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Living below the radar:

Challenge of disability

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Saudi Arabia executes Shi ’ite cleric, 46 others www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 6 No. 1

January 03, 2016

National Mirror Online

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Dasuki persecuted for 2019 ambition –PDP P.6

Opposition party should blame self for woes, says APC Fire from oil spill site threatens to raze Bayelsa communities

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N500m gift: Nyako loyalists tell Bindow to resign

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Fun seekers at Ndubuisi Kanu Recreation Centre, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Police summon ex-militants over rescheduled Bayelsa poll

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Ogunjobi, Onigbinde head Oduduwa Cup ’s committee News Nothing can stop LG elections in Zamfara –APC

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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What ’s new Politics

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Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK January 3, 2016

Passion

procurement of arms to counter insurgency in the country.

Earlier before his arrest over the alleged arms deal, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) had on July 16 carried out a search on property in Abuja.

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I knew from childhood I ’d become an entertainer –Nene Johnson Wellness

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The menace of alcohol abuse

Minister pledges to upgrade FGC Okigwe The Minister of State for Education, Prof.

Anthony Anwuka, has pledged to add value and improve on the quality of education in the country. The minister made this known while inspecting the Federal Government College, Okigwe, on Thursday.

Anwuka, represented by his Special Adviser, Prof. Godswill Obioma, said he was on familiarisa-

tion tour of Federal Unity Schools in the country to get acquainted with completed and ongoing projects as wells as their challenges, with a viewing to tackling them.

While highlighting the importance of education in human and national development, the minister noted that the ministry would ensure that quality was restored to the education sector.

APC, PDP bicker over Dickson ’s alleged visit to Aso Rock Ahead of the January 9 supplementary election in Bayelsa state, the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the People ’s Democratic Party, PDP, are once again at each other ’s neck as they both bicker over the alleged visit of the state governor and candidate of the PDP, Hon. Seriake Dickson to Aso Rock to see the President, Mohammad Buhari on Tuesday.

While the state chapter

of the APC and Timipreye Sylva campaign organization described the visit of Dickson to Aso Rock as “sign of desperation ” and “acceptance of defeat ” the PDP, through the restora¬tion campaign organization of the governor, said the claims by the APC were set of “lies and figment of the imagination ”, saying that the governor did not go to Aso villa to see Presi¬dent Mohammadu Buhari.

Don ’t scrap amnesty programme —ex IYC president urges FG It ’s the festive season and along with that comes parties and lots of ingestion (eating and drinking).

Moreover, alcohol consumption can cause major health problems such as anemia, cancer, c a rd i ova s c u l a r disease, cirrhosis, dementia, high blood pressure including kidney disease,

heart disease and stroke.

Alcohol is created when grains, fruits or vegetables are fermented. Fermentation is a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugar in the food into alcohol.

Alcohol has different forms and can be used as a cleaner, an antiseptic or sedative.

Dr Chris Ekiyor, former President, Ijaw Youth Council, has appealed to the Federal Government not to scrap the amnesty programme in 2016. This call comes as ex-militants under the ae¬gis of National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitator, NCNDEA, have described the newly appointed Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mrs Ibm Sem¬initari, as the region ’s best hand, most qualified and trusted.

Ekiyor, the former IYC leader told the media on Thursday in Port Harcourt that the action could “lure the ex-militants into temptation. ’ ’ He urged the government to take a holistic view of what the programme had achieved since its inception and what could happen if it was scrapped.

“If the federal government says it has successfully implemented the amnesty programme.

An Appeal Court, sitting in Owerri, has declared the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Alex Otti, the winner of the Abia State Governorship election. The court in its ruling on Thursday ordered the swearing in of Mr. Otti, as governor of Abia State and asked Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate the office.

The court faulted the judgment of the Abia Election Pe-

tition Tribunal, which upheld the election of Mr. Ikpeazu.

It also faulted INEC for declaring the PDP candidate winner of the election in the first place.

Mr. Otti had proceeded to the Court of Appeal after the Abia tribunal gave its judgment on November 3, saying the PDP validly won the election. In that 85-minute judgment, delivered by its Chairman, Usman Bwala.

Oyo guber election: Ladoja heads for Supreme Court The last may not have been heard about the April 2015 governorship elections in Oyo State as a former gov-ernor of the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, dissatis¬fied with the verdict of the Appeal Court on the petition he filed against the election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday filed processes contesting the judgment at the Su¬preme Court in Abuja.

A statement signed by his Media Assistant, Al¬haji Lanre

Latinwo and made available to journalists in Ibadan, said the processes were filed at the apex court which was the last of the 14 days re¬quired by law to do so.

He attributed the late filling to the unnecessary delay in the release of the Appellate Court judgment by the panel that handled the appeal, adding that the release of a copy of the judgment at 4:30pm on Tuesday.

Police arraign anti-corruption coalition secretary in Bauchi It appears President Bu¬hari ’s anti-corruption crusade may be facing serious hitches as Bau¬chi state police command yesterday arraigned the Secretary of an anticor¬ruption coalition, Yakubu Alhaji Jibrin.

His arraignment ac¬cording to Chief Magistrate Garba Inuwa Sambo fol¬lowed criminal conspiracy relating to publication of official information of the Bauchi state government.

The chief magistrate had

initially maintained that the court has no ju¬risdiction to entertain the charges filed against the accused saying, it must get the consent of the state, fed¬eral or director of public prosecution in tandem with the appropriate laws.

The police prosecutor, Tizhe had apply for the ad¬journment of the case to enable it present before the court, the necessary docu¬ments required by the court before proceeding in the case.

Princess Anne Inyang GOSPEL ARTISTE AND CEO SAINTS MUSIC CREW

MON

For Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the National Security Adviser (NSA) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, life has not been the same since his arrest by security agents over allegation of diversion of $2.1 billion meant for the

bombings continue. ” But reacting through Garba Shehu, special assistant on Media and Publicity in the Presidency after reactions to the statement, President Buhari denied making such insinuations.

Giving clarification on the pronouncement of the President on his maiden Presidential Media Chat on Wednesday, the Shehu said the speculations are unfounded, stressing that the Buhari administration would always respect the rights of Muslims.

I wake up at 6a.m and then lie back again to gather my thoughts for some minutes. Then by 6:30 is when the family devotion comes up. By 7.30 am, I ’m off to the gym to burn off some calories by 10 in the morning, I take my light breakfast. By 11 in the morning, I go to the salon to fix my hair and get busy with my body regimen/ care. I would say that Mondays are generally my rest day unless I decide to travel.

TUE

Dasukigate: Shocking revelations from can of worms

Reacting to outrage from Muslim communities over what was construed as a hint towards banning the wearing of hijab, peculiar among devout Muslims, President Mohammadu Buhari has denied ever making such plans.

While speaking on the maiden Presidential Media Chat on whether to ban the use of hijab as measure to curtail suicide bombing in the North, the President had said: “the hijab would have to be banned if these

Appeal Court sacks Abia gov, declares Otti winner

Apart from my morning devotion and gym, I ’m usually in the studio for my rehearsals with my band - Saints Music Crew. That would keep me busy for the next four hours. When going home, I usually stop over at shopping mall to pick up a few things.

SUN SAT FRI THU WED

Presidency denies hijab ban

After the normal morning routine, my housekeeper goes to the market to buy soup ingredients. Wednesdays are my cooking days. I cook assorted soup and stew. And I do the cooking myself.

Thursday is my rehearsal day with the band. We spend longer time at this fourth day of the week composing new songs and rehearsing for weekend events.

Friday is my day of fasting and prayers. Sometimes, I and the band do have events to attend this fifth day of the week.

After the usual morning routine, my band and I are off to perform in one church or one corporate event or the other.

We are either performing in a church in the morning or evening. Usually, it ’s a very long day!

*By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

Living below the radar: Challenge of disability Having a disability makes everyday tasks a special challenge.

United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually held on December 3 to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities globally. PAUL OMO OBADAN examines the plight of a special breed that need to make extra efforts to perform daily chores that other people take for granted.

The United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities is commemorated annually on December 3 to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. The Day of Persons reaffirms and draws attention to the rights of people who live with disabilities.

Disabled people in Nigeria constitute one of the poorest, socially excluded and marginalized groups

‘DISABLED PEOPLE ARE NOT PROTECTED’

within Nigerian. There are also three sub-themes this year: Making cities inclusive and accessible for all, Improving disability data and statistics and Including persons with invisible disabilities in society and development.

The annual theme provides a frame for considering how people with disability are excluded from society by promoting the removal of all types of

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barriers; including those relating to the physical environment, information and communications technology (ICT), or attitudinal barriers. This has been occurring since 1992 when the General Assembly proclaimed 3 December as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

In other climes like the United States and Britain, people with disability are well integrated to the society.

Ditto our sister nation, South Africa, so why not Nigeria?

One of the places they have problems is the higher institutions.

Education system does not cater for PLWD Akwa-Ibom State born Freky Andrew Essien was a healthy, ambitious young lady until a mishap in 2005, put paid to her dreams.

The accident which affected her spinal cord left the 22-year-old medical student in a wheelchair.

Deferring her studies for treatment and recuperation process, she returned to find that she couldn’t continue her studies in the medical field because the university CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

GOVT SHOULD SPEEDILY PASS DISABILITY BILL

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The Big Read

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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Disabled people are not protected’

Chidinma

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 lacked the training facilities for persons living with disability.

Switching courses, Essien took classes outside the classroom. Sometimes, she waited on the ground floor for her classmates to bring her recorded notes for use.

At the hostel, she met similar challenge of accessing her rooms and the bathrooms.

Today, Essien holds a Ph.D. in Physiology and is the CEO of Faecare Foundation in Port Harcourt.

However, that is without thanks to Nigeria’s education system as she had to work “doubly hard than the ordinary student to do so,” says Essien, who spoke at the US Embassy, Abuja on the occasion of the UN International Day for Persons Living with Disability recently.

People living with disabilities, PLWDs, are advocating the rights to access – physical structure, health services and education via the Bill of Rights for PLWD. ‘Disabled have rights’ Social commentator and Civil rights campaigner, Obe Enakpene feels Nigerians have not done enough to socially integrate the disabled amongst us. According to him, there is no social protection programme for disabled people in Nigeria. In other climes, they are well taken care of and government gives them grants. This should be replicated in Nigeria. It only takes will.

His words: “Within contemporary Nigerian society, there is little appreciation for the disabled. The common perception, held by policy makers and the public at large, is that disabled people and disability issues are viewed in terms of charity and welfare. This should not be so and it is an anomaly. Disabled people have rights.

“At national level, there is no disability discrimination legislation that has been enacted within Nigeria, despite the fact that two bills have been introduced into the National Assembly.

“Secondly, there is no form of social protection for disabled people in Nigeria which exacerbates the level of poverty that they encounter.

“Until the Nigerian Government has passed disability discrimination legislation, and developed an effective and efficient administrative infrastructure for its effective implementation, it will be virtually impossible for Nigeria to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights and Dignities of Persons with Disabilities.”

If not for the activities undertaken by international NGOs, many disabled people would not receive any services whatsoever.

The first ever World report on disability, produced jointly by the World Health Organization and the World Bank, suggests that more than a billion people in the world today experience disability.

People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of

Enakpene

Secondly, there is no form of social protection for disabled people in

Nigeria, which

exacerbates the level of poverty that they encounter. services available to them and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives.

However, what is very apparent is that disabled people constitute one of the poorest, socially excluded and marginalized groups within Nigerian society, a situation which many believe should change.

Experts say that a modification of social perceptions, government action and support by non-governmental organisations can go a long way in alleviating the plight of disabled persons.

Enakpene speaks further on the issues: “Firstly, with regards to social policy in general, and particularly with respect to disability issues, there is an underlying ideological belief that these should be addressed through “charity and welfare”. Hence, social policy issues in Nigeria are categorically not perceived in terms of human rights. Consequently, from a public-policy perspective, there is a prevailing attitude that disabled people should be “cared for”. They are often, treated as second-class citizens, shunned and segregated by physical barriers and social stereotypes. This discrimination occurs in a range of arena, including the work-place, schools, health centers, recreational facilities. As a fall-out of social discrimination, economic marginalization, and a broad range of other human rights violations, people with disability face difficult challenges in living a normal life.

“This attitude pervades all stakeholders, including disabled people’s themselves.

“Frankly, the challenges that disabled people encounter in Nigeria are daunting, and underpinned by deep-seated and entrenched negative social attitudes regarding disability issues and disabled people, that will take a generation to change.”

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation with an estimated population of 167 million people (National Population Commission, 2011). The country is ranked 156th in the Human Development Index putting it in the Low Human Development segment. Based on the World Report on Disability (2011), approximately 25 million Nigerians live with a disability with 3.6 million of them having very significant difficulties in functioning.

Regrettably, regardless of the high number of people with disabilities in Nigeria, very little support is allocated to the subject; persons with disabilities are often

excluded from social, economic and political matters.

The common perception of disability intervention is often in terms of charity and welfare. Consequently, this viewpoint is a significant factor that inhibits the social inclusion of people with disabilities in the country.

Danlami Umaru Basharu is the Director, AngloNigerian Welfare Association for the Blind (ANWAB), immediate past President of (JONAPWD) and member committee of experts of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

He told Sunday Mirror in an interview that persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group of people.

According to him, disabilities have been clustered into six: the blind, the deaf, persons with physical disabilities, persons with spinal cord injuries, persons with intellectual disabilities and persons affected by leprosy.

These different clusters have varying challenges, but above all, the overriding challenges faced by all persons with disabilities include the following, amongst others: Accessibility: The lack of accessibility to physical structures, transportation, information, communication and technology has hampered the development of persons with disabilities in the country. Not being able to move wheel chairs easily in and out of buildings and places of association for the use of the public, not being able to communicate through appropriate formats for the deaf through sign language, for instance, Braille and audio for the blind and easy-to-read formats for persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, makes life a lot unbearable.

Education: a serious challenge is faced in the area of education for persons with disabilities. Considering the fact that education for persons with disabilities could be in many cases capital-intensive, not enough is being budgeted towards education for persons with disabilities and more particularly Inclusive Education which ensures that all children should study in the same classrooms to help them to grow and understand one another together.

Health care: Another serious challenge is in the area of access to health care services. Deaf persons and the blind are usually at the mercy of untrained health care professionals who do not understand their needs on the field. Because of lack of a sign language interpreter, sometimes a deaf person is sent home with merely paracetamol. Pregnant women with disabilities have a great problem in accessing beds that are too high for them to climb into.

Political and public participation: Persons with disabilities feel excluded in the political and public decision-making processes of the nation. There is a real need to create an all-inclusive society where persons with disabilities can sit round the table in taking decisions that also directly affect them rather than having decisions being foisted on them. We should never lose sight of the disability slogan which states: Work and employment: like all persons, persons with disabilities have been shut out of the work market, many being discriminated against as a result of disability where they do merit the job. Others, due to employers’ lack of understanding to provide reasonable accommodation that would enable the person with disability feel fully included in the work place, are employed at the mercy of the employer. As a result persons with disabilities continue to remain below the poverty line.

Persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group of people The Disability Bill: This is the most sorry aspect of disability development in Nigeria. The bill which has been before presidents on three occasions has not yet received assent, i.e., in 2005, 2010 and 2015. The bill will now have to return to the National Assembly to commence is progress of passage before being sent to the President for his assent. It is expected that the new APC government which prides itself on providing change for the people, would speedily assent to the bill as soon as it reaches the table of the president, as it assured persons with disabilities during the political campaign CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, January 3, 2016

The Big Read

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Govt should speedily pass disability bill Ms. Ekaete Judith Umoh is the National President of JONAPWD. She sheds more light on the plight of the disabled persons in Nigeria in this interview with PAUL OMO OBADAN. What needs to change to make the lives of the Nigerian persons with disabilities better?

In Nigeria, the rights of persons with disabilities are hardly respected.

Majority of persons with disabilities in Nigeria almost always have a raw deal in terms of acceptance, access and respect for their rights. Our society has yet to come to terms with the fact that there is ability in disability. In Nigeria, many families discriminate against members who are physically or mentally challenged. They are hardly shown any love and care. Instead, they are cursed, insulted and tormented for bringing ‘bad luck’ to the family. This is inhuman. In terms of access, persons with disabilities lack adequate access to education, health, recreational facilities and public institutions generally. Many of our public and private offices are not accessible to persons on wheelchair and crutches. Many of them cannot enter banks, hotels and high rise buildings because of the security doors, malfunctioning elevators and absence of ramps.

In terms of employment opportunities, many PWD, though brilliant and with good academic certificates, are discriminated against at job interviews. Employers see them as a burden as they may not be as agile as their able-bodied counterparts while some may also need regular medical attention. In politics, political party leaders will hardly give them tickets to fly flag of the party at any election; be it local, state or national. This is because of the wrong notion that they are unelectable. They forgot that Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd American President who was elected an unprecedented four times into office, was for most part of his political career confined to a wheelchair due to polio attack he suffered when he was young.

Why has the disability bill not been passed into Law? Advocacy efforts are being channeled to ensure that the Disability Bill before the National Assembly is enacted into law.

There should be a body responsible for evaluating and monitoring accessibility in all sectors of human endeavors for persons with disabilities.

Disability awareness should be incorporated in the training of teachers, doctors, architects, lawyers, construction engineers, nurses and the like.

There should be a legal provision that mandates representatives of persons with disabilities to participate in policy making and to work with government institutions.

The reasons I feel the Bill has not been signed into Law is because of the lack of Political will on the part of government to do so. Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, South

There should be a body

responsible for evaluating and monitoring accessibility in all sectors of human endeavors for persons with disabilities.

There is a 1993 Nigerians with Disability Decree passed by the Nigerian military government in 1993.

This legislation directly addresses disability by providing for the rights and social welfare of persons with disabilities.

Some legislation on disability can be found in some states in Nigeria Lagos State Special People’s Law 2011 set up an Office of Disability Affairs.

Umoh

Africa, just to mention a few have all passed into law their Disability Law. Why not Nigeria?

Nigeria is just indifferent in matters relating to Disabilities. For instance, in the last election in Ghana held on December 7, special ballot papers were designed for the blind to enable them vote unaided. In Nigeria, the best is that blind voters are allowed to come to the polling unit with a trusted aide who should guide them during voting.

However speculations have it that on the part of Government they are afraid it is going to have a huge financial implication and burden them. But what they failed to understand is that we are not begging them, it is our right.

On the part of the public and business organizations, it is speculated that they are against it because it is too risky a bill to sign because of the many Penalties involved. For instance, Does Nigeria have legislation that directly addresses disability?

Other than the ordinary courts or tribunals, does Nigeria have any official body that specifically address the violation of the rights of people with disabilities?

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) is the official body in Nigeria that specifically addresses the violation of the rights of people with disabilities. The Executive Council of JONAPWD acts as a conduit between the Nigerian government and persons with disabilities in order to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. JONAPWD protects persons with disabilities by reporting any form of inhuman treatment they are subjected to, to the government. It has been able to establish partnership with other mainstream human rights organisations, like Action Aid Nigeria, coalition for change and PACT Nigeria. However, it has been argued that JONAPWD does not have the capacity to become an effective rights-based advocacy body as a result of the absence of a strategic plan including an obvious lack of transparency.

One of our major issues is to make them see disability as a development issue rather than a charity issue. So I do training on building knowledge for empowerment and make people see disability as a human rights issue.

Are there any government departments that are specifically responsible for promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities?

The government department responsible for promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in Nigeria is the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The Ministry provides some basic rehabilitation services. They also organise seminars and workshops for persons with disabilities. The Ministry is also responsible for the formulation of policies and programmes for persons with disabilities.

‘People discriminate against disabled persons’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

rallies. However, with respect to the bill, it will need to be reworked by the disability community to bring it in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities before being pushed back to the National assembly, as is now the current trend in many countries of the world that are passing national disability laws.

A public and policy affairs analyst, Mr. Chinedu Ezeobi argued that the stigma and negative attitudes attached to having a disability in Nigeria are mainly due to the public’s unawareness or disregard of the genuine causes of disabilities. Such poor understanding has prolonged prejudiced traditional beliefs about disabilities.

They are being marginalized and humiliated most times.

There is no denying the fact that persons with disabilities suffer from discrimination on a daily basis whether in employment, education, transportation, communication, information, health, housing and even social interaction where persons with disabilities are denied marriage

to their loved ones because they are disabled.

South Africa possesses one of the most comprehensive disability rights legislation and policy regimes in the world, and disabled people are involved at all levels of government.

Unfortunately, Nigeria does not have any legislation currently safeguarding the rights of people with disability.

According to UN statistics, there are currently over 600 million persons with disabilities throughout the world of whom 400 million live in developing countries and 80 million in Africa.

A World Health Organization source maintains that about forty percent of Africa’s population consists of people with disabilities, including 10-15 per cent of school-age children. This percentage would translate into about 300 million people with disabilities in Africa.

The vast majority of Africans with disabilities are excluded from schools and opportunities for work, virtually guaranteeing that they live as the poorest of the poor.

The social stigma associated with disability results in marginalization and isolation, often leading to begging as the sole means of survival. An estimated 20 million people in Nigeria have physical disabilities.

Similarly, persons with various forms of disabilities which include children, women and adults are relegated to the background and often treated as outcast. They are perceived as “objects” of charity, rather than “subjects” with rights.

They suffer discrimination in diverse sectors of the society and are equally excluded from the mainstream of the society.

Sadly, a handful of these disabled persons end up getting involved in street begging and other ridiculous activities owing to frustration. Most of them, especially disabled children and women suffer from psychological trauma and depression as a result of the rejection they encounter. The government is equally guilty, as it exhibits an attitude of indifference towards disabled persons.

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NEWS

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dasuki being persecuted for 2019 presidential ambition –PDP •Opposition party should blame itself for misfortunes, says APC

Obiora Ifoh, ABUJA

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has claimed that the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), is being persecuted because of the intention to contest the 2019 presidential election, rather than his involvement in corrupt practices.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday said the party was aware of a sinister plan by the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government to completely decimate PDP by instituting corruption charges against its leaders.

APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in a swift reaction denied the allegations, insisting the ruling party was committed to the rule of law and that PDP had itself to blame for its misfortunes.

Metuh said: “This has also confirmed our concern that this is the reason the Federal Gov-

ernment is persecuting and not prosecuting Col. Sambo Dasuki. The APC and its leaders fear that Dasuki, given his vast political and security network, may be harbouring a presidential ambition, more so that the PDP has zoned its presidential ticket to the North.

“The PDP is conversant with the sinister plan by the APC-led Federal Government to completely decimate our party by raking up all manner of allegations of corruption against the Goodluck Jonathan administration and leaders of the PDP with a view to taking them to court on orchestrated charges.

“Finally we are aware that President Buhari has directed security agencies to be more vicious in dealing with our members and has continued to subtly coerce the Judiciary to convict those being charged to court. But what gives us joy is that President Buhari is not God and we will not worship him.”

PDP also said it sympathizes with the president

and APC leaders over inability to take criticisms even as it reminded that former President Jonathan received worse knock than Buhari, yet he still played by the democratic norms.

“Unlike the APC that denigrated the office and person of former President Jonathan by wrongly depicting him as ‘clueless and incompetent’, the PDP remains the most decent, mature and constructive opposition party in our democracy and we have evidenced great respect for the person and exalted office of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“During the Goodluck Jonathan presidency, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, while in the saddle as interim Deputy National Secretary of the APC, in a post on his twitter page, described President Jonathan as ‘lazy, docile, incompetent, clueless, hopeless and useless leader.’

Other APC leaders made raining abuses on Jonathan a past time.

“The PDP is a very responsible opposition party; our leaders are ma-

ture; and we have demonstrated so in our critique of the President’s responses during the maiden Presidential Media Chat. We have reviewed President Buhari’s performance and concluded that it was uninspiring “The entire world listened to President Buhari during the chat and went away with different impressions. We did and came up with the theme of our initial reaction that portrayed him very appropriately as a tyrant.

And for purpose of clarity, a tyrant is a ruler who has complete power over a country and who uses the power in a cruel and unfair way, which was why we recommended the suspension of the operation of the constitution so he can rule for the next four years as a maximum ruler.

“Some have even criticised the PDP style of opposition as being too civil considering the tyranny we are facing. That is why Chief John Oyegun could term a dictionary word-‘tyrant’- as insulting. Nigerians do not

L-R: Deputy Inspector General of Police Dan’azumi Doma; Inspector General Solomon Arase and DIG Mamman Tsafe, at the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force’s Central Information System, in Abuja, at the weekend.

Ogunjobi, Onigbinde head Oduduwa Cup committee Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

F

ormer General Secretary of Nigeria Football Association, NFA, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, and former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, have been appointed as heads of committee to design template for the talent hunt programme initiated

by Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adey-

eye Ogunwusi.

This was disclosed in the monarch’s New Year message through a statement issued to newsmen during the weekend in Osogbo by Comrade Moses Olafare, the Director, Media and Public Affairs Ooni’s palace Ile-Ife. Oba Ogunwusi said the committee is already working on the “Youth Sport Drive and Talents Hunt programme” to bring back the good old days of sports, through a competition

tagged “Oduduwa Cup”.

The competition, according to the statement, will take place across Yoruba land, stressing that the move was part of the various initiatives to positively engage youth in the New Year.

The monarch then “enjoins youths to keep the hope alive and be law abiding and key into the change agenda of the government of the day.”

Ooni Ogunwusi further disclosed that he has

dedicated year 2016 to turn around the fortune of the teeming youthful populace by unfolding a new vista of hope in terms of gainful employment.

He said already, not fewer than 3,000 youths had been engaged at the project site of Ife Grand Resort, spanning over 1,000 acres of land he established and assured to do more for the betterment of the youth in the New Year.

need the PDP or anyone else to make them decide if President Buhari’s APC government fits the definition of a tyrant.

PDP said the real trait of the President was unraveled during the media chat where he repeatedly shown his scorn for the Legislature, an independent arm of government while sanctioning security agencies’ disrespect for court orders and the impunity of continuous incarceration of people who have been granted bails by the courts.

“Also from his responses, the President has even pronounced a guilty verdict on Col Sambo Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu of Radio Biafra even before the hearings by the courts.

Sadly, even the international community has noted this brazen scorn and disdain for the independence of the judiciary.

“Furthermore, how do we describe a President who openly denigrated an entire race as he did in the media chat when he suggested that the Igbos were insatiable with the appointments his government has so far given to them? Indeed, the timing and the tenor of the President’s comment, given the security and political situation in the land, remain worrisome, especially at a time a nervesoothing statement from the father of the nation could have reassured the agitators of the need for peace and unity in the nation.

“Besides, it is sad and embarrassing that President Buhari’s anticorruption crusade has now been reduced to a war between the APC and the PDP as declared by the Office of his spokespersons. Since they have confirmed that this is what the anti-corruption crusade is all about, the APC is obviously seeking to destroy the PDP so that it can push through Buhari’s second tenure in 2019 without opposition from the PDP.” However, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the party will not be bothered with who the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP fields as its candidate in 2019 even as it denied that former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki is not being persecuted for his 2019 presi-

dential ambition.

Chief John OdigieOyegun said in a statement, “Whoever the PDP picks as its candidate for the 2019 presidential election is not the business of the APC. Relevant laws in the country clearly spell out requirements for persons seeking election into all political office.

“The preoccupation of the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari is to deliver on all the promises made to Nigerians by the party during the 2015 election. Looking back at the last seven months, there are clear indicators showing that the APC and the President Buhari administration is on the right track to delivering on its Change Agenda.

“The PDP speaks of a presidential directive to security agencies and judiciary to “coerce” and “convict” PDP leaders and officials of the immediate-past administration with corruption charges.

Clearly such abuse of presidential directives was a concept invented and effectively deployed by the PDP during its defunct 16-year rule.

The APC is a lawabiding party and cannot adopt such diabolical concept. The APC believes strongly in the rule of law, as against the kind of impunity Nigeria witnessed under the PDP for 16 years.

“We assure Nigerians that the PDP conspiracy theories will not distract the President Buhari administration, law enforcement and anti-graft agencies from the successful on-going war against corruption being waged on looters of our common wealth. ‎The ongoing war against corruption is not selective.

Anybody guilty of corrupt practices will face the law.

“Clearly, the PDP has chosen to blame everyone but itself for the sorry state it finds itself.

The PDP should have known that it will pay for its years of impunity, recklessness and shocking mismanagement of the country’s commonwealth. PDP members who are genuinely inspired by the APC-led administration are welcome to the APC fold. It is their right to abandon a sinking ship and join one that is smooth-sailing.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEWS

Sunday, January 3, 2016

7

Police summon ex-militant leaders over rescheduled Bayelsa election ... Tompolo, Asari Dokubo warned to stay away from state Osahon Julius YENAGOA

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head of the January 9 rescheduled election in Bayelsa State, authorities of the State Police Command have summoned ex-militant leaders to a meeting.

This is coming on the heels of growing tension and rising fears of a repeat performance of the violence that marred the governorship election in Southern Ijaw local council.

According to the letter of invitation dated December 31, 2015 and made available to our correspondent through an email, the meeting was summoned by the Command through the office of the State Intelligence Bureau led by DSP Ondo Gbekumo.

The invitation letter, with reference number AB: 3422:BYS/SIB/Vol.6/83, stated ‎that attendance to the meeting by ex-militant leaders was mandatory as issues bordering on threat to security on the January 9 election would be discussed.

But some of the ex-militant leaders invited including former members of the Upper Chamber of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Comrade Eris Paul, popularly known as General Ogunboss, and Africanus Ukparisia, known as General Africa, have expressed lack of confidence in the State Police Command structure.

While some of them accused the State Police Command of bias and partisan loyalty to the PDP, others claimed the present structure of the state police would not ensure a free and fair election in Southern Ijaw Local Government area.

‘General’ Ogunboss expressed concern with the signatory to the Police invitation to the meeting fixed for January 4 and retorted, “when did we become members of the State Security agencies to be invited to security meeting? Nothing annoys me so much as receiving the invitation from a relative of Governor Seriake, Ondo Gbekumo”.

Spokesman of the Police Command, DSP Astimin Butswat, confirmed the summons for the meeting and said it was a formal invitation for all stakeholders to contribute ways the election should be conducted without violence.

According to Buswat, “We have invited them for discussions. We are explor-

ing every medium available to ensure a hitch-free election.”

Meanwhile, ex-militant leaders from Bayelsa State have expressed concern with the alleged involvement of the foremost exmilitant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo and the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Asari-Dokubo, in the violence witnessed in the governorship elections in the state.

According to the axmilitant leaders under the aegis of the Niger Delta Peace Yoke Leadership Initiative led by Comrade Excel Toriomo, although the effect the political tussle between the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State is having on the Ijaw race is well known, the involvement of non-Bayelsans such as Asari-Dokubo and Tompolo is more grave and volatile.

According to the faction, “Our group strongly warns Tompolo and Asari Dokubo to steer clear of the collective decision of the Bayelsa people. They should be saddled with the challenges of facing the EFCC rather than coming over to Southern Ijaw to foment troubles and crises in Bayelsa State.

“However, it is pertinent to note that the exagitators of Bayelsa State challenge Tompolo and Asari Dokubo to come to Southern Ijaw if they are willing; history may not forget that date because the world would know that it is not business as usual.

He said those who have ears should not only hear but listen. Surely ‘who the gods would destroy’ they first make mad”. ‎The group noted that though the incalculable damaged image done to the Ijaw nation by the ineptness of the PDP administration has not been forgotten in a hurry. The Bayelsa youth can no longer be battered by the deceptive doctrine of regional party, brotherliness or national godfathrism.

“We hereby make bold to say at this point that party lines and partisan feelings must be swallowed up in collective patriotism.

It is highly laughable that INEC in whom we have built so much faith during the last election skyrocketed and accelerated the democratic standard of Nigeria, can up-

hold the electoral sham in Sagbama and Ekeremor local governments respectively, where the PDP evidently rigged the elections obviously in a disgraceful and violent dimension.

“Change has come to stay in Bayelsa State not as a slogan but as a reality. Not even the enemies of Nigeria can stop this great wind of life. The Bayelsa people under the PDP administration plunged the state into poverty and degradation.

For every negative action of the administration, it is always interpreted to be the voice of the ‘national leader’.

“Chief Timipre Sylva fought for the relative peace enjoyed by the Niger Delta People today. The amnesty gesture introduced by the late President Umara Yar’Adua was made possible by the effort of Chief Sylva.

The amnesty remains the only benefit from the Federal Government where education, skill acquisition and

training become plain for the youth and ex-agitators of Bayelsa State.

“The Seriake Dickson Incumbency brought nothing but chaos in the Amnesty programme. Payment of workers’ salary in the state became a mirage, development of infrastructure remains a dream, corruption and propaganda is now seen as the norm.

“We watched the highest sense of propaganda this week in some national TV stations where youths who

cannot define the acronym of APC were hired in large numbers to declare defection from the APC to the PDP with the governor giving PDP flags to the hired youths.

What a shame? The landslide victory of the APC in Southern Ijaw Local Government was a direct response of the tiredness of the people of the PDP-led administration.

With the APC ttalwarts and bigwigs in Southern Ijaw, it will be a confusing mirage to think that the PDP can get 20 per cent of the votes.”

Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace, Ignatius Kaigama (middle), praying during the extraordinary Jubilee and Diaconate Ordination of Catholic Deacons in Jos yesterday.

Abuja residents throng parks to celebrate New Year

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buja residents yesterday gave thanks to God for His grace and protection and for allowing them to witness the New Year.

They also expressed hope that 2016 would usher in peace, development, prosperity and a new lease of life to Nigerians.

A cross section of the residents, who thronged various recreation parks in the city to catch fun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that they are expected their socio-economic situation to improve this year.

One of the residents, Mr. Dauda Anzaku, who was at the Millennium Park in Mai-

tama, told NAN that he came to celebrate the New Year with his family.

“It is a New Year; I came to the park to enjoy with my family because we all made it into 2016.

“We crossed over to the New Year in the church yesterday and today we are here to continue with the celebration.

“I pray that this year will bring good tidings and improvement in the conditions of Nigerians,’’ he said.

Mrs. Emily Zuppai, a civil servant, expressed joy for the peaceful celebration of Christmas despite the difficult times exacerbated by the delay in the payment of sala-

ries of civil servants.

“After the delay, majority of civil servants got their salaries signifying hope for a better New Year. “The celebration is on and we thank God for the relative peace we enjoyed in Abuja during the Christmas. “I pray that such peace will be witnessed across the country,’’ Zuppai said.

Mrs. Assumta Okoronko, a trader at Wuse Market, who was at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Children’s Park in Maitama with her three children, thanked God for the relative peace in Abuja during the celebration of Xmas.

“The year is still new and I pray that Nigeria will con-

tinue to remain one and grow from strength to strength.

“I enjoyed the peace that pervaded Abuja during the yuletide; there was no bomb blast and a lot of people came out and had fun,’’ she said.

At Monolisa Park at Area 11 Garki, some children were seen enjoying themselves on swings, while others rode on horseback and raced on cars.

Mr. Vitalis Danji, communication consultant, who together with his two children were seen riding on horseback, told NAN that his children loved riding on horseback.

“My children were very happy when we mounted the horse.

Iganmu-Mile 2-Badagry Expressways recorded light traffic.

Few yellow passenger buses and private vehicles were seen plying the roads.

NAN also reports that the usual crowds of passengers at Bus Stops such as Ojota, Ikeja, Ketu, Costain Roundabout, Orile-Iganmu,Yaba, Oy-

ingbo and Oshodi disappeared.

A commuter, Yinka Olatunde, who spoke with NAN, said many residents had travelled out of the city, while others might be staying indoors to celebrate the New Year.

He noted that the few passengers, who came out to board the buses might be responsible for the

stable intra-city transport fares.

“I paid the usual N150 from Ojota to Ojuelegba, so there was no hike in fares by the transporters,’’ he told NAN. Another commuter, who did not want to be identified, said she paid the usual N50 from Maryland to Ikeja, the state capital.

…Lagos commuters, motorists experience light traffic, stable fares

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agos motorists and commuters yesterday experienced light traffic on most of the roads in the metropolis as the New Year festivities continued.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored traffic situation in the metropolis, reports that the ever-busy Ikeja-Oshodi, Ikorodu-CMS and Orile-

8

News

January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saudi Arabia executes top Shi ’ite cleric, 46 others

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audi Arabia has executed the prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, the Interior Ministry said.

He was among 47 people put to death after being convicted of terrorism offences, it said in a statement.

Sheikh Nimr was a vocal supporter of the mass anti-government protests that erupted in Eastern Province in 2011, where a Shia majority has long complained of marginalisation.

Shia-led Iran said Saudi Arabia would pay a “high price ” for the execution.

A foreign ministry spokesman said Riyadh “supports terrorists... while executing and suppressing critics inside the country ”.

Iranian state TV reported that the Saudi charge d ’affaires in Iran had been summoned to the foreign ministry.

Iran is the main regional rival of Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia.

At least one protest march was held in Qatif, in Eastern Province, where security has been raised.

Protesters shouted the slogans “The people want the fall of the regime ”, and “Down with the alSaud family ”, reminiscent of the 2011 protests.

The BBC understands that among those executed was a man convicted of shooting dead a freelance cameraman on an assignment for the BBC, Simon Cumbers, in 2004.

Adel al-Dubayti was

sentenced in November 2014 for his role in multiple al-Qaeda attacks including the one in the capital Riyadh in which Cumbers was killed and which also left reporter Frank Gardner critically injured.

The executions were carried out simultaneously in 12 locations across Saudi Arabia.

Those also put to death include Sunnis convicted of involvement in al-Qaeda-linked terror attacks in 2003. Of the 47 executed, one was a Chadian national while another was Egyptian. The rest are Saudis.

Saudi Arabia ’s top cleric, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh, defended the executions, calling them a “mercy to

the prisoners ” as it would prevent them committing more crimes, Associated Press reported.

The international rights group Reprieve called the executions “appalling ”, saying at least four of those killed, including Sheikh Nimr, were put to death for offences related to political protest.

His death sentence was confirmed in October 2014, with his family saying he had been found guilty among other charges of seeking “foreign meddling ” in the kingdom.

Sheikh Nimr ’s supporters say he advocated only peaceful demonstrations and eschewed all violent opposition to the government.

The cleric ’s nephew, Ali

L-R: Director, UBA and former, First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke; Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. John GaulLebo; Deputy Governor, Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu; Governor Ben Ayade and Directorate Head, Public Sector, UBA Mr. Oliver Alawuba, at the Calabar Stadium venue of the International carnival, sponsored by UBA, recently.

Fire from oil spill site threatens Bayelsa communities OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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nless something is done urgently by the authorities concerned, a raging inferno is presently threatening to raze down Oruma/YibaAma Community, Ogbia local council of Bayelsa, as an impacted oil spill site at the community has been set ablaze by unknown persons.

It was gathered that the spill occurred along Shell Petroleum Development Company ’s Kolo CreekRumuekpe Trunkline on June 2, 2015 at Odau community, Abua/Odual local council of Rivers State, and spread to Oruma/ Yiba-Ama.

Sources said Shell abandoned the Ogbia segment of the spill incident without carrying out clean-up and remediation of the devastated Oruma/ Yiba-Ama environment.

The report of the Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) carried out on the oil spill which was concluded on June 25, 2015, indicated that the incident was allegedly caused by third party interference with 306 barrels of crude oil spilled.

It was learnt that Shell had done nothing about the volume of crude oil which spread to impact the environment of neighbouring Oruma/YibaAma community.

As a result, the fire set

to the site by unknown persons was said to have left in its wake “a roasted, fried and charred environment ”.

Chairman of Oruma/ Yiba-Ama Community Development Community (CDC), Igbogikeme Elliot, said at the weekend that the spill had been made worse by the inferno and Shell ’s refusal to embark on recovery exercise.

“It is sad the crude oil spread from Odau to destroy our swamp, ponds, farms and farmlands.

Some people depended on those ponds to take care of the educational needs of their children besides other family needs.

“But, while Shell failed to come and carry out re-

covery and clean-up of the spilled crude oil in our environment, the matter has been made even worse when somebody set fire and the whole environment just went up in flames.

“Economically, this is a great loss to our people; so much has been destroyed in terms of flora and fauna. So, we are really losing from Shell. We thought government should put in more efforts to ensure compliance with standards ”, he bemoaned.

Eliot said the community was crying out to the Bayelsa State Government, Federal Government and Shell to ensure that the environment was properly remediated.

al-Nimr, who was 17 when he was arrested following the demonstrations and also faces execution, was not listed as one of those

killed.

His brother, Mohammed al-Nimr, said he hoped any reaction to the execution would be peaceful.

New Year: Shittu urges Nigerians to promote peace, development KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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inister of Communications, Barrister Abdur-Raheem Shittu, has enjoined Nigerians to engage only in acts that will promote peace and rapid development of the country.

Shittu said this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, which was made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday. He noted that even though 2015 had been somewhat turbulent, Nigerians have many reasons to be hopeful.

He said, “As we celebrate the New Year, I urge all Nigerians irrespective of religious leaning and political affiliations, to reflect on the challenges that worked against our progress with a new zeal to tackling them. Let us put the ills of 2015 behind us and forge ahead with renewed vigour. ” He averred that as the birth of Jesus Christ epitomises the love of God for mankind, Nigerians

should emulate the virtue by showing love to one another and refrain from acts capable of igniting crises in the country.

He said: “It is a double celebration and not a mere coincidence that Maulud Nabiy rolled into Xmas which is another reason why irrespective of the differential in our religious faith, we must work together to move our nation forward. ” Shittu, who maintained that government should be seen as a collective effort by both the rulers and the governed, urged Nigerians to cooperate and support President Muhammadu Buhari in his sincere strides to make the country better, adding that only such orientation could make things work.

The minister also appealed to religious leaders to preach peace and love, irrespective of tribal and religious leanings.

He assured Nigerians of the readiness of the present administration to improve the lots of the masses through various welfarist programmes and policies.

‘Corporate bodies, FBOs not doing enough to assist IDPs ’

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non-governmental organisation, Campaign for Democracy, CD, yesterday observed that corporate bodies and faithbased organisations were not doing enough to assist Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the country.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Enugu, the South-East Chairman of the organisation, Comrade Uzor Uzor, said the IDP camps scattered in most states, were in dire need of welfare facilities.

According to him, it is not enough to just “pray ” for the IDPs and “wish them well ”, but that efforts must be made to touch their lives in practical terms, to give them a sense of belonging.

“The government cannot do it all alone as the resources are limited.

“Nigerians can rally

round these our brothers and sisters by bringing succour to them, especially providing medicare, clothing and food. ``From the assessment of CD, corporate bodies and faith-based organizations are not doing enough, even with their numerous gains and good financial standing.

“Organizations exempted from paying tax should return the goodwill given to them by the government, through catering for our displaced brothers and sisters, ’ ’ he said.

Uzor also called on Nigerians to be security conscious by putting in place, an all-embracing security arrangement.

“The days when one does not care about what happens in his or her neighbourhood is over; everybody, even children, should be educated to be security alert, ’ ’ he advised.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Bayelsa poll:

Re-run throws race wide open P 10

Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES

January 3, 2016

WE ARE STILL KEEPING OUR OPTION. IF THERE IS CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP OF BOKO HARAM THAT COMES OUT AND SAY THE CHIBOK GIRLS ARE ALIVE, WE ARE READY TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEM TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE RELEASED. –PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Dasukigate

Shocking revelations from can of worms

Dasuki

Dokpesi

Since the trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) began, there have been more shocking revelations on the alleged diversion of the $2.1b arms funds. ROTIMI FADEYI examines the issues involved and the way forward for the nation.

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or Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the National Security Adviser (NSA) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, life has not been the same since his arrest by security agents over allegation of diversion of $2.1 billion meant for the procurement of arms to counter insurgency

in the country.

Earlier before his arrest over the alleged arms deal, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) had on July 16 carried out a search on property in Abuja and Sokoto after which he was charged to court for illegal possession of

firearms on August 24 At his first appearance on September 1 before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to defend himself on the allegation of illegal possession of firearms, Justice Adeniyi Ademola granted Dasuki bail on self recognisance after he pleaded not guilty to the charge which was said to violate provisions of 27(1)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

While granting the bail of Dasuki, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

INEC and 2015 elections in retrospect

P 38&40

Briefly Embrace 2016 with condence, Osun Assembly urges Nigerians

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sun State House of Assembly has charged Nigerians to approach the new year with optimism, positive attitude and confidence.

The house also called for fervent prayers for peace, a pre-requisite for development, spirit of sacrifice from the citizenry in view of the myriad challenges confronting the nation, as well as mutual trust needed for nation building.

The calls were made through a statement to mark the New Year celebration, issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, on behalf of the assembly.

Describing 2016 as one of great expectations, hope, possibilities and challenges, the Assembly said though the nation was presently at economic crossroads and not yet the country of our collective dream, it potentially still remained a land of illimitable opportunities and great possibilities.

The parliament said Nigerians of all faith must unite to make country the global giant of Africa that it was destined.

Oyintiloye said that Nigeria has every ingredient for greatness and maintained that with tenacity of purpose, the reversal of downturn of fortune was achievable.

He pointed out that the challenges facing the country may be obvious in the socio-economic front, there was the need to build confidence in the capacities of the present government to achieve its developmental goals.

The house expressed confidence that the change project was on course, stressing that the initiative of President Muhammadu Buhari to reposition the country is robust and believable.

The Assembly noted that Nigerians of all faith must unite in the new year to collectively summon the courage to tackle the present challenges, with a view to making Nigeria the global giant of Africa that it was destined to be.

“Nigeria has every ingredient for greatness; with our ardent posture, assertive nature, and tenacity of purpose matched with stupendous natural resources, immense success is attainable.

“Despite the crippling weaknesses of today ’s economy imposed on us by the huge corruption of the past government, drop in the price of oil and all such factors that undermine genuine development, it is needful to support a well focused leadership and government led by President Buhari.

“Nigerians collectively must assume their duties to work with the present democratic government in fighting our challenges, especially as it relates to corruption, economy and insecurity to guarantee social equality that will guide us to our envisioned society.

10

Politics

January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa poll: Re-run throws race wide open Sylva, Dickson campaign organs in war of words It is not a done deal yet for the incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Bayelsa State gubernatorial contest despite a strong lead in the results announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. This is because the decision by the electoral umpire to cancel results from some units in some of the local government areas where electoral malpractices took place has thrown the race open one more. OSAHON JULIUS reports from Yenagoa.

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hough Governor Seriake Dickson appears to be leading by over 33,000 votes in the December 5 polls, the cancellation of results largely in the Ijaw South area where the election was marred by violence and various forms of electoral fraud has reconfigures some of the political permutations though both Dickson and his main rival – former governor Timpreye Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC have expressed confidence of ultimate victory as the January 9 date for the re-scheduled election approaches.

INEC figures suggest that there are about 94,663 votes are up for grabs in the seven local government areas where the exercise is expected to take place and both candidates are expected to exhibit strong showing in the election.

The seven LGAs, where elections were re-scheduled are as follows; Sagbama, with 6 polling units rescheduled, has 2,005 votes.

Others are; Yenagoa, 16 polling units and 8,383 votes; Brass LGA, with 16 polling units and 2,255 votes.

Forty four polling units were rescheduled in Ekeremor, the home LGA of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the area total votes for those units is 13,910 votes.

Next is Ogbia LGA, with 27 units, 5,816 votes. Nembe, has 13 polling units rescheduled, with 4,294 votes, while the voting strength of Southern Ijaw Local Government area still remain contentious as different figures were recorded for the local government, with about 58, 000 votes being the conservative figures popularly agreed on.

While the PDP continues to kick over the figure the APC is however arguing that the total votes realizable from the area is 120,897 votes and if this turns out to be the right figure, could raise the bar and the total state wide votes for the re-run could rise to 157,000.

According to APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Fortune Panebi, ”We just did our revalidation few weeks before the suspended election and that is the figure we have on

Dickso on

Sy ylva

THE CONTENTIOUS SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO DETERMINE WHO OCCUPIES THE CREEK HAVEN, COME FEBRUARY 15, 2016. WITH ITS LARGE NUMBERS OF VOTERS ON DISPLAY THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA SHALL BE THE MAJOR

DETERMINANTS OF THE RESCHEDULED POLL. our records ”.

Taking into consideration the fact that Chief Sylva hails from Nembe and Brass LGAs, he is likely to consolidate on his hold on the area and close the gap between him and Governor Dickson.

Another local government where Sylva is expected to have an edge is Ekeremor LG, but the PDP has some political heavyweights that can match the agric minister, vote for vote.

As for Ogbia LG, both parties are expected to slug it out in the remaining units said to be the strong hold of the APC area, but as the home local government of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the results are unpredictable.

The contentious Southern Ijaw Local Government is expected to determine who occupies the Creek Haven, come February 15, 2016. With its large numbers of voters on display the people of the area shall be the major determinants of the rescheduled poll.

It is expected that security this time around would be better than the December

5 exercise and that a lot of voters, who because of the orgy of violence that greeted the last exercise, were disenfranchised would be available on the new date to exercise their civic duties.

The two main parties are already up in arms against each other on the issue of the Southern Ijaw area as they have both boasted of carrying the day in the area.

According to Mr. Panebi, his party is sure of victory in all the seven local government areas, especially the vote-rich Southern Ijaw.

“We are so sure of victory. Even if Chief Sylva himself now decides to support Dickson, he will still lose.

“It is not about hiring thugs from neighbouring states to attack the people. Is it now that Governor Dickson wants to decide to know the Southern Ijaw people? ’ ’, he quipped.

However, the state PDP has said that the APC was fighting a lost battle because the governorship election has already been won and lost as the PDP candidate is in an unassailable position having won in

six of seven local government areas with Southern Ijaw the only remaining area of contest.

In a statement released on its behalf by the Director of Publicity of the Restoration Campaign Organization, Jonathan Obuebite, the PDP said “It ’s a lost battle for the APC ”.

Obuebute was emphatic that no amount of propaganda and blackmail will save APC from defeat come January 9, saying the PDP has no reason to import thugs as alleged by the APC to win in the rerun election.

He added that it was an election already won with the PDP candidate and governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, leading by a wide margin.

“The APC should simply concede victory rather than engaging in needless propaganda, cheap blackmail and grandstanding ”, he said.

However, the Sylva/Igiri campaign team of the APC boasted that its candidate (Sylva) was ready and willing to compete against Dickson at any electoral contest any day because he (Sylva) is sure of winning him.

The party said Dickson, the candidate of the PDP, was aware of that fact and that is why he had been engaging in all manner of “underhand tactics ” to win the rerun election.

They PDP also described as outright lies and false propaganda, claims by the All Progressives Congress that Dickson had stopped December salaries of civil servants.

The campaign organization also denied buying up voter cards ahead of the rerun election in Southern Ijaw Local GovernCONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

11

January 3, 2016

Man in the News Ibraheem El-Zakzaky

Islamic cleric tests Military might AYO ESAN

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eader of the Shiite Movement in Nigeria, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky has been in the news in the past weeks.

The reason for his being in the news has to do with the clash of his members with the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna state.

On Saturday, December 12, there was a reported clash between men of the Nigerian Army and the followers of Ibraheem El-Zakzaky which led to the death of over 60 people in Zaria, In explaining the clash, the Nigerian Army in a statement said there was an attempt by Shitte Islamic Sect to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai in Zaria, Kaduna state on December 12.

The Army said through its Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, that hundreds of the Sect members took over and barricaded the Zaria road and opened fire on the convoy of Buratai as well as advanced towards hum with dangerous weapons, at the instance of their leader, Ibrahim El -Zakzaky.

“The Shiite Sect on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim Alzak-zaky today afternoon in Zaria attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff ”, said Usman.

Usman said that Buratai was on his way to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and attend the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, when he encountered the unfortunate scene.

“The sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres.

“They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself.

“The Chief of Army Staff escaped unhurt and continued with his duties ”, he stated.

From the army ’s position, Shitte group was aware of the army ’s function but decided to dare the military by sustaining its incessant blockade of that road.

While the Army continues to insist that the Shiites attempted to kill Chief of Army Staff, the Shiites have denied the claim, saying that soldiers killed sect members with impunity.

While giving its own account of the incident, the Shiites ’ media contact, Ibrahim Usman, dismissed the Army ’s claims, asserting that soldiers carried out an unprovoked and deadly attack on sect members.

“At noon [Saturday], armed soldiers were seen in the precincts of Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah, Zaria, where members of the Islamic Movement were to carry out the hoisting of flag to usher in the new month of Maulud, the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam. [A] similar occasion was previously carried out on the same spot with free traffic flow under the supervision of the Movement ’s traffic warders, ” said the sect ’s spokesman.

He said when some male sect members met the soldiers to ascertain their mission, the troops “took position and opened fire indiscriminately [and] killed many. ” “Based on the foregoing, we believe that the military had pre-planned this and had acted according to their mischievous script. They came with their cameramen, videotaping the whole incidence while it lasted, ” said the sect.

“We are not surprised by this action, as there were reports spread by the same military the night before that the Shi ’ites were to avenge their dead by hired thugs on Friday in Gabari, a village in Zaria.

“The same military also spread rumor[s] that the Shi ’ites had killed soldiers, all in [an] attempt to justify [yesterday ’s] dastardly act. ” Shitte ’s spokesman stated that sect members could not have planned an attack against soldiers when the “2014 massacre of 34 members of the Islamic Movement, including three of Sheikh

Zakzaky ’s children by the military, the attempt on Sheikh Zakzaky ’s convoy by the same military are still on our minds.

He warned that no government could flourish with a trigger-happy military and security operatives “trained by CIA and Mossad. ” He urged the Muhammadu Buhari administration to identify and punish the perpetrators of the attack, or risk the perception that “the government is condoning violence and terrorism on innocent citizens.

As a way of resolving the impasse, leaders of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs met with the COAS on Thursday December 17, over the incidence, The Chief of Army staff told them that the problem could have been avoided if the Shiite leadership and members had heeded earlier warning to allow free movements.

In his reaction to the incident , the Governor of Kaduna State , Malam Nasir El-Rufai has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry and said all the parties involved in the incident will be weighed by the constitution and anyone found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly.

He added that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the state government would examine the remote and immediate causes of Zaria incident.

Also, the Northern States Governors Forum has also met in order to ensure

that the issue is not elongated and lead to another religious crisis, “The Governors after their meeting frowned at arbitrary blockage of highways through unauthorized processions causing inconveniences to other citizens.

Henceforth, processions must necessarily be with Police permit and protection as prescribed by the law.

Meanwhile the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 1 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, said the Islamic leader was in the custody of the Army Niger State chapter of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, (Shi ’ite) followers has demonstrated over the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, by security operatives.

Addressing the followers at the Minna Cental Mosque, the chapter leader (Amirul), Mallam Ibrahim Khalid Mohammed, noted that Sheikh El-Zakzaky who was arrested with many of his followers, was known for peace and peaceful coexistence.

Calling for the immediate release of their leader and followers, Mohammed explained that the movement, set up 37 years ago, has never been found wanting in any crisis.

He described the development as unconstitutional, undemocratic and a violation of human rights that has drawn condemnation from the international community.

“Our leader is a patient and peaceloving person who remained calm even when two of his sons were killed sometimes ago. God will not let go any injustice meted on our leader and supporters; release our leader to us, ” the Amrul lamented Mohammed added that members of the movement are not afraid of death because they have the right to live.

He said security agents have denied El-Zakzaky access to the press out of fear that he could reveal their tricks to the public.

Sheik Ibraheem Zakzaky, 62, the ever turbaned, tough looking leader of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, is an Islamic scholar and a tempestuous preacher.

He speaks straight to the powers-thatbe and has survived many jail terms in the hands of military governments in the ‘80s and ‘90s for sedition.

Never hiding his hatred for Israel and the United States, he lost three sons and 35 followers after a pro-Palestinian protest with the military on July 25, 2014 in Zaria, Kaduna State turned bloody.

Zakzaky is a first class graduate of economics from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria .

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES January 3, 2016

The menace of alcohol abuse

TITILOPE MORAKINYO

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t ’s the festive season and along with that comes parties and lots of ingestion (eating and drinking). Moreover, alcohol consumption can cause major health problems such as anemia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis, dementia, high blood pressure including kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.

Alcohol is created when grains, fruits or vegetables are fermented. Fermentation is a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugar in the food into alcohol.

Alcohol has different forms and can be used as a cleaner, an antiseptic or sedative. In the intake of alcohol it is absorbed into the blood stream and affects the central nervous system which is the brain and spinal cord that contains virtually all body functions.

Historically, alcohol beverages were widely used in all segments of the society as a source of inspiration. It was important for hospitality, considered an antidote for fatigue but was sometimes misused.

It has long served as thirst quencher in a world in which water has generally been either unhealthful or questionable at best.

In the late 18th century, most Parisians were poor

and they practical choice of drinking alcoholic beverage or water from a very muddy and often chemically polluted seine.

Alcohol has historically been therapeutic or medical. It has been a major analgesic and widely available to people in pain and have provided the caloric energy needed for hard labour, In an interview with Sunday Mirror, a medical practitioner with Ville Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr Jide Enitan, defined alcoholism as a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling drinking and being preoccupied with alcohol and continuing to drink even when it causes problems.

According to him, “alcoholism includes signs when a person is unable to limit the amount of intake, experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking ”. He explained that alcoholism is influenced by genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors that have an impact on how it affects the body and behaviour.

Dr Enitan stressed that the process of becoming addicted to alcohol begins gradually while some people may have an abnormal response to alcohol from the time they start drinking while over time drinking too much may change the normal balance of chemicals and nerve track in the brain.

He maintained that alcohol affects the body by al-

tering a person ’s perceptions, as more of it causes greater change in the brain resulting in intoxication.

He said: “Reaction times are slowed dramatically which is why people are told not to drink and drive.

When a large amount is consumed in a short period of time, poisoning can result. Violent vomiting is usually the first symptom. Poisoning, extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty in breathing, dangerously low blood sugar, seizures and even death may result. ” Speaking about the treatment, he said, “When a patient has a drinking problem, the best approach is to talk to the doctor or an alcohol counsellor for evaluation and treatment. ” The medic noted that the treatment is completely confidential while a health worker can recommend a brief stay in rehab or outpatient treatment. This treatment centres help the patient gradually overcome the physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.

“In addition, friends, neighbours and families can also help when they ’re concerned about the drinking habit of their loved ones. They should ensure they don ’t drink and drive, prevent them from doing anything dangerous such as trying to walk home at night or starting a fight and also protecting themselves by not allowing their friend who has been drinking to drive themselves, ” he urged.

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Praise & Worship E-mail:cossyodi@yahoo.com G-mail:ranke2015@gmail.com

EDIFYING GOD

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Furthermore, we learnt that “Love” is greater than faith and hope because love will always deliver what faith cannot (1 Corinthians 13:13). We also explored some of the greatness imbedded in the virtue of love.

–Bishop David Oyedepo

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Set your house in order

QUOTE

Why you must have faith in God, says Oloruntimilehin 17

Press on Nigeria 32

New Year resolutions:

The Christian perspective

14 & 15

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t the beginning of the year, especially on the last day of the previous year that precedes the New Year, people make promises to start doing good things or stop doing bad or wrong things; these promises or commitment made on this particular occasion is referred to as new resolution.

According to the Wikipedia free encyclopedia, New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice, such as opening doors for people beginning from New Year’s Day. Religion wise, the New Year’s resolution is believed to have taken root from Babylon where Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans were also recorded to begin each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named.

In the Medieval era, the knights also took a vow known as the peacock vow at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

There are other religious parallels to this tradition which presently at watch night services i.e. the New Year’s Eve, when many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making their New Year’s resolutions.

From Wikipedia account, during Judaism’s New Year, Rosh Hashanah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), one is to reflect upon one’s wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. People may act similarly during the Christian liturgical season of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility, in fact the practice of New Year’s resolutions partially came from the Lenten sacrifices. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually.

Some of the promises and commitments people make include resolutions to donate to the poor more often, Pray more, be closer to God, be more spiritual, be less grumpy, manage time, become more environmentally responsible, get along better with people, improve physical well-being: eat healthy food, lose weight, exercise more, eat better, drink less alcohol, quit smoking, get rid of old bad habits. For the young ones, many at the time resolve to improve their education; improve grades, get better education, learn something new, study often, read more books, play fewer video games, perhaps watch less television, improve talents, improve self, become more organized, stop biting nails, among others.

Even as these resolutions are set, many of those who make these commitments do not find it easy to keep their New Years’ resolutions as few days or weeks after setting goals for themselves, for reasons they cannot help, as it is always put, they go back to their old ways.

These failings notwithstanding, some school of thought believe that for people to record more success in keeping their set promises, they need to put into writ-

SSunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

New Year resolutions:

Members in the church

New Year’s Eve i.e. December 31 of every year has always been a time for people to look back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It is a time to reflect on the changes one wants or needs to make and resolve to follow through on those changes by making some commitments referred as New Year’s resolution. But should Christians make these New Years commitments considering that this tradition is of pagan origin? ODINAKA URUAKPA speaks to clerics to get their view on this. ing those commitments they wish to make for the New Year.

According to Pastor Richard Ojo of the True Vineyard Christian Ministry, Lagos, though New Year’s resolution has pagan origins, there is nothing wrong with the present day Christian making new resolutions or commitments which entails turning away from their bad ways to good.

“There is nothing wrong for one to make resolutions or commitments that would lead them to be a better person in the New Year. It is a good development when people realize their weaknesses or wrong doings and decide to make amends by resolving to shed their bad habits for good ones. But I would advise that people make just one New Year’s resolution for the coming year, instead making a long list of New Year’s resolutions every year which they might end up not keeping any. If I could make only one resolution it would be that I might become more and more like Christ during the coming year. This, after all, is God’s will for every one of His children. The Bible states in Romans 12:2 that we do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Every day we are tempted to forget God and live for ourselves, but God’s will is

There is nothing wrong for one to make resolutions or commitments that would lead them to be a better person in the

New Year. It is a good development

when people realize their weaknesses or wrong doings and decide to make amends by resolving to shed their bad habits for good ones.

for us to become more and more like His Son. And this happens as we stay close to Christ and allow His Spirit to change us and renew us from within. When we submit our hearts and lives to Christ, the Bible promises us in second Corinthians 3:18 that we will be transformed into his likeness which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. What does it mean to be like Christ? First, it means to be like Him in His behavior; rejecting sin, living pure and godly lives, and sharing His love with others. It also means to be like Him in our character; in love and peace and patience, and in all the other fruit of the Spirit as recorded in Galatians 5:22-23. Begin this New Year by making sure of your relationship with God. If you have never invited Christ to come into your life, do so

today. Then ask Him to help you become more like Christ this year, as you submit to His Word and follow Him every day”, he admonished.

On the Bible not saying anything about making New Year’s resolutions, Ojo said: “The Bible doesn’t mention making resolutions at the beginning of a new year, but it does urge us to examine our lives regularly, and to seek God’s help to become better persons every day. Lamentations 3:40 states, ‘Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.’ Did you ever ask yourself why you found it so hard to keep the resolutions you used to make? One reason may have been that they weren’t realistic or you had no clear plan for reaching them.

Many New Year’s resolutions, I’m afraid,

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Sunday, January 3, 2016

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The Christian perspective

are little more than a wish list; a series of things we would like to change about our lives, but little more. They also may be very self-centered, with little thought about whether or not they are God’s will.

Another reason, however, why we fail to keep our resolutions is because we seek to reach them in our own strength instead of with God’s help. But we are spiritually and morally weak, and we will never be the people God wants us to be unless we turn to Him for the help we need. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 121:2 that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

For Pastor Christopher Nwaru, Senior Pastor with the God of Israel Bible Church, Lagos, New Year’s resolution is a tradition that Christians should reckon with, adding that it is a way of presenting plans for the year before God, intimate Him on progressive intentions, as well as seek His assistance.

“Making New Year’s resolution can be said to be a way of planning ahead for the year. We are told in second chronicles that Jotham, a prominent character in the Bible was great because he planned his ways before the Lord. Presenting your plans for the New Year before God would make God have an idea of your intentions and as you present these intentions to Him (God), He would help you plan well as well as assist you in carrying them out successfully. There is this saying that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. People ought to learn to plan, to focus on their plans and achieve the purpose for which they plan. It is good to document the resolutions or commitments we have made for the year which we present before the Lord. It is okay to write our visions, make it plain so that God who runs things in our life, can run it well for us. These resolutions and commitments can be seen as one’s goal for the year, because once you know your

target for the year, you can prepare your mind towards achieving it successfully.

To accomplish all these, we must involve God in all we want to do, by imploring Him to bestow on us all that we need to achieve our set goals for the year”, he stated.

On how people can achieve the commitments made for the year, Nwaru said: “When making these promises, there is nothing wrong with putting them in writing. You can have a book where you record these promises so that when you are going off track, you can go back and read what you have listed to do or not to do and call yourself to order. Also, in making these resolutions, we must realize that they are personal and peculiar to us. When we make this promises, we need not tell anyone because most of the time, when you make a promise, to stop one bad habit or the other in the presence of another person(s), they will be there monitoring to see if you would go back on the promise that you have made. When this happens, i.e. when you fail in your commitments, these people are there to judge you and mock you for not been able to keep your promise. So, it is better that your promises or commitments are made in the secret of the heart and it should be between you and God who is the only just one.”

Also speaking on the issue, Pastor Francis Isong of Christian Miracle Assembly, Surulere, Lagos, claimed that making resolutions at the beginning of the year would not solve the problems that exist in people’s lives; rather what they need do is to enforce more of selfcontrol which is the fruit of the Spirit.

“Christians have jumped on the bandwagon of reinventing themselves every January 1 and unfortunately, have joined the ranks of those who fail their resolutions. But in the midst of the noisy clatter, let’s stop to consider; what does the Bible say about New Year’s resolutions?

Christians have jumped on the bandwagon of reinventing themselves every

January 1 and unfortunately,

have joined the ranks of those who fail their resolutions.

How does God really want us to be living our life? How should we look at all previous New Year’s resolution fails? To revolutionize the way Christians think about resolutions and the course they set for the New Yea, they must realise that resolutions won’t solve their problems, rather we need to enforce more of selfcontrol. Self-control is the fruit of the Spirit, not the result of trying harder at something. I would say that the reason people fail at previous resolutions is because they simply resolved to try harder, whether it was a desire to read the Bible every day, being charitable, or eating healthier. Even though we knew better, we always think that if we just tried harder, the resolution we are making this time would be different. This is a problem peculiar to all of us when it comes to making these commitments. The Bible states that the Spirit is the one who produces self-control, which means that it is something that God works in us as we continually submit ourselves to Him. If you think that this year’s resolution will set you on the straight and narrow, you are not thinking biblically about it.

Just looking back on the previous years’ failed resolutions is enough to make us want to cling to someone who can produce change in our lives. Practically speaking, for one who is in the habit of

eating unhealthy food, for instance cinnamon bun; this means that rather than resisting the cinnamon bun out of sheer will, I bring that desire to God and talk to Him about it. I ask Him (God) why I want to eat this bun? Am I masking a deeper sin issue with food? What would He want me to do? A resolution itself won’t solve our problems, but we have a saviour who is willing and eager to help us in our time of need”, he claimed.

Isong also explained that Christians need to reach for disciplines that cultivate the love for God and others which is the greatest commandment in the Bible.

“While the Bible doesn’t speak directly to creating New Year’s resolutions; it has a lot to say about how we should love God and others. Jesus explained to a listener as recorded in Luke 10:27 that the greatest commandment in the Bible is to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the second is to Love your neighbor as yourself.

Love is an active verb, which involves doing things both toward God and toward others, and it is a great litmus test for our resolutions”, he explained.

It s that time of year when the world is abuzz in new year’s resolutions, lists of new habits to adopt, and ways to be healthier, happier, and spiritual The church does this too

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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From the

Pulpit

Set your house in order Sunday, January 3, 2016

General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, says you should set your house in order. Excerpts:

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oshua 24:15 says, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell, but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”

Brethren, it is very important that we should be concerned with what becomes of our soul and that of other Christians after the passage of this world. This is because lots of people have gone astray and deviated from their professed faith as a result of the things of this world.

We should be disturbed by the situation of the multitude who have given themselves over to money and the things of the world. Paul the Apostle showed concern when Demas a fellow disciple in the workforce deserted him because of the love of this world. 2Tim 4:10 “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.”

Paul had the concern that Demas has forsaken him because of the love of the things of the world and that was really the concern of the Apostles. We should be concerned about the behaviour of members of our local church, friends, relations and others around us. We should be bothered for the misuse of the temple of God as our Master Jesus Christ who in trying to correct the negative behavioural activities of those in the temple decided to drive them out of the church.

John 2:13-16, “And the Jews’ Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” Many have given themselves to the things that do not profit their souls; thereby endangering their souls. The Almighty God entrusted every one of us with a soul of inestimable worth and preciousness, capable of being eternally saved or lost. And the gain of the whole world cannot be comparable with the loss of one precious soul; the soul lost is irrecoverable.

Mark 8:36-37 states “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 36 what good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”

If you are in the church and have lost focus of heaven which is the primary purpose of your be-

ing there and have decided to focus your energy on what to eat, wear, and how to get the best of the world, then you have missed the focal point. This is because those things are secondary, and the soul is more important. The souls of those around you (wife, husband, relations) and the members of the church are more important than the whole world.

So, we ought to put our houses vis-à-vis our souls in order to avoid the wrath of God. THE HOUSE OF GOD EXPLAINED AND REASON 1Cor. 3:16-17 says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17: If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are?”

Our hearts and that of the people around us and our physical church are the temples of God. The heart of all the people around you are the temple of God and the Lord is saying today ‘set your house in order’ You are the temple God, even your wife, husband, children are the temples of God, including the members of your house-care fellowship and local church. If that be the case, what attention are you giving it so that the temple of God will be in the form it ought to be? If your house is in order, your soul is in order then the house of God will be in order. But if not, God is telling you through this message to set your house in order.

Acts 17:28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, for we are also his offspring” The scripture states that it is in Him that we live and have our beings. This means, we are the house of God; for God lives inside us and we also live in Him. He is the original Fountain of our lives.

That we live at all is His gift, and our continued and prolonged existence is also His gift. He lives in every one of us, so where we are, there He is; we cannot separate from Him. Mathew 18:20 says, ‘For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.’

So as we are here now, God is also here because we are all gathered in

His name; so this is the house of God. Therefore, your house where you gather your children and wife to pray is the house of God. And it is your duty to keep the house of God in order. Nothing should be left undone to ensure the house of God is set in order.

John 2:3-16 states, “And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” This teaches us that our house and the evil going on in our hearts irritate God for it is the house of God. So, we must do something quickly in order to set our house aright. Many people, who allow their hearts to be occupied with covetousness, love of money and things of this world are polluting the dwelling of God in them. It is a pity to see many Christian hearts filled with money changers, covetousness and yet they want to win souls, preach and that is why the Lord is asking you today to set your heart in order first. Some churches today have turned the house of God into business centres, and their members minds are fixed on money instead of what will make them get to heaven at last.

Our Master Jesus Christ used cane to send the money changers away from the temple, likewise we are expected to go and eradicate all the distractions in our houses, hearts, offices that are making us not to pay attention to the work of God. This we must do for we should show our jealousness of the house of God, for the house of God must not be misused by people who claim to be Christians, leaders or pastors.

Beloved, how do you see what is happening in your local churches, houses, offices and market places? How do you see the life your wife, husband, children, friends etc are living? Are you seeing Christianity in them, are their lives bringing Glory to the house of God? What is happening in their lives, is there holiness and righteousness in your house, are your house members interested in the things of God. Do they go to church in time and listen to sermon, if not; God is asking today that you set your house in order.

Brethren, it is very necessary that you put to check your wife, husband, children, yourself, and know if you all are saved, sanctified and are making efforts to go to heaven, ready Pastor Muoka for rap-

ture, serving God and doing the will of God. If you find yourself wanting in any of the above, set your house in order; bring you household to godly focus. Be concerned about what they do and how they do it in the house of God. The Lord is telling us today to set our house in order, who knows whether it is because the trumpet is about to sound.

He loves us and has seen our commitment, labour, and wants us to set our house in order before the trumpet shall sound. We must not allow the house of God to be defiled instead we must begin the purification from ourselves then affect the lives of those around us which includes our local church members. We should always keep the temple of God (our heart) pure which is our house and the house of God. Brethren, let us keep to purity for this is the injunction of God. Keep your wife pure; keep the Children, friends and members of the church pure. Purity should be our watch-word. So, let’s set our house in order.

Mathew 5:8 states, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” The pure in heart will spiritually see God in this life and immediately in the life to come. Those whose minds, motives, and principles are pure, and who seek not only to have the external actions correct, but desire to be holy in heart, and are so, shall gloriously experience God in this life. We don’t know when the rapture will take place, so, we are advised to set our house in order. We should sanctify all around us and keep to purity all the things that surround us so that none shall miss rapture. And also through purity, we can produce pure and holy brethren. If we are pure, and the church is pure, when we invite somebody to the church, that person shall be established in purity. An unholy thing cannot produce a holy thing. So let us set our house in other.

If you don’t care about the life of your husband, wife, children that are living in iniquity, you will definitely be affected.

If your husband is not truly born again, your children are not born again they will make you to be angry and commit sin. When you come to sing your alleluia song, they will make caricature of you, and will do everything to make you uncomfortable, therefore, set your house in order. Remember God is holy and having Him in us demands a duty from us which is maintenance of holiness.

1Peter 1: 15-16 says, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy”.

If God is holy, it also entails His house must be holy. That is why He commands us to adapt to His nature of holiness.

Our Lord Jesus Christ dealt with those defiling the house of God, because God’s house must be holy. And when He sent them out of the temple, the Scripture says, the lame and the blind were healed, why, because immediately the house of God was cleansed, the power of God came down to heal and deliver them.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday, January 3, 2016

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Why you must have faith in God, says Oloruntimilehin General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, teaches on faith. Excerpts:

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aith is a very important and essential thing in the life of believers and followers of Christ. Faith denotes trust and reliance in God or fidelity. It brings about good things in human life particularly for those that possess it.

People require strong faith to overcome enemies and problems for God to provide for them. They do not require any faith. What is needed is for the people to seek for what they want in an ungodly manner. In all my teachings, I try to emphasise the good and the bad sides of life. As there is Godly riches, also satanic riches exist. Some forget all the men are not the same and equal. They see others wealthy and they do not serve and do for God. One thing is clear and should be understood: there is evil and goodness and God made it so (Isaiah 45:7.

“I from the light and create darkness, I make peace and calamity, I, the Lord, do all these things. Therefore anybody that is wealthy in a godly manner but refuses to sow for God will dry up. In the same vein the rich man that refused to sow seed for God by extending his riches to the poor when he was alive, had no place in heaven when he die (Luke 17:19-31).

But Lazarus who was the poor man had nothing but was strong in faith when he was alive found beside Abraham in heavenly kingdom. God could decided to

Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

A

nd Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness…………, And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about Luke 4:1 & 14

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightestwar a good warfare; 1 Timothy 1:18 Welcome to a new year in the name of Jesus, we thank God for sustaining us through 2015, for His faithfulness even on this platform where the word of God came to us. We believe and trust Him for more grace this year even as He takes us higher in Jesus name. For you too, who has been with us by the grace of God, I pray that you will experience multiple change of levels by the word of God this year in Jesus name.

Each new day represent a new opportunity to experience God‘s abundance likewise the dawn of a new year represents abundance of opportunities to enjoy opened heavens. Just as a mother anticipates the birth of her child, people anticipate the dawn of a new year for change of testimonies and for turnaround of precarious situations. I pray that your

take away the riches given to a person

by Him if the rich person is found to be using the riches in an ungodly manner. But in the book of Luke 12:13-21, Jesus narrated a parable of a rich fool who had godly riches but was about to use his riches in an ungodly manner by being arrogant and proud, God took his life immediately. But a person that is blessed with satanic riches can be using the riches in sinful ways to the extent that he or she forgets God until the end of life and fails to inherit the heavenly kingdom like the rich man. Therefore there are two different things the godly and satanic riches. People that are in the two categories are going to different places at the end.

Some people do not serve

God and some people are being are being advised not to attend church services or go to mosque. These people are being tempted to derail from the ways of God. What is required is for them to have a strong faith to overcome the temptation. Some people serving God diligently but still encounter problems, do not bother continue in the service of God with strong faith that all will soon be well. Do not allow devil to prevail over you. The Bible says in Mark 13:13 “…he who endure till the end shall be saved”. Do not forsake God whatever situation or condition a person finds himself or herself. In the process of endurance, God could send a help to the person that serves Him but lack things he or she desires for living a good life. God can use any means to satisfy His people that are suffering. The suffering won’t be permanent in life because the Bible says in Psalms 34:10 “the young lions lack and suffer hunger but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing”. What is the good thing referred to in the passage? God is being referred to as the good Prophet Oloruntimilehin thing.

Also

the Bible says in Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. Jesus was called a good person. He responded that nobody is good except his father in heaven i.e. God. So God is the goodness because He has no blemish, does not fade, an immortal. The good things do not refer to food, drinks, clothing etc. but God. This is where faith emanates into the world. So if a person has faith, he or she would have good things. Therefore if a person wants to overcome his or her enemies the person must have strong faith.

Imagine when Job was in turbulent, his wife told him to deny and forsake God Job 2:9 “Then his wife send to him.

“Do you still hold fast to your integrity?

Curse God and die”. But Job refused to heed to his wife advice because he did not want to sin (Job 2:10). The faith of Job was strong so he was able to overcome all his tribulations. After becoming a conqueror all the lost possessions of Job was returned in multiple fold (Job 42:10-17).

The lesson from Job’s story is that people that are facing tribulations should endure and not deny God and have strong faith. At the same time they will be conquerors. Similarly those that have strong faith and trust in God but could not see or get God’s favour on earth. Definitely

Empowerment for the journey (1) own expectations of change for this New Year will be fulfilled in Jesus name. Remember that God’s plans for your life are plans of good for a great future. 2016 will mark the beginning of that great future for you in Jesus name.

As the year 2015 was coming to an end, there was a certain article in which we asked that you evaluate how the year went for you, today by the grace of God, if you haven’t done this before now, I want you to prayerfully document how you want the New Year to go for you. This documentation becomes your expectation which you will put before God daily and be determined to testify about before the end of the year.

Listen well as we continue today, I can tell your expectations will be turned to a testimony or how quickly you will experience a change by taking a look at the level of your spiritual preparedness. Having expectations for the New Year without the requisite level of power to make it happen is nothing but wishful thinking and the truth is so many of these wishful thinking don’t come to pass. They only lead to frustration.

Let me interject quickly by saying that, for every blessing earmarked for you in 2016, there is a strong man, for every door opened before you, there is an adversary and for every testimony you will share, an enemy must be utterly defeated. The definition of frustration is the inability to grasp what God’s has determined to be yours simply because you could not overcome the Goliath in the way. I pray for you that

the Goliath that stopped you in 2015 will fall cheaply in 2016 making way for blessings for you in Jesus name.

The strong man of 2015 has now been joined by the strong man of 2016 and they have vowed to do more wickedly. You will change your lukewarm attitude and change tactics like a general in a stale battle before you can go for glory once and for all. God has made available to you all that pertains to life and Godliness for a winning lifestyle this year but your level of empowerment will determine how much of God’s provision you will access.

According to Joshua 18:3, the Israelites had fought battles to an extent and had experienced mouth opening victories but at this point became relaxed waiting for heaven to take over the remaining lands in Canaan for them but God was waiting for the Israelites to contend in battle and take back what is rightly theirs. People make the mistake of thinking that God is the one that delays their breakthrough, there are levels of victory that you should have achieved by God’s standards but you are yet too because you have not attained the required level of empowerment and you might have experienced some levels of victory but there is more land to take so go for empowerment.

Jesus dared not start His ministry without the required level of empowerment and He returned in the power of the Holy Ghost. The Disciples had a mandate to evangelize the world but were commanded to stay in Jerusalem until empowerment arrived. They could not transit from disciples to Apostles without empowerment. To go far, you need power,

to take the gates of the enemy like Samson did and break free from limitations and boundaries set by the enemy you need empowerment. To access doors which adversaries have determined to keep you from you need power. To be victorious early in 2016 and stay victorious, you need empowerment.

Prayerfully, meditate on what has been communicated to your heart today and we shall continue to various roadmaps to spiritual empowerment next week by the grace of God. God is ready to take you higher and you shall go up in Jesus name. Stay blessed.

The journey of empowerment begins at salvation why not begin this year by saying yes to Jesus or re-dedicating your life to Him and the process is simple: • Believe in your heart that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

• Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary paying the price for your sins and rose from the dead the third day to establish your victory • Confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord and saviour.

• Repent of all sins before the Lord and forsake them.

• Welcome into God’s family.

Now you can enjoy and experience true healing of the soul. Please locate a bible believing church and share you newbirth experience with the church leaders.

•For further prayer & counseling, Please contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Plot A22 Power Crescent, Arab road, Kubwa. Abuja, +2348030752799, +2348053695097, Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

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January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR OBIORA IFOH AG ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Zaria bloodbath: One clash too many

O

nS Saturday, d December b 12, Nigerians i i and the international community were jolted by yet another bloody clash in Zaria, Kaduna State, between the Nigerian Army and the Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky-led Shi ’ite sect, also known as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. When the dust settled, the losses in humans and materials were as confounding as they were unsettling. This is particularly because on Friday, July 25, 2014, about 17 months ago, a bloody encounter between the same parties, which claimed 35 lives with over 40 others injured, occurred in the same town. Among the dead were three sons of Sheikh Zakzaky.

In this latest clash, there were conflicting reports on casualties. While the sect claimed over 800 of its members were killed, authorities of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria reported about 60, adding that 28 other members of the sect were also brought in for treatment. Among the dead were Muhammad Turi, Zakzaky ’s deputy, his wife, son and some other senior members of his group. The clash has provoked global reactions, with the more acerbic ones coming from the Arab world. Iran expressed outrage, summoned Nigerian charge d ’affaires and demanded that the Federal Government shed light on the incident, treat the injured, and compensate victims for damages. Shi ’ite clerics from Iraq castigated the Nigerian Army for attacking unarmed people and describing the clash as an act of “aggression ”. For the United States, restraint on the part of both parties to prevent escalation of the crisis was her advice to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Like previous encounters, trouble reportedly started when the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai ran into a procession of members of the sect within Zaria, who stubbornly refused to create a corridor for it to pass. All entreaties to have them have a rethink were said not only to have been rebuffed, the Shi ’ites also were alleged to resort to stoning the army officers and deploying crude weaponry to underline their resolve. The soldiers were said to fire to cover their principal and protect themselves.

Accompanying the sad development

SHEIK ZAKZAKY AND HIS GROUP TOOK LAWLESSNESS TOO FAR WHEN THEY TOOK ON ONE OF THE SYMBOLS OF THE NATION ’S MILITARY MIGHT, THE CHIEF OF ARMY

STAFF; REFUSING HIM RIGHT OF PASSAGE AND DARING HIM WITH ARCANE EXHIBITION OF STRENGTH and the fruits it bears are narratives that are suffused in emotions and coloured by egotism by both parties and a polarised public. Particularly, the two combating parties have been engaged in a blame game that leads the nation nowhere. But in the entire narratives, one vital missing link is restraint. Granted that the group has a sad history of defiance of law and order, which gives it the odious status of lawlessness personified in the eyes of many discerning Nigerians, the deployment of maximum force on the Shi ’ites by the military is both brutal and disproportionate.

The claim by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) that the attack on him was an assassination attempt is nothing but red herring. It was meant to demonise the sect. We also feel appalled by the seeming indifference of President Muhammadu Buhari to the development. That he has said nothing about it shows he endorses the measures taken by Lt. Burutai to address the Shiite ’s perceived challenge.

This is very unfortunate because the

Movement members of the Islamic Mo ement of Nigeria are Nigerians and Mr. President owes it a sacred duty to protect them.

Having said this, we unequivocally take very strong exception to the unconscionable conducts of individuals and groups, who put to test the nation ’s military might. Sheik Zakzaky and his group took lawlessness too far when they took on one of the symbols of the nation ’s military might, the Chief of Army Staff; refusing him right of passage and daring him with arcane exhibition of strength.

Such insolence is intolerable. Nigeria is still suffering from the dent done her image by the rag tag Boko Haram band; submitting to the insolence of the Shi ’ites would have further dented the image of the country.

However, the nation could achieve its image restoration drive in a more decent and civil manner devoid of the use of maximum force as done by the army. The rules of engagement in civil-military relations are very clear. They have high quotients of tact, civility and restraint.

Much as the brazen and lawless conduct of the group is grossly unacceptable, the use of lethal weapon on the misguided local Shi ’ites, whose only visible weapons are machetes, cudgels and sticks, is at variance with standard crowd control practices.

We advise President Buhari and the military top hierarchs to take a more conciliatory approach in resolving the crisis, which might have created a huge confidence deficit among Nigerians.

Therefore, we urge the federal authorities to take precipitated measures for a massive fence mending to assuage ill feelings. The call by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), as well as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for an independent investigation is in order.

Our country ’s security challenge is still palpable, thus we need as many international friends as possible to help us overcome it. If Sheik Zakzaky has been an implacable enemy of Boko Haram and he has demonstrated courage in vociferously condemning the sect ’s violent activities, we believe he has a role to play in the final annihilation of Boko Haram and in post Boko Haram developments in Nigeria.

Reminiscences JANUARY 3 IN HISTORY 1870: Brooklyn Bridge under construction Construction work begins on the Brooklyn Bridge one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River.

1924: Egypt - Pharaoh Tutankhamen mummy located A precious treasure was found located near Luxor, Egypt, where King Tut ’s tomb was discovered two years prior. This special object was a stone sarcophagus, which contained a mummy inside of Pharaoh Tutankhamen of Egypt.

1938: U.S. - Roosevelt founds polio foundation Franklin Delano Roosevelt himself a victim of polio, found the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which was later renamed the March of Dimes Foundation.

1946: UK - Lord Haw Haw hung for high treason William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) was hanged in Britain for high treason. He had broadcast Nazi propaganda telling the British and American soldiers to surrender with the first words of every broadcast beginning with the words “Germany calling, Germany calling, Germany calling ”.

1959: Alaska becomes America ’s 49th state Alaska became the 49th state of the United States of America. A new U.S. flag of 13 stripes and 39 stars waved in the air.

1965: Protests mount over South Vietnam Thousands of antigovernment demonstrators in Saigon clash with government marines and police over concern that American influence in South Vietnam was increasing.

1967: Kennedy ’s alleged killer dies Jack Ruby, John F. Kennedy ’s accused killer, dies in Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. This is the same hospital where John F. Kennedy and Oswald had been pronounced dead.

1993: Bush, Yeltsin sign arms reduction pact US President George Bush, and Russian Boris Yeltsin, have signed the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty Start II - in Moscow which will cut the number of nuclear warheads they have by between 3,000 and 3,500.

PASSION

25 19

A Lifestyle Magazine

Sunday, January 3, 2016

APPLAUSE

‘ Never lose confidence in yourself’ >>21

I knew from childhood I’d become an entertainer

-Nene Johnson

>>20

>>20

20

Passion

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I knew from childhood I’d become an entertainer –Nene Johnson Nene Johnson is an Afro-pop musician who believes her journey on earth is to help improve everything around her and thus sees life as something that should be passionately explored. She studied English at the Lagos State University. In this interview with ADAEZE AMOS, she speaks about her new song, ‘Iyele’, her simplicity of style, among others.

What are you doing at present?

Besides the release of my single entitled, ‘Iyele’, which would hit the music scene in early 2016, 2015 has been a transformative year for me. For example, I discovered the restorative power of exercising and a healthy diet, while at the same time working on my sound and voice. Three companies have provided the support which helped me achieve many new things in 2015. For instance, Afrodisiacbay, a music company, understands the creative and technical needs of my music. This means I can now relax and worry only about composing emotionally compelling songs of which Iyele is one of them. Grassroots gym provided me with everything I needed to achieve fitness through exercising. They made me understand how important a healthy diet is. I also hired 19WORKS, a public relations team that promises smart brand development. At this point, I am happy to be around people and entities who desire that my music succeeds.

ting entertained by my music.

What determines what you wear when going for stage performance?

Many things play a role in choosing what I wear during a performance. However, the most important principle behind any clothing choices is comfort. I must feel comfortable in my costume. As long as I feel great in it, I will rock it.

What stands you out in the style world?

What distinguishes me within the style world is my fashion philosophy. I see style as a form of expression which is neither bound by eras nor seasons, but controlled by your feelings and emotions at a particular moment in time. Hence, I dress the way I want to. My style signature is simplicity. I believe less is more.

What’s your kind of music?

Some people compose better songs when they are sober and Afro pop with a touch of RnB & Soul. I perform this style of heartbroken. When do you think is the right time for you? music because my fans love it. And what inspires my emotions Due to the message in my song ‘Iyele’, many people would are experiences and observations. I see our journey in life as one think I composed it when I was heartbroken; well let us keep long song and my songs are just a fraction of life. them guessing. I typically compose songs by picturing moments and situations that everyone around the When you were younger, did it ever occur world can relate to. Raw emotions from these mento you that your passion for music tal images help to establish a physical connecwould be great? tion with the situations and conditions I I knew that I would be create in my mind. You can experian entertainer right ence this interplay between emofrom childhood. tion and situation in my new I was known in single ‘Iyele’ secondary school as a Who in the music talented world both singer. I nationally and was freinternaquently tionally receiving do you p o s i t ive adcomments mire? and compliments due to my songs at I an early age. Those compliments gave me the confidence that music would take me a long way.

Can you relive your first time on stage before a large crowd?

Performing ‘Still The One’ by Shania Twain at a wedding ceremony was my first time performance in front of a large audience. I was very nervous standing in front of about 500 people who looked like a million stern and curious eyes piercing right into my soul. My timidity did not last long the very moment I saw the crowd get-

admire and respect every musician that is working hard to release good music and creative materials that people find entertaining. Fela Anikulapo Kuti quickly comes to mind because beyond his brilliant sounds, he was arguably the only Nigerian musician with true global appeal and presence. Whitney Houston, my childhood hero, is another musician I adore. She is a musical genius.

How would you feel when you get married and your husband insists you should quit music?

The beautiful thing about marriage is that while it is a choice on the one hand, love also has the potential to be blind on the other hand. I hope I find love in a person and in a place that will support my work because music is my passion.

How do you cope with stardom as people must talk no matter what one does?

I have learnt that other people’s opinions are not within my control. However, I have chosen to succeed in life and I will always look for ways to ensure that we all succeed together no matter what anyone says about me.

As a diva, what do Looking good I believe that many things are good for a diva that is also good for the girl next door. For example, both a diva and

you do to look good? has its benefits. there are that

“the g i r l next door” have the right to exercise and eat healthy regularly. I am simply a girl next door, the kind of girl who knows that beauty comes more from within than from without. In other words, true beauty comes from the winning habit of maintaining a healthy, fit and intellectually sound lifestyle. That is why I made that choice to

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, January 3, 2016

follow the narrow road towards beauty which involves hard work and perseverance. I hope other African women would join me. One thing I want all women to know is that looking beautiful and getting that cute figure through exercise and eating healthy is very possible and easier than it seems. You do not need to rob a bank or have an expensive gym membership to achieve that. My fitness trainer at the GrassRoots gym always told me that “as long as you have a floor to stand on, you have a gym”.

I took this to mean that I could work out at home or outdoors and do anything I desire. I always love to motivate and inspire other women and that is why I have documented some of these experiences on my Instagram page. So feel free to follow me @IAmNeNeJohnson and take a look at my exercise pictures and videos and also please don’t forget to share your own exercise and diet tips with me as well, so that we can all look good and stay beautiful together.

Applause

21

Never lose confidence in yourself –Christabel Iwuala

You are now on low cut, what prompted that?

As a West African woman, my hair is naturally short. I felt it was the right time to embrace my natural hair and learn to style it in a way that would bring out its own natural beauty. Arriving at the decision to cut my hair was hard, but it is one I am happy I took. It is good to feel beautiful in your own unique way.

Some musicians take substances before they perform on the stage to be high. What makes you high on the stage?

I love to give people a good time. That alone stirs my passion. I’m naturally high when I see people entertained by my songs.

Adaeze Amos

I

mo State-born Queen Christabel Iwuala runs a beauty pageant called Face of Bella as well as a fashion line and agency, Queen Africa International.

Although she holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology What is the craziest thing a male fan has ever from Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, she also studied cabin done to you? crew in the School of Aviation.

Asking me to marry him out of the blues.

“I’m an ex-beauty queen, Miss Tourism, Imo 2013, Queen of Aso Beauty 2012 and Queen of Trust International 2014. I’m bold The year would soon wind up, what do you to say that my tenure was beautiful, sweet and exciting because thank God for?

I thank God for good health, progress and I touched lives with my crown and made people smile and still make them smile through humanitarian works,” she said conpositive growth in my life. tentedly.

You may wish to know those things she did and still do to touch What is your life philosophy?

Winners never quit, so never give up on lives and put smiles on the lips of people?

According to the CEO, Bella CVJ Entertainment, “I campaign yourself. against child labour and girl-child trafficking in Nigeria through the help of National Agency for Prohibition and Trafficking in What lesson has life taught you?

Life has taught me to love, to be strong-willed Persons (NAPTIP).”

Queen Christabel, having been beauty queen in three different and determined. beauty pageants, felt it was time to use what she knows to empower younger women by giving them a crown and platform. As a result she started Face of Bella and Queen African International.

“I came into this business just to give back to the society by giving them a good platform for change and a good audience to be able to reach out for their goals. For young beauty queens, I also give them scholarships and make them rule without struggle,” she emphasised.

How does she scout for contestants and what qualities must they possess?

“The contestants should be able to speak fluent English. They should be able to walk well in high-heel shoes, be creative, intelligent, smart and have poise,” she said.

There are as well things that thrill Queen Christabel in her vocation.

“I’m happy when I see my dreams realised in one way or the other. Another thing that gladdens my heart is when I see my beauty queens useful,” she said.

She disclosed that her pageant is different from others. “Mine is unique because the grounds are built totally different from other pageants. The reason is that through pageantry I want desperately to promote peace across African countries. Another factor that stands my pageantry out is the fact that I don’t only crown the winners. I extend my hand to all the contestants,” she noted.

This lady is a strong believer in the maxim that ‘once a queen, always a queen even if her tenure is over’.

“Yes I do believe in that saying because what makes a true beauty queen isn’t just the crown but what you do with inner passion and zeal so after your tenure you still go after that passion and build it on,” she said with a giggle.

Queen Christabel remembers instinctively what happened during her tenures as a beauty queen.

“Well, I made so much come to pass through the crown. Most importantly, my beauty crown shot me into the limelight, brought me fame and made me the great beauty ambassador that I am today,” she recalled.

About the lesson life has taught her, she said, “I was taught by the great teacher itself, which is life, never to lose hope or confidence in myself or in people. And to go for what I want and make it work.”

Queen Christabel doesn’t do much to retain her alluring physique.

“I am always in this figure from days back. I don’t do workout or exercise,” she said.

What is her opinion on marriage?

“Marriage is good. I will defiantly get married someday when the right man and time comes. I will make it to my taste. The man I want should be God-fearing. I know that I’m not the selective type, but for all I want is a God-fearing and loving man who understands me, someone that both of us can stand by each other no matter what,” she said smilingly.

The craziest moment of her life was “when I pulled my footwear at a fast food restaurant before walking inside”.

22

Opinion

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Uncensored

Sheriff Folarin

E-mail: sheffie2004@yahoo.co.uk 08094217972 (SMS only)

T

he citizens of Republic of Benin are generally good people. They are honest, unassuming and helpful people. You will be tempted to describe them as slow or sluggish; but they are not.

They are simply a product of their society- calm, simple and content with what they have. The people of Porto Novo in particular are friendly and because of their Yoruba heritage, will go extra mile to assist any foreigner from Nigeria. The Beninese police can however, be funny and give a wrong projection of the image of the hospitable and pleasant country. The police and gendarmes along the highways are the culprits in this case, with the police being the more culpable.

Like their Nigerian counterparts, the police on Benin highways go the extra mile to collect illegal “tolls and tributes” from motorists. Their eagle eye spots foreign plate numbers very sharply, as they fly off their seats or stand and dash towards an oncoming car and waves it down. An unsolicited salute then follows and the right hand stretches into the car through the passenger or driver’s window for yet another unsolicited and unprofessional handshake. The handshake is a smokescreen for collection of the “goodwill”. This ranges from 300 CFA coins to 500 CFA bills. The standard “fee” for “passage” is 500 CFA. If anything less is offered, the policeman or gendarme officer will take another look at you, shake his head and tell you that “300 would not buy me a bottle of beer”. If you do not understand the body language and tip-giving “highway code”, the security agent will understand and try to explain to you by flagging down other vehicles behind you, particularly those that carry the same national plate number as

Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

Email: j.agwu@Ofrsc.gov.ng Tel: -8033026491, 8077690055

F

or three years running, it has become a ritual of sort for me to cross over to a new year with an agenda set by me to guide my page and to also guide the motoring public. My annual ritual is also a reminder to my colleagues on what should be a priority in keeping with the fallout of the previous year. Since this ritual began, I do not know how consistent I have been .I do not also know if my colleagues even take me serious. For the motoring public, I don’t know their take; maybe they see my agenda as one of those rituals called New Year resolution. Whatever the rating is, I am committed to setting the agenda perhaps as a reminder of my duty to my readers.As we still bask in the euphoria of crossing over to 2016, we must pause to ponder over people whose dreams and aspirations fizzled away like vapor through what some of us refer to as ‘’just a simple or minor error’’ borne out of bad driving mannerisms built over time.

We must therefore think and remember that despite all the novelties necessary for safe driving; the greatest tool is responsible driving.

As the 2016 journey begins, seat belt use

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The Beninese toll collectors: How not to police a highway yours; you then see the friendly handshakes and the red paper that in the palm that follow, and how this palm is withdrawn from the car to the pocket. Oga policeman then returns to you with a fraudulent smile, tending to ask you if the essence of your waiting while those after you have been passed is fully comprehended. It is then you return a wry smile, enter into your car confidently, start the engine without being officially passed and look for a 300 or 500 CFA, which you hand over to the officer and zoom off, with pleasantries exchanged in whatever language both of you desire.

The handshake, if understood, is a decent or polite way of asking the motorist to “drop” without anyone noticing. The policeman could get a little aggressive if the driver dares him and refuses to “drop” anything. He then demands to see the vehicle papers, laissezpassé, ECOWAS insurance card, international driver’s license, international passport, and all other relevant and irrelevant documents. As you still exhibit stubbornness, the guy extends your delay until you simmer and “settle”. But if you present all the documents and they are valid, the officer, perspiring, tries to show professionalism by certifying you fit to drive off and undesirably, gives you a parting salutation of “bon voyage” or “bye-bye”.

Interestingly, some of the policemen can be very nice. If you do not have anything to give them, they still give you a genuine pleasant smile and tell you not to worry, wishing you a safe journey. And some, particularly the gendarmes, who do not ask for money, but are given, will show so much pleasant surprise and appreciation for what they get. Contrary to popular belief, the gendarmes are much more disciplined and professional than the police. The gendarmes are cautious and do not directly ask for money. If you understand how you give to the police and you extend the gesture to them in similar manner, they will appreciate you, recognize you and give you very decent salutations next time. Few of them though, shockingly, because of their closeness to police checkpoints, will boldly ask you for a

minimum of 500 CFA, for no reason. When you do not give, a thorough search of your car for contraband or expired papers will follow. In the middle of the search, if you feel delayed and make an offer of the tip, the serious-looking officer backs down, stops grandstanding and beams with smiles and asks the tout-assistant blocking the checkpoint with sharp-edged rod to “open the gate immediately”, and you zoom off a free motorist.

Incidentally, there are so many roadblocks/ checkpoints in Benin. From Igolo (Idiroko border) to Porto Novo, there are five checkpoints fully manned by rifle-wielding policemen/ gendarmes. From the bridge that links Porto Novo and Cotonou expressway to the spot with the big inscription, “Bienvenue a Cotonou”, there are as many as eight checkpoints.

From that spot, through Tokpa to Grand Popo and the Benin-Togo frontiers, there are 13 checkpoints. And all of these checkpoints have barricades that cannot be beaten by any vehicle. Everyone flagged down must either “drop” or face avoidable delays. 500 CFA times 26 checkpoints will give you what? 13,000 CFA, which you are likely to pay without realizing it.

Funny enough, I never understood this “stop” and “drop” thing until very recently.

Hitherto, whenever I was flagged down, I would receive the salute and handshake warmly and await them to give me a pass. But then, in the absence of “party-kolas’, my particulars would be requested, which I would present with gladness. After this, my boot would be checked, and then I am given a clean bill of health and asked to go. After three experiences and having seen how other vehicles from Nigeria pass with ease, after having slowed down a little and exchanged handshakes, I understood what obtains. However, I remained adamant and preferred to be asked to show my papers and boot instead. I enjoy the entire scenario of seeing how policemen and security agents of other climes do their thing, to compare with my countrymen’s approach.

I found the policemen and gendarmes of Benin more “professional” and friendly in the habit of extortion of motorists. Even as they have pistols by their side, or rifles around their shoulders, there has never been a scene of waving or brandishing it at motorists to threaten them to ‘drop’ something.

The guns never leave their purses or shoulders. It is simply a matter of salute, shake hands and “collect”, ort thorough checking.

There have never been accidental discharges or brutality over 300 or 500 CFA. In Nigeria, policemen discharge their bullets into pregnant women, drivers of public transport vehicles or motorists over N100 or in the heat of argument over settlement or not. There has never been a scene or report of policemen banging cars with clubs or sticks like it obtains on Idiroko Road every day, whenever motorists try to beat their illegal toll-collecting checkpoints.

While corruption has no other name and cannot hide under any guise, and while what happens on Benin highways is indecent, no matter how pan-caked, it still projects the Nigerian police as much more crude in the road-side extortion act. However, the Benin authorities might want to look into the increasing uncanny habit of its security personnel on the highways. It does not give the country a good tag. It undermines the integrity and image of the Beninese police.

I interacted with two gendarmes, whom I offered a lift recently and they bemoaned the shabby treatment they are subjected to. As at December 5, 2015, the gendarmes and police personnel had not been paid almost a year’s salaries! Unimaginable!! One can now better understand the factor in the high level of corruption and “fine bara” by people who should secure the country. The government, as a matter of urgency, has to look into this and give the men their dues.

Sheriff Folarin (PhD), an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, writes from Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

2016: My agenda

for both the rear and front seat passengers will certainly top my agenda. Despite over 13years of seal belt enforcement and the importance of seat belt as a safety device in the vehicle, a greater percentage of motorists still see seat belt usage as a fulfillment of the law; not an acknowledgment of its safety value and as such merely strap when they cite a road safety patrol team.

My worry over the seat belt use was triggered when recently I stumbled on a man whose ten year old daughter died in a fatal crash caused by tyre burst; while the father and mother; both front seat passengers survived because of the use of seat belt, the ten year who was flung out of the car died as a result of head injuries sustained. I intend to treat this in details by next week.

While lack luster attitude towards seat belt use for rear seat passengers remains prime, 2016 for me should be a defining year in our quest for checkmate rising trend of speed related road traffic crashes in the country. While I am still awaiting the official record on crashes which occurred during the 2015 end of year patrol, I am also eagerly awaiting full details on how we fared both as the agency charged with road crash reduction and as a nation.

Over the years speed related crashes, dangerous driving and loss of control account for about 60percent of recorded road traffic crashes .This explains why the Federal Road Safety Corps throughout 2015 engaged its various stakeholders on the need for a smooth sail in a campaign whose suc-

cessful implementation could see crashes pummeling down by at least 30percent at the onset.

My excitement is not just on the impact the campaign would have on road traffic crash management in the country but on the Presidential backing being enjoyed by the novel safety initiative in the country.

Mr President himself specifically in the words of my boss,BoboyeOyeyemi,used his Presidential pen to direct and approve that April 1,2016 should see the enforcement of speed limiter in vehicles in the country. I know that vendors have been approved. I also do know that stakeholders have fully been mobilized with their full buy in gotten for a successful take off and implementation .Meanwhile, another round of robust awareness is to commence from January till March ending as a strategy to reinforce years of education on the safety merits of the campaign which has helped in reducing crashes and deaths in some African countries, including the examples of our own ABC Transport among others and multinationals such as Shell Petroleum Development Company.Shell,for instance has over the years paid great priority to two critical areas which even the World Health Organization(WHO) and the World Bank identifies as critical in redressing crash trend and fatalities-the areas are speed control through the installation of speed governors in all their vehicles and compulsory use of seat belt by both the front and rear seat passengers. While training and retraining is a given, other areas such

as minimum safety standard of vehicles, recruiting qualified personnel whose welfare is not negotiable rank topmost Sometime last year, I did a piece on the penalty point system which ran for about two weeks. I must confess that since 2009 when my former boss OsitaChidoka conscripted me in to the committee that put together the document, Our Today, Our Tomorrow-A vision for making roads safe in Nigeria, I have maintained that all our innovations will fail to create the desired impact if our technology backbone is not fully deployed to the highway to ease and aid enforcement.This was the point the Corps Marshal made during a recent television discussion on the imperative of the penalty point system. The beauty of the Western world is that the least traffic officer in a patrol vehicle carries with him a library of drivers’ status, including recalcitrant drivers. It is this information that aids him in identifying the legality of the man behind the wheels and his driving records and status over time. I know that we often act as if we are above the law but I can assure you that the moment drivers know that they stand the chance of being disqualified from driving through either the suspension, warning or withdrawal of their drivers licence,that driver would cherish his drivers license like is the case in countries such as the United kingdom and the United States of America where possessing a drivers licence is celebrated far above even possessing an International Passport.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

January 3, 2016

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Perfect Cut

African Look

Headgears exude class, glamour Adaeze Amos

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ith the headgear and its flashy colours, African styles have continued to display glamour and elegance. If you take a closer look at these damsels, you would see panache around them If you are looking for styles for those fabrics you want to hurriedly give to your fashion designer, take this page along. The styles are worth copying exactly.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A season

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, January 3, 2016

of breathtaking colours Adaeze Amos

T

here is no doubting the fact that the world of women is a fantastic one, a hot planet so to say. I hope dudes are not greening with envy. But honestly, that’s the fact. The world of women is ever active, no dull moment, always bubbling. Even in the fashion world, women are more active with wonderful, smashing colours.

So, if you are one of the ladies of sweet colours, this season is your active time. Step out in sweet, shocking colours of white and red and brighten every dull moment around you. If you don’t know how, check out Gina Cephas, a diva on this page and catch the feel!

Perfect Cut

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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Dude Style

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

‘Most times, I dress the way I feel’ Morris Imadu aka McMorris Berry is a standup comedian. The award-winning comic, in this interview with VICTOR UDOH, bares it all on his fashion sense and journey into comedy, among others. Excerpts: You just came back from a London tour, how was the experience?

I had a wonderful experience in London; if not for the love I have for my fans here in Nigeria, I wouldn’t have come back, because the white people shower so much love to me.

They were laughing to every bit of jokes I make. They made me feel at home, I wasn’t struggling to crack my jokes; it was just coming out freely. From next year, I will be touring America.

You performed along top celebrities such as 2face, Basket Mouth, Alibaba, among others in London, what do you have to say about that?

I see myself as a lucky guy to perform among these great people in the music and comedy industry. It was a privilege seeing myself with them on the same stage; it is what every upcoming artiste would want. I thank God for that opportunity.

How did you get into comedy?

I started years ago as a music artiste.

Whenever I sang, I noticed people would laugh. Thereafter, a friend walked up to me and said that I make people laugh the way I sang. Of course, I didn’t take it seriously until one fateful day I went to perform at an event as a musical artiste. Fortunately, for me that day, the master-of-ceremony didn’t come. I was forced to anchor the event. What really amazed me was t h a t throughout the occasion, everyone w a s

laughing. I then told myself that for all these years of singing no one acknowledged me, yet in just one day of anchoring an event, a lot of people had demanded for my card. That was how I switched to comedy, and I thank God the business is seriously paying my bills.

Dressing is an important part of someone’s makeup at public events.

What is that fashion

item that is a common feature of your wardrobe?

I don’t select what to wear; most times, I dress how I feel, not the way people want.

Mostly, if I have an event I would be performing, I visit the market to pick up what I want to wear. It could be jeans and a T-shirt, or corporate suit depending on my mood. So, I don’t really have a particular outfit in my wardrobe.

most everything myself. It wasn’t easy, but now, I thank God I have been able to overcome the hardship.

What is that fashion item you can never be caught in?

I can never have a tattoo done on my body or wear female attire.

What current proj-

While growing up, did any particular celebrity have impact on you?

In my house, we had no television set when I was growing up. So, I didn’t know a n y celebrity.

Can you define your kind of comedy?

I am a spontaneous and corporate comedian. I make my jokes from happenings around me.

Given the quality of talents on the local scene, how do you intend to stand out from the rest?

I believe so much in myself, that is why I create unique styles while delivering my jokes.

That has really helped me stand out in the industry. ects My jokes are spontaneous and original. I crack have them based on occurrences that surround me. you on hand?

For now What was growing up I am worklike?

M y ing on my g r ow i n g show, which up was is going to t o u g h be a very big because one. I am bringI did al- ing in different concepts that I hope would be different

from the usual things people have been seeing. I am putting in a unique touch in my show; it would be a very big one. Already so many corporate bodies are buying into the project. The show is going to feature some of the top comedians and musicians in the country, both foreign and local artistes.

How did you manage to convince your friends and fans about your talent?

It was very hard to convince them, but when money started coming, they began to believe I have a talent to make people laugh.

When you are down, what do you do to derive inspiration?

Whenever I am down, I try as much as possible to go out for a walk, or I hang out with friends.

Who is your mentor?

I don’t really have a mentor; I believe so much in myself and I do everything to make my fans happy. Really, God is my mentor not man.

What kind of books do you read?

For now, I read inspirational books and novels.

How do you see the entertainment in-

dustry in the next five years?

I see it as one that will be on top of others. It will do better than many other industries.

What is your philosophy of life?

Be good to everybody even your enemy; love them.

Don’t think bad about anyone and represent yourself always.

What are your parting words for your fans?

Do what you can and leave the rest for God. Don’t look at other people’s lives; rather, look at God to guide and put you through. Above all, always know what you want.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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January 3, 2016

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I ’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos

Stephanie Korie

߾ࠆ߾ࠀࠁ߾߿ࠀࠀࠇࠁ ߶ࠡࠛࠡ ࠝࠜࠚࠧ߷

A great new year to pregnant mothers!

e h t t n u o c o t ‘I used ’ y k s e h t n i s star

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ho says you can ’t attend that party when you are well and lively just because you are pregnant or that you can ’t step on that red carpet and showcase your style at that glamorous event? You can do it!

This is the time you ought to rock your bulky tummy, after all pregnancy is no punishment. It is a bundle of joy you are carrying. So, there should be no gloomy face or dull moment, no sitting in a corner and watching others drink, dine and

make merry. Join them, but do yours with care.

If there is need to go for a photo shoot, please do!

Keep the pictures, make them part of your baby album when you eventually deliver.

Enjoy yourself, engage in

whatever makes you happy this new year.

It is indeed a blessing to be counted as one of those carrying lives.

Get colourful maternity dresses to mark this season of joy and love!

he naughtiest thing I ever did was when I was already grown up. I decided not to talk about it but kept it a secret because people would think I am mentally sick if I should discuss it. It was just what I loved doing and it used to thrill me.

I cherished to sit outside in the dark of the night to watch the beauty of nature. I used to look up and watch the dark sky which looked very much like the black velvet. I would focus on the sky smiling.

I usually admired the stars that littered in the sky as they twinkled.

I would be counting and giving them names. As I continued

to count, they would remain innumerable or numerous. When I realised that it was almost impossible to count them all, I then adopted the tactic of giving them names.

The names that came to mind were those of my friends. I would address them as if they were humans. I was so engulfed in what I was doing that I wouldn ’t know my neighbours were watching me and were wondering if I was well.

I later stopped when they didn ’t understand I was just doing it for the fun of it.

•Korie, a beauty queen, is Miss Imo 2015 -ADAEZE AMOS

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Movies & Music

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

& usic M Movies With Victor Udoh 07067124302 e-mail: victorudoh804@yahoo.com

A Olamide,

Phyno, others thrill fans at #OLIC2

fter one of the most epic years ever recorded by a Nigerian recording artiste, YBNL front-man, Olamide, thrills fans with the second edition of his flagship mega concert, Olamide Live In Concert. It was held recently at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Tagged ‘OLIC 2: Beast Mode Unleashed’, the show brings Olamide to the fore in one frenetic night of entertainment alongside the entire YBNL family, which saw the squad drop hit after hit from Olamide, Lil Kesh, Viktoh, Adekunle Gold and Pepe, among others.

Organised by Right Entertainment, YBNL, and Achievas Entertainment, #OLIC2 was set to be even bigger than last year’s concert.

Performing at the event were Nigerian top music acts including Lil Kesh, Ycee, Vector, Orezi, Solid Star, Phyno, Adekunle Gold, Harrysong, Falz, Reminisce and a host of others. There to crack some ribs were the likes of Stillringing, Buchi, Bash, Welmouth,Princess and others. Hosted by Baseketmouth, the event had celebrities like Harrysong, Falz, Eva, Freeze, VJ Adams and many others gracing the red carpet.

For having been a member of Boy’s Scout, the world’s most popular youth organisation, Olamide was awarded a star by the international Boy’s Scout community at the event. This led to a loud ovation from the crowd, quickly followed by Olamide’s performance of ‘Shakitibobo’, one of the hit tracks by the YBNL boss, which brought the event to a climaxing end.

Clevatee releases Run Da Streetz video

Olamide

Adekunle Gold

Cosmo Lounge fetes Mr. Nigeria Int’l in PH

C

Mr. Nigeria

osmo Lounge recently hosted the new Mr. Nigeria International Africa 2015, Abraham Ibiang, in Port Harcourt. The foremost lounge which is located in the heart of GRA, Port Harcourt had in entourage a bevy of beauty queens from this year’s edition of the prestigious Mr. and Miss Nigeria International Pageant, NISM 2015, which held at Lekki, Lagos recently.

Ibiang, who has long enjoyed fame mostly in the South-South from his 084TV show, arrived at the party in a colorful style accompanied by some pageant kings and beauty queens, friends and well-wishers. They didn’t hesitate to party hard and celebrate with the Nigerian International Supermodel Ambassador who represented Rivers State in the National contest where he emerged overall 1st runner-up with the title “Mr Nigerian Africa 2015”.

We say, ‘Kudos Mr. Naija Africa. Do make Africa and Nigeria proud! We are here to support you’.

Clevatee

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ne of the waves making African fusion hip-hop rappers, based in Ibadan, Clevatee, a singer and songwriter, whose real name is Okunola Babatunde, has been grooving the music scene, and is not relenting, after so many hit singles from him.

The ‘To-Ba-Be’ crooner has just premiered and released a new single-(audio+ video) entitled, ‘Run Da Streetz’. The song is produced by BTP, the video was directed by Seyi Davids, his team includes BTP (Clevatee’s manager) who is the CEO, Royal Revolution Studios, Ibadan, and his longtime producers, YK Nile, Real Gee, Knight Abio, L-Stone and T-Crown.

Clevatee has worked with the big names in the rapping & hip-hop genres such as Adol, Jayru, Wale Waves, Tuwyze and many more, equally too he has performed in many big shows in Nigeria.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, January 3, 2016

29

What makes Lepacious Bose, Queen Shelly similar

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oruba movie actress, Lepacious Bose, who now features in English movies and Queen Shelly Ogbise, the current Miss Curvy Culture, 2015 have a lot in common.

The first similarity is that the two divas are celebrities who are doing what they have passion for. The second is that they are black beauties who believe in the slogan ‘black is beautiful’.

Hence, they never use bleaching cream.

Third similarity is that they are both fleshy and are not timid in because of their size. They are proud of who they are and are comfortable in their complexion. The fourth similarity is that their arms are still firm. The fifth is that they are well read.

It could be these similarities that made Queen Shelly look up to her as a role model. “Lepacious Bose is one of the ladies I admire a lot. In fact, she is my mentor,” she said.

Lepacious Bose

Timi Dakolo

Miss Curvy

Somewhere in Lagos hits town in January

A

ce film producer/director, AkinTijani Balogun, is set to add another feather to his cap with the production of a new comedy/sitcom.

Enitled ‘Somewhere in Lagos,’ the 13-episode sitcom, will hit the Nigeria viewing public this month.

The lead cast of the sitcom includes Bayo Alawiye, a veteran in the industry, Gbemisola Roland (a Project Fame West Africa contestant, and Omobolan-

le Jonah, a University of Lagos Mass Communication student. There are also cameo appearances by Omolola Adeniyi Daniyan, Monique Friday and Omolabake Shobukola of 94.1FM. Balogun, in a chat with Sunday Mirror, noted that the sitcom revolves around normal day-to-day issues confronting a young man (played by Alawiye), his fiancée (Roland) and younger sister (Jonah).

Mario Ese drops

Worship of Yahweh

Bolanle

Oxford Gardens excites cinema fans

G

Sholly

reat things are happening in cinemas across the country with the release of Obi Emelonye’s latest work, ‘Oxford Gardens’. Information at our disposal indicate that many cinema lovers are thronging the big screens across major cities of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to catch a glimpse of the film, which starred Ngoli Okafor, a two-time Golden Gloves champion in the United States, Ngozi Igwebike Thompson, Savanah Roy and D’Richy Emelonye, among others.

Set in London, Oxford Gardens is the story of a girl who was diagnosed of cancer and how she struck a bond of unforgettable memories with a retired boxer in a bid to satisfy her yearnings of having the best moments of her last hours on earth.

A joint production between Obi Emelonye’s company, The Nollywood Factory and Africa Magic, the movie is part of the Africa Magic Original Film, AMOF, initiative.

The director-producer, who is renowned for championing causes with his themes in Nollywood, says he intends to be refreshingly different with Oxford Gar-

dens.

“I dig deep to explore stories that our young industry has ignored for some reason or another. In 2011, it was The Mirror Boy which attempted to see Africa through the eyes of a 12 year old London-born African boy. Last Flight to Abuja, a year later dealt with the glamorous world of aviation with its excitement, glitz and unfortunately, crashes.

“In all of these projects, I am seeking a new vista from which to see our common existence. In Oxford Gardens, I have attempted to tell a moving love story, wrapped in boxing gloves. Nigeria has produced great boxers, old and new. However, for some reason, Nollywood has ignored stories around boxing in spite of boxing’s gritty nature that would lend itself easily to cinematography. Boxing films over the years have been hugely successful globally because they stir potent emotions in audiences, as the Rocky series and more recently Cinderalla Man and Southpaw have proved.

Oxford Gardens is a film about boxing and not a boxing film. It takes some of the elements that make boxing films successful; sympathy for the underdog, blood, sweat, tears; and weaves them into a narrative that is an allegory for our broader fight for love, life and our place in the world.”

The film was recently released in cinemas across the country.

Y

oung gospel artiste, Mario Ese, amidst glamour and grace has released an album entitled ‘Worship of Yahweh’.

In attendance were also music stars such as Timi Dakolo, Omawunmi and Waje and gospel singers, Nathaniel Bassey, Modele, Tosin Martins, Freke Umoh, Gloreeyah Braimah and Enitan Adaba.

Anchored by Joseph Benjamin, the album launch held at This Present House, TPH, in Lekki, began with an amazing ministration, ‘You Are The Reason’ by violinist, Victoria Orenze, reminding us it was all about Yahweh and led everyone into spontaneous worship. The atmosphere was charged and that absolutely set the tone for Enitan Adaba who steered the ship further, pressing in to the overflow in a very passionate worship session.

Ese came on stage singing his first song of the night ‘We Praise You Medley’, then he welcomed Modele back on stage to a powerful rendition of ‘Hallelujah, you have won the victory. After other performances, Paul Chisom came on stage and led another rapturous worship session with songs such as ‘Chioma’ before Nathaniel Bassey and Enitan Adaba ministered the popular song ‘Imela’ and ‘This God is too good’.

Benjamin the co-compere for the night, also spoke of what worship meant to him and glowingly about his relationship with Mairo. Mairo sang four more songs from the album and the atmosphere was glorious. He blessed God in his native Isoko dialect with the songs ‘Onowo’ and ‘Oghene’ and he then introduced his friend and brother Nathaniel Bassey who he featured on the song ‘Ole Halleluyah’.

The album dedication was anchored by Pastor Dele Balogun who introduced Mrs Nkoyo Rapu, wife of Pastor Tony Rapu and others including Pastor Godman Akinlabi of The Elevation Church, Lekki and Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo of David’s Christian Centre, Lekki. Led by Mrs Rapu, the pastors all prayed for Mario and sent the album forth into the earth.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

January 3, 2016

Lessons of Life TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART

ADAEZE AMOS Adanneamos@gmail.com 08023012293 (sms only)

‘I can ’t marry a guy I caught kissing my elder sister! ’ (2)

Oluwabunmi, 46, a widow, needs a man between 50 and 60 for serious relationship. I reside in Lagos. 08160790405.

We conclude the Modestus and Maureen story started last week.

Samuel, an up-and-coming artiste, lives in Lagos nees a sugar mummy.

07086447436.

T

he duo started dating and when he was about to propose marriage to Maureen, the ‘devil ’ decided to throw a spanner in the relationship.

“My elder sister waited for me to come back from work in the evening before we took the body of our father to the morgue. While she waited for me, she told me she was hoping that God would wake him up from death. That she needed to give him time to see if he could wake up. My sister never stopped to believe in miracles.

“We left the house around 10 p.m. after waiting for 10 hours to see if a miracle would happen.

That was how dad died, the same year that my mum died. They were both buried so well that even the villagers were saying that Ekwedike ’s daughters were men in the likeness of women. After his burial, my elder sister and I were left in my father ’s house. My sister renovated and took over the management of the house. She built a bakery right in its front and continued with the same business our late mum was doing. When the signpost was designed, she called it Eunice Bakery after our mum. All was going on well except the fact that we were lonely most times.

“It was loneliness that made me come to watch a movie where I met Modestus, a pilot. We started dating; he became the only male we had in my family because he was frequenting my house. My elder sister liked him too, hence we looked up to him like a brother we never had. The day he came to propose marriage to me, something happened! Anytime Modestus closed from work, he would stop over at Maureen ’s house to stay with them for a while before driving home. He too used to feel lonely staying in his house. He usually said that the only person who needed to be alone without complaining of loneliness is the unborn baby in its mother ’s womb.

So, he would come out to my house and would even help to run the bakery. He had fantastic ideas that he introduced and the business boomed.

“Our bread became the best in the neighbourhood and it was the

In need of a serious relationship/marriage Alao, 38,single, based in Lagos, needs a single religious and Yoruba Muslim girl below 30 for marriage. 08170141833.

Tola, 28, graduate, good looking, humble and reliable. Wants a God-fearing and honest man between 35-50 for a serious relationship. 08067335446.

Olatunji 55, needs a woman between 48-50 for marriage.

09097380357.

Gbenga, 43, lives and works in Katsina state government, needs a Muslim lady from 30 and above for a relationship. 07059239559.

My name is Gbenga, I need a nurse or fashion designer between 30-35 for marriage. 08151011938.

Micheal is my name, 50. I need a lady. 08111440960.

Ola, 45, a technician and a good driver, lives in Lagos. Needs a rich, sexy, busty and caring sugar mummy between 45-60.

08062221643.

Sam, 36 needs a caring and supportive lady who is 45 years and above.

08068553322.

Prince Olamide, 23, lives in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy for fun. 08187641034.

Jokotade, 20, lives in Oyo and a mother of one. She needs a 35-45 bouyant sugar daddy who resides either in Lagos, Idbadan or Oyo state. 08167622738.

Michael, 33, needs a lady between 22-26 for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage. 07031138330.

Moses, 27, needs a serious relationship that can lead to marriage.

She should be between 21 and 28 years old. She should be a workingclass, dark-skinned and beautiful. She should be living in Lagos -07087764057.

A model

talk of the town. When it clocked one year, we had an event just as Modestus advised us and it happened that we made so much sales that day. The event was more like a promotion of a sort and guests who came bought lots of things because of gift items that we gave them. Florence my sister would give Modestus a call if there was anything amiss. He was like the manager of the place who was bringing innovative ideas including the fact that we needed to expand. The day he came to propose marriage, I never knew he was coming to do that. He never mentioned marriage to me and my elder sister never asked me when he would propose, maybe because her own marriage didn ’t stand the test of time. We were occupied with our bakery business because we wanted our late parents to be happy in their graves that we were doing well. But in my mind, I believed so much in marriage. I knew there was need for my sister and I to be married, make children and expand the family.

“Our business wasn ’t the only thing that needed expansion. I could remember my mum would always say that each monthly period a lady observed that she had

Ola, needs a girl of 18-25 for friendship.

08054836335

dropped an egg that could have been fertilised into a baby. And that I shouldn ’t wait until I clocked 30 before I got married. Her advice had always rang a bell in me. I had marriage in mind and would have loved to get married before my 26th birthday, ” Maureen wished.

She once told Modestus stories about how her late mum valued marriage “and the fact that someone should start early. Modestus would listen and agreed with my mum and regretted that he never met her.

I never knew he had same thing in mind because his own mum had been telling him to bring me home. When he told me about seeing his parents, I agreed but I never showed him I had been longing for that. A lady needed to retain her pride. Integrity for me is everything.

“On the day we were meant to go, I spent two hours making a choice of what to wear. I had many clothes but I wanted to wear what would make me look like a wife material.

I was confused until Modestus who had been waiting for me in my living room to dress up, walked into my bedroom and brought out a dress and I asked me to wear it. I refused because that was the dress I wore when I came back from work and saw my dad dead. When I came home

I ’m Sunday, dark, 35 years old and 6ft tall. I ’m a civil servant from Ondo State. I need a God-fearing lady between 25 and 32years old. She has to be a working-class from any part of the world -07031151927.

My name is Agbamue Samson, 2 7years old and a working-class. I need a sugar mummy between 30 and 40 years of age -08061540752.

Gabby is my name, 45, a media officer in Makurdi. I need a mature lady of 55 years old and above for companionship -08178717095.

I ’m Alex, 29 years old living in Abuja. I ’m fair in complexion. I need a sugar mummy who is 38 years old for a relationship -08061500561. e cards. I ’m 27 years old. I need a good wife -08028922937.

NOTICE: Please note that we don ’t do personal connections outside this column. Calls to connect privately are not allowed. Just send an SMS or email and we ’ll get your request published. The request is published on first come first served basis. Thank you!

that night I couldn ’t undress because I cried myself to sleep. I hated the dress; for me it was bad memory. He brought out another, I still refused to wear that. Modestus was just laughing because each dress had a story to it. When he eventually brought out the one I wore the day I met him in a cinema, I giggled and agreed to wear it. I told him the dress brought me good luck, that it was the day I wore it that I met him. He laughed loudly and told Auntie Florence what happened in my room.

“We all laughed. When we arrived at his parents ’ home, they liked me. His mother entertained us but his father never stopped asking me questions – about my village, school, parents, why I chose to marry his son - a whole lot of questions. I answered and he would listen very well. It was when Modestus was driving me home that he told me that his dad had told him that he had got himself a good woman. I was elated. When I got home I told my elder sister what happened, we danced, and drank wine to celebrate it, ” she said. Two weeks later, Modestus brought two bottles of expensive wine and a diamond ring ready to propose marriage to Maureen.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona I will divide the spoil

W

hen he said I will divide the spoil what he is saying is that he would lay hold on the destiny, fulfilment, glory, fame, and testimony of his victim and share it in his kingdom. Which is why, sometimes, you would notice a young man or young lady who came out from school but could not use their certificate to work. The glory and or destiny of such one attached to the certificate had been taken by the familiar spirits.

Recently I met a young man, whose appearance was tattered unschooled and un-composed. During counselling the Holy Spirit revealed that he was on a wrong profession, because of frustration. That the reason behind his frustration was that powers in his father’s house had stolen his glory. Responding back to the spirit of revelation, the man admitted that what was said about him was true. He continued that as he sat down with me, he had master’s degree in business administration in a very reputable university of this country. However, since he graduated every effort to secure a good job with that certificate had failed. He was finally forced by the pressure of hardship to be a clearing agent. Even as a clearing agent, he had not been finding life easy. No client, no connection, no contract. All efforts he had made to keep contacts and have clients, always ended up in disagreement and hatred. That means the enemy had divided him as a spoil.

My lust shall be satisfied upon them It has been the pleasure of the enemy to have his lust satisfied upon the children of God. The lust of the devil are his wicked schemes, intentions and purposes. Just as the Bible says, it is

House of prayer with

A

Prophet Segun Adewumi

natural man has the understanding of the ordinary animal. Animal is programmed to seek after food and sex. An animal uses all its might, power and wisdom to ruthlessly seek after these two objectives. We have men who have no spiritual inclination at all. All the abilities of such people are mobilized towards living the animal life.

They are very greedy, violent and cunning.

In the African society greeting and praise singing that reflect their animal derived brutality are brought into remembrance for some families. Some are called the children of leopard as a reflection of the callousness of their forebears. The real goal of Christianity is to release man from the animal life.

This is accomplished when the centre of his personality is relocated from the soul to his spirit. The motive of self seeking is what the natural man carries into his Christian faith.

His prayer life reflects how near and how far he is from the Animal life. Here we shall present three levels of spiritual understanding of the believer. This also decides the level of his power and his ability to wage spiritual warfare. We shall evaluate man in 1.

The Spirit Realm 2.

The Celestial Realm

31

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Familiar spirits (6) the pleasure of God our father to give us the kingdom. The kingdom of God are the thoughts of God for us. Ephesian 1:3-12 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself; that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him; in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will; that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.”

The thoughts and blessings of God packaged for us in the heavenlies as contained in the above scriptures are: 1) We are special and the chosen of the Lord 2) We have been adopted into the family of God in Christ Jesus 3) He has bestowed special grace on us. One of the grace among many is that we should ask, seek, and knock. That when we ask, we shall receive when we seek us shall find, and when we knock the door of opportunities, riches, connections, favours and a lot more shall be opened to us. Through this open door, he promised us that we shall suck, the milk of the Gentiles and that the hidden treasures of darkness shall be freely given to us.

4) We are the redeemed.

5) He has given us wisdom and insight into his future plan.

6) That we shall share in his Glory after this life.

7) We have been made God treasure.

The apple eyes of God. 8) We have been sealed with the Holy Ghost for that day of rapture.

9) Finally we are heavenly citizens candidates of the Kingdom, licensed for salvation. Beloveth, what other glories can be compared with these? Our God is wholesome, our God is a good God. If you have not made peace with God in his Son Jesus, you among all men on earth is the most pitiable. Beloveth rise now and make peace with God. While the lust of the devil upon us are his wicked schemes evil intentions bitterness of his heart and snares. This could be itemized as follows: 1) Untimely death – Devil want you to die unfulfilled 2) He wants you to be a widow or a widower 3) He wants you to live a life of joblessness 4) He wants you to stay unmarried even after reaching the age of marriage 5) He wants you to keep having miscarriages 6) He wants you barren, unfruitful, unproductive 7) He wants you to lose your children 8) He wants to see you weep and sorrowful 9) He wants people to always pity you 10) He wants people to visit you every year and tell you sorry 11) He does not want your certificate to be useful to you 12) He wants you to have a broken home, which is why he causes frequent misunderstanding between you and your spouse.

13) He wants your job terminated 14) He wants your business or shop

folded-up 15) He does not want to hear your progress. Therefore, he puts set back on your way to progress.

When any of these his wicked schemes is achieved in your life as he had purposed, then his lust is satisfied upon you.

I will draw my sword When the victim of the devil, fall into his trap.

Then he draws his sword to destroy. The trap of the devil is temptation. When he has put temptation on your way and you fell into it, you are at the mercy of the devil. And you know that there is nothing like mercy in the language of the devil. James 1:13-15 “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither temptedth he any man; but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” It is the devil that draws one’s heart away in lusts to commit sin. And when sin is committed, the enemy draws sword to slay. Dear child of God, run away from sin. Anytime you commit sin, your life is vulnerable to the destruction of the devil.

TESTIMONIES BREAKING THROUGH THE GATE OF JAMB For three years now, I have tried in vain to secure admission but failed. When I came to this church the man of God prophesied on me that this year’s admission will not pass me by. Behold today, I have secured admission to the University of Calabar. Praise the Lord!

Sis. Ifeoma Pastor Kingson I. Bona, General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries, No. 6, David Egbetuyi Street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos.

Tel: 08023404926, 08038206508 Website: wwwchapelofholiness.org facebook: pstbona@chapelofholiness.org

Motive in prayer 3.

The Divine Realm

The spirit Realm A new convert is not too interested in the truth, but in a relief from his problem. Such a one has not really come to worship but to bargain for deliverance and breakthrough.

His prayer is centered on his welfare and wellbeing. He has come to pursue the agenda of his mind. If prayer is spiritual, his resolve is to use his carnal mind to control his higher nature. He achieves this through self denial, a situation where the two carnal faculties of the body and soul are temporarily subjected to a form of denial so that the spirit can do the errand of locating the desire of the soul.

Once this desire is met, he goes back using the success to elevate the body and soul once again above the spirit faculty. Believers in this category oscillate between darkness and light representing sorrow and Joy. The Celestial Realm The Celestial Realm is the level of understanding that surpasses the power of Satan the devil. Men of God that truncated Satan on many occasions in the Bible drew their power from this realm. Such a one includes Joshua who was specifically given power that transcends that of the highest demon on earth.

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Josh 1:5) Yet some of the believers in this category

easily derail and drop back to the animal conscious level especially when Satan the devil uses enticement as the bait. They become vulnerable because of greed and lack of self control.

We have examples of spiritual giants like Gideon and Solomon whose attentions were shifted from God under the influence of women. About them, the Lord Jesus says they shall know the truth but can not be set free by the truth due to their inability to exercise self control. This is why we often see spiritual giants in the Lord falling easily. People that have performed wonderful miracles often become easy prey for Satan because their lives are still motivated by carnal desires.

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” ( 2 Tim 4:10) The Divine Realm Believers in this category no longer pray but praise. They are the raptured ones whose motives on earth are to praise and worship the Lord. They have no will beyond that which God wills. Paul used his experience to explain the life of a committed and raptured believer as follows.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Cor 12:7-10) While believers in the foregoing categories seek after themselves, those in the divine realm make God the centre of their worship.

Motivational Force in Christian Worship The difference between carnal Christians and real Christians is the motive of worship.

Our motive is what insulates from or makes us vulnerable to the attacks of the Satan.

The value of worship is not decided by things we do but the motive for doing them.

•For Fellowship Prayer and Counseling Contact: PROPHET SEGUN ADEWUMI The General Overseer,House of Prayer Ministries for All Nations And the National President NCGA House of Prayer Ministries,behind Damilak Petrol Station,Ondo Road Akure Tel: 08039425631, 08091663586 and 08038583154 House of Prayer Ministries, 65 Idimu Road, Opposite Gowon Estate Market, Mokola Bus Stop,Egbeda Lagos.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona

Continued from topic 6 of last week I will draw my sword It is the devil that draws one’s heart away in lusts to commit sin. And when sin is committed, the enemy draws sword to slay. Dear child of God, run away from sin. Anytime you commit sin, your life is vulnerable to the destruction of the devil.

My hand shall destroy them When the devil strike one who committed sin and the person dies a natural death. Then the soul of the person would be casted away from God in eternity. It is then the hand of the devil destroys them in hell. The destruction the devil is talking about here is destruction of a rejected soul in eternity. Therefore child of God, run away from sin, follow righteousness so that the hand of the enemy will not destroy your soul in eternity.

What are the lifestyles and experiences of those who are oppressed or possessed by familiar spirits 1) They experience failures at the edge of breakthroughs 2) They always experience hanging opportunities that will never materialize 3) They keep running without reaching 4) They always stretch out their hands to receive without receiving 5) They can see their testimonies very close to them but they can never share the testimony 6) Like Moses, they see the promised land from a distance without entering it 7) They experience leaking hands. Which means opportunities always leak out through their hands 8) They experience limitations and stagnancies on their ways of progress

House of prayer with

A

Prophet Segun Adewumi

natural man has the understanding of the ordinary animal. Animal is programmed to seek after food and sex. An animal uses all its might, power and wisdom to ruthlessly seek after these two objectives. We have men who have no spiritual inclination at all. All the abilities of such people are mobilized towards living the animal life.

They are very greedy, violent and cunning.

In the African society greeting and praise singing that reflect their animal derived brutality are brought into remembrance for some families. Some are called the children of leopard as a reflection of the callousness of their forebears. The real goal of Christianity is to release man from the animal life.

This is accomplished when the centre of his personality is relocated from the soul to his spirit. The motive of self seeking is what the natural man carries into his Christian faith.

His prayer life reflects how near and how far he is from the Animal life. Here we shall present three levels of spiritual understanding of the believer. This also decides the level of his power and his ability to wage spiritual warfare. We shall evaluate man in 1.

The Spirit Realm 2.

The Celestial Realm

31

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Familiar spirits (7) 9) They are dried of new things. They tell the same story every year 10) Testimonies does not last in their hands 11) Their women experiences constant miscarriages 12) Constant death of their children 13) Financial dryness 14) When money enters their hand something must happen to take that money, either sickness, police case or something similar to these 15) Constant misunderstanding in marriage 16) Cases of divorce, and remarriages 17) Most of them end up as widows and widowers 18) They find it very difficult to live a holy life 19) Today, they are very serious in things of God, tomorrow they are very cold. Always cold and hot type of Christian life.

20) Always showing interest and desires to the things of God, but in a little trial denies the power 21) They are highly temperamental 22) In a good mood, they display wonderful Christian conduct, but when provoked they become wild and highly embarrassing 23) Experiences dry heaven, that is extreme lack of favour 24) Experiences dry pocket that is extreme lack of money 25) They find it difficult to repay money borrowed 26) They always abuse trust 27) They struggle much, with little or no progress 28) They start up with good impression, high moral and promising future but at last they end up with stories 29) Many of them, have promising certificates but they cannot work with them 30) They are very quick to change, courses, trades, professions, careers and or locations without good result at the end 31) Most of them battle with the spirit of inferiority complex 32) They experience rise and fall

33) The day they prayed serious prayer, that is the night they will receive highest attack in their dreams 34) They are always manipulated and controlled in their dreams 35) Eighty-five percent of their daily life activities are controlled in their dreams 36) They always eat in their dreams 37) They always receive bad for the good they did 38) They always dream of seeing themselves, with family members or old friends 39) They always dream of being in their father house. Sometimes, they will not even understand what they were doing there.

40) They dream of seeing themselves in their old primary schools or secondary schools 41) They always experience setback in everything they lay their hands to do.

42) On many occasions, when they dream their dreams come true. They think it is the gift of the Holy Spirit not knowing it is the manipulation of familiar spirit 43) Sometimes, they see vision, when they close their eyes or in prayers, they think it is the gift of the Holy Spirit not knowing it is the work of the familiar spirits 44) They find it difficult to memorize any verse of the scripture 45) They dream and forget 46) Most of them do not dream at all 47) Their dreams are always dirty and negative 48) Symptoms of absent mindedness 49) Difficulty in understanding and comprehension 50) Experiences of escape of armed robber, accidents, disasters, and / or serious dangers Medium of escape In 1st John 3:8b “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Jesus was revealed to the world for the purpose of destroying the works of the devil. Which works were enumerated above. Those people manifesting these or

any of the above mentioned lifestyles are under the oppression and possession of familiar spirits.

Jesus was manifested to destroy these devils work in them. God has given us solution to this problem which is Jesus manifested. In Hebrews 2:14-15 “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Testimonies Arrow of cancer casted out My reason of coming to this church was because I was having serious pains in my breast and in my heart. This issue had made my husband to spend much money that if I mention the amount you will be surprised.

I have gone to different hospitals and done different test. But the pain was still much. Two years ago, I joined this ministry.

The man of God prayed for me on this issue. The pains in my breast and heart disappeared for a long time. Suddenly two months ago, the pains resurfaced. More serious than it was, I came back to the man of God. He gave me prayer points. When I did the prayers in my dream something like a big lump of meat came out of my breast, suddenly the man of God appeared in that dream and told me this is the cancer they projected into your breast. Then he commanded the remaining ones in my heart and breast to come out, and a very big lump came out of me. I woke up, it was dream. Beloveth since that day I received total peace in my breast and heart, praise the Lord!

Sis. Glory

•Address: Pastor Kingson I. Bona, General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries, No. 6, David Egbetuyi Street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos.

Tel: 08023404926, 08038206508 Website: wwwchapelofholiness.org facebook: pstbona@chapelofholiness.org

Motive in prayer 3.

The Divine Realm

The spirit Realm A new convert is not too interested in the truth, but in a relief from his problem. Such a one has not really come to worship but to bargain for deliverance and breakthrough.

His prayer is centered on his welfare and wellbeing. He has come to pursue the agenda of his mind. If prayer is spiritual, his resolve is to use his carnal mind to control his higher nature. He achieves this through self denial, a situation where the two carnal faculties of the body and soul are temporarily subjected to a form of denial so that the spirit can do the errand of locating the desire of the soul.

Once this desire is met, he goes back using the success to elevate the body and soul once again above the spirit faculty. Believers in this category oscillate between darkness and light representing sorrow and Joy. The Celestial Realm The Celestial Realm is the level of understanding that surpasses the power of Satan the devil. Men of God that truncated Satan on many occasions in the Bible drew their power from this realm. Such a one includes Joshua who was specifically given power that transcends that of the highest demon on earth.

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Josh 1:5) Yet some of the believers in this category

easily derail and drop back to the animal conscious level especially when Satan the devil uses enticement as the bait. They become vulnerable because of greed and lack of self control.

We have examples of spiritual giants like Gideon and Solomon whose attentions were shifted from God under the influence of women. About them, the Lord Jesus says they shall know the truth but can not be set free by the truth due to their inability to exercise self control. This is why we often see spiritual giants in the Lord falling easily. People that have performed wonderful miracles often become easy prey for Satan because their lives are still motivated by carnal desires.

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” ( 2 Tim 4:10) The Divine Realm Believers in this category no longer pray but praise. They are the raptured ones whose motives on earth are to praise and worship the Lord. They have no will beyond that which God wills. Paul used his experience to explain the life of a committed and raptured believer as follows.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Cor 12:7-10) While believers in the foregoing categories seek after themselves, those in the divine realm make God the centre of their worship.

Motivational Force in Christian Worship The difference between carnal Christians and real Christians is the motive of worship.

Our motive is what insulates from or makes us vulnerable to the attacks of the Satan.

The value of worship is not decided by things we do but the motive for doing them.

•For Fellowship Prayer and Counseling Contact: PROPHET SEGUN ADEWUMI The General Overseer,House of Prayer Ministries for All Nations And the National President NCGA House of Prayer Ministries,behind Damilak Petrol Station,Ondo Road Akure Tel: 08039425631, 08091663586 and 08038583154 House of Prayer Ministries, 65 Idimu Road, Opposite Gowon Estate Market, Mokola Bus Stop,Egbeda Lagos.

32

From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

I

Email: profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com (08023032698, sms pls)

intend to look into immediate past of our great nation - Nigeria, the way Nigerians understand God and the immediate future of the nation for us to press on.

Many of us who witnessed the independence of this great nation in 1960 and live today will no doubt have good and bad, ugly and beautiful stories to tell Nigerians. Nigeria is one of the nations of the world created by God. There is no doubt that Nigerians are very religious and nobody can deny this. My concern today is the secularity of our nation and the faith of many Nigerians in one God. A secular nation is one without a belief in a Supreme Being and to me this means that the country has “no religion”. While our constitution allows Nigerians to choose their patterns of belief, Nigerians and their leaders believe in God and are very religious. Religion is a contested concept and it has no universally agreed definition. Some people believe that religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden –beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community. I believe strongly that the major purpose of religion is to shape man’s destiny. The major religions in Nigeria insist that their adherents must have a common behavior that will confirm the beliefs and practices associated with the religions.

Sincerely speaking, whether the peo-

The Bride’s voice with Pastor Moses

Y

Alu

ou know in the end time message circle; in the Bride Assembly, we all knows everything about water baptism, Godhead, serpent seed and all the elementary doctrines but Apostle Paul is telling us to grow unto perfection. We are to grow! It is with this same mindset that Apostle Peter in 2 Peter Chapter 2 tells us: ‘And add to your faith virtue…’ He then said to that virtue, we should add knowledge. It is not enough that you are your father’s child; you must know all that pertains to that family so that when you speak, your father has spoken.

This is because all that your father is, you know.

And you can only know by studying.

Many of us are still babies in the Lord. We are yet to reach maturity. And maturity here is growing in the knowledge of God because knowing how God works will help us. It takes away lots of anxiety and fear and gives boldness. There was something that young man David knew that Saul did not know when Goliath stood before them. Many Christians are still babies and they know nothing beyond A, B, C, D hich is the kindergarten level of education or the knowledge of God. We must move forward!

So let us understand what the Bible is saying in Mathew Chapter 16. Let us read from verse 13 to 20. We all know this scripture. But the day its deeper meaning was quickened to me, I was so happy and I kept saying that I have been reading the passage but didn’t really get the understanding. That is something inter-

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Press on Nigeria

ple in government both civilians and military believe it or not, Nigeria has been sustained by the prayers of Nigerians. The God who created Nigeria, still has some people he beliefs and trusts. We may have many and bad religious leaders who compromise with the world, who interpret the message of God to deceive people and make money, but I am convinced that there are still some righteous people who have not soiled their hands and minds with unholy things. The last sixteen years including early of this year had witnessed the involvement of Satan and his agents in Nigeria. The misuse of both natural and human blessings of God to Nigeria and the threats to peace of the nation by different militant groups in the country confirm the presence of some evil forces.

It is interesting to note that at the time things went out of hand, both political and religious leaders called for prayers.

In this nation, since independence, we had never seen the number of heads of governments visiting religious places for prayer like the year 2014. This confirmed that these heads of governments at that time lost confidence and they then turned to God who never fails. Thank God, we have a very smooth transition.

Paul was an apostle of Jesus who wrote compassionate letters to many struggling nations or confused people.

He wrote to Christians in Rome and demanded for prayer.“I urge you, brothers by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem

may be acceptable to the Saints there”.

Rom. 15:30-31. Paul encouraged people to submit to civil government because it is God who had ordained that there must be civil government among men to prevent anarchy. Note importantly, that human governments can be evil if wicked and selfish people who have no fear of God and are insensitive to people’s plight are in control. He also demanded that Christians should pay taxes. He said, “Give everyone what you owe him. If you own taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect them respect, if honour, then honour” Romans 13:1-7.

Nigerians have experienced bad time in the past but Paul too had worse time said, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do. Forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forward to those things that are before. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heaven ward in Christ Jesus” Phi 3:13-14. .Our past experience notwithstanding,the message of Paul still encourages us to put our past experience which is evil behind us as this should not be a barrier to achieving great things ahead, so, he said, “I press on toward the goal…..” Yes, we have a “goal” to make Nigeria the envy of great nations of the world. Our contributions are necessary for the peace, progress and development of Nigeria.

Our past has taught us a great lesson not to depend on man but on God. We need to be persistent and consistent in prayer.

All Nigerians must be active whenever it is necessary to give their time, energy

and all for the betterment of Nigeria. All those who find themselves in the service of the nation must be patriotic and think of Nigeria first. Even though we know that there are some who are still in politics to grab. We must not encourage them to achieve their purpose. Every evil practice must be exposed even if it is at the risk of our lives. Nigeria is not only for us, it is also for millions yet unborn.

Now that the present government is mopping up the mess created by the previous government, I advise all Nigerians to be patient, prayerful and refuse to be used by anybody for selfish purpose. Let me bring you to this knowledge which I find in the Bible, “Rejoice in the Lord always…… Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise worthy – think about such things….. And the God of peace will be with you”. Phil 4:4-9.It is expedient that we press on Nigerians, for God has never abandoned us. On behalf of my family, I wish you all a prosperous 2016.

•Prof Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Lagos Phone: 0802 – 303 – 2698: email : profkunlemacaulay@yahoo.com Twitter : KunleMacaulay1

The keys to the kingdom of heaven (2)

esting about the Word of god. Every day, it gets clearer. Verse 13-14: When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the son of Man, am?”

14. So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Who were those saying this? These were the disciples answering Jesus. And even today, if the same question is asked, the answer the denominational people will give you is that Jesus is the second person of the trinity; after the father, the next is the son. Then the junior one is the Holy Ghost and Holy Ghost is their partner. Imagine you saying your God is your partner when God says his glory he will share with no man! The Holy Ghost is your partner for what? Partner for salvation? So God must contact you before doing anything? A sinner save by grace? No wonder they have even become senior partners to him when they begin to answer ‘lord’, and ‘G,.O’ and ‘reverend’. It is how they know him.

Verse 15: he said to them, “But who do you say that I am? What he was telling them is; ‘so you people that have been following me you that have believed my message; the present truth, who do you say that I am?’

Verse 16: And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Now Peter didn’t say, ‘thou are Christ’. Read it carefully and you will understand what I am driving at. It will become clearer to you. He said, ‘thou are the Christ’. He qualified it with ‘the Christ’. It means they have been in expectation of his coming. It means there have been references to him before. They have been watching out for him.

Verse 17. Before we read verse 17, let us go to

Mathew Chapter 22. We would come back to verse 17. This question he asked his disciples, he also asked those blind Pharisees in verse 41 and 42: while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42, saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.”

Do you know why he asked the Pharisees that questin? He didn’t say, ‘what think ye of me?’ he said ‘what think ye of Christ? This is because the Pharisees didn’t believe that he is’ Christ; son of God’. So he is telling them, ‘We know that yu people know that Christ will come. You people keep arguing, but what think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?’ theysaid to him, he is the son of David. He answered them in verse 43 and 443: he said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44. The Lorfd said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make yur enemies yur footstool”?

Theyt think they know the scriptures. They will quote the scriptures and when you balance it with another scripture, they would be confused. And verse 46 says: And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.

Go to Chapter 1, verse 17-19: Jesus answered and said to him, “blessed are you, Simon BarJonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to our, but My Father who is in heaven.

18. “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

19. “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Verse 19 is where we picked our text. And that is where I also picked the title of this short exhortation. ‘The keys to the kingdom of heaven’. Why is this exhortation important? It is so important because you must first receive the keys of heaven before whatever you bind on earth can be bound in heaven and be fore whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. It is while reading this place that the thought struck me. So it is important to know what therefore the keys to the kingdom of heaven are.

And it is for this reason I said that knowing these things make Christianity simple and easy. Christians waste a lot of their efforts or what I call fruitless efforts. I keep referring to a minister friend of mine who has the ability to do dry fasting for u to seven days. He will fast for so long that his belly will be so small.

He started his ministry two to three years before this ministry started but with all his fasting his members are not p to fifty. And I keep saying it is not by fasting. It is more than that.

I am not condemning fasting but all I am saying is that it is more than that.

When you sing,’… that god should love a sinner such as I’ or you sing,’ …. Amazing grace’, what is grace? If before you receive anything from God, you have to go to the mountain with mosquitoes biting you and cold and the rains beating you, and then God answers one of your prayers, what is the love of God there? What is grace there?

How will you give him the glory when you had to go through all the sufferings before he answered you? The Bible says, my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

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33

Vineyard

Briefly

Celebration

Foursquare Gospel Church holds dual programme

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he 2015 24hours marathon prayer mountain session of Foursquare Gospel Church, Pacesetter District headquarters which began on December 27, 2015 will culminate with Open Heaven Zone with time of 100minutes today, January 3, from 5pm at the pace setter auditorium located at 72/74, Agboyi road, Alapere.

Speaking on the programme, the chief host, Professor Ajibola Jolaosho stated that it is time for everything that has breath to praise the Lord.

Other features include, quarterly praise programme, non-denominational, unconventional, non-stop worship and worshipaedia. Pastor Akin Ogunwoye (zonal co-ordinator) Rev. Ajibola Jolaosho (District Overseer) will be on hand to minister on the occasion.

Genesis holds 2016 Crusade

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ll roads leads to Ilaro town as Genesis international holds its annual crusade billed to hold at prayer mountain Araromi village, Iyana Oteyi, Papa Ilaro road, Ogun State on Friday, January 8, 2016.

The programme has as its theme “Kings shall come from you.”

According to the host, Evangelist Ekunola Davies Jesus died for each one of us to become king. He urged all to attend and come identify with the kings of kings and Lord of Lords who will usher all into new chapter in the New Year.

Expected to Minister in songs are Apostle Dan and GTI choir among others.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Nigerians urged to live in fear of God …as AFC hosts Christmas concert

Odinaka Uruakpa

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he District Superintendent, West and Central Africa, Apostolic Faith Church, Rev. Emmanuel Adebayo Adeniran has urged Nigerians to live in fear and respect of God of heaven and seek His grace to be responsible in whatever position God has put them.

Adeniran who gave this charge at the 2015 Christmas concert of Apostolic Faith Church held last weekend in Lagos assured that if Nigerians turn to God, just like He did for the Ninevites, God would restore the glory of Nigeria and rebuild the nation.

Delivering his Christmas message, the DS explained that God recognizes the challenges and problems confronting the country, adding that Nigerians need to reflect and ask themselves how they arrived here at the point they were in.

“The Lord has been faithful to us, men of God have been praying where much sin abides, where much grace abides. I am praying that the grace of the Lord will be sufficient and extended to all Nigerians to be able to leap out of corruption into righteousness. As I have always said; sin is a reproach to a people, but the righteousness of God in our life, makes our life softer, easier and most wonderful. The amazing grace of God, when we approach Him as a nation, living worthy of His graces for us all these years by turning to Him and saying; ‘If you are there God, listen to us and like the Ninevites who had even been written

Apostolic Faith choir and orchestra

off by God Himself, God will turn to us and rebuild this nation”, he assured.

On tips to follow for the New Year, Adeniran said: “We should for one live by faith; hope that by God’s grace, the New Year will turn into brightness unto us as we also decide within our heart not to do things the way we have doing them. We should not behave as prodigal children who are wasting the resources that God has given to us.

We should become a responsible nation; responsible followership, responsible leadership who know that they are accountable to a creator for whatever resources they have been given to use to manage this country.

God who gives must ask us how we used

Mirror of the society (2) Hour of Change with Primate I.O

Oyelowo Continued last week

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leader should try to control his passion even if he is provoked by his followers; rather he should try to calm them down in order for him to achieve his set objective(s). ‘’Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearer’’. (Eph 4:29). The manner of communication employed by husband and wife can strengthen or weaken their relationship.

Positive communication promotes marital bond, while negative communication can break the matrimonial home.

Also, parents should learn to communicate with their children with love, otherwise it can drive them out. ‘’And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and ad-

monition of the Lord’’. (Eph. 6:4).

Charity. Love here means love without selfishness. It is the type of love the almighty God displayed by sending his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to the earth to save the sinners (John 3:16).it is also this type of love our Lord Jesus Christ exhibited by dying for the whole world. (Romans 5:8) Any leader who sincerely wants to serve his country selflessly should take Jesus as his role model. (Hebrews 13:2) Chairman Mao is still being deified in china despite the fact that he died long years ago because of his selfless service to that country.

He liberated china and brought it to limelight in the community of nations.

In spirit here means lowliness. Our Lord Jesus Christ enjoins sinners to come to him and learn from him because he was lowly in heart. (Matthew 11:29) if a leader displays humility, he will attract many followers who will turn him in to a semi God and serve him faithfully. His life is also secured.

Faith here indicates faithfulness. A leader who keeps his promises to his followers will, in turn, be honoured.

Part of faithfulness is to manage some-

thing entrusted to him well. What is being witnessed nowadays is conversion of common wealth fund into private property thereby leaving the country prostrate. Numbers 23:19 says; ‘’God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent; hath he said, and shall not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Purity here means anything devoid of filth. it means also holiness. Matthew 5:8 says; ‘’blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God’’. How does he see God? You will agree with me that scientists do not live the type of life an average people live. They are separated from their community and reside in a serene area that affords them opportunity to proffer solution to the myriad of problems confronting their country be it economics, social, health etc. anyone who chooses to live a pure life will have his prayer answered faster than somebody who lives life of debauchery. Till then shalom!

•You can contact us at: The Word of Life, Agbo Igbala Ti Kristi Aladura Church 70 Patey street Lagos State. Tel: 07040517413

it. We should not just expect that we are responsible and accountable to human beings; we are responsible and accountable to God in heaven who sees the followership and the leadership even in the secret of their homes. Let us live in fear and respect and honour of God of heaven in whatever position God has given to us; either as parents and leaders in the home, as political leaders or religious leaders. All must live in awe of the great God of heaven and seek grace to be responsible. If you live a responsible life, as creations of God to your creator, and know that you are accountable to Him, men do not have to run after you to be responsible. There is one eye is following us to the secret places where we bury national money and I pray that God will help us.

“I wish Nigerians a very sweet New Year.

We should not live in fear; we should live in faith in the great God of heaven who is merciful enough to give His only begotten son to a world of sin. What we do to our response and our attitude to that son who has been brought to this world to redeem us is also very important.

It would make us much more responsible and accountable to God.” In his goodwill message former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniels said we thank God almighty that has preserved our lives and luckily we are here again courtesy of Apostolic faith Church to listen to this Christmas chorus that is first class and fantastic. To all the people, it is a message of hope. The theme today is joy to the world and I have no doubt in my heart that with consistency and hard work, this joy will become universal.

On how Nigerians should approach the New Year, Daniels said: “With hope, we have a new government in place and you can see how they are struggling very hard to do what needs to be done. We must pray for them, but Nigerians must be patient and by the special grace of God, everything shall be well.”

Reacting to the death sentence meted out to 66 soldiers that the government later converted to ten years imprisonment for each soldier, Daniels claimed that that was good decision because the Bible teaches that people should not kill, thereby, anything that mitigates is a welcome development.

34

From the Pulpit

The voice of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo

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n last week’s teaching, we discover that divinity is full of wonders, and love is our guaranteed access to divinity. Thus, every certified lover of God is a living wonder on earth. Remember, the Bible says: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). That is what makes love the master key to a world of wonders.

Furthermore, we learnt that “Love” is greater than faith and hope because love will always deliver what faith cannot (1 Corinthians 13:13). We also explored some of the greatness imbedded in the virtue of love. In this week’s edition, we shall examine more qualities that makes love the greatest virtue.

How great is this Virtue of Love?

• Love makes us Fearless: Fear is what makes a prey of believers. It is what opens the door to our tormentors, and robs us of our God–ordained victory. But when the love of God overwhelms us, we become fearless(1 John 4:18-20). When our love is perfect, fear is eradicated.

Fearlessness is the platform for supernatural victory in the battles of life (Hebrews 2:14-15).

• Love Guarantees instant Answers to Prayers:Every anointed lover enjoys the blessedness of instant answers to

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani

M

“

Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

y kids are driving me crazy. I’ve tried everything… reasoning with them, yelling at them, taking away privileges, sending them to their rooms.

Nothing is helping! My husband and I are exhausted and frustrated and on the verge of losing it.” Janet Thompson That’s a paraphrase of one mom’s cry for help. All their usual parenting efforts had failed, and I could tell that she felt like a failure as a parent.

At some point in our parenting, we’ve all reached the breaking point these parents were rapidly approaching. They were looking for help right. I’ve only found one book with parenting tips that apply to any child at any age at any time: The Bible.

Tips for Implementing Deuteronomy 6:6-9 in Your Home In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Moses instructed the Israelites in a timeless parenting skill: make God a priority in your home.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write

Sunday, January 3, 2016

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Understanding the Miracle Power of Love! (2) prayers (1 John 3:22-23). Therefore, love is the commandment that qualifies us for supernatural additions of what God knows we need (1 Kings 3:13).

•Love is a Booster of Supernatural Intelligence: When we are in love, we access the realms of surpassing intelligence and mental prowess. This is becausethrough love, we have unlimited access to ultimate wisdom that the world cannot stop (Proverbs 8:15-16).

When we are connected to divinity, the virtues of therein begin to have natural expressions in our lives. I am talking about God –the only wise God.Therefore, when we connect to His surpassing wisdom, we tap into His fountain of wisdom, and love is our connecting virtue. All we need do is plug the pipe of our ordinary brain to His super heavenly brain and the virtues of His brain begins to flow into us cheaply. When this occurs, we begin to partake of His brain’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)(Genesis 41:38-44).

•Every Lover of God is supernaturally Joyful: One of the great virtues of this love is supernatural Joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. If we are not joyful, we are not in love. For instance, David was so in love with God that he praised Him seven times a day. His love for God spurred his joy and that in turn led him (David) topraise uncontrollably (Psalm 119:164; James 5:13; Philippians 4:4). We also discovered from scriptures that joy is what enhances our access to revelation, divine strength and health. This means that when we engage the mystery of love, our joy is enhanced and by same, we can draw all manner of blessings

from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3; Nehemiah 8:10).

•It engenders Supernatural Breakthroughs: As we perfect our love for God, wenaturally begin to command unlimited breakthroughs in our lives.

For instance, when we obey all that God commands in scriptures, He sets us up on high above all nations of the earth.

Amazing breakthroughs become our portion when we fulfil God’s commandments and love is the fulfilment of all the laws (Deuteronomy 28:1-12; Romans 8:10, 13).

In addition, it is important to know that giving is one of the way through which we proveour love for God.As it is written: Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love(2 Corinthians 8:8).

If we are not givers, then we are not a lover. This is because the love of God is a giving love. Remember, no one increases by what he/she keeps but by what he/ she gives. Thus, we are not blessing anyone by our giving, we are simply refreshing the person for God to bless us.When the love of God overwhelms us, giving will become a natural lifestyle and love is what empowers us to lay down the unimaginable for the in-explainable to come our way(1 John 3:17-18; John 10:1718).

Furthermore, it is important to know that the Holy Spirit empowers our love for God but only born again Christians

have access to Him (Romans 5:5). Are you born again? If you are yet to be, please say this prayer and you shall be born again: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me!

Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Walking In The Miraculous, Operation In The Supernatural, Releasing The Supernatural, Commanding The Supernatural and All You Need To Have All Your Needs Met. Few days from now, we shall be celebrating the New Year on Friday, January 1, 2016. Let this period be a time of thanksgiving and seeking God’s plan for you and your family, in 2016. As you do so in these few days remaining, He will show you the great and mighty plans He has prepared for you in the coming year!I wish you and your familyaHappy, Fruitful and ProsperousHappy New Year!

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners.

We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.

• I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 014548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww. org

Parenting tips for your family for 2016 them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deut. 6:6-9 1. Talk about God. When you walk with your children, eat with your children, play with your children, ride in the car with your children, relax with your children…

Include God as a member of your family.

How often do you talk about God, and to God, in your home?

2. Role model to your children the way you want them to behave. Good behavior is caught more than taught. Children don’t respond to lectures, rational explanations, lists of rules, yelling, cursing, or acting irrational. How you treat others, as well as your children, speaks volumes to them.

Speak lovingly and you won’t have to speak firmly as often.

3. Live out during the week what they hear in Sunday school on the weekends.

If we want our children to respect us, we need to be respectable. They need to see us living what we say we believe.

4. Let your children see you reading your physical Bible. If your Bible is on an electronic device, your kids can’t tell if you’re reading the Bible or checking email, social networking, or playing games. Discuss with them what you’re studying. Give children age-appropriate Bibles and teach them how to use their Bibles in their own life.

5. Stop and pray as a family over decisions, conflicts, and difficult issues. Invite the children to pray and express their thoughts and concerns.

6. When children do something wrong,

take the time to show them a Scripture that points out the reason that behavior isn’t acceptable.

7. Call sin, sin. For example, explain that lying is a sin and give them a chance to ask for forgiveness and then to tell you the truth. Kids lie because they’re afraid of getting in trouble. They need to know that telling the truth, while it might disappoint you, is always the right thing to do.

8. Stay relevant in their world. Find out what’s important to your children and encourage them to use their gifts and skills.

Be your child’s biggest cheerleader.

9. Do age-appropriate Bible studies and daily devotionals together as a family.

10. Use mealtime as a time to discuss God in their life. Ask them questions relating to the Christian way of life. As they get older, there’s another jar with Scriptures for them to look up in their Bibles and discuss.

11. Discipline your children in love, never anger, and be consistent with consequences.

12. Praise God with them for daily events such as: a good day at school, new friends, a good test grade, feeling better after an illness…

13. Play Christian music in your home, car, and electronic devices.

14. Find godly parenting mentors. Seek out parents further along in the parenting journey and ask for their wise counsel.

15. Keep a schedule no matter what. Our kids eat, sleep, play, and bathe every day at the same time. They rely on it and so do we.

When a child asks your opinion, ask him or her what they should do and guide them to the proper decision. This method teaches children how to make their own decisions and what the consequences might lead to if they use poor judgement.

Kids spell love T-I-M-E! Stay close to God daily. Teach children in every way about God and lead by example.

Don’t worry so much about a messy house. One day you’ll have a spotless, empty house. Make memories now.

Ask God for wisdom and discernment knowing these precious kids are on loan; they are His creation. Teach your kids to have a healthy awe and reverence for God, by showing your kids you need God’s help desperately to raise them right.

Ask God to give you Scriptures to pray over your kids. Then use Scripture to discipline.

Say you’re sorry when you mess up.

God put parents in authority over children to raise good, godly, helpful, honest, hardworking, faithful kids to glorify Him. None of us are perfect parents, but God will hold us accountable for how we raise our children, so ask your heavenly Father for help. He’s just a prayer away.

•You can send in your QUESTIONS and the Holy Spirit will be set to give you the ANSWERS. Barr. (Mrs.) Favour Tioluwani Tel: 08050272259 or 07062738213. Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

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From the Pulpit 35

Sunday, January 3, 2016

‘God will use their evil intentions to advance you’ Miracle Arena with Bishop

S

Theo Ugochukwu

ometimes God the Omnipotent Redeemer uses suffering and the evil intentions of your enemies to advance you for good. An instance in Philippians Chapter 1:12-13 recorded Paul’s account saying “But I want you to know, brethren that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard”.

Apostle Paul was actually suffering unjustly in a Roman prison when he wrote this letter to the Church at Philippi, and he writes the Philippians and says to them, “… Don’t worry about me and all that I am going through rather rejoice, because my suffering is actually turning out for the furtherance of the gospel”. Those who lied against him and got him into prison thought they have succeeded in caging the spreading of the gospel. His enemies and those who hated him joined in spreading the gospel, so that Paul would be punished

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the more in prison. But Paul saw it that what he was not able to accomplish when he was free, is now spreading like fire even as he was being kept in prison.

In God’s eyes sometimes, He will raise a man or woman to go through the desert of life, master it so that he or she could lea his/her generation to the Promised Land.

Are you facing some challenges or difficulties right now, almost at the verge of giving up? I want to announce to you, there may be people whom you love and have been praying for, that may be drawn to God as a result of seeing you walk with the Lord through the valley you are in. This is one of the more reasons that God allows challenges and difficulties in order to advance your destiny or the gospel. I prophesy to you right now that your life is under God’s construction.

That situation is not your destination.

It is only a process to your destiny. Stop seeing those challenges and difficulties as permanent situation in your life. Joseph survived it, you too survive it. Gen. 37:25-28 says “So when Joseph came to his brethrens, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colours that he wore and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty and there was no water in it. Then they sat down

to eat, and looking up the saw a Caravan of Ishmaelite coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm and myrrh on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Medianite traders passed by and they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelite for twenty shekels of silver.

They took Joseph to Egypt”.

Joseph went through a lot in the hands of his own brothers. They mocked him, ridiculed him and even sold him as a slave, thereby ignorantly helping to transport him to the land of his destination. Today, your life may not speak volume; it may seem abandoned and forsaken, just hold on for God is constructing something special and very great.

It may tarry, but it shall surely speak.

When it will come to pass, all eyes shall see the manifestation of the glory of the Lord revealed in your life.

When God revealed Joseph’s glory, check out what the Bible said {Gen.45:3} “And Joseph said to his brothers, I am Joseph, is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him for they were dismayed at his presence. Glory be to God. The man they tore his coat, put in the pit and later sold as a slave, the Bible recorded that “They were dismayed” when God’s glory appeared at

the end of all the challenges, trials and the mockery of men and women, they would be dismayed.

God has a good and wonderful plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). God’s thought towards you is to bring out the best in you. He wants to give you a future that will be the envy of many nations.

Today, I declare your present situation is not your destination. You will overcome the situation. I wait convincingly for the day of your decoration. Make sure I am invited.

I love this God! Till next week, remain blessed and uncommonly favored this week.

Bishop Theophilus Ugochukwu

•For more information, contact: Bishop Theo Ugochukwu – General Overseer, Miracle Assembly Bible Church, a.k.a. The City of Joy, 80, Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos; Tel: 08033461482.

Email: bishopgracemiracle@ ymail.com

Commitment in the home

hat is a home? A home is a place where a man lives together with his wife and children in love and unity under the atmosphere of the presence of God. A home should be a place where God can process our lives to reflect His glory to a larger community. The presence of God in a family setting makes it a home that can serve the purpose of God. A home is place of diversity, a place where a man has responsibilities, and the woman is not idle with the children contributing their own towards the continual existence of the home under the influence of God. These responsibilities or our input is what will refer to as our commitment. There may not be clear cut boundaries in situation where love and God’s presence reign supreme. Anything that is done to break the home away from the path of love and God’s presence is lack of commitment.

What our commitment should be? This teaching will be based on the scripture not on any particular culture. There are many cultures with various value systems and these value systems have defined what should be roles of each unit that makes up a home; for this reason, the teaching will base on scripture which define for us the mind of God and what I called the standard for universal culture a least for all believe in the Bible irrespective of their cultural background. The following areas are few examples in the home where our commitment is needed towards the maintenance of the home under the atmophere of the presence of God:

Leadership: The man is considered the head of the home according to the scripture. This does not make the wife and children servants but just to provide order in the home. This implies

that the man should position himself to receive instructions from God in running the home. God gave the modus operandi of the garden of Eden to Adam as the head , He spoke to Abraham concerning the direction for his household, He told Joseph on our to take care of Mary and the little child Jesus and Cornelius received instruction on our to bring his family to salvation. God’s expectation is for the man to run the home through divine wisdom and the wife and children follow his leadership. In other words, God gives the instructions through the man and wife and children should obey.

That does not mean that the man cannot receive advice or suggestions from his wife or children but everything should ratify by the man under the wisdom of God. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (Genesis 2:16-17) Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

(Genesis 12:1&5) And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and

Opayinka

flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: (Matthew 2:13&14). So, everyman should labour to receive direction from God for his home.

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. (Acts 10:1-3) Domestic needs: For the running of the home to be effective, there are ma-

terials that are needed towards the maintenance of the home that are to be provided. Everyone that makes up the home needs to provide one thing or the other. The man and the woman need to join hands together to needs of the home. It is not to be done by one of the party. (Proverbs 31:13-15) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Let us also consider 1Timothy 5:8- 8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. When you consider these verses you will find out that both the man and his wife should be committed in meeting the needs at home. Emotional needs, educational needs and any of such need that may arise should be jointly handle through the wisdom of God. The home is a whole that each must be committed in making it healthy.

God’s expectation is that we should play our role as the husband, wife or children with love and sincerity, considering what will be effect of our action on other members. It is our duty to generally avoid those actions that disintegrate our home. Shalom! Wish you a Joyful New Year in advance.

Bishop Joshua K. Opayinka Glorious Tabernacle International, Behind Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State.

08060297831 glorioustabernacle@gmail.com

36

From the Pulpit

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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Peace on Earth?

T

he angel sang on Christmas morn: “Peace on earth and goodwill towards men!” (Luke 2:14). That was some two thousand years ago. Peace?

What peace? How about Jesus’ declaration: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but sword?” (Matt 10:34). He further promised: “In this world you shall have tribulation . . .” (John 16:33). Paul speaks from personal experience: “You must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). John the revelator predicts: “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time!” (Rev 12:12).

So “peace on earth.” What peace?

What earth? World news headlines report bombing of planes, assassination of judges and politicians, molestations of children, gang rapes and hanging of innocent girls, police being ambushed, and gangs controlling the streets. Drug lords corrupt whole neighbourhoods.

Wars and rumours of wars have quadrupled the number of internally displaced persons, compared with previous decades.

There is still some form of cold war between world powers with many complicated intrigues. ISIS, Boko Haram, Alqeida, Alshaba, and other terror networks have penetrated and infiltrated hitherto safe places. Instead of peace, “mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.”

There is subtle warfare in the workplace between the employers and their employees between parishioners and church leaders, the led and their leaders. Even the shopping malls and popular markets experience holiday shopping intolerant stampedes and “retail rage,” with common courtesies thrown to the winds. Many homes have become like warzones between husbands and

wives, children and their parents, couples and their respective in-laws, each unwilling to lose the advantage.

Jesus retorted: “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, motherin-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-inlaw” (Luke 12:51-53). The disciples were shocked to their bones!

What peace? A particular Christmas song captures this aptly: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” “And in despair I bowed my head; there is no peace on earth, I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Yet “God is not man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent” (Num 23:19). God sent word through his angels to declare concerning the birth of the Messiah-Savior: “Peace on earth and goodwill towards people” (Luke 2:14).

Christ was prophetically prenamed: the “Prince of peace” (Isa 9:6).

Zechariah sang about the Messiah, “the rising sun . . . to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:78-79). Twice when Jesus healed people, the disciples heard him say: “Go in peace” (Luke 7:50; 8:48).

When He sent His disciples out two by two to preach, He instructed them to say, “Peace to this house” as they walked in the door (Luke 10:5).

Peace of earth? How? Yes, ONLY through accepting the cure and rule of the Prince of peace who brings peace! Christ is the only way to peace through the power of His cross. We have peace with God and are justified through faith in Christ. We stand by grace. We have hope in and through Christ. “Great peace have those who love your law and nothing shall move them” (Psa 119:165). Obedience to the

word and way of the Lord is a guarantee of inner peace. There is peace on earth for those who adopt the way, the manner, and the style of the One who brings peace.

We are equipped with personal reconciliation and we mirror God’s reconciling character. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18).

We are peacemakers who represent the divine Reconciler. We serve on his behalf among people divided and fractured people. We bring the message of peace and joy to a broken world. We lead people to Christ who can bridge the gap between sinners and a loving God. As we are reconciled back to God, we are rejoined with each other.

Christ Jesus is God’s only way to reconciliation.

God promised that swords shall be made into ploughshares (Isa 2 ; Micah 4:). This passage is inscribed on a stonewall facing the U.N. building in New York. It is interesting to note that the John Deere factory near Des Moines, Iowa which was built early in World War II for manufacture of machine-gun bullets, today produces farm implements. God’s promise of peace shall be ultimately fulfilled through Christ. John Wesley celebrated: “Oh what a pearl … is the lowest degree of peace with God. It is worth selling everything to receive it.”

Jesus gives us His personal peace.

“My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27).

The turmoil and rejections of His stormy earthly ministry that culminated on a cruel cross were never enough to deny Him of perfect peace!

He now shares with us that real peace!

God assures mutual peace with fellow-believers: “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Eph 2:17, 18). Our heritage includes: peace with God, Christ’s personal peace in our

We are equipped

with personal reconciliation and we mirror

God’s

reconciling character.

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to

Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of

reconciliation”

(2

Cor 5:18). We are peacemakers who represent the divine

Reconciler.

hearts, and peace with one another.

Christmas is more than tinsel and toys, trees and toddies, gifts and greetings. Christmas is a message of peace on earth among people who are pleasing to God. It is Emmanuel, God with us. “Peace on earth” is the gospel benediction.

God gives us rest in Christ, from sin, self, fear, doubt, and wearing grief. Jesus came to bring peace to all who accept Him and live by His word.

Those who accept Christ’s salvation have peace with God (Rom 5:1-2).

Through Christ we embrace total wellbeing emanating from God’s presence with His people (1 Cor 1:3; 2 Cor 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 John 3; Jude 2; Rev 1:4). May your have peace unalloyed this season and always. Amen.

• Tunde Ojewole, PhD, is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. Get your copy of the newly released book: GOD’S FOOTPRINTS. For enquiries, contact: ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng or call/SMS 08058299434/08060376577.

News

Muoka gives hope to Nigerians …says Nigeria will suceed with or without oil Odinaka Uruakpa

G

eneral Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, TLCCRM,Pastor Lazarus Muoka has expressed hope that Nigeria would bounce back to become one of the successful countries in the world if Nigerians will depend on God and draw closer to Him.

He stated this yesterday at the opening of the church’s 3-Day International Pastor Bamidele crusade tagged “What God has determined shall be done” holding at the Chosen International Secondary ground, Mgbidi Imo State.

Muoka said the will of God should be

done in 2016 and not that of man and therefore told Nigerians not to depend on what any leader will do but what God would do. “The will of God will be done in Nigeria and other parts of the world in 2016”, he stated.

The cleric claimed that God has blessed Nigeria with many resources and advised the federal government to stop depending on oil for the growth of the country. “Oil or no oil, we should succeed because there are countries without oil, yet they are great. So, there is hope for Nigeria”, he reiterated.

He explained that as all go on praying for the nation, it will be transformed

by the power of God. “I believe that in years to come, God is going to take pre- eminence, if people are going to move closer to God. If people are living their lives in isolation from God, they should not expect anything. Our prayer is that people should draw nearer to God, so that he would transform them to transform the nation as well. And by so doing, the world will be a better place for everyone. We believe that with God, the nation will re-take the right shape. But we must not forget we are in the last days”, he warned The GO pointed out that many wrong things are happeniing all over the world

today because the end time is near. “The Bible says that when the last days are coming, many things will happen all over the world. Iniquity shall abound, there will be earthquakes, wars and terrorism.God is just allowing these things so that people will draw nearer to him”, he explained.

While assuring Christians of God’s protection in the last days, Muoka admonished all to understand that the world is not a permanent place, as all will leave it (world) one day.

“Just like God moved the children of Isreal out of Egypt, He will protect his children in the last days”, he said.

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January 3, 2016

37

Dasukigate: Shocking revelations from can of worms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

judge also ordered that the former NSA should surrender his international passport and other traveling documents to the Deputy Registrar of the court in charge of litigation.

Although the charge against Dasuki was later expanded by the Federal Government to include money laundering, Justice Ademola on November 3 granted his request to travel abroad for medical treatment and ordered his passport to be given to him to embark on the medical trip.

But contrary to the order of the court that Dasuki be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment, he was put under house arrest until early this month when operatives of the DSS took him to their office and began his interrogation over $2.1 billion arms deal.

The action of the DSS followed the order issued by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 17 that those indicted in the audit of the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date be arrested.

Buhari had in August this year directed the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, to set up a 13-man committee to carry out the audit.

Following his interrogation by security agents, Dasuki was again arraigned in court over the $2.1 billion arms deal. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However, since his arraignment in court, there have been more revelations on the arms deal as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed how Dasuki allegedly shared N30 billion to some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as the House of Representatives.

The Commission further alleged that the money was delivered to him in dollars from the Central Bank of Nigeria and part of the money was used for special prayers Another revelation on the arms deal scandal was how about $2billion meant for arms purchase was allegedly diverted by some top government officials and politicians during the last administration A former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mr. Shuaibu Salisu, said $47million was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 11 suit cases.

While trying to exonerate himself of any complicity in the matter during investigation by the officials of the EFCC, Saliu said that as a civil servant, he only carried out instructions from the ex-National Security Adviser, Mr. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.

Specifically, Salisu was said to have told EFCC operatives that he was directed to was directed by the former NSA to go to the CBN and collect the sum of $47m in cash and the balance in Euro and the directive was obeyed and the monies were delivered to the NSA in about 11 suit cases.

Another revelation from the arms deal saga was the mention of Chairman and Publisher of Thisday Newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena who was invited by the EFCC to account for the N670 million traced to

Bafarawa

Obaigbena

SALISU WAS SAID TO HAVE TOLD EFCC OPERATIVES THAT HE WAS DIRECTED TO WAS DIRECTED BY THE FORMER NSA TO GO TO THE

CBN AND COLLECT THE SUM OF $47M IN CASH AND THE BALANCE IN EURO AND THE DIRECTIVE WAS OBEYED AND THE MONIES WERE DELIVERED TO THE NSA IN ABOUT 11 SUIT CASES

him as part of the $2.1 billion arms budget.

But Obaigbena, who is presently out of the country in his response to letter of invitation from the EFCC explained that the money he received from the Office of National Security Adviser, ONSA was duly approved for him by former President Goodluck Jonathan as compensation for the bombing of his offices in Abuja and Kaduna by Boko Haram insurgents in 2012.

Obaigbena explained that the payment of the sum of N550 million that was approved by former President Jonathan was in response to the letters of appeal he personally wrote to him pleading for assistance following the destruction of his buildings and printing facilities by the Boko Haram sect He also told the EFCC in his response that such compassionate approval by the former president and subsequent payment could not mean that he received suspicious funds from the office of the NSA. “We have never received any suspicious funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser. All funds received from the Office of the National Security Adviser were payments for compensation to mitigate the dastardly Boko Haram Haram twin bombings of the Thisday Newspapers offices in Abuja and Kaduna on Thursday April 26, 2012, during which four innocent Nigerian lives were lost.

“During that attack, our buildings were destroyed and we lost full colour Goss printing towers and three pre-press Computer-To-Plate and anxiliary equipment and other invaluable property valued at over N2.5 billion. This was aside the daily costs to pay third party printers of over N1 billion having lost our printing facility to terrorists due to inadequate protection by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

That amount of money was drawn down from the ONSA in March 2015 following the appeal made to Jonathan by the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), where he serves as the President. “As President of the NPAN, it was my duty to lead media leaders to hold discussions with President Goodluck Jonathan to avert a class action lawsuit against the Armed Forces and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“On both occasions, President Jonathan said he did not wish to lay precedence and in our case, he specifically said there were many victims of Boko Haram.

I had to confront President Jonathan on the issue when I learnt of approvals for the reconstruction of the Abuja United Nations Building, since we were the second major organisation to be attacked by Boko Haram after the UN attack.

“Jonathan therefore directed me to meet the National Security Adviser who processed the three payments in question ”, Obaigbena said

The ThisDay publisher also explained in his response to the EFCC invitation that he received N120 million in March 2015 on behalf of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the 12 newspapers.

According to him, the newspapers had demanded compensation for the unlawful seizure and stoppage of circulation of their newspapers by armed soldiers in Abuja and several cities during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

While some newspapers admitted that they collected money, others denied that they received N10 million each through NPAN by the Office of the National Security Adviser as compensation for the disruption of their circulation operations, seizure of newspapers and damage to their property by soldiers in June 2014 Following the revelation, the Nigerian Guild of Editors called for a thorough investigation of media executives alleged to have received billions from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

The position formed part of the decisions reached at the fourth quarterly standing committee meeting of the group in Abuja which was contained in the communiqué signed by its President Garba Deen Mohammad and Secretary General, Victoria Ibanga.

At a dinner hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari for members of the House of Representatives at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, December 5, he used the occasion to bear his mind on the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal, describing the development as a breach of trust.

Buhari, who was obviously not happy about the diversion of the funds to procure good arms and ammunition to prosecute the war against insurgency but expressed regret that the process was abused at various levels.

The President, who said that his administration would ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to a logical conclusion with the CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INEC and 2015 elections in retrospect Robert Awokuse examines the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the intrigues of 2015 elections as they affect the polity.

E

lections in democratic system of government are critical as successful power change is determined by it.

Of course, one thing that makes this type of government unique is its all inclusiveness. A government of the people, by the people and for the people. It is a participatory government defined by a systematic process which is guided by the constitution.

A cursory look at elections in Nigeria since the present democratic dispensation which has spanned 16 years though characterized by myriad of flaws, shows that elections is the bedrock of democracy which is adjudged the best form of government. In many quarters, it is said that the best military rule cannot be quantified with the worst democratic administration, even though this argument may be subjective.

As a participatory government which involves representation in all levels of the government and a process to achieve the mandate of these representatives, a body to put these moves in motion and ensure their successes are guaranteed is crucial and its responsibilities and relevance as they affect the polity cannot be overemphasized. This calls for a credible institution to ensure a hitch-free election and electoral process.

A revered electoral boss and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Prof. Attahiru Jega during the build-up to the 2015 general election said, “If I fail in conducting a free and fair credible poll, then I have failed as chairman of electoral umpire and failed the commission. And if for any reason I collect any bribe to upturn election results, then I have failed my integrity and sense of dignity ”.

A statement such as this attest to the significance of elections and the institution empowered to conduct polls.

Elections in 2015 have continued to receive commendations, especially the general polls despite criticisms in some quarters. These criticisms although may be justified following post-election challenge by some aggrieved persons, who felt the poll didn ’t go down well with them. This is justified by the several of tribunal judgments that nullified some of the elections.

Election discourse cannot be complete without electoral umpire. The Nigerian electoral body, INEC under the leadership of the immediate past chairman, Prof Jega recorded success in this year ’s general election, a feat international community attested to.

One very thing that makes the 2015 elections worthy of attention is the emergence of power change. Of course, nothing contrary could have been said of INEC under Jega which conducted remarkable poll which for the first time in Nigeria ’s

Jega

Mah hmo ood

ONE VERY THING THAT MAKES THE 2015 ELECTIONS WORTHY OF ATTENTION IS THE

EMERGENCE OF POWER CHANGE. OF COURSE, NOTHING CONTRARY COULD HAVE BEEN SAID OF INEC UNDER JEGA WHICH CONDUCTED REMARKABLE POLL WHICH FOR THE FIRST

TIME IN NIGERIA ’S POLITICAL HISTORY SAW A SITTING PRESIDENT DEFEATED political history saw a sitting president defeated.

Many would have thought that premised on culture of past routine that the president owns the heart of the commission and would manipulate it as he deems fit to win a comeback or favour his anointed candidate and party.

However unlike what happened in the past, former president, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan stood aloof from the commission for Jega to exercise his powers unhindered.

And Jonathan graciously conceded defeat and ensured a smooth transition.

President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC won Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with a landslide victory of about 2.5 million votes to emerge winner of the March 28 presidential election. Similarly other elections under the leadership of Jega had the APC won majority of the polls in the general election in many of the states except for south-east and southsouth, a feat that was described free, fair and credible.

But few months after Buhari was sworn- in and a new boss, Prof Mahmood Yakubu took over as INEC boss, the commission ’s laudable achievement recorded in at the polls under Jega seemed ques-

tionable.

Despite accolades for Jega and INEC under him some of the outcome of the last elections are being upturned at the various tribunals and court of laws.

Sequel to this development, the PDP rank has continued to accuse Buhari and the APC of trying to turn the country into a one party state.

The PDP among other tribunal verdicts against its members, in its reaction to the nullification of the election of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel by the Appeal court, claimed that through its “puppet master in Lagos ”, the APC has entered an alliance with the judiciary to manipulate election results.

Recall the court had ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election in Akwa Ibom within 90 days.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike of the PDP suffered same fate from the Tribunal when his election was nullified following a challenge by APC candidate, Dakuku Peterside. Peterside had challenged the election of Wike on April 11 on grounds of massive rigging, a petition the tribunal ruled in favour.

Reactions coming on the heels of these two annulments following the purportedly rigged elections in the two states may

have thrown the polity into the gladiators ’ arena as the two major affected political parties lock horns in vocal battle. The nullification of elections in both states- Rivers and Akwa Ibom pitted the national chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie -Oyegun and the PDP Acting National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus.

While Secondus accused Odigie- Oyegun of exhibiting arrogance and impunity in his response to the rulings of the appellate courts on the matter, the APC chairman said the cry by the PDP was expected as a victim of verdict.

Secondus said the recent comments of Odigie- Oyegun conveying the desperation by his party and the presidency to forcefully take over PDP states in the south-south zone was unfortunate and disappointing.

The PDP chairman warned that a similar desperation by the ruling party to unduly win in the opposition strongholds in the 1964 federal elections precipitated the collapse of the first republic.

Odigie-Oyegun, in his immediate reaction to the ruling of the Court of Appeal judgment on Rivers State and Akwa Ibom governorship petitions, had said: “I am more confident of winning Akwa Ibom than any other state in the south-south.

We are going to win; that is almost a certainty. ” But Secondus described Odigie- Oyegun ’s statement as not only careless but also smacks of impunity and arrogance that have characterised the APC, adding that it also further “betrays APC ’s dirty underhand deals with unscrupulous electoral and judicial operatives.

Speaking specifically on annulment of Akwa Ibom poll, Odigie -Oyegun said a situation whereby the court recorded that 18 local government areas in the state did not comply with the electoral law clearly shows that the entire election was fraudulent.

“A situation where there was no substantial compliance in 18 out of 31 local council areas, we do not need a lawyer to tell us what the judgment should be. It was based on this count that we knew that the judgment of the lower court will be overturned.

“And in the case of Rivers State, we were all aware of what happened. There was no day during the electoral contest that three of the APC members were not slaughtered in the state in cold blood. In fact a lot of things happened there that were not supposed to happen and for which the process ought to be flawed.

“But you cannot beat a child and expect him or her not to cry. Cry they must do. I will not prevent him from crying. Let him cry himself out. All we are confident of is that at the end of the day truth and justice will triumph, but cry they have the right to cry as it suits them, ” Oyegun added.

Taraba State is equally on the list of election annulment. The election of Bashir Marafa of the PDP in the Taraba Central senatorial district was annulled.

In the judgement, the tribunal ordered INEC, to issue Certificate of Return to APC candidate Yusuf Abubakar.

The tribunal held that the election of Mr. Marafa could not stand as he did not CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

January 3, 2016

39

Dasukigate: Shocking revelations from can of worms

Presidents and Heads of State (And other Ancillary Matters) Decree of 1999 ” “Section 3, Sub Section 1 of that Decree provides that three vehicles will be provided for former heads of state and replaced every four years ” “There was therefore nothing untoward, illegal or tending to corruption in former Head of State Buhari and Presidential aspirant, as he then was, receiv-

ing vehicles, to which he was statutorily entitled , from the Federal Government of Nigeria ” “President Buhari had in keeping with his austere, spartan and frugal disposition shunned most of his entitlements as a former Head of State, but was prevailed upon by his supporters to accept the two vehicles for his personal safety in the aftermath of the dastardly attempt to assas-

sinate him ” “It is preposterous to think that the President will allow his acclaimed reputation of honesty and incorruptibility to be tarnished by accepting a questionable monetary compensation from a discredited regime ”, the statement added.

There are many people who believed that said report that Buhari collected $300,000 was an attempt to put the President on the spotlight and make him soft pedal on the prosecution of those alleged to have dipped their hands into the nation ’s coffers.

Buhari had also been accused by the opposition PDP that the fight against corruption was corruption was one-sided For Ikechukwu Ezechukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), It was still too early in the day to say that the corruption fight is one sided, stressing that for everything in life, there must be a starting point.

“It may seem that the starting point may be one sided but all the same, at the end of the day, that is the time we will be able to judge whether it is one sided or not; but for me it is still very early in the day ”, Ezechukwu said.

On whether the trial of Dasuki was an act of vendetta as perceived by some Nigerians, the Senior Advicate said, “the issue with respect to Dasuki ’s trial is for government to prove that he really committed those offences otherwise perception; you can never do away with it.

“The perception of the people is that he is being witch-hunted; but all the same, if there are concrete evidence and government can show it and prove, it will disperse the perception that people have.

People will now know that he actually committed the offences ”, he added.

However, as events unfold regarding the activities of the last administration, Nigerians at the end of the day would be able to give their own verdict about the governance of their country and how their resources had been managed.

But the Buhari-led administration has vowed that there is no going back on the fight against corruption in the country as the President was was to step on big toes in order to bring sanity into governance and the nation.

On the alleged purchase of PVCs, the PDP said it was another vicious lie and propaganda of the APC, saying no amount of campaign of calumny would save Sylva from crushing imminent defeat in the rerun.

The APC had said that the governor in his desperation to win has vowed to use all possible official means to deal with some top civil servants and politicians believed not to have supported him in the ongoing governorship election.

It claimed that the governor is at the same time buying up Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) of eligible voters from Southern Ijaw and other Local Government Areas ahead of the January, 9th 2016, rescheduled election.

A statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Sylva/Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, said it was disturbing for a Governor preaching good governance and good democratic norms to be muscling up his people to sup-

port him when in fact one of the pillars of democracy is freedom of choice and association.

“The strategy of the Governor Dickson is to throw around cash as a form of inducement to secure victory and at the end abandon the people again like he has done for almost four years now, ” claimed.

Egba said that it was for that reason that the APC vehemently protested the illegal cancellation of the Southern Ijaw election results which clearly would have put the party well ahead of the PDP. Egba said, “But with all the stakeholders having agreed on a new date, the Sylva- Igiri Campaign Organisation is poised to galvanise our support base in order to repeat the same feat we performed in SILGA and some other polling units across six local government areas.

“Our strength is in the fact that the majority of the people of SILGA are with us and are still committed to standing by

us through this whole process in order to eventually celebrate a hard-won victory.

“Like you all know that our revered and well-respected deputy governorship candidate, Elder Wilberforce Igiri and our indefatigable State Party Chairman, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe, a former SILGA chairman is from the area. ” He, therefore, called on the people to remain steadfast and vote the APC come January 9 in the rescheduled election.

Egba assured the teeming supporters and members from Southern Ijaw and other places where election would hold, that Sylva was fully aware of all they had passed through in recent times in the hands of the opposition.

He made it clear that the party would fully take care of all the party leaders, members, supporters and friends in the incoming APC administration as Sylva would run an all-inclusive government to bring prosperity to all.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

hope of recouping diverted funds.

Buhari is not alone in the thinking that the matter was diligently prosecuted, Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole also has the same opinion.

Oshiomhole who said he was not shocked about the revelations from the arms deal explained that he had always been talking about fraudulent activities in government even before the change in government The Edo governor who described the arms deal as a tip of the iceberg, explained that the NSA who supposed to be an advisory officer and not procurement agent for government.

“I am happy the figures are coming out and I know that this is a tip of the iceberg and I read some reports, the numbers are in billions, Dasuki is just one bleeding point, there are several bleeding points in the system ”, Oshiomhole said.

With the resolve of the present administration headed by Buhari is resolute in fighting corruption to a standstill, recent development however revealed that there may be plans to distract the President from focusing on his anti-corruption drive as there were reports last week alleging that the President collected $300,000 and up to five armoured Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from the Office of the National Security Adviser in the aftermath of the attack on his convoy in Kaduna last year.

This was an allegation that the Presidency came out to deny through a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina In the statement, the Presidency said, “we unequivocally deny that President Buhari received $300,000.00 or any monetary compensation whatsoever from the Jonathan Presidency or any of its officials, in the aftermath of that attack, or at any other time since then ” “While it is true that one armoured SUV and one untreated SUV were sent to the President in the aftermath of the attack, the vehicles were in keeping with his entitlements as a former Head of State under the Remuneration of Former

Osh homhole

Ade esina a

I AM HAPPY THE FIGURES ARE COMING OUT AND I KNOW THAT THIS IS A TIP OF THE ICEBERG AND I READ SOME REPORTS, THE NUMBERS ARE IN BILLIONS, DASUKI IS JUST ONE BLEEDING POINT

Bayelsa poll: Re-run throws race wide open CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

ment Area of the state saying, the APC candidate, Sylva, would be roundly defeated in the rerun.

Obuebite said the claims by the APC were vicious propaganda on the part of Sylva to win election by hook or by crook.

According to him, civil servants in Bayelsa State trust that Dickson won ’t take such an action because they know him as “the most civil servant friendly governor who places premium on their welfare and general well-being. ” He added that when other states were owing workers salary for five to eight months and resorting to bail out, Dickson went out of his way to make the much needed sacrifice by cutting down on his personal allowances, including those of his aides and other political appointees just to meet up with the monthly obligations to workers.

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INEC and 2015 elections in retrospect CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

score the lawful majority votes in the March 28 election. The tribunal therefore ordered INEC to return Abubakar as the candidate that scored the majority lawful votes during the polls.

The tribunal in its ruling recalled the alleged cancellation of results at collation centres, after the presiding officer had announced same results at the polling units said the announcement contravened the Electoral Law. It said that non-inclusion of the results of 16 polling units where elections were credibly conducted and announced was also against the law. The tribunal held that after re-collation of the results, the APC candidate scored 66,097 votes, while Mr. Marafa of PDP scored 64,356 votes.

Of course election invalidation in Taraba state will not be complete without mentioning the annulment of the election of Governor Darius Ishaku, which is described in some quarters as ‘shocking ’.

Ishaku was voted into office in the general election after defeating the candidate of the APC, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, in a keenly-contested election and runoff but he emerged winner.

According to political analyst, Mike Ikpechi, the news of the annulment of his election by the Taraba Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja “was an immense shock to all well-meaning citizens of the state. ” In his argument, he contended that the ruling was controversial. For him, that the Justice Danladi Abubakar-led Tribunal announced that Ishaku did not emerge the candidate of the PDP in a purportedly properly-conducted primary election and so must vacate office is appalling.

But Ishaku had clearly won the elections by the valid votes cast and was so declared

by INEC. At the primary election which saw his emergence not a single candidate in the PDP even went to court to challenge him as the PDP flagbearer to contest the April 11 election.

In the first run of the election, Ishaku scored 317,198 votes while the APC ’s Alhassan polled 262,386. The difference between the votes of both candidates was 54,812.

Over 100,000 potential votes were cancelled at some polling units.

INEC, through its Returning Officer for the election in the state, Prof. Muhammad Kariey, on April 13, declared it inconclusive and announced there would be a supplementary election within 30 days.

INEC specifically said it took the position following its discovery that the total number of votes rejected and cancelled was more than the total votes with which Ishaku led the runner-up, Hajia Alhassan.

The run- off were held on April 25 in Donga local government area of the state, and some polling units in Bali, Karim Lamido, Takum, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro and Zing.

INEC eventually declared Ishaku the clear winner of the election with 369,318 votes to APC ’s Alhassan who scored 275,984 votes.

Against this backdrop could INEC be labeled ‘incapacitated ’? Couldn ’t it have stalled Ishaku from contesting since it is argued by some pundits that Ishaku was not eligible to contest the poll because there was no governorship primary in the PDP camp, reason why tribunal nullified his

Marrk

Alha assa an

BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION OF DECEMBER 5 WAS NO DIFFERENT TO KOGI AS YET AGAIN THE POLL WAS DECLARED INCONCLUSIVE FOLLOWING

HITCH ENCOUNTERED AT IJAW SOUTH. A SUPPLEMENTARY ELECTION CONSEQUENTLY HAS BEEN BILLED FOR JANUARY 9, 2016

election?

But another angle to the argument upholds that it is not in the ambit of INEC to stop any candidate fielded by the party from contesting an election. These subjective opinions however are left to political and legal pundits to contend with.

Former senate president, David Mark was not exempted from the court axe. The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi annulled his election and also ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections in the Benue South senatorial district within 90 days.

Mark ’s victory at the March 28, National Assembly elections, was challenged by Daniel Onjeh of the APC, who petitioned the Benue state legislative House ’s elections tribunal, asking for the cancellation of the election and an order detailing INEC to conduct fresh election in the district.

The Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu-led trial panel had on October 7, dismissed Onjeh ’s petition on the ground that evidences tendered before the tribunal were documentary hearsay evidences.

In a unanimous judgment read by Justice Peter Ige, the appellate court dismissed the judgment of the tribunal and upheld the plea of the appellant that Mark ’s election failed substantially to meet with the provisions of paragraphs 39 and 40 of the INEC approved electoral guidelines and sections 73and 74 of the Electoral Act 2010

as amended.

The appellate court also questioned the failure of the trial court to admit evidences tendered by the appellant to canvass his case and in another instance refer to the same evidence to arrive at its decision.

Justice Ige thus held that, “the lower tribunal cannot be seen to blow hot and cold at the same time. The appellant has established his case on the balance of probability. It is our considered view that the appellant ’s appeal is meritorious.

“The appellant showed by oral evidence that collation of results was still ongoing a day after the declaration of results of the election in seven local government areas of the district. INEC is by this judgment to conduct fresh senatorial election in the Benue South district within 90 days. ” However, speaking shortly after the judgement, the election returning officer, Prof. Latif Tiamiyu debunked the claim.

He said the result was announced after the collation of the results from the nine local government areas of the district, adding that anything suggesting the contrary is unfounded and untrue.

With the judgement of the appeal court, the argument is could a ruling be predicated on oral evidence by an appellant? And could the tribunal be said to be incompetent having purportedly failed to substantially meet with the provisions of

paragraphs 39 and 40 of the INEC approved electoral guidelines and sections 73 and 74 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended? This position again affirms that the electoral umpire is not very credible.

With these annulments by tribunal and appellate courts one may be compelled to ask if truly Buhari and the APC are not influencing judicial powers or it is the flaws of INEC which on its part failed to conduct a credible poll in the last general election that informed the spate of annulment of elections of PDP political office holders.

But if these annulments have connection with INEC incapacitation why then is it lopsided. Why are PDP members the only victims of court axe, falling on them in quick succession? After all when the rains fall, they fall both on the saints and sinners.

These are provoking insights that should be keenly considered.

Election inconclusive syndrome A careful examination of the electoral body, under the new chairman shows that hitch is still much entrenched in the commission. This is evident in the two polls the new boss has conducted in recent time. The Kogi governorship election of November 21 ended inconclusive with election in 91 polling units cancelled having been marred by irregularities.

But this resolve by INEC is justified because many would have kicked if the results of those polling units had been counted hence it is wise of the commission to have taken the decision. Obviously success of any election is not exclusive to the electoral umpire as all other variables- the security personnel, voters, politicians and their supporters are stakeholders to ensuring credibility of the poll.

A supplementary election of the cancelled polling units held December 5 eventually saw the emergence of the APC candidate Yaya Bello as governor of the state, which till-date remains ‘substantively tentative ’ until tribunal ’s ruling is passed following PDP ’s Idris Wada ’s challenge.

Bayelsa governorship election of December 5 was no different to Kogi as yet again the poll was declared inconclusive following hitch encountered at Ijaw South.

A supplementary election consequently has been billed for January 9, 2016.

As the intricacies of INEC and election continue to take front burner of public discourse, the new boss and his commission are being charged to brace and ensure a free fair credible polls in a bid to guarantee electorates their choices and political contestants their mandate. 2015 elections have come and gone, has the commission really done credibly well?

The just conducted Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections which are pilot tests for Mahmood-led INEC have not greeted many Nigerians with satisfaction hence they are calling on the new chairman to fasten his belt to deliver credible elections to the people. And if the commission will record success in the tasks ahead, it will be through concerted efforts and support of all stakeholders.

Nigerians and indeed the whole world is watching to see if the new management of Nigeria will build on the legacy of the immediate past administration or squander it.

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January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRSC boss assures staff of sustained welfare policies in 2016 OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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he Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi has commended the staff for their high level performances in the outgone year, saying management remains committed to enunciating policies that could

adequately address their welfare needs.

In a press release made available by Head of Media Relations and, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, Oyeyemi stated in his New Year message to all staff of the FRSC, in which he expressed gratitude to God for the successes recorded in 2015 and expressed commit-

ment to improving on the achievements in the coming year. He particularly prayed for the successful crossover of all staff, enjoining them to be prepared to live faithfully in carrying out their statutory responsibilities of keeping the roads safe.

Although admitting that the challenges of 2015 were multifaceted

and involved staff risking their lives to save road cash victims, travelling several kilometres to ensure that road users were enlightened and diffusing tension as well as rescuing crash victims even at odd hours of the day, the Corps Marshal expressed gratitude to God that the organisation survived the odds.

According to him, several lives that could have been perished in road crashes were saved through the vigilance and commitment of members of the Corps, saying such individuals will forever remain grateful to the FRSC for the steadfastness and dedication the personnel have shown to their duties.

The Corps Marshal expressed pride in the spirit of selfless service exhibited by members of the Corps in 2015 and enjoined them to remain steadfast in pursuing the common goals in the new year. While appreciating

the individuals for their contributions to the success story of the FRSC in outgoing year, Oyeyemi admonished staff not to rest on their oars, saying 2016 will come with its own peculiar challenges which they must be prepared to overcome in their determination to create a safer road environment that would be conducive for social and economic activities.

“To be victorious, you must continue to adhere to the processes and procedures of the Corps in all areas of operations and general administration, ” he stated.

Why we ’re passionate about education –Aregbesola

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Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, addressing members of the Internally Displaced from different parts of Yobe State to Bauchi IDP Camp, during the DG ’s celebration with the people in collaboration with National Troupe of Nigeria in Bauchi, recently.

Lawyer protests unpaid judicial workers ’ salaries SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

BENIN

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oremost lawyer and human rights activist in Edo State, Barrister Olayiwola Afolabi, during the week staged a one-man protest at the Edo State High Court Complex on Sapele Road, Benin City, even as residents were busy enjoying New Year celebrations.

In the protest that also took him to Edo State Ministry of Justice; office of Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice Mr. Henry Idahagbon, the lawyer called on Idahagbon to resign for being unable to pay seven months of unpaid salary of Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

Carrying a placard read-

ing: ‘Edo government pay judiciary workers ’, he also called for the resignation of the Chairman of Edo State Chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, for making excuses for Edo government even when NLC makes deductions from the salaries of judiciary workers.

Afolabi alleged that apart from the judicial staff that were being owed, a cross section of staff of the Ministry of Justice including Magistrates, Presidents of Area Customary Courts and Clerical officers were also owed salary arrears, contrary to claims by the state government that it owed no state civil servants any salary and a clean bill of health passed on the government by the state NLC

leadership.

Tracing the non-payment of seven months of JUSUN salaries to a case instituted by JUSUN against Edo State in a Federal High Court Abuja, Afolabi, who alleged that the unpaid workers were being treated as slaves in their own country and state, criticised Edo State NLC leadership for “shamefully hero-worshipping the Comrade Governor over the prompt payment of December salaries when the judicial staff are groaning under non-payment, ” despite the fact that Governor Oshiomhole famously climbed on the back of the judiciary to regain his stolen popular mandate at the courts in 2008.

At the premises of the Ministry of Justice, Afo-

labi expressed regrets over the death of an unnamed female staff that recently lost her life to an illness owing to her inability to pay the cost of medical services necessary to keep her alive.

He further alleged that even Edo State governmentemployed lawyers were usually forced to spend their personal money whenever they prosecute cases outside Edo State as funds meant for such journeys are neither released nor refunded later and, therefore, earnestly asked that the Edo State Ministry of Justice be re-named ministry of injustice.

Effort to speak with Edo AG, Idahagbon, was not rewarded as he was said to be away from office on the day.

he Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said that the passion with which his administration pursues its goal in the education sector arises from the conviction that education is the fulcrum upon which life and living rest.

Governor Aregbesola stated this while receiving a 35 year old compilation of past Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) questions and answers produced and presented to him by the leadership of the Coalition of All Progressives Supporters Group, at Government House, Osogbo.

The compendium contains past questions and answers of English and Mathematics from 1980 to 2015.

The Governor said only education can guarantee the improvement and betterment of human conditions.

According to him, a solid education guarantees perpetual and reliable succession and an assured future.

He said his government is passionate about

education as there can ’t be improvement in the condition of the state if government fails to equip it ’s upcoming generation and develop them to explore nature to its extreme possibilities so that it won ’t be a threat to them.

He noted that in spite of the campaigns of calumny being orchestrated by certain individuals and group to discredit policies and programmes of his government, a group like the Coalition still believes and support the government.

Aregbesola said the gesture is highly impressive and will serve as an elixir for government to continue to do the utmost within its capacity to guarantee a better future for its youths.

“We are indeed passionate about education because there cannot be any improvement in our condition if we do not equip our upcoming generations.

“We are determined to develop and equip them to be able to explore nature to the extreme possibilities so that nature will no longer be a threat to them.

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Business

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday, January 3, 2016

‘Airport shops could be forced to give VAT discounts’

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irport shops could be forced to give VAT discounts to UK passengers travelling outside the European Union, following the launch of a government inquiry.

The Treasury said that the “extensive” review would make sure that shoppers got the discounts they are entitled to.

Tax-free shops should not charge VAT, if passengers are going outside the EU. In August it was re-

vealed that some airside retailers were not always passing VAT savings on to customers, but were keeping the money instead.

The Treasury said some shops were keeping as much as half the money they should be giving to consumers.

“VAT relief at airports is intended to cut prices for those travellers - not be a windfall gain for shops,” said Chancellor George Osborne.

“But many people could

be paying over the odds for their purchases because the government’s VAT concession isn’t passed on. This is simply unacceptable,” he said.

At the moment airport retailers are not legally obliged to provide a VAT discount, so it would need a change in the law to make them do so.

Some retailers have claimed it would be too difficult to introduce dualpricing for EU and non-EU travellers - and that such a

requirement would lead to delays for passengers.

WH Smith, one of the shops originally criticised, said it would co-operate with the inquiry.

Boots, which also came in for criticism, has already announced a review of its own policy.

“Since taking our decision in August 2015 to no longer ask customers to show us their boarding passes we have been continuing with our strategic review and, working

together with the Airport Authorities, we are nearing conclusion,” the retailer said.

“We will participate with the government review as we receive further details,” it added.

Goods which normally carry VAT at 20%, like bottles of water, or sunscreen, should carry a significant price reduction.

A bottle of sunscreen, which normally retails at £6, should cost £5 once the VAT is deducted.

Other items, such as books and newspapers do not carry VAT in the first place.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will carry out the review, and is expected to report back early in 2016.

It will also examine the separate issue of airport excise duty.

Duty-free shops which sell alcohol and tobacco operate under different rules to tax-free shops.

Petrol new pump price: DPR begins enforcement in Plateau

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L-R: Head, Product Management, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Dipo Omotoso;, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo; Nigerian actress, singer & philanthropist, Omotola Ekeinde, and Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE Mr. Bola Adeeko, at the 2015 Year End Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange at the weekend.

Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme portal opens for applications

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udding entrepreneurs across Africa can now apply to join the second annual Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) for start-up businesses based in Africa.

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme application portal opens for entries today, January 1, 2016 and will accept applications until Midnight WAT on March 1, 2016. To apply, entrepreneurs must complete the online application form on the web portal, a statement from the programme administrators said.

Successful applicants who complete the programme will receive the local currency equivalent of naira 850,000 as non-returnable seed capital, and are eligible for a further N850,000 in the form of

either debt or equity, depending on business need and other criteria.

Selected entrepreneurs will join the existing cohort of 1,000 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs, from 51 countries, who formed the inaugural 2015 cycle of the programme and have thus far, received considerable benefits from their participation, including 12 weeks of training on how to set up and manage businesses with mentoring and financial support offered by The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

The programme also offers accelerated growth with Over 90 per cent of beneficiaries with existing businesses, have reported increased growth in the past year.

In addition the beneficiaries get access to further funding as well as networking opportunities

from a flourishing alumni network has developed, providing personal linkages and business opportunities across the continent.

Founder, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony O. Elumelu said: “I believe in empowerment that can change the face of Africa as we know it. African entrepreneurs are our future leaders and I am passionate about giving them the opportunity to succeed.

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is a major, deliberate effort on my part, to institutionalise luck and provide seed capital funding, mentoring, business training, pan-African networking and springboard that our aspiring Entrepreneurs need to leap from.”

CEO of the Tony Elume-

lu Foundation, Parminder Vir OBE, made a call for an even broader participation in TEEP this year, saying, “We encourage women and men with business ideas from all sectors, from every region, city, town and village across Africa, to apply. This is your programme and if you can demonstrate your passion and commitment, then this wonderful opportunity to become a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur could be yours for the taking.”

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is open to citizens and legal residents of all 54 African countries.

Applications for 2016 open on 1 January and can be made by any for-profit business based in Africa, including new business ideas which have been in existence for less than three years.

he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has begun to visit filling stations in Plateau to ensure that major and independent marketers comply with the new pump price of N86.50 per litre as directed by the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Pankshin that officials of the department are currently visiting the central and southern zones of the state to ensure total compliance.

The department’s team Leader and Human Resources Assistant, Mr Habib Yahaya, told NAN in Pankshin on Saturday that it was useful for both major and independent marketers to comply with the new pump price.

“All NNPC Mega Stations are expected to sell the fuel at a pump price of N86.00 per litre while major and independent marketers are supposed to sell at N86.50 per litre.

“Anything above these two official pump prices would attract serious sanctions from our department, ’’ he said.

Yahaya expressed concern about the attitude of some of the independent and major marketers who he accused of avoiding them. ``When they heard we are coming they quickly closed down and run away from the filling station so that we could not check the volume of what they had in stock,’’ he observed.

Yahaya called on the public to alert DPR of any erring filling station that would not sell at the official pump price of N86.50.

“This because we are

aware that most of the operators of these filling stations revert to old prices of their choices whenever we are out of their domain, ’’ he said.

The DPR official warned that any filling station caught flaunting the directive of the government would face the wrath of the department.

He pledged that the DPR would do all it could to ensure that motorists and commuters were not subjected to hardships.

Investors look to January effect at start of 2016 As Wall Street wraps up its flattest year since 2011, investors will have to deal with many of the same issues next year as they attempt to gauge market direction.

While many market participants have a host of worries heading into 2016 that could hurt stocks and keep volatility high, they remain optimistic for gains in 2016 and a strong start to the year could boost that case.

According to the Stock Trader’s Almanac, the direction of January’s trading predicts the course for the year 75 percent of the time.

Stocks could get a boost next week from the socalled “January effect,” when stocks that were sold off in December for yearend tax harvesting rally back in the next month as investors scoop them back up at lower prices.

Of the S&P 500 components, 301 were down 10 percent or more from their 52week highs and 175 were off by at least 20 percent through December 30, according to Ryan Detrick, market strategist at Kimble Charting Solutions in Cincinnati.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

January 3, 2016

43

N500m gift: Nyako loyalists lambast Bindow LIVINUS MENEDI YOLA

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youth group loyal to former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, has protested the alleged flouting of the regulations on campaign funding in the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial elections in the state.

This is even as the group has asked the state legislators to impeach the state Governor, Sen. Mohammed Bindow, because of his involvement in alleged illegal actions Loyalists of Nyako have been at daggers drawn with the Bindow administration for allegedly turning his back against

Nyako and aligning with former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar.

The grouse of the faction, which goes by the name Nyako Support Group, comes on the heels of recent revelation by the Director General of Bindow & Martins Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Abdulrahman Jimeta, that the former Vice-President gave N500 million in support of Bindow ’s electioneering, which it claims contravened the regulations on campaign funding.

However, Bindow has since denied he received such money, insisting the donation was to the party and not his campaign office.

Coordinator of the Nyako Support Group, Alhaji Aminu Namtari, who spoke over the weekend, said the group had decided to react to the recent media revelation to express their dismay because they knew the role Nyako played in his election as governor.

Namtari said he found it disgusting that N500 million was what made Bindow to transfer his loyalty to Atiku.

“We found it disgusting that N500 million has made him to transfer his loyalty to Atiku. I feel embarrassed that N500 million is Bindow ’s problem, ” Namtari said.

He regretted that the governor who openly ad-

mitted receiving the whopping sum of N500 million from Alhaji Atiku through one Alhaji Jauro Turaki, during the 2015 gubernatorial campaign in Adamawa State, did so in gross violation of section 91(3) 9 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

“Under section 91 (3), the maximum election expenses to be incurred by a governorship candidate shall not exceed N200 million.

“We look at it as a breach of the said section of the law and therefore call on the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceeding against Gov. Mohammed Umar Jibrilla, while sub section 9 of the same Electoral Act states that no individual or

other entity shall donate more than N1 million to any candidate.

“A candidate who knowingly acts in contravention of this section commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable: in the case of a governorship election to a fine of N800,000 or imprisonment for nine months or both. ’ ’ He described Gov Jibrilla as an ingrate, saying he had bitten the finger that fed him.

“It is not something secret that the governor rode on the structure of former Gov. Nyako to become a governor, ” he added.

Namtari also debunked the disclosure that Nyako and his son stayed away in London during the APC campaign, stressing that circumstances warranted

Nyako to relocate to London but not his son, adding that it was generally known that Nyako ’s life was under threat after his impeachment.

“AbdulAzeez who they claimed was in London all through is now a serving senator; was he voted for by proxy? ” he queried. ``It still beats my imagination that the same Atiku who is today his political lord had sponsored Alhaji Mijinyawa (Yayaji) his political godson for the same governorship position and if not for Nyako ’s structure, how could he have won the primaries?

“He forgot when Atiku frustrated him by refusing to fund his campaign and Nyako supporters still stood by him until his victory.

Don ’t ee, Shettima tells Ali Dawari residents INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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Operation Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Azare, Maj. Suleiman Yakubu, speaking to newsmen on the Artillery ’s operation along Raga in Udobo Distric, Gamawa Lga of Bauchi State at the weekend.

NGO donates relief materials to Nasarawa IDPs IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

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non-gover nmental organisation, National Centre for Women, Youths and Community Action, NACWYCA, has donated relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in Nasarawa State.

The items donated in partnership with Unile-

ver Nig Plc, was to support some communities that were displaced during the communal crises which had engulfed parts of the state.

The items which include 7,028 cases of Camay soap, 8,433 cases of Camay Roll On, 8,433 cases of Camay Lotion, 2640 cases of Camay Spray and 1,176 cases of Camay Barsoap were distributed to

the victims in Lafia, the state capital, by the execitive director of NACWYCA, Mr. Nawani Aboki.

Speaking when handing over the materials to leaders of the benefiting communities for onward distribution, Mr. Aboki charged the leaders to ensure that the donated items reached genuine IDPs. He therefore cautioned

them against diversion as according to him, “a strict monitoring would be focused on the distribution by the NGO to ensure that the items reached the target beneficiaries ”.

Communities and groups that were beneficiaries of the relief materials include Eggon, Alago, Migili, Tiv, Fulani, Ekye, Dadare and NasarawaEggon.

Nothing can stop LG polls in Zamfara –APC scribe

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ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Zamfara has said the refusal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to participate in yesterday ’s local government elections will not diminish the credibility of the exercise.

The party ’s secretary in the state, Alhaji Sani Mono, made this observation to newsmen yesterday at his Talata-Mafara residence.

He said although there was low turnout of voters, the electorate demonstrat-

ed the confidence they had in the present APC state leadership.

He also said the party was satisfied with the arrangements made by the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission, noting that all

political parties that felt they could field their candidates participated in the exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the council polls took place in the 14 local government areas of the state.

he Borno state Hon. Kashim Shettima has urged the fleeing residents of Ali Dawari village of Jere local government area of the state which was attacked last Sunday to stay back, as government is ready to deploy more security agents to the area to protect them.

Shettima, who waited for over one hour to for the arrival of an excavator, said it is the government responsibility to protect their lives and property; as such he was not leaving until they brought an excavator he directed arrived with a view to surround the village with ditch.

The governor said “you should not flee, we will do everything possible to protect your lives and property, I came with the garrison commander, deputy commissioner of police and commanders of Civilian JTF. I assured you they are going deploy more personnel to the village and right now your village will be surrounded with ditches ”, he stated.

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing in this report, sounds of twin explosions were heard in and around Maiduguri metropolis with the other ex-

plosion suspected to have been carried out around the same Ali Dawari area.

The twin explosions occurred at about 4:45pm on Saturday, leaving residents into pandemonium, but there was no detail as to who were behind the explosions.

However, governor Shettima during his condolence visits to Ali Dawari multiple attacks last Sunday also ordered for the immediate release of the sum of N200, 000 to the members of the vigilante group in the area, adding that the 20 members of the Civilian JTF in the village will be paid N10,000 each monthly to patrol the village.

It could be recalled that the attack on Ali Dawari village and some adjoining villages at the outskirt of Maiduguri were attacked Sunday 27th December 2015 where over 50 people were killed with more than 100 others injured and were recuperating at various hospitals in the state.

Earlier speaking, the village head of Ali Dawari, Bulama Mallam told the governor that 16 male and 11 female were slaughtered in the village while others who sustained injuries were hospitalized and are receiving treatment at State Specialists hospital Maiduguri.

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South

January 3, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP ’ll win all rescheduled elections in Rivers, says Wike DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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ivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that if elections were conducted 10 times in the state, candidates of the

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would still emerge victorious.

He said his confidence was because of the commitment of the party to the wellbeing of the people.

The governor stressed

that Rivers people are waiting for the deployment of card readers, adding that the major opposition, the All Progressives Congress, APC, would not win any unit because the party had since betrayed the people.

Addressing a cross section of Rivers people at the state ’s New Year Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday night, Wike said: “If elections are conducted 10 times in Rivers State, PDP will win. We are waiting

Cross Section of Indigine and Nin-indigine of Osun boarding Free Train Ride Organized by the Government of the State of Osun from Lagos to Osogbo, in Celebration of New Year, 2016, at Ido Railway Terminus,

Nigeria ’s economy ’ll improve in 2016 –Cleric DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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cleric, Apostle Eugene Ogu has said Nigeria ’s currency will gain strength in the first quarter of this year, despite the drop in oil price which has affected the world economy.

Ogu, who is the General Overseer of the Abundant Life Evangel Mission, ALEM, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State made the prediction during a crossover night on Friday.

He further said Nigeria ’s economy would bounce back strong to the

surprise of the world.

Preaching on the topic, ‘Upsetting the set structures ’ with Bible reference drawn from the book of Ecclesiastes 10: 5-7, the cleric said that the doctrine of federal character as enshrined in the political system of Nigeria was “evil ”.

According to Ogu, “every evil in Nigeria proceeds from bad leadership. Federal character is an evil doctrine from the leadership of this country.

It is in the Police, Army, Navy, Ministries and everywhere.

“Fools are now put in

place of authority. Nigerians are suffering because evil men are put in places of authority.

“How can a master ’s degree holder drive KK (tricycle)? That is an error. Those who dug the political and economic pit in this country must fall into it.

“The change that Nigerians have been praying for from the past bad leadership is from God and not from man or any political party. Nigerians will soon see the genuine change that is from God. “The country ’s naira will regain its strength in

the first quarter of this year. Nigerian economy will shock the nations of the world.

“2016 is a year of divine promotion by the will of God. No man or political party will ever toy with the destiny of Nigerians again. Those who dug the pit of corruption will fall into it, ” he predicted.

Apostle Ogu, who has been accurate in all his predictions over the years, enjoined Nigerians to be more dedicated to God, adding that 2015 was full of challenges and obstacles, “but we overcame all of that ”.

for the card reader, but let me see which unit they (APC) will win. ” He charged the people of Rivers to always respect the judiciary irrespective of judgements, noting that the stability of the country depended on the judiciary.

According to him, his administration has respected the full separation of powers, which has led to the independence of the Judiciary and the Legislative arms of government.

Wike expressed happiness that he lived up to his promise to revive the Judiciary after immediate past governor, Rotimi Amaechi, closed the courts for two years, pointing out that Amaechi was the first person to take advantage of the revived Judiciary by rushing to court over the Judicial Commission of Enquiry.

The governor added that never again would the State House of Assembly be subjected to sitting in Government House under the guidance of the governor as was the case before he took over.

His words: “You don ’t need to control any arm of government. What you need is mutual cooperation to develop the state. ” Wike outlined the achievements of his administration in terms of road infrastructure, school development, empowerment programmes, health and agricultural schemes, saying that 2016 would witness more development projects in all sectors in line with the new Rivers ’ vision.

He said his administration was able to make landmark achievements

in seven months because of the support and prayers of a vast majority of Rivers people and declared that he would never be distracted, noting that his commitment to serve the state was total irrespective of any outcome.

The Rivers governor disclosed that his administration took bank loans to finance projects not for politicking as rumoured and falsely reported in the media.

“If I take a loan, I would use it to the benefit of the Rivers people. I will not use it to play politics, ” he said.

Wike said his administration was interested in completing abandoned infrastructural projects, provided they impact positively on lives of the people.

He explained that though his administration had paid N1.5 billion for the foreign scholarships, it could not continue to fund it because the previous government had incurred a debt of N3.5 billion for 2013 - 2014 and the 2014 -2015 sessions.

He stated that the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state in view of dwindling finances.

Earlier, State Head of Service, Mr. Rufus Godwins, stated that the people of the state are solidly in support of Wike because of his commitment to development of the state and his superlative achievements.

Former minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo, said Wike had lived up to the expectations of the people through his people-focused programmes and projects.

Nigeria over the New Year celebrations, Faseyi said: “In all situations, we must learn how to give thanks to our Creator for sparing our lives since January to the end of the year 2015.

“Despite all predictions and assumptions at the end of year 2014 concerning the unity of Nigeria, God prevailed and sustained our unity in diversity.

“The election year has always been presumed world over as an unpre-

dictable one because of electioneering activities by politicians and the case of Nigeria is even quite different because of the way our leaders play politics with nearly everything.

“It was generally believed that the general elections would be turbulent and bloody, but God came in and right all the wrongs beyond human imaginations, hence peaceful transition of government, ” Faseyi stated.

Always be positive, lawmaker urges Nigerians ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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hairman, Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Duro Faseyi, yesterday urged Nigerians to always be positive and optimistic despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation.

Faseyi said the fact that Nigeria had continued to move on in unity towards the direction of greatness, especially with predictions of doom about 2015

being an election year, was cause for the citizens to believe in the country.

In his New Year message in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, the lawmaker representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, allayed the fears of Nigerians about the predictions of doom from some quarters in 2016.

He said: “What is important now is for all Nigerians irrespective of religious, political and cultural backgrounds to be positive in thinking

and always prophesy good in our lives. With that, no problem will be insurmountable.

Faseyi called on Nigerian leaders to make selfless service their watchword, saying “what Nigeria needs most is sacrifice by all in order to promote the unity and progress of the nation ”.

According to him, selfishness on the part of leaders will rekindle the hope of electorate in Nigeria project and facilitate rapid development

across the land.

The lawmaker also cautioned the people, especially politicians against actions capable of promoting disunity in the country.

He said: “The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable; therefore all hands must be on deck to promote it all times, because with unity of purpose, the task of fighting all ills in the land will be easy ”.

While congratulating his constituents, the people of Ekiti State and

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Van Gaal defends decision to sell Hernandez

Sport

Sunday, January 3, 2016

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Efugh backs Adeniji, Chikatara to shine KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

If things had worked out differently, Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure - who was crowned the BBC African Footballer of the Year for a second time on Friday - might have been a karate star.

Toure: Karate kid-turned footballer I

f things had worked out differently, Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure - who was crowned the BBC African Footballer of the Year for a second time on Friday - might have been a karate star.

That was the sport the Manchester City midfielder was into while a kid and one he may well have excelled at had his father not blocked it.

“He went to learn karate before he took up football, which he didn’t play at the time,” Mory Toure, Yaya’s father, told BBC Sport.

“Within one week, he did so well he was selected to travel for a competition in Kenya.”

However, his ambitions were swiftly nipped in the bud by his father, who banned Yaya from travelling because he feared him suffering injury or worse so soon after taking up the sport.

“I used to fight a lot with my brothers, so my dad said he would put me in a sport that would calm me down - and karate did,” Yaya himself told BBC Sport with a smile.

Yet Toure senior relates the tale about karate to highlight the range of his son’s abilities, which he says extend far and wide.

“One time I brought him to the village and put him in Koranic school because it was the holidays,” says the 69-year-old, who is now retired after a lengthy career in the army.

“A week later, he was writing and speaking in Arabic. His teacher called me and said ‘he’s clever, eh? He’s already writing and he doesn’t forget what you tell him.’”

“Now Yaya speaks Spanish, Russian and English. He doesn’t speak his own dialect - Tawana - though but I think that’s his parents’ fault,” Mory laughs.

Toure’s varied languages come as a result of his European football adventures, which started in Belgium in 2001 and which have since incorporated spells in Ukraine, Greece, France, Spain and now England.

Along the way, he has won countless titles - leagues championships with Olympiakos, Barcelona and City, and a Champions League and Club World Cup with Barca in 2009, to name but a few.

His very first trophy came when winning the Ivorian league with ASEC Mimosas in 2001.

The club is a famous breeding ground for a host of Ivorian football stars, such as Gervinho, Salomon Kalou, Didier Zokora, Emmanuel Eboue and Yaya’s elder brother Kolo.

But one player immediately stood out for Jean-Marc Guillou, the former France international who ran the academy in the mid-to-late nineties.

“From the moment he started to play with ASEC, almost from the moment he first touched the ball, Guillou said he had a great player in Yaya and that he was going to win the best African footballer prize,” says Mory.

“He’s now won it four times.”

He shares this feat with Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, but Toure can beat the record when the Confederation of African Football announces its latest winner next month - with the 32-year-old once again among the favourites.

“When Yaya does something, he does it really well. He never wants to fail,” he says.

Despite his military background, Mory credits Yaya’s mother, rather than himself, as being responsible for the midfielder’s drive and determination.

Mory has 10 children, nine of whom came with Yaya and brother Kolo’s mother, who died in 2001, when the Manchester City star was in his late teens.

“Yaya is a strong character, just like his mother,” says Mory.

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CHAN:Efugh backs Adeniji, Chikatara to

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igeria head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has named the roster for the 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) and as expected last season’s NPFL leading scorer, Gbolahan Salami, is not listed.

The Wolves forward failed to turn up in the team’s training camp in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, thereby fuelling speculation of a possible move abroad in the January transfer window.

However, one man who has played in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for more than a decade believes that the Super Eagles can cope in the absence of Salami.

Efugh told supersport.com that Salami is a fantastic player but believes the Nigerian squad for the Chan can soldier on without him.

The Heartland FC captain also named two players who are capable of standing up and getting counted in the absence of Salami.

He believes Chisom Chikatara and Tunde Adeniji will come good.

“Well I don’t think (Salami’s absence) will affect the team,” began the Heartland FC captain. “No doubt he is a fantastic player but the team are ex-

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‘Pacquiao to fight Bradley in April’

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ilipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring on April 9 in Las Vegas to take on Timothy Bradley for a third time, promoter Bob Arum told US media.

While Pacquiao has spoken this year of retiring after an April bout to pursue his political career, Arum told the Los Angeles Times and ESPN that he would not market the bout as Pacquiao’s last.

“It may very well be his last fight, but I won’t put myself in the position of selling it as his last fight and then he decides he wants to fight again and

Chan Eagles

perienced enough.”

“In football, the absence of a player or players can always lead provide the opportunity for others to thrive. Like I said, Salami is

I look like a schmuck,” Arum told ESPN. A congressman since 2010, Pacquiao announced in October that he would seek a seat in the Philippines senate in 2016.

The 37-year-old, who owns a record of 57-6-2 with 38 knockouts, hasn’t fought since a May 2 unanimous decision loss to unbeaten Floyd Mayweather in their long-awaited bout that shattered revenue records for the sport.

Pacquiao aggravated a shoulder injury in the Mayweather bout and underwent surgery five days later.

a fantastic player but his absence will give others the chance and I think Chisom and Tunde are capable of doing very well too.”

Ifeanyi Ubah players forced to forfeit salary

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IfeanyiUbah team

t has been gathered that the players of FC IfeanyiUbah are being forced to forfeit at least two months’ salary.

The players are owed four months’ salary but they have been ordered to agree to receive two months’ pay and sign an undertaken that the club are no longer indebted to them, one of the affected players has exposed.

“We are being owned four months’ salary excluding De-

cember and they are paying two months to players after signing agreement that they are not owing us any more money, in fact some were paid less than two months’ salary,” revealed the player.

“The agreement must be signed before you are paid. I thought it was a joke when some of my teammates told me until I got to the office and the same happened to me.”

Sunshine Stars begin training in Ilorin

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unshine Stars will begin training in Ilorin on Sunday, officials have announced.

The Akure are undergoing a major re-organisation after Samson Unuanel replaced Kennedy Boboye

as coach and several more major changes are expected at the club this month.

They have been busy on the transfer market with also the possibilities they will lose some

Edo keeps Akwa Utd waiting

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kwa United defender, Namso Edo has said he is not in a hurry to renew his contract with the 2015 Federation Cup winners.

The Promise Keepers have invited some of the retained players to come forward to renew their contracts with the side ahead of the new league season and campaign at the continent.

Already the new head coach, Maurice Cooreman is holding daily training session with the players preparatory for its Caf Confederation Cup match day 1 clash against the Congolese side, Vita Club Mokanda in the second week of February in Uyo.

Edo said its necessary he gets a final word from his agent on the proposed foreign club offer before deciding whether or not to renew his contract with the side.

“Akwa United have called me severally to come forward to renegotiate my contract for possible renewal but I’m yet to respond to the request as I want to hear from my agent before I decide on my future with the side.

“I have resumed with them and have been training with the other teammates ahead of the new league season.

“However, my agent said he is working out something for me that will see me play outside the coun-

of their top stars to other clubs.

Last season, they placed sixth on the Nigeria premier league table despite the huge funding they enjoyed from the Ondo State Government.

try.

“I want to wait a bit to hear and know the final outcome of the move before I could commit myself to Akwa United or any other club.

“I pray the agent works out something for me as it’s my desire and dream to continue my football career outside the nation’s shores.

“However, I hope to answer Akwa United very soon on the contract renewal request,” said the side leading top scorer in the out gone season to supersport.com.

Akwa United winners of the 2015 Federation Cup will represent the country together with Nasarawa United in the Caf Confederation Cup competition.

Pacman in action

Gbenga dares “Bukom Banku”

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icheal Gbenga, currently based in the United States of America (USA) is demanding an immediate re-match with Cruiserweight Champion, Braimah “Bukom Banku” Kamoko after recording sixth round knockout over Ayitey Powers last Saturday.

Gbenga, who previously fought both Kamoko and Powers in Accra, losing a unanimous decision and the then-vacant Africa Boxing Union Light heavyweight belt to Kamoko on April 1, 2005 before scoring a ninth round KO over Powers to win the Ghana Light heavyweight title in 2011, believes time is up for

him to take up another challenge with the tough-talking Banku.

Gbenga, who before the fight between Banku and Powers, demanded to meet the winner said, “I am ready to throw down again with either of the two old foes and possibly both.

“I am calling for the winner of the fight to take me on and now that we have a winner i want to Banku again.

“The winner of the bout must face me now and am sure they are willing to face me now. Gbenga, who has lost his last eight bouts and 14 of the last 15 but says he has gained enough experience to seek out a rematch.

Donaire fights Gradovich in Manila

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op Rank Promotion head Bob Arum said yesterday that World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. would defend his title against Evgeny Gradovich in April in Manila.

“I really love Nonito. I’m confident he will defend his title. Donaire Jr. and Gradovich will fight in April in Manila, which will be broadcasted by ABS CBN. I will

also go to Manila and watch that fight,” Arum told The Manila Times in a phone interview.

“That will be a week after Manny Pacquiao’s April 9 fight here in US.” The Donaire-Gradovich bout might happen on April 16 or 23 possibly at the Araneta Coliseum.

Arum said that Donaire (36-3 win-loss record with 23 knockouts) needs to train harder than when he fought Mexican Cesar Juarez.

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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Van Gaal defends decision to sell Hernandez xxxx

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anchester United manager Louis van Gaal has stressed that he sold Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen because he could not guarantee the Mexican striker regular first-team action.

The Dutchman has received his fair share of criticism over his decision to sell Hernandez following his sublime form for Leverkusen in recent months, but Van Gaal believes the 27-year-old would have become unhappy had he stayed at Old Trafford.

“We could have kept all the strikers, but then there would have been a lot of strikers in the stand. They are not happy then. They want to go away.

It is the story of Hernandez for example,” Van Gaal was quoted as saying

by The Telegraph.

“He wants to play. I can imagine that he can’t always play in this world.

“There are now players in my selection who want to play.

Pogba taking lessons from Iniesta P

Ancelotti

aul Pogba is taking inspiration from Andres Iniesta as he learns to live with more responsibility at Juventus.

Juve sold experienced trio Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal over the close-season, increasing the spotlight on France international Pogba.

Pogba, and Juve, have regained top form in recent weeks after a slow start to their defence of the Scudetto and Pogba revealed he has been taking lessons from Barcelona star Iniesta.

He told La Stampa newspaper: “Obviously without Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez it is a different Juventus. There’s more responsibility on the other players and we have to focus more on working as a unit. The same is true for me.

“Before I had Pirlo by my side and one of our opponents was always marking him.

Giroud

Fabregas

Fabregas no longer indispensable, says Hiddink

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Ozil doesn’t practise a lot – Wenger

uus Hiddink has admitted that Cesc Fabregas is no longer an indispensable part of the Chelsea team and may have to be benched against certain opponents.

Fabregas has endured a disappointing second season at Stamford Bridge, registering just two goals and three assists in 25 appearances in all competitions, and was booed by Chelsea supporters during a 3-1 win over Sunderland last month amid reports that he, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard had actively worked to ensure the departure of former manager Jose Mourinho.

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rsene Wenger has revealed Mesut Ozil rarely trains between matches as he looks to keep the in-form German at peak fitness.

The 27-year-old is enjoying a purple patch and has already provided 16 assists in the Barclays Premier League this campaign, leading teammate Theo Walcott to hail him as the season’s best player so far.

While the likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez are out injured, Ozil has avoided any problems and become a pivotal part of an Arsenal side which sits top of the table.

And Wenger, who was criticised for overplaying Sanchez before he pulled up with a hamstring injury against Norwich last month, is giving Ozil time to rest to avoid burnout.

“Mesut, I gave him a one-week holiday during the international break,” Wenger said in a Friday news conference.

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Wenger

Ozil

Pogba

Martinez: I wouldn´t swap Lukaku for Kane

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oth Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Tottenham’s Harry Kane will be trying to score the winning goals for their sides when they clash at Goodison Park on Sunday, but Roberto Martinez knows who he would rather have on his side.

Everton manager Martinez believes the raw power Lukaku offers makes him a dangerous proposition for any team. The Belgium international tops the Premier League goalscoring charts alongside Jamie Vardy with 15 goals in 19 matches.

“I wouldn’t swap Rom for anyone,” he said.

“If you look at the attacking force that we have this campaign, it’s very, very impressive.

“He became very consistent since Jan 1 last year.

“Maybe other players have dips, real highs and lows.

But in January, he hit a perfect level. It’s not that he’s just in a good moment. He’s been in a good moment for the last 12 months.”

On current form there is little to choose between Kane and Lukaku, both 22.

Lukaku just edges Kane for goals scored this season, with 18 goals in 23 games in all competitions, while the Tottenham striker has scored 13 in 24, but Martinez admitted Kane will require close attention.

N I G E R I A I N -The amount Katsina State Govt spent on dam rehabilitation.

N1410 Vol. 6 No.1

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

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Comment

E-mail: jimunahlive@gmail.com Jim Unah is Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos

with Jim Unah

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t is gratifying to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria—CBN—has, at the tail end of 2015, rededicated itself to its intervention pet project of creating jobs for the youths of this country by reviewing its guidelines for accessing the N220billion earmarked for micro, small, and medium scale enterprises—MSMSE—to accommodate start-ups. Among other things, the review document posted on the CBN website, last Monday, explicitly stated that paper qualifications such as the Secondary School Certificate Examination—SSCE—as well as certificates and diplomas of middle level tertiary institutions and university degrees, including the National Youths Service Corps-NYSC—discharge certificate, would be accepted as collateral for obtaining credit from the fund.

There are other fascinating details in the CBN guidelines for obtaining credit from the MSMSE development fund; which includes that start-ups can now access the fund with realistic and easily obtainable collateral, such as the guideline that participating finance institu-

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N150

N110-ordered a firm to The sum a court

pay FCMB.

The CBN One Million Jobs Project tions, PFIs, be allowed to accept charges on mobile and immobile assets of the projects being financed, a guarantor and a bank verification number, BVN, as collateral from start-ups. The guidelines also allow for a two percent interest rate for the PFIs that borrow from the fund to finance micro, small and medium scale businesses, and at zero interest rate for financing start-ups.

If this CBN project works, it means that the country has, at last, found an antidote for the venom being gradually and surreptitiously unleashed by the school leaver and graduate unemployment cobra, now threatening the health of civil society. To ensure that the project succeeds, a number of issues need be resolved.

First, the PFIs should be under strict instruction and supervision to ensure that projects being funded as start-ups are selected on the strength of their viability and sustainability, not in any way to be treated as political patronage or largesse for the boys.

Secondly, effort should be made to screen the certificates tendered by operators of the start-ups to ensure that they are not forgeries intended by their owners to collect money and disappear without trace. It is easy to track down defaulters of the MSMSE fund if the certificates tendered as collateral are genuine.

Thirdly, the CBN must also extend

its interventionist policy to critical infrastructures such as roads, electricity and agricultural extension projects to enable business operators to function at reduced cost to ensure profitability and sustainability.

If the cost of doing business is too high, no profits can be made, and if profits are not made, it would be impossible to keep the businesses going.

Fourthly, the new businesses must be insulated from harassments from multiple taxation and undue exploitation and extortion by security operatives like traffic and road surveillance police officers. Many small business operators have narrated their ordeals in the hands of council officers, state and local government tax collectors, and police officers demanding the impossible, which have compelled them to go out of operation.

More importantly, the diversification of the economy must go side by side with the CBN job creation initiative. Diversification will require paying urgent attention to agriculture.

National agricultural cooperatives and federating farm units should be quickly identified and empowered through agricultural extension schemes in form of public private partnership, PPP, to open up farm lands, apportion them out to private investors on small, medium and large scales, and assist them with funding, seedlings, fertilizers, and trac-

Rooney’s second top scorer in Premier League history

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F I G U R E S

anchester United striker Wayne Rooney scored his 188th Premier League goal in the game against Swansea, overtaking Andy Cole for the second-most in Premier League history.

Rooney, 30, had only netted twice in 16 games before Saturday but is now only behind Alan Shearer in the goals tally.

The England captain broke the international scoring record earlier this year and his goal this weekend was also his 238th goal for Manchester United, which makes him the club’s second highest scorer of all-time behind Sir Bobby Charlton’s 249.

Rooney scored a superb backheel to ease the pressure on Louis van Gaal and end Manchester United’s eightmatch winless run.

His first league goal since October could not have come at a better time for his under-fire manager.

Van Gaal’s team looked like going nine matches without a win when Gylfi Sigurdsson’s header looped over David de Gea to equalise Anthony

Martial’s eighth United goal.

But luckily for the Dutchman, Rooney came to his rescue when he deftly flicked the ball past Lukasz Fabianski in the 77th minute.

tors and harvesters to go into full blown industrial agriculture.

Agricultural extension projects should include the creation of large scale zonal storage facilities and processing plants with regular uninterrupted electricity supply to encourage investment in large scale agriculture; whilst allowing the small scale farmers to produce according to their capacities to the federating farm units, which in turn, will draw strength and support from the National Cooperative.

The point of interest in all of this is that the one million job project by the apex bank should quickly be augmented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, in order for the Federal government to hit the ground running in the new year. The one million jobs in the MSMSE powered by the CBN should go hand in hand with investment in electric power, road infrastructure and agriculture for meaningful and sustainable development to happen in the country.

I hope for our sake that the year 2016 will herald change in the positive direction for the country. I believe that the CBN reviewed guidelines for accessing its N220billion MSMSE development fund is a step in that direction, if deployed properly.

Happy new year to all Nigerians!

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS

W/Ham 2 – 0 Liverpool Arsenal 1 – 0 Newcastle Leicester City 0 – 0 Bournemouth Man United 2 – 1 Swansea Norwich 1 – 0 Southampton Sunderland 3 – 1 Aston Villa SUNDAY FIXTURES C/ Palace v Chelsea

Everton v Tottenham

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