Saturday, june 8, 2013 binder1 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Police redeploy DPO, orderly over student’s death in Edo P. 2

Vol. 03 No. 25

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Naval officer gets life jail for murder of Okada rider P. 2

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I fasted for 5 years for MKO –Dupe Onitiri-Abiola

Saturday, June 8, 2013

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NAMA grounds Oshiomhole’s chopper NGF crisis

•‘Pilot did not file flight plan, declare manifest’

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...As Suswam leads 13 governors to remove Aliyu as NSGF Chair

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Nigerians sell their kidneys in Malaysia for N10m

Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade (left) and Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR), during a visit to the palace of the Ooni in Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday. MORE PICTURES ON PAGE 9 PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Why FG’s case against me can’t stand –Sokoto Xmas day bombing

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Bayelsa police killing: JTF arrests 25-yr-old suspect

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Top Stories

Ariginya: Celebration of virginity P.17

JTF arrests 25-yr-old key suspect in killing of 11 policemen in Bayelsa

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

z I didn’t intend to kill the policemen -Suspect

Bride-to-be robs fiance’s family

EMMA GBEMUDU

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...steals cash, jewellery, BlackBerry

Police redeploy DPO, orderly over student’s death in Edo P.38

Okada robberP.10 gets 20-yr jail term

Man arrested for selling 1-yrold son P.45

peratives of the Joint Task Force have arrested an ex-militant, Jackson Fabouwei, also known as Gen. Jasper, who allegedly masterminded the killing of 11 policemen along Lobia creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on April 5. Fabouwei, 25,was arrested last Thursday along Ikebiri, also in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, after a long surveillance and manhunt by JTF and other security agencies. Commander of JTF, Maj.Gen. Bata Debiro, made this known to newsmen yesterday in Yenagoa while parading the suspect. He said the arrest of the kingpin was achieved through sound intelligence gathering efforts men of the JTF and other security agencies. Fabouwei, who was paraded at the Sector 2 headquarters of JTF in handcuffs and shackles, sported a battered face. Debiro, who was represented by the Chief of Staff of JTF, said security agencies had been working seriously since the killings to track down the suspects and bring them to justice. The 11 cops who were travelling to Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state to mount security at the burial ceremony of the mother of an ex-militant leader, Gen. Young Shall Grow, were ambushed and killed by seven suspected gunmen .

Fabouwei

One of the policemen, who is of Ijaw stock, was kidnapped and taken away by the ex-militants. He was, however, released after a week. It was learnt that the bodies of the policemen were burnt after they were killed by the ex-militants. According to Debiro, “The JTF conducted series of operations around Lobia, Ukubie, Ezetu, Ekeni and Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area to hunt down these and other criminals. This led to some of the destruction of some of their hideouts and recovery of some of their arsenals.” According to the JTF boss, their operations destabilised the criminals and put them on the run, while the deployment of

troops in Azuzuama and Lobia made those areas untenable for the suspects. The Commander said Fabouwei would be handed over to the police for further investigations and prosecution. The suspect confessed to the crime, claiming that his colleagues pressurised him into killing the policemen. “I didn’t intend to kill the policemen,” he said. Fabouwei, who claimed to be a surveillance contractor, said the ringleader of the gang, identified as Gen.Virus, has relocated to Port Harcourt, while five others are in Calabar. The suspect said the attack was launched because Gen. Young Shall Grow had neglected them to suffer in spite of his affluence.

Supreme Court okays life sentence for Naval officer over Okada rider’s murder ISE-OLUWA IGE

five-member panel of the Supreme Court yesterday okayed life imprisonment for a naval officer, Felix Olanrewaju Odunlami, who, eight years ago, murdered Peter Edeh, a commercial motorcycle rider by shooting him in the mouth with his service pistol for hitting his car. In a unanimous judgment handed down yesterday, the Supreme Court also okayed his dismissal from service and forfeiture of all his entitlements. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour delivered the lead judgment in the case. The summit court simply upheld the earlier decisions of the General Court Martial and the Court of Appeal, Lagos which Mr Odunlami struggled to reverse for eight years. Ex-Lieutenant Odulami (with force number: NN2121) was travelling from the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja to Apapa on July 25, 2005 when, at the Allen Roundabout, Ikeja, Peter Edeh, who was riding a commercial motorcycle, hit the naval officer’s car from behind.

On realising that the owner of the car was a Naval officer, Edeh came down from his motorcycle and knelt down to beg Odunlami for forgiveness. A visibly angry Odunlami, however, ignored Edeh’s plea, reached for his pistol holster, retrieved his pistol and shot Edeh in his mouth. Edeh died instantly. Passers-by, who were attracted by the naval chief ’s action, gathered and attacked him and burnt his car. He was almost lynched but for the timely intervention of men of the Nigeria Police Force. The matter enjoyed generous space in the media while the naval authorities promised that justice would be done in the matter. Odunlami was on January 27, 2006 arraigned before a General Court Martial on a three-count charge. Specifically, he was charged with manslaughter, loss of service item (for not being able to convincingly account for four rounds of 9mm live ammunition) and conduct to the prejudice of service discipline. His offences were said to be contrary and punishable under sections 68(1)(a), 103(i) AFA 105 and 106 of the Armed Forces Act Cap A 20 laws of Nigeria. At the conclusion of his trial in July of

that year, the Court Martial convicted him on counts one and two. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for manslaughter and dismissed him from service on count two. Dissatisfied, he appealed to the Court of Appeal, Lagos. In its judgment on January 31, 2011, the appellate court upheld the Court Martial’s decision and dismissed Odunlami’s appeal, a decision that inspired his appeal to the apex court. Dismissing his appeal yesterday, the summit court held that the appellant’s defence of provocation could not avail him because of the facts of the case. The court also held that the trial court could not exercise its discretion to give a lower sentence because under Section 105 of the Armed Forces Act, (under which he was charged), “the trial judge has no discretion, but to sentence the appellant to life imprisonment. “The confirming authority confirmed the sentence of life imprisonment and dismissal from service of the Nigerian Navy. It further stripped the appellant of his rank and directed that he was not entitled to his financial entitlements.

“Was this sentence excessive? Dismissal means rejection, discarding. Once an officer is sentenced to life imprisonment and dismissed from services of the Armed Forces, it would be naïve of him to expect to be entitled to his entitlements. Dismissal and forfeiture of entitlements go together. “The well laid down position of the law is that this court will not interfere with concurrent findings of the courts below, except where the findings are perverse or not supported by credible evidence, or where miscarriage of justice has occurred. “The Court Martial did not believe the appellant’s narration of events, and I agree with both courts below that the appellant’s narration of events was wrong. “The mob that descended on the appellant was attracted to the scene when the appellant shot the deceased. The appeal has no merit. It is hereby dismissed,” Justice Rhodes-Vivour held. Four other members of the five-man panel that heard the case agreed with Justice Rhodes-Vivour on his findings. They included Justices Mahmud Mohammed, John Afolabi Fabiyi, Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Kumai Bayang Akaahs.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

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Prisons of reform or terror? Justice delayed is said to be justice denied. In Nigeria, however, the opposite of this maxim seems to be the rule. Many accused persons spend more years awaiting trial than they would have spent in actual imprisonment if convicted for their crimes. This ugly trend has been fingered as one of the reasons for the congestion of prisons in the land? What could be done to change the abysmal state of the penitentiaries? Can the creation of state-owned prisons, as canvassed by some, be the way out?

THOMAS USHIE AND OMEIZA AJAYI

hen the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Olasupo Shasore, SAN, called for the creation of state police and prisons in the country a few days ago he seemed to have re-opened the floodgates for the demand of a reform of the country’s prison structure,. His call also brought to the fore once again the pitiable state of the nation’s penitentiaries. “The four principal actors in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria are the police, the prison, the prosecution and the court and there should be proper co-operation between them. “If the police and the prisons are under the control of the state, we can now talk about an effective administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.” “It is absurd that in view of the number of inmates awaiting trial in Lagos, as it relates to the population, the facilities needed to take good care of them are lacking. I am speaking as a law enforcement officer,” Shasore said at the Prisons Reform Conference organised by the Order of the Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council recently. He was quickly joined by others at the same and dif-

ferent fora. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, last Tuesday in Abuja, at the ongoing Centenary Law Summit with the theme “Law and Society: 100 Years of Legal Development in Nigeria’, called for a revolutionary approach toward sanitising the prison system in the country. “The situation in Nigeria calls for a revolutionary approach and not a reform. We have a prison system where the poor are taken to jail regularly. “The rich, however, have access to good lawyers that frustrate trials so that they will not go to jail and where they go to jail they go into plea bargain for soft landing,’’ he said. Mr OCJ Okocha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and former NBA President, called for a full practice of the federal system of government, which gave states some level of power to execute certain projects. “The exclusive list is too wide and some of the things should be designated to states. “A division of the Federal High Court should be in all states of the federation. The Court of Appeal should also have divisions in all the states,’’ he said However, a lot of opposition has also risen up CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

June 8, 2013

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‘No need for dualisation of prison system’ Fred Agbaje, a Lagos lawyer and human rights crusader, spoke with THOMAS USHIE. Excerpts:

ecently, the former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Lagos State, Sashore, and others, advocated for the creation of State Prison Services. What is your take on such call? Constitutionally, there is nothing abnormal about such calls. More so that we are operating a federal system of government which presupposes that the autonomy of the state is guaranteed. What is the feasibility of such venture? The problem is the feasibility of a state prison service, considering the Nigerian situation, particularly in Lagos and other states of the federation. We have federal prison yards and for us to have state prisons, would it not create problems? It would create problems definitely. A convict is a convict. It does not matter whether such a person is detained in a federal or state prison. I would think that, for purposes of centralisation, control, and accessibility, there is no need for dualization of the prison system in Nigeria. But as I have said earlier, constitutionally, it is okay as they would operate side by side independently. The danger, however, in such is that the local government might also want to have its own, after all the local governments also make laws that criminalize some actions or inactions. So, it would become ridiculous when we begin to have federal, state and local prisons. What is the implication of the establishment of such prison services? Such an arrangement has financial and logistical implications. And such implications could be so much on the state. But constitutionally there is nothing wrong about it except logistics and finance. What is your take on the conditions of people awaiting trials?

It is horrible, very horrible. So many of the detainees in the first instance are not supposed to be there, particularly in a situation where the proof of evidence in support of the charges against some of the detainees is not even sustainable. So, in a situation like that, it would not only be illegal but it would also amount to injustice to detain such people. And that is what is happening in most of our prison yards today. I know that some people, when you look at the evidence in support in the charge sheets, it is not sustainable. For instance, sometimes, some policemen would just lay allegations of robbery against some people and they are detained. There are occasions some of them would say that they are waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice that would never come until thy kingdom come. I am telling you as a legal practitioner, DPP’s advice, prove of evidence in support of some of the capital offences, so many of them are frivolous, unobtainable, and cannot be substantiated. Yet, the suspects are detained. Check out the cases of murder. Check out the cases of armed robbery, and so many others. Unfortunately, once a magistrate hears any case that smacks of murder or armed robbery, he hands off without bothering to look at the proof of evidence in support. The next thing, they would ask for the DPP’s advice which might never come. In a case where a person has been longer than necessary detained awaiting trial, if at the end of the day, he or she is not culpable; would justice not demand that he or she be compensated? In a situation like that? Okay, let me open up to you. There is a case on my hands now where a suspect was found in a stolen car; he did not know that the car was stolen, but it turned out that the car was snatched. The man who was found in the car was arraigned at a magistrate court and charged for armed robbery. He was never at the

Agbaje

scene of the robbery but for the fact that he was found in that particular car that was snatched by armed robbers after so many months; they said he was the robber. Do you know that since March last year, they have been waiting for the DPP’s legal advice till now? Meanwhile, the proof of evidence in support of the armed robbery, all the three witnesses said that the suspect was not at the scene of the robbery. They said he was not the man who robbed them. In a situation like that, who is supposed to pay compensation for unlawful detention for the period? The office of the DPP is not even helping matters. They treat matters just like the typical civil service personnel. What I am saying in essence is that we need to re-orientate and do a thorough comprehensive surgical appraisal of our criminal justice system, from the police, to the court, down to the office of the DPP.

‘It’s a conglomeration of incompetence’ Mohammed Fawehinmi is a Lagos lawyer and human right activist. He spoke with THOMAS USHIE. Excerpts:

o you think that the call for the creation of state prisons is justified? What is your take on the condition of prisons in the country? The poor state of the prisons across the nation can be blamed on the Minister of Interior. He has not done anything to build, rehabilitate, decongest, or make the prison conducive for the rehabilitation and correction of convicts. The minister has only been playing to the gallery. Since assumption of office, the minister has not done anything tangible to ameliorate the plight of prisoners in the country. I think this minister of interior (Abba Moro), is the worst interior minister ever. There has been such much criticism of this administration as a whole and we have thought that there would be changes but even the president himself does not care about the country. So, nothing positively is happening. Until they have a concrete plan on the rehabilitation of prisoners rather than punishment and death, prisoners and the prison service would remain in the pathetic condition they are. What do you think is the way forward? Even the prisons that have correctional facilities are still so deplorable. So, my advice to the Minister of Interior is that he should stop engaging in publicity stunt and start doing something concrete. He should have a unified plan for all the prisons in terms of health, evaluation of the justice system, environment, provision of security for the prisoners and warders. Proper security has become necessary because all the prison breaks we have had in the country is due to se-

curity lapses and his incompetence. So, he should sit down and work instead of just pocketing the money allocated to his ministry. Sir, do you think that the call for the creation of state prison is viable? Yes. It is. All these have to do with planning. Every year, the Chief Justice of every state goes to the prisons in their various domains and grant some prisoners pardon. However, it takes a very proactive state government to have, operate and maintain a functional state prison. It is not that it is not allowed. It is. But what is your assessment of people awaiting trial? That is what I was saying. The minister is not doing anything. He should be in constant correlation with the Attorney General of the Federation and the entire justice department to make sure that so many people who are awaiting trial are tried quickly and those who are found not guilty should be freed. They should not be kept there for nothing. It does not work that way. That is not justice. The Attorney General is not working. They are just pocketing money. They don’t have any plan. And there are some people who would be in that prison awaiting trial and die. There are some people in there who were just picked up for wandering. You know that when there are outbreaks of disease in the prison, the inmates die in their numbers. So, the ministers are not working. If they are working, they would have a list of all those awaiting trials. But they don’t have. Go and check with them and you will dis-

Fawehinmi

cover that they do not have such lists. Do you think that the way and manner the police arrest people have much to do with the number of those awaiting trials? It is a conglomeration of incompetence. It starts with the police, facilitated with the justice system, and ends with the Minister of Interior. They all work together as one and their incompetence is shared. The police are to enforce the law; we are to interpret the law and pass judgment. And when an accused is convicted and incarcerated, it is the police that execute the judgment. So, it is a chain. But the minister must do his work. If he has a plan then he would be able to know how to attend to those awaiting trials; then he would be able to cater for those serving prison sentences. But Abba Moro knows nothing.

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June 8, 2013

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State-owned prisons: Alternative to reform? CONTINUED FROM 3 against the establishment of state owned prisons. The opponents of state prisons among their claims argued that the expenditure of taking on the operation of prisons is too enormous for a state government to shoulder and that the development could bring about an abuse of the system by politicians and government officials. Meanwhile the Nigeria Prison Service has blamed some of the problems confronting it on inadequate funding, urging state governments and other stakeholders to complement the effort of the Federal Government in developing the Service. However, in spite of the situation, the Service has been able to deploy resources in areas which would assist the criminal justice system in the country. Saturday Mirror findings revealed that apart from the usual facilities at the prisons, the Nigeria Prison Service now has its own Dog Section. It also has facilities for skills acquisition like tailoring or carpentry and the ingenuity of certain inmates in producing garments and other things for sale has generated some level of income for both the inmates and the government. Some of the prisons now have Closed Circuit Television Cameras, CCTVs, installed, which help in monitoring movement in and around the prison. Controller General of the Service, Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim, said there were still challenges with the amount approved for feeding but that the Federal Government is working towards eliminating such.

He added: “One of the major constraints is lack of adequate funds, especially to pay contractors for jobs executed due to shortfall in funding in 2010 and 2011. And these shortfalls have been carried over as liabilities and these have affected our operations. “Inadequate security weapons and gadgets required for operational uses in view of the prevailing security situation across the country. Some of our facilities have been attacked and burnt while some of our officers have been killed by terrorists. “Inadequate budgetary allocation to cater for various essential needs of the Service such as construction of the various dilapidated prison structures across the country. “Prison congestion occasioned by large number of Awaiting Trial Persons which account for about 70 per cent of the total inmates’ population. “Inadequate logistics for conveying these inmates to court for regular hearing or trial and inadequate staff to effectively man the prisons, especially, in the light of the current security challenges”. On calls by some people for establishment the of state prisons service, the NPS said since the matter was before the National Assembly Committee on Constitution Review, it would await the lawful decision of the lawmakers. Spokesman of the Service, Ope Fatinikun, said: “It has not become law yet.” When prodded further, he said, “When we get to the bridge we shall device means to cross it”.

Falana

‘Nigerian prisons harden people rather than rehabilitate them’ Mr. Olukayode Salako, public commentator and national coordinator of Change Agent of Nigeria Network (CANN) spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE. Excerpts:

Salako

hat are your view about the state of Nigerian prisons? Nigerian prisons are only built and meant for poor people; offenders of the law that are poor. The Nigerian prison is not a kind of prison that is in existence to punish poor and rich people that violated the law, it is only meant for the poor and that can be reflected in the poor state of many of Nigerian prisons. In Nigeria, the poor go to prison, while the rich go to detention. The prison is built for the poor and that is why many of the prisoners are living

under pathetic situation in the prison. The prison in Nigeria is like a jungle; a place that is supposed to be a kind of hell on earth. The facilities are obsolete; even when they are not obsolete they are not still ideal for normal human habitation. The prison is meant to be a place to rehabilitate; not only to punish the offenders of the law, to help them get back to their senses. But unfortunately for us in Nigeria, our prisons are places that even harden the heart of the offenders of the law. Recently there was a call for

state-owned prisons. What is your take on this? For as long as the law is not allowing state police to exist, I don’t think the law will make provision for states to own prisons. The only way that can make it easy is when the law permits the states to have police. If the state is permitted to have state police, definitely the law will also permit it to have state prison. But as at now we only have federal police. Security is being controlled from the federal level and that is why it might be difficult for state to start building its own prison.

‘Prisons are huge ventures best left to FG’

Mr Samson Sunday Ajayi is a retired Chief Warder in one of the nation’s prisons. He spoke with SEGUN ADIO. Excerpts:

here is a recent call for creation of states owned prisons. What is your take on this? It is absolute rubbish for states to own their own prisons. Prisons are strictly Federal Government’s business. If cases are tried in courts where the offences are committed, then you carry the suspect to a federal prison. The case that belongs to state would be tried in the state and a federal case is tried in a federal court. When you were in the service, was there any disagreement between states and the Federal Government on this issue? State and federal governments have never disagreed on the issue of prisons. States have no business meddling in prisons matters. It will be a very difficult system to operate in Nigeria if the states are allowed to

own their own prisons. Look at the issue of state police. It has been an age long debate in the country and it may be very hard to approve. Let me tell you advocates of state prisons know what they are doing and why they want that to happen. But what I know is that it will be abused, you cannot trust that perceived political opponents would not be cramped into those prisons since it they are owned and controlled, so to say, by the state government. State prisons will be exploited by local politicians against their perceived enemies. The owner of state prisons will misuse the prisons. Apart from that, there is an act that allowed only Federal Government to control prisons in the country and that is for a purpose. The needs of these inmates are catered for by the Federal Government. Imagine a state with a large population in its prison yards but

with limited resources. The question you ask is that where does such state get the funds to feed the inmates appropriately; where would that state get the funds to buy all household materials, bedding, clothing, toiletries etc needed by the inmates. We have talked about equipping the prison to standard and paying the warders there wages commensurate with international standard. Prisons are such a complex and expensive venture that is best left with the federal government alone. Many people out there do not know how much it costs the federal government to run the prisons on yearly basis. We are all still complaining of inadequate facilities in our prisons and some people are talking about having state prisons. It is a misplaced argument as far as I am concerned.

NATIONAL NEWS

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Xmas day bombing: Why FG’s case against me can’t stand –Sokoto ISE-OLUWA IGE

L-R: Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, at a joint meeting of Niger PHOTO: NAN Delta Power Holdings Company and National Council on Privatisation (NCP) in Abuja, yesterday.

B.Sc/HND controversy is diversionary –AAU president TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

he President of Association of African Universities (AAU) and Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Oyewole , has described the discrimination between B.Sc and HND as diversionary, saying that both of them are needed for societal development. Speaking to selected journalists at FUNAAB in Abeokuta, Prof. Oyewole also called for the improvement of polytechnics and vocational education institutions as a means of reducing the problems being faced by many youths, who are seeking admission into Nigerian universities but could not get it due to the population of people writing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). His words: “There are some existing universities that posses the capacity to increase their admission quota but at the same time we could also have more universities with different orientations. I think both options can be used to solve admission problems. But it is so sad that many young ones today only think of university education. Our country should also be concerned about

vocational education. “We should also know that we need to support the improvement of polytechnics; we should not relegate them to the background. The idea that only those who are not doing well and who cannot gain university admission should go to polytechnic is not a good idea for our system. You can go to polytechnic and still be fulfilled in life. So, polytechnic education is still relevant to our development. “The controversy between B.Sc and HND is a diversion. What is important is what the individual graduate needs to contribute to our development. We need those who can think and those who can work with their hands. As the President of Association of African Universities, I regard both of them as tertiary and higher institutions and my own point is that everybody is needed for our development.” Prof. Oyewole, while speaking about the need for improvement of agricultural sector said that FUNAAB is passionate about building future farmers and making young ones to embrace farming. He also tasked Nigerian government to devote more attention to the agricultural sector as means

of generating revenue for the country. “Our vision is to ensure that our graduates are outstanding when you compare them to graduates from other universities. We are building future farmers. We have been able to challenge the young ones not to run away from the farm but to love the farm. Our students are one of the peaceful students in the country; highly organised. We are practical university. “We have other programmes that we run in this university. We have engineering programmes; civil, mechanical, electrical engineering and we are about to start a depart-

ment that will be called Mechatronics because we found out that mechanics of yesterday are no longer relevant today because the vehicles people are using today are mechanical and electrical. We hope that that department will not just produce graduates in mechatronics but would also be able to train our local mechanics to be able to serve electronic components of vehicles. Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has fully accredited all our engineering programmes even though we are university of agriculture because they see that the quality we have here is super.” he said.

uspected mastermind of the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of St Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, Mr Kabiru Sokoto, yesterday pleaded with the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to dismiss the charge pressed against him by the federal government. Sokoto who cited want of evidence as reason for his request is also urging the court to acquit and discharge him. The federal government had accused Sokoto of withholding information on the plan to bomb St.Theresas Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, from law enforcement officer, an offence contrary to Section 7(1) and punishable under Section 33(1) of Terrorism and Prevention Act 2011. He was also accused of facilitating the commission of terrorist act by planting and encouraging some boys (now at large) at Mabira Sokoto, in Sokoto State with the intention to bomb the police headquarters and some other government agencies in the state. The alleged offence was said to be contrary to Section 15(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under the same act. The federal government had called eight witnesses to testify against Sokoto. But moments after the federal government closed its case against him, Sokoto announced in court

that rather than defending the case by calling his own witnesses, he said he would file a no case submission. No case submission is a submission by an accused person to the effect that the prosecution has no evidence linking him to the charge. When it is successfully argued, it terminates such trial. The Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Justice Ademola Adeniyi had given Sokoto the greenlight to file the application. Although the application had been filed together with written briefs while the federal government had also filed its reply, adoption of arguments was yesterday adjourned till next week Friday. In his brief, Sokoto invited the court to move in his favour for two reasons. First, he told the court yesterday that the prove of evidence before the court did not link him to the crimes alleged against him and secondly, that the evidence so far led by the prosecution was not only empty but also did not establish any offence against him Specifically, Sokoto, said he was, for instance, accused of “facilitating the commission of terrorist act by planting and encouraging some boys (now at large) at Mabira Sokoto, in Sokoto State with the intention to bomb the police headquarters and some other government agencies in the state” but that the federal government failed to bring any of the boys he allegely planted and encouraged to testify against him.

Gays, lesbians flay same sex marriage bill OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

group of self-confessed gays and lesbians has urged the international community to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to veto the bill prohibiting same sex marriage and other related matters recently passed by the House of Representatives. The group said if the bill, which the Senate had already passed, was signed into law, it would infringe on the personal freedom of homosexuals in the country.

The House had last week passed the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill, which would impose a prison sentence of up to 14 years for anyone found guilty of engaging in same-sex relationships. Speaking yesterday in Akure through their spokesperson, Mr. Kolaado Amoo, the gays and lesbians decried what they described as “the negative attitude to sexual rights and freedom in Nigeria.” They stated that the passage of the bill would lead to an increase in the rate of harassment and witchhunting of homosexuals,

many of whom were said to have fled the country. The group cited the case of one Bisi Alimi, who was one of the first Nigerians to openly discuss his homosexuality on national television and as a result, put his life in danger. Said Amoo: “Alimi faced death threats, stiff opposition, physical and verbal attacks because of his sexual orientation and for his decision to be openly gay. Now a gay right activist and works with HIV/AIDS programmes, Alimi found asylum in the United Kingdom.”

Amoo also cited one Adebayo Philip Temidayo as another victim of harassment saying his whereabouts was yet to be known since he was attacked for confessing to being a gay, a couple of years back. “Adebayo was beaten and nearly killed because he felt nothing was bad in practising what he believes in. His properties were set ablaze and his life was constantly threatened before he disappeared. Members of his family had to run for their lives. The development led to his father’s death,” he added.

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NATIONAL NEWS

June 8, 2013

NGF crises: NAMA grounds Oshiomhole’s chopper •Agency blames pilot over action

SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN AND OLUSEGUN KOIKI

n a development suspected to be the deepening of the crises over the leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Nigerian Aviation Management Agency (NAMA), yesterday, recalled and grounded an airborne OAS helicopter flying Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, to Awka, Anambra State for the funeral service of the late Mrs. Colette Obi, wife of Senator Ben Obi, Special Adviser, Political Matters to the President. It would be recalled that the NGF which wields so much influence in the pol-

ity today is at present divided over who leads it. The Presidency is believed to have a hand in the division in the forum as it is said to be uncomfortable with its leadership under the governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi. Under his leadership, major activities of the Presidency have received critical appraisal and opposition. The development has since pitched the Presidency against the NGF and caused it to work against the continued stay of Amaechi in office through the sponsorship of the governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang. In moves suspected to be sponsored by the Presidency against Amaechi and his supporters in the NGF, the Rivers

State governor had had his aircraft grounded for hours when he travelled to Ekiti State for the burial of the late deputy governor of the state, Olufunmilayo Olayinka. Amaechi and the governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamako are also suffering suspension from their party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking on the grounding of Oshiomhole’s aircraft, pilot of the helicopter, Captain James Manahash, a Filipino, said “I was surprised that I was recalled after taking-off from Government House because I had communicated with the control tower on radio. “We were already airborne when we got the call to return to the airport and

was even threatened that failure to do so would lead to complete grounding of the aircraft. The governor prevailed on me to return and listen to them. “When we got back to the airport, I was told to pay landing and aerodrome fees which ordinary we could pay later because we were already airborne. “Even after completion of the process of payment within 10 minutes, we were still delayed for one hour fifteen minutes. The governor left in anger after that. “I am surprised by this development because this is not the first time I would be coming to Benin to fly the governor. “I was even threatened, after payment, that the air-

Social Media Coordinator, Nigeria Centenary Celebration, Angela Nmoh (left), Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (middle) and awardees, at the award ceremony of “Thank God It’s Centenary” social media competition in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

…Suswam leads 13 governors to remove Aliyu A ZA MSUE KADUNA

trong indications emerged at the weekend that the vice chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, may have concluded plans to remove its chairman, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State. Investigations by Saturday Mirror revealed that Suswam who is pro-Jonah Jang in the ongoing power tussle in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has succeeded in wooing those in

support of Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, among the northern governors to his side. The development, it was gathered, was responsible for the absence of 13 governors at the meeting convened by Aliyu in Kaduna on Thursday. While only five governors supporting Amaechi were present, others merely sent representatives. It was also learnt that the suspension of Dr. Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State, has sent jitters down the spine of some of the governors, hence the decision to review their

position on which of the factions of the NGF to support. Those in attendance at NSGF meeting were the chairman of the forum, Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Muktar Yero (Kaduna), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) and Muktar Ramalan Yero(Kaduna) the host governor who belong to Jang camp. Governors Jonah Jang and Gabriel Suswam were represented by their Secretaries to the State Government, SSGs, while Kwara, Kano, Kogi, Bor-

no, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states were represented by their deputies. Saturday Mirror gathered that pro Jang governors have planned to dissolve Governor Aliyu-led Northern States Governors Forum,NSGF, executives in the forthcoming meeting as his tenure ends. However, Governor Gabriel Suswam’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr.Cletus Akwaya, in a telephone interview, said his principal and others absence might be connected with the outcome of NGF election but declined to comment further.

craft would be grounded completely if I argued with them. I have flown for 35 years, seven of which I spent in Nigeria and this is the first time I am encountering a situation like this. I do not know what problem they have with the governor.” Managing Director of the OAS Helicopters, Mr. Everest Nnaji, who was contacted, expressed shock over the incident, saying that “I am still making calls to find out exactly why they did not allow the pilot fly the helicopter conveying the governor to Anambra State. I am really angry, I don’t know why they did that and that is why I am still trying to make contact because we have no problems with NAMA”. When approached by newsmen, a visibly angry Oshiomhole who was kept in the sweltering sun for over an hour declined comment. Having been delayed unnecessarily, the governor dashed into his official car and headed for his home town, Iyamho. Oshiomhole’s ordeal might not be unconnected with the ongoing onslaught against governors who are perceived to be in support of Governor Amaechi’s reelection as chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, who reacted to the incident, said “I think the government of the day is competing with too many crises and it is disturbing that governors are no longer respected or recognised even in their own domain when it is known that they were duly elected by the people. “How else do you explain

the role of a NAMA clerk who grounded the governor’s aircraft and prevented him from keeping his appointment in Anambra State because he is acting out a script that has become the rule of engagement by a dictatorial PDP regime. We remain unprovoked because we are civilised people” he stated. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) yesterday blamed the pilot of the Governor Oshiomhole of Edo States for the grounding of the helicopter conveying the governor by the agency in the state. NAMA accused the pilot of not filing a proper flight plan and not declaring the manifest before attempting to take off from the Benin Airport. The agency, in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Supo Atobatele stated that the pilot of the helicopter marked 5N-BPX AS335 operated by OAS, had attempted to take off from the airport to Akwa, Anambra State, but without the necessary documents for official documentation. Atobatele insisted that the provision of the documents became necessary for the safety and security of people onboard. Atobatele added that when the pilot was asked to produced the documents, he declined and responded that he was flying the governor out for an important meeting in Awka. He explained that pilot was advised to lift from the airport direct and do the documentation since he had the governor onboard, saying that this process would have only taken the pilot three minutes to accomplish, but still declined.

‘Scrap NGF and prosecute govs’ OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

damawa State born social and political critic, Daniel Richards yesterday called on the government to scrap the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), as the forum, he said, had not impacted on the lives of Nigerians. He also called for the prosecution of the governors for wasting the states funds, adding that the forum is illegal. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Richards said that if the association

he described as Kangaroo gathering is actually making impact on the lives of Nigerians, what has it done since the Boko Haram insurgency started? He said that the NGF had no meaning or bearing on the lives of Nigerians, adding that a serious government or governor, who has the interest of its people at heart would not have the time to be running to Abuja every time for night meetings. The political critic said that the governors should be mandated to account for the funds spent over the years on the NGF.

NATIONAL NEWS

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Subsidy fraud: Major oil marketer alleges bias, petitions Lagos CJ TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

ollowing allegation of bias and victimisation against Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, an oil marketer standing trial for alleged fuel subsidy fraud, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo has petitioned the Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayo Philips. According to the petition dated May 30, 2013, Ogunbanbo, prayed for the transfer of his case files from Justice Onigbanjo, citing third party influence of the judge in the trial. He said that the case file in two suits Nos. ID/116C/12 and ID/122C/2012 should be taken to any other judge in the state soonest in the interest of justice, as he had lost confidence in the trial judge. He alleged that the judge had made up his mind to jail him before the commencement of trial. He said that was evident when his counsel applied

for bail and he was denied. According to him, he was the only oil marketer denied bail out of those that were arraigned before Justice Onigbanjo. He said the ruling of the judge was however set aside by the Court of Appeal. He alleged that the turning down of the bail application was as result of prejudicial matter introduced into the matter by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which involved the Stanbic IBTC bank with respect to a loan which was unrelated to the subsidy matter. He further alleged that it took him some time before he realised that the hard stance taken on him was premised on the fact that the judge was working with another influential major oil marketer to jail him at all cost. The petitioner alleged that notwithstanding the out of court settlement proposal written by the bank to the commission, withdrawing the case from

Justice Adebisi Akinlade of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, he was stunned by the manner Justice Onigbanjo anchored the turning down of the bail application on the loan issue. The petitioner however alleged that he was constrained to send the petition to the Lagos CJ for the manner Justice Onigbanjo had been handling the criminal proceedings against him. The petition reads in part: “I write this letter to seek transfer of the criminal proceedings brought against me by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from Hon. Justice S. A. Onigbanjo of the Ikeja Division of Lagos High Court to any other judge of the High Court. “My Lord, I have now discovered that a son of one of the judges in Lagos State High Court, who is a company secretary of a major oil marketing company, is in liaison with Hon. Justice Ongbanjo to ensure that I’m convicted.

“I do not find this information incredible because I know that this major oil marketer, who is well connected to the government, has been seeking some way to punish me for his belief that I have a hand in the loss of his valued female friend and business partner, who recently left him for greener pasture. I am also aware that this company secretary has been visiting Justice Onigbanjo in the recent time for undisclosed reasons. “I’m also privy to the information from a close associate of this major oil marketer that he has been boasting that he has sealed my fate with the Lagos State judiciary and had spent a lot of money to this end and that I am destined for at least 75 years in jail sentence. At appropriate forum and time, I intend to release further evidence and information concerning the identity and activities of persons mentioned above. “After the bank had written the EFCC, withdraw-

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin; and his wife, Chioma, during a thanksgiving service for Fayemi’s Supreme Court victory, held at the Government House Chapel, recently.

Pension fund theft: Maina knows fate June 12 •Senate, AGF shun suit

EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja, has fixed June 12, to rule on a suit instituted by the embattled former chairman of the disbanded Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, challenging his dismissal from office. President of the NIC, Justice Babatunde Adejoma,adjourned till the

said date, after respective counsel from both sides,had addressed the court on the sole issue for determination; the propriety or otherwise of commencing a motion for termination and, or dismissal from job, via an “originating summons”. Justice Adejumo had, at the last adjourned date,formulated the sole issue,and asked counsel to file written addresses in support of whatever may be their position.

Whereas, counsel to Maina (complainant), M. A. Magaji (SAN), insisted that “originating summons is the most appropriate form of commencing an action for determination of termination or dismissal, since the employment in question, is statutory in nature, while the various agencies and or offices are creations of the law”, defence counsel submitted otherwise. Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr.

Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), as well as the Senate, were not represented in court,yesterday. It will be recalled that both parties were neither represented at the last adjourned date of May 28. This is even as no explanations were offered over the development. Apart from seeking a reinstatement order, the former PRTT boss is also demanding the sum of N2.5 billion as damages he suffered from what he considered an “unlawful dismissal”.

ing the case before Justice Adebisi Akinlade of Lagos High Court, Ikeja, I had thought that the matter had ended there until in opposing my bail applications in two suits before Justice Onigbanjo, the complaint of Stanbic IBTC was brought in as a basis for opposing the grant of bail to me. “It appears to me that Justice Onigbanjo has taken a position against me in the pending proceedings before him which goes beyond prejudicial material introduced by the EFCC and I now sit in

the dock (listening to the proceedings and sensing from the questions the judge poses to the prosecution witnesses and ruling he has given concerning certain document by the EFCC during the proceedings which my lawyer objected to but which the honourable judge nevertheless admitted in evidence against me) with a feeling that my conviction by the judge for these trumped up charges brought by the EFCC is only a matter of time and not dependent on the strength or otherwise of the case against me.”

Ezekwesili canvasses more opportunities for women SINA FADARE

ormer vice president (Africa), World Bank, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has said that creating opportunities for women to participate in the economy will improve their earning potential and assist families to move out of poverty and contribute to the overall economy. Ezekwesili disclosed this at a forum organised by Vital Voices Global Partnership and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), noting that women have emerged to become ‘‘a strongest asset’’ because of their proven abilities to efficiently manage institutions where they work or lead as well as manage family resources. The former Minister of Education, in her keynote address titled “Women’s Leadership: Why Africa is

rising,” explained that ‘‘In Africa as well as Nigeria specifically, women constitute half of the population and their under-representation in social, political and economic spheres must be addressed if Africa is to leverage fully off the promise and potential that they hold. In most African countries, only about a third or 30 per cent of women participate in economic activity, often in very limited ways.” She argued that ‘‘Therefore, any development process that ignores the life-chances of half the popula¬tion cannot address the problem of poverty and the crisis of sustainability. This is why at this critical juncture of global change; it is a necessity for the development process to fully incorporate an agenda for women’s em¬powerment by including women’s realities in the fullest sense.’’

British Airways supports polio survivors

ritish Airways has joined forces with Nigeria-Britain Association (NBA) to put smiles on the faces of less privileged children during this year’s Children’s Day party for polio-surviving children. The event which was organised in collaboration with the Shuga Limb Foundation, took place at the Ikeja Saddle Club in Lagos. Part of the celebration for the children included train rides, face painting, bouncy castles and several other games. There were also music and quiz competitions, after which prizes were giv-

en to the top three homes and schools. The Centre for Destitute Empowerment International picked the star prize which included a cash reward, a brand new wheelchair, and an opportunity to sing in a real music studio. Several other items including mosquito nets were presented by the airline to the National Orthopedic Special School, Modupe Cole Child Care and Treatment Home, Atunda Olu School for Mentally and PhysicallyChallenged Children, and LG Igando Inclusive Unit School, among others.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MILESTONE

June 8, 2013

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to the Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade (left) and Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR) discussing.

Personal Assistant to the Ooni of Ife, Anna Klesse, presenting a gift on behalf of the Ooni to Dr. Ibrahim.

Public Relations Manager, Royal Court of Ile-Ife, Funmilola Olorunnisola, Dr. Ibrahim and Hon. Justice Yinka Afolabi of the Osun State Judiciary

Aare Segun Ayodele (left) and Managing Director, Sloane Communications, Mr. Sesan Ayeni.

Members of staff of Energy Group in front of Moremi statue at the palace.

L-R: Otunba Stephen Ojo; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Managing Director, NICON Properties Ltd, Barr. Lanre Alonge

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Re-insurance, Lady Isioma Chukwuma; Editor, Sunday Mirror, Mr. Bolaji Tunji and Controller of Production, Mr. Adesoye Adekoya

L-R: Ooni, Dr. Ibrahim and Prince Damola Aderemi

The palace entertainers performing during the visit

Vice Chancellor, Premier University of Sao Tome Principe, Prof. Taiwo Ajayi (left) and Managing Director, NICON Luxury, Mr. Gabriel Olagbemi

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Newswatch Daily, Mr. Moses Jolayemi (left) and Klesse.

Executive Director, Newswatch Daily, Mr. Femi Ige (left) and Dr. Amos Idowu of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

NATIONAL NEWS

June 8, 2013

FG deploys 140 peace keepers in Mali OMEIZA AJAYI

uoyed by the relative success of the ongoing onslaught against insurgents both in Nigeria and Mali, the federal government has concluded arrangements to deploy a Formed Police Unit of 140 Officers and men in Mali, to bolster the ECOWAS and the Africanled International Support Mission in Mali, AFISMA. The government said the action is part of its efforts to strengthen its clampdown on domestic and global terrorism and consequently assist in restoring peace in some troubled parts of Africa. The unit, which comprises of specialised sections trained in riot control and counter-terrorism is equipped with modern

crime fighting and peacekeeping equipment and is scheduled to depart Nigeria on June 10. Nigeria currently has seven staff officers of the police already deployed in Mali and is led by DCP Subair O. Kamar who is the Deputy Police Commissioner in-charge of the African Mission in Mali. At a symbolic Flag Presentation to the contingent in Abuja yesterday, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar, charged them to display at all times, “dedication and true commitment in the discharge of assigned roles.” He also urged them to be good ambassadors, not just of the Force, but also of the nation, advising them to conduct themselves with the highest degree of discipline and

professionalism; and shun all forms of vices. The IGP enjoined them to respect the laws and customs of their host country and endeavour to bring honours through exemplary service to humanity, to their fatherland and to themselves. The IGP further reminded the Officers that the Nigeria Police had created and maintained an outstanding record of good performance in the mission fields, including a recent commendation given to Nigeria Police peace keepers in Somalia by the African Union Commission, for its level of professionalism and operational efficiency. He recalled that “the Nigeria Formed Police Unit was the first to be deployed to Guinea Bissau where it ensured security and

helped in restoring law and order in that country.” The ceremony witnessed the symbolic handing over to the Commander of the Unit, the Nigerian national flag and the Nigeria Police flag, as symbols of authority to empower members of the Unit to represent the nation and the Nigeria Police Force in the mission in Mali. Designed to be selfsustaining, the Nigeria Police contingent is deployed with a full complement of Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) including Patrol Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), arms and ammunitions. The contingent is also travelling with a team of medical doctors and nurses, ambulances, drugs, first aid kits and other medical equipment.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

S’Court okays 20-yr jail term for robber who stole okada ISE-OLUWA IGE

five-member panel of the Supreme Court yesterday okayed 20-year jail term for an armed robber, Semiu Afolabi, who stole a motocycle in Ogun State in 1996. The apex court, after reviewing Afolabi’s appeal, held that the concurrent decisions of both the trial high court in Ogun State and the Ibadan Court of Appeal were legally sound and should not be disturbed. Justice Mahmud Mohammed read the lead judgment of the apex court yesterday. In the judgment, Justice Mohammed upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal after resolving the five issues distilled by the appellant for the court’s consideration against Afolabi. His words: “All the issues raised having failed, the appeal failed. “The conviction of the appellant and sentencing of the Court of Appeal for conspiracy and simple robbery is upheld. The appeal is hereby dismissed,” Justice Mohammed held. Four other members of the five-man panel that considered the appeal agreed with the lead judgment.

They include Justices John Afolabi Fabiyi, Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Mary Peter-Odili and Kumai Bayang Akaahs. Saturday Mirror reports that after his arrest by men of the Nigerian Police, Afolabi was arraigned before the state’s High Court on a twocount charge of conspiracy and armed robbery, to which he pleaded not guilty. He was taken through trial, and in its judgment of April 20, 1999, the trial court convicted him on both counts and sentenced him to death. Dissatisfied, he appealed to the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, Oyo State where his appeal succeeded in part. But the Supreme Court said yesterday that Afolabi must spend the 20 years given him behind the bar. After the judgment, Justice Mohammed commended Justice Rhodes-Vivour for his courage in still attending to cases before him while his wife, daughter and driver were kidnapped for about three weeks. “We have to commend him (Justice Vivour) for his courage. Despite the trauma he went through, while members of his family were held, he still found time to write judgments in cases before him.

Sambo commends Etisalat on CSR L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mrs. Lola Abiola-Edewor; Chairman, Board of Directors, Dr. Hassan Adamu and Member, NDIC Board of Directors, Alhaji Lawan Gana, at the inauguration of PHOTO: NAN NDIC Academy in Abuja, yesterday.

Power: FG assures safety of local, foreign investments ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

he federal government yesterday gave the assurance that it would guarantee the security of both local and foreign investments in the ten power plants of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria (NDPHCN). This was disclosed after the joint meeting of the NDPHCN and Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo at the Presidential Villa. Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meet-

ing, Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswan, noted that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had taken decisive steps in addressing security challenges, stressing that arrangements were in place to engage the local communities where the plants were located and even the governors in the security of the plants. Suswan said, “the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has taken decisive steps in addressing security challenges and I believe that the arrangements that are in place engages the local communities where these

plants are located and even the governors. This is why you have governors represented on the process.” The Benue State governor also said that governors that were on the Board of the NDPHC would ensure transparency in the process and execution of the power projects in the areas that they are located. Meanwhile, three committees have been set up to fast-track the privatisation of 10 power plants of he NDPHC. The committees include Joint Evaluation; Joint Transaction, co-chaired by NDPHC boss, James Olotu and Director General of

the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Dikki and Joint Technical Transaction which would be chaired by Suswam. Speaking further on the committees, Suswam said the fourth committee would be set up after the conclusion of the assignment of the first three committees to fine-tune their reports. Atedo Peterside, who chairs the NCP’s Technical Committee said that the power plants and distribution companies slated for privatisation are attracting global attention, hence the optimism of government that the process would be a smooth process.

he vice president, Architect Namadi Sambo, has commended telecommunications network provider, Etisalat, on its corporate social responsibility to Nigerians, especially in the education sector. The vice president who was represented by Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, gave the commendation while speaking at the launch of the Etisalat Telecommunications Engineering Programme (ETEP) at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). He noted that the introduction of ETEP, which is domiciled at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of ABU, has further shown Etisalat as a socially responsible company with a vision to empower Nigerians educationally.

He described the ETEP as a pride, not only to Kaduna State, but Nigeria at large. He noted that the Etisalat Teacher Training Programme which Kaduna State teachers benefited from in the pas, was far-reaching beyond the borders of the country and would again place Nigeria in history as a pathfinder in Africa. Sambo also praised Etisalat for always partnering in initiatives that have added value across Nigeria through various CSR initiatives in the areas of health, environment and education, etc. “Education is very vital, in order to improve the capacity of our people. The ETEP is also in line with the Federal Government’s education agenda. There is a need to thank Etisalat,” he said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

June 8, 2013

SOUTH WEST

‘Lagos committed to reducing maternal mortality’ MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State Government has commenced the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week and reiterated its commitment to the drastic reduction of maternal and child mortality in the state. Speaking during the commencement yesterday, Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, said that when fully implemented, the MNCH would prevent up to 72 percent of neonatal deaths and more than 70 percent of under-5 deaths by 2015. According to her, both maternal and child health indices were part of the most important factors used to measure the level of development

of a nation, and a lot still needs to be done to improve these indices if the

Millennium Development Goals, MDGs 4 and 5, would be realised in Nige-

ria by 2015. “Though the current statistics indicate that the

maternal and child health status of our country has slightly improved over

L-R: CEO, Kasmo Industries Limited, Alhaji Gazali Owolabi; Political Leader, Olorunda Local Govt, Mrs.Olufunke Oyelami; Director General, De-Raufs Volunteer Group, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, and Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori at the public presentation of De-Raufs, a volunteer group held at the Bishops Court, Isale Aro, Osogbo, recently.

Ekiti crisis: Fayemi compensates Hausa/Fulani

he Ekiti State Government has compensated the Hausa/Fulani communities that were affected during a recent fracas that led to the destruction of properties and injured people.

In a release by Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Kayode Fayemi, the governor compensated the communities financially through the Secretary to the State Government, Al-

haji Ganiyu Owolabi. In Fayemi’s speech delivered by Owolabi, Fayemi said the donation was in fulfillment of his promise to provide succour for the people affected by the dispute which broke out

OPC’ll ensure continuous peace in S’West –Gani Adams AYO ESAN

he Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has said that it will continue to ensure there is peace in the south west geo political zone of the country. According to Otunba Gani Adams, OPC National Coordinator, “We are only interested in peace in the nation and

we’ll ensure the peace in the South West is not disrupted.” Reacting to President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent classification of OPC as a security threat to the nation, he said, “We are not a security threat to the country we love. Our activities are open and known to all. We are only concerned with promoting and prop-

agating the rich cultural values, ideals and history of the Yoruba race and we’ve never engaged in any clandestine activity. “We are a visible organisation with known addresses all over the country and we are known and accessible to all Nigerians, including security agencies, so we are not a security threat in any manner.”

Opon Imo: CACOL lauds Osun govt TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has lauded the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his efforts at making education accessible to the children of the poor in the state

through the computer tablet known as Opon Imo which was distributed free to the state’s students. Commending Aregbesola, CACOL’s Executive Chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran, said, “This giant stride by the Osun State Government is highly commendable

and worthy of emulation by other state governments. “Opon Imo will in no small measure bridge the digital gap between the children of the affluent and those of the masses and also expose the students to information technology in the IT-dominated world we are in now.”

in Ipao-Ekiti, Ayede-Ekiti and Ilawe-Ekiti in Ikole, Oye and Ekiti South West Local Government Areas of the state respectively. Restating his commitment to the safety of lives and property of residents

MURITALA AYINLA

t least 46 miscreants, also known as Area Boys and Agbero, arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit yesterday began their 50-hour community ser-

regardless of tribe, culture or party affiliation, he urged members of the Hausa and Fulani communities to live in harmony with indigent citizens as well as settlers. Speaking on behalf

time, Lagos State’s specific maternal mortality rate is 555/100,000 live births. However, wide regional variations exist in the country with the SouthWest recording the lowest rate. “The major causes of maternal death in this environment are preventable with our collective efforts. In other words, no woman should die during the process of child birth. The child health statistics are still unacceptably high. Under-5 and infant mortality rates were documented by the National Demographic Health Survey as 157/1,000 live births and 75/1,000 live births respectively, while neonatal mortality rate was documented to be 40/1,000 live births in Nigeria,” she said. of the affected communities, Chairman of the Hausa Community, Alhaji Adamu Imam, commended Fayemi for fulfilling his promise to provide succour and promised that the Hausa/Fulani would cooperate with Ekiti people.

46 touts begin 50-hour community service sentence vice punishment in Oshodi area of the state based on a judgment delivered by Magistrate Jadesola Adeyemi of the Special Offences Court in Alausa. According to the task-

force chairman, CSP Bayo Sulaiman, the miscreants would serve part of their 50-hour community service sentence by sweeping parts of the market and washing public toilets.

Late Barrister’s enthusiasts meet today, tomorrow

he Ayinde Barrister Legacy Group President, Kayode Adejumo-Bello, has said that its members will meet today and tomorrow in Ibadan to brainstorm on several

issues including the appointment of the Local Organising Committee for the 2014 edition of Barry Day in honour of the late fuji maestro, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.

The group, which has been at the forefront of institutionalising the late fuji music founder, is meeting for the first time after the successful Barry Day celebration held in February.

2015: Group urges Yoruba unity

Yoruba advocacy group, Oodua Republic Front (ORF), has advised the Yoruba race to start preparing for Nigeria’s breakup from 2015. Speaking with Saturday Mirror, ORF Nigeria president, Comrade Jubril Ogundimu said,

“America has said Nigeria will breakup in 2015. It is not a prediction that should be taken lightly as America doesn’t make frivolous disclosures. More so, all the signs, the insurgency in the North and the struggle for the 2015 presidency especially, are there that

2015 will be the catalyst that will trigger Nigeria’s breakup.” Insisting that Nigeria will definitely breakup from 2015, he said, “Yorubas should come together as one so that Nigeria’s inevitable breakup won’t affect us.”

REGIONAL NEWS

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH EAST

Sit-at-Home: Anxiety in Enugu, Imo over MASSOB order DENNIS AGBO ENUGU AND CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

here was worry and confusion in Enugu State yesterday as to the certainty of the sit-athome ordered by the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra,

MASSOB. There was panic buying in the markets while some equally made panic bank transactions. Most people felt the order was from the government but the informed ones dismissed the order arguing that MASSOB had no reason to order them not

to come out of their homes. Leader of Igbo Security Organisation, Mr. Ndubuisi Igwekani aka Agu Biafra, however berated the MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, saying that he was on a genocide mission with the order. Igwekani who spoke with our reporter stated

that MASSOB had no cogent reason to ask Igbo people to sit at home, noting that Uwazuruike had been using the method to sacrifice the lives of innocent Igbo youths by engaging them in confrontation with constituted authorities and in turn enriching himself.

Igwekani lamented that Uwazurike did not consult with any stakeholder in Igbo land before giving the order. Igwekani said: “Uwazurike people are causing problems at Ontisha. The governors in South East should call him to order because he is the sole beneficiary of his activities.” Meanwhile, Imo State Police Command yesterday warned MASSOB, to stay away from the state as the police were battle ready to confront any plan to truncate peace in the state, just as people were seen yester-

day closing shops following fear that there might be a clash between police and MOSSOB members today. The leadership of MASSOB had warned residents in Imo to remain at home today (Saturday) that it would not take lightly any attempt to undermine its June 8 sit-at-home directive in Imo State. The group assured that the directive would afford Ndigbo the opportunity to critically reflect on their fate in the Nigerian project especially in mounting suppression against the Igbo.

Imo Speaker calls for executive/ legislature cooperation

L-R: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu and former Governor Of Old Anambra, Chief Jim Nwobodo, at the burial of Mrs Colette Obi, in Awka, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Anambra govt seeks cooperation of tricycle operators NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

he Anambra State Government has reiterated its determination to partner with tricycle operators in the state in ensuring that more tricycles are procured and distributed for the purpose of creating employment opportunities for the state’s teeming youths.

Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chike Ohamobi, said this in Onitsha during the opening of the new state secretariat of the tricycle operators. Saying that the state’s government is already discussing with banks and officials of Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, for a bulk purchase of the tricycles, he assured the operators that

the government would team up with their executive members to fight multiple taxation and added that tricycle transportation is favoured by the government over motorcycle transportation which the government is considering banning. In his welcome addresses, the state’s tricycle union chairman, Donatus Ezeanuna commended the state’s Peter

Obi-led administration for providing for the less privileged. Ezeanuna and the union’s other executive members also warned those they labelled “faceless contractors” who brandish various revenue tickets along the roads to demand for various payments from the tricycle operators to refrain from doing so or else incur the union’s wrath.

Parents, students beg Elechi to act to avert NUT strike

arents and students in Abakaliki have appealed to Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State to avert the impending strike by teachers in the state. They made the call yesterday in reaction to the 14-day ultimatum by Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage and teachers peculiar allowance. The state’s NUT chairman, Mr Joseph Nweke issued he ultimatum on

Wednesday. Messrs Simon Otubo, Ignatius Anyigo, Ben Onwe and Silas Otu severally told reporters that the indefinite strike would be detrimental to the education of their children. They said allowing the strike to begin at the time students and pupils were preparing for the third term examination was not in the best interest of pupils and students in public schools. According to them, “We, as parents of these

children in public schools, sincerely beg Gov. Martin Elechi to do all he can to avert the impending strike. Strike is an ill wind that blows no good to any one and we believe that with sincere dialogue both parties will reach amicable compromise,’’ they said. They said the strike, might disorganise the state’s academic calendar if not averted. Similarly, Master Benjamin Oga, an SS2 student of Government Technical

College, Abakaliki, Basil Nwachi ,JSS 2, and Miss Florence Mgbada, SS1, expressed concern over the impending strike. They also appealed to government to look into the teachers’ demand. According to them, the strike can cause a drawback to their academic pursuits. They said that they had started preparation for the third term promotion examination and that the strike might dash their hopes.

he Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Mr Benjamin Uwajumogu, has called for continued cooperation between the legislative and executive arms of the government in the state. He made the call at a special sitting and public lecture to mark the end of session and second anniversary of the Assembly. He said the support given to the state by the

House had provided the enabling backing for the rescue mission agenda of the government and disclosed that the House uncovered corruption in the award and execution of contracts through its oversight projects. He said within a twoyear period, 36 of the 69 bills presented in the House had been passed into law, eight adjourned sine die, two consolidated, and 18 are pending.

Tears, eulogies as slain Nwike, ex-Anambra deputy gov is buried NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

ears flowed freely yesterday at the graveside of the slain former deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chudi Nwike, as his remains was committed to mother earth at his country home in Ibollo, Oyi Local Government Area of the state. In his tribute, a former governor of the state, under whom the deceased served as deputy, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, expressed shock at Nwike’s death. “I know how to talk and I can talk but if I begin to talk now, I may collapse, so, may his soul rest in perfect peace,” Ezeife said. A former Governor of Imo State and CAN chieftain, Chief Achike Udenwa, expressed sadness at the level of brutality in the country and called on the federal

government to intensify efforts to combat the increasing scourge of insecurity. “It goes to show the problems we are having in this country where people are not safe. The roads are not safe, the homes too. So I think we all should be more security conscious and the government should do more to make sure it contains the insecurity in the country,” Udenwa said. In his tribute, Senator Chris Ngige challenged governments at all levels to do more in the area of security and also called on Nigerians to always remain vigilant to ensure no one cuts their lives short. Other dignitaries at the funeral included Chief Chekwas Okorie, Hon. Ben Nwankwo, Governor Peter Obi and the former InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo.

Politics

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

Why Anenih seeks automatic ticket for president, governors

Anenih

Tukur

Jonathan

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

lthough 2015 general election is still about two years away, preparations towards it are gaining momentum on a daily basis. People have started mobilising and oiling their machinery in preparation for the exercise. Without doubt, one of the issues that has remained a source of intrigues and subterfuge in recent time in the political circle is the battle for the Presidency in 2015. Only last Friday, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, brought another dimension ito the permutations ahead of the contest for 2015 elections by proposing the granting of automatic tickets to incumbent president and governors, who have performed creditably in office. Speaking at Aso Rock during PDP dinner convened at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan with select leaders of the party, Anenih said he did not see any difficulty in PDP granting automatic ticket to President Jonathan to serve a second term if he so desired. He also suggested the extension of the same gesture to performing members of

the National Assembly, even though their tenure or number of terms they can enjoy is not restricted by the Nigerian Constitution. His words: “I do not see anything wrong if the PDP considers automatic tickets for the president and its governors who have performed well and are seeking for a second term. It is my view that with the outstanding performance of President Jonathan in the areas of Power, Rail and Water Transportation, Road Construction, Aviation Reforms, Education, Agriculture, Job Creation, etc., the party should not find it difficult in granting him the opportunity to serve a second term, if he so desires. “I did say that, over the years, our primaries have been the most serious sources of rancour and disunity in our ranks, and, that we usually invest so much resources and energy fighting ourselves in the primaries that should have gone into the larger battle against our political rivals. I had admonished that we could not continue this tradition of internal warfare and hope that we would have enough energy left to win elections. “The proposed arrangement would, I believe, help to forestall frictions and acrimony in the nomination process, in the overall interest of our party and the na-

tion.” To many Nigerians, Anenih’s statement carry a lot of weight and the proposal may either mar or build the electoral process toward the 2015 general elections. Some people are of the view that any attempt by PDP to go by the BoT chairman’s suggestion may escalate the internal wrangling within the party. In Nigeria, it is has become a tradition for people to always sing praises of those in government and prevail on them to seek continuous stay in office. Second term has become a trend, which every public office holder loves to enjoy irrespective of his or her performance or otherwise in office. Politicians always want public office holders to remain in office as long as they are benefitting from his regime irrespective of whether or not he is delivering the dividend of democracy and improving the lives of the generality of the masses. If the word of Anenih is anything to go by, granting automatic ticket to the president and governors may reduce the rancour and crisis in the party since history has shown that majority of the crises facing the party today are fallouts of the party’s primaries elections and ambition of some politicians to take part in future elections. Therefore, granting the automatic

return ticket may likely reduce tension in political parties. While Anenih’s suggestion is seen as a good idea, many are of the view that the consequence of such an action may have great effects on the party and those seeking public offices, especially at the federal and state levels. It is believed that the process may rubbish the democratic process if accepted because it will not give people the opportunity to choose the candidate of their choice. Considering the power being wielded by the president and the governors in Nigeria, granting them automatic ticket may give room for corruption and in-fighting among the political class. Because of the task involved in seeking second term mandate, governors usually did their best during the first part of their first term in office in order to get people’s support and endorsement for their ambition. But immediately they secure second term they usually slow down their activities since they believe they would not need people’s vote again, except those who are having the ambition to contest for National Assembly or presidential elections. Therefore, granting automatic return ticket to the president and governors may prevent them from performing the role expected of them since they would be given automatic ticket. Considering the money spinning business that politics has become in Nigeria, a lot of people are venturing into it to seek elective offices. Therefore, granting automatic tickets to serving public office holders may block the chances of those aspiring for public offices. And whenever it becomes difficult for them to realise their ambition in a political party, they may seek another platform to realise their ambition, especially in view of the number of political parties in Nigeria. The process may lead to the closure of the party’s door against some members. In the past, many political parties have witnessed mass exodus of its members due to internal rancour within the party and the circumstances that led to the emergence of some of the party’s flag bearer in general elections. It would be recalled that during the 2007 general elections there were mass exodus of members of PDP to other political parties to test their popularity by seeking political offices under another platform after they were denied presidential, governorship and National Assembly tickets in PDP. Examples of those people that left PDP to seek political relevance in other political parties are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, who contested the presidential election on the platform of Action Congress (AC) and Progressive CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

POLITICS

June 8, 2013

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‘Only detractors say ACN is a one-man party’

to remind the president that he needs to be guided by the following principles: Principles of Legality, Time Limitation, Proportionality and International Law. We are concerned that while we understand the rationale behind the presidential directive that some of the recently captured Boko Haram members should be released as a sincere gesture to prove that the president would like a peaceful resolution of the problem with Boko Haram, we believe that this presidential pardon is too hasty, rather defeatist and could damage the morale of our patriotic front line soldiers some of whom have lost their lives in the defence of our father land. The presidential pardon is ill-timed and could also be easily misconstrued by this criminal sect. This carrot and stick approach may well achieve result if the carrot is dangled at the right time with the stick. We also believe that the presidential pardon of some of the captured Boko Haram members sends a wrong message and justice is not being served to those innocent Nigerian men and women murdered by this evil sect.

Mr. Kolawole Saidu is the chairman of Oyo State, United Kingdom (UK) chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Saidu, in this interview with OSEYIZA OOGBODO, speaks on several issues, including the state of insecurity in the country, ACN and poor leadership in Nigeria.

hat is your view about the state of the nation? I think Nigeria as a country is seriously sick and sitting on a keg of gun powder at the moment. Bad leadership has put the country in this position. One of my lecturers at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) remarked, decades ago, that the greatest mistake any country can make is to allow a mass unemployment of its graduates. Both the state and federal governments have not got a clue about how to solve the problem of mass unemployment of graduates. Many of our leaders are junketing all over the world under the guise of looking for investors when what some, not all, are actually looking for are places to hide their ill-gotten wealth. It is glaring that international investors will not invest if the economic climate is hostile. Our leaders do not need to spend scarce resources that could have been more wisely spent at home to improve the welfare of our people on a goose chase in the guise of looking for international investment in our economy. International investment will locate you if you have an enabling environment like good roads, electricity, security and skilled workers. Bad governance and poor leadership have brought untold and unnecessary hardship to our people. My heart bleeds when I think of what my country could have achieved if only we had patriotic and honest leaders. It is indeed an irony that the shoeless pupils of yester years and the children of poor men of years ago that providence has put in positions of power today, are now responsible for the untold hardship of our people. What is your view about the level of corruption in the country? Corruption, I believe, is just one of the bye-products of leadership failure at the top. Transparency International in her most recent Corruption Perception Index ranked Nigeria as one of the most

livery through model primary healthcare centres should also be provided. Others include empowering programmes for the aged, mentally and physically challenged and the women and improved agricultural settlement and cooperatves with robust policy on rural electrification and feeder roads. These are some of the things that are achievable within the existing resources if they are judiciously used. May God grant us visionary, selfless and patriotic leaders that our country urgently requires at this crucial time.

Many people have described ACN as a one-man party on allegation that the party structure is built around one person? I do not agree that ACN is a one-man party. In ACN, we serve our tutelage under our leaders. Our leaders are the faces of the party. All our leaders served their tutelage too before they gained the trust of the party and attained position of leadership. This is what our detractors misconstrue as a one-man party. The idea of serving before being recognised as a leader is rooted in the origin of the philosophy which informs our party that could be traced to Action Group under the leadership of the late sage, Papa Obafemi Awolowo. I however admit that ACN as a party like any others is not perfect and we are still evolving.

What is your view about the state of insecurity, especially the recent declaration of state of emergency in three states in the North by President Goodluck Jonathan to curb Boko Haram insurgency? The recent state of emergency declared by President Jonathan is a governmental declaration suspending, in some states in the Northern part of Nigeria, normal functions of the executive, legislature and judiciary. The president, rightly in his broadcast to the nation, alerted the citizens of the need for the action as the people’s rights and freedoms under the constitution would be seriously eroded. In my opinion, the president has taken the right step to arrest the deteriorating security situation in the affected states. It is however several months late. While UK Oyo State chapter of ACN supports the president in declaring a state of emergency in the affected states, we want

What are the political plans of ACN Oyo State UK chapter? Out priority is to ensure that we work with the present government of Oyo State under Senator Abiola Ajimobi to carry Oyo State indigenes in the UK along by making sure, through the media, that news about development under this administration is disseminated regularly. It is also a priority for us that we take necessary measures to manage any campaign of calumny against the current government of Oyo State by our political opponents to misinform our people about the progress going on under this present government of Oyo State. It is a priority for us to encourage indigenes of Oyo State in the UK to take interest in the affairs and politics of Oyo State. We encourage members to register with their ward at home and contribute their own quota to the community they come from.

Saidu

corrupt countries in the world. In order to fight corruption, we need to address first, how we choose or elect our leaders. The press needs to be very free and our electoral laws need to be sanitised and policed to ensure full compliance. The judiciary needs to be very free and well remunerated. The current decadent system we dress as democracy is rooted in our electoral system. The current system encourages do-or-die politics. The system needs urgent overhauling. So, how can the government go about all these? I would like the governments to urgently pay attention to the following as a way of bringing the dividends of democracy to our people: Urban renewal with special attention paid to constructing urban roads and maintaining old ones with modern bus stops and pedestal crossing; creation of enabling environment for international inflow of capitals; more robust policy on rural electrification; more affordable qualitative education for our people with much improved internet access and subsidised ICT training for the people but free and compulsory for secondary schools. Also, there should be improved instructional materials to students and prompt payment of teachers’ salaries and renumeration and more concerted action made to incentivise special teachers and schools and systematic weeding out of low performing teachers in our schools. Efficient health care de-

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POLITICS

June 8, 2013

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Mark

Tambuwal

Why Anenih seeks automatic ticket for president, governors The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also described the proposal to give automatic ticket to Jonathan and PDP governors as undemocratic. The forum, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, noted that the proposal by Anenih was clearly against the provisions of the Electoral Act on internal democracy within political parties. He said: “The proposal by the PDP BOT Chair, Chief Tony Anenih, that the president and governors should not be subjected to primaries is clearly against the provisions of the Electoral Act on internal democracy within political parties. The intention of the Electoral Act is in order to inspire full participation of party members in choosing who become the candidates of the parties. The Electoral Act does not allow candidates by consensus. And that is why even if the candidate is only one, there must be yes or no votes by the delegates. “I have always maintained that democracy may differ in forms. But when it comes to its three elements of liberty, justice and common decency, democracy is the same. So, those who seek to redefine the three elements of democracy can as well reinvent the wheel and redefine evil. “The ruling PDP controlled government together with our state governors cannot feign ignorance of the fact that their mandate includes providing order and direction for our democracy to grow and mature. Failure to do this will be counted against their leadership.” While some people are against Anenih’s suggestion, the group, Concerned PDP, in a statement by its chairman, Prof. Adetunde Oluwole, expressed support for Anenih’s proposal to further underscore the multiple divisions within the party across all levels. The group’s statement reads in part: “We give our total unconditional support to the suggestion of our Chairman Board of Trustees in respect of an automatic ticket for Jonathan, the Governors and Senators. The PDP is a large party of strange bedfellows hence the usual power tussle being witnessed regularly. However, it is evident that our national leaders are up to the task of adopting various strategies to stabilise the party in order to give it the foundation to withstand all storms and political challenges. “We hereby advise all card carrying PDP members nationwide to respond positively and support the welcome suggestion of

our national leaders in order to make our party strong and withstand any contest. Primaries are characterised by undue sentiments which sometimes leave a bitter taste after the victory. We can all now utilise our energy and resources at ensuring the victory of our presidential candidate. The devil we know is better than the saint we don’t know. “Chief Anenih’s position is a strategic move to ensure stability for the party as the Governors and Senators can focus on their responsibilities rather than unnecessary struggle for a party ticket – most especially if they have done well according to the party’s criteria for performance. We can all concentrate on ensuring that PDP wins the general elections for these posi-

tions. The Nigerian electorate and political class are not mature enough to adjust immediately after the primaries to forge ahead. Sentiments usually linger on after the primaries that political parties usually suffer casualties of the keen contest to the opposition.” As 2015 elections draws near, will PDP, which seems already divided over 2015 election give automatic ticket to President Jonathan, governors and members of the National Assembly? What are they going to use as yardsticks to measure the performance of the public office holders to warrant their return to office? Will the policy be widely accepted or not? Many can’t wait to see what will happen when the time comes.

In your refreshingly different

2015: How far can Ladoja, Akala go?

June 12: Actors, eyewitnesses reminisce Twenty years after the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election, many are still in confusion as to why that exercise was cancelled. Others, who thought the very essence of that struggle would have become the guide for the country’s political course, have equally been disappointed. And the death of the symbol of that struggle, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, has remained, at best a mystery. In this anniversary package, we reached out to some principal actors and insiders in the epic episode that was June 12 annulment.

Passion

Peoples Alliance (PPA) respectively but lost the election to PDP presidential candidate, late Umar Yar’Adua. Mallam Isa Yuguda, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, having been denied the opportunity of contesting on the platform of PDP, defected to the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and Labour Party (LP) respectively to realise their ambitions. They all won the elections. During 2011 general elections, former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, also dumped PDP alongside with some of his supporters to contest for governorship on the platform of Accord Party. Ladoja played a spoiler role during the election and made PDP to lose the state to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. The exodus of some of the founding members of PDP also affected the fortune of the ruling party during the 2007 and 2011 general elections, as the party lost some of its states to some opposition parties. Speaking to Saturday Mirror, National Conscience Party (NCP) chieftain, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, said any plan to grant automatic ticket to president and governors is a glaring evidence of corruption. Said he: “It is undemocratic. It can only happen in a country that doesn’t have any iota of respect for democracy. It is a glaring evidence of corruption. Since they are all corrupt, they want to use that medium of the automatic ticket to cover up corruption in the country. “I see the whole process as part of the plan by President Jonathan to realise his second term ambition. Many of Nigerian governors don’t perform and giving them automatic ticket will pave way for them to find their way back to office.” Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also rejected any plans by the PDP to tamper with the party’s constitution, with a view to granting automatic tickets to elected officers, particularly the president and governors. Atiku, in a statement, signed by his media office last Saturday, said he would challenge any procedure, either “consensus arrangement” or “adoption” that is contrary to transparent elections to produce candidates for all elective offices, including the presidency. The former vice president recalled that he was repeatedly in courts to challenge this undemocratic arrangement and that the courts ruled that the policy is alien to the PDP and Nigerian constitutions. He said the principle on which he opposed this unjust policy, which he describes as a “travesty of democracy”, has not changed since then. “My position remains that as far as PDP constitution is concerned, any attempt to change the party’s rule to favour the president as a sole candidate, in the event of his willingness to re-contest, is unconstitutional. The contest should be open to all that desire to pursue an ambition on the platform of the PDP,” Atiku said. He argued that by foreclosing free and fair process of selecting its presidential candidate, the PDP might be sending the wrong signal to Nigerians about its commitment to conduct free and fair elections for the entire country.

In politics, there is no permanent friend or enemy, only permanent interest. This truism was relived last week when two former governors of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala reconciled, apparently with the aim of wresting power from the incumbent, Governor Abiola Ajumobi, come 2015. Recall that Ladoja was once impeached under acrimonious circumstances which thrust up Alao-Akala, his deputy, as successor. Then, both became sworn political enemies; but now, the tide has changed. So, what are Ladoja and Akala up to this time round? Who would become what between them under the new alliance? We tell you tomorrow.

‘I’m the pillar of my home’ Chioma Toplis, a Nollywood screen diva who has been married to a white man for 18 years says her marriage cannot crash because she is the pillar of her home. This mother of three who has featured in several movies tells Sunday Mirror in this interview about her lifestyle and how she handles negative stories that sometimes come as her lot. These and many more available tomorrow in your

June 8, 2013

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Living

One thing is unique about the rustic town of IkareAkoko in the heart of Ondo State. It is the Ariginya festival where maidens dance naked. Rather than being a celebration of nudity, Ariginya celebrates the virtues of virginity. YEMISI ADENIRAN was at the last festival. Her report. YEMISI ADENIRAN

Nobody discussed politics or the prevailing economic situation. Even the scorching sun and the rains that are now unpredictable seemed not to bother the residents and guests. What mattered most was how to have fun as the excitement that usually descends during the festivals of Ariginya and the Ijeroba enveloped the whole of Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State. Indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora converged on the streets of Ikare-Akoko town for the yearly Ariginya and Ijeroba festivals. The ancient town was simply agog. There were wining, dining and backslappings in celebration of another year

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June 8, 2013

Ariginya: Celebration of virginity gone by. It was a day when people converge one more time to appease the goddess of fertility. A moment of renewal of faith and belief, it was in the tradition of the land. Besides, it spelt a time of renewal of acquaintances and as well, a time to reassert one’s purity and innocence in the presence of families, friends and relatives and horde of visitors from all over the world. This year’s event was not in any way different from previous ones. One week before the event, tell-tale signs of the big event were in the air. There were banners, signposts and posters with various inscriptions welcoming visitors, tourists, sons and daughters of the land to yet another occasion of the wonderful Ariginya festival. All roads leading to the town were also ‘bathed’ in bright colours, indicating the gaiety of the occasion. The dance outing was the climax of the one-week long festivities which included even the king, his queens and all the chiefs of the land. The people on the other hand,

were quite willing. Right from the palace of the traditional rule, the Owa Ale of the town, His Royal Highness, Oba S.K.A. Adedoyin, down to the market place, everyone was simply in a celebration mood. Foreigners were not left out as some of them, according to the Owa, were around to capture the year’s scene while policemen were also on ground for security purpose. More vehicles had entered the rustic town more than ever before; with the dwellers experiencing an unusual traffic jam from taxi drivers and commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as okada riders. Although pictures of the dancers were strictly forbidden, their sights were both shocking and beyond imagination. The ladies who were just in their teens were simply a delight to watch. Demonstrating their several months of rehearsals and chastity, they painted the streets red and got jaws of even the elderly dropped ajar with spectacular dance steps as if there was a million naira prize money at stake. Unmindful of their

full but naked breasts and barely covered waists, they moved amidst the crowd with untold pride and joy. With just heavily made traditional beads wrapped around their naked buttocks, they wriggled their bodies in calculated moves to the beat of the music, to the delight of the crowd that could barely control their thrills. More excited amidst the crowd were women this reporter thought would be reserved. The Ariginya festival according to the Owa-Ale of the land is celebrated yearly and it is a festival for the goddess of fertility. During this occasion, all the maidens, the unmarried girls in the land would file out from the palace of the Owa Ale nakedly, to a stream known as the Ariginya stream just a few distance from the palace. At the stream, there is a shrine where a particular sacrifice would be made. As soon as the sacrifice is made, some water from the stream would be sprinkled on these maidens and off they move to the town’s square which is also close to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

LIVING

June 8 , 2013

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 stream. While all these are going on, the drummers and traditional songsters are at their best, doing their thing, creating a festive wave in the atmosphere. All these however are made in the public; in the glare of everyone, young and old, male and female. But the girls did not dance just for fun. At the village square, another segment of the festival is held, this time, for the unmarried men. A wrestling contest involving the eligible men ready for marriage that year was next. The men, as usual annually, would fight vigorously to pick the girls of their choice. The Ariginya is a festival used to measure the moral standard of the Ikare maidens and prepare them pure and alluring to many men around. Whether crude or not, it is an avenue to show those virgins in their natural and undefiled form to set the mouth of their male admirers watering. It is a platform where a vital foundation for a blissful marital life is made. For a girl to have participated in this festival of nudity, she has achieved a lot by establishing her purity and a life free of promiscuity. She is therefore the pride of, not only her parents and family members, but of the entire community as a whole. Wherever she goes henceforth, she raises her head high. Meanwhile, any Ikare maiden who is unable to take part in this festival is ostracised by her friends and family. She is dismissed as a girl of easy virtue and treated as such. This explains why every girl would always struggle to be part of the occasion that their virginity might be celebrated. Bilikisu Ishola, a 15 year-old SS1 student who participated in the dance spoke on why she was one of the dancers: “There was nothing I could do to escape the dance even if I wanted to. My mother believed so much in the festival and the only way I could make her proud was to be one of the dancers. As far as she and some other mothers were concerned, a young girl who is not able to participate in this dance is a disappointment to the family. I am a virgin and the only way I could prove this to her

Bilikisu and her mother

‘The virgin must dance naked’ is to be one of the dancers. Besides, I have seen other girls dance in the past, I knew how they were treated by everyone in the town, how men treasured them. I have envied them and wished to also be celebrated like them.” Madam Ishola, Bilikisu’s mother also shared in her daughter’s success. “It is always a thing of pride for any mother especially, to have her daughter participate in the Ariginya dance. It shows you have worked hard in disciplining your child, it presents you as a good and disciplined mother and you are a role model to others who have failed in this wise. Ever since Bilikisu took part in this dance, I have stood tall in the town despite the said civilisation and I tell you more men are looking the way of my girl,” she said. But will there not be pranks? “No”, said Chief Olabisi Babajide, the Asoju Oba of

the town. While it is mandatory and almost a thing of fashion for young ladies to be part of this festival particularly to establish their state of purity, not many of them were able to scale through the process. There are some who dare to play a fast one. But, the oracle was also prompt to address the situation. According to records, on the day of the festival, it is an abomination for rain to fall, so, should rain dare fall on that day, the festival committee instantly would know that a defiler is amidst the group. They then would try and pacify them to tell the truth. If none of them opened up, the oracle would be consulted and the offender on detection would be beheaded by an accompanying masquerade. “There is no how any of them can deceive us. Although, we have soft-pedalled on what it used to be, they knew the risk

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that is involved. Nobody forces anyone to come out if she is not qualified and apart from the rain that will fall to show that there is a defaulter, a masquerade used to come to behead the person after the Ifa oracle has detected the person. But we don’t do this any longer. There is no point shedding the blood of someone who had already shed her own pure blood when she was deflowered. All we do now, is to consult the oracle in the presence of all and get the person exposed. One thing that is sure is the fact that there is no hiding place for a liar,” he explained. However, a lot of ladies are no longer part of this festival. Their number has drastically reduced, all thanks to the hightech civilisation that is infringing on their sexual purity on a daily basis. On another hand are the parents who would not want to lose their wards to some rigid doctrine and its blood sucking masquerade all because of some sexual immorality consciously or unconsciously committed. The age bracket has dropped from 18 and above that it used to be to majorly 15 downwards. And whether or not it is acceptable, the festival remains the main festival that the town identifies with. Strange as this may sound, this exhibition of nudity remains the maidens’ pride any day. Their age range is from one year to any marriageable age of 18 and above. Even the barren, according to the Asoju, come during the festival. “It is not just a festival of fertility, but of progress and co-existence in the IkareAkoko town,” he said. While the number of participants reduces every year, the Ikare-Akoko people especially, the elders wish to preserve the culture. “ Ariginya festival is one festival that is inclined to encouraging young girls to place a good value on their bodies until marriage. The people believe in the chastity of the female. Their nude appearance, allows the men to see all the vital statistics and pick their choice. We are also making efforts to modernise it, but there are certain things that are fundamental that we don’t want to throw away as they are the dignity of the festival,” he said.

How Nigerians sell their kidneys in Malaysia for N10 million

he sale of kidneys by desperate Nigerians is becoming another national export and a brand that threatens to further entrench the country’s image as full of money-seeking citizens with no scruples. Now, mostly in Malaysia and India, Nigerians in droves, line up to be tested in the hope that their kidneys would be deemed good enough to be donated to a sick person. The two Asian countries that have become favoured destinations of Nigerians have also become favoured places of treatments for Europeans and Americans for diseases related to kidney. Investigations revealed that there were a lot of people in the queue in Malaysia, most of them Nigerians, who have gone to sell their kidneys. Those who took the risk of selling their kidneys needed money desperately to start something that will turn their lives around back home. This trend seems to be the latest threat facing Nigeria’s image as the country that battles

Youth unemployment and deep rooted poverty which is the cause of this transnational deadly trade. Investigations also show that unrepentant Yahoo Boys who have been unlucky in the scam business of late have now turned to selling their kidneys for survival. They are the ones who readily advertise themselves as willing sellers on the internet. The desperate guys give out various information including their age, marital status and a kidney test detailing the condition of their kidney. Perhaps, the biggest threat is the danger these young Nigerians subject themselves. Most of the people involved, we gathered die even before they start enjoying the money from the deadly trade. Although a normal human being has 2 kidneys, it is common knowledge that a man can survive on only a kidney and still lead a normal life. However, all these depends on the specific mediation and mother luck being on the side of the person.

However typical of many young Nigerian men, the moment they get into the country, they go on crazy spending spree and unnecessary binges and living reckless lives which in turn takes the toll on

the only kidney left. The stress has been attributed to the cause of death of many of these young men. •Culled from www.gazellenews.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

LIVING

June 8, 2013

hen the Lagos State government enacted some traffic laws and made the move to ban commercial motorcycles last year, it was a mixed grill for residents. Some welcomed the idea with joy because of the numerous horrifying experiences they have had in the past with the okada riders while others were not happy because of the consequent result of the ban on those who especially do not have cars of their own. Ebube Anthony, a trader at the popular Oyingbo Market, told her story thus: “I have a stall just behind the Bjhonsons Mall. Since Government banned the bike, it is now difficult for me and some other people around here to go home in the evenings. When I leave my stall, there are no bikes in sight. I don’t seem to understand what is going on, what we heard is that government wants the okadas off the expressway. Now, we can’t even get okadas to our homes,” she lamented. While Ebube felt bad about the ban on okada, private car owners and bus drivers are of the opinion that okada should be banned totally from operating on all major roads because of their reckless and untoward attitude towards those who ride in cars. Mrs. Abibat Adebayo, a car owner, called for a total ban on okada in Lagos, especially on the major roads. She says the operators are destructive whenever they are on the roads, in their quest to outdo one another in making money. She said, “I’ll never forget the day one okada man cheated me and made me cry like a baby on the road. It was in a traffic jam in Egbeda. I was driving, while my younger sister was in the back seat. All of a sudden, this okada man emerged and the way he was riding with his passenger, I knew he would break my side mirror. So, I shouted that he should mind my car because I would not listen to any pleading if he broke the mirror. Just as I predicted, as he tried to manoeuvre his way between my car and a fellow okada, he hit the mirror and broke it. As I was contemplating what to do, he did not even bother to see the damage caused by his recklessness and instead zoomed off. In frustration, I pulled the handbrake and jumped out of the car and started chasing him. I knew I could not catch up with him, yet, I was running and at the same time crying. After the fruitless chase, I came back and met some policemen fiddling with my car and dragging the car key with my sister. Meanwhile, they were actually on the opposite lane and witnessed what happened between me and the okada man without taking any action. When I enquired why, they said I caused disruption of traffic by running after the okada man and because of that, the vehicle must be impounded. I wept the more because at this time, I didn’t know what exactly affected me most: whether it was my mirror that was broken or the okada man who ran away or the policemen who wanted to seize my car. That was the worst nightmare I have had on the road since I started driving. So, why shouldn’t government ban okada? Calling for the ban of motorcycles on our road is not selfish but a necessary step to bring sanity back.” However, the story is not the same with the motorcycle operators who are now left

Okada ban: One man’s pain, another’s gain z As govt opens motorcycle recycling plant The ban on commercial motorcycles on Lagos highways left a sour taste in the mouths of Lagosians. But today, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. The state government has fashioned out a way of reaping the dividends of the ban: a motorcycle recycling plant.

Bayo Suleiman, Chairman, Taskforce

Motor bikes possibly awaiting demolition in Pola area of Olusosun dumpsite in Ojota

at the mercy of hunger and inability to cater for their families. Worse still is the pain of their motor bikes being destroyed once they are seized. Last year, over 3,000 motorcycles impounded from the owners of the violators of the traffic laws were destroyed by officials of the state Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit at the task force yard in Alausa. In an interview with the Taskforce Chairman, Bayo Suleiman, he disclosed that after the end of the dismantling exercise, the iron parts would be taken to the state Crushing Plant in Oshodi, where they would be crushed and recycled. Suleiman further disclosed that the action was to show that the government had stepped up its enforcement of the state traffic law, adding that the crushing of the okadas would serve as deterrent to other commercial motorcycle operators. “We are dismantling the okadas now to separate the parts that are crushable from the ones that are not crushable. After this, we will take the crushable parts to Oshodi crushing plant, where they will be crushed and recycled. The non-crushable parts will

probably be auctioned, but not in the state. Suleiman, however, said there were no riders to be prosecuted because the owners of the 3, 000 okadas abandoned them on sighting law enforcement officials” The situation is not the same with these motorcycle operators who are now left in pain over the destruction of their properties and their means of livelihood. The situation is that of one man’s pain, another’s gain. While some are trying to cope with the pains this situation has left them in, others have been pushed into committing crimes while some even dared to form armed robbery gangs. Commenting on the destruction of impounded motorcycles by the state government, Felix Azubuike, an operator of one of the impounded motor bikes said: “That is not a fair thing to do. They could have sold them out through an auction or give it back to the original owners for a token fare. By so doing, they could take it to their villages to continue their business rather than destroy it”. An okada rider who simply wants to be identified as Segun Akeem was very bitter when he spoke to Saturday Mirror. He said:

“These days, it has become difficult to make ends meet. We can no longer ply the roads with ease. Even the inside streets where they said we should ply, police will still come in there to arrest us. Since we don’t have money to buy keke napep, how do they expect us to feed our families? Now they have collected my bike, I am now left with nothing to feed my family. My intention was to hustle a little more with it so that I can use the money gathered from the shuttling and possibly the sales of the bike to get a Keke Napep on hired purchase but now where do I start from? So how do they expect us to survive without an alternative source of income?” Akeem further bemoaned the fact that the government is destroying the seized okadas, saying it costs between N110, 000 and N150, 000 to purchase a new one. It is not just fair he said. A source who claims anonymity disclosed to Saturday Mirror that the process is still an ongoing one and that most of the motorcycles are being taken to a dumpsite in Ojota area popularly called Polar where they are now crushed and taken to the Oshodi Crushing plants.

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Relationships Who should give whom more gifts?

Fashion •Caring for your curly weaves •The turquoise hue

Sex talk Condoms and you

Kryztal

...Fledging songstress

ENTERVAGANZA

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Celeb rity

‘Mum was against my becoming an artiste’ Ashley Stephanie is a bundle of talents. She is a singer, model and actress. She is one of the promising entertainers in the country presently. A Cameroonian, she found her way to Nigeria after living in Spain and the UK. She told OSEYIZA OOGBODO that she is not in the country to play around but to become a top entertainer. Excerpts:

been working together and I must say that Nigerians are very nice, hospitable and open. What’s your mission in Nigeria? I’m here to make a difference and bring positive improvement to the industry. I’ve already released many good songs and Nigerians should expect more of them from me. I will try to impact on lives through my music. Nigerians should just expect a whole lot from me because I’m a total package.

ou are a Cameroonian who’s lived in Europe and you are now in Nigeria. Why? Nigeria is a country that I have always loved. I love Nigeria’s music style, the Nigerian culture and everything about Nigeria. Nigerian music is like wildfire all over the world, it’s very great and it’s the big time. I’m also happy that Nigeria is an African country because I’m an African and I know that it’s us Africans working together that will make Africa truly great.

What was your music career like in Europe? About 15 years ago, I went to Spain and joined a group called Spanish Girls. We were like the Latin version of the Spice Girls. We performed all over Spain and I later moved to the UK at the beginning of 2010. You know, it’s not really easy in Spain, although it was very nice and like home to me, there’s no place like Africa. No matter where you might have lived, as an African, you can’t compare it to your home, Africa. Africa is your real home as an African. My real home is Cameroun. My real home is Nigeria. I stay in Nigeria now actually.

Does that mean you are enjoying Nigeria? Of course I am. Being here is fantastic. I’ve attended several entertainment events and been performing as well. I have met a lot of the Nigerian artistes and producers, although I’ve met some of them in the UK, and we’ve

Tell us more about the Spanish Girls. Well, like I said earlier, it’s the Spanish version of the Spice Girls. It comprises of five girls and I was the only Black among them. And I got to join them when an audition was done to select five girls that were talented and

beautiful. So I was one of the five girls selected and we were doing well and when one of us got pregnant and we went on a break, I just decided to utilise the opportunity to work as I don’t like to waste time so I chose to work further on my skills and stuffs like that. What was the impact of the Spanish Girls? We were widely accepted and popular in Spain. Before the Spanish Girls, all of us in it were more of upcoming artistes and the Spanish Girls raised our profiles and we performed in front of large audiences and every time we performed, it was just amazing as people love our music. How did music begin for you? If I tell you that coming into music for me was an easy journey, then I’d be telling lies. I was born in Cameroun to a military man. I had always nursed the interest to sing and when I told my parents about it, they became angry with me. They both never perceived the profession as one for a serious minded person. So I kept on saying it that I would become an artiste and they thought it was only a phase and that I would soon change my mind. However, there was a particular TV programme over there in Cameroun where young talented artists are usually allowed to exhibit their musical talent. So, one day I went to participate on that platform and everybody who watched it love my act. Luckily for me, my dad also watched the programme, and from that time on, his per-

ception began to change and he eventually embraced my talent. But my mum was adamant. It got to a point I could not just understand her stubbornness because it is usually women who have a tendency to quickly embrace their children’s chosen professions even when the fathers object. But with my mum, the contrary was the case. It was after a long time that she gradually softened on me going into music. In my family, I’m not the only one who has the love for music though. My elder sister is also a great singer but she opted out along the way. But she works with me on most of my songs. She gives me ideas many times. Who are your favourite Nigerian musicians? I have a lot of them. I must say that they are just too numerous to mention, but believe me, I love Nigerian artistes. They can rub shoulders with their counterparts anywhere in the world, and that’s why they are highly respected all over. I’m so proud to be here to work with them. I just think that Nigerian artists are the best. I love D’Banj, 2face, P-Square, J. Martins, Banky W, MI, Pype and many more. I can’t just name them all. As long as you are a Nigerian artiste, you are my favourite. And lest I forget my female artists, I love them as well. I love Sasha, Weird MC, Omawumi, Kel, Asa and many others. These chicks are really trying their best, considering the fact that the Nigerian music industry is not all that female friendly, you have more males on the scene.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENTERVAGANZA

June 8, 2013

I’m not a prostitute –Kryztal A

s E Dey Hot singer, Kryztal, according to reports, recently rejected a combined cash and car gift from a Nigerian businessman based abroad. And speaking with Entervaganza, she said, “It is true one of my fans based abroad communicated with me and said he is crazy about my songs and performance. He told me he has a Porsche Cayenne and N13million as gifts for me. I rejected them both because I don’t know him and I have to be sure of who he is before accepting anything from him.” While some are of the belief that it’s all a publicity stunt on her part for her fledgling career, she was adamant that she is not making up the story. “Another reason I rejected them is because nothing comes without a price, and someone giving you that much will definitely ask for something which I’m not ready to give because I’m not a prostitute,” she added. “Many female artistes are seen as prostitutes, rightly or wrongly, but I’m definitely not a prostitute.” Djinee

Djinee confronts the pre-album jinx U nlike the American, Asian and European music industries where musicians release singles commercially, the Nigerian music industry is presently not conducive to the commercial release of just one song. It encourages the release of just albums. The only artiste presently who has come close to doing something other than a commercial album release is 2face Idibia. Banking on his massive fame, he released two pre-albums, discs that contained about five songs that would be on the eventual album. The two releases, Enter The Place and Chemical Reaction, cannot be said to have been well received. Though their presence was felt in the market, they did not record the success the albums they preceded did. One artiste who is now set to tread the path of 2face is Ego singer, Djinee. His 5-track pre-album is ready to be released and he released two songs off it, Wonder and Alright, during the week. Will he be able to break the jinx against non-album releases? Time will tell.

Dammy Krane drops three singles at once Krane

Kryztal

Spinlet, Etisalat to celebrate music partnership

lans are already in top gear between two top digital music distribution platforms, Spinlet and Etisalat, to celebrate their recent partnership next Friday in Lagos. The two organisations recently joined hands to move the music industry further forward through the introduction of a new mu-

sic application. According to Mark Redguard, Spinlet’s Chief Marketing Officer, the partnership is worth celebrating because it provides absolute enjoyment for music lovers. Adding that the vast repertoire of songs in Premier Music’s archives will be available through the applica-

tion, as well as songs and albums by international musicians, he concluded that “the best part of the partnership is that both the music lover and artist do not have to worry about piracy. We have taken appropriate and necessary steps to guard against piracy which is a real menace and the industry will definitely benefit from that.”

n his bid to attain the heights of his colleagues like Wizkid and Davido, Dammy Krane, the promising music artist signed on to 2face’s Hypertek Records, has released three singles at the same time. The singles, Lobatan, Gratitude and Xteristics, come on the heels of his Ligali featuring Pasuma which is still in reckoning airplay wise. They were produced by the top producers Spellz and Tin-Tin and they are already generating a lot of buzz as expected of an artist who is under 2face’s direct guidance. Krane’s latest singles have however arrived at a time when the market is being dominated by Wizkid’s Jaiye Jaiye which is spreading so fast it has overtaken Davido’s Gobe and Kcee’s Limpopo in the airplay stakes.

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL RYHMES

AIRWAVES LINK

Roll Artist: Rayce

Ogungbe

Hansome

Banky W

Wizkid

Perilous times for record labels

rankly, these are not the best of times for the few commercial record labels in the country. The rate at which artistes are opting out of their contracts with these labels calls for concern. While it’s supposed to be that artistes cannot survive without the backing of labels, they are actually doing so, hence the reason they quit labels after just a short association with them. When an artiste is walking out on his label, the contact he signed is of no meaning to him, just as the contract will be of no relevance if the label can no longer meet its contractual obligations to its artists. Artistes who have walked out on their labels in the midst of valid contracts include Kelly Hansome and Soul E. Hansome actually walked out on two

labels, Myke Records, and then Kennis Music, and his contractual ties to them did not really affect his career. Likewise Soul E. He dumped Colossal Entertainment. There was a court battle, but it did not really affect him. Recently, maybe due to the advancement of the music sector, artists parting ways with their labels has been more amicable. Eva Alordiah and Sheyman left Trybe Records with the mutual consent of eLDee, the label’s proprietor. May D was released by PSquare’s Square Records and Kel by Clarence Peters’ Capital Hill. Sadly, it seems the ungentlemanliness of Hansome and Soul E has returned again as Chuddy K and BrymO are reported to have quit their labels, SQN Music and Chocolate City respectively, without proper negotiations.

Chuddy K and BrymO follow in the footsteps of Wizkid who was recently involved in the thorniest artiste versus record label contract dispute of recent times. Unlike Sheyman and Eva who cannot be said to be big time artistes, Wizkid is reportedly Banky W’s EME’s cash cow so they were not willing to let him go of course. And after tussling back and forth on the issue for a few months, it was amicably resolved, but it isn’t definite that the storm won’t brew again. But whether artistes quit their labels amicably or otherwise after the labels had invested in them massively or otherwise, the implication is simple: these are perilous times for labels as artistes now have the option of establishing their own independent labels.

My Africa Is showcases Lagos to the world

y Africa Is, a new independent documentary series taking viewers beyond the headlines and inside the

Garrick

continent, will release its debut episode, The Lagos Chronicles, on June 12, 2013. Developed specifically for the web, the three 5-minute episodes will focus on life in Africa’s busiest metropolis and will reach more than 100,000 viewers who visit host partner sites such as Bella Naija, CP-Africa, Afroklectic, Niaje.com, ThisisAfrica.me, and African Architecture Matters. Launched in the summer of 2012 with the mission to change the lens and narrative focused on Africa, My Africa Is challenges outdated and incomplete perceptions about life on the continent, by capturing a more in-depth narrative as seen

Intro They call me Rayce Chorus Baby ko ragabo Baby baby ko ragabo 2x Omoge shigege Omo omoge shigege 2x Verse 1 Tonight is the night And I’ve got something on my mind I want to jaye all night oh With omo ele to fine oh Baby ko ma roll Mo ni sisi ko ma roll Isale gan gan o Isale gan gan o Baby ko ma roll Get down (4x) Mo ni sisi ko ma roll Get down (4x) Isale gan gan o Get down (4x) Isale gan gan o Get down (4x) Repeat chorus Verse 2 If ya’ll ready am ready to go Cos me already high on Mo If you’ve gat skills den den show So we can go up to the moon And we can party party party hard So we can party party hard Ko ma roll Get down (4x) Mo ni sisi ko ma roll Get down (4x) Omoge ko ma Roll ooh yeah Get down (4x) Ko ma roll, roll roll

through the eyes and lives of locals in various African cities. “Our goal is to stimulate a whole new level of awareness about Africa,” said executive producer and host, Nosarieme Garrick. “Perceptions are shaped by what we see, so we’re staying true to our vision to change the lens, not the topic on Africa. My Africa Is is a credible resource and visual gateway to Africa, keeping it real and embracing the challenges as well as the successes our subjects experience, as they navigate the realities of their various cities.” Filmed on location in February, The Lagos Chronicles capture a gritty, true-life perspective of the views and realities of three different narratives by Kunle Adeyemi, the architect behind the floating school in Makoko; Lakin Ogunbanwo, one of Lagos’ star fashion photographers whose work has been featured in Italian Vogue; and Bilikiss Abiola, the founder of WeCylers, a recycling initiative putting a community to work in curbing the waste of plastic. Rayce

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

BBA: THE CHASE

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

Chike Kani Omo … internationally reputed director

Selly treating Biguesa

Selly, Biguesa in lap dance

elly surprised everyone by giving Biguesa a lap dance. It was a spontaneous performanc e that had al the housemates pub licly mesmerized. Zulu didn’t know when his tong ue licked his lips and he blew Sell y a

Beverly Osu in love triangle

Kani Omo

hat Chike Kani Omo was chosen to direct Kakadu The Musical, KTM, is just appropriate. Having represented Nigeria in Europe and America as a production personality for decades, it is only fitting that he returned to Nigeria recently to let Nigerians have a feel of what he has learnt abroad through KTM. KTM itself is not a project that just anybody can handle. A musical about Kakadu, the popular night club of the 60s that played host to every major musician of that era including Fela AnikulapoKuti, only someone with the right production credentials could direct it … and that’s Omo for you. Talking about Omo’s credentials, he’s the executive director of Blackwing Productions, a

kiss while LK4 could not affo rd to look away as Selly treated Bigues a to a lap dance that was better than that of a professional lap dancer. Biguesa capitalized on the une xpected treat by attempting to cuddle and caress Selly and she obliged him.

film production company based in California, USA. He was until recently the artistic director for Oriki Theatre, an African theatre company based in Northern California. Through Oriki, he directed Bridges, a musical drama; Wake Up Africa, a musical; Trials Of The Soul, another musical drama; and Buwa – Echoes Of The Drum, a dance production. A graduate of the University of Benin, he has rightly won many artistic excellence awards over the course of his theatre career that took him across Europe and finally to the United States in 1992 and has seen him being involved in over 30 major stage and screen productions as director, technical consultant and/or actor.

igerian female representative, Beverly Osu, is presently enmeshed in a love triangle completed by LK4 and Koketso. The love triangle is quite complicated as LK4, the man in it, is playing games with Osu and Koketso. On her own part, Osu is keeping her feelings pretty close to her chest for now. Koketso has however said that she has feelings for LK4 but she won’t let them hinder her to win the BBA prize. Osu

Pokello annoys housemates

imbabwe representative, Pokello, is not endearing herself to her fellow housemates. Her peculiar behaviour – she prefers to be just by herself and takes too much trouble over her face taking care of it – is annoying the housemates who are not keeping their feelings to themselves but complaining about it. LK4 went as far as complaining to

Biggie during a Diary Session that “Pokello is not here at all. All she wants to do is put on makeup and sleep.” LK4 was not the only one who complained about her. Head of House, Selly, also spoke on her slack attitude and letting the team down. “She is not helping. She likes to do her own thing and never wants to listen.”

Time to have a strategy –Natasha

Kani Omo (in cap) during KTM rehearsals

alawi representative, Natasha, is probably the housemate who knows that the chase is indeed on. During her Diary Session on Thursday, she revealed her change in game plan. She said she has been studying the terrain and being herself but the time has come for her to come up with a strategy.

Being specific, she said that she has been herself to impress her fellow housemates but time has come to do it for Africa. “I am going to start being entertaining in a way that I impress Africa and my fans so as to stand a better chance of winning the grand prize,” she revealed to Biggie.

June 8, 2013

Male Essentials

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@yahoo.com w

Underwear 101 ou have to go out utt of your way for your underwear, r, especially especi cial a ly your pants and boxers. ers. Don’t say sa ay because they are hidden by your trousers, you can go for cheap ones. nes. No. You have to go for the best regardless dless because you never know when there e might be cause for people to see them. If they were unimportant, rtant, top designers wouldn’t be battling ng their brains to come up with them in n classic designs that would make any man proud of what he has basically asically around his crotch and bum. Your underwear actually ually speaks volumes about you. If you splash out on them, m, then you are a true man n of class. If you don’t, then you are definitely lacking in substance. Make the wise choice today and go o for the best underwear ar available in the market..

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Ten ways to make her brag about you (1) A s the saying goes, relationships are work. So it stands to reason that you’re not going to build the perfect relationship showing up. It’s essential to by simply sim create relationship drivers; the things drive your relationship forward that th at dr and you guys tight. One way to an nd keep ke do this is to send your lady love gifts to There isn’t a woman alive her office. off doesn’t love a surprise gift, espethat do cially at work. A gift at work has the added bonus of show-off appeal. Not only will w she appreciate your gesture, display of affection will your public yo p make ke all her coworkers realize what a fab boyfriend your girlfriend has. Here are a some ideas to get you started. 1) Fancy stationary Writing on plain stationary is borWrit Penning, or printing, a note on ing. Pe fancy monogrammed stationary is infinitely more fun and aesthetically infinit appealing. Nice stationary will put appeal little pep a littl p p in her business correspondence. sponde ence. Order something unique, beautiful beauti iful and an tasteful for her in this regard. regard d. 2) A personal coffee maker Java lovers will go crazy over their very own personal coffee maker. Not p only on will she no longer have to dr drag herself to coffee shops, she sh h can ca now brew a cup of Joe whenever her heart desires. Keurig makes mini min coffee makers utilizing disposable coffee cups that are perfect c for the office. offic Throw in some coffee to go with it and an you have the perfect gift for her. 3) Magaz Magazine subscription Send her a print or digital subscription for her he favourite trashy magabreaks or during lunch, an zine. On br easy-to-read mag can offer a welcome from work. Unless of mental reprise repr being brainy is her way of course bein blowing off steam. 4) Wine ffor EOD If her job jo is like most other people’s, she’ll enjoy taking the edge off with a little vino at the end of the day. bottle will give her something A nice bottl forward to when she gets home to look forw and kicks off o her heels. But if you really want to surprise her, show up at a basket full of fruit, her office with w and cheese to go with the crackers an wine. Take her to a local park and enjoy a nice picnic. pi Continues next week Continue

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

StyGlelam and

n i Adenira is m e Y h wit

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158) ydir

01 (080378

o ensure a curly style lasts, it is important to take good care of the weave. Different brands require different care, such as the temperature of water when washing the hair. Your stylist opinion is mostly needed here.. Like any type of weave, a curly weave shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be kept in for more than three months. After removing, the weave must be replaced as the hair should not be re-used. It is important to wash the hair thoroughly and regularly, as well as the scalp and natural hair, with a high-quality shampoo and conditioner applied evenly through the hair. Avoiding rubbing too hard or bunching the hair prevents the weave from becoming knotted or loosened. Salon products recommended for weaves and cream conditioners give the hair the best treatment, while cheap shampoos and conditioners are often watered down and consist of more detergent than conditioner and may dry out the hair. It is important to rinse and condition hair after exercise, in order to remove the salt from perspiration but shampooing every time is not necessary. While the drying method used for straight weaves depends on the installation method, curly weaves always need to be air dried. This allows the strands to dry in a relaxed manner, whereas a blow dryer can increase the volume of the hair, giving it a messy appearance. To prevent entanglement, hair should be dampened and then loosened, using either a wide-toothed comb or the fingers, starting from the bottom and working up. A brush is sometimes suitable, depending on how loose the curls are, but it can cause the hair to become frizzy or static, especially when the hair is dry. Sleeping with a silk scarf around the head can also stops the hair from becoming tangled and helps to keep the style of the weave. This also reduces the risk of a cotton pillowcase from affecting the shine of the hair.

STYLE & GLAM

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion Frenzy

old colours are the best way to wake up a tired wardrobe. But if you’re a little hesitant to wear something other than a safe neutral, a great place to start is with a beautiful turquoise dress. Knowing how to wear a turquoise outfit in different scenarios is essential and will keep you feeling confident! It is bright, flattering for nearly every skin, hair colours, and goes well with a variety of accessories. It’s as easy to dress it up or down through your choice of shoes, bags, jewellery and other accoutrements as any basic beige frock, but with the inherent vibrancy of true colour. If you are afraid to jump into a beautiful and versatile turquoise dress, here’s how to go about it. For a formal event A smart turquoise dress in a classic cut is a great choice for the perfect transitional day to evening outfit. Stand out in a stunning, sexy gown in turquoise. It can be a halter maxi dress, a dramatic deep V-

BEAUTY

Q&A

neck in front and the super low back or any other choiced style plain or combined with any other colour. For a strict office look, wear it in simple dresses shirts, blouses or any print with a plain skirt or pant with a comfortable pair of shoes. If the event is in the night, you can get as dramatic as you can. Try a bold pair of gold earrings and sexy sandals to set off the buckle detail at the neckline, and then add a pop of colour with a coral clutch or deep forest green. For dinner dates A smart and modern turquoise dress is a great choice for dinner, drinks, dancing, or all three. A colourful pair of heels and a trendy boyfriend blazer will make for a smart evening out with friends, or try it with a sand-coloured biker style jacket and booties for a sophisticated, yet edgy look. Get even more versatility by donning a bold multicoloured jewellery or try silver metallic pieces for a dressier look

Your candid response to all fashion questions How can I be a style goddess?

Everyone has at least heard or read a story with a goddess in it. Goddesses are, of course, immortal, and, quite frankly, becoming immortal is impossible. But, we can all still live and act like a goddess. Follow this guide and the tips inside it, and discover your inner goddess. 1.Appearance: To start off, you need to look like a goddess. Goddess-

es can come in all forms, so you need to have your own style. However, goddesses are not likely to wear heavily-branded, unflattering clothes – if you look at the modern representations of goddesses, they wear flattering, natural clothes. Think sleek, yet modest – the Victorian slut! You may have worn plastic old navy flip-flops, baggy sweat pants and a blue Hollister shirt. Exchange for leather or natural fiber shoes, fitted/sleek jeans/jean shorts and a nice top. Shirts should be pastel

and not to when bro 2. Godd rally; leav ditioner t and have said to tak

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STYLE & GLAM

June 8, 2013

oo tight or loose. Jeans should be dark wash. Shoes are best own, white, black, beige, navy, or tan. desses take time and effort to look good. Style your hair natuve your hair natural and healthy. Buy nice shampoo and conthat is right for you. Wash your hair every one to two days, a bubble bath/lukewarm shower every day. Cleopatra was ke milk baths. Pour two cups of milk into your bath and swirl

Facelift Simple night party makeup ideas

the water around a few times. Milk makes the skin soft and touchable - perfect for a goddess! 3.Keep up a strict health and beauty regime. The image of a goddess is one that is meticulous. However, make it so you are relaxed in how you approach your routine. Don’t obsess over it: simply make it a habit like brushing your teeth. Always remove your makeup before bed and use moisturiser.

ot a hi-tech night party and you are fixed on how to look outstandingly attractive? You need not worry yourself.You should apply the ostentatious makeup for the night parties so that you look attractive amongst all. People want to look different for night parties every time and they keep on trying different tricks for this purpose. You should have a comfortable makeup to stand out in the night parties and hold the attention of everyone. You should follow the best makeup ideas for applying night party makeup. The article discusses the best makeup ideas that will help you to get noticed in the eye of everyone during the night parties. Night Makeup Tips: •When preparing for the night parties, initially have a look at your skin. It should look fresh and attractive. Rub the ice-cubes on your face for 5-10 minutes with short breaks. •Dip the cotton ball in milk and wipe your face. Skin will look fresh and attractive with glow on it •Be careful about the base of your face complexion. Use the foundation brush or sponge to apply the foundation all over your face •You can also use shimmer powder for better results •Apply the blush on your cheeks that matches the color of your dress. Apply bluster on sides of your forehead and chin •Any type of makeup gives special importance to eye makeup. Smoky eye makeup is usually considered best for the night parties •Apply the eye-shadow to your eye-lids matching with the blusher and dressing. Use short strokes of eye-liner on your eyes •Apply mascara on the eye lashes and give 2-3 coats of it •Give good shape to your eyebrows using the pencil •Use lip liner pencil for your lip makeup. Make a good shape of your lips. Use the lip brushes to apply lipstick finely on your lips

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

Who should give whom Anyone can

ou have probably heard of the old rule which states that men should take charge of financial matters in a relationship and this rule extends to that of men always buying gifts alone in any relationship. Men are expected to justify their sincerity and honest purpose of good intentions by taking care of their women through buying gifts regularly for these women. You probably have been told as a man that you have to do nice things to the woman you care about to attract her. Most likely friends and the society at large would even have encouraged you to shower gifts on that woman. You may even have gone the extra mile to put yourself on a limb by spending the proverbial cash that you didn’t have all in the name of wanting to please that woman of your dream. Some women will even go as far as keeping their cash to themselves with the expectations that having a man in one’s life is the surest way to a meal ticket for them and the man will become a virtual automated teller machine that cannot refuse the biddings of the card holder. For a lot of women, the old saying of ‘no romance without finance’ is a very common slang. For these women, to love them is to shower them with the material things of life. They will state that a man who doesn’t meet up to their expectations is stingy and they will quickly find an excuse to leave the relationship they have with that person not minding that there may be other reasons apart from being stingy that may not allow or permit a man to spend lavishly on them. Looking critically at the issue at stake, who even wrote the script of the man being the person to spend more in any relationship? Methinks women must believe us mad or at least stupid to expect that in this present age and clime where both sexes are expected to be wage earners, that it’s basically men who must spend more on a relationship even if we are earning less. The old chivalry has gone and the new sheriff in town believes in equality, if not in the person earning more. Commitment in a relationship goes beyond the issue of buying gifts as a means of

showing one cares. When you do a favour or you buy a gift for your partner every time it is expected of you, it stops being an act of commitment and starts becoming an obligation and when that person doesn’t reciprocates, it may fester for a long time and end up destroying the fabrics of the relationship which will ultimately destroy the relationship itself. I’ll not say that there’s anything wrong in a woman expecting things from her partner. Neither am I saying that men shouldn’t learn or rather cultivate the habit and character of giving. The hands that give will surely receive. It’s the nature of things in life. If you are a giver, you’ll also receive. I’m not sermonizing or preaching a gospel I don’t believe in. but giving must be with the full notion that it’s not done because there’s an expectation that precedes the giving. The genesis of the notion of men doing more of the giving is archaic and so seriously outdated that the true modern woman will surely laugh at it with scorn in her voice. No modern woman wants to be indebted to any man all in the name that it’s expected of the man to do the showering of gifts on her in the relationship. The real woman has learnt that showering gifts on her by any man is not truly a sign of affection. It’s more of showing off and buying of affection. Every woman when asked now on the true meaning of buying gifts in a relationship will tell you that she’ll prefer it going both ways without one partner doing more of the buying. It’s true that buying gifts by one’s partner is a form of investment and commitment in a relationship, but whether giving or receiving depends on who you’re trying to influence. If you want your partner to feel good, loved and wanted, by all means do so by showering the partner with gifts that you can afford. On the other hand, if you want them to have a feeling that they also are committing something to the relationship, then by all means receive. The bottom line is that there shouldn’t be a clear cut distinction on who should shower more gifts in a relationship.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Condoms and you Despite the existence of a wide range of contraceptives today, doctors recommend condoms highly. This is because they can prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in one blow. Unfortunately many people still avoid using condoms, explaining this reluctance with different myths and ignoring the facts. What’s true and what’s not about condoms? 1.Latex condoms are recommended for the prevention of unintended pregnancies and STDs. True. Latex condoms, when used properly, are very effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and STDs. People who are allergic to latex can use polyurethane condoms instead. Lambskin (or sheepskin) condoms have tiny pores that may be large enough to allow viruses to pass through. These condoms are not recommended for prevention of STDs.

2. Oil-based lubricants, like baby oil and petroleum jelly, are safe to use with latex condoms. False. Use only water-based lubricants with condoms. Oil-based lubricants will weaken the condom and cause it to break.

3. Condoms can break if the

tip is not pinched to remove air bubbles. True. Always pinch the tip of the condom before unrolling it.

4. After sex, a man should withdraw from his partner immediately, holding onto the base of the condom. True. This will prevent the condom from slipping off and possibly leaking inside his partner.

5. If washed carefully, a condom can be used safely over and over. False. Condoms can be used only once! Always use a new one if passion strikes twice.

6. To be prepared, it is always a good idea to have a condom in your wallet.

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June 8, 2013

CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

more gifts? The one who woos

This column is x-rated

False. This is a bit of a trick question. While you should be prepared, condoms kept in warm places, like a wallet or glove compartment, can weaken from the heat. An outside pocket or at home in a cool, dry place are better places to keep condoms.

False. Almost all condoms have silicone or water based lubricants, that exclude any pain during their use. If one experiences pain during sex, they should consult a doctor for taking a sexual health checkup, instead of imputing the pain to condoms.

7. Condoms, like groceries, have expiration dates.

11. It’s awkward to tell your partner about using a condom

True. Most condoms are good for three to five years. Check for the date printed on the box or condom wrapper.

False. Many people think, if they ask their partner to use a condom, they will offend by this ask. In reality such a proposal is an additional care about your partner’s health. You cannot offend a normal person by this. By the way, the very process of fixing the condom can become an additional moment in the romp.

8. One size of condom fits all. False. This is another trick question. While some companies make larger-sized condoms (which some men do actually need), a standard sized condom can be stretched over a person’s skull. (Yes, it’s true!) The standard size should be large enough to accommodate most men. Note: it is just as important to make sure the condom is not too large. If this is the case with the standard size, there are “snug” sizes also available.

9. Condoms desensitize False. Condoms are made out of thin, elastic and durable materials, which practically do not desensitize at all. Moreover, there exist condoms with particular lubricant based on water, which are recommended for those experiencing problems in reaching orgasm.

10. Using a Condom Hurts

12. Condoms should be bought by men False. Anyone can buy condoms. With the advent of female condoms, more and more women are taking up the responsibility of providing condoms for their sexual encounters.

13. Condoms disturb the spontaneity of sex False. If you and your partner agree about using the condom in advance, the condom will not disturb you. Remember, that only the correct use of condoms can provide the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Please love and respect each other and be healthy!

ne of the many sound facts I have heard from relationship gurus is that true love always gives. Simply put, giving is primary evidence of true love. In other words, love must touch your pocket! I hear you say: “no romance without finance”. Before you react negatively to this topic, please note that “giving” in this context does not mean giving all you have or spending on your partner to your detriment. Different strokes for different folks; once we focus on the principle being discussed, we can apply it to different kinds of relationships. If we all agree that giving should be part of any relationship, then let us address who should give more; in this edition, giving relates to gifts. We know that there are many things to give apart from gifts – money, time, affection, praise/admiration, encouragement, etc, but this edition focuses on gifts. Whether it’s a brand new Range Rover, a perfume, a writ watch, a shirt, a pair of trousers, a bunch of flowers or a simple hankerchief or pen, a gift is a gift. How often should gifts be given to your partner? There is no hard and fast rule and that is a topic for another day. So, while you decide whether you will limit gifts to special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s day or wedding anniversaries, let us think about who should be on the receiving end more than the other. I know that people are generally biased against women in this regard, but if we consider this point logically, you will see that it makes more sense to encourage men to shower gifts on their women more than vice versa. If you do not agree, then please think about which gender appreciates gifts more, and which gender society has accepted to be “the receiver”. If you come across a lady who keeps showering gifts on her boyfriend, you will conclude that she is desperate and is luring the guy into marriage. The guy may also feel the same way. However, if it is the other way round, it will seem quite normal, right? What does that tell you? Think about male and female differences and how our likes and dislikes differ. Think about how gifts make a woman feel special and how a man may not be tripped about a gift, even on his birthday. More im-

portantly, think about a man’s role in every stage of a relationship – he is the “toaster” who woos the lady he wants to get intimate with; in marriage, he is the provider. It only makes sense to expect the man to shower gifts on his partner more than she does him. Remember, we are talking about who should give more, not that a woman should only receive and not give. Even though it is wrong to try and ‘buy’ a woman over, a man should know that gifts are essential at every stage of a relationship, even for a lifetime. A couple should exchange gifts regularly, particularly on special occasions, but men should learn to give random gifts as often as they can afford to. The gifts need not cost a fortune. When you buy a gift for your woman, you are saying to her: “I thought about you today; you are special to me, and I want you to know that I cherish you”. On the other hand, a man would just appreciate the fact that his woman spent some money on him, and the gratitude may not be so deep; there are many other things that matter to a man – respect/submission, sex, etc. I lie? It is important to state that gifts will mean nothing if abusive words, punches and the like precede, accompany or follow gifts. Women are not fooled by gifts, so sincerity should be clear. Also, a woman needs more of her man’s presence than his presents; she needs affection and assurance of his love. She also needs respect. Who wants to be driving a Range Rover bought for her by her husband only to come home and be embarrassed and abused to the hearing of house servants and neighbours? Gifts mean more to women than men, so women should receive them more often from their men. Unfortunately, men use gifts as their “toasting tools” which are no longer required when they have “conquered”. They seem to understand the importance of showering gifts, only when the woman is still prey. Once she becomes “spoil” and they (the men) assume ownership, she no longer needs gifts. Men need to know that whatever a man does during courtship, he should do more during marriage. So who should shower gifts more? The one who woos, of course!

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman ‘I fasted for five years for MKO Abiola’

Mrs. Modupe Onitiri-Abiola is one of the wives of the late mogul and acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun MKO Abiola. In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, she speaks on her governorship ambition and the pains she went through during the incarceration of her husband. Excerpts:

ow has it been since e the demise of your husband nd about 15 years ago? It has been difficult. It is not ot easy to be a widow, especially unexpectedly ectedly. It has not been easy at all. The head ead of the family is no longer around and nd all the responsibilities have been taken en care of by the wife now. So, definitely y it is not easy for a woman to carry the burden of a man and you still have to be responsible for your own duties as a mother other and as a woman. In my own case, I don’t turn to man for help, I turn to Almighty ighty God for help. Since the incarceration ion of my husband, I haven’t touched his money and with that I don’t want a situation where you go to people and they ey feel like they have to bless themselvess and that they have to give you conditions. ns. I cannot compromise on integrity, honour or things that are very important nt to me. Another important thing is that I do not allow anyone at all to take God’s glory in my life; all glory belongs ngs to God in my life and fammily life. So, if there is anyone that wants to do me a favour and wants to give a condition and also think that they can blow the trumpet around that they once heldped me, it is not possible. Nobody can take God’s position in my life; He takes all the glory. I stay by myself and look unto God to help me and look unto Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour, and my husband; the husband to the widow. And to God be the glory, it has been very well.

How did you feel during the five year incarceration of your husband and did you ever take any step towards the freedom of your husband? I faced many problems. I have always been a behind the scene player; that is my system. Even when we were in Jos for the convention, a lot of things I did were always behind the scene. But when we got to the point where his wife (Kudirat Abiola) was assassinated that is when I realised this is no longer a joke. If the situation can warrant killing of an innocent woman, then it is a serious issue. The strategy used by the military at that time was to make sure that everybody was silent for them to perpetuate themselves. I just decided that it was enough of the behind the scene activities. So, I came out and started fighting for his mandate to be actualised. I did a lot of travelling all over the places, internationally, support for the actualisation of his mandate. y, to gather g pp Locally, I also did a lot of work. I went to many people. I also spoke to some leaders, activists, civil societies, pro-democracy groups and many others on the need to fight together instead of fighting i n d iv i d u ally. I said let us come together and fight against the military. They all agreed and we came together to form JACON at that time and

late Gani Fawehinmi decided that he would be responsible for everything that the group would need and he did. He really played a major role. I did everything to get him released and also for him to actualise his mandate. Not only him but other people who were incarcerated at that time, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua. I did a lot of work and tried everything but it seemed the military had their own determination. Either my husband renounced his mandate or he died in detention.

Where were you the day your husband was killed and how did you receive the news of his death? I knew before he was assassinated that he was going to be killed. I said it publicly and I told the leaders at that time that I knew they were going to kill him anytime. I did ask some of them to speak out and tell them not to kill Abiola but some of p wrong in my suspicion. At that time they them believed I was wron information that they were going to release were given the informat going to be coming back home. People him and that he was goi were actually staying at the airport and coming to the house. civil society groups and pro-democracy They leaders and all civi activists believed that he would be released. So, for me, going them that my husband was going to be to them and telling the assassinated sounded strange to them. But despite their telling them that was what was going responses, I kept tel spoke to some journalists at that time to happen. I later sp that they were going to kill him and bring his corpse out. What made you conclude then that they he was going to be killed? For over four years year he was kept incommunicado and He did not know what was in a evere inhuman condition. con happening around him. The condition, from what we heard him, was terrible and very bad. And about where they kept h they kept insisting that he should renounce his mandate. that The notion then was tha a the military didn’t want to go; they themselves and the problem again was wanted to perpetuate th he Nigeria. For those holding the power the power shifting in N power structure then, the po ow was not going to shift from the North, but my husband d iinsisted on his mandate. He said the issue matter was not the iss sue of the military because Babangida would told him he woul uld leave and hand over power to demoso why is the situation going on cratic government, goverr nm wrong the wro ong way? That was when I knew that he wass not going to give up. I know my husband and at that time he was already deteran nd a mined the mandate given to him by the min people of Nigeria was not going to be pe taken away because at that point a lot ta of people had been killed - his wife o was already killed, students were killed and so many people were assassinated. For him, to give up the mandate was like betraying those people that were killed, incarcerated and sacrificed at that time for the mandate to be actualised, especially the masses of this country. He was determined not to renounce his mandate. So, I knew at that point that the military had no option; the option is either they get rid of him or he

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WOMAN

June 8, 2013

not be married to Jesus Christ and still have a boyfriend somewhere. You cannot cheat; just like if you are married, you don’t cheat because you know that you don’t want to commit adultery. The same thing with Jesus Christ, if you are truly married to Him, you don’t cheat. If you are married to Jesus and you still look up to another man to provide for you, you are cheating and saying Jesus Christ cannot provide for you.

renounced the mandate and he refused to renounce his mandate. So you believe that the report given by the federal government about his death was not true? That definitely is not true. I have information that I cannot say publicly. My husband was assassinated because he refused to renounce his mandate. If he had renounced the mandate there would not have been anything like democracy in Nigeria today because the military then had no intention of going. They planned to stay in office perpetually. Babangida told my husband then that the boys (military) didn’t want him to be president because they believed if he became president, he might not favour them. So, I know at that point that they were going to kill him because Abacha refused to release him and Abacha died. And when Abdulsalami took over, he too was not willing to release him. They were already thinking about what was going to be the balance of the situation at that time because the country was almost at a standstill. The issue at that time was very difficult because they believe that if they didn’t play the game properly, maybe the Western part of the country would secede. They thought they had to play it carefully. They were thinking if they got rid of him, they would bring somebody from the West because if they didn’t balance the equation properly, we might have problem at that time. So, they knew that the unity of the country was always what the military considered paramount. Abiola was killed because the military didn’t want democracy and Abiola had to pay the price. He had to pay the price with his own life for democracy to come to Nigeria. So, he was killed because they did not want democracy. What he wanted to do he could not do it, but at least, in the future someone else would come in and make it happen. The first process is democracy and he decided that he would pay the price and that is why the foundation of present democracy is on Abiola and the blood of so many people. How true is it that Abiola was betrayed by people who are closer to him? I am not going to mention names but it is true that he was betrayed by a lot of people, especially people that he trusted and believed in. Normally, he didn’t question people. He trusted a lot of people; he believed in many people. A lot of people did betray him and that is life. If you have 12 disciples and you have one Judas, can you imagine how many people around my husband at that time? A lot of people let him down. How true is the speculation that you are planning to run for Lagos State governorship in 2015? As a leader, the first thing you must have is the fear of God and you must be sensitive to the people. You must be able to understand the people and see how you can make things better for them. The number two thing you must do as a leader is to realise that you are not master; be the servant. You are there to serve the people because they elected

But there would still be a place of emotion No. When you are married to Jesus, you are totally married to him. You just believe and it happens. You are still young. How are you coping without a man to meet your emotional needs? When my husband was arrested, I had no option and power. If people at that time could arrest my husband, who else should I turn to? I had no choice and right from the beginning. I am from a Christian background; I got married to my husband and I became a Muslim. Then, I came back to my religion, Christianity. Now I am a Christian. When he was arrested; from that day till the day he was assassinated to the year after, I was fasting. I was fasting and praying everyday.

Onitiri-Abiola

you to serve them and not to be their master. What we have in the country is very terrible now. We have so many unemployed people in the country. You see many people begging for money and doing crazy things in the country. People are leaving this country travelling through the desert because they want to go to Europe. A lot of people get killed during the process. We have many Nigerians going overseas to sell their organs to get money. That is the picture on ground. Nigeria is a very rich country; we are blessed exceedingly and abundantly by God. So, nobody in Nigeria should be poor. I believe it is high time we did what we wanted to do at that time. They didn’t allow us at that time, now I am going in and it is going to happen. This time around they are not going to cut it short. It is going to happen. If they think they are going to cut it short they would be cut short by Almighty God Himself. This time around, I am going to deliver to the people by special grace of God. In 2015 I am the governor of Lagos State. I am going to deliver and by delivering other people would see it and people would start asking their leaders, if she is able to deliver all these, why can’t you do it? It is going to happen and I know that by the time I come out that I am going to become governor by the grace of God other good and genuine people will come out too to help the situation on ground. I know for sure that 2015 elections is going to be different. This, actually, is the new beginning for Nigeria politics and it is going to be totally different. A lot of people are going to be disappoint-

ed because they are thinking it is going to be business as usual. That is not going to happen. God is taking control and enough is enough of this madness. I am going to deliver to the people. It is a mission. My coming out in 2015 is called ‘Mission 2015.’ I am going to be governor of Lagos in 2015. I am coming into politics to eradicate poverty and deliver dividends of democracy to the people. Fifteen years after the death of your husband why have you refused to re-marry? I refused to remarry because I cannot find anyone like him. It is not because of his money; we have a lot of people that are very rich now, maybe richer than him in terms of currency but in terms of giving and being concerned about the plight of the people, I don’t think I have seen any other African or anyone else in the world like him. Privately there are many challenges when you are married to a person of his calibre. There are so many challenges, so I just decided that I don’t want to go through such situation again. But the good part of it was that he was a very good man, husband and father and there is no point going to somebody else and just trying to compare and contrast at every time and every situation. I just want to stay and luckily for me, I am married to Jesus. What else did I want? Why are you married to Jesus? It is husband to the widow and once you decide that you want to marry to Jesus Christ, you turn to Him all the time; you don’t mess around. You can-

You fasted for five years Yes, I fasted for five years everyday nonstop and a lot of time, it was dry fasting. Why did you fast for five years? Was it because of your love for your husband or what? Yes. It was a destiny that I got married to him because I never believed that I would go into a polygamous system. It was because of pure love. I truly loved him and that is why I cannot bring myself to the level of getting married again because I just felt like I cannot share it. When I wanted to get married to my husband my family refused because they believed that at that time a lot of people were getting married to him because of his money and what he was going to give them. So, my family was very upset that people would say that a member of the Onitiri family in Lagos is going to marry Abiola because of his money. I said no, but they said nobody will know that. They refused and it took almost 10 years before I got married to my husband. So, when I got married to him, it was purely out of love. He had wives before I married him and a lot of women after I married him but the relationship was one man one wife between both of us even though the situation around was different. I was also convinced about his passion to help the people and his mission for contesting for the presidency, which was to help the masses. That was the motivation to continue in praying and fasting, but unfortunately they killed him. I am not interested in anybody again.

June 8, 2013

Parenting

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

Parenting a restless child Y

oung children are often restless and excitable. Their noisy liveliness is usually just a part of being young. Although it may be tiring, it is usually nothing to worry about. Sometimes youngsters may be so active and noisy that it makes life difficult for their parents and other children. Adults may say that he’s ‘hyperactive’, but the trouble with this word is that professionals use it to describe extreme and sometimes dangerous behaviour, such as running out into a busy road. There are many things that can make a child overactive. The following should give you some guidance as to the reasons for your child’s behaviour. Finding the reasons may help you to come up with some solutions to combat the problem. Problems with parents If parents are unhappy, depressed or worried, they tend to pay less attention to their children. They may find they can’t spend the time they need to help them play constructively, or they may find that when they do play with them, they spend a lot of time telling them to be quiet. Children learn from this that they have to be naughty or noisy to get any attention from their mum or dad. No clear rules

It is important to have simple rules about what is allowed and what is not. If two parents are involved, they both need to agree about the rules, and be consistent and fair when they say `no’. This will help the child to know what is expected and to learn self-control. Temperament We are all born with different temperaments. Some children are livelier, noisier and more outgoing than others. They may prefer going out and being with other people than quietly reading a book or playing with toys by themselves. Quite often, children who are active like this are also excitable and may go over the top while playing. Although this can be a nuisance, it is nothing to worry about, but you may need some help in finding ways to help your child calm down. Learning problems Some children find it hard to learn things that other children find easy. They may need special help at school. They may seem quite young for their age and find it hard to concentrate on work or control their behaviour as well as other children. Hearing problems Glue ear is a common example of a hearing problem. If a child has glue ear, they will find it hard to hear what other people say, will tend to shout and may want the television turned up very loudly.

ParentingUpdate

beautiful baby girl is all smiles after being born with a pair of front teeth.

Baby Imogen Elliot

Newborn Imogen Elliot, from South Wales, UK, was born with a pair of pearly whites in her

Food Some children do seem to react to certain foods by becoming restless and irritable. This is not as common as some people think, but occasionally, it can be a real problem. What to do Spend more time with the child. Try to make sure you spend time with your child on their own, so that they know you are interested in them. This will give you the chance to plan and praise. Plan Spend time with your children doing something they enjoy. Get into a routine and plan what they are going to be doing for the day or the weekend. It is helpful to arrange to have friends to come and play, (encouraging their social development) and gives you a break when they are invited back! It is also helpful to engage them in regular activities such as football or trampoline sessions, cubs, brownies etc. Playing with them, teaching them and doing their favourite hobbies. This will make the child feel wanted and thus involved in activities. . Join them in their favourite activity class which may include outdoor games, board games, drawing, drama etc. Create fun for them. . Bring home some great fun activity book which will catch

their interest and have them engaged for a good amount of time. Allow them to watch their favourite TV channels, if restricted they may get even more restless. Therefore better allot them some specific time to watch TV.. Allow them to play outdoor with their friends. Being with friends helps regulate restlessness more effectively. Praise Take every opportunity to

praise your child. Be as clear as possible. It is vital that they understand exactly what they have done to please you. For example, “you’ve been playing so quietly on your own … what a good boy you are” or “what a good footballer you are”. Lively, excitable behaviour is a common problem for parents. Your health visitor will be used to giving advice about this. If there seems to be a problem with your child’s hearing, or if there seems to be a reaction to foods, your general practitioner should be able to help and refer to a specialist if required.

Tiny Feet

NAME: Precious Israel

BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs Israel AGE: 3 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.5 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Baby born with a pair of front teeth •Natal teeth happen in just one in every 3,000 babies lower jaw - to the amazement of her mother, Stacey Lewis, 24. The two-week-old left midwives baffled as they noticed the pair of natal teeth, usually baby teeth which have come through early. Natal teeth - which happen in just one in every 3,000 babies are teeth that are present when the baby is born and are usually baby teeth which have come through early. The teeth are sometimes loose because the root is not completely developed, and have to be removed, but little Imogen’s teeth were given the all-clear. Mother Stacey Lewis said, “As soon as Imogen was born, the midwives put her on my chest and I spotted them straight away. “They’re pretty noticeableand I certainly wasn’t expecting my baby to be born with teeth! I don’t think the midwives knew

what to say - they had never seen anything like it before.” Midwives would not let the new family leave the hospital until they had spoken to a specialist paediatrician. When they confirmed the teeth were secure, they were told they could go home. Father Scott Elliott, 27, said: “We were worried the teeth might be loose, but she was checked out by a specialist who said she was fine.” The new mother added: “All these different midwives kept popping in and asking to see ‘the baby with the teeth’, it was funny. “Our family were really shocked - they had never even heard of it before. That’s when we realised how rare it is. “We’ll be booking her in for her first dental appointment soon, just to make sure they are growing properly.”

Natal teeth, also known as fetal teeth, are not related to a medical condition. However, sometimes they may be associated with conditions which will be explained by a doctor after proper diagnosis. If the teeth are not removed, keep them clean by gently wiping the gums and teeth with a clean, damp cloth or cotton wool. Examine the infant’s gums and tongue frequently to make sure the teeth are not causing injury. Consult a pediatrician if an infant with natal teeth develops a sore tongue or mouth or other symptoms. Dental x-rays may be considered. If there are signs of any condition that can be associated with natal teeth, examination and testing for that condition will be performed and the result properly explained to the parents of the baby.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

Delayed puberty

hat is delayed puberty?

Delayed puberty is a phrase used to describe when a boy or girl has passed the usual age of onset of puberty with no physical or hormonal signs that it is beginning. Puberty is the process of physical changes by which a child’s body becomes an adult body capable of reproduction. Delayed puberty is defined as the absence of sexual development in females by age 13 and in males by age 14. The condition also applies to adolescents that have begun sexual development, but changes are progressing slowly over 3-5 years. Several hormones regulate puberty, or sexual development. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are produced in a special part of the brain called the pituitary gland. These hormones stimulate the ovaries and testes. In combination with hormones from other glands in the body, these hormones cause the physical changes seen in puberty. In early to mid-puberty, both males and females experience growth spurts as well as hair growth in the Pubic and underarm areas. When ovaries are stimulated they produce estrogens. This hormone is responsible for breast development and changes in the body shape. In combination with other hormones, it also causes menstruation (periods) to begin. This usually happens at age 12 ½ When testes are stimulated they produce testosterone. The size of the genitals increase and masculine body changes begin, usually by age 13 ½.

How long will delayed puberty last? Puberty may be delayed for several years and still occur normally. This form of delayed puberty is called constitutional delay.

Symptoms of delayed

puberty The most common symptoms of delayed puberty are:  Girls:  lack of breast development by age 13  more than five years between breast growth and menstrual period  lack of pubic hair by age 14  failure to menstruate by age 16  Boys:  lack of testicular enlargement by age 14  lack of pubic hair by age 15  more than five years to complete genital enlargement

What causes delayed puberty? The most common cause of delayed puberty is constitutional delay of growth and puberty. This means that your child’s body clock is slower than their calendar age and given time, without treatment, they will grow and develop normal sexual characteristics. These children are sometimes referred to as

“late bloomers”, and this is more commonly seen in males than females. Other causes of delayed puberty include a history of illness such as cancer, kidney, heart or lung disease, medication, eating disorders, trauma or injury to the pituitary gland, trauma or injury to the ovaries or testes, high levels of sports activities, under nutrition, diabetes, asthma, defects to the body’s responsiveness to sex hormones and congenital conditions.

What are the possible effects of delayed puberty? The hormones estrogens and testosterone are responsible for normal sexual development. If your child’s body cannot make these hormones, replacement with man-made forms of the hormone is indicated. If the hormone is not replaced, normal adult sexual maturation will not occur. Your child may be short for his/her age and/or look younger than their peers.

Treatment for delayed puberty There may not be any abnormalities

LETTER

What causes retarded growth? Dear Mirror Doctor, What is the cause of retarded growth and weak erection? +234813-------48 Mirror doctor replies Delayed growth is poor or abnormally slow height or weight gains in a child younger than age 5. This may just be normal, and the child may outgrow it. Common Causes include Constitution-

al growth delay which refers to children who are small for their age but are growing at a normal rate. Puberty is often late in these children. They continue to grow after most of their peers have stopped. Most of the time, they will reach an adult height similar to their parents’ height. However, other causes of growth delay must be ruled out. Genetics may also play a role. One or both parents may be short. Short but healthy parents may have a healthy child who is in the shortest 5 percent for his or

her age. These children are short, but they should reach the height of one or both of their parents. Delayed or slower-than-expected growth can be caused by many different things, including chronic disease, endocrine disorders, emotional health, infection and poor nutrition. Many children with delayed growth also have delays in development. Considering the second aspect of your question, a weak erection is caused by insufficient blood flow to the penile sponge-

identified----this means puberty will eventually occur on its own. Delayed puberty can be treated. In some cases, treatment may involve hormone therapy or surgery to correct an anatomical problem. The exact type of treatment for delayed puberty will depend on: • the cause • your child’s age, overall health, and medical history • extent of the condition • your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies If an illness or medication is thought to be delaying puberty, these issues should be addressed before hormonal therapy is considered. If your child is a ‘late bloomer’ reassurance is needed that even without treatment, puberty will begin and sexual maturation will occur. Hormone replacement is given if test results show that the body cannot produce adequate amounts of estrogens or testosterone.

like tissues. When this doesn’t get a high enough level of blood flow, it cannot expand fully. Also, if the sponge tissues can’t hold the blood, it restrains it from growing to its full size. There are a variety of factors that can cause the arteries and veins to constrict and reduce blood flow. Notably, smoking and a high fat diet contribute to reduction of blood flow. Venous leaking brought on by a penile injury can keep a penis from holding blood flow, even sufficient flow, and this can also cause a weak erection. A weak erection can also cause anxiety that can lead to premature ejaculation, not to mention that weak erections can be physically responsible for premature ejaculation, too.

June 8, 2013

Dear Igho

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TTel: e 08023924679 (SMS only) ighomit@gmail.com

Having diﬃculties with relationships, family, work or any other aspect of your life? Help is at hand with TOBORE IGHO OVUORIE

Help! We love each other but keep fighting church for several months immediately after our wedding and it helped a little. We try to keep calm and to not let things escalate out of control. But, despite the counselling, we still get into huge fights sometimes. I don’t know how we can resolve this problem. We love each other so much and neither one of us wants to end the marriage. We just need to learn to get along. Any advice on what we can be doing in order to eliminate these terrible fights? Please, help I don’t want to lose my home. Mrs. Udoh, Cross River State.

Dear Madam Igho, My husband and I have been married for almost a year. We love each other more than anything and make each other very happy for the most

part. However, sometimes we get into huge fights that start with a stupid argument and escalate badly and last for days. We have been seeing a marriage counsellor in our

Dear Mrs. Udoh, Maybe it’s your ages, and maturity level, but these fights are control issues too. In other words, it’s as if you’re saying to each other: “I have an opinion, and you’re not in charge of how I feel- so there!” Sounds like you both may be too different and share a few common interests and

values. My dear, opposites do attract, but each party has to be able to respect the differences in each other and not see them as threats. That said, both of you seem stubborn, and this you have in common! The first year of marriage can be the hardest, but if these fights escalate without any quick and lasting resolution, I think the marriage is doomed. Sometimes love isn’t enough to form a committed lasting partnership. Respect is paramount, and it seems like neither one of you is willing to respect each other in the most fundamental ways that keep a relationship on an even keel. It’s best to face the fact you should calm your temper and deliberately develop true friendship, lest the current situation is not suitable for the long haul. Please, don’t make the mistake others make by having children; first sort this out because children like most people think, is not the answer to this problem. Reason? They do not deserve two warring parents!

My parents don’t want me in school basketball team Dear Aunty Igho, I need you help urgently! I really, really, really want to be a part of the school’s basketball team but I was sick recently and couldn’t make it though I am tall and have the needed drives. I tried to convince my parents to e-mail the school to see if I could still try out, but they said no because of my grades. I really wish I hadn’t Dear Igho, My mummy remarried four years ago and her husband has been inappropriately slapping my butt saying it’s his. I’m 23 years old, and he tries to tickle me. I get really uncomfortable and my mother keeps saying he’s playing when I tell him straight forward to stop. I’m currently to the point where

told them. So now I am very sad and I need your help. Worried kid, Grange School, Lagos. Dear Worried kid, If your parents would not have allowed you to be on the basketball team because of your falling grades, whether you had tried out for it, or not, it would have

made no difference. It appears your parents think the commitment would take up too much of your time, and that would not allow you to improve your grades and, perhaps, fall even further. Although I am sorry for you that you cannot be on the team, your only recourse is to improve on your grades in order to convince your parents you can be on the basketball team while maintaining acceptable grades.

Stepfather keeps slapping my butt! I don’t want to be home and I feel so bad, angry and afraid. I tell my mom and she doesn’t listen to me. What do you suggest I do? Nene Peters, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

My dearest Nene, I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do. What your stepfather is doing is horribly inappropriate, and outrageously offensive. You have told him to stop, he doesn’t, and your mother makes excuses for him by labelling it

Will I make it as an actress? Dear Aunty Igho, I have written JAMB severally with no success so that I can study Theatre Arts and become an actress. I’m thinking about applying to a foreign university but I’m afraid I won’t get accepted. Also, if I do get into a school in the United States, I’m afraid that my future would be crap because I never amounted to anything, and I would just blow off all this money on this school to not

Try and put yourself in their shoes, from your email, you are a student of Grange School and I have a fair idea how much money your parents are investing in you. Please, transfer that commitment to your studies and they will be the ones clamouring for you to give the team a try. Please, do keep in touch with me about this and any other issues bothering you. God bless you my dear.

become anything. So I need some advice. I’m afraid of being a failure in life, so what should I do? Also, I am torn between writing JAMB and going abroad. Which do you think I should go for? Thanks. Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Your attitude, in a word, sucks, and you won’t make it based on that alone. Getting into the acting world, besides hav-

ing the talent, means you have to accept (with dignity) being rejected for a part, only to get up the next day and try all over again. I know a lot of people who are talented, but the difference between making it, and not making it, is the courage and drive it takes to get there. Assuming you’re capable of an attitude adjustment, foreign schools accept applicants who are skilled performers, and have tremendous ambition though it’s highly competitive, and requires an audition.

harmless fun. It’s imperative that you have a plan to move out before he takes advantage of you in your mother’s absence. Your mother’s denial and you being subjected to this predator must stop. Get back to me, and let’s see if we can come up with that plan together. Although fear of failure may be deeply embedded in the person pursuing a performing career (or any career for that matter), it shouldn’t be the overriding concern. Be realistic about your goals, and understand that the journey is equally as important as the goal. You must work very hard, you will learn much along the way, but you need to commit in time and effort in order to get where you want to be. If you’re not up for it, don’t bother. I would recommend a foreign performing school for you if the means to fund it is available and there are many universities and colleges to consider, but the time to start looking is now.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The cache of arms discovered in Kano

AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

LIVING

June 8, 2013

he discovery recently in Kano of a bunker in which assorted weapons of mass destruction was concealed and its link to the Lebanon based Hezbollah fighters raised serious concern about the security and safety of the country in the face of the Boko Haram insurgency. It also fuelled the suspicion that the Boko Haram militant group which had held sway in the northern part of the country is also being backed by some foreign terrorist organisation. A director of the State Security Service, SSS, Mr. Bassey Etang, while briefing reporters at the scene of the discovery on 30 May, 2013, admitted that the Hezbollah fighters could lend support to the Boko Haram organisation. He concluded, however, that at that moment it was not certain whether the two had any link but that investigation would determine that. Saturday Mirror investigations over the Kano raid which led to the discovery of the cache showed that the items in the bunker included anti-tank missiles, up to a ton of high explosive materials and a range of other lethal military hardware. This followed an intense investigation by Nigerian counter-terrorism and police authorities, during the course of which three Lebanese men living in Nigeria were detained. This discovery by security agents shed light on how Lebanese Hezbollah operates in Africa in order to prepare the ground for terror activity on a startling scale. The security operatives, Saturday Mirror learnt, began inquiries into these individuals after they uncovered terror activities being pursued by a number of Iranian cells to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Quds Force in Nigeria in recent months. This was highlighted with the exposure of a local man from Ilorin on February 20, who was working as an agent of the Quds Force. Further enquiry shows that the SSS led investigation on the Quds Force agents led them to Moustafa Reda Darwish-Fawaz, aged 49, a wealthy businessman and significant donor to the Lebanese Hezbollah organisation. A joint Nigerian-Lebanese passport holder, Darwish-Fawaz owns the AMIGO supermarket and the wonderland entertainment park in Abuja where he lives. However, he also works for Hezbollah’s Islamic Jihad Organisation (IJO) – the special section of the Lebanese militia group that conducts terror attacks abroad (sometimes referred to as Hezbollah’s Ex-

‘We have no hand in Kano cache of arms’ Kano, the commercial nerve of northern Nigeria, has for some time been held by the jugular by the Boko Haram sect. However, a few days ago, a cache of arms was discovered in the house of a Lebanese, fuelling speculations that there are foreign interests behind the sect. How has the development affected the Lebanese community in the country?

Tahir

ternal Security Organisation or by its codename: Unit 910). In this capacity, DarwishFawaz relayed information to his Hezbollah colleagues about potential targets for attack, including the U.S embassy in Abuja. Darwish-Fawaz was arrested on 10 May, 2013, after which he disclosed details to the SSS about various Hezbollah activities. This included information about the other members of his cell and also about a specific property belonging to his IJO co-operator, Abd-el-Hasan Taher Fadlallah, in the northern city of Kano that they were using to advance terror activities. Fadlallah, aged 60, a citizen of Lebanon and Sierra Leone, presents himself as a regular businessman and he owns the Fantazia supermarket in Kano. Fadlalla spends his time between Nigeria and the U.S. Fadlallah was out of town when the SSS raided his home in Kano and discovered the Hezbollah military arsenal. The arms were being guarded by a third IJO cell member, Talal Ahmed Reda, aged 50, who holds joint Nigerian-Lebanese citizenship. Reda provided further details to the Nigerian security services, on top of those provided by Darwish-Fawaz and informed explicitly that Hezbollah had supplied the

weapons and that he personally had been assigned with the collection of information and attack targets from his Hezbollah commanders. Reda also confirmed the “secret hideout” in large purpose-built storage bunker buried beneath a prayer room in the house, camouflaged by layers of ceramic tiles, flooring and concrete plates. The military inventory discovered by men of the Kano Joint Task Force upon penetrating the bunker is both extensive and diverse, offering great flexibility to Hezbollah in the kinds of terror activity. Among the weapons confiscated are anti-tank missiles, 81 mm and 120 mm rockets, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), launchers, military-grade hand grenades, sub-machine guns, hand pistols, AK-47 assault rifles, and over 10,000 7.62 mm bullets. In addition, 1,545 packages containing as much as a ton of the chemical explosive TNT were found stored in protective cases. The third Hezbollah operative to have been detained as a result of DarwishFawaz’s interrogation is Abdalla Asad Tahini, 48, a veteran in the organisation and a long time fundraiser. Tahini too is a joint Liberian-Lebanese passport holder. However, unlike the other three Hezbollah operatives- all of whom belong to the same terror cell of the IJO –Tahini is a permanent representative of Hezbollah’s so called “Foreign Relations Division” based in Abuja. On the surface, the division claims to be responsible for “community relations” wherever Lebanese citizens or Shiite Muslims live around the world, but this is essentially a façade intended to create an image of legitimacy for the organisation. In reality, its main purpose is to spot recruits for special military units of the organisation and help create a supporting infrastructure for the elite overseas terror

units of Hezbollah in Africa and all other regions of the world in which it is operational. The development no doubt created some kind of disquiet within the Lebanese community in Kano which weighed the implications of the involvement of their kinsmen in the country in terrorism related activities. The statement by the Lebanese community said it found the story of the incident embarrassing adding and pledged to give the relevant agencies all the support needed to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. The statement signed by the chairman of the community in Kano, Mr. Tahir Fadlallah, stated further that the Lebanese community in Kano has been living in Nigeria for upwards of a century and has been noted as peace loving with its members conducting their lawful business in a manner mutually beneficial to all. “We will not accept, assist or associate with any criminal activity by any individual or group,” it affirmed further. Tahir Fadallah who is the chairman of Tahir Guest Palace and who was erroneously named in one of the media as being arrested in connection with the incident described the publication as an act of mischief to rubbish his credibility and reputation of his business, adding that he would seek redress in court. “The Lebanese community wishes to categorically state its preparedness and willingness to co-operate with security and law enforcement agencies in their effort to counter any act or activities associated or related to terrorist act,” it added. The statement also restated the community’s confidence in the relevant authorities to carry out thorough investigations in the issue with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

LIVING

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The materials allegedly recovered from Momodu

Mrs. Carol Onyeka Afegba, DPO, Ogida Police Station, Benin

Ibrahim Momodu

Controversy trails student’s death

•UNIBEN insists Ibrahim Momodu was “technically” not a student SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

he Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, has announced the redeployment from office of the Divisional Police Officer of Ogida Police Station, Mrs. Carol Afegbai so as to allow for a diligent investigation of the shooting and killing of a 500-Level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Mr. Ibrahim Momodu. Saturday Mirror also gathered that DPO’s orderly, Police Constable Amadi Idahosa, who allegedly fired the shot that killed the 22-year old student of the Faculty of Laboratory Sciences, has been admitted to detention pending the determination of the investigation. According to Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Folusho Adebanjo, “Looking at the scenario for now, it might be too early for anyone to dismiss either the claim of the police or that of the bereaved family. In order to demonstrate the Edo State Police management team’s desire for justice and fairness as it concerns this case, the case file has been forwarded to the Di-

rector of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.” “The DPO of Ogida Division, CSP Carol Afegbai and her orderly, PC Amadin Idahosa who shot the deceased have also been redeployed to facilitate further investigation.” However, more controversies continue to trail the killing of Momodu on May 27th as UNIBEN have denied that he was a student of the school as at the time he was killed. Reacting to media enquiries on the status of the student, the Public Relations Officer of the University of Benin, Mr. Harrison Osarenren denied that he was a student of the school. The school spokesman’s statement, which seemed to have backed the claim by police that Momodu was no longer a student of UNIBEN, sparked even more reactions from the family of the deceased, as expected. Osarenren explained that the deceased gained admission into UNIBEN in the 2008/2009 academic session, after which he registered subsequently as a bona fide student of the school. He added that the records before his office showed that the last time Momodu

registered as a student of UNIBEN was in the 2009/2010 academic session after which he “technically” ceased to be a student of the school. According to Osarenren, “The university rule says that refusal to register makes you a non-student. Technically speaking, I would not say he is a student. He is not our student for now.” While the school’s claim has, somehow, lent credence to an earlier police claim, when Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Hilda Harrison, allegedly led a police delegation to visit the Momodu family on Wednesday night, the lawyer to the Momodu family, Jefferson Uwoghiren & Co., slammed UNIBEN’s statement on Momodu’s status and police visitation as “a cheap and indolent attempt at covering up a fact of a premeditated murder.” Mr. Uwoghiren asked, “The question is: do police visit families of killed armed robbers? So, why is the authority of the University of Benin in a hurry to embarrass that great school by misleading the public that Ibrahim Momodu was not a student of the school? We believe it is high time university authorities stopped the ridiculously id-

iotic policy of quickly distancing itself and denying any student that is alleged by the police to be involved in a crime, even without proper investigation. Unfortunately in this case, the authority of the University of Benin is responding to an assertion the police have since impliedly abandoned.” “We have herewith, a student identity card issued by the school authority. Also, we have the student registration form of Ibrahim Momodu, for the 2012 academic session, dated 6th November, 2012, and signed by the course adviser clearly stating all the courses Ibrahim Momodu registered for. Now, is the school claiming that all this registration was done in anticipation of his murder?” Uwoghiren concluded by demanding a retraction of the UNIBEN denial. UNIBEN spokesperson, Osarenren, however, continues to insist on the school’s earlier claim that Ibrahim Momodu was not a student of UNIBEN based on his non-registration for the last academic session of 2012/2013 going by the official records of UNIBEN. Meanwhile, a police pathologist, Dr. Wilson Akhiwu led the family members and UNIBEN authorities and others to exhume the buried corpse of the late student on Thursday for an autopsy to determine what, when and how he died. From the cemetery, they took the body to Stella Obasanjo Hospital for Women and Children, where early analysis revealed that Momodu was shot in his chest. Meanwhile, the mother of the dead student, Mrs. Osas Okungbowa Momodu has once again called for justice over the death of her son. Speaking when a group of civil society organizations led by the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor, visited her, she said that the claim made by the police when she visited Ogida Police Station to find out how her son died and the one they made later in defence of the killing were at variance. Ibrahim Momodu was allegedly shot dead by the police in the night of May 27th 2013 around his street while returning home after he allegedly resisted police stop-and-search. The student was allegedly buried by authorities of Ogida Police Station in Benin City a day later. A gun, a bag, two phones, an unregistered motorcycle and cartridges were alleged to have been recovered from him.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EVENTS

June 8, 2013

Faces as UBU marks graduation, ordination All roads lead to the Sarrmac Auditorium on 26/38, Yakoyo Road, Ojodu-Ikeja, Lagos as the United Bible University (UBU) holds its graduation cum ordination ceremony, today. A statement by the President/Director of Studies of the institution, who is also the President of Association of Christian Theologians (ACTS), Prof Augustus Olakunle Macaulay, said apart from the main graduation, those slated for honour today include Prof Moses Olatunde Ajayi, who is to be appreciated with a Long Service Award, and four others, who will earn professorial awards. The new professors, according to Macaulay who is equally the General Director of the Professorial Award Council (PAC) of the UBU, are, James Omojali, Augustus Edet Mkpong, Obong Edet Ita and Aniefiok Mfot Akpabio. Apart from those who will bag PhD, Master’s degrees and Bachelor’s degrees, seven clerics under the aegis of Christian Soul-Winners Worldwide, in conjunction with Moses Iloh Preachers College, are to be honoured with professional ministerial ordination, on today’s occasion.

Prof Olakunle Macaulay, President/Director of Studies

Entrance to United Bible University Lagos campus

Prof Olatunde Ajayi ...bags Long-Service Award

2012/2013 matriculating students

Prof Macaulay presenting membership certificates of ACTS to students of UBU

Behold, the four new professors

Prof James Omojali

Prof Augustus Edet Mkpong

Prof Obong Edet Ita

Prof Aniefiok Mfot Akpabio

LEISURE

June 8, 2013

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June 8, 2013

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FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

he need to keep our homes and offices free of all sorts of pests and insects cannot be overemphasized. This in turn makes the business of pest control a very vital one to keeping a healthy society irrespective of status, age, tribe or location. Some years back, the business was not particularly lucrative. However, the outbreak of LASAA fever gave it a boost, explained Joseph Olopade who has been into pest control production in the last six years. He disclosed that business of pest control is not as big as expected in this part of the country some years back because a lot of people took pests control too trivially. Olopade, who is currently the managing director of Kill It insecticide and pest control located in Ipaja area of Lagos, spoke on the urgent need to take the issue of pest control more seriously because of the many dangers that such negligence pose to human health. He described the situation where a lot of people still do not see the need for professionals getting rid of the pests in their environment as sad. He however noted that although attitude of people towards this issue seems to be changing with the outbreak of LAASA fever some few years which is transmitted through rats. “Most of the people doing this business here are not trained in the areas of application of chemical and it is a slow and steady business and I believe that once you can get the government to latch into our vision, we should be able to make a difference. The situation is even much better than it used to be back in time because of the outbreak of LASAA fever which killed some people in some parts of the country. Olopade further stated that the business is making waves now and can be described as lucrative. “People are becoming more aware of the need to clean up their environment and to use pest control. Some even engage the services of pest control operators like us to clean up their apartments and environments which have not particularly been so in the past. For instance, fumigating a plot of land before now was N15,000, but that, now that more people want to get rid of rodent in their environment, the cost is now N20,000 per plot and we have been having people calling from various places to engage our services.” He further disclosed that the peak period for business is during the rainy season. He, however, disclosed that there has been a n influx of quacks into the business. “For instance, most people are more used to Ota piapia and when you now start telling them about another product which is better than that, they don’t want to see any reason for them

‘Pest control business is making waves’ IT DEPENDS ON HOW SMALL OR BIG YOU WANT TO START. FOR INSTANCE, WE STARTED OFF WITH ABOUT N500, 000

AND BACK THEN WE WERE INTO SERVICE

PROVISION ALONE.

BUT TODAY, WE ALSO

PRODUCE SOME OF THESE CHEMICALS OURSELVES to change what they are already used to” explains Olopade. Olopade explained that pest control business is not for people who are in a hurry to make big money because it takes a lot of patience, perseverance, and passion for what you do to make it in the business of pest control. “You must be very persevering and you must love what you do to make well in this business because the money don’t just come at once. It takes time and lots of interest and hard work too. You go from one company to the other to let people know about your services, you go to residential houses too. Getting people to know that the services you want to offer them are compulsory is indeed a major challenge. Making people understand that they can actually avoid a lot of diseases by keeping their environment free

of pests and insects is the major challenge. But the business grows faster if you have corporate customers who become interested in what you have to offer, the end of the day, you will be able to make something out of it.” “Again,” continued Olopade, “you must keep a positive spirit because it could be very discouraging when you go out there to talk to people about an obvious need and they turn you down and sometimes very rudely but with time, they get to understand. “The business can be said to be capital intensive or you can also say it is not depending on your financial capabilities. You need to go through some training and you need to also spend some money on materials and chemicals. It will also depend on how small or big you want to start. For instance, we started off with

Olopade

about N500, 000 and back then we were just into service provision alone. But today, we also produce some of these chemicals ourselves. “The business has grown beyond using chicken and rice to set traps, we now use powerful chemicals that will automatically bring them closer to the trap. They will naturally get attracted to them.”

People K AYODE FALADE

astor Bassey James, the Senior Pastor of Royal House of Faith Ministry, Lekki, Lagos, is not your run-ofthe-mill cleric. He is one man of God with distinctive, clear views on religion and living which some other members of the robe may find radical. First of all, the Ikot Ntot, in Ibiaku Clan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State indigene who started his pastoral work in 1995 does not believe that all pastors should do it on a full time basis. To him, going full time into pastoral work without having the wherewithal may endanger the ministry and make them susceptible to temptation. “It is difficult to regulate the work of God or the creation of churches, not even the government can do it. Not even the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, can do it. But we encourage pastors to work. You cannot be Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor W F Kumuyi or Dr D K Olukoya over night. It takes a process. So while undergoing the process, you have to work and fend for yourself; not put the burden on the congregation. There have been a lot of conferences and talks on this issue because it has become an embarrassment. Some people who are not called just jumped into church causing confusion, taxing their congregation heavily. A graduate of Criminology, James is also the Managing Director of Bascon Nig. Ltd., a firm which deals with security and communication equipment. “I also have a school of the spirit where we train ministers for the gospel. We have been around, we import, service companies and supply security communication equipment. I worked closely with Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for about eight years. He is one of the people who God used to influence my life,” he added. He continued: “As a young person, I liked going to church. I grew with that spirit until it became very obvious. It happened that as I grew up, I came to Lagos and somehow, I fell sick. I went to 38 churches both in Lagos and Akwa Ibom states, yet nobody could tell what was wrong with me. The hospital couldn’t diagnose anything and churches couldn’t see anything. All they said was that I should worship God. Each time any church we went said so, my mother would get angry and carry me to another place but they all said the same thing. It was as if something was hunting me. It became so bad that I had to sleep in churches. At the end of the day, I got close to pastors. I became a youth president of a church, joined the prayer band and grew. Yet, I was still sick. One day, I went to one old prophet and he told me that I would die if I didn’t do the work of God. I began to do the work of God. The sickness continued until I made up my mind one day to start a church. God gave me the name of the church. After I started

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June 8, 2013

Pastor Bassey James: A passion for politics

the church I was healed.” For a pastor why is he so interested in politics especially that of his home state? He is into the current political wave in the state called Akpabioism. Why this? “Akpabioism is an ideology like Awoism, Zikism, Ghandism and others like them. It has become a way of life in Akwa Ibom State and it has already become a household name there. If you go to Akwa Ibom today, the song is akpabioism. Because of the performance of the governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, we decided to create something so that anybody who comes after him will know that he too has to per-

form. So many people have come to serve but only few of them have left an enduring legacy. Akpabio has come, served, is still serving and leaving legacies that will last forever. We also want to use it as a medium of development so that people will have something to look up to. In the days ahead, akpabiosim will be everywhere because today Governor Akpabio has become a phenomenon. The message is to say thank you to anybody that works. In the West, the Yoruba are doing justice to their leaders. Even to date, they do celebrate their heroes for example Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

Little wonder why he is the Chancellor, Akpabio Centre for Leadership Development (Akpabioism). But how does he marry the church with politics? To Bassey, the two are not only related, they are interwoven. “The church and politics have everything in common. In the past, it was said that politics is a dirty game and it became a theory. Hence, all the good and intelligent people that are supposed to go into politics refrained, thinking if I should go, people would say I am bad. Why do we shy away from the responsibility God gave us? When we are in the pulpit, we talk about living, governance and good government. Isn’t that politics? Why do we have to pretend as if the way we are governed does not concern us? Why should we be continually governed by bad people? The Bible says: ‘When the righteous rule, the people rejoice.’ So, it is only when the righteous rule that the people will be happy. Hence, we need more righteous people in the area of governance and we need people who have seen it all so that they would bring the fear of God into governance. Where else could they come from if not the church? Pastors should come into governance. Pastor Chris Okotie came out and people supported him. We have had governors who are men of God. Rev Jolly Nyame of Taraba State and Rev. Father Moses Adasu of blessed memory of Benue State. I am praying that pastors and ministers of God should come back to politics. The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, should take the lead on this. If there are people with the fear of God in government, they would not steal, betray the people or misrule because they would have the fear of God. Pastor Bassey James is married to Victoria, who is also from his LGA and a pastor. They are blessed with five children. He, however, sees break up of marriages especially those of the clergy resulting from not obeying God’s instructions from the onset. “I married when I was very young. When you marry by the instruction of God, the marriage goes well. Some people marry money. I know of a guy who married and wanted me to be part of the wedding. I told him that the woman was older than him. So, what is he marrying is it money or love? I told him the marriage would not last because he was focusing on the woman’s money. And it did not last. So, when marrying consider if you are marrying for immediate pleasure or for tomorrow,” he stated.

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June 8, 2013

Crime Extra Bride-to-be robs fiance’s family

P. 46

BRIEFS

Police arraign businessman for alleged breach of trust, cheating

he police on Friday in Abuja arraigned a businessman, David Essien of Jikwoyi, Abuja in an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged breach of trust and cheating. Police prosecutor David Udeh told the court that the matter was filed at the Wuse Police Station by one Babatunde Akindele of Citec Estate, Abuja on Jan. 28. Udeh said that Akindele’s brother, Richard Akindele, who lived in the U.S. wanted to sell two cars, a Peugeot 406 valued at N2.7 million and a Toyota Corolla worth N300, 000. ``Essien fraudulently obtained the said Peugeot with registration number KRD 738 AP and the Toyota Corolla with registration number AS 131 GGC.’’ The prosecutor said that the accused dishonestly converted the said cars for his own use and refused to pay for them. He said that during investigation, the Peugeot 406 and N150,000 were recovered from Essien. Udeh added that the offence contravened sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code. Section 312 of the code stipulates that ``whoever commits breach of trust shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or be fined or be punished with both.’’

24-yr-old drug suspect remanded in prison

Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Friday remanded in prison a 24-year-old man, Fatai Alabi, who was charged with unlawful dealing in Indian hemp. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alabi was arrested by officials of the NDLEA at Apata area of Ibadan on May 15 at about 2 p.m. According to the NDLEA prosecutor, Mrs Bridget Viashimah, the accused was arrested in possession of 800 grammes of the substance. Viashimah alleged that Alabi contravened Section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act Cap N. 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. NAN reports that the accused person, who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty to the one-count charge. The prosecutor prayed the court for an adjournment to prepare her review of facts. Justice Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo adjourned the trial to September 24, 2013, with an order that the accused be remanded at the Agodi Prisons in Ibadan.

Crime Watch Ours is robbery with a human face, say robbers who rob with toy guns Chidera Ekpundu, Tochukwu Nnamele and Uba Daniel were apprehended by the police on suspicion of being armed robbers. But while the trio agreed that they are robbers, they refused to be labelled as armed robbers. Why?

The gang with wraps of marijuana and the toy gun

SEGUN ADIO

t was victory at last for operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Enugu State recently when they apprehended three notorious suspected armed robbers who had held the state by the jugular for a long time now. The suspects, Chidera Ekpundu, Tochukwu Nnamele and Uba Daniel were reportedly arrested after a tipoff. Investigations revealed that they had carried out series of robbery cases in the metropolis and surrounding towns and villages and had been declared wanted by the state’s police command until their apprehension. They were arrested at Akpugo axis in Nkanu West area of the metropolis. Ekpundu, Nnamele and Daniel, said to be the leader of the gang, however, operate differently from some of their partners-in-crime. They reportedly carried out their heinous crimes using toy guns to threaten their victims. It is reported that they carried out many successful operations using this method. On the day of their arrest, they were found with 664 wraps of a substance suspected to be marijuana. When they were taken to their hide-

out, several items were reportedly found in their custody, suggesting that they had carried out several successful operations in the state. In their statements before law enforcement agents, they confessed to being armed robbers, but claimed that they were not out to harm anyone in their operations, hence their use of toy guns. Daniel, the acclaimed gang leader, said, “We are just out to survive. We use toy gun because we don’t mean to harm anyone, but to get what we will eat. We are a harmless gang of robbers and that is why we use toy guns.” Nnamele too confessed to robbing with arms. Saying that he was lured into the gang by Daniel, he said, “It is a fact that we are doing this business. This is the second time I will go out with the group and I was not initially told that we were going to be robbing people. “What they told me was that we would just use the toy gun to raise some money to start a business, but once we went into it, we could not stop again.” Ekpundu corroborated Nnamele’s views and added that the marijuana seized from them was meant to be sold to raise money for their needs. He claimed that they have never

killed anyone since they launched their assaults on the state. His words: “It is true that we use toy guns to operate. The toy guns are not dangerous however as there is no single live bullet in them. I can say it was hunger that drove us into robbery.” Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, expressed happiness with the performance of his men over the capture of the wanted trio. He also lauded the cooperation of the people of the state, particularly for the successes recorded in the area of crime prevention since he assumed office. He however dismissed the excuses of the suspects, saying a robber is a robber. According to him, using toy guns to scare people and dispossess them of their valuables is as grievous as using a real gun. He also enjoined residents of the state to intimate police authorities once they noticed strange movement of people in their domains. Enugu State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the suspected robbers are cooperating with police in their investigations and would be arraigned in court upon the completion of the investigation.

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

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CRIME WATCH

June 8, 2013

Robbers to community: We’ll return with a big bang What could have given a gang of suspected robbers the impunity to threaten a community that they would return to torment the area? SEGUN ADIO

he end may not have been heard of the arrest of a notorious cultist in Lagos State, Olu Adebayo, a member of a gang of suspected robbers and cultists based in Akoka and Yaba areas of the state. He was reportedly arrested recently by men of the Lagos State Police Command. Adebayo, was said to have been taken to police custody at Area ‘H’ before men of the Federal Special anti Robbery Squad, Adeniji-Adele, Lagos, reportedly whisked him away to their custody. Saturday Mirror had earlier reported the death of a man identified as Old Skool, who was allegedly stabbed to death by some youths during a rally organised by a local council chairman in the metropolis. It was on account of that that the Lagos police boss declared the suspected culprits wanted and this led to the eventual arrest of Adebayo last week. But some of the wanted colleagues of the arrested cultist had claimed that

Adebayo

they are unfazed by the manhunt for them and that they would soon return to their base “with a big bang.” One of them, who identified himself as Igbin, in a text message, claimed that the gang would not be intimidated by the arrest of one of them. Igbin, who claimed that the gang was being hunted by another rival gang, maintained that his gang would laugh last. But police authorities in the state have intensified its search for the robbers/cultists as the arrested Adebayo is said to be cooperating well with police investigation. It was reported that last

Sunday evening, Adebayo was at the verge of robbing a car owner around Onipanu area when he was arrested by law enforcement agents. He was immediately identified as one of the notorious gang members already declared wanted by the state command. He was immediately whisked to Area ‘H’ Command, Ogudu. But since Adebayo is also on the wanted list of the Federal SARS, the latter approached Area ‘H’ and reportedly demanded for his release to them, after series of petitions against him and his gang were presented. Speaking on his arrest, a policeman attached to Area ‘H” who craved ano-

nymity, said, “I can tell you that Olu was arrested and brought here. He was reportedly arrested while trying to do what he knows how to do best – robbery. He is one of those that have been disturbing the residents of Akoka and environs for some time now,” the source said. Some residents, who spoke about the arrest of Adebayo expressed appreciation to the Lagos State police commissioner for his untiring efforts at ridding the metropolis of the menace of criminals. Babatunde Akinsetan who claimed that he was already planning to relocate from the area told Saturday Mirror that the arrest of the gang leader would bring peace to the area. “We have been making a lot of noise about the menace of these bad boys in Akoka and its environs until the police commissioner declared them wanted. I informed my wife last week that we would have to relocate from that area,” Akinsetan said. Another resident and a Community Development Association (CDA) official in Akoka, who craved anonymity, said that efforts are being made to collaborate fully with the police to keep the criminals perpetually out of Akoka and environs. Saturday Mirror could not get Lagos State police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, to comment on the arrest of the gang leader, as her phones were unavailable. But Lekan Ogundare, spokesman for FSARS confirmed Adebayo’s arrest and claimed that he is being investigated for a number of allegations proffered against him.

Man arrested for selling one-year-old son T he Abia State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Chisom Ihemebirim from Amuzi Obowo in Imo State, for selling his one and half years old son, Chidubem Chisom for N500,000. The command also arrested one Abraham Ukaiwe, 27, from Asaga Ohafia in AbiaState said to be Ihemebirim’s accomplice in the deal to sell the boy. Little Chidubem Chisom was said to have been sold to one Mercy Nwachinemere, 45, of Umudi Abayi in Osisioma, Abia State who has also been arrested. According to the Police Commissioner, Mohammed Tilli Abubakar, little master Chidubem Chisom was recovered from the buyer. Parading the suspects, Abubakar said his men moved into action following a report by one Kasarachi John, 23, from Mbawsi in Isiala Ngwa North Council said to be the estranged wife of Ihemebirim. Kasarachi John, according to the Police Commissioner, reported that

sometime in February 2013, she had a misunderstanding with Ihemebirim, her husband which made her to leave his house. According to her, shortly after, in March 2013, she received information that their son, Chidubem Chisom, has been sold by the father, Ihemebirim. Speaking to journalists, Ihemebirim admitted selling the boy for N500, 000. According to him, he used the money to process documents he wanted to use to travel to Libya or Spain. He also

claimed that he used part of it to renovate his house. CP Abubakar said that the fraction of the money was recovered from Ukaiwe, the said accomplice. The command has also arrested a female suspect, Kate Agharanya 41, for conspiring with one and Onyinyechi Nwogu still at large to sell a baby boy for N200, 000. The matter the police commissioner said was reported by the mother of the baby, one Victoria Nwachukwu,

20 years, of Obazor Asa in Ukwa West area of Abia state who claimed that she delivered the said baby on May 6, 2013, at Chile Maternity Home in Umunka in Ugwunagbo. Abubakar who said that the matter is still being investigated, announced that both Onyinyechi Nwogu and the unnamed buyer of the baby were still on the run. •Culled com

from

www.gazellnews.

Man, 26, steals cell phone in court, remanded for 2 weeks

Kaduna Sharia Court Two, Magajin Gari, on Friday ordered one Ayuba Haruna, 26, to be remanded in prison custody for two weeks after he admitted guilty to stealing a cell phone in the court. The police prosecutor, Cpl. Bitrus Kwaji said the accused stole the phone belonging to the court’s clerk, Abdullahi Sani on May 5. ``The cell phone, valued at N13, 000, was kept on his table when he left

to pray in the mosque, but when he came back the phone was discovered stolen,’’ the prosecutor told the court. He said a thorough search was conducted on those present and that the phone was discovered inside the inner pants of Haruna, who had escorted his sister to the court. The prosecutor said that the offence was contrary to Section 287 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

The accused, Haruna of Unguwan Dosa area of Kaduna, pleaded guilty to the one count charge of stealing. ``I am really sorry, it was the work of the devil. I want the court to forgive me. I don’t know what pushed me to steal,’’ he pleaded. The presiding officer, Khadi Ibrahim Inuwa, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to June 20, 2013, for judgement.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

Crime Extra

Bride-to-be robs fiance’s family ... steals cash, jewellery, BlackBerry

The dream of Eunice to be married in October may have been dashed; no thanks to her lightfingeredness. She allegedly stole cash, jewellery and a Blackberry from her would-be in-laws. SEGUN ADIO

latobi Oladele and his fiancée, Eunice, had scheduled their wedding for October. But, with recent happenings, it is now doubtful if the planned wedding will go ahead. Oladele and Eunice are not recent lovers: they had reportedly been in relationship right from their days as students of the Obefemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. That was about seven years ago. The Oladeles hail from Ibadan, Oyo State, but live in the Ipaja area of Lagos State. Eunice, said to be the only daughter of her family, hails from Asaba, in Delta State but was born and bred on Lagos Island. She had reportedly been welcomed with open arms by Olatobi’s parents from the first day she was brought to their home. Madam Adetutu, Oladele’s mother, did not hesitate to give consent to the planned matrimony between the two. It is reported that on many occa-

sions while Oladele was in observing the youth service scheme in Kano in 2011, Eunice, who was in her final year at the university then would often spend most of her time with Madam Adetutu at her shop in Lagos. Oladele’s mother’s love for Eunice, 24, was such that when, in early 2012, the young man informed his mother of his desire to bring another girl with whom he was planning to get married, the issue became a sour point between mother and son and the entire family. In the end, Oladele had to give in to his mother’s wish that Eunice be his wife. It was also said that after Eunice completed her youth service last year, Oladele’s mother prevented her from applying for any job, hoping that once she married her son, she would be accompanying her to China and Dubai to import goods for sale in Lagos. However, plans had begun in earnest since February to get the planned union of Oladele and Eunice which was fixed for October on the way. But things did not go that smooth. Sometime in May, Eunice was alleged of stealing a certain amount of money, jewellery and a BlackBerry phone from Mrs Adetutu, her fiancé’s mother. It was on Sunday, May 26, 2013, and Joyce was at the Ipaja home of her inlaws-to-be for the short break. That time, Oladele was reportedly away on an official trip to the eastern part of the country. She was informed that her fiancé was away and would only return to Lagos four days later. But she had reportedly told Madam Adetutu that she would spend the short break with her until her boyfriend returned.

But, two days later, Eunice told the household she was leaving. They were all shocked. Madam Adetutu reportedly tried persuading here to stay but she insisted she was returning to her house. She was eventually allowed to go home but not without Madam Adetutu asking her driver to drop her in her house on the Lagos Island. Five days after her visit, Madam Adetutu called her three grown up daughters to her room and informed them of a missing N180, 000 and some jewellery in her wardrobe. Bolatito, Ireti and Aanu are the three daughters of the woman who also have unfettered access to her room. The three ladies denied knowledge of the missing items. While they all were wondering who would have burgled their mother’s room, Bolatito, the eldest child of the family, reportedly went into their mother’s suitcase on top of the wardrobe where she reportedly kept a BlackBerry phone she was presented as a birthday gift in January. The BlackBerry phone was also missing. The only person who also entered the room was their brother’s fiancée, Eunice, who spent two days with their mother in the very room. But neither Madam Adetutu, nor her daughters could confront her on the matter. But on Friday, 31 May, 2013, Madam Adetutu in company with two of her daughters headed for Eunice’s house on Lagos Island without announcing to her that they would be coming to her house. As fate would have it, the Oladeles arrived at Eunice’s residence while she was returning from the market where she had gone shopping. The items re-

portedly found in the two big GhanaMust-Go bags she brought out of the taxi that conveyed her home, were eye-popping. Eunice, unlike Oladele, was not born with silver spoon in her mouth, but a beauty to behold. Apart from the suspicion of where she got the money for the kind of shopping she went for, the Oladele reportedly met a teenage boy waiting to see her in their house. When pestered on why he wanted to see Eunice, the boy reportedly informed them that her elder sister asked her to return a BlackBerry that Eunice sold to her a couple of days back. When perused, it was discovered that the BlackBerry was the one missing at Oladeles’ house. Eunice reportedly returned while her own parents were discussing the possibility of her being the one that carted away the missing items in her would-be in-laws’ house. Upon sighting them, Eunice reportedly became jittery and almost collapsed. Her father, a retired head teacher, reportedly asked her what she knew about the phone. But she had nothing to say but fidget. Speaking with our reporter, an eyewitness continued the story: “We were all alarmed when we just realised that a lady raised her hand and slapped another not far from where we were. But the second lady soon joined in the beating. While the two women descended on Eunice, their mother just stood there weeping like a baby. At the time the lady was being beating, her father had run upstairs to return with her stuff which he flung outside. He said he did not want her as his child again.” But Aanu, who was also in tears, said: “This must be the devil at play because this is a lady whose wedding to my brother is coming in another five months. She actually stole the money, my mum’s jewellery and my sister’s BlackBerry kept in Mummy’s wardrobe. We traced her here and found a boy with a BlackBerry handset who told us that Joyce wanted to sell it to his own sister for N25, 000.” Madam Adetutu could not be reached for comments as she was reported to have been utterly distraught. It was however said that she had chosen to leave everything Eunice allegedly stole in her house with her but the lady’s parents refused. None of the lady’s parents was available for comment on the matter. Eunice also could not be reached but her father, a worker with Nigeria Railway Corporation, maintained that his daughter had never been accused to theft before. When confronted that the items his daughter allegedly stole from the Oladele were found on her, the man claimed that his daughter had not yet briefed him on the issue, but that it must have been a devil’s machination to bring his daughter to disrepute.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

SOUTH SOUTH

’Support Amaechi, get governorship slot in 2015’ SAM OLUWALANA

he Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and member representing Khana Constituency 11, Hon. Leyii Kwanee, has said that Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State will be favourably disposed to installing a governor of Ogoni extraction after his tenure expires in 2015 if the people of the area throw their weight behind him in his current struggle against his opponents in the state. The Rivers lawmaker said this while receiving a delegation of the National Association of Ogoni Media Workers (NAOMEW) led by its president, Mr. Joe Visangha, in his office in Port Harcourt. He said that there

was nothing wrong for the Ogonis to aspire to rule the state after missing out on it in the past.

UYO

kwa Ibom indigenes took to the streets of Uyo, the state’s capital, yesterday in protest of what they called federal government’s inequitable allocations and ownership of oil blocs in the state. The protest was spearheaded by a socio-cultural organisation, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio. The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions calling on the federal government to address the injustice in the allocations of oil blocs. Chanting solidarity songs, they marched from the secretariat of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio along Udo Udoma Road to the Government House in Barracks area of Uyo. Some of the inscriptions on the placards by the protesters read: ‘North should stop using

“Governor Amaechi has worked tirelessly for Ogoni people. So I want to enjoin all Ogonis and

even you as Ogoni media workers to give your support to the governor because if we are talking of

Members of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Union protesting over allocation and ownership of oil blocs in Uyo, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

A’ Ibom people protest FG allocation, ownership of oil blocs TONY ANICHEBE

He appealed to Ogonis not to allow the governor’s opponents infiltrate Ogoniland.

our oil money to sponsor Boko Haram’ and ‘Revoke oil blocs’ allocation and re-issue to accommodate Akwa Ibom people.’ Addressing journalists after the protest, international president of the group, Nse Ubeh, said the people of the Niger Delta region are the ones who have over the years borne the brunt of the national burden that have given the country its wealth today. He expressed sadness that Niger Delta people are suffering unimaginable degradation and deprivation occasioned by decades of oil exploration and exploitation over the years. “It is indeed ironic and sad to note that a region that produces more that 90 percent of our national wealth, and which has been rightly referred to as the layer of Nigeria’s golden egg, could be so marginalised and dehumanised,” he said.

an Ogoni man becoming governor in 2015 and we don’t give sufficient support to the man who is there now, then there is no hope for us,” he said. He described Amaechi as a worthy son of Rivers State who has performed well, not only in Ogoniland, but the entire state and should not be abandoned at this critical time. He added that with the Rivers people solidly behind the governor, no plot hatched anywhere against him would succeed. Responding to the issue of negligible federal presence in Ogoniland, he promised that the lack of federal presence will be tabled through their representatives at the national level and added that the Ogonis deserved appropriate attention now that a South-South citizen is the President of Nigeria.

Delta commissioner advises residents to vacate flood prone areas

he Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Tony Nwaka, has advised residents of the state living in flood-prone areas to vacate such areas to avert any disasters. The commissioner said the call became necessary

following the warning of impending flooding in many states of the federation, including Delta, this year. He urged the people living in flood prone areas to relocate now before the onset of heavy rains and the accompanying floods in order to avert the disaster which occurred last year.

He also advised the people to clear the drainages ahead of the rains and added that a lot had been committed to compensate last year’s flood victims. “Apart from what we’ve spent, we also set up a committee to manage the federal government’s grant to the victims,” he said. He also adviced farm-

ers living in the flood prone areas to plant crops they could harvest before the onset of heavy rains in order to avoid crop losses due to flooding and urged the council chairmen in the areas affected by flooding last year to gear up and ensure that people living in such areas were relocated to safer zones.

spectively, they alleged that agents of the state government through the office of the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd) disregarded the customs and tradition of the community to impose Walter on them. Stating that the king in Agrisaba and other surrounding communities is elected through a process driven by the chiefs and elders, they said that they were not part of the process that led to Walter’s emergence and added that the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Dressman Dinipre, manipulated the election.

“We neither attended the meeting where the date for the election was fixed nor gave our consent for the election which is our traditional responsibility,” they said, and added that Dinipre and the Rural Authority Caretaker Committee Chairman in the area, Mr. Livingstone Kypus, had no rights and authority to spearhead the process of electing their monarch. But in a swift reaction to the chiefs’ allegations, Dinipre denied the imposition of Walter and countered that Walter was the people’s choice. “Government only played the role of a peacemaker by creat-

ing the enabling environment for the people to actualize their wish without violence. Everything that happened was as a result of the community’s consent.” In the same vein, Walter said his election was transparent and he dviced aggrieved persons questioning the electoral process to seek redress in court. “I did not lobby for the throne. It was a royal process and I won the election. We are in a democracy and the constitution the chiefs are parading is invalid because it does not represent the wishes of our community,” he said.

Controversy trails election of Bayelsa monarch EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he last may not have been heard of the election of Chief Means Walter as Paramount Ruler of Agrisaba community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as 15 of the 18 members of the community’s Council of Chiefs have alleged that he was imposed on them by the state government. In a statement made available to Saturday Mirror in Yenagoa and signed by Chief Douglas Awudulu and Chief Joel Onyi, the council’s Chairman/ Regent and Secretary, re-

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH

Terrorism: Explosion averted in Kaduna A ZA MSUE KADUNA

xplosion that would have resulted from bomb planted by terrorists group in a commercial and residential area of Kaduna metropolis was yesterday aborted by security forces. The residents in the area were said to have immediately alerted the police on sighting the strange object which was neatly packaged in a computer and dumped at 4pm on Friday. Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Olufemi Adenaike, confirmed the incident. “The news of the bomb

is correct, the bomb was neatly sealed in a new computer casing, it was neatly wrapped to attract people, and so if somebody had picked it, probably it would have exploded. “But my men from the anti-bomb unit were able

to detonate it professionally; it was well detonated in such a way that the sound was controlled without attracting too much attention from the public. So there was no casualty. “The bomb was dumped along Jama’a Road by

Junction Road, on the way to Ahmadu Bello Stadium.” The incident, Saturday Mirror observed led to heavy traffic jam in the city with motorists diverting to different routes on hearing of the news of the

discovery of a bomb. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has expressed gratitude to the residents who alerted the police. He urged that people should continue to avail the police with informa-

tion regarding strange objects around their environments. It was further noted that the area where the bomb was picked by the police was close to Assemblies of God Church along Junction Road.

Nasarawa to beef up security in boarding schools

he Nasarawa State Government has restated its commitment to beef up security in all public boarding schools to ensure the safety of the lives of students and staff. Hussaini Abubakar, the state Commissioner for Education, said this yesterday while inspect-

ing Government College and Government Science Secondary School that were recently attacked by armed robbers. “We will partner with security agencies, traditional rulers, recognised vigilance groups and stakeholders in the host communities to enhance security in all boarding

schools across the state,” he said. He commended the traditional ruler of Obi, Danjuma Orume, for taking prompt action by sending vigilance groups to the affected schools to bring the situation under control. While advising all principals and staff to work in harmony with their host

communities for smooth running of normal academic activities, he assured them of continued government support and attributed the high

rate of vices in the society to the collapse in the value system and advised the youths to engage in meaningful activities rather than stealing.

Plateau crisis: 3 killed in Wase LG JAMES BRAHAM JOS

t least three people have been killed by people suspected to be Fulani mercenaries in Gwiwankogi in Wase Local Government Council of Plateau State. The suspected Fulani mercenaries invaded the community late on Thursday and carried out the killings. Investigation also revealed that 12 houses were burnt by the attackers at Zamchang village who were however repelled at Bakinrijiya. According to Mark

Lipdo, Coordinator of Stephanus Foundation, a Jos-based non-governmental organization, the attackers invaded the two villages in the night and shot on sight at anything. He disclosed that over 12 houses were burnt down by the rampaging mercenaries before they were repelled by the villagers at Bakinrijiya before they could cause further harm. The spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crises, Captain Salisu Mustapher, confirmed that there was an attack in Gwiwankogi, but he could not confirm the number of casualties.

Niger PDP backs Gov Aliyu PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

Katsina State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Gide Batagarawa (left), presenting a letter of condolence to Kebbi State Governor Saidu Dakingari over the death of the State’s Information Commissioner, Alhaji Sani Kangiwa in Birnin Kebbi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Police intercept bomb near Kaduna estate A ZA MSUE KADUNA

eavy bomb planted by suspected terrorists in a commercial/residential area of Kaduna metropolis was yesterday aborted by security forces. The residents in the area, upon noticing the strange object neatly packaged in a computer and dumped at the area were said to have immediately alerted

the police. Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Olufemi Adenaike, confirmed the incident. According to the police boss, “The news of the bomb is correct, the bomb was neatly sealed in a new computer casing, it was neatly wrapped to attract people, and so if somebody had picked it, probably it would have exploded. “But my men from the Anti-bomb unit were

able to detonate it professionally; it was well detonated in such a way that the sound was controlled without attracting too much attention from the public. So there was no casualty,” he said. The police commissioner said that the bomb was dumped along Jama’a road by Junction road, on the way to Ahmadu Bello Stadium. The incident, Saturday Mirror observed led

to heavy traffic jam in the city with motorists diverting to different routes on hearing of the news of the discovery of a bomb. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Adenaike has expressed gratitude to the residents who alerted the police, adding, uring them to continue to avail law enforcement officials with information regarding strange objects around their environments.

he Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed total support for the Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu led-administration in the state. Saying that Aliyu is really doing well, the PDP state chapter frowned at the latest political development at the national level of the party in the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). Alhaji Hassan Saba, the chapter’s public relations officer, at a media briefing after an exco meeting presided over by the chairman, Dr. Abdulrahaman Enagi, in Minna, said, “We are 100 per cent behind our governor. As far

as we are concerned, he is doing very well for the state, and after assessing his performance, we have no reason not to support him.” He added that the ruling party at the state level is still one big family and asked that the crisis rocking it at the national level should be resolved fast. “We are not happy with the problem at the national level. And we are praying to God for help to settle it. We just hope the issue will be resolved.” He disclosed that the state chapter has constituted a disciplinary committee to punish erring members and that before any action would be taken against the erring member, complaints would be received from his/her ward.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

June 8, 2013

NORTH

Kano luxury park attack: Ndigbo honour dead kinsmen AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

digbo in Kano State will today gather in their thousands at the luxury

bus park in Sabon Gari in the state capital to honour their kinsmen who died in the terror attack on the park on March 18. Special prayers for the repose of the souls of the

victims will be said during an interdenominational service which will be held at the attack scene with victims’ relatives in attendance. The Kano State branch

of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will coordinate the spiritual programme that will be presided over by its chairman, Bishop Ramson Bello.

Reports say most Igbo traders in the Kano metropolis will not open their shops as a mark of respect for their departed kinsmen. A community leader,

Adamawa Assembly passes bill on waste management

he Adamawa State House of Assembly has passed the bill setting up the Adamawa State Waste Disposal Board (ASWDB) which is

expected to put an end to the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the state. The bill also recommended fines ranging from N500 to N50,000 as

well as prison terms for waste disposal offenders. The bill was passed at the House plenary in Yola presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Laori

Kwamoti, who directed the Clerk to prepare a clean copy of the bill and forward it to Governor Murtala Nyako for his assent.

L-R: Rector, Plateau Polytechnic, Mr. Dauda Gyang; representative of Plateau Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Sarah Ramadan and representative of Chairman, Plateau House of Assembly’s Committee on Education, Mr. Titus Alam, at the matriculation of 2012/2013 students of the Polytechnic At Barkin-Ladi In Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kaduna community sends SOS to gov over touts’ invasion A ZA MSUE KADUNA

he Bakin-Ruwa Youth Development Association (BAYODA) in Kaduna has called on the state’s government to save them from the hands of motor touts they claim are threatening a showdown

with the community. A statement issued by the vice chairman of the group, Alhaji Isa Abdullahi El-Kudan and made available to journalists in Kaduna, said the call became necessary as the touts have declared that they would engage house owners in the community in fierce

battle. Stating that the touts have currently taken over the frontage of houses in the community, El-Kudan said, “These men who claim to be members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have turned themselves into lords by forcibly tak-

ing over all available land in front of our houses and causing us untold hardships.” “We are therefore calling on the state government to come to our rescue as the touts continue to encroach on private property with no one able to challenge them,” El-Kudan lamented.

two years. Speaking on the scheme, Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso said that a company, Amana Leasing Company Limited, mostly owned by the beneficiaries, has been incorporated to guarantee the scheme’s sustainability. “The Luxury Taxi Scheme compliments our earlier Amana Taxi and Bus Schemes under which 1500 fairly used taxis and buses were ac-

quired and distributed to the unemployed people in our midst and which has gone a long way in alleviating commuting challenges.” Adding that the luxury taxi scheme will not only modernize the transport system in the state and beyond, but also help the drivers who are post secondary school graduates to be self-employed, he appealed to the beneficiary drivers to justify the scheme through

responsible road usage, good maintenance culture and consistent weekly dues remittance. In his remarks, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Alhaji Nasir Mansur Muhammad, said the beneficiaries were trained and certified on driving by the Nigerien Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria and the Vehicle Inspection Unit of the state’s Driving Institute.

Kwankwaso launches 1000 luxury taxis AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Kano State Government has distributed 250 Toyota Corolla saloon cars under the first phase of its 1000 Amana Luxury Taxi Service Scheme. Under the scheme, which is on owner-driver arrangement, each car bought at N4, 424, 000 was given out to beneficiaries at a subsidized rate of 35 per cent payable within

Section 11 of the bill, among other things, says: “As from the commencement of this law, every owner, tenant and occupier of any building shall keep clean the sidewalk and gutter area/ drainage along the building frontage, sides and back at all times.” Section 13 prohibits parties and religious activities on any road in the state: “No persons shall organise or hold social parties or religious activities on any road.” Another section of the bill also prohibited cattle, goat, sheep or other animals from roaming on the road. The bill also says any person who lawfully digs a road must reinstate the part of the road dug within seven days and

Igwe Boniface Ibekwe, however said that commercial activities will not be affected. According to him, Ndigbo that wish to go about their normal businesses should do so. that such reinstatement would not be considered complete until certified by the relevant authority. The bill recommended between N500 and N5000 fine for dirty sidewalks, non-provision of litter bin in commercial vehicle, improper use of litter bins and improper disposal of refuse. Obstruction of sidewalk and failure to clean premises, backyard and courtyard would attract a fine of between N5000 and N10000 while failure to maintain clean toilets in restaurant, hotels, shops and schools would attract N15000. Unauthorized industrial/commercial waste burning would attract N25000 fine while digging across the road by an individual without approval would attract N50000 or three months imprisonment.

STF arrests man with 56 bags of marijuana in Jos JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he Special Task (STF) on Jos Crises has arrested a man in possession of fifty-six bags of substance suspected to be Indian hemp in three cars in Jos. STF spokesman, Captain Salisu Mustapha, who paraded the suspect and his illegal consignment before journalists in Jos, said that at about 10am, information got to their men at a patrol base at Rukuba Road that some vehicles loaded with substance suspected to be Indian hemp left Mr Ali area of Jos north through Akass Village to Rukuba Road. “Consequently, a stop and search check point was quickly positioned and on sighting our troops, they changed their route and entered the bush, but our men pursued them and the suspects abandoned

their vehicles and fled,” he said. He added that other items recovered by the STF include 56 bags of a substance suspected to be marijuana, a dark green Jetta saloon car with registration number PLATEAU AM 662 BUU, a black Golf 3 and an ash Vector with registration number PLATEAU BLD 85 AA. Saying that the suspect and the exhibits where handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Plateau State Command for further investigation, he added that the driver of one of the vehicles, by name Godwin Amechi, was arrested, and after interrogation, he claimed that he was only called upon with three other drivers by one Mr Jerry to carry the bags from Mr Ali to Rukuba Road. Mr Jerry and the other 3 drivers are still on the run.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

June 8 , 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Syria crisis: UN launches largest ever aid appeal S

Cyber war: Obama and Chinese President seek to build new ties

he United Nations has launched the largest appeal in its history - seeking $5bn (£3.2bn; 3.7bn euros) for humanitarian aid to Syria. The UN estimates more than 10 million Syrians - half the population - will need help by the end of the year. As many as four million children are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, the UN children’s agency UNICEF says. UN humanitarian officials have admitted they may struggle to raise the

record sums they are now asking for. Governments were criticised for being slow to commit funds to the previous UN target of $1.5bn for the first six months of this year, the BBC’s Nick Childs says. UN officials say most of that money - $1.2bn - has now been committed, he adds. But, in Geneva yesterday, the UN said it had revised up the amount of funding needed because of the worsening security situation in Syria. ‘Masking a human tragedy’

One in three Syrians is now in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos said in a news conference yesterday. “Between January and April, the number of people displaced in Syria more than doubled. These are massive figures, but those figures mask a human tragedy,” she added. The UN expects the number of refugees - currently more than 1.5 million - to leap to nearly 3.5 million by the end of 2013. Antonio Guterres, the UN High Commissioner

for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters that refugee camps were currently receiving 7,000 new arrivals every day - putting huge pressure on Syria’s neighbours. “Funding Syria’s humanitarian needs is a matter not only of generosity but enlightened selfinterest,” he said. Lebanon and Jordan, which host about half a million refugees each, have joined the appeal, asking for donations of $450 million (£289m) and $380 million (£245m) respectively to cover the financial costs.

eeking a fresh start to a complex relationship, President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping are retreating to a sprawling desert estate for two days of talks on highstakes issues, including cyber security and North Korea’s nuclear threats. Obama’s efforts to press Xi to halt China’s alleged hacking against the U.S. could be overshadowed by revelations that Obama’s own administration has been secretly seizing phone records from millions of Americans. There are significant differences between China’s reported cyber attacks against U.S. interests and the Obama administration’s court-ap-

proved domestic surveillance program. But both underscore the vast technological - and in some cases, legal - powers that governments have to access information covertly from individuals, companies and other governments. The setting for the talks that began yesterday is the 200-acre Sunnylands estate just outside Palm Springs, California, marking a departure from the formality that typically greets Chinese leaders during state visits at the White House. U.S. officials hope the relaxed atmosphere will facilitate a more candid and free-flowing discussion between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.

Somalis march in Cape Town against South Africa attacks

Protesters gather during a demonstration in Gezi Park, near Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey’s cities have been clouded in tear gas, and hundreds of people have been injured in five days of demonstrations. A human rights group says more than 3,300 people were detained in the demonstrations, although most have been released. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis)

Obama defends US surveillance tactics

resident Barack Obama has defended newly revealed US government phone and internet surveillance pro-

grammes, saying they are closely overseen by Congress and the courts. Obama said his administration had struck “the

right balance” between security and privacy. He also stressed that the surveillance of internet and email information did

Iraq bomber hits Iranian pilgrims, at least 9 dead

suicide bomber rammed his car into a bus carrying Iranian Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims in Iraq yesterday, killing at least nine people in an attack likely carried out by Sunni Muslim insurgents trying to ignite sectarian conflict. Al Qaeda’s local wing and other Sunni insurgents have been on the offensive since the start of the year in an attempt - spurred in part by the mainly Sunni rebellion in neighboring Syria to provoke the kind of

Shi’ite-Sunni bloodshed that killed thousands in Iraq in 2006-2007. Police said that in yesterday’s attack in Muqdadiya, 80 km northeast of Baghdad, the bomber targeted a convoy of three buses carrying Iranian pilgrims, who often visit Iraq’s Shi’ite shrines in the south of the country. At least nine people were killed and 27 wounded, according to police. “When the buses passed, a white car driving very fast came out of an alley way and hit the second bus, and I saw that

bus burst into flames,” said Ahmed Ferhan, an Iraqi man injured in the blasts. An official with Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization told the semiofficial Fars news agency that based on preliminary information, 16 Iranians had been killed and 44 wounded in the attack. Nearly 2,000 people have been killed in attacks in Iraq since April, the highest toll in five years, in surging violence that could tip the country back into all-out intercommunal war.

not target US citizens or residents. And he said government agencies were not listening to telephone calls. The US has seen two major news media revelations on the scope of its security agencies’ collection of information in the past two days. In California yesterday, Obama noted both National Security Agency programmes had been authorised repeatedly by Congress and were subject to continual oversight by congressional intelligence committees and by secret intelligence courts. The president said he had come into office with a “healthy scepticism” of both programmes but after evaluating them and setting up further safeguards, had decided “it was worth it”.

embers of the Somali community in South Africa have marched to parliament in Cape Town to protest against recent attacks on foreigners. Two Somalis have been killed this month and the Somali government has requested the South African authorities to do more to protect their nationals. About 200 people took part in the protest, holding a banner reading: “Everyone is a foreigner somewhere.” Correspondents say xenophobic attacks have resumed recently. Some of the protesters accused the authorities of not doing enough to pre-

vent attack on foreigners, especially Somalis. According to the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, South Africans are becoming “increasingly desensitised” to attacks on foreigners, The Sowetan newspaper reports. The BBC’s Mohammed Allie in Cape Town says the violence is linked to the massive unemployment among young South Africans. In the past two decades, many thousands of Somalis have fled conflict at home and moved to South Africa, where many have opened small shops and kiosks in townships.

Tunisian soldiers killed in blast near Algerian border

wo Tunisian soldiers have been killed and at least another two wounded in a roadside explosion near the border with Algeria, the army has said. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on soldiers pursuing militant Islamists along the border. “Two soldiers were killed... in the hunt for terrorists,” army spokesman Mokhtar Ben Nasr said. North African states have been battling to contain militants since secular regimes were ousted in recent years. The militants - many

of them linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) - easily cross the region’s porous borders. In January, 48 foreign workers were killed following a siege at the In Amenas plant in Algeria. The raid was in response to French-led forces intervening to drive out militant Islamists from the main cities in northern Mali, which borders Algeria. Since the end of April, around 20 security force members in Tunisia have been wounded by mine explosions blamed on the militants, AFP news agency reports.

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 8, 2013

Brazil 2014

Action recorded when the Super Eagles Ea played the Harambee Stars of Kenya at the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier. INSET: Namibia head coach, Roger Palmgren.

Palmgren plots Eagles fall, as Ladipo calls for caution IFEANYI EDUZOR

amibia head coach, Roger Palmgren is hoping his wards can upset the Super Eagles come June 12, in their decisive 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier slated for the Independence Stadium, Windhoek. The tie which has been termed ‘The Battle of Windhoek’ will see the Brave Warriors face the Super Eagles with bookmakers favouring the African champions, but Palmgren believes a shock could be on the cards. “I believe in this team because they showed me what they are made of when we took on Malawi in our last match, and surely, we will be better prepared for Nigeria on 12 June. “We created more chances than Malawi. Lazarus Kaimbi and Tangeni Shipahu all missed good chances. “We played very well and our offensive

play was great, but we could not score. I’m satisfied but we could have done much better. “Our players were very committed and disciplined but gave the ball away easily in the middle and that was not good. Malawi had more possession, but we had better chances,” Palmgren said. Namibia’s draw against Malawi on June 5 means the Super Eagles can progress to the final round of qualifying with a game to spare if they win in Windhoek and Malawi fail to beat Kenya. Meanwhile, the President General of Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo has charged the Super Eagles not to be carried away by their 1-0 victory over the Harambee Stars of Kenya, but to go all out and secure the maximum points when they clash with Namibia on Wednesday in Windhoek. He told our correspondent that although the team put smiles on the faces

Obuh puts Toulon disaster P. 53 behind him

of soccer-loving Nigerians with their away victory over the boastful Kenyans, they should not rest on their oars until they pick the maximum points in Windhoek, to make their final group stage qualifying match against Malawi in Nigeria a mere formality. “There is no denying the fact that all Nigerians are happy with the victory recorded by the Super Eagles against Kenya in Nairobi considering all the antics they employed to deny us victory. We appreciate the efforts of the players and technical crew for making us proud. “Prior to that match, the Kenyans had boosted they were going to defeat Nigeria probably because of the 1-1 draw they recorded against us in Calabar in March this year, but I am happy that the Super Eagles made them eat their words and showed the entire continent that they are true African champions. “The victory is also an indication that we are almost in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. “Having defeated Kenya, I want them to understand that they still have a hur-

Govt needs to encourage race-walking –Babatoba P. 54,55

dle to cross against Namibia because as African champions, the Southern Africans will try to prove a point that although they don’t have a chance of qualifying from the group, they will not go down easily. “I want the Super Eagles to understand that as the most populous black nation on earth, football lovers all over the world will be looking forward to see the Super Eagles perform in Brazil and as such they should raise their game and beat Namibia,” Ladipo said. According to him, there is the need for the technical crew of the Eagles to work on the psychology of the players to make them understand that underrating the Brave Warriors could be dangerous since there are no more minnows in African football. Ladipo, who blamed the inability of the supporters club to travel to Nairobi to cheer the Super Eagles to victory to logistics problems, promised that the club will be on ground in Namibia for the all important cracker to give their support to the national team.

Arsenal can afford Rooney, Gazidis declares P. 55

SPORT

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 12: Keeping faith with Super Eagles

n Wednesday June 5, the Super Eagles once again rediscovered their winning mentality exhibited at the AFCON which they won in South Africa, as they humbled and dimmed the Harambee Stars with an emphatic 1-0 win in Nairobi. To many soccer analysts and fans across the world who managed to catch a glimpse of that explosive FIFA World Cup qualifier, it was a victory too many! The reason for the aforementioned statement is not farfetched following the manner at which the Kenyans approached the match, as they gave a picture of a do-ordie encounter against the Eagles. However, it was the Super Eagles who laughed last, thereby leaving Harambee Stars and their supporters licking their wounds. HT gathered that prior to the “Battle of Nairobi”, the Super Eagles and their coaching crew led by Stephen Keshi quietly got into the city, mapped out their match strategy on how best they could humble the hosts and they finally accomplished their mission in a grand style, thanks to Ahmed Musa’s winning goal that separated both sides. However, today’s piece is not on the outcome of the “Battle of Nairobi”, but on the “Battle of Windhoek,” which comes up on Wednesday June

HARD TACKLE with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com 12. Though, there is no way we could discuss this future game against the Namibians without giving kudos to Eagles following their triumph against mouthy Kenyan fans. As a kicker, Nigerians from all walks of life can attest that June 12 is a special day in the life of her citizens, especially in the country’s quest for true democracy. And being a date with history against Namibians at the ongoing World Cup qualifiers we expect nothing short of victory in Windhoek. As noted earlier, the aforementioned date was a day Nigerians massively made their choice in the 1993 Presidential election which later culminated to the incarceration of the winner of that election, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (may God bless his

08054103021

soul). However, the explosive world cup qualifier against Namibia on June 12 (next week) is a reminder of the past which Nigerians would never forget in haste. Thus any opponent of the country; be it in sports or politics, would definitely have their hands full of action from the fire-power of the Eagles. For HT, the clash against the Namibians should be a must win, if Nigeria is serious about being in the Mundial come 2014. Like the Kenyans, the Namibians are also promising the Eagles a good fight in Windhoek and their threat should not be taken lightly because uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Currently, Nigeria tops Group F of the World Cup qualifying table with eight points from four games,

two points ahead of Malawi who were held to a 0-0 draw by Namibia in Blantyre on June 5. Thus a lot of seriousness and determination must be needed in the Eagles team to remain at the top. From the foregoing, it is at this stage of the qualifiers that all hands must be on deck to propel the Eagles to more victorious outings and prove to soccer fans across the world that Nigeria’s AFCON victory was not a fluke. Like I noted on this column last week, the world football-governing body, FIFA, has named Mensur Maeruf Kherseed of Eritrea as referee for the World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Nambia, slated for Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. Maeruf Kherseed, 40, who became an international referee in 2008, will be at the centre, while compatriot Berhe Tesfagiorghis O’Michael, 38, will be Assistant Referee 1. Hassan Egueh Yacin from Djibouti will be the Assistant Referee 2, with another Eritrean, Luelseghed Ghebremichael, as Fourth Official. FIFA also appointed Mady Kanoso Bora from Madagascar as Referee Assessor and Abbasi Ssendyowa from Uganda as Match Commissioner. On the way forward, the short-

comings from the Super Eagles defenders, especially Godfrey Oboabona in their international friendly against Mexico should be corrected and never allowed to rear up its ugly head against the ambitious Namibians. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama must not hesitate to clear his lines and should learn to keep his defenders at red alert to avoid any ugly eventuality within his vital area. As Nigerians keep faith with the team, we cannot forget in haste that some of our players had a fantastic season with their various clubs in Europe and as such, must replicate such form in that mustwin match against Namibia. The qualification ticket for Brazil 2014 may look far, but is very near if the Eagles can summon courage to garner all the maximum points in their remaining qualifying matches for the Mundial. It is the strong belief of HT that Nigeria’s flag will be hoisted in Brazil 2014 if complacency and bickering are not allowed to have a foothold on the team. The outcome of the match against Namibia will surely shape the minds of Nigerians on what to expect from the Eagles when hostilities at the FIFA Confederations Cup begins later this month.

SPORT NEWS

Yaba council boss commends NWF IFEANYI EDUZOR

hairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon. Olajide Jimoh has commended Nigeria (Pro) Wrestling Federation for its unrelenting efforts at developing the mats-man game in the country, just as he promised to maintain the council’s number one position in sports development in the state. He stated this when members of the Federation led by its President Prince Olarenwaju Mohammed paid him a courtesy visit in his office to congratulate him on his recent election victory at the Appeal Court. According to him, professional wrestlers in the country has through their activities shown that they are disciplined members of the society and charged other sportsmen and women to emulate them in the area of organisation, discipline, comportment and leadership. “Nigerian Wrestlers over the years has shown

that they are disciplined members of the society and as such other sports men and women must emulate them for the proper development of our youths. “The way they comport themselves in and outside the ring is an indication that they are good citizens of this country who must be encouraged to win laurels for Nigeria,” Jimoh said. He noted that since his assumption of office, he has given priority to sports development in the council area, promising that more efforts will be made towards ensuring that the record set by the Local Government is sustained. Earlier in his speech at the occasion, Prince Mohammed noted that his members decided to visit him in appreciation of the developmental projects he has embarked on since assumption of office, even as he charged him not to relent on his efforts at empowering the youths through sports development. Mohammed who also doubles as Vice President

of Current World Wrestling Federation used the occasion to formally inform the council boss that a visitation panel set up by the wrestlers which visited all the Local Government Areas and Council Development Areas of Lagos State has chosen him as a recipient of the “Good Governance and Peace Award”, which will be presented to him at a later date.

Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Olajide Jimoh (sitting 3rd from left) in a group photograph with officials of NWF

Awamen calls for referees’ probe IFEANYI EDUZOR

he General Manager of Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt, Dumbor Awanen has made a passionate appeal to the League Management Company (LMC) to critically review the performance of Nigerian referees in league matches, describing the refereeing he saw in Katsina Ala as the worst since he joined the club more than two seasons ago. Dolphins Football Club on Wednesday lost by 0-1 to Lobi Stars of Makurdi in a NPFL game played

in Katsina Ala after a 94th minute penalty was awarded to the host team by the centre referee, Mammada Aminu from Zamfara State. “It was just too bad and the LMC must come out and tell us what plans they have for the league because if this continues then we are heading for disaster. “What happened today explained why Lobi Stars embarrassed Nigeria by losing 7-1 at the continental level because it shows clearly how they win their home matches,” Awanem said. According to him, a Lobi Stars striker ran into

a Dolphins’ defender, Festus Austin, in the 70th minute and they were shocked that rather than award an infringement against the Lobi Star player, he awarded a penalty against us. “Our goalkeeper, Austin Brown saved that but the referee still had other plans in his mind and he soon awarded another one in a more bizarre circumstance. “The referee added seven minutes after the regulation time and in the 4th minute of added time another Lobi Striker ran into our defensive midfielder, Seidu Abuu, injuring him in the process, but the ref-

eree awarded a penalty against my team rather than penalise the player. “This is the same Lobi Stars team that beat us 2-0 in Port Harcourt last season and the heavens did not fall. I know people will say Nigerian League clubs always complain about the referee when they lose but this is different,” Awanem said with a tinge of regret. He also said that officials on the bench queried the 1st Assistant Referee, Shina Sodiq from Sokoto state and his response was, “Did you give me money? Why are you disturbing me? The same man now told the coaches to see if they will win the game.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

June 8, 2013

Obuh puts Toulon disaster behind him World Cup qualifier:

ead coach of the Nigeria U-20 team, John Obuh is not deflated after a rather underwhelming display by the Flying Eagles at the Toulon tournament in France. Nigeria failed to win a game and lost twice against Mexico and Portugal after recording draws against Belgium and Brazil in the competition regarded as one of the most prestigious youth football competitions in the world. Obuh however believes “lessons have been learnt” as he now sets his sights at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Obuh

“Whenever a Nigerian team plays match, the expectations are high and it’s quite unfortunate that we didn’t record any win in the competition. However I believe lessons have been learnt and we will apply them in the future,” Obuh told supersport.com. The gaffer then assured that his established stars like Abduljeleel Ajagun and Chidi Osuchukwu, who did not participate at the Toulon tournament, are all in the frame for a return to the side. Nigeria are in Group B of the U-20 World Cup alongside Cuba, Korea Republic and Portugal.

NNL: PFA warns United, Giwa fans against unruly behaviour

lateau Football Association (PFA) yesterday said it would deal decisively with any fan who tried to cause trouble today during a local derby between Plateau United and Giwa FC, both of Jos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Plateau Utd would host Giwa FC at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos, in Group A of week

24 fixture of the Nigeria National League (NNL). Giwa FC and Plateau United are currently occupying the first and second positions, respectively, on the group’s log. Sunday Langbap, the PFA Chairman, while charging the fans of each team to be of good conduct, said the association would not condone any unruly behaviour from fans of the two clubs.

“We charge the fans to be disciplined and calm during the match to avoid anything that would breach the fragile peace in the state. “We have taken steps to deal decisively with any fan or fans that would want to cause trouble during or after the match,” he said. The chairman assured that adequate security would be put in place to

AFN tasks Ebewele, others over world championships

Ebewele

he Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) yesterday inaugurated a three-man committee to ensure that the Nigerian male 4X100m and 4X400m relay teams qualify for the IAAF World Championships in Mos-

cow. Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, the Technical director of AFN, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the committee was set-up to ensure that Nigerian athletes presently in Warri qualified

for the competition. He gave the names of the committee members as Gabriel Okon, Brown Ebewele and Paul Obodochina, saying that Ebewele had been moved from the junior camp in Port Harcourt to Warri, because of the new assignment. “The three men have been mandated to ensure that our male 4x100m and 4x400m relay team gets qualification for the World Championships. “For this reason, Ebewele, who was the camp commandant for the junior camp in Port Harcourt, has been told to move to Warri immediately, where the male team is currently training,” he said. Nesiama, however, noted that the AFN believed in the ability of the trio to improve the standard of the athletes, saying that with adequate training, the athletes can qualify.

ensure the safety of fans, players and match officials during the encounter,” Langbap said. He added that the PFA had held meetings with relevant stakeholders to devise ways of ensuring that a perfect atmosphere for football prevailed during the derby and other matches at the stadium. NAN reports that two teams in the group would be promoted to the Nigeria Professional Football League at the end of the 2012/2013 season.

Nwosu charges Eagles to beat Namibia IFEANYI EDUZOR

xinternational Henry Nwosu has urged the Super Eagles to go all out and defeat Namibia in Windhoek on Wednesday, even as he applauded the team for beating Harambee Stars in Nairobi. He told our correspondent that with the 1-0 victory over Kenya, Nigerians are now looking forward to another victory against Namibia which will help in consolidating Nigeria’s chances of emerging the best team from the group. “The victory recorded by the Super Eagles against Harambee Stars of Kenya has confirmed that the team has rediscovered their form after the 1-1 draw with the East Africans when we hosted them in Calabar early this year. “What this victory means is that the Super Eagles are now capable of winning both home and away matches and as such they should approach the Namibian match with the same commitment and determination as the Kenyan match, to enable

Nwosu

them record a resounding victory and consolidate their position in the group standing,” he said. Nwosu who was one time coach of the Golden Eaglets expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will win their remaining two matches and qualify for the final round of the qualifiers for Brazil 2014. “I must have to commend Stephen Keshi for being able to build a solid team which all Nigerians are proud of. “With the way the team is playing, I do not have any doubt in my mind that they will win the remaining two matches as well as pick the Brazil 2014 world cup ticket,” Nwosu concluded.

IOC President, Jacque Rogge

6 candidates to run for IOC Presidency

he International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday announced the six candidates jostling for Jacque Rogge’s soon-to-be-vacant post. In a statement on its website, the world’s sports regulatory body said the candidates had officially announced their candida-

cies by the midnight of June 6, the deadline. The statement listed the candidates as: Thomas Bach, Sergey Bubka, Richard Carrión, Ser Miang Ng, Denis Oswald, and Ching-Kuo Wu. “Six candidates will compete in the election for the presidency of the IOC

at the 125th IOC Session on Sept. 10, 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “The candidates will present their programmes in camera to the full IOC membership on the occasion of the Extraordinary IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzerland between July 3 and 4, 2013,’’ the statement added.

SPORT

June 8, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Govt needs to encourage race-walking â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Babatoba Samuel Oluyemi Babatoba is one of the pioneers of race walking in Nigeria. He introduced the sport in the country about 19 years ago with Charles Arosanyin. However, nobody gave them a chance to succeed in their quest but they persevered in their mission in bringing the sport to Nigerians. In this interview with IFEANYI EDUZOR, he opens up on his involvement in race-walk. Babatoba

ace walk will be 19 years this month in Nigeria, how would you describe the journey so far? Well, I will say that the sport in its 19 years of existence in the country has witnessed a lot of transformation and disappointments. It witnessed transformation because when it was started by Charles Tunde Arosanyin in June 1994, assisted by my able self, nobody gave us the chance to succeed. At that time, convincing people to take to the sport was not easy, neither was the government ready to invest in the sport or encourage us in any way. Later Arosanyin got admission in one of the European countries and left the shores of this country. Since then I have been the coordinator and supervisor of the sport. But kudos must go to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria who adopted the sport and has been helping us the little it could in ensuring that the game gets the necessary recognition. Having said this, I want to tell you that we have witnessed a lot of disappointments since introducing the sport in the country because unlike other countries where both government and corporate organisations invest in sports, we have not had the opportunity of getting such support which would have enabled our athletes to participate in some major race walking competitions in the world. Casting your mind back to 1994 when the sport was introduced in the country, would you say you are satisfied by the successes recorded since its introduction here? To tell you the truth, I am not satisfied with the success recorded so far since we introduced the sport in Nigeria nearly two decades ago. Like I mentioned earlier, it is not that we cannot produce athletes that are capable of winning laurels for the country at international competitions, but the system we operate does not allow things

to be done the way they are supposed to be done and this is not only affecting race walk but all aspects of our national life. It is unfortunate that a sport that will not only win medals for the country at the international level but help to increase the life span of Nigerians is being neglected. I want the Nigerian Government to remember that health is wealth and a healthy nation is a wealthy nation and as such they must promote race-walk to enable us have vibrant and healthy citizens. At times some of my close friends are surprised that not minding all odds, I still stick with the sport, but I keep on telling them that I will never allow the system to frustrate my efforts and this has been my guiding principle. What type of support has the sport gotten from the Ministry of Sports/ National Sports Commission? To be candid, we do not have any direct contact with the Ministry of Sports/ National Sports Commission. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria which we are affiliated to is the body speaking on our behalf. So, with this arrangement, we cannot just go directly to the NSC to demand for anything, rather we channel our demands through AFN. What this means is that whenever we have any problem, we contact our Federation and they will help us the much they can. I must have to confess that AFN is trying in this regard and some of the achievements we recorded over the years must be attributed to their unrelenting effort at ensuring that the sport does not die a natural death. It was through the efforts of AFN that we started participating in the National Sports Festival and even took part at COJA 2003 which Nigeria hosted. We have been featuring in all National Sports Festivals but the only thing is that we have not had the opportunity to go out of the country and showcase our talent. It was also through the intervention

of Mrs. Grace Obajimi and Yusuf Ali that race-walk became a medal scoring event at the sports festival. At times, when you hear results from competitions organised outside the shores of this country, you begin to wonder why we are not there because their records are far below what we have here. When we see such results we tell those who care to hear that we have somebody here that can beat them like Charles Arosanyin, one of the inventors of the game in the country. Arosanyin recently went to Sweden and placed second in 100 metres and you know we have different categories of race-walk, such as 5 kilometres, 10 Kilometres, 20 Kilometres, 24 Kilometres, 30 Kilometres, 50 Kilometres and even 28 hours nonstop. So, Arosanyin has been able to represent this country in most of these events abroad with medals to show for his efforts. When he wanted to go for the Swedish event, he found it difficult to raise his flight ticket, but through divine intervention, some of his friends assisted him financially and since then, he has been going from one country to the other representing Nigeria. If I had decided to do just like him, race walk will die in Nigeria but I have to remain here and encourage other athletes to keep doing what they know how to do.

What prospects do Nigerians have participating in race walk and do they have opportunities of competing at international championships? Race walk is a very important sport and it is recommended to people of all ages. What this means is that no matter your age, you can walk because the only game that is compulsory for every living soul is walking. When you wake up every morning, you need to take a walk to your toilet, bathroom and kitchen or to do some house chores and other activities. Even while going to your car or office you must walk; this is an indication that the sport is all encompassing. It is used for fitness, avoiding obesity and keeping one healthy as well as avoids all sorts of sicknesses and boredom. Race walk is also recommended by medical practitioners to their patients because when you do it, you hardly see yourself in hospital due to sickness. So, every Nigerian needs to be a partaker in race walk. The only thing that is lacking is not been able to apply the two rules that guide the sport which is called â&#x20AC;&#x153;E toeâ&#x20AC;?. Nigerians who participate in race walk have opportunities to compete with the best athletes from other countries of the world because when you look at the African and world record, you will notice that Nigerians are really trying but lack of encouragement and adequate funding

Babatoba (right) and Police Inspector Adebayo Bada participating in a recent race-walk competition.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

June 8, 2013

Rooney

Arsenal can afford Rooney, Gazidis declares

rsenal now have the financial power to sign top players like Wayne Rooney, chief executive Ivan Gazidis has declared. Gazidis claimed the Gunners were entering a new era of “finan-

cial firepower” meaning they could afford to pay a transfer fee of more than £20m and wages in excess of £200,000 a week for the Manchester United star. The Emirates chief used Rooney as an example but manager Arsene Wenger,

known for prudence in the transfer market, has already admitted he would not turn down the chance to sign the unsettled England international. Questioned about the potential to break a rigid pay structure for bigname deals, Gazidis said: “We could do that, we could do more than that.

“It is going to be the players that Arsene believes in. He is pretty blind to price tags, he looks at what he sees with his eyes and makes judgments based on that, and not on reputations and prices. “We have a certain amount which we’ve held in reserve and we also have new revenue streams coming on board. All of these things mean we can do some things which would excite you. We can think about all kinds of things.” Asked directly if the club could afford Rooney, Gazidis added: “I don’t know what his fee would be. “I’m talking about an extra £70m of additional, high-margin revenue - so of course we could do that.” The Arsenal chief also says he wants Wenger to continue to lead the Gunners and is adamant the Frenchman has the backing of the board to continue beyond next term.

Napoli: Chelsea wants Cavani

apoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis claims he expects to hold talks with Chelsea about a possible deal for Edinson Cavani. Cavani’s future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time with the Uruguay international one of the most sought-af-

ter strikers in Europe. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain have all been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old. “The budget for the transfer market will be based in relation to the Financial Fair Play rules,” De Laurentiis said.

Hulk confirms Chelsea interest

razil and Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk believes Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is interested in signing him. The 26 year-old moved to Russia last summer after four impressive seasons at Porto, but his time in St Petersburg has not been straightforward, particularly in view of some fans’ opposition to non-white players.

“If Cavani is sold then I’ll reinvest all of the 63million euro of his release clause. “There is interest from Chelsea in Cavani, they’ll call me in the next few hours. “I’ll be delighted if he stays, but if he leaves then he will be adequately replaced.”

ormer Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says he would be happy to end his career at Monaco, but could yet join Paris Saint-Germain. The 33-year-old is a free agent after Barca decided against extending his contract at Camp Nou, prompting the former France international to look elsewhere in a bid to prolong his playing days after battling his way back from cancer and a liver transplant. However, Abidal has discussed several potential destinations, and spoke of his desire to finish his professional career with the club where it all began in 2000. “I want to continue playing, but I do not know where. I certainly have some options but nothing concrete,” he said. “It would be nice to end my career in France with

Abidal

Monaco, but this is not a priority for me. Equally I could move to Paris Saint-Germain or remain in Spain. “It is obvious that ASM (Monaco) is one of the best options out there. Now I have to make the right choice and I will take my time in doing so.” The left-back has also attracted interest from Lyon and Nice, with their respective head coaches, Remi Garde and Claude Puel, keen on signing the defender.

Everton calm over Fellaini, Baines

EURO BRIEFS Benteke warned against summer move

Townsend: I’ll learn from ‘mistakes’

ston Villa manager Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke that it would be a gamble to move away from Villa Park this summer. The Belgium international has been strongly linked with a swift departure after bagging 19 Premier League goals in his debut season following a £7million move from Genk.

‘heartbroken’ Andros Townsend admits he must learn from his ‘mistake’ following his four month ban for breaching betting regulations. The Tottenham winger was found to be guilty of breaching “Rule E8 (b) in relation to a number of betting offences” and was handed a sentence that was in part.

Hulk

Abidal courts Monaco, PSG

verton chairman Bill Kenwright is optimistic about keeping hold of star men Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. Belgium international Fellaini, who has a release clause in his contract, has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and has

Cavani

repeatedly stated his desire to play in the Champions League. But Kenwright said recently in the media: “I have to say he has given me every indication he doesn’t want to go.” Meanwhile there is speculation that Baines, whose contract has two years to run, could link up with former Toffees boss David Moyes at Manchester United.

Fellaini

‘Govt needs to encourage race-walking’ CONTINUED FROM 54 of the sport is affecting them adversely. Our athletes have been training all the time, but they have not been given the opportunity to travel out of the country to showcase their talent and they cannot just go because you know what it takes to take them out of the country. However, I keep telling them just as I keep encouraging myself that you don’t need to be discouraged because one day, God will send somebody to assist us. Your athletes participated in the last African Youth Athletics Championship in Warri, how will you describe the experience? The experience was worthwhile, and

apart from enabling our athletes to showcase their talents, it also enabled them compete with other athletes from other African countries which is an added advantage. It also gave them the necessary exposure and it will interest you to know that one of our athletes came second in the junior category. With this you can appreciate that Nigerians are trying and we hope to rule the world in race walk in no distance time. Apart from Lagos, what efforts are you making to introduce the sport in all the states of the Federation? I want to tell you that a baby that was born 19 years ago is no longer a child, but a grown up man who can be held ac-

countable for anything he does. Having said this, I want you to realise that we have introduced the sport in almost all states of the Federation. Apart from a few states in the north race-walk is on ground in almost all the states of the Federation and this accounts for the reason at every National Sports Festival, we have both male and female athletes representing various states. So, we are on ground in almost all the states of the Federation, and all we need is the financial encouragement to take the sport to another level. Do you have any regret being involved in race walk? The answer to your question is yes and

no. No in the sense that the sport gives me joy and enables me stay healthy at all times. I also derive joy imparting the basic principles of the sport to the young ones and I will not have any hesitation in telling you that I am satisfied and fulfilled with my involvement in race walk. On the contrary, I regret that since myself and my partner, Charles Arosanyin, founded the sport about 19 years ago, no meaningful encouragement has come from either government or corporate organisations to us. There is the need for the Ministry of Sports/ National Sports Commission and corporate organisations in this country to give us full encouragement and recognition as well as invest in the sport.

Quote

the

day

3.4 million Nigerians are living with HIV/AIDS. 1.5 million of them are required to be on anti-retroviral drugs but only 500,000 have access to the drugs. Professor John Idoko, National Agency for the Control of AIDS Director-General, while decrying Nigeria’s slow progress in combating HIV/AIDS.

Saturday, June 8, 2013. www.nationalmirroronline.net

The challenge of shared societies (II)

hen all is said and done, leadership is the key – leadership in all walks of life and at all levels. Whatever may be the constituent composition of any society, leadership will promote policies and programmers that will protect and preserve the diverse groups within the polity. Diversity in language, race, ethnicity, religion, social background, political affiliation, gender, generation and culture must be acknowledged, respected and evenhandedly served and treated. Good governance will invariably be the outcome of good leadership and good governance must bring about shared society with shared values, cohesion and devoid of fear, mistrust or unfulfillment from any constituent group. Democracy, true democracy and economic management leading to development, growth and progress and social equity and justice brought about by exemplary leadership are the imperatives for shared societies. The basis for all human fulfillment should not be wide apart. We all desire almost the same things to be happy, contented, feel accomplished and make life worth living while we are alive. History, culture and even religion tend to set us against one another but we must seek commonality of goals and shared values to unite. We must continue to find the basis of shared societies in what we do and what we want politically, economically and socially. Building shared societies is a multi-faceted task and no single policy or practice can overcome division,

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com

DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGE, RACE, ETHNICITY, RELIGION, SOCIAL BACKGROUND, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, GENDER, GENERATION AND CULTURE MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED, RESPECTED AND EVEN-HANDEDLY SERVED AND TREATED distrust and discrimination. The Club of Madrid, to which I belong, subscribes to ten commitments and approaches for shared societies: •Locate responsibility for social cohesion within government structures. •Create opportunities for consultation and dialogue. •Monitor policies, structures and programmers to ensure they are supportive of social cohesion. •Ensure the legal framework that pro-

tects the rights of the individual. •Deal with inequalities, inequities and economic disadvantages by those discriminated against. •Ensure that physical environments create opportunities for social interaction. •An education system that demonstrates a commitment to a shared society. •Initiate a process to encourage the creation of a shared vision of society. •Promote respect, understanding and

SPORT EXTRA

Keshi releases 23-man list for FIFA Confederations Cup ANDREW EKEJIUBA

fter much anticipation and excitement, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has unveiled his 23-man list of players that will don Nigeria’s colours at this month’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. Saturday Mirror gathered that the Nigerian squad will be captained by, Vincent Enyeama, who leads the team as a result of Joseph Yobo’s absence. The full list comprises of three goalkeepers, namely, Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Beer Sheva) and Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel

Aviv). The defenders are Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Efe Ambrose (Celtic ) Elderson Uwa Echiejile (Sporting de Braga), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag), Godfrey Oboabona, Solomon Kwambe and Francis Benjamin (Heartland FC). Among the midfielders picked by Keshi includes, John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio), John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra), Sunday Mba, Emeka Eze (Enugu Rangers), Babatunde Michael (Kryvbas) and Fegor Ogude (Valerenga), while the strikers who also made the team are Joseph Akpala (SV Werder Bremen), Brown Ideye (Dyna-

mo Kiev), Anthony Ujah (FC Cologne), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese), Gambo Mohammed (Kano Pillars) and Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow). Nigeria head to Brazil as Africa’s flag bearers after the heroics in South Africa, where they won their third Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). For the group phase, Nigeria is pitched alongside world champions, Spain, South American kings, Uruguay and Tahiti who will offer the Super Eagles their first test in Brazil. Eagles will on June 14 arrive in Belo Horizonte, venue of their opening match against Tahiti on June 17.

appreciation of diversity. •Take steps to reduce tensions and hostility between communities. Shared societies generate economic dividends for all and by harnessing the skills, strengths and talents of the entire population, shared societies create safe and prosperous communities. Shared societies foster a productive and dynamic environment to maximise the economic contributions of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, language, political affliation, gender or other attributes. It must be stressed again that strong leadership is indispensable for a shared society. I should conclude in a poetic form: Diversity recognised, is commonality enthrone /hatred and prejudice eliminated is love bestowed /justice and equity given is peace established /values shared is humanity united /discrimination eliminated is wholesomeness allowed /pain shared is pain relieved / kindness given is kindness received /joy shared is joy multiplied /lesson learned is wisdom acquired. Shared society is living in peace, security, stability, cooperation, knowledge, understanding, tolerance, patience, cohesion, harmony and fulfillment as citizens of the community, one humanity and one world where democracy, dialogue, consultation and strong leadership are indispensable and economic growth, progress and development are assured.

CONCLUDED

FIFA World Cup qualifier Today’s Matches Botswana v Ethiopia 15:00 CAR. v S/Africa 16:00 Sierra Leone v Tunisia 18:30 Cape Verde v Equ. Guinea 19:30 Gambia v Ivory Coast 18:30 Morocco v Tanzania 22:00 Zambia v Lesotho 15:00 Gabon v Congo 16:30 Uganda v Liberia 15:00 Angola v Senegal 17:00

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