Saturday, May 7, 2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Vol. 6 No. 19

Saturday, May 7, 2016

NEWS

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Kwara State B’Haram: Rescued Anti-robbery denies ‘feud’ 9-yr-old girl cries for policemen turn with President Sambisa husband armed robbers

Buhari signs N6.06 trillion budget P. 6

•Says Nigeria experiencing toughest economy in history

L-R: Minister, Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udom; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki; Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Reps,) Hon. Suleiman Kawu and SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, at the signing of the 2016 Budget into Law by President Buhari, at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ANAYO OPARA

EFCC swoops Buhari’s govt has failed Nigerians on Fani-Kayode —ASUU

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Is bigger always better?

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9-year-old rescued girl cries for Sambisa husband …. 12 out of 65 rescued girls pregnant! Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

welve out of the 65 young girls rescued by troops in the ongoing crackdown of Sambisa Forest have tested pregnant, while others have already given birth. One of them, a nineyear old girl (name withheld) refused to eat food for the past three days, insisting that she wants to go back and reunite with her husband in Sambisa forest. This revelation was made on Friday when Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state visited the headquarters of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maimalari Cantonment to officially receive the freed

INSIDE

hostages. Our Correspondent observed that most of the hostages, 27 children and over 30 young girls with few women including two Cameroonians have been indoctrinated by the sect as many of them claimed they have been with the sect for the past three years, and were willing to go back to Sambisa to meet their husbands. Briefing governor Shettima at the Youth centre in Maimalari Cantonment, venue for the official handing over of the hostages to the Borno State Government, the GOC, Major General Victor Ezegwu said, the ongoing Operation crackdown in sambisa forest which commenced about a week ago is yielding positive successes against fishing out elements of Boko Ha-

ram sect, as according to him, many of the insurgents have been killed by troops and chunks of arms and ammunitions have been recovered around Balaza, Walasa, Banki and other surrounding villages. He said during the crackdown, over 300 persons held by the insurgents in Dikwa, Gamboru, Ngala, Kala Balge axis were rescued and handed over to their families in Dikwa resettlement camp, while 300 cattle rustled by the sect have been handed over to their real owners. While commending Governor Shettima and the state government for their support in complementing the effort of the military in the fight against insurgents, he assured that Nigerian Army will not rest on its oars, until boko haram elements are

crushed out of their hideouts. Responding, Governor Shettima thanked the military and other security agencies saying this new tactics will see to the end of the insurgents’ deadly activities in the north east. He said, as government, he will do everything possible with the scarce resources at his disposal to support military to end the Boko Haram madness in the state. While congratulating the freed hostages, Shettima said, the state government will keep them in a safer place so that they undergo proper counseling before they reunite with their families, pointing out that the two Cameroonians that were freed alongside Borno citizens will be taken back and handed over to the Cameroonian government.

Two drug traffickers swallow 137 wraps of cocaine Patience Ogbo

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wo suspected drug traffickers allegedly swallowed 137 wraps of cocaine. The duo and three other suspected narcotic traffickers were apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja with 8.588kgs of cocaine. Apart from two suspects that ingested wraps of cocaine, three others were caught with cocaine hidden in socks and chocolates. The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd) said both suspects would have died as a result of complications arising from ingestion of 137 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine. According to the NDLEA boss, “two passengers from Sao Paulo, Brazil enroute Dubai have been saved from premature death by the prompt intervention of narcotic officers. The suspects were in a critical health condition on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport due to drug ingestion. They were immediately rushed to the hospital for intensive medical care. All 137 wraps of cocaine ingested by the suspects have been successfully evacuated from their system and they are now in a stable health condition”. Abdallah however warned that people should eschew dangerous and criminal acts that are inimical to their wellbeing, public health and safety. “Drug ingestion is a very

Ikeaba Chidi Anthony

Obeche Ignatus Emeka

risky act that exposes drug traffickers to early graves. People must desist from such injurious acts, protect their precious lives as well as promote public wellbeing and safety. The Agency will continue to protect lives and enhance public security by ensuring that narcotic drugs are only made available for medical and scientific purposes” the Chairman stated. NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan said that all five suspects were arrested while attempting to smuggle drugs into the country from Brazil and United Arab Emirates. “The two suspects that escaped death are Ogbobe James Chidiebere, 33, who ingested 62 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.131kg and Okonkwo Ernest Nonye, 33, who ingested 75 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.375kg. Three

Okanimeh Chinedu

Okonkwo Ernest Nonye

other suspects are Okanimeh Chinedu Niclopez, 33, arrested with duty free bag stocked with 3.3kg of cocaine hidden in chocolates; Obeche Ignatius Emeka, 29, and Ikeaba chidi Anthony, 31, caught with 1kg and 1.782kg of cocaine hidden inside socks” Hamisu stated. Ogbobe James Chidiebere and Okonkwo Ernest Nonye who are from Enugu State were thankful to the NDLEA for saving their lives. In the words of Ogbobe, “I thank the NDLEA for taking us to the hospital on time. I know that I made a mistake but I never knew that it could lead to my death. Even though, they will take me to court, I still thank God that I am alive. This has taught me a bitter lesson”. All the suspects will soon be charged to court.

Clergy docked over attempt to defraud bank of N5m

Wale Igbintade

self acclaimed clergy man, Samuel Bonny was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court over alleged clone of Access Bank manager’s cheque worth N5 million. Bonny, 63-year, whose address was not given, is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and forgery. He was however admitted to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Nicholas Akpene, told the court that the accused and others at large committed the alleged offences on April 26, at 2:00 pm, at Access Bank PLC, Lagos. He said that the accused attempted to defraud Access Bank PLC to the tune N5 million by presenting a cloned manager’s cheque for confirmation at the bank. Akpene said that the accused forged the cheque and presented it so that it would be act-

ed upon as genuine. He said that the offences contravened Sections 363 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mrs S. K. Matepo admitted

him to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum. She said the sureties must swear to affidavit of means and must be tax compliant. She adjourned the case till May 25 for mention.

...as court sends house keeper to 5 years imprisonment

Lagos Magistrate’s Court yesterday sentenced a 22-year-old housekeeper, Kennedy George, to five years imprisonment for stealing his employers jewellery and cash worth N6.3million. George, who resides with his employer, was first arraigned before the Court on June 19, 2015, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. The convict had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted N250, 000 bail with the two sureties in like sum. However, during trial, the Prosecutor, Cpl Cyriacus Osuji called two witnesses. Osuji had told the court that George and oth-

ers at large committed the offences between February 6, 2015 to June 2015, at 10:00am, at No. 3A, Iron Bar Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. He said that the convict stole a cash sum of N300, 000 and assorted gold jewellery worth N6 million, properties of one Uzo Nwogu. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285 (7) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. However, the convict at the trial admitted stealing his boss’s ATM card to withdraw some of the money but said he was not the only one that spent the money.

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MAY 7, 2016

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Workers’ Day of anger, confusion, surprises This year’s Workers’ Day in Nigeria was devoid of the usual pomp and pageantry. MUDA OYENIRAN writes on the unusual spectacle that characterised the day across the country.

erhaps the most striking feature of this year’s worker’s day is the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari at the Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of this year’s May Day Rally. The workers who had gathered at the venue waited patiently in vain for the President who refused to show up for the event in person; although he sent the Labour and Productivity Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige to represent him. This did not go down well with the workers. Officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress expressed disappointment at the failure of the President to personally attend CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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‘The President’s absence was a minus’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

the annual event which would have given him the opportunity to address some of the issues raised by the workers. For instance, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Alhaji Ibrahim Khaleel, who doubles as the National Treasurer of the NLC, said that the President’s absence was a minus as he missed the opportunity to hear directly from the workers. He said that Buhari would have had the opportunity to directly respond to the workers who believed in his cause as President. The last time the President openly identified with labour unions was at the 11th delegates’ conference of the NLC in February, 2015, shortly before his election. The National Treasurer of the NLC, Alhaji Ibrahim Khaleel, also frowned at the fact that the issue of the N56,000 minimum wage was not addressed, due to Buhari’s absence. Khaleel said “That is one of the bad feelings we have as workers representatives on May Day. We believe that it was as a result of the absence of Mr. President. There is no way the President of the country would grace an occasion and salient issues like that would be raised, without Mr. President at least responding to them.” He also said “We cannot say sincerely or talk about the reasons behind the government side not to say anything about it. But we believe that nothing, absolutely nothing, comes to the working class in the history of struggle free of charge, so we are determined and we are ready to pursue our agenda because we believe in our cause.” The workers also observed that Nigerians are gradually losing faith in the Change mantra promoted by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari saying they were yet to experience the much-hyped Change agenda of this government. Addressing the gathering of workers at Eagle Square in Abuja, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba called on Buhari to provide people-based actions and programmes and not elitist programmes. “The ruling APC government in its manifesto, promised to create three million jobs annually. We have waited one year for the government to bring out its blueprints on how it intends to go about achieving this. Congress will seek audience with Mr. President to get more information on this important matter.” In Oyo State, the labour leaders decried the hardships being experienced by workers in the state due to unpaid salaries and called on Governor Abiola Ajimobi to alleviate their suffering. They made the remark during the 2016 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex on Sunday in Ibadan. Dr Demola Aremu, the National Treasurer, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said it was sad that the governor was allowing the workforce to languish in abject poverty despite the nation’s huge resources. Aremu said that the 2016 workers’ day in many states could best be described as a

L-R: President of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama; Minister of FCT, Alhaji Mohammed Bello; Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige and president of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, during the 2016 May Day celebration in Abuja

mourning day, adding that workers were being owed salaries for several months. He said workers have become object of ridicule in the society because they could not fulfil their responsibilities to their dependants “Workers are now being called by government in many states to negotiate their salaries, forgetting the condition of employment,’’ he said. Aremu urged the workers not to agonise but organise themselves into formidable unions to push for their demands and to ensure the protection of their welfare. Mr Olu Abiala, a former Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, said the celebration was supposed to be a day of dialogue between workers and the government. Majority of workers in Ekiti State stayed away from the celebration of the 2016 May

the

Day. Only a few of them gathered at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium to witness the event. The lack of interest in the rally by workers could be attributed to the non-payment of four months arrears of salaries and the mournful mood of the state which yet to recover from the death of six medical doctors who died on their way to Sokoto last week for the Nigerian Medical Association ( NMA) Annual Conference. At the rally which was also boycotted by Governor Ayo Fayose, only the state box section of the stadium was occupied by those who cared to show up as at 12 noon when the event was almost ending. They offered prayers for the revival of the nation’s economy to enhance prompt payment of salaries and other benefits. They mourned death of the six doctors

President’s absence was a minus, as he

missed the opportunity to hear directly from the workers.

Buhari would have had the

opportunity to directly respond to workers who believe in his cause as last time the

President. The

President openly identified

with labour unions was

11th delegates’ conference of the NLC in February, 2015, shortly

at the

before his election

and their driver last Sunday association who died in an auto crash on the Kaduna road praying to God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the monumental loss. Labour urged Fayose to review the state workers’ wage bill which currently stands at N2.6billion, saying the measure became imperative because the same figure was declared by the Kayode Fayemi administration. NLC Chairman Ade Adesanmi urged Fayose to pay the workers their gross salaries rather than net adding that this is the best way the plight of the workers can be alleviated in view of the encumbrances in the payment of salaries due to economic downturn. On the agitation for the review of the wage bill , Adesanmi said : “the current wage bill quoted was inherited from the immediate past administration. After one year of this administration, we expect that the bill would have reduced. “This is because no employment was done and civil servants are retiring every day. If this is look into, more resources will be available for the payment of salaries and perform other government functions”. The workers also called for the immediate release of the 2015 verification exercise, so that those involved could know their fate. Sequel to the non-payment of salaries, Ondo State workers have lamented that they the development had many of them irresponsible at their various homes as parents. The civil servants in the state were being owed salaries of five months by the state government. Speaking at the May Day celebration thanksgiving service held the C & S Church Movement, Ijoka, Akure, the Chairman of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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‘Current minimum wage less than workers’ electricity bill’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

the State Negotiating Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Sunday Adeleye, said the situation of the workers in the state was getting worse on a daily basis due to the non-payment of their salaries. A faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, led by Joe Ajaero also rejected the N56,000 national minimum wage proposal reportedly sent to the Federal Government by the Ayuba Wabba-led NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, saying it was not in tune with economic realities faced by workers. At a pre-May Day symposium, titled, “Inclusive Socio-Economic Space for Sustainable Development”, Ajaero told his audience that his faction of NLC was not part of the N56,000 proposal because the cost of living today and other socio-economic realities workers were faced with in the midst of the current exchange rate of the Nigerian currency, it was obvious that the N56,000 was off the mark. The NLC he led, the factional NLC leader stated, was demanding N90,000 national minimum wage based on the current exchange rate, noting that should the exchange rate go above N500 per dollar, NLC would demand for more than N90,000. He said: “No sacrifice is too much to liberate the Nigerian workers. Every year, we go to the stadium to salute those who have been enslaving us, those who have refused to pay us minimum living national wage. But since last year, we have been forced to gather under the bridge of the National Stadium, which we have named `Workers Freedom Square’. We will gather, march through the streets, take the May Day to the real owners, the Nigerian workers and masses, to tell them that there is no electricity despite the astronomical tariff, that there is no fuel, that there are no good roads, that public universities are being closed down, that there are no jobs and so on and so forth. “Few days ago, we were told that N56.000 minimum wage proposal has been sent to the government. We want to tell you that we are not part of that because even as they were sending the proposal, they equally said that they know that the economy is bad. By the time you say that, it means that the proposal is dead on arrival. We all know that the current minimum wage is less that the electricity bill paid by most workers. On our part, we are demanding N90,000 minimum wage. The N90,000 we are demanding is with a proviso, depending on the exchange rate. If the exchange rate goes above N500 a dollar, we will ask for more.” However in a twist of fate, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole announced the increase of the minimum wage in the state from N18, 000 to N25, 000 with immediate effect. Speaking at the May Day celebration in the state, Oshiomhole also promised prompt payment of outstanding salary arrears to the staff of local government councils in the state. He said that plans had also been concluded to pay staff of Egor Local Government Council who were being owed 13 months’ sal-

Protesters

ary arrears within the next two weeks. Explaining why the council was omitted from the bailout to local government councils in 2015, he gave the assurance that the Edo government had been meeting with the Central Bank of Nigeria and that within the next two weeks, the funds would be released and staff of the council would be paid in full. Earlier, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Orhue Marshall, appealed to government to enlist workers in the state in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). According to him, this would enable them to have access to quick and cheap medical facilities, like their colleagues in the Federal Public Service. Also workers in Cross River State were pleasantly surprised when Governor Ben Ayade announced the payment of salaries for the month of May on the first day of the month. A mild drama immediately ensued when the workers who were at the U.J. Esuene Stadium for the May Day celebration began to receive salary payment alert from their various banks. Unable to contain their excitement, the workers shouted “alert, alert”. The workers praised the governor. Before now, the governor had paid salaries between the 13th and 20th day of each month. Governor Ayade told the workers, who named him the “Best Labour Friendly Governor in Nigeria”, that his administration had a duty to give workers a sense of dignity. “We must create opportunities for labour to feel a sense of dignity. If you are truly a

Oshiomhole

Ayande

Christian, you must know that as you care for your kids, you must care for labour,” he stated. Former Vice Chancellor Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Prof Ango Abdullahi asked any of the governors who cannot pay the minimum wage to resign and pave the way for those who can do so in the interest of Nigerian workers. Prof Abdullahi described the governors’ claim as irresponsible, insensitive, embarrassing and unacceptable to Nigerians given the huge amount they and their retinue of aides pocket monthly. He noted with displeasure that governors, who were taking billions of Naira monthly under the guise of security votes, which they don’t account for, could wickedly refuse to pay

their workers a worthless minimum wage of N18,000 monthly. He said any governor who does not resign but continues to stay in office while claiming inability to pay the minimum wage should not be taken seriously by the Nigerian workers. “If certain political appointees of the governors take home at N1 million monthly, how can the same governors not be able to pay as little as N18,000 to each worker who works daily for the state?” he asked. Abdullahi, who was Obasanjo’s Special Adviser on Food Security, asked the 36 governors to reduce their earnings by 50 percent so as to leave more money available for their states.”

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MAY 7, 2016

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Buhari signs N6.06 trillion 2016 budget into law •Says Nigeria experiencing toughest economy in history Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

fter much delay and with the year already in its second quarter, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday signed into law the 2016 budget with a total figure of N6.06 trillion following the resolution of the controversy which trailed the budget. In the budget signed yesterday, revenue projection based on $38 per barrel at production of 2.2 million barrels per day was still retained. The President had on December 22, 2015 presented a total of N6.08 trillion to the National Assembly, but it was slashed to N6.06 trillion, thereby reducing it by N200 million. When the budget was passed by the National Assembly on March 23, the President declined assent, saying that there were inconsistencies in the budget estimates that he presented and the one passed by the lawmakers. Buhari signed the budget into law yesterday in the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal. Also present were Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun; Chairman Senate Appropriation Committee, Danjuma Goje and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumuni Jubril; Senior Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang and his counterpart in the House of Reperesntatives, Sumaila Kawu. Ministers present include Senator Ufoma Udo Udoma (Budget and National Planning), Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed. In his remarks after signing the budget, Buhari said it was intended to signpost a renewal of our commitment to restoring

the budget as a serious article of faith with the Nigerian people. He stated that his administration was committed to ensuring that henceforth the annual appropriation bill was presented to the National Assembly in time for the passage of the Act before the beginning of the fiscal year. He said that through the 2016 budget titled “Budget of Change, the government seeks to fulfill its own side of the social contract. Buhari said, “The budget I have signed into law provides for aggregate expenditures of N6.06 trillion. Further details of the approved budget, as well as our Strategic Implementation Plan for the 2016 budget, will be provided by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning. “I shall be speaking in more details about the Budget, its implementation and the over-all national economic and social policies of the Government in my address on May 29th, God willing “In designing the 2016 budget, we made a deliberate choice to pursue an expansionary fiscal policy despite the huge decline in government revenues from crude oil exports. This is why we decided to enlarge the budget deficit at this time, to be financed principally through foreign and domestic borrowings. All borrowings will, however, be applied towards growth-enhancing capital expenditures.” The President further said that the signing of the budget would trigger concerted efforts to reflate the Nigerian economy, a key element of which is an immediate injection of N350 billion into the economy by way of capital projects. He noted that in order to illustrate renewed commitment to infrastructural development, the 2016 budget allocated over N200 billion to road construction as against a paltry N18 billion allocated for same purpose in the 2015 budget. “Despite the current difficulties we will work extra hard to achieve our revenue projections. Our revenue generating agencies are coming under bet-

ter management and are being re-oriented. The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is expected to contribute significantly to improving transparency over government revenues. “Our determined fight against corruption is resulting in improvements in the quality of public expenditure. The work of the Efficiency Unit, as well as other public financial management initiatives, are also contributing in this regard. The continuing efforts to reduce recurrent expenditures should hopefully free up more funds for capital expenditure in 2017 and beyond. “As I said in my New Year message, living in the State House does not in any way alienate me from your daily struggles. I read the newspapers and listen to the TV and radio news. I hear your cries, share your pains,” he said. He noted that the nation was experiencing proba-

bly the toughest economic times in the history, while commending the sacrifice, resilience and toughness of all Nigerians who have despite the hardships continued to have hope and confidence of a great future for Nigerians. “But permit me to say that this government is also like none other. We are absolutely committed to changing the structure of the Nigerian economy once and for all “We are working night and day to diversify the economy such that we never again have to rely on one commodity to survive as a country. So that we can produce the food we eat, make our own textiles, produce most of things we use. We intend to create the environment for our young people to be able to innovate and create jobs through technology. “I cannot promise you that this will be an easy journey, but in the interest of so much and so many

we must tread this difficult path. But I can assure you this government you have freely elected will work with honesty and dedication day and night to ensure that our country prospers and that the prosperity benefits all Nigerians,” Buhari said. Speaking with State House Correspondents after the budget was signed, Senate President Saraki said the passing of the appropriation bill was the most difficult all over the world. He, however, said that the government was not shut down while Nigerians were awaiting the passage and signing of the budget. “The passing of the appropriation bill is the most difficult all over the world. Even America that we copy, sometimes the government is shut down. We didn’t see that in our case. It’s a first time, it’s a new government, so these sort of challenges are rare” “But I am happy we are

all here to see that we have passed the budget and the President has signed and what we await now is implementation”, he added. Briefing State House Correspondents shortly after the budget was signed into law by the President, Udoma said, “the budget size that the legislature came out with was just a slightly lower figure than the executive submission,so it was N6.06 trillion. The revenue assumptions from the budget passed by the National Assembly is the same, they adopted the same revenue assumptions,$38 crude oil price and the size of the budget is also roughly the same,the size of the deficit is about the same”, Udoma said. He stressed that though it may not be possible to achieve 100 per cent implementation of the budget considering the time left in the year, the intention of government was to ensure total implementation.

Cross section of International and Local Bidders at the 2016 Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Ground Handling and Airlifting Technical Proposals Opening in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Highlights of budget

agged “Budget of Change”, Mr. Buhari presented the 2016 Appropriation Bill to joint session of the National Assembly last December, proposing N6.08 trillion as aggregate expenditure, before it was reduced by the lawmakers to N6.06 trillion. The National Assembly passed the budget on March 23, but the president withheld his assent and returned the document. The Presidency said the lawmakers added new projects and removed critical items proposed by the administration. The two arms reconciled controversial figures, and transmitted a clean copy of the budget to the president on Thursday.

Here are highlights of the budget as passed by the National Assembly: Aggregate expenditure — N6, 060,677,358,227 Statutory transfers – N351, 370,000,000 Debt service – N1, 475,320,000,000 Recurrent expenditure – N2, 646,389,236,196 Capital expenditure – N1, 587,598,122,031 Fiscal deficit – N2, 204,936,925,711.16 Deficit/GDP – 2.14 per cent The parameters proposed by Mr. Buhari were retained. Oil price benchmark and crude oil production were left at US38 per barrel and 2.2000mbpd respectively. Similarly, the exchange was left at N197/USD1.

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MAY 7, 2016

Money laundering:

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EFCC swoops on Fani-Kayode Marcus Fatunmole ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday stormed the home of Former Minister of Aviation and Director of Publicity for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election campaign organization in Abuja. Operatives of the commission delivered a note requesting the former minister to appear at its headquarters on Mondayby 10:am. The letter, signed yesterday by Mohammed Abba on behalf the agency’s chairman, Ibrahim Magu read: “This commission is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, fraud and money laundering involving Joint Trust Dimension Ltd. in which you featured prominently,” adding that “In view of the above, you’re requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned.” Saturday Mirror gathered that Fani-Kayode’s recent comments and statement on the action of EFCC towards suspected persons who allegedly diverted public funds for campaigns of former President Jonathan

could have prompted his invitation by the anti-graft commission. He had said in a statement signed by his media aide, Jude Ndukwe, last Wednesday that he had briefed his lawyers about his feeling of the EFCC towards him. Responding to a media report that he was making efforts to evade arrest or invitation by the commission, Fani-Kayode said in the statement that he was not hiding and would be ready to face the agency, if invited. He promised in the statement that he was ready to help the commission in the course of its investigation. Part of the statement had said: “I have not been invited by the EFCC by letter and neither have they phoned me or attempted to reach me in any other way. I have been in my Abuja home for the last few weeks and I am not hiding from anyone… “If they have any questions for me why don’t they just write to me or call me, give me a date and I will be in their office. I have made my position clear on the issue of the Presidential campaign funds, I have written an essay about it in my various columns about two weeks ago and I have been waiting for the EFCC

Secretary to Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Shehu Ilelah addressing unpaid four months entitlements in Bauchi, yesterday.

to reach me ever since then. They have invited others but they have not invited me. I do not believe that I have done anything wrong and this latest attempt to criminalise me and make me look like a fugitive from justice will fail. “Others that were invited to the EFCC over this same campaign funds issue were sent letters of invitation and were reached. I appear to be the exception and now these hideous lies are being fed to the newspapers to make it look as if I am in hiding or that I am running from them just to sensationalise the whole issue. “This is also to justify what the EFCC wish to do which is to arrest me in public, humiliate me or to storm my home and lock me up indefinitely. There is no need for all that drama and if it happens that way the Nigerian people will know why. I have no fear of the EFCC, I will respond to their invitation any day and anytime they send it to me and I will help them to clarify whatever issues they wish to raise in any way that I can. “Others were invited in a civilised way and were treated in a humane and decent manner. I really do wonder why I should be treated differently, criminalised in the

newspapers in this way and not even afforded the common courtesy of a formal invitation by them. I await their letter or their call and I leave those that wish to give the impression that I am running from them to God”, the release had stressed. Meanwhile, yesterday, after obtaining the letter of invitation from the commission, the invitee wrote on his official Facebook page, “Today the EFCC invited me to come their office on Monday. I have their letter. I agreed to be there. Now they have surrounded my house. “The letter of invitation was served this morning and it was dated May 6. They said I should report on the 9th. Can someone please tell me why they are at my gate? They can’t even wait because they want to detain me so badly and keep me away for the weekend. I never refused their invitation. Why all this? I leave them to God.” His current travail is not unconnected with his alleged receipt of N840 million from the Director of Finance, Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Senator Nenadi Usman in January, 2015. The money was said to have been withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

pensioners during their protest over

I budgeted N200 billion for roads unlike Jonathan’s paltry N18bn —Buhari

resident Muhammadu Buhari says his administration has prioritised the repair and construction of roads within the country, unlike his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, who earmarked very little for infrastructure. Mr. Buhari said this in a speech Friday before signing the 2016 budget into law.

“To illustrate our renewed commitment to infrastructural development, the 2016 budget allocates over N200 billion to road construction as against a paltry N18 billion allocated for same purpose in the 2015 budget,” President Buhari said. The president said his administration earmarked N350 billion for capital

construction projects, with the hope that figure ill help stimulate the country’s ailing economy. “The signing of the budget today will trigger concerted efforts to reflate the Nigerian economy, a key element of which is an immediate injection of N350bn into the economy by way of capital projects,” he said.

The 2016 budget was signed Friday afternoon after months of bickering by the executive and the National Assembly over figures and projects proposed in the document. At the event, Mr. Buhari thanked all those who worked to make the budget a reality, including leaders of the National Assembly.

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Buhari’s govt has failed Nigerians —ASUU

resident Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Friday, received a damning verdict from the Academic Staff Union of Universities. ASUU, at its 19th National Delegates Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said Nigerians were yet to experience the much talked-about change Mr. Buhari promised the nation. The administration has failed the people, ASUU said. The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, was represented at the event by his Special Adviser, A.B. Baffa. The president of ASUU, Nasir Isa, while addressing the conference, said, Mr. Buhari was waging a “half-hearted” fight against corruption, and that the poor was getting poorer, while “a tiny club of nouvea riche, treasury looters, phantom contractors, subsidy scammers and rent collectors are flowing in scandalous opulence and manipulating the legal structures of the state to escape. “One year after, there has been no positive change in the major indices of growth and development, be it poverty reduction, safety and security, disease control or access to basic amenities and public good,” he said. Mr. Isa said the government appeared to have no direction in its policies, thereby causing Nigerians to be disillusioned with it. “The disappointment of Nigerians stems from the fact that we have a government whose leadership promised change but which is not practising transformation (deep, fundamental change). “Democracy in Nigeria is still seen superficially as what leaders do for the people rather than government by the people,” ASUU said. Mr. Isa, whose tenure as ASUU president comes to an end at the two-day conference, said the Nigerian government has abandoned a socialist welfare state prescribed by the provisions of Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, and embraced unfavourable policies handed down by IMF and World Bank. “As intellectuals, we know the Nigerian condition is a reflection of the conspiracy between African rulers and agents of Bretton Wood Institutions

particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB),” Mr. Isa said. “The conspiracy was consummated in the 1980s when these institutions for the protection and advancement of capitalism, came up with their ‘standard reform package’ now known as the ‘Washington consensus.’ “This package was designed for the African and other underdeveloped economies in order to perpetuate their enslavement to the capitalist world. Many of us would recall General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s debate on this ‘consensus’ in 1985/86. “Even though the Nigerian people overwhelmingly rejected the IMF/WB loan, the Babangida Government still went ahead to implement the key neoliberal prescriptions of devaluation of the Naira and trade liberalisation. “President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successors from 1999 have unabashedly intensified the implementation of this package through criminal privatisation and commercialisation of public assets, in faithful surrender to the Washington ‘consensus.’ “In all of these, the Nigerian ruling class is unmindful of stiff resistance by the labour movement, civil society groups, the media and other progressive forces in the country. This is much unlike what obtains in other climes such as the Asian Tigers (Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea) who got industrialised without surrendering their economies to the prowling reach of local and foreign marketers of the ‘Washington consensus’,” the union said. Mr. Isa said ASUU must not relent in working with other progressives to fight for the common good of Nigerians. He announced that ASUU has donated an initial sum of N20 million to help ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians displaced from their homes and communities in the North East, due to the insurgency in the region. He said the amount was in addition to the N5million earlier donated by the union to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical assistance to the victims of the Nyanya Motor Park bomb blast. (PREMIUM TIMES)

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NATIONAL NEWS

MAY 7, 2016

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Attack on Chevron pipeline ‘handiwork of misguided elements’ —Presidential Adviser

he attack on Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Abiteye oil pipeline in Warri SouthWest Local government area of Delta state was an avoidable self-inflicted agony, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Paul Boroh, said on Friday. Mr. Boroh, who is also the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), condemned the attack as the handiwork of some misguided elements, saying it posed a grave danger not only to the Niger Delta region, but also to the Nigerian economy as a whole. “Pipeline vandalism is an avoidable self-inflicted agony,” he said. “It is unreasonable to engage in such criminal activity not only because of the resultant economic effect on the country, but particularly as it also negatively affects the Niger Delta environment.” He described pipelines vandalism as counter-productive, apart from being a crime against the state, pointing out that those involved in the nefarious activity were economic and environmental saboteurs. Urging the perpetrators to refrain from such negative activities, Mr. Boroh said regardless of their grievances, they should embrace the open dialogue initiated by the federal government through the Amnesty programme.

Mr. Boroh said the federal government already has in place a well-structured reintegration programme for Niger Delta youths, which has helped in maintaining the prevailing peace, security and stability in the region in recent times. “The Amnesty Programme has made militancy unattractive in the region mainly because of the government’s sincerity and commitment to the programme. The proper thing is for those behind such activity to embrace dialogue,” Mr. Boroh said. He warned that any beneficiary of the Amnesty programme implicated in any criminal activity to sabotage the oil facilities and the operations of the companies would be delisted and sanctioned. ollowing the incident, a group by the name, Niger Delta Avengers, which had earlier claimed responsibility for the sabotage of a Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC facility in the Forcados areas of Delta State, also said it was behind the latest attack. The group’s spokesperson, Madoch Agninibo, had warned that more attacks of other oil installations were being planned for Abuja and Lagos, while other multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta risk being attacked if the government did not meet their

Army, Navy embark on joint training Patience Ogbo

eneral Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Isidore Edet, has said that joint military training will always enhance military operations. The GOC made the remark when he received the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Dukas Bobia who was on a familiarization visit to Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army. He stated that the military has been succeeding in its various operations followings its intensive training exercise and joint military training over the years. General Edet congratulated the FOC on his new

appointment, adding that Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy will continue to collaborate in order to improve the security in Lagos and environs. Earlier, Rear Admiral Bobai said his visit was to announce his arrival as well as pledge support and also seek support from the Army as stakeholders in order to ensure adequate security. The FOC reiterated the need for both the Nigerian Army and Navy to cooperate in order to ensure the growth of the country. On the FOC’s entourage were Command Administration Officer Commodore Jamilu Muktar, Commander Provost Marshall, RR Eleazu-Ijriri, Flag to FOC, Lt TC Wyom among others.

demands. “This is what we promised the Nigerian Government. Since they have refused to listen to us, we are going to bring the country’s economy to zero,” the group said. CNL had confirmed that the incident occurred at its Okan offshore facility in the Western Niger Delta. Oil production from the facility has since been shut-in till further notice. The return to armed restiveness in the region has already triggered fears among oil companies operating the region, even as the joint military force (JMF) in the region said

about 16 suspects who were involved in the recent pipelines vandalism and illegal bunkering in Delta state have been arrested. The spokesperson of the force, Isa Ado, told reporters at the 222 Battalion Headquarters Ughelli in Delta on Friday that the suspects were caught in two separate operations in the state. In one of the operations, Mr. Ado said the force recovered over 124 pieces of oil pipelines at Otokutu village in Ughelli valued at over N18 million. He said the oil pipelines meant for a project at Aburah were stolen from the

oil fields operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). Four suspects, including an NPDC staff, were arrested during the operation, while a Toyota Sports Utility Van (SUV) was also recovered. Between April 22 and 24, he said the Maritime arm of the force, NNS Delta, also uncovered and destroyed many illegal oil bunkering sites located around Tagola community, near Egwa 1 in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Other items recovered included six storage tanks with 10,000 litres capacity; 30 drums and plastic tanks containing crude oil suspected to have been stolen; About 12 suspects were arrested along Shell Petroleum Development Corporation, SPDC-Forcados Line with two large boats conveying 39 plastic tanks filled with illegally refined petroleum products and 13 pumping machines. Mr. Ado said the suspects and confiscated items have been taken into the custody of NNS Delta pending investigations. PREMIUM TIMES

Corps members cheering their colleagues during the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development’s Inter-Platoon Debate organised by Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the NYSC Permanent Orientation camp at Kubwa in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kwara State denies ‘feud’ with President Buhari …as Assembly denies removing President’s portrait Wole Adedeji ILORIN

he Kwara State House of Assembly yesterday said it has not removed the portraits of President Mohammadu Buhari from the walls as reported in the news media (not Saturday Mirror). President Buhari and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki are generally believed not to be on too cordial terms and the feeling in the state is that the president could be behind Saraki’s court trials over allegations of false assets declaration.

To strengthen these claims, Senator Saraki was reported to have accused “the presidency” of being behind his ordeals in court last month. Dr. Saraki is also refered to as the ‘leader of leaders’ in Kwara State, which makes his followers feel uncomfortable to think somebody is responsible for their leader’s travails. A statement by the Director of Information, Kwara State House of Assembly, Sunday Adeleke on Friday said, “The publication is false, malicious and a fragment of the writers’ imagination, as each office

in the House of Assembly complex and the two entry points to the complex have the portraits of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate President, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad and the logo of Kwara State.” Adeleke added; “It would be recalled that the House in its motion only last Wednesday, May 3rd, in a unanimous resolution that was widely reported commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his intervention on the Ilorin-Jebba road following agitations by the Hous-

es of Assembly of Kwara and Niger States. “It now beats the imagination of focused Nigerians that the House that commended the president will 24 hours later remove his portraits from offices, corridors and other places in the complex. “The House wishes to state categorically that it has enormous respect and recognition for President Muhammadu Buhari. As a House of law, it will not and never deliberately do anything to bring to disrepute the office of the president or the state governor,” Adeleke added.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

SOUTH WEST

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Partially blind man arrested for armed robbery in Lagos Patience Ogbo

he police clamp down on gangs of armed robbers terrorising residents of Lagos State paid off when a partially blind man was arrested for his alleged involvement in armed robbery. And following his confession as an armourer for cultists and armed robbers, five other members of his gang were arrested. The suspect, 29-year-old Muyideen Ibrahim, a tricycle operator, was arrested by operatives attached to the Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad (FSARS) Lagos State Police Command alongside five other suspected members of his gang. According to the police, Ibrahim and his gang were arrested with locally made pistols and live cartridges which they use to rob residents of Lagos State. Other members of the gang, according to the police, include Ramonu Sanu-

si, Rilwanu Ayinde, Sodiq Olaide and Kazeem Idris. In his confession to the police, Ibrahim denied that he is a member of armed robbery gang. He stated that he is a political thug employed by gangs in the state to use his tricycle to convey weapons for robbery gangs. He said, “I am not an armed robber but I work as a political thug. I use my Keke Marwa (tricycle) to convey weapons for different robbery gangs in Lagos State. The armed robbery gang members also belong to different cults and confraternities in Lagos State. These boys work for politicians who gave them guns to intimidate and oppress their rivals during elections. I don’t kill or fire gun though I work for these politicians. That is only when I handle a gun to protect our politicians from harm and to scare rivals and enemies. Most of the guns were given to us by politicians for their protection. We get the guns

Olubadan promotes traditional chiefs

he Olubadan of Ibadanland , Oba Saliu Adetunji, has promoted and installed some traditional chiefs from both the Balogun and Otun Olubadan chieftaincy title lines. The spokesman of the monarch, Mr Adeola Oloko, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan. The statement said the promotion was as a result of the vacancies that existed in the Balogun and Otun Olubadan lines. The vacancies were due to the coronation of Adetunji as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland. Those who benefitted were High Chief Owolabi Olakunlehin, who moved from Otun Balogun to Balogun of Ibadanland and High Chief Olufemi Olaifa, who moved from Osi Balogun to Otun Balogun. High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola also took a step from Asipa Balogun to Osi Balogun while High Chief Solomon Adabale moved from Ekerin Balogun to Ashipa Balogun.

Others are Senior Chief Lateef Adebimpe, who was promoted from Abese Balogun to Ekerin Balogun while Senior Chief Hamidu Ajibade moved from Abese Olubadan to Eekarun Olubadan. Senior Chief Samuel Falowo on the other hand, moved from Maye Balogun to Eekarun Balogun. It would be recalled that Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadanland until March 4 when he was installed as the new Olubadan after the demise of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade. Odugade died on Jan. 19 at the age of 101. The statement added that the Oluwo Labosinde Afobaje of Ibadan was on hand to decorate the newly promoted chiefs with the traditional “akoko” leaf. Those present at the event were high chiefs from the Otun line headed by Sen. Lekan Balogun. Also in attendance were the ‘Mogajis’ and the ‘Baales, ’ including Baale Bodija, Chief Rasheed Adesokan. (NAN)

from some honorables at Onike, Yaba and they pay us at the end of the day for the job of protecting them. However, some political thugs end up not retrieving the guns from us and in some cases, we refuse to return the guns to them.

Most of the thugs are cultists and they are from different confraternities. But during elections, the politicians use all of them for their support. One of such cultist and armed robber is known as Dagbe Ahmed. Dagbe was living with me.

But I never knew he is an armed robber. I was arrested because the police got to know that he lives with me. Dagbe and I work for different politicians. I do not fight or kill like other thugs. I operate my tricycle after elections to sustain

myself and my family.” The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said the police are on the trail of other members of the gang identified as Oshanleke and Sodiq Kashi and they will be arrested soon.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), with Managing Director, Spectra Industries Limited, Chief Duro Kuteyi (right) and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye (left) during the First Lagos Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Exclusive Fair at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, May 5, 2016.

Boroffice tackles Mimiko over bailout funds

he feud between the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, and the senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, Ajayi Boroffice, over unpaid salaries, has yet to abate as the senator has said that Ondo workers were owed salaries of five months because a N50 billion bailout given the state was misappropriated. “Since this government

has reportedly received the inflow of over N50billion in the past few months, why has the government failed to pay about six month salaries and pensions?” queried Mr. Boroffice, in a statement on Thursday signed by his Media Assistant, Kayode Adeniyi. “The Mimiko-led administration received N2billion from federal government as ecological funds in 2015,

for what purpose has the N2billion been expended or looted?” Mr. Boroffice called on the workers to fight for their rights and demand the payment of their salaries, given that the state government had received enough funding to offset the arrears of their entitlements. But the state government responded by accus-

ing the senator of attempting to instigate chaos and the breach of the peace by his comments. The response, which was signed by the Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, alleged that Senator Boroffice was planning to cause unrest with his comments on unpaid salaries of workers in the state. (Premium Times)

Patience Ogbo

The suspects, however, claimed they are not armed to robbers but cultists employed by land grabbers to protect their sites from other land grabbers. Ogunbiyi said “ I am not an armed robber. I am a member of the Eiye confraternity and an Omo-onile (land prospector). A friend of mine, Afeez, who is also a member of our cult gave me the gun to sell or exchange. I hid the gun in my trouser and was going to meet someone to exchange it when policemen on stop and search operation at the Oke- Odo area of Agege arrested me and they recovered the gun. The police took me to their station where I told them that the gun does not belong to me. I told the police that the gun

belongs to Afeez and they arrested Afeez.” Following the confession, the police arrested the suspect leader of the gang, one Femi Adeniyi and two other members of the gang. In his confession, Adeniyi stated that he was using the gun to protect himself but had to exchange it since the gun is not useful to him. He said, “I am the leader of the Omo-Onile (land prospector) at Atan in Ogun State. I got the gun since 2013 to protect ourselves during land scuffles. The land grabbers employ me and I equally employ other boys to work for me to secure the land from intruders. The gun is a double barrel

and the cartridge is not common and easy to get. The gun has been useless to me since I got it in 2013 because I have never used it for once. I decided to exchange it for a more useful one but the police intercepted the gun. The gun is not registered and I know that it is illegal but I am not an armed robber. I need the gun for protection.” The case has been transferred from Agege Police Division to the Federal Special Anti- Robbery Squad (FSARS) Lagos for thorough investigation and the suspects have since been arraigned in court while the police are on the trail of other members of the gang in possession of illegal weapons.

Police arrest cultists while selling gun A

gang of suspected cultists have been nabbed by policemen in Lagos State while they were attempting to sell a gun. The suspected cultists, according to Lagos State Commissioner of police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, were arrested at the Agege area of the state while they were looking for a buyer for their locally made double barrel gun. But luck ran out on them when police men on patrol conducting stop and search in the area arrested a suspected cultist, 20-year-old Samson Ogunbiyi, and his confession led to the arrest of other members of his gang.

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Ortom denies EFCC probe, pledges to report Suswam for looting Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

overnor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has debunked the allegation that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were in the state to ascertain facts on the disappearance of the milling machines donated by the Korean Government to the former administration in the state. Governor Ortom, in an interactive session with journalists at the People’s House in Makurdi at the weekend, stated that contrary to the belief in some quarters that the anti-graft commission came to investigate his administration, nothing of such happened. “For avoidance of doubt, let me reiterate that we have no skeletons in our cupboard even the said diversion of N37 million as alleged by Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) which was raised recently is not accurate as the said money was judiciously used in offsetting arrears,” he explained. He, however, added that the EFCC came to verify information on the disappearance of ten milling machines that were donated to Benue State during the administration of Gabriel Suswam in 2012 as relief materials to the victims of the flood disaster in the state. “So for anybody to insinuate that the EFCC operatives were after my aides is not true’’,he said, pointing out that the N12.5 billion collected to offset the inherited arrears from the former administration was adequately paid to the civil servants, and there is even a balance of N1.6 billion still left in the coffers.” He also avowed the determination of his administration to report former Governor Gabriel Suswam and 51 others who were indicted in the Justice Margaret Kpojime Commission for allegedly looting the state treasury of over N170 billion. “Frankly there is no other option left than to forward their case to the anti graft agency, we did all we could within the ambit of the law for those mentioned in the complicity but they refused to appear to defend themselves, all efforts fell on deaf ears”

NORTH

MAY 7, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adamawa PDP accuses Yobe ghost Gulak of stalemating workers ward congress gulp N2bn annually, S says Gaidam Livinus Menedi YOLA

ome stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday accused Barrister Ahmed Ali Gulak, former Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan of stalemating the recent ward congresses held in the state. The National Secretariat of the PDP had announced cancellation of ward congresses in Adamawa and two other states, citing irregularities for its decision. But some chieftains of the party in Adamawa opposed to the cancellation of the ward congresses which they said was hitch free have however, called on the National Secretariat of the party to revisit its

decision in the case of Adamawa. The party stakeholders, who reached this decision while reacting to the cancellation of ward congresses following their meeting at the Adamawa PDP state secretariat yesterday, fingered Ali Gulak, for being the brain behind the cancellation of the Adamawa ward congresses. The position of the stakeholders contained in the communique read by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Philemon Ibrahim Leha (retired), on behalf of the chieftains of the party, asked the leadership of the party to accept the result submitted to it by the ward congress electoral committee sent to the state. The chieftains also asked

the National Secretariat of the party to rescind its decision of cancelling the ward congresses conducted on May 1, 2016. Leha said the Adamawa State stakeholders of the party did not see any genuine reason for the cancellation of the hitch free ward congresses held in the state since no petition has yet to be filed by any member of the party. He said the ward congresses in the state went smoothly except for the actions of an agent of Ahmed Ali Gulak who snatched the original result sheets prior to collation of results of ward congresses held in the state. He explained that election materials which were to be used by the ward congress committee was delivered by one

Bobboi and kept in the custody of a committee member identified as Alhaji Yusuf Gumel. However, “when it was time for collation of the Ward Congress Election Results, the member in possession of the original results sheets reported to the committee and the party executives that the result sheets has been snatched from him by the same person (Bobboi, who is an agent of A.A. Gulak) who delivered the materials to the committee.” “This incident was reported to the Directorate of State Security Service, Adamawa State, and it was resolved that the election results should be recorded on the photocopy of the result sheets certified by all the members of the congress committee,” Leha added.

A cross section of 65 women hostages freed by troops from insurgents in the ongoing crackdown of Sambisa Forest waiting for official handing over to Borno State Government yesterday at Maimalari Cantonment. By Ndahi Maiduguri.

...as Plateau PDP cancels congresses in three LGAs James Abraham JOS

or advocates of party reposition and consolidation in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ongoing party congresses in Plateau State, particularly that of the local government, was a major setback to their dream as the exercise was cancelled in three LGAs of the state due to irregularities and manipulations, it was gathered yesterday. Stakeholders, who spoke with Saturday Mirror yesterday in Jos on the exercise which held on Thursday, and lasted till late in the night, confirmed that the LGAs where the congresses were cancelled included Pank-

shin, Kanke and Jos South. In the case of Jos South LGA, it was learnt that on the day of election, party members discovered that the Bukuru Stadium, venue of the election, which was also where the previous Ward congress held, had been changed to another location at the Ray field axis of the LGA without any explanation. Sources also said that party members, who suspected a sinister motive for the action, also noticed the disappearance of some delegates’ names in some wards including Zawan B, Giring , Kuru and other wards where loyalists of the incumbent member representing Jos/Jos East Federal Constituency, Mr. Edward Pwajok, were said

to have emerged victori- said was already fuelling ous against the candidates tension among members of the former Governor of ahead of the state congress the state and Senator rep- scheduled to hold on 10th resenting Plateau North, May,2016,Member representJonah Jang, during the ing Jos South /Jos East in the previous ward congress. National Assembly, Edward It was further gathered Pwajok, condemned what he that the resistance that called fresh attempt by some attended the discoveries individuals to destroy the forced the party hierarchy party through selfish amto postpone the LGA con- bitions and manipulations gress till further notice Edward, who spoke through PDP chairman in Jos his aide, Ayuba Pam, insistSouth Local Government ed that the party should do Area, Hon. Pam Thomas, everything possible not to aland the chairman of the low any individual or group Electoral Panel, Mr. Musa to temper with the verdict of Auta Daudu, who con- the people in terms of choice firmed the development, of delegates from the ward, said the party had no op- local, state and National Contion than to suspend the vention of the party. congress in the LGA to alHe said this is the only low all aggrieved members way through which the party settle the identified grey can rebuild itself and earn the confidence of the people areas. Reacting to the devel- ahead of the 2019 General opment, which sources Elections.

Inusa Ndahi DAMATURU

overnor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has said that a lot of council administrators, politicians and businessmen in the state have allegedly connived to retain names of ghost workers in the 17 local government councils’ salary system. Gaidam disclosed this on Friday, while swearing in four members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) at the Wawa Hall of Government House, Damaturu She warned those who are involved in the “acts of connivance” to desist from such by deleting immediately all the names of the said ghost workers on government pay rolls. His words: “My administration has surprisingly uncovered the culprits. “Let me use this occasion to caution the perpetrators of hoarding ghost workers in the 17 councils’ pay rolls,” warning that all the names of suspects will be made public to face the wrath of law. In an interview with journalists shortly after the swearing in ceremony, Gaidam traced the history of ghost workers in the state to 1991, when the state was created on August 27 by late Gen. Sani Abacha. His words: “My intervention in recent times led to the ability of this administration to always pay salaries of workers across the state without any delay or hitch.” He said that his accounting profession and prudency in the management of capital and human resources led to the state to being among the few states not owing salaries of its workforce, and called on the civil servants to reciprocate the gesture with handwork, transparency and accountability. Gaidam said: “Over N169 million was saved in the first month of the Local Government Verification Exercise,” stating that over N25 million will also be saved on a monthly basis, while N2 billion will also be saved annually on completion of the exercise.”

MAY 7, 2016

POLITICS

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Is Workers Day celebration a hollow ritual?

Lekan Adejuwon

he 2016 Workers Day may have come and gone, but the message appeared not to have been lost to many observers, who felt that the presupposed ‘annual ritual’ has significantly lost its relevance especially, in contemporary Nigeria. In the days of yore, when such occasions were marked with tremendous goodwill, activism and agenda setting for the government of the day by selfless labour leaders, the deplorable condition of an average Nigerian worker, coupled with the perceived lackluster performance of the current labour leaders has drastically reduced the poise and panache attached to workers Day in the country. As an event of global phenomenon, the history of the May Day dates back to about 130 years ago in the grounds of Haymarket Square in Chicago, USA, when some workers laid down their lives so that the working people of the world could today enjoy 8-hour work day. For Nigerian workers, however, despite the long history behind the celebration, while workers of other countries had crossed the Rubicon the issues remain the same - improved welfare for workers. Indeed, to the average Nigerian worker, the road to the current situation has been long, rough and tortuous. It has been argued from several quarters that Nigerian workers have never had it so bad in the annals of the nation’s history in the areas of dwindling economy, backlog of unpaid salaries and failure on the part of government to provide basic social amenities to the citizenry. Their lot seemed compounded by the brazen corruption and mindless looting of the commonwealth by the political leaders. However, one of the highpoints of the 2016 May Day celebration was the conspicuous absence of President Muhammadu Buhari, the first time since he came to office about a year ago, a development which drew considerable anger from a cross section of Nigerians, who said they were shocked that the President, after the huge support Nigeria workers gave him during the 2015 general elections, could not reciprocate the gesture by making out time to attend the yearly event. The workers also described the action of Mr. President as highly disappointing, noting that his physical presence would have assured them of his administration’s readiness in addressing their plight in the face of the non-payment of salaries by some state governments. Deputy President, NLC and Chairman 2016 May Day celebration, Comrade Peter Adeyemi, said it was disappointing for President Buhari not to seize the opportunity of the celebration to show gratitude to the Nigerian workers who formed the bulk of the people that voted for him. According to him, “I am clearly very disappointed about the absence of Mr. President at this occasion. I am extremely disappointed in the sense that the bulk of those who craved for change, the positive change that contributed towards his being voted into the office, were the Nigerian workers.

Ngige, addressed the workers “While he was still campaigning to be made the President of this country, he had the time to attend the delegates’ conference of the NLC. It is, therefore, worrisome that the first major workers’ day after his election into office, he didn’t have time to be physically present. It means he played politics with the Nigerian workers. He sought our mandate because he needed it at that time, but after he had got it, he didn’t think that we are important. I am very disappointed.” Echoing similar sentiments, Jimi Disu, a popular commentator and public affairs analyst in his morning review of newspapers headlines, described the action of Mr President as highly disappointing. He reiterated the need by the President to feel the pulse of the people by addressing them having massively voted for him last year. Also speaking in similar vein, Comrade Baba Ayebola, Deputy Secretary General, Medical and Health Workers Union, said the action of Mr. President was a reflection of the behaviour of any section of a ruling class. “The action of Mr. President shows the true reflection of any section of the ruling class. When they need us, they will look for us, after that they see us as mere cannon folders that can be used for their programmes and policies. However in my view, apart from showing the true reflection of the boss, whether he is carrying umbrella or broom, the bosses class know themselves.” Also in a reaction, President, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel, lamented that President Buhari missed the opportunity to get standing ovation from the Nigerian workers by his absence. According to him, the President disappointed the entirety of workers who trusted his ideology and who believed in him, to the extent of voting massively for him during the 2015 presidential election. “I am terribly disappointed. When I woke up this morning and started preparing for this May Day, I was so sure that President Mohammadu Buhari will grace the occasion. My confidence is predicated on some glaring denom-

inators. Firstly, the fact that President knows that he has a very good relationship with workers in Nigeria long before now. “Secondly, considering the huge support he got through the 2015 general election. Thirdly, the agenda of the present administration and slogan of change are all in tandem with the aspiration and expectations of the Nigerian working class. NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in his speech said the present administration’s effort at tackling the issues of corruption, insurgency , inadequate power, shortage of petroleum products and the dwindling fortunes of the nation’s education sector is commendable. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has assured workers that it would tackle all socio-economic ills that have troubled the nation. President Muhammadu Buhari gave this assurance at the 2016 May Day celebration with the theme: “The Working Class and The Quest for Socio-Economic Revival”. Buhari, who was represented by Chris Ngige, the Minister Labour and Employment, said that the government would evolve solutions to the emerging threats to the well-being of Nigerians and the realisation of sustainable development. “For us whose main foreign exchange comes from oil, the global decline in the price of oil has further exacerbated our economic crises. In a related development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed a new minimum wage of N56,000 to the Federal Government. Wabba, who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Abuja last Wednesday, said that the labour body made the formal proposal to the Federal Government the previous Tuesday. Wabba said that while it was a fact that the economy was in a bad shape, the law made it clear that a review of the minimum wage was overdue. He also said that the economy would not be down for ever. The NLC president said that the Nigerian

worker had not fared well in the last one year and would not continue to lament the situation. “On the issue of the minimum wage, I can say authoritatively that as of yesterday (Tuesday), we have made a formal demand of N56,000 minimum wage to government. “That demand has been submitted officially to the Federal Government and we hope that the tripartite system will look at the review mechanism that will be put in place. “ Our argument is that, yes, it is true that the economy is not doing well but the law is also clear that this issue must be looked into and workers should not be seen to be sleeping on their rights. “These are processes, but when we come to the roundtable, we can then see the best way out. But I think it is obvious that since it is a product of law, it is usually required that the tripartite process be put in place so that together we can look at the issues. “It is obvious that workers have not fared well in the last one year, but we will not continue to lament. What we try to do is to work out a process of engagement on how those issues can be addressed.” When asked if the N56,000 minimum wage was reasonable in view of the inability of various employers to pay even the N18,000 minimum wage, he explained that the minimum wage was designed to ensure that workers were not made to earn below what should sustain them. Speaking on a breakfast programme last week, the Vice President of the NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu, said he could not reconcile the inability of the state governments especially to pay a minimum of wage of N56,000 while many state governors meet “lousy obligations” such as paying their predecessors undeserved salaries. He said; “At N18, 000 minimum wage, Nigeria ranks alongside Vietnam, Lesotho, Sierra Leone and other low-income paying nations, according to Wikipedia, whereas countries such as Brazil pay $218 minimum wage per month, Egypt, $174 and South Africa $155”. Interestingly, the union’s demand is coming at a period when government at all levels, are facing a cash crunch. Crude oil, the country main source of revenue, has been suffering low price since last year. Currently, the price stands at $37 at the international market whereas it was sold for around $77 in 2010 when N18000 minimum wage was signed. Therefore many states have been unable to pay salaries as at when due and have resorted to payment in percentages ranging from 25 to 50 per cent salaries. It would be recalled that the Federal government has rolled out bailout fund two times for several states before they could pay the outstanding salaries in the previous months. There are reports that more of such financial support is still expected in the days ahead. President Muhammadu Buhari has promised the governors last Thursday that more money would be made available to states so that they can pay workers’ salaries owed since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, Adams Oshiomhole, the governor of Edo State has increased the national minimum wage to N25, 000. This, of course, falls short of N56000 by 31,000. Is the Comrade governor playing to the gallery few months to the end of his tenure? Only time will tell.

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POLITICS

MAY 7, 2016

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No politician can excel without passion for people –Olatunji Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji, a princess from Ondo State, is a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. She represented Oshodi Isolo Constituency 2 between 2007 and 2015. Now out of office, she is still passionate about service and only recently held an empowerment programme for people in her home state of Ondo. In this interview with LEKAN ADEJUWON, the former lawmaker said her mission in politics is driven by passion to serve and impart on the lives of the people.

s a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for eight years, how will you describe your experience? Speaking about my experience as a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, I will start with the level of exposure that I received as a legislator in Lagos State compared to some other parliaments, because when we travel most times on capacity building here and there, we don’t find legislators from other states featuring, so all that were things I enjoyed as member of the Lagos State House of Assembly under the leadership of Adeyemi Ikuforiji. My two terms representing Oshodi/Isolo gave me an unusual opportunity, because since the history of Oshodi/Isolo a woman has never risen to that level in governance and I was exposed to a lot of things aside from the opportunity to go abroad, study and have some knowledge imparted I also could be at par with my male counterparts, I am not limited in anyway, I have this encouragement that being a woman is not a plague, because sometimes we are made to understand that the place o the woman is in the kitchen, but in Lagos where I had that opportunity to represent a constituency I was not marginalized and my people had their voices heard through me by way of motions and many other things, there was no limitation, so my Lagos State experience was a plus to my carrier, was a plus to my pursuit because I had a dream and each day I was improving and that was what was giving me the courage to do much more wherever I find myself in that leadership space. But how has life been outside office? It’s been wonderful, I am used to spending, because my disposition over the years is that of a compassionate heart, I want to help people, even when they are not asking for help I ask you for the kind of help you need, because my desire is to help people, but when I left office sometimes my phone is there for many hours not ringing and nobody is asking for anything, one it is good because it means the people have come to realize that

Olatunji

she is no longer in office and we should give her that space, but also the people you expect to just check on you, to say how are you, how are you doing are no longer doing so and then you begin to ask yourself, were they coming around because of the office. So all that was like a culture shock for me, because the kind of closeness, the kind of people you had hanging around you it was like everybody just disappeared into thin air and that is what I keep telling people, especially those of us that the opportunity to be in that public space, that this position is transient, there is nothing in life that is permanent. So, I try to maintain the friends that I have always had, I ensure that the same kind of people that I have been dealing with before getting into government I maintain them, I don’t keep new friends I maintain old friends, because I that those friends are not in your life for what you have, because when you are out of office the new ones will disappear like birds, that is one thing that helped me, I am not missing anything or anyone, if you don’t come around me I am not missing you, because I know most of the people that came around when I was in government came for the position, not because they believe so much in me and I am just one person that I maintain my space, it is whatever I have been enjoying over the years that I am still enjoying, so I am not missing anything. What is your mission in politics? My mission is to help people and add value. I started this as a Pastor. You know as a pastor, it is a monologue conversation, you just talk, people don’t speak back, it is only the rebellious ones that will want to challenge your authority, so when I shifted from the podium, because I am still there, I still do my evangelical work and all that, but when I changed podium, the kind of audience you have been dealing with are those who listen to you and take directives, but when I came into politics everybody

wants to say something, they feel that they deserve to be heard, which is good. So, in balancing it I try my best to move my original plan, because as a pastor you want to just add value and all that sorts and they go in peace, but in political space where everybody wants to say something I just had to now move my dream, because I have a dream to affect lives, but these lives you wants to Affect have a say, they will tell you what they want, unlike in the church setting, because there it is what you have to offer that they will take, but here the people will tell you what they want from you. So, in balancing it, since my dream is just to affect lives, because I don’t want people to leave the way they came, I want to drop an idea, I want people to celebrate me for my idea, because people will remember you for two things, the problems you created and the ones you solved, I want to solve problems, my dream has always been to solve problems, to impart lives positively, I don’t want people to just walk away without something meaningful happening in their lives, that has always been my dream. But in politics women believe that you are a woman you should pay more attention to women folks and I will tell them no I am not limited, I am going to affect both the men and the women, so there is no discrimination, I don’t believe in discrimination. When women are talking especially about gender issues you tell me you are not talking about the way women are being marginalized and I tell them, this space is big enough whether you are a man or a woman, we are limited in our heads, women needs to get this thing off their heads, we want 30 percent, we want 50 percent, I don’t believe in all that, whatever you want if a man can fight for you should be able to fight for it too. Look if a man can be a CEO a woman too can be a CEO, if man can be a president a woman too can be a president, I don’t believe in all these percentage thing, I believe if we can take it

all let’s take it all, it’s just for us to debunk this thing we have in our head, that the bible the woman is a weaker vessel, I am not weak, I don’t belong to the weaker setting, I belong to the people in the setting of the mighty, the strong, I am not weak. That is why we need to be properly packaged, information is a factor, women are limited because most of us are not informed, that is why I took the pains to go back to school train myself properly, get enough equipment, the tools and power that you need is information. Look at the document, do your research, the more knowledge you have the more equipped you are, the more you can compete with your men counterpart. If the men know that we don’t have enough information they will push us aside, but if they know that yes when you are talking about information she will contribute positively why will they not consider you for commissioner, why will they not consider you for a minister. Look at the likes of the women that we have on board in this government, the likes of Kemi Adeosun that is minister for finance. She is doing extremely well, when she speaks she speaks from a position of knowledge, that is what we need, I will always be hammering on women coming out, the ones that are equipped, the ones that are informed, the ones that are educated let them come out and not be limited, that is what I believe in and that is why I am here. I am here to advocate that the women that has the technical know-how should come out and then those of who are already at the forefront should be able to back them up so that they can get to the peak of their career and I believe that we are going somewhere. I believe if I can encourage women, for more people to come on board that is my dream, I am not limited by sex or anything, am not just an ordinary woman, I am a woman of God and I want more God fearing people to seek that position of leadership, that is my dream, like now I am back in Ondo State and I believe that that thing that I did that I excelled in Lagos I can equally move it to Lagos State and excel. What is motivating your moving your political life to Ondo State, has it got to do with this passion for service that you spoke about? Passion is everything, even if somebody decides to do something negative but because of the passion that he is putting into it, is what will make him excel in that field. For me the difference between a successful politician and the one that is not successful is the passion, if you channel your passion positively, not stealing, towards people, how you can better the lot of men, how you can add value, there is no way you can be stopped, that is the passion that is driving me everywhere, that is what is pushing me to Ondo State, because I believe in people, I believe I can contribute one thing or the other, I believe I can add value, it is that passion that is driving me, I believe I can do better than others, I am not saying this because I believe I am better than everybody out there, but I am saying because I believe that I can contribute something, contribute my own quota in the society and the integrity that has kept me this long is because of my disposition, I am a responsible family person and I know that if I have been able to use that opportunity very well in Lagos if I move my politics to Ondo State I will put in my best.

MAY 7, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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TALKING POLITICS 13

‘Nomads are not above the law’

‘Buhari on top of situation’

—Garba Shehu Senior Special Adviser to President on Media

— Prof Wole Soyinka

“W

hen I read a short while ago, the Presidential assurance to this nation that the current homicidal escalation between the cattle prowlers and farming communities would soon be over, I felt mortified. “It is not merely arbitrary violence that reigns across the nation but total, undisputed impunity. Impunity evolves and becomes integrated in conduct when crime occurs and no legal, logical and moral response is offered. I have yet to hear this government articulate a firm policy of non-tolerance for the serial massacres have become the nation’s identification stamp. “I have not heard an order given that any cattle herders caught with sophisticated firearms be instantly disarmed, arrested, placed on trial, and his cattle confiscated. “Let me repeat, and of course I only ask to be corrected if wrong: I have yet to encounter a terse, rigorous, soldierly and uncompromising language from this leadership, one that threatens a response to this unconscionable blood-letting that would make even Boko Haram repudiate its founding clerics.”

“The leadership of any society cannot stand idly and offer solutions that implicitly deem the massacres of innocents mere incidents on the way to that learning school,” he warned. “For every crime, there is a punishment, for every violation, there must be restitution. The nomads of the world cannot place themselves above the law of settled humanity.”

‘President working silently to stop killing by herdsmen’ —Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister for Information and Culture

“T

he President did speak immediately these things happened, to the extent of setting up a panel of enquiry. But the government is going to do more than that. “These communal clashes are very delicate issues, very emotional and what the government is doing is working very silently to ensure that people who used to live together before without any conflict will go back to that. In few weeks from now, we will begin to see the result of that.”

“F

ollowing continuing reports of attacks by “herdsmen” on communities across the country, particularly Monday’s attack on Ukpabi Nimbo in Enugu State, President Muhammadu Buhari assures all Nigerians, once again, of his administration’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country. “President Buhari unreservedly condemns the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo

‘It’s failure of governance’ —Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, Secretary General of Ohanaeze

‘Beware of Rwandan genocide’ — Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister

“I

n 1994 almost one million Tutsis were murdered in cold blood in the space of one month by members of the ruling Hutu tribe in Kigali, Rwanda. The genocide that took place in Rwanda at that time ranks as one of the most sordid chapters of African history and it must never be allowed to happen anywhere again on our continent. “Sadly we do not appear to have learnt the lessons of Kigali in our country probably because most Nigerians have no knowledge of history because it is not taught in our schools. “That single failing and lack of knowledge may well lead to our final undoing as a nation because the parallels and signs of what led to the butchery and tragedy that occurred in Rwanda are unfolding here today. “The dark clouds of blood are gathering but most of our people cannot even see them”.

and other such acts of extreme violence against communities in other states of the Federation. Acting on the president’s directive, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of the nation’s other security agencies are already taking urgent steps to fully investigate the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. “Ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herdsmen reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons is now a priority on the Buhari Administration’s agenda for enhanced national security and the Armed Forces and Police have clear instructions to take all necessary action to stop the carnage. “In keeping with the President’s directive, the Inspector-General of Police, the General Officer Commanding the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army and the Director of the Department of State Security in Enugu State have visited Ukpabi Nimbo to personally oversee investigations into the attack on the community and ongoing efforts to apprehend the culprits”. “The president urges all Nigerians to remain calm and assures them of his administration’s readiness to deploy all required personnel and resources to remove this new threat to the collective security of the nation.”

“T

he continuous killing of people across the country by herdsmen without any response from the Federal Government is a failure of governance.

“We are very sad and very disappointed that all over the country, not just the South-East, these killings by Fulani herdsmen have continued unabated and nothing concrete is being done by the Federal Government. “The first act of governance is protection of lives and property. It is complete failure of governance. There has been no response from the Federal Government and this is allowing the Fulani herdsmen to continue the killing spree. “Everybody is worried about the poor attitude of the Federal Government to this massacre across the country. Boko Haram is operating in the North-East and Fulani herdsmen are killing people all over the country. It is not the herdsmen that should be held responsible, but owners of the cattle. “The herdsmen are under the instruction of highly-placed Fulani people who own the cattle. They are heavily armed. How many cows can the herdsmen buy? Federal Government should stop this nonsense before it causes a catastrophe.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

MAY 7, 2016

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Insurgents now parade in uniform to evade detection —DHQ

Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

he Nigerian military has lamented the new tactics evolved by Boko Haram insurgents to evade detection and cause havoc in the society. The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, said that the insurgents now parade in uniforms and mix up with citizens. This is even as a military source told our correspondent that the military was having a tough time in the battle of Sambisa Forest against the Boko Haram insurgents, as the terrorists continue to evolve new tactics to beat military operations. The source at the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, said that this was the greatest challenge of the military in the bid to capture the large terrorists infested forest. Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Gabriel Olonisakin, had earlier in the week assured that troops were moving into the forest in full force, to take it and rescue all captives including the over 200 girls abducted from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state. Only on Thursday, the Nigerian Army said that troops were attacked by the terrorists during an attempt to carryout operations in the forest. Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colo-

nel Sani Usman, said that “on Wednesday, at about 7.00pm in the evening, Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops involved in the clearance and rescue operations in Sambisa forest, nicknamed “Operation CRACKDOWN,” while on harbour. The terrorists, Usman said, came in five Toyota Hilux vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft guns which they fired along with 81mm mortar. The military source said that though troops were making inroads in the battle, the insurgents too were also improvising on their own attacks. “We have a serious challenge on our hands here over the Sambisa forest. Troops are fighting hard, but the insurgents too are doing all they could to beat the military tactics. “While we attack and put them under pressure, they device new tactics to escape military fire and carry out their criminal activities elsewhere in the villages and towns,” the source stated. In a statement yesterday, the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, confirmed that the terrorists were working hard to escape detection by military. He however said that the military was alive to the task as the terrorists do not often escape with their plots. The DDI said as a re-

FG condoles Kano govt over loss of six students, others Regina Otokpa

he Federal Government yesterday condoled with the Government and people of Kano State over the untimely death of six secondary school students, their teachers and their driver who died in a ghastly motor accident. The accident occurred on the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway while the students and their tutors were returning to Kano after representing the State in a nationwide competition. The Minister of Edu-

cation, Malam Adamu, on behalf of the Federal Government, in a statement released to newsmen, said the President “expresses his deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Kano State over the irreparable loss.” Adamu also expressed his sympathy to the parents, teachers, relatives and friends of the deceased students, praying that “God in His infinite mercy will bless the souls of the deceased with eternal bliss and give their parents and relatives the fortitude to bear this inconsolable loss.”

sult of ongoing onslaught against the Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest, “the terrorist group has now devised a means of identifying themselves.” He said that “the Boko Haram now wear uniform to blend among lo-

cality undetected where they sadly carry out their heinous crime. “The recent apprehension of two Boko Haram terrorists in uniform near Dikwa in Borno State is a pointer towards this direction.” The DDI said that the

military would sustain the current tempo of its operations to further decimate the terrorists. The military therefore said it was advising the recalcitrant remnant Boko Haram to surrender now and get humane treatment in line with the

world’s best practice. It also urged members of the public to be wary of this new development and be always alert. Abubakar said any suspicious persons or object should be reported promptly to the security agencies

Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Abubakar Bwari (right), receiving Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, Mr Stephane De Loecker, during the Ambassador’s visit to the Ministry, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

#PanamaPapers: Source offers documents to govts, says more to come

he anonymous whistleblower behind #PanamaPapers has offered to make the documents available to government authorities. In a statement issued to the German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung, and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the so-called “John Doe” behind the biggest information leak in history cites the need for better whistleblower protection and has hinted at even more revelations to come. Titled “The Revolution Will Be Digitized” the 1800word statement gives justification for the leak, saying that “income inequality is one of the defining issues of our time” and says that government authorities need to do more to address

it.

Süddeutsche Zeitung has authenticated that the statement came from the #PanamaPapers source. The statement reads in part: “Income inequality is one of the defining issues of our time. It affects all of us, the world over. The debate over its sudden acceleration has raged for years, with politicians, academics and activists alike helpless to stop its steady growth despite countless speeches, statistical analyses, a few meagre protests, and the occasional documentary. Still, questions remain: why? And why now? “The Panama Papers provide a compelling answer to these questions: massive, pervasive corruption. And it’s not a coincidence that the

answer comes from a law firm. More than just a cog in the machine of “wealth management,” Mossack Fonseca used its influence to write and bend laws worldwide to favour the interests of criminals over a period of decades. In the case of the island of Niue, the firm essentially ran a tax haven from start to finish. Ramón Fonseca and Jürgen Mossack would have us believe that their firm’s shell companies, sometimes called “special purpose vehicles,” are just like cars. But used car salesmen don’t write laws. And the only “special purpose” of the vehicles they produced was too often fraud, on a grand scale. “Shell companies are often associated with the crime of tax evasion, but the Panama Papers show

beyond a shadow of a doubt that although shell companies are not illegal by definition, they are used to carry out a wide array of serious crimes that go beyond evading taxes. I decided to expose Mossack Fonseca because I thought its founders, employees and clients should have to answer for their roles in these crimes, only some of which have come to light thus far. It will take years, possibly decades, for the full extent of the firm’s sordid acts to become known. “In the meantime, a new global debate has started, which is encouraging. Unlike the polite rhetoric of yesteryear that carefully omitted any suggestion of wrongdoing by the elite, this debate focuses directly on what matters.”

www.nationalmirroronline.net MAY 7, 2016

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How are you coping with the scorching heat?

The searing heat has been a matter of concern across Nigeria in the last few weeks. Experts are not surprised, as it confirms the prediction of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET. But, medical experts have advised on how one can stay safe in hot weather, JULIET UMEH reports.

his period in the year is definitely not a pleasant one for Chinyere and Precious who are both marketing executives in one of the insurance companies in Lagos. They are both carrying out their official tasks with many complaints because their office schedule demands a lot of leg walk to be able to meet existing and new clients as well meet up with their revenue targets. But the hot weather currently hitting everyone is a big challenge to them. “The scorching sun is really affecting our skin; but as it were, we don’t have a choice because we must do our job,” Chinyere lamented. Ekaette Obong, a 30-year-old teacher in one of the private schools in Victoria Island has just spent all her savings in the hospital when she went to treat her skin that was invaded by rashes. Having spent so much, she is now happy that her skin has returned to normal. “It all started with itching that resulted from the hot weather. My whole body was itching and from that developed rashes all over my body. My elder sister had advised that I meet a medical doctor. The doctor I met made me to undergo some tests which proved that the rashes could have turned into skin cancer but for the prompt intervention of the doctor,” she narrated. As Kayode and his fiancée, Bose, walked

round the Balogun market, shopping for their upcoming engagement and white wedding, the duo hissed intermittently as Kayode tried effortlessly to cool his sweaty face with the damp towels around his neck, but all without the expected respite. They tried another trick. “We both decided to walk into an air-conditioned boutique to do window shopping.” Kayode and Bose are not the only one who has tactfully devised such means to ameliorate the furry of the sun. Madam Chioma was also in the market to make some purchases but when she couldn’t bear the biting sun, out of frustration, she shouted: “What type of weather is this? It’s like one is in hell fire. The heat could roast one alive.” She told our correspondent that she quickly entered the nearest bank without any intention of making any transaction, but just to have her brain cooled.

Mr. Paul Agbaje, a retired civil servant, had in the past one month been sleeping outside his room as a result of the hot weather. “Initially, I was hesitant because of mosquitoes; but the heat was so much that sleeping in the open was the only way to enjoy a good night rest especially as there is no power supply. If you try sleeping inside the room, you will never find sleep,” he said. These experiences succinctly mirrored the minds and lives of many Nigerians in the past few months. The emerging heat has suddenly become a nagging pain for residents of Lagos and elsewhere around the country. Sadly, not helping the issue is the absence of power supply in many homes all over the country. With petrol almost priced out of the reach of the common man, powering the cheapest of generating sets popularly known as ‘I better pass my neighbour’ to beat the heat has equally become almost

impossible. To cope with the enervating heat, most people have resorted to sleeping in open spaces despite the danger posed by mosquitoes and robbers. For the rich, their air-conditioned cars and homes offer some sort of reprieve. Pat, a media personality, asked rhetorically: “Do you know that I drank more than seven bottles of water yesterday? I really don’t understand this weather. This is month of May, yet we are yet to see rain. One cannot sleep at night because of sweat, and even the afternoon is worse. Even when it rains occasionally one still sweats. It’s terrible.” The unsettling weather has adversely made some people resort to self-medication regardless of its negative implications. Florence Bassey, a mother of two, told CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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MAY 7, 2016

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‘Drink more water, avoid black clothing’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

our correspondent that she is using a particular cream meant for fighting bacteria and fungi, introduced to her by a friend, to fight rashes. She said she is now using it as a normal body cream for herself and her children. “In fact, I had to device that means to fight rashes on our bodies because we cannot sleep at night, even with the fan switched-on because of the itching-induced rashes. Fan doesn’t quench the heat; I still sweat profusely with the fan switch-on to the highest point! It is only when an air-conditioner is put on that one can have a good sleep. Unfortunately, there is no electricity to power the air-conditioner and our generator cannot help either,” she said. The effect of the present hot weather is felt everywhere - at home and at the work place. According to UN agencies and international labour bodies’ new report released last Thursday, the searing temperature would cost emerging economies like Nigeria, up to 10 per cent loss in man-hour during the day, if countries do not cut planet-warming emissions further than they have promised so far. Global temperatures are predicted to rise by at least 2.7 degrees Celsius if emission-reduction pledges made by nearly 190 nations for the new global climate change deals are not met. The Paris agreement, however, sets a goal of keeping average temperature rise to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times. If the world continues with its current level of emissions, the impact on working hours – and lost GDP – is likely to be even worse, according to a joint report by the U.N. Development Programme, International Labour Organisation, Climate Vulnerable Forum and other agencies. “Excessive heat puts exposed working populations at greater risk from heat-induced stresses and undermines growth by compromising productivity,” Cecilia Rebong, ambassador and permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, said in a statement. “Vulnerable groups need significant support to tackle rising heat in the workplace,” Rebong added. Countries likely to be worst affected by rising temperatures include India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Cambodia, Pakistan, Burkina Faso and parts of West Africa, the report said. While experts blame rapid deforestation and degradation of Nigerian forest as a contributing factor, with the global average air temperature of the earth hitting 1°C - hotter than at the beginning of the 20th century, NIMET has warned Nigerians to prepare for more hot days, warm nights and heat waves. Director general/chief executive officer of NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, said recently that the present high temperature experienced in different parts of the country is not forever, adding that it would last till April. Thankfully, April is over and May is here, Nigerians can’t wait to have the rains

because the increasing heat and its attendant health implications have been a major source of concern to many Nigerians; but experts have warned that the effect of bad weather on human health is far-reaching. However, NIMET’s prediction pointed out that the weather condition in Nigeria this year would be characterised by late onset, early cessation and lower-than-normal rainfall in many parts of the country especially in the far-most parts of the North. Dry spells during the rainy season may be more frequent and severe in many parts of the country while the little dry season or August break is expected to be pronounced in the southern parts. He also gave the implication, asserting that it would be enormous on all sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, transportation and construction where there is need for a balanced weather condition. Medical expert have advised that one needs certain precautions to fight the hot weather to avoid illnesses associated with it. National president, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Professor Tanimola Akande, told newsmen that extreme weather conditions, whether cold or hot, could impact on health negatively and had caused death in some instances in several countries, Nigeria inclusive. Akande of the Epidemiological and Com-

will be walking and they are sweating; they are not drinking water. They will definitely be suffering from dehydration. If you are dehydrated it can lead to a lot of things you can have system dysfunction and your blood pressure can go high. “The effect of heat goes beyond skin burn and skin rashes. Serious heat can cause heat-stroke, sudden depression or reduction in the system, severe dehydration and shortage in blood circulation. Electrolyte imbalance can come in as well,” he explained. He advised that people should always stay rehydrated because lack of fluid that could cause hypoglismier, which is the reduction

Global temperatures are predicted to rise by at least 2.7 degrees Celsius if emissionreduction pledges made by nearly 190 nations for the new global climate change deals are not met munity Health Department of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, described the hot season as one that supports the spread of diseases caused by insects, rodents and other animals - causing serious danger to human beings, including albinos in Africa due to their light skin. “Cases of diseases like malaria, measles, meningitis and chicken pox are usually more when the weather is hot,” he stated. Director of clinical services at the Faith City Hospital Ltd, Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Chike Gerard Okudo, told Saturday Mirror that whatever happens to the body could have a local or systemic effect. He also affirms that heat causes skin burn, skin rashes and excessive sweating. He however said the effect of heat depends on how well-enlightened the person is. “If you are enlightened, as you are sweating you are drinking water; some people

of sugar in the blood system. He noted that people who come down with illnesses associated with heat are people that work under the sun, such as labourers, people hawking without the use of umbrella. “Other people who can be at risk are the policemen who stand on the road, traffic warders and military personnel who do training under the hot sun. Others mostly affected are the illiterates who do not know what to do like taking a lot of water, wearing sun glasses or using umbrella to protect themselves,” he said. “The effect of the heat at night is different from the heat we have during the day when the sun is biting hard. At night, the person can get exhausted and cannot sleep well and also dehydrate because he sweated all night. When you wake up you are supposed to drink water to replace the lost water in the body. Wear light clothes

during this hot period - you will feel a lot more comfortable in light clothing. You may need to avoid black nylon clothing -especially for your kids - as they tend to absorb and retain more heat, leading to heat rashes. “Also, avoid oily creams as they may make you feel hot and uncomfortable in this hot season. You may opt for lotions instead,” he advised. He also advised against using creams meant to fight bacteria as body cream. “Try as much as possible to stay out of the heat and humidity by being indoors during the hottest time of the day which is usually the mid-morning to mid afternoon. Ensuring good personal hygiene by bathing at least twice a day to reduce colonisation of the skin by fungi has also been advised. The application of antiseptic powder has been noted to have a cooling effect and also has the ability to protect against bacterial infection,” a skin care expert advised. Further research also proves that exposure to extreme heat could cause certain illnesses and even death for some people. Heat-related illnesses occur when heat gain is greater than heat loss, and when heat gain from the environment or metabolic processes cannot be effectively dissipated through physiological or behavioural thermo-regulatory processes. These illnesses range in impact from mild, such as heat cramps, to severe or life-threatening, such as heat-stroke. According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, heat-stroke is a medical emergency, leading to rapid death in 10 to 50 per cent of cases and poor outcomes in a high proportion of survivors. Those at the greatest risk of heat-related illnesses are people aged 65 years and above, babies and young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers; people who have difficulty communicating, moving around or bedridden are also at high risk because they rely on others for drinks and shower; so also are older people living alone. Exposure to extreme heat has particularly adverse effects on people with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular, respiratory or renal diseases, along with diabetes and obesity, and those with mental illness. These categories of people account for a high proportion of deaths caused by extreme heat.

Entervaganza

The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Sex talk

Is bigger always better? P.36

Relationships Should a married woman visit a male friend who lives alone? P.36

Fashion Frenzy Get a green glow!

P.24

Funke... Jenifa!

c I’m working on my own PAGE

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

ELEBRITY

TV station

Kunle Yusuf is a TV producer with many years of experience. His programme, Entertainment Plus, airs all over Nigeria. He also has a radio programme and when OSEYIZA OOGBODO met him, he revealed how it all began for him and his next plans. What’s the latest about you? That’s interesting. I’m quite busy. We are about starting a production which we’ll run on air anytime soon. Starting from a Lagos TV station, we would later extend our tentacle to other stations outside Lagos State. The good news is that production of this new content would come from the UK. In other words, content would be produced in the UK while we would do the marketing here in Nigeria. It’s going to be a family programme with entertainment flavour. That is not forgetting to tell our esteemed viewers that Entertainment Plus, our movie and musical oriented programme still runs on different stations across Nigeria. Our radio programme, Family Line, is also a game changer any day, any time. And I would not forget telling you that I’m currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Public Policy and Administration overseas. Lest I forget, I am also ‘pastoring’ a church. Why did you become a TV producer? Providence. That is the simple answer. Right from my teenage years, I had been actively involved in entertainment. I do remember in those days, I had a couple of talented up and coming artists whom I managed. I was their manager for several years. Some of them are now established actors and pastors. During my secondary school years at Eko Boys High School, I was a member of the Literary and Debating Society. Upon completion of my secondary education, I remembered gaining admission into higher institution to study Mass Communication. In the year 1999, I was an Associate Producer of Sports programme on LTV 8 and MITV. That was the beginning of an eventful career in broadcast journalism. But in the early 2000s, I was writing for Nigerian Tribune as an entertainment writer. Within a short period of time, I was elected Secretary-General, Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter. How easy or challenging is TV production? Doing or packaging TV content is both interesting and daunting. As a person, I see it more as a calling just like my pastoral calling. When I was general manager of a TV content generating outfit in Lagos, I used to combine production, marketing and administration together. Sitting on a tripod of these three was interesting and challenging. You know what, I was much younger and single. It was easy and fascinating. But the experience did prepare me for what I am doing now. Now, I am the

executive producer of my own content generating outfit and a consultant to other media outfits. I do not overwork myself. Every member of our staff has their job descriptions, including my humble self. And every member of staff ’s duty is streamlined in a way which brings about positive result. What has been your most memorable moment so far as a TV producer? Memorable moment? Being a TV producer and media consultant is passion driven. I have had quite a number of memorable moments. I can’t really lay claim to one. For me, I see every step and production as challenging. You know in journalism, there is a maxim. It goes thus: ‘You are good as your last production.’ This has been my credo right from day one when I decided to venture into TV production. What is your advice to those aspiring to be like you? Fear of God. They must allow the fear of God in whatever they do. My Bible says ‘’the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge.’ This does lead us to my second advice. They must acquire the right knowledge. In this regard, education is key. Even if you are aspiring to work as a cleaner, kindly acquire knowledge, either formal or informal. For some of us, we did obtain certificates and on-the-job-training despite the fact that this was what we were wired to do. What have you achieved as a TV producer? Quite a lot. Essentially, peace and job satisfaction. This is what is missing in Nigeria. Most people do jobs to make ends meet without considering the fact that the job needs satisfying them. No wonder people are dying before their time. I was a bachelor when I started out but I’m now blessed with three kids. I achieved all these as a TV producer. But I must confess, paramount in all these is job satisfaction. Is TV production the only thing you do? Emphatic no! Like I did say, I am a pastor. I am a certified PR practitioner and currently Editor-at-Large of an Ibadanbased news magazine. As a pastor, my spiritual father is the General Overseer of the

—Kunle Yusuf

Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. What are your plans? I have always allowed God in dictating every of my steps. We do have both long and short terms plans. In no distance future, I am planning to float a TV station called Kunle Yusuf Television, KYTV, in Ibadan. Plans are afoot in making this a reality.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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s w ne MAY 7, 2016

with

Oseyiza Oogbodo 08036961187 kingseiza@gmail.com

Tiwa Savage saga latest!

Go and drink acid, interviewer slams critics A

zuka Ogujuiba, who interviewed Tiwa Savage for her own side of her husband’s controversial statements, but has since received a lot of harsh criticisms for her interviewing skills, has come out to strongly defend herself against the criticisms. Through Facebook, she responded her critics, telling them to go and drink acid. Below is her defence of herself. “Wow, l am really trending oh. World people have now created another version and topic, The Interviewer, out of Tiwa Savage and Teebillz’s marital woe saga. The issues on ground have been shifted aside and my body language and mannerism during my chat with her is now giving some people sleepless nights. “I have one advice for people talking down on my professional approach, especially my colleagues. The training l got from the prestigious University of Lagos Mass Communication Department as a print journalist is to go after the scoop first. How l looked or stared at Tiwa is not important but the story l am after. “Secondly, was l able to make Tiwa talk about the allegations presented by her husband? Of course YES. That is what is important. “Thirdly, did l have a good network to get the exclusive interview? YES obviously. Did l risk my life as a true journalist would do for an exclusive interview by leaving

my daughter alone in the bedroom, not thinking in case there’s a sudden fire outbreak or something, or what about me who had to be driven from the Mainland to the Island on that dark and lonely Third Mainland Bridge by 2.15 am? YES, l took one of the biggest risks of my life. “Fourthly, why would Tiwa prefer me to all the television personalities that have been compared to me to interview her, and some of these TV personalities are always hanging around her more than me? It is simply because she respects my style of journalism. “Fifthly, some people said l didn’t show any empathy towards Tiwa when she cried and how did they know? And if l had been mushy mushy during my chat, they will still find fault and say l was biased. I bet a lot of these people abusing me wish they were the ones who did that interview. Too bad l’ve done it and nothing dey happen for igboro. “At the end of the day, what gave me so much satisfaction was that l did the exclusive interview with Tiwa. l have done my bit as a print journalist (not TV). If anybody is so pained by my approach, they should drink acid oh. CYBER BULLYING has no space in my territory and to be honest, l don’t give a hoot about those hateful comments which they claim is criticism. Anyway, it is a free world. People are allowed to vent their frustrations termed criticism.

… Teebillz allegedly tests negative to drugs

Savage crying during the interview

Ogujuiba

report is currently trending that Tiwa Savage’s husband, Teebillz, has tested negative to hard drugs, even though his estranged wife claimed that she saw him snorting cocaine. According to the report, Teebillz went for testing at a laboratory in Victoria Island and it has absolved him at least of the claim that he uses hard drugs. Is this a true report or not? Time will tell.

“I am not saying l won’t pick from the criticism. The good ones l have happily accepted and the bad ones l have sent back to the senders oh. May God almighty bless our hustle in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

… How Olamide exposed their marital problems

hen Olamide featured on Stormrex’s song, and rapped that ‘Even though I dey Teebillz you, you dey Tiwa Savage am,’ many people thought he was just praising the celebrity couple.

Now, with everything that has come to light, it’s obvious that the rapper was subtly trying to let the world know that they were having real marital issues. But nobody took him seriously. Teebillz

Olamide

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news

MAY 7, 2016

The south paw entertainers

Banky W

n the popular sport of boxing, the term ‘south paw’ refers to boxers who are left-handed. Left-handed people are not that many in boxing, and as a matter of fact, in the world as a whole. And because they are few in number, they stand out, because people are normally right-handed so when they see a south paw, such a person is always conspicuous. They are so conspicuous that there was a time in Nigeria that south paw children were believed to be abnormal and evil so they used to have them killed. Nowadays though, it’s known that they are just as normal as right-handed children so they let them be. However, some parents are still shocked when their children turn out to be south paws and try to coach and programme them to be using their right hand instead. This is a very dangerous objective as when a child is a south paw, reprogramming that child to become a right hander will affect the natural balance of its life and the child will become unstable. South paws also have their left legs as their prominent legs and this is very apparent in those of them in the sport of football. One of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi, is a south paw. Another great footballer, Robin van Persie, is a south paw. And Nigeria’s own current teen sensation, Kelechi Iheanacho, is also a south paw. The internationally renowned music artists Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen are also south paws. The thing about south paws is that they are very good at what they do. They are so good that just as being left-handed stands them out, so also does being very successful in what they do. Take the Nigerian entertainment industry for instance. It has a number of south paws, and all of them are very successful

Darey

Akindele

Ike

Saeon

and respected in the entertainment sector. In case you didn’t know, one of your favourite actresses, Funke Akindele, is a south paw. There’s no denying the fact that she created Jenifa, a character that has become so renowned in Nollywood that people refer to her as Jenifa. Also, the character opened many doors for her, fetched her many endorsements and continues to do so. How about Emeka Ike. He’s also one of Nollywood’s most accomplished actors. His presence in a movie guarantees the movie’s success. He just doesn’t act alone but also fights for the rights of actors and other movie people. Ladies’ man and R&B singer, Banky W, is also a south paw. If you’re one of his fans and watched his several music videos and live performances, you would have known

this already. Another popular singer who is also a south paw is Darey who’s in a class of his own when it comes to making music. Joining Banky and Darey as south paw music artists are Saeon and Oyinkanade. Saeon has to her credit the smash hit, Boogie Down, on which she featured Wizkid, and Oyinkanade has to his credit the distinction of being chosen as a contestant on top music talent hunt, Project Fame West Africa, out of thousands of hopefuls they auditioned together. So if you’ve been wondering why Banky, Darey, Saeon don’t follow the general trend of the Nigerian music industry, which is to make bubble gum music that won’t last the test of time, but keep churning out sensible songs, it’s just because they are south paws so can’t do mediocre things.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL LYRICS

Sisi

Artist: Praiz featuring Wizkid Baby girl make you calm down I am the man now Make you no form Nicki Minaj, shawty Yea yea Gospel On The Beat Praiz sing-song Oh Lord of Mercy Wizzy baby, yea eh Omo na who be the baga Wey dey make mouth Men as you see me men, I can’t shout Wande Coal tell them, I can’t shout Step on the scene, making money in abundance Everywhere I stand out Say Wizzy baby, I stand out See na for ghetto, everybody been dey hangout But right now, I’m the king of the countdown Baby girl make you calm down Na me just dey run town No go dey form Nicki Minaj now When your boyfriend see me, e go bow down Baby girl make you calm down I am the man now Let me give it to you right now, shawty Don’t leave me hanging, sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi Don’t leave me hanging, oh sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi She say she wanna be my lover She no wan cast, so we do am undercover When I give am to her harder She keeps coming for more, coming for more She say she wanna be my lover She no wan cast, so we do am undercover When I give am to her harder She keeps coming for more, coming for more You are all I’m wanting, oh sisi I’m all you are wanting, oh Praiz We saying the same thing, oh sisi We want the same thing oh yea Baby girl make you calm down I am the man now Make you no form Nicki Minaj now, shawty Don’t leave me hanging, sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi Don’t leave me hanging, oh sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi Don’t leave me hanging, sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi Don’t leave me hanging, oh sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi you are I’m wanting, oh sisi I’m all you are wanting, oh praiz We saying the same thing, oh sisi We want the same thing oh yea Baby girl make you calm down I am the man now Make you no form Nicki Minaj now, shawty Don’t leave me hanging, sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi Don’t leave me hanging, oh sisi Your body banging, oh sisi Your body calling me, oh sisi Oh sisi, oh sisi

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

MAY 7, 2016

Afeni Shakur, mother of rapper, Tupac Shakur, dies

feni Shakur, mother of rap icon Tupac Shakur, who fostered his legacy for decades after he was slain, has died of an apparent heart attack, authorities said Tuesday. She was aged 69. Responding to a 911 call to Shakur’s home in Sausalito Monday night, deputies and firefighters performed CPR, rushed her to a hospital and tried to revive her for about an hour, but “she had in fact died from what is believed to be some kind of cardiac event”, Marin County Sheriff ’s Lt. Doug Pittman said.

A statement from her family and the Tupac Shakur estate expressed shock over her sudden death. “Afeni embodied strength, resilience, wisdom and love. She was a pioneer for social change and was committed to building a more peaceful world. Her spirit will forever inspire all of those who had the honor and privilege of knowing her,” it read in part. The statement also quoted “Dear Mama”, the classic hit her son wrote about her: “You always was a black queen, mama.”

Jane Michael gives back to alma mater, adopts student

Tupac and Afeni

AAND redefines African design Michael and some of the students

o celebrate her birthday, celebrity stylist and fashion entrepreneur Jane Michael visited her alma mater, Girls Academy, in Lagos Island. From a poor background, the celebrated stylist has grown to carve a niche for herself as one of Nigeria’s most respected stylists. “I owe a debt of gratitude to these amazing, selfless people that helped shape parts of my life,” she said. “I would not be who I am without the discipline, hard work and encouragement the staff provided. I am here to say thank you and to encourage the girls that they can

Genevieve Nene passes on

achieve their dreams with hard work.” During her visit, she was welcomed by the principal, teachers and students and presented with a cake to celebrate her birthday. The highlight of the event was when she shared a touching speech, Becoming Greater Women For The Next Generation, a short story of her time in the school and how it shaped her to become who she was. She also adopted an indigent SS2 student of the school who is experiencing severe financial hardship. She will thereby be paying the student’s tuition.

ollywood has again been thrown into mourning with the death of promising actress, Genevieve Nene, who has starred in several movies and also appeared in several music videos as a video vixen. A couple of weeks ago, she posted a picture on Instagram and captioned it ‘So sick Lord Jesus I need your healing hands. Thank God it’s a wrap.’ Rest in peace, Gene.

Nene

Omotayo, Oshinowo, Oduwole

he African Alliance for New Design, a neoteric collective of designers looking to establish a fresh wave of African modernism, has held a one-week design exhibition to showcase the outstanding architecture of Lagos. AAND is an initiative by three dynamic architects, Tosin Oshinowo, Seun Oduwole and Papa Omotayo, who seek to explore and promote the value of good design. It was birthed out of a desire to define a new narrative where architecture goes beyond mere building and function, to investigation of the social and psychological impact of architecture on our environment. AAND aims to drive this initiative by informing society on the time-tested role of architects as protectors of the built environment and visualisers of the future. AAND seeks to create dialogue

and improve communication between professionals, students and the public on the importance of good design. According to Oshinowo: “We are a group of architects who are aligned in terms of aesthetic language, urbanism, culture, product design and other topics of interest. We have come together to form AAND to bring and create awareness about the growth of creativity within the profession that is not fully being acknowledged in the wider public realm in Nigeria.” Speaking further on AAND’s philosophy, Oduwole added that “African Modernism is a vehicle to change our environment for the better, to improve life conditions, socially and economically, culturally and politically, to enhance equal opportunities for everyone through successful built work, open spaces and infrastructure.”

EVENTS

PAGE

MAY 7, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Asa holds Lagos concert

Fire On The Mountain singer, Asa, held her Asa Live In Lagos concert last Sunday, and it was a high octane event as expected. Celebrities attended en masse and registered their presence on the red carpet. Waje, Omawumi, Bolanle Olukanni and Seyi Shay were some of them.

Bolanle Olukanni

Kaline

Linda Osifo

Mimi Onalaja

Omawumi

Seyi Shay

Tosin Ajibade

Waje

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Style & Glam

MAY 7, 2016

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Style & Glam

MAY 7, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

Fashion frenzy

Get a green glow! F

rom subtle to statement-making, the green colour comes in envious shades and can be worn in a multitude of ways. Currently the most popular decorating colour, green symbolises nature. It is the easiest colour on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing colour used to depict positivity in different sectors of life. For instance, people waiting to appear on TV sit in â&#x20AC;&#x153;green roomsâ&#x20AC;? to relax; hospitals often use it because it relaxes patients. Brides in the middle

ages wore green to symbolise fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, designers often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear that it will bring bad luck. Above all, it is universally flattering on all skin tones and complexions making it friendly to whoever make it a choice. Whether for a formal or informal dates, these fashionistas demonstrate what to do with a green colour you may pick in the future.

Fashion frenzy

Style & Glam

PAGE

SOCIETY Mirror

MAY 7, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Ex Rivers Governor, Donald Duke, turns musician …set to drop an album

orget Donald Trump, Donald Duke is making some sense here. While America’s presidential candidate, Donald Trump is busy scheming on how to become the next American president, guess what? Nigeria’s Donald Duke, the erstwhile Governor of Rivers State is also busy tapping into new adventure. Unknown to many, Donald is a lover of music and in particular jazz. He’s a skilled saxophonist and in recent times he’s returned to his first love. Few days back when Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State hosted an evening of Jazz Music in Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday, April 30th in commemoration of the International Jazz Day being celebrated all over the world, the light-skinned politician was among the top jazz musicians

who thrilled the crowd, and this was just one of the many shows he’s performed recently. At the event, when the ex-governor who might soon earn himself the appellation “Duke of Jazz took to the stage, he did not only thrill his ecstatic audience by singing and doing some smooth dance moves, he went on to play the Saxophone and did so with great dexterity. While that singular performance has set tongues wagging, let’s you quickly tell you first from here that the dashing Duke who is married to Onari will soon be releasing a full album to announce himself to the world. At the moment, he’s said to be in the studio with the aim of dropping an album. And when the album is ready, we would be the first to let you know. Stay tuned.

Funso Amosun hits golden age in style F

orget that youthful look and vigor, Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has come of age. You may be amazed to know that the beautiful mother of five is now 50 years old on earth. She actually hit the golden jubilee on May 2, 2016. And guess what! The delectable first lady did not let the day pass by without celebrating it with her friends,

relatives and well-wishers. Later that evening, guests were treated to the hilt at a livable soiree which was held in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State in commemoration of the milestone. The event was attended by who is who in the Ogun politics and beyond as many came from far and wide to celebrate the beautiful and virtuous woman.

Unarguably, Funso is an impeccable woman of sobriety. During her husband’s political struggle, she stood by him like the rock of Gibraltar, supporting him morally and domestically. Unlike some wives of other heavyweight politicians who allow power to intoxicate them, Funso is down-to-heart, an attribute that has won her the consciousness of many. The

reason attributed to this her beautiful behavior is said to be rooted in her good upbringing and educational background. Born into the humble family of Bishop Michael Ayoade Odesanya and Elder Olushola Odesanya, Funso is a Master’s degree holder in Guidance & Conselling (from UNILAG) in addition to her degree in English Language (OAU).

Emmanuel Luther returns with new single, Ada F ollowing the success of his debut single, ‘Suddenly,’ fast-rising hip-hop singer, Emmanuel Luther a.k.a. Saga is back with a new single entitled ‘Ada,’ featuring Stormrex. Produced by Akay Sound and mixed by Indomix, Ada is an inspirational love song. Officially, the song was dropped on air nationwide on Friday, April 29 and it’s expected to become an instant hit just like the debut single,” Suddenly.” Meanwhile, Saga, as the

artiste is fondly called has signaled his intention to drop the video to the song in the next two weeks. The video was shot in choice locations across Lagos State with high lens and technicality by talented director, Clarence Peters and with cameo appearance by Humble Smith and Joel Amadi. It would be recalled that Clarence also shot the video to “Suddenly.” Saga, a graduate of Political Science from Delta State University, is an eclectic artiste blessed with depth, lyrics and voice. At

the moment, he’s been tipped by stakeholders in the music industry to be the ‘next big thing’ in the industry. Speaking on his next line of action, the talented singer who is currently signed to Medeji Records and managed by Kuronbefun Entertainmen has promised to keep the flag flying by dropping more new jams. “I’m in the studio at the moment trying to create some new sounds and music. I believe in hard work and prayer. And I know with these, success is mine,” he remarked.

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Fashion

Amede Nzeribe is the brain behind Amede, a fashion label that has over the years stood out in the art of tye, dye and batik designs. A lawyer-turned designer, she told YEMISI ADENIRAN about her passion and why every fashion designer should consider comfort first when designing. Excerpts:

Guest G

‘I look for comfort when designing’

t’s a wonder why you have found excitement in fashion designing when you were trained as a lawyer. Could you tell us why? It is all about passion. I have always been interested in fashion since I was a child and I thank God that I was able to realize or make real the dream. But really, I have not just found excitement in the fashion designing profession, I have found fulfilment. It has taken me to places I have never thought it could, I have met with people of good quality, I have been able to express my creativity, my inner strength, my specially endowed gift from God. I have been able to make impacts on my generation via it and I am still doing, I am grateful to God for this and many more that He has in plans for me. All the while I was in the University, I was doing my designing. It is one passion I cannot let go of. What are those things you look out for when you are designing a cloth? The first thing I look out for is comfort. I love to design clothes that give comfort to the wearer. I also look out for colours because it adds beauty and glamour to the design and the person wearing it.

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Why have you chosen tie and die specifically? May be because of my disposition to the African culture and because like the Ankara fabric, it is very friendly with any style and other fabrics. It comes out distinctly with any style, any shape of woman and can be adapted into both formal and informal wears. Above all, I don’t believe in just joining a crowd, I believe in the power of personal style. It stands one out and add colour to one’s style. It is a niche I have created for myself. With all the years that you have been dealing with African women, what have you discovered that they desire most in fashion? An African woman wants different things at different times. She wants to look elegant, she loves to stand out in anything she wears, and she wants to keep up with the fashion trend as much as possible. What is your advice to them? They should try and create a style for themselves. They should know what fits them, what gives them comfort and avoid dressing overboard.

10 top concentration killers

Social media: It’s easy to connect with friends -- and disconnect from work -- many times an hour. Every status update zaps your train of thought, forcing you to backtrack when you resume work.Avoid logging in to social media sites while you’re working. If you feel compelled to check in every now and then, do it during breaks, when the steady stream of posts won’t interrupt your concentration. If you can’t resist logging in more frequently, take your laptop someplace where you won’t have Internet access for a few hours Email Overload: There’s something about an email -- it shoots into your inbox and itches to be answered immediately. Although many emails are work-related, they still count as distractions from your current project. You won’t make much progress if you constantly stop what you’re doing to reply to every message. Your Cell Phone: Perhaps even more disruptive than the ping of an email is the ringtone on your cell phone. It’s a sound few of us can ignore. But taking a call not only costs you the time you spend talking -- it can also cut off your momentum on the task at hand. Multitasking: If you’ve mastered the art of multitasking, you probably feel you’re getting more done in less time. Think again, experts say. Research suggests you lose time whenever you shift your attention from one task to another. The end result is that doing three projects simultaneously usually takes longer than doing them one after the other. Nagging Thoughts: It’s hard to focus on the work in front of you

if you’re worrying about errands you need to run or housework to be done. Or perhaps you’re hung up on a conversation you had yesterday, and you keep replaying it in your mind. Nagging thoughts of any sort can be a powerful distraction. Stress: When you feel like you have too much on your plate, it can be hard to focus on individual tasks. To make matters worse, stress takes a noticeable toll on the body. You may develop tight shoulders, headaches, or a racing heart, all of which can chip away at your ability to concentrate. Fatigue: Fatigue can make it tough to concentrate, even when you have few distractions. Studies suggest too little sleep can sap your attention span and short-term memory. Hunger: The brain can’t focus without fuel, so skipping meals -especially breakfast -- is a top concentration killer. Research indicates short-term memory and attention suffer when you rise and shine but do not dine. Depression: Most people tend to think of sadness as the hallmark of depression. But mental health experts say difficulty concentrating is one of the most common symptoms. If you’re having trouble focusing, and you also feel empty, hopeless, or indifferent, you may be experiencing depression. Medication: Unfortunately, some of the medications used to treat depression can interfere with concentration. The same is true of many other drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to check if a medication or supplement you are taking may be affecting your concentration.

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WOMAN ‘Today’s mothers don’t bond enough with their children’ Dr. (Mrs.) Nkem Okoro is a seasoned educationist,the founder and Chief Coordinator of “The Wife,” an organisation of married women focused on strengthening families to transform the society. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on her exploits in the mission since 2006 when she started.

our programme, “The Wife” centres more on women than men. Why is this so? Women are the bedrock of any family. If the wife who is the woman in a home is stable and committed to the success and the affairs of the family or a marriage, it is certain that that marriage will survive. If she is not, the expiry date of that marriage is not going to be long. That is why the holy Bible even stresses the need for women to be wise. Only a wise woman according to the Bible can build a home. She is the only one who knows the secret of her husband, her children, the weaknesses of her marriage and can protect and cover up for it. If a woman chooses not tom

discuss anything negative about her marriage to anyone, even her own mother will not be privy of it. If a woman decides to stay in her marriage, no amount of pressure can make her quit. Besides, the presence of a woman in any home strengthens her husband, her children and her marriage in particular. This is why focusing on them is more important than men. They are the ones to train the children and if the children are not well tutored, there is definitely going to be a problem. Meanwhile, it is only what anyone has that he or she can give. So, you see why the education of a woman is most important. Women are the nerve centre of every home. What’s your observation on the

parenting skill of today’s mothers? I think today’s mothers are not very impressive at parenting skill. Their score when compared with what was obtainable in the past is zero. They are really not doing well. They don’t give enough attention to their children. They live them in the care of strangers in the name of nannies, house-helps, care-givers and what have you. Many don’t get to see their children as much as they should because of their work schedule. Many children have no bonding with their parents and this is resulting in the kind of youths or the younger generation that we have now. The children are kept busy with the internet, the phones, games

where they get exposed to demoralising films and all sorts that end up teaching and moulding them into terrible beings. It is a pity that the civilization that we crave for is giving us so much trouble that are simply beyond us. What’s your advice on this? It’s simple. Parents and mothers especially should devote more time to their children. They should bond more with their kids. They should make out time for their children no matter how tight their schedule is. It is very important. At such times, they will be able to inculcate the right training in the kids, listen to their daily experiences in life and put them right where necessary. Bonding is very important in parent-

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ing. That is the only way parents can get through their kids, have them build trust in them and make them their best friends. The child you are far away from today will definitely be far away from you when you need him or her. What are some of the exploits you have made through this programme? When we first started, we were having about four meetings every year. We had at Golden Gate, Excellence Hotel, Ogba, and then our anniversary in July, and Christmas party in December. But people started making demands and request that we should come to different areas. So, we started going as far as Epe, Agbara, Ijanikin, Iyana–Ipaja–Ayobo, Agege and Ibeju–Lekki. We started going to virtually every area regularly in the past three to four years. Later, we started having regular meetings in Jibowu, Yaba since last year, every second Tuesday of the month, because that’s the day we normally do our counselling. Since then, we have a lot of people attending and calling us for counselling at ParentsTeachers’ Meetings at schools. The response to the programme has been very positive. I’ve had to go and train people in different schools, ministries and churches at weekends and on Sundays because they have seen that we are doing a great work, and want us to come to their group and extend it to their members. Do you have specific topics of training? Our major focus is tagged Mission To Rescue Our Children. We train parents how to take care of their children when they are sick, healthy; their feeding and nutrition, education, and how to counsel them at home. For instance, when it is noticed that a child is quiet, not as active as he used to be, it is important that a mother finds out what is happening to him. He or she may be sick, he may be running temperature. What you do is to administer the basic thing, give him the first aid treatment, then take him to the doctor for treatment and then follow up until they are healed and restored back to good health. Emotionally, we train them to be there for their children. We train them to be sensitive to their needs and desires. They should know their children’s peculiarities and treat tem likewise. We also train them how to be economically wise in the home. We train them how to deal with their husbands at different times. We train them to be sensitive to whatever challenge they are passing through. They are expected to stand by them until they are completely relieved of that challenge. Like children that are not performing well in school, the ones that have criminal tendencies, prostitution tendency in children, we have to follow through

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Parents should make out time for their children no matter how tight their schedule is.

Bonding is very

important in parenting.

That is the only way

parents can get through their kids, have them build trust in them and make them their best friends. The child you are far away from today

Keeping ABREAST

Scientists break into ‘black box’ of embryo implantation

…keep embryos alive in a lab for 13 DAYS - twice as long as thought possible - to study why some pregnancies fail

will definitely be far away from you when you need him or her.

until they are relieved. So, we take mothers through different steps in tackling different challenges of 21st-century child. It is to this effect that I wrote a book titled. Grooming the Next Generation. It is purely training on parenting. The other one is Enriching Marital Sex. This has to do with what happens behind the door between the husband and his wife. When we train, we say it the way it is. I also have a spiritual book titled, See What The Lord Has Done. What are the challenges you face on this assignment? Well, there is no job or assignment that one gets involved in that does not have its challenges. Basically, we face financial challenge. We have so much people attending the programme and there are lots of money needed to cater for this. We only get money from whatever our members contributed but it is not enough. Our aim is to build a better society at the end of the day. We need more help in this area. If families are excellently built and we have better products in the name of children, the future of the society will be very bright and better. We don’t want a society plagued with the generation of lazy and crime-involving youths. We want real leaders out of our children that will take the nation to the best and safe destination. It all lies in the hands of mothers with good parenting skill. They are the ones who will train them the need to be morally upright, to be decent in appearance and in behaviour. They will teach them the need to be married at the right age and be responsible. Many of our boys today see no big deal in settling down early to marry,. Many don’t even want to marry, they just want to have children. Even the ladies are more preoccupied with their careers than marriage which is why we have so many broken marriages today. All these need to be re-instituted in our youths and this should start from the cradle, at home and with the mothers. We all know that charity, they say, begin at home.

Human embryo, shown here 12 days after fertilization

cientists have achieved the feat of growing a human embryo in a laboratory for 13 days for the first time. The breakthrough is hoped to help bring hope to childless couples through developing better IVF treatments. Until now, exactly how the bundle of cells that can grow into a human has been a ‘black box’ which we have not been able to peer into, the researchers said. This is because no human embryo has previously been successfully grown outside of a mother’s body for longer than six days. On the seventh day, the developing egg needs to implant itself into a mother’s womb to keep on growing. But now Cambridge University researchers in the UK and a team at Rockefeller University in New York have successfully managed to get the embryo to ‘implant’ itself in a soup of chemicals in a laboratory dish. The advance means existing technology is capable of growing a human embryo in the lab for longer than the current, internationally accepted, legal limit of 14 days. The researchers are now calling for a public debate on whether it is socially acceptable to allow them to grow embryos for a longer period – by a few extra days or possibly up to a further week. WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS ADVANCE? Researchers have grown a human embryo in a glass dish in a laboratory for 13 days. Previously the limit was up to six days, as on the seventh day, the embryo needs to implant in a womb. The scientists managed to trick the embryo to implant in a chemical soup in a laboratory. WHAT’S THE LAW? The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Research Purposes) Regulations 2001 bans any research allowing human embryos to be grown past 14 days.

National scientific guidelines restrict research in many other countries around the world such as the US. In the UK all research must be licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT 14 DAYS? This legal limit has been chosen because some religious groups see this point as when the soul enters the human embryo. After this point the cell cannot split in twins, so it is the beginning of true individuality. WHY IS THIS EXCITING? How human embryos grow beyond the seventh day is a mystery – yet is a critical period when we begin to lay down our body shape and develop the beginnings of a spine. This breakthrough could lead to improved fertility treatments such as IVF. Implantation is the most tricky period in IVF treatment – around 70 per cent of attempts at implantation fail. It will also improve understanding of how stem cells in the embryo are formed. WHY IS THIS CONTROVERSIAL? The 14 day limit was technically impossible to breach when it was first drawn up in the late 80s and early 90s. But now science has caught up. Supporters of lifting the limit say the a few more days would allow vital research that could allow new medical breakthroughs. Critics say the time limit could be a slippery slope that could eventually result in experiments on older embryos – even up to the abortion limit of 23 weeks. DOES THIS MEAN BABIES CAN BE GROWN IN THE LABORATORY? The researchers say this idea is very distant and ‘science fiction’ at present. Currently, it is not possible to grow a human embryo much beyond a few days past 14. As the embryo gets bigger, it becomes much more complicated to bring nutrients to the growing foetus and take away waste, although the research is advancing rapidly.

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divorce court

‘She stripped naked to curse me’ • She is not well-mannered, she commits adultery and is also very fetish. When I had no money, she abandoned me and relocated to Ghana with a man for five years. —Husband

70 year-old man, Christopher Akinrinawo has told the Agege Customary Court that his wife of 40years, Mrs. Caroline Akinrinawo is no longer fit to be his wife because the 60year-old woman has continued to place curses on him, and has not been giving the desired peace. In his words, he alleged ‘she is not well-mannered, she commits adultery and also, very fetish.’ Stating further, he said ‘when I have no money, she abandoned me and relocated to Ghana with a man for five years. She never

‘My wife poured pepper on my manhood’ • Since I met her, I have not known peace. I have developed hypertension —Husband • I love him. I don’t want to leave him because he is the father of my son —Wife

Stories

Muda O yeniran

42-year-old man, Mr. John Ayoade, has appealed to an Alimosho Customary Court, sitting at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State, to dissolve his five-year marriage to Deborah Oriade, over her brutality. Ayoade told the court that his wife had beaten him ten

times, at different occasions in public. According to him, on one of those occasions, his wife attacked his manhood until it started bleeding. She later poured pepper on it. He further alleged that his wife was fetish. His words: “I didn’t marry her legally. In fact, I’m married. I have my first wife. Deborah and I were only dating. We met at the Sawmill

where we both sell building materials. She always comes to my shop to complain to me about her former husband. It was in that process I developed interest in her.” He said two years into their dating, Deborah came to tell him that she was pregnant. He said he rejected the pregnancy because before they started having sex, he had already told her that he didn’t want

‘My wife is very disobedient’

• She nags at every little thing I do. She disobeys me and also encourages the children to disobey me as well —Wife A 43-year-old man, Uchenna Nwosu, recently pleaded with an Agege Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his marriage of eight years. The father of three accused his wife, Christiana, of being disobedient, nagging and assaulting him publicly. He claimed that the marriage started on a wrong foot and because of that, it could no longer work. “My wife is a very disobedient woman, she nags at every little thing I do. She disobeys

me and also encourages the children to disobey me as well. “That woman is a liar because she lied to me about her age. I found out when I was going through her school certificates. “When I confronted her, she said I should mind my own business, that it is her life. To me, this is not marriage, this is hell. “On May 28, 2011, she wanted to go out that evening but I was trying to persuade her not to go because her children needed

her to prepare food for them. Instead of her to stay back, she left, giving the excuse that she had an important thing to attend to. “When she came back, she met my children and I watching a programme on the television, the next thing she did was to switch off the television and asked me to return the money she lost because I delayed her from achieving what she went out to get. I saw that I couldn’t CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

bothered about me and the children, but now she wants to take over a property i built for myself ’. ‘On two occasions, she had stripped herself naked threatening that she would place a curse on me, to return to poverty.’ She has also planned to set the house on fire if i dare her. This is a woman who does not cook for me but prefers to stay at her daughter’s house.’ ‘I have lost interest in her despite the fact that I have married her since 1974. I urge the court to separate this marriage, so that she can go her own way’. In her response, Caroline said that there is nowhere she can go now; she is in the marriage to enjoy the fruit of her labour. The 60 year-old woman admitted that it was true that she relocated to Ghana at some point, but she had to do so because of her numerous debts. According to her, she was in Ghana to work as maid in order to raise money to train her children. The president of the court, Mr. P. A. Williams adjourned the case for mediation.

any kid, especially not out of wedlock. He added: “Moreover, I still love my legal wife.” He further said: “When Deborah delivered the baby, she named him Emmanuel. I was not aware. After the naming ceremony, she started behaving strangely. Some of my friends advised me to report the matter at the palace of Elegbeda, where • My husband is irresponsible and I was asked to cater for the keeps late nights; he is always upkeep of the baby. I have been hanging out with friends and comes home drunk. He does not love and doing that since last year.” care for me and our child Ayoade explained that after anymore —Wife he heeded the commands of 32-year-old man, BabaElegbeda and started doing evtunde Tijani has asked erything for the baby, Deborah an Agege Customary still wasn’t satisfied.He said: Court to dissolve his three-year “One fateful day, she came to marriage because of the abusive my house and pounced on my nature of his wife, Adetola. wife. She beat her mercilessly. Tijani, who resides at No. 160, Iyana ipaja, Abeokuta Express The matter was transferred road, told the court that his wife to the State Criminal Inveswas in the habit of fighting him tigative Department (SCID), and using foul language on him. Panti, Yaba, for threatening “My wife is too troublesome, the life of my family member. whenever we have a misunder“Since I met her, I have not standing, she threatens to kill known peace. If I had known me. that is the kind of woman she “It got to the stage where she is, I wouldn’t have approached used a knife and broken bottle her. I have developed hyperten- to injure me and accused me of CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

‘She used knife, broken bottle to injure me’

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‘She did family planning without my consent’

divorce court

MAY 7, 2016

PAGE

• My husband is adulterous. He has slept with almost all the sisters in the church —Wife

n Orile-Agege Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved the 20-year marriage of a pastor, who had accused his wife of infidelity and threat to life. Pastor Sunday Owonikoko,51, had filed a petition at the court on May 27, saying he could no longer continue with his wife, Bolajoko,47. Ruling in the case, the Court President, Mr.Joseph Adewusi,said that the marriage had broken down irretrievably. He said: “Starting from today, you cease to be addressed as husband and wife; you shall goyour separate ways and maintain the peace. “The custody of the under-aged among the children is referred to Ikeja Family Court for final decision, but in the interim, the children should remain with the petitioner. “The petitioner, Pastor SundayOwonikoko, should pay a compensation fee of N25,000 to the defendant and also secure accommodation for her.” The pastor, who lives at 1 Alowole St., Papa Ashafa, Orile-Agege, had told the court that his wife was still seeing her ex-lovers. “My wife once travelled to Ghana to meet one of her

concubines; she did family planning without my consent and she goes out at will. “She was suspended from the church for six months becauses he fought with all the ministers in the church. “She established her own church, she fought all the members of the church, and they all left,” he said. The father of four children, aged between 11 years and 19years, had also told the court that his wife threatened to destroy him and the church. “I want the court to dissolve the union and grant me custody of my children,” he had said. Bolajoko, an evangelist, had, however, denied the allegations in her response. She said: “My husband is adulterous; he has slept with almost all the sisters in the church. “A mother of seven is presently living with him as I speak and he has made the woman an evangelist. “ Bolajoko told the court that her husband had “lost his mind” since he ate vegetable soup in the house of one of the sisters in the church. “I don’t love him anymore, I want a divorce, “ she had said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 having extramarital affairs. “Adetola is fond of embarrassing me at my place of work and she does not have any regard for my parents. “My lord, I want to end this marriage because I cannot cope with my wife’s disrespect and irresponsible lifestyle anymore,” he said. The respondent, 26, who is a fashion designer and a mother of a 10-month-old child, denied the allegations.

She told the court that she was in support of the dissolution of the marriage because she was fed up with her husband’s attitude. “My husband is irresponsible and keeps late nights; he is always hanging out with friends and comes home drunk. “He does not love and care for me and our child anymore,” she said. The court’s President, Mr Philip Williams, adjourned the case for judgment.

‘She used knife, broken bottle to injure me’

‘My wife is very disobedient’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

handle the situation again so I moved out. “A month later, she came to my office to embarrass me. She tore my shirt in the public pretending to demand the children’s school fees. Due to this incident, the management asked me to resign. “Before I got married to her, my family did not approve of our union, but I went ahead

because of the love I had for her then but now, I can’t take it anymore, I want a divorce,” Uchenna pleaded. However, Christiana refused to show up at any of the hearings at the Magistrate’s Court and the Customary Court. The president of the court, Mr. Emmanuel Sokunle adjourned the case for continuation of hearing.

‘My husband impregnates every lady in skirt’

• Four women had four children for my husband in the last three years and he also has numerous girl friends; I know some of them because they live on my street. I was in the church sometime in 2009 when a woman came with three children, claiming they belonged to my husband—Wife

51-year-old woman Titilayo Oluokun has pleaded with an Agege Customary Court to dissolve her 22-year marriage over alleged adultery and threat to life. The petitioner, a prophetess, who lives at 8, Aina Aladi Street, Agbado, Lagos, told the court that her husband, though a pastor, goes after “everything in skirt”. “Four women had four children for my husband in the last three years and he also has numerous girl friends; I know some of them because they live on my street. “I was in the church sometime in 2009 when a woman came with three children, claiming they belonged to my husband, who she said, had neglected her. “It was a thing of shame because I am the founder of the

church and also a prophetess, while my husband is one of the pastors. “I gave the woman N20, 000 and begged her; I told her not to come to the church to disturb me again and when I told my husband, he only thanked me,” she said. The mother of two children aged nine and 18, told the court that she once brought her husband before another customary court and the case was settled there. She said in the other customary court in 2011, her husband was asked to write an undertaking that he would not impregnate any other woman again. “To my surprise, he impregnated two women after that and I knew I had to call it quit with

him. “He beats me at every slight provocation and even threatens to kill me; he does not give the children money for feeding or pay their school fees. “I got him arrested sometime last year because he wanted to stab me and at the police station, he was asked to move his things out of my house,” she said. The prophetess told the court that her husband has been living in the house which she built. She urged the court to dissolve the marriage and give her custody of the children. Her husband, Adewale, did not appear in court and had also been absent in the last two sittings. The Court President, Emmanuel Sokunle, adjourned the case for further hearing.

‘My wife battered my manhood and poured pepper on it’ .

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 sion since we started this clash. Even in my matrimonial home, I don’t have peace. I can’t concentrate anymore on my business. It was after I met her I knew she is from Ilesha. I have been adviced by my father not to marry any woman from that part of the country.” Deborah, a mother of three, denied every allegation leveled against her by Ayoade. She said: “I love him. I don’t want to leave him because he is the father of my

son. He is the one who came to file for divorce in the court. If not because of the problem I had with my former husband, I wouldn’t have come across him. I had two children in my former marriage. When the problem between me and my former husband was still raging, I always confided in Ayoade. It was in the process that we fell in love and got married. The marriage produced a baby boy.”

According to her, before the arrival of the baby boy, she has had two abortions for Ayoade. “My problem with him is that he doesn’t want to recognize my son as one of his children.This is why I went to his house and introduced myself to his wife. I didn’t fight her,” said Deborah. The President of the court, Alhaja S.O Mumini, told the couple that because the rightful father of the baby was in doubt, a DNA test will be conducted to know the real father.

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Parenting

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

Stop spoiling your kids! Over-indulgence is one of the most insidious forms of child abuse. Here is a perspective that might help you stop:

our primary job as a parent is to prepare your child for how the world really works. As a parent, you must teach him that in the real world, you don’t always get what you want. Let him know that he will be able to deal with that as an adult if he has experienced it as a child. • Do not encourage material benefits. If your parent/ child relationship is based on material goods, your child won’t have the chance to experience unconditional love. • Be a good role model because parents are not the only influence in their kids’ lives, so it is better to be the best influence,. • Redefine what taking care of your children means. Are you providing for them emotionally and spiritually? You need not buy them material goods in order to create a bond. Instead of tangible gifts, how about spending some time together? Be careful that you aren’t teaching them that emotions can be healed by a trip to the mall.

• Don’t let your guilt get in the way of your parenting. Your job as a parent is not to make yourself feel good by giving the child everything that makes you feel good when you give it, Your job as a parent is to prepare your child to succeed in school and when they get out into the world. Kids have to be socialized in a way that they understand you work hard for what you get. You must not teach your child that he will get everything through manipulation, pouting, crying, door slamming and guilt induction. • Make sure your children aren’t defining their happiness and their status in the world as a function of what they wear or drive. Sit down with them and have a one-on-one conversation about what really defines their worth — their intelligence, their creativity, their caring, their giving, their work ethic, and so on. If you spent equal time sitting down and talking to them about what really mattered as you do shopping, you might be able to counterbalance the countless images they see telling them otherwise.

ParentingUpdate

he may be too young to appreciate it, but Britain’s Princess Charlotte has received an extraordinary array of birthday gifts. Kensington Palace officials say she received letters and gifts from 64 countries on her first birthday Monday. Some were early birthday presents given during recent state visits by world leaders, including President Obama, who with his wife Michelle gave Charlotte a jigsaw puzzle and a soft toy modeled on Bo, the White House dog.

• Understand “intrinsic” versus “extrinsic” motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when people do things because they feel proud of themselves when they do it. They feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Extrinsic motivation is when someone does something because of external motivation. For example, they will receive money, a toy or privilege if they do the task. If you are always rewarding your child with material things, he/she will never learn how to motivate themselves with internal rewards like pride. They also will never learn to value things because there are so many things and nothing is special.

should be ready to make a positive influence on people. • Your child does not have to love you every minute of every day. He’ll get over the disappointment of having been told “no.” But he won’t get over the effects of being spoiled.

• Help your child set goals. Teach him/her that striving to own nice things is fine if he/ she understands how much hard work it takes to afford that, and then doesn’t base his/her selfworth around what she buys.

Tiny Feet

• Make sure your child understands the value of hard work. Cite example of people who worked hard as a child and are doing well today. If your child aspires to be wealthy that it’s not a bad goal, but let him know that it takes a lot of hard work to get there. Emphasise that the difference between winners and losers is that winners do things losers don’t want to do.

NAME: Anjolaoluwa Oluwademilade Aderanti

• If your child idolizes a celebrity, ask him/her why. Encourage him or her no to be carried away with the person’s acquisition or his clout. He

Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs Bayonle Aderanti AGE: 8 days BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.5 kg

Princess Charlotte rakes in gifts on 1st birthday

British Prime Minister David Cameron gave the princess Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales, and the prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, sent a snowsuit and a book. New Zealand sent teddy bears, blankets and booties of native wool, the Chinese gave her a set of silk figurines and the president of Mexico sent a silver rattle. Meanwhile, new photographs of Princess Charlotte, taken by her mother the Duchess of Cambridge, have been released to mark her first birthday.

The four photographs were taken in April at their family home in Norfolk. The princess, who turned one on Monday, May 2, is seen walking - with the aid of a baby walker filled with blocks - for the first time in one of the images. Kensington Palace said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were “delighted” to share the new pictures of Charlotte. The princess was last seen in public at her christening last July - the first time the Cambridges had been seen as a family of four.

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MAY 7, 2016

Mirror

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Nigerians jailed in UK for £2.4million housing scam •Investigation has been running since 2011 and has yielded more than 30 convictions

Joseph Olaiya, 53, sentenced

Trudy Ali-Balogun, 55, sentenced

housing officer who took a £2,000 bribe every time she processed a fake homelessness claim for illegal immigrants as part of a £2.4million council scam has been jailed. Trudy Ali-Balogun, 55, of Stratford, East London, abused her role as a £25,000 a year housing officer at Southwark Council to help process 24 bogus homelessness claims. She was paid a £2,000 bribe for each application she approved and used the money to treat herself to holidays around the world, Inner London Crown Court heard. Ali-Balogun approved false birth certificates for children who never ex-

isted, as well as made-up wage slips, bank statements and fake foreign pass-

ports. She was jailed for five years, while

Many of the applicants she helped within the Nigerian community were in the country illegally. Ali-Balogun also processed false birth certificates for children to help the fraudsters jump the housing

queue

fraudsters Biayo Awotiwon, 47, and Adeyemi Oyedele, 48, were given five months each. Kudiratu Falana, 60, was handed a five month jail sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. Joseph Olaiya, 53, was sentenced to six months suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. Their trial was part of the wider investigation known as Operation Bronze which has been running since 2011 and has so far yielded more than 30 convictions. Ibrahim Bundu, a former homeless CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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MAY 7, 2016

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‘She was a landlord while claiming to be homeless’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

housing case worker, was previously jailed at Woolwich Crown Court for processing false homeless housing applications in return for backhanders (bribe). He is currently serving a six year sentence after failing to pay back the £100,000 ordered by the courts. Ali-Balogun, who studied criminology at university, was processing bogus applications while working alongside Bundu from November 2003 until her suspension in April 2005. Many of the applicants she helped within the Nigerian community were in the country illegally. Ali-Balogun also processed false birth certificates for children to help the fraudsters jump the housing queue. Michael Goodwin, prosecuting, explained that the fraud cost the council about £2.4million and left genuine homeless people without a roof above their heads. “She sought to exploit and capitalise on the weaknesses and procedures which were clearly in place at the time. Her misconduct represents an abuse of trust placed in her by the local authority.” Mr Goodwin explained that the case worker was paid at least £20,000 in backhanders and used the bungs to fund trips abroad. “Part of her function and responsibility was to protect the public purse by ensuring only those in need of homeless housing were granted it. “She acted for financial reward and that would have been paid to her directly by applicants or by third party fixers who were working in the community.” The prosecutor explained that the offences took place when there was a significant shortage of housing available, something which remains the case. Taxpayers’ money was being used to subsidise housing for fraudsters who claimed to be homeless despite owning other properties. Ali-Balogun was said to have been responsible for 24 applications which she knew contained forged signatures as part of the ‘sophisticated’ arrangement. “Only she could have known that it was not being signed as it should have been,” said Mr Goodwin. Bogus National Insurance numbers belonging to genuine people were also used along with ‘fake Home Office vignettes’ granting indefinite leave to remain in the UK. In some cases the Home Office had no records of the applicants ever existing in the country. Mr. Goodwin said at least 20 prop-

erties were occupied by tenants who were not entitled to them. Some of the defendants even used ‘bogus’ birth certificates in order to pretend they had children which would speed up their applications, among other benefits. “If they had two or three children they were entitled to bigger properties which the council had to find from their waiting list.” Four applicants - including Falana ended up buying the properties at a reduced price as a result of their deception, using the Government’s ‘Right To Buy’ scheme. These properties are now likely to be subject to county court proceedings to determine whether they should be handed back. Oyedele, a former assistant to the Nigerian High Commissioner, is refusing to leave his Bermondsey flat, the court heard. Falana obtained a four bedroom property in central London after previously being rejected for homeless housing due to her children not having indefinite leave to remain in the UK. She bought it in 2007 at a £60,000 discount under the Right to Buy scheme. Olaiya used three ‘bogus’ children to help further his claim along with a

fake passport when he was unlawfully in the country after previously being deported. Oyedele was found to have ‘considerable funds’ in his bank account and did not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK and no evidence was ever found that he had any real children. Awotiwon purchased a flat in Southwark, with a mortgage in 2004 for around £172,000, which she was letting out while claiming to need homeless housing. She received £226,000 of housing over a 12 year period and is refusing to leave. Mr. Goodwin said she was essentially “a landlord while claiming to be homeless.” The court also heard that Ali-Balogun herself had previously applied for a council home as a result of domestic violence. Operation Bronze started in 2011 and was based on the review of suspicious data matches from the Cabinet Office’s National Fraud Initiative (NFI) and the Metropolitan Police Operation Amberhill. So far 30 fraudsters have been convicted and 41 properties have been re-

The offences took place when there was a significant shortage of housing available. Taxpayers’ money was being used to subsidise housing for fraudsters who claimed to be homeless despite owning other properties

covered and re-let to those with a genuine need for housing. Ali-Balogun was found guilty of misconduct in public office. Awotiwon, of Southwark; Oyedele, of Bermondsey; and Falana, of Walworth, were each convicted of a single count of obtaining services by deception. Olaiya, of Gillingham, Kent, was found guilty of attempting to obtain services by deception. Jailing Ali-Balogun for five years, Judge Mark Bishop said, “You carried out these applications in such a way to make it look like you had carried out the correct procedures. “Social housing, in particular in central London, is scarce. People wait in the queue for many years for council accommodation. “By your misconduct, you reduced the amount of available housing stock for genuine homeless applicants.” When no housing was available, the council had to place those looking for a home in B&B accommodation, leaving the local taxpayer to foot the bill, said Judge Bishop. “You carried out this conduct for backhand (bribe) and the jury found you were dishonest. You would not have processed any of these applications which were being made without this money. “It seems to me very likely that you were paid more than £20,000. You would not have done it without being paid for it. This was a very serious abuse of public trust that was placed in you. “You took advantage of your position as a public official. You conduct was serious and corrupt, it was not conduct for a public official to engage in.” (www.mailonline.com)

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MAY 7, 2016

Dear Bukola

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

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

My boyfriend speaks bad English Dear Bukola,

My boyfriend thinks he owns me

Dear Bukola have been dating this guy for 6 years now, right from when I was in school. He has really been helpful to me and my family but unfortunately he now acts like he owns me. I can’t do anything unless he approves of it. He wouldn’t let me mix with anyone he doesn’t like. Worst thing he does is that he monitors my movement with phone calls throughout the day especially when I am not with him. I’m fed up of his behaviour… maybe I should leave him now before it’s too late? Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous, think your man has become the over possessive type. When a man starts acting like he’s in charge of everything a

woman does, such a relationship has become an unhealthy one. That a man does a lot of things for a woman or her family members does not mean he has the right to control everything about her. If he starts isolating you by not allowing you to mix with the people you choose now that you are still dating and you get married to him, be prepared for full isolation. A controlling or over possessive man is more likely to become verbally abusive or physically abusive so you need to be very careful and know what you are doing. You need to sit him down and have a long conversation with him. Appreciate him for all he’s done for you over the years…. It is really not easy to find a man that would take care of you and your family. After you’ve appreciated him properly, express in clear terms

how you feel about his over possessiveness. Ensure you let him know how unhappy or weary it makes you feel. Also, assure him that you love him and that he’s got nothing to be scared or worried about. Let him know if he stops treating you like one of his acquisitions, you both may spend a long time together as a married couple but if he doesn’t, you may have to leave him. After this conversation, if he doesn’t change to a more trusting and better person, you may need to put an end to the relationship. Like I wrote earlier, it is very unhealthy to be in a relationship with an over possessive man but it is hell to be married to one. Think about this and work on it as fast as possible. I wish you all the strength you need.

the necessary approval. She hurt me so much and I think this might make me feel better.

think is important right now is for you to forgive her. Yes, she hurt you badly but the relationship wasn’t meant to be therefore, forgiving her will make you feel better. Also you need to open your heart so that you can meet a better woman, one that would feel privileged to spend the rest of her life with you. Lastly, if she qualifies for the job she applied for, please give the necessary approval…. You wouldn’t want to have any guilt on your mind especially because you are not in any position to pay her back for what she did to you. If she seems desperate for the job that must be because she has learnt her lessons and wants to make ends meet on her own without depending on a man, please don’t deny her of that chance. Your approval will also let her know how life can play games with us. All the best!

Should I take revenge? Dear Bukola,

was dating this beautiful lady for about two years, in fact, I thought we were headed for the aisle but everything changed when she met a guy way richer than I was. She broke up with me in the meanest way. I was really in love with her so I was very devastated and heartbroken when she left me. That was 3 years ago. Now I have a better job in a multinational and I am living a good life. Last week fortunately or unfortunately, this same lady was interviewed for a position in my office but I am the one who can give the final approval as to whether she should be employed or not. Let me add the fact that she looked very desperate for the job so I think this is the time for me to pay her back by not giving

Dear heartbroken, ometimes life has a way of giving us blessings disguised as disappointments, I guess that is why some people say ‘every disappointment is a blessing’. You need to be thankful to God that she left you when she did, because she would have wasted more than two years of your life. What I am saying in essence is that such a lady would leave you no matter how hard you try to please her. Imagine a situation where you both eventually get married then things become financially wrong…. Do you think she wouldn’t leave you for the next richer man she sees? This is why I want you to be thankful she left you when she did. Next thing I

have this tall, dark and handsome boyfriend that is (physically) every woman’s dream. But wait until you hear him speak! He has this very bad accent and can’t even construct his words well in English. He has embarrassed me severally in front of friends and my family but because I love him very much, I’m still holding on to him. I only wonder how long I can cope because it is gradually becoming a big cause of concern for me and everyone around me. Please I need your advice.

Dear girlfriend,

hen I read that you love this guy very much I heaved a sigh of relief because that means the necessary foundation is there. With the love you have for him, I don’t think this should be a problem you can’t both solve. Why I think you should work with him in solving his diction or English problem is because if you leave him, what assurance do you have that the man you meet next won’t have a bigger problem? So many men out there that have good diction or good command of English but have one flaw or the other; sometimes those flaws are worse than you can imagine… no one is perfect! If your man gives you the happiness or fulfilment you want, be his support system. Let people around you understand that you love him and you are not willing to let go of him all because of a flaw that can be managed. After all, love is supposed to conquer all so if you believe he can take good care of you, be a very good husband and loving father to your unborn children, he deserves every support he can get from you. Let him know you want him to improve his communication skills and that you are willing to work with him to achieve that. There are finishing schools around where this aim can be achieved without any stress. When he improves, don’t be surprised that all those who think he is probably inappropriate for you will wish he was theirs. Good luck with it!

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MAY 7, 2016

Male

Jide animashaun 08034710902

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Angle

Should a married woman visit a T

Be careful

here is this popular Nigerian saying that you should not smell what you will not eat. Wise words right? Yet a lot of people are fond of doing exactly that in their daily activities while daring the consequences of their actions against the Fates. Or what will you call the scenario that may unfold when the rat goes visiting the lion in its den? Life and everything we do daily while going through existence are mainly calculated risks that in most cases we are not even conscious of, but when we start tempting the Fates, especially when we may be aware of the likely issues and consequences that may happen, we end up in a situation that though we did not bargain for, we should not say we did not expect. Vacation means leisure time. Time you either spend alone at your own pace or with friends just soaking up the pleasures of life without any stress. It is supposed to be that time when you are not under any pressures to bond with people. Although your intentions may be pure, no one wakes up to an affair. It is a slow process of boundary-less decisions taking while with a trusted friend in a compromising situation mostly. Affairs do not come up overnight. And visiting a male friend living alone is a logical step to compromising ones positions about ones marriage. A lot of women these days are in jobs which tends to make them have friends of the opposite sex especially since most work places these days are not gender selective again. This has led to the advent of close friendships beyond gender settings but the truth is that this same advantage can be the architect of so many friendship misfortunes especially when boundaries are not set from the beginning of the friendship between the friends involved. Sexual attraction is not just something we are taught in the classroom during a biology class. The probability of two adults who are close friends developing that attraction is very high and

when you put the addition of free time, loneliness in a place where the woman has someone she can reach out to help make her visit more fun and the parties being far away from the zone that they feel they can be caught, in truth it will be very foolish of us to say that nothing will happen though there may be a small exception to the rule. People need to nurture and protect their marriages even against their own stupid decisions at times. No one is perfect but we should not give the society the cannon fodder to help ruin what we cherish. Doing the “Right Thing” isn’t just about good conscience but also about being seen to be well “Above Board” while doing it. A married woman has an image in this part of the word that is very fragile and very easy to destroy. It is not about knowing that you have not done anything wrong. It is more about the society not thinking that you have done something wrong, because believe me, unless you have a very understanding husband and there are very few of those presently, you can be very sure that just an innocent unchaperoned visit can and will severely damage your reputation and affect the marriage too if not to damage it beyond repairs. In truth, there really is nothing wrong here but like it has already been pointed out, our society; full of morals, customs and traditions, whether archaic or not, is not yet ready to accept unchaperoned friendships between a married woman who visits a male friend living alone while on vacation. If you’re thinking by now that I have surely lost my mind because it seems I’m saying that men living alone who are friends with married women can’t be trusted, you are far from that. Friendship is about trust and I have a few lady friends who I know I can be a gentleman around. Same goes for my partner. But the larger society is all about being careful and not giving in to temptations or situations where something bad like rape can even occur. We need to be vigilant and careful always.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Is bigger always better?

avoid those men that are bigger. – Rukayat, 24

en love to brag about the size of their penis. It is believed that the bigger the penis, the more fun the woman will have. But is this always the case? Six women reveal the reasons why they are not big fans of well endowed men! 1.Bad idea for first timers My first time was with a guy who had a very big one. It was so traumatising and painful that for a long time, I was afraid of sex. Eventually, I dated someone who was average and sex was fun. I made a vow to

2. Uncomfortable oral sex I currently have a fiance who is very endowed. I eventually got used to his size but it is so hard to give him oral sex. He loves getting it but it makes my jaw hurt for days after. I avoid giving him a blow job very often because it is so uncomfortable and I am sure he is not very happy about this. – Iyin, 26 3. They don’t try hard enough I don’t know if it is because having a big penis is something to be proud of, but the two endowed men I have had sex with do not try hard enough in the bedroom. They believe I do not need anything else apart from their big D. They are terrible with foreplay.

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MAY 7, 2016

Female

Angle

YEMISI ADENIRAN 08029894772 email: ydiran@yahoo.com

a male friend who lives alone? M

This column is x-rated One of them would never even finger me. He was always bragging about why I would need his finger when he is so big. Needless to say, I never lasted long in those relationships. – Rita, 24 4. Some positions are impossible Ah! I am currently dating one of those men right now. It is very uncomfortable sometimes. Before meeting him, I usually enjoy doggy style, but it has become such a terror to endure with him. He hits my cervix and it is not enjoyable. We only do missionary most of the time because it is less painful. It really does not make our sex life spicy at all. – Yetunde, 23 5. Hand jobs are difficult My main issue with men that are big is that you cannot really wrap your hand around it. While it might seem like some-

This column is x-rated thing to be impressed about, it really is no fun for me. I enjoy giving hand jobs for many reasons, especially as foreplay. But when I dated one endowed guy for a year, I did not enjoy it. It cramped my hands and made things difficult. – Benita, 27 6. It’s all they talk about My only issue with them is that they talk about how big it is too much. One I dated one time cannot have sex without mentioning how big it is, like 50 times in every round. He will ask me to say how big he is, he will make me talk about how I enjoy the size, etc. When I want to do dirty talk my way, he will just ignore and would rather spend the whole session talking about his penis and how I should be grateful for it. It was not fun. – Franca, 24 (Culled from Naij.com)

Don’t do it!

arriage is good and is designed to last for a long time provided the two important ingredients that matter in any strongly-founded relationship are present. They are trust and caution. Honestly, where these two are present, there is a high level of safety of marriage vows. While a visitation of a friend who lives alone can be harmless, where trust is absent and where caution is not applied by both players involved, danger may be imminent. Why did I say this? A friend that is of age and possibly has been out of contact for some time with somebody might have changed from what and who he or she used to be known for. He might have picked up some characters that are new and harmful to somebody’s safety. This can endanger anyone. In an instance where a man lives alone, it is possible that he has missed the warmth of a woman and if perhaps there used to be some attraction between the two people, the old flame can be ignited and that can endanger the marriage of the one who is married. But like I said, if caution is applied where necessary, the impending doom is likely to be avoided,. Come to think of it, why on earth would a married woman visit a male friend alone especially when she is on a holiday and her husband is not with her? That is risky. But if there is no string attached at any time and the man is psychological fit, there should not be any problem. A mature man and woman with no hidden agenda should keep a healthy relationship whether married or not. Where there is a marital issue and the woman is on some holiday to get some fresh breath, such a visit can be very dangerous. The same is applicable to men. Those who have fallen victim of a negative outcome of such step taken have come up with the “ I don’t know how it happened. One thing just led to the other and here we are today.” This is why it is important that a third party should be involved where one is not sure of the stand of the other party. Even if you have informed your husband who is not on that trip with you, you still must take some precautive measures. For instance, you don’t have tom pay him a visit in his house. You can share precious time at some eateries, go to cinema but not his house or some hotels. It will be fun if such precautions are taken. Definitely, yu will not be bored during the holiday. The following points will explain my choice of where the visitation should be. You don’t know what he is thinking or going through. Sometimes women don’t have a clue the power we possess over men. We talk our normal happy, girly talk and don’t realize that our natural chattiness can be taken as a sign that we are interested in something more. Even to a married man. Even to a happily married man. Also, we might not know exactly if the man has issues with his marriage or has some other problems with his work or other psychological problems.. There are a million things that can mag-

netize a man’s heart to a woman’s attentiveness. It is important to take steps that will protect us and that of your partner wherever he or she is Obviously, women aren’t responsible for how a man thinks about her, but we should be sensitive to our level of friendliness and the amount of time we spend chatting with another man. It only takes one moment or lingering look. The hours you two spent together no matter how short may mean a lot to a man who really has been lonely and carried away by the moment. This may ignite something in him and if it is not in an open or free place, the outcome may go beyond your expectation. His look or action may send a signal that may alter a lot of things. God help you if your own marriage is heading towards the rock. It may not go down well with your husband. When you choose to be close friends with a man, you don’t experience those petty works that you do around the house at home. You are just relaxed and he does the whole job of entertainment. It’s easy to start enjoying that company because the relationship is all fun and games. No bills to discuss. No big family decisions to make. Just good conversation. This can become a huge source of dissatisfaction with your own husband. It may also become a distraction from him. So, why start at all? Remember our sinful nature. One of the biggest mistakes that everyone makes is saying ‘I’ll never do that!” Somehow, as soon as we utter the words ‘I’ll never…” – our flesh rises up and says, ‘Ha, ha! We’ll see about that!’ Our sinful nature causes us to want what we shouldn’t want. In the Bible, Apostle Paul noted this when he states that ‘I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15). Even the best of Christans can fall because no one is infallible. However, this is not to say we cannot keep male friends as married women. No! It is not. That would be ludicrous. Talking to a man isn’t evil, but it should be area that we are constantly aware of. We shouldn’t let our guard down with a man other than our husbands. We can select few others as brothers and fathers not only for our sake, but theirs. There is no hard and fast rule for how much communication with another man is too much. That’s something everyone should figure out personally and guide against by applying caution. Marriage is such a sacred thing. With divorce rate being so high, I hope that women everywhere would take the necessary steps to keep their marriages healthy and free from the distractions that could be caused by a close male friendship. Men, on the other hand should know that they are the most endangered specie. You don’t know since when that sister, that female secretary, neighbour or friend that really wants you in their bed. A word is enough for the wise.

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Diabetes Mellitus

•Increasing rates in Africa, youths worry experts

ising incidence of diabetes mellitus all over the world has become a cause for concern. Unlike in the past when our main concern in the continent of Africa was infectious diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, though more prevalent in the developed world still, is rapidly increasing in incidence. Such is the rise in incidence of this non-infectious disease that the world health authorities estimates that the tide may shift and more people may actually be living with diabetes in this part of the world compared to the developed world if the current trend is left unchecked. This increase in diabetes occurrence has been linked to urbanization, lifestyle changes and the adoption of western diets. Currently, almost 400 million people, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) are living with diabetes all over the world. This group of people, except well managed, are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, blindness and amputation of a limb. Not only that, younger people, unlike in the past, are now more susceptible to diabetes through a not fully understood reason. Simply put, diabetes has become a global public health concern and has now joined the list of diseases we should be very wary of in Africa. What is Diabetes? In simple terms, diabetes is a complex group of diseases that result when the body has insufficient supply of insulin, either because it is not producing enough or it has a reduced ability to make use of available insulin, and sometimes for both reasons. Insulin is produced by the Pancrease, an organ in the left upper part of the abdomen. It is an important hormone whose primary function is to allow glucose or sugars in the food enter into our cells and get converted to the form in which they can be used as energy. Glucose is an important ingredient for the sustenance of human beings. The food we eat is broken down into glucose, which is used by the body as earlier explained. When the body has made use of the required energy from glucose, the rest is usually stored in the liver, until a time when we have not eaten for some time and the liver now releases the stored glucose into the blood stream for use by the body. This auto regulatory mechanism becomes distorted in diabetes mellitus. When this anomaly results, the excess glucose which could not get into

cells for usage or storage now begins to circulate in the blood, giving rise to the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Types: There are different types of specific diseases in the spectrum of diabetes. They are Type 1 diabetes : This is a rare form of diabetes accounting for only 1 in 10 cases. Also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, it commonly afflicts children and adolescents and most people develop it before the age of 40years. In this type of diabetes the body loses almost totally its ability to produce insulin and sufferers may have to take insulin injections indefinitely Type 2 diabetes: This is the type of diabetes most people are familiar with. It is also the most common, with 90% of diabetes cases attributed to it. Majority of people with type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, are adults who are overweight or with the tendency to be. In this type of diabetes, insulin is produced in insufficient

quantities or the body cells are not responsive to it - in a condition known as insulin resistance Gestational diabetes: Ordinarily in pregnancy, different hormones are produced to sustain the growing foetus. Some of these hormones make the woman’s body resistant to insulin. This insulin resistance is usually counteracted by the Pancrease which simply produces more insulin. Sometimes however the Pancrease is overwhelmed, resulting in gestational diabetes or pregnancy induced diabetes. Causes and Risk factors: The theory behind the causes of diabetes is complex somewhat and is not fully known. For example, it is believed that in type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system which is meant to fight and destroy harmful infectious organisms in the body, suddenly attacks the insulin producing cells in the body and begins to destroy them until they become insignificant. It is also believed that genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in the process leading to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While the cause of diabetes as yet has not been fully ascertained, a number of risk factors have been identified. These are: Family history: for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the risk of developing diabetes increases if one or both parents have the disease. This is also true of gestational diabetes, but in addition, gestation diabetes may reoccur in a woman with a previous history. Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases as one gets older. The explanation given for this is that older people tend to gain weight and exercise less .Gestational diabetes is also commoner in women giving birth to their first child at an older age.

Weight: fatty tissues are known to be resistant to insulin, the more of them you accumulate, the more resistant you become to insulin. This is especially so in type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, where women who are overweight before pregnancy are at increased risk Diet: there is a high level of suspicion that low vitamin D consumption may result in type 1 diabetes, hence children fed with cow milk’s formula or exposed to cereals before 4 months of age are believed to be more at risk, though not yet proven. For type 2 diabetes, excessive sugar consumption which leads to excessive accumulation of fats may be an indirect cause. Race: for unknown reasons people of Asian origin, Hispanics and Blacks are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes; while the Scandinavians have higher rates of type 1 diabetes. Abnormal level of cholesterol: almost everyone now knows that having a low level of ‘good’ cholesterol and a high level of ‘bad’ cholesterol is almost a sure recipe for developing diabetes. Lack of activity: if you don’t move your body, you are at increased risk of diabetes. Adequate exercise helps you burn excess glucose, control your weight and make your cells more sensitive to insulin. Others: other risk factors have been identified for diabetes, such as High blood pressure Polycystic ovary disease for type 2 diabetes And Viral illness for type 1 diabetes Let’s make it a date next week, as we shall continue this series on diabetes mellitus. Before then, attempt to move your body and burn those extra fats! You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng. Every Wednesdays and Fridays (4-8pm)

39 Sport Rio 2016: Urhobo raises alarm over Olympics Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

Ifeanyi Eduzor

Okgbare in action for Nigeria (Insect Urhobo)

ith less than four months to the commencement of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, former President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tony Urhobo has raised alarm over the state of the country’s athletes, warning that unless something urgent is done, the country will witness a repeat performance of London 2012 Games where the country failed to win a single medal for the first time in Olympic history since 1988. The XXX1 Olympics is expected to kick off from August 5- 21 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil with Nigeria participating in eight sports namely; men’s football, basketball, canoeing, table tennis, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting and some track and field events. In an exclusive interview with Saturday Mirror, the former national athletics Coach of Benin Republic expressed disappointment at the level of preparation of athletes ahead of the greatest sporting event in the World, positing that the country’s sports needs serious overhauling. “I am highly disturbed that our sports administrators did not learn anything from the disastrous outing of our athletes at London 2012 Olympics. I had expected them to put in place modalities that will prevent such ugly experience happening in Brazil. “What I observed is that because nobody took responsibility for that misadventure, they did not take preparations for Rio 2016 serious which they have four years to do and that will definitely reflect the result we will get in Brazil”, lamented the Delta State born athletics Coach. On the argument in some quarters that some of the country’s athletes will perform better in Rio considering their performance in various competitions they took part in Europe and America, he insisted that those results are not good yardstick to measure success at the Olympics because some of the time they return are not up to Olympics time.

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“It is true that some of our athletes are performing well in various invitational tournaments they enter in Europe and America but it must be noted that these athletes because they do not get training grants from Government need these competitions to survive. “Apart from monetary incentives, other countries make sure that their athletes have the right nutrition which is given them edge over our athletes. “Unfortunately, Nigeria did not have this type of luxury and nutrition is an important aspect of training. “You also need to consider the level of opposition they meet in these competitions. You will also ask yourself, how many of the Olympics and World record holders participate in these races. “Common sense will also tell you that when an athlete’s best time in the 100 meters is 10: 10 seconds, there is no way he can compete with a person like Usain Bolt who set an Olympic record of 9:69 and is even talking of breaking that record. So, any athlete who wants to compete favourably at the Olympics must be targeting at least 10 seconds flat”, noted the veteran athletics Coach. The former athletics boss also took a swipe at the various grassroots developmental programmes being organized in the country with a declaration that they are not serving the purpose they are meant for because over aged athletes dominate such events. “When I look at the various grassroots sporting events organized in this country, I feel like shading tears for Nigeria. I say this because I have discovered that instead of using these programmes to discover talents you will discover that those who do not have any business being there are the ones to be found there. “You will also be shocked that most times, events organized for secondary school students’ are dominated by those who have left school and above the stipulated age allowed for the event and no country’s sports can develop through that system”, Urhobo concluded.

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MIRROR SPORT

MirrorGolf With Pius Anakali

MAY 7, 2016

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Leicester City: The science behind their Premier League title

Leishman

Zika virus forces Leishman out of Olympics

ustralian golfer Marc Leishman has pulled out of the Olympic Games in Rio over concerns about Zika virus. The mosquito-borne virus, centred in north-east Brazil, has been declared a global public health emergency as it spreads through South America. It is being linked with thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. Leishman said he was concerned about the risks of transmitting the virus to his wife, who has a poor immune system. The world number 35 said he

“almost lost” his wife, Audrey, to toxic shock syndrome last year and that she was still recovering. “It was a difficult yet easy decision not to participate,” said Leishman, 32, who would have represented Australia in Rio this summer. “We understand that family must always come first and we respect Marc’s decision not to play in Rio,” the Australian team chef de mission Kitty Chiller said. Golf is returning to the Games after a 112-year absence, with the world’s biggest names such as Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day.

McIlroy to miss Wentworth PGA Tour

ory McIlroy will miss the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth this month in a further blow to the European Tour’s flagship event. McIlroy is defending his title in the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow this week and will then contest the Players Championship at Sawgrass and the Irish Open, an event hosted by his own foundation. That means the BMW PGA Championship, which he won in 2014, would have been a fourth tournament in a row and the world No3 has previously indicated he is not keen on such a schedule following the ankle injury he suffered in 2015. McIlroy’s agent confirmed that Wentworth was not on the four-time major winner’s schedule

but said that he would play in the Memorial Tournament the following week, in preparation for the US Open at Oakmont.

Olympic Day celebration for June 25

he 2016 Olympic Day celebration would hold on June 25, 2016 across the globe, while here in Nigeria, the event is expected to be celebrated in the 36 states of the federation; including the Federal Capital territory, Abuja. Chairman of the Sports for All Nigeria, Prince Henry Amike told Saturday Mirror yesterday that this year’s event promises to be bigger, better and more glamorous, if words coming from their esteem partners is anything to count on even as he added that Directors of sports from the 36 states of the federation including the federal capital territory, Abuja have since embraced the programme during the two-day workshop held in Lagos. Prince Amike advised states that are yet to register for the Olympic day celebration to

endeavour and register so as to be captured in the 2016 activities. He also pleaded with corporate bodies to support the programme through sponsorship while explaining that Aerobic, cultural display, keep fit and jogging exercise will be prominent in this year’s programme. Secretary of sports for All Nigeria Commission, Augustine Odigie said some states have since registered for the event and submitted their programme to the central working committee ahead of the June 25th event proper. In Lagos, the event will start with a two-day educational programme for school children which will involve Arts, Quiz and Debates and would hold on Thursday June, 23 and Friday June 24 before the grand finale on Saturday June 25, 2016.

Leicester City Players celebrating their 2015/2016 Premiership win

s much as Leicester City’s transformation from relegation favourites to Premier League champions has been cast as fantasy football, the reality is a lot more calculated. Diligent owners, resourceful scouting and an effervescent manager have played a telling part. But an innovative sports science and medical team, carefully integrated into the decision making process, has created a perfect model for success. Leicester are not alone in using cutting-edge technology in the Premier League, of course, but using beetroot shots as a performance enhancer and ice chambers to improve recovery do mark them out from the crowd. The key difference is how manager Claudio Ranieri includes them in his plans. As former Liverpool fitness and conditioning coach Darren Burgess said, “Quite often, the coaches don’t listen.” Fewer injuries and using fewer players have allowed Leicester to employ Ranieri’s tactics to perfection. So many sprints but so few injuries When Ranieri was appointed last summer, the club’s owners made it clear the backroom staff he inherited from previous boss Nigel Pearson were to be trusted. “He was quite taken aback with how we work the players here,” said assistant manager Craig Shakespeare. Already influential under Pearson, the staff has proven even more important for a Ranieri team built on speed. According to Opta, the champions have made more counter-attacks and scored more counter-attacking goals than any other team this season. To do this, the players must be conditioned to perform sprints on a regular basis without their bodies breaking down. Striker Jamie Vardy, who has recorded the fastest speed in the Premier League this season - 35.44 km/h - and can perform up to 500m of sprints in every game, is a good example. First they must build hamstring strength, which they do using a custom-built leg press on which

they can lift 350-500kg. They also use a piece of equipment called a NordBord, which allows them to improve and measure hamstring strength, sometimes even doing post-match exercises on it in the dressing room. Towards the end of the week, players will also do sprint drills in order to expose them to peak speeds. Leicester strength and conditioning coach Matt Reeves said in a podcast earlier this season: “GPS data showed us that, even though we play in larger areas to allow players to reach high speeds, it was more down to circumstance. A centre-half might do it by chasing a ball over the top, but without that, they were lacking exposure.” So typically on a Thursday, when players might be tired after training, they are lined up to do a 40m sprint. It may sound like a recipe for injury but is exactly the opposite. Without that exposure, players are at risk on match days, and Leicester’s lack of soft-tissue injuries would suggest it is a method that works. Then there is the beetroot juice. According to scientists at the University of Exeter, drinking it improves sprint performance and decision-making. Although the study found improvements were relatively low at 3.5%, even a marginal gain like this might be enough for the likes of Vardy to reach a cross before a defender. Leicester’s early exit from cups this season, allied to a lack of European football, has given their sports scientists an added advantage over other top teams in that they can plan the week’s training with a high degree of control. It also means players do not train too much and risk injury. That might sound obvious, but Leicester’s decision to include a 48-hour recovery process after games, and have another day off in midweek, is a schedule not always followed by other clubs. Everything is monitored, including the density of the pitch to see if it is too hard or soft, with the length of the session adapted accordingly. Player movement,

meanwhile, is recorded through Catapult GPS vests, which show how far they run, the level of intensity, acceleration, deceleration, and changes of direction. If explosive players such as Vardy have trained too hard and need to be pulled out of certain sessions, Ranieri is willing to listen to the experts around him. “Some managers get good results without resorting to this type of screening,” Burgess said. “But you can’t help but be aided by good data to help manage players, particularly if they are playing a high-pressing game.” Added to this objective data, Leicester’s players also complete a daily questionnaire on an iPad. They are asked how their bodies feel after the previous day’s training so if several make a similar complaint of slight muscle soreness in their quadriceps, for example, the team can adjust the session next time to avoid a similar problem. The questionnaire also asks how the player slept and whether they were disturbed in the night, all so they can adapt what they eat and drink to ensure they get the best rest possible. When Vardy injured his hip in November, it looked as though his run of goals in consecutive games might come to an end. The fact he continued to play was due to a cryotherapy ice chamber, in which players are exposed to temperatures of -135C for up to four minutes. The chamber works in a similar way to an ice bath, with blood withdrawn back to the heart before new oxygenated blood flushes into the player’s muscles. Because it affects the whole body, Leicester’s head physio Dave Rennie, says it is far more effective, particularly when there is little time between games. “The players like it because it’s a dry ice but not as harsh on the skin as ice baths,” Reeves said. “The players will often walk down the corridor afterwards looking light on their feet and feeling good in themselves. It also has a knock-on effect with sleep for that evening and the following evening.” -Culled from BBC

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MIRROR SPORT

MAY 7, 2016

ABUJA

F Madrid Open: Murray, Nadal to clash in semi-final

efending champion Andy Murray beat Tomas Berdych 6-3 6-2 to progress to the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. The Scot produced arguably his best performance of the season to record a first win over the Czech on clay. Murray, who beat 16th seed Gilles Simon to reach the quarter-finals, won 92% of his first-serve points and denied

eighth-seed Berdych any break points. The world number two, 28, will face nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal in the last four. Home favourite Nadal, who is looking for a third successive tournament victory following his wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, beat Portuguese world number 35 Joao Sousa 6-0 4-6 6-3.

Pay my salary, ex-ABS coach pleads

ormer coach of ABS Football Club of Ilorin, Yusuf Salihu, has launched a passionate appeal to management of the club to offset his salary arrears before the new season commences. Salihu, who lamented to Saturday Mirror yesterday, said the management had ignored previous calls and a fresh appeal had become imperative. “I have no choice but to beg the club to adhere to FIFA rules that stipulate settlement of outstanding debts to stakeholders in football,” the coach said. Salihu said he was owed a total of 23 months in arrears and wondered why the management

should keep shunning his entreaties. “If they want to participate in the Nigeria National League 2015/2016 season, they should settle outstanding wages and signon fees of old coaches and players, particularly the sign-on fees for 2012/2013 season,” he added. Interestingly, General Manager of ABS FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka, said recently that the club owed no former and current players and officials any salary arrears and was focused on the new season. “Our target at the moment is to work hard to return to the top flight at the end of the season,” Chukwuemeka said.

Asuquo eyes Flying Eagles call up Ifeanyi Eduzor

ngland based Nigerian youngster, Etim Asuquo has made a passionate appeal to Flying Eagles chief Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke to invite him to the U-20 team camp in Abuja. Asuquo who operates from left and right wings at Murton Rovers of Swansea in the English Reserve division is confident of grabbling a Flying Eagles shirt if Amuneke invites him to the national camp in Abuja. The 18 year old stated that it has been his dream to feature for the country beside his target of playing for an English premiership outfit in the nearest future. “I’m looking forward to playing for my country although I’m yet to make formal contact with the Nigeria Football Federation. “I thoroughly enjoyed Coach Amuneke and the Golden Eaglets that won the FIFA U- 17 World Cup. I will feel great if I’m invited by

Hiddink

Amuneke who is apparently championing the new face of Nigeria football. “At 18 I’m confident I would easily fit in particularly with my flare for goals, discipline and general creativity”, concluded Asuquo while praying that the Flying Eagles over run Burundi in qualifiers for the next African Youth Championship.

Flying Eagles Coach, Amuneke

NFF Crisis: Police arrest Giwa, prevents him from taking over Glass House JOEL AJAYI

Murray

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actional President of Nigeria Football Federation, Chris Giwa was yesterday arrested by men of the Nigerian Police when he tried to resume as President of the football house. Giwa and his group had stormed the office of Nigeria Football Federation around 4:03pm and after inspecting the offices, addressed the few staff he met on ground. This happened after a bailiff had served a court judgment from the Federal High Court Jos on the General Secretary of the Federation. But at exactly 4:26pm about five unharmed policemen stormed the Glass house and whisked him away to Wuse Zone 3 police station for interrogation. One of the policeman told Saturday Mirror that they were working on instruction from above.

Speaking before he was whisked away, Giwa said, “My coming here today is to re-confirm the validity of Jos High Court ruling on my mandate to resume as the NFF president. When asked whether he came to resume office he said; “yes, but I will resume fully on Monday.” It would be recalled that, on April 8th, 2016 the Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State and presided over by Justice Musa Haruna Kurya sacked the board of Nigeria Football Federation headed by Amaju Pinnick. The judgment re-affirmed its earlier order that the election and congress of September 30, 2014 which brought the present board into office is null and void. Since that judgment, a detachment of Nigerian Police has been stationed in the NFF secretariat to prevent break down of Law and order. Meanwhile, NFF has released a statement saying it has filed an appeal against the judgment and a for a stay-of-execution of the judgment. According to a statement signed

Chris Giwa by its 1st vice president, Seyi Akinwumi, the Federation noted that since an appeal and a motion to vacate the order as well as motion for stay of execution has been filled, the status quo remains pending the determination of the appeal.

NNL shifts 2015/2016 season kick-off date

he 2015/2016 Nigeria National League (NNL) season will no longer begin today as earlier fixed at the March 6 NNL Congress in Abuja, A statement by NNL’s Media Head, Amar Ignis, indicated that the 2015/2016 NNL season will now begin on May 28. It said the development was

a result of the inability of some clubs to complete registration formalities on time. ``The league’s Executive Secretary, Lawrence Katken, said this followed the inability of some clubs to complete their registration formalities at the appointed time. The NNL further stated that the clubs were expected to use

the postponement to ensure that all registration formalities and settlement of all indebtedness were completed before the new kick-off date. It also stated that the Seyi Akinwunmi-led NNL Adhoc Committee was optimistic that the postponement would neither affect the competitiveness nor the proper scheduling of the league.

Wrestling: Power Lee retains heavyweight title Ifeanyi Eduzor

…set to present belt to Gov. Okowa

WA Africa heavyweight champion, Power Lee of Nigeria has successfully defended his title against his challenger and number two contender to the throne, Marvelous Buffalo of Angola. The title defence tagged “The Return of Glory, Asaba 2016” and held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Asaba Township Stadium, last Saturday; saw the two wrestlers punishing each other from the first minute but it was not until after fifteen minutes of the encounter that Power Lee took control of the fight, punishing his opponent to submission before slamming him on the mat twice to gain a pin fall and be declared winner of the fight , marking the first successful defence of the belt since he snatched it from Cameroonian Michel Noudem in September last year. In the other supporting fights of the night, Zion Lion and Flying Dan Ko ended their encounter in a draw while Young Power Mike defeated his more muscular opponent Eagle de Great Nail. Ghana based Nigerian wrestler,

Power Lee surrounded by his fans displays his belt after the title defence.

Ultimate Power and Young Stamina were disqualified after being counted out by the referee for taking the fight outside the ring just as Mighty Man defeated USA Bing of DR Congo while Mr. Sharpman who was equally matched to the wrestling tactics and gimmicks of Wolf NDA 98 lost to wolf after twenty minutes of fierce bout in a contest that kept the fans on their toes. The carnival like title defence attracted some Royal fathers namely; the Ovie of Ellu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Murphy Urugbezi, Ogwara 1; the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty. Barrister. Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1; High Chief Iduh

Amadhe, President General of Isoko Development Union, Director General of Delta State Sports Commission, Victor Onogagamue, Chief Job Owhefere who represented the Odiologbo of Owhe kingdom, His Royal Highness Okpuzo Romanus Ejirememe Inana 1 and other well meaning Deltans who witnessed the greatest wrestling contest in the state since its creation about 25 years ago. Power Lee told Saturday Mirror that his next plan is to present the belt to Delta State Governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa who described him as a worthy ambassador when he won the title few months ago.

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NATIONAL NEWS

MAY 7, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

Crime Watch

Anxiety in Lagos as antirobbery policemen turn armed robbers

Patience Ogbo

hen the present Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, took over the mantle of leadership as the Inspector General of Police, one of the numerous complaints he received was from Nigerians and human rights groups both local and international on corruption, extra-judicial killing and gross human rights abuse by officers of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) Ikeja. Following the complaints, the then Officer -in- Charge of SARS, SP Abba Kyari, and his officers and men were disbanded and transferred to Abuja and Sokoto State. The police authority went a step further and prosecuted SARS operatives accused of killing suspects in police custody. The police high Command also split the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) into two units, the Investigation Unit and the Operations Unit to check human rights abuses. According to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Investigation, Dan’azumi Doma, “The operations of SARS include arrest, investigation and prosecution of suspected armed robbers, murderers, kidnappers, hired assassins and others involved in violent crimes.” Following the reform, a new crop of policemen were deployed from other state commands to SARS and the name was changed from SARS to Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). A new Officer in Charge ( OC), Adejobi Akinade, a Chief Superintendent of Police was appointed. While members of the public were looking forward to the success of the new crop of FSARS operatives, it soon became apparent that the new crop of FSARS operatives has bad eggs amongst them. The arrest of two FSARS operatives for hijacking and diverting trailer load of goods recently did not help the image of the squad. Police sources have also disclosed that four men attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) Lagos State Police Command, have been fingered for armed robbery at Shagamu, Ogun State where the policemen allegedly attacked and robbed a trailer loaded with vehicle spare parts and sold the goods for N30 million. The armed robbery, incurred the wrath of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, as it was learnt that the CP is personally handling the investigation. It was learnt that the police arrested two FSARS operatives in connection with the armed robbery after the occupants of the trailer alerted their company, that they had been robbed at gun point. The source said, “They described the vehicle of the men that robbed them. The company alerted the officer in charge of FSARS, Ikeja. The OC SARS, unaware that his men were the robbers, alerted police patrol team along that axis. The two FSARS operatives who were allegedly involved,

Fatai Owoseni, Lagos CP

Akeem

are said to be one Inspector Taiwo Durojaiye and Coporal Victor Omorokia. They are presently detained in FSARS cell in Ikeja. They were arrested after a gun duel with policemen. According to another police source, “ Four FSARS men, from Ikeja, Lagos State Command, went to Shagamu to rob a trailer loaded with vehicle spare parts. Along the line, there was shootout between the FSARS men and some policemen after the company sent a distress call to the OC SARS. The police has since arrested and detained a policeman identified as Victor, but he said that his gang had supplied the goods to a receiver and collected N30m and the money is with the leader of their gang, a policeman called Durojaiye. But Durojaiye and two other policemen escaped. The CP wanted to parade some suspects today, but because of this escapade of his men, he postponed the parade of suspects. He’s very angry.” The Lagos State Police spokesperson, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest. She said, “They were trailed down to Okokomaiko where they were arrested. The case is still under discreet investigation.” While the command is still battling to get over the disgraceful act by the FSARS men, a 21-year-old suspected robber, Akeem Popoola, has accused a police inspector attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja of using him to swindle unsuspecting members of the public. He gave the name of the FSARS operative as Festus, aka Ijaya, whom he claimed he had been working with for four months before he was arrested by the Agbado Divison, in Ogun State for robbery and burglary on April 6, 2016. He said, “In November 2015, one of my father’s tenants and I fought. When my daddy came back home on that day, she reported me to him and he handed me over

to Inspector Festus at the state police command headquarters, Ikeja. He told him I was too troublesome and wanted him to discipline me. But he (Ijaya) did not. He took me to a beer parlor at Alakuko and gave me N5,000. I was very surprised. “Two days after, we met at another beer parlour around Agbado, where I was made to swear an oath. He brought out a gun and put some gin inside the barrel. He drank from it and gave me the gun to do same. He said he would be sending me on some errands. He gave me a mobile phone and drove me in his Toyota Camry to POWA complex in Ikeja. “He told me to sell the phone inside the complex, which I did for N20,000. After an hour, he handcuffed me and took me in his car with his boys – Abbey and Aluko – to the man that bought the phone. He arrested the man for buying stolen goods and told him to pay N200,000 if he did not want to be taken to the station. The man raised N150, 000 among his friends in that complex and gave him. “When we left the place, he removed the handcuffs and gave me N5,000 and we departed. “When I wanted to quit, Ijaya refused. Sometime in February, the Inspector gave me a Techo phone which I sold to a guy at Agbado. The guy gave me N7,000 and a small phone. Thirty minutes later, we went back with my hands handcuffed. And as he normally did, he collected about N120,000 from him before he was released. I also got my N5,000 share. I can say all this in his presence. I stole a plasma television at Oke Aro area of Agbado on the order of Ijaya. The item is still with the policeman. Mr. Ahmed Popoola, the suspect’s father, regretted handing him over to the policeman for discipline. He said, “He had been stealing before I took him to a police friend, Yekini, who handed him over to Ijaya with a belief that he (Akeem) will

change if he sees the way thieves are being punished. He had been embarrassing me. He still has a case in the Sango-Ota division. I was arrested and detained because of him.” Policemen attached to the FSARS Lagos have also been accused of not prosecuting a police Sergeant Identified simply as Oluomo attached to the B’Ops Department Lagos State Police Command for alleged involvement in armed robbery last year. Saturday Mirror gathered that months after his release, Sergeant Oluomo allegedly led a gang to kidnap and rob a business man of N620,000. The police attached to the Area E Command, Festac Town, however, arrested two members of the gang; Corporal Ewenta, a traffic Officer attached to the Trade Fair police station and one Ayorinde, a dismissed official of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA). The Lagos State police spokes person, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects and stated that the police are on the trail of Sergeant Oluomo who police sources said escaped after he was arrested. Sergeant Oluomo has since gone into hiding and efforts to arrest him are ongoing, SP Badmos revealed. She said, “I am confirming the story now. The case will be transferred to SARS for discreet investigation. Every suspect involved will be duly prosecuted.” The business man who was robbed, who requested anonymity, narrated how he was kidnapped and robbed. He said, “I was driving to Apapa. But when I got to Malu Road to link Apapa Road, two policemen in black mufti rode a motorcycle and blocked my car. They told me to alight. As I was asking them what my offence was, one of them approached me in the car and snatched my car key and ordered me out of the car. He took over the wheel of the car and a third officer also dressed in black trousers and brown vest entered my car. He said he is a LASTMA official and accused me of taking one way. I told them that the road is not one way, but they drove me off in my vehicle. They started driving me round Apapa. They told me that they will take me to their office and I will get a fine of N250,000 for driving one way. They said but they can let me go if I pay them N125,000, that is half of the official fine. At that point, they searched my car and found N500,000. They took the money and started making calls that they are bringing me. I thought they were kidnappers and I pleaded with them. “They drove me round and round for three hours and I kept begging them to have mercy on me. They told me that I still have to pay them N125,000 and they told me to go to the bank to withdraw the money. They drove me to Old Ojoo Road where my bank is and one of them entered Fidelity Bank with me while one stood outside the bank. The third guy, whom they referred to as Oluomo, who seemed to be their leader, drove off with my car. At a point I CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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

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Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

Our gang runs morning and evening shifts —Robbery suspect

suspected robber who specialises in using commercial buses (popularly known as Danfo) to rob people has told the police that they operate in groups in the mornings and evenings. Henry Ate, 48, said they retire to their hotels in the afternoon after morning operations and regroup later in the evening. “As at the time we were arrested, more than half of us had gone out for morning shift operations,” said Mr. Ate, according to a statement issued by the police on Wednesday. “Seven of us were picked up at various bus stops in Oshodi – Mile 2 route while in operations. We know ourselves. We have no other jobs than this. It’s what we live on.” The police said they recovered two danfo buses used by the gang for their robbery operations – known as ‘One Chance’ in Lagos parlance – along Oshodi-Mile 2 expressway. The 14 – seater buses with Lagos registration numbers KTU 716 XS and GGE 532 XL are currently at the Rapid Response

Patience Ogbo

business man Ademola Olaniyi 40 has landed himself in trouble after he allegedly diverted money meant for business to other use. Olaniyi stated that trouble stated for him when he was deceived by a gang of fraudsters after he attempted to invest the sum of N12million he got from his clients. But instead of getting returns on the money, he is being prosecuted over allegations of obtaining money under false pretense and making false statement to the police. Olaniyi fell victim to a fraud syndicate operating in Lagos and other parts of the country with their base in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Squad Headquarters in Alausa, Lagos, according to the police. Mr. Ate said members of his gang occasionally switch groups, adding that every “One chance” team would include the bus driver, conductor, and “a picker, who seats mostly in the last seat of the bus”. “During operations, we pick only few passengers, maybe two to four,” he said. “We dispossess them of their belongings, drop them and go our way. But we don’t push them down while on motion.” Mr. Ate said when he was not operating with his gang, he works alone as a pick-pocket at Shoprite, Ikeja, and the areas around the Governor’s Office. Other members of the syndicate include Akeem Fatai, 42; Jerry Nwokoro, 24; Olayinka Tadius, 29; Lucky Thompson, 36; Stanley Augustine, 31; and Ubah Kenneth, 25. “The suspects were picked up majorly in Ajegunle and other spots in the metropolis,” the police said in a statement. “Six of the suspects were picked up at hotels in Ajegunle,

where they confirmed they normally lodge while others were picked up on operations at different bus stops along Mile 2 – Oshodi and Oshodi – Iyana Ipaja route.” The police said they also arrested a pick-pocket syndicate that operates around Lagos. The suspects are Habib Nurudeen,17; Oyemi Ilesanmi, 23; Kenneth Okojie, 30; Chinedu Uzubi,

24; Ajakaiye Christopher, 26; Samson Uwaneze, 23; and Wasiu Kazeem, 24. One of their victims, Emeka Ndukwe, a pastor whose Opsson mobile phone was recovered from Mr. Ajakaiye said it was removed from his pocket inside a bus heading to Iyana-Ipaja. Mr. Ndukwe said he realized his phone was missing when he wanted to pay for an item he pur-

chased. The police said the arrests were made possible following a tip-off from members of the public. Confirming the incident, the Police PPRO, SP Dolapo Badmos, said that there would be no hiding place for criminals in Lagos State, adding the suspects have been charged to court. (Premium Times)

The syndicate, which comprises of a herbalist identified as Ogunjobi Adisa, one Muksilu Adisa and a Muslim cleric identified simply as Alfa, among others at large, allegedly are in the business of deceiving unsuspecting members of the public to part with millions of naira with the false promise of ‘doubling’ the money. Olaniyi, in his statement to the police at the Trinity Police Station, Lagos, narrated how he fell victim to the syndicate. He said, “I got N12million from three clients to help them buy petroleum products. I went to Apapa to buy the product for them, but I met one Alfa (

Muslim cleric ) who told me that he can take me to a herbalist to double the money. I guess I was hypnotized and I went with him to Abeokuta to see the herbalist who gave me some concoction and that was how I lost the money. They duped me and left me after they forced me to swear an oath of secrecy. They fled their base and I couldn’t find them. That was how my clients petitioned the police and I was arrested.” According to police sources, the herbalist and others in his gang have been operating the fraudulent gang and deceiving unsuspecting members of the public for more than twenty five

years. But they were arrested following manhunt for them. The efforts of the police paid off and two members of the syndicate were arrested by policemen attached to the Federal Special Anti- Robbery Squad of the Lagos Police Command. Following the arrest, the police arraigned the three suspects including Olaniyi at the Magistrate Court, Ikeja, for conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and making false statement to the police. The accused were arraigned on a four count charge which read: “That you, Ademola Olaniyi, Ogunjobi Adisa, Musiliu

Adisa and others at large on the 14th day of March, 2016, at 900hrs at Sahara depot, Apapa Lagos magisterial district did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit : obtaining money under false pretense and making false statement thereby committing an offence punishable under section 409 of the criminal law of Lagos 2011. “ That you Ademola Olaniyi, Ogunjobi Adisa and Musiliu Adisa and others now at large on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid magisterial district did conspire amongst yourselves and others now at large to obtain money by false pretence the sum of N12 million from one Ekeh Nnamdi, Charles Akinwale and one Adebayo Samuel there by committing an offence punishable under section 312(1) (2) of the criminal law of Lagos 2011. “That you Ademola Olaniyi and others now at large on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid magisterial district did give a false information to the Nigeria Police Force and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 96(a) of the criminal law of Lagos 2011.” The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties.

Robbery suspects

Herbalist, cleric dupe business man

Anxiety in Lagos as antirobbery policemen turn armed robbers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 had my phone and I secretly called a friend that I had been kidnapped. I told my friend to call for help. They later collected the phone but they dropped it again. I took the phone when they were not watching and secretly again texted my friend to notify him that I was at the Fidelity Bank at Maza Maza. My friend had gotten the Area Commander of the Area E Command at FESTAC Town and the DPO ( Divisional Police Officer) of Satellite Police Station and

they were trailing us. I withdrew N120,000 and the one that is the dismissed LASTMA official who followed me to the bank, took the money from me. “I looked round for policemen, but could not find any as we got out of the banking hall. I summoned courage and raised alarm. I held one of them and started calling them thieves and shouting at the top of my voice. That was how my shouting attracted people and they pounced on them. The police later arrived and arrested two of them while

the third man fled after he abandoned my car.” Saturday Mirror gathered that the police arrested Oluomo last year for armed robbery and he was detained and investigated at the Special Anti - Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, but he was later released. Speaking on the nefarious activities of these policemen, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, said the police authority will not condone any act of corruption by officers and men.

He said, “They have been arrested and are undergoing investigation. If they are found guilty, they will be dismissed and charged to court.” SARS, Lagos Command was established in 1991 by former CP Yemi Odubela. It was then headed by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ben Ohazurike. The then SARS confronted notorious armed robbers like Shina Rambo, Muyiwa Akila and they maintained relative peace in Lagos, keeping robbers from Benin Republic at bay.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

Herdsmen attack: Ugwuanyi’s

kinsmen vow not to tolerate further attack Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

he people of Nsukka cultural zone of Enugu State, operating under the aegis of Nsukka General Assembly have paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi over the recent attack on Nimbo community by suspected Fulani herdsmen, vowing not to take any repeat of such attack on their people lightly in the future. Led by Emeritus Professor, Lawrence Ocho, and former Information Minister, Chief Nnia Nwodo, the group commended the Governor for the effective way he had handled the sad incident which has

remained a rude shock to the people of the zone. Nimbo is in Nsukka cultural zone of the state where the governor also hails from. Governor Ugwuanyi, who addressed the visitors, reassured the people of the state of his administration’s continued determination to work hard to protect lives and property in the state. He said that the Nimbo invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen would make all stakeholders in the state to take the issue of security more seriously He stated that the solidarity visit at Government House, Enugu, was a huge morale booster to his administration at this

trying period, adding that the surfeit of condemnations that had trailed the mindless killing of his people had also become a source of succour for the bereaved people of Nimbo and his administration. He told his guests that government would continue to discharge its duties fearlessly and with the fear of God in line with the rule of law until the culprits were brought to book. Prof. Ocho, who spoke for the group had earlier said that they were in Government House to share the agony the Governor had been subjected to in the past weeks since the attack happened, and to assure him that the people

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SOUTH EAST

of his zone stood solidly behind him in this period. They were full of commendations for the Governor after getting full briefs from him on the preemptive actions he took to forestall the attack. Condemning the act and thanking the Governor for his gallant leadership style following the steps taken so far, the group urged government to reinvigorate its neighbourhood watch groups, and liaise with the appropriate quarters, including the Enugu State House of Assembly for the purpose of promulgating and enacting laws capable of curtailing the activities of cattle rearers in the state.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME KEHINDE: This is to confirm that KEHINDE YEMISI and KEHINDE YEMISI VICTORIA refer to one and same person. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as KEHINDE YEMISI VICTORIA. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME MATANMI: This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly spelt and stated as MATANMI SIKIRU instead of MATANMI SAKIRU AKANNI. Henceforth i wish to be known and addressed as MATANMI SAKIRU AKANNI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, former known and addressed as MISS HADIZA ABDUL ALI MUSA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. HADIZA ABDUL MUSA. NYSC, general public, please take note.

OZOCHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as OZOCHUKWU ARINZE HERO now wish to be known and addressed as EKWULU ARINZE DONATUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MANDU JOSEPH AYADU, now wish to be known and addressed as FELICIA JOSEPH AYADU. All Former documents remain valid, general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SHITTU MODUPE OLUWAFUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUMOYE IRETI ELIZABETH. All Former documents remain valid, general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLASUNKANMI SAHEED TAOFEEK, now wish to be known and addressed as OLASUNKANMI SAHEED OLAOSEBIKAN. All Former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS JOY ALBERT ODJEGBA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOY ALBERT ENASE IBOJE. All Former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH

My name was wrongly written as OLOWU ABDULAI AFEES, instead of ABDULAI AFEES BIODUN. All Former documents remain valid. GTBank and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OGUDU: I formerly known, called and addressed as MRS. MARY OGUDU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. MARY JOE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

My name was wrongly written as JOSEPH ADUJI UMBUGULA, instead of AMOGA DANMALU. My correct date of Birth is 5th day of September, 1984 and not 6th day of October 1984 as documented. All Former documents remain valid, public note. CHANGE OF NAME

ESEKHEILU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS ESEKHEILU OMOTESE DORAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKUNBOR OMOTESE DORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

DAVID: I formerly known, called and addressed as DAVID BAYOWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AJAGBAWA JAPHET. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

AGA: I former known and addressed as PHILIP AGA, now wish to be known and addressed as PHILIP AGAGHA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBOFONI: I formerly known and addressed as FAITH AYO OBOFONI, now wish to be known and addressed as AYO FAITH IJAVBARE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as NWORIE OGONNA DANIEL now wish to be known and addressed as NWORIE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

L-R: Deputy President, Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON), Mr. Raymond Akalonu; President, RIMSON, Engr. Jacob Adeosun and Lagos State, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Tunde Ogunleye, during RIMSON conference and Award ceremony.

Police arrest killer of 72-yr-old man in Ebonyi Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State police command yesterday arrested one Chukwuka Ben for allegedly killing 72-yearold Fidelis Uhuo at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Umuoghara in Ezza North Local Government Area of the state in place of a parish priest of the church. The incident which occurred on 2nd May, 2016 in the morning was said to have happened when the suspect invaded the church to confront the priest for reasons best known to him failed. It was gathered that the suspect accused the priest of not allowing him to officiate in the church among

other issues. Although Ben was said to have had a misunderstanding with the Priest incharge of the church (name withheld) some days before the day of the incident. In anger, he killed Uhuo who was around the church and fled because he cannot see the priest in the church. But the Police trailed and arrested him. Confirming the incident yesterday, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP George Okafor, said: “It was on the 2nd of May, 2016 that information got to the Police that one Fidelis Uhuo of Ugalaba village of Umuoghara of about 72 years was murdered by one Chukwuka Ben of same address. “The corpse of the deceased was found within

the church premises of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. The accused ran away after the act and was later arrested, and presently he is cooperating with the Police to find out what actually transpired that led to the killing of the deceased.” He also confirmed the killing of a 28 year old man at Umuebe in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, Chibueze Okeh, by one Ifeanyi Nweke (23). Okafor said “On the 30th of April, 2016 at about 7:30 in the morning, there was a fight between one Chibueze Okeh (28) and Ifeanyi Nweke(23). Ifeanyi Nweke used a stick and hit Chibueze on the head and he sustained serious injuries. ‘’The victim was rushed to Ezzamgbo General Hos-

pital where he was being treated before he died on 1st May, 2016. It is a case of assault occasioning harm initially, but when the victim gave up the ghost, it turned out to be a case of murder. “The report was brought by the elder brother of the deceased, and we are following up the matter. Two suspects have been arrested; the suspects include Nweke Ifeanyi and one other. They are in our custody cooperating with us to find out what led to the fight,’’ he noted. CHANGE OF NAME

FRIDAY: Formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO FRIDAY SAMUEL now wish to be known and addressed ADEKUNLE ADEBAYO SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUFADEJI: Formerly known and addressed as MR. ADENUGA OLUFADEJI VICTOR now wish to be known and addressed as MR. ADENUGA BABATUNDE ADESEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

WILLIAM: Formerly known and addressed as BROWN UDUAK WILLIAM now wish to be known and addressed as BROWN BLESSING UDUAK. All former documents remain. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EMENIKE: Formerly known and addressed as IYERE SAMSON EMENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as IYERE SAMSON IDENA. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AWOTUNGASE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS AWOTUNGASE IDIAT WEMIMO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SHOKUNBI IDIAT ADEWEMIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SALVATION GATE CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Christian Assembly has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1, 1990. THE NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Peter Enyindah George — Chairman 2. Philomena Peter-George — Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel message of Jesus Christ, which brings salvation, deliverance and healing. 2. To teach, train, organize seminars or conferences, hold meetings and retreats to make members to be established in their faith in and relationship with Jesus Christ. 3. To ordain qualified members to ministerial offices, and to conduct marriages in the Church. 4. To be a blessing to many especially to those in Salvation Gate Christian Assembly as well as others in the household of faith. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication. Signed:

FRANKLIN UMUEDAFE 08038963611

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SOUTH SOUTH

APC ends first quarterly retreat in C/River Richard Ndoma CALABAR

he Cross River State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday held its first quarterly retreat in Calabar where past key stakeholders of PDP in the state took the lead. Speaking while declaring the event opened at Transcorp Hotel, venue of the retreat in Calabar, National Vice Chairman of APC in the South-South geo-political zone, Prince Hilliard Eta, stated that the essence of the retreat is to fast track the process of reconciling aggrieved party members of the APC, and to perhaps strategise and position itself towards winning the 2019 Gubernatorial Polls in Cross River State. Etta lauded the Buhari

Administration for appointing Barr. Obono Obla as Special Assistant to President on Prosecution, and confirmed that the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project which had caused several tongues to wag, had finally been included in the 2016 Budget as it has just been endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari. The APC chieftain lauded President Buhari for having special love for the state by giving key appointments to people of the state. Prince Hilliard Etta averred that the just concluded PDP ward/council congresses have given them abundant room to harvest from their many flaws, charging stakeholders and leaders of the party in the state, including influential ex- PDP men now in the party, not to sleep.

Okowa for Anioma Association USA confab …Esogbue is Keynote Speaker ERIC ELEZUO

elta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has been named the Special Guest of Honour at this year’s edition of the Anioma National Convention and Fundraiser, holding in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on July 2, 2016. The daytime conference, according to the organizers, is scheduled to hold at the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel, Atlanta, while the Gala Night/Fundraiser comes up at the Trans-Atlantic Event Hall. The theme of this year’s conference is: Preserving Anioma Heritage through Education. The organizers – the National Secretariat of Anioma Association USA, Inc. have picked a renowned public administrator and historian, Mr. Augustine Chuks Esogbue, as the Keynote Speaker.

Already, Mr. Esogbue, it was learnt, has accepted his nomination as Keynote Speaker. According to him, the conference will also provide him the platform to unveil what he called ‘Kinocracy’ (kinship democracy), which he said has been in the works for the past nine years. Kinocracy is a socio-political and economic theory that advocates meritocracy in a five-tier governance structure, a graduated electoral system, a new economic system, the integration of the traditional political institution into mainstream governance, etc. Anioma Association USA Inc., a non-partisan organization, is an umbrella body of all the organized groups in the US from the nine local government areas that make up the Delta North Senatorial district of Nigeria.

Murder: DSS arraigns four suspects in Rivers

DENNIS NAKU, PORT HARCOURT

he Department of Security Services (DSS) has arraigned four suspects in court over the alleged murder of one of its staff, Garrick Jonathan Oyaghiri. This is as the outfit said it has intensified its war against criminals in Rivers State However, the Chief Magistrate, Andrew Jaja, on Friday adjourned the matter to July 27, saying

his court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. Jaja further ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody. He said they were charged for murder, an issue that was beyond the jurisdiction of his court, adding that he would refer the case file to Department of Public Prosecution, DPP for legal advice. The accused are Osah Ebube Chinneme, Elem Innocent Aleze, Nwabehia Onyeocha Prince and Ferdinand Obi Akpe.

MAY 7, 2016

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Release our members now, ASUU tells kidnappers …Condemns invasion of UNICAL by kidnappers Richard Ndoma CALABAR

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday, in Calabar expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) following the kidnap and abduction at the institution`s staff quarters community by wicked gunmen, a development which has generated fear in the hearts of academic and non-academic staff members in the institution, causing most residents of UNICAL staff quarters to abandon their homes. Reacting on the spate of insecurity, the Calabar Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) expressed concern over the ‘general insecurity’ in UNI-

CAL. According to a statement which was jointly signed by the Zonal coordinators, Prof. Nsing Ogar; Dr. Tony Eyang (Chairman, UNICAL), Dr. Emmanuel Etta (Chairman, CRUTECH) Dr. Aniekan Brown (Chairman, UNIUYO) Dr. Ime Okop (Chairman, AKSU) Arch. Ochi Ejimofor (Chairman, ABSU) and Prof. Ndubuisi Idenyi (Chairman, EBSU), ASUU stated that “the ugly situation in the institution has thrown the entire academic community into fear and uncertainty with a devastating impact on teaching and learning. “These kidnappings in UNICAL remind us of not only the increasingly alarming insecurity across the country, but also the danger that academics are exposed to.”

The Chairmen maintained that ‘the pain and sadness in the affected families ever since this regrettable incident occurred had brought deep and sharp pain in the hearts of those living in the institution. The lecturers attributed the high crime rate in the institution to the ‘porous security’ situation in the campus, stressing that “the confidence of members of the academic community can only be restored by adequate security presence in strategic places and effective intelligence gathering network in the institution and its environs. “We therefore call on the University of Calabar, the Cross River State Government and security agencies to do all within their powers and secure the urgent release of our beloved ones. This is

the surest way to restoring an atmosphere for meaningful academic activities in the University.” It would be recalled that three members of the university community were on Monday (May 3, 2016) abducted from their homes at the university staff quarters by gunmen. It would also be recalled that Dr. Okey Ndifon’s wife, a lecturer in the Department of Family Medicine in the university, Mrs. Nancy Ndifon and his daughter, Miss Oyebah Ndifon, were abducted from their residence in the staff quarters and taken to an unknown destination. Also among the list of those abducted by the kidnappers was a son of the Deputy Registrar of the University of Calabar, Dr. David Ekpenyong Iniama.

Cross section of delegates at the PDP Local Government Congress in Obio/Akpor LGA, on Thursday.

Labour Party condemns the use of Juju in Edo Govt House

he leadership of Labour Party, Edo State chapter, has condemned the use of ‘juju’(voodoo) and the pandemonium that has characterized the recent political developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The party chided the key contenders in APC for throwing caution to the winds, and reducing governance in the state to ‘spiritualism, voodoo, fetish and personal vendetta’. In a statement made

available to journalists in Benin City, and signed by the National Secretary Barr. Julius Abure, State Chairman, Sam Omakaro and State Secretary, Fred Akhere the party said: ‘’The allegation and counter allegation of witchcraft and voodooism between the comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu is a clear and unambiguous indication that governance in Edo State has been handed over to juju.’’ The statement expressed its displeasure,

saying that ‘’it is quite unfortunate that this is happening at a time when modern progressives and innovative government are thinking of how to improve the living conditions of their people, ours is busy accusing each other of juju and witchcraft.’’ The party also regretted the embarrassment brought upon Edo people by the recent assassination attempt on the deputy governor and his campaign team at Auchi. In the same light, Labour Party also took a swipe at the recent rowdiness

that engulfed the state’s House of Assembly over the impeachment of the speaker and the deputy speaker, stating that the importation of thugs into the hallowed chambers was a show of shame. The party therefore, sued for peace from the warring factions of the APC in the state, and pledged its resolve to continue to champion political sanity and true democratic values built on equity and justice: The party thus reminded Edo people to be resilient and beware of deceitful politicians.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAY 7, 2016

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PAGE

Russia loses contact with newly launched satellite ... possibly for good!

ussian space officials said they have lost contact with one of the three satellites launched from the country’s new $1 billion Vostochny Cosmodrome, possibly for good. The Nano satellite SamSat-218 was sent into orbit April 28, one day after technical difficulties postponed the spaceport’s first launch. The satellite has since failed to establish contact with mission control back on Earth, a space official told state-run news agency TASS. “No radio contact with the satellite has been available since the launch time, most probably, because it failed to switch on after orbiting,” the source said. Sources at Samara State Aerospace University, where the satellite was built by students, told Interfax the device is sending “fragmentary Morse code signals.” “There are currently no sufficient grounds to believe the nano satellite established contact,” Igor Belokonov, head of the project at the school, told TASS. “There were fragmentary weak signals at the frequency of 145.870 MHz against a background of noises when the nano satellite was in the area of [radio visibility] of the ground control center, which can’t be with confidence interpreted as signals from the satellite.” The plan to send the satellite, along with two others, into space has been plagued by difficulties and sharp rebuke from Russian President, Vladimir Putin. The leader traveled to Russia’s Far East region to witness the initial launch only for it to be scrapped at the last minute. “Russia remains a leader in the number of launches, it is a fact, this is good,” a frustrated Putin told space officials afterward. “But we encounter a large number of mishaps. This is bad, and there should be a professional and prompt reaction.” In the days after the successful launch, a construction boss on the project to build

the cosmodrome, Igor Nesterenko, was sentenced to three years and three months in a labour camp for fraud. He was arrested

after workers complained to Putin about unpaid wages, and went on strike. Then, on Thursday, Leonid Shalimov, Director-

General of Russia’s Research and Production Association of Automatics or NPO Automatics resigned from his position. He had received a service incompetence warning ahead of the launch related to faulty wiring.

The launch was supposed to be a shining moment for the new cosmodrome, which has drawn negative focus for various problems since its construction started in 2012. The facility is not yet finished. Officials expect it

Nuclear weapons are being developed as “gifts” from scientists to the Seventh Party Congress, Pyongyang added. Kim’s policy of “Byongjin” emphasizes the co-development of the economy and the military, but North Korea has been criticized for its pursuit of weapons from China, its closest economic partner. Chinese State tabloid Global Times pointed out Friday the North’s nuclear weapons have not secured the country, and has actually done more harm than good.In a separate statement, a Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman, said China hopes North Korea

“achieves national development...in order to realize the happiness of the people.” Pyongyang has been postponing the opening of its markets for over a decade and has refused to follow China’s example of market reform. North Koreans who were allowed to speak to foreign reporters in Pyong-

to be completed sometime in 2018. The billion dollar Vostochny Cosmodrome was built to ease Russia’s dependence on the Soviet-era Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in what is now Kazakhstan.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un defends nuclear weapons at Congress

im Jong Un extolled North Korea’s nuclear weapons program at its Seventh Party Congress on Friday, an event that was being held to confirm his leadership and a military strategy that has been met with universal condemnation and sanctions against the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kim said “unprecedented results have been accomplished” and with “great success” in nuclear tests, The Guardian reported. State-controlled news agency, KCNA, had also announced Friday the country’s “70-day battle”

had produced significant results for the economy. Industrial output was up 144 percent as a result of the mass mobilization movement, and industrial production at factories expanded 1.6 times. In coal mines, production increased by more than 110 percent, North Korea stated. “The more our enemies try to take away our sovereignty and autonomy, our nuclear strike capability and national defense grows only stronger,” Pyongyang said Friday, a possible reference to heavier economic sanctions and military drills being held in South Korea.

yang this week had nothing but praise for the state. “The Seventh Party Congress is very significant in North Korean history,” Ri Hyok Chol, an economics professor at Kim Il Sung University, said during an interview with Chinese state news agency Xinhua. “We will fight to the end to realize a strong nation, and to achieve victory.”

UN officials: Syria refugee camp bombing could be war crime

irstrikes on a Syrian refugee camp that killed dozens of civilians “could amount to a war crime,” a senior United Nations official said Friday. Stephen O’Brien, the UN Under-Secretary for humanitarian affairs, said, “If this obscene attack is found to be a deliberate targeting of a civilian structure, it could amount to a war crime.” The airstrikes Thursday were near Sarmada, a town in Idlib province just 12 miles from Reyhanli in Turkey. The United States said it has not confirmed who struck the camp. “We don’t know yet if it’s Syrian or Russian aircraft, but they struck in the middle of the camp and many of the tents have been burned,” said Alaa Fatraoui, a journalist who saw the aftermath. Syria and Russia have de-

nied any involvement. “Russia and the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria act with utmost responsibility in Syria in order not to damage the fragile atmosphere of truce,” Russian Presidential Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, told journalists on Friday. “Russia has repeatedly demonstrated this and calls on all other sides to share this responsible and cautious approach. “There is no truth to reports ... about the Syrian Air force targeting a camp for the displaced in the Idlib countryside,” the Syrian military said in a statement on Friday carried by state media. Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the tents were highly visible from the air, the Guardian reported, so it was “extremely unlikely that these murderous attacks were an

accident.” “My staff, along with other organizations, will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to research and record evidence of what appears to be a particularly despicable and calculated crime against an extremely vulnerable group of people,” he said. The French Foreign Ministry also issued a statement saying the attack could constitute a war crime.

“The perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice,” the statement read. “France calls for an impartial and independent investigation to be carried out in order to shed full light on this heinous act.” The White House said there was “no justifiable excuse” to target civilians, White House spokesman, Josh Earnest said. “These individuals are

in the most desperate situation imaginable, and there is no justification for carrying out military action that’s targeting them,” Earnest said. The opposition’s Syrian National Coalition described the attack as an “appalling massacre by regime forces against civilians.” The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said victims included children. The al-Kammouneh camp had about 500 tents. They had fled the nearby Aleppo province. A cease-fire had been brokered by the United States and Russia but talks had been deadlocked. When asked if the bombing would jeopardize negotiations, Peskov said that “it’s a matter of facts, if there were no Russian planes and they did not operate there, then it’s another wave of disinformation.”

BACK “In designing the 2016 budget, we made a deliberate choice to pursue an PAGE expansionary fiscal policy despite the huge decline in government revenues

Quote of the day

from crude oil exports,” —President Muhammadu Buhari signed the delayed 2016 budget into law

Leaders and their praxis Saturday, MAY 7, 2016. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

n the next few weeks, Ministers will be resuming their portfolios and they will commence their charge of assisting the President to develop Nigeria in general terms. It is important to let the ministers know that many ministers have been occupying various positions in Nigeria since 1922. When they finished their assignments, other ministers were appointed. And there will continue to be ministers in the years to come, for as long as Nigeria exists. What is perhaps important toNigerians is the praxis of theirbehaviours, which is becoming a point of interest to the global community, especially with the trial of the former petroleum minister for money laundering by the British police after three years of investigation. It is not likely that the British police will lose their case and I do hope that Madam Minister is putting together her team of defence lawyers. That the president delayed the appointment of ministers is simply a reflection of the cumulative behaviours and praxis of our past ministers. It is gradually becoming clear that the position or office of minister is fast losing its respect in public service. However, there is still every reason to congratulate the new ministers and wish them the very best in their charges of handling the affairs of our dear country Nigeria. The individuals on the president’s list of ministers can be divided into four broad categoriesas follows: Drivers, Expressives, Analyticals and Amiables. Every human being belongs to at least one category of this division. It is important to know

CFR

The President and Vice President are a perfect match for efficiency and effectiveness.

The mistake to avoid is matching two Drivers. Recall the much celebrated Obasanjo/Atiku crisis. These two men possess characteristics of

Drivers! where you belong and who you are. This is key in respect of the new ministers, especially if the President wants to have optimum value from their services. It will be useful to start with the President himself, and of course, the Vice President. The question is: Who is Buhari? Which of these categories does he belong to? The President, by nature and according to the Psychometric Test, is a Driver. And who is a Driver? The best attributes one can use to describe a Driver are: Adventurous, Authoritative, Candid, Challenging, Competitive, Assertive, Powerful, Result Oriented, Self Reliant, and Strong-Willed. So a Driver wants control and results. When under pressure, the Driver’s demands

may make them confront others. Drivers focus on issues, they are demanding and assertive. The new ministers must know that this is the type of person they are going to work with and they should be prepared. Those who possess the same characteristics with the President must be ready to understand that they may be in conflict with him if their positions are not the same with his, particularly on issues where he has made up his mind, such as corruption. Non-Drivers (people in the other categories) will work well with the President, as we shall see shortly. The President will do well to reduce the number of people with his type of characteristics in the cabinet. The President works well

with the Vice President. And why is this so? The Vice President belongs to the category of Amiables. People in this category possess the following characteristics: Accommodating, Appreciative, Agreeable, Diplomatic, Generous, Supportive, Cooperative, Trusting, Understanding and Patient. The interesting thing here is that the Vice President’s characteristics are completely different from the President’s. So what do Amiables do under pressure? They tend to acquiesce. They will yield to other’s viewpoints and opinions, easily give in or withdraw support. Amiables are active listeners. They like to understand people and they have a participative style. In similar circumstances, Drivers will be fast decisiontakers, risktakers, competitive and bottomline in approach. The President and Vice President are a perfect match for efficiency and effectiveness. The mistake to avoid is matching two Drivers. Recall the much celebrated Obasanjo/Atiku crisis. These two men possess characteristics of Drivers! The President must ensure that those who have been nominated as ministers are placed accordingly and that their characteristics match their portfolios. A Driver may not be good for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as diplomatic issues are not likely to be resolved with an assertive approach. A Driver may be good for the ministries of petroleum and works, but a Driver may not have the desired impact at the ministries of health, commerce or labour. Next week, we will discuss Analyticals and Expressives, so watch out for this column.

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