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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

P. 45

Battle of Madrids!

Real, Atletico set for final showdown

Vol. 4 No. 23

N150

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Insurgency: Youths overwhelm military with applications •Say they are ready to die for country Abducted girls

P. 10

Presidential committee postpones visit to Chibok P. 7

•Security reports not favourable WAR

AGAINST

ABDUCTION

Seyi

P. 23

Students at an awareness programme on crime prevention in Lagos, yesterday.

No mutiny in Maimalari Barracks

•Troops opp capture Boko Haram kingpin in Kano, discover rocket launcher facility

x e STalk

The joys of lube

P. 32

P. 7

Top Stories Two Page

Arms and ammunition

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

Suspects

Boko Haram arms suppliers arrested in Enugu DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

hree suspected suppliers of arms and ammunition to Boko Haram insurgents have been arrested in Nsukka, Enugu state. The three persons, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Abu Haruna and one corporal Solomon, were yesterday

detained at the divisional police office in Nsukka. The police said they were arrested for illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition. The third suspect, Onuwa Attaka, is the driver of the arms laden vehicle. It was gathered that their confession indicated involvement in supplying of arms to insurgents in the northern

parts of the country. The three suspects, who were heading to the North from Imo State, were intercepted in Nsukka by officers and men of the Nigerian Army while traveling in a bus. Items recovered from them include- 40 AK47 magazines, 4 boxes of AK47 live ammunition, 100 pieces of live cartridges, one piece of Denin Mopol

khaki and charms concealed in a cap. One of the army officers who spoke to reporters under anonymity disclosed that a police corporal serving in Imo State Police Command was also involved in the arms running. He said: “When we asked the occupants of the vehicle to come down, we discovered

…as soldiers kill suspected insurgents in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

oldiers have shot and killed two people suspected to be members of the militant Boko Haram in Katsina State. The incident, which took place around 6am yesterday at Filin Polo, an area located within the state metropolis, saw exchange of fire between the soldiers and four suspected Boko Haram members that lasted for several minutes. At the end of the fire exchange, two of the suspects lost their lives, one was said to have escaped, while another was apprehended along with an undisclosed number of women and children. Eyewitnesses who spoke with our correspondent said the suspects were trailed from Kano to Katsina, and were living in a rented house that was at an advanced stage of com-

pletion. The eyewitness said, “We heard shots early this morning, and we initially thought it was some sort of military exercise as they sometimes do so in the outskirts of the state capital from time to time.” He however said that, “Normally, the soldiers announce that such exercises would be carried out before they commenced doing so. But the gunfire sounded very close, which made us to believe it was something else. “I called some of my friends and colleagues close by and they told me that the incident took place at the Filin Polo community, right by my house.” Our correspondent who paid a visit to the area of the incident saw bullet holes all over the walls of the houses close to the Federal Medical Centre. The soldiers, who had earlier cordoned off the place to

ensure security of lives and property, left some few hours later after being satisfied that danger had been averted. It was learnt that the affected community was expected to meet and discuss on the issue yesterday evening to see how a repeat of such incident could be prevented. Meanwhile, several families were seen leaving the community amid the tension. There were also indications that the building which housed the suspect was set for demolition as a caterpillar was driven to the place at about 4.20pm. Confirming the incident, the Commanding Officer, 35 Battalion, Col. Alhassan Girema said his men acted on information about the suspected Boko Haram hideout. Girema said soldiers went to the place and gun fire was exchanged which led to the death of two suspects, while one of them was arrested. Meanwhile, a heavy securi-

ty presence was seen around the Katsina Central Market yesterday with gates leading into the market put under lock and key. The market, guarded by policemen, was, however, open for business, with sellers and buyers allowed to come into the market on foot or by motorcycle. Many of the trucks that came with goods to unload were diverted and asked to stay outside the market’s premises to offload their products. Sources who spoke on the issue said the development may not be unrelated to the recent bombing at the market in Jos, Plateau State in which several lives were lost. When the police spokesperson in the state, Sadiq Abubakar, was asked to comment on the issue, he referred our correspondent to another source who declined to comment on the issue.

a police corporal in uniform among them. The corporal on getting down pretended to be pressed. He later ran away”. It was gathered that the suspects were taken to Nsukka Police Division before their transfer to the State CID. The retired DSP, Abu Haruna, confessed that he had been in the business of arms dealing since he retired from the police. He said their mission was to supply the ammunition to their buyer in Taraba State. The source said Haruna further confessed that they decided to go on the supply after the buyer complained that the first batch was incomplete. The Police corporal’s identity has been traced to Imo State Police command; his name was simply given as Solomon, even as efforts are still being made to effect his arrest. Meanwhile, the Nsukka Police Area Commander, ASP. Ros-Amson Haladu has praised the gallantry of the soldiers in combating crimes in the area. He said “I want to commend the Army Officers for their vigilance in tracking down these illegal arms dealers. “At the same time, I am warning criminals to leave this vicinity or risk being apprehended by security operatives,” he said.

Crime Watch

‘Auxiliary’ arrested for illegal possession of lethal weapons P.51

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

Saturday Starter

Privatisation of the power industry

A tale of shattered dreams and defeated expectations? If you are one of those who thought the privatisation of Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs will immediately lead to improved power supply, you must by now be wondering what hit you.

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

“T

he handover of the power firms to their new owners is one of the greatest achievements that can be recorded by any government. And this feat has been successfully completed by this administration,” Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, had enthused in the wake of the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Nigerians, who hung on with hope and great expectations to every word that proceeded from Nebo’s mouth then, are now telling stories of despair. Sample these experiences:

Pius Ola, an Ikeja, Lagos-based business owner says, “We are paying more for poorer services. Our expectations with these new power operators were really very high before they came in, but to our greatest surprise, things have actually gone from bad to worse since their operations commenced. The bills are higher and the power situation has continued to deteriorate. Some months ago, we were sharing a transformer with Seriki- Aro Street, a neighboring community. At that time, we were using light on two days on, one day off basis. After some months, we were able to get our own transformer, which we contributed money to buy. After that, the power situ-

ation improved drastically so much so that we were having light for between about 12 and 14 hours every day. Almost immediately, the so called power distribution company commenced operations and the power situation deteriorated so badly that even sometimes, we don’t sleep with light. At most now, we have about 4 to 6 hours of light which is a very far cry from what it used to be. We had expected so much from the new power operators than what we are now getting.” Akinwunmi Sholagbade, a Lagos-based computer CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Starter

‘The problems of the sector are not insurmountable’ Mr. Bede Opara, President-General of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, spoke to UDEME AKPAN

an you paint a clear picture of the nation’s power sector before the privatisation of the GENCOs and DISCOs? The power sector was in a bad shape. The nation was not able to generate, transmit and distribute adequate power to individuals, households and various companies. There were major issues. For instance, the Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs did not have adequate gas to generate power in the thermal plants. The water levels were equally low at the dams to generate power in the hydro plants. The sector recorded several transmission losses. There were also poor and inadequate distribution facilities, including transformers and meters required to deliver power to consumers in various part of the nation. Has there been any positive or negative change since the privatisation of the GENCOs and DISCOs? There have been positive changes, especially in the past three weeks. For instance, power generation has increased to over 4,000 megawatts. This is mainly a function of an improvement in gas supply to the nation’s thermal power stations. The hydro stations have also witnessed a little improvement in terms to water level. But this is not to suggest that we have adequate water to generate enough electricity. Besides, the nation has witnessed an improvement in transmission mainly because of the repairs of our transmission facilities. At present, all power generated can be transmitted for distribution. But we can have problem with transmission if we begin to generate more than our present level. It should also be noted that we still have weak distribution facilities because the present assets cannot adequately take power to consumers. Specifically, what are the states of the GENCOs and DISCOs, and by extension supply in the nation? As I stated, the GENCOs have witnessed an improvement in power generation as a result of increased supply of gas. This happened because we have not recorded gas pipeline vandalism in the past few weeks. The transmission of electricity has witnessed an improvement too because of increased maintenance of facilities. But the power generated and transmitted cannot get to consumers because of weak distribution capacity. Consequently, the nation still experiences instability in the distribution of power to consumers. What other major problems do

issues, including benefits and pensions are paid to the affected workers. How much is outstanding? It is still substantial, even though it is difficult to state exactly the outstanding to be paid to them. The main reason is that these and other issues are dynamic. They keep on changing as the government and others work toward resolving them. But it would be accurate to state that many workers have not yet been paid. It is important to ensure they are paid as soon as possible because they are presently experiencing very difficult times.

Opara

you think are plaguing in the sector? There are many problems, including poor and inadequate generation and distribution facilities. The sector experiences low rainfall which is required to boost power generation in the hydro plants. The operators also seem to lack the funds required to deepen and expand their capacities. It is a general belief that there is money in the sector. But it is also an established fact that investors need to inject substantial funds to develop the sector before they can expect to meet demand and reap the fruits of their investments. This is not a sector for investors who do not have the capacity and courage to invest because it is capital intensive and technologically demanding. How can the challenges be tackled? Clearly, these are not insurmountable problems. Indeed, they can be tackled. For instance, the new investors must be willing to inject huge financial and other resources into the sector. It is such level of investment that will make the expected positive impact, particularly in expanding the capacity of the nation to generate, transmit and distribute adequate power to consumers in different parts of the nation. We need to increase our capacity to deliver more gas and water for power generation. The nation also needs to continuously expand its transmission capacity to transmit more power because the impact of the efforts would not be felt if electricity cannot get to consumers. More than that, the stakeholders, especially the government and

investors need to build adequate security around the facilities to ensure that they are not vandalised or stolen. What are the implications of the privatisation on labour? The privatisation of the sector has a lot of implications for workers who have made immense contributions toward the sustainable development of the sector. For instance, many of them were retired or sacked as a result of the privatisation of the GENCOs and DISCOs. It should be noted that the non-release of check-up dues to labour unions has affected the administration of labour issues in the sector. We have reported this to the government and remain hopeful that it would be resolved. In other words, the workers have to a great extent experience untold pains following the privatisation of the GENCOs and DISCOs. Have the former PHCN workers been paid their benefits and pensions? The Federal Government has taken some steps to ensure labour issues are resolved. For instance, it granted an approval for the release of funds. It started to pay the workers. But it should be noted that many of the disengaged personnel have not yet been paid their severance benefits and pensions. Although the Federal Government has made efforts to pay them, many of them have not yet been paid. This is not fair, considering the many years they had to put into the service of the sector. There is a great need for the government and its agencies to ensure that outstanding

What efforts have been made to ensure they are paid? As labour leaders, we have been consistent in working with relevant Federal Government institutions to ensure they are paid. It should also be noted that the government has established a committee to ensure this becomes a thing of the past. The committee is working in collaboration with others, especially labour unions, to resolve it. We hope it will be resolved because it is taking too long. What will be the reaction of labour should government fail to live up to expectation? We are watching with keen interest to see how this and other issues will be resolved. Like I said, it is in the best interest of the Federal Government and operators to resolve them. We hope they will be resolved, otherwise we will do what we know how to do. In other words, we will take drastic constitutional measures and actions to ensure justice is done to the workers who worked hard over the years to serve the sector and nation. Generally, what prospect do you envisage for the sector in the coming years? It not right for us to think of other options that could have been used to develop the sector. The privatisation of the GENCOs and DISCOs is an irreversible approach which the government has taken. There should be no regret. We should collectively work as stakeholders to improve and accomplish set targets in the sector. It is not our place to say this is the prospect of the sector because we are not the investors. But if investors are willing to inject huge resources into the sector in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s reform agenda, there are strong indications that it will be possible for the nation to make giant strides in the sector.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

Saturday Starter

Ola

Sholagbade

Mujide

Davies

‘We pay high bills for services not rendered’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 scientist says, “The bill is skyrocketing and the supply is getting worse. I live in Okota area of Lagos, Power supply situation in my area has moved from bad to worse since the handover, while at the same time electricity bill has simply gone crazy. Before the privatisation, we got at least 10-12 hours of electricity daily, but now we hardly get up to two hours. Meanwhile, the bills skyrocketed. I live in a block of five flats. Before now our average monthly bill was N20, 000. But the first bill we got immediately after the handover was N38, 000, close to 100 percent increase. For God’s sake, this was not what we bargained for.” Mrs. Bose Ebenezer, a teacher, says, “I reside in Egbeda (Lagos) and power supply in my area, which had been bad all along, had since gone worse since the handover. We use prepaid meter. Before the handover, we used to buy N3, 000 recharge, which normally lasted for about two months. But the last N3, 000 we bought since March is yet to run out because there is hardly electricity to use it. And the worst aspect of the whole situation is the fact that they keep deducting N750 monthly despite the fact that we have not been having power supply regularly. It is so bad. I cannot see the essence of this whole exercise. We have resorted to generating our own power, and it’s costing us a lot.”

Mr. Okolie Moses, a human resources specialist says, “We are paying for services not rendered. We were expecting that the new owners would in the first months give Nigerians hope. But to my surprise, they have failed to change anything. They complained that the situation was so bad, as if they were not aware of this before they bought the assets. In my area, power went off on January 22, 2014, but they could not restore it until March 5. We had no light throughout the month of February, yet we got a bill for February. If the private hands are effective, we don’t expect such things to happen.” Segun Mujide, a medical doctor says, “The epileptic supply is affecting our budget. Electricity supply has always been bad, but it is now going from bad to worse. The epileptic supply affects our budget because we have our plans. Early last year, there was a fair power supply but by late last year, there was a serious drop and it is quite discouraging. We expect these new owners to be more impressive but the reverse now seems to be the case. We pay about N60, 000 as bill and even with this poor supply, our bills have not reduced, and that looks like fraud. Power is the bedrock of any business concern and business cannot thrive without effective and efficient electricity supply. The government should dialogue with these owners and understand what is needed to improve the sector.” Mr Emeka Esume, an entertainer

says, “The billing system is ridiculous. The new owners are not trying at all and it is affecting business because we have to depend on generators and that causes noise and other expenses. The billing system is ridiculous because the less we see this supply, the higher and more constant our bill is. We pay as much as N45, 000 every month and there is no decrease in the bill even now that we are not seeing the power we are paying for. Power supply has gone from bad to worse. As far as we are concerned, we have not seen the difference. The situation has worsened to the extent that presently, we have not had power at all for five to six days. When it comes, it only lasts for five or ten minutes and it’s gone. We really do not understand what is going on. It has never been this bad in the past 10 years; it has never been as bad as this.” Mrs. Kudirat Bello, a frozen food dealer says, “These power outages are life threatening to many of us. I am a widow, and I own a small scale frozen food shop. The truth is that I have been a very sad woman in the last one month. My husband died four months ago, but the power situation has made my situation even worse, as the little business I am using to manage my life and my children may soon close down because of the dwindling electricity supply. Imagine since last year December, I have been encountering losses on a regular basis, as the products in my freezers got spoilt due to the constant

blackout in this area. I lost four cartons of chicken and three cartons of turkey worth about N40, 000 in the last three weeks due to poor power supply. Not only do I encounter blackout, the bill has increased. How can a small shop like mine pay as much as N9, 500, as against the N3, 000 I have been paying before now? This constant blackout is life threatening because taking care of my three children that are all under ten years is now a tug of war and I don’t even have the means to acquire a generating set now, which is why I am at the mercy of the public power sector. I cannot see any improvement in the power privatisation. It had really gone from bad to worse.” Duke Mbang, a barber, operates a barbing salon. He says, “I now solely depend on generators for my business. The power situation in his area has not improved since the handover to private investors in the sector. We were happy when we learnt that PHCN has given way to private hands. Our hopes were raised. We thought we were in for better days, but in the last four months, we have not seen any improvement. We used to have eight to ten hours of electricity daily, but now we have about four hours, if we are lucky. To my biggest surprise, the last bill we got for April showed that the service charge has increased by 100 percent, from N750 to N1, 500. I am now contemplating going without public power supply for now until things get CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Starter At a glance Issues facing GENCOs and DISCOs 1. Legacy staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria are yet to know their fate with the new owners as they are yet to be served severance letters, officially terminating their contracts with the company. About 50percent of the workers inherited from the PHCN were fired by the GENCOS. Controversies about the payment of severance packages, the amount to be paid and the number of beneficiaries are among the core issues which slowed the process of privatisation of power firms in the country. 2. Load allocation to various electricity distribution companies: There has been alleged indiscriminate allocation of electricity in flagrant disregard for existing regulations, which may have set the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on the war path. The NERC have accused the TCN of flouting regulations on load allocation, resulting in poor electricity supply to some consumers. Key areas affected, according to sources, are Yola and Kano. A mid-year report from the NERC noted that Abuja Distribution Company got 10.0 megawatts (MWs) instead of 11.5MWs as stipulated by Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO). Benin got 10.7MWs instead of 9.0MWs. Eko got 10.8MWs instead of 11.0MWs. Enugu got 10.8MWs instead of 9.0MWs. Ibadan got 13.7MWs instead of 13.0MWs. Ikeja got 14.3MWs instead of 15.0MWs. Jos got 4.6MWs instead of 5.5MWs. Kaduna got 6.6MWs instead of 8.0MWs. 3. Non-remittance of collections to the Market Operator: DISCOS’ delay in actualising their statutory remittance to the Market Operator (MO) for all power consumed by the DISCOS and their obligatory remittance to the Electricity Regulator has also been a key issue. In protest, Mrs Funke Osibodu, Managing Director of the Benin DISCO (Now owned by Vigeo Power), decried the poor payment of bills by electricity consumers for several reasons including, personally acclaimed billing holiday after privatisation, and non metering which led to poor accountability. 4. Gas constraints: Lack of adequate gas supply to the GENCOS is hampering productivity. Also, the distribution network, made up of injection substations, distribution substation transformers, conductors, wooden cross arms and poles, is largely weak, overloaded and in very poor condition. These networks are struggling to cope with the anticipated increases in demand and will need to be upgraded. Injection Substations and Distribution Substation Transformers are also overloaded. 5. Inadequate communication between the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and DISCOs. 6. Customer metering: Since the takeover of the distribution companies by private concerns, complaints about very high estimated billings and other related malpractices have resurfaced nationwide. 7. Security of electricity workers. Some Discos have also complained to NERC that the over bloated workforce has a negative impact on operations. 8. The inadequacy of skilled technical staff also presents a challenge. Therefore significant training costs may be incurred to recruit and train personnel on current best practices in the sector. 9. Funding: Access to funding may be a challenge for players not well known to local and foreign financiers. 10. DISCOS not having an effective working relationship with the regulators which includes filing all required documents as at when needed has been a challenge. 11: Legal Matters: Anti-labour practices such as de-unionisation, victimisation of union leaders and poor working conditions of workers in the sector.

A pre-paid metre

‘My generator business as still booming’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 clearer. If not for my generating set, my business would not have been functioning effectively.” Taiwo Davies, a printer says, “The power situation is very discouraging I operate a commercial printing press. I must confess the burden of generating power both for home use and my press is really a heavy one. I spend N8, 000 on power generation in my home alone every month, although that may be considered inconsequential compared to how much some other persons spend. Power supply has not improved much in my area for the past six months. There is only a slight difference. Although I get electricity for about four days in a week, it lasts for only a few hours. Power supply here is very discouraging. Our children and wives celebrate the few occasional flashes of electricity we get. With the sale of PHCN to private investors, I had expected a departure from the old order of no light throughout the day. But it seems to be business as usual. For example, from Monday to Sunday, we hardly get electricity during the day. The few times they bring it, it is usually at night. This has been the case for a very long time now. I think bringing light when people cannot make use of it either in their businesses or other ventures is useless. Light is life

and for business to be productive, we need consistent power supply. The new buyers of PHCN should wake up to their responsibility of improving power supply so that people are not made to pay for services not rendered. But the fact is that in a clime where N18, 000 is the minimum wage, and considering the fact that every generator user faces attendant problems of safety and health hazards there is definitely a cause to complain.” Predictably, Chukwuka Okolie, a generator dealer and repairer says, “The privatisation of the power sector has not affected our sales in any way as people still troop in here in their large numbers to order and purchase generating sets as they can afford. The power situation has not in any way improved. Rather, it has gone from bad to worse since these new operators took over. I have at least five to seven people coming in here daily to buy generators to use both for their businesses and homes. We had initially feared that with the new operators, the power situation will improve and our sales would dwindle. But that has not been the case. People are now forced to even get better generating sets to do their businesses and for home use. We are not tired of selling them too because as long as the business is still relevant, we will continue to be there for our numerous buyers.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

No mutiny in Maimalari Barracks –DHQ

•Troops capture kingpin in Kano, discover rocket launcher production facility, arms INUSA NDAHI, MAIDUGURI AND UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

ontrary to reports that the newly appointed General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Y.M. Ibrahim, was attacked by angry soldiers at the Maimalari barracks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Friday, reliable sources said nothing of such happened. According to the sources, some group of women within the barracks only protested over the directive of the new GOC that the Division had ordered for the prohibition/ban for the use of motorcycles in the barracks. It would be recalled that in the heat of the Book Haram attacks in the state capital mostly through the

use of motorcycles, the state government issued a law for and ban on the use of motorcycles within Maiduguri and its environs. In some military barracks, however, motorcycles were allowed. But on assumption of office, the new GOC ordered that no any motorcycle would be allowed to operate within the barracks, a situation that led to some women in the barracks protesting to the GOC on Friday that they were not happy with the new order. Our Correspondent gathered that the GOC immediately withdrew the order and allowed everybody within the Maimalri barracks to continue use motorcycles, but that it must only be within the barrack premises. The source added that already normalcy had since returned into the barracks and there was no

skirmish as insinuated. Also dismissing the report, the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, said the alleged mutiny was false, affirming that no shot was fired nor was the Commander insulted. A statement from the DHQ in Abuja, through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Major General Chris Olukolade, which said that representatives of the families of soldiers only tabled their complaints to the Commander, also confirmed the capture of a Boko Haram kingpin as well as discovery of a rocket launcher production facility and recovery of dangerous weapons of mass destruction in Kano State. According to the statement, “The online report titled “Second Mutiny in Maimalari Barracks as Soldiers Manhandled Commander” is not true.

“Soldiers were not involved and there was no single shot fired by soldiers throughout the period as claimed in the report. “That the ban was part of security measures put in place for the safety of the soldiers and their families. “The Acting General Officer Commanding obliged their request and directed a suspension of the ban pending when the planned alternative transportation arrangement is put in place. He was not insulted or manhandled as reported… “Mutiny is a very grievous breach that attracts severe sanctions in the military and should not be trivialised by those who do not understand its ramifications. “The general public is therefore requested to discountenance the rumours as no such incident took

L-R: President, Biodiversity Conservative Society, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mrs. Fatsuma Olaleru; Dean of Social Science, UNILAG, Professor Mathew Olusojo Ilori; Dr. Akeredolu Excellence and Head of Ecotoxicology, Dr. Adebayo Otitoloju, at the 2014 International Day for Biodiversity, tagged, ‘Island Biodiversity’ held at the university, Akoka, Lagos, recently. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

30 killed as insurgent group attacks Borno villages INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

o fewer than 30 people were reportedly killed on Thursday in separate attacks carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in three villages of Marte local government area of Borno State. Our correspondent reports that sect have recently intensified bloody attacks in the rural areas as no fewer than 98 villagers lost their lives within

the last five days. In the latest incidents, Krenowa town became the first target as the attacks occurred in the afternoon when dozens of the insurgents invaded area and killed 20 persons. Residents said scores of armed insurgents stormed the area around 12.pm, shooting everyone at sight and setting houses, shops and vehicles on fire. “The militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, raided the area and

proceeded to the major market and begun sporadic shootings into the direction of crowd, killing 20 people on the spot and burnt most houses and shops in the town,” a source said. A resident of the area who spoke to newsmen on phone, Malam Goni Bukar, said they were taken unawares as the town had not come under such heavy attacks for a long time. He expressed dismay that innocent people were killed freely without the interven-

tion of security forces. Throughout the onslaught which lasted over five hours, there was no single security personnel to confront the invaders as they had a field day wreaking havoc, Bukar said. A traditional ruler in the area who declined identification confirmed the incident in a phone interview with newsmen saying over 60 houses were burnt, after the attackers killed 20 people, leaving several others wounded.

place. The mass media is again requested to beware of lifting stories on the military from online media as this has become the main channel of disseminating falsehood on happenings in the system. “In another development, cordon and search exercise has led to the discovery of Rocket Launcher production facility at Dorayi District in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State. “The discovery follows the arrest of a prominent member of the terrorists

group. “Locally made Anti-Aircraft Gun and Mortar accessories as well as Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes and Launcher along with accessories were recovered. “Also seized were three AK47 rifles and hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunitions as well as drilling machines and other fabricating equipment.” General Olukolade reminded the general to report suspicious persons to security agencies in their localities to prevent unwholesome act by terrorists.

Abducted girls: Presidential committee postpones visit to Chibok •Security reports not favourable INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

embers of the Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the Abduction of Chibok schoolgirls led by the Chairman, BrigGen. Ibrahim Sabo (rtd), have postponed their visit to Chibok indefinitely. The postponement followed the incessant attack on neighbouring villages of the area by the terrorists group. Sources said, due to the incessant attacks by terrorists around neighbouring villages of Damboa and Chibok Local Government Areas, the committee which has spent not fewer than five days had had to postpone their trip to Chibok on Thursday. Security reports were said not to have favoured a trip to Chibok as the road leading to it was said to be unsafe. Our correspondent reports that some suspected Boko Haram terrorists stormed Kuburvwi and Kimba villages of Damboa and Biu Local Government Areas on Friday morning killing over 10 people with the setting ablaze of many houses and shops. Kuburvwi is about 7 kilometres away from Chibok, while Kimba, also South of Borno is about 140 kilometres drive from Maiduguri, the state capital. Also, last Monday, a group of terrorists invaded Alagarno Village about 25 kilometres away from Chibok where about 19 peo-

ple were killed, while several houses were destroyed. The Committee’s terms of reference are: to liaise with the Borno State Government and establish the circumstances leading to the school remaining open for boarding students when other schools were closed; to liaise with relevant authorities and the parents of the missing girls to establish the actual number and identities of the girls abducted; to interface with Security Services and the Borno State government to ascertain how many of the missing girls have returned; to mobilise the surrounding communities and the general public on citizen support for a rescue strategy and operation and to among others, articulate a framework for a multistakeholder action for the rescue of the missing girls. Our Correspondent gathered from reliable sources that “the Committee had scheduled a plan to visit Chibok more than three times since they arrived Maiduguri, but had to abort all their plans following security reports which indicated that the road is not safe for them”. Our Correspondent learnt that the Committee which has been with heavy security operatives, have been having meeting with stakeholders, traditional rulers and Chibok communities in Government House, Maiduguri, a place considered safe for them.

NATIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG, Devt Partners launch SEEFOR project in pilot states TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he federal government, European Union and the World Bank yesterday launched the State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) projects being implemented in four Niger Delta states of Edo, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa as a pilot

scheme. The SEEFOR, which has a five-year implementation timeline for its completion, was initiated by the World Bank about three years ago but effectively kicked off last July in the four pilot states. The overall objective of the project is to ensure improvement in standard of living of citizens and also enhance financial

management process in the Niger Delta region and by extension Nigeria. The project has three main components, namely Youth Employment and Access to Socio-Economic Services; Public Finance Management (PFM) Reforms; and Project Coordination and Implementation Support and the Federal and sub-national levels. The World Bank and oth-

er development partners are spearheading the project with the commitment of $300 million dollars. Speaking at the launching ceremony organised by the National Planning Commission (NCP) in collaboration with the development partners, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the four SEEFOR participating states, the Supervising Minister of

Girl Guides go spiritual over Glo lights up Yenagoa, as abduction of Chibok schoolgirls 10th AMAA holds today he Nigerian Girl to their families, the associa-

tion and the entire nation. Toby said that there must be an end to insurgency for Nigeria to make any meaningful development. ``It is time for Nigerians to confront the realities on ground by ensuring that the right things are done to tackle societal ills and promote the welfare of the citizens. ``We are deeply saddened at this nightmare caused by the disappearance of our daughters. ``We are sad that up till this moment, these girls are still missing. ``The Nigerian Girl Guides Association, being a female organisation, is concerned specially, and condemns such a heinous, barbaric and inhuman act. ``We declare our support for these girls and their families through steadfast prayers and fasting, with the hope that God will strengthen and bring them back safely,” she said.

ll roads lead to Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State as the tenth edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards holds today in the oil rich city. President Goodluck Jonathan is expected as the Guest of Honour. World famous thespians, producers, script writers and cameramen would win awards in twenty-six categories including the new Nel-

effective delivery of the project at the national and state levels. The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Marie-Francoise MarieNelly, who said the grant was to assist in addressing youth restiveness, poverty and unemployment in the four states, urged all stakeholders to work for the success of the project by observing good principles guidelines of the projects’ Programme Implementation Manual (PIM). Marie-Nelly also canvassed the need for the coordinators of the projects to prioritise the inclusion of girls and women in the various capacity building programmes in their states as a strategic option of engendering fairness in the implementation. The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michel Arrion, said youth empowerment was imperative for the country as some of the anti-social and violent behaviour of youths could be attributed to the level of poverty in the society. Arrion said the EU gave the grant in consonance with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

Bomb scare shuts down Abuja town

Workers queuing to enter their offices at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday.

Guides Association (NGGA) on Friday directed its members to embark on fasting and prayer for safe return of the abducted schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than 200 students of the Government Girls’ College, Chibok, Borno, were abducted on April 14 by the Boko Haram sect. The NGGA Chief Commissioner, Dame Christie Toby, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the abduction had remained a nightmare to the association’s members. She said that the abduction was unacceptable, adding that members of NGGA would deploy all resources at their disposal, both physical and spiritual, to ensure safe returned of the students. She said that the sudden disappearance of the girls had brought pain and despair

National Planning, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, said the project was initiated to improve the living conditions of the people of the Niger Delta, as part of the World Bank’s contribution to the amnesty programme of the federal government. According to him, the overall objective of the project is to ensure improved standard of living of citizens and enhance financial management process in the country. He said: “The project has three main components, such as youth employment and access to socio-economic services, public financial management reforms and project coordination and implementation support at the federal and sub-national levels. “It is worthy to note that these three components form the tripod upon which the 2014 annual budget of Federal Government and the Transformation Agenda rest”, the minister added Yuguda disclosed that the federal government had established institutional framework to ensure coordination and

son Mandela Madiba Africa Vision Award while guests from forty-eight countries would be in attendance. This year’s awards would feature a panel discussion on the motion picture industry in Africa and a social responsibility component with select primary and secondary school students in Yenagoa. The Awards would be rounded off with the Governor’s Ball.

OMEIZA AJAYI

here was a temporary shutdown of Kubwa, Abuja’s largest sub-urban town yesterday when eagleeyed residents discovered a parked car with suspected explosive devices. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Mbu Joseph Mbu, ordered that all abandoned vehicles in the area be scanned. The car which was discovered at about 7 a.m. by the “Channel 8” Mosque just before the el-Rufai Motor park in Phase Two,

Site Two of Kubwa, saw many residents of the area scampering to safety. Residents said the golf car which had no registration number plates was laden with gas cylinders and plastic fuel kegs, reminiscent of Monday’s foiled bomb attack in Kano. Chief Imam of the Mosque, Sheikh Abdulmumini Ahmad Khalid, said he immediately alerted the police as soon as he got wind of the scare. The anti-bomb squad of the Nigeria Police Force consequently cordoned the scene before towing the vehicle to the Kubwa Divisional Police Station,

GTB is African Bank of the Year

uaranty Trust Bank plc (GTBank) has been adjudged the “2014 African Bank of the Year” for the second consecutive time by African Banker Magazine in an announcement made on Wednesday, 21st May, 2014 at the awards ceremony that held at Kigali Serena

Hotel, Rwanda. The African Banker Awards is one of the biggest annual events that recognises and celebrates the achievements of the financial services industry in Africa. It recognises individuals and financial institutions contributing to the devel-

opment and growth of Africa’s banking industry and changing perceptions of the continent’s domestic and international markets. Outlining the rationale for selecting GTBank as the overall winner of the coveted ‘African Bank of the Year’ award, the panel of judges commented that

the award recognises financial institutions that are industry leaders, consistently report strong financial performance and significantly contribute to the quality of service offered by the financial services industry within their country and across the African continent.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

PIB: National Assembly pledges accelerated action …as IPMAN states plans to have two new refineries GEORGE OJI ABUJA

espite the fact that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has remained with the National Assembly for more than one

year without any form of legislative action on it, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has pledge that the National Assembly would expedite action on it. Ekweremadu gave the assurance when he re-

ceived a delegation of the newly elected National Executive Council of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the National As-

sembly, Abuja yesterday. He said that the Senate was mindful of the benefits of the PIB to Nigerians and those in the petroleum sector and would work to enthrone the envisaged major reforms in-

Govt trains youths on tractor operation, maintenance HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

n its bid to reduce unemployment and increase food production in the country, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has designed series of programmes to build youth capacity across the nation. This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, while declaring open a one week training workshop on Tractors Operation and Maintenance organised by the Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery Operators Training Center (AMMOTRAC) in

Akure, Ondo State capital. Odusote who explained that the workshop would focus on tractor as an important power source said the programme would expose the youths to other farm machinery and implements. According to her, the training will also help to upgrade the skills of the trainees for those who have been in the system while those who never handled tractors before would be able to operate fully at the end of the training programme. Odusote said “we need tractor operators and mechanics to do their best to prevent frequent breakdown time and sporadic breakdown which render tractors useless soon after their purchase it is for this

purpose that we have gathered you together to build your capacity as stakeholders in mechanisation service delivery.” The PS however promised that the ministry would continue to demonstrate its commitment to food production and also improve on mechanisation delivery services saying the ministry would ensure that all the 200 agricultural equipment hiring centers under the private sector initiative were functional to provide employment to those trained in tractors operation and maintenance. Speaking earlier, the head of AMMOTRAC, Abiodun Ladeinde, said the center had contributed to the success of agricultural transformation

agenda by training different levels of operators. Ladehinde explained that the center had introduced extensive operators training programme for Youth Empowerment in Agricultural Programme saying “Participants were also trained on maintenance, trouble shooting and how to rectify technical faults as well as train participants on machinery management. He however solicited for government’s support in developing the center, noting some challenges affecting the center to include, security, inadequate staff, offices and equipment and lack of official vehicles for the center.

tended by the bill. He said: “I would like to use this opportunity to assure you that progress is being made regarding the Petroleum Industry Bill. We are committed to passing the Petroleum Industry Bill because we believe that it is going to bring major reforms in the industry. We want to solicit your patience and also your support towards passing it. “We are hoping that very shortly our committee will bring forth the report of the bill and we are going to give it an accelerated hearing so that Nigerians and those who are in the industry will begin to have the benefits of reforms intended by this bill.” Ekweremadu urged IPMAN to remain patriotic and ensure steady supply of petroleum products to Nigerians given the enormous dependence of businesses on the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. He also implored them to be security conscious in their operations saying that, the task of securing the country involves all.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and national president of IPMAN, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, assured that IPMAN was committed to stability in the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry. He said IPMAN would stabilise petroleum products supply at the official rate adding that the new leadership of IPMAN planned to establish two refineries in Kogi and Bayelsa States to further boost the nation’s economy. He added: “The only way we can think of building capacity in the downstream is to build refineries; and as I speak, we have concluded plans to build two refineries; one in the northern part of Nigeria and another in the southern part of Nigeria. It is strategic because when we thought about the capital flight, the enormous money spent on importation of petroleum products, we believe that as a responsible organisation, the current IPMAN administration must take up the challenge of refining this crude oil in Nigeria”

In your refreshingly different

FCT minister tasks area councils on security

inister of State in the Federal Capital Territory, Olajumoke Akinjide, has urged area councils in the territory to invest more in security in order to complement the efforts of the federal government. The FCT has come under heavy security surveillance following last month’s dual bomb attack within the same vicinity in Nyanya town. Akinjide spoke in Abuja when she commissioned seven projects executed by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). She said local councils must be well-funded and not strangulated under the guise of maintaining a joint account with any other tier of government. The minister described the projects which are spread across various districts and settlements of AMAC as significant and mass-oriented. She said they are the fulfillment of the critical thrust of governance captured in

the Transformation Agenda of the president aimed at making the lives of the grassroots people meaningful. Some of the projects include: a health centre in Waru Apo: 1.5km road and borehole projects in Apo; two blocks of teachers quarters in Government Secondary School, Tudun-Wada, Wuse District and a donation of 10 vehicles to the AMAC Police Command. The police is to also receive 14 more vehicles from the council in the coming weeks. “The spread of these projects is indeed very commendable because it fulfills the critical policy thrust of governance set out under the Transformation Agenda, which is to maximise the benefits citizens derive from governance through efficient use of public resources, proper financial management and fiscal prudence. This entails provision of welfare amenities, guarantee of safety of lives and properties and the provision of an enabling environment where people find happiness

and fulfillment,” she said. Akinjide who commended the chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Micah Jiba, and members of his administration for their commitment towards the provision of infrastructure and social amenities to the people noted that the council’s investment in security and its partnership with FCT Administration to ensure the maintenance of security, law and order in the territory was a good connect between then FCTA and the AMAC for development. She called on the citizens to reciprocate the gesture by being alert and reporting to the government strange and suspicious activities in their domain. “Democracy has its responsibilities. It is a partnership between the government and the governed to advance the welfare of the people. It is for this reason that I urge all our citizens to be more alert to their environment and to support the effort of government to make our society more secure. Security is a task for everybody.

Nigeria’s deadly roads: The issues involved

Travelling on Nigeria’s road is accompanied with trepidation because of the state of the roads. Our roads have become the cemetery of many dreams. Many lives have been lost on these roads; many have been turned into vegetable sequel to their involvement in accidents on the roads while many have lost limbs and other parts of their bodies following accidents on the roads. Notable Nigerians like Rufus Giwa, Festus Iyayi, Dagrin, Mc Loph, the Emir of Ngelzarma in Fune Local Government of Yobe State, Alhaji Mahammadu Mai Yeri Ibn Isa II; the First Lady’s foster mother, Madam Charity Obah; the Vice President’s younger brother, to mention a few, lost their lives on our roads. But what are the authorities now doing and what are they not doing? Get a copy of Sunday Mirror.

Praise & Worship Plateau blasts: What’s wrong How not to speak in tongues? with the Tin Is it biblical to learn how to speak in tongues? City? It’s a tough controversy in Christendom. Last Tuesday’s twin bomb blast in Jos, the Plateau State capital in which over 200 people died and over 100 injured has once again left both the residents and state government in quandary, coming after the beleaguered state witnessed two years’ break in the streak of bomb explosion. The blasts which virtually caught everyone unawares have equally put stakeholders on their toes, once again in the search for solution to the wave of insecurity in the state. Get a copy of Sunday Mirror to know how the Plateau people are picking the pieces and trudging along to overcome the shock and prevent recurrence.

Passion

OMEIZA AJAYI

Read of the fireworks regarding the various dissentions trailing the act of speaking in strange tongues, among Christians.

‘We, women, make the world go round’ “I love career women and basically, hard-working women. Without women, this world would not be what it is. I pity those very few women who feel inferior in the midst of the men just because they are females.” Those are the words of Titilope Awe, Group Human Resources Manager, Rocky Sporting Club Limited, Lagos. This interesting woman, who loves to stand out in whatever she wears, seldom allows anything to weigh her down. Meet her tomorrow.

These and many more available tomorrow in your

NATIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurgency: Youths overwhelm military with applications •Say they are ready to die for country UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

he Nigerian Armed Forces has recorded an overwhelming response from youths to the announcement of a recruitment exercise. This is despite the fact that the on-going recruitment is aimed at beefing up the population of the armed forces in order to face the challenges posed by the terrorists group, Boko Haram. The Nigerian Army, had, on Wednesday, at a press briefing in Abuja, announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise into the service. During the briefing, the

Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Olajide Laleye, declared that the exercise, which started with online registration for interested applicants, would end on June 21, 2014. According to him, only those who would be ready to fight in the North-East should apply. But barely three days after the announcement, the Nigerian Armed Forces has declared that the response from youths who were ready to be enlisted has been overwhelming. Speaking in an exclusive interview with our correspondent at the weekend, the Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Brigadier General Olajide

Laleye, said many applications have been received. Although Laleye refused to disclose the number of men required and the number of application received, he said the response had shown that there were still many patriotic Nigerians ready to serve their fatherland. He pointed out that surprisingly, since Wednesday when the announcement was made, many critiques of the Nigerian Army, who have continued to smear its good image, have been coming to present their wards, brothers and sisters to be enlisted in the Army. “This shows the kind of response we are get-

ting,” he said. Pointing out that the Nigerian Army felt highly encouraged, Laleye described as patriotic, the overwhelming response it was getting from Nigerian youths. Meanwhile, the declaration of the Nigerian Army has been corroborated by a cross section of youths interviewed by our correspondent. Both male and female young Nigerians, who indicated that they would love to be enlisted into the Army, told Saturday Mirror that their interests were driven by passion for the job as well as the desire for a platform to contribute to solving the present security challenges in the country.

Innocent Okechukwu, a young Nigerian resident in Abuja told our correspondent that passion and patriotism drove him to apply to be admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, and that he would take advantage of this exercise to be enlisted into the Army. He said that there was no basis for people to be scared about enlisting in the Armed Forces at a time like this, because if the country must win the war, it needs its Armed Forces to prosecute the war and it is only the citizens that would be used. Okechukwu who said that he was also planning to apply, said, “although some soldiers were dying and others injured in the process, it is the hazard of the job. If everybody

is scared to join the army now, then who will be used to prosecute the war? I will join. If I survive, fine, if I die, fine, but God will protect me from the enemy.” Patience Haruna, female, also in Abuja, told Saturday Mirror that she was interested and would apply. “What is wrong about dying for my country? I will go and apply and join the Army, if I die, I die. If I live, I live.” Julius O. Nicholas said that as at Thursday, he had already applied for the Army job, and that he was good to go anytime if enlisted. According to Nicholas, “to reject the call for enlistment into the Army at this time, would have amounted to abandoning my country when she needs me most. And I think the same should apply to everybody.”

Boko Haram: Military annoyed by NOA’s news centre •Agency is encroaching on security operations –Military source UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

R L-R: Member of the United States Congress, Karen Brass; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; and US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria and the US, in Lagos, yesterday.

Govt not under-funding Defence, security agencies – Okonjo-Iweala ...as President assents N4.964 trillion 2014 budget

he Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, refuted claims by the leadership of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies that poor funding was undermining ongoing war against terrorist insurgents. She said the federal government was providing the needed funds to prosecute the war. This is even as she disclosed that the president had last Wednesday assented to the 2014 Appropriation Bill with a total aggregate expenditure (budget) provision of N4.964 trillion. The presidential en-

dorsement came about four weeks after the bill was forwarded by the National Assembly and approximately five months and three days after the after the bill was laid before the joint session of the National Assembly by the minister. This is even as official reports had it on Friday that budgets of about 52 ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were still being tinkered with at the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, nearly six months. Briefing the media on the key provisions of the budget yesterday, the minister explained that despite the reported claims

by the Boko Haram war was under-funded, government had supported and would continue to support the security agencies with funds, adding however that it was a well known

fact that funding of wars is never ever adequate globally as the military and other agencies would always need new technologies and machinery to beef up their capacity.

ift is imminent between the military and the National Orientation Agency, NOA, over the latter’s assumption of routine media briefing on the current anti-terrorism campaign. The action of the NOA is said to be offending military principles and operations. Top military sources told Saturday Mirror in Abuja that the military was becoming very uncomfortable with the idea. Earlier, the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, had been in constant touch with the media on the issues through press statements, on behalf of the Joint Security Information Committee, comprising the Police, State Security Service, Nigeria Intelligence

Agency and the military. However, only few weeks ago, the NOA assumed the duties as it got all the security services and the military to brief the press on the ongoing counter-insurgency war at the instance of the Director General, Mike Omeri, a development which Saturday Mirror learnt the military detests. The source said that the development became successful and sustained because the police, SSS and other agencies, were alleged to be very comfortable with it believing that the military seemed to be taking all the glory in the anti-terrorism campaign. However, the military source said such struggle for glory was vanity when the military was deeply concerned about how to secure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.

Ministry, UNDP/DGD, sign agreement on youth’s election capacity-building TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Federal Ministry of Youth Development formally signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/ Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) for the implementation of the

“Enhancing Youth Participation In The 2015 General Elections Project.” At the signing ceremony which took place yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development. Mr. Boni Haruna, said that the LoA was a culmination of the existing partnership between the Ministry and UNDP/DGD which had become critical because of the

place of youth in Nigeria’s capacity to conduct free, fair, peaceful and successful general election in 2015. He said the collaboration with the development partners was in line with the ministry’s determination to work with all key stakeholders to fully equip Nigerian youth with the skills and knowledge to positively contribute to the enthronement

of good governance and also influence their peers to be change agents for credible, free and fair elections. The minister, however, disclosed that the new programme was a national project that will cover the six geopolitical zones of the country found on three components namely, capacity building; voter enlightenment campaign and advocacy.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

SOUTH WEST

Ekiti PDP accuses APC of plans to frustrate Fayose’s ambition ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of plotting to

use the judiciary stop him from contesting in the June 21, 2014, election. Fayose accused the ruling party of planning to get ‘black market’ injunction to restrain him from participating in the election which is four weeks away. Chairman, Legal Com-

mittee of Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO), Barr Kolapo Kolade, disclosed this to journalists yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. According to Kolade, “some APC members have filed frivolous and spurious actions against

our candidate with the intention of getting a black market injunction to restrain our candidate as we get closer to election day purposely to cause confusion,” he alleged. Kolade said the APC in the state is sponsoring some personalities who had already filed three

L-R: Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Ekiti State gubernatorial candidate for the Labour Party (LP); Chief Imam Alhaji Abdusalam and Alhaja Maryam Bimbola Ogunlade, Bamidele’s running mate after a meeting with the Imam, recently.

Sultan calls for peaceful co-existence, justice among Nigerians

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for justice and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians in the face of the current security challenges facing the country. The Sultan gave the charge yesterday, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while commissioning the Bodija Estates and Environs Mosque and Islamic Centre. Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar said all nationals, irrespective of their reli-

gious or political leaning, should, at all time, endeavour to live peacefully with one another. He also charged Nigerians not to allow ethnic rivalries to cause division among them. The Sultan, who is also the President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), while pledging his commitment towards continued promotion of peace and stability in Nigeria, urged the governments at the Federal, State and Local Government levels in the country to make justice their watchwords.

His words, “In this part of the world, our revered leaders should place high premium on justice and transparency because justice is the foundation of any government. A nation cannot endure on injustice. We have to live by example by adhering strictly to the tenets of Islam. We have to act what we say as people are looking at us,” he said. While expressing his commitment to freedom of religion as enshrined in the nation’s Constitution, he maintained that there is no compulsion in religious practices. The Sultan continued, “We cannot force

anybody to accept Islam. Our behavior will make people want to come to us and emulate what we do. Therefore, as muslims, we must live above board and do the right things in our political and private offices,” he said. The Sultan also maintained that Islam is a religion of peace and urged the society to desist from linking acts of terrorism in the country with the religion. According to him, terrorism is anti-Islam hence terrorists should simply be so tagged without any reference of them to the religion of Islam.

Sen. Adeyeye heads Aregbesola’s re-election campaign team

20-man state campaign committee to coordinate the re-election of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been constituted. The committee is to be chaired by Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Professor Sola Adeyeye. In a statement signed by the Director, Information and Strategy of

As ex-UNFPA boss commends Osun govt the APC Osun Chapter, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, the committee has as its Secretary, Professor John Adebunmi Ayoade, who was a former Deputy Director, Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS). Tagged “Rauf Aregbesola State Campaign Committee 2014”, members of the committee include: Senator Bayo Sa-

lami, Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Dr. Peter Babalola. Meanwhile, a former Director Africa Region of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Bunmi Makinwa, has

commended the developmental strides of Governor Aregbesola. Makinwa, who observed that the state has been transformed positively the present dispensation. The ex-UNFPA boss, however, urged the state government to remain focused in the provision of infrastructure to the people of the state.

suits in courts with the intention to embarrass Fayose and frustrate his ambition. Kolade also claimed that part of the plots to stop Fayose includes a petition written by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Fapohunda to Kogi State Judiciary seeking the transfer of a case involving one Charles Ovie on the kidnap of the Attah of Ayede, Oba Joseph Orisagbemi and the late Provost of the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Dr Gabriel Olowoyo in 2009. The AFCO leader also cited a suit filed by an Ilorin- based lawyer, who he said claimed that Fayose was not competent to contest on account of his impeachment in October 16, 2006, and praying for an injunction restraining him from contesting. Kolade continued, “Their desperation to resort to judicial process in less than 30 days to the election is an acceptance of their pending defeat at the poll on June 21. In as much as anybody is free to institute legal action in any court of law, our judiciary should allow due process to prevail as some

politicians are boasting everywhere that they have judiciary in their pocket,” Kolade said. Reacting to the allegations, Ekiti State APC Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Segun Dipe, said the PDP was only jittery in view of the past records of Fayose. Dipe said the PDP candidate should not be afraid of prosecution if he had nothing to hide. In the words of Dipe, “The act of governance is different from politics. If you don’t want to be prosecuted, don’t commit offences. If Fayose deserves to be prosecuted, he has to. Is it because he is afraid of his past?” The APC spokesman queried: “Are you saying that if a man commits offence that he should not be prosecuted because he is a candidate of a political party? “Whether we are in election or not, governance must continue. If anybody has committed any offence, that person must be prosecuted at any time”, Dipe said. Kolade, who is the PDP State Legal Adviser, however, expressed implicit confidence in the ability of the judiciary to dispense justice without fear or favour.

Retired Lagos workers seek payment of arrears

he Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos branch, has appealed to Lagos State Government to pay the accumulated arrears owed retired workers in the state. Chairman of the association, Alhaji Adebayo Ibrahim, stated that the arrears had been accumulated since 2003 till date. Ibrahim wondered why the state government was refusing to pay the arrears in spite of the Justice Adetula Alabi’s ruling in the matter in 2006. The NUP leader, who claimed that many of their members entitled to the arrears had died in the course of waiting for the money to be paid, urged the state government to fulfilled its pre-elections promises to the retired workers in the state. He also called on well-

meaning people of the state and Nigerians to prevail on the state government to respect the court order and pay its members. According to the union leader, the breakdown of the arrears shows 142 percent of 2, 000 increase of 15 percent of 2003. Alhaji Ibrahim explained that after Justice Alabi judgment of 2006 in suit No. I D-75; 03, the state government paid their members three years arrears, instead of the six years arrears owed them then. Ibrahim, however, appealed to traditional rulers and chiefs in Lagos State to intervene in the matter so that they could enjoy fruit of their labour while on earth. He added that all other states in the south west and some outside the region had fully paid those arrears.

REGIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH

INEC begins distribution of Permanent Voter’s Cards in Kogi WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

he Independent National Electoral Commission INEC yesterday commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State. This followed series of meetings of relevant stakeholders and sensitisation for the government officials, traditional institutions and general public across the three senatorial districts of the state. The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Segun Agbaje, told the forum of the need to replace the old temporary card with new Permanent Voter’s Card which contained the biodata of the holders. Agbaje explained that the step taken was curbed the incident multiple voting, adding the card is designed with card reader machine which bring out

the information about the individual voters. As part of efforts to ensure that those registered with temporary voter’s card are issued the permanent ones, the Kogi State government declared yesterday a public holiday in the state to enable civil servants collect their PVC at different register centres. Saturday Mirror monitored the commencement of the Distribution of PVC in Lokoja. It was observed that INEC officers reported to various polling units early and attended to those who came to collect their cards. Meanwhile Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has appealed to the people of state to come out in large numbers for the collection permanent voter’s card and continuous registration exercise currently going on throughout the country. Wada made the call while monitoring the exercise, yesterday, in Lokoja.

Jigawa NSCDC boss gives reasons for increase in rape ABDULLAHI ODEY DUTSE

ommandant, Jigawa State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Alhaji Gidado Fari, has attributed the high rate of rape cases in the country to money making superstition. Fari disclosed his in an interview Dutse, the state capital while speaking with journalists on the activities of his command. According to Fari, the negative influence of having money by all means push most people to some people engage ritualists. He however faulted the theory that rapists do the dastardly act for pleasure. The commandant disclosed that 61 cases were reported and 73 suspects arrested in 2013 in the state. Sixty persons, he declared, have been charged to court while one was transferred to the police. In a further summary of cases handled by the command in 2013, Fari gave a total number of 607 cases with family, mari-

tal, land and commercial disputes at the top of the listy numbering 359. It is followed by rape and stealing in third place. Other offences include homosexual idency, human trafficking, robbery and fiorgery. There was also one case of attempted suicide. Apart from arresting criminals, the command also rescued nine persons from natural and artificial disasters, he added. Explaining why the command has been active recently, the commandant stated that the Act setting up the corps has been amended to not only apprehend, but prosecute adding that such powers have elevated the corps to a paramilitary force. He said the amended Act has expanded the mission of the corps to include offences against the state through the office of Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General with fiat. Before the amendment such crimes were exclusive police duties. Fari commended the Police, NDLEA and the Judiciary for their support and cooperation.

Blasts: Gov. Jang expresses fresh concern over citizens’ safety JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

overnor Jonah Jang of Plateau State yesterday expressed concern over the security of citizens in the state. Speaking with Journalists against the backdrop of last Tuesday’s twin bomb blasts at Terminus area of the state capital, in which over 150 people were killed, the governor who described the incident as “ very

unfortunate” said it occurred when everyone thought that the state has overcome the ugly trend. It will be recalled that Governor Jang was away from the state when the Tuesday blast occurred. Addressing journalists when he visited the blast sites, Governor Jang said he was briefed that the casualties so far recorded is 78. According to him, the final figure of casualties would be computed when families of those who

did not see their loved ones have reported the missing ones, pointing out that the state government would foot all the bills of those receiving treatment in designated hospital across the State. He disclosed that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are working together to address the situation. In his words “The worst kind of war to fight is when you enemies are unknown. Most of those

people who attack us are mostly from outside Plateau or outside the country. They bring their bomb materials from outside and then assemble it in the state.” He therefore called on the people of the state to be more security conscious and be vigilant at all times. Speaking on the abduction of the Girls from Government Girls College, Chibok , Governor Jang, while condemning the act, called for concerted efforts to locate the whereabouts of the girls.

L-R: Grand Chief Judge Bauchi State, KhadiIbrahim Maraba; retiring Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ibrahim Zango (m); deputy governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh (sitting 3rd right) with Judges during the valedictory court session in honour of retiring Justice Zango in Bauchi, yesterday.

Insecurity: Niger Sharia Commission calls for collective prayers PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

xecutive Secretary of Niger State Shari’ah Commission (NSSC), Barrister Mohammed Awwal Bida, has called on religious leaders in the country to pray to God for quick intervention in the on-going security challenges in the north eastern part of the country.

Bida, in a press statement made available to journalists in Minna, also urged Nigerians to urgently embarked on prayers in mosques and churches to seek God’s face in tackling the problem in the region and other parts of the country. He stressed the need for Nigerians to continue to live together as an indivisible entity, irrespective of their tribes and reli-

gious differences, adding that through collective prayers, the activities of insurgents would be brought to an end. The Niger Sharia Commission scribe also commended Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu for the proactive approach he adopted in tackling security challenges and promoting religious harmony in the state. On the abducted female

students of Chibok by the Boko Haram sect, Bida threw his weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting the help of the international community in locating and rescuing the girls. He then appealed to the sect members to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the country, noting that no religion in the world preaches violence.

Kwara assures of security ahead of Gov Ahmed’s third anniversary WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Kwara State government says it has put adequate security measures in place in preparation for the celebration of the third year anniversary of Governor Abdufattah Ahmed administration. The activities hegins next week. Addressing a press conference yesterday in Ilorin on the programmes, Sec-

retary to the State Government, (SSG) Alhaji Isiaka Gold, said plans are underway to highluight the lofty achievements of the state government in the last three years. He also identified renovations of five General Hospitals in the state as part of the achievements. The Hospital renovation, Gold said, had gulped the sum of N3.7 billion as they witnessed comprehensive renovation as well as

equipping the five hospitals located in different parts of the state. These renovated hospitals were in Offa, Share, Omu-Aran, Kaiama and Ilorin which were said to be among the first phase of the general hospitals in the state that required rehabilitations and renovations. Alhaji Gold also said that Governor Ahmed’s government has recorded great achievement in the

area of youth employment as well as rehabilitating and commissioning of roads, waterworks and electrification projects in the southern district of the state. One of the achievements of the government, he said, was the QuickWin programme. According to him, “The ‘QuickWin programme was aimed at reducing unemployment, enhancing livelihoods and productively engaging our youths.

Politics

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 20 2014 014 14

Ahmed

Mu’azu

OBOR UVWERE

or many stalwarts of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara State, there have been too many anxious moments in the past two weeks. Of course, 2015 general election is just round the corner. What with the political schism that ensued in the state after Senator Bukola Saraki, former governor of the state and de-facto political leader of Kwara, defected to the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. He had, tugging along with him, the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed. The implication of these actions is very clear. As pundits now see the scenario, political equation viz-a-viz, the two parties’ influence in the state is balanced. As it is, any electoral confrontation could go either way come 2015. But last week, what appears to be a game changer began to unfold, largely, causing no small discomfiture for PDP party faithful on the one hand and jubilations, perhaps, for those of APC on the other. Followers of Babatunde Belgore, former governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (which fused into APC), who has since defected to PDP, took to the streets in Ilorin in celebration. They claimed that the Presidency had endorsed Belgore as the preferred candidate and standard bearer for the governorship election in 2015. As gathered, the former governorship aspirant had presented figures from 2011 Kwara State election that purportedly showed that as ACN standard bearer in the state, he polled quite a significant vote. His argument to the Presidency is that if given backing by PDP at the national level, 2015 election would be a mere walk over for him. It was a plausible argument, but silent on many other variables that may nullify Belgore’s viability as governorship candidate under PDP. For instance, Belgore’s choice as candidate was informed by his aristocratic background as a Belgore. The calculation then by ACN was that a Fulani-Ilorin man could sway political elites in Ilorin to support Belgore. Secondly, the Saraki dynasty in Ilorin already had enough traditional enemies who preferred seeing power wrested away from it. For this group of people, anybody is good enough

Saraki

Belgore

Akande

Intrigues, shenanigans in Kwara ahead of 2015 so long as he is not a Saraki man. For this reason, Akeem Lawal, son of Mohammed Lawal, late former governor of the state rallied support for him just like Ahmed Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos and leading opposition politicians supported Belgore. As at press time, Belgore is yet to confirm the report of such presidential endorsement, neither has there been any refutation from him. But in politics, sensationalism, rather than cold facts and logic often carry the day. This is why followers of Belgore were in joyous mood while other party faithful in PDP are pensive. Even more, the uncertainty of this reported meeting with the Presidency by Belgore is largely responsible for what has since unsettled the PDP party big wigs in the state and in Abuja. Apart from his defection from the party and his leading a large chunk of PDP faithful, including the state governor to APC, Saraki is seen more at the national level as a Frankenstein monster, ready to devour its maker. This is so because as scion of Olusola Saraki, the late political strongman of Kwara politics, he had relied more on the influence of federal might under PDP to undo late Mohammed Lawal, former governor of the state in 2003 and since consolidated on his political career until 2011 when he installed his successor. For the 2015 general election, PDP is banking on a granite coalition united by the singular goal of wresting power from Saraki to win the state again and neutralise the former governor and senator at the federal level. But Belgore’s overt ambition, signified by the recent road show by his followers, now presents a problem. No other person than Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, the newly elected state PDP chairman understands this better. According to him, all party stalwarts eying the party ticket had assured him that their focus is to build the party first.

“I have held meetings with them and we pledged to build the party rather than ambition. So, we are not celebrating ambitions in this party for now. We are trying as much as possible to consolidate on our strength in the state and not on individuals,” he told Saturday Mirror. He admits that Belgore is not the only one eying the party’s ticket. Going by what he understands as body language of the politicians, a great number of them are mobilising to win the party ticket as governorship candidates. But this is where the problem lies for the party. Apart from Belgore, there is Oba Abdulraheem, chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, who for some time now has stepped in as a rallying point against Saraki. There is Gbemisola Saraki, sister to Bukola and a former Senator, who also presents a dilemma for many as to where her true allegiance really lies and there is Simeon Ajibola, senator from Kwara South. Apart from these four, there are other party stalwarts who have lined up behind these gladiators. For instance, there is Muinat Shagaya, billionaire party financier who, as many believe, would only support the party in 2015 if her preferred candidate gets the ticket. Nobody is yet sure who that person will be. There is Akeem Lawal, son of the late former governor of the state. He is believed to have inherited his father’s political structure. Though, his support for Belgore in 2011 largely swelled the votes for ACN that year, he is now believed to have thrown his weight behind Abdulraheem. In the days ahead, how the party accommodates the interest of this players is what analyst say is yet to be seen. As gathered, the singular motive of wresting power from Saraki is believed to be strong enough rallying point. But what if some of the gladiators are moles from APC, planted in PDP to wreck its cohesion from within? For

instance, there are still fears as to the genuineness of Belgore’s defection to PDP when a political settlement could have been reached at the party hierarchy. Indeed, there is a great deal of worry in this regard going by an incident that happened after the election of Oyedepo as party chairman in Ilorin. As gathered by Saturday Mirror, four days after the state congress, all roads led to No. 29, Kaduna Road, Adewole, Ilorin, home of Abdulraheem, chairman, FCC. Gbemisola Saraki, Senator Ajibola, Lawal all either visited the abode of Abdulraheem for close door sessions or made personal calls to the FCC chairman. In fact, it was during one of the sessions that Gbemisola assured the FCC chairman and Oyedepo that her differences with her brother were personal and would not, in any way, jeopardise the party’s fortunes. But Belgore was largely absent in all of this sessions and kept largely to himself, away from the PDP stalwarts. Indeed, these developments will certainly be music to the ears of APC strategists in Kwara. The party has left nothing to chance so far. Like crafty political chess masters, they allowed PDP to conduct its own congress to produce its chairman. With the emergence of Oyedepo, an avowed critic of Saraki, APC now realises that they will be spared no quarter in forthcoming political battles ahead. In APC’s congress that followed a week later, Ishola Balogun-Fulani, a strong Saraki loyalist, emerged as the party chairman. Leaving nothing to chance, Saraki had long deployed foot soldiers into the grassroots to begin mobilisation for him ahead of next year elections. A few weeks to the APC state congress, Saraki had inaugurated a 10-man committee each for the 16 local government areas in Kwara State. Making a total of 160 men and women, they were deployed to the grassroots to garner support for Saraki and APC.

POLITICS

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AD remains the only offshoot of UPN –Akinfenwa Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa is a founding member of the Alliance for Democracy, AD, and was in the Senate between May, 1999 and May, 2003 representing Osun West Senatorial District. In this interview, Akinfenwa speaks on the crisis that ravaged AD and why he has remained in the party. BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA brings excerpts:

hy has much not been heard about the e Alliance for Democracy (AD) in recent time? Yes, you are very correct ct that not much has been heard aboutt the party lately. It is not that we are not on ground, but we are moving and acting ting like a silent burner preparing forr a greater future which has now come. me. You all know what happened to AD in n 2003 when our former governors who were elected under the platform of AD defected efected and went to another political party arty. But I refused to leave Alliance for Democracy and the reason is simple: AD has a root. I have been in politics since the days of Papa Awolowo, Ajasin, Adesanya, sanya, Bola Ige. Action Group (AG) gave ve birth to Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) N) and UPN gave birth to AD; that root is there. I don’t want that chain to break k and that is the reason I stood my ground d to ensure that AD remains. It was a very ery difficult time. Don’t forget that six governors overnors of AD except late Adefarati deserted erted AD to form another political which has no root whatsoever with the Awolowo wo political dynasty. Most Awoists like Ebenezer Babatope, Bisi Akande and nd others are either in PDP or APC. Do you feel betrayed by them? They betrayed that political cal dynasty. You are all aware that AG gave ave birth to UPN and UPN gave birth to AD, but AD has not given birth to any political itical party. AD still remains AD, those se who deserted AD betrayed AD and d one significant thing I want you to know today is that all these e governors who deserted AD are receiving their pensions under the name of AD today, and they said AD is dead. If AD is dead then they should stop receiving pension as AD governors. Before, AD was very rooted. But do you think the same can be said of AD, and do you think that ladder is still there to assist your members that will contest the coming elections? The truth will surely overcome falsehood. Many of those that have deserted AD have been calling and visiting me that they want to come back home because they have seen the truth, they have seen the difference between AD as an offshoot of a principled father and many of them are coming back. Deceit will fail and fall at any given time that truth emerges; the truth is emerging

now. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has just registered UPN. Is it the same AD that is back as UPN? This UPN is not Awolowo’s UPN let it be very clear to everybody. I was one of the founding fathers of UPN, my number was 1178 and that of my wife was 1179. We have many of our leaders today who are founding fathers of UPN; none of them is in this UPN. This UPN is founded by people who have no connection, no knowledge of UPN at all; they don’t know the focus, they don’t know the manifesto; they are completely ignorant of UPN. AD has no fear about UPN. those days, internal In democracy is a principle followed by AD. Do you still have internal democracy? We don’t impose do candidates, we everything democratically, we bring everybody on board to take decision party; about the that is the internal democracy which we inherited from Papa Awolowo, Bola Ige, Ajasin and many of our leaders. W e imbibed that

from them, and we still maintain it and we shall continue to retain. Between 1999 and 2003 your party fully utilised the likes of Bisi Akande, Tinubu. Why did you part ways with them? No, they parted ways with me. I have told you earlier, I belong to AG. Let me tell you one thing; I was persecuted in the days of the woes of AG, they drove me away as a young school teacher, they drove me away from my school under oppression; I had to take protection in Owo, under Papa Ajasin; it was the coup that saved me otherwise I would probably have been wasted. So, it is they, who

parted ways from me, I am still standing on the same line that all of us belong to. It is they that are no longer there. Are you satisfied with the leadership posture of Asiwaju Tinubu in the Yoruba nation? You don’t buy leadership, you emerge. None of our leaders had spent money to buy leadership, they only emerged. Papa Awolowo emerged, Papa Ajasin emerged, Adesanya emerged, Bola Ige emerged. None of them gathered people and paid them to be leaders. No, leaders emerge, leadership is never bought. Several years after the demise of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo,

un-cancelled in his name stands un-c the political scene of tthe country. his followers Many who claim to be h still campaign, using his name as a rallying point. What are you doing to ensure that his principles remain? Many people say today toda they are followers, Awo children, they are Awo A governance, by their but by their governanc not executing administration, they are n Awolowo stood what Awolowo stood for. A for the good of the common man by way rural integration of education, health, rura and agriculture. None of tthem is doing enormous wealth so today and there is enor they are using in this country which th but they don’t use it for the common people. During Bola Ige’s regime Jakande, we or Ajasin or J had Free Education. I was the Commissioner C Education and we for Educa what we did for knew wh people of the the pe Oyo State. We old Oy gave them 100% free education programme. Books were Book bought, chairs boug and lockers were wer made. We didn’t build didn sentimentally prestigious schools which are scho not necessary . You n need functional schools, it is not schoo the hugeness of a h school schoo or beauty of a school that produces sound produ children but you childr functional need schools or buildings with good free education programme. What are the chances of your candidate coming elections? I have told you earlier, they deceived and lured our members. 90% of APC in the South-West today are AD; fault it. They were lured there, they were deceived there but the truth is out . Even by the way they run their government in this state, truth is out and when the truth is out falsehood will collapse whether people like it or not. Falsehood is collapsing now and it will collapse and fall flat. By the experience of what I am having now, by the grace of God we shall win.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

POLITICS

May 24, 2014

Ogbonnaya Onu was not defeated in his home town –All Progressives Congress Interim Committee Chairman in Ebonyi State, Chief Emerike Orji dispelling rumours of electing new leadership in the party

“T

he report, which stated that the former governor of old Abia State and APC chieftain Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, was defeated in his home town, which he won with a landslide, is a contradiction of facts. “How did they get the results of the congress election? The result has not even been produced by the state congress committee that was sent from Abuja. “I call on our party faithful to disre-

Talking

POLITICS

gard the report and remain calm as the party prepares to wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ebonyi come 2015 election. “There was no division in APC before the congresses, which were inconclusive. There is no way the party could produce new executives with inconclusive congresses, so what is the basis of alleging that the party has elected its new leadership. “Nobody was elected by the party as new leadership. I think the interim elected people would hand over before there will be new leadership in the party.”

Fayemi has not changed –Mr. Femi Ajiniran, chairman of E-eleven, a socio-economic group made up of Ekiti indigenes, during on a visit to the governor on Thursday evening.

“W

e have keenly followed the activities of the Fayemi administration since 2010 in order to ascertain whether the governor would keep to the promises he made to the people of the State in his 8-point transformation agenda. “Our assessment shows that the governor has performed creditably well in all the eight areas which his administration set out to address. On

each of the items, we found that he has done us proud and we are indeed happy. There were lots of factors we considered. Character was one of them. Some would get to the office and change. He is still the old Dr Kayode Fayemi that we used to know. He has not changed. We know money can change people. Time does change people and power can change people. All these have not changed him a bit, so we are indeed proud of him.

APC members want to stop Fayose with court injunctions –Chairman, Legal Committee of Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO), Barrister Kolapo Kolade

“S

ome APC members have filed frivolous and spurious actions against our candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, with the intention of getting a black market injunction to restrain him as we get closer to Election Day, to purposely cause confusion. “Their desperation to resort to judicial process less than thirty days to the election is an acceptance of their pending defeat at the poll on June 21. “In as much as anybody is free to insti-

tute legal action in any court of law, our judiciary should allow due process to prevail, as some politicians are boasting everywhere that they have the judiciary in their pockets. “The judges should be cautious of the banana peel trap that has been set for them by some politicians. They should allow the politicians to do their politicking on the field and not allow the courts to be used to derail democracy and cause confusion and anarchy in Ekiti State.”

– Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Kwara state, Rev. Bunmi Olusona at the launch of a movement tagged “Orange Revolution Movement” (ORM) at Ajase-Ipo

“T

our people’s inalienable right to seek to attain any height without having to be at the mercy of any political cult.

Akpabio is a progressive at heart –Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Barrister Adebayo Shittu reacting on radio to a question which sought to know if all the PDP governors that defected to the APC are now progressives

“P

rogressivism is not about party. It is a thing of the mind. If you are conservative, joining a progressive party will not automatically make you a progressive. There are a lot of conservatives with progressive tendencies and vice- versa.” As a student of Awolowo politics, I believe progressivism should be seen in our actions and dispositions to governance, rather than the party platform one rode to power. “Look at what the young man in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Godswill Akpabio is doing for his people. He is a PDP governor but from his actions and performance, he is a progressive. Would you now say because he is not in my party, he is not a progressive? Progressivism is in the heart and not a matter of political platform.”

Jeddy Agba is good for Cross River

We must end one-man rule in Kwara he people of Kwara State must use non-violent ideological revolution to rescue the state from one man rule. “The State had been at the mercy of an individual family who manipulate the affairs of the State to the detriment of the generality of the state The goal of the “Orange Revolution Movement” is to put an end to the anti democratic administration and promote good governance in the state. “In Kwara, government is run to promote an individual’s ego. Here, governance is run in manners injurious to

”Because history has never been kind to laid-back citizens who watched while their community is plundered, we have today decided to launch what we call the Orange Revolution Movement. “The Orange Movement will promote this ideal while pointing out to every Kwara person of good conscience what governance is in Kwara and what it ought to be for everyone to have a sense of belonging. ORM will advocate for and insist on good governance. More importantly, it will at the right time seek a credible and peaceful change in Kwara through all democratic means.

–Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Cross River State, Chief John David Undie on Mr. Godwin Jeddy Agba, a PDP governorship aspirant.

“I

call on the people of Cross River State, particularly those from the Northern Senatorial District to not only identify with Agba, but to celebrate him, given his leadership qualities. “Jeddy Agba is a man who right from when he never nursed any political aspiration always sought to give succour and touched the lives of many. If he could do so much without having an eye for political office, he would surely do more now that he is poised to give the state qualitative leadership and a lasting legacy. “Agba is a man who can move the politics of the state to an exciting level and create a new reality for Cross Riverians. I have no doubt that Agba would fulfill the aspiration of Cross Riverians.

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Living

EDITED BY: Nnamdi Onyeuma onyeumannamdi@yahoo.com 08035068825

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

LAG BUS: Riding rough in Lagos

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO STAND WILL BE ALLOWED TO DO SO AT HIS OR HER WILL. THIS IS HOW WE CAME ABOUT PEOPLE STANDING IN LAGBUSES Living

P.37

Mentally challenged nursing mother gets lifeline I USED TO SLEEP UNDER THE BRIDGE BEFORE I HAD SODIQ, BUT I THANK GOD FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HELPED TO TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL,

I CANNOT THANK THEM ENOUGH; THEY GAVE US FOOD, CLOTHES AND MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES

Divorce court

‘My wife is a lesbian’

•I’m a lesbian but I love my husband –Wife

P.38

Living

P.20

Are beggars back on Lagos Streets? THE SAD STORY IS THAT TODAY, YOU WILL SEE A PARTICULAR SET OF TWINS WITH ONE WOMAN CLAIMING THAT SHE IS THE MOTHER AND SOME

WEEKS AFTER, YOU WILL SEE THIS SAME SET OF TWINS WITH ANOTHER WOMAN ALSO CLAIMING TO BE THE MOTHER

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

LAG BUS: Riding rough in Lagos

Years of irritant discomfort common with the characteristically crowded Molue buses may be on the rebound as many passengers now travel the old way, popularly known as “Standing” in LAG BUSes. As captured in this report by NNAMDI ONYEUMA, it would seem that the much-touted luxury essence of BUS Rapid Transit (BRT) service has since gone with the wind, dying in exchange for money. BRT buses: Any difference from Molue?

ike the Molue, the Lagos all-purpose, all-yellow and black-striped, roomy and noisy commuter bus whose seats are forever short of the number of passengers that eventually travel by it and where everything, including the impossible was possible, the newmodel luxury buses otherwise known as Lagbus, introduced a few years ago, are steadily but gradually beginning to lose value. But this is, perhaps, probably the least worry to those in the know about the ever growing and most shocking of trends that have become the lot of the supposed luxury bus. Reputed for reckless driving and lack of manners, drivers and conductors in Molues combine perfectly to make the odd couple, loved and hated in equal proportions. Although it is common knowledge among Lagosians that Molues reek of alcohol and dirt, they have remained a transportation choice for traders, workers as well as hawkers - race, class and religious affiliations notwithstanding. A few of the reasons adduced for this unending patronage are its relatively cheap fare compared to other commercial buses and interestingly, too, the capacity of the drivers and conductors to accommodate all manners of people, including the sick in the head! Interestingly, one, or a combination of these reasons were given by government for its decision to replace

BRT: Orderly outside, rowdy inside

the characteristically rickety and noisy Molues with modern buses in the shape of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT). Today, it remains to be seen how the BRT buses, seen as orderly outside, but rowdy inside differentiates from the Molues. With issues of delay, non-payment of over-time to staffers, long queues and what many see as aping the Molues with ingenuity with an ‘army of standing committees’, which are associated with Molues, only a

few disagree that BRT buses and Molues are not ‘related’ in many ways. However, for some, the coming of Lagbuses as the BRT buses are called, Lagosians had a better alternative. The Lagos State government at the launch said the decision became imperative following the increasing lack of comfort in Molues many of which had witnessed enormous wear and tear, and as often is the case, belched smoke as if they were chimneys,

but yet were still on the road. The governor, Raji Babatunde Fashola, had also stressed the need for Lagos residents to enjoy a smooth ride back home after a hard day’s work. “So,” he told his audience, “we will remove Molues from the road and replace same with luxury buses.” According to reports, the Lagbuses would even come with air-conditioners CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

May 24, 2014

BRT: Orderly outside, rowdy inside CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 and would not condone passengers standing. Indeed, for many who were getting apprehensive and increasingly uncomfortable over the deteriorating nature of Molues it was a welcome development, especially as many saw trips by Molues as self-induced painful exercise. Curiously, however, barely few years in operation not a few would agree that the Lagbuses are everything but comfort. Built to provide safety and comfort on board, as well as being faster and most of all, affordable, Lagbuses have only possibly fulfilled the latter and failed woefully in others. Little wonder most people refer to Lagbuses today as glorified Molues - a subtle ridicule. “They say many Molues were put off the road because passengers were not getting good value for money, but today there is no difference between the Lagbuses and Molues,” a student who simply identified himself as Tayo told the newspaper. Tayo explained that like Molues, people stand uncomfortably close in Lagbuses. “So,” he asks, “why would anyone say Lagbuses are better?” Those who stand in Lagbuses are collectively referred to as ‘standing committees.’ The newspaper caught up with Chinedu Obiorah, a software engineer, and asked why he chose to stand in an Ikeja-bound Lagbus when he could have waited for another. “I’m running late to work and cannot afford any more minute in the queue,” he responded. Obiorah counts among the many that, considering other personal challenges, have no qualms paying the same N100 or N120 depending on the distance and destination as those sitting in Lagbuses so as to get to their destinations on time. For Mrs. Toyin Olabisi, a businesswoman, left or right, standing in Lagbuses is better than in Molues. “Yes, as they say, standing is standing, but comparing standing in a Lagbus to standing in a Molue is like comparing coma and sleep,” she said. “The truth is, standing in a Molue is coma,” she told the newspaper matter-of-factly. Akande further explained that in Molues, decency is food for the dogs. “But in Lagbuses, the mentality of people is different.” The textile material dealer noted that she would rather stand in the Lagbuses and get to her destination safely than to sit in the Molue, which she described as risky. In an interview, a man who simply identified himself as Akerele, one of the officials of the bus service, told the newspaper that the managers of the buses gave in to requests for people to stand in the buses because of the passenger strength. “Lagbuses carry 48 passengers sitting and you will also agree that if we carry 48 passengers to a distance of say, Marina, it may take half the day to come for another batch,” he said. He continued. “Therefore,” management said, “anyone who wants to stand can be allowed to do so at his or her will. This is how we came about people standing in Lagbuses.” Though the decision was taken with good intentions, this has suddenly become the complaint about Lagbuses.

A Molue terminal at Oshodi

For, as investigations revealed, in most Lagbuses, the number of passengers standing often doubles the number of the passengers sitting. But if passengers think it ‘good product, bad thinking,’ they cry blue murder over what they describe as unfair fares payable in Lagbuses. “Why on earth would anyone equate the comfort derivable from sitting in any bus whatsoever, with standing, if any?” a passenger asked the newspaper. An apparently miffed Gladys, who says she is an undergraduate of the University of Lagos, queried the uniform fare for all passengers in Lagbuses, saying it was about time the management of the buses looked into it with a view to correcting it. While Akerele could not be drawn into saying whether or not management had plans to alter the fare, he admitted to what he says is a little discomfort resulting from passengers who were unable to get a seat and so decided to stand. Unconfirmed newspaper investigations revealed that different ticketing companies collect fares for both standing and sitting passengers, just as Lagbus management supervises and coordinates the admission of passengers into the bus. “Every operation, including billing regarding Lagbuses is systematic. It’s not like the Molue buses where conductors are everything,” an official who refused her name in print said. A journalist who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity on Thursday May 22, 2014, however, lamented over what he described as undue delay at bus terminals. Boarding the BRT bus at Ketu to CMS, he said he had waited for hours on a queue near a quarter of a mile before the BRT buses showed up. According to him, he had bought tickets for N70 and also N120 just in case the drivers of the buses decide to make a detour as usually the case when it is 12 noon. “I was made to understand that the drivers run a shift

Molue buses wading through Oshodi market

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO STAND WILL BE

ALLOWED TO DO SO AT HIS OR HER WILL.

THIS

IS HOW WE CAME ABOUT PEOPLE STANDING IN

LAGBUSES

arrangement. And, when this change over happens, which is usually at 12 noon, the bus drivers usually do a detour by handing over passengers originally going to CMS. So, I had to buy the two tickets just in case they say those with N70 would not continue on the trip. But, alas, after I boarded the bus, the number of passengers standing made the less than an hour trip very uncomfortable. The inside was stuffy that I tried so hard to convince myself that I was not in a Molue,” he told the newspaper. According to him it is about time the government reviewed the operation of Molue including modalities for hiring the staff. “You find a league of staff lacking in public relations and you won-

der how they came to the job,” he said. He blamed the government for what he says was the manner of hiring the staff, which he says were based on party loyalty. “I was told that nearly all those working with the BRT Company were recommended by card-carrying members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. So, whatever they do, no one reprimands them. This is probably the reason they act indecorously and things hardly change no matter how loud the complaints ring out,” he told the newspaper. According to him, the only way out of this kind of situation is for government to look into its operations with a view to finding a better way of repositioning it for efficiency.

LIVING

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Are beggars back on Lagos Streets?

A mother and her begging company

THE SAD STORY IS THAT TODAY, YOU WILL SEE A PARTICULAR SET OF TWINS WITH ONE WOMAN CLAIMING THAT SHE IS THE MOTHER AND SOME WEEKS AFTER, YOU WILL SEE THIS SAME SET OF TWINS WITH ANOTHER WOMAN ALSO CLAIMING TO BE THE MOTHER

A beggar wiith a set of twins on Marina

Gradually, but steadily, mothers begging for alms return to Lagos Streets. But it is those who beg with their twins that caught the attention of FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON, who asks if beggars are back on the street?

ressed in a tattered multi-colour wrapper and blouse, Iya Ejire cuddled her set of twins as she begged for alms: e ta meji lore o, meaning, give the twins alms. In spite of the ban on beggars, Marina Street as with all parts of Lagos State, has provided place for beggars, who with their twins, are earning a living every day on end by using their bundle of joy as bait. While some blame the new trend on harsh economy, others say tradition has made it inevitable to engage in such practice. Nowadays, beyond its business attraction, Marina Street has become synonymous with the begging act. In an interview, a woman who spoke after assurance that her name will not be in print, told the newspaper that she turned to begging for alms after her husband died eight months ago. According to her, when she could no longer bear the sight of her suffering children and in the absence of money to set up a petty trading outfit, no matter how small, she decided to beg. The woman, who says that she is sad about her condition expressed willingness to start a small trading business of her own as soon as she is able to raise the money. “I lost my husband eight months ago and life has been very tough for me and the children. We cannot even afford to feed and I have no job or anybody to turn to for help, which is why I had to come out to beg,” she says. With one excuse after another adduced for the growing trend, across Lagos today. From Marina to Ojuelegba, Ketu, Ikeja, Oshodi, Ojota, Maryland, and from other suburbs as

Mushin, Ojodu, Orile-Iganmu and many other places, the story is the same despite government’s stand on the practice. Seemingly following a particular pattern, for the women, the tale ranges from the loss of job, death of a breadwinner or harsh economic situation. Adebisi, 34, told the newspaper, however, that she turned to begging with her twins not because she cannot afford to feed them, but in obedience to tradition. According to her, she comes from a place where mother of twins are culturally required to take the twins to the streets to beg for alms, pointing out that failing to heed to the tradition attracts severe consequences. “In fact, the consequences are often very grave. It is not every one of us who use the twins to beg that are hungry. For some of us, we just have to do it because tradition demands that we do it and failure to do so may have bad consequences. It may lead to the death of the children,” she says. As the newspaper checks revealed, in some part of Yoruba, this practice is common. “The tradition of using infants, especially twins, to beg dates back to an old tradition of the Yoruba people associated with the cultural belief that twins are oracles,” a source who refused his name in print told the newspaper. “That is why you hear words like ‘e ta ibeji lore - meaning - present a gift to the twins,” the source explained. It is believed, according to the source that the children need to be taken round streets and markets to avert impending dangers associated with twins. “The health and fortunes of the parents and the twins are tied to the prac-

tice,” the source stressed. According to this belief, some of the likely consequences of defaulting to adhere include generational misfortune, premature death of the parents and family members, ill health, etc. “So,” the source continued, ‘ it is usually in understanding of this tradition that you often see people handing the twins gifts.” Though unconfirmed, twins are said to have mystical powers and as people give willingly, particularly those undergoing child-bearing challenges, the act comes as another form of prayers. However, with the coming of western education, Christianity and Islam, such practice has been in the decline. Little wonder it has become a rude awakening to discover that the trend is returning to our streets. But with many women involved in trading activities these days as opposed to the belief that the woman’s place is only in the kitchen, it serves to prove that other than tradition, those who indulge in the practice are either lazy or greedy to make a decent living, especially as the practice exposes the babies to several dangers such as dust, smoke, heat and needless hardship, which could lead to death that is not connected to tradition. Perhaps, it is this understanding that the government of Lagos State like many other governments in the country has decided to frown at the practice by banning it on its streets. While, clearly, tradition is one of the things fuelling the practice, it remains to be seen for how long the trend will continue or whether every beggar on the street comes from places where such tradition is common. But more than anything else, beyond tradition, the manner in which the beggars carry out the begging act has become a thing of concern and is accountable for the suspicion that

they are either deliberately avoiding to earn a living or cashing in on the sympathy or generosity of unsuspecting public to perpetrate the act, willy-nilly. In an interview, a man who simply identified himself as Chris said that beyond sympathy, most of these women take people’s generosity for granted. “Can one see another person who is facing challenges and not show love? We are human and have feelings. But the sad story is that today, you will see a particular set of twins with one woman claiming that she is the mother and some weeks after, you will see this same set of twins with another woman also claiming to be the mother. Tell me, is that not treachery? It is just a very terrible situation,” Chris said. In her remarks, Dr Ngozi Kanu, a Pediatrician at the Massey Children Hospital in Lagos Island, described the negative impact of begging on babies as harsh. According to her, when babies are unduly exposed to harsh weather conditions, such babies could end up contracting skin infections like scabies, fungal skin diseases (ringworm) or respiratory tract-related infections. “The trend can have a negative effect on these children as they grow up. Rape cases of young children abound because of their vulnerability and their living on the street. These children have a high tendency of falling into the group of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC),” she said. For, Abiodun Ogunkoya, a Psychologist at Psychology Department, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State, “It is a practice that has negative effects on the future of such children. They tend to grow up with low self-esteem, and by extension, endanger the future of Nigeria as a nation. They grow up to have low level of productivity as a result of low self-esteem,” he told the newspaper.

Entervaganza The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Ibinabo Clarion ...Divas at war Relationships Should you marry a married man?

p32

Sex talk

Fashion

The joys of lube p32

Butterfly ‘n’ boyfriend

p28, 29

ENTERVAGANZA

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ori Owo singer, Tillaman, is a son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as well as one of the most promising artists in the country presently. With several hit songs to his credit, but no major award yet, he told OSEYIZA OOGBODO that the love his fans show him is more important to him than awards.

I was forced to patronise y t i r b e l Ce pirates –Tillaman W

hat’s the latest about you? Uhm, a lot of things about me will be unfolding in a very short period of time, but right now, it’s forward ever, progress, going forward. My fans should expect new videos, new singles, a better Tillaman, a whole total new package, more interesting stuff. You’ve left your label, Euphoric Heritage. Why? Basically, I left by mutual understanding, so there’s nothing to it, no negativity and all that. We’re still closely connected and well-related. It’s not one of those controversial breakups. You are now running your affairs on your own. How easy or difficult is that? I wouldn’t say I’m on my own, I have God with me. The person that has God has everything. I’ve always had God with me anyway. And with God, all things are possible, so we’ll conquer all mountains and give the glory back to Him.

What’s your own view of the music industry, as some believe it’s developing while some believe otherwise? I think the music industry is actually fast rising. It’s one of the fastest rising in the whole wide world. Nigerians are scattered in the Diaspora, you know, and I’ve been privileged and blessed to go far and wide, globally, and when I get to places like Malaysia, Ireland, UK, Spain, LA and many others, you find that Nigerians embrace their culture and their music so Nigerian musicians are doing big gigs and concerts worldwide. So it’s just amazing and great. But there is still no structure and we need a constitution and the government to pay attention to it. Piracy is a big problem, but there’s this notion that you artists patronise pirates. What do you have to say about that? To a certain extent, I wouldn’t lie. But we didn’t start it. It’s a kind of if you can’t beat them, join them scenario. Because if you’re trying to fight for a cause, and nobody is supporting, and your live-

lihood depends on it, and you’re going in a direction, and nobody’s following you ... anyway, for now, we’re guilty to a certain extent of patronising them but we need everybody to support the industry so that the desired change can come about. There’s another notion that most successful artists do juju. What do you have to say about that? I don’t know about that. I know about a few artists that are successful and they didn’t do juju. Like you can’t tell me that Michael Jackson was doing juju. He was ordained. If you do juju, you must be richer than Bill Gates and if it cannot make you richer than Bill Gates, what’s the point? So what’s your advice to upcoming artists who have been told juju is the only way to music success? My advice is that if you have the energy, the talent, and you pray, opportunities will come. That’s my basic advice to them. Also, have a mentor. Associate

yourself with someone positive that can lead you in the right direction. Don’t let anybody lie to you. Don’t try to be like anybody. Don’t try to be like me, for instance, because I’m even trying to be better than I am now. Why haven’t you even be nominated for major awards like Headies, MAMA, etc? Look, I have one of the biggest collaborations, Ko Ma Roll Remix with Burna Boy, Vector and others. It is being played in Europe, South Africa, all over the place. I’ve never heard of a song that has Phyno and Burna Boy on it and the least I expect from all the governing bodies of all these awards is to appreciate it for the big collaboration it is. But as far as my fans show me love, I’m happy. That’s the true recognition I want. What’s the highest amount you’ve been paid for a show? The highest I’ve collected or the highest collected on my behalf ? I’m not gonna put a figure to it but I thank God.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

Seyi Shay finally feels the other side of stardom O

ne thing that is not in doubt is that fast-rising golden girl of the Nigerian music industry, Seyi Shay, has so far been able to avoid the scandals and negativity that come with stardom. But it seems that is about to change for the sexy singer as she has been involved in a nasty public spat that has made her lose her once pristine image. And the cause of the fight which was promptly resolved is none other than what is putting celebrities in trouble worldwide: social media usage. Perhaps forgetting that she is not just anybody, she posted a picture of a topless lady online and someone who saw it came at her, telling her that she

... told to get hooked so as not to end up with a secondhand husband wasn’t America’s Rihanna and that she would never be Rihanna and that she should be careful so that she wouldn’t still be single at 35 years and have to start running after other people’s husbands. And just like Rihanna who regularly gets into online fights over her online posts, she responded to the acidic reaction-attack, asking if the person was re-

tarded for not seeing that she wasn’t the one in the picture and that she just posted the picture because it was a good work of art. Though the fan then apologized to her for thinking she was the one in the picture, this should serve as a warning to her that unnecessary postings by celebrities only leads to trouble for them.

Shay

Public urination palaver Wazobia FM’s Diplomatic OPJ charged to court

his is a certainly tough period for one of the most popular radio presenters in Lagos, if not Nigeria, Wazobia FM’s Diplomatic OPJ. It has been disclosed that OPJ, who is 54 years old, was spotted urinating in public in Lekki, Lagos, an action contrary to the Lagos State environmental laws, and he resisted arrest, another action contrary to Lagos State’s criminal laws.

OPJ

Scandalous actress, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, goes into sex toys

candalous actress, Bisi IbidapoObe, has found a new way to amuse herself. She has gone into the sex toy business, a venture which would certainly amuse anyone in it. Just imagine having to choose sex toys in colours, sizes and so on and then having to sell them to customers who must definitely have some bit of naughtiness in them to even want to buy toys to amuse themselves, it would all just be amusement paradise. So, Ibidapo-Obe, who is not a stranger to scandal, having undergone a very public paternity battle with a married man in the person of politician Dino Melaye, is now officially the latest sex toy dealer in town. We only hope it won’t lead to more scandals for her.

Ibidapo-Obe

While no one is sure how the scenario really went, OPJ had to appear in court last Tuesday and he pleaded not guilty to his two-count charge of urinating in public and resisting arrest and he was granted bail in the sum of N20,000. The case will continue in court on the 18th of next month.

Controversial American rapper, Wale , to visit Nigeria again

ast year, Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group rapper, Wale, visited Nigeria for the first time, and his visit was tainted with controversies. First of all, he was supposed to make it to the country for Ice Prince’s Fire Of Zamani album launch concert, but he didn’t, for a reason that people didn’t really understand. DJ Humility then disclosed that Wale didn’t come on purpose, that he was fond of snubbing Nigerian artists, that he had snubbed MI before in America, had also snubbed Humility himself, and so was a b*****d. Now, he has disclosed that he is scheduled to visit Nigeria again this month and that he will also be releasing his collaboration with indigenous rapper, Olamide, soon. The question on people’s lips now is if his upcoming visit will also be

controversial. While nobody knows that yet, just bear it in mind that his initial and so far, sole, visit was, and that his boss, Rick Ross’s visits to the country also ended up in controversies.

Wale

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL LYRICS

E-NEWS

Nigerian Centenary Leadership Awards plans big

Dada

igeria’s centenary celebration has taken a new turn with the introduction of the Nigerian Centenary Leadership Awards by the Lace Media Group. Speaking about it, LMG’s CEO, Otunba Woleola Dada, said, “This award ceremony is actually designed for Nigerians you and I never knew are Nigerians and whose lifestyles, especially in the area of leadership can be described as a source of motivation for Nigerians all over the world. “There are hundreds of thousands of Nigerians scattered around the world who are doing very well in their individual endeavours and have earned names for themselves, but sadly, a whole load of these people are not known in Nigeria, are not known to have Nigerian blood, so our award is meant for such people. “For instance, how many Nigerians are aware that a member of the UK House of Parliament who also doubles as the

Minister of Sports has a Nigerian as her father? That the person being groomed to become the UK’s probable first black Prime Minister is a Nigerian? There are just too many Nigerians like that and we will expose them through NCLA to help in changing the negative notions worldwide about Nigeria.” According to him, NCLA is scheduled to hold in three continents, Europe, America and Africa. The Europe event will take place at Hilton Hotel, Dockland, UK in August. The American arm will hold in Atlanta, Georgia in September, and South Africa will have the honour of hosting the African arm in October. And on why NCLA is not having any event in Nigeria, he explained that it’s because it is designed to celebrate Nigerians in the Diaspora who are not really known in Nigeria so it will be better to honour them in their areas of domicile where they will be recognised.

Kabbar set to drop Igun video

ajjor Family Entertainment lead artist, Kabir Ilori popularly known as Kabbar, is finally set to drop the video for his smash hit, Igun, produced by Puffy Tee. Directed by South Africa-based Nigerian, Mazi Jizzle, the video comes on the heels of his previous release, Jaburata, which was also very successful within and outside the country. Speaking with E-News, Kabbar said, “I’m very happy at the way my career is going. I believe in gradual progression, and that’s what I’m experiencing in my career as each new material I come out with does better than the one that precedes it. That’s why I’m very confident that Igun’s video will open more doors for me as it will capitalise on the success its audio has already recorded.” He also thanked his label for its support of his career, saying that the label management promised him they would do everything to make him a superstar, and they were fulfilling their promise.

Iyanya

Project Fame West Africa auditions begin

N Kabbar

igeria’s most successful music talent discovery and grooming competition, Project Fame West Africa, is back for a seventh straight season. Olu Akinlabi, Head, Media and Publicity, Ultima Limited, PFWA’s producer, said the show will commence with auditions from May 24th till June 28th in four West African countries, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria. Current superstar artists who launched their careers through participation in PFWA include Kukere singer, Iyanya, who won the maiden edition in 2008; Adaure singer, Mike Anyasodo, who won the second edition; and Kedike singer, Chidinma, who won the third.

Davido

Tchelete (Good Life) Artist: Davido featuring Mafikizolo Hook (Mafikizolo) Ahhhhhhhhnnnn ahhhhnnn ahhhhnn aeyyy Sonke sai thandi imali (4x) Thandi mali (4x) Chorus (2x) (Davido) All my le le le le le ladies Let me see you whine up your waist If you want my money you must shake your body Baby girl you dey make me dey craze Chorus (2x) Mafikizolo Oga tsenya chelete otla bona Tsenya chelete otla bona Verse 1 (Davido) Eko nimo tiwa toba sope olejo Okoto meji lopade sodemo pao jisoro Nina ahhn come chop money now Dance like a ballerina Come hey make I buy you visa owey Kinni omo oginni, oginni I go buy you Lamborghini Come party baby girl what you drinking Konko jabele kaluku lomi se tie O.B.O Chorus (2x) (Davido) All my le le le le le ladies Let me see you whine up your waist If you want my money you must shake your body Baby girl you dey make me dey craze Chorus (2x) (Mafikizolo) Oga tsenya chelete otla bona Tsenya chelete otla bona Hook (Mafikizolo) Sonke sai thandi imali (4x) Thandi mali (4x) Verse 2 (Mafikizolo) Things that people do for money (2x) Inkomo mai chincha Kamane oshabe jam kabomrotho Mao ndoro ose shebe khule Agisabi mali ye hehe hehe You have to know how to treat a lady If you know how to treat a lady Ngisabi mali ye hehe hehe (2x) Chorus (2x) (Davido) All my le le le le le ladies Let me see you whine up your waist If you want my money you must shake your body Baby girl you dey make me dey crase Chorus (2x) (Mafikizolo) Oga tsenya chelete otla bona Tsenya chelete otla bona Le le tsenya chelete otla bona (2x)

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

E-NEWS

R&B kingship Praiz raises the bar

Darey

Banky W Praiz

he music industry is all about competition. It is just inevitable for successful musicians in the same genre to be compared to each other by their fans and critics who end up arguing, sometimes heatedly, that one artist or the other is the better or the best. Sometimes, the debate over who is the better or best musician in a genre becomes so intense that the competition between those genre’s artists turns to unhealthy rivalry. Perhaps the most prominent example of unhealthy music rivalry is that of American rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Both were hotly contesting for the right to be addressed as America’s hottest rapper and their contest turned violent to the extent that they paid for it with their lives as they were both killed. The Nigerian music industry is also not immune to competition and rivalry. Juju legends King Sunny Ade and Commander Ebenezer Obey were seen to be rivals, so also fuji legends Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and General Kollington Ayinla. Eight years ago, Nigeria came clos-

est to an unhealthy rivalry scenario that might have turned violent with the breakout of a war between the fuji musicians King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and their supporters on the one hand and Abass Akande Obesere, Saheed Osupa and their supporters on the other. In recent times, it has been afropop singers 2face versus D’Banj, Davido versus Wizkid, Tiwa Savage versus Seyi Shay. The debates on who is the best over the other in all the aforementioned examples pales to insignificance beside the debate which is the hottest of them all: who is the king of R & B? R&B is a specialist music genre. Only talented singers venture into it. Only really talented artists excel in it. The debate over who is its king therefore had to arise because only the brave of heart even take it on in Nigeria where people prefer the afropop sound. Among those with the lion’s heart to do R&B music are Praiz, Banky W and Darey. While America returnee Banky W and on-air personality-turned-singer Darey have been the two artists who have been

vying for the R&B king title, Oshe singer, Praiz, who came to international limelight through his participation at the talent hunt, Project Fame West Africa, has altered the tone of the debate with his latest single, Mercy. A fast-tempo number, Mercy has become so successful that it has earned Praiz the critical and commercial acclaim necessary to make him be seen as the true king of R&B. In Mercy, he left his comfort zone of slow music and took on headlong the frenzied and animated club banging style. According to pundits, Praiz’s Mercy is commercially and critically sounder than Banky W’s Jasi and Darey’s Special Fever. Whereas Jasi is cool and midtempo with a tinge of fuji, an evidence of Banky’s versatility, Special Fever is fastpaced and packaged to appeal to more than just R&B lovers. Mercy however has the edge over Jasi and Special Fever because of its danceable beat that has already made it the rave of the party and club scenes. Its other main selling point is that it’s also a lyrical masterpiece with its lyrics talk-

ing about love in a completely unique way that makes people want to listen to it over and over again. Lyrically, the song capitalises on the dual function of its title, Mercy, as a name, and as an English noun for compassion, to drive home its message of pure, loyal and undiluted love. Speaking on Praiz’s ascendancy to the R&B throne, enetertainment pundit, Saucy Gezzle, said, “It was only to be expected of him. Right from when he was on Project Fame and he acquitted himself well by being one of the finalists, great things have been expected of him and they are really manifesting now. “It’s obvious that he’s working hard, and when you work hard, you reap the dividends. We can even say that he’s ascended the throne a bit late. He should have done so with Rich And Famous, a song with a classical sound and which was far ahead of the pack when he released it, but he has done so with Mercy now and it’s all well and good because Mercy is just further confirmation that he keeps working hard to bring out something different all the time.”

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AGN presidency war latest Clarion Chukwurah blasted over ‘cheap’ comments

ntertainment personality, ID Montana, has waded into what is undeniably the most controversial issue in the entertainment sector presently, the tussle for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) presidency. Election to choose AGN’s next president is supposed to hold later in the year and ahead of it, veteran actress Clarion

Chukwurah

Chukwurah who aspires to be the next president, has been going around casting aspersions on the character of the current president, Ibinabo Fiberesima, who has been receiving commendations far and wide for running the guild efficiently as against what obtained before. During a courtesy visit to National Mirror during the week, Montana, who is

Fiberesima

an events organiser, promoter, artist manager and actor, said, “I’m very disappointed at the way Aunty Clarion is going about to become AGN president. She’s making it seem like a do-or-die affair and that does not augur well because we all know it’s the do-or-die attitude of our politicians that’s not making the country move forward. “There’s nothing wrong with her aspiring to be the president, but for Christ’s sake, it shouldn’t be by trying to destroy the image of the current president who is the first female to attain the office. “Aunty Clarion’s comments on Ibinabo to discredit her are cheap, to say the least. For instance, she said Ibinabo is going about collecting money from governors. If she becomes the president, won’t she do the same? “I think she also descended quite low in recalling the manslaughter case Ibinabo had. Her actions make it seem as if she wants to become president for personal gain and not for the guild’s progress. I would therefore like AGN members to beware of anyone who has a do-or-die attitude to becoming their president.”

Ike

Chika Ike steps up her game

ust in case you hear that top actress Chika Ike is producing, directing and editing a movie, don’t be surprised, as she has successfully completed a filmmaking course at the Los Angeles arm of the New York Film Academy and she was taught all the above skills. Up till now, Ike has not produced a movie of her own, and in an interview about four years ago, she told this reporter that whenever she was ready to do so, the world would know. Now that she is a certified filmmaker, maybe she’ll finally start producing movies, as many of her colleagues, including Uche Jombo, Ini Edo, Lizzy Anjorin and Iyabo Ojo, have crossed that line a long time ago.

Half Of A Yellow Sun controversy becomes messier ... director opens can of worms ... compares censors board to Boko Haram

ll the joy and happiness that greeted the news that Half Of A Yellow Sun, bestselling author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel, was being made into a movie, have turned into rage and frustration as the resultant movie has not been allowed to be released to cinema in the country by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board. And as the uncertainty over if its cinema release will be allowed or not drags on, the movie’s director, Biyi Bandele, has come out emotionally and angrily in an article he wrote for CNN. “I’ve been assailed - on Twitter, Facebook, and by email - with rumours, innuendos, half-truths, and downright lies, disseminated sometimes directly from the censorship board (they have issued at least one press statement), about why HOAYS still hasn’t been issued with a ratings certificate. “The board claims that it has not banned the film but certain aspects of it

‘have some unresolved issues which have to be sorted out in accordance with the law and laid down regulations.’ “It has also been rumoured that FilmOne, the Nigerian distributors of HOAYS, might have been late in submitting the film for certification. Not true. Most films that are screened in Nigerian cinemas are shown to the censor only a day or two before the films open to the paying public. In documentations that have been shown to me, there are instances even of movies being shown to the censor days after the movies had officially opened to the public. HOAYS was scheduled to open on April 25th. It was submitted to the censorship board at least two weeks earlier. “I’ve also heard tell that the censorship board’s inability to make a decision about a ratings certificate for my film has been brought upon it because of a sudden concern that a movie that depicts scenes from the Biafra war might provoke tribal violence in a country that has in recent

months been besieged with terrorist bombings and profoundly shaken by the abduction of over 200 school girls by Boko Haram. “However, I am yet to meet a single Nigerian who has seen the film and thought that they had just seen a film that would incite anyone to violence. If anything, more than once, I’ve observed that people have been profoundly moved by the experience of watching the film. The refrain I’ve heard from them is, war is nasty, isn’t it? “Whether or not the film eventually gets a ratings certificate in Nigeria, HOAYS will be seen by millions of Nigerians. The question is: will they be allowed to see it in their local cinemas and on legally acquired DVDs or will they be forced to watch it on pirate DVDs and through illegal downloads? “If the biggest film that’s ever been made in Nigeria is available to Nigerians only in bootleg form, the censorship board will be doing to the Nigerian film industry what Boko Haram is trying to do to Nigeria: drive a stake through its heart. I sincerely hope they both fail.”

Bandele

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

Adorning statement

accessories From F

tatement and glamorous neck pieces, earrings and bracelets are a good company of every stylish woman. When they come in big and bold patterns, they become stunning and irresistible for the daring ones. Tagged Alluring by Didi creations, the collection is a must have for the daring female who likes to stand out from the crowd. She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The designs were inspired by the African woman, especially the Eastern and Southern African women, who delight in adorning statement accessories. They were created using the finest beads, crystals, gems and stones.â&#x20AC;? One good advice for anyone who wishes to adorn herself with one is to ensure a clear skin and enough space on the neck side to project the beauty of the accessories well.

STYLE & GLAM

May 24, 2014

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Fashion Frenzy

d n ie r f y o b ’ ‘n y l f r e t t u B

f you are big, you are like the butterfly that is able to extend its tentacles through its wings. Meanwhile, the butterfly is more beautiful when it is enlarged because that is the time it has to show off its nature-given beauty. If you are therefore on the plus side and you are feeling inadequate, you sure must get this copy. What to get in this piece is that you must henceforth begin to appear colourful and show off your

curves as given by your maker. You must begin to endear yourself to your beholders in the best way possible. Your choice of fabrics and the way you combine your outfits must have underlying features of feminine and colourful aesthetics that will flatter your plus form. You must also include oriental influence, structured and elegant pieces with damask, lined lace,batik and other beautiful fabrics in your collection..

Apart from brightly coloured pieces that you have been advised to get, you must be free to experiment with endearing styles like low necklines, floor lengths, exaggerated sleeves and cinched waist lines. To crown it all, you must make your everyday wear to give a “get up and go” look and instructions to your beholders. Instead of feeling inadequate, you must begin to intimidate others around. Check these models out.

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May 24, 2014

STYLE & GLAM

30 0

STYLE & GLAM

May 24, 2014

Fashion Guest ‘My style does not copy others’

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Interior our Glam

08038406671 , 07067730374

luxuryease@live.com

with Bukola Lepe

Toyin Adewale is one actress with outstanding elegance combined with simplicity. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN shion for women. Excerpts: Excerpts: on her view on the right fashion

hat is style to you? It is appearing in anything that fits and makes me comfortable. mfortable. It is dressing simply but elegant. My style does not copy just anything in fashion but ut whatever is complimentary on me and stands ds me positively out. Anyway, it’s an individuall thing. What I see as being stylish may be different rent from what you see as one. Unlike what a lot ot may believe, my perception of style is that which makes you appeal to other people. This his does not have to be something in vogue or something costly but anything that gives you real compliment. It is that which makes akes me feel comfortable and proud in the he midst of others. It is that which appeals ls to me when I look at myself in the mirror. rror. What do you mean by reall compliment? What I mean by that is that whatever hatever you wear or appear in that can move people or anyone pay you a genuine enuine compliment because it is not alll compliments that are genuine. Some me people compliment people just to satisfy their own selfish interests, others ers do so that the person may not be hurt. urt. But when you are truly complimented ed even you yourself will know. For instance, when you are half naked and people eople are coming to you with lust in theirr eyes or trying to touch you while they are paying that compliment, it is clear that such compliments are coming from a hidden agenda. Can one’s style stand one out ut negatively? Very well. Some people do nott know that it is not every time people le look at them that they are impressed. ed. You might have dressed terribly and d people are like wandering how on earth rth you could have stepped out that way. ay. Some looks are to hint one of some oddities about one’s appearance, so it is important we check ourselves whenever never we have people look our ways consistently. stently. What then do you advise ladies on this? They should be careful about their choice of outfits. It must not be anything ng that will present them negatively. They must wear only what fits them and not be blind with vogue. If you will always aspire e to wear anything in vogue without a second thought, then you are blind or drunk with vogue.

HOUSE HUNTING:

Before you pay that rent!

hile this seems like a diversion from the usual, its been a very senisitive cause in my writing mind. Having realised the lot I get to share from the misdemaeanours of a badly built or dilapitated building. This, I found out occurs less with private home owner clients of mine. Badly built homes, extremely managed budget for accessories, dilapitated buildings are all major apalling factors for decorating or designing. A poorly constructed wall especially lacking adequate construction materials can be a major defactor whilst drilling to hang pictures frames, wall arts or other wall hangings. As a result of this,the machine bores a larger than usual hole and cant hold in screws as tightly fit as it should. This might cause the wall hanging to fall off and might be a loss if the item is breakable. Another example is with rusting condit pipes; these are modern water transporting systems for buildings. These pipes usually have lifespans and will begin to rust after some time if not changed and as such cause leakages from within the walls. This can ruin a very expensive decorating job by soiling paints, wardrobe systems etc. Its important to note the following before agreeing to taking a place let alone make payment. These tips will help you avert costly mistakes people make when settling for their homes. Never agree to take a place that requires intense renovation just because the rent seems cheaper. some houses are in such bad condition that getting it into proper shape is as good as building from

scratch. RENOVATIONS ALWAYS COST MORE Have a rough idea how much renovating will cost you before agreeing to bear the cost. Consult an interior designer/ architect to help check for building faults such as poor sewage systems,plumbing systems, electricals etc. Run background checks with tenants in the house. you may be shocked at what you’ll discover. Rainy seasons are usually the best times to house hunts. If you are looking at renting in a water rich /logged area, its best to do so during rainy seasons. Water pressure is more and you can easily discover what the realtors may be hiding. Be patient: Its important to search carefully. your desperation may cause you to ignore certain defaults If you’ll be making expensive, permanent renovations or added features such as central airconditioning or home automation, ensure you notify the realtor or home owner and have a SIGNED agreement with regards to ownership as well as putting the house back to the way it was pre renovation. If you will be having a live-in home owner, ask questions about terms and conditions; pets, boring holes for wall unit ac, generator noise,car park, religious practices,’’curfew’’, home maintenance etc. All these will help determine if that is the right home for you. Consider features like adequate car park space, security, home maintenance, bills distribution extremely crucial. curiosity kills only ‘cats’.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

Male Essentials

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@gmail.com w

Everything you need to know about socks Y

ou’re late for work and haven’t done your laundry for the past week. All your socks are sitting in the laundry basket except for one pair. You slip them on and discover that they’re ripped right where your big toe lies. You think to yourself, no problem, it’s Friday, so I’ll just lace-up my shoes and nobody will even notice. That same day, a co-worker invites you to his pad for drinks with a bunch of other colleagues. You gladly accept (without remembering that you’re donning torn socks). What an appalling surprise awaits when it’s finally time to take off your shoes. All of a sudden, you just feel like crawling under a rock or heading right for home. We’ve all been in similar impromptu situations, where we had to expose less-than-adequate socks. Whether it’s because your socks are perforated, they don’t fit properly or their colour simply doesn’t match the rest of your attire, read on to find out what makes for perfect footwear. Different types of socks Everyday socks If you don’t wear a suit every day, you don’t necessarily need to wear less comfortable dressy socks. Everyday socks should be extremely comfortable, look good, and provide sufficient cushioning and moisture absorbing qualities. Stick to simple colours such as black, gray and navy blue to ensure that they match your entire wardrobe. Both thicker and thinner fabrics are fine, as long as they match the rest of your ensemble, and depending on how long you want them to last.

Dressy socks Dressy socks should be thinner and more delicate than your everyday footwear. Stick to the same basic colours mentioned above and don’t overdo it with the variety of patterns. Make sure that they mould against your leg properly and that the elastic keeps them from bunching up regularly. Gym and sports socks Quality sports socks are just as important as high-tech sneakers. It’s ridiculous to spend $200 on the latest sneakers and ruin their comfort by slipping on cheap and uncomfortable socks. Properly cushioned and supportive socks are great for toes, the top of the foot and the Achilles tendon. Sports socks should also minimize blisters and hot spots, absorb moisture (as well as keep moisture away — especially for winter sports). They should also be extremely durable, and allow for proper breathing and cushioning. Style wise, also remember that the gym is basically the only place where white socks should be worn. What about fabrics that’ll ensure nice smelling feet? Different fabric With so many new synthetic fibres on the market, it’s hard to determine which ones are best for your footwear. Read-up and learn what each fabric contributes to your socks’ comfort and durability. Coolmax fabric Coolmax is a Dupont product, known as the fastest drying fabric. It dries completely within 30 minutes. To put this into perspective, after 30 minutes, cotton

would still be 50% wet. Acrylic Acrylic has moisture-absorbing qualities and also provides good cushioning for higher levels of comfort. Cotton Fine cotton yarns are lightweight, provide superior comfort and are great for absorbing moisture. Cotton alone might lack durability and posture so make sure your socks are properly blended. Polyester Polyester fabric is usually part of a sock’s composition. It ensures proper breathing for feet and helps avoid excess sweating. Wool Wool not only provides feet with proper ventilation, but it also cushions feet and absorbs excess sweat. It is also a great insulator against cold temperatures and is very durable. On the negative side, for some people, wool can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable. Nylon Nylon content will provide great insulation and long-wearing durability. Lycra Lycra is another Dupont product and is the elastic portion of your socks’ composition. Lycra spandex isn’t always part of the entire body of the sock; it can simply be a strip at the edge of the sock to offer greater fit and support. The perfect sock composition is different for each individual. Ideally, you should have a blend of many of the fabrics to secure maximal comfort, durability, moisture absorption, stretch, and cushioning. At first, you’ll probably have

to try different types of socks before you find the ideal fabric combination. Hot sock tips What more can you actually know about socks and how to wear them? Well for starters, here are a few more pointers to help you choose the ideal footwear to meet your needs: Look for fine stitching across the sock because this will alleviate uncomfortable pressure points. Thickness is usually a good sign of quality and durability. (It will take at least two washing cycles before they actually split.) Fit wise, dressy and everyday socks should be high enough so that they don’t hang at your ankles. Shorter socks are appropriate for the gym or when you don’t want your socks to show. When wearing running shoes with shorts, for example. Socks shouldn’t come up to your knees either. That is, unless you need supportive socks. Supportive socks have to be worn over the calves and are worn by people suffering from heavy legs, swelling and cramping legs and feet, and for those who need to increase blood flow in that area. An elastic support is a must because bunching socks look dreadful. Try to avoid excessive, oversized logos. Make sure you dump all ripped, torn and stained footwear. A good way to save a few bucks is to buy in bulk and hunt for sales. That is, after you’ve found your ideal footwear. Finally, if you’re a victim of excessive sweating, remember to scatter foot powder in your shoes on a daily basis.

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

Should you marry a I

It depends

n this present day and clime, a lot of changes in societal mores have made the behaviours of yore to become an anathema to our way of thinking. A few decades back, the above topic wouldn’t have batted an eyelid not to talk of it being a serious subject for discussion. During that period in Africa, having a large polygamous family with a harem of women and kids was the sign of wealth. A lot of women would even go out of their way to date a married man with the thinking that he can take very good care of them since he is already doing that with another woman. Parents too would not mind their daughters bringing back home or being approached by married older men for the hands of their daughters in marriage because that would mean a secured life of comfort for the daughter who would be guaranteed a home. The issue of material comfortability was the order of the day for women while the extra hands of the new wives could be put to good use by their husbands in the various farms that the man would acquire because of the extra labour. Domestic labour was very much in high supply and marriage was the perfect way to keep a woman in complete servitude for life while also giving her a feeling of belonging. The story is a lot different these days with the advent of gender equality and universal suffrage for women. The concept of marriage in the African context these days has gone beyond the issue of security for women. People are now getting married for emotional stability and love. This is not to say that love never grew in marriages in the olden days. On the contrary, a lot of our grandparents claimed to have fallen in love with their partners along the line and I’m the least person inclined to disbelieve them. More women are getting into the labour force and getting well paid for their efforts at that. So it will be saying a lot for an average man to claim the financial security he has to offer in marriage cannot be gotten elsewhere by the women who he may want to offer marriage to.

There are many diverse opinions today on marrying a married man but the popular excuses that people will give you have to do with you finding your own man if you are a woman, and that marriage as a wonderful, sacred and precious gift from God, must be protected at all cost and that you as the other woman will be committing a sin if you agree to marry another woman’s husband. For the man, they will claim that you don’t love your wife enough. Some that are more religious inclined will tell you that the holy books are against it too. And they will tell you that you lack knowledge of what you really want in life. Without you having a clear vision of what you want in marriage, what you seek to achieve in life, you will never be able to identify who is good for you and it is the lack of this clear cut vision that has forced you into a situation where you think you need to marry another woman. Every marriage has its purpose. And a lot of people are going into marriages these days for different reasons. A lot of young girls and even older women have reasons for wanting to marry a man who has a wife with several children. Whatever the reasons may be, there are questions I always ask people who come to meet me on the above topic to consider before they take action. Are you marrying him for love or because he is a means to an end? Could it also be that you have given up on yourself and life; thinking that without him you will never be able to get another man? It is only after having exhausted the issues raised in a meaningful discussion that I can now advice on whether you should or not. Personally, I would advice that a woman look carefully at the pros and cons before taking the leap of faith of doing so knowing well that even marrying an unmarried man who may end up being an animal will definitely end with the marriage being doomed. What matters is not whether the man is married or not but how well he can do justice in the marriage to all concerned.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

The joys of lube It’s official: Scientists say sex is better with lubricants. (Really!) A recent study of 2,500 women who used lubricant reported more pleasure and satisfaction during sex. Make sex the best with your perfect lube But how do you decide which kind is right for you? Here is a lowdown on what to expect from different types of lubricants so you can choose wisely... and have the best sex of your life.

Silicone-based lubricant Slippery silicone is an all-purpose winner. This is extremely slick, usually fairly thin and many people like it. Its disadvantage — which might also be considered an advantage — is that it stays and stays, which means it can be a little harder to wash away than the waterbased products. It’s safe to use with condoms.

out rather quickly when exposed to air. If you want an extra-thick waterbased lube, try a gel lubricant, which can feel cushier.

Water-based cream lubricant Same ingredients as other water-based lubes, just a different texture: “This lube looks and feels more like a lotion, so it allows for more friction. It may last longer than the other water-based products and is fine with latex. It may not be best to use when you intend to taste, as some of these have a flavour that isn’t especially neutral — some do not like the taste.”

Water-based lubricant In the study mentioned above, water-based lubricants were rated high. These lubes are usually fairly thin and many mimic the feel of natural lubrication pretty well. But water-based lubricants dry

Oil-based lubricant For this category, think kitchen and bathroom cabinets: Coconut

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RELATIONSHIPS

May 24, 2014

married man?

FUNMI COKER 08139350223 dainty31.fc@gmail.com

Better you don’t

This column is x-rated oil and Vaseline... But these are not

safe with latex condoms, as they can break the material down. “Vegetable and nut oils — if you are not allergic to the product they derive from — can be used in the absence of condomised play. One big don’t when using mineral oil–based products. It dries out the mucosa.

If the lube you’re considering is flavoured...

The biggest warning would be a user’s potential sensitivity to ingredients. Especially watch out if you are allergic to the flavour in question when you encounter it in real food: Do peanuts give you hives? Watch out for peanutflavoured lubes! Of course, some flavouring agents are completely artificial... so individual mileage will vary.”

If the lube you’re considering contains glycerin...

This is a form of sugar, and some women will find it does not agree with their vaginal flora. For some, it seems to irritate or to encourage yeast infections. Others use it without any problems. There are enough people who can’t use it, though, that many water-based lubes today do not include it. Silicone- and oil-based preparations generally will not include it.”

This column is x-rated If the lube you’re considering is “heating” or “warming”...

These frequently use a big dose of glycerin to achieve the advertised effect. Some people will like the sensation these give. For others... not so much. These work best with friction or by amplifying the warmth of one’s breath... They don’t work as well when you blow on them as they are sometimes purported to do. Warm breath amplifies better than cool, blown breath.”

If the lube you’re considering claims to give extra sensation...

These are often not really lubricants; they are sensation creams or gels. Instructions frequently tell you to apply and rub in for a few minutes, which will result in arousal -- here’s an open secret: You can do that with any slippery liquid (regular lube, coconut oil, spit...!) and pretty much achieve an aroused result! Sometimes these contain mint oils or other sensation-packed botanicals, and one should watch out in case those are hard to wash off when you’ve had all the intensity you want. Imagine having a peperminty flavour down there for hours? Not a nice feeling definitely. At least, not quite comfortable! So watch out.

ndulging in a relationship with a married man would stigmatize you as misguided and selfish. Of all the relationships you can get into as a woman, dating a married man is one of the worst kinds. When you enter into a relationship with married men, inevitably you step into a world that can tear all your happiness away instantly. This cycle of pain repeats itself until you can’t take it anymore and you wonder why you fell into the trap in the first place. Indulging in a relationship with married men is confusing and almost all the experiences that come with it feel the same. It always starts with the same feelings of confusion, hesitation and attraction. And women by nature are completely helpless in such circumstances. We love helping people we like out of troubling situations, when a man is a mess and looks towards you for emotional support and love, the same things his own wife apparently doesn’t provide for him, the little innocent doe in you in most cases braves itself up and walks curiously ahead. You are flattered to know he loves you, or you think he loves you to choose you. But then, what is the ending of the story? He is a married man, now you warm up to him to shower him with happiness. Unknown to you, you are preparing yourself for the inevitable. The worst part of all this is that you never really wanted to be in that place, but despite all the warnings you had from close friends you find yourself there, lost, angry, damaged, and on the dark side. All of a sudden, you are not just another nice girl. You are the “other woman” who is dating a married man. You are marked from the rest of the world as a home wrecker. Even if he constantly reminds you that he loves you a lot more than he loves his wife, he cannot just walk out on his wife and children, even if he loves you physically, his emotions would stay with his real family. I know a lady who was involved with a married man, she felt terribly used. She hated herself for doing what she was doing, and yet, she couldn’t help herself. She was helplessly in love. That is what happens to any woman who is involved with

a married man, because when you are the “other woman” there are no weekends together, no family parties, no meeting friends, nothing. You are just a mysterious part of a married man’s life that surfaces when he packs his bags and tell his wife he is traveling to another city. It is quite insulting especially when he says you mean a lot to him but that is the life you have to accept. Every time you ask him to leave his relationship with his wife, it would only lead to frustrated tears, because there is no way he is ready to do that even if your closet love goes

on for a few years. It would be the same feeling every morning. You wake up feeling cheated, used, miserable and helpless. It is not a good feeling to live with, even if you end up getting married to him. Involving yourself with a married man is not an easy experience to endure. However, there are many people involved, more than just the two of you. You would have to deal with inflicting emotional pain on his spouse and children. Though you would convince yourself that what they don’t know would not hurt them, the fact is that what you are doing would most certainly ruin them. When you are playing with hearts, you are playing with lives and such is a very sensitive issue. Dating a married man entails a lot of restrictions. You cannot be seen in public places together. He could only call when he finds the time away from his family and friends, you cannot visit him at his work place because it would only raise eyebrows, and this can be too much to bear for anyone. Dating a married man could possibly stigmatize you with a lot of condemnable titles. You will have to muster enough internal fortitude to deal with this kind of life. And even if he gets married to you, you would still have to live with the guilt of being a party to a process that ruined a family. You are not being judged in this article. The situation is there and we have to deal with it. But as they say, regret is the act of realizing things belatedly. Face the true issues and perhaps you would not have to regret your actions.

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman

I’m a policewoman by divine arrangement

–DSP Okuwobi Ilobanafor

As a child, Mrs. Olabisi Okuwobi-Ilobanafor, desired to become a medical doctor. Today, however, she is the Deputy Superintendent of Oyo State Police Command. In this interview with YEMISI ADENIRAN, she related her journey into the dreaded profession, the challenges of her mediating role between the police and the people, marriage and her dreams for the future. Excerpts:

here did you grow up and what influence would you say it had on your adulthood? I am from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State and that was where I grew up. Growing up was fun and whenever I think about how it was today, I always thank God for or the kind of parents I had. I always thank God especially ecially for my kind of mother. I was not born with any ny silver spoon in my mouth. My father was a transporter and so, was always away from home. ome. We, the children were left at the mercy off our mother. But you see, Our parents were very ery strict with us. My mother was committed ed to having us well trained even in the absence bsence of our father. She was one of those children who mothers who believed that chil ildr dren en wh ho are doing oing well are re tthose hose ho se tthat hat fathers take pride in, while n, wh whi ile the bad ones are the rejected and said to o be bastards. They are abandoned to their mothers. rs. She wanted all her children to be good ones even when their father was always away. She never allowed around owed us to be so free as to be playing g al alll ar arou ound the neighbourhood. for eighbourhood. As fo or me me, sh she made me to live with one our ne off o ur rrelatives elatives l who was a staunch member of Deeper Life Bible Church. And you know what that meant - no partying, no careless talk, careless acts, no o make-ups, no boyfriends; I was not even allowed to keep eep just any friend. It was basically school, church and nd home. Well, a lot of people might see it as a dull way of life but I tell you, it was fun for me and I thank God for it. Who knows what one’s life would have been een if much freedom was given. The effect of this on n my adulthood is that itt taught me how to o be selfdisciplined isciplined ass an adult. I needed nobody ody to tell ell me to o be serieri-

ous with my studies when I got to the university. I knew what was ideal, decent and what is not. I not to keep late needed nobody to warn me nights. All of these made me

strong and kept me safe as a younger woman. While many had bitter stories to tell as a young girl, out of learnt their own carelessness, I had none of such. I lea prothe fear of God which is aiding me even in this p also fession today. I learnt self-contentment which a Life is a virtue keeping me going today. As a Deeper L modest girl, I was made to be morally upright and mod in all the things that I do. mothWhat Wh at llesson esson would you want mo ers to learn from this? It is very simple and straight forwith ward. Mothers should be stricter w their children. Discipline is not the Ass a ma matter business of men alone. e. A women of fact,, w omen om en should be found in the business children b usiness of disciplining their child more than men. This is because we are the ones staying with them more. ChilC dren are closer to their mothers more, mo we are the ones to know more about them, th their peculiarities, attitude and all than th their fathers. Mothers should pay more attention to the welfare of the children so as a to caution them on any wrong decision and on time ti too. They should be more disciplined themselves themselve so that these children will have something to learn too. disciplined If all these are done, children will be more discipli than what they are now. Women have no reason to be after weak where children’s discipline is concerned a They all we always say we are not the weaker sex. T today should know that the way they lay their beds to way will determine the w they will sleep on it later in

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WOMAN

May 24, 2014

their lives. If they want to rest and be proud of these children in the future, they should deal well with them today.

What attracted you to the police force particularly with your kind of background? As a growing child, my ambition was to become a medical doctor. I chose therefore to be in the Science class and worked very hard to be assigned into the class. In my school, Muslim Girls’ High School, Ijebu Ode, you must have passed very well in the relevant subjects of a particular class before you can be assigned there; it’s not about what you want. It is about your preparation and strength displayed in the choice class. Unfortunately, I had to abandon this dream by living the Science class for the phobia of blood that I had. In the course of my discussion over my dream of becoming a doctor one day, I was reminded of how I would have to be dealing with

police officer, I see my assignment as that of God’s ambassador, His agent. We are God’s agents called to carry out humanitarian services where we help distressed people, give the hopeless hope, bring about justice to the cheated, dislodge robbers, maintain law and order; our job is basically an angelic one.

Keeping ABREAST Are pregnant women obese and healthy? Maybe not, study says

Are you not scared of the rain of curses that people shower on the police? I am not afraid because like the popular belief amidst the Yoruba people, it is only those who walk in the path of curses that will experience it. If I did not do anything that could make another person curse me, if he or she curses, it would be a waste of energy and time. The first police in the whole world are the Cherubim and Seraphim angels that God assigned to drive Adam and Eve away from the Garden of Eden for breaking the rule

GOD WHO CALLED ME TO THIS JOB, GOT ME MARRIED AND HE HAS BEEN SEEING ME THROUGH. IT IS NOT EASY BUT WITH GOD, THINGS HAVE REMAINED UNDER CONTROL blood via deliveries, surgeries as well as other details. I realised how one of my aunties, a nurse usually took deliveries for pregnant women, how much blood was always involved and how I dreaded that sight. I decided to move to the Commercial class to enable me become an accountant. This saw me to Ogun State Polytechnic now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. I later went to the university because that was the desire of my father. How did you now find your way into the police force? I would say it was all by divine arrangement. Like most Nigerians, I also had this negative perception of the Nigerian Police. I avoided them as much as possible, most especially because of their ‘accidental discharges’. I warned any ‘okada’ man or bus driver driving me to be gentle with them. I never eyed their profession; it was never on my mind. Surprisingly, many people around me wanted it. Everywhere I went; several people wanted me to become a Police officer. Much as I tried to turn my back to the job, it kept trailing me until I ended up with it. Out of about 1,500 people that went for the test in Ogun State, 25 were shortlisted and 15 were eventually picked. At the zonal level, 10 at the national level. Out of these 15 was I because I was the only lady from my state. How would you describe the experience? I must say it had been very challenging but very fulfilling. It has given me the opportunity to serve humanity. It has given me the chance to put smiles on people’s faces by recovering their lost properties, people; protect lives and seen as a rescuing agent to many. I am glad to be a police officer. As a

of God. That’s exactly the assignment of police officers; knowing the rule of the land and ensuring that people keep them well. But many police officers don’t see the job this way? This may be so because people have different reasons for taking up a job. But really, that it is the best way to describe the job of a police and even other jobs. Once you know that you are in that job you are in it to achieve a particular aim in the life of somebody and the society. What do you say to those police officer who cannot but ask and take bribe from motorists even when they have been warned to stay away from check-point? I will advise that they stop and learn to be contented with their salaries and just pray that they are not caught. Because if they continue and are eventually caught, they will not like the results. These set of police are the bad eggs in the fold and they will surely be dealt with. How do you combine working with managing the home as a woman? God who called me to this job, got me married and He has been seeing me through. It is not easy but with God, things have remained under control. Given another opportunity, would you have chosen this profession still? Honestly, I wouldn’t have chosen any other. It would have remained the same choice because I love what I am doing, I am fulfilled with it. It is the only way I have been called to influence my generation and I am glad for the opportunity.

bese people who don’t have certain signs of heart disease now may still be at higher risk for future disease than normal-weight people, according to a new study. Researchers looked at nearly 15,000 adults in Korea, ages 30 to 59, who had no heart disease and were all metabolically healthy, meaning they had normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which are important factors in heart health. Using heart scans, the researchers found that the obese people were still more likely to have early plaque buildup in their arteries compared to their normal-weight counterparts. The level of a person’s plaque buildup has been linked to their risk of future heart disease, the researchers said. The findings cast doubt on the idea that people can be obese but still healthy, the researchers said. “Obese individuals who are considered ‘healthy’ because they don’t currently have heart disease risk factors should not be assumed healthy by their doctors,” said the lead researcher. The idea of “healthy” obesity is controversial – studies have reached mixed results when comparing the risk of heart problems in metabolically healthy obese people with that of metabolically healthy people of normal weight. But most previous studies looked at obese and normal-weight people over time, to see how many people in each group developed heart disease or suffered a heart attack. In contrast, the researchers of the new study used CT scans of apparently healthy people to look for the plaque buildup in the blood vessels that occurs before it reaches a level that causes a clinical problem. Measuring calcium levels in the

plaques on the artery walls, researchers found that despite their normal cholesterol levels, obese people scored significantly higher on coronary artery calcium, which is a test for coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis). The study shows “the presence of obesity is enough to increase a person’s risk of future heart disease, and that the disease may already be starting to form in their body,” he said. “It’s important that these people learn this while they still have time to change their diet and exercise habits to prevent a future cardiovascular event.” The new findings are in line with those of a recent review of 12 studies that included more than 60,000 people followed for at least 10 years. In that review, which was published in December, researchers found that “healthy” obese people had 24 per cent higher risk for heart problems, including heart attack and stroke, compared with normal-weight people. These recent findings that suggest obese people with no apparent heart disease may not be healthy “highlight the fact that obesity per se is a genuine disease,” said one of the researchers. “It also seriously questions the fundamental concept of the need to define a subset of obese individuals as ‘metabolically healthy,’” wrote the lead researcher. Researchers noted in the study that higher rates of early plague buildup in obese people tend to occur in those who had blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels closer to “unhealthy” thresholds. In other words, some of the obese people in the study were considered healthy because of the cut-off levels used in the definition of metabolic health. Culled fromwww.yahoo.com

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Parenting

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

ove does not come easy and its main foundations are trust and security. If these two exist in a parent-child relationship, it will be easier to deal with more difficult situations. Trust, safety and love are interlinked and nurturing these three things is essential to a happy family life and a happy childhood for your children. Here are 7 strategies to build trust with your child.

. Practise what you preach Building trust with your child is similar to leadership. If the leader does the right thing, the people he or she is leading will follow. If you tell your child to eat vegetables and you do not eat them yourself, then you are sending the wrong message. Build the bond between you and your child by practicing what you preach.

Learn to listen Most adults do not develop good listening skills when talking to their own kids. This is wrong. You should always listen to what your child has to say for you to gain his trust. Do not use judgemental statements or come to the discussion with your own agenda. By knowing that you are listening,

7 strategies to build trust with your child your child will feel more comfortable talking to you more openly about his life.

Telling the truth Telling your child the truth from the very beginning will result in a strong bond and of course, trust, comes along with it. As much as possible, deal with your child or children on an honest level; for example, if he or she asks if an injection from the doctor will hurt -tell the truth in the most age-appropriate way.

. Promises should not be broken Do not make promises to your children if you cannot keep them. This can be quite a challenge as situations may change. However, try and make an effort as breaking promises could be devastating to your relationship with your child. If you say you are going to watch a soccer game in the weekend, make sure you will do just that because

ParentingUpdate

here is no connection between childhood vaccinations and the development of autism, researchers recently found. The first systematic international review, which was conducted for the research involved more

than 1.25 million children for five cohort studies and a further 9,920 for five case-controlled studies. Results from both showed that there was no statistical data to support a link between commonly-used vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, teta-

if you don’t, the next time you promise something, they will doubt if you are really serious about it. If it seems that you might not be able to keep your promise, tell your child in advance and explain why.

Threats If your child did something wrong and you threaten him that he won’t have TV for a week -make sure you can implement what you say. This is not a case of martial law; it is just a case of sticking to your word. Amazingly, this builds trust with your child.

-say what you mean and mean what you say.

Consistency If you are spouting house rules be sure that you implement them. Make your

children understand your expectations as well. It should be as clear as day. Make sure that you do not constantly change the rules so that your children will have no doubts about you at all.

Tiny Feet

. Appreciation of honesty Make it clear to your children that you appreciate it when they are honest. This will build a very trusting relationship between you and your child. Aside from that, you will be helping your child in becoming a person of integrity. As the saying goes

NAME: Precious Ike

BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs Paul Ike AGE: 3 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.7 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

There’s NO link between autism and childhood vaccines –Study nus and whooping cough and the development of autism or autism spectrum disorders. The University of Sydney Medical School’s associate professor Guy Eslick said these vaccines were the ones which had received the most attention by anti-vaccination groups. He says, “A rising awareness of autism cases and the claimed but not proven link to childhood vaccinations has led to both an increased opportunity for disease resurgence.’ “This has in recent times become a major public health issue with vaccine-preventable diseases rapidly increasing in the community due to the fear of a ‘link’ between vaccinations and autism.” Professor Eslick said this was particularly concerning given the fact that there have been more measles outbreaks since 2000 and

a spike in measles infections in 2012. “Vaccine-preventable diseases clearly still hold a presence in modern day society, and the decision to opt out of vaccination schedules need to be urgently and properly evaluated,” he said. The professor added that to date, there had been no quantitative data analysis of any relationship between autism, autism spectrum disorders and childhood vaccinations. “Our review is the first to do so, and we found no statistical evidence to support this idea,” he said. “Furthermore, our review found neither the components of the widely-used vaccines (thimerosal or mercury), nor the measles, mumps and rubella combination vaccines (MMR) are associated with the development of autism or an autism-

spectrum disorder.” The increase in parents deciding not to vaccinate their children has substantially decreased ‘herd immunity’ among populations, subsequently increasing the risk of catching potentially more serious infectious diseases, the professor also added. “The risks incurred by not immunising a child are increasing substantially as the level of immunisation coverage in the population falls,” he said. “The data consistently shows the lack of evidence for an association between autism, autism spectrum disorders and childhood vaccinations, regardless of whether the intervention was through combination vaccines (MMR) or one of its components, providing no reason to avoid immunisation on these grounds.’ The results were published in the medical journal Vaccine.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

May 24, 2014

atimo Owolabi was once a woman no one wanted to associate with. A couple of months back, she was abandoned and rejected not only by her neighbours, but by the man that took a vow to be with her in good and bad times. For four years, Fatimo, 35, reportedly walked the streets of Ebute Metta, in Lagos, in a complete state of mental disorder. Those days, those who knew Fatimo claimed that she would sit alone at motor parks talking to herself, while she ate crumbs from waste bins. For short, she was not mentally balanced for those four agonising years. Before she ecame insane, Owolabi had had two kids and she lived with her husband at Olaleye community in Ebute-Metta area of the state. Around 2009, the Owolabis relocated their two kids to the man’s mother until their home was demolished same year apparently for developmental purposes. At one time, the Owolabis had nowhere to lay their head, the demolition having come shortly after she had her second child, Fatimo suddenly lost her consciousness, running into mental degradation. The rapidity of her mental imbalance was such that neither the husband nor people in the neighbourhood could condone her irregular behaviour any longer. One afternoon, it was learnt, while Fatimo roamed the streets in rags, her husband suddenly packed all they had worked to acquire and fled home leaving their two kids with his mother. For those tedious years, Fatimo slept under bridges; at us parks; inside abandoned vehicles and uncompleted buildings. Her family first took care of her and during that time. Her mother who was working for Highway Managers was killed by a car on Third Mainland Bridge while on duty. Alfa Kasim, Fatimo’s brother also took her in to continue the care, but one day, Fatimo did not return home. It was gathered that about two years into her mental imbalance, while sleeping at motor parks, Fatimo was put in the family way by unknown persons. After she was delivered of the baby, Fatimo, it was said, would bathe and fed the new born with waste water, and sometimes expose the baby to cold. According to sources, the baby could not survive the uncomfortable conditions and took ill and died later on. Exactly two years after that, Fatimo was again put in the family way still by an unknown person or persons. While she was heavy with her second pregnancy, however, one Mufutau Bakare, was at a free drug programme carried out by Society for Love & Social Justice, a nongovernmental organisation. According to the President of the organisation, Dr Adeolu Olusodo, the organizers of the programme Fatimo’s condition was pathetic. “It all started for Fatimo at a programme we had on Tuesday, October 8, 2014. At the thick of the programme while we wanted to attend to one Muftau, he told us about the situation of a mad woman who was heavy with pregnancy. He also told us of how the mad woman, two years before, had lost a new baby in similar fashion because of lack of care. That was how we abandoned what we were doing and raced to where the woman was under the bridge.” Olusodo, who claimed the woman had post natal depression after she had her second child from her real husband, recalled how upon seeing her they managed to approach her conducted the de-

Fatimo ... a week before giving birth.

Another face of Fatimo

Reunion ... Fatimo and her son after discharge from hospital

Rescued: Baby Sodiq Ifedara

Mentally challenged nursing mother gets lifeline A Non-Governmental Organisation restores hope for a mentally deranged woman, reports SEGUN ADIO

USED TO SLEEP

UNDER THE BRIDGE BEFORE

DIQ , BUT

G OD

HAD

SO-

THANK

FOR THE PEO -

PLE THAT HELPED TO TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL livery of the baby for her. He continued, “We went in search of her relations and later located her brother. We asked people around questions and one Saturday, the brother came. October 14, 2013, she delivered a baby boy at Oko-Baba. We left the baby with a woman to look after while we get a place for her. Our plan was to take her to the psychiatric hospital. But because of Federal doctors were on strike, we

could not get her admitted but we did our best before the end of the strike and she was admitted into Psychiatric Hospital Yaba.” “We took her baby to a motherless baby’s home but they home rejected. It was so bad that I had to take her to my home to nurse,” Olusodo said. According to him, they invited Fatimo’s brother, Alfa Kasim, who represented the woman’s family during the boy’s naming ceremony. Olusodo continued, “He was named Sodiq Ifedara (Love is Good). But miraculously, a couple of months afterwards, Sodiq’s mother became normal and was discharged from the neuropsychiatric hospital,” he said. Fikledling questions, Fatimo’s brother expressed that he could not take his sister in at the time she had mental imbalance, because he was financially handicapped. |”I was living in a room apartment at Bariga with my wife and children. It would have been tough for us.” In Fatimo’s words, “I used to sleep un-

der the bridge before I had Sodiq, but I thank God for the people that helped to take me to the hospital when the baby was born. These people gave us food, clothes and money to take care our myself and the baby while they house use.” Although Olusodo could not disclose how much it cost him to provide for Fatimo and the child, he said that it was not a child’s play. Apart from providing for Fatimo and her child, Olusodo said that plans were in top gear to open a fashion design shop for her, saying Society for Love & Social Justice was told she received training in that field. “We discovered that the woman learnt Fashion Designing while with her husband and that is what we are looking into now. We are hoping first to get her a sewing machine and get her a shop. Since she would not be able to stay with me for the rest of her life, we are also considering getting her an apartment with a female house help to stay with her which would watch over her and her conduct,” Dr. Olusodo said.

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘My wife is a lesbian’ •I’m a lesbian but I love my husband –Wife

ast Tuesday, Babawale Ajegunle, a medical doctor who resides at 22, Modupe Street in Mangoro area of Lagos approached an Ikeja Customary Court to dissolve his marriage of two years to Sandra over the allegations of lesbianism. Ajegunle disclosed that all through his two years of courtship with Sandra, he never for once envisaged that she was or could turn out to be a lesbian. “She never gave me any inclination or clue that she was in anyway a lesbian. She never told me and I never had any reason to suspect her. I just noticed that she had a few friends that were close to her and I see them together a lot of times but I

never knew their friendship was that kind until I caught my wife stark naked in bed with another woman smooching and moaning. That fateful day, I had gone to the office but forgot something very important at home and had to come back home impromptu. She was supposed to be on night duty that day because she works in a nearby hospital as a midwife and of course she wasn’t expecting me. Unfortunately for them, she must have forgotten to lock the door leading to the sitting room. I hurriedly went in to pick what I had to pick but on entering into the living room, I noticed a female hand bag and slippers and was wondering where they are. I was even call-

ing out to let her know I was home. I went into the kitchen, she was not there and decided to go into her room and behold the terrible sight that welcomed me; my wife was there stark naked in the arms of another woman who was touching her private part and my wife was moaning, enjoying it all the way, so much so that she did not even hear the sound of my coming in. I stood there speechless and terrified for almost two minutes. It took my shouting for them to get back to reality that I was actually in front of them. It was such a mess. I don’t want to have anything to do with her again. All I want is for this marriage to be dissolved so I can live my life in one piece. The most pain-

ful part of the whole thing is the fact that she never for once disclosed to me that she is a lesbian. May be if I had known earlier I would have tried helping her to get out of the terrible habit,” he said. Sandra however admitted that the allegation was true and that she did not tell him initially because she did not want to lose him because she loves him. She said she developed the habit since her secondary school days and has found it hard to do away with the habit. “For a very long time, I hate men and did not like to have anything to do with them because had a serious heartbreaking experience in my first relationship. I had since taken

solace in the comforting arms of my female friends who introduced me into lesbianism and had since enjoyed escapades with them and many other women. But somehow when Ajegunle came along, I fell in love with him and decided to give it a shot and two years later, we got married but I found it hard to do away with my female friends and our sexual pleasures. If I had told him before now, I was scared he would leave me. I am still interested in the marriage and I still love my husband,” she said. After listening to both parties, Mr. Sam Aluko the court president adjourned the case till June 16 for further hearing and possible reconciliation. (NAN)

‘My husband doesn’t satisfy me in bed’

hairdresser, Mrs. Suzy Adeleke, on Friday, urged an Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her six-year- marriage over alleged sexual weakness by her husband. Suzy, who resides at No. 2, Anifowoshe St., Ewu-Elepe in Ikorodu, said that her husband, James, had not performed well on bed since they got married in 2008. She told the court that she was having sex with her hus-

He abandoned me and the kids for another woman –Wife •I left her because she is adulterous –Husband

ast Tuesday an Ikeja Customary Court dissolved the marriage between 32 year old Kazeem Waidi of 10, Adekoya Street in Oshodi area of Lagos and Bintu his wife over abandonment. The court president, Mr. Sam Aluko, held that “since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage.”

Aluko said the couple could no longer stay together because the marriage had broken down irreparably. “Both parties are free to go their separate ways,” Aluko held. Bintu, 30, and a trader, had filed a petition on November, 2013 urging the court to dissolve her 5 year- marriage over abandonment. “He abandoned me to marry

another woman and did not even look back to check how I was faring,” she told the court. The mother of two said Waidi refused to take care of the children, thereby placing the responsibilities on her. “My husband refused to take responsibility for our children. I have been the one carrying the burden ever since,” she added. Waidi, 32, a bricklayer, claimed that he

abandoned his wife, Bintu, two years ago due to adultery. “My wife is an adulterous woman. On two occasions, I caught her with a man in our room, and she vowed never to do such again, but my wife refused to keep her promise. She still moved around with different men; so, I had to pack out of the house to save myself from the shame,’’ he said (NAN).

band only once in two months when they were living together. Suzy added that the union had not produced any child. ``I do not want the marriage any longer. The sex problem has been there before we got married, but I thought the situation would change. I later discovered that there is no more love; I am fed up,” she said. The petitioner submitted that she had packed out of her matrimonial home. ``I came here to seek for dissolution because he paid my dowry; please separate us to enable to me move on with my life,” she said. Responding, James said that he and his wife had been living apart for the past four years. ``Truly, I have sexual weakness but I believe it can be cured; now, she has deserted me; I have seen her with different men. If she says she is no more interested, please separate us,” he urged the court. The Court President, Mr. T. K. Dabor, adjourned the case to June 2 for possible reconciliation of the estranged couple.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

DIVORCE COURT

May 24, 2014

‘My husband keeps late nights’ •It’s because of her nagging –Husband

housewife, Bashirat Akeem, on Friday prayed an Area Court in Ilorin to dissolve her five-yearold marriage because her husband, Sodiq Akeem, was fond of keeping late nights. Bashirat, 31, who resides in Edun area of Ilorin, Kwara, told the court that her husband always keeps late night and returns home drunk. ``My husband does not have time for his family. He prefers the company of his friends in beer parlours till late in the evenings,’’ she said. Bashirat also told the court that her husband also kept bad company, saying that was why he usually comes home late every day. She said that their marriage was contracted in 2009 and produced two female children aged

‘I don’t love my husband anymore’ •She must pay back the N15,000 bride price –Husband

housewife, Amina Suleiman, on Tuesday asked an Abuja Area Court in Gudu to dissolve her marriage of five years to her husband, Abubakar. Amina told the court that she no longer loves her husband. The 27-year-old woman who is a resident of Mpape, Abuja, told the court that her husband was fond of complaining about everything she did. ``My husband always criti-

cises and condemns me in the presence of my friends, not minding the humiliation it had brought to me,’’ she said. She said that their marriage was contracted in 2010 and had produced a female child. ``My Lord, I want an end to this marriage because I am no longer interested, and I don’t love him anymore.I am ready to return his pride price of N 15,000, but he should divorce me,’’ she said.

The respondent, however, objected to the plea of his wife. ``I recently noticed that my wife complains a lot on any little issue and she is not appreciative. Since it is her desire to have a divorce, I will do that but she should promise to pay back the sum of N600,000 I gave her, including the pride price of N 15,000,’’ he said. The judge, Mr. Imam Isa, adjourned the case for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

‘My wife leaves her breasts, buttocks naked’ A 42 years old man, Bode Akinlusi, pleaded with an Agege Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his 7-year- marriage over the wife’s alleged wayward lifestyle. Akinlusi, carpenter, who lives at 10, Toyin Street, in Ikeja area of Lagos, told the court that his wife, Adebimpe, was troublesome to the extent that the house they currently live in is the third house they have rented in two years. “I am not angry with my wife for not having kids but with the way she dresses provocatively, leaving her breasts and buttocks virtually naked. Anytime I complained, she will say that is what is in vogue. She brought a concu-

bine to my mother’s burial but I didn’t catch her then. As if that was not enough, she fights everybody in the house, possesses all kinds of bad habits one can’t imagine. There was a time she attempted suicide claiming that I rebuked her for being childless. I only advised her to stop being troublesome with people,” Bode said. The respondent further told the court: “I had a child when I was in secondary school. She asked me to bring the child home so that if she lived with us, I would not be able to marry the mother, but when the child came to live with us, she didn’t give her rest of mind. There was a day we went to settle a rift in my sister’s place, she stood up and gave me a hard slap

because I complained she goes after men. I caught her with a man late in the night; she did not come home that night. She went to stay with her aunt for a week. In 2011, she called me and said she was fed up with the union and gave me a month ultimatum. Two weeks later, she started parking her bags and left to re-marry. I came to court to dissolve the union because she has come to beg me that we should continue, but I don’t want her anymore,” he said. Meanwhile, Adebimpe, a hairdresser, refused to come to the court for the fourth time since the proceedings started. Court president, Mr Emmaunel Shokunle, adjourned the case to May 27 for judgment.

between two and five years. ``My Lord, I want an end to this marriage because I cannot allow my husband to drag me into keeping late nights too,” said the complainant. But Akeem objected to the prayer of his wife, saying he was still interested in the marriage. ``I keep late nights to avoid my wife’s nagging. I promise to make amends and spend time with my family as from today,” he said. Akeem prayed the court not to grant the prayer of his wife, and asked for an adjournment to enable him make a reconciliatory move. The presiding judge, Mr. Yusuf Abdulkareem, adjourned the case till June 10, for a report of settlement or continuation of hearing. (NAN)

Woman seeks dissolution of marriage over alleged lack of care

rs. Fatima Ibrahim, 29, on Tuesday approached a Grade 1 Area Court in Gudu, Abuja, seeking dissolution of her marriage of five years to Mallam Ibrahim Isa. Fatima told the court that she wanted the marriage dissolved over lack of care by her husband. A mother of two said that her husband had not been caring for the family, but always expected her to provide food. She claimed that most of the time, the husband would come back from work and be shouting at her for no reason. She prayed the court to grant her the custody of the two children since they were currently living

with their father. Isa, 40, denied the allegations, saying that he had never fought his wife. He said his wife was fond of quarrelling with his sister because they were living in a family house. The respondent said that he had been taking care of his wife, adding that he once gave her money to start business but she rejected it. Isa said he would not release any of the children to the wife, alleging that she was not capable of taking care of them. The judge, Mr. Imam Isa, adjourned the case and urged the couple to try and settle the matter. (NAN)

LIVING

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A ‘family house’ called Ebute Ero Market It’s a market all right, but also a home for some people. FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON writes about life on the fringes of Ebute Ero market, one of Lagos’ big four.

t was on a busy Wednesday and the sun crackled from its shell. Time stood at 2pm, and in the character of the everyday life of the average Lagosian, the streets bustled at its Sims with all kind activities – commercial bus drivers and their forever cursing conductors, the Alabarus, the traffic officers battling trailer drivers for parking in the wrong places – everywhere looked boisterous as every space mattered. For those visiting this part of Lagos for the first time, it might look strange, but not to natives of Ebute Ero. This is the heart of Lagos; Ebute Ero is Lagos! Saturday Mirror’s visit to Ebute Ero market reveals that Ebute Ero, like many other markets on Lagos Island, is not only a place where people go to buy and sell, but where people raise families. A 30-year-old man, who spoke after assurance that his name would not be in print says he has been living on the fringes of the market for seven years. “I have been hustling in this market for over seven years. When I came to Lagos seven years ago, I had no body or relatives to take me in. I am from Kogi State and did not know anybody in Lagos. I have heard several stories about how people come from the villages to Lagos and after some years, they make a head way. I wanted to try my luck and so came here though I knew I had nowhere to live. When I came to Lagos in 2007, I didn’t have any place to sleep or anything to do to earn money. After making some friends in Ojota garage where I slept for some time, a guy challenged me, saying, if I was not lazy, I can actually get something to do on a steady basis inside Ebute Ero, Balogun or Apongbon Markets. That was how I got here and I have been hustling since then,” he said. According to him, he had been pushing trucks for the years he has been at Ebute Ero market. “I started with wheelbarrow pushing. I didn’t have a wheel barrow of my own, but I had to rent until I was able to buy my own after for some time. Today, I have about three wheel barrows which I rent out and get return at close of day. Besides, I also do other things like getting customers for those who sell clothes. I get some commission from that, too. Lagos is a hustling city and if you are not lazy, you can turn your life around,” he says. According to him, soon, he will get

Ebute Ero market

I HAVE BEEN HUSTLING IN THIS MARKET FOR OVER SEVEN YEARS.

WHEN I CAME TO LAGOS SEVEN YEARS AGO, I HAD NO BODY OR RELATIVES TO TAKE ME IN.

I AM FROM

KOGI STATE AND DID NOT KNOW ANYBODY IN

LAGOS. I HAVE HEARD

SEVERAL STORIES ABOUT HOW PEOPLE COME FROM THE VILLAGES TO

LAGOS AND AFTER SOME YEARS, THEY MAKE A HEAD WAY. I WANTED TO TRY MY LUCK AND SO CAME HERE THOUGH KNEW

I HAD NOWHERE TO LIVE

a decent place for himself, but for now, he is lives within the market. “We are about ten of us in the dingy shop and each person pays N150 a night. Everywhere; under the bridges or inside the markets, there are shops that serve dual purpose – including as liv-

ing homes for people, for a fee. Where I manage, I pay N150 per night. And, if you are not using the foam, you pay N100. That is how people manage to survive,” he tells the newspaper. Kingsley Omobade, another resident of Ebute Ero Market also has discovered the tricks of survival on the fringes of the market. “I came to this market in 2010 and ever since I have been hustling and with the little I make I’m sustaining my family back home,” Omobade says. There are many Kingsleys earning a living

and residing in the markets. On what a typical day is in Ebute Ero Market, Iya Aliyu, as she is popularly called, who operates a mini drinking joint directly opposite the public toilet in Ebute Ero shares her experiences. “The day starts as early as 5.30 am, here. We have to wake up in good time to bathe and get ready for the day’s job. Since the store where we sleep has no toilet and bathrooms, we wake up early to avoid wandering eyes. The children, too, will have to get set for school,” she says. On why they chose to live in a place like this with children, Aliyu says: “things are rough and difficult for us. We have no money to rent a befitting place; sleeping here is cheaper. Since I was duped three years ago by some fraudsters, things have gone from bad to worse for me and I had resigned to fate. I am a single mother of two and just have to find a way round the situation. I sell drinks and Agbo-Jedi to earn a living. It’s not easy but we are surviving,” she says. Aliyu fears the return of the

WE ARE ABOUT TEN OF US IN THE DINGY SHOP AND EACH PERSON PAYS

N150 A NIGHT. EVERYWHERE; UNDER THE BRIDGES OR

INSIDE THE MARKETS, THERE ARE SHOPS THAT SERVE DUAL PURPOSES rains. “It is not easy living here when it is raining season. Here gets messy anytime it rains,” she says in Yoruba language. Generally, the lifestyle in Ebute Ero market is one that can best be described as living below poverty level, but they still have a life. In an interview, Saheed, who says he works as a Sales Boy in one of the shops says though he lives in a shop, he get a cut on pleasure, too. Saheed, who was owns a luxury mobile handset insists he needs the smart phone for other purposes. “With this phone,” he says, “I am able to get news from around the world and the country. You know, even if the condition is like this with me today, I know tomorrow will be better. This phone helps me to search for other ways of making money.” Indeed, EbuteEro. Like other Lagos suburbs, may not be the best, but it is still home for the struggling majority. Welcome to Ebute Ero!

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

sore throat or throat pain is a common physical symptom usually from irritation or inflammation. The most common cause is acute viral pharyngitis (80 percent) which is a viral infection of the throat. Other causes include other infections (such as streptococcal pharyngitis), trauma, and tumours. It can cause mild to extreme pain. Analgesics such as Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol (acetaminophen) help significantly in the management of pain. Gargling with warm, salty water, resting the voice, and avoiding air pollution are also helpful in this respect.

Sore throat

When should I seek medical care for a sore throat? Seek medical care:

What causes a sore throat? A sore throat can have many causes including common viruses, and even the viruses that cause the flu. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat. Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness, while sinus drainage (post nasal drip) may cause a sore throat. A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to Candida, commonly known as “thrush.”

and dry air. ◆ Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help control the pain. ◆ For adults, if your nose is plugged, nasal sprays may be used for two to three days to prevent mouth breathing. It is NOT a good idea to use these products for more than a couple of days; you may become dependent on them. ◆ Other decongestant products may be helpful.

A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.

What can I do at home for a sore throat? Generally, sore throats must run their course exception being strep throat.

◆ Salt water gargles, hard candies, sprays and lozenges can provide temporary pain relief. (Caution: Lozenges and hard candy are a choking hazard for children. Avoid their use in young children.) ◆ A humidifier may be helpful in relieving symptoms, especially in sore throats caused by mouth breathing

1. If you have been in contact with someone with strep throat and you have a sore throat, it is reasonable to have a strep test done. 2. If your sore throat is associated with a fever, swollen “glands” (lymph nodes), or white patches on the back of your throat. 3. If your sore throat is not associated with other cold symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, sinus congestion). 4. Any sore throat that has a sudden onset and is associated with a fever. 5. If you are having trouble swallowing liquids (pain with swallowing is to be expected with a sore throat). 6. If your sore throat persists for more than a week. 7. If you have a sore throat and the front of your neck is sore and stiff.

LETTER

What about breast cancer? Dear Doctor,

I want to know more about breast cancer, its cause, symptoms and its prevention. Where can I locate cancer screening centres in the northern part of the country and treatment? Can screening detect it? +234803-----------66

Mirror Doctor replies Breast cancer is cancer arising in breast tissue. Cancer is simply a group of abnormal cells that have abnormal growth patterns. Although breast cancer is primarily a disease of women, almost one percent of breast cancers occur in men. The breasts are made of fat, glands, and connective (fibrous) tissue. The breast has several lobes, which are divided into lobules that end in the milk glands. Tiny ducts run from the many tiny glands, connect together, and end in the nipple. These ducts are where 80 percent of breast cancers occur. The most serious cancers are metastatic cancers. Metastasis means that the cancer has spread from the place where it started into other tissues distant from the original tumor site. The most common

place for breast cancer to metastasize is into the lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone on the same side as the cancer. Other common sites of breast cancer metastasis are the brain, the bones and liver. Many women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors other than age and sex. Gender is the biggest risk because breast cancer occurs mostly in women. A woman with a personal history of cancer in one breast has a three- to fourfold greater risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. Family history has long been known to be a risk factor for breast cancer. Both maternal and paternal relatives are important. The risk is highest if the affected relative developed breast cancer at a young age, had cancer in both breasts, or if she is a close relative. First-degree relatives, (mother, sister, daughter) are most important in estimating risk. Breast cancer in a male increases the risk for all his close female relatives. Hormonal influences play a role in the development of breast cancer. Women who start their periods at an early age (11 or younger) or experience a late menopause (55 or older) have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. Con-

versely, being older at the time of the first menstrual period and early menopause tend to protect one from breast cancer. Having a child before age 30 years may provide some protection, and having no children may increase the risk for developing breast cancer. The use of alcohol is also an established risk factor for the development of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Early breast cancer has no symptoms. It is usually not painful. Most breast cancer is discovered before symptoms are present, either by finding an abnormality on mammography or feeling a breast lump. A lump in the armpit or above the collarbone that does not go away may be a sign of cancer. Other possible symptoms are breast discharge, nipple inversion, or changes in the skin overlying the breast, changes in texture, and puckering. Most breast lumps are not cancerous. All breast lumps, however, need to be evaluated by a doctor. Breast discharge is most concerning if it is from only one breast or if it is bloody. In any case, all breast discharge should be evaluated. Nipple inversion is a common variant of normal nipples, but nipple inversion that is a new development can be of concern. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for

breast cancer. The choice of which type of surgery is based on a number of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the type of tumor and the person’s overall health and personal wishes. Breast-sparing surgery is often possible. The cancer is staged, using the information from surgery and from other tests. Staging is a classification that reflects the extent and spread of a tumor and has an impact on treatment decisions and also the prognosis for recovery. In the Northern region, you may visit any of the Teaching hospitals for cancer screening.

LIFE SAVERS Y

Breast cancer develops over months or years. Once it is identified, however, a certain sense of urgency is felt about the treatment, because breast cancer is much more difficult to treat as it spreads. You should see your health-care provider if you experience any of the following:

Finding a lump in your armpit or above your collarbone that does not go away in two weeks or so.

Developing nipple discharge

Noticing new nipple inversion or skin changes over the breast

Redness or swelling in the breast may suggest an infection of the breast.

EVENT

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Michael Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image performing

Billboard Music Awards honours the stars The Billboard Music Awards 2014 held last weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and it is still being talked about for many reasons. One, an image of the late Michael Jackson performed the song, Slave To The Rhythm. And two, Jennifer Lopez won the Icon category, making her the first woman to do so. Carrie Underwood, Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, Shania Twain and Amber Rose were some of the celebrities present at the glittering event in which Justin Timberlake emerged as the big winner of the night, and Katy Perry, Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and many others also won.

Ricky Martin

Kelly Rowland

Shania Twain

Jackie Jackson

Jennifer Lopez

Billy Ray Cyrus

Shakira

2 Chainz

Carrie Underwood

Jordin Sparks

Ludacris

Nicki Minaj

Christine Teigen and John Legend

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

Re-positioning Mambilla Plateau for higher stakes in tourism With just a little push, the popular Mambilla Plateau in Plateau State could grow into playing in the big league of world tourism destination points.

he month of September is usually set aside every year to celebrate the World Tourism Day, which is geared towards promoting tourism development all over the world. For the past few years, states and federal governments have taken giant steps towards opening up tourism centres to further deepen its revenue base, as well as create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths. As the world prepares to commemorate this year’s tourism day, again as is always the case every year, attention has shifted to the various tourism destination points in Nigeria, particularly the Mambilla Plateau located in Sarduana council area of Plateau State. This time, in Taraba, the state government would be marking the yearly event with top politicians and socialites in attendance. The World Tourism Day was first marked in 2008 with the then Minister of State for Tourism, Dr. Idi Hong, in attendance. The event was also witnessed by the late Sardauna of Sokoto, the former Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who described Mambilla Plateau as a special area in Nigeria with the potentials of turning not only Plateau State, but also the nation into a big time player in the tourism sub-sector in the world when he

visited the area in early 1964. The late premier, it would be recalled, had after his visit set up a commission whose terms of reference was to develop the tourism sub-sector in the state. The commission known as the Mambilla Development Commission had been functional until after the 1966 coup in which the Sarduana lost his life. Unfortunately, successive governments have failed to pursue the good intentions of the late premier. Located in the South-East of the state

about seven to eight hours drive from Jalingo, the state capital, Mambilla Plateau’s uncommon benign weather, clean environment, good roads, and hotel accommodation, as well as functional communication system, security, good portable water and reliable power supply sets it apart from other tourist destinations across the country. Mambilla Plateau which shares border with Republic of Cameroun is high grassland averaging about 1800 meters above

sea level. It is scenic, cool and comes miles away from the characteristic humidity of Lagos. Mambilla Plateau is in fact very different from other parts of Nigeria, including Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State as regards Flora and Fauna. The plateau is known to be home to some rare species of birds and animals, especially at the Gashaka-Gumpti National Park where you find cattle ranches, tea plantations and hills, traits that could endear it to tourists from across the world. On assumption of office, Governor Danbaba Suntai established the Taraba State Tourism Development Board under the leadership of Alhaji Abdulrazaak Gidado Abubakar as its managing director. Although the board’s activities had been hampered by dearth of funds, the coming of the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Emmanuel Bello, has raised hope of a better tomorrow. However, Mambilla Plateau can be more profitable if government develops the culture of maintaining facilities and initiating projects that are currently lacking in the area. This is the challenge before the government of Suntai, who hopes to transform the Mambilla Plateau into a tourism destination by the year 2015.

Curran appointed Area Manager, Starwood Hotels Nigeria NNAMDI ONYEUMA

new Area Manager, Mr. Barry Curran, has been officially appointed to oversee activities at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Nigeria and general manager for the Sheraton Lagos Hotel.

Curran in his new position will be reporting to Mr. Hassan Ahdab, Vice president, Regional Director- Africa & Indian Ocean. Prior to his appointment, Curran was Area Manager, Cairo Hotels based at Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa in Egypt, a position he had held since 2012. Irish by birth, he started his education

from Shannon College of Hotel Management and Cornell University. He took on his first role with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2005 as General Manager at Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa. Curran has over 25 years work experience in the hospitality industry and has filled various management positions in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Guyana

and Egypt. The new area general manager has consistently led the competitive set in terms of generated revenue and profitability as; Complex Manager Le Meridien Hotels Egypt from 2001 to 2004, Area Manager Starwood Resorts Egypt from 2005 to 2012, and, Area Manager Starwood Hotels Cairo from 2012 to 2013.

LEISURE

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Cristiano Ronaldo (right) is expected to lead Real Madrid’s attack against Atletico Madrid in today’s UEFA Champions League Final in Lisbon, Portugal.

Battle of Madrids! Real, Atlético set for final showdown IFEANYI EDUZOR

WITH AGENCY REPORT

ootball lovers all over the World will today be treated to the best form of football artistry when two Spanish giants Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid file out in Lisbon, Portugal, to determine who among them will be crowned this year’s European champion. This fifth meeting between the two teams will mark the first time in Champions League 59-year history that two teams from the same city will be meeting in the final and also reaffirms Spanish Liga as one of the best leagues in Europe. Their meeting today will re- enact their old rivalry which extends from the Spanish La Liga to European championship. Both teams are not new to each other .The sides have met in 194 league and Spanish Cup games, with Real Madrid winning 102 while Athletico won 46 with 46 draws. On the other hand, Atletico had the upper hand in their league encounters this season; winning 1-0 at the Bernabeu before a 2-2 draw on home soil. But Real claimed a 5-0 aggregate win when they met over two legs in the Copa del Rey semi-finals which will make today’s encounter very interesting to watch. The teams have met in only one previous European tie, in the 1958/59 European Cup semi-finals. Real Madrid

won the first leg 2-1 with Héctor Rial and Ferenc Puskás finding the net, but Atlético prevailed in the return leg, thanks to Enrique Collar’s 43rd-minute effort. This led to a replay six days later, played in Zaragoza, where Alfredo di Stéfano’s early goal was swiftly cancelled out by Collar. Madrid had the last laugh as Puskás struck the decisive blow three minutes before half-time to take them into a fourth successive final. Atletico Madrid has qualified for the final of this championship for the very first time in forty years. The last time they played in the final of the European Cup, they were just twenty seconds away from lifting the title against Bayern Munich. The Germans equalized right in the end and then went on to win the replay. Therefore, this is Atletico’s chance for redemption against their biggest rivals. Real Madrid has won the European Cup/Champions League a record nine times, the most by any team in history. They will be playing the final after a gap of twelve years. The last time they played in the final, the legendary Zinedine Zidane scored the goal that won Real their ninth European title. The quest for the tenth title has become somewhat of an obsession with the club and this might just be the year when the wait ends once and for the team. Coming into this year’s competition, Atletico Madrid were picked by many

as the dark horses and their faith in the team has well and truly been justified. Their rise in the last three years under Diego Simeone has been nothing short of remarkable and they fully deserve their place in the UEFA Champions League final. Today’s encounter will be Real Madrid’s 25th UEFA final. In addition to their 12 European Cup appearances, they were UEFA Cup winners in 1985 and 1986 and European Cup Winners’ Cup runners-up in 1971 and 1983. They lifted the UEFA Super Cup in 2002 having lost in 1998 and 2000, and won the European/ South American Cup in 1960, 1998 and 2002, losing in 1966 and 2000. Athletico’s sole previous European Cup final came at the Heysel Stadium, against FC Bayern München in 1973/74. Luis Aragonés’s 114th-minute free-kick gave them a 1-0 lead, but Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck equalised in the last minute and Bayern prevailed 4-0 in the replay at the same venue two days later. Should they triumph in Lisbon, Atlético who won the UEFA Europa League in 2010 and 2012, claimed the UEFA Super Cup in 2010 and 2012 and lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1962, losing in the final of the same competition in 1963 and 1986 would become the 23rd club to lift the European Cup and the first new name since Chelsea won it in 2012 in Munich, Germany.

PAST WINNERS OF UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1976-77 - Liverpool 1977-78 - Liverpool 1978-79 - Nothinghan Forest 1979-80 - Nothinghan Forest 1980-81 - Liverpool 1981-82 - Aston Villa 1982-83 - Hamburg 1983-84 - Liverpool 1984-85 - Juventus 1985-86 - Steaua Bucharest 1986-87 - FC Porto 1987-88 - PSV Eindhoven 1988-89 - AC Milan 1989-1990 - AC Milan 1990-91 - Red Star Belgrade 1991-92 - Barcelona 1992-93 - Olympic Merseille 1993-94 - AC Milan 1994-95 - Ajax 1995-96 - Juventus 1996-97 - Borussia Dortmund 1997-98 - Real Madrid 1998 -99 - Man United 1999-2000 - Real Madrid 2000-2001 - Bayern Munich 2001-2002 - Real Madrid 2002-2003 - AC Milan 2003-2004 - Porto 2004-2005 - Liverpool 2005-2006 - Barcelona 2006-2007 - AC Milan 2007-2008 - Man United 2008-2009 - Barcelona 2009-2010 - Inter Milan 2010-2011 - Barcelona 2011-2012 - Chelsea 2012-2013 - Bayern Munich 2013-2014 - ???

SPORT

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport betting and agony of influence in football

he lengthening shadow cast by illegal betting among sporting syndicates over an international sport like football is one that should worry true stakeholders of our beautiful game. As a kicker, sport betting is the activity of predicting results of sporting events and placing a wager on the outcome. Betting also is generally considered to be a form of gambling which to a great extent has aided the activity of individuals who also indulge in match-fixing. In the United States of America for example, it is illegal to operate a betting scheme, except in a few states, while in many European nations, bookmaking (the profession of accepting sports wagers) is regulated but not criminalised. In Nigeria, the activities of betting companies are more pronounced in football because of the enormous number of the country’s youth who indulge in this act. Many of these jobless die-hard gamblers follow religiously the results of European league matches like the English Premiership and spend a lot of their financial resources in this venture. However, betting in football which is a form of gambling is pervasive throughout the beautiful game. But does football, both in professional and fan culture, have a problem as a result of betting? HT strongly believes that football do have a huge problem in this regard because betting poses a great threat to football development following

HARD TACKLE with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com the recent negative activities of match-fixers who has steadily crept into their mist with the aim of destroying the game that unites the diverse people that inhabit the country. Frankly, the commercial benefits of betting or gambling are hard to dispute given the current sponsorship market. According to an intelligence report on 2013/14 English Premiership season, sponsorship deals revealed a massive gulf between the country’s six most marketable clubs and the remaining 14. Coming off the back of disappointing seasons, Aston Villa, Fulham and Stoke City have found financial solace in multi-million pound deals with Dafabet, Marathonbet and Bet365 respectively. The reason for their sudden financial boost could be seen from the fact that the big brands (like Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea) are well known household names and having grown, thus they do not need further support through proceeds from betting.

08054103021

This eventually has given the less privileged teams in the Premiership the opportunity to benefit from the proceeds of betting. Aside the aforementioned, this scenario has also left betting companies to boast of sizeable marketing budgets from the growth and pumping of more money into the game. The profits are also used to subsidise youth development and charitable initiatives, while fans are not even left out in the largess as they enjoy a reduction in exorbitant ticket prices. Yet amid the concerted efforts to clean up the game with financial fair play, anti-racism and official respect campaigns, the proliferation of gambling is an uncomfortable paradox. In every part of the world, betting deserves a constant check by the world football governing body (FIFA), continental ruling bodies and FAs of countries. In Nigeria, there is an upsurge in the number of sport (football) betting companies which includes, 1960bet.com, naijabet.com, betfair.com, nair-

abet.com, bet-naija.com, medalbet.com and saharabet.c saharabet.com to mention but a few, howev however they need to be regulated properly. Frankly, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must devise effective measures to check their activities and guard jealously the Glo Premier League which is undergoing a positive transformation, many thanks to the League Management Company (LMC). HT’s take is that those who bet in football must not be allowed to go as far as influencing the outcome of matches or bribing match officials or players to achieve their aim. Currently, match-fixing has assumed a very dangerous trend globally because aside from the fact that it kills the beautiful spirit behind football, it has helped to rubbish the image of countries who indulge in the crime. The recent match-fixing allegation against the NFF by a notorious Singaporean jail bird and match-fixer, Wilson Raj Perumal, is one that almost dragged the image of the country’s football to the mud.

The self-confessed match-fixer, who was part of a syndicate that has been placed at the heart of a sophisticated network responsible for fixing hundreds of matches around the world, further claimed in his new book that he assisted Honduras and Nigeria in qualifying for the World Cup finals in 2010 by bribing corrupt officials and compromised players. HT gathered that this is the first time that Perumal has claimed to have influenced World Cup qualifiers and thus there is an urgent need to protect football and its development worldwide. Perumal began his illegal trade as a bookmaker. Bookmakers in the United Kingdom focus on betting especially on professional sports like cricket, horse racing and football. No wonder his initial unchecked activity in football betting eventually led him into match-fixing and he had to pay dearly for it by cooling his hot-head within the four-walls of a prison. HT wants to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to assist the NFF to regulate the activities of football betting companies so as to protect the development of our beautiful game. As the champions of African football we must lead by exam-

NFF boss, Aminu Maigari

SPORT NEWS

uence Queens to Brazil 2014: Pillar of Sports makes case for Eagles Confl transfer six players A E NDREW

KEJIUBA

igeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike has called on corporate bodies and sports philanthropists to support Super Eagles quest to make the country proud at the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup which is commencing next month. The business mogul who also doubles as the President of Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) told Saturday Mirror in an exclusive interview that the task of the national team performing

well at the Mundial is the collective responsibility of every Nigerian, thus there is an urgent need for all hands to be on deck. “Nigerian football has come a long way and I have come to realise that it is the collective responsibility of corporate bodies and individuals who do business in the country to support our football development. “In the case of the Super Eagles, I strongly believe that the team have the capacity to surpass their previous record of a second round finish at the Mundial which they recorded at USA ’94 and

France ’98. “Coach Stephen Keshi has done a good job since he took over as the team’s gaffer. Under his watchful eyes the Super Eagles recorded a victorious outing at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and also qualified the team for Brazil 2014. “The onus is now on corporate bodies and philanthropists to play their role in ensuring that the team is well motivated so that they can go far in the tournament in Brazil. Government alone should not be left to be the sole financier of football in Nigeria because this is not tenable

in any part of the world. And it is on that premise that I’m making this clarion call,” Ejidike said. Earlier in the week the highly travelled sports administrator promised to pay $1,000 for each goal the Super Eagles score at the Mundial. He said the gesture is his own little contribution to eulogize and charge the team to do well at Brazil 2014. He noted that as African champions, the Super Eagles will be carrying the hope and aspiration of the entire continent at the biggest world soccer showpiece and prayed for their success in Brazil.

AFOLABI GAMBARI

he management of Confluence Queens FC of Lokoja has listed six players in its rank on transfer. Queens’ spokesperson, Tosin Ojo, said the decision became necessary as a result of the club’s plans to do well in the league’s second round as well as to enable promising players to have free reign to help the Wada Queens achieve their set goals. “Players have to go while some have to come in,” Ojo said. “What the management wants is for the team to be

among the best in the league. “We plan to bring in fresh legs to complement the players we already have on ground. The management has invited some players who are already here and we are still expecting others to arrive.” The affected players are goalkeeper Fasilat Adeyemo; defenders Chineye Okafor and Favour Edet; midfielders Mabel Jimoh and Charity Ehibor and forward Tina Oge. “We expect clubs who are interested in the players’ services to contact us in due course,” the spokesperson further said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

May 24, 2014

Real targets Champions League win

Rooney eyes Man United captaincy

ayne Rooney has told new manager Louis van Gaal that he wants to become Manchester United’s new captain, but insists he will have no problem if Robin van Persie is preferred. United are on the hunt for a new captain following Nemanja Vidic’s departure to Inter Milan. Vice-captain Patrice Evra also looks set to leave the club. A decision on who will lead his side is expected after the World Cup but Van Persie is the favourite after Van Gaal hinted he would like the “fantastic” leader to take on the

role for his club. But Rooney, who has been at United for a decade and was poised to take the armband under former boss David Moyes, declared he is “ready” to lead the club. “I am interested in the captaincy. I feel I am ready, but it’s the manager’s decision,” Rooney said. “I’ve captained United a few times and to get it on a fulltime basis would be great.” Van Persie captained Arsenal before he joined United in 2012, but if the 30-year-old is given the responsibility, Rooney says he would not be disappointed with the decision.

Ronaldo

eal Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo says today’s Champions League final against neighbours Atletico Madrid is a game all ‘Madridistas’ have been dreaming about. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti will attempt to succeed where the likes of Jose Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Manuel Pellegrini failed by finally ending Real Madrid’s

wait for a 10th European Cup in Lisbon. Ancelotti is Real’s 11th coach since they last conquered Europe back in 2002 under Vicente del Bosque and the club’s quest for ‘La Decima’ has increasingly turned into an obsession for the big-spending Spanish giants. Ancelotti has already done better than some of the biggest names

in the game by getting Real back into the final; the first time they have graced the showpiece since Zinedine Zidane’s famous volley saw them beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at Hampden 12 years ago. However, the Italian knows that is only part of the battle, with all Real fans now desperate for the club to get their hands on the trophy again.

As Koke charges Atletico to fight to the death

Koke

tletico Madrid midfielder, Koke has called on the players to fight to the death when they face city rivals Real Madrid in today’s UEFA Champions League final. Atletico claimed a first La Liga title since 1996 with a 1-1 draw at Barcelona last Saturday and have the chance to make it a memorable double with victory at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon today. They will face a Real side motivated by the prospective of winning Europe’s premier club competition for a 10th time. Midfielder Koke believes Atletico will be the underdogs and knows

what kind of mentality it will take for Diego Simeone’s men to get their hands on the trophy for the first time in their history. “We have to be super-concentrated to beat Real,” Koke said. “They have one of the best squads in the world and it will be very difficult to play against them. “We were able to win at the Bernabeu and draw at the Calderon in La Liga this season but they eliminated us from the Copa del Rey. “It will be a very tight match where we will have to fight as if it were the last game of our lives. “Real are the favourites with such a large staff and all that money, but

Rooney

EURO BRIEF

‘Drogba not too old for Juve’

idier Drogba, 36, is “not too old” for Juventus according John Elkann, president of the club’s owners, Fiat. Following his decision to leave Galatasaray, the former Chelsea forward has been linked with a move to Juve this summer to add extra experience to their attack for an assault on the Champions League and a fourth straight scudetto next season.

Drogba

SPORT NEWS

Heineken House ready for UCL final AFOLABI GAMBARI

s a 59-year history is being made in Lisbon, Portugal where Real Madrid meets Atletico Madrid in today’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, sponsor of the competition, Heineken will also host visitors in their Heineken House in Lagos on the night. Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Ngozi Nkwobi, said yesterday that the event was packaged to bring together about 600 guests that include celebrities in the entertainment

and sporting world. “Every visitor to the House since February has looked forward to this grand moment when all will be guaranteed lasting fun,” Nkwobi said. Meanwhile, the five winners of the “Match your ticket” promo, who arrived in Lisbon yesterday on an all-expense paid trip by Heineken to watch the final, have started to savour the environment. “I am still relishing the experience of the great night we had with guests from other countries and I am anxious to get to the stadium to watch the final

match,” one of the two ladies among the winners, Jayne Nelson Uzegbu, disclosed on the telephone conversation yesterday. The traveling crew will visit some tourist locations in Lisbon and interact with great football personalities. They will also take photo shots with the legends. Heineken had in November last year extended its sponsorship with UEFA for another three years until 2018 and brought the priceless Trophy to Lagos last month for the second time to be viewed by Nigerians.

Ogun suspends Nwosu as Gateway FC coach

he Ogun Government may have suspended Coach Henry Nwosu as the coach of the Gateway FC of Abeokuta. Mr Lanre Tejuosho, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, gave the indication at the ministry’s 2014 Ministerial Press Briefing yesterday in Abeokuta. Tejuosho, who did not deny if the coach had been suspended, said the government had carried out some major changes in the technical crew of the club. He said the team was undergoing some changes to determine who stays to facilitate the success of the team.

“Losing away matches persistently will not help the team in the Nigeria National League. “We don’t want this season to be like the others. We are only trying to make in-house adjustments because we want to achieve success in all our games. “We have our deadline for everyone who is part of the team to excel,’’ Tejuosho said. On achievements by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Tejuosho said it had collaborated with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to empower youths in the state. Tejuosho added that

Nwosu

faulty sports facilities and infrastructure in the state would be rehabilitated.

SPORT

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AFOLABI GAMBARI

es Bleus team has experienced much of its success during three major “golden generations”: in the 1950s, 1980s, and 1990s respectively, which resulted in numerous major honours. Under the leadership of Didier Deschamps and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Zinedine Zidane, France won the FIFA World Cup in 1998, becoming one of eight national teams to ever do so while hosting the tournament. Two years later, the team triumphed again in UEFA Euro 2000 and became the top team in the FIFA World Rankings for the first time. France has since added a pair of Confederations Cup titles, in 2001 and 2003, as well as an appearance in the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which it lost 5–3 on penalties to Italy. Although, the team won the Confederations Cup in 2001, it suffered a stunning goalless first round elimination at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. One of the greatest shocks in World Cup history saw France condemned to a 1–0 defeat to debutantes Senegal in the opening game of the tournament. After France finished bottom of the group, it was thought that Coach Raymond Domenech had the magic wand to help the team pick up its pieces after he took over the reins from Roger Lemerre. But the Bleus struggled in the early qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, a situation that prompted Domenech to persuade several past members out of international retirement to help the national team qualify, which they accomplished following a convincing 4–0 win over Cyprus on the final day of qualifying. In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, France finished undefeated in the group stage portion and advanced all the way to the final defeating the likes of Spain, Brazil,

FACT-FILE CAPITAL: Paris POPULATION: 65.7million APPEARANCES: 14 (First in 1930) FIFA RANKING: 19 BEST OUTING: Winners in 1998 NICKNAME: Les Bleus Top Scorer: Thierry Henry (51) MOST CAPPED PLAYER: Lilian Thuram (142) CAPTAIN: Hugo Loris COACH: Didier Deschamps

GROUP MATCHES Sunday, June 15, vs Honduras (Porto Alegre) Friday, June 20, vs Switzerland (Salvador) Wednesday, June 25, vs Ecuador (Rio de Janeiro)

File copy of France line-up

France banks on pedigree and Portugal along the way. France took on Italy in the final and despite controversial disruptions in extra time France failed to get on the score-sheet and Italy won 5–3 on penalties to be crowned champions of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers France off to a disappointing start by suffering disastrous losses and earning uninspired victories before they eventually finished second in the group to earn a spot in the UEFA play-offs against the Republic of Ireland. In the first leg of the play-off, France defeated the Irish 1–0 and in the second leg procured a 1–1 draw, via controversial circumstances, to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa. However, the 2010 finals in South Africa had better be forgotten after an unprecedented dressing room revolt literally tore

France apart and rendered the team vulnerable. It was no surprise that the team went home after playing only three matches and it would take a long time to restore order, even after the intervention from the French president at the time, Nicolas Sarkozy. The crisis also claimed the places of several experienced players in the squad that include Nicolas Anelka who reportedly sparked the revolt after an altercation with Domenech over team training pattern. In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, France qualification did not go as smooth as it should be expected since they had to battle with defending champion Spain in the group stage to emerge with a ticket. The Bleus strikers Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema were the worst culprits as they fired blank at games and inspiring very little confidence, thereby impos-

ing pressure on Coach Didier Deschamps. It is not likely that France will experience a similar mutinous occurrence in Brazil, but nothing seems assured, even as Deschamps has assured of a “respectable placing” at the World Cup. “Even as we are going to Brazil as underdogs, based on our recent performances, I think it would be unfair to write us off,” the coach said last week. “Just like any other contender for the trophy, we are also in contention. We have got the pedigree, being world champions in 1998 and European champions two years later. “It is true that we underwent some sort of re-birth which put us under some form of pressure from the people of our nation But it should be gratifying that we still came clean in the qualifiers and that should put us in good stead for the World Cup.”

Pogba could inspire team’s fortune

uventus midfield prodigy, Paul Pogba, made his debut for the French senior team on March 22, 2013 in a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Georgia with the 21-year-old playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–1 win. He earned his second cap four days later in another 2014 World Cup qualifier against Spain, but it was a sort of baptism of fire as he got sent off in the twilight of the encounter for what the referee called “unsporting behaviour”. His first international goal would, however, not come until September 10, 2013, when he fired his strike into the Belarus’ net in a World Cup 2014 qualifier to earn

erupted response from the Bleus’ fans. Pogba enjoys the privilege or earning caps at all France national team levels for which he has been eligible, having started at the Under-16 cadre in 2008. No less has his leadership qualities have also been noticed, in addition to his wizardry that has not escaped the attention of French legend, Zinedine Zidane. His steady ascendancy would be Juventus’ gain in the ended season where he played a prominent role in helping the Old Lady to another Serie A title, amidst speculations of transfer surrounding and linking him to Spanish sides, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Pogba

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he list of import prohibited items in Nigeria include toilet and laundry soap, and it is a very good decision that they are on the list. Apart from protecting local industries, the policy will also create opportunities for investors to set up in the country. This in turn will lead to more employment opportunities and reduction of pressure in demand for foreign exchange and also lead to the enhancement of the nairaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value. From studies carried out, Nigeria has the potential to produce high quality toilet soaps more than Malaysia, Singapore and other Asian countries. Nigeria as a country can easily produce (using local raw materials and technology) quality toilet soap that can gain international acceptance. This is what this country deserves at this point in time. It should be noted that the unemployment situation in the country, foreign debts, unfavourable balance of payments and other related economic problems will not be solved unless Nigeria looks inwards to establish more industries, develop technologically and also protect the existing local industries from the effect of imported products. That said, soap making is one business that can be established on a cottage, small, medium or large scale, depending on the investorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funds. Soap production, either laundry or toilet of any type, can be carried out in any part of the country. One can conveniently set up a dependable plant using locally manufactured machinery and equipments. Prospective investors can be advised on the best makers of these machines within the country. Alternatively, some foreign manufacturers of complete sets of the toilet and laundry soap making machines can also be recommended to prospective investors. Soap has a wide range of uses. There is hardly any home or industry where soap is not used on a daily basis. Glycerine, a by-product recovered during soap production, also commands very high commercial value as it is very useful in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations and in laboratories as re-agents. The market for soap is wide. Its consumption for personal hygiene and general cleanliness per household is rising and needs not be overemphasized. The Nigerian market is a very large one considering the population that grows every day. As at today, the population of Nigeria is estimated at over 160 million. And with the increase in population, there is a widening demandsupply gap. As a result, there is the need to establish more soap production plants in both rural and urban areas at the various levels of production to cater for the cleansing needs of various classes of consumers. Apart from the big Nigeria markets, one can cash in on the high demand from the neighbouring countries (whose indigenes travel several kilometres to Nigeria

May 24, 2014 to purchase their daily essentials) to embark on export, once the quality is good and the price competitive. With the type of local raw materials available, Nigeria can provide high quality products that can even be exported to the developed part of the world. The machines required to set up this plant are oil storage tanks and vessels, steam generators, filter press, soap reactors, recovery vessels, drying machines, cooling frames, plodder, cutting tables, stamper, wrapper etc.

Investment

Profiles

with Godwin Uba ubagodwin@yahoo.com 08034494437

How to make millions from soap production

THE GOOD THING IS THAT SOAP MAKING IS ONE OF THE PROJECTS THAT THE BANK OF INDUSTRY IS INTERESTED IN FUNDING. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN FUNDING IT BECAUSE SOAP IS ONE OF THE CONSUMER GOODS THAT ARE LISTED AS ESSENTIALS Plants of various sizes exist to produce 1500, 1600, 2200 metric tonnes of soap per annum. The capacity of production will depend wholly on availability of funds and plant capacity chosen. The essential raw materials for soap production are animal fats or vegetable oil, chemicals including fragrances, wrapping materials and cartons. These raw materials are 100% available locally. The local availability, among other things, will ensure continuous production and profitability. Modern soap production technol-

ogy involves pre-treatment, saponification, graining and drying. Details of the modern production processes would be discussed in detail in the feasibility studies. The minimum number of workers required to carry out the production depends wholly on the capacity chosen and on whether the proposed investor is interested in producing bar or toilet soap or both. For attractive products, the most important thing is the packaging system adopted. The packaging must be carefully done to make sure that it is equal to or more attractive than the

imported products. The minimum cost of establishing a small scale plant, using locally made machines, is estimated at N8.5m (as shown below). The return on investment is very encouraging. The payback period is also very short, depending on the production and marketing strategies adopted. And the good thing is that soap making is one of the listed projects that the Bank of Industry is interested in funding. Other financial institutions are also interested in funding it because it is one of the consumer goods that are essentials.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

May 24, 2014

BRIEFS Man, 30, bags 6 months imprisonment for drug trafficking

Crime Watch Car-snatching kingpin pleads for mercy

Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday sentenced a 30-year-old man, Monday Obi, to six months imprisonment for trafficking in illicit drugs. Obi had pleaded guilty on arraignment. Justice Mohammed Yunusa sentenced Obi after listening to the review of the facts of the case made by Mr Edimoh Umoh, an officer of the NDLEA. Umoh was led in evidence by the Prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan. He told the court that he was the Investigating Police Officer attached to the Lagos State Command of the NDLEA. The officer said that Obi was caught by a team of NDLEA opratives on duty. He said the accused was brought to his office by the NDLEA patrol team with two wraps of the hard drug. According to him, NDLEA forensic experts tested the sample of the substance and it tested positive to Indian hemp. Umoh told the court that in the course of investigation, he came across the statement of the accused, certificate of test analysis and the seized substance. The prosecutor tendered the items in court and they were admitted in evidence. Aernan urged the court to convict the accused based on his plea and the evidence before the court. The prosecutor said the convict committed the offence on February 5 2014, at Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos. He said the convict was unlawfully in possession of two wraps of Indian hemp. Umoh said that the offence contravened Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004. The accused pleaded for leniency and promised never to indulge in the illegal act again, saying that he was lured into the act by his friends. The judge, however, sentenced him to six months imprisonment and ordered that the sentence should take effect from the day of his arrest. He also ordered that the substance should be destroyed. The convict was first arraigned on April 17, 2014, and had been in detention since his arrest.

Ogbodo

SEGUN ADIO

wo suspected notorious armed robbers cum car snatchers, Onyekachi Ogbodo and Kelechukwu Ani, are currently in the custody of law enforcement agents in Enugu State for alleged misdemeanor recently. The two suspects were recently arrested over their alleged involvement in car snatching. Ogbodo and Ani are said to specialise in sending threat messages to unsuspecting members of the public with the hope of swindling them. Ogbodo, 30, hails from Okwe Ngwo in Udi local government council of the Enugu State, while Ani, otherwise called Opanka, is a native of Ngwo also in the state. The Enugu State Police Command claimed that on Monday, March 17, 2014, the two suspects ensnared a woman in her Spider Blue, Toyota Camry car. Whereas Ani is said to reside at Enugu, Ogbodo is

believed to shuttle from his 29, Olubumi Street, Pako Aguda area of Lagos State. It was learnt that Ani was usually saddled with identifying targets of their heinous crime. Ogbodo, it was learnt, would only storm Enugu once he got clear signals from his partner-in-crime that the coast is clear on a particular crime to be committed. It was also discovered that after a ‘successful’ strike, Ogbodo would return to his Lagos base until he got another signal to come for another operation. It was reported that the said woman was returning home from work and was about entering her compound around Hill View, Trans-Ekulu area of the state capital. It was gathered that the suspects succeeded in snatching the vehicle from its owner, while the woman was dragged out of the car some hundred yards from her house. The suspects were also alleged to have threatened to kill the woman should she raise an alarm or report the matter to the police.

Police source revealed that moments after the robbers had fled with the woman’s vehicle, the incident was brought to the attention of anti-kidnapping unit of the state police command, who immediately sprung into action by launching a search for the missing car and the two suspects. Two days after Ogbodo and Ani snatched the car, it was auctioned to a yet-to-be identified buyer at Onitsha along a street behind bank of the River Niger. The car was sold for N330, 000. But the search for the two men of the underworld did not take long as the search party swooped on Ogbodo in his hideout. On Saturday, April 19, 2014, Ogbodo was arrested while trying to escape with his share of the loot from the sale of the woman’s car. He was immediately taken into custody while a renewed manhunt was still ongoing for the fleeing Ani. Ogbodo was quoted as saying in his confessional statement that he became an armed robber by sheer accident and that he never intentioned to continue in the illicit work for long. “It is true we carried out the act and we later sold the car for N330, 000 to someone at Onitsha. Since the matter is now in the open, I can only plead for leniency with the police authorities. If I am given another chance, I would not go back into robbery again,” he was quoted to have confessed to his crime. The car owner, who expressed shock at the manner in which her car was forcefully taken away from her, was quoted to have commended the Enugu State police commissioner and his team for their prompt intervention on the matter. She was said to have claimed that only God spared her life on that fateful day in the hands of the suspected robbers. Reacting to the incident, Enugu State Police Command spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, claimed that men of the command are intensifying the search for the fleeing Ani and that Ogbodo was cooperating with investigations. He claimed that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations.

Businessman gets 6-month jail term for attempting to rape minor

n Upper Area Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Friday sentenced a 35-year-old businessman, Dantani Ibrahim, to six months in prison for attempting to rape a 12- year-old- girl. Ibrahim of Angwan Gede in Gwagwalada, was arraigned on a count charge of attempt to commit indecent assault. The Judge, Alhaji Alhassan Kusherki,

who sentenced Ibrahim after he pleaded guilty to the offence, however, gave him an option to pay N30, 000 as fine. Kusherki advised the convict to seek forgiveness from God. The Prosecutor, Insp. Martha Paul, had earlier told the court that the matter was reported at the Gwagwalada Police Station on May 10 by one Asabe Moses of Angwan

Shanu. Paul said the convict took the girl to the back of the nominal complainant’s house in an uncompleted building and wanted to have sexual intercourse with her. She said that as soon as the convict saw Moses approaching his direction, he took to his heels and left the girl in the uncompleted building.

The prosecutor urged the court to try Ibrahim summarily under Section 157 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, since he had admitted committing the offence. She said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 285 of the Penal Code. The convict pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for leniency.

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

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CRIME WATCH

May 24, 2014

‘Auxiliary’ arrested for illegal possession of lethal weapons •‘I bought AK-47 rifle for self-defence’ SEGUN ADIO

former leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, is currently in police net in Lagos over his alleged gun-running. Lamidi, who is popularly known as Auxiliary, was recently arrested over alleged unlawful possession of lethal weapons and live ammunitions. Lamidi, who was immediate past Chairman of the NURTW in Oyo State, was implicated in the illegal arms deal by another gunrunner, Alhaji Abdulazeez Amao. It was gathered that the said Amao was apprehended by law enforcement agents on Monday, March 10, 2014 after he allegedly imported into the country, through ‘the back door’ several AK47 rifles from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso. At the time of his arrest, about 10 of such rifles were found in a sack inside Amao’s premises. During interrogation, he was said to have mentioned Lamidi as one of his customers. Following the disclosure, the Lagos Police Commissioner, Umar

Lamidi

Manko, set in motion machinery through the Special Anti Robbery Squad of the command, led by Abba Kyari, its commander. The SARS team, it was learnt, arrested him at Olodo area of Ibadan, Oyo State after three tortuous days of endless wait, on Saturday, May 10, 2014. The

Estate agent bags 24 months in prison for cheating

Grade 1 Area Court at Aso Pada, Mararaba in Nasarawa State on Friday sentenced an estate agent, Anthony Okpe, 38, of Mararaba to 24 months imprisonment for cheating. The Presiding Judge, Mr Albert Maga, handed down the sentence after the accused had pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against him but promised to refund the amount. Maga, however, gave the convict an option of N500 fine but ordered him to pay N46, 000 as compensation to the nominal complainant, one Bonifacenen Izi of Ungwan Jimoh in Mararaba. Earlier, Izi told the court in his evidence that on Feb. 26, he gave the convict N46, 000 to secure accommodation for him. ``Okpe escaped with my money to unknown place until May 3,

2014, that I saw him in Mararaba and alerted the police. ``All I want is my money so that I can get a place to put my head as I am still squatting with a friend,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the convict was first arraigned on May 15 on a count charge of cheating. On that date the Prosecutor, PC Friday Adaji, told the court that Izi lodged a complaint against the accused on April 22, 2014, at the Aso `B’ Police Station. Adaji said that on February 26, 2014, the accused deceived Izi and collected N46, 000 to secure one-bed room apartment for him. He said the accused converted the money to his personal use and escaped to an unknown place. The accused, who was not represented by counsel pleaded guilty to the charge.

newspaper gathered that Lamidi was picked up when he drove into his vast compound with an ash colour Nissan Quest Space bus with Registration Number LAGOS CA 647 KSF. While searching his compound, one Zastava pistol with breach number 150553, two loaded maga-

zine and one packet of live ammunition containing 50 rounds were recovered. He was promptly transported back to Lagos. In his confessional statement, Lamidi, admitted to the possession of the weapons. He also told journalists that he indeed handed the AK47 he bought from Amao to one of his lieutenants, identified as Tirimisiyu Olowoposi. The said Olowoposi is reportedly currently on the run apparently upon learning of the arrest of his master, Auxiliary. But contrary to insinuations that he was using the weapons for untoward act, he claimed he made purchase of the weapons to protect himself and family from enemies whom he claimed are after his and his family’s lives. He begins his defence thus: “It is true that I bought it (gun) from Amao. I bought the gun for N300, 000. I got to know him when he comes to relax in my hotel at Ibadan and when we got talking I told him of how some people invaded my residence and killed my son. He suggested that I needed to arm myself against such attacks in the future. “I survived the attack, but sustained bodily wounds. Since then I decided to get a gun for self defense. I have never used this gun to commit crime. I never gave it

out to anybody to use to commit crime,” he declared. The ex-union leader laid the blame of his present predicament on the doorsteps of his political opponents whom he claimed were out to discredit him after he declined to join their party. “I am being set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) because I told them I cannot abandon my political party because of money they are offering me. They know that I have huge followers I can convince to join their party. So, when I refused to join them, they set me up with this allegation just to punish me,” he said. The Lagos police boss, in his address, claimed that his men were still on the trail of Olowoposi whom Lamidi allegedly confessed to have given his AK47 rifle to keep. Explaining how the suspects were apprehended, Manko said: “His arrest was sequel to the arrest of a notorious arms dealer Abdulazeez Amao, who smuggled AK-rifles from Mali and Burkina Faso to Nigeria on March 10th, 2014 and the recovery of ten AK 47 rifles. Amao confessed that Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, and the immediate past chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers bought one AK-47 rifle and one English pistol from him. That was when our men at the SARS went in search of Lamidi and got him in Ibadan where some other ammunition was found in his possession. He said he gave the rifle to one Timisiriyu Olowoposi who is currently on the run,” CP Manko said.

Police charge woman with causing grievous hurt to ex-husband

he police on Friday arraigned one Chinemeron Afformazie, 22, in a Mararaba Chief Magistrates’ Court, charged with causing grievous hurt on her ex-husband. Afformazie of Karimo, FCT, is facing a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, trespass, causing grievous hurt and criminal intimidation. The prosecutor, Jospeh Ahua, told the court that one Chinedu Alagboson of No 19, Mopol Quarters, Kabayi, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, reported the matter at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba on March 27, 2014. Ahua said that on March 26 while Alagboson was asleep, some armed men invaded his house with dangerous weapons and inflicted serious injuries on his head. The prosecutor said the complainant suspected his former

Abubakar

wife, Afformazie. He added that investigation also revealed that the accused, being the complainant’s ex-wife, conspired with the unidentified assailants, now at large, to perpetrate the act. The prosecutor said the accused had earlier threatened the complainant and had confirmed it at the police station. He said the offence contra-

vened the provisions of sections 97,398, 241 and 397 of the Penal Code. However, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges against her, as the prosecutor opposed the bail request for her, saying bail would affect police investigation into the matter. But the accused counsel, Mr M.O. Atoh, prayed the court to grant his client bail ``because of her condition, considering the unborn child in her womb.’’ The Senior Magistrate, Mr Habila Abundaga, then granted bail to the accused person in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum. Abundaga said the surety must be a responsible person and must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction as he adjourned the case until June 16 for further hearing.

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Civil Service LASU lecturers declare indefinite strike

he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Chapter, on Tuesday, declared what it described as a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike.” Addressing newsmen in Lagos, the Chairman of the union, Dr Adekunle Idris, said the congress had unanimously agreed to commence the strike due to the failure of management to meet its demands. “The congress, after exhaustive deliberation, concluded that core issues that are germane to survival of the university and career of our members have been neglected by the authorities,” Idris said. He said that the chapter was also authorised to embark on the strike by ASUU National Executive Council at its meeting held at the University of Ibadan from May 14 to

May 15. “We are using this opportunity to inform the academic community and the good people of Lagos State. We declare that as from Tuesday, May 20, we, the academic staff of LASU, are withdrawing our services to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike. It is a sad decision we are compelled to take and have taken it with every sense of responsibility,” Idris said. He said that the three core demands of the union yet to be met include the reversal of the high LASU tuition fee and repeal of the ‘No Vacancy, No Promotion’ policy. According to him, the implementation of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions Amendment) Act 2012, already operational in other universities, is also still pending. “ASUU-LASU had used every opportunity to per-

suade the appropriate authorities to consider all our concerns in good time. Regrettably, the union had no choice but to declare a trade dispute and at several times met the management, governing council and chancellor, but the issues remained unresolved. We are at loss as to why the authorities have

refused to frontally address these issues for over one year. So, we intend to pursue them to a logical conclusion,” Idris said. It was learnt that ASUU-LASU had on March 24 issued the management a 21- day ultimatum to meet its demands. This was followed by another 14-day ultimatum

ABUJA

he Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that it would down tools should the federal government grant the demands of health workers under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). NMA stated this in a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, and signed by its President and SecretaryGeneral, Kayode Obembe and Adewunmi Alayaki respectively, a copy of which was made available to Saturday Mirror, yesterday. The group condemned the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC ) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for showing solidarity with health workers over their planned strike. Following the decision of the health workers, NMA said it would demand, among others,

… May demand payment of 20 years arrears …Slam NLC/TUC over solidarity with health workers the payment of 20 years arrears it had earlier sacrificed to government should government ‘succumb’ to the workers. JOHESU had warned about a month ago that it would go on strike to force government meet certain demands after a 15-day ultimatum. Following a meeting between its leadership and the federal government, the planned strike was suspended. In its letter yesterday, NMA informed that after an emergency meeting of its National Officers Committee, the body concluded that the health workers planned action was “not only despicable but highly condemnable.” The letter further said: “We regret that the NLC and the TUC have particularly chosen this period of national grief and severe trauma occasioned by series of bomb blasts

(NAN)

L-R: Team Leader/Director, Public Communications and Strategy, Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), Dr. Udenta O. Udenta; Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri; Hon. Barrister Ben Chuks Nwosu and Mrs. Ngosi Ekeoba at the MOU signing ceremony between NOA and TAN held in Abuja.

... as doctors threaten strike MARCUS FATUNMOLE

effective April 15, while another seven-day ultimatum was issued on May 1. The union gave a final three-day ultimatum on May 12, which expired May 14. Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer of LASU, Mr. Kayode Sutton, said that the university management

had not received an official letter from the union on its strike. “Officially, the management has not been communicated about the strike declaration by ASUU; we await a letter to that effect,” Sutton said. He said that out of the initial 21 demands by ASUU-LASU, there were only three demands that had not been met by the authorities.

with mass casualties, the kidnap of our daughters and sisters in Chibok by insurgents and several other calamitous events bedeviling our beloved nation to issue a threat to the federal government. “Without prejudice, we have always noted and voiced out the fact that the crises in the health sector are politically motivated and counter-productive to efforts at sustaining our fledgling democracy. It is therefore sad to note that given the status of NLC/ TUC as the umbrella body of all labour organizations in the country, their leadership bodies have NEVER bothered to investigate the issues surrounding industrial disharmony in the health sector but chose to exhibit bias and lopsided support for their affiliates, not minding the grave consequences these pose to the overall health and wellbeing of Nigerians,’’ the doctors said.

The issues in contention between the parties, according to the release, include salary and emoluments; aberrant skipping of salary grade level 10; creation of directorate; allegations of double salary for honorary consultants in hospitals; appointments of CMDs and MDs of tertiary hospitals; and relativity in health sector. NMA however warned sternly that the “federal government must not succumb to the cheap blackmail of JOHESU and her allies by granting requests that undermine the interest of Nigerian doctors. “Should government accede to the request that DISTORTS RELATIVITY and other partially corrected injustices meted out to doctors for over 20 years, NMA will have no other option than to stay outside the hospitals till the anomalies are fully corrected, including payment of 20 years arrears accruing from the years of distortion.”

Osun Assembly urges striking workers to end action

he Osun State House of Assembly has appealed to the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) of the nonacademic staff union of state-owned tertiary institutions to call off its three- month-old strike. The House made the appeal at a joint meeting of JNC, Head of Service and the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Akintunde Adegboye, on Tuesday, in Osogbo. Members of non-academic staff union of the institutions embarked on strike on March 11 over non-remittance of their contributory pension funds and poor condition of service, among others. Addressing the meeting, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Najeem Salaam, said the House would do everything within its power to address the union’s demands. Salaam gave assurance that the House

would consider the inclusion of the union in the new 65 year retirement age demanded by them. “We want to appeal to you to return to class and believe us; we will consider your demands. Strike cannot solve the problem but it will rather worsen the situation. We are appealing to you to return to work for the future of our children,” he said. The speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the House to ensuring the remittance of their pension deductions to the appropriate managers. The commissioner said that government would address the gap noticed in the contributory pension of the union. Earlier, Mr. Olusoji Fasipe, JNC chairman, said government had not been remitting their pension deduction into the appropriate quarters in the last nine months. (NAN)

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REGIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

SOUTH SOUTH

Bayelsa police dispel Boko Haram invasion rumour OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

he Bayelsa State Police Command has dispelled rumour making rounds in the state capital, Yenagoa, that the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents invaded the state last Thursday. There was palpable fear

in Yenagoa, last Thursday, when the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) asked its members nationwide to stay at home as way of showing solidarity to their colleagues in the north eastern part of the country in the wake of the insecurity there. The NUT directive was,

however, misconstrued by some people in the state for being that the terrorists had invaded the state. While the rumour spread like wide fire, many shops owners and other businesses shot theirs stalls while they all hurried to their homes. Parents were seen hur-

rying to pick wards from schools. But in a statement, yesterday, from the state’s police command and signed by Commissioner of Police, Hilary Okpara, it said “the rumour was unfounded and without substance.” The statement there-

fore urged members of the public to ignore the rumour and go about their lawful businesses without fear of any harassment. The state’s police command therefore reassured residents of the state that the police and other security agencies

Epidemic looms in C’River community over shortage of water RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

R-L: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affair, Obong Uwem Ita Etuk and Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Samuel Ikon, at the Governor’s Lodge, in Uyo, after attending a state function in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, recently.

Shell trains 30 persons with disabilities, offers N6m DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

o fewer than 30 persons living with various disabilities in Rivers State have graduated from a special skills acquisition training sponsored by oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The beneficiaries received intensive training in sewing, computer software maintenance, hair dressing, barbing, GSM repairs, shoe making, among others. Also, a cheque of N6 million was presented to them along with a certificate each for successful completion of the training. The programme which

lasted a month comprised business development and skills acquisition. It was initiated by the SPDC in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. Speaking at the brief, but colourful graduation ceremony in Port Harcourt, SPDC’s General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Mr. Nedo Osayande said those trained comprised the deaf and dumb, the blind and physically challenged. Osayande who was represented by the Government and Community Relations Manager of SPDC, Mr. Fufeyin Funkakpo, said the training was part

of the company’s Livewire programme which started in 2003. Osayande further said that the main objective of the Shell Livewire programme is to encourage young people between the age of 18 and 35 to start their own business and to consider self employment as a desirable career option. His words, “Our (SPDC) is to build capacity for business through access to entrepreneurship training and business development. These core commercial skills are combined with the necessary start-up capital with a focus on expanding or increasing youth-owned business in the state.” Osayande said it was

the first time the Shell Livewire programme had focused on persons with disabilities, even as he expressed happiness that all the persons selected for this special training completed it. He also said that Shell would continue to increase sustainable development in its areas of operation. In his remark at the ceremony, Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Joe Poromo, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Stella Toby, lauded Shell for the programme and charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the training to better their lots.

N’Delta Action Plan’ll avoid wasteful spending on projects –Minister

he Niger Delta Action Plan, when implemented, would ensure the avoidance of project duplications and wasted efforts, the Supervising Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Darius Ishaku, has said. The minister said this while declaring open a

are fully on ground and are alive to their responsibilities. The statement, however, advised the public to be vigilant and report to security agencies any suspicious movements of person and existence of any strange object within their vicinity.

two-day Workshop on the Modalities for Implementation of the Niger Delta Action Plan in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, yesterday. The plan, which billed to run between 2013 and 2017, is meant to effectively address development needs in the region

through coherent framework anchored on effective coordination and implementation. It will also help in reinforcing coherent and coordinated development efforts, and resource rationalisation and development needs in the region. Ishaku emphasised that the plan would provide mea-

sures for the improvement of security situation in the region and enhance oil production and development activities. The minister said the outcome of the workshop would present a new paradigm shift in the way projects were conceived, identified and implemented.

threat of water borne disease appears looms large in Idebe community in Akpabuyo Local Government of Cross River State over acute water scarcity in the locality. Saturday Mirror gathered that the water shortage was caused by the breakdown of the solar water project which the community had depended on for water. This situation had caused members of the community to resort to trekking several miles in search of surface water from streams as their last resort and means of survival. Speaking to our report-

er in an interview, some members of the communities claimed that in the last eight months, life has been unbearable due to the non-functioning of the water project. A resident, Mr. Andem Ekpo says, “My fear is that there may be an outbreak of epidemic as everybody has gone back to stream water which is not safe for drinking especially as people defecate close to the stream which automatically will be washed down into the stream by rainfall.”In the meantime, residents of the area have called on the state government and other relevant agencies to come to their aid by making water available again before the issue get out of hand.

INEC plans fresh voters registration in 205 A’Ibom polling units

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it would conduct fresh registration of voters in 205 polling units in Akwa Ibom State. This was contained in statement issued yesterday in Uyo, the state capital, and signed by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Gabriel Ada. The Commission said that there would be no distribution of permanent voter card in the polling units spread across the 24 local government areas of the state. The statement explained that voters within these units might have been involved in double registration or wrong capturing of data. It advised those that registered within the affected polling centres to

make themselves available for fresh registration from May 28 to June 1, in polling unit nearest to them. The statement read in parts: ``The Independent National Electoral Commission wishes to inform the general public that distribution of permanent voter cards (PVCs) will not take place in 205 polling units. ``Eligible voters who registered in those centres in 2011 should endeavour to go out and reregister. ``Nigerians who turned 18 years since 2011 and have not registered before should also enlist,’’ the statement said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution of permanent voter cards in the state would hold from May 23 to May 25, 2014.

REGIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH EAST

Anambra guber: Obiano, INEC urge Tribunal to dismiss Ngige, Nwoye, PDP petitions CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

t was a hectic day at the Justice Ishaq Bello-led Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, yesterday, when Dr. Onyechi Ikpeaku (SAN) and other leading counsels who appeared for Chief Willie Obiano, the INEC and APGA, urged the tribunal to dismiss for lack of merit

the respective petitions filed by Senator Dr Chris N. Ngige, Comrade Tony Nwoye and the PDP challenging the outcome of the state’s governorship election held in November 2013. The applications by Ikpeazu and other leading counsels for Obiano, APGA and INEC urging the tribunal to dismiss the petitions filed by Ngige, Nwoye and the PDP were made during

the adoption of the written addresses of the parties and reply on points of law of both the respondents and petitioners in the case. Urging the tribunal to dismiss the entire petitions filed by Ngige and Tony Nwoye, including that of PDP for lack of merit, Ikpeazu, who appeared for Obiano, stated that the petitioners did not discharge the evidential burden placed on them and therefore did not prove their cases.

Similarly, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN) who appeared for APGA ha while adopting his written and reply addresses, urged the tribunal to dismiss the entire petitions filed by the three petitioners for lack of merit as the petitioners did not prove any of the allegations raised in their pleadings. Calling for the dismissal of the petitions filed by Ngige and others, Ikwueto says,”the allegation of non com-

NSCDC arrests 4 for fuel adulteration DENNIS AGBO AND UCHE NNAMELE ENUGU

fficials of the Enugu State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested four persons for unauthorised adulteration of petroleum product. Briefing journalists while parading the suspects, the state com-

mandant of NSCDC, Nathaniel Ubong, said that the suspects were arrested with 33,000 litres of Straight Run Gasoline (SRG), a substance he explained were more highly inflammable than petrol. Claimed the suspects loaded the products in an Iveco Long truck with registration number Kano XH534NSR. The suspects are Sadam Ibrahim, 30l; Kabiru Ibrahim, 25, both from

Katsina State. The other two are Alhaji Mohammed, 19, and Diko Magaji , 27, who were passengers and hailed from Bauchi and Sokoto states, respectively. According to Ubong, the product was loaded at an undisclosed spot in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. He claimed the suspects were taking the products to Funtua in Katsina State before it was intercepted at 9th

Mile Corner, in Enugu State. Ubong noted that the suspects, in a bid to deceive security operatives, cooked up a waybill which was discovered to be fake. The NSCDC commandant therefore called on Nigerians to rise up against this new crime of adulteration of petroleum saying that the product (SRG) when mixed with petrol burns faster thereby short-changes end users.

Some eligible voters collecting their Permanent Voters Registration cards at Maryland Ward 001 in Enugu, yesterday.

S’East engineers offer to supervise 2nd Niger Bridge

he Enugu State chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged the Federal Government to involve indigenous engineers, especially thjose from the South Eastern part of the country in the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge. The NSE Chairman, Mr Ezekwesili Onah, made the call yesterday in

an interview with NAN in Enugu on the sideline of the chapter’s Golden Jubilee celebration. Onah, who said the plea followed government’s refusal to award the contract to local engineers, suggested that indigenous engineers should be involved in supervision and monitoring. It will be recalled that President Goodluck Jona-

than, had on March 10, 2014, launched the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge. Onah said indigenous engineers were disappointed that their plea to government to award the contract to local engineers was not obliged. Continuing, ``Nigerian engineers came out openly and pleaded that they are ready to handle the bridge both in design and

construction at a reduced cost. ``This will have afforded the government the opportunity to access our ingenuity and serve as a form of technological transfer to up-andcoming ones because you learn by doing,’’ he said. He said government needed to take the engineers into confidence by appreciating what they had.

pliance made by Nwoye as the petitioner did not substantially affect the outcome of the election” Similarly, the INEC leading counsel also called for the dismissal of the petitions filed by Ngige, Nwoye and the PDP for the reasons that the petitioners did not offer any evidence of non compliance to enable the tribunal to nullify the election. Countering the submission of counsels for Obiano, APGA and INEC, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who appeared for Ngige along with Emeka Ngige (SAN) had while adopting his written address urged the tribunal to allow the petition and grant all the reliefs sought by his client. Supporting the position of Akeredolu urg-

ing the Tribunal to allow the petition and grant all the reliefs sought, Emeka Ngige had in his argument alleged that the defence of the third respondent on the issue of disqualification flatly failed on its face value since, according to Emeka Ngige, INEC did not defend its position on the issue. Furthermore, leading counsel for PDP, Chief A. O. Ajana had in adopting his written address argued that the election was invalid for reason of non compliance with the Electoral Act. At the end of arguments from the contending parties, the tribunal adjourned to reconvene on a date that will be made known to the concerned parties later.

Imo NUT demands unconditional release of Chibok girls

ore than 1,500 teachers in Imo State have joined the nationwide protest march by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) against the abduction of school girls in Chibok, Borno State. The teachers, dressed in black and carried different placards marched to the state House of Assembly. Some of the placards read: ``Boko Haram, enough is Enough,’’ ``Those who sponsor Boko Haram sect are enemies of the Nigerian nation’’. Others read: ``Let us expose this trend,’’ and ``Boko Haram, release our girls forthwith.’’ Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Donatus Ozoemena, who addressed the group, urged them to continue to pray for the restoration of peace in the country. He also urged the teachers to go about their protest peacefully to avoid incidents. According to Ozoemena, the country is in dire strait and required the prayers of its citizens to avoid a war. He added that

if the situation deteriorated to a war, the entire citizenry would experience untold suffering. In the words of the Deputy Speaker, ``We all need to remember to pray for this country as we also pray for the safe return of the abducted girls. ``Nigeria is going through difficult times and we need to pray for peace to be restored; we are not at war yet there are incessant killings of innocent citizens. ``When the country experienced war the first time, the weapons used were rudimentary and yet the damage was terrible. ``We pray that we will not experience another war in the country now that there are more sophisticated weapons,’’ he said. Earlier, Chairman of the union, Mr. Cletus Okeke, decried the indiscriminate killings and abductions of Nigerian citizens by Boko Haram. Okeke called for the unconditional release of the abducted girls and also called for the sponsors of the sect to be exposed.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

May 24, 2014

Art on fire

French mayor castrated and killed

he mayor of a village in north-western France has been castrated and killed by a jealous husband, reports say. Dominique Leboucher, 55, was murdered on Thursday night by a man who accused him of having an affair with his wife, police sources told AFP news agency. The unnamed attacker then reportedly killed himself. Mr Leboucher, a former insurance salesman, was only elected mayor of Bretteville-le-Rabet in Normandy in March, local

media say. He became a councillor in 2001 before taking up the post of deputy mayor in 2008, according to French newspaper Ouest-France. Bretteville-le-Rabet is a small village in Normandy with fewer than 250 residents. Yannick Guesnon, one of the Mr Leboucher’s deputies, told AFP he did not believe the theory about the married mayor’s infidelity, adding that the attack appeared to be “an act of madness”. A police investigation is under way.

The 175-year-old world famous Glasgow School of Art building in Scotland being ravaged yesterday by fire which destroyed its invaluable art pieces

Chinese tycoon sentenced to death

iu Han, a Chinese tycoon believed to have links to China’s former security chief Zhou Yongkang, has been sentenced to death. A Hubei court has found Liu Han and his brother Liu Wei guilty of “organising and leading mafia-style crime and murder”, reports Xinhua. The two men were among a group of 36 people charged with similar crimes. Liu Han’s sentencing is believed to be part of a wider corruption crackdown linked to Zhou’s network. The court verdict stated that, among other things, Liu Han and his group had “in an organised fashion

obtained financial gains via illegal activities”. They had also on multiple occasions “committed murder, harm and illegal detention”. The verdict stated they relied on “the cover-ups and collusion of government employees” to illegally control gaming machines in Guanghan in Sichuan province. The case raises other sobering questions for China’s political leaders, says the BBC’s China Editor Carrie Gracie. It could lead to criminal proceedings against Zhou Yongkang, an associate of Liu’s and China’s former security chief. If this happens, it could

be the most serious political corruption case in China’s communist history, our correspondent says. Liu, who is the former head of mining conglomerate Sichuan Hanlong Group, was ranked 148th on Forbes’ list of the richest Chinese business people in 2012. His former company once tried to take over Australian miner Sundance Resources Ltd. Chinese state media said previously that the Sichuan-based gang had had strong political ties that played a role in Liu Han’s appointment as a delegate in Sichuan’s political advisory body. In recent months, sev-

eral top officials from Sichuan province linked to Zhou Yongkang have come under scrutiny. Mr Zhou was the party secretary in Sichuan province before becoming head of China’s Public Security Ministry in 2003. In April, China announced it had removed from office Guo Yongxiang, a former Sichuan vice-governor, and that Sichuan’s former deputy party chief Li Chuncheng was being investigated for bribery. Speculation has swirled for months that Mr Zhou is being investigated for corruption, although none of the rumours have been confirmed officially.

Thailand’s coup leaders detain former PM Yingluck

hailand’s ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra and a number of family members and politicians have been detained, as leaders of the nation’s military coup tighten their grip on power. Ms Yingluck and scores of politicians from the deposed government had earlier been ordered to report to the military. She was kept for several hours and then driven to an undisclosed location. Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha also met key officials, telling them reform must come before any elections. Gen Prayuth summoned governors, business leaders and civil servants to the Bangkok Army Club on Friday. Six of Thailand’s most

senior military officers have now been appointed to run the country, with provincial commanders supervising local government. The BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that, unlike in previous coups, there have been no promises of a quick return to civilian rule. Gen Prayuth told the meeting: “I want all civil servants to help organise the country. We must have economic, social and political reforms before elections. If the situation is peaceful, we are ready to return power to the people.” The general said the coup was necessary to “quickly bring the situation back to normal”. One local official leav-

ing the meeting, Arkom Theerasak, told Associated Press: “There will be an election but it will take a while. The general didn’t say when.” Ms Yingluck, who had been prime minister until being removed by the judiciary this month, had been ordered to report to the military along with more than 100 other politicians, including acting PM Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan. It was unclear whether Gen Prayuth met either of them. Some 155 politicians have been barred from leaving the country. Our correspondent says it is unclear how many people have been detained but they have been separated and held incommu-

nicado at different bases. Reuters quoted a military officer as saying Ms Yingluck, her sister and brother-in-law had been held. Thai military spokesman Col Werachon Sukhondhadhpatipak told the BBC those detained were all involved in Thailand’s political “conflict” and he stressed the army was neutral and impartial in those that it had held. Col Werachon said the detentions should be not be longer than a week and were intended to keep the detainees away from “tension”. Our correspondent says there were some small and angry protests in Bangkok against the coup earlier on Friday but, although a few people were detained, there has been no serious resistance to the coup.

Tennessee brings back electric chair

ennessee’s governor has signed a bill allowing the state to use the electric chair in executions if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. The bill was overwhelmingly passed by state legislators last month. They were concerned by the increasing unavailability of the drugs amid a ban on their use in executions by European pharmaceutical firms. Eight other US states give inmates a choice of death by the electric chair or lethal injection. Richard Dieter of the Death Penalty Information Center said Tennessee was the first state to enact a law allowing the electric chair to be imposed on an inmate. But he said he would expect legal challenges to arise if such a punishment went ahead as it could contravene constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. “The electric chair is clearly a brutal alternative,” he said. A spokesman to Governor Bill Haslam confirmed to US media that he had signed the bill, but there has been no official word from his office. The legislation was passed by the state Senate with a 23-3 vote and the House with 68-13 votes in April. Bill sponsor Senator

Ken Yager explained recently that he introduced the legislation “because of a real concern that we could find ourselves in a position that if the chemicals were unavailable to us that we would not be able to carry out the sentence”. Governor Haslam’s signing came on the same day the US Supreme Court delayed the execution of a Missouri man. The court accepted concerns that convicted murderer Russell Bucklew’s medical condition could complicate the lethal injection and cause him undue suffering. It would have been the first since the botched execution last month of Oklahoma prisoner Clayton Lockett, who suffered a prolonged death after an improperly delivered lethal injection. President Barack Obama has since called for a review of problems surrounding the application of the death penalty. US states have had increasing trouble in recent years finding drugs to use in executions, amid an embargo from the European Union, where pharmaceutical manufacturers have refused to ship drugs to buyers in the US for use in lethal injection. The shortage has led the states in some cases to turn to lesser-regulated compounding pharmacies.

Quote Saturday, May 24, 2014. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

the

day

Contractors, expatriates especially, and ministry staff working on road projects in the North-East are being kidnapped and losing their lives at an alarming rate. –Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, on why road projects in the North-East part of the country have been suspended.

Obasanjo: Crucified for the truth

n the last three and half years, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is affectionately known as “Baba,” has been writing this column. The decision to contribute a column to Saturday Mirror was made by Baba himself, after observing and analysing the content and beauty of the newspaper. That fateful day, some three years back, Baba called me from abroad and expressed full appreciation for the quality of National Mirror. He said: “Jimoh, I want to thank you for a job well done. I like the quality of the paper. By the way, I intend to write something on a continuous basis. So tell your Editor to get in touch with me as soon as possible. Okay.” It was a day of joy for us at National Mirror. We quickly sent our team to express our profound appreciation to Baba and discuss the modalities for the column that he had promised to write. Gbemi Olujobi, the Saturday Editor, did a very good job in ensuring that she kept up with Baba, who, in a good month, would hardly spend up to five days in Nigeria. When we published the promo in National Mirror a day before Baba started his column, there were a lot of comments. Some people said, “Yes we said it. National Mirror is owned by Obasanjo. Now he wants to star and start to abuse people.” Some asked: “How will he will find time to write a column?” Still others said: “Now Obasanjo wants to pay back.” To me, those comments were okay. I am used to such comments, so I did not even discuss them with Baba. In Nigeria, it is all negative comments for good work. Most people hardly see anything good in whatever you do. If the comment is positive, then it is not coming from the black people of Nigeria. Once you buy government assets, you are considered a friend to the president. It does not matter how much you pay. When it is clear that you paid well for the assets, the next thing they say is that you are not running them well, not minding the fact that you own those assets hundred per cent or that they were practically moribund before you bought them. You still have the examiners out there to score you even when such company is not listed on the Stock Exchange. (Ask those examiners and critics how many people work for them? Nobody! They have no company, no work address and no tax record). No one scores the government on how the money paid for those assets is spent. The banks will come to you asking for the money you borrowed to finance the purchase of those assets. And if you are not careful, not too long after, the Central Bank will publish your name as a debtor. When you finish paying back, no one remembers to publish your name again that you have paid. If the assets are indeed held for the president, why bank debts again? Busybodies always make noise but make no

WHEN BABA STARTED WRITING, THE EXPECTATION FROM MANY PEOPLE WAS THAT HE WAS GOING TO RUN A COMMENTARY ON THE GOVERNMENT OF NIFICANTLY,

PRESIDENT JONATHAN. SIG-

BABA DID NOT TELL US WHAT HE WAS GOING TO

WRITE ABOUT AND WE DID NOT ASK HIM contribution to the nation. When Baba started writing, the expectation from many people was that he was going to run a commentary on the government of President Jonathan. Significantly, Baba did not tell us what he was going to write about and we did not ask him. We later discovered that Baba was out to address contemporary issues in global terms, especially with specific concern for Africa. Baba’s articles became an instrument of development. The column came next to the Bible for African government officials every Saturday. It was either a corrective instrument or a potential government policy in Nigeria and other progressive African nations. In Sao Tome, for instance, the column was being translated into Portuguese. And in Benin Republic, it was translated into French. So much was the acclaim that we almost printed the French edition, as we thought we could circulate it with Air Nigeria going along the Coast at that time. Olusegun Obasanjo is a man in the history of development who gives all to mankind. He fought wars so that man could live. He has no account of any personal benefits in material terms despite the numerous opportunities that presented themselves each time God directed him to lead mankind. Obasanjo is a man who has Nigeria’s development as the only machine that operates his heart. He has spent close to seven decades of his life fighting for justice and the emancipation of the human race, as opposed to slavery. Obasanjo was an extremely loyal general to his superiors. Honoured with the highest honour that can ever be bestowed on a Nigerian, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obasanjo will leave nothing in history beyond service to mankind. He mobilised against apartheid in South Africa and defended Nigeria’s territorial integrity and independence by fighting the civil war. He took Nigeria to the

greater height of development at a time the rest of the world almost left us with our burdens and negotiated the elimination of our over 12 billion US Dollars debt. There was a time when we had to go to Ghana to board British Airways to do our international travels, but Obasanjo stopped that rot. This was a man that brought telephone handsets into our pockets, at a time when our mothers needed to travel from the village to Lagos to join long queues at NITEL to talk to our brothers abroad. He made us join the comity of nations and outstrip them in the area of instant telecommunications. He remains a legend. Many times when Obasanjo speaks on issues, those issues are of immediate concern. Others take years to materialise. But what is time when even the Prophecy of Moses that Jesus will be born to the family of Judah in Genesis 49:10 and Micah 5:2-5 only came to pass after one thousand five hundred years, as the fulfillment was confirmed in Matthew 2:1? Prophecy or simple writing of the truth may take years, but it will come to pass. I was in the university when Obasanjo wrote to Babangida the then President of the Federal Republic. I recall that the letter was so unfriendly. One of the most quoted words of Obasanjo in that letter, which is typical of the native anecdotal style of the General, is as follows: “It has reached a time in history, that if this government says good morning, you have to look at your wrist watch three times before you answer.” I also can remember that General Bali, the Chief of Staff as he then was, who served in the same Babangida government, said ‘THERE IS A CRACK IN THE WALL’. President Babaginda opted to pay a visit to give more information to Obasanjo about his government. Not too long after that, when Babangida himself appeared in a televised interview about his government, he defended his economic policies

to the point that he brought out a white handkerchief from his pocket to wipe cold sweat and tears from his face. No one that runs a nation of over 167 million people will say it is easy to do. Those who criticise government hardly run the affairs of up to ten people. The tension can be so high sometimes that we may run out of control. All we need to do is pray for those in authority It will be unfair of me not to comment on Obasanjo’s last letter to the President. I must say that I had the great privilege of talking to both parties after the exchange of letters. Obasanjo is not ready to compromise President Jonathan’s success. He loves him beyond human understanding. I think the situation of the country created so much concern for Baba that he was left with no option than to say what he said: “If another four years is not feasible, then consolidate on your achievements and provide an enviable record of transition.” President Jonathan admitted, like many other Presidents, that there are lots of challenges and that those problems are the cumulative effect of state failure from independence. President Jonathan believes that, following due process, the problems of his government are conquerable. He is hopeful. The reality is that the issues arising from the said letter are matters that will be overtaken by events, for we all know that Obasanjo laboured so much to ensure the victory of President Jonathan in the last election, a position president Jonathan always appreciates. Interestingly both Presidents are looking towards the future. My only suggestion is for the President to refer Obasanjo’s letter to those people Obasanjo mentioned in his letter to Jonathan. One or two meetings will thereafter put the issue to rest. Both parties, in my opinion, must have the spirit of “LET GO AND LET GOD”. President Jonathan’s right to a second term is Constitutional. However, this constitutional right should only be exercised in the best interest of the nation. That is the hallmark of a great and patriotic leader. Nigeria’s national integrity never suffered a setback in the days of Obasanjo. He is not perfect and he accepts, now with a bit of regret, that he may have done some things differently. As a soldier, Obasanjo fought for Nigerian unity. As statesman, he protects the back race. As president, he clamoured for and advanced Nigeria’s Development. As a Christian, Obasanjo always asks for forgiveness from the Almighty God on a daily basis. If anything worries him now, it is the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Baba, as you retire from this page, it is my prayer that God grants your desire for the peace of Nigeria. Please pray for me as I continue from where you stopped in writing this column for the advancement of Nigeria and the glorification of the African race.

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