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P. 3-6

Between insurgency and emergency rule

News

P. 7

Fayemi, Bamidele inHe sent fresh row gunmen after my aide – Gov It’s a lie, replies Bamidele

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 4 No. 1

Sunday, December 22, 2013

N150

Letter to Jonathan

APC leaders visit OBJ, commend his courage Opposition, key to democracy, says ex-president

P. 7

In the APC, nPDP entourage

1 Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari, rtd 2 Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

...as Alamieyeseigha vows to fight for Jonathan

3 Chief Bisi Akande 4 Governor Murtala Nyako Continued on page 7

PASSION

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Sunday December 22, 2013

A Lifestyle Magazine

I’m queen of beauty and brain – Blessing, Nigeria’s Miss Intelligent >>26

APPLAUSE

I draw nfluence from multi-talented people –Sasha P >>27

NAUGHTIEST THING

I stole my mum’s money to buy sweets –Evaezi Ogoro >>29

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (3rd right) and General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd (4th right) with Governors of All Progressives Congress (APC) and other leaders of the party during a visit to Obasanjo in Abeokuta yesterday.

We can’t lose our seats, Rep defectors boast Say PDP misread court verdict P. 7

News

Airforce men storm police station, free suspect

P. 8

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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What’s new Politics

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Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK DECEMBER 22, 2013

–Blessing, Nigeria’s Miss Intelligent Blessing Anthony Ani is the current Miss Intelligent Acting Guild of Nigeria. She studied Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at Lagos State University (LASU). She is from a family of two.

She talk about her beauty and intelligent; “I know I’m intelligent and they are okay by my behaviour, especially in the camp.

Those were the things that helped me win the beauty crown. I also got my questions right. The judges on the night of the pageant honoured me with a beauty crown.

Wellness

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Knowing health risks associated with obesity this festive season As you go about enjoying yourself this yuletide, please remember that your body is not a reservoir tank. There is a certain limit you should go when stuffing food into your stomach if you don’t want to be obese.

with all stakeholders to convene the conference.

He said that by the time the national conference was concluded, there would be fewer open letters that Nigerians would read.

This was a veiled reference to the open letter written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Jonathan where he accused him of promoting corruption and pursuing an agenda that could destroy Nigeria.

ASUU, others want UNN governing council chair reinstated Three trade unions of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has demanded for the immediate reinstatement of the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Dr Emeka Enejere, who was suspended by the supervising Minister of Education, Nysom Wike.

The unions’ leaders, who led their members, numbering over 1, 000 in a protest, carrying placards of various inscriptions, demanded that Enejere be reinstated without further delay.

Some of the placards read: “Pro-Chancellor must come back”, “Enejere must come back”, “Batho (Okolo, UNN VC) must go.”

Leaders of the three unions, Dr. Ifeanyi Abada, Comrade Godfrey Ugwu and Comrade Onwu Anthony, representing ASUU, NASU and NAT, respectively, decried the leadership style of the university under Prof.

Batho Okolo as vice-chancellor, calling for his immediate removal.

2015: INEC can’t stop elections in 3 states –APC The All Progressives Congress, APC, has kicked against the declaration by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, that it may not conduct the 2015 general elections in three states if the security situa-

tion did not improve.

The state of emergency subsisting in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, hotbeds of Boko Haram terrorist activity, was recently extended by the Federal Government.

nounced the suspension at a press conference held at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, after the National Executive Council meeting of the union held on Monday.

Announcing the suspension, Fagge said that the union had accepted the resolutions signed between it and the Federal Government last Wednesday with the President of NLC as witness to the whole process.

Mercy Bawa CEO, AIBAKENA DRESSING ELEGANCE

MON

I’m queen of beauty and brain

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced that the national conference would kick off early next year.

The President said he had directed that adequate financial provisions be made available for the conference.

Jonathan, who spoke when he received the report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference, said that the Federal Government would partner

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has called off its five and half months old strike, directing all its members across the country to resume work starting from Thursday, December 19.

The union embarked on the strike on July 1 to demand for the implementation of the agreement it reached with the Federal Government in 2009. The ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, an-

We pray first on Mondays, followed by general cleaning. I usually have meetings with my staff on this first working day of the week.

After that, we go through the work we had planned. I send messages to my clients, wishing them well and to remind them that our office is open to them. I ensure that the clothes of my mannequins in the showcase are changed.

TUE

National conference kicks off next year –Jonathan

At last, ASUU suspends 5-month-old strike

We pray and clean the whole place first. We start with what we had completed on Monday to make adjustments or to improve on what we had done on Monday. I go through my record to notify my clients that are yet to give us money, reminding them about their commitment.

WED

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tonomy on it, the same way the constitution gives autonomy to such bodies as the National Population Commission, NPC. With such autonomy, the commission said that it will be in position to disqualify candidates standing election, subject to judicial review and not left to political parties only.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has asked the National Assembly to amend the nation’s constitution to provide for 10-year ban for anybody convicted of electoral malpractices.

The commission also wants the National Assembly to amend the constitution to confer full au-

We take stock of items in the shop. This is because we usually do our shopping for accessories and sewing materials today.

THU

Applause

bers in the House.

The defection, which was announced by the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, was initially made known in a letter written and signed by the 37 members dated December, 18, 2013, entitled: “Communication of change of political party” and addressed to the Speaker. In the letter, the lawmakers explained that their action was as a result of the crisis in the PDP and in line with the provision of Section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution.

After praying and doing the general cleaning on Thursdays, including weeding and watering the flowers, we go and deliver clothes to our esteemed clients even while work is still going on in the shop. I also ensure that clothes on the mannequins are changed. This is done twice every week -Monday and Thursday.

FRI

National Assembly: PDP, APC and shape of things to come

Thirty seven members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, giving the opposition party a slight majority in the lower house.

With this development, the APC now controls the House with a majority of 172 members while the PDP has 171. However to change the structure of the House leadership, the APC needs 181 members on its side. There are 360 mem-

INEC seeks 10-year ban for election malpractice offenders

We have an overview of what we have done. This is done during our meeting on Fridays. It is like an appraisal of what we have done for the week. Everyone would give an account of what he or she had done for the week. If there are lapses, we try to make amendments.

SUN SAT

APC gains majority in House of Reps

We work light on Saturdays because we use this day to conclude what we had started on Monday. We send messages to our clients, reminding them about their clothes that are ready.

I go to church. When I come back, I relax and later attend events, if need be. *By Adaeze Amos (0802 301 2293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

December 22, 2013

Boko Haram sect members in action

Between insurgency and emergency rule Nigerians are still at a loss on who is actually winning the war of insurgency spurned by the deadly Boko Haram sect. More than six months after the declaration of emergency rule in three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, indices that the insurgents are being weakened are yet to match news-reports of continuous killings. What’s going wrong? Inusa Ndahi in Maiduguri provides the detail.

For politicians, especially those in the strife-wracked states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, angst was the word, last week. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had warned that it might not conduct elections in those states come 2015, if the prevailing atmosphere of insecurity persists. But opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, was not amused by this threat from the electoral body, as it described the move as an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led Federal Government to apply the full indices of emergency rule, in which the ruling party’s ‘cronies’ would be made to rule over the troubled states.

However, the real reason for emergency rule in thses states was not lost on anyone, as the country reels under the siege of insurgent attacks from an Islamic sect called Boko Haram, a group that sees western education as anathema.

Boko Haram had, by its activities, claimed thousands of lives and destroyed properties worth billions of naira.

This eventually forced President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states on May 14, 2013 However, over six months down the lane, it appears as if the whole effort put in place by government and se-

‘SECT BOMBED AIRPORT TO MAKE ROAD TRAVEL ONLY OPTION’

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curity agencies to stem the menace is only an oscillating fan. According to local observers, there there have been no remarkable achievement towards restoration of peace, particularly in Borno State, which is the hotbed of insurgency.

In fact, after the expiration of the six months which is constitutionally recognised as the stipulated time for any state under state of emergency to take a leave, the federal government had no option but to extend the time by reviewing/imposing another state of emergency in the region, as the military and the governor of Borno, Alhaji Kashim Shettima and his counterparts from Adamawa and Yobe, Murtala Nyako and Ibrahim Gaidam respectively were yet to address issues related to the conflict.

The most challenging factor affecting the three states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno is that they have little or no resources to tackle the increasing cases of poverty, whereas the seeming lip service coming from the Federal Government is nothing to write home about on the states that shares international borders with three countries of Cameroun, Niger and Chad Republic. This is in addition to the fact that Borno which is the home-base of Boko Haram, is also finding it very difficult to police the nation’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

SO FAR, OVER 50 PRIMARY SCHOOLS’VE BEEN BURNT –GOVT

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The Big Read

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Sect bombed airport to make road travel only option’

A bombed structure

Gen. Ihejirika, Army chief

porous borders.

This development has made it easier for infiltration by aliens suspected to be trading in arms or supplying arms to the insurgents in Borno and other neighbouring states of Adamawa and Yobe which are also battling with the Boko Haram bandwagon effect. The infiltration of these aliens did not tally with the human and material resources available that would have catered for the increasing demands of the population, thus, many people, particularly the jobless youths, have taken to arms deals, fighting against the government.

Although,Yobe and Adamawa are now witnessing relative peace, all federal roads such as Maiduguri- Damaturu, Maiduguri –Biu and Maiduguri- Bama- Gwoza roads linking the two states with Borno are no longer safe, as motorists and passengers are being killed and abducted on daily basis by the terrorists residing around the off shores of Sambisa Forest.

The forest which covers a vast hectares of land located south of Borno, harbours several camps belonging to the Boko Haram terrorist group. There, the military claimed it had destroyed most of their camps in offensive raids in recent times. Unfortunately, series of attacks and killings seem to be the order of the day, especially during this Christmas festive period where the roads are no longer safe for intending travellers.

During the emergency rule, the major achievement was when the defunct Joint Task Force (JTF) in collaboration with Vigilante Youth, a.k.a Civilian JTF-young men who sacrificed their lives to ensure the restoration of peace by arresting and handing over Boko Haram sus-

Shekau, Boko Haram leader

ALTHOUGH,YOBE AND ADAMAWA ARE NOW

WITNESSING RELATIVE PEACE, ALL FEDERAL ROADS SUCH

MAIDUGURI- DAMATURU, MAIDUGURI –BIU AND MAIDUGURI- BAMA- GWOZA

AS

ROADS LINKING THE TWO STATES WITH

BORNO ARE NO

LONGER SAFE pects to security agencies-led to the dislodgement of the terrorists from their hideouts in Bullabullin Nganaram, a suburb of Maiduguri and Jere Metropolis. This development led to relative peace in Maiduguri, the state capital as since then, almost five months ago, nobody has been killed by Boko Haram. The sect members that survived that deadly attack and bombardment by the troops relocated to the Sambisa Forest and re-united with their other members who are now unleashing terror at major highways and in villages.

Our correspondent observed that the dislodgement of Boko Haram from the city of Maiduguri, led to the return

of peopleon exodus, because the city is now free of incessant killings and bombing which hitherto were being experienced in the past. But motorists, passengers and innocent villagers living around Damboa, Beneshiekh, Konduga, Bama, Gwoza axis of Borno State and Buni Yadi in Yobe State, among other areas that surround the Sambisa Forest are now at a disadvantage, because they are being attacked and killed by the desperate sects/terrorists.

Apart from these, even some areas like Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of Borno and Yobe states are not spared from the recurring attacks. On Monday, December 2, the city of Maiduguri ‘was on fire’ when a group of terrorists numbering over 300 stormed the town and unleashed terror on many military formations.

During that attacks which are still fresh in memory and challenging, apart from many people who were killed including 24 terrorists, security operatives and innocent civilians, the Nigerian Air force Base offices, staff quarters, club house and five decommissioned air raft were completely burned down. Also burned down by the terrorists were the accommodation buildings of semi detached bedroom flats and offices with staff quarters newly built by the Borno State Government at the 33 artillery regiments that accommodateed hundreds of Joint Security Forces, and the Divisional Police Station in Gomari airport ward of the metropolis, that were completely razed by the terrorists with over 50 vehicles belonging to the military not spared.

Apart from the colossal loss of lives and property in these recent attacks, another disadvantage of it is that, the Maiduguri International Airport was forcefully closed down indefinitely, a situation now that would force anyone who wants to travel to Abuja, Lagos and other far distances to go by road which is now under series of targeted attacks by the sect members.

Already, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it had presented relief materials to about 300 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) affected by Monday 2nd December attacks by suspected Boko Haram on military formations in Maiduguri.

Malam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, NEMA ‘sNorth East information officer stated this in an interview in Maiduguri. Ibrahim said that the materials were presented to the victims at the 33 Artillery Brigade Barracks in Maiduguri.

He explained that the gesture was in fulfillment of the agency’s mandate of providing succour to victims of disasters in the country.``NEMA has carried out an assessment on the immediate requirements of the victims of the incident. ``We have presented initial relief materials like bedding, blankets, mosquito nets to the victims at the 33 Artillery Brigade Barracks where we have 300 IDPs whose residences were affected by the attack,’’ Ibrahim said.

Although Adamawa seems to be the only states under the emergency rule that is having relative peace, on October 25, this year (Friday), the radical Islamic sect had access to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital and launched coordinated attacks, using Rocket Propelled Launchers and Improvised Explosive Devices (EIDs) on different military checkpoints within the metropolis, killing quite a number of people, with the torching of some security formations.

Witnesses said the attackers were first launched attack around the NNPC Mega station, a suburb of Damaturu which has been a GSM Call centre for Maiduguri residents who before the restoration of the GSM networks on daily basis travel from Maiduguri to make calls.

The NNPC Mega Station is about two kilometres away to the City of Damaturu where military operatives have one of their checkpoints, few metres away from the station, and because of the presence of the security checkpoint, many phone callers from Maiduguri turned the place to a pilgrimage centre of sort to make calls, as there was adequate security cover. But luck run out of those patronising the place as the gunmen launched their deadly CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Big Read

Sunday, December 22, 2013

5

So far, over 50 primary schools’ve been burnt –Govt

Shettima

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 attack on the area before moving to other places in the city.

The attack which signalled their presence before penetrating the town a little later started around 5:30PM and lasted till midnight as security operatives responded promptly.

Although, the number of casualties is conflicting, sources said, several number of the terrorists, including security operatives and innocent civilians, were killed in the encounter.

Military spokesman in Yobe, Captain Eli Lazarus, in an interview said,the series of coordinated attacks masterminded by Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, especially Borno and Yobe was a serious setback and was challenging to the relative peace being enjoyed across the states, but reiterated that the ongoing security’s efforts and commitment toward dislodging the sects are paramount, and therefore solicited the cooperation of the general public in intelligence gathering so as to completely wipe out terrorism from the country.

Likewise, the spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Mohammed Dole, admitted that there are many challenges faced by the military in its effort towards fighting the Boko Haram insurgency, particularly in Borno which has the porous borders linking the three neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroun.

The Sambisa Forest which harbours many Boko Haram camps is another factor, as most of the terrorists are hiding in the mountainous and difficult terrains hard to be penetrated by both ground troops and the air defence/ air strike bombardment.

Just two weeks ago, our correspondent gathered that no fewer than 36 people, including motorists and passengers fell victims of Boko Haram terrorists as they were abducted to an unknown destination by the sect’s members on their way out of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. This is even as the military authorities has said that the Boko Haram terrorists have resorted to forcefully conscripting young people into their fold following the deadly attacks by troops in the last few days at the Sambisa forest and other camps where members of the sect lost hundreds of their fighters.

Speaker, Borno state House of Assembly, Honourable Abdulkareem Lawal in an interview with our correspondent, said, the unending Boko Haram crisis is a set back to the economic development of the state, even as he commended Governor Kashim Shettima for his giant stride towards the development of the sectors of the economy despite the security challenges bedeviling the state.

“You discover that the state government under the leadership of Governor Kashim has renovated many

Another bombed structure

THE BORNO STATE CHAIRMAN/COMMISSIONER FOR UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION, PROFESSOR TIJJANI ABBA ALI, IN AN INTERVIEW SAID OVER 50 PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM BLOCKS WERE BURNT BY

BOKO HARAM SECTS ACROSS THE STATE.

schools and built new ones. The same thing on health sector where many new hospitals, clinics have been built, equipped with modern equipment and drugs. Apart from that, there are many boreholes and good cement wells that the administration of Kashim has drilled in all the 27 local governments, “Shettima has tried so much, despite security challenges facing the state. It is regrettably to mention that, most of these schools and hospitals, the Governor constructed have been burnt down by the insurgents”.

The Speaker also stressed that, recently, in one Mairari Village under his constituency, there was an attack

by Boko Haram where over 100 houses and clinics were burnt, in which he had to give them relief materials worth N2 million to cushion their immediate sufferings.

Also lamenting the Boko Haram insurgency and the emergency rule in the state, the Borno State chairman/ commissioner for Universal Basic Education, Professor Tijjani Abba Ali, in an interview said over 50 primary school classroom blocks were burnt by Boko Haram sects across the state.

The commissioner lamented that, initially, only 10 schools were burnt, but when the reconstruction of the 10 schools commences, more schools were being burnt by the hoodlums at the wake of the insurgency under the emergency rule.

Professor Abba Ali said although the Federal Government intervened by assisting the state government with the sum of N120 million for the reconstruction of the 10 schools burnt down earlier, unfortunately, the hoodlums embarked on the burning of more schools during the crisis.

Col Muhammadu Dole, Spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army in an interview in Maiduguri said that the Boko Haram terrorists are now moving around villages and other highways to abduct and forcefully recruit innocent people to replace their falling ‘heroes’ who were killed by troops.

“You know they have suffered serious defeat in the last few days, now they are forcefully recruiting men and women, the women are taken along with them, cooking and serving them food. We are on their trail and we would continue to pursue them to the last person.

“I want to urge members of the general public to continue to cooperate with the security agencies, particularly on information gathering that will expose Boko Haram’s hideouts in the state.

“We are aware that, most of those they abducted on the highways of Maiduguri-Damboa road among others, a couple of days ago, are still in their custody as they did not kill them; instead, they forced them to go away with them into the bushes of the Sambisa Game Forests, they recruit them forcefully and we are working towards ensuring the safety of those abducted in all the operation we are carrying out.” Dole said in the interview.

Meanwhile, traders at ‘Kasuwan doya’, and ‘Tashan Kano motorpark in Maiduguri Metropolis have said that nine female traders and 27 other young men were abducted last Monday, when the insurgents ambushed two trucks/lorries conveying bags of orange from Benue state about 56 kilometres away toMaiduguri the state capital. A pick-up van carrying firewood and a gulf car carrying six passengers were all burnt at the spot after abducting the occupants.

According to some of the traders at ‘Tashan Kano’ motor park, the two lorries left them at Damboa town at about 7 am, heading to Maiduguri.

“We left Damboa around after 8 am and when we arrived at a village before Bulabulin Ngaura, we saw other vehicles that were stopped by the soldiers and they told us that the Boko Haram people are operating ahead of us.

“The soldiers went and cleared the road before they now asked us to start moving. When we got to the spot, the two lorries were still burning but the passengers and drivers were nowhere to be found,” said one of the traders at ‘Tashan Kano Motor Park’ who did not want his name in print Also, admitting some of the challenges under the emergency rule, the Borno state Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), Modu Musa Miringa said that during his tour of border communities recently, he discovered that the presence of Boko Haram insurgents in most of the border communities visited, and as such, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

The Big Read

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insecurity: Lawyers’ perspectives on tackling the problem The problem of insecurity through the insurgency of terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Ansaru, and others,which has proved intractable till now is affecting every facet of the society and indeed everybody. Against the backdrop of this malaise, the Assistant Head of the Judiciary Desk, KAYODE KETEFE, provides the panacea recommended by top lawyers to fight the scourge.

Excerpts: The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN. “This way to solve this problem is for the government to pay more attention to the issue of insecurity. The primary purpose of governance is protection of lives and properties. That is number one thing why government is in place. It is a pity we have so much insecurity in the land at the moment. Now all you can say is to hope that the government pays more attention to the issue of insecurity.

Gani Adetola-Kazeem, SAN “A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Gani Adetola- Kazeem, made a call for stricter enforcement of existing laws which he said are enough to curtail the problem of insecurity.

He said “The law is there, there is nothing wrong with our laws although some of them may be archaic and need to be updated from time to time.

The problem is that there is a lot of impunity in the land, laws are not respected, even when you make the best laws; you still need human being to implement them. If you talk of the police and other law enforcement agencies for instance, there a lot of things to be desired.

“One should ask the questions- how capable are they?, what is the professional capacity of their members? what amount of resources are at their disposal to perform their duties? In terms of the number, strength, what is the number of the police compared to the population?

We must face the reality; there is a limit to what human beings can do.

In Lagos now, the population is closed to 20 million, how many police officers or policemen are there on the ground for the purpose of maintaining law and order in Lagos State? There is issue of deficiency in number.”

Wali

Alhaji Femi Okunnu SAN “Solving the problem of insecurity is a matter of managmen of the laws and management of the polity to ensure that people are gainfully employed, to create equal opportunities to all citizens, and for the government also not to be interested only in creating wealth to be distributed among the people: but also

in enforcing of the laws. With all these, we can reduce or eliminate terrorism in Nigeria.

It is a matter of trying to satisfy the needs of the people. It is all about good governance. The answer to terrorism is good governance, not enacting laws. Governemnt of the people by the people for the people to make the people happy.

Adetola-Kazeem

Former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole.

“There is a real problem of insecurity in the land. People talk now of Boko Haram, but it is not only Boko Hram, there is insecurity in every part of the country.

If you leave your house in the morning, you are not even sure if you would come back. For you to come back in peace and meet your family is just by the grace of God. It is not because government has provided any security. Let me even say that the ways the things are now, we don’t have any security. The issue if security demands collaborative efforts; the government must not only wake up to its responsibilities, the people must also be security conscious, adopt safe practices and collaborate with the law enforcement agents so that there will be concerted fights against criminality, with a view to ensure safety of lives and properties.”

Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN “The pertinent question is why do we need a police that would be centrally controlled? Section 214 and 215 of the 1999 constitution gives the Inspector-General of Police the powers to control the police in Nigeria as a whole. The IGP who himself has the Minister of Police Affairs over him controls the State’ Commissioners of Police. The IGP also controls the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police. The Commissioner controls Area Police Commanders who themselves control Divisional Police Commanders.

Then you have a behemoth, monstrous organogram of policing system. Why should this be? Although a state governor is the Chief Security Office of the state, he has no power over the commissioner of police in his own state. If the state governor gives any order, he would tell him that he has to refer to the IGP, the IGP himself may have to refer to the Minister of Police Affairs who himself has to refer to Mr. President. So you find a little mayhem or crisis in a local government which should have been nipped in the bud before escalating, because they are waiting for the bureaucratic orders.”

The solution is to copy the American system where you have the Central Intelligence of America and Federal Bureau of Investigation at the Federal level while every state has its own police force.

I recommend the same for Nigeria”

Ayorinde

Highways, villages now targets for insurgents

Police Force headquarters, Abuja, bombed by Boko Haram

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 he called on the state government to as a matter of urgency prevail on the security agents on the need to rid the border communities of bad elements in the villages, along border towns.

Modu Musa, who was newly posted to Borno, stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Borno state governor, Shettima at the council chambers, Government House, Maiduguri ,recently.

He said, the purpose of his visit was to condole with the government and people of Borno State over the continuous, unabated attacks and carnage, especially on the federal highways, perpetrated by suspected members of the Boko Haram.

The Comptroller who prayed that Borno would regain its lost glory at the end of the troubled years, also hoped that the situation would be “a stepping stone for the governor’s emergence to greatness.”

“I am proud to serve under your Excellency.

You have done a lot to restore peace and order in Borno State and I want to also use the opportunity

to thank you for assisting the Nigeria Immigration Services in Borno state. I believe that the Nigeria Immigration Service and Borno State government are dependable partners,” Modu said.

While responding, Governor Kashim Shettima commended the Nigeria Immigration Services for policing the nation’s porous borders, particularly in Borno which is the only state of the federation that shares international borders with three countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon Republic.

The governor said, “You are doing your best despite low support and we would do everything possible to boost your morale.”

Also speaking on the Monday attack, governor Shettima described it as unfortunate but a wake up call to the security agencies.

“Maiduguri that we thought is in-penetrable has been penetrated, it is very unfortunate”. Shettima said.

He however assured the Nigeria Immigration Service of his administration’s total support towards restoring peace in the state.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OBIORA IFOH, ABUJA; FEMI OYEWESO, ABEOKUTA

L

eaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, started at about 6 p.m., lasting about 30 minutes before they all went into a closeddoors meeting.

The APC leaders who attended the meeting included Major-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a former Head of State; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, and Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande.

Also in attendance were governors Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rabiu Kwankwanso (Kano), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Abdul-Fatah Ahmed (Kwara), Alimodu Sherif (former governor of Borno State), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) as well as serving Senator Bukola Saraki.

Others included Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State who drove himself in company with former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Also, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu

Letter to Jonathan

APC leaders visit Obasanjo, commend his courage

•Criticisms against President unwarranted, says Alams Ribadu, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Lai Muhammed, Femi Fani-Kayode as well as Bob Effiong were in attendance. They were all led to the meeting by the leader of the new PDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

Obasanjo’s visitors had earlier met in a closeddoor meeting with Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State at the Government House in Isale Igbehin, Abeokuta, before they were conveyed to the

former president’s house in a Coaster bus marked OGHA-142.

They all arrived Obasanjo’s hilltop residence at exactly 5:49 p.m. and headed straight for the meeting.

Explaining their mission, Akande said they were in Abeokuta in respect of Obasanjo’s letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, stressing that they were as concerned as the former president.

In his address, Tinubu showered encomiums on

• He planned to kill my aide -Gov • It’s sheer propaganda, says Bamidele ADO EKITI

T

he police in Ekiti State are at present interrogating two men who were arrested on Friday night in the residence of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi on Internal Security, Mr Deji Adesokan.

While the police said they were interrogating the suspects to know their motive at the residence of the governor’s aide at that time, the government side and that of House of Representatives member, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, have engaged in verbal war over the incident.

A statement from the

Obasanjo and charged him to continue to speak the truth without any fear.

“You’ve come out of tribulation and held highest position in this country; we are here because of your courage and salient points raised in the letter. Nobody can dispute the fact that you have information more than anyone else.

“You have surmounted a number of crises; Nigeria is divided more than before, and to realise a stable Nigeria, we want to encourage

you to continue to speak the truth. We have resolved and determined to rescue Nigeria; we want you as navigator.”

Responding to the charge, Obasanjo appreciated his guests for their visit and vowed that nothing would take his love for Nigeria away from him.

“I regard this as a honour, to come and present your party and tell me the objectives; but let me start from here: “I am a card-carrying

L-R: Representative of the Enugu State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Maurice Ngwu; Enugu Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Funmibi Olawoyin; Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chukwuka Utazi; State Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Nathaniel Ubong and representative of the Commander, 82 Div. Garrison, Lt.-Col. Salisu Adamu, during the launch of FRSC Enugu Sector Command End-ofPHOTO: NAN the-Year Patrol Activities in Enugu, yesterday.

Fayemi, Bamidele in fresh row ABIODUN NEJO

News

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described one of the suspects as a political aide of the lawmaker who is governorship aspirant of Labour Party (LP).

Oyebode stated that the two suspects were said to have gained illegal entrance to Adesokan’s house at Fajuyi Estate along Ilawe Road around 8pm with a loaded gun before they were overpowered and arrested by security guards in the compound who later raised an alarm that drew the attention of residents of the estate.

According to Oyebode, the two men were later taken to the Police station along new Iyin Road, Ado-

Ekiti. On interrogation by the police, one said he came to see one Tope at the estate while the other suspect said he came from Akure, just to know Deji Adesokan.

But Bamidele’s media aide, Mr Ahmed Salami, who said he was not aware of such, said there was nobody like the said name among the lawmaker’s aides.

Salami, who described Oyebode’s statement as “the propaganda for which the government is known”, said they ought to allow police to investigate and confirm the suspect since they claimed to have handed him over to the law enforcement agents.

7

member of the PDP but the politics I play traverse Nigeria, Africa and the world in that order. I am a democrat and one of the essential ingredients of democracy is opposition.

“A democracy that has no opposition built into it is not democracy. As an opposition party, you are enhancing democracy. You are at home; you are welcome to being at home, and as time goes on, I will just appeal that the politics you play is politics without rancour, without bitterness, with decency, that has Nigeria at heart.

“I am incurable optimist about Nigeria; I am totally committed to Nigeria and nothing will divert me from that commitment.

“In whichever political party for whatever office that is contested or aspired for in Nigeria since 1999, such a person, young or old man or woman, can claim to be my political child and I can claim to be, by virtue of political office I have held, the person’s political father also. So, you are here and you are welcome,” he emphasised.

Obasanjo, however, politely turned down the APC promise to offer him a party card, which Buhari had pledged to bring to him.

He emphatically said that he could out of courtesy collect the party’s registration form from Buhari but he would not fill it as he remained a member of the PDP.

We can’t lose our seats, say 37 Rep defectors WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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he order of an Abuja High Court restraining the National Assembly from declaring seats of the defecting Peoples Democratic Party members vacant is clear and binding, a member, Hon. Ahmadu Ali has said.

Ali, a lawyer and House Committee member on Judiciary who spoke with journalists yesterday, said the order of the court had simply restrained the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and Senate President, Senator David Mark, following suit.

Ali said it would be an effort in futility in law for Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the PDP national chairman and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that were not affected by the order and have no power in law to so

do, to go out of their ways and declare the seats of the defecting lawmakers vacant in the National Assembly.

The lawmaker, who claimed to speak for the entire 37 defectors, said there wouldn’t have been need for a litigation on the matter in the first place if Section 68 (1) (g) of the constitution had been read in detail and not in part by the leadership

of the PDP “which started the threats to deny the defecting lawmakers their seats.”

His words; “The court says the status quo should be maintained with regards to taking any action that would render the action of the court nugatory. Now you should know where they are coming from. They tried to be smart.”

IN THE APC ENTOURAGE ...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM

Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo) Governor Abdul-Fatah Ahmed (Kwara) Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) Governor Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) Governor Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) Ex-gov Alimodu Sherif (Borno) Senator Bukola Saraki Mallam Nasir el-Rufai Mallam Nuhu Ribadu Alhaji Kawu Baraje

8

News

Sunday December 22, 2013

Airforce men storm police station, free suspect PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA.

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andemonium broke out in Tudun Wada Area of Minna, the Niger State capital yesterday evening, when men believed to be personnel of the Nigerian Air Force stormed the Tudunwada Divisional police station to free a suspect, beating up policemen on duty in the process.

This came barely 24 hours after armed soldiers from the 31 Artillery Brigade also in Minna, stormed a divisional police station.

The six Air Force personnel from the Minna

Airbase are believed to have carried out the act on orders of a superior officer, who is related to the suspect in police detention.

It was learnt that the soldiers armed with dangerous weapons like cutlasses and knife invaded the station to set free a younger brother of their colleague who was arrested the previous night for violating the ban on motorcycle movement by the state government.

Eye witness account said the armed men had succeeded in carrying out their mission, but that a police patrol team later came to join their colleagues,

leading to the arrest of three of the invaders.

Many of the policemen at their duty post were said to have sustained various degrees of injuries, but the police men managed to arrest three of the invaders as a result of assistance from the patrol team.

Confirming the incident, the state’s Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr. Richard Oguche stated that six air force men invaded Tudun Wada police station and attacked officers and men and in the process injured one on the head with a jack-knife.

He said the Air Force men were mobilised from

the Minna Air Force Base by a serving officer in Kano but did not mention his name.

According to him, trouble started Friday night when police men on duty at Tudun Wada area arrested the brother to the air force officer in question for violating an order banning the use of motorcycle in Minna from 7. 00am to 7. 00 pm and impounded his motorcycle.

When contacted, Air Commodore Sani A. Zakari, in charge of the Minna Air Force base said he was away in Enugu, but would brief journalists on the development on Monday when he returns.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sambo urges Nigerians to inter-marry

V

ice President Namadi Sambo last Friday in Abuja enjoined Nigerians to inter-marry in order to foster greater national cohesion.

Sambo made the call at the wedding reception of Rakkiya, the daughter of Governor Idris Wada of Kogi, and Mr. Lateef Oseni from Lagos State.

Sambo, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the ceremony which took place in Abuja, told the couple that the secrets of marriage were patience, fear of God and respect for each other.

According to him, marriage is significant as it symbolises harmony, peace and unity. ``Marriage complements what we have

been doing through the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), to further achieve unity in this country’’, he added.

The vice president had witnessed the Wedding Fatiha of the couple presided over by the Chief Imam of Kogi State Government House Mosque, Mallam Junaid Mohammed.

The ceremony was graced by Governors of Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Bauchi and Katsina States, as well as the wives of several governors.

Others present were the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih and several other serving and retired top government functionaries, including royal fathers from Kogi and Lagos States.

FG working tirelessly to maintain peace –GOC

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L-R: Representative of the Minister of FCT, Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiyabu; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT chapter, Comrade Chuks Ehirim; Chairman, AMAC, Mr. Jiba Micah and Vice-President, NUJ Zone D, Comrade Martins Omalu, during the NUJ Public Governance Award in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Yuletide: NSCDC launches emergency vehicles, deploys 120,000 men

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he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has launched emergency response vehicles to ensure prompt response, intervention and rescue during crisis situations at Christmas.

The Commandant-General of the corps, Dr Ade Abolurin, said at the launch held at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, that the

emergency response vehicles would intervene in crisis and rescue situations in Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states and their environs.

Abolurin said no fewer than 120,000 personnel would be deployed nationwide, with 7,000 in the FCT, to ensure that the lives and property of citizens were safe during the yuletide.

He noted that last year,

many people were stranded on the roads, while some lost their lives as a result of inadequate care and the lack of adequate response arrangements.

He said the development was a disturbing one, hence the corps decided to release vehicles for the purpose of intervention during emergency situations to assist the public. ``The corps will launch

various types of vehicles for the purpose of intervention between December and January to effectively police crimes and vandalism in the country,’’ the corps commandant-general noted.

He gave the assurance that increased capacity, enhanced operations and effective deployment of equipment would ensure speedy and rapid response in the corps operations.

aj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army Ibadan, says the Federal Government is working tirelessly to maintain peace in the country.

Jibrin said this yesterday while addressing participants at the division’s 2013 end-of-year West African Social Activities (WASA) in Ibadan.

The GOC said government was doing everything possible to support the security forces in the country to sustain peace. ``The situation in the country is tensed with kidnapping and other social vices but a lot of successes are as well attained. The fight is still on and we are working hard to win,” he said.

He said that WASA entailed setting aside a day, usually towards the end of the year, for officers and men with their families to engage in social

cultural activities.

According to the GOC, the culture is part of the legacy the colonial masters left behind for the Nigerian Army. ``It’s a forum where officers and their family members gather and interact at the end of the year. ``Through we raise cultural groups that will entertain the audience. ``The year cannot just end like that without any cultural programme; so the programme is to make sure that officers end the year in a remarkable way,” Jibrin said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Brig.Gen. Laz Ilo, said that WASA formed a vital part in the Nigerian Army.

He thanked the officers and members of their family for gracing the occasion.

The high points of the occasion were cultural troupe display and novelty tug of war.

NIGERIA IN BRIEF Dismissed police officer jailed 10 years for manslaughter An Ado-Ekiti High Court on Friday sentenced a dismissed police officer, Sylvanus Ofonbencha to 10-years imprisonment for manslaughter.

The convict was sentenced for killing one Dayo Ojo in 2010.

The Judge, Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi, said

by the evidences before him, the accused was guilty of the offence of manslaughter.

The Prosecuting State Counsel, Mr Gbenga Adaramola, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 25, 2010 at Atikankan St., Ado-Ekiti.

Nursing School to prosecute fake applicants’ certificates The Kebbi State School of Nursing and Midwifery has set up a committee to verify certificates presented by applicants seeking admission into its 2013/2014 session.

The Principal of the school, Hajiya Saratu Makera, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi yesterday that only 50 vacant positions were advertised while more than 500 applications were received.

She said the school would prosecute any applicant found to have presented fake result.

LASG trains 80 pupils on traffic safety advocacy Dr Mariam Masha, Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, said that the government had trained no fewer than 80 primary and secondary schools on traffic safety advocacy.

Masha said this on Friday in a statement made available to newsmen in Ikeja.

She said that beneficiaries were drawn from schools across the six

educational districts of the state.

The special adviser explained that the training exposed the participants to road safety culture and how they could influence others to be safe on the roads. ``The students also had the opportunity to learn the dangers and risks they can constitute to themselves and other road users by being reckless on the roads,” she added.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday December 22, 2013

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Alcohol abuse, leading cause of road accidents in Nigeria –Survey AYO ESAN

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he abuse of alcohol has been identified as a leading cause of road accidents across the globe, and in Nigeria research has shown that more than 70 per cent of drivers in the rural and urban areas consume alcohol before driving.

Speaking with journalists on the findings of the National Crime and Safety Survey, NCSS conducted

by the CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, its Programme Manager Lagos, Mr. Nengak Daniel said “72 per cent of surveyed drivers in the rural areas and 74 per cent in the urban areas reported that they ‘sometimes’ consume alcohol before driving.

Another 5 per cent (both rural and urban) said they do this ‘often/always’ while only a total of 22 per cent of respondents in the rural areas and 21 per cent in the urban reported

that they “hardly” do this.

He said obviously the trend of alcohol consumption among drivers is a common phenomenon in both rural and urban areas of Nigeria and that there are presently no easy ways of enforcing the regulation against the abuse of alcohol among drivers.

He lamented that passengers do not have the means to know the level of intoxication of a driver before embarking on a journey.

Speaking further on the

findings of the research, Daniel said a trend analysis of road accidents in Nigeria is very illuminating saying, “We saw a one per cent drop from 11 per cent in 2012 to 10 per cent in 2013. But across a 4-year grid we are seeing nearly a 50 per cent consistent drop from the 18 per cent recorded in 2010 to the present 10 per cent” He said the result of the research further showed that if accidents are calibrating by time, no part of

the day was significantly accident free.

On managing of road accidents, Daniel said though the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC is the main agency mandated to ensure safety and swift response to accidents on the roads, “Our survey showed that Nigerians were more inclined to reporting accidents to the police rather than the FRSC” He further disclosed

Jonathan’s aide counsels communities on projects’ fund

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L-R: Minister for Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Maurice Iwu, during the presentation/launch of the book, ‘Yakubu Gowon The quest for a more Inclusive Nigeria’, in Abuja at the weekend.

that despite the higher figures reported to the police, findings of the survey revealed that many road accidents are still unreported.

On the perception of the FRSC, Daniel said a large number of respondents in the survey rated the FRSC as ‘ineffective’ when it comes to their performance in reducing road accidents and fatalities in the country.

r Precious Gbeneal, Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), has appealed to communities to make judicious use of funds released to them for execution of projects.

Gbeneol, who made the appeal in Abuja on Friday at a dinner, said the implementation of the projects would enhance development and boost the economy of the country. ``I am worried and disturbed about the way some of the communities handle projects given to them by the Federal Government. ``Although there are some communities that are really working hard, but for those who are not, they

should start implementing the projects given to them. ``The essence of the project is to enhance their knowledge in a particular skill and to reduce poverty in the country,” she said.

She said the Federal Government was committed to ensure that the country achieves the goals by 2015.

Gbeneol said progress had been made in all the goals, noting that before the 2015 deadline, Nigeria would achieve goals four and five, reducing child mortality and improving maternal health, respectively.

She said that four trillion naira was needed annually to fund the MDGs, adding that three trillion naira was spent in 2012 to implement MDGs projects.

Strike cripples health service, as NMA remains adamant Disabled persons in one-million-

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edical services in public hospitals around the country have been paralysed as the five-day warning strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), enters day four.

This is even as the body says it will continue with the action until more concrete efforts are made to meet the minimum demands of the association.

At the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the impact of the strike has negatively affected patients and people who carry out sundry services in the hospital.

NMA said it embarked on the nationwide warning strike on December 18 due to the delay by the Federal Government to meet its demands.

Mr Mark Ebimo, a patient on admission, said ``the strike is biting hard on us. I appeal to the government and the doctors to resolve the dispute.

``Resolving the dispute is for the good interest of people, I have not received adequate treatment since the strike started. ``I don’t have money to transfer myself to private hospital; my prayer is for them to come back to work”, Ebimo said.

A cross section of nurses in the Surgical Ward, said only the doctors were on strike.

According to them, the action has affected their peculiar activities. ``Work has been slow since the warning strike; the nurses and other health personnel have been doing their best. ``We have few patients in our ward, about three of them but they have gone.

We have been praying and patiently waiting for the doctors to complete the five-day warning strike. ``I do hope that they will return to work after the five days by Dec. 23. The strike is total; both the senior and junior doctors have withdrawn their services.

``On our part, we are making all efforts to minimise the suffering of the patients”, a nurse said.

On the economic impact of the strike, food vendor, Mrs Ann Okeke, said the incessant strikes by the health workers in Nigeria can result in economic retrogression. ``I don’t know why strike should always be a means of resolving industrial disputes. Let us find some other ways for settling industrial disputes. ``Just as it affects the sick people, the food vendors around here have also been badly affected’’, she said.

Efforts made to speak to the NMA boss, Baylesa chapter, were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the NMA said it will continue the action until government makes concrete efforts to address the issues raised.

It stated this in a communiqué on Friday signed by its President, Dr Osahon Enabulele, and made available to the News Agency of

Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

The communiqué was issued at the end of an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, December 19.

The association had listed the issues of the strike as bordering on some health sector challenges, workplace conditions and the conditions of service of doctors.

The communiqué said Thursday’s NEC meeting was called to appraise the on-going warning strike declared by the NMA. It had said this was in fulfilment of the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the NMA and the government team. ‘‘With respect to the promises offered by officers of government in a meeting held with the leadership of the NMA on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, the NEC expressed dissatisfaction with the MoU reached with the leadership of the NMA.

man match for Akpabio

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ersons living with disabilities conducted a million-man match in Uyo to show support for Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio for what they said was the execution of laudable projects in the state.

Mr Ekerete Udoakpan, international coordinator of Brightway Evangelical initiative, initiators of the march stated this in Uyo in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Udoakpan, who collaborated with communities of persons living with disabilities to organise the rally, said the governor had made the state a destination point to all and sundry in the country.

He said that they were impressed with the level of development going on in the state. ‘‘The only way we can say thank you to the governor is by conducting a one-million-man match in honour of the governor. ‘‘The uncommon transformation agenda of the

governor has brought in so many companies into the state, which has created jobs for the unemployed,’’ he said.

The coordinator said that the match was also aimed at creating awareness for corporate bodies on the need to generate programmes that would accommodate persons living with disabilities.

He maintained that most policies created by corporate organisations did not give them the opportunities to be employed due to their conditions.

Udoakpan said that they also needed empowerment from the state government so that those who did not go to school could be selfemployed through training on skills acquisition.

NAN reports that Barracks Road leading to the Government House, Uyo, was crowded by persons living with disabilities, making it difficult for business owners to carry out their normal duties while the rally lasted.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

10

Man in the News DECEMBER 22, 2013

Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Repudiating an earlier claim AYO ESAN

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overnor of Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has recant his earlier letter to President Goodluck Jonathan over the alleged $49.8 billion missing crude oil money, saying the actual amount was $12 billion. He denied saying that $49.8 billon was missing from the Federation Account, stating that he only said that there may be unremitted amount of money into the federation account.

He told the stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja that he was misled by the Reserve Department of the CBN. Sanusi reportedly apologised to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for, the advertised mix-up contained in his September letter to President Jonathan, At the parley attended by officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Department of Petroleum Resources(DPR) and Ministry of Finance, the CBN governor reportedly repudiated the contents of his earlier allegation that a whopping $49.8 billion was missing from the Federation Account, having been unremitted by the NNPC as crude oil sales.

The presentation by the NNPC indicated that contrary to the contents of the letter by Sanusi, there are other agencies of government, which collect oil revenue. Its officials stated that the CBN can only announce that a certain amount was missing after it had checked the amount paid in by all relevant agencies.

At the end of the presentation by the NNPC, the CBN governor immediately clarified that he was misled by the Reserve Department of the apex bank, which he said did not give him a full view of all the revenue streams to the Federation Account. He embraced and apologised to the Minister of Finance for the mix-up.

Also appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance, Sanusi reiterated that the letter he wrote to the President was not to indict the NNPC of corruption but that it was an invitation that was to lead to further investigation into the allegations raised in the document forwarded to the President.

He also recanted before senators that no oil money was missing from the Federation Account, adding that the only amount left to reconcile was just $12 billion.

His words: “I found it very unfortunate (that) it was leaked to the press and the answer is ‘Yes’, the CBN governor did send that letter with those contents. By way of those contents, the Central Bank, Finance Ministry and the government were very much concerned over the years at the very low rate of accretion to the reserves in spite of very high level of oil prices and, in particular, depletion of excess crude account in spite of what seems to be very high level of oil sales.

“Now in investigation and trying to understand where those leakages were, our attention was drawn to

I FOUND IT VERY UNFORTUNATE (THAT) IT WAS LEAKED TO THE PRESS AND THE ANSWER IS

‘YES’, THE

CBN GOVERNOR DID SEND THAT LETTER WITH THOSE CONTENTS

a huge difference between what appeared to be export of crude made by NNPC and amount repatriated into the crude equity account of the Federal Government.

“What I would like to do is, given the progress we have made, to request that we be given little more time to continue with this process and come back with the final position that is a common position among us if the committee will so grant us…,” Sanusi prayed.

But the Finance minister insisted before the Senate committee that the only money left to reconcile the ac-

counts was $10.8 billion.

“I just wanted to add that we found about $10.8 billion. He mentioned $12 billion,” Okonjo-Iweala said The Senate had called for the investigation following a Point of Order on Matter of Urgent National Importance raised by Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi (APC-Ekiti), who relied on the Senate Order 42.

Adetunmbi drew the Senate’s attention to newspaper reports alleging that the money was proceeds from the sale of crude by the NNPC. He said the law stipulated that proceeds from the sale of crude should be lodged in the CBN, and requested that the Senate should institute a probe into the alleged missing funds.

Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi (PDP-Kaduna), urged both the CBN governor and the minister to reconcile the differences as soon as possible and report back to the committee.

“Right now, you can see that between you, you still have some differences. First of all, from my understanding, the CBN governor has said that he didn’t say money was missing, but there may be unremitted revenue.

“Whether that revenue is kept somewhere is to be established,’’ Makarfi said, and told all the parties to submit their individual positions to the committee after the reconciliation.

Earlier, Senate President David Mark, who declared the public hearing open, said the allegations were serious, and urged the committee to be thorough in their investigation.

“At this point, all that we have is an allegation, but it is a serious allegation.

The essence of this public hearing is to establish the fact..

“The Senate has no position on it except those published in the newspaper. The committee’s body language must be seen to be neutral,’’ Mark said.

Sanusi had caused a stir when he alleged in a letter to President Jonathan on September 25 that the NNPC had failed to remit $49.8 billion between 2012 and 2013.

In that letter, the CBN complained to the President about the continuing refusal of the NNPC to honour its legal obligations, including failure to remit $49.8 billion to the Federation Account.

Sanusi, born on July 31, 1961 was appointed Governor of the CBN on June 3, 2009. He is a career banker and ranking Fulani nobleman, and also serves as a respected Islamic scholar.

The renowned global financial intelligence magazine, The banker, published by the Financial Times, has conferred on Mallam Sanusi two awards. He has been recognised with the global award for Central Bank Governor of the Year, as well as for Central Bank Governor of the Year for Africa The TIME magazine also listed Sanusi in its TIMES 100 list of most influential people of 2011.

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Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES

National Conference: Ndigbo strategise, list expectations P 12, 13

DECEMBER 22, 2013

SINCE THE RAISON D’ÊTRE OF ANY GOVERNMENT IS THE SECURITY AND WELFARE OF THE CITIZENRY, AND THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION HAS FAILED TO LIVE UP TO THE JUSTIFICATION OF ITS EXISTENCE, THERE

National Assembly: PDP, APC and shape of things to come

ETAGHENE EDIRIN AND AYO ESAN

A

new twist was added to the Nigeria’s political stage last week as 37 members of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to the All Progressive Congress, APC, thus giving the party the majority in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

As this was going on, about 22 senators also from the PDP approached the court to stop the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from declaring their seats vacant as they also plan to defect to the APC. The drama began last Wednesday when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, announced the defection of the 37 PDP members to the main opposition party, APC. The Speaker, who read a letter dated December 18, 2013, jointly signed by the defectors and addressed to him, said they hinged their decision for joining the opposition party to the division and factionalisation within the PDP. According to the letter, read on the floor

P 14

Briefly

CAN BE NO OTHER DEFINITION OF GROSS MISCONDUCT THAN THAT

–ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED

Tambuwal

Ajimobi’s bombshell: SURE-P, more of political tool than welfare programme

2015: INEC should conduct polls in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe -Agbaje A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Fred Agbaje, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the general elections are conducted in all states of the federation in 2015.

Agbaje, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos was reacting to INEC’s decision to conduct elections in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe only if their security situation improved.

He described the statement as an attempt to disenfranchise Nigerians in those states.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, recently announced that elections would not be conducted in the states if the emergency rule did not end before 2015.

Agbaje, a human rights activist, said that not conducting elections in the three states would send wrong signals to the international community.

According to him, a denial of the right to vote negates the provision of the country’s Constitution. ``If individuals are denied the right to vote in these states, who will then represent them. I think this issue of insurgency is being over played in the country, and it is rather unfortunate. ``INEC should have been more positive by telling Nigerians that all necessary machineries will be put in place to ensure the successful conduct of elections in those states.’’

Another lawyer and social critic, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, said there was no provision in the constitution preventing the conduct of elections in states under emergency rule.

Akande

of the House by the Speaker, the defectors wrote that their move to APC was in compliance with Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Those who defected were from Kano State (11 members), Sokoto State (10 members), Rivers State (nine), Kwara State (six), Kastina State (one) and Bauchi State (one).

Before the defection of the PDP lawmakers to APC, PDP had 204 members, while APC had137, Labour Party, 10, DPP, one and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), five. Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) had one while Accord Party had four members.

With the defection, APC now has172 members, leaving PDP with 167, a situation that now placed burden on both parties to shop for additional members to get simple majority of 181 members to control the House and consequently form the body of principal officers.

The implication of this development is that for the first time, the ruling party, PDP has lost the grip of the House of Representatives. Not only that, there are indications that more members of the PDP in the House of Representatives may defect early in the New Year. If APC which is seen to

be buying time to win over more members is in comfortable lead, it may call for a change in the structure of the House.

For instance, the APC needs nine more members to get a simple majority of 181; a task which political analysts believe is realisable. Already, there are rumours that about 40 more members of House of Representatives will join APC. If that happens then the party will be in a position to take over the leadership of the House. So watchers of political event in the country believe that for Speaker, Hon. Tambuwal to retain his post he will have to decamp to the APC. The body language of Tambuwal in recent times has shown that his spirit and soul is already in the APC although he remains physically in the PDP. It is believed that the PDP will also have to surrender the post of other principal officers which include the majority leader to its rival, APC. It is also gathered that most of the people who are currently occupying the principal offices in the House may in order to retain their positions join APC. Analysts are of the opinion that if the same scenario emerges in the Upper CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Jega

APC urged to take over House leadership

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State and chairmanship aspirant for IjayeOjokoro Local Council Development Area, Hon. Dipo Okeyomi, has appealed to the national leadership of the party to ensure that the party takes over the leadership of the House of Representatives immediately after the Christmas/New Year holiday.

He said with APC enjoying the majority in the House of Representatives now, there was need to ensure that the party took over the leadership of the House on resumption of members from the Christmas and New Year break in order to free the House from the control or influence of Tukur-led PDP leadership “Our party must show everyone that it is the one in control of the House of Representatives since we will after the break have a simple majority that will be required to change the leadership of the House. I am sure the majority position will also be achieved in the Senate and we must ensure that though the PDP control the executive arm, we control the legislature,” Okeyomi said.

He commended the leadership of the party for their determination and selfless service to ensure that all progressive-minded people are brought into the party.

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Politics

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Conference: Ndigbo str DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

A

s Nigerians await President Goodluck Jonathan’s pronouncement and action on the report of the Femi Okurounmu-led Presidential Advisory Committee on the proposed National Conference, Ndigbo have prepared the processes and items for discussion when the conference eventually kicks off next year as anticipated.

The conference which is expected to be composed of ethnic nationalities would draw up a new constitution which would guide the country, reduce tension and mutual suspicions that had existed among the ethnic groups.

Ndigbo unequivocally have for a long time canvassed the return to true federalism as obtained in the First Republic, recognising the 1963 Constitution which comprised four federating units or regions of the country.

Times have however changed and with the present operation of six geopolitical zones in the country, the people of SouthEast are advocate that the status quo of six zones be recognised as federating

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Chamber, then President Goodluck Jonathan will have to cope with the high level of opposition in the National Assembly.

The APC who only last week called for the impeachment of President Jonathan may then use its majority position to curtail the president on many matters that will require the stamp of the National Assembly.

Realising the implication of this new political scenario, the leadership of the PDP threatened to drag the defected lawmakers to court over their action which it described as ‘treacherous’.

It said after its National Working Committee meeting which held immediately after the news broke, that the defection did not follow due process.

A statement issued after the meeting by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh , read in part, “The defection, if confirmed to be true, is treacherous and a huge betrayal not only of the PDP but millions of voters, who worked hard for their election on the platform of the PDP in their respective constituencies.

“As lawmakers, the defectors must no doubt be aware of provisions of section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which clearly states the conditions upon which a member of the legislature will change platforms.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the courts of our land have declared that the PDP is one and not bedevilled by any factions.

“Any member of the National or State Assembly who therefore renounces his membership of a united PDP must be ready to face the consequences of defection in line with provisions of the constitution.”

The PDP therefore condemned what it described as a desperate attempt by selfish politicians to cause confusion in the polity.

units by the expected new constitution.

The people of South-East and by extension the entire Igbo nation have been brainstorming on the proposals for the conference. This has also led to different groups meeting to take a stand on the critical issue they believe is important for their future survival in Nigeria, and indeed the rest of the nation.

One of the prominent Igbo groups that have been meeting lately over the matter is the Concerned Igbo Leaders of Thought led by prominent constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze. The group met in Enugu on November 14 and December 12, where they approved the Igbo position to the national conference after deliberating on the report of the three committees it set up.

Present at the meetings were Prof.

Nwabueze, Prof. Felix Oragwu, Prof.

Michael Echeruo, Prof. Ben Obumselu, Prof Elo Amucheazi, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi, Chief Nduka Eya and Senators Offia Nwali, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Ben Obi, Uche Chukwumerije and Anyim Udeh.

Others are Dr. Dozie Ikedife, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, Archbishop Maxwell

Jonathan

Okurounmu

Anikwenwa, Lady Kate Ezeoffor, Mrs. Maria Okwor, Dr. Igwe Aja Nwachukwu and Chief Olisa Agbakoba.

They also included Prof. Lawrence

Ocho, Evangelist Elliot Uko, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Dr. Chidi Osuagwu, Rev. Ukandu Ucheya, Chief Emechi Onyia, Engr. Obi Thompson and Prince Emeka

National Assembly: PDP, APC a Political analysts believe the New Year will be an interesting one at the National Assembly especially at the House of Representatives where change of guards may take place in its leadership and party superiority.

However, the PDP’s losses continue to be APC gains as what started as a minor feud within the party has continued to snowball deeper and deeper. Like an avalanche, the situation has continued to increase in strength and speed, threatening to overwhelm the group taunted as the biggest political party on the continent. Though the crisis is yet to swallow any major player, before the general elections of 2015, Nigerians may yet witness those who will be swept away by the storm, and those who will remain standing.

It all began with the coming of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as national chairman of the party. Initially watchers believed it was the normal squabble that usually exist among politicians, and that it would be put to rest as soon as overtures were made and accepted. But that was not to be, as several peace meetings between the aggrieved members and party hierarchy failed to yield positive results. And like a swollen storm, it has continued to rain problem after problem, the end of which no one can foretell for now.

The crisis in the party came to the fore when former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and seven governors angrily walked out of the special delegates’ convention of the party at Eagles Square in Abuja. They and their supporters ended up at Yar’Adua Center in Abuja where they held a parallel convention.

Tukur, and other top leaders of the

party had addressed the gathering at the Eagle Square, promising the party’s readiness to allow internal democracy.

The convention had progressed without a hitch until the list of aspirants cleared to run for the various offices were announced by the electoral committee, with the name of the party’s former national deputy chairman, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, conspicuously missing.

Soon after the announcement, delegates from Kwara, Kano, Sokoto, Niger and Jigawa states walked out of the convention ground. Leaders of the new faction later announced their take-over of the party, with former chairman of the party, Alhaji Baraje, proclaimed the national Chairman; Prince Oyinlola, the new national secretary; and Dr Jaja, immediate past national deputy chairman of the party, returned to his position.

Addressing the delegates assembled in the hall, Baraje said the decision to take over the party followed the failure of its Tukur-led leadership to attend to grievances of many aggrieved members. He added that the party’s constitution provided that refusal of leadership to attend to grievances allowed for members to react.

According to Atiku, many leaders were worried about the increasing spate of repression of freedom of speech and freedom of association by the Tukur leadership, explaining that governors of the party had moved round the country to explain to leaders, the deterioration in fortunes of the party.

The crisis no doubt has continued to polarize the party, reducing it from the once mighty Goliath it famed itself to be, to being cut to a size yet undetermined.

Buhari

The first cut came when the nPDP announced its decision to merge with the All Progressive Congress (APC). This reduced the number of governors in the PDP kitty as five governors left its fold for the APC. They were part of seven governors tagged G7 who had formed a faction of the party led by Baraje, and called themselves the New PDP (nPDP).

Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers State), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto) all joined the APC, reducing the number of PDP governors in the country.

Other PDP chieftains who defected to the APC included former Governors Bukola Saraki, Abdullahi Adamu, Timipre

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Politics

Sunday, December 22, 2013

13

rategise, list expectations

Nwabueze

Onyesoh, among others.

The leaders stated that Ndigbo are firmly committed to the success of the conference, expressing belief that it was

one of the best things that had happened to the country. They, therefore, called on everyone to give the support to the event to ensure its success, as it would offer solution to the nation’s many problems.

They put forward preliminary stages for the proceedings of the conference, stressing first and foremost the purpose of the dialogue which is to draw a new constitution for Nigeria. They agreed that a referendum was a means accepted by many countries of the world since 1989 to bestow upon a constitution, an authority deriving directly from the people themselves. This, they believe, is the supreme law of the land which otherwise is referred to as a people’s constitution. For them, what Nigeria is going for is a completely new constitution and not an amendment or additions to the existing 1999 Constitution.

The Igbo leaders are also of the opinion that the conference is essentially that of ethnic nationalities/people of Nigeria, not of interest and pressure groups, though, interest and pressure groups could send delegates. They also noted that the proposed new consti-

tution if approved by the conference should be subjected to referendum so as to democratise it and prove that it clearly belongs to the people.

At the Nwabueze-led meeting, the people agreed that there should be an enabling law from the National Assembly to provide that the constitution to be approved by the conference should immediately go for a referendum.

The group also moved to propose how the conference would regulate its proceedings. First is that delegates to the conference should exhaustively air their views with no issue swept under the carpet. The conference would thereafter set up its own committee to produce a draft arising from the deliberations. It would then proceed on recess while the draft committee do its work.

It would later reconvene to deliberate on the draft after which the product of the deliberation would be debated and approved by the general conference. After the approval, the conference again would vet through the product of the team of legal draftsmen before the approved constitution goes for referen-

nd the new calculus

Tukur

Sylva and Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the embattled PDP National Secretary. Their defection came even as the president had invited them for a meeting to iron out the issues.

Although Baraje claimed that the group’s merger with the APC was a unanimous decision, two of the seven rebel governors – Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Sule Lamido(Jigawa), distanced themselves from the move.

The crisis got messier when at a point the National leadership of the Party wielded its big stick and suspended the former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola who was earlier reinstated as National Secretary of the party through a judgment by an Appeal Court

sitting in Abuja.

Oyinlola according to the leadership of the party was to face the Disciplinary Committee chaired by Second Republic Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko. Also suspended with him were Baraje, Sam Jaja and Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure.

Not too long ago, a courtesy visit by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the new PDP to the House of Representatives ended in chaos. They first met with the Chairman of the National Assembly, Senate President David Mark, before crossing over to meet with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

The group urged Mark to persuade President Jonathan not to contest the 2015 presidential election. At that event, a possible collision was evaded with the well advised suspension of the visit of Tukur to the National Assembly at the same time.

The senate president, while urging the new PDP to pursue the ideals of justice and equity in the party, also admonished them to embrace peace.

Even as the crisis continues, analysts insist that the driving force is the 2015 presidential election, and the president’s plan to contest. Oyinlola gave some credence to this school of thought when he spoke to newsmen at a rally in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State recently.

According to him, the crisis, which has polarized the PDP, started in 2010, and it is two-fold. One was when President Jonathan declared his intention to contest the 2011 presidential election and perceived some serving governors as not being sup-

portive of his ambition. The second one he said has to do with his former boss, Alhaji Tukur, whom he accused of running the party’s affairs with impunity and without recourse to the party’s constitution.

Oyinlola said, “The crisis got to the notice of Mr. President and nothing was done to it. Even when the President called both of us to a parley in Abuja, nothing meaningful was achieved. Now Tukur ruined the PDP when he started fighting everybody. He fought the governor of his state and other northern governors. He believed he could do everything on his own without the support of other people”.

He also lamented that unfortunately, President Jonathan took side in the process that led to his removal as national secretary of the party, and that all peace meetings called by notable leaders of the party to resolve the matter were deadlocked.

The crisis deepened last week as the party further lost about 37 members of the House of Representatives, from the PDP, again, to the APC. Before the move the PDP which controlled the majority in the House of Reps suffered a major setback, shrinking to 171 while APC moved from 136 to 172.

Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord Party still have 15 members. And based on the new configuration, no party currently commands simple majority in the House, leaving the fate of the leadership of the chamber hanging in the balance.

The cross-carpeting was marked by an interesting drama, that started soon after the lawmakers commenced business of the day. The first shocker was an executive session which lasted less than 10 minutes, making it one of the shortest in this dis-

dum. If the above procedure as suggested by the Igbo leaders is accepted by the conference, there would be no doubt that any constitution thrown up as outlined above will be a people’s constitution, drawn by Nigerians.

In suggesting the proceedings of the talks, Ndigbo are also pushing for germane issues to be discussed at the conference such as devolution of powers. It is their opinion that in a balanced (true) federation, the Federal Government exercises exclusive powers over a few areas that affect the entire country. Such areas are: Defence, External and Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Monetary and Fiscal Policy as well as Customs and Excise.

The residual powers would therefore remain with the federating units, while the concurrent powers are shared in specific items; but the role of the central government in such areas is limited to general policy directives, research and setting of standards.

Ndigbo stated that they were still CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

pensation.

Upon return to the plenary from the closed-door session, the Speaker, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, made some announcements. But the real news came when he said that he had received communication from a group of 37 members of the PDP announcing their defection to APC. The development caused a huge stir in the chamber. APC lawmakers gave a loud ovation to the announcement.

Reading from the letter, he said, “our 37 colleagues elected under the platform of PDP have decided to join APC as a result of the problems in our party and we have merged with APC according to Section 68 of our 1999 constitution. “ As events continued to unfold, many have taunted that the big fishes are yet to come in.

There are speculations that about 22 senators from the new PDP may also defect to APC, causing a leadership change in the National Assembly. This is even as some suggests that there are strong indications that Atiku Abubakar may also soon defect to APC. How long the leadership of the PDP will continue to sit back with seemingly folded hands watching the party’s fortunes continue to dwindle is yet to be seen. While some feel the party may have a joker up its sleeve to salvage the situation, others are of the view that it may well be on its way to losing its stronghold on the country. If that be the case, then its boast of holding on to the presidency for the next 60years may now be a pipe dream.

Since the inception of the fourth republic in 1999, the PDP has been in control of the presidency, and majority of the states.

It’s however obvious that with the new developments, which Nigerians are yet to see the end, this may change. How far the PDP will let itself fall, and how well the opposition will take advantage of such fall will determine who grabs the presidency come 2015.

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Politics

Sunday, December 22, 2013

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Ajimobi’s bombshell: SURE-P, more of political tool than welfare programme AYO ESAN

G

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State recently stirred a hornet’s nest when he called on the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government not to discriminate against other political parties in the management of the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

The governor, in calling for the setting up of a committee comprising representatives of both the Federal Government and state governments in each of the 36 states of the federation to run the programme, remarked that at this juncture, a committee ought to be raised to monitor the performance of those in the SURE-P team.

Ajimobi who made the suggestion in Ibadan while receiving the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, who led a SURE-P Team on a courtesy call on him in his office, said such a committee was necessary in order to ensure regular meetings and monitoring of the programme. ``What we should know is that it doesn’t matter whether it is PDP or APC or whatever. What matters is that we want to help Nigerians. We are all Nigerians, and the Federal Government is government for all Nigerians. ``It’s only that Nigeria has been divided into 36 states but not into 36 countries.

So I think SURE-P and states must work together to ensure that we help our people and the only way we can help our people is for us to synergize in the areas of SURE-P and other similar programmes. ``What I have seen in Nigeria and in our developmental programmes is that we do more talking than action. I think the earlier we all come together and do

Jonathan

xxxxxx

things in such a way that people will begin to see the effect, the better,’’ he said.

Besides, he also said that the committee, if constituted, would ensure synergy between the Federal Government and the state government on the SURE-P scheme and other similar empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes of the states. ``I also like to suggest that we have synergy; when I say synergy, I do not so much like the idea of SURE-P being managed without having a committee of SURE-P with that of the state government that will regularly meet and monitor progress,’’ the governor said.

He added that such a committee should be devoid of unnecessary politicking but should rather be concerned with actualizing the aims and objectives of the programme and ultimately improve the socio-economic fabrics of the country.

Governor Ajimobi also suggested an increase in the quantum of participants in the SURE-P programme, saying that counting only thousands as beneficiaries in a population of millions of people would not augur well for the programme. ``When the minister was speaking, he was reeling out the figure of what they

have done but when you look at a state with about 10 million population and we are saying only 1,000 or 2,000 people have benefitted, to me, this is terribly low. ``What I will, therefore, like to suggest is that if we can quickly increase our rate of penetration and impact, and the quantum of participants, it will be better. ``For instance, I like to see, with the level of commitment of the minister and the Federal Government, that in Oyo State, we have impacted on one million or two million people, but when we are talking thousands in a population of about 10 million people, I am not feeling comfortable,’’ the governor stated.

Governor Ajimobi also called for the development of a data base for the programme to succeed, adding ``we should have targets in quantifiable terms and measure them with time’’.

Speaking earlier, Chief Emeka Wogu said that his team was in the state to share the successes recorded so far on the implementation of the Community Services, Women and Youths Empowerment (CSWYE) programme of the SURE-P and to consider some areas of possible partnership with the state government for maximum benefit to the people of the state.

The minister noted that a total of 3,500 people, made up of 1,982 males and 1,518 females were currently engaged in the state under the project, with all of them working in 144 service units spread across all the 33 local government areas of the state.

He also disclosed that the beneficiaries had received a total of N246.8 million as stipends, while a total sum of N29.9 million had been remitted to the state as running/management cost between February and September 2013.

National Conference: Ndigbo strategise, list expectations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 meeting on other topical issues for the proposed meeting and that early next year, they would expand their scope through many other sons that would be bringing new and even more radical ideas.

Professor Nwabueze, leading the Igbo think tank, noted that a lot of forces were working to ensure that the conference did not take place. However, he noted, it’s in the interest of Ndigbo that Nigeria survived in a re-negotiated form, adding that his group wanted to establish what was required to save Nigeria and the minimum requirement for the protection of Igbo interest.

Nwabueze said to achieve that minimum, Ndigbo would have to reach out to other ethnic groups. He said with nostalgia that Ndigbo failed to get a renegotiated Nigeria through armed conflict - the civil war, and that this was the

second attempt at getting it right.

His words: “A lot of discussions are going on around the country; there’s an enthusiasm among the ethnic groups, the Yoruba and others are strategising.

The Yoruba have already sent us voluminous documents saying what they want, so we are not alone. Alhaji Adamu Ciroma and his group are also working on a position paper for the conference. We are looking forward to a re-negotiated Nigeria.

“For the Igbo, our concern is to work out the minimum requirement for the protection of Igbo interests in Nigeria. Our meeting will work it out.

We’ll consider all ideas, people are sending in radical proposals and we’ll look at them. We are not afraid of defining our minimum position and then reach out for support from other zones. We’ll do that after thorough and mature deliberations; then we will be in a position to work out

the minimum required for the protection of Igbo interest in the content of Nigeria which we are in the process of doing.

“In that minimum, we are not going to throw away any idea as radical - that will not be accepted by other groups. It may be that after deliberations it may be rejected but we will consider all ideas. People are sending in papers, documents, radical ideas and so on but it may be that those radical ideas will be what will serve as minimum that we could go for. Some said don’t go for unrealistic proposals that will be defeated but that is defeating yourself. What you do is you find the minimum and reach out to other groups to canvass their support for your minimum. That is what we are going to do and in a very short time, we will come out with what we consider after thorough deliberations as minimum requirements.”

Chime

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Interview

ENCOUNTER NTER WITH A NEWS MAKER DECEMBER 22,, 2013

APC’ll sack PDP’s principal officers soon —Peterside Dakuku Adol Peterside is a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resourcess (Downstream).

In this interview with Tordue Salem, he speaks about his defection and 36 other members from Peoples Democratic Party to All Progressives Congress and developments in Rivers State.

What do you foresee now that the Minority has formed the Majority in the House?

The change of guard will bring about progress. What I can say is that the change in power structure will bring about a better Nigeria. There have been alignments and realignments. There’s a whole new political current going on in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

One thing that is certain is that the power configuration must change.

The change will come with consequences and implications. It might affect the leadership of the parties in the National Assembly and, again, it will affect the way the National Assembly relates with the executive arm of government.

It might be negative or positive, but ultimately, it will be for the good of Nigerians. For the first time, there will be effective checks and balances. It will no longer be family affair. The days of family affair are gone for good. The politics of Nigeria will never be the same again.

Recently, Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, joined four others and defected to All Progressives Congress (APC), what in your view led to that move and is it justified?

You need to understand the issues to appreciate if the move is justified or not. There are two strands of the issue: the first has to do with the direction the country is going and the second is interest and aspiration of Rivers people within the context of Nigeria. In recent times, there is anxiety in the country about the effect of insecurity, rising wave of corruption, impunity and retarded growth generally, and many patriots are concerned. All these concerns are linked to the quality of leadership of the country and the political party that plays the role of facilitator like in other democracies.

Unfortunately, it appears the leadership of the country is not sensitive enough to the need to urgently tackle these issues and the party that is in power at the centre by its conduct and lack of internal democracy in all facets is aggravating the matter. The party in this case, PDP, does not respect its rules, does not accommodate divergent opinion and has made no effort to harness the collective ideas and energies of its members. The result is what we are seeing today. The second strand of the crisis is the corporate interest of Rivers State, which is under serious threat.

Can you justify how the interest of Rivers State is under

threat vis-a-vis s the movement of Governor Amaechi to another party?

Politics as you know is a means of allocating resources.. Parties are vehicles through which politicss is played to optimise benefit for the he people. Parties to a reasonable le extent determine outcomes es in a political process. The scenario is this: PDP as a political party superintends erintends over the expropriapropriation of Riverss commonwealth; I mean our resources, s, denies us even the least benefit for our modest conontributions and nd does nothing to o advance ourr development in anyway.

Only a man who is pursuing his Peterside own selfish interest will remain in such a platform to the detriment of the people you are on oath to serve. Can anybody point to one federal project of worth going on in Rivers State under the present administration? Even the blind can see that there is a calculated attempt to undermine the interest of the state. No principled leader who has the interest of the people at heart will stomach that at the altar of regional sentiments.

Is the denial of Rivers State development benefits the reason the governor moved to APC? Yes among many other reasons. You see people have different reasons and incentives for being in politics.

Some are in politics to make as much personal wealth as possible through the instrumentality of power, others to serve the people and transform their socio-economic status and yet others to cause confusion and derive joy from the confusion. These different reasons determine the choices we make. By now, it is obvious to the least discerning that the likes of Governor Amaechi are in power and politics for the higher interest of the people.

This compelling interest will not allow him fold his hands and allow the wealth of Rivers people expropriated under his watch, their rights and entitlements trampled upon and the people treated as if they do not matter. If Governor Amaechi has kept quiet, history would have been most unkind to him. For standing up for Rivers people and their collective aspiration, history will celebrate him.

Is there no better way of going about it than his present approach?

There are always many ways to pursue a cause, but that does not change the fact that there is an injury or that there is an attempt to compromise the interest of Rivers State or that PDP has been most unfair to Rivers State. Nobody is addressing the root or causative factors of the crisis rather we are concerned with the ceremonials. Nobody has said PDP has served the interest of Rivers State or that the government at the centre has been fair to the state. Even those who appear superficially to be supporting the government at the centre all CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Interview

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Amaechi left PDP for the good of Rivers’ ety for good. Very often the intelligence, determination and courage of our people are underrated. Rivers people are solidly behind Governor Amaechi. One way of measuring the support base is the armada of elected officials with the governor and his capacity for resilience. Another will be the result of the forthcoming elections after the whole noise.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 the time say to me – this government has been most unfair to Rivers State. I have heard this consistently and it is nauseating how unprincipled our politicians can be.

The picture we have is that the heavyweight politicians in Rivers State are not with him because of the perception that he is pursuing his own ambition?

This is a deliberate attempt to misinform the populace. I am sure that propaganda is being spread by some selfish politicians that have lost touch with the reality in the state. I can beat my chest and say that the majority of principled politicians in Rivers who mean well for the state are with the governor because they know he is fighting for the interest of Rivers State. It is unfortunate that in this clime politics is an enterprise that is not governed by principles but by opportunistic selfish tendency. In many cases,

Peterside

opportunistic men thrive at the expense of the general good but the people are now wiser. They know the difference between “stomach infrastructure politicians” and those who genuinely want to change soci-

Is it true that the attempt by the First Lady to control Rivers State and produce the next governor of the state is part of the problems?

I don’t discuss individuals. I discuss issues. I deal with facts and not rumors.

The next governor of Rivers State will be chosen by God through Rivers people and not by the police or any single individual, so why would that be an issue? We are not there yet. What matters is the will of God and the greater good of all Rivers people.

What are the implications for Rivers State in national equation in future to be in a minority party?

The current political developments going on in the country do not indicate that Rivers State will be in the minority or opposition in the next dispensation; most pedestrian politicians can still not sense that things have changed. However, what is key is good governance that will create in Rivers people a sense of belonging, pride of place, security and freedom to pursue our aspiration. This is not what presently obtains. Our basic citizen rights have been denied us and that is why Governor Amaechi is in this rescue mission on the platform of APC. 2015 will by the grace of God mark a watershed in Nigeria. Going forward, Governor Amaechi more than any other leader in recent times, is concerned about the future of the state. His actions are guided by the desire to give Rivers State its rightful place in Nigeria.

The true history of Owo kingdom is yet to be written –Oba Ojomo Oba Oladoyinbo Ojomo is the traditional ruler of Ijebu Owo. He speaks with Hakeem Gbadamosi about an attempt to rewrite the history of Owo kingdom by an author and proffers suggestion on how to go about writing a true history of the kingdom. Excerpts: Who is the person of Aralepo in Owo kingdom history?

Aralepo is one of the sons of Olowo Elewu Okun, which makes him one of the Omo Olowo. Ojomo Oludipe is his uncle.

Aralepo is among all the Omo Olowo chiefs being sent to any of the communities to go and do something for him.

You cannot walk into any community and say I am a chief or since I am a chief of Owo I am therefore I am imposing myself on any of those communities. That’s the implication of calling themselves chiefs of Owo kingdom whereas they are chiefs of Owo. You can see the difference, so this is the thing that has elevated some people to the state of now having grandiose ideas about themselves. As far as I know, Aralepo is a chief of Owo just as Oludasa and Chief Oludaye are chiefs as well. They are sons of Olowo Elewu Okun but they are now chiefs of Owo and not of Owo kingdom.

About the book written by Aralepo, he has said many things, do you believe most of what he wrote are in order?

It’s not for me, but for any right-thinking member of Owo kingdom. This is an attempt to falsify the history of Owo in order to assume undue recognition and acceptance. There are people who know this, but unfortunately in this part of the country, people don’t usually want to say the truth because they don’t want to be quoted. In the process, when you repeat lies over a lot of time, people now tend to believe that it is the truth. I choose to speak out because many of our children no longer go to school in Owo, they are outside the country and Owo kingdom. They rely on information like this to form an opinion of Owo, so if you feed them with wrong information, the decision they take or their

reaction would be wrong. It is necessary for them to know that there’s difference between history and storytelling.

According to your expositions, whoever occupies the post is not in the same category with Ojomo of Ijebu Owo, Ojomo is a traditional ruler while Aralepo is a chief; can you make some clarification on what was written in the book that there are some roles the Aralepo has to play whenever an Olowo is to be installed?

As I said and is known to everybody, that every obaship institution is governed by what we call declaration, chieftaincy declaration as regard that particular area.

The Olowo chieftaincy declaration is very clear; it is gazetted and known by everyone. Therefore, it would not be proper for me to start contesting issues with Aralepo’s claims because that can be taken vis-avis what is published in the public domain, specifying the process that is presumed for the installation of any Olowo. We are not praying for any installation in the nearest future because we want our kabiyesi to live long, but anybody who is interested can pick the declaration and see whether it tallies with Aralepo’s claim. I don’t want to engage in issues with him but I know he has not published the truth.

Is the book’s claim that Aralepo is the prime minister in Owo while the Ojomo is just the ceremonial head during the installation of Olowo wrong?

Let me first of all say that the issue of prime ministership is foreign to Owo culture. There is nothing like that, but there is no point joining in issues with the author on something that is well documented and gazetted. The role of Ojomo is very clear there. Ojomo was appointed by the first Olowo Elewu Okun. He appealed to

his brother to take care of his children if anything happened to him, so if Aralepo now wants to contest that, that is a different matter but from time, the arrangement had always been that the Ojomo was the head of senior omo Olowo and that’s why the meetings of senior omo Olowo is always in Ojomo’s palace.

For Aralepo to have said this means he’s also an omo Olowo, what makes him an omo Olowo?

No, he was born an omo Olowo.

There are also claims in the publication as it concerns the Ojomo title, the author claimed that he was instrumental to the installation of Ojomo Luda, how true is this?

When somebody is looking for recognition, acceptance and importance, he would lay claims to so many things. The title of Ojomo Luda was abolished as a result of the insistence and activities of Sir Olateru Olagbegi. When he came back through the struggle of his children and the people of Ijebu Owo, the title was restored as it was back to its normal status. If Aralepo was a member of the government then, I don’t know, however if he claims to be, to God be the glory. All we know is that people who can read public document will know the struggle that went into it and what brought it back. If Aralepo was a personal friend of Oba Ogunoye, that’s his own problem.

Ogunoye did not unilaterally restore the Ojomoship title to its status; it was the decision of the government though somebody implemented it. I think there’s a difference between an architect who designs the house and the builder who builds it.

But if the author says he’s instrumental, we thank him.

Is there plan by you to refute all the presumed distorted facts and history in the book?

I don’t think it is worth my time because as I said before and I will always say this, that history is recording of facts, that’s what my history teacher told me when

Oba Ojomo

I was in school. When you start writing history the way you think it should be or the way you think it ought to be, you are no longer writing history but fiction. For the history of Owo to be written properly, it is not going to be a one man show, it is going to be decision of those who really matter within Owo kingdom. By saying Owo kingdom, I am including all the constituent parts of Owo, and not for one person to wake up and write stories and regard them as history of Owo. We’ve also had one before, which was also a story inspired and paid for. History is not paid for but is usually written to show past to the world.

But as a member of the community and kingdom, what do you think led to the writing of the publication?

There are so many things; I can see a seed being sown. Maybe, in the nearest future, we can see people who know history are no longer there, somebody can just walk to Aralepo family and tell him that his father contested for Olowo stool. I can see that as somebody striving for acceptance, recognition and maybe trying to make this kingdom ungovernable for the present kabiyesi Olowo. Maybe, some people are not happy at the relative peace which is existing in Owo now and you know it is when there’s confusion that millionaires are made. It is quite possible. I am only theorising but I am not saying that was the reason behind the publication.

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Tambuwal’s exposition on anti-corruption drive

S

peaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, recently launched a caustic attack against the anti-corruption drive of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government, accusing it of insincerity in its prosecution of ‘war’ on corruption. Speaking at a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, recently, to mark the International Anti-corruption Day, Tambuwal said the President should be blamed for the feverish spate of corruption ravaging the country and wondered why the Presidency should be setting up committees to investigate cases of corruption, instead of referring such incidents to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for proper prosecution.

Tambuwal made references to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where he said “trillions of naira from private citizens were suspected to have been mismanaged and is being mismanaged”; the fuel subsidy scandal, pension scam and the aviation sector multi-million armoured cars scam, et cetera, as some of the cases the FG swept under the rug.

“I tell you, let the executive have the will for referring these matters from the office of Mr. President to (the) EFCC and you will see what will happen. But if the body language is not correct, this is what you get”, Tambuwal said.

Not spared by the Speaker was the EFCC, which he indicted of being corrupt, too, as well as failing to act on the reports of virtually all the probe panels that had exposed corrupt practices in various sectors.

It was, however, obvious that the Speaker could be more on a self-exoneration trip, perhaps on behalf of himself and his colleagues in the House of Representatives, than being concerned about the monstrous stature corruption has acquired, presently, when he said concerning the corruption allegation against the SEC: “When we commissioned an enquiry into it, what interested you more particularly was the allegation that our members refused to travel after taking $4,000 estacode, and

they are still facing trial”.

This seems an indication that the Speaker and Reps are embittered by the ongoing ( probably stalled as usual) prosecution of some members of the House implicated in the SEC scam involving Ms. Arunma Oteh, the commission’s Director-General and Rep Herman Hembe; as well as the fuel subsidy scandal that pitted Rep Farouk Lawan and Chief Femi Otedola, an oil merchant.

Nonetheless, Tambuwal spoke well, just like scores of other Nigerians that have cried out against allowing the country to be finally doomed by corruption. Indeed, Nigeria occupies an unenviable position in the corruption indexes of several international organisations, including the global anti-corruption watchdog, Transparency Inter-

There is the urgent need to radically tame corruption in all the arms of government in Nigeria… before the plague wipes the country out of existence national (TI). It seems every Nigerian is in agreement with the widely held view that the cankerworm is the major reason the nation is retrogressing instead of developing. For donkey’s years, the country has notoriously clothed itself with the tag of a developing nation, a third world country; indeed, a laggard, while politicians and public servants rip off the country to the tune of trillions of naira year-in-year-out. Reports lately allege that about $5 million was missing from the Excess Crude Account. Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also said the NNPC was yet to transfer about $49.8 billion to the Federation Account, for example.

The degree of corruption in the country is as clear as daylight to behold. In a recent leadership conference organised by Access Bank, former United States’ President, George Bush, tasked Nigerian leaders to tackle corruption with the required zeal, as it has become the obvious challenge against the nation’s development.

Bush said ‘bursting corruption’ would make Nigerians have confidence in the government; and that while he was in office as US president, some members of his team (including his colleagues in the same political party) were jailed for indulging in corrupt escapades, in strict compliance with the principles of the rule of law.

Our belief is that the Jonathan government needs no prophet to sermonise to it on the outrageous level of corruption in the land. And should the government be desperately in need of one, it is certainly not Speaker Tambuwal, considering the countless corruption and related scams dogging the National Assembly, as well as immoral and extra-constitutional legislations being brewed by the House of Representatives, especially. Examples include the bills on constitutional immunity for members of the House; and the legalisation on keeping foreign accounts by politicians holding public office.

Indeed, any lawmaker, like Tambuwal, that can gleefully defend the outlandish salaries and allowances of members of the National Assembly, ranked as the highest in the world; on the one hand, with spittle legislative work to justify the huge pay; on the other, can only mock the nation’s anti-corruption fight instead of supporting it to succeed.

Yet it is the bounden responsibility of the executive arm of government to deal decisively with the nagging problem of corruption, instead of passing the buck, like President Jonathan once did, even before the Tambuwal outburst. There is the urgent need to radically tame corruption in all the arms of government in Nigeria – executive, legislature and the judiciary – before the plague wipes the country out of existence.

Reminiscences DECEMBER 22 IN HISTORY 1939: 100 killed in Germany train crash

Two trains collided in Magdeburg, Germany, killing more than 100 people.

1942: Italy gets German supplies

Although Italy was politically and economically unstable and somewhat of a liability for Germany as a war ally, the Germans supplied Italy with coal, iron and fuel in return for tanks, planes, weapons, and food.

1953: 24 Kikuyu tribesmen sentenced to death

Twenty-four Kikuyu tribesmen were sentenced to death in Kenya for their part in the Lari massacre.

1968: Voting ages differ in Canada, U.S.

Canada and the U.S. were the only countries in the world where the voting ages differ according to which province or state you live in. Quebec and Saskatchewan allowed teenagers 18 years old to vote, whereas British Columbia allowed 19-year olds to vote.

1977: Carter serves first year as president

President Jimmy Carter had his first year as president. His White House staff were inexperienced, however Carter got strip-mine control legislation through Congress, a matter which had stumped Republicans for years.

1989: Germany - Brandenburg Gate opened

The Brandenburg Gate was opened for the first time in almost three decades. The West German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, walked through to be greeted by Hans Modrow, the East German Prime Minister, and thousands of German people flooded through from either side of the city.

1990: Walesa becomes Poland’s president Lech Walesa took the oath of office as Poland’s first popularly elected president.

2000: Scotland - Madonna marries British movie director

Madonna married British movie director Guy Ritchie at an exclusive ceremony in the Scottish Highlands.

2005: Mexico protests against U.S. border wall

Mexico was demanding that Latin America join in the fight against American plans to erect a 700 mile wall on the border between Mexico and the U.S.

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Opinion

Sunday December 22, 2013

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

A

s this year of our Lord Jesus Christ winds up, may I use this medium to extend my sentiments of gratitude to my numerous readers and fans home and abroad, who have been diligently, loyally and meticulously following my views on national and international issues for the past three years. Yes, Wednesday December 25 2010 will make it three years exactly that this column was berthed. I have the Publisher, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim to thank for giving me this platform as an Editorial Board member and columnist to share my views and x-ray issues that affect human progress. And of course I cannot forget the roles of Mr. Abiodun Raufu, the pioneer Managing Director of National Mirror and former boss at Nigerian Tribune who brought me on board. My appreciation also goes to Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Dafe Onojovwo (of blessed memory), Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Mr. Kayode Fasua, and my friends and colleagues in the Editorial Board who are the most understanding group of persons in the world!

“Uncensored” is a column that discusses and interrogates issues without let or hindrance, without undue respect

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

“Uncensored”, three years on! for personality or institution, and passes verdict based on informed opinion. Most times, verdict is not passed, but readers are enlightened from a historical and critical point of view so as to judge for themselves. “Uncensored” is my refined approach of unabashedly and critically examining explosive issues; put differently, it is my bold but mature way of looking at matters that impinge on human good, community comfort, social justice and general happiness. It is “refined” because it differs from how I used to look at matters in a youthful exuberant way as a growing young man in my undergraduate days. But it is similar in philosophy and vision, as it is yet my vintage blunt manner of calling a spade a spade.

My readers deserve the judos for keeping me going: their regular feedbacks by thread conversations on Facebook, texts, phone calls and emails as well as the critical and encouraging words have fired me up to continue thinking, inflecting and coming up with ideas and perspectives that will always inspire endless discourses. My column is my private corner of thinking aloud, to determine who thinks along and of course to influence the thinking of others. It is a column that has attracted anonymous calls and texts from persons or groups who do not like the way I hit at either government or terrorist organizations. But three years after, “Uncensored” has remained fearless and

unperturbed in the face of intimidation or oppression.

In this special edition of “Uncensored”, I like to x-ray 2013. It has been a great year for Nigeria. From the very first month, January, Nigeria hit its first mark of glory.

Its national soccer team, Super Eagles, won the elusive AfCON after nineteen years of failure to get its hands on it. Few months later, it beat the Bafana Bafana right before its home fans in South Africa to win the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup. Few months later, the nation’s Under-17 soccer team won the World Cup in that category. And to crown the year in glory, the Super Eagles earned a place in the 2014 World Cup, while the Sand Eagles won the Beach Copa Lagos for the third time.

We have been so blessed by God in 2013.

The menace of terrorism has been limited to the Northeast. Churches have not been under attack this year, the way it horrifically was in 2012. Corrupt officials in high places have been exposed. From the Oduahgate to the $49b Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) nonremittance scam, we have had hitherto sacred cows busted. We however await their prosecution and abdication or sack from office.

Some states have made giant leaps in infrastructural development. The most commendable have been Kwara and Ogun States, which have thrived in construc-

tion of road networks to ease life for the people. The government of Ogun State announced just last week that survey and certificate of occupancy, which were prohibitive in cost, elusive and issues of discord hitherto would now be obtained within days and for just a little over N90, 000. Osun and Oyo States have also fared well in their social welfare programmes, while Edo and Lagos continue to lead in populist programmes.

The tyranny of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not only been openly challenged; but it has also been broken by the defection of five governors and other PDP members to the fledging All Progressives Congress (APC).It is a healthy development and evidence that our democracy is growing well.

There have been the ills, but I have opted to be optimistic and not to celebrate or bemoan the lows of the year. I look forward to 2014; the year of God’s exceeding grace upon our lives as Nigerians. It is a year of victories for Nigeria: from the CHAN to the World Cup. It is a year of great and giant strides. And yet it is a year that I will not spare the very opulent or powerful if they will ot stop their obnoxious acts of stealing what belongs to the majority.

I wish us each and everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Blessed New Year!!!

Nigeria’s death by democracy!

OLUMIDE ADEYINKA

I

nsidious is the right word to describe Nigerians’ love for Democracy

in the face of very many challenging facts and evidences that has shown its harmful, treacherous and ever cumulative negative effects on the overall well-being of the nation and her people. Our overzealousness and obdurate dogmatist dependence on a totally foreign adoption of democracy, without any vibe or conscience to reappraise and retrofit the intrinsic nature, culture and value of our disparately diversified and incongruous populace into the definition of our own democracy has remained the greatest threat to our existence as a nation and a people. I therefore, predict, involuntarily, that Nigeria as a nation may die, neither the death by the belligerent regional bigotry nor the death by the pernicious religious philosophies that are sharply different, neither will Nigeria die the death of the ever untold portentous corruption that has lived with us forever nor the squabble for citizens superiority on the basis of language and tongue.

I have every sane inspiration to predict, against my sincere patriotism and unalloyed loyalty to my fatherland, that Nigeria may die of what her people have come to embrace so warmly and closely acceptable but which works contrary and traitorous to us. This democracy may eventually extirpate Nigeria and obliterate us as a people of a unified nation. Our

obsequious dependence on democracy as the only pattern of government that can liberate Africa is much more a new form of colonization that has mortgaged our resourcefulness and inspiration to evolve a very customized model solution to our very peculiar problem.

The known litany of problems we have as a people, stemming pre-independence to post-independent Nigeria, has shown that we possess a rare conditioned, but questionable, coping skills to neglect and abandonment. We have even developed a strange pedagogy to pass the skills to generations, and seem to be succeeding in that effort much more than the determination to ask for our rights and privileges. We see basic rights as privileges, as priced possession, as some will say, “thank goodness for democracy as we can now voice out our opinion”. Fourteen years after the experiment of uninterrupted democracy, most Nigerians still revel only in the victory of sending soldiers to the barracks.. Somebody said we are “mumus” or “magas” or “munguns”.

We celebrate democracy as if we won a lottery of prosperity. We get bemused by election dates as rats let loose to eat poisoned roaches. We revel on party formations, and most annoyingly on rebels cross-carpeting to and fro-political parties as dead cats placed in the haven of rats. 5 became the majority over 24 in our national democratic arithmetic, and all we do is smile when salaries are paid three months late and we rejoice when a bridge is built in one community at a price enough to build 20 in several more. Gov-

ernors celebrate 2 years in office with 10 Mosques built as dividends of democracy.

The “progressives” who could not ordinarily stand a year of repressive military government before they jump from jail to jail have all-of-a-sudden become so mute in the face of tyranny because party political appointment is the only way to get rewarded for their ‘labor’ of our “gift” - Democracy.

They all have vamoosed from the terrain of national activism into the lodges of Burdillon Road in Ikoyi or Otuoke in Bayelsa or the now reigning Adamawa house of Atiku Abubakar.

My intention is not to deride democracy in its elements and intent as a practicable system of government, but to advertise it as the only possible solution to human governance is totally unacceptable to wisdom, especially in the midst of very convincing success stories of many nations that has not practiced democracy. Relative Success Analysis is the most unreliable method of comparing nations based on their style of government. I mean, there are successful nations of the world that does not practice democracy the American way or the British style. There are nations that have been on Constitutional Monarchy for centuries and are still successful at it. There are Republic with a non-executive leader that are doing well till date. There are yet other countries that practice Absolute Monarchy and are stable. There are also failing democratic states too. To preach economic prosperity via democracy is the biggest lie of all ages, and Nigerians must awake to that reality.

Democracy in 14 years should have given

enough hope for a future that we can all be proud to leave for our children, but the truth is, we are worse for it in every shade.

Democracy is NOT just election on party basis, democracy is not majority carries the power, democracy is not just party politicking, neither is it party candidature only. Democracy does not concentrate power to anyone or any arm. Democracy is an all-embracing system of government that is about representation, participation and total inclusion. Period! I live in the United States, and can tell you that the U.S as the capstone of democratic example to nations does not come close to the elements of democracy that one reads about. For fifteen years now, almost everything about governance has been grounded on the rancorous anti-progressive rhetoric of party differences. Conflict and invidious reductive party lines are drawn at every opportunity at the expense of nations development. Ideology is no longer the driving force of national pride and development. Almost nothing has been done since after Bill Clinton. Actually, both Republicans and Democrats have called the Congress (the most important part of America democracy) the “lamest duck Congress” since after the great depression.

The only thing that keeps America rolling is the institutionalised structures that have been built over 200 years of verifiable cooperation between both isles. It just simply shows that Democracy itself has no perfect realm of reference within humanity, probably not even in our homes.

•Adeyinka is America-based Nigerian social analyst.

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EDIFYING GOD

QUOTE

Women especially love to look beautiful. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good but if you are a Christian, you must also want to please God because He cares about what His children wear

–Taiwo Odubiyi

Sunday December 22, 2013

Xmas: Christian, Muslim leaders hold joint crusade …in Lagos SEGUN ADIO

T

he need for Nigerians to live together in peace and harmony was again amplified by religious leaders at a crusade organised by the Gethsemane Crusaders of Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Itunnu Joshua Parish, Ipaja, Lagos, at the weekend.

The event, organised to herald the Christmas week, was held at Moshalasi Football Field, Alimosho, Lagos.

With the theme, ‘Victory At Last’, it attracted prominent Christian and Islamic leaders in the state, where the need for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians formed the fulcrum of their sermons.

Speaking to a mammoth crowd that gathered at the all-night event, Shepherd in Charge of CCC, Itunu Joshua Parish, Senior Evangelist (Prophet) Abraham Oyebanji, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and not allow themselves to be used to cause disharmony.

His words: “This country desires and needs peace to move forward. That is why we, Nigerians, need to continually pray for peace and unity in the country. We should also continue to pray for our leaders to continue to lead us

aright,” he said.

Speaking with Sunday Mirror, Oyebanji said the crusade would continue to encourage collaboration with leaders of other religions, especially the Islamic faith, to ensure that the country returned to the path of peace.

In his comment on the occasion, a notable Islamic scholar, Sheik Gaosu Muhyideen Adekunle, lauded the leadership of the church

for organising the event.

He maintained that leaders of the two religions in the country needed to do a lot to ensure that the nation remained an indivisible entity.

Prayers were offered for the nation and its leaders as well as the entire citizens at the crusade, where several people openly testified to the glory of God in their lives.

Briefly ‘Yuletide, time to move close to God’

Christians worldwide have been enjoined to use the Christmas celebration as an opportunity to abstain from sins and move closer to God The founder and General Overseer of Holy Timothy Church of Christ, C&S, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, Prophet Johnson Elijah, who made the plea at the 28th anniversary of the church recently, warned religious leaders against wrong interpretation of the Holy Bible.

Prophet Elijah advised ministers of God to preach the gospel of God according to the scripture and avoid manipulations of the Holy Book through self-interpretation.

Prophet Elijah lamented that many gospel preachers who claimed to be men of God today wrongly interpret the Bible in order to suit and justify their selfish desires and interests.

He said the wrath of God awaits those who are in the habit of doing so and advised them to desist from such unholy habits Prophet Elijah who said death is the wage of sin, advised Christians to desist from committing sins and live holy and exemplary lives.

The man of God who linked his calling to that of the Biblical John the Baptist, said he came to this world to prepare the minds of people to the second coming of Jesus Christ and quoted Malachi 4 and Matthew 17 to back up his claim.

Snr. Evangelist Abraham Oyebanji, Shepherd in Charge, Celestial Church of Christ, Idunnu Joshua Parish, Ipaja, Lagos and Sheik Gaosu Muhyideen Adekunle (right) at the Night of Glory crusade held at Moshalashi Football Field, Alimosho, Lagos recently.

... Pope Francis to professionals: You’re important

P

ope Francis put the ideals of professionalism, service and holiness to the fore at the weekend in his first Christmas message to the Curia, the Roman Catholic Church’s governing body.

The Roman Curia, which includes Vatican staff, priests and cardinals, gathered in the ornate Clementine Hall. The pope praised those who have worked in the Vatican for “many years with immense dedication, hidden from the eyes of the world.”

The church needs “people who work with competence, precision and self sacrifice in the fulfillment of their dai-

God will clear your debts, prays Prophet Bamidele 44

ly duties,” he said.

Without professionalism, Francis warned, “there is a slow drift downwards towards mediocrity” and “dossiers become full of trite and lifeless information” that fail to inspire.

Without an attitude of service to bishops and churches worldwide, he said, “the structure of the Curia turns into a ponderous, bureaucratic customs house, constantly inspecting and questioning, hindering the working of the Holy Spirit and the growth of God’s people.”

Holiness encompasses an openness to God, prayer, deep humility and fraternal

charity in relationships with fellow workers, Francis said.

“It also means apostleship, discreet and faithful pastoral service, zealously carried out in direct contact with God’s people. For priests, this is indispensable,” he said.

He also urged the Curia to avoid indulging in gossip, saying: “Gossip is harmful to people, our work and our surroundings.”

Francis has already taken a number of steps to try to reform the Vatican’s administration in the nine months since he was elected to the papacy.

What your clothes might be saying about you 20

Elijah

Sunday Mirror/Babcock University Bible Quiz: • Winners can collect their prizes from the office of the Editor, Sunday Mirror, 151/161 Broad Street, Lagos anytime from Monday to Friday. Participants should always indicate their names when sending their entries.

The liberation power of the Word!

42

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Praise & Worship

Sunday December 22, 2013

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What your clothes might be saying about you Christian Relationship with Taiwo

Odubiyi

E-mail: info@pastortaiwoodubiyi.org.uk

B

ut the Lord said to Samuel, “…

For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”(1Samuel 16:7 NKJV)

This scripture does not mean that God does not care about our outward appearance because He does a lot. The inside and the outside matter to Him. This verse simply means that God can see the outside as well as the inside whereas man sees only the outside and will judge based on that. We need to remember that human beings will always look at the outward appearance.

As my daughter wrote in her article some time ago, ‘its human nature to judge a book by its cover. The way you dress determines how others are going to see and address you, believe it or not … Cleavage showing? Unnecessary. Underwear revealing? Very unattractive. Now, you have to decide what your new look should be: Trashy or classy.’

People must be careful how they dress especially if they are Christians. When we know why we must dress in a decent manner, we would stop struggling.

1) What we wear says a lot about us.

In one of my novels ‘My First Love’, Mofe saw Lisa again after about fourteen years and one look at her revealed a lot to him. “You look good.” He told her, with the words ‘polished’ and ‘successful’ coming to his mind.

In the same novel, Lisa explained to Mofe that his daughter would be measured for

her uniform when the school resumed. She added, “Until she gets them, she will wear her own clothes. … Her clothes, whether gown or skirt must be at least knee length.

Very short clothes are not allowed.”

“Okay.” Mofe repeated and nodded.

Ama had some very short clothes but he was sure she also had some that were long enough. If she would need more, he would take her to some stores to buy them.

“If it’s a skirt and a blouse, the blouse should be long enough to be tucked in. We don’t allow tops that expose the body.”

Mofe realised he had brought his daughter to a Christian school.

2) It also says a lot about the state of our hearts.

A decent dress that honours God is a reflection of a renewed heart. What people do or wear reveals who they are.

In the novel ‘You Found Me’, Ann wore a red dress that was very low in upper front and had a thigh-revealing slit on the lower side. It revealed a lot of her cleavage and thigh.

Sam jumped to the conclusion that she couldn’t be a Christian. And so he said, “I’m sure many men must have told you that you are beautiful … But I believe you will radiate more beauty and be a better person if well … you’ll have a good relationship with God. Or do you?”

“What do you mean?” She asked with a frown.

“I’m just wondering if you are a church person.” He said and smiled.

“Well, it depends on what you mean.”

He said, “I mean, do you have a personal relationship with God? … Although, I already have my answer.” He was right. She wasn’t a Christian. How could she be committed to the Lord and wear such a dress?

3) What we wear can also affect us and our relationships.

In my novel ‘Love on the Pulpit’, Dave told his fiancée, Teni, “You know what? One of the many things I like about you is that you don’t put pressure on me. I don’t know if you understand … You don’t seduce. That would have made things pretty difficult for us.” He paused before he continued. “Ladies don’t know what they do to men when they dress or behave in a suggestive manner.” …

Women especially love to look beautiful.

They care what they wear. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good but if you are a Christian, you must also want to please God because He cares about what His children wear. They are His witnesses, bought with a price. And if you have a man in your life, he should not be the only person you dress to please; you must dress to please God too.

These days, people wear and do what pleases them, being lovers of themselves.

This is one of the signs of the end-times as revealed in 2Timothy 3:2-5.

2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power.

The Bible warns us to stay away from such behaviours. Christians must be different. Jesus must be honoured, and everyone who names the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity. (2Timothy 2:19 NKJV) I ministered at a singles’ programme some time ago. The theme was ‘The King is in you.’

Who is in you?

If you are a Christian, you are a child of the most high God. Whether you are a male or a female, you belong to the King and the

King lives in you. If you are a female, the Bible reveals that you are a daughter of Zion. Now the question is: when people see you, will they see God in you? Will they believe that the King is in you?

As a Christian, you must strive to glorify God in all that you do.

1Cor 10:31 There are Christians who say that they don’t care what people say about them.

They should care about people’s opinions of them to some extent though because Christians are God’s representatives, His witnesses. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus declared, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify God in heaven.”

The attitude that says ‘I can do and wear whatever I want, and it’s nobody’s business but mine’ is a wrong one, very selfish, and not Christ like.

How should you dress?

Here are some of the things you should keep in mind: 1) Your clothing should not be drab and dry. You are a child of the King.

2) It should not be revealing as a revealing cloth sends a negative message. It also waters down the word of God, and your testimony.

3) Don’t try to conform to the standard of the world. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) 4) Wear clothes and things in such a way that God will be honoured.

5) Your clothing should be in good taste, nice and appropriate.

In conclusion, Ephesians 5:8 admonishes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

A herbalist led me to Christ, says Pastor Adebayo TAI ANYANWU

C

omrade Mark Adebayo was to succeed his father as an Imam. But he gave his life to Christ after an herbalist in Ilobi, a remote village in Ogun State, told him that the only way out of his numerous failures in life is to serve God through Jesus Christ.

Prior to that encounter, the young Adebayo had run a fishery. “It collapsed. I went into car selling and went into terrible debt that nearly caused me my life; because I resisted the call of God,” he explained.

In search of solution, his mother took Adebayo to the herbalist. There, Adebayo said he met a very prominent Nigerian businessman in the herbalist’s house; and that gave him confidence that his problems were over. But to his surprise, the herbalist told him to go and settle whatever problem he had with God. “Except you go and serve God through Christ you would not have peace,” the herbalist had told Adebayo.

And that was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. But the young Adebayo as he still then was, had another challenge.

“I hated being a pastor. As a pastor, one has to learn how to persuade wrong doers to tow the way of righteous,” he explained.

“I am an activist by nature. I don’t be-

lieve in that. I do not have patience for insolence, dishonest and deliberate misconduct.

“I believe if you have done something wrong, I tell you straight. This thing is wrong and I cannot call it by another name.

I will tell it to your face,” he noted.

But after the encounter with the herbalist, Comrade Adebayo founded the Overcomers Tabernacle of Christ Ministry, Lagos, which celebrated its 2013 annual convention last Sunday tagged Gestamany 2013.

Speaking under the theme, ““Shall Christ Find Faith in the Land”, expressed disappointment with what he described as the era of monitised gospel in Nigeria.

“The thing is that the church has lost its original focus of salvaging souls of men.

The purpose of Jesus Christ coming to the world is to save humanity from perdition or destruction, which was the consequence of our sin beginning from the failure of Adam.

“That is why he said in that book of Luke 10:10 that, the thief commeth but for to steal, to kill and to destroy; but I come that they may have live and more abundantly.

But that is not what is being preached in our churches today.

“What is preached today is not about spiritual health of the people; about mate-

Adebayo

rialism, prosperity; because many Pastors themselves are degenerates spiritually.

This is a major problem for the church of God. “That is why you have many churches today; billions of people going to church; how many of them are going to the Kingdom of God that we are supposed to be preaching about? That is one big question.

“There are so many pastors in Nigeria, Africa today but very few men and women of God. Anybody can be a pastor, a reverend, can be a bishop but very few are genuine servants of God. For a man to answer a man of God, he must have been called by

God; but anybody can go to the Bible College and become a pastor. I gave my life to Christ in 1975 as a child.

“I met God and became a child of God. I rejected the call of God initially and suffered for it. I gave in later after going from place to place.”

Recalling his days in the secular world, he explained that he started as an activist as far back as 1985, in his days at the Oyo State college of Art and Science.

“That was when we started Revolutionary African Youths Libration Strugglers (RAYLS). I took that to Ife, Osun State and I became involved in student union activism.

“I became involved in June 12 activism where I was shot on the leg under Ojuelegba Bridge; when we were leading the mass of people against the oppression of the military. In 1989, I got another bullet wound from my involvement in anti-SAP riot against the regime of military President Ibrahim Babangida.

“In my life, I have been in activism, in the area of justice. Professor Wole Soyinka in his book, ‘The Man Died’, says justice is the first condition of humanity. For me, justice is the very blood of every society; and when you take away justice, you have taken away blood; and blood is life. So that society dies.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday December 22, 2013

Praise & Worship

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‘Be a distributor of God’s goodness’ (2) “You are the answer that is stronger and better than the unanswered question hanging over the people around you. Go to the market of Signs and Wonders where God is the sole dealer. There is enough for you to buy so as to give life to the dying world, says Rev Izuchukwu Chukwudebelu of Assemblies of God Church, FESTAC (2), Lagos. Excerpts:

W

hen God steps on the stage, there is no sickness or disease-the complex nature notwithstanding-that will not bow at will. There is enough healing virtue flowing in and through the blood of Jesus waiting to affect and restore humanity through you. According to the scriptures, any tree or plant that is not of God inconveniencing any destiny should be rooted out.

There are many unwanted cum unfruitful trees and plants that are feasting on the destiny of kingdom children. Such trees do not deserve to exist. I understood what Jesus did there in 1996 and 2000.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ajara Badagry Branch Lagos, invited me courtesy my friend who was their chairman to minister to the entire body in a night meeting. We prayed and cursed all Satanic Pillars gathering in that community. The following day, a tree at the centre of the market was literally uprooted from its root by the mighty hand of God. When the pastors heard it they rushed to the scene; they observed that the tree had hollow inside. In their curiosity they cut it open and saw papers tied in their different colours. They untied them and saw names of churches, pastors and members written on those papers. They set everything ablaze because that was the meeting point of the witchcraft group in that area.

Similarly, in 2000, my team was invited to a community in Anambra State, for community liberation.

They took us to a particular shrine where diverse sacrifices were carried out. We saw female inner wears, wooden images, wears of all kinds and various other objects tied to the tree with blood sprinkled all over them. We destroyed all and cursed the tree. We were also taken to another tree that was said to be a talking one for almost a century. We pointed at it and cursed it. Prior to this time, none could put up a storey building in that community, all their young graduates died prematurely. Their businessmen celebrated anniversary of losses. The tree eventually went down from its root two weeks after the programme.

The community came from Anambra to Lagos for thanksgiving in my church, just about six months after the program. They testified that the speed with which the visitation was evidenced by virtually every kinsman proved that God was absolutely behind it.

One of the reasons for which they came was that someone who left for over a decade to an unknown place, presumed dead, suddenly surfaced.

When queried of his whereabouts over the years, he answered, ‘What held me has just released me.’ By the word of God in my mouth, I decree that any tree in the possession of the Devil that is a meeting point of evil doers around your vicinity goes down now never to stand anymore in

Izuchukwu

Jesus name!

Jesus commissioned the apostles to ‘do good’ like Him. God wants to

do much good to the people around you but He has to use you as a vessel for the accomplishment of such task.

Though the world is absolutely evil, however, God has enough good to turn the evil of the world around. If you can make yourself a willing tool in the hand of God, for sure you will be an amazement to your generation.

Jesus used doing good to win innumerable number of souls to the kingdom. Likewise, He wants to continue the extension program of doing good through you. According to Oral Roberts, God is good and absolutely good, Satan is bad and absolutely bad.

God’s natural habitat is where good is being done. So, He is ever willing to put enough resources in your hand to meet the needs of the persons the Devil has rubbished their destinies with his evil deeds.

The disciples took after their Master and equally gave life to many a dead person. There are dead wombs, marriages, families, brains, businesses, careers and so on which the victims are moving about with. Jesus is the life of men. His words also are spirit and life. Every bearer of His word is a life carrier and giver to men. A minister of the gospel met me and lamented about the son’s brain challenge, he said, he could not pass any of his papers. Conscious of the life of Christ that was flowing in me, I told him to bring the son that if I lay hand on him, the life of Christ will take over him and he will remember even the things he never thought he could. That was the son’s bail out.

A young man was in our anointing service for the first time in his life; the moment the oil dropped on him, he started shivering. As he got home and relaxed, he fell into a trance and saw a woman from his community war ning him never to enter that place where he was anointed again. The woman forcefully pushed him into a cage and locked it. First thing Monday mor ning, he ran to the church office pleading for help.

It came his way speedily. Few months after, his wife conceived and his business suddenly came to a point where he made close to sixty million naira at a hit. He called me to ask if I was a magician for these things to happen in rapid succession. I told him that it was the signs and wonders of God at work.

Beloved, I implore you to go to the market of Signs and Wonders where God is the Sole Dealer, there is enough for you to buy so as to give life to the dying world. You are supposed to be a living sign to your generation. You are the answer that is stronger and better than the unanswered question hanging over the people around you.

Henceforth, every trace of sickness or health discomfort hovering around you is coming under the dagger of signs and wonders in Jesus name!

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Praise & Worship

Sunday December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pastor Muoka asks: Are you ready for rapture?

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Ijesha, Lagos in this soul-searching sermon to mark this year’s celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, asks: ‘Are you ready for rapture?’ Excerpts: 1Pet 4:7 says, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer”, There is no doubt that the end of all things is at hand. We live in the last dispensation. Nothing in this world is showing evidence of producing new things which is an indication that the world has come into its full circle when all things shall be swallowed up in an endless eternity. This is no joke. It is a statement of fact and thus the approaching end should make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in our faith.

Your frame and temper of mind should observe strict temperance and sobriety in the use of all worldly enjoyments. If you believe that rapture is at hand or you may soon die, you must be moderate in your expectations of what this world can furnish, and also in your desire for earthly good. If on the other hand you are expecting soon to see the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven, you must not fail to hate the things of this world. You should not suffer yourself to be caught with your former sins and temptations. You must watch that you may pray and pray that you may watch. You must make a prudent and moderate use of all your possessions, observe against all occasions of sin and pray for the supporting hand of God to be upon you for good, so as to escape the destruction that is coming soon as a result of the winding up of human affairs, so that you may be saved from among them when the time comes.

Hebrew 10: 37 says, “for yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry”.

The Lord is coming as a thief to judge the world at any moment. It is only God’s longsuffering and will that the gospel should be preached as a witness to all nations, this tolerant induces Him to lengthen out the time which is with Him so that we shall not have excuse for not repenting.

Any moment from now He that will come, will come and the trumpet shall sound and those in Christ shall rapture, those who are sanctified, those that are holy, those who are worthy, who know that there is nothing that is standing between them and God, shall rapture to be with the Lord forever and ever. In less than we expected this program of rapture which is the next immediate agenda in God’s dairy will come to pass.

And the suffering of the genuine believers will come to an end, for Christ will come to take them away. He will come, and will not tarry and when He comes, no difficulties shall be able to stand before Him, but such as have suffered patiently, shall be rewarded gloriously. Now the great question beckoning you for answer is whether you are ready for the rapture.

Readiness is an indispensable duty, and ought to be the indefatigable endeavour of every believer, to stand and watch in a prepared readiness for Christ’s appearance, both for His coming to us (rapture), and for our going to Him (death).

Mathew 24: 42- 44 says, “watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come 43: but know this that if the good man of the house had know in what hour the thief would come, he would have watched

Muoka

and would not have suffered his house to be broken up 44 therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not , the son of man cometh” The Scripture admonishes us to stand at alert if we are sure to make it at last in heaven. This is true with regard to each one’s death and true with regard to the Day of Judgment. The day of our death and of our being called to judgment, though known to God alone, is not revealed to us, this is so that we may always be found in the path of duty, and thus, through grace, be prepared for those great events which are certain and near.

In prophesying His second coming Jesus told His disciples to gird their loins and keep their lights burning. (Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. (Lk 12: 35).

We can explain this parable in two ways for proper understanding. If He was referring to the disciples as soldiers, then it means that He was warning them to be always ready for a battle, having their armour on, and their match lighted, ready to give fire at the alarm of temptation. But if the words were meant to servants, then our master bids us carefully to expect His second coming, like a lord returning from a late super who expected his servants not to put out their lights, but stand ready to open the door, though he comes at midnight.

Besides, our Lord Jesus Christ used many other analogies to drive home the reality of His second coming to us (rapture) and our going to meet Him (death) , all pointing to the reason why we must not stand at ease but at attention.

Lk 21:34- 36 says, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Surely, there is reason to warn even strong Christians against unrighteousness of any kind. In His continuous efforts to make us not to be found sleeping on the day of His coming, which is applicable either to the day of death, or the day of judgment, He warns us about excessive eating and drinking which tend not only to produce various bodily diseases, but

to blind the mind, stupefy the conscience, and corrupt the heart. He said Christians should not indulge in these sins, which make them unfit for the discharge of their spiritual duty, and thereby prevent their being prepared for the coming of Christ. These dangerous sins, namely, voluptuousness and earthly-mindedness, can above any other sins dispose any Christian who thought he is standing firm from the duty of watchfulness.

Christ bids us to beware of these sins with reference to the Day of Judgment, because these sins beget in men a profane spirit of scoffing and deriding at the notices of Christ’s appearing to judgment. That is why the Scripture says that in the last days there shall come scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of His coming? (“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water”)( 2Pe 3:3,4) To be continually expecting the fulfilment of the prophesy of His coming, means that you should not forget the warnings, and must not be secured and satisfied with this life and the good things which it furnishes. Do not suffer yourself to be drawn into the fashions of the world, or be conformed to its customs, to partake of its feasts and revelry, so to escape from the anticipated destruction that shall come when you least expected them.

Looking at the lives of many professing Christians, you should appreciate the fact that there is need of cautioning Christians now that they do not indulge in the festivities of this life, and forget that they are to die and come to judgment or miss the rapture. So many people who bear Christian names, have forgotten this caution of the Saviour, and are living as if their lives were secured, and as if they fear not death, as if there is no heaven and no judgment. Christians should feel that they are soon to die, and that their portion is not in this life and, having this understanding, they should be looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of the Lord.

You should not make this earth your portion, you must expect its dissolution, and prepare to meet your God. The more reason you are exhorted to be watchful is due to the suddenness of the hour. For as a snare it will come that day - that is, very suddenly, and very unexpectedly. As in catching a bird the snare will spring on it quickly when it is not expecting it. A snare has a threefold property, to catch suddenly, to hold sure, and to destroy certainly. Our Lord’s coming will be much unexpected and His coming to us by death and judgment will have a destructive effect upon us if we are not watchful, whether He comes to meet us, or we depart from this life to meet Him. The result is the same, whether He comes and finds us unprepared or whether we go hence to Him without preparation.

You can now understand why you must be watchful, for our Lord will come at that hour that cannot certainly be known and there is no time in which you can promise or assure yourself, that the Lord will not come. The time of your whole life is little enough to prepare for His coming. Your preparation for His coming to meet you or your going to meet Him, will not accelerate or hasten His coming. You can see how dreadful His coming will be, if we will be found off our watch, and altogether unready for His appearance. Appearing before Him in judgment is a foregone conclusion.

But if without preparation we shall not be able to stand in the judgment, though we may see Him but not to behold Him as a redeemer. It is God’s will that men should live in constant preparation for it.

That He will come suddenly proves that all attempts to determine the day, the year, or the century when He will come, must be fallacious. He intends that His coming to this world shall be sudden and unexpected, like that of a thief in the night, so that there shall be no such indications of His approach and that no warning of it.

And if this be the true point, how can it be true that men can ascertain when that is to occur? Assuredly, if they can, His coming will not be like that of a thief. For a thief comes without giving any warning, or any indications of his approach. He not only gives none, but he is careful that none shall be given because the man whose house he is about to rob shall have no means of ascertaining his approach until he comes suddenly upon him.

Our Master Jesus says in Rev. 16: 15, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” Beloved, he who watches for the rapture, who marks the indications of its approach, and who is conscious of a preparation for it, is in a better and happier state of mind than he on whom it comes suddenly and unexpectedly. We all in expectation must be awake to duty and to danger; we must not be found sleeping on our post but must be ready for death and ready for the coming of the Son of man. We must be always clothed with the robes of salvation and be ready for any event, however soon or suddenly it may come.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday December 22, 2013

Praise & Worship

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Inside story of Satan’s operations, by Pastor Adewumi Presiding Minister of House of Prayer Ministry, Pastor Segun Adewumi, demystifies satanic kingdom and how it operates.

Excerpts:

and part of it for making an idol. With one part he builds a fire to warm himself and bake bread; with the other part he makes a god and worships it. With some of the wood he makes a fire; he roasts meat, eats it, and is satisfied. he warms himself and says “How nice and warm!

What a beautiful fire!. The rest of the wood he makes into an idol, and then he bows down and worships it. he prays to it and says, You are my god save me. Such people are too stupid to know what they are doing. They close their eyes and their minds to the truth. The maker of idols hasn’t the wit or the sense to say, “Some of the wood I burnt up. I baked some bread on the embers and I roasted \meat and ate it. And the rest of the wood I made into an idol. Here I am bowing down to a block of wood.” (Isaiah 44:15-19)

Demonic Kingdom There is need for believers to really understand who Satan the Devil really is and how he operates. The bible says we should not be ignorant of his devices.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2Cor 2:11 This series will teach you all you need to know about Satan the Devil and his evil Organization. We shall also tell you all you should know about demonic human agents who are witches, wizards and occult men. Wishing you happy reading.

The Realm of the Spirit The earth consists of the Physical and the Spiritual realms.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt 18:18 Action initiated in a realm affects the situation in the other. It implies that every object (animate and inanimate) has a spirit dimension. It is on this basis that prayer which is entirely a spiritual exercise affects the affairs of these objects. Anything and any matter that prayer can affect exists in the spirit realm. The Bible also acknowledges the existence of the spirit beings that intervene in the lives of man.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph 6:12.

Some of these spirit beings actually govern some geographical areas as the representatives of Satan; for example Daniel was told of two entities namely: - the prince of Persia and the prince of Greek. The entities referred to were in position of authority in the regions. We deduce from the above that Satan, the devil has regional or zonal representatives in different parts of the earth because he and his angels-turned demons are spirit beings that reside and operate in the realm of the spirit. The realm of the spirit is the intangible half of the earth. It is the realm of dreams, trances and other forms of higher thoughts where extra human activities are initiated. Realm of the spirit is where Satan the devil himself presides over his demonic kingdom. It is the realm where situation of lives of the earthly people are manipulated.

strategies for deliverance may be varied from one geopolitical area to the other for prayer to be effective. Under each principality are millions of demons in the categories of different levels of power and authority. These demons are the followers of Satan, the fallen angels that were cast out of heaven with Satan. Each of them is identified by different names among the languages of the world.

There also exist some demons in form of national ministers who take charge or coordinate various demonic operations in all parts of the earth. They are available to do havoc as they consider necessary, throughout the world. For example, we have demon of lust, demon of hanger, demon of destruction among other demons of human vices. There are also demons that cause different sicknesses. These demons can be conjured or invoked to cause calamities and wreck havoc as intended by the evil people.

Organisation of Satan The government of Satan is similar to the unitary government practiced in a Military government. It follows the pattern where the military head of state chooses regional governors as well as ministers in charge of different departments of his government. Indeed, principalities refer to the equivalence of the zonal governors. Each of the principalities forms strategies of operation even though their collective objective ‘which is opposing the children of God” remains the same. This is one of the reasons why

Demonic materials Juju medicine, talisman and other fetish objects have no spiritual power of their own. It is when the demons are conjured to inhabit them that they begin to manifest power. Demons enter such objects through incantations, chanting and other meditative devices. Fetish objects often placed on the way, buried in the ground or suspended in the ceiling derive their power this way. Included among the fetish objects is the seal made in some churches. A seal is usually a concoction or image of the demons

Adewumi

or names of some fallen angels wrapped and tied up with thread upon which an invocation is made to enable the demon desired to inhabit them. Seals are as fetish as other juju objects. The same principle applies to the shrine, idols and other objects that depict various deities. One may defecate in the shrine or ride on the idols and there shall be no repercussion whatsoever unless the deeds are known to the demonic human agents who have the physical custody of the idols and the spiritual custody of the demons. An example was the action of Gideon against the shrine of Baal. Gideon took ten men with him to bring down the altar of Baal, killing its bullocks and using the wood of the idol Altar to roast the meat of the idol’s bullock. His action angered the men of the city (Baal worshippers) and they requested that his father released him for punishment. The response of Joash, the father of Gideon is a challenge to the relevance of the idol.

“And Joash said unto all that stood against him, will ye plead for Baal? Will ye save him? He that will plead for him let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning. If he be a god let him plead for himself because one hath cast down his alter”. (Judges 6:31), Baal could not avenge itself because it is as ineffective as any other inanimate object. Isaiah spoke of carving images as the demonstration of the stupidity of man.

“A person uses part of a tree for fuel

Idol and the Shrine An idol is usually the symbol of worship of Satan the devil or one of its principal demons. Satan the chief demon manifests in different dimensions some of which are listed below:1.As Beelzebub (Prince of demon) Mt. 12:24 2. As Abadon or Apollyon (Destroyer) - Rev. 9 : 11 3.As Prince of the power of the air (disobedience) -Eph. 2 : 2 4. As Accuser Rev. 12:10 5. As Wicked Spirit - Mt. 13:19 6. As Murderer, Liar - Jn. 8:44 7. As Prince of the World -Jn. 12:31 8. As Belial, Opposer - II Cor. 6:15 Names of the wicked spirits are also listed in some of the so-called prayer books such as Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses and other books in its category.

It may surprise the believers that invocation of the demonic forces could be done with the use of Bible lines, especially from the book of Psalms. The fact is that the words of the Bible are a collection of the supernatural laws often referred to as graphic. These passages are potent with spiritual power that can only be released and applied through invocation made on the demonic or Holy Spirit. The words of the Bible are like the military weapons that cannot fight on their own. The gun requires a bullet and firing to create effect and impact. The igniting power, genuine or counterfeit, will provide a result.

The Holy Spirit is the genuine, while the demonic spirit is the counterfeit.

Prayers That a prayer was answered does not imply that such prayer was right. It may not even be made to the true God. Some prayers are directed to the demonic forces and yet receive quick answer. In most cases prayers could be mere manipulation of spiritual forces for a desired result. A typical professional Prophet could be that person who understands spiritual forces and has the ability to manipulate them. He may not be different from the occultic men and other practitioners of idol worship in his method of prayer.

• Pastor Segun Adewumi Tel:- 08039425631 Email:-pastorsegunadewumi@gmail. com

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Praise & Worship

Sunday December 22, 2013

Seventy times seven (70 x 7) Footprints with Dr. Tunde

Ojewole Email: ojewolea@babcockuni.edu.ng Phone: 08058299434

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elson Mandela, the revered elder statesman, father figure, democracy guarantee, and global ambassador, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid died on December 5, 2013 at the ripe age of 95. On February 11, 1990, as he walked out of prison to thunderous applause, he declared: “as I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” When he was sworn-in as the first democratically-elected President of South Africa, he invited as his special guests, some of the prison guards who maltreated him during his incarceration. Heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali said Mandela “taught us forgiveness on a grand scale.” Ali continued: “he made us realize, we are our brother’s keeper and that our brothers come in all colours.” Ali described the Madiba as “a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.”

James Bain was aged 19 in 1974 when he was wrongfully convicted for kidnapping and raping a 9-year-old boy. He was sentenced to life in prison for the crime he did not commit even though the testing available at the time did not definitively link him to the crime. Scientists had not yet developed the sophisticated DNA testing at that time and when they did, Bain’s repeated pleas for DNA testing were rejected until the Innocence Project of Florida got involved in his case. After spending 35 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, DNA testing was eventually used in 2005 to determine that Bain could not have been the rapist. He had missed out in life, edu-

cation, and professional development; and his 77-year-old mother was in poor health.

As Bain walked out of the courthouse he spoke of his deep faith and said he does not harbor any anger. “No, I’m not angry, because I’ve got God,” he said. This shall not be your portion in Jesus’ name! Amen. But how do you develop similar faith in God to be able to forgive deep wrong? How many times have you had to forgive one person in a single day? How did you resolve it? What is the longest period for which you have held a grudge against somebody? What is the longest period for which you have withheld an apology that was due to somebody you knew you offended?

Jesus Christ mandates: “and if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive” (Luke 17:4). Jesus insists that we must forgive one person, not just seven times a day whether they repent or not. Do the Math: you must forgive 70 X 7 times in one single day (Matt 18:21-22)!

This stipulates that forgiveness should be offered limitlessly. Mark Twain describes forgiveness as “the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” This is forgiveness: New Testament way!

“We are to love our brethren as Christ has loved us. We are to be patient and kind.

When there is much forgiven, the heart loves much.” {E. G. White, Our High Calling, p. 73.6}. There is no limit beyond which a person cannot be forgiven. Jesus demands that you keep on forgiving and living a forgiving life. For Gregory Jones, “forgiveness is a way of life, rather than a mere moment of uttering a word.” We are commanded to drown the hatred of others in an ocean of love. One of the greatest tests of the degree of a person’s transformation into the likeness of Christ is his reaction to the one who does evil to him.

What did Jesus say I should do when offended by a brother or sister? “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their faults, just between the two of you. If they listen to

you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses’” (Matt 18:15-16). If we all follow this procedure, our communities will be peaceful! Christ has set a very high standard of forgiveness. As He was being wrongfully crucified, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). “All those who abide in Christ will manifest the kind, forgiving courtesy that characterized His life.” {White, That I may Know Him, p. 185.3} For God to answer you when you pray, you must forgive all your offenders. Jesus instructs: “but when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too” (Mark 11:25). “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt 6:12). Furthermore, reconciliation and stewardship go hand-in-hand. “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matt 5:23-24).

In order to forgive, “You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you” (Eph 4:31-32). Replace these with renewed attitudes: “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Col 3:12-13). Furthermore: “bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. Do not

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repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, ‘vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Rather, if your enemy is hungry feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:14-21).

How pathetic to think of millions of shattered families and doomed relationships because of the spirit of un-forgiveness! Buddha says that resentment was like a hot coal: you picked it up to throw it at someone else, but you are the one who got burned. “Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” Resentment doesn’t hurt the other person—it hurts the one who won’t forgive; the one held captive.

Pastor T. D. Jakes maintains: “we cannot embrace God’s forgiveness if we are so busy clinging to past wounds and nursing old grudges. So forgive 70 times 7 times!

Tunde Ojewole, PhD, is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. Get your copy of the newly released book: GOD’S FOOTPRINTS. For enquiries, contact: ojewolea@babcock.edu. ng or call/SMS 08058299434/08060376577 Answers to quiz of 1/12/2013 1. Jacob. Overcomer- Genesis 32:28 (King James Version).

2. John, Zechariah- Luke 1:19-21, 62-64.

3. Four-footed animals, reptiles and birds of the air- Acts 10:12.

Quiz for the week 22/12/13 1. Each of Gideon’s men had had one of these with a lamp inside. Locate the scripture.

2. I am the petition of faith to the heavenly father. Supply the Bible passage.

3. Biblically, fish must fins and what else to be good for food? Supply the scripture.

•Tunde Ojewole, PhD, is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. For enquiries, contact ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng call/SMS 080582999434/08060376577.

Why are fake prophets everywhere?

Holy Inquiry with Pastor Paul

Nkirukah E-mail: pstpaul11@yahoo.com

Dear Pastor, What do you think that should be done concerning all these false prophets everywhere in the world these days? Please what must we, Christians, do about this? They are everywhere now. It is very difficult to know or locate a good church, if any.

Kolawole A. Oyo State.

Dear reader, Compliments of the season. I hope you are aware what this season is all about? It is all about Jesus Christ’s birthday celebration, and it must be celebrated in holiness but not in sin, take note.

My dear, I will not want to pretend as if I am not aware of what you are saying because it is no more a hidden issue, and at the same time, I will not hesitate to react to this because it has come to the extent that

one cannot be bold enough to tell people that one is a pastor or a man of God, even when one comes across policemen on checkpoints. If you tell them you are a man of God, you have made yourself vulnerable to thorough investigations. They think all men of God are the same, because of their past experiences in the hands of these socalled ministers of God. Well, I don’t think there is anything any man can do concerning this, because God is the judge. The scripture has informed us beforehand that, false prophets shall rise and will even perform mighty signs and wonders to the extent that if it were possible, they would deceive the elect (Jesus).

Let’s carefully examine the scriptures below for a better understanding.

Mark 13 : 21 – 23 read, “And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not, 22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect, 23 But take heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.”

According to the scriptures in verse 22 and 23 above, you could see that God al-

ready informs us that false prophets shall rise, so let it not surprise you because every single word of God must surely and always be fulfilled. You will also bear witness in verse 23 that God has foretold you all these things; so there is nothing you or anybody can do about this.

Acts 20 : 28 – 31 read, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood, 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock, 30 Also of your own selves shall men rise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore, watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

Matthew 7 : 21 – 23 also state, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven, 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy

name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

All the above scriptures, I believe, have given or shown you all you need to know and do concerning this matter; thus the scripture says that false prophets shall rise, therefore, be informed that every counsel of God must stand, and everything written in the scripture must be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, I will advise that you have to forget about false prophets and begin to think on how and where you will be on the last day. Let me ask you, if Jesus comes today, where will you be? Are you convinced that you will be with Him? My dear, let the dead bury the dead, salvation is personal and God knows His people and He will judge every man according to their handiwork.

Remember, you are in the season of joy and the season of joy requires more carefulness, because THE MOST JOYFUL MOMENT OF A MAN IS HIS MOST WEAKEST MOMENT.

PASSION Sunday December 22, 2013

A Lifestyle Magazine

I’m queen of beauty and brain – Blessing, Nigeria’s Miss Intelligent >>26

APPLAUSE

I draw influence from multi-talented people –Sasha P >>27

NAUGHTIEST THING

I stole my mum’s money to buy sweets –Evaezi Ogoro >>29

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

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I’m queen of beauty and brain –Blessing, Nigeria’s Miss Intelligent ADAEZE AMOS

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lessing Anthony Ani is the current Miss Intelligent Acting Guild of Nigeria. She studied Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at Lagos State University (LASU). She is from a family of two.

As the Miss Intelligent Acting Guild of Nigeria, “I know I’m intelligent and they are okay by my behaviour, especially in the camp. Those were the things that helped me win the beauty crown. I also got my questions right. The judges on the night of the pageant honoured me with a beauty crown. My tenure is going to last for one year,” she said.

The camping memories that took place for a week before the pageant proper are still fresh in her memory.

“Yes, I remember that we camped for a week and life in the camp was fun. I met different people, with different characters and I had to cope with them. Some contestants who knew they wouldn’t win came to the camp to distract attention of those that would win. What I did was to tolerate them because I was focused and I knew what I was targeting. I watch people very well and if I realise that your character would make me derail, I try to avoid getting into trouble with you. In the camp, we were 16 contestants. We were busy with rehearsal of catwalks, dancing steps which we danced on the night of the pageant, chorography as well as acting. I remember we also went for courtesy visits. We visited so many personalities, including Pastor Idahosa whose church is in Ajah. It was indeed fun,” she said, excitedly.

That was the first pageant this beauty participated in and the memories live: “It was my first time and I participated in the pageant because they said it was not going to be like the rest of the beauty pageants. And they were right. The pageant was unique in the sense that I’m big, plus-sized and not strikingly slender but I walked very well, jettisoning all fears. I took my rehearsals seriously.

By the time I cat-walked before the spectators, I did so with my shoulders high. Though, they hailed and called me ‘Orobo’ (fat person), that didn’t disturb me because I was already told by the director of the show that they would call us (the contestants) names on the stage and that we shouldn’t allow that to distract us. Of course, my selling point that later made me win the crown was my intelligence. I answered my questions correctly. I’m not an empty- headed queen. I’m a queen with both beauty and brain.”

To some girls who have not done this before or who have not experienced what it is to walk down the runway as beauty queen aspirants, Queen Blessing has some words. “Believe in yourself, your beauty, carriage, catwalks and swag. Don’t see any impossibility as a hurdle to getting the diamond-studded crown. That was the faith I had that I could do all things through Christ that strengthened me. I never allowed anyone to run me down and I never got intimidated by any contestant,” she said.

Miss Intelligent AGN has some beauties she looks up to. There are those that once wore beauty crowns.

“Funny enough, I have just one queen that inspires me. She is Queen Latifa, the international lady. I admire her so much because she is good. She won Miss Biggy Queen. I like the way she walks and carries herself. She does not allow her big body frame to deter her. You know she is bigger than I am. She is really fullerfigured and she is proud,” she said.

Blessing is aware of her duties as Miss Intelligent AGN. “When I attend events, I do educate people that need to be educated on whatever I’m told by the body to teach them. Apart from that, I’m also using my platform to empower the girls that need to be empowered. I do give them the confidence that they can be successful in life if they hold on to their dreams. I tell them that they should never allow themselves to be used and dumped by men.

They should bear in mind to be useful to themselves, families and to the society. I’m also a marketer of the body. I go to offices to talk to them on projects that can help the Nigeria movie industry to be more successful,” she emphasised.

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Applause

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I draw influence from multi-talented people –Sasha P Yetunde Alabi is undoubtedly the greatest Nigerian female rapper around. Her stage name is Sasha P, a Russian word that means ‘victory’. She is the toast of the music industry and Nigeria’s queen of rap. In this interview with Adaeze Amos, she relives her childhood and what she is passionate for.

Can you speak more about your childhood?

I grew up as the last of eight children. I was born on my father’s birthday, May 21; in 1983. I could remember when I was very young, how my sisters would dress me up and record me while singing my renditions of songs from Grease, Annie and the sound of music. I must have been like five or six years then, when I started performing at family gatherings. I started off rapping with my family friends, a group of boys, and realised my chosen stage name Sasha, which means victory according to my friend’s Russian mum.

Where was your first outing?

My first outing was at the Girls’ night-out, which was at Annual Talent Hunt 2001, where I emerged the first runner-up. Not easily daunted, I went on the next day to perform at the Lagos Lekki Beach alongside other contestants before a crowd of at least 500 people. I was clearly the crowd’s favourite. A couple of

months later, I met Eldee of the popular rap trio Trybesmen, and after listening to my rap he signed me on to Trybe Records in a matter of days. In August 2002, the single, ’Work it’ was released to the media. This rapped alongside my label mates 2shotz, Timi, Del and Eldee himself. The reception was unbelievable and owing to popular demand “Oya” was released in October of the same year. It went into the charts as number three in the first week and became the Christmas anthem that year.

The video debut was on BEN TV in England in January 2003, and finally all Nigerian television stations. It got heavy review and I became famous to the glory of God for my eight bar raps.

How do you feel when people compare your musical style with some international counterparts like Eve, Missy Elliot and Foxy Brown?

Let me say that I definitely have a style of my own but all the same, I take it as a compliment to be compared to already established females in my genre of music. I draw influences from people who are multi-talented and never afraid to speak their minds.

What do you really have passion for?

I have passion for spreading the power/knowledge of breast cancer awareness, because I believe this is important. It is also my own way of giving back to the society. Breast cancer is a scourge in the society. It is one of the greatest female killers and a lot of people don’t have enough information about how to check it on time.

They don’t know how to check themselves or examine their breasts. This is one thing I’m very passionate about personally and cancer as a whole because it is a very expensive disease. If you can save yourself by being aware, preventing it and getting the right medical test done, then it is a big thing. As the year is winding up, do get your breasts examined please. It is medically done once in a year. Don’t allow this year pass you by without doing it.

Do you think women/mothers are doing enough for breast cancer awareness?

No, we are not doing enough. If mothers all over the world can find time in their busy schedule to do something to help someone else, especially in October which of course is the breast cancer awareness month, it would go a long way. More women need information on this because knowledge is power. If you have it, it’s good to share it. I think it is important, even if it is 10 or 20 people you share it with, that little information might save life and that is something that we can be proud of.

I do this and as I said, it is one of the things I’m a passionate about.

What challenges do you face in sharing information with women?

You hear some ladies not trying to take me seriously.

They just make you believe that it is not their potion to have breast cancer. They’ll refuse to pay attention.

But I want to use this medium to let such women know that even the God that created us is also the one that gave healing agents of fruits and vegetables. Medical experts hammer it into our ears all the time to eat right.

Even if you believe in God and you are not eating right, you are doing things that can make you susceptible to cancer, smoking and drinking yourself to the state of stupor or soaking yourself in alcohol, God is not going to come down and save you. But doctors and information that they have made available can keep you healthy.

That is why they care. Never be too busy in the euphoria of Yuletide and forget to examine your breasts against lumps; do it and be safe.

What other message do you have for ladies at Christmas?

My message to them is that in as much as they celebrate Christmas, do not forget to read as much information as possible concerning your health in that your minds are still very young. It is easy for you to access information. Right now, there is much information in the Internet. Make good use of information available to be able to educate others as well, so that more people would be aware. You have the power to spread the word further. My advice to ladies is that it is not too early to start checking or examining yourselves. I will leave you with these words and that is the fact that cancer is not hereditary. They tell you sometimes that if somebody in your family is susceptible to breast cancer, the possibility that you would get it is higher. It is not genetic. Your own lifestyle can cause cancer for you. As you celebrate and make merry, you have to eat right; don’t avoid your exercises and keep fit. You basically have to be healthy to get away from cancer. This is why you have to get the information so that you can discover the tell-tale signs. No one else can do it better than you.

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Dude Style

Naughtiest Thing The naughtiest thing I’ve ever done

Contemporary African styles for Xmas Angela Davies

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t is ideal to forget about dressing the corporate way for once this Christmas season. Why not dress in contemporary African styles that suit your frame to events?

These modern styles, designed with African fabrics, come in varied beautiful designs, cut and colours. Some come in simple and intricate embroidery designs to give a feel of sophistication. Whether you decide to choose the complete top and trouser or just top which can be worn with a pair of jeans or complementing trouser colour, ensure your choice of design stands you out.

Photos: Vans Kere Designs

I stole my mum’s money to buy sweets –Evaezi Ogoro

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he naughtiest thing I did that readily comes to my mind was when I was in primary school.

I had requested for N50 to buy ‘Baba Dudu’ sweets from my mother, which all my friends always licked during break. She did not give me. She was very strict at that time and was conscious of what her children ate. But I was desperate to have the money for the sweet and to be like the rest of my friends. I stole her N50. I hid it in my school bag.

I happily walked to school as she didn’t look for her money. I believed that I had deceived her, that I was smart. During break time, my mother appeared unexpectedly and waited around where they were selling ‘Baba Dudu’ sweets. She knew I would come to buy some sweets.

When I saw her, I suddenly started crying, clasping my hands on my head. Guilt was written all over me. She stood and watched me, shocked. She thought I was ill. When she saw how I stretched my hands with her N50 note I stole, she continued to laugh. I walked to her in tears and gave her the money.

When I was giving her the money, she was surprised because she said that she came to the school to enquire about something else. I thought that she came for her money. It was guilty conscience that made me expose myself. She took pity on me eventually and allowed me make use the money. Whenever I remember this, I would laugh.

Evaezi Ogoro is a musician and actress. She has featured in so many movies and soap operas.

–ADAEZE AMOS

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&

Weddings Engagements CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS DECEMBER 22, 2013

He proposed to me on Valentine Day-Bride ADAEZE AMOS

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aturday, December 7 was a joyous day for the families of Ayodele and Abdul-Bojela when their daughter, Marita Oluwatola Ayodele and son, Prince Adekunle Olaiya Abdul-Bojela wedded in style.

The lovebirds were joined in holy matrimony at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, City of David Parish, Dideolu Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade. Despite the downpour, many of the guests made Adekunle and Marita it to the colourful church wedding as the exchange of vows, rings and signing of the marriage register took centre stage. However, earlier in the day, they had their traditional wedding at the Ayodeles Ikoyi, Lagos home. The classy reception followed immediately at Landmark Village, Oniru where they incidentally met in 2011.

For Marita and Prince Adekunle, their friendship which has blossomed into marriage began in 2011. They met at Admiral Jubril Ayinla son’s wedding at Landmark Village, Lagos in 2011. For Prince Adekunle, it was love at first sight.

“It was love at first sight and everything about her was an attraction,” he said.

For Marita, by the time they knew each other and be-

came close, he became her best friend.

But, it took two and half years for her to make up her mind about him.

How did he propose? According to Marita, he proposed on Valentine’s Day. “It was on Valentine’s Day in 2012 that he popped the question. We came back from a dinner at a friend’s house.

Though I wasn’t expecting it, I had to say yes.”

It was dance, comedy and fun at the ceremony anchored by comedian, Segun Dangote, with Princess Folake on the bandstand. Colours of the day were fuschsia pink and silver. The aso ebi was a lace top with velvet wrapper, gele and cap.

Prince Adekunle Olaiya AbdulBojela, 31, runs an oil and gas company on Victoria Island, Lagos. He is into trading, supply and everything about petroleum. He went to St. Saviour’s School, Ebute Metta and Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. Marita Ayodele, 26, is the second daughter of slimming expert, Dr. Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele and Engr. John Oladipo Ayodele.

She is one of the directors at her mother’s company, Quincy Herbal Slimmers.

Personalities who looked stunning in the fuschia pink and silver colour aso ebi included HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and his Olori, Mrs. Joko Oni, Mrs. Moji Dokpesi, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola, Jide Omokore, actors Saheed Balogun and Eniola Olaiya, ex-beauty queen, Omowunmi Akinnnifesi and a host of others.

You have a story to tell us about your wedding/engagement, or your new born baby.

You can call this line 08051980588

BABIES OF THE WEEK

Oluwasemiloore Victoria Odewole was delivered at Alimosho General Hospital Igando, Lagos to Oluwatosin and Abigail Odewole. She was delivered at 11:20 p.m. and weighed 3.8kg.

“During the pregnancy, I craved for Moi-moi and chilled Malta Guinness,” revealed Abigail.

Were there obvious physical body changes during the pregnancy? “I had swollen face and nose. I also added weight, but I didn’t have swollen feet,” said Abigail.

What irritated her during the pregnancy? “Nothing irritated me. Also, I didn’t have morning sicknesses and I was never nauseous too,” Abigail added.

What do Oluwasemiloore’s parents love about her? “We love everything about her because she’s a special baby and gift from God,” stressed Oluwatosin.

What do Oluwasemiloore’s parents want her to become in future? “We can’t say for now but we will support her as her parents,” disclosed Oluwatosin.

What is the meaning of her names?

“Oluwasemiloore means God has done me a favour,” the mother added.

‘She is my pearl of inestimable value’ OLUWASEGUN IJABIKEN

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Adeniyi and Foluso

he Ogunsakin and Bashorun families hosted numerous guests when their children, Foluso Oluwatumbi Ogunsakin and Adeniyi Ademola Bashorun walked down the aisle, recently.

The holy wedlock took place at Christ Apostolic Church, Miracle Centre, Haruna, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.

Niyi appeared in a black suit, white shirt, bow tie and a colourful boutonnière to match, while his bride, Tumbi looked radiant in her white sleeveless gown, paired with a bolero, sewn with sequined bridal lace. She completed her bridal look with tiara and hair fascinators.

It was a rainy day, however, it ceased before the reception which took place at 7star Event Centre, Akilo Road, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos. The reception venue was flamboyantly decorated with turquoise blue and fuchsia pink drapes amidst sparkling lights. There were mouth-watering dishes, drinks and souvenirs to go round. D.J. Elvis was on ground to add musical effect to the atmosphere. There was no dull moment.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr.

Omoyemi Awobanjo, urged the couple not to compare their marriage with that of others. At the dancing floor, the couple exhibited their extreme prowess, by this time the bride had pulled off her bolero, even old men and women were not left out as they mimed Davido’s ‘Skelewu’ The couple met in 2002 at Lagos State University Christian Fellowship, LASUCF where Niyi was a student and pastor at the time. They became friends, but he didn’t propose until 2006 and within a space of four months, on May 14, Tumbi who had been praying about it gave her consent. Over the years their relationship had been full of all life’s emotions and this has made them understand each other better. They had their Traditional wedding at the bride parents’ house in Ifako on Thursday, December 5.

When describing her prince, as she fondly calls him, Tumbi says, ‘He is confident, goal-driven, smart, good-looking, friendly, jovial and God-fearing.

For Niyi, he described Tumbi as his pearl of inestimable value. “She is my pearl of inestimable value,” he disclosed.

Adeniyi is a business analyst while Oluwatumbi is a medical practitioner.

Olatomide Opeyemi Oguntunde was delivered at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State to Olayinka and Taiwo Oguntunde. He was delivered at 8:12 a.m. and weighed 2.7kg.

Did Taiwo crave for anything during the pregnancy?

“I craved for Amala with Ewedu. Also, I drank a lot of fruit juice, water and fruits. I also craved for orange and pineapple.”

What irritated Taiwo during the pregnancy? “Nothing irritated me during the pregnancy,” she said.

Were there obvious physical body changes during the pregnancy? “Aside from my bulging tummy, I also gained weight,” she said.

What do both parents love about Olatomide? “He is a cute baby and we love everything about him,” Olayinka said.

What do they want him to become in future? “He will be a child of destiny, source of joy and wealth to his parents and impact on his generation positively,” Olayinka said.

What is the meaning of Olatomide? “Olatomide means the child will be great and endowed with divine wealth,” Olayinka added.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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African Look DECEMBER 22, 2013

Dazzling look for festive season Angela Davies

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urray! It is three days to Christmas. If you are thinking g of dressing for church activities in traditional attire on this special day, which takes place just once a year, opt for any of the beautiful styles es on this page.

They range from velvet wrapper or skirt with a trendy lace blouse, louse, colourful aso oke iro and buba, ipele and headgear. There are also African can George Two wrappers, lace blouse and headgear, skirt and blouse or even n gown designed with African fabrics in elegant and figure-flattering styles.

Ensure you dress to look gorgeous and eye-catching with complementing accessories.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pregnancy Talk with

Adaeze Amos 08023012293 (SMS ONLY)

Travelling tips for expectant mums at Xmas W

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

ho says you can’t look good with your big tummy this yuletide period? Indeed you can. You can savour the holiday while pregnant. Just look for how to make the break or festival period less stressful. This should be in your mind most of the time because whatever happens to you affects your unborn bundle of joy. You can travel this Christmas, why not? Nine months is a long time to be expected not to travel. The good news is that travelling is perfectly safe for most pregnant women. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling by plane, car or boat there are just a few things to remember to help make your travel plans more comfortable and safe.

• Your dressing: Dress in such a comfortable way not to stress yourself. Remember that chances of stopping on the way to ease yourself, especially if you are embarking on a far journey is more. So, jettison maternity trousers and wear maternity dresses you can easily pull up and ease yourself when you are pressed. Don’t forget your sweaters, stockings to cover your feet from cold should the need arise.

• Snacks: Don’t forget your snacks on long airplane flights or car trips. This can help you to be sure that you are nourished without appearing travelstrained. Should you get stuck in traffic or at the airport, you can have something to bite.

• Take stretch breaks: This is necessary whether you are in a car or in an airplane, getting up to move around at least every hour is needed, especially if you are heavily pregnant. This will help prevent soreness and stiffness as well as blood clots.

• Have your doctor’s phone number: This is important in the event you need to call. Carry a copy of your prenatal record with you. It is true we don’t pray for emergencies while travelling but you should be prepared all the time. Before you embark on any long journey this Xmas, first ask your doctor if you are medically fit. If yes, don’t forget to take his phone number and tell him/her that you would be calling to greet him. It is better to put it that way.

Ordeal of Sarah, girl with odd face The teenage star of ‘The Girl With Half a Face’ has undergone surgery to transform her appearance.

Sarah Atwell, 17, from Nova Scotia, Canada, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis at eight months old, a genetic condition that has caused a large tumor to consume the right side of her face.

Sarah is now undergoing a four-hour procedure that will change her life.

While the results from the surgery remain to be seen this evening, Sarah has revealed that she is delighted by the results.

Describing the moment that she looked in the mirror for the first time, she told said: ‘I was pretty happy, because I had straight lips.

‘The principle of our surgical approach is to maintain normal tissue so the skin is fairly normal,’ he said.

‘The nerves are very abnormal, so [typically] there might be a fine wisp of a nerve fiber, but when it grows in neurofibromatosis, it might be as big as a pencil. So we’re trying to maintain normal nerve function and trying to preserve normal structure.’

The plastic surgeon admitted that Sarah’s tumor was an extreme case.

‘When she first came to see me, the lesion really occupied the whole of her right face; it was growing all around her eye,’ he said.

‘She’d had a couple of previous de-bulking procedures, but [the tumor] went from her nose to the ear on the right, and the skin hung down off of her jawbone. It was an enormous overgrowth of abnormal tissue.’

While the most significant surgical procedure has now taken place, the work to Sarah’s face is not yet over. Nor can surgeons promise that the tumor won’t grow back.

‘The next procedure will be to de-bulk the tumor around her eye,’ Dr Morris said. ‘Her eye had some sight in it, but it wasn’t a great amount of sight. The tough challenge is what to do with eye and reshape the eye socket.’

Sarah, who has been badly bullied her whole life, initially shot to fame in 2012 after posting a video to Facebook in which she made her intentions to live a happy life clear no matter what the bullies called her.

In a series of cards held up to the camera, she says: ‘I have a tumor, that’s all. . . I wish people could understand there is nothing wrong with me.

Another reads: ‘I get called names all the time. . . Bitch, slut, fat face, fat, ugly - it hurts.

‘Maybe one day the bullying will stop, but until then I’m going to be STRONG,’ one of the last cards says.

The impact of that post was bigger than she could have ever imagined.

The next day I got up and my inbox was over 1,000 messages or more from people, It felt pretty good,’ Sarah enthused.

Culled from DailyMail

36

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Connecting with

Vanessa

Vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Express love with tangible gifts this Christmas A nother Christmas is here and the city is agog with preparation that comes with the festive season. Last minute shoppers are busy running around getting all the things they need to make this yuletide a memorable one for their loved one.

Christmas is indeed a season of love and sharing.

Different kinds of gifts and hampers exchange hands to show appreciation to people who made this year remarkable for them.

This season is also a time when romantic love between couples is expressed in its tangible form. You cannot say you love someone and then at Christmas you don’t even do something to actually prove the sincerity of your love. Love is action-based and not just word of mouth. When you love someone, giving should come naturally from you to that person. Love is believed when it is action-based and it is best expressed by giving tangible gifts that your partner will always remember.

The reason is that gifts always have a way of endearing us to the gift-giver. No matter how small that gift is, it is always appreciated rather than scorned.

You don’t have to break the bank before you can get a good gift for that person you love. Like the saying goes, a gift will always make way for you and bring you before great people. Gifts are like visas to secure continued friendship from the people you love and want a sustainable relationship with.

Buying gifts during special occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries and Christmas is one way to show love to your partner. Something as little as a love-filled Christmas card that expresses how much you love and appreciate your partner can go a long way to add spice to your love life.

Guys, when you hear your woman always complaining that you don’t show her love anymore, all she’s saying is that your love is not tangible enough.

Ladies, when your man gets cranky and grouchy about little things that ordinarily would not get him upset in the relationship; watch it, he’s silently crying out that he too needs his love-actions to be reciprocated too.

Everyone likes to be appreciated including your partner of so many years. Neglecting to show love to your partner in tangible ways breeds distrust and uncertainty in relationships. Your partner may start feeling that you don’t truly care or love him/her anymore.

Familiarity is really the bane of most relationships.

That you have been together with your partner for a

very long time either as a married couple or into a serious relationship that has spanned for years should not be the reason to take that person for granted.

A lot of people are at a loss when it comes to buying gifts for their loved ones on special season like Christmas. Guys find it particularly difficult to buy gifts for their ladies for fear of not being able to buy what they will like and the same goes for some women who want to buy gifts for their men. In such cases, it will be wise if you can recruit a close friend of your partner to help you do some snooping around to find out what he/she will probably like for Christmas.

I remember vividly how my friend’s husband surprised her last Christmas. He connived with her boss and planned a small vacation to start on the day the company was closing for the year. Her boss told her that she should pack an overnight bag to attend an important meeting for him in Imo State shortly after their end-of-year party. Initially, she was angry but when she told her husband, she was surprised he didn’t complain at all. So on that day, she packed a small bag and headed to the office. After the small end-of-year party, she went in to her boss’ office to let him know she was ready to leave for the meeting. She was very surprised to find her husband in deep conversation with her boss. Both men beamed with smiles when they saw her. Her husband got up and handed her plane tickets to Imo State and simpily told her that she was no longer going to any meeting alone but will be going with him to Oguta Lake Resort in Imo State where they will be spending their Christmas vacation. She was so overjoyed by the pleasant surprise that she simply flung herself into her husband’s arms in ecstasy.

This show of love is one of the ways you can go out of your way to express your love to your partner.

Yours might not be as elaborate or expensive as my friend’s husband was but it will be a good idea to think out of the box and do something very memorable that your spouse will always reminisce and smile.

Use this Christmas period to re-fuel the love tank of your love life by being appreciative of your partner not just in word only but also in deeds. If you have not been expressing your love in tangible form all these while, then take advantage of this Yuletide and rekindle your love life by giving gifts to your partner. Show them love by going out of your way to get a good gift that will appeal to their heart.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Faces & Events

Sunday, December 22, 2013

37

Glamour at Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards 2013 ANGELA DAVIES

T

he Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards, NBMA, took place at the exquisite hall of NECA House, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, recently. It was a night to be remembered, especially by those who went home with plaques. The event was anchored by the duo of Shola Thompson and Pat Obilo.

Guests were treated to performance from K-Sax, African China, Lil’ Jojo, Hot Steppers, among others. The star-studded event had in attendance, Uti Nwachukwu, Karen Igho, Cossy Orjiakor, Toke Makinwa, Omalicha, Temitope Duker, African China and others.

Ayo Balogun of Channels TV collecting award from Otunba Sesan Rufai (left)

Larryy Foreman (right) collecting his award from Mrs Fidelis Duker

Karen Igho and Sabina Umouren collecting award on behalf of Naija Cossy (middle) presenting award to the winners

African China and Kazeem Popoola

Adaora Oleh flaunting her award

MC Ice Water of Eko FM with his award

K-Sax performing

Kay Okonkwo of Ramore Couture taking a bow

Ramore Couture fashion display

Toke Makinwa posing with her award

Tunji Olalekan of Koko Inu Iwe Iroyin with his award

Zuliahat Bello of Liberty FM Kaduna

Toke Makinwa posing with her award

Pat Obilo

Zuliahat Bello of Liberty FM KaPHOTOS: ANGELA DAVIES duna

38

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

& ovies M usic M Edited by Adaeze Amos 08023012293 e-mail: adaezeamos@gmail.com daezeamos@gmail.com

Michael Jackson is my idol –Johnny Fresh John Temiloluwa Ayodele is the son of Quincy Ayodele, the pioneer of herbal d slimming in Nigeria. He studied Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland in the United States of America. His mum supports his music career so much that she out gave him his stage name Fresh. In this interview with Adaeze Amos, he speaks about his lifestyle and music.

You studied Computer Engineering and opted for music, what kind of music do you play?

I opted for music because I have always enjoyed music.

I took my first step into the music world with Sir Shina Peters, the afro beat juju musician. Music has always been a passion for me. From making beats to composing songs, I enjoy every step and efforts I put in to produce good music. I would classify my music as afro hip-hop, and that is infusing a bit of contemporary afro beat with American flavour.

If you were not into music, what other things do you have passion for?

I have always had flair for computers, understanding how they work and their capabilities. That’s why I studied Computer Engineering in school. I currently work at Globacom as an IT specialist, troubleshooting computerrelated issues for our corporate end users.

When did you start having passion for music?

I would say I actively started doing music when I was 16.

I received a macbook air as gift and I found out you could make and record music on it. I started doing it secretly; only playing the songs I made for myself and a few friends.

I was encouraged to take it a bit further. I started pushing the music until I started receiving invitations for shows all over the United States of America.

Are your parents in support of what you are doing? If yes, what have they been doing to show their support?

I love my parents dearly and they would support me in whatever I do in life. They have endless trust in me and the decisions I make. They have been very supportive.

My mum actually gave me a stage name which is Johnny Fresh and she takes time to pick out my stage clothes when I have a show to perform on the stage.

What particular track in your music brought you fame?

There is a song titled ‘I Dey Fresh’. The name of the song speaks for itself. I composed it bearing in mind how fresh and clean I am. I also emphasised in the song that being fresh is a state of mind and not necessarily about your appearance. One can be 70 years old and still be fresh or even three years old and be fresh. People caught on to the idea fast and that was the first song I performed. It was at a huge show in my school in the United States and from there I started getting booked for shows all across America, from Maryland to New York, New Jersey, Las Vegas, just name it.

Who in the music world do you admire and who do you aspire to be like?

Definitely, my idol is Michael Jackson. I see him as the

epitome of music. His songs are energetic, entertaining ining and timeless. No matter where you go, his songs never get old and that is why I admire and aspire to be like him.

Nowadays songs have lifespan so much that you have ve to keep making new songs to keep up with the trend. I want to make music that has no lifespan, music that soundss new in the ear.

Can you relive the experience of your first time on stage, before a large crowd?

This usually brings back fond memories. My first major show was in 2009 in Maryland, USA before a crowd of over 500 people and I was opening up for the major artiste. I wanted to be different so instead of coming out and performing, ming, since I loved acting, I did a video comedy skit to introduce oduce the songs. People were laughing so hard and then from m nowhere, I came out and started performing and people went crazy. I could barely hear myself sing. That was one off the best moments of my life. It felt good knowing that people enjoyed listening to something I enjoyed doing.

What exactly thrills you in life about music?

I just enjoy the cohesion between melodies and the beat.

The fact that you can make words rhyme and create a melody that matches the beat is beautiful. I enjoy the fact that from nothing you are able to create something people can enjoy forever.

What inspires your songs?

Life generally, personal experiences with ladies; every bit of life inspires my songs.

What are some musical blunders that put you off?

When people make degrading songs, that puts me off.

Music should enrich and empower each other, not degrade. I feel like whatever song you make, you should be able to play it confidently for your grandmother, or your boss and they wouldn’t look at you scornfully.

What do you hope to achieve with your music?

I hope to be well known for making quality music. And for each song I make to be better than the previous ones.

Also, I’m hoping to make loads of money because primarily music is a business. You put investments in just like any other business and you want to collect your investments and profit from it.

What is your style signature?

I would say my voice is my style. I have a unique voice that can’t be compared with any other artiste. Because it takes away from your originality when you hear comments like “sounds like Wizkid” or “sounds like Davido”.

I try to keep my songs unique and totally different from

Ayodele

other artistes.

In the nearest future, do you hope to be as popular as your mum?

I pray to surpass her fame. This is the dream of every good parent, for their children to achieve more and be greater than them.

What stands you out in what you do?

I think my style, having lived in three different continents. I feel like my diversity and life experiences allow me to show a side that people haven’t seen before. I am able to relate with virtually everyone because I understand their culture and their way of life.

Can you reach out to parents who frown at their children taking to music?

My word of advice is to support your children in whatever they choose to do because you never know what God has destined for them. For the children also, make sure what you’re doing is tangible. If you’ve been pursuing music for many years and you have nothing to show for it, maybe you should focus your attention on something else, because when you start bringing money home, your parents have no choice but to support you.

What are your hobbies?

I like to sing and act. Maybe, hopefully I would join the movie industry soon.

What is one thing people don’t know about you?

One thing people don’t know about me is that I’m very shy, but once I get to the stage to perform, it fizzles out.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Terry G, Wizkid, Wande Coal, Sean Tizzle for One Night Stand

Ivie Okujaye nominated for Ghana Movie Awards

F

M

any good things are happening at the same time to Ivie Okujaye. A few weeks back, she was nominated for Best Actress in Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and a few days ago she got another nomination for the Best African Collaboration - Best Actress category in Ghana Movie Awards for her role in a movie, entitled Volunteers.

Expressing her excitement, she said, “I am grateful for the nominations. It shows that my hard work is being recognised. I thank my fans, family, friends and loved ones for their support and belief in me; they will continue to see the best in me.”

Also, the 4th annual Ghana Movie Awards scheduled to hold on Monday, December 30, at Accra International Conference Centre also has Okujaye nominated for the Best African Collaboration - Best Actress category with Nse Ikpe Etim, Rita Dominic, Omawumi Megbele and Patience Ozokwor, vying for the same award.

Deaths of music star Goldie, Paul Walker top Google Nigeria Top Searches of 2013

E

very December, Google releases its Zeitgeist (meaning the spirits of the times) list, highlighting the top trending searches all over the world over the previous year. In Nigeria, the shocking deaths of Nigerian music star Goldie Harvey and Hollywood star, Paul Walker, topped the list.

Also making it on the list are Mercy Johnson as the Most Searched Nollywood Celeb, Wizkid as the Most Searched Musician and Beverly Osu, Chelsea FC and Range Rover Sport also topping list. Other searches like ‘How to Kiss’ and ‘What is Money’ also rose as top stories Nigerians have been “goggling” this year

Okujaye

John Dumelo, Joselyn Dumas star in Leila Djansi’s A Northern Affair

G

hollywood producer/director, Leila Djansi, is back with another thrilling masterpiece entitled ‘A Northern Affair’.

The movie features Ghanaian movie superstars John Dumelo and Joselyn Dumas as well as John Germain, Kofi Adjorlolo, Beverly Afaglo, Gifty Temeng and Bex. In the story line, Esaba Jomo (Joselyn Dumas), a nurse teams up with Dr. Manuel Quagraine (John Dumelo) in a small fishing village to provide healthcare. Sparks fly and the two begin to fall in love. But each one has a dark secret that will threaten whatever love they’ll share.

Leave it to the Ghanaians to bring romance to the big screen like no other African country. This indeed is a must watch movie in 2014.

–Vanessa Okwara

inally, the cat has been let out of the bag as KOGA Entertainment, the promoter of TOP10MICS and ‘One Night Stand’ announces its readiness for the forthcoming ‘One Night Stand’ tagged Hot and Raw, come Saturday, December 28.

‘One Night Stand’ will be the last edition in this year’s Mainland Concert Party and to underscore the importance, the production house attached to this edition, a set of heavyweight performers have been announced as lead acts for the show that has been dubbed Mainland Party.

In the past, stars like Olamide, Dede Mabiaku, Obesere, Terry G, Sam-Klef, Sir Shina Peters have graced the stage of One Night Stand.

This year, the king of the streets, Terry G, crowd favourites, Wizkid and Wande Coal will be headlining the concert alongside Sean Tizzle and Reminisce.

One night stand which will take place at KOGA Hall in Oregun, lagos has been tipped by the senior officer of KOGA, Robert Jeyibo, as the party to beat.

“If you check the history of ‘One Night Stand’, we have never had a flopped edition; the last three editions redefined Mainland Party concert and we have gone back to the drawing board to make it extra special.

On December 28, Island will receive a make-over as Terry G, Wande Coal, Sean Tizzle, Wizkid and Reminisce will be bringing their best games on,” he said.

Besides providing quality entertainment for which ‘One Night Stand’ is known for, the concert will provide a platform where the giant strides of acts signed to Koga Entertainment will be showcased.

–Adaeze Amos

Goldie

My music revives the soul and broken-hearted –Nicholas Triface

“N

igerian music, both secular and gospel, has come to a level where it can be rated the best in the world. The good artistes last long in the industry owing to their sacrifice in that they pay the price to earn the prize,” Afro Hip-hop music superstar, Nicholas Anthony aka Nicholas Triface, said these at the weekend.

“The future I see in my music is to revive the lost soul and broken-hearted in the society. The wordings of my music talk about the reality of life which I also experienced – so many betrayals, trials and difficult moments which many are facing today,” the Ubiaja Edo State-born up-andcoming star stated.

He said those who are not after winning the hearts of the people don’t last long, adding that music should give hope to the hopeless minds and not for acquisitiveness or for personal aggrandisement.

Track four of his ‘Unfailing God’ album entitled ‘If I Try’ carries a lot of deep messages that touch the soul. He said a lady in Auchi, Edo State heard the track and shed tears.

“It is a true life story that happened to me. A man who keeps trying, struggling without giving up will get the best out of life.

Every man has to have the passion to work hard.

Triface

These have been my desire,” he emphasised.

Triface who lives at Alagbole Akute, Berger Lagos performs in churches, social events and general shows both in Lagos and other parts of the country. He is seeking promoters; is available for general events and organising of church choirs.

Triface came into professional music in 2001. His first album ‘New Dawn’ was released in 2008, followed by a lot of single tracks. In 2013, his second album, ‘The Unfailing God’ was released. It has been making wave in the market.

He is grateful to those who made him realise his goals today.

“I want to appreciate so many people who made me what I am today among who are my parents, every of my friends in Ketu, Alapere in Lagos. I want to appreciate my fiancé, Edna and father-in-law, Mr Peter and also my due respect to my Governor in Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole,” he said.

–Joe Agulanna Terry G

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

40

Lessons of Life

ANGELA DAVIES lessonsoflife2@yahoo.com 08023342083

TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART DECEMBER 22, 2013

‘My wife has two children for my driver’

P

eople know that I have three adorable children. But for me, I know that I have just one child, Junior.

Hence I was bent on finding out who the father of my last ‘two children’ was.

One Saturday evening, as I stood at the balcony to watch the three children play in the compound, I was totally convinced in my spirit that the last two, Ella and David, were not mine even though they look a lot like their mother, Tonia.

I know what I am saying, just wait until you hear my story.

Tonia was the love of my life. She had everything a man desired in a wife. After three years of dating, I decided to marry her because my family members, especially my mother, liked her so much. We were so much in love and since I had a very good job, we decided that she would not work. This was to ensure that she took adequate care of the home-front as well as our children. As a result, I opened a two-in-one shop for her, mini-supermarket and boutique with six staff.

When Tonia was five months pregnant with our first child, I was involved in a ghastly motor accident on the Ikorodu Road in Lagos. After spending about two months in a private hospital which my company paid the medical bills, I was well enough to go home. However, before finally discharging me, the doctor gave me the worst news of my life. He came into my room and said, “Stanley, you are fit to go home today, congrats. However, you must religiously take your drugs.

But, there is a problem.”

“What is the problem doctor?” I asked.

He placed his left hand on my shoulder and revealed, “As a result of the accident, your reproductive organ was affected. I am sorry but you may not be able to father a child anymore.”

“What? Does my wife know about this?” I asked. “No, she does not know,” he stressed.

“Please doctor, let this remain a secret between us for now. I will summon the courage to tell her when I am ready,” I pleaded.

Just then, Tonia came into the room and the doctor left but after stressing that Tonia should take good care of me.

The news devastated me but I had to stay strong so that Tonia would not notice anything. She was so pleased and hurriedly packed my belongings. When we got home, I wondered if I should tell Tonia what the doctor told me or not. Any time I looked at my beautiful wife, I felt guilty for the new twist in our marriage.

However, what gave me joy was that she was already pregnant with our first child.

“God, after this child is born, what happens next? I can’t father a child anymore,” I muttered. Two months after I was discharged, Tonia gave birth to a

bouncing baby boy. That was the happiest day of my life. At least I consoled myself with the fact that I had a son, a heir who I adored. We both showed him so much love and attention. I bought her a car and got a driver to make life easier for her.

Surprisingly, two years later, Tonia told me she was pregnant. “Stanley, love I was with the doctor today. I am two months pregnant,” she excitedly revealed.

Totally shocked, I said, “Pregnant?

How? When? Are you serious?”

“Darling, why all these questions?

Aren’t you happy?” She asked. I told her I was very happy and that it calls for celebration. But within me I knew I was not responsible. To be double sure, I wasn’t responsible for Tonia’s pregnancy, I went to see my doctor who ran some tests on me and told me I could not have been responsible for my wife’s pregnancy. “So Tonia is cheating on me, but with whom?” I murmured.

Not to reveal my secret, I had to play along. At the end of nine months, she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl who we named Pamela. Shockingly, a year and half later, Tonia got pregnant again.

When she told me, I also pretended to be happy. Months later, she gave birth to another baby girl, Lucy. However, this time round, I decided to know the man my wife had been sleeping with behind my back.

One Saturday afternoon at about 1:20, immediately Tonia left for the salon down the street, I called Essien her

driver and interrogated him if I could get anything concrete from him about Tonia. Essien is a tall, handsome, young man in his late 20s. He is a Higher National Diploma (HND) holder in Accounting, but because he couldn’t get a job, he opted to become a private driver.

“Essien, where do you usually take your madam to everyday aside from her shop,” I questioned. “Oga, I usually take her to her shop and the market only,” he replied.

“Apart from these two places, where else does she go to? Who does she go to see,” I asked.

“Oga, nowhere else and she does not see anybody, sir,” he stressed.

I thanked him and went into the sitting room.

As I paced to and fro the sitting room thinking of the next step to take to uncover who fathered Pamela and Lucy, I heard the compound gate opened. I rushed to the window to see who it was.

I saw Tonia. On a close look, I noticed something strange between her and Essien. Immediately she entered into the compound, Essien was standing by her car and she winked at him. Also, from the movement of his lips, he said to her, “Your hair is beautiful. I wish I could stroke it right away.” I could not believe what I just saw as my mouth was left ajar.

“Could I be dreaming? Could he be the one? No, no, it is not possible,” I tried to convince myself.

When she came into the sitting room, she hugged me and apologised for com-

ing in late. While we were chatting, she hurriedly excused herself to check what the maid was cooking for dinner, thus, leaving her phone on the sofa.

Shortly, a text message came in. And because I was already suspicious of her, I picked up the phone to know who it was from. Lo and behold, it was a text message from Essien, so curious I had to read it. This message was, “My darling babe, I miss you so much. All I feel like doing right now is to have you in my arms. Why not tell him you need to go somewhere so that we can go to our usual place and spend some time together. Always remember that I love you and don’t forget to give my daughters a kiss each for me. And before I forget, I think your husband is suspecting that you are seeing another man, so we need to be more careful.”

The message left me speechless and I felt betrayed. “How can Tonia cheat on me with her driver? This is absurd. At least, I now know who Pamela and Lucy’s father is,” I mumbled.

Why would Tonia cheat on me with her driver? Should I drive Essien away?

But what if he claims paternity of the girls and demands to take them with him? I have come to love Pamela and Lucy so much but I can’t watch Essien continue sleeping with my wife. Should I have told her about my sterility and make her know that the girls are not my children? I am so confused right now.

What should I do?

Please send your advice to the phone number or e-mail address above. No calls, please.

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Sunday December 22, 2013

Praise & Worship

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Pastor Chidi to believers: Are you ready for God of second chance?

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elilah made Samson to sleep on her lap and later called his enemies to come and overcome. This is a woman that Samson proposed to marry. The same woman told him, ‘I love you’; ‘without you I cannot live.’ The same woman gave him over to his enemies. May I ask this question? Outside your marriage, who else said to you; ‘I love you’? Most men date their office secretaries. That is why your secretary cannot respect your wife. Why? Because your secretary ‘eats’ more of that ‘food’ that is meant for your wife. That is why your secretary can mess up even your finances entrusted in her care and you cannot even talk. And you became a slave in the hands of a little girl. Woe unto such men.

And the Bible says that when the enemies came, Samson arose like before to destroy the enemy. But he woke up only to discover that his strength was no more because God had departed from him. Hear me; today, many pastors are working on their past glory. Many of us today are enjoying our past glory, because God has left many pastors.

When the glory departs, you will easily not know. You will think that god is still with you. Not knowing that God has abandoned you. The Bible says that when Samson woke, he thought that god was still with him. He checked, there was no strength, it only then that he knew that the glory had departed from him.

When the glory departs, you are working on your own. Any time the glory of God departs from you, the wisdom of God is no more there. Any time the glory of God departs from you, you are heading to doom because no power will rescue you. And the Bible says, the enemies came and bound him.

Who handed Samson over to the enemies? It is the person whom he loved. Do you know

Desti Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

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am grateful Oh Lord X2 for all you have done for Me, hallelujah I am grateful Oh Lord. Do l have Someone grateful to God for giving us Jesus? The bible says He spared not his own son. What manner of love the father has bestowed upon you and me. A Yoruba song translates (I look ahead I love back l look Up and l look down and one thing is constant 1am surrounded by thanksgiving). When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all He has done for me, my very Soul shall shout hallelujah praise Got for saving me. It is Christmas!!!! What an awesome time to celebrate Jesus and thank God for sending Him.

The birth of Jesus is highly celebrated because of the impact He made during His lifetime, His relevance to the whole of creation has caused Him to become a universal phenomenon that the world cannot push aside. Do you know that your birthplace or birth condition is not as relevant or as important as what God helps you to achieve and become while on earth? Therefore, your goal on earth is to leave a positive mark on every life that crosses your path according to the will of God for your destiny. Jesus said my meat is to do the will of Him that has sent me, John 4:34 and He said

There are people who do not get that second chance, but you have the privilege and so, give Him a chance to rule over your life, says Pastor Chidi Anthony of Kings in Christ Church. Excerpts:

Chidi

that your enemy is not far from you? Your enemy is that your best friend. Do you know that charms cannot affect you with a point of contact? And it is only someone that is close to you that can get those points of contact.

What are those points of contact? They are the piece of your clothe, the sand of the ground where you match your feet on, someone who can call your name and you answer, someone who can lay his hand on your head, one who can take your finger nails and one who have access to your pants. If you check very well, the only person who can call you in the dram and you will answer is someone that you love. If your enemy calls you

in the dream, you will definitely not answer.

Someone who can have access to your picture must be someone you love. My enemy cannot come to my house and I sure will not leave my enemy unwatched inside my house.

The Bible says that the glory departed and the enemy came and tied Samson, the strong man, a deliverer sent by God to deliver his people, Israel. But he went and wasted the anointing on the lapse of a woman. Do you know why God has not answered our prayers? It is true that we have fasted and prayed vigorously. The truth is that the more we fast the more we still go and defy ourselves. Remember that the greatest and the worst sin is the sin one commits against his own boy. And that is the sin of fornication.

There are agents everywhere; even in the church, there are agents. Be very careful. Samson wasted the whole anointing on the lapse of a woman; and the Lords of the Philistines were making mockery of him.

Not just because he was detained in prison, but because his eyes were plucked. In the realm of the spirit, the eyes signify vision.

That means that the vision or purpose why Samson came into the world was put off; just because he wasted his anointing on the lapse of a woman. Do you know ha whenever you have any sexual relationship with a woman you have covenanted the lady?

Any lady you sleep with you must exchange covenant. If the lady belongs to marine world, you are automatically initiated into the marine kingdom. That is

why some people see themselves flying, swimming in their sleep or see ourselves in our old class rooms. When you see these things, there is something wrong somewhere. And if you are a young lady here, and you always date older men or married, in the realm of the spirit you have began a problem. It will be difficult for you to get your own husband. And when you eventually marry, be sure that someone else will date your own husband. This is a spiritual thing. When you shoot a ball to the wall, it will surely bounce back at you. No amount of prayer will break it. The Bible says that Samson, who was known for killing thousands of soldiers single handedly, was casted into the Philistine prison and made to grand corn and pepper for women. The made mockery of him, some spit on him.

We learnt that inside the prison he began to grow back his hair. What he needed was one more chance. We have the privilege to be here today for a second chance. There are people who do not get that second chance.

Recently, a vehicle killed many people; one that was about dying gave his life to Christ before he died; now that person had a second chance. Those that died in the same crash without an opportunity to repent didn’t have second chance. We will all die one day, but we pray that we will die at a good old age. I don’t know what you had done before you came here today. And it matters to us that when we die we must not suffer in hell fire after death. Are you ready to ask God to give you a second chance?

The essence of the birth of Jesus

i have a baptism that i must be baptized with and how i am straitened until it is accomplished, Luke 12:50. How well you fulfill your God ordained purpose will determine what you will be remembered for.

Our number one goal as children of God is to make heaven but with that we must also combine earthly relevance. We must not be so heavenly conscious and be useless on earth because God has given unto every man the gift and inheritance of His Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit that God anointed Jesus with in Acts 10:38 and he went about doing well. Someone is thinking, if you know my background or where I started from in life or where i am presently, you won’t think anything good can come out of me. The bible recorded that the birth of Jesus was low, His father was a carpenter and so low as it that some persons found it hard to believe anything could come out of the son of the Carpenter Matthew 13:55. At a point it was recorded that could any good come out of Nazareth? John1:46 However, all these things or earthly limitations did not stop Him from being who God wanted Him to be.

The birth of Jesus is a reminder of God’s ability to take you from obscurity and set you up among the princes, this He has planned for your life and has hidden your crown in His divine purpose for your life. Jesus’ birth was celebrated at the time He was born spiritually by the Angels who knew the prophecy ahead of Him and by wise men that could read the stars and knew that someone impor-

tant had been born. Do you know that the moment you gave your life to Christ and became a new creature you were also celebrated in heaven by multitude of angels? Do you know that right now as a child of God and a heir to His kingdom, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; you now carry the same potentials Jesus carried in Him? As a matter of fact, Jesus made it abundantly clearly that greater works than He did will you do John 14:12, so you carry in you the potential to do much more beyond what Jesus did while on the earth.

Therefore, this Christmas should be a time for re-orientation for you, a time for you to stop looking down on your background, your present condition or what you can achieve with your human effort and start believing that the same God that lifted Jesus, made Him a worldwide phenomenon that the world now celebrates can also do the same for you. God has not changed, what He did for one, He will surely do for all that trust and believe in Him. Wake up this Christmas and be happy, tell yourself I carry hope in me, I know that God is doing a quick work on me; I know that God has not finished with me yet.

Finally, I want you to understand that salvation is God’s greatest gift to you and it was delivered on Christmas day wrapped in a parcel that was born and named Jesus.

Therefore, one of the greatest gifts you can offer anyone this season; your boss in the office, your colleague, your friends, family members and even total strangers is salva-

tion, a knowledge of the what Jesus came for.

You can ask them; do you know what Christmas really and truly stands for? Then as the Holy Spirit minsters to you, share the gospel of Jesus to every soul that comes your way.

Be blessed in Jesus name. Amen If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, this is an awesome opportunity to live obscurity and join winners. A time for you to truly celebrate Christmas for what it stands for and the process is simple: •Believe in your heart that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

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

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

•Welcome into God’s family.

Now you can enjoy and experience total wealth in Christ. Please locate a bible believing church and share you new-birth experience with the church leaders.

•For further prayer & counseling, pleases contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Ibadan, Oyo state +2348030752799, +2348053695097.

Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

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Praise & Worship

T The Voice o of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org Phone: 7747546-8

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ou can experience the liberation power of God’s Word, if you are connected to Jesus. Your total liberty remains fake unless you are ready to engage the relevant weapons of liberation.

God’s Word says: …And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people…He will swallow up death in victory…God will wipe away tears from off all faces…for the Lord hath spoken it…(Isaiah 25:6-9). So, the captivity of mankind is traceable to the veil that is cast upon their faces.

God is saying that He will destroy the face of the covering that must have held you down in captivity (Isaiah 5:13, Isaiah 60:1-2). The Bible says: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). Also, whosoever the truth shall make free, shall be free indeed (John 8:36). There is no partial deliverance of light. When light comes, darkness loses its grip automatically.

The devil’s mission is to block your access to the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, which will redeem your life from shame unto glory. But upon Mount Zion, there shall be deliverance (Obadiah 17).

In every spiritual conflict, this is the

Sunday December 22, 2013

The liberation power of the Word! foundation of your victory. In Acts 19:15, the devil spoke through that demonpossessed young man: Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you? Every time you are confronted with demonic strongholds, that is the question they will ask. The knowledge of who you are is your source of strength in battle. In spiritual warfare, inner strength is the trigger for your victory.

The knowledge of who you are is the secret of your strength in spiritual battles. It is your spiritual repositioning in redemption that qualifies you for liberty.

By redemption, you have been spiritually repositioned to enjoy true liberty.

Who are you? What is your identity?

You are a citizen of heaven, seated in heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers and dominion, witches, wizards and occult forces (Ephesians 6:12).

Redemption, according to Colossians 1:13, has changed your nationality and place of dwelling. You have been translated from satanic kingdom to God’s Kingdom.

The number one instrument of liberation that you engage in warfare is power, as it resides in His Word. So, when you believe the revelation of the truth, it is converted into power for your liberation (Romans 1:16).

Two liberation forces inherent in the Word: Divine light: The Word does not only enlighten you, it also turns you into a spiritual illuminant (John 1:1-5, 9). It is the heritage of light to destroy darkness.

The spiritual understanding of the Word

illuminates you, and sets you free from satanic attacks (Psalm 119:130).

Darkness and wickedness are the domain of the devil (Luke 22:53). Spiritual illumination is the answer to spiritual wickedness. That is why abundance of illumination equals abundance of liberation from satanic forces. When light from the Word dawns on you in any area, you gain liberty in that area. Access to the light of God’s Word is your number one asset in the school of liberty. The depth of your revelation determines the level of your liberty.

The Spirit: Inside the Word is the Spirit of God. John 6:33 says: …the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63). The Spirit of God in the Word sets captives free. When this Spirit comes into you, He quickens your system and injects healing into your entire body. Wherever the Spirit of God is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17).

A vital weapon of the Spirit for conquest in spiritual battles: • Angels: Angels are vital weapons for conquest in spiritual battles. They are agents of deliverance (Psalm 34:7). They are assigned for our deliverance (Hebrews 1:14). When we engage in battles in the heavenlies, angels are assigned to us for our deliverance. For instance, God sent His angels for the deliverance of Daniel (Daniel 6:22). The roles angels play have no substitute.

God assigned an angel to the Israelites to ensure their safe journey to the Prom-

It’s dangerous to tell lies –Pastor Oloruntimilehin Founder of Omnipotence Mission of God teaches a lesson on the dangers of lies. Excerpts:

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eople should not implicate us in what we do not know anything about in the name of Jesus. What is the implication?

It is about telling lies against people or giving false witness.

There are lots of things that lie on people. It is not only human beings that lie, money, clothes and other material things be-speak lies, as it were, on people. Imagine a person has good clothes at home but decided to wear a casual cloth that is less important. Suddenly, he rushed out to glance at what was happening outside his home, then he or she saw a respectable and honourable person.

He or she felt ashamed to be seen by that person in that dress. The casual cloth had lied against him or her. People do say that appearance shows manner. In the same vein, a man of God blessed after divorcing his wife and the change in his life was made known to his wife and her family. He was boasting that whenever he sees the exwife, he would let her know that she had been a misfortune to him when they were together.

On a fateful day, he went to buy materials for his carpentry with the partially torn cloth he was using to work, the ex-wife saw him as he was disembarking from the mo-

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Oloruntimilehin

torcycle. Then the woman uttered unpleasant and disappointed statement concerning his appearance. The man felt ashamed and bad because the cloth had lied against him, similarly, your biological child will lie against you.

A child that is well trained can lie on his or her parent when he or she misbehaves in the presence of your visitor. To a Person whom you have shown that you have trained your child very well; the misbehaviour of the child in the presence of your guest might be out of his or her annoyance despite being a well trained child.

The child had disappointed the parent and put them to shame. He or she had lied

against the parent. Another example is money. It can lie on you when you need to buy food for breakfast and there is none.

Also when your child request for school fees and you starts preserving him or her one way or the other without providing the fee, the money lied on you because you had no money.

I fervently pray that money will not lie on us in the name of Jesus. All of these are material wealth that lie on people. But human being lied on their fellow human being. Some people emphatically tell lies against people and give false witness and other people would believe in the lies.

A lot of people are victims of lies and

ised Land (Exodus 23:20). When Peter was imprisoned, it was an angel that delivered him out of prison (Acts 12:6-10). Also, in the ministry of Jesus, angels played prominent roles (Mathew 4:11; Matthew 26:53).

You don’t wait for angels to come to you; you invoke their presence. Angels excel in strength, and they hearken to God’s Word (Psalm 103:20). God’s Word releases them, while your word makes them swing into action. Remember, angels are agents of vengeance (Isaiah 37:33-38). Don’t toy with them!

Friend, to benefit from angelic ministry, you have to be saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as Your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for it, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. From today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for saving me. Now I know I am born again!

We shall be celebrating Christmas on December 25, 2013. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season! I wish you and your family Happy Christmas!

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Commanding The Supernatural and Walking In The Miraculous.

I know this teaching has blessed you.

Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org false witnesses are languishing in jail, some executed by firing squad. In the name of Jesus people will not lie on us and our wives, husband and children. The most severe of lies is the ones that the principalities of the world do.

Any person that these principalities tell lies against can never be free. Some people that do not have witchcraft would confess thatthey have it. It is the principalities that spiritually induced the person to do the confession. It is possible for God to give you the power to overcome the implication of the principalities of this world.

But I want people to know that they exist and commit wicked acts by implication. Imagine Joseph would not have overcome the consequence of the implication of the Portiphar’s wife. In fact, he would have died in jail if not for God (Genesis 39: 11 – 21). God showed him kindness and granted him favour before the warder.

I fervently pray that those that are suffering underneath, as a result of wrong implication and false witness shall see the kindness and favour of God wherever they may be in the name of Jesus. Brethren, let people be wary of people that lie against and those that falsely implicate people to be wary of the consequences because the bible say in the book of proverb 19:5. “A false witness will not go unpunished and he who pours out lies will not go free” 19:9 “… and he who pours out lies will perish”. Lying against people does not give you rest of mind. Do not allow any kind of implication or lies be on you or implicate people wrongly. We shall not be victims of lies or false witness in the name of Jesus.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pastor Pa

Ade-David A Email: jacobpastordavid@yahoo.com

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herefore even as the Holy Ghost saith, today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your heart–Hebrew 3:7-8

Whatever you are considering as the focus of life, Christ is better. Jesus is the perfect relationship of God, the final and complete sacrifice for sin, the compassionate and understanding mediator, and the only way to eternal life, give yourself unreservedly and completely to Jesus Christ. Who is being the brightness of His glory, and upholding all things by the word on His power, when he had by Himself purged. Christ as a son over His own house, whose house is ‘we’, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Because Christ dwells with us as believers, we can remain courageous and faithful to the end. We are not saved by preserving but revealing that our faith is real.

Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by the winds of temptation, false teaching or persecution. Our Hearts lead us away from the living God when we stubbornly refuse to believe.

Ezekiel 36:22-27 Believe him if we perish in our unbelief, God will eventually leave alone in our sin. But God can give us new heart, new desires, and new spirits. To prevent having unbelieving heart, stay in fellowship with other believers and talk daily about your mutual faith encourage one another with love and concern. God was concerned about the salvation not only

Sunday December 22, 2013

Praise & Worship

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Harden not your heart, today of his people, but also the whole world to allow his people to remain in sin and be permanently destroyed by their enemies would lead other nations to conclude that their heathen gods were more powerful than ‘Israel’s God’ for mine own sake, even for MINE OWN SAKE, will I do it, for how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my Glory unto another.” Ezekiel 36:22-27.

Thus, to protect His Holy name, He would return a remnant of His people to their land. The people had the responsibility to represent God properly to the rest of the world. Believers today have that same responsibility. How do you represent God to the world? Many times the bible warns us not to harden our hearts to “harden our hearts means to stubbornly set ourselves against God so that we are no longer able to turn to Him for forgiveness. The Israelites became hearthearted when they disobeyed God’s command to conquer the Promised Land. To the Nigeria saith Holy Spirit is talking to us today no to harden our hearts. So as to overcome the present calamities in Nigeria today, insurgent acts must end, kidnapping must stop and lost glory and power of the church must be fully restored.

The isrealites became heart-hardened when they disobeyed God’s command to conquer the promised land.

Let us carefully obey God’s word and what the spirit is saying and not allow our hearts to become hardened.

Let us instead, assist one another to teach on the ways of God. These words are generally applied to the unconverted: the Psalms in which they occur and the context in which they stand in this epistle both prove that they are meant for God’s people. In all the dealings of the Holy Spirit with believers, be they weak, strong, glad, sad or the

erring type, the word of God remains like ‘today’; it is constant.

“The Holy Ghost saith today, “What does this mean? God is the eternal one.

With Him there is no yesterday or tomorrow. What we call past and future is with Him an ever-present, now. His life is an ever – present now. His life is an everblessed, never ending “today”. One of the great words of this epistle in regard to Christ and His salvation is the word ‘eternal’ or ‘forever.’ He has become the author of eternal salvation-that is, salvation that bears the character of eternity.

Its chief mark is that it’s ever-present, that there is not a moment in which Christ, whoever lives to pray for us, is not able to maintain us in it, in the power of an endless life.

Man is a creature of the moment.

The past has gone from him and he has no control over the future; it is only the present moment that is his. Therefore, it is such that when he is made partaker of Christ, the High Priest forever, and of the eternal salvation Christ imparts, God’s great word to him is “today.” In Christ, all the blessedness of the great eternity is gathered up in an ever- present now.

The one need of the believer is to know it, to respond to it, to respond to it, and to meet God’s grace with the “today.”

If you would understand the meaning of this divine “today,” look at it in its wondrous setting. “Wherefore, even as the Holy Ghost saith, today.” Satan’s word is ever ‘tomorrow.’ Man’s favorite word, too, is tomorrow. Even with the child of God, the word of unbelief is too often-tomorrow. God’s demand is too great for today; God’s promise too high; we hope it will come easier later on. ‘The Holy Ghost saith, today.” That means that he who is the mighty power of God is Himself ready to work in us all that God wills and asks; it is he who is each moment pleading for immediate surren-

der, for a present trust, because he bears with Him the power of a present salvation.

Today! It is a word of wonderful promise. It tells that today, this very moment, the wondrous love of God is for you – it is even now waiting to be poured out into your heart. It says that today, all that Christ has done and is doing in heaven and is able to do within you –this very day it is within your reach. Today, the Holy Spirit – in whom there is the power to know and claim and enjoy all that the father and the son are waiting to bestow –is within you, sufficient for every need, equal to every emergency. With every call, we find in our Bible the need to surrender in its entirety; with every promise, we read of grace for the supply of temporal and spiritual need; with every prayer, we breathe; and with every longing that rules in our hearts, there is the spirit of promise whispering, “Today. As the Holy Ghost saith, today.”

Today! It is a word of solemn command. It is not here a question of some higher privilege that you are free to accept or reject. It is not left to your choice, oh believer; whether you will receive the fullness of blessing the Holy Spirit offers. The ‘today’ of the Holy Spirit brings you under the most solemn obligation to respond to God’s call and to say, “Yes, today, Lord, I completely and immediately submit to all thy will. Today, there is surrendering of the present with perfect trust in all thy grace. ‘As the Holy Ghost saith, today.”

There is nothing as disheartening as delay. When God speaks to us, He asks for a tender heart, open to the whispers of His voice of love.

Your Steward,

PASTOR JACOB ADE-DAVID

54/56 Okesuna Street, Lagos Island Lagos.

TEL: 08023535110, 08023539857, 08034078158 Email:jacobpastordavid@yahoo.com.

Remember Jesus as you celebrate Xmas –Pastor Samuel

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verseer of Global Grace Church, Pastor Daniels Samuel charges Christians to enjoy Xmas with the fear of God. Excerpts:

As you are getting ready for Christmas holiday, also get ready for homegoing.

What am I trying to say? So many people believe that Christmas is a Christian celebration. But by my own understanding, I don’t believe that Christmas is a Christian celebration because, all manner of things are done on that day. People carry women to hotels; married women commit adultery; single girls and single men commit fornication and worst part of it is that, it is the season many believers will decide to go carry masquerades in the village. May be they were carrying it before. I know during the Christmas festivities, many people do fall away. They freely backslide, and say let me go and enjoy; after that I go back and pray. God will forgive me and I will begin to live my Christian life again.

I want to let you know something; you have to be very careful because God is watching everybody. The Bible says seek ye first His Kingdom and righteousness, every other thing shall be added unto you.

Samuel

Don’t look at the things of the world; don’t look at the works of the flesh. As Galatians 5 enjoins us, look at the things of God, look at things to do and inherit the kingdom.

You don’t need to emulate what other people are doing, to enjoy and do all sorts of things that God does not like.

I want to let you know that this season is the season that the Devil is planning to take many lives. This should be a period that we are supposed to sanctify ourselves.

If we say that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, then we should behave like Jesus Christ. Just like a song writer aptly sang, “To be like Jesus; to be like Jesus. On earth I love to be like Him, on true life journey, from earth to heaven, I really love to be like Him. You are supposed to be like Jesus, because He was born to be our saviour.

We are to celebrate Him in truth and in spirit; not to celebrate Him in the beer parlour, hotel, picnic or by being clad as masquerade or going to dedicate oneself and family to a shrine. Celebrate Him who is the same yesterday, today and forever more. So as you are preparing for Christmas holiday, also prepare for home-going, because rapture is at hand.

So many people are dying, so many are perishing. If one has an accident on the way back to the village and God forbid,

death occurs, where will you be? So many have gone in that manner even today.

I want to sound this as a warning to you. The Kingdom of God is at hand.

God is pleading with you to come. A song writer sang, “Where will I go? Where will I go? Seeking a refuse for my sake?

God is seeking for a refuge for your sake.

He says, common unto me all of you that labour and are heaven laden and I will give you rest. Why do you want to kill your soul? Why do you want to embrace prosperity and die early? Why do you want to embrace fornication, adultery, drunkenness and homosexual practice and perish? Christ is calling on you, to come home. God is ready to bless you.

As I am speaking now, God is warning every politician to turn back and serve God. Serve God with all your heart and all your wealth. God is showing me right now that there will be a big problem between two political parties in Nigeria. But I am praying and fasting that the problem will not take place and break Nigeria. Brethren, I wish joyful Christmas, but remember to celebrate Jesus Christ.

44

Praise & Worship

Sunday December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

God will clear your debts, prays Prophet Bamidele Prophet Lai Bamidele, General Overseer of Christ Glorious End-time Evangelical Ministry in this exhortation, urges those who are indebted not to panic but pray and have faith that God will bail them out. Excerpts: Listen to me, background is not a condition for success. Background has nothing to do with what God can do. If it is background, Peter would not take the mantle of Jesus. By every standard, Saul was not qualified to be a king but when somebody is God’s choice, there is nothing the enemy can do; there is nothing the devil can do.

When it is God, it is good. Listen to me; it was the anointing of God that brought Saul from nothing to something. There is somebody here today; the anointing that is coming upon you today is going to make you something from nothing. I said somebody is to be God’s choice today. Amen.

Listen to me; in the book of 1ST Corinthians Chapter 1 verse 26 to 28, God does not put a person in a position because of his size. He doesn’t choose a man because of his virtues. He doesn’t choose a person by virtue of his position. Not many nobles are called but he uses the foolish things to confuse the wise.

Listen to me; many are looking down on you but after today’s Sunday service, you will become the commander of your generation.

I am the choice. God is not looking for a

wise man for the throne. He is looking for a foolish man to enthrone. Listen to me.

There is someone here today, you are looking foolish and your life is looking foolish.

But after today, God will turn your foolishness to wisdom. I said He will turn your foolishness to wisdom. He will turn your nothing to something. If you don’t believe, I am postponing my testimony till next Sunday. But I will say it now so that you can know that He can turn one’s foolishness to wisdom. Hear me; few weeks ago, I was carrying out a ministration in this church, with keys and I said those of you who want to own your own house or you want to buy cars, we carried out that ministration. But listen, I didn’t know I will be a partaker but hear me, that is why I told you that God is not looking at your face, but he is looking at your heart. That was why when I went to God few days ago and He told me that ‘I am the Lord of yesterday, that of today and that of tomorrow and forever.’

About two months ago, when I was abroad, my landlady gave me a quit notice and took me to a Customary Court, that I should quit. And the court did not inform us, and they delivered the judgement in our absence and they said I should quit by November 4. I called a lawyer and I said he should file a case at the High Court. And he charged the case to the High Court. I said by the time we start the case, for one year, we will be on the case and I will be in the House.

Hear me; but after a while, God spoke to me that ‘I organise this one and I am the one that wanted to push you out because you are moving to the next level’. There is somebody in this auditorium, after this Sunday service, you are moving to the next level’. And my wife called me and said my rentage is supposed to lapse March next year.

And I do not owe her. I’m supposed to pay another rent in March next year but the Lady said I should leave because she has psychiatric problem. But when my wife called me in London, the first thing that came to my mind is where we would gather money to rent a house in the next two months. Where would I see it? Am I going to steal? Before one would see a house to rent and pay for one year rent, with the commission and everything, you will get minimum of half a million naira. Where would I get it? On a day that this message came, I have a net amount of N2, 500 in my account. Do you know why you are the choice? I prayed one prayer during this period. And somebody called me and said, ‘Daddy what is your heart heavy on? God said I should inform you that He would do it’ and that I should relax. Then I said God, this message is for me and I slept.

Three hours later, I called the person back and I prayed for the person. That the words came at the time I needed it. God can send anybody to you. There is no one God cannot use. Hear me today, someone here will be the choice. Hear this, after that message, I slept for three hours and I woke up. When I woke up, my brain was working. My wife called me that he has called Brother Bidemi to help look for an apartment, so that we will rent. I replied, I returned. When I returned, my wife kept on troubling me, that ‘this man, our days are numbered.’ I said, relax, I am waiting for the Lord, but hear me the same me that has N2,500 in my account two months ago, today, I left that house after 10 days ago and I moved to my personal property .

There is someone here today; if I am a prophet of the Lord, I don’t know your present position but after today’s service, you shall be the choice.

Look at yourself and say I am the choice.

Bamidele

How God did it, I can’t explain. I was looking for half a million to rent a house but thank God for the children that surrounded me. There is only one language they use to say whenever we gathered to pray, they would say from here you are not going to rent a house again. I was only saying amen but hear me today, if I am a prophet of God, somebody in this auditorium, I don’t know that thing that is precious in your heart, that you have been desire, before the end of this year, it will deliver it to your hand.

While I was praying on that mountain, that is why God send me that message that I am God I remain God but your people, many of them their body is in this church, but heir heart is somewhere . That is why brethren, God said to me, ‘don’t you see what I did for you? Towards the end of the year, I surprised you with your house. I surprised you, with your mountain. I surprised you with another land. Before the end of this year, God will surprise you.

Cheers, excitement as soul winners fete the poor and needy KOLA JOHNSON “I never knew a marvelous thing like this, could ever happen here. Many years ago, I used to know this place as a mechanic site, where the automobile mechanics used to work. It was just like any other place around. Nothing different, and no one attached any special importance to it.

But looking back today, I’m surprised that such a fantastic thing as we are witnessing today, is happening here”.

These were the words of Juliana Adebayo, a widow in her sixties, during a chat with this reporter at a special endof-the-year Holy Ghost Service, which also coincided with the monthly welfare programme for the needy and the widows, at the Soul Winners Chapel, Bornu Way, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

The programme which commenced as early as 6a.m. also witnessed a huge turn-out of people, who filled the church to capacity, while a considerable number, who couldn’t find a seat had to endure all the same, on their feet, as the huge mass of congregations literally brought down the heavens with torrents of prayers and melodius spiritual tunes and dancing.

At the end of it all, a huge mass of congregations, about a thousand in all,

smiled home with quite a handsome package of goodies donated by the church in the bid to put smile on their faces, and make their Xmas and New Year, quite memorable.

They include hand bags, shoes, ingredients for cooking, turkey parts, chicken, considerable quantities of rice and beans, clothing materials and several others.

An interesting point to note is that beneficiaries of this project happened to be mostly from the neighbourhood, and necessarily not members of the church.

Some are even of the Islamic religious persuasion.

“The bottom line of it all, is about humanity; helping the poor”, said the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor (Dr) Moses Iloh, who was also former Chairman International Cycling Federation, Founder Eclectic Network, a socio political pressure group, and ex National Executive Member, Christian Association of Nigeria, and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and Fiery Social Critic.

Shedding more light, the chief hostess, who happens to be the initiator and founder of the project, Reverend (Mrs) Edith Iloh, traced the genesis of the programme to some 20 years ago.

“When we arrived here, we discovered

Mother-In-Israel, Edith Iloh (right), donating to a beneficiary, during the welfare programme organised for the widows and needy at the Soul Winners Chapel, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, recently.

through feasibility report, that poverty abound so much with the people of the area. Associated with this is crime, pilfering, truancy, drug taking and other such vices. The children themselves were miserable many of them that were supposed to be at school, were often seen wandering about and doing nothing”.

“The Lord ministered to me to do something about it. Ever since then, we had embarked on a sustained welfare

assistance to the people. Every second Saturday of the month, people from all nooks and crannys of the neighbourhood are usually gathered here, to receive assistance in form of food stuff, food ingredients and things of that sort”.

She expressed further that feedback had shown over the years, that the food stuff had really been sustaining them.

It has been of immense help to them indeed.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship 45

Sunday December 22, 2013

Deliverance from pressure

A

ccording to the dictionary, pressure is a constant state of worry and/or urgency.

It could also be said to be powerful and stressful demands on somebody’s time, attention and energy or a demand of this sort.

Irrespective of your status, person or nationality, pressure is inevitable, more especially, in the face of unending pressing needs and demands. Often times, public opinion and personal conviction tend to push us into taking decisions that have farreaching effects on our lives and in most cases the consequences are grave. If you do not know how to handle the pressures that come your way, it will make you lose your attention and subsequently put you under tension. When this happens, there might not be a second chance for people to pay attention to you again in life. The pain, anguish and regrets many are experiencing today are results of the fact that they allowed themselves to be unnecessarily influenced by undue pressure yesterday.

This message is timely because it is

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

I

come from a family where we only celebrate Christmas on Christmas day with new clothes and all member of the family coming together to eat lunch served with chicken. For years, that has been the routine until the faithful year I met this guy. He is so gorgeous and very generous; he is too good to be true. From December 20th of that year to January 2nd of the next year, it was like I was in another world.

This guy spoilt me with so many gifts and flowers. Outings almost every evening, shopping almost every day, it was really great.

I was so happy with myself enjoying every minute of it, and also taking everything that comes in. You know, I have never experienced anything of the sort before.

After some days I fell headlong in love with this guy even more than before (what do you expect) since he was giving me more than I had ever imagined. And he giving me that much I was ready to give him all that he wanted.

Well, as expected the day came and I gave up my virginity. Before the act, as usual, he spoilt me with gifts, chocolate; cloths etc. And it didn’t take long before I fell.

However two days after the main act, he called me on the phone and said, “I have paid you even more than what I have taken from you, thanks for renewing my life for another twenty-five years. You are not going to die now but your life span has been reduced.

The sexual intercourse we had together has added twenty-five years to my life and subtracted twenty-five years from yours. My advice for you now is to live the remaining years left wisely so has not to make the same mistake all over again. Don’t bother looking

the therapy you need. In case you’ve been subjected to pressure of any kind, I know and believe that through this word of God, there will be a way out of that dilemma in the name of Jesus. King Saul was caught in this predicament and took a decision that brought his reign to an abrupt end.

He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel. Samuel failed to show up at Gilgal, and the soldiers were slipping away, right and left. So Saul took charge: “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” He went ahead and sacrificed the burnt offering. No sooner had he done it than Samuel showed up! Saul greeted him. Samuel said, “What on earth are you doing?” Saul answered, “When I saw I was losing my army from under me, and that you hadn’t come when you said you would, and that the Philistines were poised at Micmash. I said, ‘The Philistines are about to come down on me in Gilgal, and I haven’t yet come before God asking for his help.’ So I took things into my own hands, and sacrificed the burnt offering.” 1 Sam 13:8-12 (THE MESSAGE) If you are overdue for a miracle or breakthrough in the area of marriage, child birth, turn around in your finances or admission into the university and there seems to be no glimpse of hope, there will be pressure. A need, of any kind or nature, is capable of putting pressure on you either consciously or unconsciously. In those

days in Israel, it is a taboo for kings to offer sacrifice but Saul defied this law and broke the protocol because Prophet Samuel somehow delayed his coming and he was also losing grip of his men. He forfeited his throne because of a pressing need – the need to satisfy his subjects. Anywhere you have ventured into because of any mounting pressure and you are suffering now, the Lord will deliver you today in the name of Jesus. There is always a reason for pressure but what is important to be mindful of is the consequence of the impending action. When you are under pressure, it is better for you to be cautious because any unwise action taken at this point could bring about dire consequences. This is because any area in which you are experiencing or being pressured is the same area in which God wants to celebrate you. In the battle of life, the pass code to victory is patience. It is my prayer for you today that as you put pressure on your pressure, the Lord will catapult you to where you ought to be in Jesus name. The woman with the issue of blood waited for twelve years, now can you imagine a woman having to cope with a situation of this nature for so long but thank God she met her Savior and became delivered from her affliction. You too can experience God if you are willing to pay the price of patience.

We are hedged in (pressed) on every side

Mistake of the festive period for me, you can never find me. Thanks”.

That was when I realised I was the greatest fool on earth. Aunty, I decided to send you this at this festive period so that you can use it to advise others like myself from falling into an arranged pit. Thank God I found Jesus, no matter how little the remaining years I have left, I will use it with great wisdom to God’s glory.

Hallelujah, what a wonderful testimony.

I will like to take off from the last statement. You may be young, single, or married.

I think it’s high time you give your life to Jesus, become a born again Christian, not a church goer but someone that is ready to give his entire life over to the Lord. If that sister had been a born again Christian before meeting this guy she would have manifested some Christ traits and wouldn’t have been a prey in the hands of the terrible.

For example; 1. Prayer: Jesus was always going to a quiet place to pray before taking any decision. Luke 6:12-13, “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles.”

Before starting his ministry he went into fasting and prayer for forty days and forty nights. So also before going into any relationship even with a friend ask God about it, let him shed light on the step you are about to take, he is the creator, He knows everyone, he knows you more than yourself. Definitely, he’ll know the right person for you to associate with. Put it all in prayers, even when you are in a relationship still keep on praying, for there are some relationships that started well but along the way when one of them is demonically influenced things turn upside down. If she had prayed about this gorgeous and generous guy, she wouldn’t have fallen

into the trap.

2. Luke 12:15, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

If only she had taken the quality of contentment and not getting beyond her means she would have enjoyed long life. Many, especially ladies wanting to belong, not wanting others to look down on them, tend to do anything to get to a level higher than them.

However, an English adage says, cut your coat according to your size, a child of God is expected to live within the means of that which has been given by God. Anyone that is covetous is followed after vanity, (psalm 199:36). Covetousness is earthly and worldly and an account of this will bring the wrath of God. But godliness with contentment is of great gain (1Timothy 6:6-7).

What else do you want? Also consider this verse, Proverbs 28:16. “But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days”. No wonder her days were shortened.

3. Romans 6:12-13, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 1Cor. 6:13-19, “Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot? God forbid. What?

Know ye not that he which is joined to a harlot is one body? For two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the

[troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair. We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed. 2 Cor 4: 8-9 (AMP) Where is that problem leading you now? When I was growing up as a young believer I found myself in myriads of challenges and even troubles, yet I refused to succumb to pressure from friends and acquaintances. I had to prayerfully work out my salvation in patience. Any prescription that has its source from the devil is a calculated attempt to truncate your destiny but God’s divine prescription assures victory in stormy wind of life. Everyone you see being celebrated today also had the pressures and tough times they had passed through. Interestingly, they still have pressures, even greater than you can imagine, because at the back of every star, there are scars. … to be concluded in the next edition. *I know this message has blessed you.

Write and share your testimony with me through; info@thehebrewsng.com.

Hotlines – 01-7903163, 08085845864.

You can also listen to my messages on our podcast at www.thehebrewsng.com/podcast.

Rev’d Femi Akinola – The Hebrews International, Lekki, Lagos Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth sinneth against his own body. What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

If you have Christ in you, you will walk according to His word. She would not have given up herself cheaply; she would have given more attention to her integrity if only she had given more attention to the words of God. 4. Lastly. Riches, blessings and abundance are of the Lord. 1 Sam. 2:7, “The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.” Why look unto men when the source awaits your call. He is in charge of it all, turn to Him, and stop running after what you can get from the world which is temporal. Jesus has paid for the price, by shedding his blood for us to have and enjoy all these things.

Revelation 7:12, “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.”

However, those who are redeemed are only those qualified to partake of all these.

Even with all these, let us live within our means, be yourself, stop wanting to be like the next person. Before you know it, all will be over. Psalms 49:16-17, “Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

Please be very CAREFUL this festive period, don’t get carried away.

You can send in your QUESTIONS and the Holy Spirit will be set to give you the ANSWERS. Barr.

(Mrs.) Favour Tioluwani Tel: 08050272259 or 07062738213 Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday December 22, 2013

47

PDP at a time like this…

Kayode K Fasua

kayodefasua@nationalmirroronline.net (08034101207; SMS only, pls)

H

ow is the old prophet now being treated? Where is Vincent Ogbulafor, the patently mordant personage who once bestrode the exalted position of national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, like a colossus? Where is he?

This man while still in charge, brought to bear the combined honour of a zealot and a seer to foresee a glorious future for the PDP. He then claimed that the party, quaintly puffed as the biggest in Africa, would rule Nigeria for 60 uninterrupted years.

Indubitably, Ogbulafor was helped into his trance to return with an uncanny clairvoyance concerning the tomorrow of PDP, by some centrifugal forces. Who would not be charmed that his party controls the centre and also looms larger than life countrywide, controlling about 90 percent of constituent states? Can anyone also beat the fact that the ruling party in a country like Nigeria is as rich as a state government? Therefore, a chairman of a ruling party in this clime must be imbued with whirling visions, animatedly whiffed in from the crystal ball of opulence, as nothing will be blurred by the evil that is want.

But at the moment, going by the political misfortune that has hit Africa’s biggest party like a plaque, there is the tendency to sneer at the Ogbulafor prediction. Note nonetheless, that the Nostradamus toga tacked to the ex-PDP chair can

still be taken as unfazed on the grounds of allegorical jabbers, suitable for the loud debate of a Nigerian pepper-soup joint. For instance, a myth of this mould can be brought up at any roundtable revelry under the soothing breeze of an unclogged evening: an herbalist, natively known as babalawo, gave Uncle Monkey a charm to prevent him from nose-diving during prestigious tree trips. But Monkey was forewarned that the juju solution will be dissolved if he is ever attracted by the strutting bunches on any near-by banana tree. But what can assuage the gluttonous addiction of a monkey to the banana?

That seems the problem with dying PDP. For a long time, there have been cracks on the wall of the party basically because of the manner in which its leadership has been taking the states as their appendage, egged on by the power of the Presidency. The state governors were initially scared stiff by the foreboding of being harassed with any of government’s bulldog anti-graft agencies or being hacked down through some political immolation, which may involve being prevented from getting a second term ticket or going to the Senate, once you have spent up the two-term ceiling.

But overtime, the governors began to find their rhythm through the fraternity that is the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, which was made boisterous under the leadership of Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi. As against the practice in the past in which the Central Working Committee, CWC of the PDP dictates the composition of the executive membership in the states and how the party is run provincially, the governors soon found occasions to clash with such an arrangement, wanting to take full charge of the party affairs in their respective states.

ANOTHER TITILLATING ASPECT OF THE PDP BROUHAHA IS THE TRUISM OF THE FACT

THAT AN ANT, IF NOT CAREFULLY DONE IN, CAN EASILY FELL AN ELEPHANT Consequently however, it soon became glaring to the governors that a CWC of the PDP at the national level was no more than a masquerade with the voice of the Presidency.

Another titillating aspect of the PDP brouhaha is the truism of the fact that an ant, if not carefully done in, can easily fell an elephant. This is so in the local face-off between the Presidency and Rivers, in which its dramatis personae are touted to be President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience on the one hand, and Governor Amaechi on the other. It would appear that the crisis was badly managed by those who should know better, as it, in no time, snowballed into the nationally hostile political field, to sway against the President.

Again, the governors have a groundswell of complaints against Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, septuagenarian chairman of the party, accusing him of unbridled dictatorship in the way he runs the affairs of the party, an accusation which Tukur has repeatedly denied as lame. He instead would rather that some members of the party, especially the governors, imbibe party discipline and loyalty.

But now, accusations and counter-accu-

sations of anti-party activities which have been on among the PDP members have finally degenerated into a swan-song for PDP, the almighty PDP, being on the verge of collapse. Already, five of the party’s governors have defected to All Progressives Congress, APC, which is a constellation of parties such as ACN, ANPP, CPC and part of APGA, among other groups.

Again, last week, 37 lawmakers defected to the APC to put the new party in the majority of House of Representatives.

The implications of these developments, for both Jonathan and the PDP, are dire. If the tempo persists in the blitzkrieg with which the APC is upstaging the PDP in the leadership of the legislative arm, the executive arm presided over by the President is as good as disintegrated. With the House of Representatives captured, the next target is the Senate and once that happens, the President should think Otuoke, his Bayelsa country-home. This is simply because, he would be impeached along with the Vice-President, and an APC Senate President would emerge as acting President, pending the conduct of a new presidential election.

Again, if in the midst of this political fluidity, Jonathan trudges on in his rule under a tattered PDP umbrella to stand in the 2015 election, the result of the poll is as good as heard; that is, if the exercise will be free and fair. Yet, another permutation could be that the President should join the APC; after all, he too is a politician as those who have been defecting.

But will he go? And will they accept him?

Sardonically so, out of the 60 years predicted for the reign of Africa’s biggest party, only at age 15, it has already landed on the sickbed, battling for survival. This is your life, oh PDP!

History’ll be written in the streets, not at the poll BAYO OLUWASANMI

I

feel helpless not to mock or inveigh the parade of buffoonery that has become daily libations in the feverish anticipation of Nigeria’s most dreaded Political Year 2015.

The political landscape is littered with dubious merchandizing efforts by terrifyingly corrupt and unrepentant politicians whose objective is to deceive the ever gullible Nigerians.

The National Assembly, the Executive, and the Judiciary have demonstrated time and time again beyond belief that the three branches of government are partners in crime of a tyrannical government.

The unjustified criminal jumbo salaries, the dirty bogus perks, the lewd life styles, the lurid spending recklessness, the amass of huge fortunes through uninterrupted flow of treasury money and multiple conduits of malfeasance that form the signature national priorities of the ruling class are mounting evidence of a political system that has metamorphosed into a reign of terror. The atmosphere in the country for the legion of poor Nigerians is like a funeral.

Disparities in wealth increased with

the richer prospering and the poor starving. The long running poverty slaughtered and uprooted as it were, the present generation and generations to come. The persistence and prevalence of untamed corruption and infectious poverty are yet another reminder of the fire next time…

The cause and consequence of all these are inflamed ethnic rivalries and religious intolerance which grow daily with intensity among the poor. It has fostered distrust and festered old ethnic prejudices.

The excesses, evils, injustices, and wickedness of the ruling class have further chiseled the great divide between haves and have nots and have collapsed our civilization and culture. It has turned our society into Hobbesian horror that a normal person must escape. An extended mediation of Nigerian maladies is capable of turning one into a surviving appendage that begs for life support.

The on and off, and off and on strike of Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) for adequate funding of universities and better condition of service is taking toll on the students, staff, parents, and the country.

The “I don’t give a damn” attitude of Aso Rock on the demands of the striking

DID YOU FORGET THE STORY OF CRUSADING STUDENTS, THE VIGILANT SOULS WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES,

THE MARCHERS WHO STOOD STEADILY AND STRONG, THE VOCAL

LEADERS WHO CALLED

ON GOD, JUSTICE, AND COMMONSENSE IN ORDER TO PREVAIL OVER THEIR OPPRESSORS?

professors and the students’ academic programs, portrays the president as antieducation, anti-intellectual, and anti-civilization. Our universities have become glorified secondary schools graduating intellectual zombies.

Nigerians must be ready to die to live.

I’ll like to remind them that the only

language oppressors understand is fire for fire and force with force.

Don’t you remember the lynching and butchery of the oppressed in other parts of the world in order for them to gain their freedom? Don’t you remember the raging, ripping hounds, the tear-gas and guns on people fighting their oppressors?

Don’t you remember history of oppressed people who for years fought under epic patience and death-defying grace to free themselves from wickedness in high places?

Did you forget the story of crusading students, the vigilant souls who risked their lives, the marchers who stood steadily and strong, the vocal leaders who called on God, justice, and commonsense in order to prevail over their oppressors?

Do I need to remind you that it is better to be a live dog than a dead lion?

For your information, the history of oppressed people all over the world was written in the streets whereby their blood fertilized the fields of liberty and freedom before triumph glisters in the eyes of the parents and resounds in the laughter of their children.

•Oluwasanmi is a social commentator

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GROWING UP with

Aunty Angela

Hello children, How many of you are excited about the Christmas holiday? I believe you all are. Today’s edition is dedicated to Christmas, beginning from the short stories to the quote, and more. I wish you a merry Christmas.

IT’S STORY TIME...

RIDDLES

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?

Answer: Claustrophobic.

What do monkeys sing at Christmas?

Answer: Jungle bells, jungle bells...

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

Answer: It’s Christmas, Eve! What do you have in December that you don’t have in any other month?

Answer: The letter “D” How do sheep say Merry Christmas in Mexico?

Answer: Fleece Navidad.

Why did Santa cross the road?

Answer: To deliver presents.

JOKES Early Christmas shopping Judge: “What are you charged with?”

Prisoner: “Doing my Christmas shopping early.”

Judge: “That is not an offence. How early were you doing this shopping?”

Prisoner: “Before the store opened.”

Jacob’s Christmas bike Jacob got a brand new bike for Christmas. Excitedly, he sped down a hill, showing it off and yelling,” Look, Tina, no hands.” As the bike picked up more speed, he yelled, “Look, Tina, no feet!” As he crashed into the back of a bus, he yelled, “Nooook, Tina, no teeth.”

JOIN THE DOTS

The gold wrapping paper

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he gold wrapping paper is an inspirational short Christmas story for both children and parents. Enjoy but learn from this story.

Once upon a time, there was a man who worked very hard just to put food on the table for his family. This particular year, a few days before Christmas, he punished his little six-year-old daughter, Maria after learning that she had used up the family’s only roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.

Since he didn’t have any money, he became more upset when on Christmas eve he noticed that Maria had used all of the expensive gold paper to decorate one shoe box she had put under the Christmas tree. He was also concerned about where she had got money to buy what was in the shoe box.

Nevertheless, the next morning which was Christmas day, little Maria, filled with excitement, brought the gift box to her father and said, “This is for you, daddy.” When he opened the shoe box, he found out that it was empty and this triggered his anger once more.

Harshly, he said, “Young lady, don’t you know that when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside the package? This is an

empty shoe box.”

Those words hurt Maria so deeply that as she looked up at her father, tears were rolling down from her eyes. However, she whispered, “Daddy, it is not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was all full.”

Touched by his six-year-old daughter’s words, her father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his precious little girl and begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.

About two hours later, an accident took the life Maria and this really hurt her father. Maria’s father kept this little gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box, take out an imaginary kiss, and remember the love of this beautiful daughter who had put it there.

In reality, unknowingly each of us has been given an invisible golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and even God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

Moral: Never despise the gifts of children, especially when given with so much love.

Children, you can send your contributions and pictures through this email address growingup5@yahoo.com or call telephone number: 0805 198 0588

Join the dots and see what it forms.

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Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES DECEMBER 22, 2013

Knowing health risks associated with obesity this festive season

Obesity

An array of nourishing foods

Vanessa Okwara

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he Christmas and New Year season is usually the period of merriment. People go from one event to the other enjoying mouth-watering delicacies too tempting to resist. It is also the period people add so much weight because they quickly discard their rigidly followed diet, throw caution to the wind and leave their mouth wide open to enjoy every meat and drink presented to them.

As you go about enjoying yourself this yuletide, please remember that your body is not a reservoir tank.

There is a certain limit you should go when stuffing food into your stomach if you don’t want to be obese.

Experts say obesity does not come in a flash; but it is a gradual accumulation of excess fat which built up in your system during a festive period such as this, when you had so much food to eat at your disposal without counting calorie intake.

“Obesity is more than just gaining a few extra pounds around the middle. It is the heavy accumulation of fat in your body to such a degree that it rapidly increases your risk of diseases that can damage your health and lead to premature death. It is an epidemic that is silently stealing into our society and a lot of people are still not aware of its high risk to their overall wellness,” medics say.

Globally, the rise of chronic and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension is increasing in alarming rate. Obesity has a far-ranging

An Obese person

Fast food, not good for healthy living

negative effect on health. Propelling this upsurge is the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity in both adult and children. Recently, obesity has become a health challenge and risk factor for most chronic diseases.

Nigeria is not left out in the upsurge of obese person’s in our society. Some men still look at potbelly as a badge of pride and success while the women add weight around the waist and backside to show off that their husbands take good care of them. In 1996, the Associated Press cited the World Health Organization, WHO, analysis that more than one-third of African women and a quarter of African men are estimated to be overweight, and predicted that it will rise to 41 per cent and 30 per cent respectively by 2016. Once considered a problem only in high income countries, overweight and obesity are now dramatically on the rise in low and middleincome countries, particularly in urban settings.

In Nigeria, obesity has been attributed largely to the way society imbibed the culture of eating fast foods instead of home-cooked meals.

The Medical Director of Dickson Memorial Hospital, Lagos, Dr Ikechukwu Dike, said the influx of fast food joints all over the country has not helped to curb the menace of obesity.

“We have so many fast food joints now all over the country, unlike before when people eat from home.

Children are given snacks and biscuits to go to school instead of a properly cooked food. As we keep consuming this junk foods, they go and accumulate in the body and upset the body metabolism and vital organs of the, causing untold problems such as diabetes, hyper-

Foods for healthy living

tension and so on. Awareness must be created to curb this growing menace; otherwise we shall soon be like the United States whose obesity problem is giving even their government concern.

“The first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, has a campaign on curbing obesity, especially among children. Must we wait to get to that stage before we begin to create awareness that people should be more mindful of what they put in their mouth? If we are not careful, we are slowly eating our way to the grave,” he warned.

Before you get to the stage where you don’t know if you are overweight or not, it is best you find out your Body Mass Index (BMI). It is the basic measurement of obesity which is the person’s weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of his or her height (in metres).

Doctors often use this formula-based body mass index (BMI) to determine obesity. Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. Extreme obesity, also called severe obesity or morbid obesity, occurs when you have a BMI of 40 or more. With morbid obesity, you are especially likely to have serious health problems.

Doctors agree that the more overweight a person is the likelihood that he or she is to have health problems.

Dr Dike said people who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of chronic disease compared to normalweight individuals.

“People who are overweight or obese can gain significant health benefits from losing weight. A person is considered obese if he or she weighs at least 20 per cent more than the maximum healthy weight for his or her height. Those at greatest risks for overweight/obesityrelated conditions include people whose close relatives have had heart disease or diabetes and they are more likely to develop these problems if they are obese. Also if you are “apple”-shaped, that is people whose weight is concentrated around their stomachs, you may be at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or cancer than people of the same weight who are “pearshaped” (they carry their weight in their hips and buttocks),” he explained.

Some of the health problems associated with obesity are: Coronary heart disease As your body mass index rises, so does your risk for CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

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Wellness

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Know your organs

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The oesophagus

he oesophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. It is also known as the gullet or swallowing tube. The esophagus is about 8-10 inches long, and is lined by moist pink tissue called mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and heart, and in front of the spine. Just before entering the stomach, the esophagus passes through the diaphragm to connect with the stomach in the abdominal cavity.

Its role in digestion Anatomically and functionally, the oesophagus is the least complex section of the digestive tube. Its role in digestion is simple: to convey boluses of food from the pharynx to the stomach. The oesophagus begins as an extension of the pharynx in the back of the oral cavity. It then courses down the neck next to the trachea, through the thoracic cavity, and penetrates the diaphragm to connect with the stomach in the abdominal cavity.

In its role as the first conduit in the digestive tube, the oesophagus is routinely exposed to rough and abrasive foodstuffs, like fragments of bone, fibrous plant leaves and Doritos. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the oesophagus contracts pushing food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the oesophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and facilitates swallowing its surface, should therefore be resistant to trauma, and indeed, the oesophagus is lined with stratified squamous epithelium, Absorption in the oesophagus is virtually absent. The mucosa contains mucous glands that are expressed as foodstuffs; they swell the oesophagus, allowing mucus to be secreted and aid in lubrication.

Its composition The body of the oesophagus is bounded by physiologic sphincters known as the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters. The upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) is composed largely of a muscle that is closely associated with the larynx. When re-

laxed, as it is during swallowing, this muscle pulls the larynx forward and aids in routing food into the oesophagus instead of the larynx. The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) is the muscle that surrounds the oesophagus just as it enters the stomach.

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a bundle of muscles at the top of the esophagus. The muscles of the UES are under conscious control, used when breathing, eating, belching, and vomiting. They keep food and secretions from going down the windpipe.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a bundle of muscles at the low end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. When the LES is closed, it prevents acid and stomach contents from traveling backwards from the stomach. The LES muscles are not under voluntary control.

Normally, the upper and lower sphincters are closed except during swallowing, which prevents constant entry of air from the oral cavity or reflux of stomach contents Disorders in humans In humans, common disorders involving the oesophagus include: ulceration and bleeding; heartburn; cancer of the oesophagus; Esophagitis which is an inflammation of the esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In both cases, the lower sphincter does not close properly, allowing acid from the stomach to reflux back into the oesophagus, causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat (heartburn) or additional signs such as coughing, coughing or a sensation of choking.

An associated problem is acid indigestion, which occurs when refluxed stomach acid is tasted. Occasional heartburn is very common, but if it occurs more than a time or two each week, it could signify a more serious problem that requires treatment, usually with dietary management and drugs that suppress secretion of gastric acid.

NGO leads delegates to World Diabetes Day Talabi Diabetes Centre, a non-governmental organisation affiliated with the Olabisi Onabanjo University recently joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2013 World Diabetes Day. The event which held in Melbourne, Australia was organised by the International Diabetes Federa-

tion.

A Consultant Diabetologist, Dr Adesina Olubiyi Fidelis, who led the delegation from the Centre made a presentation of their success stories at the Diabetes Cafe, which is a place the global diabetes community gave as a platform to present their initiatives, best practices

and successful projects.

Dr Olubiyi is a member of several national and international diabetes bodies. These associations include: The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and International Society of Endocrinologists (ISE).

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Health risks of obesity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Obesity also can lead to heart failure. This is a serious condition in which your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

High blood pressure Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. Your chances of having high blood pressure are greater if you’re overweight or obese.

Stroke Being overweight or obese can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form. If the clot is close to your brain, it can block the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain and cause a stroke. The risk of having a stroke rises as BMI increases.

Type 2 diabetes Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s blood glucose, or blood sugar level is too high. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells don’t use insulin properly. At first, the body reacts by making more insulin. Over time, however, the body can’t make enough insulin to control its blood sugar level. Diabetes is a leading cause of early death, CHD, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. Most people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Joint problems, including osteoarthritis - Obesity can affect the knees and hips because of the stress placed on the joints by extra weight. Joint replacement surgery, while commonly performed on damaged joints, may not be an advisable option for an obese person because the artificial joint has a higher risk of loosening and causing further damage.

Sleep apnea and respiratory problems - Sleep apnea, which causes people to stop breathing for brief periods, interrupts sleep throughout the night and causes sleepiness during the day. It also causes heavy snoring.

Cancer - In women, being overweight contributes to an increased risk for a variety of cancers including breast, colon, gallbladder, and uterus. Men who are overweight have a higher risk of colon and prostate cancers.

Fortunately, even a modest weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds can bring significant health improvements, such as lowering one’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels. So go ahead and lose those pounds of flesh and make sure you don’t eat too much this Christmas.

HEALTH NEWS

Doctors’ strike paralyses activities at UATH Medical activities at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT, were paralysed following the five-day warning strike embarked upon by doctors.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had, on December 15, directed its members to embark on the nationwide strike from December 18, following

the failure of the Federal Government to respond to their demands.

News reaching journalists report that patients were being moved out of the hospital by their relatives owing to the circumstance.

Mr Augustin Umhenin, whose wife is in a critical state, said he was moving her to a private hospital,

where she could be attended to.

He, however, appealed to both the government and the doctors to find solution to their dispute and call off the strike.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, UATH, Dr. Haruna Abubakar, has advised the Federal Government and NMA to go into dialogue and end the nationwide action.

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Civil Service

NASS moves to review NICO’s mandate JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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he House Committee on Culture and Tourism has said that it would review the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO)’s mandate in line with the enabling law.

NICO, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation is still operating with decree 93 of 1993, which ought to have been reviewed into the Act of Parliament in line with the new democratic dispensation.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Hakeem Muniru stated this during the committee’s oversight visit to the Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, in Abuja.

Muniru said they were in the institute to ascertain the level of implementation of their mandate, especially the 2013 appropriations with a view to prepare grounds for the next fiscal year.

Having listened to the

NICO boss, who took time to intimate the committee on the activities of the Institute, Muniru commended NICO for championing the course of promoting culture and values in the country.

He expressed displea-

sure with the inability of the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Godson Ordu, to submit the report earlier to the committee, to give members ample time to peruse the documentation.

Earlier, Ayakoroma ex-

plained that NICO had organised Children’s Cultural Extravaganza, which attracted schools from the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the programme, which was aimed at, “catching them young,” was a veritable platform

Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos Chairman, Kehinde Bamigbetan (middle), Head, Cards and E-Banking, Ecobank, Ayotunde Kuponiyi (right) and the Lagos State Coordinator for GEMS 3, Mrs Yemisi Joel-Osebor, during the launch of Point of Pay (POP) System for revenue generation in the council area, recently.

Abuja municipal council bags NUJ performance award

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he Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Saturday bagged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Chapter’s Gold Award in Area Council Development.

The ceremony was organised after the union’s assessment tour of projects in the six area councils of the FCT. Mr Chuks Ehirim, Chairman of NUJ in Abuja, said the award was given based on the recipient’s performance in the provision

Chairman’s wife counsels children to be good ambassadors

of NICO Cultural Clubs in Schools, to encourage children to identify with our rich cultural endowments.

He maintained that the institute had been organising workshop for cultural workers in line with its mandate, but expressed

of social amenities for the communities. ``We honour the council for undertaking people-oriented projects, projects that have direct impact on the grassroots’’, he said.

He said the projects tallied with the yearnings and aspirations of the residents of AMAC, adding that the council should be encouraged to do more.’’

He, therefore, urged other area councils to wake up to their duties and re-

sponsibilities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kwali Area Council won the Best Initiative in Rural Development Award.

The FCT Secretariat of the Year 2013 award went to the Social Development Secretariat.

Similarly, the FCTA Agency of the year award went to the Satellite Town Development Agency.

The Public Accountability Award went to the

Lagos charges workers on commitment, honours 35 civil servants

Managing-Director, Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Prince Haruna Momoh.

Gwagwalada, Abaji and Bwari Area councils were each bestowed with bronze awards.

Responding,, Chairman of AMAC, Mr Micah Jiba, said the awards would spur them to do more for their people in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda.

displeasure over the lack of cooperation from state government in the area of capacity building at the state and local levels.

The Executive Secretary also decried inadequate funding, describing it as major challenge that hampers the institute’s activities.

Ayakoroma appealed to the committee to use their good offices to work for the progress and development of the culture sector, insisting that their cooperation is germane to the success of the NICO amendment bill that would soon be brought to the National Assembly.

According to him, “Together we can take the culture sector to a higher height and we believe that culture can indeed be a revenue earner comparable to oil in the next few years because what constitutes our cultures are things that are with us; we are not going to import them from anywhere. So, the way we use them to sell ourselves will determine how we can make an impact.”

Bodinga LG recruits 2,000 youths –Badau

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lhaji Shehu Badau, the Chairman of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, said his administration recruited 2,000 youths in the past six years.

Badau made this known when women, traders, drivers and physically-challenged persons paid him a solidarity visit in Bodinga on Saturday.

He said the youths had WASC, NCE and first degrees.

Badau said the gesture was part of the efforts by the local government council to further empower the youths. ``The administration had also executed various programmes and policies aimed at empowering women and vulnerable groups’’, the chairman added.

He commended the groups for the visit, saying, “Governor Wamakko has transformed the state in all spheres of human life.’’

Anyim inaugurates team to implement NEITI mandates

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From the Civil Service

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Chairman’s wife counsels children to be good ambassadors T

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Chairman urges widows, aged to embrace empowerment programme

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rs Sarah Bamigboye, wife of the Caretaker Chairman of Oriire Local Government of Oyo State, has advised children in the area to be good ambassadors.

Bamigboye made the call at a Christmas party organised for children of

the area at the council’s headquarters, Ikoyi-Ile, on Saturday. ``I implore you all to be good ambassadors of your respective families, the council, state and the nation at large. This will make you role models for others. ``Parents should endeavour to guide these

children in the right path so that they will make the family, council, state and the nation proud wherever they find themselves’’, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion was attended by Bamigboye’s counterpart from Ogbo-

moso North Local Government, Mrs Victoria Adibi.

Also in attendance were Alhaji Bayo Raji, the council’s head of local government administration, Alhaji Kazeem Bello, Director of Finance, and Mr Oladeji Peter, Director of Education of the local council.

L-R: Mr. Paul Tafar, Deputy Director, Climate Change Dept, Federal Ministry of Environment; Prince Lekan Fadina, Director CISME; Alhaji Salisu, Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Environment and Coordinator, REDD, Dr. Samuel Adejunwo; Director, Climate Change Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Prof. Daniel Gwary - University of Maiduguri, and a guest, who are Nigerian Negotiators at the just-concluded United Nations Conference on Climate Change held in Warsaw, Poland recently.

Lagos charges workers on commitment, honours 35 civil servants MURITALA AYINLA

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he Lagos State Government has charged workers in the state to be always committed to duty, even as it rewarded 35 outstanding civil servants in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Mrs Orelope Adejoke-Adeflire gave the charge at the celebration of the Lagos state Productivity Day and Presentation of year 2010, 2011 and 2012 productivity merit award to 35 civil servants held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Adefulire explained that the theme for the year’s celebration-‘Productivity and Competitiveness: Determination for achieving National Transformation’, was apt, reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare of the workers.

She tasked the civil servants in the country to use the upcoming year to re- dedicate themselves to selfless service.

Urging the over 120,

000 civil servants to renew their commitment to work, Adefulire said that doing so would help change the negative perception of the public about civil servants in the country.

“The theme for this year’s award emphasized the need for civil servants in the state to increase their productivity in whatever assignment they are given for the good of the people in Lagos state”, she said.

“You are the interface between the public and the government; you should try to work with passion and determination to deliver those excellent services that Nigeri-

ans especially residents of Lagos, demands from you,” Adefulire added.

Meanwhile, the state Head of Service, Mrs Josephine Oluwaseyi urged the workers to continue to invest their time, energy and competences to their assigned responsibilities and schedules.

While commending the awardees, the HOS assured that government would continue to provide enabling environment for enhanced productivity.

“You have further gone the extra miles through the consistent display of some enduring attributes, which include but not limited to selflessness, punc-

tuality, dedication, perseverance and uncommon candour; to distinguish yourselves in the ways and means you have rendered quality services to the state” Meanwhile, the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Wogu who was represented by the state coordination of National Productivity Centre, NPC, Mrs. Peace Nwasuzu, lamented that the major challenge facing the polity was having the society imbibe the policy which was meant to create awareness for the need to encourage productivity at work place.

he people of Iba Development Area of Ojoo, Lagos State, have been advised to access the monthly stipends designed for widows, the aged and less privileged members of the community.

Chairman of the area, Ramota Oseni- Adeyeri, made the call at an Empowerment/Poverty Reduction Programme for the aged, widows and less-privileged members of the community on Saturday.

The chairman, who was marking her second year in office, distributed items to empower the less privileged and reduce the level of poverty in the community.

She said the beneficiaries were the aged, widows, the less privileged and youths who had attended three to six months skill acquisition programme.

NSCDC, monarch join move to end youths’ drug abuse A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he District Head of Angwan Shanu in Kaduna State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba Kura has cried out over activities of miscreants who use dangerous weapons to attack themselves, a trend he said is caused by illicit drugs intake.

Speaking yesterday during a courtesy call on the Kaduna State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Ibrahim Ningi, the traditional ruler appealed to security agencies in Kaduna state to urgently address issues of drug abuse within communities.

He said, “Issues involving drugs abuse posed a bad omen and a danger to the security of lives and properties. It is the major cause of crime in our community

Anyim inaugurates team to implement NEITI mandates

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he Federal Government on Friday urged members of the 23man Inter-Ministerial Task Team to implement the mandate of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

(SGF), gave the charge in Abuja when he inaugurated the newly reconstituted team on the Implementation of Reports of NEITI. The SGF said that NEITI was charged with task of working with relevant agencies to undertake corrective measures where necessary and to identify lapses in the

management of oil, gas and mining industries.

He urged members of the team to be more committed in ensuring that the NEITI mandates were implemented in the country.

Anyim said that ``this is because due to President Goodluck Jonathan direct-

She stressed that the items would empower the beneficiaries and serve as a source of income for them. ``The need to alleviate poverty in our society cannot be over-emphasised.

The items will help the beneficiaries to start up businesses that can generate income’’, she said.

Oseni-Adeyeri urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to enable them to contribute to the development of the community and the society.

The beneficiaries thanked the chairman for the gesture which they said would empower them toward creating more wealth in the society.

NAN reports that the items included generators, deep freezers, computers, cameras, clippers, sterilisers, grinding machines, pop corn machines, foodstuff, coolers, tie and dye materi-

ed that the NEITI Process be integrated into the Administration’s Economic Agenda.’’ ``Accordingly, Mr President approved the reconstitution and strengthening of the Inter-ministerial Task Team to enable it effectively discharges those obligations.”

and if not tackled, we are in big trouble.

“In Agwan Shanu District, the fight against drug abuse has not yielded result and our area has been rated as the highest abuser of illicit drugs in the state.

We are concerned about this because a day never passes without youth fighting with dangerous weapons,” Kura said.

The traditional ruler said even though they know where the drug barons live having succeeded in relocating them; he called for total surveillance of the area by security operative.

“My office and resident need to be under close watch because the enemies are strategising to regroup.

The entire Angwan Shanu district has not even a police outpost which exposes us to danger,” Kura added.

Commandant Ningi assured the traditional ruler that the State Security Council would take prompt measures.

“A task force has been set-up to checkmate the activities of drug abuse and I will meet with other security chiefs in the state to table the issues with a view of addressing them squarely. The successes the command recorded was as a result of your support,” Ningi said.

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Business FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday December 22, 2013

God brought me to revamp agric in Nigeria –Adesina JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has said that his appointment as minister in the current administration was a Godordered mission intended to enable him contribute to the re-building of the wall of agricultural sector and by implication, reactivate the sector for sustainable growth.

Adesina, who made the assertion at the weekend at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Asokoro, Abuja during the thanksgiving service for his award as the Forbes African Man of the Year 2013, likened his current efforts to that of Nehemiah in the scriptures, who rose to rebuild the city of Jerusalem after years of neglect.

He, however, attributed the glory of the achievements of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda

(ATA) to President Goodluck Jonathan, who called on him to serve his fatherland by appointing him as the minister of one of the most crucial sectors of the nation’s economy.

The minister said: “What we are celebrating today, in the agricultural sector wouldn’t have happened without the President, because I was in Nairobi working when the President appointed me the minister of agriculture; I had never met him

before my appointment as a minister.

“I could not have achieved this unless the President stood behind us solidly by supporting all our policies and programme. I want to use this opportunity to pray that God will bless the President and expand his wisdom and God who helped him at a time like this will not make him to disappoint us,” Adesina said.

Anchoring his remarks

on Psalm 144 verses 13 to 15, the minister prayed for Nigeria, saying “God has brought us to rebuild the wall of agriculture in Nigeria like the wall of Jerusalem of the day of Nehemiah, today is not about me but about what God is doing in this country.”

In his sermon, the Senior Pastor, Rev. Babajide Olowodola, whose message was anchored on ‘My Scorecard’, said the only thing that was adding colour to the present admin-

istration is agriculture.

He said the healing of Nigeria had started because the cocoa and groundnut pyramids were coming back and that Nigeria would soon export rice.

“A time is coming when Nigeria would be told to drink its oil; agriculture will sustain us, the seven years of famine that is coming, the Lord has already raised up a Joseph in Akinwumi for Nigeria,” the cleric averred.

Be business-oriented, Ajimobi charges Nigerians

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overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has stressed the need for Nigerians to strive to acquire adequate knowledge in one business or the other in order to make ends meet and banish poverty in the country.

He stated this at the weekend while receiving board members of Ibadan Business School led by its chairman, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi. The team was on a courtesy call on the governor, in Ibadan.

Ajimobi who also harped on the need for all tiers of government to apply the philosophy of business in all their day-to-day activities, said this had become imperative in order to allow for good governance and satisfy the yearnings of the people.

“What we need in Nigeria today is that paradigm of business where government must apply business

Ajimobi

philosophy in all that we do,” he affirmed.

While commending the management of the School for the laudable and noble goals of setting it up, Governor Ajimobi pledged his administration’s support for the development of the school whose establishment he said was long overdue, so that it could achieve the goals.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to making life worth living for the people of the state through the provision of social infrastructures and human capital development as well as social services such as good roads, potable water, electricity, quality health care delivery system and leisure.

All these, the governor said, would help immensely in the development of the state’s economy and the thriving of the Business School.

Governor Ajimobi expressed the hope that given the caliber of the personalities that made up the board, the institution would soon become a leading Business School, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and that it would contribute to the intellectual development of the people of the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Chairman, NDDC Governing Board, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw and Managing Director/CEO, NDDC, Sir. (Barr.) Bassey Dan-Abia, during the inaugural meeting of board, management and staff of the Commission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.

NDDC board pledges to fast-track N’Delta devt SAM OLUWALANA

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n its bid to fulfill the mandate handed down to it, the new board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has pledged to double its efforts in actualising the mandate of fast-tracking the development of Nigeria’s oilrich region as well as creating wealth for the people.

This commitment was made by Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, the board chairman when he addressed the management and staff of the commission at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ewa-Henshaw spoke at an inaugural meeting attended by all the board

members who were part of the inauguration ceremony performed by President Goodluck Jonathan on at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said that the board would spare no effort to advance the transformation agenda of the Federal Government. “The President charged us to make a remarkable difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. We shall not disappoint him,” he assured.

The NDDC board chairman appealed to the staff of the commission to join hands with his team so that they could all work together as one family. He urged them to be disciplined, transparent and dedicated to their duties as that was

the surest way to encourage the Federal Government and the other funding partners of the interventionist agency.

Senator Ewa-Henshaw stated that in the new dispensation at the commission, quarrels and in-fighting among the management team would not be given any room. This time, he said, “we must work with one accord to achieve the goals for which the NDDC was set up, so that at the end of the day we will be able to hold our heads high as our achievement will be there for everyone to see.”

Also addressing the staff, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the board, Barrister Bassey Dan Abia, called for an at-

titudinal re-orientation to enable the commission lift its image from that of an under-performing agency to one that should be reckoned with.

He said: “The image of the commission is not so good.

We deserve a better reputation than what we have now.

So, we need to do a thorough soul-searching to be able to chart a new course.”

He added that new performance targets would be set to ensure that projects were followed through, from start to finish.

According to him, this would provide a better focus and ensure that at the end of every year, the NDDC would have completed a certain number of projects.

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LASG assures community of govt presence NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

Standard Chartered Bank appoints Omotosho board chairman MESHACK IDEHEN

The Lagos State Government has assured the residents of the Greenfield Estate Community of upgrading the infrastructure in the vicinity soon.

This assurance was made by Hajia Wunmi Dosunmu who represented the government at the annual ‘Get Together and Award’ ceremony which held at the Estate last week.

Dosunmu, a director in the Ministry of Rural Development, while speaking at the Leadership Award of the Greenfield Estate, told the residents that the Lagos State Government was highly impressed with the way the residents have tried to upgrade the facilities there.

“I want to encourage you to continue living in peace and in no distant time the government will come to the aid of the community.

In fact, that is why the government is encouraging all the residents to take advantage of the Lagos State Residents Registration exercise. Some people think it is for taxation; it is not. It is being done to know what each community in the state needs. It will help government in planning the resources and expending what is available to priority areas,” she enlightened.

The president of the Greenfield Estate Community Development Association, Prince Nixon Okwara, commended members of the community for their efforts at changing the fortunes of the community.

“Necessity”, he said, “is the mother of invention as the popular saying goes, hence with the collective determination of all of us, we have turned 164 hectares of swamp into paradise with four unit transformers, electrification of the area and above all, making it one of the safest estates in Lagos.”

Some of the personalities honoured at the event include Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, former Military Administrator of Lagos State; Justice Oguntade, Hon. Shamsudeen Abiodun Olaleye Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA.

Business

Sunday, December 22, 2013

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Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Chief Joseph Sanusi, has said it was important that banks appoint persons of integrity, experience and repute into high positions.

Sanusi said also that

the position of a chairman of a bank comes with enormous responsibilities which the holder is beholden to honourably and professionally discharged.

Speaking during a dinner held in honour of the newly appointed Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, Sir Remi Omotosho, the former CBN

governors said the new chairman being someone he has known for many years, and still have so much respect for, will add value and take the board to greater heights with his quality and experience.

Also in attendance at the event were the Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola, a former Gover-

nor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, amongst other dignitaries.

Congratulating the new chairman, the former Ekiti State Governor said Sir Remi Omotosho is a man of high integrity who deserved to be honoured, saying Omotosho who is also the Chairman of DN Meyer Plc, deserve the appointment.

L-R: Chief Port Commercial Officer, Alhaji Lamina Abdulrahman; Apapa Port Manager, Mr. Nasir Mohammed; Chairman, Export Trade Group, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Olu Olabisi and a member of the Trade Group, Alhaji Liadi Nofiu, during the group’s visit to Apapa Port recently.

PPMC urges Nigerians to cook with gas

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r. Haruna Momoh, the Managing Director, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), on Saturday called for increased use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking in the country.

Momoh made the call after receiving a Public Accountability Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Chapter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LPG is popularly called cooking gas According to him, other countries are diversifying from kerosene to gas as house hold fuel. ``Kerosene is expensive and is imported.’’

Momoh stressed that PPMC had ventured into gas utilisation, and called

on Nigerians to switch over from kerosene to gas, which according to him is the future of the world.

“I urge Nigerians to rest the use of kerosene and save costs. A lot has been done by Government to ensure that it comes to stay. We produced 250,000 metric tonnes of LPG this year. ``Our market plan is to

begin more retailing of LPG and lubricants in our 450 mega and affiliate stations by mid 2014 so as to ensure quality and pricing”, he said.

He added that ``LPG is cleaner and safer.’’

Momoh assured Nigerians that the PPMC would continue to ensure petroleum products were available at all times.

Dangote donates mobile clinic to Clara Oshiomhole Foundation

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lhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, on Saturday pledged to provide three more mobile clinic to the Clara Oshiomhole Foundation.

Dangote made the pledge when he presented the first van to the foundation in Benin.

He explained that the donation was to commemorate the third year of the death of Clara, wife of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation aims at reducing maternal and child mortality in Edo. Dangote said those in need of quality medical services in the rural areas were many and that the mobile clinic was a right step in the right direction.

He said a lot still needed to be done in the health care delivery sector in meeting the MDGs target of reducing maternal and child mortality by 2020.

Inaugurating the van, Dangote commended the initiative of the children of the late Edo First Lady on the project.

He said that no matter the number of hospitals, mobile clinics could also augment and rescue.

Gov. Oshiomhole thanked Dangote for being the biggest donor to the foundation.

The governor said no sector of the economy could develop without good health care services.

Dr Winifred Owumi, first daughter of Oshiomhole and founding member of the foundation, said it was committed to continuing with the ideas and focus of the late Clara.

She said the foundation would go the extra mile in providing good health care to pregnant and nursing mothers as well as to children.

Clara died on December 7, 2010 after a battle with cancer.

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Ekiti donates buses to media, trade organisations

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he Ekiti State Government has presented five 18-seater passenger buses to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Progress FM, Ado Ekiti; the Ebira community, the State Timber Traders Association, State Sawmillers Association and the a National Automobile Technician Association as part of means to enable them carry out their duties to the people of the State.

Presenting the buses in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said the gesture was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the associations to continue to work in harmony with the people of the state.

Fayemi who noted that there is no harm in providing logistics for the associations stated that the benefiting organizations have contributed immensely to the socio-economic stability of the State even as he said that the Timber Traders association is one of the largest employer of labour in the State whole the Ebira community has played a crucial role in the development of the State agricultural sector.

He emphasized his readiness to provide support for any organisation which seeks to provide employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed population in the State.

“There is no harm in supporting the associations with logistics for their association activities.

They had approached government last year to get the passenger vehicles in pursuit of their work in the state. They will use it for the benefit of their members and pursuit of their profession which have employed sizable number of the teeming unemployed population. We must do everything to support organizations which provide jobs and create the enabling environment to create more jobs,” he said.

In his remarks, the General Manager of Progress FM, Pastor Dare Olorunfemi, said the problem of mobility in the station predates the emergence of Governor Fayemi but commended him for dedicating himself to solving problems which his administration had inherited.

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

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SM Extra

Sunday, December 22, 2013

57

STORIES RIES THAT TOUCH YOU DECEMBER 22, 2013

Even on wheelchair, I’ll continue to preach the gospel

–Pastor Adegboye OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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residing Pastor of His Amazing Grace Global Ministry, Jikwoyi, Mr. Samuel Adegboye, is confined to a wheelchair owing to complications from a spinal cord injury he sustained in an auto crash along Abuja-Lokoja highway.

His travail and determination to stay on course with the Lord, even in his present state, is amazing.

He was a young man who had known Christ at his early age. Since he became a born-again Christian three decades ago, he had not wavered in his faith and in his passion to preach the gospel of Christ.

However, Pastor Adegboye’s faith in the Lord was taken to test on August 14, 2006 as he had a grisly motor accident in Abaji, about 70 kilometre to Abuja. Although, God delivered him from the claws of death, he was later confirmed by the doctors at the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, Abuja as having developed spinal cord injury.

Adegboye, who was at the time of the accident on the verge of defending his Master’s dissertation in Economics at the Department of Economics, University of Abuja, had travelled to Lagos to attend a National Christian programme on behalf of the church. He had successful completed his mission in Lagos and was on his way back to Abuja when the accident, which later took him to four major orthopaedic hospitals across the country, occurred.

In an emotion-laden but determined voice, he recalled the event of the fateful evening, “I was involved in an accident on August 14, 2006; on my way from a National Christian programme in Lagos.

The unfortunate event happened in Abaji, a few kilometres to the city centre. A luxury bus overtook a car and the bus was facing us head on and in order to save the day, our driver swerved to the bushy side of the road.

“But, while the driver was trying to negotiate back to the road, the front tyre bust and the bus somersaulted several times before it came to a halt in a ditch along the busy path. I was unconscious at a time, but God restored me to consciousness. At that point in time, the first ques-

tion that I asked was “where re are my legs” because I couldn’t ’t feel the lower part of my body dy again. I was eventually resscued and brought to the side of the road. By that time, I discovered that I could not sit down again; the only thing I could do was to just lie down. Any attempt to sit resulted in excruciating pains. However, men of the Road Safety Corps and our church members were contacted and it was after then that I and others who were injured were moved to the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital.”

On referral to Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala Kano, Adegboye stated that his health condition had deteriorated to the extent that doctors felt he could not make it again.

However, rather than giving in to the negative body language of the doctors, he took solace in the word of God which says, “I will not die, but live to declare the works of God in the land of the living.”

In his narration, he said, “From the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital I was taken to the main spinal ward of the National Orthopaedic Hospital at Dala, Kano.

On settling down, I found out only one out of the six doctors that examined me was positive about my surviving the accident; others said that they could not see what they could do about the case but they have to give it a trial.

“Having realised their pessimism regarding my recovering, I decided to focus more on God and never allowed that to weaken my resolve to overcome my tribulation. By focusing more on God, I was able to neutralise their negative thoughts about me.

“People might have talked about spinal cord injury, how it had wrecked lives and made others miserable, but all that was not sinking into my brain because in the conscious and sub-conscious regions of my heart, it’s already sealed against negativity, it’s only positivity that was allowed to penetrate in there.

“I could see that right from that time God was giving me courage, my inner man was being strengthened day by day. One night, in my dream, I saw a man holding

a life coal with scissors and he asked me to open my mouth. When I saw this man, I knew he was not there to harm me, everything was telling me that this one is for me and not against me. I opened my mouth and he touched that life coal with that scissors and touched my tongue.

“That touch was his blessing and I told him, please touch my forehead, hand, back and leg. He said that in as much as your tongue is touched, your entire body is touched and that was the end of it. My experience as from the next morning was a sort of spiritual remittance in such a way, that the second morning, I took my Bible with a renewed vigour and I was reading the scripture.

“I had the strength to even read the magazines brought for me from Abuja. I could see that I was loaded and then my attention was not even on the accident that I had, my body that was on a particular unmovable state, I was seeing beyond that hospital bed and the accident that I had. I was hopeful of a brighter future and I had it down in me that my dream will be accomplished fully without an iota of doubt despite the accident that I had.”

Asked if he never at any point tried to question God. “Why me? Even though, I had occasions to think about my congregation back in Abuja, my job at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and my master’s programme at the University of Abuja, I never allowed that to dampen my morale nor threaten my love for Christ. Instead of the accident to make me feel disappointed, my determination was renewed because stories abound in the scripture of Chris-

tians who faced similar trial but stayed with God till the end,” he said reassuringly.

Highlighting the various activities lined up for the celebration of his 50th birthday, he noted that apart from having a thanksgiving service to demonstrate the faithfulness of God in his life, a book documenting his travail during and after the accident and his eventual triumph would be launched.

On the significance of the book to him, his intended readers and the body of Christ, he noted,” The book that will be dedicated today (yesterday), December 21, 2013, entitled “Rescued from the Jaws of Death” is the testimony of wonderful deliverance of God for me from that ghastly motor accident and the documentation of my experiences in the various hospitals I have had to be admitted in my search for healing, what transpired there, from the good and the bad and my eventual conferment to the wheel chair.”

Pastor Adegboye added that he was no longer bothered aby the thought of whether he would ever walk again; saying that all he intended to spend the remaining of his life thinking about was how many souls he would win for Christ. He also hopes to continue his academic pursuit to the doctoral level “I want to inspire my generation, Nigerians and the world over to focus on the Lord and be God-fearing. God is the sole coordinator of our purpose in life. I want to enjoin my generation to know that there is a giant in everybody and it must be awakened from sleep,” he said unambiguously.

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North News

Sunday December 22, 2013

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Defection: Rep lambasts PDP, INEC over court ruling WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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he order of an Abuja High Court restraining the National Assembly from declaring seats of the defecting Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members vacant is clear and binding, a member, Hon. (Dr.) Ahmadu Ali has said.

Ali, a lawyer and member, House Committee on Judiciary who spoke with journalists on Saturday said the order of the court had simply restrained the Speaker, Hon. Aminu

Tambunal and Senate President, Senator David Mark from doing so.

Hon. Ali said it would be an effort in futility in law for Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the PDP and INEC who were not affected by the order and have no power in law to do so, to go out of their ways to declare the seats of the defecting law makers vacant in the National Assembly.

The lawmaker said there wouldn’t have been need for a litigation on the matter in the first place if Section 68 (1) (g) of the

constitution had been read in detail and not in part by the leadership of the PDP who started the threats to deny his fellow defecting lawmakers their seats.

His words; “The court specifically said that, the Second and Third Defendants. The court now went on to say; “The parties”. It also says, “status quo with regards to declaring the seats vacant... So, they can put full stop where they want, the comma where they want and start interpreting the order”.

“The court says the sta-

tus quo should be maintained with regards to taking any action that would render the action of the court nugatory. Now you should know where they are coming from. They tried to be smart.

“The court order was gotten on Tuesday, we defected on Wednesday. Now they are saying that court order said we should not defect. So, you should understand where they are coming from and educate your people that the status quo affected us. Now we are saying that the responsibil-

ity of declaring our seats vacant is not with us”.

Hon. Ali also said; “So that’s why after the judgement when Bamanga (Tukur) at his own toe went to the head that they will still declare the seats vacant, we didn’t complain because that order was not directed at him. Olisah Metuh also was talking through both sides of his mouth, we didn’t complain. But if the Speaker and Senate President had uttered a word, you would see us in court the next day. But these guys haven’t spoken”.

Declaring that he was speaking on behalf other

defecting PDP Reps members and interpreting the law on the matter, Hon. Ali said; “yes, I’m speaking on the correct interpretation...

You can call any other lawyer, give him that judgement, give him section 68; they will tell you what’s happening. So the appeal here is that PDP should not be misreading judgement and constitution.

“They should come clear. Where they think they should appeal, where they have good case, they should go and let’s play this game by the rule. This game has a rule and let us play by the rule.

Group urges use of insecticide nets to reduce maternal mortality WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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L-R: Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Titus Alams; Governor Jonah Jang and Coordinator, Operation Rainbow, Air Vice Marshal Bala Danbaba (rtd), at the graduation ceremony of trainees of the Personal Protection Awareness (Operation Rainbow) in Jos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Kano to complete capital projects in tertiary institutions AKEEM BOLAJI

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overnor Rabi`u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State has assured that all on-going capital projects awarded in the tertiary institutions in the state would be duly completed before the end of 2014.

The governor who made this pledge while holding a meeting with the stakeholders in tertiary education in the state at the Government House, Kano yesterday noted that the massive construction of various structures in

all the tertiary institutions in the state to improve delivery services of qualitative education was progressing.

According to him, the projects included lecture halls; office complexes, laboratories, and sundry physical infrastructures in the tune of billions of naira which he said were at various stages of completion.

Governor Kwankwaso said, “These projects under construction are carefully selected by the government to appropriately help tackle the lingering problems militating against higher education in

the State”, stressing that there would be provision in the 2014 budget to complete them.

He therefore urged managements of the several institutions in the state to keep watch over the contractors to ensure that contractual specifications were adhered to, and told them to report any defaulting contractor to government for appropriate action.

The governor who further tasked lecturers in the institutions on quality assurance in service delivery, pointed out that, “now is the time to reconsider some of the courses that are being of-

fered by your respective institutions vis-à-vis societal demands and challenges”.

Governor Kwankwaso lamented that some courses were outdated and irrelevant and noted with dismay that, “still, they include them in the curricula of the institutions”, stressing on the need for the institutions to realign their programmes with global trends.

The governor equally challenged them to be of high moral standard, emphasizing that they should keep in mind that their students were copying from their attitudes and morals.

Yuletide: STF beefs up security at recreation centres in Plateau

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he Special Task Force (STF) on security in Plateau said it would deploy its personnel to search visitors at recreation centres in the state during Christmas and New Year festivities.

This information is contained in a press statement signed by the Media Coordinator, Capt Salisu

Mustapha, in Jos on Saturday.

The statement stated that the STF would carry out the task jointly with local security operatives.

It stated that the search was to ensure that firearms were not smuggled into the recreation centres.

According to the state-

ment, vehicles are banned from entering the premises of recreation centres during the celebrations.

The STF called on religious bodies to also put security measures in place during the period.

The taskforce said it would provide security at churches and strategic areas of the state through-

out the period of the celebrations.

Other measures provided during the period include increased security in snap and temporary checkpoints, intensified vehicular search and massive deployment of men of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC to enhance traffic control.

civil society group, Teens Educational Development and Information Network (TEDIN) has urged residents of various communities in Yagba West Local area of Kogi state to use Long Lasting Insecticide Nets in order to reduce maternal mortality rate in the area.

This followed the free distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLIN) by the management of Yagba East Local government council to fight the scourge of malaria in area.

The President of TEDIN, Mr Titus Adekunle Alonge who took the advocacy call to three communities in the area also admonished the people to embrace the use of LLI-

NETs for the benefit of their families and the government that has provided the nets for their use.

Alonge explained that the group advocacy to these three communities, Odo Egbe,Odo Ere and Ejiba was in order to curb the menace of mosquito, the carrier of malaria fever.

He added that the exercise was organised through the efforts of stakeholders, community health workers, community leaders and people of the area.

He also stated that this was made possible through a programme put in place by Society for Health (SFH) in collaboration with GRACODEV represented by Miss Fatima Wameh Dabugat and the Citizen Empowerment Projects Advocacy Trust(CEPAT) an NGO

Stop amassing wealth for children, Wamakko tells office holders

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ov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has called on political office holders to desist from the practice of amassing wealth for their children.

The governor made the call at the graduation ceremony of some Islamic schools in Sokoto yesterday.

Wamakko said it was necessary for wealthy individuals to imbibe the culture of assisting the less-privileged members of the society.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, called on Islamic clerics to strive to establish more Islamic schools. ``God will never hesitate to bless anybody doing his work and we

should not be left out in this direction. ``This is work for our religion and anybody that does it will be rewarded by Allah’’, Abubakar said.

Abubakar urged Nigerians to continue to advise and pray for leaders at all levels of government in the country.

The Sultan commended Wamakko for his commitment to the course of Islam.

The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, urged the graduates to work according to the teaching of the Holy Qur’an.

The graduates, who had memorised the Qur’an, received a vehicle, 39 motorcycles and one million naira.

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South News

Sunday December 22, 2013

59

Ekiti people will reward Fayemi with re-election –Lawmaker ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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kiti State House of Assembly member, Mrs Omowumi Ogunlola, has said that Ekiti people will appreciate Governor Kayode Fayemi’s contribution to the development of the state with his re-election

in the 2014 governorship.

Ogunlola said: “Governor Fayemi has done so much and Ekiti people are not ungrateful. They will return him because of his landmark achievements.

“Though people are saying nobody had ever won second term in Ekiti, but Fayemi’s achievements

have been extraordinary and he will break the jinx by the grace of God”, she said.

The lawmaker, who spoke at her Ijero Ekiti country home while hosting her constituents, appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega and the

Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Halilu Pai, to allow the wish of Ekiti people prevail in the governorship election.

She reiterated that Ekiti people would resist any attempt by any group or persons to rig the election and subvert the wish of the electorate.

She described rigging and electoral fraud as invitation to anarchy which Ekiti people had demonstrated readiness to reject at all times.

She praised the recent development in the House of Representatives where the All Progressives Congress now has the majority, de-

scribing it as a dream come true for Nigerians, who she said had been yearning for vibrant opposition that could challenge the Peoples Democratic Party’s monopoly.

According to her, there should be immediate change of leadership at the lower chambers in view of the development.

Obi assures of continued support to health sector

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L-R: Chairman of the occasion/former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla (rtd); Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; President, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu and honouree/Co-Chief Launcher, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), at the 90th Anniversary celebration of the society in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

80 arrested for violating sanitation law

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he Abia Sanitation Enforcement Agents on Saturday said it arrested no fewer than 80 people for violating sanitation rules.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cleanup exercise, which holds on the last Saturday of the month, held on December 21 because of the Yuletide.

The Director, Pollution and Environmental Health, Mr

Kalu Ejere-Igwe, told NAN shortly after monitoring the exercise at Isi-gate, Aba Road and World Bank Areas of Umuahia, that the level of compliance was impressive.

Ejere-Igwe said that government brought the exercise forward to allow for free movement of people during the last Saturday of December which would fall within the Christmas period.

He said the decision to hold it on December 21 was taken in line with the biblical injunction that people should prepare their ways ahead of the birth of Christ. ``It is only when your environment is clean that you can have the ministers of the gospel preach the good news to you. ``And that is our thinking that Abia as God’s own state

must be very clean ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities,’’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Chief Okechukwu Aguwa, urged the people of the state not to litter the environment during the festive period.

He said a dirty environment could cause airborne disease to strive which could endanger the lives of the residents.

overnor Peter Obi of Anambra state has reiterated the readiness of his government to continue to support all institutions in Anambra State that work for the welfare of the people of the State.

He said this yesterday while handing over the keys of four brand new cars to heads of four major General Hospitals in the State.

The benefitting hospitals are Awka, Onitsha, Ekwulobia, and EnuguUkwu general hospitals.

He also presented the key to a new Hilux PickUp utility vehicle to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka.

Gov. Obi who insisted that it was necessary for governments at all levels to embark on the programme of infrastructural renewal, said the gesture was in fulfilment of his earlier promise and in line with the present efforts to improve the various sectors towards the drive to achieve the Millennium

Development Goals.

The governor thanked the State Ministry of Health and medical doctors for their efforts towards advancing the state’s vision on health.

In his own remarks, the Acting Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Dr. Ifeanyi Ezeobi thanked the governor for his interest and concern for the health sector.

He said that it was not long ago the governor provided two ambulances to the hospital with other logistics support.

He recalled all the state government had done in the health sector, including the building of a teaching hospital from the scratch, the rebuilding of selected General Hospitals, support to Mission hospitals and provision of equipment to hospitals among others Ezeobi declared that Obi had made the greatest impact on Anambra Hospital system since Anambra State was created.

‘Education, bedrock of any society’ Akwa Ibom warns motorists against A U indiscriminate parking MOUR ASABA

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DEMUDE

ducation has been described as the bed rock of any nation; as such students must take education very seriously in order to be useful to their selves and the larger society.

The charge was given yesterday by Mr. Ebuka Okonkwo, the Warri marketing officer of Indomie Instant Noodles during the grand finale of Secondary Schools quiz competition held in Delta Careers College Warri.

According to him, the event was aimed at promoting academic excellence among secondary school students in the area.

Okonkwo noted that since the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, they must carry their destinies into their own hands and the only means to do that is through hard studies as well as taking their education seriously.

While congratulating the winners of the competition, Okonkwo urged them stick to indomie instant noodles adding that the company organized the quiz contest in order to improve the students’ academic performance.

“De United Foods Industries Limited, makers of indomie instant noodles deemed it important to get closer to children and students as our num-

ber one target audience.

We love you because you are special, he said” The ceremony came to a climax when the winners, Mother of the Redeemer Secondary School and Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Warri were presented with scholarship awards, brand new Compaq Laptops, threemonth supply of Indomie Instant Noodles and other consolation prizes.

The recipients thanked De-United Foods Industries Limited for organizing the competition and promised to work harder in their academic pursuit and also to remain loyal to Indomie brand of instant noodles.

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he Akwa Ibom government has warned motorists in the state against indiscriminate parking of vehicles on major roads.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Godwin Ntukudeh, issued the warning in Uyo at a news conference.

Ntukudeh said indiscriminate parking of trucks and other articulated vehicles would henceforth attract a N20, 000 fine, while offenders with cars and buses would pay N10, 000 fine.

He listed the affected roads as Willington Bassey, Ikot Ekpene,

Aka, Abak, Oron, Nsikak Eduok and Nwaniba roads, as well as the Atiku Abubakar and Ibrahim Babaginda ways.

He said the measure was to ease traffic and maintain the aesthetics of the state capital, especially during the yuletide.

The commissioner urged commercial motorists to always use the car parks in Uyo and avoid indiscriminate parking. ``Parking on the listed roads from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. is now an offence in Akwa Ibom. ``Vehicles parked on those roads at that time will be towed and demur-

rage charged. Anybody who violates this policy will be going against the good intention of government and will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.

The commissioner also directed taxi operators in the state to take their vehicles to the ministry for biometrics registration within one week, to ensure easy identification and sanity on the roads.

He directed that all taxis operating within the state capital should wear government approved colours, to check the use of taxis for criminal activities.

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Zidane: Brazil has always inspired me

Sport

Bale back for Real trip to Valencia

P. 62 KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS December 22, 2013

P. 63

Onazi, Ogu expect CHAN honours

O

Luis Suarez (right) scores his second goal against Cardiff City yesterday with a blistering kick.

EPL: Suarez brace takes Liverpool to the top ANDREW EKEJIUBA WITH AGENCY REPORT

L

uis Suarez helped propel Liverpool to the top of the Premier League yesterday as the Reds beat a Cardiff side 3-1 with the conflict between owner Vincent Tan and manager Malky Mackay hanging over them.

The home side made sure they did not get distracted by the sideshow surrounding the game, and Suarez’s performance came on the back of the 26-year-old signing a new fourand-half-year deal with the in-form Reds.

Cardiff started the game promisingly and went close early on when a swift counter-attack resulted in Jordon Mutch playing a ball though to Craig Noone, whose 22-yard shot was palmed over by keeper Simon Mignolet.

Liverpool responded with a Luis Suarez shot being deflected wide and a well-struck Raheem Sterling effort being blocked before they eventually broke through the Bluebirds blockade.

Joe Allen laid the ball off to Jordan Henderson on the left side of the area and he crossed for Suarez, who had initiated

the move, to volley past keeper David Marshall for his 18th league goal of the season.

Shortly after opening goal, the Reds almost doubled their lead only to be twice denied by the post. First, Philippe Coutinho gathered a short Suarez corner, burst into the area and saw his angled shot come back off the woodwork.

Right-back Glen Johnson’s cross then found left-back Jon Flanagan and his first-time side-foot came off the face of the same post before Marshall cleared.

The chances began to flow for Liverpool and after Henderson released Suarez with a piercing outside-of-the-boot pass, the Uruguayan squared for Sterling to tap in for Liverpool’s second goal.

Suarez added an impressive third just before the break when he latched on to the tireless and improving Henderson’s backheel to curl a low shot into the bottom corner.

Cardiff reacted by putting the Anfield side under pressure in the second half and were rewarded with a goal when Mutch was left unmarked to steer in a header from Peter Whittingham’s free-kick.

The visitors might have had a penalty

Zlatan rejects big ego label P. 63

for Reds centre-back Martin Skrtel holding Steven Caulker but referee Lee Probert saw no foul.

Liverpool regrouped and regained their grip on the game and, after Sterling’s shot was saved, Suarez struck the follow-up strike against the outside of the post as the home side claimed an 11th league win of the season with an emphatic 3-1 win.

Cardiff ’s fans stayed back after the game to chant their support for Mackay.

The Bluebirds boss had stood on the Anfield pitch for some time after the final whistle and applauded his side’s supporters, many of whom were holding up banners against Tan. There had been doubts as to whether Mackay would be in the dug-out for the game after being told in the week to resign or face being sacked by Tan, who was at the match.

But despite the owner discussing his manager’s future with chairman, Mehmet Dalman, at a meeting on Friday night, Mackay was in charge for a game which resulted in Cardiff ’s eighth defeat of the campaign.

Wenger saddened

by AVB’s sack P. 63

genyi Onazi and John Ogu have predicted that the Super Eagles will win the African Nations Championship (CHAN), taking place in South Africa from January 11 to February 1.

The Nigerian midfielders join the list of foreign professionals who have offered morale support to their home-based counterparts in recent times.

Onazi noted that as African champions, the team are primed to do well in the competition, adding that having Stephen Keshi leading the side is an advantage that will ensure continuity.

“We are the African champions and we are sure that by the close of the competition, our brothers at home will not let us down because they will win the CHAN trophy to sustain what we have jointly achieved,” the Lazio star said.

“Luckily for us we have the same coach for us and our brothers at home, I see no obstacle ahead.”

Academica Du Combra ace Ogu also expressed his support for the team, stating that he is rooting for his teammates all the way from his base in Portugal, as he expects them to bring home the CHAN trophy.

Onazi

Mourinho dismisses duel with Wenger P. 63

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday December 22, 2013

National Stadium: Contractor pledges early completion of swimming pool IFEANYI EDUZOR

T

he contractor handling renovation work at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, swimming pool, Ashuak Global Construction Limited has assured that they are serious about completing the job on time.

An official of the company, Mrs. Ifeoma Ene, told our correspondent that much progress has been made on the renovation since the company started the job a few months ago, just as she stated that they are determined to ensure the swimming pool is ready for use soon.

While taking sports journalists round the swimming pool that has been abandoned several years ago, it was observed that the toilets, bathrooms, changing rooms and

electrical appliances are now almost completed.

“It is our target that the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos swimming pool comes back to life, as it were in the past. We are taking this renovation work as a big challenge for our company and we are keen on bringing smiles to the faces of Nigerians once again.

“We are moving at a fast pace and you can see the work we have done here. In fact it is going to be a completely new swimming pool that will boost the development of swimming generally in the country.

“All we are pleading with the National Sports Commission is for them to release more funds to enable us replace the vandalized facilities and make the swimming facility compete favourably with the most modern Olympic size swimming pools anywhere in the world,” she said.

Edoigiawerie wins Benin Open Chess tourney IFEANYI EDUZOR

N

osa Edoigiawerie has emerged the winner of the maiden Benin Open Chess Tournament, tagged “Oba Cup” which was concluded at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Gymnasium complex, Etete, Benin City.

He garnered a total of six and half points to emerge the overall winner with Ehrusen Emmanuel coming second with five and half points. The quartet of Steve Egbo, Iyalekhue, Omoruyi Collins and Yusuf Ola had five points each to share the prize money of the tournament’s runners- up positions.

The ladies category was won by Osagie Mercy whose three and half points was enough to give her the title with Erabor Felix Joy taking the second position, while Enosoregbe Katherine took the third position.

Various cash prizes, medals and awards were presented to all the top three winners while certificate of participation were given to all the participants and officials as well.

The three-day chess action tagged “Oba’s Cup” which was organised by Sports Colony Nigeria in collaboration with Edo State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Mobilization also featured players in seven categories namely; U-5, U-10, U-14, U-16, team event, open category for men and ladies.

In the U-5 category, Christopher Ikponmwosa emerged overall winner followed by Ilaboya Delight, while Efe-Obuke Tehilla placed third.

The U-10 event was won by Nosa Igbinogodua, while the duo of Igboko Ben and Akidue Ebehi placed second and third respectively.

In the team event, Sports Colony Chess Academy (SCCA) emerged winner ahead of Pioneer Education Centre.

Mikel Obi

Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

Boxers call for action plan in 2014

A

Elegbeleye

Spotlights FC arrives Burkina Faso for invitational tourney ANDREW EKEJIUBA

A

39-man contingent of Spotlights Football Club of Katsina arrived Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, today ahead of the eight-team invitational tournament.

Addressing the players and officials of the team led by the Coordinator, Alhaji Ayuba Umar at their final training session on Friday the Katsina State Commissioner for Sports, Aminu Ibrahim Safana, charged them to make the state proud by winning the tournament.

“I want you to be good ambassadors of this country when you are in Burkina Faso. As I have always told you the state government is solidly behind the club and we will continue to provide all the necessary things that will make you comfortable. The competition is an opportunity for you to prepare for the coming season and use it well,” Safana said.

Curbishley charges Mikel to improve

F

61

ormer Charlton Athletic manager, Alan Curbishley is not a big fan of Nigerian midfielder, John Obi Mikel and has accused the Super Eagles man of being a pale imitation of former Chelsea star, Claude Makelele.

Curbishley expects Mikel to raise his game as he believes the 26-yearold can be better in his position as a holding midfielder at Chelsea.

“He (Mikel) is the only designated holding midfielder at Chelsea but my question is that he doesn’t do (his job on the pitch) that well,” Curbishley said on popular television programme, Football Today aired on SuperSport on Friday.

Drawing comparisons between Mikel and Makelele, Curbishley

said the Nigerian is dwarfed by the Frenchman as far as ability in the holding midfield role is concerned.

“He doesn’t do it anywhere near as well as Makelele used to do it (for Chelsea),” he said.

Curbishley who also previously managed another Premier League club, West Ham United however expects the Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho to give Mikel another opportunity to prove himself when the Blues face Arsenal tomorrow.

“I think Mourinho will make a statement on Monday. I think he will start with Mikel and Ramires as holding midfielders.

“This is to ensure that the Chelsea back four gets a lot of protection from a very powerful Arsenal midfield.

s the year 2013 is gradually coming to an end, Nigerian boxers have made a passionate appeal to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to put modalities on ground towards repositioning the pugilist game in 2014.

Some of the boxers who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity noted that after the poor showing at the London 2012 Olympics, no concrete action was taken in 2013 to correct the anomalies that prevented the country from progressing beyond the first round of the event at the Olympics.

They stated that since Commonwealth Games will be staged in Glasgow, Scotland in 2014, there is

the need for the NSC to put in place modalities that will enable the country perform well at the biggest sporting event after the Olympics.

“It is unfortunate that we had a poor outing in boxing in 2013 and we are appealing to relevant authorities to ensure that 2014 will be different from previous years as that is the only to arrest the dwindling fortune of the game in the country, “one of the boxers said.

According to them, there is the need to introduce more boxing championships on regular basis as well as sponsor coaches and referees on refresher courses to keep them abreast with the modern rules and regulations of the game.

Emenogu sets WBO title target

K

ing Davidson Emenogu (16-1, 10 KO) insists he is ready to spill blood for the vacant WBO International light middleweight title against Ishmael Tetteh whenever the fight holds in 2014.

Emenogu was supposed to face the Ghanaian in Southampton, England, on November, 16 for the vacant WBO International light middleweight title, but the fight was put off at the last minute.

The title was declared vacant after he was stripped of it for failing to defend the title

in Nigeria on July 26, 2013.

The boxer nicknamed “Hand of God” told our correspondent that he is ready to face the Ghanaian or any other opponent that will be put forward, even as he noted that he is not afraid of any opposition but is more interested in reclaiming his title.

“Winning back my title would put me back in the world top ten and that is why I am focused and training every day to ensure I am in good frame of mind whenever a new date for the fight is agreed on.

Klitschko eyes WBC Heavyweight title

W

BA, IBF and WBO Heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko wants to become undisputed world heavyweight champion by claiming the WBC crown vacated by his older brother Vitali.

British boxer, Lennox Lewis was the last boxer to hold all the major belts in 2000, as the Klitschko brothers chose not to fight each other.

Vitali Klitschko early last week vacated his WBC title to enable him concentrate in politics in his native country, Ukraine.

The 42-year-old is a Ukrainian opposition leader and plans to run for the country’s President in 2015.

However, he was named “champion emeritus”, which would allow him to directly challenge a new champion if he wants to resume boxing.

The younger Klitschko beat Alexander Povetkin in October to retain his WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles.

“It’s obviously my aim to bring the WBC title back into the Klitschko family,” Wladimir Klitschko said.

The 37-year-old boxer has made 15 defences in his second spell as champion and has won 61 of his 64 professional fights, 51 by knockout.

Wladimir Klitschko (left) throws a punch at Alexander Povetkin during their heavyweight clash last October.

62

Sport

Sunday December 22, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Zidane: Brazil has always inspired me Brazil have figured prominently on Zinedine Zidane’s path to greatness. His brace against A Selecao in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final and his performance in the quarter-final classic versus the same opposition in 2006 helped secure him a special place in the footballing pantheon. Zizou’s renewed acquaintances with his old foe during the Final Draw on December 6, in Costa Do Sauipe, when Brazil’s fate and their chances of lifting the FIFA World Cup on home soil rested quite literally in the France legend’s hands. FIFA.com had the opportunity to chat to the former midfield maestro about his World Cup memories and his unique relationship with the land of Pele. the upcoming World Cup? How does it feel to see the footage from the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Brazil, in which you starred?

It’s a nice feeling. Truth be told, I don’t often watch videos of my matches, but the good memories quickly come flooding back. There was magic in the air that day out on the pitch; both my team-mates and I felt it. We really did have a wonderful generation of players. It was a special time.

Was that the crowning performance of your career?

So they say, but to be honest I’m not so sure. It’s right up there with my best displays. But what does “crowning” mean, anyway? I really don’t know. I think there were a few others that rivalled it, at least in my opinion.

But there is no denying Brazil were a team that inspired you. As well as that match in 2006, the final in 1998 is another obvious example. You could say Brazil were your best enemy?

It’s odd. When I talk about Brazil with some former players, they see them as a top footballing nation, but that’s about it.

But in my case, they always inspired me.

Against them I always managed to raise my game and so did my team-mates. Every time we faced A Selecao, we felt like we were capable of anything. We were always the underdog, but that’s often when you produce your best efforts. That’s the way it worked out for us.

You virtually humiliated Brazil over the course of those two matches, yet the Brazilian people don’t seem to hold it against you. Do you feel at home in Brazil?

I think “humiliate” is going a bit far. We won and that’s all there is to it.

(Smiles) But it’s true, I don’t get the sense they harbour any grudges. Every time I’ve come here, the people have given me the impression they admired what I did against them, when you might have expected them to greet me with stones!

(Laughs) Incidentally, the other day I bumped into Mario Zagallo, who was the Brazil coach back in 1998, and I was very touched by something he said. He told me that if he could have picked one nonBrazilian to play in his team, he would have chosen me. Coming from Zagallo, The Professor, that’s quite a compliment.

In a way, could say your game was steeped in Brazilian football?

Absolutely. When I was a kid and I used to play with my friends from the neigh-

bourhood, we would stage mock World Cups. Who do you think everyone wanted to play as? Brazil. So it’s a country that’s always been part of my life... And then the dream came true: I played in the World Cup for real and I had the chance to face Brazil. So I said to myself: “This is it! Go out there and enjoy it. What’s the worst that can happen? Even if you lose, no one will be mad at you. Do your best and have fun. And if you can beat Brazil, it will be quite something to look back on at the end of your career.” (Smiles) What are your earliest memories of Brazilian football?

The 1982 World Cup, without a shadow of a doubt. I was ten at the time and I can still picture the likes of Socrates, Zico and Julio Cesar wearing that yellow shirt… There were so many stars in that team.

Which Brazilian player influenced you the most?

There are too many to list. But, having had the chance to rub shoulders with him, for me the best has got to be Ronaldo, whom I played with at Real Madrid.

What sort of words spring to your mind when you hear the name “Brazil”?

Celebration, joy, happiness, the yellow shirt! Class, pure bliss. And the people know their stuff, too. I think it’s going to be a fantastic tournament full of fantastic players.

They have a good chance. The players are already gearing up for it... But, like I said before, they will have to be ready when the moment of truth arrives. We can speculate about how good they are now, but it’s in six months’ time that they will need to be firing on all cylinders and prepared to do something big. They have what it takes: France have the players to make an impact.

How does it feel to win a World Cup? What does it mean on a personal level?

The World Cup is the icing on the cake.

It’s the pinnacle: something that can’t be topped. Every player dreams of playing in the tournament and very few manage it. Then when you get there, the goal becomes to go as far as possible, to reach the final, to try to win it, to score… And when you’ve done all that, you feel on top of the world! It’s every footballer’s biggest dream.

And what does winning a trophy like that mean for a country?

It’s huge. We experienced what it meant to people back in 1998. Even though we were in our own little bubble in Clairefontaine, we could see what was going on outside. It’s incredible how football can bring people together. That’s what we managed to do: at one point, however fleetingly, we were able to create that sense of communion among

Zidane

the people out on the street. For a while, at least, we could claim to have created something unique through sport.

What do you expect the Brazil World Cup to serve up?

Like everyone, I’m expecting a party atmosphere. Brazil is the country of football; it’s as simple as that. Even if the sport was invented in England, Brazil has contributed so much to its development. This World Cup is unmissable.

If you had to choose one to play at, this would be it.

Do you see anyone as favourites?

It’d be nice if a European team won in South America, but I don’t see anyone in particular as favourites. There are no more minnows at this stage. There used to be a big gulf between the big guns and the rest, but that gap has really narrowed.

France will be there. What did you make of their qualifying campaign?

They qualified – that’s the good news.

France is a country that quite simply has to be at the World Cup. What happened in qualifying is in the past now: what’s important is that we’ll be there. That’s what it comes down to.

Do you think having triumphed in adversity could help them overcome challenges further down the road?

Definitely. Qualifying is the hard part.

And when you’ve been through an experience like that, you tell yourself: “We made it!” After that it’s a whole new competition. There are still the warm-up games to come and the tournament proper kicks off six months after qualifying ends... That’s when you have to be ready, both physically and mentally. It will be a different mindset. I hope they are ready when June comes around.

How do you rate Les Bleus’ chances at

Zinedine Zidane celebrates after scoring for France at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday December 22, 2013

63

Bale back for Real trip to Valencia

G

areth Bale is expected to be fit to play for Real Madrid when they travel to La Liga rivals Valencia today.

The Welshman, 24, missed Real’s 2-0 win against Olimpic Xativa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday with a calf injury.

Spain defender Sergio Ramos is able to play after successfully appealing against his red card in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Osasuna.

Free-scoring forward Cristiano Ronaldo returns after being suspended against Xativa, but defender Pepe is banned.

Wenger saddened by AVB’s sack

A

rsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he feels sympathy for Andre VillasBoas following his sacking at north London rivals Tottenham.

Villas-Boas was sacked on Monday just 24 hours after Tottenham’s 5-0 humbling at the hands of Liverpool at White Hart Lane.

Wenger, who has been at Arsenal since 1996, was surprised by the axing of Villas-Boas and insists all managers need time to get things right.

“You need time, yes,” Wenger said. “Look, when I said to you at the beginning of the season that when you sign more than three players you take a techni-

cal risk, you were all laughing at me, but it is a reality.

“If you look purely at the mathematical problem, yes it is a surprise, because he (Villas-Boas) has the highest percentage rate of wins historically at the club.

“Is it an internal problem with the relationship with his chairman or with the board? I don’t know. Is it an emotional reaction to a big defeat at home? I hope not, because that would not be a good sign.

“I sympathise with everyone because you need to be a manager to know how much you suffer, you know how many sleepless nights are behind every manager and how much everybody wants to win.”

Wenger

PREMIERSHIP TABLE Team

P

GD

PTS

1 Liverpool

17

23

36

2 Man City

17

31

35

3 Arsenal

16

16

35

4 Chelsea

16

14

33

5 Everton

16

12

31

6 Newcastle

17

2

30

7 Man Utd

17

8

28

8 Tottenham

16

-6

27

9 Southampton

16

5

24

10 Stoke City

17

-4

21

11 Swansea

16

1

20

12 Hull City

17

-6

20

13 Aston Villa

17

-6

19

14 Norwich

17

-14

19

15 Cardiff

17

-12

17

16 West Brom

17

-5

16

17 West Ham

17

-8

14

18 Crystal Palace

17

-16

13

19 Fulham

17

-17

13

20 Sunderland

17

-18

10

The Portugal centre-back picked up his fifth yellow of the campaign and it means Nacho will start alongside Ramos at the heart of the defence.

France international Raphael Varane is still injured with an ongoing knee problem.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will travel to Valencia, who are without a manager after sacking Miroslav Djukic on Monday, hoping to make ground on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Real are five points behind the top two ahead of the final weekend before the winter break.

Valencia are down in ninth after a mixed start to the campaign which led to Serb coach Djukic losing his job after just six months. Bale

Zlatan rejects big ego label

S

weden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic says suggestions that he has a big ego are misfounded.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed wide scale success at numerous clubs, including current employers Paris Saint-Germain, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona and AC Milan.

“In the beginning, I remember, in my career people built me up like the cocky one, ‘he’s arrogant, big ego’, but I mean if you have a big ego you don’t win 20 trophies,” Ibrahimovic told reporters.

“This is something the media makes up, and it’s something I have to live with.

“For me, I respect every person, especially the football players because that’s the game I play, and that’s my area.

What happens in the media is

EURO BRIEFS

Mourinho dismisses duel with Wenger

C

helsea boss Jose Mourinho has played down the importance of his personal battle with Arsene Wenger ahead of Monday’s top-of-the table clash.

Mourinho has racked up a dominant record against Wenger’s Arsenal, who have never beaten his Chelsea side in nine attempts before the 10th meeting at the Emirates on Monday.

Mourinho

Acerbi suffers cancer relapse

S

erie A side Sassuolo have confirmed Francesco Acerbi’s failed drugs test was due to a relapse of testicular cancer. The

25-year-old had a tumour removed in July and returned a positive drugs test after the 2-2 draw with Cagliari on December 1.

Fellaini to undergo wrist operation Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini may have a wrist operation that would rule him out for six weeks - depending on the progress of his back injury. The

26-year-old Belgium international has been out of action since hurting his back in early December, and is due to have a further scan on the problem.

something for the media.”

Ibrahimovic, who has scored 23 goals in 22 outings for the French champions this season, has hit the headlines in the past 18 months with some wonder strikes for club and country.

He added of his form, which also yielded 30 league goals last term: “I think I’m like wine.

Ibrahimovic

De Boer dismisses Spurs link

A

jax coach Frank de Boer has dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at Tottenham.

Spurs have been without a manager since parting company with Andre VillasBoas on Monday, with Spurs eighth in the Premier League.

De Boer has been one of the names reported to be interesting White Hart Lane officials but the former Netherlands international claims he has unfinished business with the Eredivisie holders.

“I’m very satisfied with the Ajax job,” he said.

“I’d only leave once there is no more challenge here.

“Spurs are not a club I’m interested in moving to at the moment but I think they are certainly a great club.

“Just as it was with Liverpool, it is to do with the timing. But I’m not finished at Ajax.”

Meulensteen hopes to keep Berbatov

F

ulham manager Rene Meulensteen believes he has done enough to persuade striker Dimitar Berbatov to remain at Craven Cottage.

Reports from the Bulgarian forward’s agent last month suggested he would be pursuing a move when the January transfer window opens.

However, since such speculation, there has been a raft of changes at Craven Cottage - most notably the departure of Martin Jol as manager, with Meulentseen taking the reins.

Fulham are currently languishing in the Premier League relegation zone in 19th, but with only six points separating them from Aston Villa in 13th, points picked up in the Christmas period could change the landscape drastically.

“We are going to review the

situation next month, but I could well have persuaded him to stay.”

Despite the present outlook, Meulensteen sees a clear desire from Berbatov and feels he has done enough to coax the striker into staying.

“I’ve had a chat with him and he has shown he is very committed to the games we have ahead,” he said.

“I have never really got to the bottom of why he became unsettled. He keeps his cards close to his chest.”

The Cottagers carried out a medical with former player Clint Dempsey on Friday with a view to a January loan deal and Meulensteen expects the American’s return could also be an influential factor for Berbatov.

“Berbatov will be delighted with that,” he added.

Big Read News

THE

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Between insurgency and emergency rule

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P. 7

Fayemi, Bamidele inHe sent fresh row gunmen after my aide – Gov It’s a lie, replies Bamidele

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 4 No. 1

Sunday, December 22, 2013

N150

Letter to Jonathan

APC leaders visit OBJ, commend his courage Opposition, key to democracy, says ex-president

P. 7

In the APC, nPDP entourage

1 Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari, rtd 2 Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

...as Alamieyeseigha vows to fight for Jonathan

3 Chief Bisi Akande 4 Governor Murtala Nyako Continued on page 7

PASSION

2

Sunday December 22, 2013

A Lifestyle Magazine

I’m queen of beauty and brain – Blessing, Nigeria’s Miss Intelligent >>26

APPLAUSE

I draw nfluence from multi-talented people –Sasha P >>27

NAUGHTIEST THING

I stole my mum’s money to buy sweets –Evaezi Ogoro >>29

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (3rd right) and General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd (4th right) with Governors of All Progressives Congress (APC) and other leaders of the party during a visit to Obasanjo in Abeokuta yesterday.

We can’t lose our seats, Rep defectors boast Say PDP misread court verdict P. 7

News

Airforce men storm police station, free suspect

P. 8