficial lists that said they were 249 girls or 219 girls, but she was kidnapped and we have all the facts.” Asked if he was certain of his claims, Mr. Usman said “Yes, otherwise we won’t release the news to the whole world”. Mr. Usman urged those making the allegations to “leave the Army out of this politics.”

L-R: Deputy President, Oodua Peoples Congress, Alhaji Wasiu Afolabi; National President, Unity Party of Nigeria [UPN], Dr Fredrick Fasehun; Lagos UPN Chairman, Alhaji Koleosho Taofeek, during the Press Conference on Fuel Hike and other Matters, in Lagos.

Court refuses to stay Rickey Tarfa’s trial Wale IgbIntade

Lagos High Court judge, Justice A. A. Akintoye yesterday, refused to grant stay of proceeding in the trial of embattled Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ricky Tarfa. Tarfa was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a-27-count charge bordering on alleged willful obstruction of authorised officers of EFCC, refusal

to declare asset, making false information and offering gratification to a public official. At the hearing of the matter, Tarfa had through his lawyer, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), argued that the defendant has filed an application for stay of proceeding pending the hearing of the appeal at the court of appeal. And that the court of Appeal is now seized of the charge before the court, that refusal of this

application will caused a greater hardship to the defendant and granting it will protect the defendant and it should be granted in the interest of Justice. The Appeal against the ruling of the Court delivered on 22nd April, 2016 has entered the records of the Court of Appeal with Appeal No: CA/L/497/16 the defendant filed his brief of argument at the court of Appeal. In his response, Prosecuting cousel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo urged the court

to dismiss the defendant application, that he has two witnesses in court and ready to proceed in the matter. However Justice A. A. Akintoye ruled that the court will not entertain any stayed of proceeding on criminal matter until judgement is delivered. Saying: “This Court will not entertain any stayed or differ the proceeding on criminal matter until judgement delivered, as a result, this matter will continued today”.

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NATIONAL NEWS

MAY 21, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari to Niger Delta militants:

Don’t confront my govt

resident Muhammadu Buhari on Friday urged militants in the Niger Delta to drop their confrontational stance and work with his government to review the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Yar’Adua Administration. Mr. Buhari assured oil companies operating in the Niger Delta that the Federal Government is taking all necessary actions to protect strategic assets in the region from vandals and criminals. Speaking at a meeting

with the Global Director (Upstream) of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Andrew Brown, President Buhari said that he had directed the Chief of Naval Staff to reorganise and strengthen the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta to deal effectively with the resurgence of militancy and the sabotage of oil installations. The president told Mr. Brown that the operations of the JTF were also being enhanced with increased support and cooperation from the United States

Gencos, Discos, others receive N55.45bn to boost power sector UDO ONYEKA The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday disbursed a total sum of N55.45bn in the 4th tranche of the N 213bn Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility, NEMSF. Speaking at the event in Lagos, the CBN, Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele said N213bn CBN-NEMSF facility was initiated as a follow up to commitments it reached with other stakeholders to address debts owed by generating companies to gas suppliers. He said the disbursement marks a major milestone in the effort of the Bank in collaboration with the federal government to achieve a contract based electricity market. According to the governor, the disbursement of a further N55.45bn out of the N213bn to 24 industry participants which include; 14 Discos and Gencos, Service Providers and 6- Gascos would further address the challenges of the power sector. In the disbursement yesterday, Distribution companies got N8.67bn, Generating companies received N35.83bn, Gas Suppliers got N10.49bn and Service Providers had N459.67bn. “With this, disbursements to the Discos will be N49.73bn, 91.7 per cent; Gencos N54.29bn or 62.5

per cent, gas companies N15.73bn and service providers N0.46bn or 1.7 per cent. The total disbursements under the initiative including today’s disbursement are N120.2bn, representing 57 per cent of the total amount earmarked. He informed that the first disbursement was effected on February 12, 2015 to industry participants and that one year into the progamme, the sum of N64bn or 30 per cent of the facility was disbursed to 18 participants. “These companies committed to using the funds to upgrade/refurbish their equipment and acquire new ones so as to improve service delivery. The facility was given at 10 per cent interest rate and repayment has commenced”, he said. The apex bank boss said a review of the fund utilisation and reports of impact by beneficiaries revealed that the intervention resulted in the restoration of a total of 905MW of power into the grid as a result of facility turn around maintenance, contribution of over 25 per cent of the annual capital expenditure budget for the sector. He noted that specific reports from Generating Companies revealed that there was execution of capacity recovery programs in three hydro power stations as follows:

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and Europe in the areas of training, intelligence, equipment and logistics. “We have to be very serious with the situation in the Niger Delta because it threatens the national economy. I assure you that everything possible will be done to protect personnel and oil assets in the region,” President Buhari said. The president urged aggrieved persons, mil-

itants and communities in the Niger Delta to drop their confrontational stance and work with those who have been charged by the Federal Government to review the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Yar’Adua Administration for the benefit of all parties. President Buhari praised the resilience and staying power of Shell in

Nigeria despite the operational challenges of the environment . He urged the company to do its best to end gas flaring in the Niger Delta quickly and produce more gas for electricity generation to support manufacturing and job creation in the country. Mr. Brown had appealed for an urgent solution to rising crime and

militancy in the Niger Delta. The Shell Executive also dispelled speculations that the company was pulling out of Nigeria. He said that contrary to such speculations, Shell was currently in discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on new joint oil and gas projects.

to phase two of the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline owned by the Nigerian Gas Company Limited (NGC). Eric Omare, a spokesperson for the Ijaw Youth Council, said the attack happened around the village of Ogbe Ijoh, near Warri. “The explosion occurred last night on the pipeline belonging to NNPC,” said Omare. The pipeline links

the Escravos oil terminal to Warri and supplies gas to various parts of the country. Nigeria has seen a renewal in militant attacks in the oil-rich southern region in the last few weeks, with strikes on pipelines and oil facilities. These bombings reduced oil output to the lowest in almost three decades. The government of

President Buhari has directed the army to deal with the militants with a heavy hand. A new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, recently released a list of demands. Escravos Lagos pipeline was attacked in February, causing a shortage of 3,132 megawatts of electricity and an array of difficulties for operators of power generation plants.

...as another pipeline is bombed

iger Delta militants have bombed a section of the Escravos gas trunkline behind salvation city, near Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South West local government area of Delta state. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 20. A source described the attack as a “big blow” to gas production in Nigeria, disclosing that the facility belongs

L-R: Representative of the Vice President, Dr Chris Ngige; Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund, Alhaji Habu Gumel and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, at the official unveiling, commissioning and distribution of sports equipment to 2000 primary schools nationwide in Abuja, yesterday. PHOT: NAN

President assures oil firms of security Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured oil companies operating in the Niger Delta that the Federal Government was taking all necessary actions to protect strategic assets in the region from vandals and criminals. A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari spoke at a meeting with the Global Director (Upstream) of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Mr. Andrew Brown,

Buhari said that he has directed the Chief of Naval Staff to reorganise and strengthen the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta to deal effectively with the resurgence of militancy and the sabotage of oil installations. The President told Brown that the operations of the JTF were also being enhanced with increased support and cooperation from the United States and Europe in the areas of training, intelligence, equipment and logistics. “We have to be very serious with the situation in the Niger Delta because it threatens the national econ-

omy. I assure you that everything possible will be done to protect personnel and oil assets in the region,” Buhari said. The President urged aggrieved persons, militants and communities in the Niger Delta to drop their confrontational stance and work with those who have been charged by the Federal Government to review the Amnesty Programme initiated by Yar’Adua administration for the benefit of all parties. Buhari praised the resilience and staying power of Shell in Nigeria despite the operational challenges of the environment.

He urged the company to do its best to end gas-flaring in the Niger Delta quickly and produce more gas for electricity generation to support manufacturing and job creation in the country. Brown had appealed for an urgent solution to rising crime and militancy in the Niger Delta. The Shell Executive also dispelled speculations that the company was pulling out of Nigeria. He said that contrary to such speculations, Shell was currently in discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on new joint oil and gas projects.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Fuel crisis: NLC decries ‘FG’s divide and rule’

Olufemi AdeOsun ABUJA

he Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) yesterday, bemoaned the adoption of divide and rule tactics by the federal government in addressing the fallout of the increase in the pump price of petroleum product. This is even as National Leader of the All Progressive Congress(APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu begged the organised labour and its civil society allies involved in the ongoing protests to return to the negotiation table with the federal government. The federal government had last week, 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 at N145. In rejecting the new pump price and demanding for a reversal, organised labour had issued a four-day ultimatum to the government. Since the ultimatum elapsed mid-night of Tuesday, workers across the country have continued to troop to the street to show their discontent at the new price even as negotiation with the representatives of the government broke down. However, APC National Leader, Sen. Ahmed Tinubu, who led a high power delegation to the Paschal Bafyau Labour House in Abuja, pleaded with the NLC to shelve the ongoing protests and return to the negotiation table. Tinubu came in company of the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former NLC President, Abdulwahed Omar and some other serving Senators. He personally enlisted to broker peace between the warring workers and the federal government in the interest of the survival and economic sustainability of the country. The former Lagos State governor, noted that government has good intention in removing the subsidy, stressing that the only snag was the seeming communication breakdown between both parties. He said “I cannot say I was not a part of whatev-

MAY 21, 2016

...as Tinubu begs labour to shelve protest er is happening today on your part and I can never say I am not a part of the decision that created this. I can only say I noticed a communication gap. I can’t say that you are enemies of progress or the President of this country. Lets get back a little bit. We are aware of seeming division, but conflict and convict resolution mechanism is there in any politics. If there is no conflict, there is no politics. “Today we came to appeal to you. For me ideologically, progressive governance is what we are all about. And progressive governance means inclusiveness, the welfare of the people and the progress of the nation. We want to make it clear that you are not the enemy and you will never be enemy of government that is progressive. How many years we have had oil and what have we got from it. “Let’s look at budget after budget since 1980s, what have they translated to for our people. The decision taking by the government in relation to the petroleum pricing is inevitable and it is in the good interest of the country. I implore you to suspend your strike and return to the negotiation table with the federal government. According to him, rather than benefitting the people the subsidy regime has benefitted only a few who have constituted themselves to untouchable cabal. Tinubu stressed the sincerity of the present administration to evolve policies geared toward eradication of poverty, promotion of good governance and employment generation. Responding, the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said that there was no time the union was averse to discussion. The NLC boss explained that the decision to suspend the strike and return to discussion could only be taking by the appropriate organ of the union. He accused the government of engaging in divide and rule system in the negotiation process. Wabba said, “This action we have embarked upon is not about personal issue, it is about engaging policies.

Overtime, NLC has led the vanguard of good governance we have collaborated with a number of civil society groups even in a matter involving entrenchment of democracy. “We have taken note of

the plea including this high delegation and we assure you that this will be discussed and communicated to the appropriate organ of the NLC. We are a very democratic mass organisation. We will convey the

same the plea to the people. On while negotiation with the government reached deadlock, he explained,”We have never shied away from sitting with the federal government engaging in negoti-

ation. What actually happened was that, when we reached a deadlock, government said we should excuse them and they started employing divide and rule system.”

L-R: Shell GM, Business & Government Relations, Mr Simbi Wabote; MD/Country Chair Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Shell Global Upstream Director, Mr. Andrew Brown and President / Minister of Petroleum, Muhammadu Buhari after meeting with Shell Companies at the Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday.

Kwara APC Chairman, Secretary kidnapped AbdullAhi Olesin ILORIN

he Kwara state chairman and Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC , Hon. Ishola Balogun Fulani and Chief Bode Adekanye respectively

have been kidnapped at gun point along Lokoja Okene road in Kogi state. The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari confirmed the incident last night. The incident according to Buhari occurred at about 10am on Friday whien Balo-

gun- Fulani and Adekanye were returning home from Abujat. “We received a call from the line of the chairman around 10.00 am telling us of the kidnapping issue. No ransom was mentioned and all attempts to make further enquiries from them proved abor-

tive as the line was no longer available. “We are on it to see if we can still establish a link with them. We have taken all the necessary steps and linked up with relevant security operatives to ensure their safety and eventual release,” Buhari said.

Gencos, Discos, others receive N55.45bn to boost power sector CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Intake under water repair project, overhaul of Unit 4 and compliant metering/ supplementary protection at Shiroro dam; overhaul of 2G6 at Jebba Hydro and rehabilitation of 3units at Kainji Dam under permitted utilisations of the facility, adding that a total of 300MW capacity increase was reported as a result of fund utilisation

towards rehabilitation of both plants. He said the Intervention has also enabled the Electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos, to provide bank guarantees to Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trader, NEBT, purchase of over 171,071 units of meters comprising both maximum demand and single phase meters. According to Emefiele, the intervention enabled

Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDC, alone acquired 62,021energy meters with the facility within the period. KEDC also rehabilitated over 332kms of 11KV lines and 130km of 0.45KV lines; 70,310 No 500 KVA transformers procurement and construction of 34 new distribution substations and acquisition of 1 mobile injection substation under confirmed

permitted utilisation by the initiative. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola commended the CBN and appealed to the beneficiary to judiciously use the fund for the purpose it was meant for. He also said that vandalism of pipelines, which was one of the setbacks for provision of power, will not benefit anybody.

ents must face processes of law to be reintegrated PAGE

N1. 5bn scam:

NATIONAL NEWS

MAY 21, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ex-NIMASA DG, Omatseye weeps as court sends him to 5 yrs imprisonment Wale IgbIntade

former Director General of NIMASA, Raymond Omatseye yesterday, wept uncontrollably as a Federal High Court, sentenced him to a five years imprisonment over N1.5 billion contract scam. Omatseye is charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a-27-count charge bordering on bid rigging and contract splitting. EFCC prosecutor, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), appeared as lead counsel for the anti-graft body, while Mr Edoka Oneyeke appeared for the accused. Delivering her judgment by fiat yesterday, Justice

Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, found Omatseye guilty of 24 out of the 27 counts preferred against him. The judge found Omatseye guilty of the offence of awarding contracts above stipulated threshold, and accordingly convicted him on counts 1 to 20,24,25,26, and 27. She, however, discharged and acquitted him on counts 21, 22 and 23 of the charge. The judge held “In the instant charge, the defendant testified in his evidence in chief that he was released on administrative bail and asked to come back the following day and in his statement, he responded that his threshold for supply was N2.5 million” “Furthermore,his statement was corroborated by Pw2 and Pw3; Pw2 stated

in his testimony that in line with the Public Procurement Act, the Chief Executive officer had a threshold of N2.5 million for goods and N5 million for works. “From the foregoing, I find that the exhibit PD 16 A-Y are all above the threshold and approved limit of the DG; that means, they are all above N2.5 million. “The testimony of Pw2 and 3 that the approved threshold of the defendant on goods and services was N2.5million does not only corroborate the statement of the defendant, but totally lends credence to the threshold limit applicable on the defendant as DG of NIMASA. “ I find that the threshold as contained in exhibit PD 16 Z is applicable to the defendant, setting his limit as N2.5 million for pro-

curement of goods, and N5 million for procurement of services. “A calm perusal of exhibit PD 16 series reveals that they are repetitive awards of contract for the supply of goods approved by the defendant in his position as DG of NIMASA. “It is clear that all the contract sum are above the threshold as set out in exhibit PD 16 Z, thereby violating the provisions of section 161 (a) of the Public Procurement Act 2007. “Accordingly, based on the foregoing before this court, I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved it’s case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, in the face of the offence contained in counts 1-20,24,25,26,and 27. “I accordingly find him guilty as charged on these

counts. On whether the prosecution has proved the offence of bid rigging, the court held “It is trite law that the prosecution must prove all the essential ingredients of the offence before it can be said to have been proved beyond reasonable doubt. “It is my view that the prosecution has not established the offence of bid rigging against the defendant to secure a conviction on that ground, and I so hold. “The accused is hereby sentenced to five years imprisonment on counts 1 to 20,24,25,26 and 27 of the charge. “He is discharged and acquitted of counts 21, 22, and 23 of the charge. However the term of imprisonment is to run concurrently. In his allocutus (mercy

plea before sentence) counsel to the accused, Onyeke had passionately urged the court to tamper justice with mercy. He reminded the court that the accused was a senior member of the bar who had been suspended from work since 2010. He had urged the court to consider the disposition of the accused that had religiously attended court without fail, since his arraignment, and had prayed the court to show leniency. To establish his case against the accused, EFCC called a total of three witnesses. The prosecution also tendered several bulk documents as exhibit, while the defendant called two witnesses and tendered one document as exhibit.

Nigeria’s GDP slows to -0.36% •Lowest rate in years ChIdI UgWU ABUJA

igeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth suffered the worst decline in several months in the first quarter this year, slumping by -0.36% (yearon-year) in real terms. The GDP report published by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday, indicated that when compared with the growth recorded in the last quarter of last year, the Q1, 2016 growth was lower by 2.47% points. Similarly, when analysed based on the rate in the corresponding period of last year, the first quarter growth was lower by 4.32% points while quarter on quarter, real GDP slowed by 13.71%. According to NBS, the aggregate GDP stood at N22,262,575.97 million (in nominal terms) at basic prices during the period under review compared to the first quarter 2015 value of N21,041,701.10 million, while nominal GDP was 5.80% higher. The report also re-

flected that the nominal GDP growth was however lower relative to levels recorded in Q4 of 2015 by 14.15% points. When classified on sector-by-sector basis, the Bureau disclosed that in the quarter under review, oil production stood at 2.11 million barrels per day (mbpd) 0.05mbpd lower from production in Q4 of 2015. This is even as oil production was also lower relative to the corresponding quarter in 2015 by 0.07mbpd when output was recorded at 2.18mbpd. The official statistics producing agency noted further that as a result, real growth of the oil sector slowed by 1.89% (year-on-year) in the first quarter of this year, representing an improvement relative to growth recorded in Q1 2015 when growth slowed by 8.15%. Similarly, growth also increased by 6.39% points relative to growth in Q4 of 2015 while Quarter-on-Quarter, growth also improved by 10.27%. According to NBS, as a share of the economy, the oil sector contributed 10.29% of total real GDP,

L-R: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; NLC President, Comrade, Ayuba Wabba and APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, during a meeting with Labour leaders to call off the strike in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

marginally lower from the share recorded in the corresponding period of 2015, yet higher from the share in Q4 of 2015 by 2.24% points. While activities such as Crop production, Trade and Telecommunications & Information Services sup-ported growth of the sector, growth was weighed upon by declines in Manufacturing, Financial Institutions, and Real Estate. The sector slowed 0.18% in real terms in Q1 of 2016. This was 5.77% points lower from the corresponding

quarter in 2014 and 3.32% points from the previous quarter. In real terms, the NonOil sector contributed 89.71% to the nation’s GDP, marginally higher from shares recorded in Q1 of 2016 (89.55) yet lower from and Q4 2015. Four main activities make up the Mining & Quarrying sector, they are Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas, Coal Mining, Metal ore and Quarrying and other Minerals. On a nominal basis, the sector slowed by 34.98% (year-on-year)

during Q1 2016. This was 11.22% points higher from growth recorded in Q1 2015, and marginally higher from growth recorded in the previous quarter. The decline in yearon-year growth is attributable to the falling oil prices. The sector contributed 4.14 % to overall GDP in Q1 2016, lower than the contribution recorded in same quarter of 2015 and the preceding quarter by 2.60% points and 1.04% points respectively. In real terms, Mining and Quarrying

sector slowed at 2.96% (year-on-year) in Q1 2016, a relative improvement from Q1 2015 by 4.94% points and Q4 2015 by 5.08% points. While Crude Oil output weighted on growth, the sector was supported by a substantial improvement in output in Metal Ores. The contribution of Mining and Quarrying to Real GDP in Q1 2016 was 10.34%, marginally lower relative to the corresponding quarter of 2015 yet higher from the previous quarter by 2.13% points.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 21, 2016

Kaduna APC:

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Era of Threat to expel me hallucinationgodfatherism of drinker –Shehu Sani gone in Kogi –Bello T

ogogoro

he Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial zone has reacted to the threat by the Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress to expel him from the party.

NGO distributes N20m relief materials to Borno IDPs Inusa ndahI, MAIDUGURI

Non-Governmental Organisation, Peace Rehabilitation and Reconciliation Initiative (PRRI), has distributed relief materials along with the disbursement of N10 million to over 1,000 Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPS) in camps in Borno State. Flagging off the distribution and disbursement on Friday, Executive Secretary of PRRI, Dr. Sam Ode, said that the distribution of 250 bags of maize along with a cash transfer of N10 million was a special intervention programmed for 1, 000 returning farming IDPs in camps. His words: “To demonstrate our love and concern to IDPs in Borno camps, before they return to their communities, these relief materials along with a cash transfer of N10, 000 each to the displaced persons, is the beginning of our humanitarian assistance and intervention, while they remain in camps, before their return to 22 liberated local government areas of Borno State. “Besides these direct cash transfers to 1, 000 IDPs present at Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) headquarters, we are also going to train youths in various skills and trades; so that they become self-reliant and employed. This training commences in two weeks.” He however noted with concern that out of the 21 former ministers including the serving Minister of State for Power, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, all from Borno, Dr. Ode has surpassed them with ‘real committed humanitarian interventions and assis-

The party had on Thursday condemned Mr. Sani, and accused him of anti-party conduct for criticising the new pricing and supply framework for petrol introduced by the Federal Government last week. It also threatened to punish the activist-politician by sending him away from the APC fold. But in a response Friday morning through his Special Adviser on Politics and Ideology, Suleiman Ahmed, the Senator described the party’s threat as the hallucination of a barely educated ogogoro (local gin) drinker. Mr. Sani said although he remained “one hundred percent a supporter of PMB, he is neither a sycophant nor a hypocrite, who will not speak his mind when there is the need to do so.” He accused the state APC of being an appendage of the Kaduna government which he said had been fighting against him. “It will be interesting for the general public to know that even the so-called state headquarters of the APC is a

building owned by a top PDP chieftain in the state,” he said. “The press conference and threat of expulsion made by one Tanko Wusono of Kaduna APC against comrade Senator Shehu Sani for objecting to the increase in pump price of petroleum products stands unambiguously condemned. Kaduna APC as it exists today is simply an extension of El-Rufai’s government. “The press conference is the hands of Jacob and the voice of Esau. The said Tanko Wusono is the Special Assistant to El-Rufai’s Commissioner for Local Government, Bashir Saidu, at the same time member of Kaduna Internal Revenue Board. El-Rufai is cowardly to directly confront Sen. Sani and resort to using Buhari’s name to fight his domestic battles. “Senator Shehu Sani reserves the right to freely express his opinion and no bespectacled pigmy can stop him from doing that. El-Rufai was never, and is still never a Buhari man but a pretender who can kneel down to anyone as long as that can propel him to

power. “The use of APC Kaduna to fight Shehu Sani by El-Rufai is a testimony to how timid and mischievous the governor is. El-Rufai is a man who had abused PMB and only aligned himself with him when Yar’adua and GEJ denied him juicy ministerial positions and recognition he craved. “El-Rufai is a man who had spent 13 years of the 16 years of PDP in power and now claims false progressive credentials. The heart, the lungs and the “blockos” of El-Rufai are still PDP. He is an arrogant man allergic to criticism. It’s shameful that the El-Rufai, who claims to be a Buharist, still can’t publicly declare his assets like PMB. “The threat of expulsion of the distinguished Senator by El-Rufai spokesman is nothing but the hallucinations of a barely educated ogogoro drinker. It will be interesting for the general public to know that even the so-called state headquarters of the APC is a building owned by a top PDP chieftain in the state. It will also interest the public to know that 80 percent of Kaduna state APC exco are appointed into

El-Rufai government.” He added: “El-Rufai has simply destroyed APC in Kaduna State. In all states in the north, people are decamping from PDP to APC except in Kaduna. “El-Rufai is a bad and rotten egg in the APC. He knelt down for Atiku to become BPE chairman and later betrayed him. He knelt down for OBJ to become a Minister and later betrayed him. He knelt down for Buhari to be governor of which later he will betray him. Fear El-Rufai whenever he kneels down before you. “Senator Shehu Sani is one hundred percent a supporter of PMB, but he is neither a sycophant nor a hypocrite who will not speak his mind when there is the need to do so. “El-Rufai is a man who jails journalists and fears challenge to his tyranny. Senator Shehu Sani is an activist, who remains consistent in his beliefs and struggles. Senator Shehu Sani is loved by his people and will continue to serve them. We call on El-Rufai to stop hiding behind APC Kaduna and wearing the mask of PMB to fight his battles.”

Audience at the 1st inaugural lecture of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, in Kwara State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Bauchi PDP swears-in new executive, cautions on internal democracy

ezekIel TITus BAUCHI

auchi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sworn in its executive members to run the affairs of the party in the next four years. This was just as the newly elected chairman has cautioned the executive to toe a path of honour and ensure internal democracy. Barrister Jaldi Mohammed administered the oath of office during the swear-

ing -in ceremony of the elected PDP officials. The former executive was dissolved in a motion moved by Hon. Bobo and seconded by Hon. Hassana Harkila for the council chairperson of Bogoro. Those sworn in were Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim Akuyam as Chairman; Alhaji Sani Mohammed, Secretary and Alhaji Garba Dahiru, Deputy Chairman. Others are Yayanuwa Zainabari, Publicity Secretary; Alhaji Musa Haruna Shitu, Vice Chairman

North and Sani Toro, Vice Chairman South among others. The State Chairman, Hamza Ibrahim Akuyam, assured that the executive will ensure internal democracy in its commitment to re-brand the party. Akuyam had also admitted the failure of the PDP in the last 16 years of administration following lack of justice, fairness and equity. According to the chairman, the swearing in of the exco marks a new beginning of political victory in future elections, especially

in Bauchi State. Akuyam thundered that the new exco will not afford to repeat the mistakes of the past as doors are open to carry everybody along. He charged the PDP supporters in the state to shun every form of political difference instead they should accord the new exco support to implement its blueprints. The new exco will put in place a high powered committee to receive and judiciously treat complaints from all the 20 LGCs in the state to ensure justice and fairness of our members,” said Akuyam

Wale IbrahIm LOKOJA

ogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has disclosed that the era of god-fatherism in Kogi politics has gone with his emergence as governor to allow for proper and rapid development of the state. Bello made the remarks during the presentation of award and investiture of Mr. Solomon Anyegwu, Provost, College of Health Science and Technology, Idah as “Best Performed Head of Health Institutions, North Central” by National Youth Council (NYC) in Idah, yesterday. The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Youths, Sports and Students affairs, Dr. Victor Adoji, said that his emergence as governor was divine, and nobody could claim to have influenced it as his godfather. He explained that corruption and nepotism as well as indiscipline occasioned by undue influence of “god-fatherism” had brutalized the state and undermined its development in recent years, adding that the present administration was determined to right the wrongs. “The wind of change has started blowing in Kogi State. The state is wearing a new look, and we are doing all we can to wipe tears away from the eyes of Kogites,” he said, adding that he belonged to all religions and all the tribes in the state The National Coordinator of Nigeria Youths Congress, Yakubu Shendam, urged Nigerians to have faith in the present administration in spite of the security, socio-political and economic challenges as the country would soon overcome them. He assured that light would emerge at the end of the tunnel, and those against the economic policies of the present administration would soon see the benefits and applaud the President for the effort. Shendam congratulated Anyegwu, on the honour bestowed on him by the NYC as the best performing provost among head of health institutions in the North-Central and investiture as NYC Ambassador. He said that an independent investigation was conducted by the NYC on Anyegwu, and he was found to have excelled in administration, management of public funds, humility, commitment to national development and students relationship among others.

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MAY 21, 2016

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Strike: Garbage takes over Akure

he strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress to protest the fuel price hike is taking its toll on the city of Akure, the Ondo State capital, as heaps of refuse are mounting everywhere, defacing the lanes and streets. The road cleaners and truck operators who should remove the trash have not reported to work since the strike commenced on Wednesday. The popular Arakale Road which has three entry points into the Oja Oba (the market), was the worst hit, with filth in heaps at the different

Ajimobi appoints key officers Kemi Olaitan IBADAN.

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday approved the appointment of Dr. Gbade Ojo and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin as his Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff respectively. The governor stated this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka. Ojo, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Ilorin, was Ajimobi’s Special Adviser on Political Matters during his first tenure, while Gbadegesin, a Neuroscientist, served as Commissioner for Health during the last dispensation. The statement also announced the appointment of Mr. Seyi Adisa as Principal Private Secretary to the Governor and Mr. Segun Abolarinwa as Special Adviser on Security. They held the same positions during the governor’s first term. Other Special Advisers appointed by Ajimobi are Mr. Niyi Ajao, Information Communication Technology (ICT); Mr. Biyi Oloko, Bureau of Internal Revenue; and Hon. Matthew Oyedokun, Solid Minerals. The list also included Ms. Folakemi Akinleye, Special Adviser, Public-Private Partnership; Mrs. Rose Oyedele, Due Process; Mrs.Tolu Sadipe, Projects; and Mr. Tope Fajana, who is yet to be assigned a portfolio. Layinka stated further that other appointments will follow in due course.

points of the market. The refuse covered some parts of the road creating a traffic bottleneck. Along the Oyemekun road, debris from com-

mercial activities were all littering the roadsides, as shop owners awaited environmental officials to pick them up. Residents are also

threatened by filth as their compounds are overflowing with refuse due for removal by the sanitation trucks. An official of the Minis-

try of Environment which supervises the agencies in charge of refuse disposal, said the cleaners did not come to work because of the strike.

“We are on strike and no one is coming to work or clean anything because of the strike,” the official who would not want to be named said.

OjO Oyewamide

with some APC leaders across the 18 local government areas. Saying all the APC aspirants are qualified to rule the state, he, however, added that not all of them can win for the party. He said: “I decided to call a few of our leaders who believe in this course to gather today for us to chart the course for my open campaign. “In the past six months I’ve be consulting. I’ve been inviting people to my houses here in Akure and Okitipupa to talk to them about the need for the party to be united, about the need

to pick a candidate that can win the governorship election for the party. “Seven years ago, Ondo state was a good example for other states that were not doing well. We had enough liquidity to run our projects. The welfare of the people was the priority of government. “But since the change of banner in this state, there has been no sense of direction. The road map to progress of Agagu government was built on the foundation laid by Papa Ajasin which was sustained by Adefarati. But you found out now that there has

been a departure from this road map. “The economy of the state has totally collapsed. Sellers are not selling anymore. There are no buyers because of the bad economy. The workers that are being used to run the economy are no longer receiving their salaries. The unemployment rate is embarrassing. “So, we need people with experience, people with direction to come and lead the campaign of APC in Ondo state. We must make sure we wrestle power from PDP. But we need a strong and credible candi-

date to achieve it for us.” He promised to be fair to all members of the party, both old and new, if he gets the party ticket and eventually wins the mandate of the people of the state.

Ondo APC needs strong candidate to win guber poll —Oke AKURE

n All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial aspirant in Ondo state, Olusola Oke, has said only a credible and strong candidate can win the forthcoming governorship election in the state for the party. He said the concern of members of the party should be how to take over power and rescue the state from the grip of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Oke spoke yesterday in Akure, the state capital while holding a meeting

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (middle), presenting a gift to the Chief Executive Officer, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija (3rd left) while other members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, watch during a courtesy visit to the wife of the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Friday, May 20, 2016.

LASU promises eight First Class graduates automatic employment

tunbOsun Ogundare

he authorities of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo have promised to offer automatic employment to eight First Class graduating students of the institution. Their names will be announced at the convocation ceremony scheduled for next Wednesday at the campus. They are among a total of 17,695 students who would be graduating from various departments at the event.

This was disclosed on Thursday by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun during a pre-convocation press conference. He said the eight beneficiary graduands would take the job immediately after completion of their mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps programme. Appreciating the Visitor to the university and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for what he described as the massive financial and

moral support to the school as well as the staffers for their commitment to duty, the VC disclosed that the university would also inaugurate more than N1 billion projects during the week-long ceremony. He listed Faculty of Science Building and the university’s radio station as part of them. He also revealed that the new Chancellor for the university, Justice George Oguntade, would be formally installed. As part of other activities lined up to mark the ceremony, the VC an-

nounced that the traditional coconut breaking festival would hold on Monday, May 23, while the convocation lecture with the theme; Empowering African Languages for Socio-Cultural and Economic Development in the 21st Century: A case for our Languages at Home and Abroad, is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, May 24. The lecture, according to the VC will be delivered by a Professor of Comparative Literature and Director, African Studies Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, Akinloye Ojo.

Navy hands over vandals, 218 kegs of fuel to NSCDC Patience OgbO

he Nigerian Navy in Lagos on Friday handed over four suspected pipeline vandals with 218 jerry cans of petroleum products to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Abraham Adaji, who handed over the suspects, said they were arrested at the Suntan Beach at Igbologun Community in Badagry, Lagos State. He said `The suspects were arrested with 218 jerry cans of 25 litres each of petrol by the soldiers of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army attached to the OP-MESA, following a tip-off. “The vandals were arrested on May 10 along Badagry waterways for illegally dealing in petroleum products suspected to have been scooped from vandalised pipeline,” he said. Adaji told journalists that the Nigerian Navy was responsible for maritime security including areas of pipeline protection and vandalism, but added that prosecution could not be carried out without the NSCDC. `”We have always been working hand-in-hand with the NSCDC and other prosecuting agency for the prosecution of people that were arrested in the cause of vandalism of pipelines,” he said. The suspects were identified as Francis Agbaje, 20, Erum Jack, 24, Mathew Apaton, 23, and John Honfo, 24.

MAY 21, 2016

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POLITICS 13 Between popular protest and divided Labour

Lekan adejuwon

he outgoing week should by now be declared as another wasted week in the nation’s calendar, as economic activities and major productive sectors, including services were on lock down. The Federal Government in reaction to a directive by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC asking Nigerian workers to go on an indefinite strike action in protest against the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called it petrol last week. The new price regime which unbelievably raised petrol pump price from N86.50k to an all time high cost of N145 was announced in a late night broadcast by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachukwu last Wednesday to the chagrin of many unsuspecting Nigerians who viewed the development as one bitter pill too many to swallow. However, the government claimed that what it did was price increase and not the removal of subsidy or deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. The Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo made the clarification at the weekend Expectedly, the price hike had pitted the government against organised labour, as a faction of the Nigerian Labour Congress led by Mr. Ayuba Wabba, vehemently opposed it. The discordant tunes within the labour unions has now become the yardstick with which many watchers of events in the polity are using to judge the success or otherwise of the weeklong protests across the states. The Federal Government in an unprecedented move, swung into action by instituting a legal action stopping the planned protest on Tuesday. Consequently, the President of the National Industrial Court (NIC), Justice Babatunde Aadejumo, ordered the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend their planned indefinite strike pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by the federal government challenging the industrial action. The government, having succeeded in polarizing the labour unions, in addition, went into separate negotiation with the Ajaero’ faction of the NLC where the issue of reviewing the new price was being discussed including the new minimum wage being proposed for Nigerian workers. Justice Adejumo granted the exparte application, which was moved by the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Malam Abubakar Malami. The court also granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the NLC (defendant/ respondent) from engaging in demonstrations or any action that may disrupt the economic activities of the country pending the hearing and determination of the suit. However, prior to the legal action, talks between the government and organised labour had collapsed on Tuesday night as representatives of the NLC walked out of a meeting with a Federal Government’s delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal. President of a faction of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, had given the go ahead for the strike to commence on Wednesday, after the parties in the ne-

Ajaero gotiation failed to reach an amicable settlement. On the other hand, the Joe Ajaero-led NLC faction and the Trade Union Congress, led by Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, had distanced themselves from the strike while the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers as well as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Association of Nigeria had last week also said the unions would not join the strike. The Ajaero faction had earlier in the afternoon on Tuesday attended a separate meeting with the government and indicated that it would not participate in the strike. The seeming disunity between the country’s organised labours was largely responsible for the gross failure of the planned protest during the week as workers in most states of the federation on Wednesday shunned the directive of Wabba’s faction of the NLC to embark on an indefinite strike. Despite this, however, labour and civil society organisations held rallies in most states to press home their demand that the Federal Government should reverse the price hike. There were protests on Wednesday in Lagos, Abuja, Osun, Benin and Kwara among other states in compliance with the directive of the NLC. The Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, in a press release made available to Saturday Mirror gave its backing to the planned protest against what it called, “the senseless and unacceptable increase in the pump price of petrol by the APC government” The statement reads; ”We are making this appeal in the aftermath of the 2012 Occupy Nigeria Protest against the same practice by the ousted PDP government in which Labour consciencelessly disappointed all its allies and Nigerians. “CLO has held consultation meetings with its members and affiliates nationwide who are very keen in joining the protest to demand government’s action described as “lacking in human face and a gross violation of the rights of the citi-

Wabba zens and laws of the land. “We make bold to reiterate CLO’s position that what government after government have done over the years, is to increase the pump prices of petroleum production and not oil subsidy that has since been withdrawn since the military governments’ era. “It is agonising to note that a pump price of petrol sells for N15 equivalent in war torn Libya. Nigeria, Africa’s second largest producer of oil is selling at the unacceptable and criminal price of N145 per litre. “CLO condemns this increase and demand a reversal to the old N86.50 pump price. In a related development, the Ayuba Wabba-led faction of the NLC on Thursday, failed to carry out its plan of grounding flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos over the recent increase in fuel price. Mr Adelegan Solomon, Vice-President, NLC, had on Wednesday vowed that no flight would land or take off from the airport, if the federal government refuses to revert the pump price of petrol from N145 to N87 per litre. However, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reporter who monitored the situation reports that flight operations went on smoothly at both the international and domestic wings of the airport Also, staffers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), were at their respective offices and duty posts, as directed by the government. Meanwhile, the new price regime announced by the government last week, has been enjoying tumultuous support from a cross section of the Nigerian people. It would be recalled that after over one hour closed session, the Senate on Tuesday, gave a tacit support to the controversial increase in the pump price petrol. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu,

who read resolutions of the upper lawmakers, noted “the Senate in a closed session deliberated on the increase in the pump price of PMS by the Federal Government.” Ekweremadu also said they deliberated on the “threats by the organised Labour to embark on a nationwide strike over the matter.” He said, the Senate resolved to “sympathise with ordinary Nigerians on the hardships they are going through,” following the increase He added that they resolved to “engage the federal government to find sustainable ways of improving the welfare of Nigerians.” Ekweremadu said, they further resolved to “call on government to continue to engage the organised labour and other stakeholders to resolve issues in order not to ground the system and impose more hardships on the people.” The Senate, he said, urged the government to “immediately start implementing palliatives or palliative measures contained in the 2016 Appropriation Act passed by the National Assembly.” The House of Representatives, in a related development, has given its full backing to the proposed deregulation of the downstream sector by the recent removal of subsidy on petroleum products. On Wednesday, the House, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, backed the price hike. The House had intervened in a bid to resolve the dispute by summoning the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, to appear before it on Monday. After Kachikwu’s appearance, where he said the government would not reverse the new price regime, the House also invited labour leaders to hear their own side of the story on Tuesday. An ad hoc committee chaired by the Chief Whip of the House, Mr. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, was mandated to interface with labour leaders. The committee presented an interim report to the House on Wednesday, which was adopted wholesale by lawmakers. In adopting the report, the House said it was in support of the price hike. It added that it “overwhelmingly expressed solidarity towards deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry in the greater interest of the Nigerian economy and posterity.” While supporting the price regime, the House urged labour to continue to “show understanding of the situation, while engaging in dialogue in the interest of its teeming membership and Nigeria.” The lawmakers advised the “executive arm to ensure full and speedy implementation of the Appropriations Act, 2016, as therein lies much of the palliatives that will help in calming the current situation.” Members applauded the political will of the current administration to remove subsidy, noting that it would save the country trillions of naira hitherto spent in the name of subsidising PMS. Earlier, Ado-Doguwa had informed the House that the committee had an engaging session with labour leaders. He said, “During its interactive session with organised labour, the committee sought to extract a commitment from organised labour to put off the intended action, but the representatives of the labour unions stated that they would not be able to give any immediate final response until they secured the consent of their state chapters. As the planned labour protests entered its first week, the one million-naira question is whether, the action has achieved its desired end.

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POLITICS

MAY 21, 2016

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PDP is irredeemable –Okeya Dele Okeya is the former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Ekiti State. He is also former Special Adviser to the governor on Environment. Until recent, Okeya was former Chairman, Nigeria Building and Roads Research Institute NABBRI, Abuja. A PDP chieftain and financier in Emure Local Government, Okeya, who recently defected from PDP to APC, in this interview with LEKAN ADEJUWON, explains why he dumped the party for APC amongst other issues:

Why did you dump the PDP? The challenges PDP is facing now are self-inflicted because they could not manage their success. Before, even in Ekiti State, PDP was a lone party, a small party, but by the grace of God, we worked very hard and made it a winning party, a formidable party, a party that won election and form a government, both in Ekiti State and at the National, PDP was in government, so PDP had become a very successful party. Some of us stakeholders sacrificed our money and everything to it, to make the party become a formidable one. After that, people I would call crooks, criminals, the scaly wags and ragamuffins, hijacked the party, both at the state and at the National. Before, when you have problem at the state level, you take it to the National, now it’s no longer so. There would be an implosion the way things are going now. The aim of people like this is to get the power and use it to oppress the vast majority of people and PDP even itself. We are talking of democracy, the party has its own constitution-internal control mechanism, code of conduct and manifestoes, but immediately these crooks hijacked the. Party, they abandoned all those things that made PDP big. Everything was jettisoned, it became the rules of I don’t

care and anything goes. We fought against impunity, we fought against imposition, marginalisation, all exclusiveness within the party, but most governors in PDP think they are God. They are like thin-gods. They don’t want to listen to anybody. They abandoned the party’s constitution, code of conduct and resulted to their own rules, rather than elect people, they select their cronies- People they can dictate to. For us, we have our insistence, integrity and credibility; we cannot subscribe to that kind of oneman-show. Can’t you mention name or are you afraid? Afraid of what! We know them. Ekiti State governor is the chief culprit. He is the governor, the deputy governor at the same time, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, the SSG and the chairman of the party. He’s the Speaker, the Local Government party Chairman, the ward chairman, the councillor, the council chairman. He doesn’t consult anybody, I can’t be in the same party with such a fellow.

Is Defection the solution, why not stay and reposition the party? PDP is irredeemable when it comes to imposition and impunity. Those people behind it, think it is the instinct while they are having their ways, which is even at variance with the majority of the PDP members. I have contributed a lot to the development of the Party in Ekiti State and when the party is crumbling, we looked at it many times. That over times, things would settle out. A lot of people who are stakeholders have left the party because of the rascality. A stakeholder who was the chairman of the party for eight years has left the party, former commissioner left the party, former ambassador, so many stakeholders are leaving, have left and many are still going to leave, even the grass rooters, because the party is a one-man show party in Ekiti State, being supported by the clowns in the National Assembly. You were once a commissioner during the first tenure of governor Fayose, and now you are complaining bitterly about his administration and the party, what has changed between now and your first tenure? During the first tenure, in two years, we have disagreed. We managed ourselves in fact, there was a time; he removed me from the cabinet. He dissolved the cabinet and when he was bringing people in, he didn’t bring

Okeya

me back. He in fact, asked me to bring somebody who will replace me in the cabinet and to let him know that political office is not oxygen, I gave him three names, but in the end, he didn’t choose any of them, after three months, he brought me back, so you can see that it is not that it has been rosy between us and that time was far better, because we have quality men in the cabinet -Local Government, House of Assembly. The governor was impeached because of this rascality, then, he came back through rigging. There were no election; he colluded with people at the National Secretariat. In several local governments, there were no elections. They just went to his house and wrote names, and that was how they got the delegates. If things are going wrong both at the state and at the National, where do you run to for redress? Everything the governor is doing in Ekiti is not in the interest of the common man, the high level of taxation. A lot of PDP elders have left. In Ekiti State now, there is parallel exco, congress everywhere, even his supporters when people like us refused him, have turned their back on him. The only option left for us is to pull out our supporters from PDP. PDP cannot last, and it does not have any chance of winning election in Ekiti state again. The opportunity for rigging like they did in the past is no longer there, that opportunity can never come again. It is one-man one vote politics is a game of number. What’s your reaction to the hike in

fuel price and cash crunch generally? I don’t believe there would be cash crunch now. We just heard that they are releasing 360 billion naira into the economy for capital projects. There is no hike in the fuel price. What has happened is deregulation in the oil sector? Then everybody is now free, if you have your contact/money to bring in fuel abroad, subject to certain specification, and you can sell any price, but must not exceed N145per litre. There is going to be point of equilibrium now. The deregulation has removed the corruption that has brought us to this level. Subsidy is another word for corruption. I am even of the opinion that full deregulation is better. What are your comments on Buhari’s performance in the past oneyear? President Buhari is a leader whose character is worthy of emulation. We won’t be in this kind of problem, if we have seen a leader of such. He’s a leader who believes he would instill discipline in the system, because part of our problem is indiscipline. Buhari is a leader who doesn’t have acquisitive spirit. This is the right man for us to lead at this particular time. Why defecting to APC and not any other party, is it because APC is the ruling party? No, if you look at Nigeria now, there are two parties. The rest are just auxiliaries

www.nationalmirroronline.net MAY 21, 2016

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When did twins become beggars?

Some women squat in focal points with ’twins’ in the Lagos metropolis and across major towns and cities in Nigeria, seeking assistance for these children from kind-hearted individuals. JULIET UMEH spoke to traditionalists and others who shed light on the menace.

woman was sighted, as the hot sun simmers down mercilessly on her and her twin babies, as she laid them beside her on the roadside at Costain Bus stop in Lagos. Even though she used umbrella as a protection from the blazing heat of the sun, the babies whined and cringed with hunger. According to people around the spot, she is ever there begging for alms from passers-by.

On one of the pedestrian bridges at Oshodi, also in Lagos, another woman with a set of triplet displayed the children under the scorching sun with little or no cover over their heads. She tells whoever cares to listen that her landlord ejected her and that her husband is jobless, and therefore needs money and food to cater for the children. Also at Ketu, Lagos, a woman who proba-

bly is in her thirties was sighted last Monday with a set of twins along the road, looking sympathetically at passers-by with the hope of getting some alms. However, she wasn’t just there alone with the twins, her older daughter of about four years was also there, accosting wealthy-looking individuals for assistance while her mother watch intently for positive responses from the people. Recently, there was a report in one of the newspapers where, on daily basis, especially during rush hours, some women sit at vintage points in the Lagos metropolis, cuddling identically dressed toddlers whom they portray as twins. According to the report, these kids are usually aged between three months and one year and they are never protected in any form, from the heat of the sun. While these women-beggars appear distressed and look pitifully at potential ‘customers’ to drop money into any form of contraption they provide, the sleeping toddlers are usually displayed like merchandise on any boisterous Lagos street, where the women-beggars choose to ply their

trade. Unfortunately, apart from physically-challenged men and women and in some cases able-bodied individuals (popularly known as ’corporate’ beggars that are traditionally known to solicit for alms in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria) women with twins known as Ibeji in local language is another group that could easily draw benevolent Nigerians’ attention, who in turn assist them with whatever comes from their minds. From information gathered by Saturday Mirror, there are mixed feelings about women who are into such business. While some people feel disgusted at the sight of these able-bodied women, seeking assistance to feed themselves and their infants, others, expectedly, react with pity. Worried mother of three, Mrs. Precious Inyang, said: “I hate it when I see this; I just feel like going to hit the mother in the face. Why would she want to suffer innocent children in this manner? Obviously, life is already hard; but I don’t understand why she is making

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MAY 21, 2016

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‘Twins have special powers to bring good or bad fortune’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 it harder for the kids, exposing them to the harsh sun and all manner of airborne diseases. It is quite unfair.” Dorcas, a 28-year-old banker, doesn’t understand why women should give birth to children they cannot cater for. “Where are the men who got these women pregnant? And why do the women keep these children when they can’t take care of them? It is too bad of these irresponsible men. Besides, I don’t know why it is poor people that are always giving birth to twins and triplets; it baffles me,” she muted while talking to our correspondent. Mr. Niyi Balogun an electrician in the Sabo area of Lagos also said: “Most of these people are scammers and are very common too. The kids they displayed might not even be theirs; one could be hers and the other, of her neighbour. The scammers among them are so many to the extent that we don’t know who is genuine. Most of them feel they will draw more sympathy with the babies and therefore make quick and more money. “Whatever it is, I don’t ever bother about beggars with limbs. Come to think of it, as long as it is triplet, the news of her delivery will spread even in the hospital to the extent that the children would attract what to use to take care of them, including her church members, if she belongs to one. I am very sure of this because even if their landlords sent them out, one kind neighbour or relative would accommodate them. A wise woman would gather the proceeds from the delivery gifts and start a petty business,” Balogun opined. Mrs. Ijeoma Ibeto thinks along same line as Balogun, saying: “There are so many cases where these people make arrangement with some nannies to take children out for begging after their parents might have dropped them with the nannies.” Recently, an association, Centre for Empowerment for the Physically Challenged and Human Rights Defence, CEPCHRD, decided to dig into the activities of some of these women and its findings could simply be described as disgusting and horrifying. According to the organisation’s coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Zanna, in the course of investigation, the organisation discovered that the women operate as a syndicate. He also alleged that one Amina Yarkasa was their leader. The investigation by the group further revealed that the children, who are usually rented from their mothers, are dressed alike to pass as twins, adding that they are also drugged so as not to arouse any suspicion. “Our members have apprehended many of these women in the act and handed them over to the police. They work as a network. After the day’s work, they would return the children to their original mothers and pay them. The danger in it is that the children are drugged throughout the day and are exposed to dangerous elements. The greatest danger is that before the initial drug wears off, they are given another. We have information on toddlers dying from the act. This is a crime against children,” Comrade Zanna had told newsmen. In a bid to get more insight on the business of seeking assistance with twins or triplets, Saturday Mirror spoke to some authorities that gave their perspectives on the matter. A professor of Linguistics, Prof. Oladipo J. Ajiboye, at the University of Lagos, said some of those mothers are carrying out part of the

Yoruba culture and therefore saw some of them as people carrying out an obligation by an oracle. He said: “Every tribe has its own culture and whatever operates in the people’s culture must be understood so that one can actually contextualise it. Yoruba as a race value twins greatly.” As a father of twins, giving insight on what obtained in the time past, he said: “With my education, I will say I usually worship my twins because of what I studied then as they were growing up and I now contextualise why the Yoruba people take them so seriously. Yoruba believe that twins have special powers to bring good or bad fortune, and for this reason, their birth is often celebrated - they are created in a way other children are not.” For those of them that go about begging for assistance, he believes an oracle must have instructed them to do so. Said he: “Let me also say that before any mother could take her twin children out for assistance, there must have been some consultation with the Ifa oracle because not all twins are designed to go for alms. So, before a mother can do that, the Ifa oracle would have told her that she has to take the children and dance round the town. It is an obligation that the Ifa oracle commands. “Now, when you dance and amuse and entertain people, people in turn will appreciate you with gifts,” Prof. Ajiboye said. Explaining his experience even though his twins were delivered abroad and an ultra sound scan was carried out, he said: “When ours came, we knew the challenge it posed on

now have two suddenly, it might be that the remedy is for you to take them round and see if you can get people to support you.” Taking the subject from a religious angle, Bashiru AbdulRaheem, an Imam as well as a lecturer at the University of Lagos, told

We had a case of a mother Who does not have tWin children but does amalgamation

- gets one child from elseWhere

and turns herself into a mother of tWins because she Wants to beg for alms us - from the breast feeding stage to when they were raised to an enviable point that people admire.” This must have accounted for why he chooses to assist any woman with twins if the opportunity presents itself. He also expressed worry over how most women are abusing the culture. “Ironically today, people look at it from the economic point of view. We had a case of a mother who did not have twin children but does amalgamation - gets one child from elsewhere and turns sherself into a mother of twins because she wants to beg for alms,” he said. Summarily, Prof. Ajiboye said looking for assistance by these women (not the fake ones) is anchored on two things: “If the oracle says so, then you cannot but do it. I know of some mothers who don’t want to do it but they were compelled because of the repercussion. Secondly, because of economic hardship: If you look at the modern day situation, to raise a child, we know how difficult it is, and if we

our correspondent that Islam does not support the idea of begging with twin children despite the fact that the Yoruba culture supports the practice. His words: “In Yoruba, they believe that when a woman gives birth to a twin, culturally those twins may say they want their mother to take them out begging; that is the Yoruba culture. But when you are a Muslim, you forget about any culture. In Islam, women with twins begging for assistance are castigated. “As a Muslim, Islam is your culture; that is why you see uniformity anywhere you see them. When you believe in Islam you forget about your culture; but it is not that Islam goes against culture; the culture that has a good impact on human beings Islam supports. Any culture that brings benefit to an individual or society Islam supports,” he said. He also explained that Islam isn’t against the poor, but those who take begging as a profession. In line with the Islamic position, a pastor

of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Ibadan said: “The Bible says we should work with our hands and help the poor as well because everybody cannot be the same. There are some people that for one reason or the other cannot work because it is either they are sick on incapacitated. We can help such people. But the Bible is against people who are begging in the name of an oracle’s instruction. “The so-called oracle can push someone to do anything because when you see a little child being exposed, that is a kind of suffering and they are indirectly torturing them. I don’t buy into that idea; the Bible doesn’t command it. If they say it is because of an oracle, well devil can do anything. Besides, the children should have fathers and he should be responsible for them,” the pastor said. Madam Bukola Oke, a two-time mother of twins, said: “If a mother takes her twin infants to the market place (sometimes accompanied by a drummer who sings praise songs) and solicits gifts for them, people are likely to give something to avoid offending the twins. Traditionally, when twins are born, their parents would visit a babalawo (juju man) to find out their wishes. His oracle may want the mother of the twins to beg in the market, dance in public or organise parties for them. The mother would fulfil such wishes. If a mother ignores the spiritualist’s babalawo advice, it is believed her twins may die while she may become barren. Traditional Yoruba mothers also ask their twins to pray for them each morning.” Mr. Akinwale Gafar, secretary of Egbe Onibeji, Apata Eboade (a group that engages in the worship of twins) during an interview with newsmen gave reason some women are asked to beg or embark on any other activity. Said he: “In some cases, the spirit of the twins would want to teach humility, especially when the affected mother seems to be too full of herself. In such cases the woman is forced to beg as an alternative to losing the kids or incurring the wrath of the gods. But it is wrong for anybody to take to begging in the name of twins when the gods did not give such instruction.”

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MAY 21, 2016

ELEBRITY ELEBRIT ELEBRI TY

I’m married to my career

—Maka

Maka is one of the new kids on the block making waves in music. Her EP, The Truth, came out recently and it’s been generating a lot of buzz. OSEYIZA OOGBODO met her and she spoke about her music journey. You studied law, but you’re doing music. That obviously means you prefer music to law, right?

record label.

I’m very proud to call myself a lawyer. But I like to tell people that apart from being a musician, I’m a lawyer, instead of apart from being a lawyer, I’m a musician. Luckily for me, my law knowledge is still applicable in my music because there are times that I have to read some legal documents and I don’t have to go call somebody else to interpret it for me. I do my own interpretations. I also do some legal work. I still draft contracts. I still register companies for some people. So, once you study a professional course, you can never be broke because money will always come.

It’s not just about starting it. You must know how to strategically start it and be successful at it. So many people have started record labels and the record labels are no more now because people just think it’s about money. You also have to have a good business plan. But basically, it’s safer to have your own record label because you will have the latitude to do what you want. But that record label must be run by someone who knows the business, who knows the music business, not just by one rich man who has money and does not know what to do with it because that record label will not go far.

Why haven’t you signed with a record label?

Record labels sometimes can be really tough, especially, if you’re someone who is very ambitious. Sometimes, they feel D is the right way and you might feel E is the best way for you. Because you have put down things on paper, you cannot go outside what you signed. You practically signed your life with them. So you must go according to the term of the contract, otherwise, it’s a breach which brings about the law suit and nobody wants to go through all that. So, the safest thing is if you have your money, your adequate capital, start your own

Is it that easy to start and run a label?

So how will you make it without a label’s backing?

You have to sell content because that’s what would actually push you. And I’m with a team that is very hardworking. And I know that slow and steady wins the race. That’s just my motto for this music industry. For my hustle, I’m just about slow and steady. I don’t care how long but I know that when I get there, I’m staying there. It’s not just about getting there. It’s about staying there. I’m just happy because people have already connected to my passion, even as a soul singer. My fan base keeps

growing every day. People have enjoyed my music. And yeah, being a soul singer has been awesome and I should have done this a long time ago. How did music begin for you?

Music runs in my family. My brother plays keyboard. Everyone is musically inclined in my family. When I told them that I wanted to take music as a career, they were like ‘finish school first, get called to bar and then you can do what you like.’ So, I struggled with that in Unilag, the school of excellence where everything is there - social life, religion, runs - everything. I really struggled with music and law. How did you break into the industry?

Well, all the time I was studying law at Unilag, I knew what I really wanted to do was music, and I kept thinking about music. But the question was how would I enter? I realised I needed a plan to enter, and it led me to rebrand myself. Part of that rebranding included singing soul music which I turned to while in law school at Bagauda, Kano. We had a lake running through my campus. That was like my favourite reading spot. I would

always go to the lake. I have my table and my chair and my books. And I’m just reading, studying for the bar. Or sometimes, I’m writing my music. I don’t know, that place just changed me. I wasn’t all about making music just to please people and make money, get rich, you know. I said I would do music for myself and people would connect to that dexterity in my music. When you listen to something good, you can’t lie. When you see beauty, you can’t say, ‘oh, she’s ugly,’ when it’s beautiful. It’s not possible. And I started writing all the music, I was coming to Lagos to start recording, and when I was finally ready, after my call to the bar, I reached out to my friend, David Lanre Messan (DLM), an ideas strategist, and he formed a company, Trogge Urban, and became my manager. And in August 2015, we officially unveiled Maka the musician with the launch of my first single, Ife. And the journey continued and led to my EP, The truth, being launched with a concert at Freedom Park, and the journey continues still, so watch out. Tell us about dating life. It’s nonexistent. My music keeps me very busy. I’m married to my career.

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s w ne MAY 21, 2016

with

Oseyiza Oogbodo 08036961187 kingseiza@gmail.com

Who wore it best?

•How Bella Hadid stole Rita Ora’s style in her revealing scarlet gown that took Cannes by storm

ella Hadid stepped out in a plunging red satin gown for the premiere of Unknown Girl earlier this week (left). However, Rita Ora was first seen in a very similar dress at the MTV VMAs in 2014 (right). Although the dresses look incredibly similar in style they are not the same with Bella’s coming from French designer Alexandre Vauthier and Rita’s designed by Donna Karen.

Hadid-Ora

Awise, Fuji musician, is dead

nother entertainer is dead! And this time around, it’s Olumide Awise, aka Baba Ogbon, one of fuji music’s promising lights. He reportedly died in his home in the Agbado area of Lagos during the week on Wednesday and he has since been buried. Awise became popular through his Agege All-Star album, New Generation, on which he featured other fuji artists like Nurudeen Ajani, Segun Opontisun, Sunny T Adesokan and Oyama Azeez. He was also known for his Fuji Lori Reggae album which featured renowned fuji musician Wasiu Alabi Pasuma.

Awise

Celebrity portrait artist, Alesh Akeem, unveils going-back-to-school plans

… presents portrait to NIJ Provost

igeria’s leading pencil artist, Alesh Akeem, has revealed his plans of going back to school after he deferred his tertiary institution programme about two years ago. Akeem, who deferred during his second year at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ,) made this known to the media during the institution’s annual awards and dinner event. The 20-year-old artist, while speaking to the media, said, “Although I had to leave then due to some challenges, but you know God is forever faithful and NIJ is my home, so I have plans of coming back to complete my programme and I’m sure God will see me through.” Akeem, who was also a celebrity guest at the event, also presented a portrait to the Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism for his exceptional leadership which was received by the Deputy Provost,

Jide Johnson. Speaking, Johnson said, “It gives me great joy to see students of this great institution making exploits even beyond the shores of this country, and the Provost of this institute is also an exceptional leader who is never intimidated by anyone’s success, rather he will always support you. I urge our students to keep up the good work and we will always support them.”

Akeem and NIJ students holding his works

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MAY 21, 2016

Aisha Falode’s only son’s murder latest!

… Sister, Tolu, pens emotional tribute

Tolu

t’s still fresh in the memory of Nigerians how popular female sports personality, Aisha Falode, lost her only son, Toba, to the cold hands of death through murder. Though she tried to get justice, it wasn’t forthcoming. And even as some people might have been forgetting the sad incident, Toba’s mother and sibling definitely can never forget it. Toba was supposed to have been twenty-two years of age this week, and his sister, Tolu, penned an emotional tribute to him in honour of the day. “Happy Birthday Toba; Happy Birthday. It’s been so long since we last spoke I barely know what to say. You are present every day. You affect our conversations in so many little ways-your laughter is a soft wind that blows soothing sounds into the love and light I share with our mummy. “Your stoic silence reminds us to remain strong as we face the path ahead knowing you are not there-but you are at the same time-in our thoughts, our words, our decisions to move forward-you urge us along. “Happy Birthday. This time last year was a mixture of poison and pain but purpose spoke the loudest when your gift remained through the words you have enabled me to speak, through your ability to still reach beyond the divide and provide laughter in our beings. “Happy Birthday. I hope you are enjoying yourself up there-I know your love for music was always the strongest-it would pound

Toba

through your ears, through those earphones that were your permanent fixtures as you stared-into the distance-dreaming, thinking, planning, believing and walking confidently ahead. “Happy Birthday. I remember your smile the brightest-it was a signal for mischief we shared-whenever your serious but steady demeanor broke into a reverie of anticipation-your smile was the blareit would shine through the darkness and melt my fears. You always had the ability to do that-to remind me who I was when I would forget, to whisper wisdom when I was unsure of who I was-you gently focused my stare. “Happy Birthday. This would have been your 22nd year-what a joy it would have been to see you grow even more sure in your determination to bring dreams forth. Your broad shoulders that remained steady through the storm. That confident clean walk you had that could stop any daunting fears from coming forth. “Happy Birthday. As I write these words, I remember our conversations back home in the comfort of the couch we spoke-you showed me so much hope-such fire lit your steps it made me afraid for your safety as you ventured ahead. And you had such an aura it could tense the air-it was a palpable presence that seemed to draw people near. I remember its share force-it came before you walked into the room-it announced your presence so clearly all eyes focused on your steps.

Aisha

“Happy Birthday. I remember now, yes I can see, through the misty film of the past, your colours blare clearly. I remember how you would speak-quiet, confident and sure-certainty wrapped itself around every word. I was terrible at defending myself when we fought with words-your edge was sharper than mine and had an instinct about it that blocked each clever clap back. “Happy Birthday. I miss you. Mummy does too. Two years since you left-a lot has changed in your absence. I mean, I know you are here-I feel you everyday when I speak and share-I feel you in my actions, my words and movements. But when I lost the ability to reach you-and for you to reach me-when we lost the ability to hold each other tightly as family-is when reality shifted. “Your presence that spoke so powerfully into the environment had lost its essence. The hopes of the future you so colourfully painted and shared with my eyes and eager ears broke into darkness and even then, I could feel your concern-you were afraid of the cost of your departure-you were right; it was very dear-a heavy weight that nearly crushed us with its full force-we broke down in a state that is deeper than tears. And mummy, well she survived that stormyou will be proud-she remained so strong even though the death blow hit her squarely in her heart where you belonged. “But Toba, I want you to understand-today is your birthday-and we are grateful you were born. We are grateful your light shone brightly through each and every

storm. We are grateful for that beautiful laughter that decorated our lives. We are grateful you lived your life. We are grateful for each shard of the past that represents the memories we have. “Happy Birthday. I am honored to be your sister-I am honored to call you friend until the very end-I am proud of the man you were-your heart was always laid bare. You were true to yourself, you cared for others, you were determined to share yourself and to the weak you provided strength; so today I celebrate your life. “Happy Birthday Toba-today we choose to smile. I see you so clearly and yet I see you barely but I will always remember that smile-the way you chose to live your life-determined to succeed; determined to embrace destiny. And now you dance in eternity. “Happy Birthday Tyler Hendrix Fray-until we meet again-the journey unfolds unto a path of hope-lit with your smile, your confident gaze and that steady walk accompanied with wise words-I face forward. We miss you. We love you. We will never forget you. “Happy Birthday Toba-from your sister, your friend, your advocate always-I carry your memories, our fights, laughter and tears-I carry it all in my heart as we move forward-you still live on woven into the details of our hearts that spring forth when we correspond. “Happy Birthday. We love you-forever and always.”

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MAY 21, 2016

Ghana Must Go to premiere in Lagos D

esamour Production Company is pleased to announce that the much anticipated movie, Ghana Must Go, produced by the award-winning Ghanaian-Nigerian actress, Yvonne Okoro, will be coming to Nigerian cinemas in June 2016. Directed by multiple award-winning filmmaker, Frank Rajah Arase, Ghana Must Go stars Yvonne Okoro, Kofi Adjorlolo, Ik Ogbonna, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Helen Paul, Ada Ameh and Nkem Owoh popularly known as Osuofia. Set in Accra, Ghana, the

comedy revolves around two young lovers who are of Nigerian and Ghanaian origin. Yvonne Okoro plays the role of Ama, a London-based Ghanaian lady who brings her Nigerian boyfriend, Chuks, played by Blossom Chukwujekwu, home to meet her parents resulting in all hell being let loose. Ama’s parents, especially her father, refuse to give their blessings to their relationship, citing historical happenings between both neighbouring nations as reason for not accepting Chuks. The series of events that play out test

the love and marriage of the young couple in the most hilarious and unexpected ways. This is the second feature movie from Desamour Company Limited after the 2012 box office success of Contract. Ghana Must Go was released earlier in 2016 and has already enjoyed box office success in Ghana. The Nigerian premiere is set for Friday June 3rd, 2016 in Lagos, Nigeria. FilmOne Distribution Company will be taking the movie to cinemas across the country from June 10th, 2016.

Wakaa! The Musical to show at London’s West End Blackmagic stuns with Yvonne Okoro

Dolapo Oni

akaa! The Musical, the hit Nigerian show produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters is due to transfer to the Shaw Theatre, London’s West End from July 21 – 25, 2016, making it the first Nigerian musical to make it to the British capital. It is a stage play about the trials, successes and experiences of young graduates from varied backgrounds. Set to popular music, Wakaa! The Musical is part social commentary, part satire, but all singing and dancing. “This is coming in response to growing interests in productions of African origin across the globe, and various calls for us to take this production to the international community,” said Austen-Peters at a press conference to announce the stage play. “The show is a contem-

porary socio-cultural and contemporary production celebrating the diverse, yet homogeneous, people and culture of Nigeria. There is a large Nigerian and Afro-Caribbean population in London who are interested and yearning to see world class productions from Nigeria.” Cast members of the production are Bimbo Manuel, Patrick Diabua, Nengi Adoki, Dolapo Oni, Ozzy Agu, Jolomi Amuka, amongst others. Wakaa! The Musical will provide the highly talented and creative youths involved in the production with opportunities to experience the UK creative space and technology driving the UK creative industry. It has attracted the endorsement and support of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the National Pension Commission and the Bank of Industry.

Wonder video

ff the back of releasing two singles this year, Wonder and Loyal, hip-hop and alternative music maestro, Blackmagic, has rallied his charges as he seeks to dominate this calendar year like he has done in the past with mega hits like Repete, Confam, Rainbow and Tomorrow. Blackmagic’s newest video, Wonder, has already began winning rave reviews from major OAPs, influencers and music platforms. The video shot by Myke the Myth has won admirers for the use of visual effects and its cinematography, causing responses like “there’s nothing like it! It’s easily one of the best videos out there now!” Mike the Myth

directed Everything by MI Abaga, a muchtalked-about video that holds an A grade for visual effects and cinematography. Following the release of such a classic tune, Blackmagic has done even more justice to it with these visuals. They will be very much talked about for a while. Wonder what the hype is all about? Watch out for the video.

Blackmagic

EVENTS

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MAY 21, 2016

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Kiss Daniel launches New Era

Highly rated singer, Kiss Daniel, launched his debut album, New Era, with a concert last Sunday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, and as expected, many of his celebrity colleagues attended the concert to support him. Ay, Juliet Ibrahim, Ama Time, 2Baba and Akpororo were some of them.

2Baba and wife, Annie

Emma Nyra

Ama Time

Hauwa Mukan

9ice

Akpororo

Juliet Ibrahim

Lilian Afegbai

Toby Grey

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Style & Glam

MAY 21, 2016

StyGlelam

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an isi Adenir with Yem

com

n@yahoo.

1158) ydira

(0803780

Have you tried permanent make-up? B

the etween caring for with family, keeping up lities and career responsibi s especially, all, ladies and mum me to care find little or no ti emselves, adequately for th time for let alone sparing this is not their faces. But, . That is why supposed to be so ary Charles a fashionista , M unity of offers the opport up devices as a permanent makery affordable way out. With ve ve your price, you can ha rmanently or eyebrow shaped pe advantages have it fixed. The you are saved obviously is that having to from the stress of d getting it have it shaped an me with the wiped off over ti e run around kind of climate w here.

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Style & Glam

MAY 21, 2016

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MAY 21, 2016

Fashion frenzy

Accessories for your B

lack dresses are the formal staple item of every woman’s closet. From cocktail dresses to prom evening wears, the black number is just a must- have for every fashionista. And with the perfect little black dress, you cannot but enjoy an exciting stay at any exotic place in just a moment’s notice. There are bold and beautiful black dresses designed for every reason and every season. One good thing about black dresses is that they can be dressed up and down, depending on the

elegant event you are attending. Add a string of pearls to a strapless neckline for classic appeal or dress up a halter dress with a dangling sparkling pair of rhinestone earrings and you will be turning yourself into a rare goddess. Black dresses are also slimming and can hide a multitude of major and minor figure flaws. Only select a sophisticated choice along the right accessories and your formal and informal events are a good go. Why don’t you stuff more into your wardrobe today?

Fashion frenzy

Style & Glam

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MAY 21, 2016

SOCIETY Mirror

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with Deola Adeoti. Tel: 07055695565, mofat07@yahoo.com

Mikel Obi’s manager, John Shittu, finds love again J

ohn Shittu, versatile player manager and society big boy is hooked. The soccer manager notable for his daring exploits in managing Chelsea FC star, Mikel Obi, has wiggled his way into Vivian Chiologi’s 18-yard box. Like a goal bound fox-inthe-box, Shittu made dazzling runs into the Lagos socialite’s penalty area and laced a volley that pirouetted into her heart as cupid’s bow settles amid the ventricles of the enamored. Very few people knew that Shittu and Vivian were an item.

Nobody knew when or how the duo encountered each other and fell in love. But sources authoritatively reveal that Shittu and Vivian are set to wed each other in a colourful wedding on June 6, 2016 at the Mayfair Library, London, United Kingdom. Prior to their union, Shittu lived in the UK. The manager of Nigerian Super Eagles star, Mikel Obi, lived life on the fast lane, having lost his wife to untimely death few years ago. Shittu refused to marry and instead freely cavorted and ro-

manced several society ladies at home and abroad. During his exploits as a super and dandy widower, Shittu made many ladies happy and fulfilled by their relationship with him. Shittu was no doubt the darling of many a high society lady and he milked this reality with unusual gusto. He was a ladies’ man and he had plenty of cash and love to throw around. But all that is history now. Shittu has given his heart to Vivian Chiologi thus he will no longer be generous with his love.

Obesere in trouble over new video, Ebelesua

ensational and highly controversial Fuji musician, Alhaji Qudus Abass Akande famously known as Obesere is in the news again. This time, the Ibadan, Oyo State-born musician is being battled by his promoter, Alhaji Taofeek Bello Abefe, the CEO of Solid Worth Entertainment.

According to findings, Taofeek feels betrayed by Obesere whom he accused of leaking the video of his new song, Ebelesua on YouTube, as against their

agreement. According to sources, it was alleged that there was an agreement between the duo which was for the promoter to release the musical video in contention along with other videos in video album. It’s on this alleged breach of agreement that we heard the Promoter is now threatening to sue the artiste. When contacted, Obesere who opened up that he’s busy working on

his forthcoming Hip Hop album said, he knew nothing about the leak.

Asked whom he thinks may be responsible for the leak; Obesere insisted he

James Faleke gets his groove back

here is no gainsaying James Faleke is an astute politician. The former running mate to late Governor Abubakar Audu at the Kogi State governorship election, understands the wisdom of daring mighty things, like a general spoiling to win glorious triumphs. Although he lost his bid to become Kogi governor soon after the demise of late Audu, Faleke has counted his losses and moved on. Despite the hurt he suffered on being denied the governorship seat, Faleke will not retreat into political oblivion. The former governorship aspirant has not given up on social life; recently, he attracted a large crowd of the nation’s high society as he buried his fatherin-law in grand style. Last weekend, Faleke buried his father-in-law with

pomp and pageantry in Lagos. Contrary to rumours that Faleke had fallen out of favour with the political power elite, top politicians and business moguls were in attendance at the event, which had King Sunny Ade on the band stand. The latter sang the praise of the politicians and businessmen who graced the ceremony to their delight. Faleke no doubt used the ceremony to prove to people that even without being the Governor of Kogi State, he is still a “crowd puller.” It would be recalled that he was cleverly tossed out of the power equation by the powers that be in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Kogi state. After Audu’s death, by right, James Falake should

have emerged his successor as the party’s flagbearer and governor-elect, but dirty politicians had their way and the party replaced Audu with the runner-up in the party’s governorship primaries, Yahaya Bello. He wept and wailed like a banshee then. Nothing happened.

He has resigned to the fickle finger of fate, adjusting to life without the exaggerated obsequiousness and panoplies of power. By virtue of this, his governorship hope was shattered into smithereens, postponing any good news from that end by yet another four years in the least.

knew nothing about it and can’t explain how it happened. “I know nothing about the video leak. I was even astonished when Solid Worth called and accused me of being responsible for the leak. When the video was leaked, the copy of the video was still with the director. So I know nothing about the leak and I’m sure that the director cannot do such a thing because he’s honest, having worked with me and the promoter for over five years now. Meanwhile, following the leak on April 20, 2016 via YouTube, the video has been enjoying massive rotation on TV Stations across the country. Although some eminent personalities who are also friends of the warring parties are wadding into the matter, we reliably gathered that, if all moves by concerned friends fail, the matter may end up in court anytime soon. The video shot by Dr. Bee is the visuals for Obesere’s recent single, Ebelesua, which featured Hip hop ‘Rap Lord’, Olamide and cameo appearances by comic actor, Afeez Oyetoro, famously known as Saka, Jaywon and DJ Tee.

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Fashion

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MAY 21, 2016

Guest G

‘Style is evident in our 14 ways to manners’ Actress Bimbo Akintola is not just pretty but very professional when it comes to core acting. This is evident in the way she interprets her scripts be it a Yoruba movie, English film or soap opera. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on her style.

stop smoking for good

Sip cold water: Sipping cold water through a straw can help replace the act of sucking on a cigarette. It also releases dopamine, a feel-good brain chemical that can help ease bad moods.. Eat small meals: Eating small meals can also help you get past the urge to smoke. Choose lean, healthy foods to avoid weight gain. Brush your teeth often: One of the instant perks of quitting is that your mouth tastes better and your breath smells better. Brush often. That way, you’ll be less inclined to light up a cigarette and foul that clean, fresh mouth. Avoid alcohol: Drinking it is one of the most common things that make people go back to smoking. Here’s why. Alcohol breaks down self-restraint, and that can erode your commitment to quitting. Many people also associate the act of drinking with smoking, so it may trigger you to light up.

ou are one of the versatile actresses around. How do you make your scripts so real and personal? It is all about the profession. It is a trade and if you don’t get to be at the best on your business, you will definitely lose your customers. For acting, if you are not outstanding in whatever role you are given, you are bound to become a push over which is not what I want. I want to be relevant in the career I have chosen. I do not do anything other than to familiarise myself with the script given and apply myself to it. It is all about the determination to be on top of one’s game. I don’t want to be a disappointment on the job, so, i give it my best anytime and all the time. After all, it is just for

a period of time. And once a good impression is left on any given job, you can be sure of more. What is style to you? It is the way we do anything. It is not just in the fabrics or the accessories we use but also in our manners and approach. It is about how we talk, walk, carry ourselves and the way we approach any matter or issues at hand. It is about doing or going about life in the most admirable manner that any other person beholding us is moved to appreciation. For clothing, it is about wearing what fits your shape and make other people want to appear like you. Like I said, it is applicable to how we go about life generally.

Find your own no-smoking zone: When the urge to smoke strikes, go somewhere you can’t light up, such as the library. The more distracting the place is, the easier it will be to ride out cravings. Remember your reasons for quitting: Write down a list of all your reasons to stop smoking. Make copies and post them wherever you spend time -- in the kitchen, at the office, beside the bathroom mirror. Put them where they are easy to see, so you’re reminded wherever you go. Be active every day: Exercise offers a powerful distraction from cravings. When your body is active, it sends out natural chemicals that help your mood and ease your stress. Walking is one of the easiest exercises for most people. Choosing a few different activities might help you stay motivated, though. Set aside time to be physically active every day, especially in the first month after you’ve quit smoking. Fill your calendar: During the first few weeks after you kick the habit, fill your days

with things you want or need to do. Make plans to eat meals with family or friends, and try to steer clear of smoking temptations. The busier you are, the more distracted you’ll be from the urge to smoke. Put something else in your mouth: Part of the urge to smoke is having something in your mouth. In place of a cigarette, pop in sugar-free chewing gum, hard candy, or a healthy snack when you feel like you want to light up. Be sure to have something with you at all times. If you’re concerned about gaining weight, stick with low-calorie options. Limit caffeine: Caffeine helps some people get going in the morning and stay alert when they’re tired. But it makes others feel tense, jittery, and stressed. Breaking your nicotine addiction can boost those effects. If caffeine makes you jumpy or anxious, cut back on it. Be alert to bad moods: Negative emotions such as stress, anger, frustration are another common reason people go back to smoking. Bad moods happen to everyone, and chances are you’ll feel more than your fair share of them during the first few weeks of quitting. Find ways to distract yourself. Get together with friends or do something else you really enjoy. Avoid troublemakers and enablers: Although friends and family should be supportive, they aren’t always. Some people might feel threatened by your decision to quit. They might even try to undermine your best efforts. If you sense that there are people like this in your life, avoid them. Enablers are those who enable your habit by having a ready supply of cigarettes, such as your smoking friends. Avoid them like a plague! Be patient and stay on track: Once you make it through the first two weeks, you’re on your way to a lifetime free of nicotine addiction. But be prepared in case you falter. Remember: One lapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Just consider what went wrong. Then think up ways to prevent the same problem from happening again.

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MAY 21, 2016

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WOMAN

‘Women should be employers, not employees’ As far as Mrs. Sikuola Adewuyi Adewuyi, a Chartered Accountantturned cake maker is concerned; women should aspire to be employers of labour rather than being employees. “The time that the career of a woman takes from her is much and this has a negative effect on her marriage,” she tells YEMISI ADENIRAN in this interview

ou were once an employee before becoming an employer of labour. How would you compare the two worlds? They are two different worlds that can’t just be compared. As an employee, you have very little to face as responsibilities. You just need to come to the office as at when the company wants, do what you are assigned to do and wait earnestly to be paid at the end of the month or as the rule in your office dictates. You may be asked to leave the office anytime the management desires and for any reason. In short, your opinion doesn’t count when you are no longer wanted. The management of the company may decide to owe you

or even slash your salary if they observe that there is need to do so. They may allow you go on an annual leave and they may not. They may come up with any type of law at any given time and you are made to comply unless you want to leave the job. As an employee, one is under an authority; one is, in a way, enslaved. This, however, is not the same with someone who is an employer. As an employer, you have a big say if not the final say on the affairs of the company and that of the workers. No one can sack you except you decide to sack yourself. The only thing is you have more challenges to face than an employee. While he is waiting to be paid at the end of the month, you are running up and down, mapping all kinds of

efforts and activities out to make the salary available. Which would you recommend? I would recommend that people especially women to aspire and take steps to become an employer of labour than to be employees. This is because whatever you created or founded by yourself remains yours. As an employer who is determined to succeed and be reckoned with, you are charged with the responsibility of thinking more and coming up with new ways and strategies to remain relevant in the business and make more money. As you are doing this, you are likely to fall at a particular time, but with focus and determination that is strong, you are able to stand again and stand better. For

a married woman, it is just the best thing. It gives you enough time to be more focused on your family and your children especially and at this perilous time. Why do you think most people prefer to be employed than be an employer? It is fear. The fear of failure and that of the unknown is what is making people to be static. And this is dangerous. It is what is killing most people’s potentials. If only we will try and look inwards and find out what our unique potentials are and take a bold step into launching into them, we will be better than what we are now. It is good to be creative. It makes one go on better in life, it attracts God’s help, it makes Him to

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want to better us. And sincerely, as a Christian, we should strive to like our father, the creator who called out those things that did not exist into existence. Anyone who comes up with an idea of his own and is influencing his world through it is indeed like God his father. So, my advice is that everyone, particularly women should get more creative. It is refreshing to be creative. It makes God to give fresh ideas. But this cannot be so with someone who is stagnant. He or she is like stagnant water that stinks over time. What danger do being an employee poses on a marriage The time that the career of a woman takes from her is much and this has its effectss on her marriage. It causes a divided attention which at the end of the day ruins some homes. But for some, it may not if they set their priorities well. Nothing should come before one’s family if one is determined to make that marriage work. But as an independent worker, you have total control of your time and your family is given much of the attention. What else do you think a working class woman needs to do to avoid a broken home? I think it is more of a matter of commitment than any other thing. When I was getting married, my mum told me that it was to be for life. She told me I had no room in her house again. She told me I shouldn’t think because of her situation I should jump out of my marriage. A woman has to be careful to ensure that his marriage works. For example, if you are financially more successful than your husband, you need to be careful. Don’t let him feel slighted. Although it may be a bit difficult, with God, all things are possible. When we first got married, I was earning three times my husband’s salary, but things changed later. Here we are today, praising God for his kindness. What advice do you have for parents, especially, regarding the upbringing of children? Parents should speak with one voice. If I take a decision over the kids, he won’t change it, even if he doesn’t feel good about it. He would rather come back later to tell me. The kids know that they can’t come between us. Children are smart; they try to play a fast one on us, so we should be careful. Parents should be in unity and be very disciplined. People are not naturally disciplinarians. My husband is not, but he knows I can fill in that gap. So, he allows me to take charge. We should identify our weaknesses and fight them; identify our strength and use them well. How would you rate cake business in Nigeria? I would say so far, it has been good. I was once confronted with this question by a lady friend while I was in

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MAY 21, 2016

Parents should

sPeak with one voice.

if i take a decision over the kids, my husband won’t change it, even if he doesn’t feel good about it. he would

Keeping ABREAST

Canada’s Prime Minister elbows female lawmaker in the chest

rather come back later to tell me.

the kids know that they can’t come between us. South Africa. She was surprised when I told her that Nigerian people are the happiest people around the globe. They love to celebrate everything; from marriages to naming ceremonies, house-warming to chieftaincy parties, birthdays and funeral rites that can come in different forms and several years after the deceased has been buried. I mean, we just love to party and celebrate here. So, cakes can’t go out of fashion in Nigeria. There’s a large market for it here more than anywhere. Nigerians are open-handed; they may not pay school fees of their children if there is a ceremony to be attended to. How do you combine marriage with your career? I would say that it takes the grace of God and the ability to prioritise. With the grace of God, one is able to identify that which is needful. For example, I give my family priority. All my kids’ open days were very important to me. I made sure I was there. Everything is important, but I must say that at one point or the other, one thing becomes needful and you need to accord that its required importance. When my kids were in South Africa, I made a good impression on their school authorities. This has helped them also to excel. Whenever my husband is around, I try to be around since the kids are no longer around. I combine everything well by the grace of God. What advice do you have for today’s youths? They should be focused on any career that will make them self-reliant. This is the only way they can survive the harsh economic situation we are in today. They should be hard-working and be proactive. They should be conscious of their environment and know what can work for them. There is a gift God has deposited in them and in all of us. If we will all endeavour to look inwards, we will discover it and excel by it. The youths should know that they are the future leaders of the country, so they must be up and doing to keep the good flag of the country flying.

Brosseau

Trudeau

anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has apologized ‘unreservedly’ for elbowing a female opposition member of Parliament in the chest as he waded through a group of her colleagues. Ruth Ellen Brosseau said the fracas forced her to miss a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday as she had to leave the chamber. “I was elbowed in the chest by the prime minister and then I had to leave. It was very overwhelming,” she said. “I missed the vote because of this.” Opposition leaders have slammed the incident as ‘violent’ - branding Trudeau, an avid boxer, ‘un-statesmanlike.’ Reports claim Trudeau shouted ‘get the f*** out the way’ during the dispute. The kerfuffle spells a possible blow to Trudeau’s image as a modern, feminist leader. It comes just days after his wife was criticized for requesting help, as she said she could not juggle the job of being First Lady and being a mother-of-three. Footage from the House of Commons television feed shows Trudeau wading into a clutch of lawmakers and pulling one through the crowd in order to get the vote started. As Trudeau turns around to pull the lawmaker through, Brosseau can be seen grimacing in pain. Trudeau, a boxer and former bar bouncer, later stood up in Parliament and said it wasn’t his intention to hurt anyone as he attempted to escort the lawmaker. Trudeau said he thought the man was being impeded as he walked up the aisle of the chamber and wanted to help him in attempt to speed up the vote. “I admit that I came in physical contact with a number of members as I extended my arm, including someone behind me whom I did not see. I certainly did not intend to offend or impact on anyone,” Trudeau said. “I apologize for that unreservedly and I look for opportunities to make amends.”

Opposition New Democrat lawmaker Peter Julian called it a ‘pretty violent push’ and said he had never seen such behavior in his twelve years in Parliament. “Physical force in this House is never permitted,” he said. Opposition Conservative Andrew Scheer said he was sitting across from Trudeau and said it was clear he lost his temper. “He was motivated by anger and lost his temper,” said Scheer, who added it was “very unstatesmanlike.” Opposition New Democrat leader Thomas Mulcair later screamed at Trudeau, “What kind of man elbows a woman!?” in the chamber before Trudeau’s cabinet bench cleared and intervened to make sure things didn’t escalate. The kerfuffle comes as a possible blow to Trudeau’s image as a modern, feminist leader. Tempers have been running high as the government pushes through a motion to limit debate on its euthanasia legislation. Interim opposition Conservative leader Rona Ambrose called the prime minister’s behavior shocking and embarrassing and said Trudeau’s clear intent was to intimidate lawmakers physically and his actions resulted in Brosseau being shoved into a desk. “He should be ashamed,” Ambrose said in a statement. Opposition Conservative lawmaker Jason Kenney tweeted that if previous Prime Minister Stephen Harper had ever physically bullied members of Parliament like Trudeau, there would be immediate and widespread demands for his resignation. Physical contact between lawmakers is rare in legislatures in Canada but the incident reminded Canadians of the time when late former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford barreled over a 63-year-old female city councilor while rushing to the defense of his brother, Councilor Doug Ford, who was insulting spectators in the council chamber. (Mailonline.com)

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MAY 21, 2016

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divorce court

He tied my legs and arms to the bed

• I realized I couldn’t move, so I asked him what I have done. He said he would sleep with me that way and get me pregnant and then go ahead to expose and disgrace me saying he did not know who impregnated me. —Wife

n Osogbo Grade II Customary Court has dissolved the 15-year marriage between Mutiat Asimiyu and her husband Saheed over constant beating. In his judgment, the President of the court, Chief Bolarinwa Popoola, dissolved the marriage and held that the marriage was problematic with accusation and counter accusation bordered on distrust. “The court, hereby, dissolve the marriage in favour of the petitioner,” he held. Popoola awarded custody of two children, aged 12 and 10 to the father, while custody of the four-year-old child was awarded to the petitioner. He ordered the respondent to give N2000 each for the upkeep of each of the three children through the court and granted him the right to see his children at anytime. Mutiat, had urged the court to dissolve the marriage to her husband alleging constant beating and lack of peace. “He beats me always. There was a time he travelled, when he came back, he came to my shop and said I should go home with him. “When we got home, he said I should swear that when he travelled no other man touched me which I did without worry. “But one day, I slept; he tied my legs and arms to the bed and woke me up. I realized I couldn’t move, so I asked him what I have done. “He said he would sleep with me that way and get me pregnant and then go ahead to expose and disgrace me saying he did not know who impregnated me. “I went to my family house, the next day he came to beg that my parents should resolve the problem and I move back home with him. “So, I moved back, I did not know that he was putting something on his manhood to sleep with me. “I caught him on one occasion, I took the substance and when he was asked why he was using it, he said his father gave it to him. “But his father denied it. The main reason I have come to court is that, he stalks and trails me, on one of his

attacks, he beat me, tore my clothes and took my phone and N27,250 cash. “I arrested him with the police and my father begged me to release him as none of his relatives came to his rescue. “I want to have peace and that is why I have come to court to dissolve this marriage,” she said. Saheed, the respondent, said that their union was not 15-years but 19 years and denied having carnal knowledge of his wife with charm. “I wanted to travel to Abuja and I left my wife in the care of an Alfa who was present at our child’s naming. “I told him to help me monitor my wife and that I would be calling her through him. “When I called, the Alfa told me that my wife had taken to a strange lifestyle and that I should not stay long before coming so that I would come and monitor her movements. “So, I came home, but I did not tell her I was coming, I went to see the Alfa who mentioned the names of the men she was seeing. “I got home and asked her about it and that she should swear she had no affair while I was away. “She said before she would answer, she wanted to know who told me and I told her it was not important. “But she said she knew and went out of the house to the Alfa’s house, I followed her and both of them started exchanging words to the extent that she asked the Alfa to swear that he did not make advances at her. “We fought at the Alfa’s house because I told her she could kill for not telling me about what was happening, that was when she left for Lagos. “I wanted to collect my children’s clothes from her because the older ones are living with me, so I followed her when I saw her, it is true I collected her phone, but I have given it back to her. “I did not collect money from her and I did not tie her to bed, she wants to implicate me. I also did not use anything on my manhood. “I am not ready to leave her because of my children, if she does not think about that, I do. It is because of her unholy ways that she wants to leave me,” he said (NAN)

‘He conspired with my landlord to eject me from the house’ • I have been patient enough, tolerating his troubles. All I need from the court is to dissolve the marriage —Wife

n Abeokuta Customary Court has dissolved a 15-year marriage between Latifatu Amod and her husband Sakiru over frequent fighting and neglect. The court’s President, Mr Olalekan Akande, in his judgment, held that since all efforts to reconcile the couple had failed, the court had no option than to dissolve the marriage. Akande ordered that both parties were free to marry anybody of their choice, and that the first three children were grown up to determine who to live with. He ordered that Latifatu

should care for the last child until he was of age, while the husband should pay N2, 500 monthly for the upkeep of the last child. The president also ordered that the schooling, welfare, health and other matters would be a joint responsibility of both parties. Latifatu, 32, had urged the court to dissolve the marriage to Amod, 46, because of frequent fighting and neglect. The mother of four told the court that Amod sent her out of CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

‘I caught my wife havin sex with another man’

• I don’t blame her for the infidelity because I met her at a night club — Husband • My husband is diabolical. I once saw a horn, a calabash, black soap and other materials in his wardrobe — Wife

textile dealer, 36-yearold Tawakalitu, has lost her three-year marriage to her husband, Mr Lateef Lawal, a property developer, to adultery.

An Igando Customary Court severed the relationship following allegations of infidelity brought against the wife by her husband. The court’s President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, noted that the couple was tired of the marriage, saying “all efforts to reconcile both parties had failed.’’ “Since both parties consented to the dissolution of the marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve it. “This court hereby pronounces the marriage between Lateef Lawal and Tawakalitu Lawal dissolved today; you henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance or molestation,” Omilola ruled. Lawal, 50, had filed a suit seeking the dissolution of the three-year-old marriage on grounds of infidelity, defamation of character and threat to life. The petitioner said that Tawakalitu, who had a daughter for him, was adulterous. “I caught my wife making love with another man at a corner when we went for a Christmas party. “Anyway, I do not blame her for the infidelity because I met her at a club,” the former husband said. He said his wife accused him of having sex with his daughter and invited the presenter of a Lagos Television programme — “Labe Orun” to expose it. “They came to my house

to interview me to know if I actually slept with my daughter or involved in ritual activities. “My wife is fetish … I discovered a snail, a cow horn and other charms in her wardrobe. “She goes out at will and I can count the number of days she stayed at home throughout our three-year marriage.’’ He told the court that he disowned the only child of the marriage because he did not want anything that would bring him and Tawakalitu together again. Tawakalitu, 36, however, denied the allegations:“I am not fetish, it is my husband that is fetish. “My husband is diabolical; I once saw a horn, a calabash, black soap and other materials in his wardrobe.”

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MAY 21, 2016

divorce court

PAGE

‘My wife is starving me of sex’

• Whenever I want to have sex with her she always fights me and my body is neither stone nor stick — Husband • I denied my husband sex since 2012 because of my health condition. I gave birth to our only 10-year-old son through operation and I don’t want to experience

n Igando Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved an 11 -year marriage between Mr Azeez Ige and his wife, Bola, over alleged sex starvation. The court’s president, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, in his judgment, said the court was convinced that the estranged couple was tired of the union, as all efforts to reconcile them had failed. “Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage.

‘She brings her man-friend home to pass the night

• On one occasion, she brought her lover home to sleep overnight, I came back from work and saw the man tying my towel on his waist. Anytime I warn her to stop bringing the man home, she always tells me that the man was the person she wanted to marry and that God had brought them back to continue their love — Husband • My husband drinks a lot and after getting drunk, starts to misbehave, hitting me with sticks or beating the children for no just cause — Wife

“M

y wife is adulterous, she brings her man friend home to pass the night,’’ a businessman, Peter Adeyemi, 45, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos. Adeyemi, a businessman, who is the respondent in a divorce suit, said in his testimony that his wife, Bashirat, was promiscuous.

“On one occasion, she brought her lover home to sleep overnight; I came back from work and saw the man with my towel on his waist. “Anytime I warn her to stop bringing the man home, she always tells me that the man was the person she wanted to marry and that God had brought them back to continue their love”.

‘He conspired with my landlord to eject me from the house’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 her matrimonial home, adding that “my husband was fond of beating me at the slightest mistake’’. “He sent me out of our matrimonial home even when I tried getting a house to stay he conspired with my landlord to eject me out of the house. “I have been patient enough tolerating his troubles. All I need from the court is to dissolve the marriage. “I also want to beg the court to grant me the custody of the children so that I can take care of them very well,’’ she said.

She also said that the last three children where living with her while the first child live with the father. Amod did not oppose the petition, but urged the court to dissolve the marriage because Latifatu was troublesome and wicked to him. “She does not take care of me, so how does she want me to care for her. “The children are not living with me so I can’t be responsible for their feeding. “When she and the children were with me I use to do my duty as the man of the house,’’ Amod said. (NAN)

Adeyemi told the court that one day, Bashirat’s lover called her on phone to come to his house and massage his back and their 13-year-old son heard their conversation. “When they were through with their discussion, my son picked my wife’s phone and called the man to warn him never to call his mother again, that he was the one causing problems in the family. “Her lover called her and narrated everything my son told him. My wife rushed home that day and descended on the boy and broke his head with an iron rod,’’ Adeyemi said. He alleged that his wife filed the divorce suit, so that she can abandon him and marry her lover. The respondent urged the court to grant his wife’s wish and dissolve the union as he was no longer interested in the marriage. Earlier, the petitioner, Bashirat, 41, a businesswoman, had pleaded with the court to dissolve her 18-year-old marriage, alleging that her husband was a drunk.

“My husband drinks a lot and after getting drunk, starts to misbehave, hitting me with sticks or beating the children for no just cause”. The mother of three said that her husband was not trustworthy and claimed that nine months after their wedding, she learnt that a lady had a baby for him. “I got to know some years later when I stumbled on the receipts of the child’s school fees”. She said that her husband was secretive and did things without telling her. According to her, her husband planned to travel out of the country sometime ago without her knowledge. “I got to know when his brother came to console him after the visa process failed,’’ the petitioner said. Bashirat urged the court to dissolve the marriage as she was no longer in love with Adeyemi and could no longer cope with his drunkenness. The court president, Mr R.I. Adeyeri adjourned the case for judgment.

“The marriage between Mr Azeez Ige and Mrs Bola Ige is hereby dissolved from today. “Both parties are free to go their separate ways without any hindrances and molestation.” Omilola ruled. Ige, a 53-year-old civil servant, had approached the court seeking to dissolve his marriage, on the grounds that the wife had starved him of sex since 2012. “My wife is starving me of sex. Whenever I wanted to make love to her she always fights me and my body is neither a stone nor stick.” he said. He also told the court that his wife was fetish, a drunk, and had once tried to strangle him, adding, “she held my neck and wanted to kill me but God saved me.”. According to him, Bola consumes excessive alcohol and misbehaves afterwards. The petitioner said that his wife had kept some strange materials like horns, calabash and other fetish items in his wardrobe. He added that the woman was in the habit of leaving her matrimonial home for up to a month without permission. “Whenever I question her she fights me. She always engages herself in a physical combat even with our son’s teachers when she goes there. “And she always fights me with knife, cutlass but will quickly rush to the police station to report and get me arrested.” he said. Bola, a 44-year old businesswoman, however, attributed her refusal to have sex with her husband to her fear of getting pregnant. “I denied my husband sex since 2012 because of my health condition. I gave birth to our only 10-year-old son through operation and I don’t want to experience such again.” Bola accused the husband of beating her frequently, a situation which made her to severally move out of their matrimonial home, to save her life.

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MAY 21, 2016

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Home remedies for skin rashes in children M

ost rashes will go away without medical treatment. But when it gets disturbing, the following home treatment can often relieve pain and itching until the rash goes away. If your child has come in contact with a substance that may cause contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy, immediately wash the area with large amounts of water. Once a rash has developed, leave it alone as much as possible. Use soap and water sparingly. Leave the rash exposed to the air whenever possible. Encourage your child not to scratch the rash. If your child has a rash, he or she should not be in contact with other children or pregnant women. Most viral rashes are contagious, especially if a fever is present. Relief from itching Itching with a rash is generally not serious, but it can be annoying and may make a rash more likely to become infected. Rashes caused by chickenpox, eczema, or contact dermatitis are much more likely to itch. Sometimes itching can get worse by

scratching. Keep your child’s fingernails clean and short, and encourage him or her not to scratch. Cover your baby’s hands with socks to help keep him or her from scratching. Keep your child out of the sun and in a cool place. Heat makes itching worse. Keep the itchy area cool and wet if your child is older than age 9 months. Put cloths soaked in ice water on the rash a few times a day. Too much wetting and drying will dry the skin, which can increase itching. Do not put cloths soaked in ice water on the skin of a baby younger than 9 months. It may cause the baby’s body temperature to go down. Try an oatmeal bath to help relieve itching. Wrap 1 cup of oatmeal in a cotton cloth or sock, and boil it as you would to cook it. Allow it to cool to room temperature, and then use it as a sponge while bathing your child in cool water without soap. You can also buy a product at the store, such as Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal bath. Dress your child in cotton clothing. Do not use wool and synthetic fabrics next to the skin.

ParentingUpdate

recent research suggests that parents need not worry so much when baby’s first word comes late. It doesn’t necessarily spell trouble. In the course of the research, children who were late-talkers at age 2 did not show any increased risk of behavioral or emotional problems throughout their childhood or adolescence, compared with children whose language development followed what experts consider a “normal” trajectory. The scientists studied more than 1,300 2-year-olds and followed them until they were 17 years old. At age 2, the team measured the toddlers’ language ability with a standard test of vocabulary; those who fell below the 15th percentile for their age and gender were considered to be late-talkers. They also evaluated the children’s behavioural development by asking parents to fill out questionnaires at five different points during childhood. The surveys asked

Use gentle soaps, and use as little soap as possible. Do not use deodorant soaps on your child. Wash your child’s clothes with a mild soap, , rather than a detergent. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the soap. Do not use strong detergents. Do not let the skin become too dry, which can make itching worse. For infants diaper rash, This one has been the easiest for us to treat. I know some of my friends have not been so lucky. Diaper rash thrives in wet conditions. So change diapers often if your baby is experiencing diaper rash. Avoid scrubbing at any sticky or dried on messes as this can irritate baby’s fragile skin. A good option if you are at home is to stick baby’s bottom under a stream of warm, running water in the tub to get it good and clean. Then pat dry with a clean towel and let baby air dry for a few minutes if possible. The more time they can spend without a diaper on, the better it will be for treating the diaper rash, although reasonable precautions should be taken to protect the house from any accidents. If you want to powder your baby’s bottom before putting a fresh

diaper on her, use cornstarch instead of talc. Oatmeal baths can be very soothing to irritated skin. Grind up a cup of uncooked oatmeal (not the instant kind) in a food processor or blender until it is powdery. Add the powder to baby’s bath. Also I

have heard of putting milk of magnesia on affected areas of diaper rash, although we haven’t personally tried this one. Avoid commercial products with mineral oil or petroleum-based ingredients. Most of us who are into “natural” remedies and a non-toxic lifestyle agree that these are pretty unnatural and toxic options for the skin.

Tiny Feet TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

NAME: Opeyemi Alabi

BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs. Alabi AGE: 8 days BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.5 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Toddlers who are slow to talk still develop normally – Study

about the youngsters’ emotional states and their responses to difficult situations, such as whether they lashed out or internalized their feelings when faced with frustration. The scientists found that while latetalking children were more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems at age 2, compared with other children, “these problems are not enduring,” said the lead researcher. “They were at no more risk for these problems at later ages.” He believes that most of the behavioral problems among the 2-year-olds were due to their frustrations with not being able to communicate their feelings fully, and are not necessarily signs of more serious psychosocial issues such as depression or attention deficit disorder. That should come as a relief to parents who are concerned that their child does not meet specific language milestones set by pediatricians. When toddlers are late to begin

speaking, many parents try to intervene with therapy or attempt to push their children to talk more, but the new study suggests that in most cases, that may not be needed. “Parents should not be overly concerned that late-talking at age 2 years will result in enduring language and psychological difficulties for the child,” he stressed. “There is good evidence that most late-talking children will ‘catch up’ to the language skills of other children.” That doesn’t mean that all language delays should be dismissed, however. Some kids may simply be getting a slower start, but if toddlers don’t start speaking by the time they enter school, experts say that’s probably a sign that they may need some type of intervention to prevent future developmental issues. The best way to ensure that children hit normal language milestones is to engage

with them and stimulate them by introducing them to new things in their environment. “Get down on the floor and play with [your] child, talk with them, read to them and interact with them at their level,” he says. Culled from www.times.com

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MAY 21, 2016

Mirror

PAGE

Are more Lagosians using pedestrian bridges?

Most state governments, especially the Lagos State government, have either constructed new foot bridges otherwise known as pedestrian bridges or renovated existing ones to meet international standard. This is as the general apathy to the use of pedestrian bridges, has suddenly changed. At most of the bridges today, there is heavy traffic of human users as against the previous choice of dashing across the roads. The reason: ERIC ELEZUO writes.

edestrian bridges are hallmarks of urban areas because of the heavy traffic build-ups and fast movement of vehicles on macadamized roads. However, because of most cities are always on the fast lane, using the bridges that cost government a lot of money to construct becomes a moral burden. A cross section of respondents told Saturday Mirror that there are reasons responsible for the non-use of the bridges in the past and why the sudden resort to the use of bridges. A respondent at the Ikeja Along pedestrain bridge, told our correspondent that it is better to be on the right side of the law, and that informs the desperate use of the bridge. “This is a waste of time, but we have to do it. If you look across the road, you will see those KAI people loitering around looking for whom to catch. And my brother, when they catch you, you will count your teeth with your lips,” the pedestrian who gave his name as Tobi said. Tobi added that he has no reason to give himself stress attempting to use the bridge when he can calculatively cross the expressway. He maintained that the heavy traffic jam on the road is even a pointer to help oneself in crossing the road without trouble. “See the kind of traffic build up here, yet they want me to expend the little strength I have to climb this high bridge. One can easily cross the road without any issue, or is it not true?” He questioned. Tobi’s assertion was corroborated by a good number of respondents. They unanimously agreed that there is a need to use the bridge other than safety. They

ascribe the new awakening to the presence of law enforcement agents in and around the corner, lurking around to smack those who will not use the bridge. “Ha! I will always use the bridge. It is more economical because if you are caught doing otherwise, the amount of money you will spend, not counting the stress involved in the whole thing,” another respondent who gave his name as Kachi said. He went ahead to explain that anyone who runs foul of Lagos laws these days would go through stress. Some of these stresses, according to him, include producing tax clearance of many years behind. “The stress goes beyond payment, but includes production of tax clearance of many years behind, and I don’t think there is anyone who has such. So you will be constrained to go looking for ways to procure one, and where is the money. Even the person who will stand surety is not sure to have the kind of documents required. So, it is best to be on the side of the law,” he said. Yet another respondent added that, with the new mobile court, everybody is already guilty. He stated that one just have to respect himself, and be on the right side of the law, adding that since the law has finally decided to bare its huge and long fangs, it is best to keep away from it for the bad reasons. “I have seen a person I know, who was immediately rounded up by these KAI officials. He was hounded to the court across the road at CMS, and like a joke, tried and found guilty. He was sentenced to four weeks imprisonment with an option of N10, 000 fine. He had already spent one week behind bars before we found the money to pay. His experience

taught me a bitter lesson,” said Umazi, who said he has a shop at Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island. But, in as much as the law has a credible and sinister part to play, most residents are yet to completely cleave to the use of the pedestrian bridges. Some said that it would be necessary to be used, when it is actually necessary. Douglas, a journalist narrated an experience that dissuaded him from using the bridge one night. He said: “I was returning from an event on the Island one night. The time was past ten. My friends dropped me off at the Alaka Bus stop, and we all agreed that it will be much more appropriate to use the pedestrian bridge since I was heading to Orile, for safety purposes. But when I looked at the bridge from the ground, I knew, I would not use it for the same safety purpose. I said a short prayer as I prepared to dash across the road, knowing that crossing the expressway was a lesser risk. It was obvious that the quietness of the bridge at that time of the night will absolutely have criminals lurking around the corner. At such a time, I will most definitely use the expressway, and that was what I did.” For his opinion, the Head of Department, Department of Linguistics, University of Uyo, Dr. Friday Emenka, described the attitude of using the bridges more now to the fear of what the law can do, other than for personal safety. He said that nobody believes he will die un-

til he is dead. “Those using the bridges are doing it for the fear of the law, and not for safety reasons. Though everyone is afraid to die, no one believes he can die until he dies, and that explains the reason for daring attitudes,” he said. A psychologist, who works with a hospital at Iyana Iba, along Badagry Expressway, said that the mind of the individual is always focused on his physical destination, and sometimes does not bother about the dangers around and that explains why he takes the dangerous options. He noted that the quest to get something done, using the cheap means also portrays his action, stressing that it is only the law that seems to be in place that distracts him a little. “The mind of the man is atimes directed to a point, and he is bent on satisfying that particular desire. As a result, he needs some distractions or checkmate to help him save himself from himself. In that light, the law and its punishment come to bear, so, it is the fear of the law that chiefly makes the people use the pedestrian bridges,” he said. However, it is not like every other person fears the law to do the right thing. Mr. Innocent Duru said his own fear has nothing to do with the law, but the fact that his children can grow up without a father if he foolishly throws his life away on the expressway. “I want to see my children grow, and that is what comes to my mind each time I feel like joining the dare-devil road crossers. One’s death on such adventure is obviously avoidable, and will be termed as foolish if a life is lost in this way,” Mr. Duru said. At Oshodi Bus stop, the proliferation of pedestrian of bridges has made it more of easy for pedestrians, even with the presence of Lagos State Task Force officers. The crowd on each of the bridges is more like over filling, and the motivating factor is the fear of the law. However, a Lagos State government source, said the government is renovating the bridges to make it comfortable for use, and will soon introduce security for it in the nights to encourage people to use it at anytime. He maintained that until people become mature enough to take the right decisions, the law would be continually fronted to check excesses and save citizens from harming themselves.

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People

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MAY 21, 2016

Meet Amina Ali, first rescued Chibok girl

he mother of the first Chibok schoolgirl to be rescued from the clutches of Boko Haram has broken her silence to reveal she thought she would never see her again. Binta Ali had lost hope of ever seeing Amina, who was taken by the Islamist militants from her school in Chibok two years ago, again. But it seems the possibility of starvation pushed Amina’s ‘husband,’ Mohammed Hayatu - said to be a Boko Haram fighter - to venture to the edges of the forest, where they were found by a vigilante group. Yesterday, Binta Ali, whose husband died just six months after Amina was snatched, was reunited with the 19-year-old, embracing her with such joy onlookers said they were certain they were going to ‘roll on the ground.’ A statement released on Binta’s behalf revealed, “She never thought she would ever see her daughter again. Having seen Amina grow up and get to the age she was and Amina being snatched away from her, she (Binta) was heartbroken and devastated,” it added. “But today, Amina is back to her and she is thankful to God and thankful to everyone that participated in the rescue and recovery of her daughter.” Amina - the youngest of 13 children, and one of only two to survive past the age of five - was rescued from Sambisa Forest, in Borno State, by vigilantes helping the military and brought back to her home in Mbalala, near Chibok, this week. Hayatu - said to be a commander known as ‘Amir,’ the media that ‘hunger and ill health forced him to surrender as they were starving to death following the blocking of Boko Haram’s food supply routes by the military.’ He too claimed to be a victim of kidnapping, but has been kept away from Amina and is being interrogated by the military. Meanwhile, Amina and her fourmonth-old daughter were then taken to Mbalala, a village 10kms from Chibok. “She gave her mother the biggest hug ever, as if they were going to roll on the ground,” rescuer Abugu Gajji

revealed. “The girl started comforting her mother, saying, ‘Please mum, take it easy – relax – I never thought I’d see you again, wipe your tears. God has made it possible for us to see each other again,’” he said. Cradling her four-month-old baby lovingly in her arms, Amina Ali and her child have been pictured receiving medical attention, with the man she says is her husband - after they were found more than two years after being abducted by Boko Haram. She presented the baby to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Thursday. “Like all Nigerians and many others around the world, I am delighted that Amina Ali is free, but it is tinged with deep sorrow with what she had to go through,” Buhari said. He added: “Although we cannot do anything to reverse the horrors of her past, the federal government will do everything possible to ensure that the rest of her life takes a completely different course.” The two spoke for 45 minutes in private, with Amina - who officials have said is being treated ‘like a VIP’ - finishing school top of the agenda. “Continuation of her education must be a priority of government,” the President said.

President Buhari admires Amina’s baby, Safiya

“The government is doing all it can to rescue the remaining Chibok girls,” he said, adding: “Amina’s rescue gives us new hope, and offers a unique opportunity for vital information.” But the decision to bring her to the capital has met with criticism from aid workers. While there are conflicting reports over exactly how she was found - or how she escaped, Hassan Chibok, a member of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), said Amina had confirmed that more than 60 girls in her own detention group were still in Sambisa. “The military has been bombarding Sambisa forest. In all the angles of the forest, you have the presence

of the military. The insurgent holding her captive had already escaped due to persistent bombardments, so it was easy for the girl to make herself available for rescue. “She said that the sheer number of the girls in Sambisa is such that they should easily be sighted when moving, but once the insurgents sensed the coming of a military jet, they always rushed to hide the captives. She told me that all the girls in her group had been forced to marry Boko Haram husbands,” Hassan Chibok said. Amina’s mother last year spoke of her daughter’s fear of Boko Haram but of her enjoyment of attending school and doing well at her

studies. She told the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, a non-governmental organisation researching a book on the Chibok girls, that she was not sure of the age of Amina, the youngest of her 13 children although only three survived their early years. “She always sewed her own clothes,” Binta said of her daughter in the interview. Binta said Amina’s father died some months after his daughter was abducted. “After Amina was kidnapped, only two (of our children) are left alive,” she said, adding her son and daughter live in Lagos. She said she constantly thought of her lost daughter, who had always helped her around the house. “My son said I should take it easy and stop crying. He reminded me that I am not the only parent who lost a child.” The teenager appears to have given birth to a daughter, named Safiya, while in captivity and said she had reported that there were other kidnapped girls in the forest, but ‘six were already dead.’ Rev. Enoch Mark, whose two daughters are among the missing, said the latest news brought renewed hope to the parents of the Chibok girls. “I believe that, by the grace of God, our daughters, some of them, will be found if they are still alive,” he said. Returning to ordinary life could be difficult for the anyone who has gone through Amina’s ordeal, according to experts. “Children in this situation typically require medical assistance and psycho-social support to help them cope with what they have been through while they were in captivity,” said UNICEF spokeswoman, Helene Sandbu Ryeng. “Our experience with children and women who were kidnapped by Boko Haram and freed by the military or escaped, shows that they often face mistrust, stigma and rejection when they return to their communities,” she said. Will Amina’s case be different? Only time will tell.

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MAY 21, 2016

Dear Bukola

Having problems with your marriage, family, relationship, career or life generally? Help is at hand with Bukola Oyetunji, Relationship Expert, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author of Stranded With a Status and One Good Spouse Deserves Another. www.bukolaoyetunji.blogspot.com, Follow on twitter @bukolaoyetunji

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

My best friend is a control freak Dear Bukola,

I My husband thinks I’m no longer right for him Dear Bukola,

am so devastated right now because my husband wants to divorce me after a marriage of 11 years, without giving any reason. I don’t know what I did wrong because I have always been the submissive type. He has since moved out of the house because he thinks I need some time to digest the fact that we will no longer be married. Bukola, I love my husband so much that I cannot think of a life without him. If he leaves me, it will affect me totally because he is my source of happiness. Please help me; I don’t ever want to lose him! Dear devastated, arriage in itself is a place where so many things happen when we least expect. You wrote that you have always been the submissive type but still your husband thinks you shouldn’t be together anymore after 11 years…the truth is that sometimes, one partner in marriage gets fed up without having any reasonable excuse…. The love simply withers away. He may not have been able to give you any reason not be-

cause he doesn’t want to but because he doesn’t have any. You need to search yourself to see if there’s something you both did at the initial stage of your marriage that you have probably stopped doing… don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s your fault he wants to end the marriage but more often than not, our marriage can survive all hurdles if we keep doing all the things that initially brought us together as a couple. Another thing you can do is to talk to people around you like your parents, religious leaders or anyone your husband holds in high esteem. Let them help in sorting out whatever differences that exists between you both. The funny thing is that he may not want to open up about what exactly the problem is… if you have a discussion together with the help of these people, you may be surprised at what you would learn. Also, you could plead with him to do you a favour of visiting a counselor together… at least before you sign the divorce papers.

This would give you both the opportunity to express how you feel about each other and the marriage. It is also an avenue for you to let him know how much his absence in your life would affect everything about you. Since you still love this man very much and like you wrote; he is your source of happiness, you have to fight for your man! Lastly, if you want to hold on to your happiness (which your husband is), there’s a weapon you have to use and that is PRAYER. Ask God to intervene in the issue on ground. Tell him know how much you want your husband to be with you. Ask God to help you win his heart back after all, he holds the key to the heart of kings so why wouldn’t he be able to touch your husband? Know that there is nothing difficult for God to do so if you are not the spiritual type; I guess it’s time for you to learn how to go on your knees so as to stand tall in your marriage for a long time still to come. I wish you all the strength you need.

Please help, my husband has a mental problem! Dear Bukola

have been married for 3 years now to a divorcee with kids who has now developed mental problem. I have no child of mine, currently seeking to have one but I am afraid if the child will not have a similar problem as I seek for medical help. I have been going through stress in taking care of him alone. Please help. Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous,

arriage is a ‘for better for worse’ kind of thing. The day you said ‘I do’ to your

husband is the day you signed up for a task that involves things you didn’t have an inkling about. Your husband’s mental illness is one of those things that was not planned but just happened therefore, as long as he remains your husband, the reasonable thing for you to do is be the best wife you can be to him. Be his support system; take care of him as much as possible. If you show him love than before, there are better chances that he will be healed faster than usual. As regards having a child(ren) of your own, I think you need to have a positive mindset. If you believe your child would not have mental problem, then he/she wouldn’t. I’m glad you mentioned seeking medical help… that’s very essential. Every medical support

you can get will go a long way in giving you peace of mind now and in the future. Most importantly, there is need for you to hand everything over to God. Sometimes life has a way of throwing surprises at us in order to make us miserable or devastated or sometimes just to make us move closer to God. Handling these surprises by allowing God to take charge is the best you can do. As regards going through stress taking care of him alone, be assured it is just for a while…. Your husband will be fine and believe me, he will appreciate every effort you put into his wellbeing and take care of you in return. Please don’t give up, the peace and joy in your marriage is about to be restored…. Just believe! All the best.

have this childhood friend that has always been in my life. We went to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions together. We know everything about each other and I love her so much. The only problem is that she wants me to do everything her own way. I am presently planning my wedding now and she wants me to do everything the way she thinks is best. Even before she approved of my fiancé it was a bit difficult. She has always been like that but because this is my wedding, I want to have things my own way for once. Now she’s putting up a lot of attitude just because I won’t let her take control of my big day. I love her so much and want her to be by my side but I can’t allow her take control. What can I do? Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous, our best friend is like that because she thinks she knows you and everything that you want. The mistake she is making is that she does not know that there are some things about your wedding day that you have dreamt of and you want to do. What you need do therefore is sit her down and explain fully to her how much you want her to support every decision you make about your wedding. Let her know you would do the same for her too (that’s if she is not married). She needs to understand that it is your day and like every woman, you have some fantasies about that day that you want to make a reality. Her advice is important but she cannot control that day. If you end up having a wedding that does not have your identity, you may be miserable for a long time. Let her understand this. If she loves you as much as you do love her, she will let go of the reins and let you have total control of your wedding preparations and your big day, without putting up any attitude. All the best dearie and happy married life in advance!

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MAY 21, 2016

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Should your children com H

Not really

ere in Africa, children are counted among the blessings of a good marriage and for most African parents, they also portray that the union is blessed by the Divine. Marriage is the foundation of the family and the family is the foundation of society. When we strengthen marriage, we strengthen the family, we strengthen the children and we strengthen the community. We love our children more than words can say and we want the best for them. Also, to a large extent, we have dedicated our lives to them. They make our lives complete and there is no question that they are our top priority. The relationship between parent and child is important, but it’s not as fundamental as the relationship between a husband and a wife. Too often, though, parents feel a pull to put the children first in the family, and in the process, they neglect their spouse.

It’s natural for parents to feel protective of their children. Yet we love each other too. To say a lot is even an understatement. And we don’t just say this because we mean it. As a couple we are great pals and best friends. We love to spend time together while sharing, laughing and loving one another. We also spend time together being silly, hanging out, or just being quiet. But once the kids start coming we start to forget that we are partners. It is even funny to think that we decided long ago that nothing, not even our children would ever come between us. We say what God has joined together, no man should put asunder yet we forget the kids are human and can put the relationship asunder if we are not careful with the way we handle them and bring them into our relationship issues. Furthermore, we tend to forget that one of the most important messages we can give our children is to set an example as two parents who truly love and like each other; two people who prioritize one another and look forward to being together even though we have a family to nurture and care for. It is natural and beneficial for parents to make their chil-

dren’s wellbeing a high priority. It’s better to err by caring too much than not enough. Still, making the needs of the marriage subordinate to the needs of the children can, as many have discovered the hard way, lead to unexpected consequences. Every set of parents is obviously different and will have different values and degrees of comfort where this issue is concerned. My goal here isn’t to get other parents to prioritize their lives as I have. Yet, for me as a parent who believes that my partner comes first, my stand is premised on the fact that I believe I am positive that we are doing the right thing, not only for our relationship, but for our kids as well. My take is that the expectations of my kids regarding their future partners will be fairly high and my hope is that they will eventually seek partners who value not only their children, if they have them, but their relationships as well. When you spend time together and you do not allow the kids to come between both of you, you send a powerful message to one another that each of you matters and so does your relationship because no matter how you want to look at it, the children are a third wheel and can be considered a crowd even though you love them to bits. It’s harder to sweat the small stuff with your partner when you both know that you are important to the other. So, however you do it, and to whatever degree, consider the importance of putting your relationship first. If you do, everyone wins. A good marriage not only gives children the security of a stable home, but it also gives them a positive example of what a marriage ought to be. They will learn about love, confession, forgiveness, accountability, responsibility, and honesty. Parents who love one another deeply and show it often help their children develop realistic expectations about what it takes to build a strong marriage. Children need that kind of example to give them hope for their own futures.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

16 steamy sex secrets

1. “My girlfriend and I were spending an evening with some friends. It was a relaxed gathering…I had my hand around her shoulder. Suddenly, she took my hand from around her shoulder and placed it against her breast. Then she started gently caressing my hand with hers. This move was so simple and passionate that I had sex on my mind for the rest of the evening. Her seductive gesture allowed the anticipation to build to incredible heights that night...” —Chris, 35 2. “I don’t know what came over me, but I was watching my woman licking an ice cream cone one day. It made me so crazy. Maybe it was the thought of how else she could apply those skills. Needless to say I was ramming into her mouth the minute I could drag her into the bedroom.” —Matthew, 29 3. “One Saturday morning, my wife and I were trying to get things started. But before it could get hot and heavy, one of the kids came banging on the door. She had no choice than to go and attend to the children. By the time she finished, it was time for her to do the Saturday shopping. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get her into a private moment. By lunchtime, all I had on my mind was sex. I was anything but hungry. She did not understand why I was not eating my food. Immediately the kids were done with their food, I insisted that we should take them to my mother’s place for the rest of the weekend. When we finally got

home, I tore into her as if we hadn’t seen each other in years.” —Timaya, 36 4. “One afternoon, my girlfriend called me at work and told me that she couldn’t stop thinking about me and that I had to come to her house and see her at once. I rushed to get there. The anticipation that built during the drive to her place was agonizing, especially with the traffic. It made me that much more excited when I arrived there to find her waiting in bed. I devoured her like a wild beast” —Tosan, 30 5. “My new girlfriend is a real beauty, but I have never deliberately watched her dressing up, or even undressing. One day, I caught a glimpse of her taking off her bra, and before I knew it, I was hard as a rock. But she was having her periods. I regret to say I flew the red flag with her.” —Dan, 31 6. “My lady and I were at a dinner party recently and she was in the mood for some privacy with me. She took my hand under the table and placed it on her leg — and then pushed it up dangerously high on her thigh. Instantly, I couldn’t think of anything except getting home with her as fast as possible. We had to cut the evening short when I was almost dying. I left the party with my hands in my pockets.” —Ade, 32 7. “My woman is a great kisser, and I find kissing so romantic. Every time she sucks on my tongue, it is so much of a turn-on. I can’t help being reminded of oral sex. And she is

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MAY 21, 2016

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YEMISI ADENIRAN 08029894772 email: ydiran@yahoo.com

me before your spouse? Men should stop selling off their position

This column is x-rated quite good at that one too.” —Jude, 35 8. “My wife studied in France — and really knows how to French kiss. First, she flirts with my lips in light, teasing, licking kisses. She puts the tip of her tongue into my mouth, quickly pulls it back out, and then slides it in again like she’s playing hide-and-seek with me in my mouth. She teases my lips again and lightly sucks each one. Then she moves the tip of her tongue in circles just inside my lips. It’s a sure fire starter. I can never get enough of her.” — Charles, 37 9. “I know I am in for something nice when my woman wakes me up with a kiss. The fact that she can’t wait until I wake up on my own before pouncing on me shows just how much she wants me. This impulsiveness is such a turn-on for me. I pay back the good turn viciously” —Uche, 32 10. “We were watching television late into the night one day when my wife said to me slyly, “The children are fast asleep and I don’t have a headache today.” That sexy invitation could not have been more clear! I pounced on her like a hungry dog” —Justin, 41 11. “My girlfriend has a habit of undoing my shirt buttons and stroking my chest. Having her undress me puts me completely in her power. I let her use that power to the maximum.” — Ahmed, 33 12. “I am always thinking about naked women and fantasizing about what I can do with them. Sometimes I think about past lovers. Sometimes, it’s my colleagues in the office. There is a particular col-

This column is x-rated league of mine who has huge breasts and a big backside. She is always naked in my mind, even when she is standing in front of me fully clothed. I don’t know why I can only think of her as naked” —Moses, 35 13. “I fantasize about my wife doing things I know she won’t do, or things I don’t want to tell her I want,… things like oral sex or group sex.” —Anayo, 41 14. m“I always fantasize about being with other women. When I’m kissing my wife on the lips, I’m fantasizing about kissing my neighbour’s wife on her lips. When I am having sex with my wife, I fantasize about having sex with my brother’s wife or any other woman I am sexually attracted to.” —Tade, 45 14. “I have issues with premature ejaculation, so I will do anything to last long. My favourite way of prolonging sex is thinking about funerals of friends and loved ones who have died. I think about the casket being lowered into the ground. It’s morbid, but anything that stops me from coming before my wife or girlfriend does is a good thing!” —Jeleel, 40 16. “When I am making love to a woman, the sounds she is making mean a lot to me – the ooohs, aaahs, yeeees, yeaaaahs, the don’t stops, the gasps, the exclamations, they mean so much to me. I hear women sometimes fake these things, but I cannot help being turned on and driven totally out of cotrol by them. It heightens my pleasure. So any women who is faking, well, that’s her business. My enjoyment is what matters to me.” —Ben, 29

hildren, no doubt, are a major source of fulfilment in a marriage in this part of the world. In other words, while this may not be of so much importance in the developed countries, a marriage without kids is viewed as a failed marriage in Africa. This explains why so much love is given to children as they begin to arrive in any home. To women, especially, children are their most constant company. Whenever the man is away, she is kept busy with her kids. Again, when the man chooses to get busy with his job and other things, they remain her best friends. And in the eventuality of another woman whether she is brought in to live permanently with them in the house or the first woman is asked to vacate the home for this new woman, maybe she is lucky one to have a particular sex of a child, usually a male, her own children remain her succour. They are there to wipe her tears, share her fun and jokes and make life still worthy of living for her. In the unkind situation where the woman suddenly loses her husband to the cold hands of death and his families as usual take over the stage, to war against her, the children, of course, are her consolation still. They are the constant pillow she falls on both physically and emotionally. In short, the place of children to most women is indeedno joke. Nevertheless, as important as they may be, they are not to take the place of their father, After all, without their father, they probably and definitely would not have been alive. Besides, there are more risks attached to making them first priority in the home. For instance, when one or both partners make their children’s happiness a higher priority than the health of their marriage, they run the risk of neglecting the needs of the marriage, and in doing so, fostering feelings of resentment, neglect, resignation, and alienation in themselves and or each other. Even if the consequences aren’t overtly harmful, they can erode the quality of the couples’ connection and give children the message that marriage isn’t a particularly fun place to be much of the time. As most parents know, children sense much more of their parent’s moods, feelings, and attitudes than they outwardly express. Unhappy and unfulfilled parents can lead their kids to conclude that marriage makes people unhappy, or if the focus of their discord centres on child-rearing differences, they may feel that they are the source of their parents’ unhappiness. It’s natural and beneficial for parents to make their children’s well being a high priority. It’s better to err by caring too much than not enough. Still, making the needs of

the marriage subordinate to the needs of the children can, as many have discovered the hard way, lead to unexpected consequences. Meanwhile, it is important to let men know that giving more attention to children or making children more important than their fathers is most women’s way of avoiding the real problems in their marriages. This always come to play when there is lack of intimacy and trust between couples. When the man fails to devote time like he was doing when courting the woman to nurture the marriage, there is definitely going to be a problem. In other words, when the woman is left lonely and her feelings no longer matters, she is left with no other option than to shift and transfer all her love and affection to her children. Wrong as this may be, she is definitely left with no other choice. This, however will simply be corrected if the man who is the head of the home will take steps to pay more attention to his wife at home. He should begin to acknowledge her little efforts in the home and stop taking her for granted. Most men just believe their women are just to fill in the gap for their needs especially in the kitchen and on the bed. Women represent far more than that. Appreciate them by placing good value on them. Surprise them occasionally by buying them stuffs that will make her look beautiful and appreciated. Pay her compliments when you notice a new hair-do or a new dress on her. Unfortunately, most men don’t even know when their women have a newly- made hair-do. In fact, they are too busy to realise that she is wearing something new. Create time to have some pillow talks with your woman and you will be surprised at the magic this will make on your relationship. Most men don’t have time to discuss issues with their women during the day and whenever they get to the bedroom, they just see the place as an avenue to sleep with their wives after which they roll off and sleep off. The woman then feel used and dumped. So, just where is the place of love and intimacy? But the kids just come one after the other, jump into her bed and make her happy. What else would you have had her do? I think men should fill their gaps well and stop selling it off to their children. They should create time to be away from home with their women alone. Such exclusive trips without the kids can be fun and memorable It is important that couples revisit and rekindle their love for each other without allowing their kids come between them. The place of the father is not the same with the kids. So, fathers, occupy your place very well.

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Why is rape on the increase?

s rape on the increase really? Or we are just getting to hear more about it? Well ‘whatever’, as a teenager would say. Rape remains one of the most terrible crime one human can commit against another. And it is an old crime too. Myth has it that it was this same crime that brought the Roman Kingdom down in the sixth century. According to legends, Lucrecia the beautiful wife of Lucius Collatinus was raped by Sextus who was a prince of the Tarquin royal dynasty. In utter anguish, she committed suicide by stabbing herself on the chest, but not without first inviting her husband who was away at war, her father and a few other witnesses and extracting an oath of vengeance from them. Things happened very fast afterwards, as a chain of events which whipped up the people’s outrage culminated in the royal family being driven out of Rome and the replacement of monarchy with a republic. Yes! The effect of rape on the victim and society can be as bad as that!

What it is: Rape occurs when an individual is forced to have sexual intercourse by another individual or a group of people or when an individual has sexual acts with a minor or someone not fit to give consent. While there are different categories of sexual abuse which may include inappropriate bodily contact, speech or exposure of nakedness to an unwilling party or a child; rape is mainly said to occur when there is actual penetration of the female vagina by the male penis. The typical stereotype is men raping women, but the reverse can also be the case. A woman or a group of women can rape a man. In times past rape was limited to sexual acts between a man and a woman .But with the advent of same sex partners, it is now possible, though laughable for a man to rape another man and a woman to rape a woman. It is also acceptable in some cultures that a husband can rape his wife; while other cultures believe whatever happens between couples cannot be defined as rape. Why it seems to be on the increase: Could it be because women now expose more of their flesh, or because female teens are now daring enough to go on a blind date with a total stranger? No one can say for certain, but stories abound. Children, teenagers, matured women, and even old women are now being raped. So there

are theories and counter theories Implications: Rape has a lot of negative implications for the victim. This could be physical and especially psychological. It is always a traumatic experience, irrespective of the age or situation of the individual. While a few of those implications are temporary, others are lifelong and without proper help, a victim of rape may not fully recover from the after effects. Such physical manifestations include: –Bruising and bleeding of the vagina and anal region. –Subsequent Painful sexual intercourse –Urinary tract infection –Sexually transmitted infection i.e. HIV, Syphilis, and Gonorrhoea –Unwanted pregnancy etc. Psychologically, a rape victim may suffer from –Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) –Feeling of guilt and shame –Relationship problems –Depression -–Personality disorders –Sleep and eating disorders And –Anger and feeling of powerlessness over the body After a rape incident, what next? Sadly, in this part of the world rape victims experience double jeopardy of sort, in that they suffer in silence.

They are usually too ashamed to come forward. Because of the paternalistic nature of our society we tend to put the guilt on the victim and stigmatize them. More so, a good number of rape victims especially youngsters are raped by a close relative or even by their fathers. So the family wants to hush it up, to prevent the family name being tainted. This is with total disregard for the feelings of the victim. Then the blame will start, what were you doing there? Why did you dress like that? You are fond of exposing yourself ! Even the law enforcement officers who are supposed to ensure victims get justice are involved in this blame game. Victims are therefore discouraged to come forward, preferring instead to live with the shame. Various NGOS are trying to fill this gap and thankfully the sexual health bill is currently at the national assembly. Perhaps its passing will help in the battle against rape. After being raped, do not keep quite. Try and keep some memories of the rapist, if a stranger, so as to help law enforcement get an arrest. If you are stable enough, report at the police station, while some of the tell tale signs are still on you. Avoid showering or brushing before reporting. After this you report at the hospital, where you will be examined properly. Some tests will be carried out to determine your current state of health. Then preventive medications could be offered against HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. At this point also, emergency contraception may be offered to prevent unwanted pregnancy .Then psychotherapy may be commenced immediately. You will be able to talk about it and relief yourself of some of the burden. You could also be followed up to ensure you don’t harbor such ill feelings as to

disrupt your relationship with others subsequently. All in all you will benefit greatly if you report the case immediately, and you are also more likely to get justice. Rape prevention: We will start with parents here, you should start talking to your little girl as soon as she is able to talk about how precious her body is; about areas in her body no one should touch, uncles, aunties even daddy should not touch! Be close to your girl child also, so that no one can scare them into keeping secrets from you. Then watch for suspicious signs, such as obvious change in behavior or physical changes. Here are some other general steps you can take, to prevent yourself from being raped : •Avoid being alone with strangers •Avoid walking alone in lonely or dark places •Avoid getting drunk at parties •If you suddenly find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, think of an escape route immediately and keep resisting passively until you see an escape opening •If you are cornered, shout as loud as you can •If you are trained in self defense, you may spring a surprise attack and escape quickly before the assailant recovers. If not, do not try it as it can make the criminal more violent Conclusion: Have you been raped? It is not your fault. Come forward and speak about it .You will be doing yourself a lot of good. In addition you may be helping others prevent a similar fate befalling them by helping to identify and stop the rapist. You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng. Every Wednesdays and Fridays (48pm)

Sport

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U-20 AFCON qualifier

Flying Eagles set for battle of Bujumbura IfeanyI eduzor

he country’s junior national team, the Flying Eagles will today begin the defence of the U-20 AFCON crown they won last year when they confront Young Swallows of Burundi in the second round first leg qualifying match at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium, Bujumbura. Last year, the Flying Eagles conquered the continent in a blistering style without losing a match under Coach Manu Garba who has since being replaced by Emmanuel Amuneke after the one-time African Footballer of the Year, led Nigeria’s U-17 team to a record fifth FIFA World Cup title in Chile last year. Incidentally, Amuneke has promoted virtually all members of the Chile World conquering squad, assuring that his players are ready for the task ahead in the Central African nation today. This would be the first match for both sides in the qualifiers, since Nigeria as champion, was exempted from the first round while Burundi reached the second round following the withdrawal of DR Congo. To ensure that his wards put up a good performance in today’s encounter , Amuneke has built his team around the ‘Chile Class of 2015’ including the tournament’s record top scorer Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze amongst others. Although the Flying Eagles could be said to have an advantage over their Burundian counterparts considering the pedigree of Nigeria in age- group football competition but the Coach

Flying Eagles in training session ahead of their clash in Burundi

Emmanuel Amuneke side need to understand that underrating their opponents in today’s encounter could be dangerous considering there are no more minnows in African football. While, the Flying Eagles who are seven times champions of the competition are expected to put up a good performance in today’s encounter to put them in advantage position ahead of the return leg in two weeks time in Nigeria, the Central Africans will be aiming to capitalize on the high altitude of the country to score as many goals as possible to enable them survive the second leg and progress to the next stage at the expanse of the defending champions, Nigeria. Meanwhile, Flying Eagles gaffer, Emmanuel Amuneke has expressed confidence that his team will not only defeat Burundi but qualify for the 2017 U-20 African Cup of

Nations. “We are preparing, and have been working hard for the match against Burundi. “We are not only going to beat them but we are going to qualify for the Nations Cup. “The players know what is expected of them and collectively as a team, we are looking forward to the match with optimism. Individually and collectively, we are doing everything to be at our best when we confront Burundi”, he assured. According to Amuneke who broke into the national team as an U-21 player at the 1991 All African Games in Egypt, he was not unaware of Nigeria’s status as defending champions plus a record seven titles, saying he has set both short and long term goals for the Flying Eagles. “I’m not under any pressure because our business is qualification for the U-20 AFCON in Zambia. I’m not

going to discuss what I know about Burundi here but what I know is that we are going to face a formidable team; and I’m confident we would be ready to play them in their home and when they come here for the return match. “Though there are factors like high altitude as well as the timing of the match to deal with but we have prepared our players psychologically and they are ready for these challenges”, he stated. Other fixtures will see last year’s runners-up, Senegal travel to North Africa to face, Tunisia in Oued Elil, whilst semi-finalists Ghana and Mali have tricky away ties against Ethiopia and Mauritania in Addis Ababa and Nouakchott respectively. In Windhoek, Namibia will host South Africa in a regional derby just as Mozambique takes on Lesotho in Maputo. Gambia will come up against Morocco in Bakau,

Burkina Faso against Congo in Ouagadougou with Zimbabwe hosting Cameroon in Harare. The return legs will take place on the weekend of June 10-12, 2016, with the winners advancing to the final round of the qualifiers that will see seven teams qualify to join hosts Zambia for the final tournament slated for February 26 to March 12, 2017.

Today’s Fixtures Tunisia

vs Senegal

Gambia

vs Morocco

Cote d’Ivoire vs Guinea Burkina Faso vs Congo Burundi

vs Nigeria

Rwanda

vs Egypt

Angola

vs Gabon

Mozambique vs Lesotho Namibia

vs South Africa

Sunday, 22 April 2016 Ethiopia

vs Ghana

Zimbabwe

vs Cameroon

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MIRROR SPORT

MirrorGolf Mirror With Pius Anakali

MAY 21, 2016

Tel: 08023367071

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Polo: Contestants ready for Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Shield

Justin Rose

Injury forces Rose out of BMW PGA event

orld number 10 Justin Rose has withdrawn from next week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth because of a back injury. The 35-year-old former US Open champion struggled with the problem at the recent Players Championship at Sawgrass, where he finished

tied 19th. “I am sad to miss what I regarded as my home event,” he said. His withdrawal follows Rory McIlroy’s decision to opt out of the tournament earlier this month. The Northern Irish world number three did not want to play four weeks in a row.

Muirfield votes against women membership

uirfield will not stage another Open Championship after maintaining its ban on women members in a vote described as “indefensible” and “embarrassing”. The Scottish club said voting in favour of allowing women had fallen just short of the required two thirds majority. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said Muirfield’s stance was “simply indefensible”. To admit women golfers as members, Muirfield ; a privately owned links in East Lothian run by The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers -needed two thirds (432) of its 648 eligible voters to back the move. But after a “comprehensive” two-year consultation process described as “thorough” and conducted “with all due diligence and

professionalism”, it fell short. Of the 616 members who voted, 397 or 64% voted for the resolution, while 219 (36%) voted against it.

bout fifteen top teams are ready for the 2016 Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament scheduled to hold in Kangimi Resort, Kaduna from May 25 to June 5.

The biggest charity polo event in Africa in collaboration with Fifth Chukker will feature teams contesting for honours in three categories, according to organisers of the event in the 10th year of Access Bank sponsorship aimed at reaffirming importance of the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children in northern Nigeria. Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, said the bank had maintained its yearly support to UNICEF towards its projects for the orphans and vulnerable children, in addition to seeking new avenues to support the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country. “We have been working in

Kaduna, in collaboration with UNICEF to elevate quality of lives. We need to do a lot more in support of these orphans and vulnerable children especially in the IDP camps to enable them live a better life and have access to education,” Etuokwu said. Meanwhile, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Jean Gough, has commended Access Bank for the partnership which has over the past decade positively touched the lives of children needing support, particularly in Kaduna and its environs. Gough said the partnership has increased the space for lots of children orphaned by HIV/ Aids in the target communities to enjoy their rights to education. “We know that sustainable development begins with safe, healthy and well-educated children irrespective of status. We have no doubt through this partnership, we’ve made

positive impacts in the lives of disadvantaged children in education and healthcare and we are hoping to do more,” she said. Fifth Chukker Polo Captain, Babangida Hassan, also said his team was proud of the partnership with Access Bank and UNICEF. “We are happy for the number of teams across Africa that has signified interest to participate in the 2016 Charity Shield polo tournament,” Hassan remarked. Campaigns for the most prestigious prize, the Access Bank Cup and the lowgoal UNICEF Cup promise excitement with the expected displays of skills in potentially explosive games. Organisers said the coming event was the first stage in the series that would climax in Europe with the Access Bank Charity Shield Polo Day at the prestigious Guards Polo Club in London next month.

Bishop Okonkwo tourney: Ndubuzor rates championship high IfeanyI eduzor Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon

Redeemed Province 29 tournament enters q/final stage

uarter- final matches of the on-going football competition of Province 29 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Alagbado, Lagos will be decided today at the Alade Stadium. According to the quarterfinal fixtures made available to our correspondent by the coordinator of the championship, Pastor Arowole, Dominion Zone

Players at the 2015 UNICEF Charity Shield Cup final at the fifth Chukker Polo Ground in Kaduna

will meet Restoration Zone while First Born Zone will test the might of Testimony Zone. Also, Zion Zone will trade tackles with Agape just as Jesus Assembly will confront Winners Zone in the last quarterfinal match. Pastor Arowole noted that the competition will continue tomorrow, Sunday 22 at the same venue where semi- final matches will be decided.

s the 14th edition of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo Football Championship enters Match Day 3 today, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the tournament, Malachi Ndubuzor has expressed satisfaction with the football artistry displayed by the various teams since the commencement of the

Bishop Mike Okonkwo

competition. He told Saturday Mirror that he was impressed with matches played by some of the 64 teams participating in the competition being sponsored by the Presiding Bishop of “The Redeemed Evangelical Mission”, Bishop Mike Okonkwo. “I am quite satisfied with the performance of the teams since the competition began last Saturday at the football pitch of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos. “The improvement in the standard of play is an indication that the championship is becoming better every year which accounts for why many club sides want to be part of it. According to him, The LOC will always ensure that fair play is maintained in all the matches even as he ruled out poor officiating by the match officials. “The LOC as part of its function wants to ensure that only the

best team emerges winner at the end of the day and we will not compromise on fair play and good officiating”, he concluded. Meanwhile in some of the matches concluded Wednesday, El- Shaddai Fc played 1-1 draw with Ascenders Fc while Star Based Fc recorded a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Fc just as the match between Badia Fc and Young Stars Fc ended in a 2-2 draw. In today’s encounter, Maryland United will confront Odiah Fc in the first match of the day while Staruf Fc will face Synergy Ultimate Strikers. Also Simba Fc will lock horns with Omoh Fc with Dream Achievers Fc testing the might of Swift Fc in the final match of the day. Action continues tomorrow at the same venue when Holly Fc plays De Diamond Fc while Saviour Fc will confront. Olusosun United.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 21, 2016

ITTF Nigeria Open: Toriola, Abiodun progress to second round

bashing. igeria’s best players of However, the star player the moment, Segun Toof the day was Nigeria’s Tobi riola and Bode Abiodun Falana who bundled out seeded booked their places in the secGhanaian Felix Lartey with a ond round of the ITTF Premier 4-2 win to the admiration of the Lotto Nigeria Open. fans. Toriola was made to work Nigerian players had no hard for the victory as Portuchance in the men’s U-21 as gal’s Diogo Carvalho stretched Egypt’s Shady Magdy and the former African champiPortugal’s Diogo Chen battle on to the seventh game in a for the title. thrilling match watched by capacity crowd at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. But with experience and calmness, Toriola gave the fans something to cheer with a 4-3 win to edge out the Portuguese. Also, Bode Abiodun wasted no time in beating Wale Fagbamila 4-2 while Ojo Onaolapo was shown the exit by Portugal’s Zhao Tianming with a 4-0 Toriola

24 schools for LAFGHECA games IfeanyI eduzor

bout 24 schools has indicated interest to participate in the forthcoming 5th edition of the annual Lagos First Generation Heritage Colleges Association (LAFGHECA) collegiate games slated for June 11 at the CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos. Disclosing this to the media during a press conference to herald the games, chairperson of the association, Alhaja Risikat Yusuf who is also the Principal of Ansar Ud Deen Girls High School, Itire, Lagos noted that the body which comprises mainly of missionary schools established before the country’s independence is organizing the championship in order to uphold the tradition of producing talented athletes which the schools are noted for. “We are organizing this tournament to revive the old tradition of producing budding athletes by missionary schools which helped the country’s sports development in the past.

“It is a well known fact that most sportsmen and women who did the country proud in the past like Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu and others were products of first generation schools and we want to sustain that legacy and make the World to once again believe in Nigerian sports”, she stated. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the games, Venerable Tunde Oduwale who also doubles as Principal of CMS Grammar School, explained that the one day event will involve track and field event, swimming, scrabble, table tennis, triathlon and decathlon. He listed some of the track and field events as 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x400 meters, 800 meters, 1, 500 meters amongst others. Managing Director of David Hall Sports Management, marketers of the tournament, Shokoya Olayinka stated that they are working in conjunction with Athletics Federation of Nigeria to mentor athletes discovered at the games.

Okiki wins Adeola scrabble tourney

kiki Fowobaje of Ifako International School swept the board yesterday as he emerged champion of the maiden edition of the Rabiu Adeola U-12 Scrabble Championships held at the Lagos Country Club Ikeja. The keenly contested competition saw over 50 children from different schools in a battle of wits as the event brought out the best in all of the participants to the delight of World scrabble champion, Wellington Jighere, who was the icon of the day. Jighere who was stunned at the kids’ display couldn’t hide his excitement, declaring that he was excited by their level of understanding of the game. “I’m so excited at their level of competition. These kids are future leaders in the game. The organisers have done a great thing to give us a competition of this magnitude. I’m very sure more talents will be unearthed if more competitions are organized”, he stated. The 11 year old Okiki who smiled home with a giant trophy, gold medal, sets of scrabble and other items, craved for more competitions. Hiddink

The first five winners went home with various prizes while the most promising school, Trinity College was awarded a trophy. In his remarks sponsor of the tournament, Bimbo Adeola, said it was meant to immortalize his late father, Rabiu Adeola as well as discover hidden talents who will be nurtured to stardom, while adding that the second edition will be more glamorous. ‘Our plan is to discover for Nigeria more world beaters like Wellington Jighere. Catching them when they are young will speed up their learning process and before long; Nigeria will reap from our effort”, he concluded.

Sports Minister, Dalung

MIRROR SPORT

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Pinnick, Dikko meet new FIFA scribe

FF President Amaju Pinnick and 2nd Vice President/LMC chairman Shehu Dikko on Thursday in Abuja had a breakfast meeting with new FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura. Samoura was appointed into the position at last week’s 66th FIFA Congress in Mexico City. The 54 year old Senegalese diplomat is the first woman to hold the position in FIFA’s 112 year history. “We are very much delighted at your appointment. You are not only the first woman in this very important post but you are also the first Afri-

can. We are very proud of you and what you have achieved with the United Nations to deserve this position. “By your appointment, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino has shown the World the kind of organization he wants to run; a dynamic, efficient and people friendly institution that will fulfill his motto of bringing football back to FIFA and FIFA back to football,” NFF President Pinnick said at the meeting. Both Pinnick and Dikko delivered to Mrs. Samoura a special message from the FIFA President, who will visit Nigeria next month.

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura

2015 by the Director, Grassroots Sports Development, Dr. Ademola Are, to begin periodic organization of talent hunt programmes in their various zones. According to her, the programme which started November last year with the train- thetrainers programme is aimed at identifying and grooming talented young athletes to become future champions even as she expressed satisfaction with the number of pupils and teachers that attended the programme. “This programme was initiated as a way of identifying talented youngsters who will be

trained to become future champions. “As we round up the programme, the children will later be shared between 5 sports namely chess, scrabble, swimming, athletics and table tennis. “They are expected to be nurtured every Thursday for the next four years by 100 teachers who will be divided in the ratio of 20 teachers for each sport. “I believe at the end of the day, champions would emerge among them”, Oreweme concluded. The two day programme which began on Thursday attracted about 2000 pupils from different public schools in Lagos.

NSC talent hunt ends in Lagos

IfeanyI eduzor

he two day talent hunt programme organized by the Lagos Liaison office of the National Sports Commission ended yesterday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Lagos Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Tayo Oreweme noted that the decision to embark on the programme was in pursuance of the mandate given to all Zonal/ Liaison Officers in October

Pre-World title fight: Power Lee seeks financial support IfeanyI eduzor

ro Wrestling Africa (PWA), heavyweight champion, Power Lee has made a passionate appeal to both the Federal and State Governments as well as corporate organizations to help him financially as he prepares for his Pre- World title fight against Rikishi on July 30 in Alabama, United States. Power Lee who won the African title September 18 last year after defeating Cameroonian champion, Michel Noudem at the Palais de Sports, Yaoundé, Cameroon and successfully defended it against Marvelous Buffalo of Angola at the Asaba Township Stadium on May 1 this year, told Saturday Mirror that his next fight in the United States is to prepare him to have a shot at the World title held by Damien Wayne in January 2017 in California. According to the champion who is now rated as the number two contender to the heavyweight title by Allied Independent Wrestling Federation (AIWF) based in California, United States, he would have

Power Lee (M) presenting his heavyweight belt to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Asaba recently

been stripped of the continental title but the fact that he singlehandedly sponsored the fight with support from Ultimate Wrestling Promotion (UPWP), a sports promoting outfit, made the title to still remain in Nigeria. “My appeal to Governments at all level and the Corporate World is to come to my aid as I prepare for my next fight in the United States. “I sponsored myself to Cameroon to bring glory to my father land and also singlehandedly financed my last title defence in Asaba but now there is little I can do because of lack of funds which necessitated this appeal”, he stated.

The Isoko, Delta State born wrestling champion while commending the Governor of Delta State Senator. Ifeanyi Okowa for his financial support and pronouncing him as Sports Ambassador of Delta State as well as the President General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe for their support, promised Nigerians that he will not disappoint them if given the financial support to attend the fight. Meanwhile Power Lee has announced plans to present his belt to the Delta State Governor and Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung on a yet to be announced date.

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LEISURE

MAY 21, 2016

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 21, 2016

Crime Watch

Family cries over abducted toddlers •Appeals for information Patience OgbO

o say that the family of two toddlers, 2-year-old Chikamso and 4-year-old Chinaza Okpara are distraught over the abduction of their daughters is an understatement The toddlers were allegedly abducted by a lady simply identified as Rose who is said to be an apprentice at a Salon at the Ajeromi area of Ajegunle in the state. Although the case was reported to the Ajeromi Police Station that same day, the whereabouts of the girls remain unknown. The toddlers’ father, Mr.Emeka Opara in a telephone conversation with Saturday Mirror revealed that the family has began fasting and praying for the safe return of their daughters allegedly abducted by Rose on May 10. Sadly, ten days after the abduction, the lady has not contacted the family to demand for ransom and the police are yet to give the family any positive news. Mr. Okpara, said, “ We are yet to get any information about the girls. The lady that took them away has not called for ransom. We are in distress and appealing to her to return our daughters. They are the two children we have and the thought that they are with a stranger is not what I want to imagine. We are praying for their safe return “. According to Opara, his wife took the girls to the salon, where she works but the suspect lured and whisked the girls to an unknown destination and efforts to reach her have been abortive. Mr. Okpara said, “Rose approached my wife on Tuesday last week at the salon. She said she wanted to learn the trade, but my wife told her that she was only a manager at the salon. “The arrangement was that she should come back with her people to meet the owner so that they can agree on the terms of work and then sign it. “Rose said since the owner wasn’t around, that she would still like to begin tentative work so that she won’t be idle. My wife agreed and she worked from that Tuesday to Saturday. “That Saturday, a customer came to the shop and my wife was attending to her. Later, my wife wanted to patronise the market across the salon, and so she left the customer, our daughters and Rose behind. “ When she came back, she didn’t see either Rose or our girls. When she asked the neighbours, they told her that Rose went out with them to buy food. “Till that Saturday when they were taken, we haven’t seen or heard from Rose. We don’t know what else to do. We are devastated. We are pleading with her to please return

our joy to us.” Speaking on the efforts being made to get his children back, Mr. Opara stated that the police informed him that they arrested a suspected female child kidnapper at the Ikorodu area of the state but she was beaten mercilessly and receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. Okpara said, “When we heard that a notorious kidnapper, who is into abduction of children was arrested by the police on Monday at the Ikorodu area, we hoped she would be interrogated. “For now, that is the only lead that we have. We hope that when she is interrogated, she would open up and probably tell us if she knows about the whereabouts of our daughters. “ But as at now, she has not been interrogated because she is currently receiving treatment from the severe beating she received from the mob who almost killed her before she was rescued by the police.” Okpara urged members of the public to provide useful information to the nearest police station or call 08129390600.

Police arrest man for drugging passenger Patience OgbO

member of a gang of robbers that specialises in drugging and robbing passengers in Lagos State is telling policemen how they perpetrate the act. The member of the gang, identified as Chidi Umeh, 34 years old, was arrested at the Iyana Iba Ojo area of the state, after one of their victims slumped in a commercial vehicle and was rushed to a hospital in the area. Saturday Mirror gathered that angry motorists would have lynched Chidi but he was rescued and apprehended by passers-by, who later handed him over to the police in the area. Following his arrest, the suspect told policemen how the gang members drug unsuspecting passengers in commercial buses and rob them. He said, “ I am a petty trader. I sell second hand clothes in Ajangbadi area of Lagos state. I hussle to keep alive and provide for my family but the money I earn is not enough to cater for my needs and that of my family. Sometimes last year, I met a fellow trader called Eze. Eze deals on second hand materials like clothes and other accessories. It was Eze that introduced me to drugging passengers. We are not the only ones in the business of drugging passenger. Almost all the traders selling second hand clothes in that area are engaged in this business of drugging commercial bus passengers.

He was the one that convinced me with the idea of drugging passengers in commercial vehicles. We usually board commercial vehicles filled with a lot of passengers and what Eze does is to wait when one of the passengers wants to buy water or anything to eat from hawkers, he will try to render assistance to buy the item for the person. When nobody is watching, he injects the drinks and foods with sleeping drugs, which makes such targeted passenger to sleep off. Eze, usually carried syringe in his pocket, which he laced with the sleeping pills.” Narrating how the gang members rob their target, Chidi said, “We are professionals in the crime so what we do is that after the targeted passenger had drank the drugged water or the food they bought, they will sleep off in the vehicle and this will give us ample time to search them to steal from them. We usually target passengers along the Lagos - Badagry expressway. Most of them are traders and we search them and steal money, mobile phones and other valuables when they are fast asleep. From watching Eze, I noticed that he targeted passengers that purchase pure water ( satchet water). Eze has a way of injecting the satchet water with the sleeping drugs so that the person will drink and fall sleep without other passengers noticing. On that fateful day I was arrested, Eze had drugged the man’s satchet water and after he fell asleep, he stole money from him and he escaped. I was

not lucky. I tried to escape but I was apprehended.” Saturday Mirror gathered that the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department Panti, Yaba, for further investigations. It was gathered that the case is being treated as a case of attempted murder, which is a bail-able offence. Saturday Mirror gathered further that the victim identified as Razak was revived in the hospital and he is assisting detectives with the investigation. The victim in his statement to the police however claimed that the gang after drugging him, stole N140,000 from him. He said “ I remember that I bought satchet water on the road from a hawker during a trip along the Lagos - Badagry expressway. I started feeling sick so I tried to sleep. I don’t know when I slumped in the vehicle and was rushed to the hospital. I woke up only to find out that my business money has been stolen from my pocket. I had N140,000 on me but they stole it. I want my money back so I can face my business “. Chidi however claimed they did not steal N140,000 from the victim as he maintained that the victim did not have such amount in his pocket. He said: “The man (Razak) did not have N140,000 on him. He probably had about N25,000 on him . I am willing to pay him the money even though this is my first time in this crime “. Police sources informed Saturday Mirror that they have began a manhunt for Eze and other members of the gang.

Do you have a story for us? Contact 08138773277 or crimewatchmirror@yahoo.com

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Patience OgbO

26 -year -old man, Destiny John, has said he was under the influence of spiritual forces, when he stabbed his twin brother Israelite to death. The incident, which happened last Monday, at number 41, Olurukemi Street, Bariga, Lagos, has put the residents of that area, who woke up that fateful day to shouts and screams after the news of the alleged murder spread like wildfire in shock. Destiny who has since been arrested and is undergoing investigations at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos Police Command, maintained that he was controlled by a strange and mysterious voice to murder his twin brother. He said, “ I am a food vendor. I assist my elder brother Samuel to sell cooked food at the Bariga area of Lagos. My elder brother has been using me to sell for him but he gives me peanut as payment. I have been struggling since I came to stay with him five years ago. My twin brother and I later left him and were living in a room. My twin brother was an apprentice learning how to make shoes. Though we had our problems but I have never attempted to kill him and I don’t allow anybody to threaten him. There was a time my landlord son threat-

Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 21, 2016

‘Evil forces manipulated me to kill my twin brother’ ened him and I warned the man to stay away from my twin brother. My landlord son wanted to extort money from my twin brother but he told me about the extortion and I confronted my landlord’s son to leave my twin brother alone because he didn’t have money. I went ahead to tell my landlord’s son to always come to me for money and he should not disturb my twin brother but he got angry and attacked me with a cutlass. I seized the cutlass from him and reported the case to my elder brother. Before the day that I killed my brother, I had bought a new generator and my brother and I with one of our friends called Christopher, had a lovely weekend. We danced and drank to celebrate the purchase of a new generator and after we had fun, we went to sleep. Strangely, I woke up the next day and I went outside our apartment. All of a sudden, I became blind. I heard a strange voice that told me to take a knife. My brother and our friend Christopher were still fast asleep but I suddenly regained my sight and the voice ordered

me to stab my brother. I went straight to his side and stabbed him in the stomach. All of a sudden, I came back to my senses and saw my brother in a pool of his own blood. I started screaming. Our friend Christopher woke up. I picked up my phone and called our elder brother. He was the one that called the police and I was arrested”. Asked if he takes hard drugs or alcohol, the suspect said he never took hard drugs. He said, “ I don’t drink and I do not smoke hard drug. Yes, I drink brandy but I don’t take it to a level that I cannot control myself. I don’t have a girlfriend and I don’t womanise because I am poor and still struggling to fend for my twin brother and myself. What happened to me is a mystery. I was under the influence of a strong evil spirit. This spiritual power has attacked my twin brother and they had made him mad. The evil force also stabbed me all over my head and shoulders. I don’t know whom my family offended for such a thing to happen to us . I am sad because my mother is still alive

Destiny John

and the news of our children’s predicament might send her to her early grave. I feel sorry for our mother. I was struggling to

earn money but I was manipulated to kill my own twin brother I love so much. I have been weeping since he died.”

Man impersonates policemen for free ride Patience OgbO

olicemen attached to the Lagos State police command have arrested a 33- year-

Nathaniel Benjamin

old man for allegedly impersonating police officers in the state. The suspect, who was identified as Nathaniel Benjamin was fully kitted

with Anti- Robbery Squad T-shirt, a camouflage face cap, a back bag, a black trouser with black boots to match was arrested at the Alakija area in Lagos, by a team of policemen on patrol of the area, following a tip off from members of the public. Following his arrest, the suspect who claimed to be from Kogi state but works as a private driver in Lagos, was transferred to the police headquarters at Ikeja, for further investigation. Saturday Mirror learnt that the suspect confessed that he is a fake policeman parading himself in the state to escape paying fares to commercial bus drivers. The suspect in his confession to the police said he loves police work but all his efforts to become a police man has met brick walls. “

I am a private driver at the FESTAC Town area of Lagos. I get N30,000 as monthly salary but this is not enough to cater for my needs. I decided to dress as a police officer so that when I board a commercial vehicle, the driver will not collect fare from me. I decided to impersonate policemen because my salary is meager and all efforts to earn more or get a well paying job have been futile. I am desperate to save a few amount from free transportation that was why I decided to impersonate police men” Asked where he got the police uniform, the suspect said he got them from his late brother who was a policeman. “ I was not using the police uniform to defraud anybody. I did not also use it to escort heavy-duty vehicles. Like I

said, I was using it to get free transportation. I got the uniform after my elder brother who was a policeman died in a road crash. My brother had not spent one year in the police Force when he was killed in a road accident last year. After his burial, I decided to use his uniform. I have been wearing it to get free ride for three month. I love police work. I have been applying to the Police force for recruitment for a long time but I was not selected. I have also applied for the recent recruitment and I have been praying to God to help me get into the Police force. I don’t know that dressing in police uniform is an offence. It was my love for the force that made me impersonate police and also the free ride that comes with being a police officer “.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 21, 2016

Enugu govt approves N100m for neighbourhood watch

he Enugu State Government has approved N100 million for equipping of local security outfit called `Neighbourhood Watch’ for effective policing of rural communities in the state. The Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, made this known in Enugu on Friday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting. The Commissioner said that the money was approved by the Executive Council, and would be used to purchase torch lights, uniforms, raincoats and boots as well as for the upkeep of the group members. He said that the council also approved the composition of a peace committee between communities and herdsmen aimed at ensuring

lasting peace in the state. He said that N341.7 million was also approved for the execution of some priority projects, including the completion of the state diagnostic centre, subject to due process certification. Other approvals made by the council, according to him, include N50 million counterpart funds for the World Bank-assisted Community Support Development Projects (CSDP) in the state. “This project would enable the state benefit from the 140 million dollars additional financing from the World Bank for the projects in the communities across the state,” he said. Udeuhele said that the state government took steps to extend electricity to some rural communities at an approved cost of N75.6 million. (NAN)

APGA to participate in Edo governorship election — Official

he All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will participate in the Edo Governorship Poll coming up in September, the National Director of Publicity, Mr. Ifeanacho Ogbuejiofor, has said. Ogbuejiofor made the fact known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday. He said that the party CHANGE OF NAME

YOHANA: I, formerly known, called and addressed as YOHANA ZAKARIYA WULUSHA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as YOHANA ZAKARIYA YARIMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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SOUTH EAST

Molested NLC chairman hospitalised in Ebonyi ALIUNA GODWIN, ABAKALIKI

he chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State chapter, Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor, was yesterday rushed to the emergency ward of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, after he was allegedly manhandled by the Nigeria Police Force. It was gathered that Nwafor slumped after he was released from Police custody, and was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was currently receiving treatment at the time of filing this report. Recall that Nwafor, together with his members, was said to have been teargassed by the Police while carrying out their peaceful

executives had not met to decide on the sale of forms to interested aspirants, but gave assurance that the party leaders would meet to decide on the matter. Ogbuejiofor recalled that the last time, nomination form for governorship post was five million naira while the expression of interest form was one million naira. He said that the party could review the cost of the forms. Ogbuejiofor said that by the end of the month, the National Executive Committee of the party would meet and decide on how to prepare for the governorship poll.

protest in the state. Investigation revealed that he was thoroughly beaten, thrown into a Police Hilux van and taken to the state police headquarters by Operatives of the Command where he was allegedly detained following a peaceful protest by NLC members in the state against the increase in electricity tariff and fuel pump price by the Federal Government. The Police were said to have intercepted the NLC members at Pastoral Centre along old Abakaliki-Enugu expressway, and ordered them to move back to their office, but they resisted and insisted on continuing the peaceful protest; an action which made the police to use force on them. Nwafor was seen rolling on the ground while the police officers made up of

Special Anti-robbery Squad members were hitting him hard just as other NLC members, who were in the train had fair share of the brutality. Speaking to journalists on his hospital bed on Friday, Nwafor decried the action of the Police saying they were handled like common criminals, adding that they were indiscriminately attacked, their bus and phones seized. He said: “Our greatest surprise was that this team was led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, and he was commanding his men to deal with me, and even when I was on the ground, he was matching and hitting me and later ordered about five of them to lift me and throw into a Hilux van.” He alleged that the state’s

Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, confirmed through her responses when he was taken to her office, she was the one who ordered the attack on him and his colleagues. He alleged that the CP said the Union undermined her office for embarking on the protest without getting her approval, an allegation he denied, saying he notified her through writing and the CP attested she received it. Nwafor said even the men of Department of State Security Services, DSS, sent to provide security for them were also attacked by the Police. He said:”We even gave the Police the letter before the DSS, and they sent their men, who came in their vehicle, following and guiding what we were doing.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AL-USWAT WELFARE SOCIETY OF NIGERIA his is to inform the general public that the above named Society has applied

to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. 1 of 1990 as amended in 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SHEIKH MUHAMMAD S. SIDDIQ 2. HADJ SYED OLAGOKE YUSSUF 3. NADHIR O. SIDDIQ 4. USTADH NURUDEEN A. RASAQ 5. HADJ FATAI O. DUNMOYE

— (CHIEF MISSIONER) — (PRESIDENT) — SECRETARY) —(TREASURER) —(PATRON)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. 1. To propagate the ideals of Islam. 2. To practice the doctrine of Holy Prophets of ALLAH and their (SUNA). Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed:

SECRETARY PUBLIC NOTICE

ETERNAL CROWN BIBLE MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named Association ( Church) has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under part ‘C’ of CAMA, LFN 2004 for the change of it’s name from ETERNITY CROWN BIBLE MINISTRY to ETERNAL CROWN BIBLE MINISTRY . TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Goodness Ihedioha 2. Philip Ihedioha 3. Collins Duru 4. Marie Amadi. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of salvation. 2. To serve God and humanity. • The constitution of the association (Church ) shall be amended to reflect the new name. Any objection to the above changes should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Police barricade against protesters in Ebonyi State during fuel hike protest on Thursday.

… as Police ban illegal protests, demonstrations E

bonyi State Police Command has banned any form of protest and demonstration without the due approval by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, who must be notified of the planned exercise. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP George Okafor, who denied that the chairman of the Ebonyi state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor and other labour

leaders in the state were assaulted by the Police noted that the command would not condone any form of illegal gathering in the state. The PPRO stressed that notification of the planned protest by the labour unions had not reached the Police Commissioner at the time of the protest that prompted the interception of the police to avert a breach of public peace. Okafor asserted that at no time were the labour

leaders assaulted as the operation was led by a senior police officer, adding that the NLC chairman had to frame the allegation to whip up sentiment on the illegal and unapproved gathering. Though the police spokesman admitted that the organized labour circulated sit-at-home protest letter in their meeting on May 17, which was attended by the state Police command, the labour leaders did not inform the police of the rescheduled plans to take to the streets.

“The Ebonyi State NLC had earlier circulated documents after their meeting, which was also attended by the Ebonyi Police, that their protest would be sit at home starting from May 18. When it changed, they failed to duly inform the police clearly poised to engaging in a protest that would be permeated by miscreants leading to criminal activities that would further threaten the internal security of Ebonyi State, Okafor said.

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SOUTH SOUTH

Soldier drowns in Bayelsa boat accident

n unidentified soldier attached to the Joint Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, has died in a boat accident in Bayelsa State. The unnamed soldier, said to be escorting oil officials from a spill site, reportedly drowned and died at Taylor Creek near an oilfield operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Okordia area of Yenagoa. A community source, who craved anonymity, said the incident occurred on Thursday evening. The source said that the soldier was on an escort duty and drowned when a boat conveying oil workers across the Taylor Creek capsized. He said, “The boat conveying the crew from Agip’s field capsized on their way back from the site at the oilfield across and before help could come the soldier had drowned and died. “They were using a hand paddled canoe to cross the workers one at a time. “The soldier was washing his boots when water entered the boat and it capsized. His rifle fell into the creek when the other members of the crew had crossed and waiting for him to cross.” The source said that the

attention of the fishermen operating in the creeks was drawn to the soldier and the canoe driver of the boat, saying that the time the fishermen arrived, the soldier had died and could not be rescued. It was learnt that officials of NAOC, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, and oil workers were returning from an assessment visit to an oil leak site when the incident occurred on Thursday. The Youth President, Kalaba Community in Okordia, Mr. Samuel Oburo, said that the rifle of the dead soldier was recovered by local divers on Friday. Oburo said, “Some soldiers from Elele barracks came around after the remains of the soldier was recovered and asked me to mobilise local divers in search of the rifle of the soldier. “We went in search of the gun and we recovered the rifle and handed it over to them, later in the day another senior officer came to show appreciation to the community.” Eni, parent company of NAOC, has yet to respond to an email seeking a response on the incident.

MAY 21, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oil firm canvasses return of peace in Rivers communities DENNIS NAKU, PORT HARCOURT

il giant, Total E&P, has expressed readiness to contribute to the return of peace in its host communities currently experiencing security challenges in Rivers State. Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt district of Total E&P, Mr. Nicolas Brunet, stated this in Port Harcourt, while delivering a keynote address during a one day stakeholders meeting with the firm’s OML 58 landlords. The communities (landlords) include, Ekpeye, Amah, Idu, Elele Alimini, Elele Okinali and Rumuekpe, all in Rivers State. Brunet, who decried the state of insecurity in the affected communities, said the development had created what he termed an “extraor-

dinary situation” for the oil and gas company. Represented by Charles Edward Anfray, Advisory, Community Affairs and Development, he said the essence of the interactive session, which held at the company’s premises in Port Harcourt, was to encourage flow of information between the firm and the stakeholders. He expressed sadness that the companies’ facilities, including well heads and pipelines, have been touched as a result of the violence in some of the areas, lamenting that some people have even fled their villages. “The situation (insecurity) is extraordinarily difficult; we are in the middle of a cult war where so many of our brothers suffer. “We know that there are many shootings almost every day. Our facilities are vandalized; the wellheads, the pipes

and so on and so forth. This situation has caused so much pain, and many people have relocated. “We (Total E&P) need to be able to support you in this difficult situation. We need to rub minds and put hands together to see what can be done to restore peace in the area,” the Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt District, said. The oil giant enjoined the stakeholders to feel free to speak, stressing that the meeting was about how it can continue to help its host communities, adding that it was also about promoting dialogue between the firm and the communities. “Feel free to speak; feel free to ask questions. Any person can speak, not only the leaders/landlords, not only the recognised associations. Total wants to reach the grassroots, the elites, all the people, and that is why we

invited so many of you today. We want permanent dialogue with our stakeholders, not only through MoU, but also through every opportunity like this one,” he stated. The oil giant also expressed concerns over the challenges of poverty and hunger in the communities, stressing that it would soon launch a special program to support businesses in the communities. Brunet also said the meeting was an opportunity to clear the air over perceived rumours relating to the firm in the communities. Speaking, a traditional ruler from Ekpeye Kingdom, HRH Eze Joshua Eyiba, expressed happiness over the company’s eagerness to see peace return in crisis-ridden communities, even as he commended Total for its continued support to the development of its host communities.

PDP govs, Akpabio, hold party convention in Port Harcourt

hairman of the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Rivers State, Bar Nyesom Wike, has assured that the National Convention of the party slated for Port Harcourt today will go ahead as planned. Flanked by Governors Okezi Ikpeazu of Abia state, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Dave Umahi, Ebonyi State and the Minority leader of the Senate, Senator Godswil Akpabio, Governor Wike said the party had acted timorously against any court order challenging the convention,. He said, “Assuming though not conceding that there was a court order that there should not be election for the chairmanship position, the man that you said went to court (acting national Chairman of the party) is participating in the election. It tells you he did not file any court process. We will do

the election and know the next step to take. Since the chairman of the party they said went to court for an order that there should not be election is participating in the election what are we saying. Then when a party takes timeous step, that party can’t be said to be disobeying court order. We filed a motion for stay of execution and filed an appeal.” Governor Wike, who said the party had sought a stay of execution order against any court order challenging the election said they also appealed the court orders. Continuing, he said the action of the party had made it clear that it will not be disobeying any court order with its resolve to go ahead with the convention. Wike said the twelve governors on the platform of the party and other leaders of the various constitutionally recognised organs of the party were already in Port Harcourt.

L-R: Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Chairman of the National Convention Screening Committee of PDP, Mr Emmanuel Aguma and Acting National Chairman of the Party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, during the Screening of Delegates for PDP’s National Convention in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Youth protest stops ExxonMobil activities in Akwa Ibom

gain, activities of American oil giant, ExxonMobil, were brought to a standstill on Thursday when hundreds of youths from the Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State protested at the entrance of the premises. Thisday checks reveal that the protest was as a result of another oil spill in the area which started about a week ago with a heavy impact on the environment. The protest was said to have started about 6am till late in the evening thus paralyzing normal business transactions between members of

the public and the oil firm. The oil workers at the Qua Ibo Terminal (QIT) of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) were forced to go back on seeing the danger posed by the demonstrators. Also the convoy of the State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyang who was on an inspection of the Eket–Ibeno road to the QIT constructed by the state government was blocked by the youths. He was said to have been allowed and escorted by the youths to his vehicle to go after softly talking to the demonstrators.

The youths were said to have rebuff pleas from the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Inioboong Essien who was said to have rushed to the scene of the protest since 10.00 am in order to stop the youth protest. More than 10 vehicles load of policemen were drafted to the area to ensure the peaceful protest did not degenerate to violence. “Some of the placards read “Ibeno people are suffocating because of oil spill by ExxonMobil, clean our environment”, “ExxonMobil your maintenance culture is very poor, shame on your

negligence, “ExxonMobil oil spill is an offence by law. Stop committing it”, “ Stop gas flaring and oil spills in our environment,” among others. Reacting to the protest, Mobil Producing Nigeria, MPN, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, confirmed the report. Manager, Media and Communications, Mr. Oge Udeagha admitted that “in the early hours of Thursday, May 19, 2016, some unknown persons obstructed access to the bridge leading to our Qua Iboe terminal complex in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

MAY 21, 2016

PAGE

NYC man who joined, then escaped ISIS, speaks out against ‘evil’

e left the United States to join ISIS and then fled the group after five months. Now a New York City man is revealing the disturbing details of his journey into the heartland of terror — and warning others not to follow in his footsteps. In an exclusive and

unprecedented interview — which can be seen for the first time tonight on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, and at greater length Sunday on Dateline’s “On Assignment” — the defector tells how he was seduced by promises of a utopian Islamic State only to find brutality and chaos

when he got to Syria. “At one point towards the end as things were getting more and more serious, I did see severed heads placed on spiked poles,” the 27-year-old, who is now in federal custody and cooperating, told NBC News. “Like a lot of things, I

just blocked it out,” said the man, who asked that he be identified only as Mo. Mo, who attended Columbia University, is one of a small group of American citizens and residents whose names were found in ISIS personnel files obtained by

NBC News and verified by the West Point Combating Terrorism Center. In the interview, he said he became entranced by the Islamic State and its promise of a global caliphate through videos and article and used his savings to fly to Turkey in June 2014, soon after

the FBI showed up on his doorstep asking questions about his online activities. Mo tells of the harrowing night he crossed into Syria and his indoctrination at ISIS training camps on sharia law and military tactics, where he says fellow recruits were dazzled by the sight of a suicide belt.

China blasts Taiwan’s first female president

sai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s first female president, was sworn into office Friday, facing two very different sets of expectations -from those who voted for her and a Chinese leadership that wants the island on a tight leash. Although she was given a strong mandate in the January elections, with her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gaining control of the executive and legislative branches of government, a souring relationship with Beijing could undermine her ability to accomplish what she has set out to do at home. In her inauguration speech, Tsai struck a measured tone, attempting to reassure Taiwan’s people and the international community that she can handle the island’s complicated relationship with China. She said she wouldn’t dismantle any of the existing channels for communication between the two and vowed that Taiwan would be a “staunch guardian of peace.” “We will work to maintain peace and stability in cross-strait relations,” she said. Her address ended with choirs singing “Ilha Formosa” a poetic song that became an anthem for pro-democracy groups in Taiwan. China criticized Tsai’s speech, calling it “vague” and “an incomplete answer sheet,” in a statement issued by the Taiwan Affairs Office. “She didn’t come up with specific ways to en-

sure peaceful and stable development of the crossstrait relations,” the statement said. “She was vague on the nature of cross-strait

relations that concerns people on both sides the most.” In April, Taiwan accused China of carrying out “gross violation of ba-

sic human rights” after 45 Taiwanese were deported from Kenya to mainland China. They were then paraded on Chinese state TV

confessing to crimes they had been acquitted for in Kenya. “It seems clear that China is pressuring the Tsai administration even be-

fore it has formally come to office,” says Bruce Jacobs, a Taiwan specialist at Monash University in Australia before the inauguration.

Iraqi town freed from ISIS control

.S. Military officials Friday pointed to a key victory over ISIS in Iraq but acknowledged the bigger battles against the terror group are still to come. Iraqi forces have declared the key town of Rutbah “secure” from ISIS, a conclusion that the United States agrees with, according to spokesman Col. Steve Warren of the U.S.-led coalition. The small southwestern town in Anbar province has important strategic value

because it sits on the main road connecting Iraq to Jordan. Before the war, it was estimated that $1 billion in commerce flowed on that road annually. But for the last couple of years, ISIS had used Rutbah as a staging area to position fighters and weapons. CNN is the only television network traveling with Centcom Commander Gen. Joseph Votel in the Middle East. Votel was in Iraq Friday to meet with U.S. military commanders to assess the progress in the war

against ISIS. While U.S. military officials described the retaking of Rutbah as an important win for the Iraqi forces, the military campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria is changing, according to a top U.S. military commander. “Now the focus of the campaign is shifting more toward taking back the enemies’ centers of gravity in Iraq and Syria, Mosul and Raqqa,” Army Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, head of Operation Inherent Re-

solve, said Friday. MacFarland, who spoke in Baghdad, declined to predict when the final assault on Mosul, an ISIS stronghold, will take place. “I am really reluctant to make predictions,” he said. “We are trying really hard to make that happen.” MacFarland said the Iraqi forces the U.S. has worked with have proven to be “resilient and effective.” “I don’t know how long this campaign is going to last. But we have to do it in a way that the local security

forces either in Iraq or our partners in Syria can sustain. We don’t want to rush them out there and achieve fragile victories. We want to make sure their victories are irreversible.” As the U.S. continues to train Iraqi forces for the battle of Mosul, MacFarland said the standard is “they have to be better than the enemy.” He acknowledged the challenge will be ensuring that Iraqi forces, as well as local militias and Kurds, can hold onto Mosul once ISIS is pushed out.

EgyptAir Flight 804: Seats, suitcases, remains found

ome seats and aircraft parts. Personal belongings, including suitcases. And what’s described as body parts. That’s what EgyptAir and Greek officials say searchers have found so far in the effort to locate EgyptAir Flight 804, which is believed to have crashed early Thursday into the Mediterranean Sea while flying from Paris to Cairo. Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos relayed the Egyptian discovery of the body part, seats and suitcases at a news conference Friday, citing Egyptian

Family, friends of the EgyptAir plane victims console themselves

officials. Later, the airline issued a statement saying more remains, personal belongings and aircraft seats had been discovered. Those announce-

ments followed one from the Egyptian military, which said it had found parts of the aircraft and passenger belongings about 290 kilometers (180 miles) north of

the coastal city of Alexandria, Egypt. “The searching, sweeping and the retrieval process is underway,” Egyptian military spokesman Brig. Gen. Moham-

mad Samir said. Kammenos also said it appears that aircraft crews participating in the search “have located further findings in a different location.” “But we do not have as yet an official announcement if these findings do have to do with the particular aircraft,” he said. The plane was carrying 56 passengers and 10 crew members and security when it left Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris late Wednesday night. It disappeared from radar early Thursday as it flew to Cairo -- what should have been about a 3½-hour flight.

Quote of the day

“My assessment is that it has not been easy but there are issues that he promised, that he is really showing some level of concern and commitment to, the issue of battling insecurity. We can see that he has actually decapitated the Boko Haram as a terrorist group.” —Barrister Monday Ubani, human rights activist and former Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja branch, while assessing President Muhammadu Buhari’s first year in office.

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The General as Strategist Saturday, MAY 21, 2016. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

here are many roles for the ‘General as a Strategist’ in navigating organisational strategic road maps. The issue of general supervision cannot be taken for granted. It looks like the general will play the role of control tower for the other drivers of the strategy to navigate safely. The problem of many organisations lies in the lack of intellectual capacity of the ‘General as a Strategist.’ This manifests in the form of weak knowledge of what the organisation needs, which is beyond the usual ‘as the spirit directs’ approach. The fact remains that basic sound knowledge of management principles cannot be compromised as a basic requirement. How does one explain a ‘General as a Strategist’ not knowing the market he intends to play in? For instance, you see a newspaper that is targeting the mass market publishing hard articles and devoting many pages to intellectual/academic concerns. Such issues do not add significant benefit to the mass market. How will such a paper fare in the market? The newspaper will lose market share very quickly. The more poor people buy the newspaper, the more they will discover that the articles are of no benefit to them. With time, they will drop the newspaper. And when the intellectuals buy the newspaper, they are also not comfortable with it, as there are just a handful of articles in which they are interested. The strategic direction is clear and all that the ‘General as a Strategist’ needs to do is to continue to upgrade his knowledge of the specific market and add value. Strategic alignment will be very difficult if he changes market focus. There is no doubting the fact that First Bank is a mass market bank. And for a century, they have been focusing on the mass market. First Bank never takes private banking as a priority over and above their market focus. They have gained a large share of the mass market. They develop products that the market will need and they move on with excellent results. Most new generation banks do not know which of the markets they want to focus on. Many of them want to focus on the mass market, with large branches of the bank all over Nigeria. But in practice, they largely focus on private banking, which is the end market of the rich, a clear case of

CFR

The issue of general supervision cannoT be Taken for granTed. iT looks like The general will play The role of conTrol Tower for The oTher drivers of The sTraTegy To navigaTe safely cross purpose in strategic direction. How does one explain a loan of more than the entire shareholders fund given to one individual, when it is expected that such large sum of money should have been given to many customers to support the idea of the mass market, if that is the strategic focus. It is so sad that when you ask a CEO which market he is focusing on, he may often say, ‘I focus on anywhere money will come from!’ Regrettably, those short term benefits will not sustain the organisation. In a telephone hand set business, if the company is focusing on the mass market, it is very important to address the issue of price. For instance, of what significance is a telephone with features like YouTube, Facebook, or Internet connectivity to an illiterate market woman who wants a telephone? All of these will add to the price. And what a market woman needs is a cheap phone to make her calls! The strategic direction for the ‘General as Strategist’ is to ensure adequate knowledge of the market. You cannot develop a market that you are not expected to focus on. The missing link therefore is the lack of appropriate understanding of the mar-

ket for the products of the company or the alignment of cross markets. For instance, the Louis Vuitton brand is meant for the end market of the rich. Their products mean luxury! However, those behind the brand must think very fast, for the poor also love luxury! Their only obstacle is price. But makers of fake Louis Vuitton products can help the poor out of this dilemma. And once the rich begin to see Louis Vuitton products with the poor, the brand may lose the end market of the rich. Such an occurrence may create competitive advantage for the competitors of Louis Vuitton, as the fake products may sell more than the original. The greatest challenge to any CEO today is the market. Market issues include price, quality, competitive advantage, market share, technology, people and change. Nothing is predictable in the technology market. Before you can conclude your strategic road map, a new product that could put you on permanent disadvantage is launched by the competitors. Oftentimes, you simply do not have an answer to a competitor’s challenge. Customer loyalty cannot be taken for granted.

The challenge for the ‘General as Strategist’ in respect of knowledge development cannot be taken for granted. To many customers, innovation is important for retention. In my view, if innovation must be relevant, it has to be an accelerated innovation. But the problem here is lack of knowledge of what to do on the part of the CEO. How did the CEO of Blackberry react to the accelerated innovation introduced by Samsung? They had no answer! Blackberry was offered for sale! How did Nokia react to the same innovation of Samsung? They simply changed their market, moved to the emerging market of Nigeria and accepted low market share in developed countries of Europe and America, since they are at competitive disadvantage. And when Samsung penetrated the emerging market of Nigeria by increasing market share, what did Nokia do? Simply run away to no market! In practice and more particularly in the financial service industry, when a CEO has no answer for a competitive innovation, he simply embarks on de-marketing of the competitor. Again this approach is not sustainable. The key issue in understanding where to play in the market is cost of operation. A CEO cannot charge a low price for products meant for the end market, so also will it be impossible to charge a higher price for products meant for the mass market. In the middle market, both high and low prices are acceptable. The CEO of Range Rover almost sent the company into bankruptcy when he attempted to do a radical sales transformation of the product some years back. He introduced a new set of Range Rover for the mass market, while keeping the existing product for the end market, so that it will be possible to have a Range Rover of twenty thousand dollars for the mass market, while the superior Range Rover will remain for the end market as luxury! Regrettably, he produced over one hundred thousand of such cars for the mass market. The end market reacted by shifting to the competitor, ‘The Lexus’ and in no time, the legacy of Range Rover was on the decline! The Board quickly met, sacked the CEO and destroyed the entire vehicles meant for the mass market, so as to retain the end market for the sustenance of their legacy. The lesson here is not to jump over markets. Once a decision is taken about which market to operate in, the next thing is to keep that market. And how to do that largely depends on knowledge of how to earn customer loyalty. The ‘General as Strategist’ must be on top of such matters.

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