Leadership sunday cont

No. 452

N300

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

05.10.14

Years

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Snacks Seller Turns Millionaire Overnight

nobody Should associate islam with Terrorism – Jonathan

Skye Bank wins Bid for Mainstreet Bank

News, PAGe 63

News, PAGe 4

News, PAGe 10

Chibok Diary DAY

174

Sallah Celebration: BBOg Calls for reflection, rescue Of Schoolgirls > Page 2

6 DaYS TO gO...

FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY OF 64 BAZe uNiVersity, ABuJA

I’m Indifferent To PDP, APC

OBAsANJO tO mArk, tiNuBu, Others

5

You are heating up the polity, Sultan tells politicians

JONAthAN’s CANdidACy

Anxiety Over Northern Politicians’ Body Language

by Abu NMODu, Minna, MuH’D ZANgINA KurA, Dutse, AbubAKAr SAlIHI, KANO, Kebbi, ISAIAH bENJAMIN, Kaduna AND ANKElI EMMANuEl, Sokoto

Anxiety is now trailing the highwire politics and horse-trading over the forthcoming 2015 general elections, as some prominent Deputy Imam, National Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura slaughtering his ram shortly after the Eid prayer to mark this year’s (1435AH) Eid-el-Kabir celebration at the National Mosque, Abuja, yesterday. photo by REMI AKUNLEyAN

➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Sunday, October 5, 2014

chibok diary 174 DAY

ChiBOk quOteS #BringBackOurGirls

@Tunji_O I try not to think about the #BringBackOurGirls thing now because nobody seems to be doing anything anymore. Media hushed and all.

Saddening @AishaYesufu It might be Sallah but we have not forgotten our #ChibokGirls still in captivity 173 days today @naijama Contemplating a nightmare Hallowe'en if we mark 200 days of captivity for #ChibokGirls on October 31st. #BringBackOurGirls @Umar2k 47m47 minutes ago Eid Mubarak people, meanwhile its day173 let's not relent for a moment in demanding that FG our #bringbackourgirls @eggheader Those who stood stoically in claims that NO GIRL was abducted are now the first to announce release of the girls! #BringBackOurGirls @MJPlitnick We've turned our backs. No oil there: Remember BringBackOurGirls?

This Is What Has Happened In the 5 Months Since COMPILED BY MICHAEL OCHE

Some members of the #BringBackourGirls (BBoG) Group during one of their sit-out meetings for the rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls at the Unity fountain, abuja. photo by oyEDELE oMoKAGbo

Sallah Celebration: BBOG Calls For Reflection, Rescue Of Schoolgirls

BY Chika Mefor and ejike ejike, Abuja

The #BringBackOurGirls group has called for prayers and reflection on the 218 Chibok school girls abducted by the Boko Haram sect five months ago.

The group, which was reflecting on the situation of the girls as the world celebrates sallah, urged Nigerians and the world to use this blessed period to pray for the return of the girls who have been so missed dearly.

The BBOG, which lamented the fact the the girls are still missing after 173 days of their abduction without any concrete information from the government, wondered how many more celebrations the Chibok girls celebrate in the hands of their abductors?

The group called on the government to remember that it is its responsibility to ensure that these girls are rescued so that they can again live in freedom, peace and be united with their families as stipulated in the last line of the National Anthem ‘One Nation, bound in freedom, peace and unity’.

"We therefore call on our government to decisively act with utmost urgency in taking every measure possible to rescue our girls. Optimistic that our girls will be rescued, we also ask that all the necessary mechanisms, structures, systems and procedures of reintegration, rehabilitation and resettlement are put in place immediately awaiting the rescue of our daughters. Such organized readiness will help our nation to effectively handle whatever challenges that many months of trauma in captivity has caused them.

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our stand Sunday, October 5, 2014

The Essence Of Eid-el-Kabir

M

uslims in Nigeria, as did their counter parts around the world, spent yesterday celebrating the Eidel-Kabir. Much as it was an occasion for fanfare, a thought needs to be spared for the spectre of insecurity and the lack of unity among Nigerians, prevalent at a time when selfless sacrifices should be at the centre of national discourse. The untold hardship being suffered by the thousands of Nigerians under siege by Boko Haram insurgents, who hide under the cover of religion to inflict, sorrow, death and pain on our countrymen and women calls for sober reflection on our relationship and obligations to one another, and between us and our God. Fortuitously, the foundation of the relationship between man and God, as enunciated in the two principal religions in Nigeria – Islam and Christianity – places priority on the sanctity of life and the Golden Rule of ‘do unto others as you would have them do to you’. It also emphasises the need for people to fulfil the terms of agreements and respect for divine will. As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Nigerians are reminded that its essence is

not the blood or the flesh of the rams slaughtered, but for them to imbibe the virtues of the Prophet Ibrahim, who obeyed God by offering for sacrifice his only son in obedience to God’s directive.

We would like to appeal to our brothers and sisters across faiths to make the necessary sacrifices to sustain the country’s unity. We need to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, love and respect for one another. To this end, we urge Nigerians to not only exchange gifts and visits during this Eid-el-Kabir celebration, but to also sustain such goodwill beyond the festive period, to foster socialisation and integration among the diverse

Ag. Editor Auwal Sa’id Mu’azu Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

ethnic and religious groups of the nation.

This is an opportunity to return to the basis for human existence, to seek justice and fairness in the distribution of the nation’s wealth and positions, and for the government to muster the political will to address issues raised, in the interest of peace and healthy co-existence in the country and as a matter of the social contract entered into with the electorate during campaigns.

Leaders should preach and act according to the divine will of God, tackling insecurity, corruption and intolerance. Only then can they face the seemingly intractable insurgency raging in the North East successfully.

This is a time for prayers and reflection. It’s now 175 days since 219 secondary school girls were kidnapped from a government school in Chibok, Borno State. Those who perpetrate the dastardly killings and torture should know that Islam as a religion means peace and they should allow peace to reign. The Eid calls for no less sobriety. We should all take the opportunity this season provides to exhibit our Creator’s infinite mercy and kindness to humanity and reconnect to Him.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Abdulmumin Balogun Zipporah D. Tanko Joy Adekanye

Leadership Holdings

Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

4 news eid el-kabir celebration Gov Aregbesola Preaches Fear Of God The fear of God and the readiness to sacrifice all in order to keep promises, which are the hallmarks of the annual symbolic celebration of Eidel-Kabir, are the very basis of good governance.

This was the admonition by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun in a statement on his behalf by the director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy in his office, Mr Semiu Okanlawon.

It said two things stand very clearly in the decision of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. He said he did so to fulfill a promise to God should he be blessed by God. Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Nobody Should Associate Terrorism With Islam – Jonathan

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan insisted yesterday that nobody should associate the activities of terrorist groups across the world, including the Boko Haram sect, to the Islamic religion.

“What is happening globally now has no religious basis. Only yesterday, a British aid worker was slaughtered by ISIS and that is not Islamic. Boko Haram killing innocent children and women in market

places, in mosques and in schools definitely has nothing to do with religion,” the President said.

Speaking when Vice President Namadi Sambo led a delegation of the Muslim community to pay him Sallah homage at his residence in the Presidential Villa, Jonathan observed that there was nothing Islamic about the gory activities and gruesome killings being carried out

by Boko Haram sect in Nigeria or Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Iraq who are lurking under Islam

to unleash terror.

On this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, he noted that the Sallah celebration was significant because of certain natural occurrences happening coincidentally, adding that they were manifestation that something good was about to happen to Nigeria.

The President said, “This year is quite significant in terms of celebration of Sallah, because the day of Arafat coincided with a Friday, and from what I was told, it takes

a long time to have that coincidence. And remembering the fact that 2014 is our centenary year, it shows that something good is happening to this country.

“We may have our challenges as other nations, but when things begin to happen in a particular way, I begin to see light at the end of the tunnel. A number of things that have to do with our belief system suppose to encourage us to see our neighbours as ourselves,” the President said.

short news

Emir Of Gwandu Harps On Peace The Emir of Gwandu, Alh Mohammadu Iliyasu Bashar, has expressed deep concern over the prolonged security situation in the northeast, especially Borno and Adamawa states, describing it as critical, while calling for peace in the country.

The emir made the call yesterday immediately after the two Eid prayers at the Birnin Kebbi Eid praying ground, which was attended by the state acting governor, Alh Nuruddeen Kangiwa; Senator Atiku Bagudu, and hundreds of Muslim faithful.

Bashar said the situation in the northeastern part of the country has completely destabilised the socio-economic lives of the people.

By Yahya Sarki, Kebbi

Edo Monarch Preaches Harmony Among Muslim, Christian Faithful The monarch of Ewu in Esan Central local government area of Edo State, Alhaji Rasak Ojeifoh, yesterday said the panacea to the intractable hydraheaded problem bedevilling the nation is only when Christian and Muslim faithful see themselves as one.

The monarch, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after observing the Eid-elKabir prayer in Ewu, urged both religious bodies to use the period of celebration to reflect on how to imbibe the teachings of God in their daily interactions with one another.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Deputy Imam Tasks Nigerians Over Peace, Forgiveness Sheikh Lawal Adam, the deputy chief Imam of Jos, has admonished Muslims and other Nigerians to fear Allah and embrace the virtues of peace, forgiveness, tolerance and mutual respect for one another.

Sheikh Adam, who led a mammoth crowd of worshippers at the Ali Kazaure Central Eid prayer ground in Jos, said that the essence of Eid-el-Fitri is to thank Allah and soberly reflect on past happenings.

By Achor Abimaje,Jos

Gov Shema Preaches Peace, Tasks Nigerians On Patriotism

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (left) exchanging pleasantries with the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman at the Ilorin Central Eid praying ground yesterday while a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Shehu Gafar watches.

Emir Sanusi Urges Fight Against Ebola, Insecurity

By ABUBAKAR SALIHI, Kano

In his Sallah message to his subjects, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, called on them to rise to the challenges of Ebola, polio virus and insecurity.

The royal father was speaking at Gidan Shettima, where past emirs usually addressed their subjects during the Eid celebration.

He said the people need to deploy the same energy used in fighting Ebola, polio to fighting insurgency.

He therefore advised parents to do away with misconception about polio and embrace immunisation for the good health of their children.

Emir Sanusi II commiserated with the victims of Ebola and the respective state governments where the

scourge had caused serious devastation.

Commenting on insurgency, he called on the people to be vigilant and report to the appropriate authorities any suspicious happening around them.

Muhammad Sanusi admonished his subjects on good behavior among all Nigerians. He also urged them to pray for a better society and be part of building a

prosperous country.

Sanusi emphasised the need for nationalism as better weapon in defeating every setback.

He urged Muslims to share with their friends, relatives, neighbours and everyone the meat of the animals they slaughtered, saying doing that will attract oneness, love and affection among people in same communities.

FRSC Boss Cautions Motorists During Celebration

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The corps marshal and chief executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, has felicitated with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration, urging road users to be cautious in order to avoid crashes within this period.

In a Sallah message, signed by his media aide, Sanni Abudullahi, Oyeyemi, while congratulating Muslims enjoined them to show restraint in the use of the roads, stating that traffic volume is expected to increase tremendously within the period.

He however assured members of the public that adequate provisions

had been made by the corps to ensure crash and obstruction-free celebration through deployment of patrol teams and provision of logistics at all black spots across the country for free movement of traffic.

“As you mark the Eid-el-Kabir today, let me assure you that FRSC has made adequate provisions in all identified locations across the country to ensure obstruction and crashfree celebration,” he stated.

Corps Marshal Oyeyemi also enjoined road users to show obedience to traffic rules and regulations while using the roads, adding that in the event of a road mishap, the FRSC’s toll-free line, 122, should be con-

tacted immediately for prompt response, stressing that road safety is a collective responsibility of all citizens.

“I therefore call on all Nigerians to join hands with the FRSC in the ongoing efforts to ensure crash and obstruction-free roads during the celebration and beyond, by avoiding over-speeding, dangerous driving, road obstruction and any act capable of compromising safety on the roads.

“Our Call Centre, as usual, remains open to respond promptly to distress calls from members of the public in the event of any road mishap,” he further stated.

Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema has urged Muslims across the nation to imbibe both the spirit of peaceful coexistence and lessons of sacrifice embedded in the Eid-el-Kabir as they join others to observe this year’s Eidel-Kabir.

Shema, in a statement issued by his media aide, Abdulhamid Danjuma, also tasked Nigerians on patriotism.

The governor, who tasked Nigerians on intensified prayers for peace to return to troubled spots of the nation, insisted that patriotism and an unconditional love for the nation was what must preoccupy the minds of Nigerians.

He enjoined Nigerians to pray for an end to the current insurgency, stressing that collective prayers of Nigerians and cooperation with relevant security agencies were necessary and hence could not be underestimated.

He equally pray for peaceful return of pilgrims who are currently performing this year’s hajj rites at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Sunday, October 5, 2014

I’m Indifferent To PDP, LIVING TO BE 100 APC – Obasanjo One health tip daily

NEWS 5

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja and ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

Dump homogenized or pasteurized low-fat dairy People who consume large quantities of dairy products have higher levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-!), linked to an increased risk of numerous cancers. Men with the highest IGF-! Levels quadruple their chances of getting prostate cancer with lowfat-milk, which strips away the anticancer protective effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Anxiety Over Northern Politicians’ Body Language ➔ FROM COVER

northern politicians and appointed public figures are now exhibiting different postures in their backing of the presidential aspiration of President Goodluck Jonathan in the region.

A medley of reasons that include the mood of the generality of the masses of the region, the spontaneous reaction of some youths after the results of the 2011 presidential elections started trickling in, and the perceived suspicion that has trailed the handling of the Boko Haram insurgents, among others, have made some politicians to publicly support the candidacy of Jonathan, while in private adopting a different body language.

The development, according to some people that LEADERSHIP Sunday spoke to in some northern states, is to look good in the eyes of Jonathan, and proceed to act contrary to his candidacy.

In Niger State, the mood of politicians toward the candidacy of Jonathan is that of uncertainty.

Whereas LEADERSHIP Sunday’s findings revealed that some PDP chieftains in the state, especially those in government, would want to watch the body language of the leadership of the party first because they believed that the Jonathan government has some unfulfilled promises to the state, others are of the view that the President should be supported.

It was however observed that

Jonathan

Aliyu

the body language of some top politicians in the state, like the incumbent Governor Babangida Aliyu, of recent is tilting towards supporting Jonathan because of the adoption of the President as the sole candidate of the PDP. While LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the former governor of Niger State, En➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo remains indifferent to the pressures coming from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), which both sent emissaries to him on Friday asking for his support, LEADERSHIP Sunday can now authoritatively reveal.

The leadership of the APC, represented by one of its national leaders, Asiwaju BolaTinubu; former deputy chairman (South), Segun Oni, and a few others were in Abeokuta to lobby Obasanjo over the coming general elections.

On the other hand, the Senate President, David Mark, and some chieftains of the ruling PDP also came calling, apparently on behalf of both the Presidency and the leadership of the party, asking Obasanjo to “forgive and forget the past” and begin working for the party as it prepares for the same election.

According to inside sources, both groups were given the desired audience they sought for by Obasanjo, but he “refused to give his word” to either of the emissaries.

“Both of them had separate audience with Baba (Obasanjo).

They came to lobby him for their parties against next year’s general elections, but he refused to give his word to either of them,” a source disclosed.

Speaking in the same vein, another source said, “Tinubu, like he told the journalists around after the meeting, came to ask for Baba Obasanjo’s support for his party. He explained to him about the coming presidential primaries of his party and the leading aspirants, (General) Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“He asked Baba if he had anyone at heart he would like to be the presidential candidate since he knows the three of them, but Baba appreciated the trust Tinubu has in him, but he reminded him that he is still a PDP cardcarrying member, but as a former president, all the parties in the country belong to him. He advised Tinubu to let his party follow due process as laid down by the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution,” the source said.

When it was the turn of the PDP, “David Mark appreciated Baba for his love for the country and urged him to rekindle his love for the PDP as former President and former chairman, Board of Trustees of the party. Although he refused to go into the details, but he made reference to the cold war between Baba and President Jonathan and asked Baba to forgive and forget the past,” the

Obasanjo

source said.

“Again, Baba thanked the delegation and said he is always available to contribute his best for the nation. He said whatever roles he deems fit, he would still play it. Baba told him that he bears no grudge against the party, reminding the delegation that he remains a strong member of the PDP.” Another source who corroborated what we had been told however gave reasons for the position of Obasanjo.

“You should not forget that Baba is not only a retired general, but he has ruled the country more than anyone else, either living or dead, and he knows the implication of giving promises to anyone.

I believe it is too early to predict what he would do. There are three options left before him: to forget the past and campaign for Jonathan, though that would hurt him because up till now, Jonathan has not told Baba he is contesting; to dump PDP and join APC, or work for its candidate. But if I may tell you, the only person that could make that happen is if somebody like Kwankwaso emerges the candidate, which I doubt too much; and the third option is for Baba to be playing the role of an elderstatesman who would not shut his doors against whoever comes to him,” he concluded.

You’re Heating Up The Polity, Sultan Tells Politicians The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday in his Sallah message said politicians are heating the polity ahead of the 2015 general elections.

While warning them of the dire consequences of campaign of calumny and other acts that would not contribute toward uniting the country after the general elections, the revered religious and traditional figure asked politicians to shun anything that could breach the peace in the country.

In addition, the sultan observed that the frightening number of youth unemployment in the country is a contributory factor to the mirage of challenges the nation is

Mark

Tinubu

being confronted with.

While insisting that the three tiers of government have a great role to play if at all Nigerians are to overcome its major challenges, the Sultan said unemployment is the genesis of the challenges confronting the nation.

Reminding leaders of the day of reckoning, Sultan Abubakar said leaders should remember that life is too transient to be wasted without impacting positively in the lives of people. He further advised those seeking elective positions to see the whole country as their constituency after winning election.

“Leaders at all levels must note that life is too transient, and we will die and be accountable to God. We should be servant to the people and not the other way round. We also need honest and sincere advice as we are also fallible.

“We will continue to be fathers to all politicians and our doors will remain open to all. But Nigerians need to offer fervent prayers to end some of the problems of the country,” he said.

The Sultan further commended the federal government for the timely evacuation of the nation’s intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in spite of the initial delays.

“The Saudi Arabian government delayed the issuance of visas to our pilgrims due to the Ebola virus disease issue. But with the pro-active efforts and action of the federal, Lagos, Rivers and other state governments, the problem was timely tamed. This is commendable and the Saudi government also deserves a commendation for having faith in Nigeria,” the Sultan noted.

6 NEWS

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Anxiety Over Northern Politicians’ Body Language ➔ FROM PAGE 5

gineer Abdukadir Kure, who still commands some political followership in the state, has never hidden his support for Jonathan towards the 2015 general elections, a close political associate of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and a chieftain of PDP in the state, Alhaji Nma Kolo, said public support for Jonathan shouldn’t be a yardstick for assessing the true feelings of the masses.

“In Niger State, if you go to the people and want to campaign for Jonathan, you must be ready to tell them why HYPPADEC has not taken off, why the dredging of River Niger has not been completed, as well as Suleija-Minna road,” he said, adding that “Hence, you see many people holding back.”

The fact remains that in Jigawa State in 2011, Jonathan was not the favourable presidential candidate to the majority of the people in the state. But the state Governor Sule Lamido was able to convince them to vote for Jonathan with the promise of executing some developmental projects in the state. They eventually voted and scored him the average votes needed from the state.

According to some people that LEADERSHIP Sunday spoke to, the alleged unfulfilled promises of the President to the people of the state made the state one of the few where public officers are ready to publicly state their position regarding the President’s candidacy.

But in a statement released by the state deputy governor, barely 24 hours after the Peo-

ples Democratic Party (PDP) north-west zone had endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential flag-bearer, Governor Lamido rejected the endorsement and described it as unaccepted.

Lamido also described the endorsement as an unwholesome action that did not represent the collective opinion of the party members in the zone.

Part of the statement read: “The endorsement of Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag-bearer is wrong, and we hereby disassociate the government and people of Jigawa State from such.

“We in Jigawa were not part of the decision taken by the PDP to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan as its President in 2015, and this has clearly embarrassed us as PDP members as well as people of the state.

“We would not be blindfolded into such agreement, in spite of our unprecedented support to our great party, the PDP, and its leadership. However, the endorsement of Jonathan as the 2015 flag-bearer was done without our consent and we would not support it.

“The PDP government of Jigawa had in 2011 supported President Jonathan’s bid which has caused the people to castigate us by way of calling us names. However, the President and the federal government have not in any way redeemed their campaign promises to the people of the state for which we see no reason whatsoever to support him again,” the governor declared.

In Kano, with Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso defecting to the opposition All Progres-

sives Congress (APC), he has also shifted his support for the President’s re-election campaign and has not hidden it. However, other politicians in the state do not seem fully ready to clearly state their position in the President’s aspiration.

Because it is still fresh in the minds of the political class belonging to the PDP and those who deserted Gen Muhammad Buhari in the 2011 presidential election, the terror and agony they went through when young mobs attacked them, it is not surprising that many PDP scribes in the state were not seen in the last TAN rally in Kano.

In Kaduna State, the game of double standard, as being played by many politicians and groups, is not any different. Prior to the 2011 presidential election, many groups speaking for the north were almost unanimous in the choice of a northern presidency to complete the northern mandate of the late President Musa Yar’Adua, but shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan was declared winner, the music changed, as many of the groups that were hitherto against him changed their songs.

The apex northern umbrellas, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) were firm in their choice of a northern presidency, but their firmness, though still alive, is now with a crack due to the emergence of another group of elders from among them now drumming support for President Jonathan’s re-election.

This group, known as the Northern Elders Council (NEC) under the leadership of

elder-statesman Tanko Yakassai and some notable northern political heavyweights, has said severally that they would do whatever it takes to return President Jonathan back to Aso Rock come 2015.

Their positions for and against the re-election of the President are not the subject matter per se, but the way a number of such politicians and groups crucify President Jonathan in the open and secretly reassure him of their loyalty, while others publicly declare their support for him while adopting a different body language in private.

It is also worrisome to know that there are some groups that are presently bargaining for the highest bidder regardless of the political party and whoever is contesting any position. For such groups, they declare their loyalty under a group name for President Jonathan, and declare against him under another group’s or association’s name.

In Sokoto State, the people of the seat of the caliphate have expressed divergent views on President Jonathan’s candidacy. But it is instructive to know that some of their body languages are suspect, because some only say whatever would be of interest to them.

A cleric, who spoke to LEADERSHIP Sunday on condition of anonymity, however said the President does not deserve any elective position in Nigeria, because most people of the state are not comfortable with the President’s tenure.

On his part, the state treasurer of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Alhaji Bello Basakwacee, opined that nothing is stopping the Pres-

Kure

Kwankwaso

Lamido

ident from winning, because the opposition has not organised its house to win the 2015 presidential election.

Maiduguri Residents Celebrate Eid-el-Kabir Amid Tight Security

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri

Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday celebrated the Eid-elKabir celebration amid tight security that also included a total vehicular ban.

On Thursday, military authorities in Borno State announced a three-day ban on all vehicular movements within and around Maiduguri metropolis as a measure to foil the plot by Boko Haram terrorists to attack residents during the Sallah celebration.

With the ban taking effect at 5 pm on Friday, many celebrating Muslim residents in Maiduguri had to engage in panic shopping to avoid the stress of going out on foot during the days of Eid. Though the central Eid prayer ground where the She-

hu of Borno, Abubakar Garbai Ibn El-kanemi and Governor Kashim Shetima observed their prayers was filled to the brim, most residents had to trek back to their respective homes on foot to get their sacrificial rams slaughtered.

Except for the Shehu and governor, who were accompanied by Senator Ali Ndume to the Eid ground, all other worshippers went to different prayer grounds on foot close to their residents.

Armed police, military and operatives of the Department of Security Services (DSS) provided heavy security at the praying grounds, while many others were seen manning major roads within the town.

After the Eid prayers, the streets of Maiduguri quickly became deserted as people retired back to their homes.

Governor Shettima’s Sallah message to the celebrating Muslims was on imbibing the culture of good neighbourliness.

The governor said: “The blessings and lessons learnt during this period will further explore avenues that will propel our state towards peace, harmony and brotherliness.

“We urged parents to continue to guide their children and wards during the Sallah period to be of good and lawful behaviour,” he said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Maiduguri residents, who were hurrying out of the city of Maiduguri on Friday in a bid to escape the three days clampdown on vehicular movement, may have spent the Eid on the highway between Maiduguri and Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Soldiers in Yobe State had locked down the highways leading to the state on Thursday night in response to alleged plot by Boko Haram terrorists to invade the state during the festival.

Thousands of travellers were trapped between Damaturu and Maiduguri for several hours as soldiers barred everyone from entering the state.

Most of the trapped travellers were not aware of the total closure of the routes in Damaturu before embarking on the trip from Maiduguri.

A top military source, who wouldn’t want to be named, said the restrictions in Yobe, just like that of Maiduguri, would be sustained till Monday, October 6.

Though the soldiers had allowed some of the stranded travellers to proceed, many

Shettima

who couldn’t wait the long hours under scorching sun, had to return back to Maiduguri after forfeiting their plans to celebrate with their families outside the state.

news across the states 7

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Auto Crash Claims 6 On Akure-Owo-Benin Road

by Tope Fayehun, Akure

Six persons travelling on the Akure/Owo/Benin express road have lost their lives to a ghastly motor accident after they sustained dangerous degrees of injuries, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed.

The official, who claimed to be part of the rescue team,

disclosed that the accident occurred when a Toyota Sienna car with Reg Number Anambra 214 ABN heading to Abuja rammed into a truck with Reg No. Lagos LND 426 XC in a head-on collision.

Report says nine persons, who were mostly passengers, were on board the vehicle, but six reportedly died on the spot.

The remaining three with

various degrees of injuries were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, where they are currently receiving treatment.

In a combined effort, both the officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) evacuated the bodies of the dead and deposited them at the hospi-

tal’s morgue.

Spokesperson of Ondo State police command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the accident.

Ogodo said before his men could get to the scene, the driver of the lorry had escaped. He blamed the accident on dangerous overtaking and over speeding. He, however, said that the survivors were responding to treatment.

Newly-wedded LEADERSHIP staff, Mr Tony Akpoesiri and his bride Bolanle Helen during their wedding ceremony in Lagos at the weekend.

Dad Was My Only True Mentor - Dimgba Igwe’s Son

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Emotions ran high at the service of songs ceremony to begin the funeral rites of the departed journalist, associate publisher and pastor, Dimgba Uguru Igwe, who died on September 6, 2014. Many came to speak on how they met him and how the great man imparted lives.

Dimgba was hit by a hit-and-run driver close to his home in Okota, Lagos while jogging with a team as he normally did to keep fit.

Mike Awoyinfa, his ‘twin brother’ and business partner eulogized him on how Dimgba was his pillar and normally frowned at his choice of wearing jeans to events together.

“I remember my 60th birthday where you made a remark that with Mike Awoyinfa, I can relax and go to sleep. Now, I’ll make sure I finish your unfinished tasks. My friend of 30 years. You spoke of heaven and I know you’re there. I’ll do my utmost best to make heaven so that we see where we part no more,” Awoyinfa said.

An array of dignitaries came to Evangel Pentecostal Church, Okota to pay their last respect to the Journalists’ journalist. Among those who came were Doyin Abiola, Dimgba’s ex-boss at Concord Newspaper, Femi Adesina, Sam Amuka, Kunle Ajibade, Louis Odion, Cosmas Maduka, Funke Egbemode and

Azubuike Ishiekwene, GMD, Leadership Newspapers and his wife.

Pastor Samson Bamigbayan of New Testament Assembly, Lagos urged the congregation to handle life with care because life is brief.

He extolled the departed Dimgba Igwe, as a man who came, saw and conquered. “Let’s do the right thing at the right time. Death is sure, the opportunity we have now is to make amends. Dimgba preached at my 50th birthday seven months ago and now he is no more. God knows why He took Dimgba at such a time. To us, it is cruel but God must have thought let Me harvest him at this time. To God it is a celebration,” says Pastor

Bamigbayan.

Dimgba’s favourite song- “I ‘ll lift up my hands” (Psalm 121) was sung by the church choir and led by Victoria Igwe, Dimgba’s daughter.

Chinazam Igwe, the last born of Dimgba, said that he was preparing to write his first General Certificate Examination GCE paper that fateful morning when after his father had woken him up for morning devotion, he went out to jog.

He added, “How can I find the strength to move on. I remember I’ve never gone for a burial, yours is the first. When heroes are called, You ‘ll not be forgone. You kill a man, you kill a legend not his legacy.

Corps Member Provides Borehole To 100-year-old Community

BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia

Residents of Dungu community in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa State suspended their farming activities and thronged out in their hundreds to witness the commissioning of a water project donated by a serving corps member, Barrister Stella Samuel.

Report says this is the first

source of potable drinking water in a community, which boasts of over 2,000 population, and only a few kilometres from Lafia, the state capital.

Barr Samuel, a batch C 2013 corps member, said she first visited the community about two months ago on an evangelistic mission when she noticed that most of the ailments suffered by members of the community were

water borne related because the villagers had only one well to drink from, which also dries up in the dry season.

Moved by their plight, she mobilized assistance and within two month was able to sink a borehole for the community with assistance from spirited individuals. She also called on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) office in Lafia to install

solar panels and power the borehole so that it can serve the community effectively.

The head of Community Development Services (CDS) of the National Youth Service Corps in the state, Chief Greg F Anyia, called on corps members to always seek ways of adding value to the lives of members of the various communities where they serve.

ASF France, Amnesty International Condemn Death Sentences On Soldiers Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) also known as Lawyers Without Borders France and Amnesty International have condemned the death sentence handed down to 12 soldiers by a military tribunal.

The soldiers from the 7 Division, stationed in Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri, Borno State, were sentenced on September 16, 2014 for allegedly firing shots at their General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Ahmadu Mohammed.

In a statement signed by Akpa Esther, communications officer for Avocats Sans Frontières France, ASF France explained that the accounts of the incident were unclear, but that it appeared the soldiers opened fire after fellow soldiers were killed in an ambush by Boko Haram and the said major general was uninjured.

According to the statement, Nigeria is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, both of which protect the right to life. She said in articles six and four respectively, the ICCPR restricts the use of the death penalty to only the “most serious crimes”, which is interpreted to mean crimes that involve intentional killing.

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

Civil Society Petitions Police Over Kogi Robbery Attacks The Kogi Police Command has been petitioned over the escalating case of armed robbery attacks ravaging major highways, towns and villages in Kogi Central senatorial zone of the state.

In a letter to the Kogi State Commissioner of Police signed by coordinator, Kogi Central CSO Network, Mr Mohammed Bougei Attah and Mr Abubakar Imam of Proudly Anebira, and a copy made available to LEADERSHIP Sunday, they said the situation is now alarming and happening almost on daily basis along major highways in the zone.

“As against the reports in the national dailies, our investigations showed that those engaging and terrorizing the victims are mostly from neighbouring states villages. They have peculiar acts of speaking various Nigerians languages that point to the above fact,” they said.

According to them, the attacks are more on: Zariagi–Irepeni – Osara–Okene highway; Ajaokuta–Adogo–Okene Highway and Okene –Okpella highway where many women and girls have been raped during their operations.

By Agbo-Paul Augustine, Abuja

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Etsu Nupe Warns Politicians Against Using Youths As Political Thugs

By Abu nmodu, Minna

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has called on politicians not to use youths as political thugs during the 2015 general elections, just as Sallah celebration was peaceful all over the state.

The Etsu Nupe, who addressed his people after Eid prayers at the praying ground in Bida yesterday, said that politicians should play politics with decorum and not

engage in violence for victory.

Consequently, he advised parents to encourage their children in education, handwork and trades that will enhance their economic wellbeing thereby making them less vulnerable to be used as political thugs.

The royal father, however, called on the people to participate in government and democratic activities such as voters’ registration, census, national identity cards and routine immu-

nization against some diseases.

He said that everybody must work together to ensure the peace and unity of the country, hence security is the responsibility of all and not that of government alone.

He noted that the corporate existence of Nigeria should not be tempered with, which is why all hands must be on deck towards ensuring that the peace and unity of the country are always maintained.

Also the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruq Bahago, advised his subjects to always live in peace and also be conscious of the security around them.

This year’s Eid prayer was celebrated without General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who has been in Germany receiving medical attention. Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu and General Abdulsalami Abubakar were among dignitaries who attended the Eid prayer.

2015: ‘No Automatic Ticket For Anybody In Kaduna PDP’

BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday assured all aspirants that the party will ensure free and fair primaries ahead of the February 2015 elections.

The Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Abubakar Gaiya Haruna, insisted that there will never be automatic tickets for people seek-

ing elective offices.

Haruna spoke during Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba’s third constituency meeting and sharing of N6 million cash to traders and widows in Kachia and said lawmakers who performed well would have re-election opportunity in 2015.

“Our party will allowed free and fair primaries. Any candidate the members of our party selected to stand for election will be adopted by the party. But we must be care-

ful with the kind of people that we will bring up to stand an election. The likes of Jagaba have performed well and ought to be given the opportunity to re-contest,” Haruna said.

“Any representative that did not perform, will not return in 2015.

We want credible aspirant to be our candidates in the PDP. Any aspirant that abuses others without an agenda, should be rejected,” he added.

The PDP chairman said under his leadership, the mentality of the people must change. “The youth must not allow themselves to be used to cause crises. If anyone come, asking you to burn someone’s house, tell him to lead his children,”Haruna advised.

He said if people like Jagaba Adams Jagaba who he said performed well, are given another opportunity, they will have less campaign stress.

Insurgency: Automechanic Union Alerts Members On Boko Haram Plots The president of Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Comrade Michael Ajayi Omonayin, has called on all its members operating in all its units across the country, particularly in the northern region, to be cautious of their customers who bring vehicles to their workshops for repair as some of them might have ulterior motives.

Omonayin, who gave the warning while addressing some national officers in Abuja, said it was against the backdrop of signals from military intelligence on the new trick of Boko Haram sect to perpetrate attack outside the north east zone in order to divert attention from its recent military onslaughts.

NATA is the umbrella body for all auto- technicians, which comprises auto-mechanics, re-wires, sprayers, vulcanizers, battery chargers and auto-body builders.

“I wish to sound a note of warning to all NATA members operating in any unit across the country to be wary of vehicles being brought for repairs or maintenance in workshops”, it said.

By Michael Oche, Abuja

We’re Dying Due To Non Release Of Funds – NEPWHAN L-R: Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; Emir of Minna, Alh Umar Faruk Bahago, and former head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, exchanging pleasantries after the eid El-Kabir prayers at the Central Mosque, Minna, yesterday. Photo By Hamisu Abubakar

Skye Bank Wins Bid For Mainstreet Bank

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has named Skye Bank Plc as the preferred bidder for Mainstreet Bank. The bank made the announcement yesterday in a statement issued by its chief of staff, Kayode Lambo.

AMCON had last month announced the investment arm of Heritage Banking Company Limited, HBCL Investment Services Limited as the preferred bidder

for Enterprise Bank with Fidelity Bank as the reserved bidder and the transaction is expected to be concluded with the payment of the 80 per cent balance on October 13, 2014.

The bank, in the statement it issued yesterday, announced Cedar One Investment Partners Limited as the first reserve bidder and Fidelity Bank Plc as the second reserve bidder for the acquisition of the entire issue fully paid up ordinary shares of Mainstreet Bank Limited.”

This follows the receipt of the approval of the board of directors of AMCON. However, the completion of the transaction is subject to the fulfilment of the conditions precedent as stated in the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement to be executed with Skye Bank Plc as well as the receipt of all required regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC).

In the event that Skye Bank is unable to complete the trans-

action in line with the payment terms and other provisions of the SPA, the agreement would be terminated and Cedar would become the preferred bidder.

Also, should Cedar be unable to complete the transaction in line with the payment terms and other provisions of the SPA, Fidelity Bank would become the preferred bidder.

According to AMCON, the process started with interest shown by 25 parties cutting across local and international investors.

The Network of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), has called on the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to, as a matter of urgency, release funds for the implementation of the President’s Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) to HIV activities in the country The association noted with concern, the miserable conditions of people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as the high number of people dying daily from AIDS-related complications due to lack of access to anti-retroviral drugs, and the ongoing withdrawal of funding support for HIV/ AIDS to Nigeria by external partners.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidential Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) launched in July 2013 was to be implemented with N140billion, but so far, less than N8billion was appropriated, but not released under the SURE-P. The PCRP aims to avail 80 million Nigerians the knowledge of their HIV status, enrol an additional 600,000 eligible adults and children on ART, provide ART for 244,000 HIV pregnant for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and provide access to combination prevention services for 500,000 most at risk populations (MARPs).

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

Sunday, October 5, 2014

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LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES LIMITED (A SUBSIDIARY OF LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS GROUP)

2014 ANNUAL

CONFERENCE & AWARDS CEREMONY Chairman MR. SAM AMUKA Publisher, Vanguard Media Limited Keynote Speaker MR. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN Executive Governor, Lagos State STAR AWARDS 2013

LEADERSHIP PERSON OF THE YEAR General Yakubu Gowon GCFR LEADERSHIP GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan

LEADERSHIP POLITICIANS OF THE YEAR The G-7 Governors Dr. Babangida Aliyu (Niger) Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) Alh. Sule Lamido (Jigawa) Alh. Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) Alh. Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) LEADERSHIP BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Mr. Olatunde Ayeni

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2013 LEADERSHIP CEO OF THE YEAR Simdul Shagaya CEO, Konga.com LEADERSHIP COMPANY OF THE YEAR Chi Limited LEADERSHIP BANK OF THE YEAR Diamond Bank LEADERSHIP ICT COMPANY OF THE YEAR Jumia LEADERSHIP BANKER OF THE YEAR Mr. Philips Oduoza GMD, UBA LEADERSHIP GOVERNMENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) LEADERSHIP AUTHOR OF THE YEAR Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai

LEADERSHIP PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Nagari Farm Yoghurt LEADERSHIP MICROFINANCE BANK OF THE YEAR LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited LEADERSHIP TELECOM COMPANY OF THE YEAR Swift Networks Limited LEADERSHIP PUBLIC OFFICER OF THE YEAR Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development LEADERSHIP BRAND OF THE YEAR SAMSUNG LEADERSHIP ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Ice Prince LEADERSHIP YOUNG PERSONS OF THE YEAR The Golden Eaglets LEADERSHIP SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

Venue: ThisDay Dome, Abuja Time: 9:00am Date: October 14th, 2014

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Birthday Wish to our

Performing minister

The secretary for Education, on behalf of the entire Management and Staff of the Education Secretariat, heartily congratulates the Hon. Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (CON, FABS) on the celebration of his 56th birthday.

Hon. Minister Sir, over the years as minister of the FCT, you have provided exemplary leadership and transformed the lanscape of the FCT as well as the lives of all who reside in it.

We, entrusted with the task of imparting knowledge are quite appreciative of all your efforts in ensuring that the education system in the FCT maintains the standard for which the sector is managed all across Nigeria.

We pray that the Almighty continues to keep you in good health all through the coming years.

Happy Birthday Sir!!!

Sign

ed:

Senator

Kabir Usman Secretary for Education, FCTA

BALA ABDULKADIR MOHAMMED CON, FABS (Kauran Bauchi)

Hon. Minister, Federal Capital Territory

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sunday, October 5, 2014

Snacks Seller Turns Millionaire Insurgency: Death Toll Rises In

By ZION ZADOK, Abuja

Last week, Leadership sunday featured the story of anna James, the struggling youth who sells snacks at the Utako market in abuja to make a living while saving up money that will enable her pursue her dream of studying microbiology at the university.

While the story was written to portray the life of a struggling girl who would rather sell snacks than bend her back to the degradation that some girls would rather choose, fortune smiled at anna James, when the director general of National Orientation agency (NOa) became interested in her story.

The dG, Omeri Mike, one of those given the national honour by president Goodluck Jonathan as the Officer of the Order of the Federal republic (OFr), said he got interested in anna’s story because it portrayed the value of dignity in labour, the value that brought him to the position he is at the moment.

Thankful for the honour he received, he decided to honour anna James for portraying the value of dignity in labour.

The dG at a reception to mark the celebration of his award in

abuja on Monday, september 29, 2014 spoke well of anna and narrated her story to the hearing of the dignitaries who graced the occasion. he made a donation of N200,000 to anna for her to process with her admission and go back to school. also, the Minister of state for power, alhaji Mohammed Wakil, supported the donation with N300,000, while two other people donated N200,000 and N300,000 respectively, cumulating into one million naira that anna received. and so, anna James' story changed from that of a common snacks seller to a millionaire overnight. anna said she got a call on sunday evening after the story was published to attend a function as a special guest to the dG-NOa and while she was scared at first to attend, she honoured the invitation, adding that at the event, she was given a special seat and treated like a Vip. When asked how she felt about the honour and the donations, she could not hold back her joy and excitement, as she prayed that God will bless the dG and all those who contributed to making her life a better one.

Plateau Attacks, As Gulak’s Father Dies In Madagali

By MOHAMMED ISMAIL, yOLA, and ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos

reports from Madagali local government area of adamawa state, one of the local governments currently under the siege of Boko haram insurgents, indicated that the father of immediate special adviser to president Goodluck Jonathan on political Matters, Barrister a. a. Gulak, alhaji ali Gilari, who was trapped in the town, has died.

The Boko haram insurgents had for close to a month laid siege on many towns and villages of adamawa state and were allegedly operating the full version of islamic law in the areas they captured. reports from Gulak indicated that the decomposed body of his father was found three days after he died in his residence, as nobody could attend to him after the town was deserted following the incursion of Boko haram insurgents. some of the trapped residents who escaped by the

whiskers said the situation in the town was pathetic, as the insurgents had killed many residents, while they cut up the arms of others, as many others especially the elderly died due to dearth of medical care.

They said many among the elderly people trapped in the town have died while trying to escape through the hills to neighbouring villages to get medical attention.

They also reported that corpses had virtually littered the town, as pigs and dogs had a field day feasting on them as no one could give them a befitting burial.

Meanwhile, adamawa state acting Governor ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in a press statement issued by his spokesman solomon Kumangar, commiserated with the families of the deceased.

The governor lamented over the dead of alhaji ali Gilari and others who lost their lives in similar circumstances. also, death toll as a result

of attacks by suspected Fulani armed men in four villages of Bachit district of riyom local government area of plateau state has risen to 14. a member representing riyom constituency and majority leader of the plateau state house of assembly hon. daniel dem, told Leadership sunday that, "as i am talking to you right now, the suspected Fulani gunmen have blocked the road leading to Bachit district, and report reaching me at the moment was that two corpses were discovered on the road." he further added that he had prepared to visit the area but was advised that the suspected Fulani armed men were still hiding in the bush with the intention of launching another round of attack on the villages in the area. he called on security operatives in the area to be vigilant and not to relax as the armed men are still preparing to launch another mayhem on the local people in the state.

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CELEBRATING BAZE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

Baze University, a world class private university in Abuja holds its first graduation ceremony on Saturday October 11, 2014.

The visioner and Pro-chancellor, Senator Baba Datti Ahmed Phd, invites friends and well-wishers to witness the making of history.

LEADERSHIP, the official newspaper of the university, will publish a special pull-out on the landmark achievements and defining impact of the school.

It’s an inevitable platform for your adverts and congratulatory messages!

www.bazeuniversity.edu.ng

Please contact the following numbers for adverts placement:

HENRY on 08068640944 e-mail: henro101@yahoo.com MR. IBE REGINALD on 08037880164 e-mail: ibereginald@yahoo.com

YOU CAN’T BEAT THIS!

BananaRepublic RESTAURANT

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Sunday, October 5, 2014

Gunmen Kill 42-year-old Woman, Dump Body In Gutter

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Unidentified gunmen currently terrorising Ika South and Ika North local government areas of Delta State in the early hours of yesterday, around the popular MTD area in Agbor, Ika South, allegedly killed a 42-year-old housewife, Mrs Chichi Dickson, and dumped the body in a gutter.

Although, there were conflicting intrigues surrounding her death, as unconfirmed sources said that the body was discovered in the pool of her blood in an apart-

ment she shared with her husband’s younger brother.

But police detectives in Agbor, as at the time of filing this report, were busy ransacking every nooks and crannies, including conducting a stop-and-search investigation with a view to uncovering and bringing to book the hoodlums who committed the dastard act.

While the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, said the police would do everything possible to unravel the misery behind the bizarre murder of the housewife, she disclosed

that the late Chichi Dickson, an Ordinary National Diploma holder in Business Administration from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Enugu, was married to one Onyemarie Dickson, who is currently working in Europe.

She said that the body of the victim was found in a gutter, adding that before the police moved in, some persons in the area claimed that the body was initially found in her apartment already dead, a situation she described as conflicting, assuring that the police will

do everything possible to ascertain the root cause of her death.

Speaking to our correspondent, her mother, Mrs Blessing Odeze, in profuse tears, said that her daughter was in the church in the early hours for a programme when she received a phone call from someone demanding to see her urgently.

She explained that unknown to her, agents of death were waiting for her as she never returned to continue with the church programme as she was doing before the killer call came.

short news 30,000 Polling Units: UPN Drags INEC To Court The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) has begged a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from going ahead with the creation of addtional 30,000 polling units for the 2015 general election.

In the originating summons obtained by LEADERSHIP Sunday and filed through the counsel to the party, Mrs Nella Andem-Rabana, the party told the court to declare that the creation of additional polling units is unconstitutional and null and void.

The party begged the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the electoral body from going ahead with the creation of the additional polling units.

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Kaduna: APC Guber Aspirant Visits Troubled Sanga A Kaduna State gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Isa Ashiru, yesterday visited the Sangal local government area in the state to commiserate with the families of those killed during recent attacks on four villages.

Ashiru said that he had come to commiserate with the people over the various attacks in Sanga local government area, noting that the attackers were from outside the local government.

According to him, Sanga people have a history of peaceful co-existence, but outsiders want to divide them along religious lines. This is just as he advised traditional rulers to collaborate with security agents in order to fish out the culprits.

Responding, the chief of Ninzo, Alhaji Ibrahim Yakubu, noted that Christians and Muslims had been living in the area peacefully.

According to the chief, his call became necessary because Christians in the area have been allegedly issuing threats of reprisal attacks after the recent attacks on September 17.

He said that because the perpetrators of the attacks are suspected Fulani herdsmen, Christians are regarding Muslims in the area as potential targets.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

L-R: Secretary to Sokoto State government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada; Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Galadima Sokoto, Alhaji Altahiru, at the Eid-el-Kabir praying ground in Sokoto, yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

Insecurity: It Will Be Well With Nigeria – Fashola GEORGE OKOJIE,Lagos

Amid insecurity and sundry problems plaguing the country, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday urged Nigerians to brace up to surmount the challenges, saying all will be well with the country.

The governor, who spoke after observing Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Lagos Central Mosque located in Lagos Island, said it was the duty of Nigerians to rescue the country from the vices threatening to pull her down.

“First, I use this opportunity to wish all Muslims Eid Mubarak and all Nigerians peace, but whatever we want for ourselves lies in our hands to achieve.

“ I am sure that all will be well and it must be well only because we want it to be well. If it is well within us, it will be well around us and in our nation.”

Fashola said God has been very good to the country by ensuring peace irrespective of the aggressions and vexed issues.

According to him, “Really, you must be grateful that you are alive, and the last one year, everyday has been a season of countless blessings in spite of unwanted developments, but life goes and one is still alive.

“You must remain grateful for many things: peace, love, wellbeing and so long as there is hope, Nigeria will bounce back. Yesterday’s chal-

lenges can become history about how we turn things around.

“Those things should never overcome us and being alive means that there is a possibility to learn from yesterday, to improve upon today, and to turnaround tomorrow, because really, builders look to tomorrow and we must be builders in our minds.

“We must be builders in our actions, and in our thoughts, and in our general disposition, and therefore, tomorrow we can build from today,” Fashola said.

He urged Nigerians to be steadfast in their endeavours and prove cynics who think the country will sink wrong.

Labour Sector Critical To Implementation Of Transformation Agenda – Wogu

By Michael Oche, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has, between 2010 and 2014, initiated and implemented proactive policies and programmes, which have enhanced the development of the sector in line with international best practices and the lofty objectives of the Transformation

Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, stated this in Abuja while performing the public presentation of the books: “Compendium of Nigerian Labour Laws and Other Related Laws” and “Guidelines on Labour Laws in Nigeria”.

The minister noted that the

newly unveiled books were a must-read for all organisations in the country, stressing that the publications contained valuable information that would make it easier for experts and other readers to apply the provisions of Nigeria’s labour laws efficiently for conflict resolution, productivity improvement and socio-economic development.

He added that the books being unveiled provided all parties involved in investment decision-making with relevant labour market information and guidance on the labour laws operational in the country.

“Furthermore, our national policy on labour migration has been submitted to the council secretariat,” the minister stated.

Calabar Channel Coy Will Boost Maritime Sector – NANISC Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Indigenous Shipping Companies (NANISC), Comrade Isaka Adebayo, has commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the establishment of the Calabar Channel Management Company, saying it would boost activities in the maritime sector.

He said at the weekend in Lagos that his association and other stakeholders in the maritime sector were full of gratitude to the president for the Calabar Channel Management Company, saying its establishment will decongest the ports in Lagos and Port-Harcourt and also open up new frontiers in the sector in Calabar.

“This is a welcome development.

Since the news of the establishment of the company filtered to us, there has been wild jubilation among our members and other stakeholders because to us. This is an avenue to further expand our activities to contribute to the economic growth of our country,” he said, noting that prior to the establishment of the company in Calabar, maritime activities were restricted to Lagos and Port-Harcourt.

By Kingsley Chukwu, Abuja

66 Christian perspeCtive

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Pastor W.F. Kumuyi the study Of God’s Word info@deeperlifeonline.org

The Gateway To The Spirit-controlled Life John 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:1,11; Galatians 5:16-18,24,25; 2 Corinthians 3:18 The Scripture teaches that the entrance of the Spirit of God at salvation makes a believer experience supernatural wonders on a daily basis. The Spirit begins to control his language, disposition and other aspects of his life.

The power of the Spirit becomes central in his life. The Holy Spirit thus becomes the gateway into the Kingdom and divine wonders.

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The Holy Spirit is also the gateway into sanctification and holiness of life that makes us peculiar people of the Lord. Besides, the Holy Spirit is the gateway to a life of power – power to evangelize, endure trial and persecution – at all times. This power helps believers to accomplish the task of the great commission, do exploits and remain sensitive to the Lord. Empowered by the Holy Ghost, the believer

continually overcomes the constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit. With the assistance of the Spirit, a believer is able to walk consistently in righteousness.

From the point of conversion to when a believer goes to be with the Lord, it is the Spirit that sustains him. For a believer to keep moving from one level of glory to another and lead a life that is void of disgrace and shame as he journeys towards heaven, he needs the Spirit of God. The Presence Of The Spirit In You John 3:3-6; 14:17; Romans 8:14,7,8,9,14,13.

Mere religious profession does not make anyone a Christian.

What makes one a Christian and qualifies him for the Kingdom is the presence of the Spirit in him.

The Holy Spirit partners with the believer to lead and guide him.

Although Nicodemus, a highly placed individual in the Jewish society, recognized and honoured Christ, he did not know the way into the kingdom of God. “Nico-

demus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”

He could not tell the difference between the natural birth and the spiritual birth. The spiritual birth by the Spirit brings total transformation of life and makes the believer possess the Spirit of truth; lying, deception, hypocrisy, diplomacy, will all be gone. He is enabled to live a consistent Christian life and walk in the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit means that the believer has no more interest in fleshly pleasures like alcohol, drug, tobacco, pornography, fornication, adultery, partying at night clubs, gambling, fraud, greed, etc. The believer who walks after the dictates of the flesh cannot please God. Thus, if a member of any religious gathering, a bishop, preacher or priest does not have the Spirit of Christ, “he is none of his.” Those who choose to live after the flesh will die spiritually. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the

body, ye shall live.”

The Purity Through Sanctification In You Psalm 24:3,4; Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:9; 1 Timothy 5:21,22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Jude 20,21,24,25.

Obtaining salvation and enjoying good health, deliverance and prosperity without sanctification is not sufficient to take the believer to heaven. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?...

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…”. Professing believers who are sensual in their mode of worship, filled with immoral thoughts, steal money from the coffers of the church or government, defraud their employers or employees, kidnap others and demand for ransom, assassinate or murder their fellow human beings, give or take bribes, earn salary with forged certificates and wish their enemies evil, do not possess clean hands and a pure heart that qualifies one for God’s kingdom. ➔ tO Be COntinUeD

Bishop Matthew Daniels insight For Living bishopmatthewdaniels@yahoo.com +234 811 189 6866

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not [yet] seen

God has called Christians to life by faith because He is faithful. What is true faith? What a question! The answer is uncommon; it is different from what you thought that faith was.

True faith is a supernatural belief and trust that comes from God. It is not a natural belief. Human faith is fake--not real. Human faith is a rationalized faith.

It is a self-generated belief. True faith is the faith of God and it originates from the Spirit of God. True faith is the true recognition of who Christ is and what His power can do Faith is one of the fundamental teachings in the Scripture, In fact, Christians are told that “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). However, Jesus Christ, looking ahead to the end of this present age—our time today and raised a sobering question to His disciples. He asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Since Jesus asked this vital question, it might be good for each of us to consider how it applies to our own personal lifes and situa-

True Faith

tion. As we can see, the Scripture indicated that true faith will be in short supply as we approach the end of this age. The parable of the ten virgins reveals that five were unprepared for Christ’s return because they lacked certain qualities (Matthew 25:1–13). They were not invited into the kingdom of God as a result, and they missed out on an incredible reward. To have true faith, we need to understand some vital aspects of faith.

Faith has been attacked and ridiculed for centuries. Mark Twain remarked, “Faith is believing in what ain’t so”. Atheist H. L. Mencken asserted, “Faith is an illogical belief in the occurrence of the improbable.” Karl Marx termed faith in religion “…the opium of the poor.” One prominent American businessman has stated that religious faith “is for losers.” Many misconceptions also exist today about faith. One dictionary definition states that faith is, “A firm belief in something for which there is no proof”, which as we will see, is just the opposite of the truth.

The word faith comes from a Latin word fidere, which means to

trust or believe. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for faith is emuwn which means to trust, or have faith. In the New Testament, the Greek word for faith is pistis, which means to trust, believe or rely upon.

The Biblical definition of faith is found in the book of Hebrews.

The Scriptures plainly states that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not [yet] seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Substance means assurance, realization, something like a title or deed to a house or piece of property. Evidence entails proof. The book of Hebrews states, “By faith, we understand that the worlds were formed by the word [command] of God, so that the things that are seen [the creation] were not made of things that are visible” (Hebrews 11:3).

Many scientists today are now realizing that the universe could not have evolved by accident. The prerequisites for life are so many and so clearly defined that the universe had to be planned to sustain life from the very beginning. The proof of God is undeniably clear

for those that are with eyes to see!

True faith rests on solid proof— not just feelings, conjecture or wishful thinking. The modern notion that faith doesn’t rest on proof actually undermines the real faith that Scripture talks about.

Some people trust in God, others in money, friends, self, political leaders, or military power. Still others trust in science, experts, astrology or fortune- tellers. An American philosopher, Eric Hoffer, once said, “Faith in a holy cause is a substitute for the lost faith in ourselves.” He comments further that, “…where there is the technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for faith”.

He was actually mocking a message of faith that Jesus taught in Matthew 17:20.

Believe it or not, the mockery of faith, lack of faith and pseudo faith in our modern world was prophesied by apostle Peter he said “…scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘where is the promise of His coming?’” (2 Peter 3:3–4). ➔

t0 Be COntinUeD neXt WeeK

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God

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opinion Sunday, October 5, 2014

2015: The Imperatives Of Power Shift In Katsina State

By Muhammad Sa’eed

Katsina State has since the colonial era and its aftermath played a dominant role in the promotion of Islamic scholarship, western education, politics and economic development of the Nigerian state. In terms of education, most of the post-independent northern political leaders attended the famous Katsina College. Prominent among them include, the first prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; the first premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello; Sardaunan Sokoto, Malam Aminu Kano, among many others. With the array of historical achievements and antecedents, the history of modern Nigeria cannot be complete without the mention of Katsina State.

Similarly, with the state creation in Nigeria, what is now known as Katsina State falls under the defunct Kaduna State.

When the country returned to democratic rule in 1999, Alhaji Balarabe Musa of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, was elected as the governor of Katsina.

Virtually two years after Balar-

abe Musa was impeached by the NPN-dominated legislature, his deputy from the present day Katsina Central took over power. In 1983, Alhaji Muhammadu Lawal Kaita also from Katsina Central was elected as governor of the defunct Kaduna State under the umbrella of NPN. Therefore, the story of dominance of political space since the era of defunct Kaduna State has been a rosy one for Katsina Central in the present day Katsina State.

The political dominance of Katsina Central continues even with the creation of Katsina State on September 23, 1987. In 1989-91, Alhaji Sa’idu Barda from Katsina Central was elected as the governor of Katsina State. In 1999, with the country’s returned to new democracy, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, also from Katsina Central, was elected as governor of the state under PDP. When the tenure of Yar’Adua ended in 2007, another personality, the incumbent governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema from Katsina Central was elected. It was during this period that in Katsina State we have the President,

the governor, minister, special advisers and other heads of federal government agencies coming from the same zone, Katsina Central.

We know that due to political transformation across the country, and in an effort to provide opportunity, equity and fairness to all manner of people living in the country, the principles of Federal Character and zoning were introduced. These principles provided that in sharing government positions, all people no matter their political ideology or ethno-religious beliefs were considered and given an opportunity. The idea is to protect the weak from the dominance of the majority and the powerful. Seeing the efficacy of these principles in ensuring unity and cohesion in the country, political parties, especially the PDP, entrenched them as part of its political game.

Certainly, for PDP to continue to ensure the retention of its dominance in Katsina State, these principles need to be re-visited and entrenched in Katsina State.

In terms of democratic political leadership since 1989, the other

two zones – Daura and Funtua – have been mere onlookers. Daura over the years has only being privileged in producing speakers of the state assembly, while Funtua has become habitual occupiers of deputy governorship slots.

We believe that with the array of qualified personalities from these zones, now it’s the time to give them a chance. After all, the PDP as we can clearly see from across the country, stands and encourages the principle of zoning.

The PDP may be privileged to consider it lucky by surviving difficult and dangerous political storms since 1999 in Katsina State. It may be lucky in the past few years, but with the different political storm that is now gathering in the state, PDP cannot afford to toy with the issue of power shift in Katsina State. The Funtua and Daura zones have a lot of credible candidates that can rule the state. The earlier PDP realises the desirability of power shift, the better for its continued survival in Katsina State.

–Sa’eed wrote in from Katsina

Many Lies Of Jonathan Actualisation Movement (JAM)

By SAHABI GARBA

It is very clear that this JAM is just out to deceive the unsuspecting general public with their array of lies in their desperation to market an unmarketable commodity

The Jonathan Actualisation Movement, a rather obscure association of rooting for re-election of Jonathan, purportedly held its town hall meeting on September 21, 2014 at Giginya Hotel, Sokoto. Much as we were not bothered by their “town hall” meeting, the heap of lies about Sokoto State contained in their programme of events attracted our attention.

It is very clear that this JAM is just out to deceive the unsuspecting general public with their array of lies in their desperation to market an unmarketable commodity.

Yes, they have the right to pursue their desperation, but that does not okay them to play with the intelligence of the people through lies.

Our good people are now wiser and cannot be bamboozled by associations like JAM that hide under the cloak of lies to project their

objectives. The obvious fact is that the northwest town hall meeting was only a money-making venture for the organisers with a bunch of hired agents, as the average Sokoto resident was not aware of any such meeting which was not publicised.

In any case, this appearance is not aimed at joining issues with JAM, but it is foolhardy for JAM to mention the Lagos-Sokoto railway project ‘approved’ in March 2014 as an achievement by the Jonathan administration for Sokoto State. How could somebody in his right frame of mind bring into focus an ‘approved’ project that is yet to leave the drawing board as an executed project? The good people of Sokoto State do not know anything about this your railway dream; besides, the Jonathan administration is known for jumping the gun in awarding over-ambitious contracts. To an ordinary Sokoto man, the Jonathan administration is zero in terms of capi-

tal projects.

Another capital blunder is the over-exaggerated rehabilitation of Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto Road. Why would Jonathan appropriate to himself what is not his? The rehabilitation of this road started during the days of PTF under Buhari’s watch through to the Obasanjo era.

After all, none of the repaired roads are in Sokoto State. This gargantuan lie has further exposed the desperation to obfuscate facts in order to delude the principal which cannot deceive our people.

We would have loved to reason with JAM had it been it mentioned one single people-centred capital project within the perimeter of Sokoto State, executed by the Jonathan administration.

Again, on dry season farming, JAM was just holding onto anything that comes its way. Otherwise, what in concrete term has Jonathan did to Sokoto State to promote dry season farming? We

challenge JAM to come forward with a detailed summary of what Jonathan-led administration did to move the state forward in the area of dry season farming.

Long before now, Sokoto State has never lacked in strategies to mainstream Western and Quránic education. In fact, the present administration in Sokoto State has done and is still doing wonderfully well in the area of marrying Islamiyyah school with Western education. The Almajiri schools project copied from Wamakko-led administration, which is seemingly a national programme not restricted to Sokoto State alone; so, how could JAM single it out as a Sokoto affair?

JAM also lied about the provision of improved cotton seedlings free-of-charge to farmers. When was that done? How many farmers benefitted? Where in Sokoto State is cotton being mass-produced?

Garba wrote from Kaduna

With the different political storm that is now gathering in the state, PDP cannot afford to toy with the issue of power shift in Katsina State

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Sunday, October 5, 2014

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

MISSING VEHICLE This is to notify the general public that a white-coloured Hyundai Sonata saloon car with registration number BWR 642 AH and chassis number KMHEB41BABA097759 belonging to LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group Ltd is missing. The vehicle was last seen with Hajiya Mariya Ibrahim Baba. Any person with useful information regarding the missing vehicle should please contact the nearest police station or LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group Ltd through this phone number: 07035782552 Signed: Management

FOR THE RECORD 69

Sunday, October 5, 2014

We Shall Overcome (Part 2) by femi fani-kayode

For this reason alone, and not because of any vain claims to infallibility or perfection, know this day that we, the people of faith and the children of the one true Living God shall prevail in this land despite the giants that we see

Finally let me say this. Some people do not like the sort of things that I am saying here today. They have tried to silence me by the use of cheap blackmail, intimidation, lies, insults, threats, disinformation, persecution, misrepresentation, fabrication, the open and free expression of blind rage and hate and other foul and sinister means.

They do not like what I say or the fact that I, perhaps more than anyone else, has exposed their hidden and increasingly obvious agenda.

Consequently, they have told the most despicable and horrendous lies and stories about me all in a desperate attempt to discredit me, ridicule me, subject me to public opprobium and ensure that my words carry no weight.

They have even threatened my life on several occasions. Yet, I still stand strong because the Bible says ‘’He who keepeth Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers’’. I shall not be intimidated.

I shall stand up and speak my mind and I shall continue the good fight until my work on earth is done and the Lord Himself calls me home. And today, from this pulpit and from this hallowed chamber and sacred temple of the Living God, I am sending a message to such people. That message is as follows.

I make a solemn oath, in the name of the Living God and before the congregation of the saints, that no matter what you do to me I shall not flinch and neither shall I blink. The more you fight me and try to destroy me, the stronger I shall get and the more powerful my voice will be. The more that you try to silence me, the more I shall speak. The more you try to hold me down, the more I shall rise up. This is because this battle and the cause that I am fighting is not mine but the Lord’s.

I never chose this path. I never opted to be involved in this struggle or to be part of it. Yet, for reasons best known to Him and by dint of circumstance and chance, the Lord chose me and He prepared me for it over many years.

On that journey of preparation I have seen all sorts of things and I have been subjected to all manner of indignities. I have suffered persecution and betrayal even from those that were the closest to me. I have been through the fire and furnace several times, over and over again, and each time I have come out on top, newly-refined like the finest gold.

The greater the heat and the more the pain I feel, the more refined and pure it makes me. What they meant for evil, the Lord meant for good. This is the doing of the Lord and it is marvellous in my sight. It is for His purpose to be manifested, for His counsel to stand, for His will to be done and for His name to be glorified that He has preserved and protected me and mine all these years and that He has delivered us from the hands of my strong enemies and all manner

of evil.

If only my detractors understood me better and knew my testimony. If only they knew the nature, the faithfulness, the diligence and the awesome power of my God. If only they knew about my passion for the body of Christ, my vision for my country, my love for my God, my determination to make things better for my people and the nature of my calling, they would stop trying to silence, kill, cage, destroy and discredit me in the knowledge that they can never succeed.

To silence, kill, cage, destroy and discredit me, you would first have to silence, kill, cage, destroy and discredit the one who brought me into this world to fulfill my destiny and who sent me forth.

And He cannot be silenced, killed, caged, destroyed or discredited by any mortal or any created being because He is the father of creation itself. He is far above all principalities and powers and He existed before the beginning of time.

He is the Lord of the universe, the God of all flesh and He is faithful to His own. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Gideon, Joshua, Jeptha, Samson, Peter and Paul. He is the Lord God of the armies of Israel. He is the blood of the sprinkling.

He is the I Am That I Am. He is everything.

His name is Jehova Sharma: the Elohim, the El Shaddai, the Adonai and as long as He lives and rules in the affairs of nations and men, I shall continue to do the works that He has sent me to do in this nation and in the nations of the world.

I said something two years ago and I crave the indulgence of this wonderful congregation to say it again today in this most holy and sacred pulpit, in the presence of the saints and in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I say it for the record and for the benefit of my numerous detractors and adversaries, including the bloodthirsty Haramites and their secret friends, supporters and allies in the political class and media who choose to remain in the darkest shadows.

To them I say this: even on the pain of death I will never stop speaking the truth about any situation touching and concerning my country. I will never stop fighting for what I believe is right. I will never stop opposing evil. I will never stop speaking out against injustice. I will never tremble and bow before any man. I will never lack the courage of my convictions and I will never prostitute my principles.

No matter how hard they try, they will never silence or intimidate me because He that is in me, despite all my imperfections, is greater than He that is the world. I will never stop because the angels that are with me are more in number and greater in strength than the demons that are with my enemies.

More than ever before, I am persuaded by He that gave me life and that sent me into this world that the

Fani-Kayode

battle has been won and the victory is ours. I say this because I see the manifestation of it every day and I know the God that I serve.

His name is faithful and He is awesome. Love, joy, breakthroughs, mercy, power, blessings, preservation, prosperity, long life, good health, grace, favor, light, truth, kindness and all that is good reside in Him and He dispenses it as He deems fit.

He never fails and He never lies.

His speaks His word, it goes forth and He honors and perfects it. For this reason alone, and not because of any vain claims to infallibility or perfection, know this day that we, the people of faith and the children of the one true Living God shall prevail in this land despite the giants that we see.

We shall take Nigeria for our resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We shall take this nation for He that came down as God incarnate in the flesh, that shed His precious blood on the cross, that was crucified, dead and buried, that conquered death, that rose again, that ascended into heaven and that sits on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty making intercession for us day and night.

His name shall be glorified in every nook and cranny of this nation because there is no other God but Him. His name shall be exalted in our lives and in our circumstances and He shall wipe away our tears, remove our cloth of mourning and replace them with robes of joy and laughter unspeakable.

This I know because God is good and He will never forsake His own.

Whatever you are going through today, just have faith, look up to Him, hang on to Him and trust Him for a

better tomorrow.

We serve a God that never fails. Always remember that and let your joy be full. Never forget that He will never leave us or forsake us. Never forget that His holy word asks: “who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect”? It answers the question by saying ‘’It is God that justifies’’.

It asks: ‘’Who is he that condemeth?’’. It answers by saying, ‘’It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us’’.

It asks ‘’Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulaton, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword’’?

It answers by saying ‘’As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither earth, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord’’.

This is the word of the Lord: hold on to it, shed your fears, fight the good fight, overcome the obstacles, live your dreams, achieve your objectives, live long and prosper and, most important of all, ensure that you prevail. God bless you all, God bless the Church and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ➔ CONCLUDED Chief Fani-Kayode’s speech at the Valley View Church on September 21, 2014.

70 sports

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Brazil Recalls Kaka After 18-month Exile Brazil coach, Dunga has drafted Kaka into his squad for upcoming friendlies with Argentina and Japan after Cruzeiro forward Ricardo Goulart pulled out through injury. Kaka, the 2007 world player of the year, returns 18 months after his last cap, having missed out on the World Cup under Dunga’s predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The playmaker has not featured for the Selecao since March 2013, when Scolari included him in his squad for friendlies against Russia and Italy.

Former AC Milan and Real Madrid

star Kaka, 32, is currently on loan with Sao Paulo and will next year play for Major League Soccer side Orlando.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also revealed Dunga has called up Inter Milan defender Juan after Paris Saint-Germain centreback Marquinhos suffered a thigh strain in his club’s Champions League win over Barcelona on Tuesday.

Brazil fly out to Asia on Saturday for a two-match tour which sees the five-time world champions take on World Cup finalists Argentina in Bei-

jing on October 11 and Japan in Singapore three days later.

Revised Brazil squad: Goalkeepers: Jefferson, Rafael, Marcelo Grohe.

Defenders: David Luiz, Juan, Gil, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Danilo, Mario Fernandes, Dodo.

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo, Elias, Fernandinho, Souza, Everton Ribeiro, Willian, Philippe Coutinho, Oscar, Kaka Forwards: Neymar, Diego Tardelli , Robinho.

Wenger Eyes Chelsea Revenge

A

rsenal has “a big hunger” to avenge their crushing defeat against Chelsea in March, a humiliation that Arsene Wenger said he and his club would never forget.

The Arsenal manager seeks his first victory over a Jose Mourinho-managed club in a dozen attempts in Sunday’s big Premier League derby and the Frenchman admitted that last season’s 6-0 mauling at Stanford Bridge, which marred his 1 000th game in charge, had left an indel-

ible mark.

“We will never forget last year at Chelsea and we have an opportunity to put it right,” Wenger told a news conference before the return to Stamford Bridge.

“We have a big hunger to put that right.

“Last year’s slow start exposed us to counter-attacks. It was a very bad memory but football is not made of history, it’s about performance.”

With six points separating Arsenal from top-of-the-table Chelsea, Wenger said winning on Sun-

day was “vital” if his side was to stay in the Premier League race.

Arsenal’s midweek Champions League trouncing of Galatasaray, he said, had been good for the confidence of the team. “We want to go to Chelsea to win. The fact they are six points ahead makes that desire even bigger.

“We are both still unbeaten (in the Premier League) but I feel we have had a more difficult run than them. It’s a vital game for us to stay in the race.”

As for the personal rivalry with Mourinho and the statistic he

must hate being brought up – 11 matches versus the Portuguese, and no wins – Wenger said: “He has always had fantastic teams.

It’s not a game between two managers, it’s a game about clubs.”

Much hype will also surround the appearance of the former Arsenal favourite Cesc Fabregas, who has been flourishing for Chelsea since his move from Barcelona. Wenger has urged Arsenal fans to give the Spaniard a warm welcome.

“Everyone respects Cesc here and I want him to get the recep-

tion he deserves on Sunday,” said Wenger. “Cesc Fabregas will have a great career because he’s a great player. He knows Arsenal had a positive influence on his career.

I have no animosity against Fabregas. He’s a player I love but he made a decision and we have to accept that.”

Wenger also knocked down newspaper reports that Aaron Ramsey could be sidelined with his hamstring injury until December, saying: “I’ve been told he could be out for three to four weeks, so I count four”.

striker having played against Aston Villa last Saturday and Sporting Lisbon in mid-week.

“My reaction that he’s in the Spanish squad is no reaction. It’s something I could already imagine. It’s not a surprise for me,” Mourinho told his weekly press conference.

“Can he play three matches in a

week? I think it’s too much, but he’s going to do that. Why is he going to do that? I’m not going to save him to be in perfect conditions for the national team.

“So, if he has a problem playing against Arsenal, he has a problem for Chelsea. This was a big week for us, three crucial matches, and I had to go with everybody in Lisbon.

…Mourinho Ready To Gamble With Costa Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho revealed that his priority is to make the best use of top scorer,s Diego Costa, not protect the striker for the Spanish national team.

And he admitted that he fears the demands of playing two international games in four days could have an unhelpful effect on Costa’s current hamstring problems.

Mourinho acknowledges that he will be taking a risk with Costa’s fitness when he selects the striker to face Arsenal at Stamford Bridge today.

The Portuguese says Costa is still struggling with the problem he sustained on international duty with Spain last month, when he was forced to return to his club after in-

juring himself against France.

Costa has once again been called up by his national side for their Euro 2016 qualifying games with Slovakia on October 9 and Luxembourg on October 12.

But Mourinho says he will start with Costa when the Premier League’s two remaining unbeaten clubs meet on Sunday, despite the

SPortS 71

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Supporters Club Congratulates Pinnick

Dibaba set world indoor records at 1 500 and 3 000 metres, and won indoor world gold at 3 000. Adams was unbeaten while winning gold at the indoor worlds and Commonwealth Games.

Perkovic’s European titlewinning 71.08-metre throw was the best in the world for 22 years.

Voting is open until October 16 for athletes, officials, member federations and media to decide three finalists for each award.

The winners will be chosen by the IAAF’s ruling council and announced on November 21 at the annual awards gala in Monaco.

Candidates: Men: Nigel Amos (Botswana), Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar), Jairus Kipchoge Birech (Kenya), Bogdan Bondarenko (Ukraine), Yohann Diniz (France), Justin Gatlin (United States), Robert Harting (Germany), Dennis Kimetto (Kenya), Renaud

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Justin Gatlin of the United States celebrates winning the Men’s 100m during the Diamond League Track and Field competition in Shanghai

Lavillenie (France), LaShawn Merritt (United States).

Women: Valerie Adams (New Zealand), Genzebe Dibaba (Ethiopia), Dawn Harper Nelson (United States), Caterine Ibarguen (Colombia), Francena McCorory (United States), Sandra Perkovic (Croatia), Dafne Schippers (Netherlands), Kaliese Spencer (Jamaica), Barbora Spotakova (Czech Republic), Anita Wlodarczyk (Poland).

N300 Only On Sale Nationwide How JonatHan Infected davId Mark wItH consensus vIrus: Nigerians who perceive the adoption of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as the sole candidate on the platform of the ruling PDP as unbecoming and undemocratic should have a rethink as Senate President, David Mark, has also been adopted for an unprecedented fifth term … Only in GOVERNMENT.

fayose and tHe Bad news froM ekItI state: The worst has happened in Ekiti State, the unthinkable, the unbelievable, the unacceptable, the unpardonable, the bizarre and the hopeless because a High Court Judge was beaten to stupor.

China Open: Djokovic Knocks Out Murray Andy Murray’s winning run in Beijing has come to an end after he was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the China Open.

The Scot had reached the last-four with an impressive straight sets victory over US open champion, Marin Cilic, but could not find a way past his old rival Djokovic in Beijing.

The first set was going comfortably until the eighth game, which lasted for nine minutes, as Murray tried to resist his Serbian opponent’s determined attempt to break him.

He saw off two break points and then advanced to game point, but fired a forehand long to allow Djokovic

another break point, which the British No 1 surrendered with a return into the net.

The world No 1 then closed out the set, spelling trouble for Murray, who had never beaten Djokovic after losing the opener.

His task became tougher at the start of the second set as a couple of unforced errors allowed the Serb to break him to love in the opening game and he soon opened up a 2-0 lead.

Murray held serve in the third game and had two break points in a 10-minute battle in the fourth before Djokovic held his nerve to make it 3-1.

He had a further break point to extend his lead, but Murray fought back and

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of the Supporters Club, we pledge our unalloyed and unflinching support for the Super Eagles and Nigeria Football in general and, once again, on behalf of all the entire members of the club world wide, we congratulate you and wish you a successful tenure”, the statement concluded.

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LEADERSHIP GROU y - Su

Gatlin, Kimetto Top IAAF Athlete Award American sprinter, Justin Gatlin, unbeaten this season, is a candidate for IAAF world athlete of the year.

Ten years after winning the 100 metres at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Gatlin’s time of 9.77 seconds was a world best in 2014. The 32-year-old racer also had a world-leading 200 time of 19.68 as Usain Bolt had a quiet season between world championships years.

The IAAF’s 10-man list also includes marathon world record holder Dennis Kimetto of Kenya and pole vault indoor record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France. Lavillenie cleared 6.16 metres to take Sergei Bubka’s 21-yearold mark as the Ukrainian great watched in his home city of Donetsk in February.

For the women’s award, the 10 candidates include runner Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia, shot putter Valerie Adams of New Zealand, and discus thrower Sandra Perkovic of Croatia.

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the best 10 in the world.

According to the statement, it is imperative that the new NFF leadership under Pinnick should come up with genuine and meaningful reconciliation of all stake holders, which will bring a positive development that will see Nigeria occupy its rightful position of pride in World football.

“Nigeria Super Eagles, as the AFCON defending champions, must qualify for Morocco. It is very important that you set in motion processes that will see us through for a successful championship.

“On our part as members

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Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club have congratulated the new President of Nigeria Football Federation over his recent election as the new helmsman of the country’s football house.

In a press release by the club and signed by its President General, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, the club noted that his election last Tuesday has brought an end to the lingering crisis that has driven the country’s football development to almost a halt even as the club charged the new board to do everything possible to bring back the good old days when the country’s football was rated as one of

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made the breakthrough at the third time of asking to level things at 3-3.

Both men then held their serve, but Djokovic forged a crucial break to move 5-4 up and duly served out the final game to love to book his place in the final.

Djokovic will play thirdseeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic in Sunday’s final. Berdych beat Slovakian qualifier Martin Klizan 6-4 6-1 in the second semi.

PreMIer LeAGue reSuLTS Hull City 2-0 Crystal Palace Leicester 2-2 Burnley Liverpool 2-1 West Brom Sunderland 3-1 Stoke Swansea 2-2 Newcastle

GHana exports electrIcIty to nIGerIa: Ghanaian President, John Mahama, disclosed penultimate Wednesday that his government had made the huge investments in power generation that would enable it export excess electricity to Nigeria.

roMance exploIts of nIGerIan leaders: Office romans could readily be fun – sneaking around, being ever so close to one’s object of affection, making sure it doesn’t interfere with one’s official duties, making sure one never gets caught in an awkward situation – until one actually gets caught.

IT’S A BUMPER EDITION!

AMUSEMENT PARK

man was made at the end of the week’s work, when god was tired — Mark Twain

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

05.10.14 No. 452 N300

Aniebo Nwamu

the sunday Column

My Story, 50 Years On

aniebo@leadership.ng

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The biggest fools in this world are those who violate their conscience in the course of pursuing wealth, fame or happiness

eft to me, every October 6 would be a public holiday. It is perhaps by divine providence that the Nigerian government has made this Monday a holiday to celebrate Eid el-Kabir. Thus, I enjoin corporate bodies and individuals sharing “Barka da Sallah” greetings to add “Happy Golden Jubilee” to messages addressed to me.

Celebrate with me, ladies and gentlemen, as I mark half a century of my life. I was born on Orie market day, Tuesday, in a beautiful village east of the River Niger. There were no hospitals or maternity homes within 10km from my village then.

So, I was born in a room not far away from a manger! My mother, who later became a midwife, was only 18 then. My father, whose story I have told in this space, bore a striking resemblance to Obierika of Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. They had, but lost, their first child (a boy like me) in 1963.

At 50, I’m reluctant to recite a line in Nnamdi Azikiwe’s poem, “My life has been a joy to me”. Zik and I are two generations apart, and our journeys are quite different. I was a toddler when the art of coup-plotting began. The country was plunged into a senseless civil war that claimed my father’s life: “gallant” federal troops from currently Boko Haram-ravaged areas shot him, not on the battlefield but because he lived in a Biafra territory. I’ve lived through the “oil boom” and the time Independence Day was celebrated with great ceremony in schools and in homes. I witnessed the beginning of “austerity measures”: suddenly, in 1981, the unexpected started happening.

A packet of detergent that was sold 10kobo climbed up to 15kobo, then 17, 20 and 30kobo! (The same product is sold 20,000kobo today] I also witnessed the start of graduate unemployment as well as the era of SAP and election annulment.

I’ve lived in the two worlds that exist for the rich and the poor – in villages and in cities, in rustic Lejja and in Washington, DC; in a ghet-

to (Iponri) in Lagos and in highbrow Wuse in Abuja. As a journalist, I have dined with CEOs and with beggars. I have spoken my minds to presidents in their living rooms and to elders in village halls.

Looking back to the road I’ve travelled these past 50 years, I can confirm that, indeed, human life is “laborious, nasty, brutish and short” as Thomas Hobbes stated. I can also confirm the truth buried in the Bible book of Ecclesiastics: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity…” The biggest fools in this world are those who violate their conscience in the course of pursuing wealth, fame or happiness. For conscience, truly, is an open wound.

Are there other lessons of life that I can pass on to the younger ones today? They are many. Apart from my own experiences that have been rich and quite interesting, I have always had friends among the elderly whose words of wisdom I cherish.

Let me make five observations, one for each decade: Life and death I’ve wondered how people in their 80s and 90s are able to survive the shock of losing several close relations and friends right from their childhood. The secret, which I’ve discovered myself, is: be a shock absorber. From age 6 perhaps, my emotions have been assaulted by the deaths of former playmates. Several close friends with whom I shared ideas and ate from the same plate did not make it to age 50. Partly as a result, I have on occasion doubted the existence of life after death. My doubts have not been cleared, but it is better to believe – on faith.

Religion and morality Anyone who doubts the existence of God should be isolated, at least until he explains why all the advancements in science and technology have not solved life’s mysteries.

But even atheists and agnostics, I believe, have religions in their conscience. The society I grew up in did not worship wealth, unlike these days that many worship money but pretend they worship God.

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I’m supposed to know: I started seeking God from an early age – a search that took me to three other Christian denominations apart from the Catholic Church into which I was born. By the time I reached adulthood, I found that all religions and all churches were similar.

I had to stick to the Catholic Church which I found unassuming and closer to reality than any other. We did not have mushroom (or warehouse) churches as we have them today, though I observed that some gold seekers had started hiding behind churches even in the early 1980s.

Armed robbery was unknown in the cities I lived in from age 9 to age 19.

Thieves existed, but they were stealing to stay alive, not to drive the latest cars or contest elections.

Money and happiness As someone who has seen poverty, I know how its pangs feel. I’ve never been rich but I don’t envy the rich many of whom I’ve been close to. Take it from me: money doesn’t bring happiness. It creates problems that did not exist. I’ve also learned two lessons from Shakespeare’s plays: 1. “Neither a lender nor a borrower be.” 2. “Envy no man until he has lived and died.” Interpretation: Don’t live above your income; be contented with what you have. Some of the “billionaires” you see are never happy and do not sleep at night because they live on borrowed funds or borrowed time (for those who have sacrificed their life to the devil in occult kingdoms).

Age and lifestyle Old age creeps in about age 45. From then, few fail to contend with diseases like hypertension, diabetes and associated ailments. Have you wondered why most sportspeople retire before that age? Hearts, lungs, veins, kidneys and livers that have worked nonstop for 40 years ought to get tired. To prepare for the inevitable, young people should learn to eat less, drink less and engage in physical labour or exercise. Farmers and artisans are on the right track!

Schools and jobs I have refused to do postgradu-

ate degrees because I have felt dissatisfied with the education system. When you consider that I was in school almost 30 years ago, you would understand where the system is now. I have always known that every venture founded on fraud must collapse. Western education has failed because it is full of lies.

Schools that will survive in the next 20 years are those that teach skills – those that produce employers, not jobseekers, talkers or clever crooks.

Genuine entrepreneurs should start good schools, institutes and academies.

Epilogue: It has been a privilege to attain age 50. At a certain time in my life, I doubted I would live up to this day. But here I am, surrounded by a prayerful wife and four wonderful kids. [Our first child has just made us proud by scoring A in each of 13 or so subjects she took at the Junior WASSCE this year.] I’ve not forgotten the love of a host of other relations and friends.

To commemorate my 50th birth anniversary, we have launched a website dedicated to pursuing society’s ideals. See you at www.eyeway.ng every hour and every day.

Like my Facebook (Aniebo Nwamu) or follow me on Twitter (@aniebonw)

GHANA MUST GO Nigerian Army upgrades meal rations for soldiers as war with Boko Haram intensifies — News

And that’s a big deal?

• LEADERSHIP (ISSN 0331-328X) is published in Abuja by LEADERSHIP GROUP LIMITED, 27 Ibrahim Tahir Lane, Off Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way, Utako District, Abuja P. O. Box 9514, Garki II, Abuja. Lagos Office: 34/36 Adegbola Street, Anifowose, Off Oba Akran, Ikeja. E-mail: info@leadership.ng, advert@leadership.ng, newsroom@leadership.ng