Sunday, June 30, 2013

Big Read News

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Asian factories: Where Nigerians are dehumanised

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FIFA Confederations Cup final

Brazil set to halt Spain’s unbeaten run

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www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 3 No. 29

Sunday, June 30, 2013

N150

PDP Special Convention

Tukur, Gana clash over subcommittees How President’s intervention averted major showdown

PDP chair vows to dissolve committee

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Violence, irregularities mar Imo re-run

END OF CONFLICT?

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Four lorry load of militants arrested Police DSP injured in violence

3 corps members abducted in Rivers

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Rivers State Governor, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (right) receiving President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The President was on his way to Abuja from Bayelsa yesterday.

Jonathan, Amaechi in public show of affection P. 7

15News killed as Boko Haram invades Borno communities P.8

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What’s new Politics

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Seven Days TALKING POINT OF THE PAST WEEK JUNE 30, 2013

Mrs. Feyisetan George was the First Lady in the old Ondo State,when her husband, then Navy Captain Olabode George, was the military governor of the state between 1987 and 1990. Reputed as enigmatic and brilliant, Feyi, as she is fondly called, is an attorney with specialty in Oil and Gas Law. She speaks about life with her estrange husband and national issues

Passion

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Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has declared that Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, was the duly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF. Also, 16 of the 19 governors who supported Amaechi during the NGF election, honoured his invitation for a meeting. This

was contrary to speculations that they would boycott the meeting.

He made his first public comment on the leadership crisis rocking the NGF at the turbaning of his deputy, Ahmed Ibeto, by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar. Aliyu said that none of the northern governors betrayed anyone, adding that there was a meeting of the NSGF before the election.

Tambuwal’s bombshell: PDP leaders’re autocrats Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has decried what he considers the growing autocratic tendencies by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Tambuwal also condemned their aversion to positive inter-party rela-

tions. In a speech delivered at the resumed sitting of the House after a two-week recess, Tambuwal said that PDP was bringing up divisive tendencies and causing disunity among politicians and Nigerians by wi tch hunting its members who are friendly with members of opposing parties.

APC names Masari, el-Rufai national officers Former Speaker of the sari was chosen to serve as Yes, I’m still legally married, but anything can happen –Alex Okoroji Alex Okoroji is the first daughter of Tony Okoroji, the president, Copyright Society of Nigeria. A Biochemist by profession, the mother of one has featured in so many movies and soaps. She shares her marriage and motherhood experience in this interview.

House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Masari, and the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai, have been nominated by the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, to serve as members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the yet-to-be registered All Progressives Congress, APC. In the list of nominees adopted by CPC, while Ma-

the Deputy National Chairman (North), el-Rufai will serve as the Deputy National Secretary. Other officers nominated for APC interim leadership include the National Woman Leader, Mrs. Sharon Chiazor; National Youth Leader, Mr. A. Lado, National Vice Chairman (North Central), General Aboki (rtd); National Deputy Auditor, Captain Bala Jibril and an ex-officio member, Hon. Musa.

Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, has said that Nigerians in the Diaspora remitted a total of $21.89 billion in 2012, representing an increase of about $1.28 billion over the total remittances for the preceding year.

He said the increase was predicated on robust economic activities in the country and the increasing confidence of the people in the Nigerian economy. This revelation was even as he said that non-oil sec-

tor growth also showed similar improvement with the subsector’s exports growing over the 2011 level by about 29.57 per cent.

Making this disclosure at the Ministerial Platform in Abuja, Usman said Nigerians abroad were showing more interest in the Nigerian economy because of the confidence they have in the economic transformation agenda of the present administration and its positive impact on key sectors of the economy.

Evaezi Ogoro MUSICIAN /ACTRESS

MON

Corruption is endemic and it’s not Jonathan that’ll do the magic – Feyisetan Bode George

Nigerians in Diaspora remitted $22bn in 2012 –Minister

Being a musician and an actress, my schedule is somewhat flexible to accommodate which side has more goings on at the moment. Having said this, I will like to say that I start my Mondays with prayers. Then, I head off to the gym. When I come back, I take a shower, dress and I’m off to see some movie producers I have appointments with. When I’m done with that, I now face my rehearsals, which can keep me busy till the evening.

TUE

Amaechi remains NGF chairman, says Aliyu

sented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Mike Onolememen, noted that while the government was studying the proposal of restricting or banning importation of generators, his administration was working to ensure that current electricity problem facing the country was addressed.

My Tuesday is somehow similar with my Monday. I start the day with prayers and exercises. Then, I’m off to hold a meeting with the production crew after which I pick some new scripts and go through them.

WED

Also, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the proposal was anathema to the spirit of agreements between the two countries aimed at boosting trade and investment.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala said richer Nigerians would be able to factor in the cost of the bond, while the measures would hit tourists and other Nigerians who would simply go elsewhere.

“Britain loses but would not gain,” she said.

The Federal Government may soon place restrictions on the importation of generators into the country. This was disclosed by President Goodluck Jonathan at the 5th Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies, AES, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

Jonathan, who was repre-

It is the same with Mondays and Tuesdays except that Wednesdays are my shooting days, especially short films.

THU

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Following growing opposition to the proposal by the British government to compel visitors to deposit £3,000 visa bond, report indicates that British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has halted the implementation of the proposal.

The decision, it was learnt, was taken after news of the policy provoked uproar in Delhi, and threatened British government’s effort to boost trade links with India, a report from Financial Times revealed.

FG may ban importation of generators

This fourth working day of the week is what I call my cinemawatching day. I get my mind set for the weekend by going to the cinemas to watch good movies. After that, I hang out with friends, especially at open Mic Night

FRI

Interview

UK halts £3,000 visa bond

As a musician, I do intensive rehearsals with my band on Fridays. Later, I try to schedule a meeting with the production crew for new projects.

SAT

One week after the Peoples Democratic Party announced its plans to conduct a zonal congress in South West and Special Convention, the party on Thursday reversed itself by postponing the exercises indefinitely, citing conflict with Muslim Ramadan fast.

As uproar mounts in Nigeria, India:

If I don’t have any event to attend, I try to keep myself busy with movies. I watch a lot of movies, including the ones I featured in. After this, I would make appearance at women’s empowerment programme. I do this often to empower women.

SUN

PDP Special Convention: Beyond the Ramadan excuse

I rest after attending the Sunday service which of course is a must do. If I have important events to attend, I go but I must be invited. That is compulsory else I won’t show up. *Compiled by Adaeze Amos (0802 301 2293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION June 30, 2013

Asian factories: Where Nigerians are dehumanised Casual workers protesting inhuman treatment from Asian companies (Inset: NLC President, Abdulwaheed-Omar).

Nigerian workers, particularly the casuals, across companies owned by Asians have somewhat become endangered species. Apart from being prone to accidents, which range from minor to fatal, many have died without being reported. Other victims, who have suffered major injuries like loss of their limbs are often dismissed after receiving tokens that the companies give out on “compassionate” ground. Head, Special Investigations, Isioma Madike and correspondent, Chris Njoku, who peeped into some of these companies, report the “hell” these Nigerians go through in these factories on a daily basis

C

asualisation has somewhat become synonymous with factories owned by expatriates, especially the Asians. Nigerian workers across these factories have become endangered with accidents being their lot on daily basis. These range from minor to fatal. While some have lost their lives in the line of duty, others have lost vital organs, thereby rendering them permanently

incapacitated. Though, the frequency of fatal industrial accidents is very alarming, more worrisome is the underhand tactics some of these companies engage in when they need to compensate the injured workers or families. In most cases, such abuses are concealed while in some others, management of these companies arrogantly pay out paltry sums to the families of victims in

CASUALISATION, A PERMANENT FEATURE OF EMPLOYMENT IN ASIAN-OWNED COMPANIES

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both deaths and permanent disabilities.

Take the case of 42-year-old man, Eugene Nwachinemerem Enwerem, who hailed from Umuduru Nnerim Amadugba in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State. He had led his colleagues to protest the inhuman treatment meted to them by Rhas Construction Company. He did not come out alive. He was alleged to have been murdered in a mysterious and gruesome manner. He left behind his wife, Theresa and her threeyear-old son, Divine Osinachi. Enwerem, who was resident in northern Nigeria with his family for several years, returned to Owerri, his home town due to the recent insecurity occasioned by the activities of the Boko Haram sect in that part of the country. He was said to be doing well in his business but had to relocate to the East when he felt his life and that of his family were no longer secured in the North. At Owerri, capital of Imo State, Enwerem secured a job as a casual worker with Rhas Construction Company Nigeria Limited (a division of Rhas Nigeria Limited) owned by the Lebanese CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

WE ARE ADDRESSING CASUALISATION, ABUSE OF WORKERS’ RIGHT -WOGU

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The Big Read

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Casualisation, a permanent feature of employment’

Enwerem

Rhas Construction Company Headquarters along Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, Imo State.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 with its office at Teachers House, Plot 9, Port- Harcourt Road, Owerri. The parent company is said to be a big player in the hospitality business.

According to Mrs. Enwerem, her husband had on several occasions returned home to express his frustration and discontent over unfair work conditions in the company. “He often talked about the exploitation of the company’s casual workers by the management in relation to salaries, wages, poor conditions of employment, and negligent attitude like lack of safety at work,” she said. More worrisome to Late Enwerem, the wife stated, was the random deductions without authorisation by management of the company.

However, his journey to the great beyond started, according to the widow, on Friday, May 24, after six months with the company. “As a result of these dissatisfying factors of the casual workers of the company as enumerated earlier, a one-day warning strike of the casual workers was embarked upon on May 24, 2013 with the intention to engage the attention and rapid response of the Managing Director of the Company, who eventually summoned a meeting of the casual workers to address their agitations. At the meeting, the MD, one Mr. Rhyee, who on many occasions before then, described my husband as a responsible and committed worker devoted to his duties, personally and privately sought his audience as the leader of the casual workers.

“We were told that my husband implicated some management staff of the company that exploited the casual workers and short-changed them at the meeting. The MD, who was said to have been embarrassed by the shocking revelations of exploitations by the workers, promised to redress the situation. He assured, among other things, enhance salaries, wages and other fringe benefits. He, thereafter, made a monetary gift to my husband to motivate him and persuade the workers to call-off the strike and resume work immediately,” the widow recalled amid tears.

Incidentally, that was to be the last of such meetings for Enwerem. Little did he know that death was lurking around the corner; the startling revelation made to the company’s MD of the fraudulent activities of some staff aggravated their anger as they allegedly conspired among themselves to lure him to work that night. “The repeated phone calls from one of the staff suggested that,” Mrs. Enwerem insisted. On duty with Enwerem that night, investigations revealed, were two other staff (names withheld) and a pay-loader operator. Also on duty providing security were two Mobile Policemen. Incidentally, the presence of Enwerem’s co-workers and the policemen on duty on that day is yet to lead to any clue on what actually transpired that night that led to Enwerem’s death.

Imo State PPRO, Joy Elemoko

Enwerem, according to his wife, was gruesomely murdered and dumped inside a very high Asphalt Mixer bucket, which he could not have ordinarily entered without a ladder due to its height except being thrown in by some persons. Another puzzle to his death was that “his personal belongings, which included his shirt, under pant, telephone and wallet were removed from him. There were no wounds, bruises or lacerations sustained to show the impact of the Asphalt Mixer on his body to buttress the claim of the company that his death resulted from an industrial accident.

“That’s not all; the two Mobile Policemen on duty at the Asphalt Plant/Yard on the night of the incident were also said to have hurriedly deposited my husband’s corpse of at the General Hospital Mortuary, Umuguma without notifying his immediate family and particularly, his relation, Zaccheus Ekezie, who works in the same company. As if that was not enough, the so-called company Medical Doctor, about a week after his death, said that he died as a result of epileptic feat suffered at the workplace without conducting a proper medical examination on the cause of my husband’s death, I lived with him for 13 years without any reported incident or medical history of him suffering epilepsy during his life time. It is just arrant nonsense,” she fumed.

However, the company has so far made an offer of monetary compensation of N750, 000 and promised the provision of a casket for the burial of Enwerem, which the widow rejected, demanding, instead, for justice in the matter. She is said to have contacted the Law Office of DC Denwigwe (SAN) & Associates of Plot 34 Works Road, Owerri, Imo State, where she equally narrated her story. Although, attempts to get the law firm to comment on the issue were not successful, Sunday Mirror however, is in possession of a report from the law firm taken from Mrs Enwerem, which corroborated what she told our reporters.

Ekezie, who is Enwerem’s in-laws, helped the deceased to secure the job. He told Sunday Mirror that he could not imagined that Enwerem died in the feeder basin where many workers used to enter and come without any problem. “Although, the basin is deep, it is not something anybody will go in without coming out; in fact, I still cannot fathom how the young man could enter there and die when many people had entered and came out alive,” he said.

Ekezie, who also works in the company at the old plant less than few kilometres away from the new site, said that nobody informed him of the man’s death, even though the workers know that he has a relationship with him. “Nobody informed me that the man had an accident or was dead; they did not call me. I was the one that brought him to the company and many workers there know that the man is close to me,” he said.

Mrs. Enwerem and child, Osinachi.

Lakemfa

When the Personnel Manager was contacted, he merely said, “it was unfortunate that the young man died. He was hard working, but the way the wife was going about it alleging that somebody killed her husband, is complicating the whole matter. Now, she has met a brick wall; she thought that she could pull down the wall. Let her go to court,” Amanze bragged.

When he was asked if the woman’s reaction about her husband’s death was wrong, he said, “she was alleging that some people killed her husband and we have police report to show that nobody killed him. He was a labourer; so, who would want to kill him and for what?” he asked. He, however, refused to answer further question, adding that the autopsy report shows that nobody killed him. But, when he was reminded that the family was not informed about the man’s death, he resorted: “They are liars; they brought their own doctor for the autopsy. The issue is, nobody killed him.

Jack, the Plant Manager was more daring. He told Sunday Mirror on phone “to go to hell and publish whatever rubbish.

I will tell you that we are more powerful in Nigeria than you.

If you like, report to anybody; nothing will come out of it. In fact, I don’t know what you people are talking about. I am just a staff like any other person in this company.”

In spite of this, Jack has been accused by the family of knowing more than he is telling about the incident. It was gathered that the deceased had problems with Jack, who, the workers constantly accused of pocketing their allowances.

According to the family source, Jack was reprimanded by the MD of the company after his meeting with Enwerem. “Their relationship went sour shortly after that incident,” Enwerem’s wife alleged. She also accused the management of Rhas of falsifying the autopsy report with the assistance of the pathologist at the General Hospital, Umuguma. But, an impeachable source at the hospital refuted the company’s claim, saying instead that Enwerem may have died of suffocation.

The police at the Homicide Department of Imo State Command are baffled at the story of Enwerem falling into the feeder basin. One of the homicide detectives, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said “that night they were supposed to be two on duty, but the second person was said to be sick and did not report to work. Nobody knows how he fell into the basin. We were told that one of the operators saw his legs in the basin when they were about to switch on the machine.

But, there are complications; the matter was not reported to the family immediately; instead, somebody directed that the corpse be deposited at the mortuary. It was clear that the matter was not reported before they carried the corpse to the mortuary. In any case, we are still investigating the matter.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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The Big Read

Sunday, June 30, 2013

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We are addressing casualisation, abuse of workers’ rights –Wogu Emeka Wogu is Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Productivity. He tells Olufemi Adeosun in this interview that efforts are in place to address issues of unemployment, casualisation, abuses in workplace and other contending matters in the labour sector.

Over time, the issue of casualisation and de-humanising condition in private firms in Nigeria, particularly in Asians and Lebanese-owned companies is appalling. As the Minister of Labour, how are you ensuring that the interests of Nigerian workers are protected?

Let me begin from the last question. Our ministry can boost of having a very virile department that involved in inspectionwork place inspection, factory inspection and general inspection to ensure that Nigerian workers work in healthy and environmentally conducive environment. And to do so, we are empowered by law, but the Act, which is called Factory Act, is old and we are trying to review them so that they can meet the contemporary work place demands. The intention of that Factory Act is to allow the Ministry of Labour to carry out random routine checks to make sure that the environment under which workers work is conducive and healthy. Currently, we have a new Act called, the Employee Compensation Act and for us to continue to discharge our duties we must make sure that instead of continuous payment of compensation for work place injuries and accidents, what is done is to increase the rate of inspection to ensure compliance with work place to conform to international best practices. But again, we have others bills pending before the National Assembly, which will strengthen the Employee Compensation Act. However, you would recall that there has been a reduction in the number of factory accidents in the last few years unlike before when factory explosion was rife. But practices, whether good or bad, are not restricted to foreign companies; some Nigerian companies have been found wanting in some areas at work place. While people keep talking about many foreign companies owned by Indians and Lebanese acting in breach of the law of the country, nobody has come out to report to the Minister of Labour and Productivity that company A or company B located in such area is committing a breach. Once we have that information, I assure you that our field officers would be directed to act on it. Last year, we had about 2000 inspections and it was in my report. Also this year, a number of

Wogu

inspections are ongoing.

What about the casualisation issue?

Yes, on casualisation, when I took over as Minister of Labour, I promised to look at this issue of casualisation and to begin, we started with the oil and gas sector of the economy where there were lots of accusations of prevalence of casualisation practices. I put in place a technical working group that has members of international oil companies, the ministry of Petroleum Resources and its subsidiaries. We came together and we were able to come up with guidelines applicable in the oil and gas sector and we intend to replicate it in banking, telecommunications and other sectors. We are aware that there are a lot of casualisation practices going on in the private sector; we frown at it and we are looking at it. Casualisation is a form of under-employment and we have established that it is not only unemployment we have in this country, we also have issues of people being unduly used by their employers. These are the totality of the issues the present government is poised to tackle. We

are looking at the ratio of casualisation as well as ratio of unemployment.

Would you agree with insinuations that casualisation in the Nigerian workplace is rising because of the endemic unemployment situation in the country?

When you look at this issue, it could be vice-visa. It could be that people are getting desperate for job and they go for jobs that they ordinarily ought not to take. On the other hand, it could also be that businesses are catching on the common parlance of always wanting to cut cost. However, what is important is that we must tackle the monster. Actually, the practice in the past and what still obtains currently is that once you are engaged as a worker there is a time frame within which you are expected to be converted. And that is the position of the court on it, that you must not allow a worker to remain a casual beyond six months. We are looking at companies in breach of the procedural provision within the ambience of labour law.

Is there any aspect of the labour laws that stipulates punishment for any company

that infringes of the rights of the Nigerian workers?

There are whole lots of extant laws in the labour sector, but in every law there must be compliant and it is when there is no compliant that you sanctions. For instance, in the factory law I spoke about there are fines for non compliant. If your right as a worker is infringed upon, all you need do is to channel your grievance to the ministry of Labour and Productivity. The only issue with the law is that it is outdated and cannot meet the current challenges of time.

To what extent would you say the Federal Government Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) has help in reducing the unemployment situation in the country?

There are a lot of benefits attached to SURE-P. To begin with, SURE-P is a programme put in place by President Goodluck Jonathan. It is a programme that followed the January 2011 protest whereby the President promised that the revenue that would accrue to the Federal Government as a tier government from the partial removal of fuel subsidy will be applied to alleviate the suffering of the people in other key areas. The SURE-P has many components, which include Public Work, Vocational Skill, Youth and Women Empowerment, Graduate Internship scheme, Maternal Child Health, Community Service. All of them are creating jobs. For instance, the community service scheme, in each of the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is about 3,000. In the next stage of the programme, it is expected that 2,000 people will also be recruited in each of the states. You can now see the number of jobs that is being generated through the Federal Government intervention programme.

Has these figures reflected on the reality on ground?

If you go all around, there is unemployment everywhere; it is a global problem. As far as economic activities are concern, you cannot have a 100 per cent employment. It is not possible. Even in the developed economies like US, China and Europe, there is the preponderance of unemployment.

However, in the Nigerian case, the important thing is that government has set in motions various programmes that would stimulate the economy with a view to creating more jobs.

...‘It undermines human rights and International Labour Law’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 We want to ascertain the status of the company at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

It was gathered during our investigation that the company has no safety outfit in place to prevent industrial hazards. Though, most workers have boots and hand gloves. Also, the stands where workers mount to fill sand and stones into the basins are so high that any slip could lead to death. In fact, it was after the incident that the management decided to mend some of the basements,” the police said.

Executive Director, Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike, however, said his organisation is hugely shocked by this “barbaric, inhuman and lawless treatment by the company. He, therefore,

Casual workers waiting to for job opportunities at the gate of a company in Lagos.

condemned the act, saying, “we are also worried by the fact that Nigerians are recruited by both indigenous and foreign employers

of labour as casual staff, an act that gravely undermines human rights and International Labour Law. We totally reject the theory of

epilepsy being touted by the company’s Medical Doctor as the cause of Enwerem’s death.

His wife, Mrs. Theresa Enwerem clearly told CLO that her deceased husband had no history of epilepsy and had never suffered it since their 13 years of marriage. More worrisome, is the fact that the Enwerem family was not contacted before an unprofessional autopsy was administered on him; another clear case of human rights infraction, which leads to the fact that there is something the company is hiding.”

“Also, CLO is calling on both the Nigeria Labour movements in the country - the NLC and TUC, and the Federal Government to rise up to the challenges and ensure that employers of labour found guilty of casualisation of CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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The Big Read

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Government factory inspectors have not been effective’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 workers are brought to book in accordance with the provisions of the law. Lastly, we demand thorough investigation of the doubtful circumstances that led to the death of Mr. Enwerem with a view to punishing those liable for this dastardly act,” Ezike said.

Incidentally, the practice of casualisation has become a perennial practice by various employers of labour in factory environments, especially among investors of Asians and Lebanese. Though, government factory inspectors are supposed to checkmate this trend, their inspections have not been effective. As such, the practice has become a permanent feature of the nation’s work places, in spite of the sustained and determined campaign by labour unions over the years. Nowadays, the safety issue and health at workplace, which once occupied a major place in the programme and plan of employers, is treated with levity. Some of the victims, who have suffered major injuries like loss of limbs, are often dismissed after receiving tokens that the companies give out on “compassionate” ground. This, perhaps, is due to the fact that the Workman Compensation Act that is supposed to address issues of industrial accidents in the country, is as good as nothing.

The rampant “union-busting”, arbitrary pay cuts, unwritten job contracts, and none payment on maternity are the conditions at these Asian-owned companies. The dehumanising treatment meted to workers in Nigeria has been likened by some Nigerians to the condition of work in pre-industrial revolution Britain. At present, workers’ health, safety and dignity are flagrantly being violated despite the relevant factories’ acts and laws of the land. While all bosses exploit workers, the Asian and Lebanese bosses are generally seen to be the worst.

Olukayode Oyetade, who resides in Alapere, Ketu, had a taste of this Asian pill a few years back. He worked at Therapeutic laboratory (Nig) LTD; an Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing company situated on Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos. The company is walled with a fence that makes it impossible for an outsider to peep into it; it has no identifiable signboard. Inside the large compound are two gigantic buildings; a storey edifice housing both the giant store and the executive offices of the Indians and a few lucky Nigerians. The other is the factory where “lesser” humans are “roasting” on a daily basis. The company manufactures wide range of products, including Thiocal 12, a blood tonic, Kidi kufdryl cough linctus for infants and children, Kufdryl expectant and Mucolytic. Others are anesthetic polycaine suspension, Antacid, Malagon, Pilicon for pile, Lumether forte for adults, Lumether junior, Theraflox caplets, an antibiotic for typhoid and cypri gold syrup.

Oyetade was first employed in the company as the production supervisor in 2003, but was sacked in 2004 without reasons or compensation of any kind. He was, however, lucky to have been recalled in January 2007, through one of the security men of the company, who saw him and told him that his former plant manager, Haruna Veragiri, also an Indian, had been looking for him. When he contacted the Indian, he was told to return to work because “we realised that you are hard working and wrongly sacked.” His salary was increased from N11, 500 to N15, 000 while the casual workers (mainly girls) who form about 90 per cent of the workforce, receive a paltry N350 per day.

The romance, however, was not to last as Oyetade was again sacked in 2010, this time for fighting some of the perceived injustices to the casual workers under him. He also alleged that the plot to sack him was to prevent him from any entitlement. Workers that stay up to five to 10 years usually are paid certain amount of money at retirement. But, they always find a way of circumventing this. According to him, “when I rejoined the company, I discovered that the casual workers were still being paid N350 per day, which accumulates for two weeks before payment is made. The girls are the ones responsible for packing the drugs. And because I was directly supervising them, I knew what they go through and many of them were not happy but were managing and grumbling because they had no option.”

Yet, his case was a mild one. Another sacked staff, James, was the company’s marketing manager. His fate came because he bought a car. To the Indians, the man must have stolen money from the company to buy that because they do not believe what they pay the Nigerian staff, irrespective of nomenclature, would be enough to get one a decent living. He was just three months away from 10 years in that company when his sack letter was delivered to him. Like James, another lady, who worked for about eight years plus got almost the same treatment. She has had two children before her sack. When she was pregnant with her third child, the company hurriedly brought out a policy, which prohibits anyone from getting pregnant. The policy became: “Get pregnant and be sacked”. That was how the lady lost her job.

An attempt to speak with the management of Therapeutic laboratory (Nig) LTD was not successful. The man, who received this reporter, Solu Lavani, said the MD was not in Nigeria but promised to call back when he returns to the country. Though, he said his calling back does not automatically mean acceptance to speak with the reporter. However, Sunday Mirror discovered that the MD was in the premises and had received a NAFDAC official minutes before this reporter got to the company. It was also discovered that Solu is the first son of the MD, who doubles as an executive director in the company.

Several other Nigerians also have tales of inhuman treatment from their Asian employers. But, they have had to endure due to lack of employment in the country. Some have had to survive by accepting casual employment, even though they are more qualified than their Asian counterparts. A few years back, some 200 workers in a factory at Ikorodu, on night duty were roasted alive because they were locked inside the factory when fire broke out and there was no exit for them to escape. The factory, West African Rubber Products Company Ltd (WARP) is owned by Lee Group of Companies.

The Chinese employers had locked the doors of the workplace and gone home with the keys as a labour control measure. A massive fire swept through the rubber slippers/ aluminium spoon/bottled water factory in the early hours of Monday, September 16, 2002, at Odogunyan in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. It was a long existing practice aimed at preventing the workers from pilfering on their employers’ products and raw materials. The incident was described as the worst tragedy in the state after the January 27, 2002 bomb explosions at the Ikeja Cantonment that left over 1,000 people dead and several thousands

Ezike

Oyetade

Therapeutic Laboratory (Nig), Maryland, Lagos.

homeless. Today, the company operates as if nothing of such ever happened.

CWAY Food & Beverages Company and CWAY Nigerian Drinking Water are other companies owned by the Chinese. The Chairman is Quest Chee Chao and the company is located at Debour Industry, Oshodi, Lagos with its factory at Kehinzeen Plaza, Ejigbo, Lagos State. By February 2007, CWAY had a 250-strong workforce including 10 managerial staff (two Nigerian and eight Chinese).

However, none of the Nigerian workers has an employment letter or contract. As such, none can claim to be part of the company staff. The monthly minimum wage for the factory workers is N7, 000. The Nigerian Managerial Staff earn N50,000 monthly, which was later reduced to N35,000 while their Chinese counterparts take home $700 monthly not including other allowances like N15,000 per week. While Nigerian managerial staff is paid in the local currency, naira, his/her Chinese counterpart is paid in dollars.

In CWAY, workers’ salaries are deducted when they go on maternity leave. For instance, a certain quality control manager was not paid at all during maternity leave and when she resumed work, her monthly salary was reduced.

These actions run contrary to provisions of the factories Act 1987; cap 126 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1990. Under that Act, the Director of factories at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity is responsible for periodic inspection of various

factories/industrial establishments to ensure compliance with the various health and safety provisions of the Factories Act by factory owners across the nation.

Similarly, Section 7(1) of the Labour Act of 1974, Cap 198 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1990, is to the effect that not later than three months after the beginning of a worker’s period of employment with an employer, the employer is required by law to give a written statement of employment to the worker stipulating the various conditions of employment. This, therefore, limits the period of casualisation, which has become prevalent in labour circles, to three months, if any. Incidentally, the factory inspectors, if and when they do visit the factories, usually look the other way while employers of labour violate and flout the various safety and health regulations with impunity.

Comrade Owei Lakemfa, acting Secretary General of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) said that the issue of casualisation policy in Nigeria work environment is a measure of the premium the government placed on her citizens. “Well, the issue of casualisation is everywhere in Nigeria. Even the Federal Government has it in most of its establishments; many of them are graduates casuals or what they call contract workers.

So, it is not limited to Asians in Nigeria. Perhaps, they are taking a cue from their Nigerian counterparts. The labour laws are there; they have always been there. But, are Nigerians willing to obey laws?” he asked.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEWS

Sunday June 30, 2013

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PDP Special Convention: Tukur, Gana in showdown over sub-committee • How Jonathan’s intervention averted major clash •PDP chair vows to dissolve committee

OBIORA IFOH, ABUJA

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nother round of crisis was averted in the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party at the weekend as President Goodluck Jonathan waded into an imminent clash between the party Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the Chairman of the Special Convention Committee, Professor Jerry Gana.

Sunday Mirror gathered that there was palpable disorder last Thursday after Prof. Gana ‘usurped’ the duties of the National Chairman by personally inaugurating the convention committee without carrying Tukur along.

Prof. Gana also created subcommittees and personally allocated membership to the committees without recourse to the National Working Committee in spite of the fact that the NWC was meant to play a supervisory role.

“While the meeting was going on, words got to Tukur who was then at the Presidency about the development and hell was let loose,” said the source.

Sunday Mirror gathered that while the meeting was in progress at the Legacy House (the campaign headquarters of the ruling party in Abuja) unknown to Prof. Gana, a directive was issued from the Presidency that the date earlier fixed be moved forward in honour of Muslims who are expected to have begun the Ramadan.

The source said that Prof. Gana was inundated with calls from all quarters, including the Presidency over the slight on the National Chairman, after the meeting.

Efforts by Sunday Mir-

ror to reach Gana failed. He also failed to exit the Legacy House venue of the deliberation long after other members of the committee had left.

“President Jonathan moved quickly to intervene on the matter by pacifying the National Chairman. He assured the chairman that Gana’s oversight would be looked into and would be addressed,” said the source.

Tukur, according to the source, had sworn that the subcommittees as they are presently constituted, will not stand and would be rejigged to achieve a balance.

Meanwhile, Sunday Mirror learnt that the subcommittees created include protocol, accreditation, publicity, entertainment, transport, among

others.

It would be recalled that last Thursday at the Legacy House, over 80 eminent leaders and stakeholders of the party converged for about two hours to discuss the task earlier assigned to them, which was to plan for the special convention of the party scheduled for July 20.

The committee was taken aback as it was informed that the special convention would no longer hold as scheduled, citing the clash with the Islamic fasting period.

After the meeting at the Legacy House, neither Prof Gana nor any other member of the committee volunteered to speak to the media.

Other members of the committee include Akwa

Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, who is the deputy chairman while Senator Ike Ekweremmadu was expected to serve as the Secretary. All the 36 states nominated two members each to the committee. There are also 27 other members including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and governors of Delta, Abia, Katsina, Bauchi and Benue states.

Our correspondent reports that at about 11a.m. on that day, as Dr. Tukur was getting ready to address a conference, he was summoned to the Presidency and a few hours later, the new directive was issued.

It is believed that the convention would now hold in August.

A NEC member of the party from the South-East confided in Sunday Mirror that the shift in date for the special convention may not solely be owing to the Muslim fasting issue as presented, rather it may be as a result of the decision of President Jonathan’s conviction that there was need to do a proper scrutiny of those who would be members of the NWC. His words: “Yes, even though the date clashed with the Muslim Islamic injunction, I was at the meeting where this decision was taken and some of these people who are now objecting to the date were all there. How come they didn’t raise the issue at the meeting? I think the President accepted to move the date as it will offer him enough time to pick the right candidates to fill these offices, so that the party will not be consumed by some fifth columnists within.”

Jonathan, Amaechi in public show of affection Three corps members kidnapped in Rivers

SAM OLUWALANA

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n what appeared as a rapprochement, President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital shook hands and embraced each other.

This came few days after bodyguards of the President reportedly prevented Amaechi from moving close to the former at a presidential dinner, in Abuja.

As the President and the Governor greeted each other and exchanged banters, the Minister of State for Education, Nyeson Nwike, considered a political rival to Governor Amaechi, stood watching.

The seeming drama took place at the Port Harcourt International Airport. Jonathan was on his way to Abuja from Bayelsa State where he commissioned a hospital and visited the federal university at his Otueke village.

Before now, all has not been cordial between Jonathan and Amaechi. The rift between the President and the governor reached a head when Amaechi, despite opposition from some governors loyal to the Presidency won the Nigeria Governors, Forum election as chairman for another term.

SAM OLUWALANA

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Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. David Paradang (left), in a handshake with Plateau State Governor, PHOTO: NAN Jonah Jang, during his visit to the governor in Jos on Friday.

Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, who contested the election with him and who was believed to have been backed by the Presidency, kicked after the election, saying he, and not Amaechi, actually won.

Sources said the advancing rapprochement might be a fallout of some peace moves at a meeting of the National Economic Council, NEC, involving all the governors in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Vice-President Namadi Sambo.

Also, frantic moves being made by the PDP leadership to resolve the festering crisis have been yielding some result, it was gathered.

President Jonathan had arrived Port Harcourt International airport in a Presidential helicopter at about midday en route to Abuja from Bayelsa.

Though he exchanged pleasantries with Amaechi and members of the Rivers State Executive Council, he walked past the factional PDP opposition group members in the state, which

Wike is believed to be heading.

When Jonathan alighted from the chopper, after shaking hands with Amaechi, the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Chris Oboh, and a couple of others, he ignored the row of Wike’s loyalists who stood close to the helicopter.

When told who they (Wike’s loyalists) were, the President still ignored them but moved to the line where Amaechi’s cabinet members were standing, waiting to receive him.

nknown gunmen have kidnapped three corps members at the ‘Corpers Lodge’ in Ogonokom Community Secondary school, Abua/Odua Local Government area of Rivers State.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Angela Agabe, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident, yesterday.

According to an eye-witness report, two male and one female corps members were abducted by kidnappers, who were said to have stormed the Lodge at about 12 midnight, adding that they shot sporadically to scare the neighbourhood.

Officials said no contact had been established with relatives and colleagues of the kidnapped corps members for ransom.

Agabe said that the police were on top of the situation, stressing that efforts were on to locate the kidnapped persons and secure their release.

It will be recalled that cases of abduction of corps members had occurred no fewer than four times in the state in the last three years.

A source within the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) secretariat said corps members at Ogonokom community had been relocated temporarily to a nearby community for safety.

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News

Sunday, June 30, 2013

15 killed as Boko Haram invades Borno communities INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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unmen suspected to be Boko Haram members yesterday attacked seme hill dwellers in Gwoza local council of Borno State killing 15 people, torching several houses and carting away food items and livestock.

Our correspondent gathered that the hoodlums who operated with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol-bombs carted their loot into caves of hills for storage and usage.

A community leader of Kunde who craved anonymity, said 15 people were killed by the armed terrorists who overran six other communities of Gathahure, Hwa’a, Tihezeh, Hrazah, Hembe and Gjigga on the Mandara Hills that stretched 16 kilometres east of Gwoza, the council headquarters.

It would be recalled that Boko Haram sect in Sambisa Game Reserve Camps dislodged by military troops have relocated to Mandara Mountains and other hills surrounding Gwoza and Cameroun Republic.

The community leader said residents of his community, Kunde, and six others fled to Gwoza town, Barawa, Agaplawa, Kurana Bassa, Kwatara, Limankara and Ngoshe Ndahang, a hill dwellers community on Mandara Hills also.

The six other communities ransacked by terrorists, he said, include border towns of the Republic of Cameroun, where some of the residents had fled with their wives and children clad on their backs and shoulders, towards east of the attacked hill communities of Borno State.

Confirming the incident yesterday in Maiduguri, a top Military source of the Special Operations Forces (MISOF) at Barawa, a border village and foot hills settlement said: “some of

the villages on Gwoza Hills cannot be accessed by our men, because of the difficult terrain.

“Our men can only be stationed at this village for our operations with fighter jets that could bombard the hills with cannons to destroy the training camps and hideouts of Boko Haram sect members.”

He said the local reports they had been getting from the fleeing residents, indicated that many houses and property, including livestock and grains had been looted by the rampaging terrorists that employed IEDs and petrol-bombs in attacking the hill dwellers in Gwoza council area.

The source, also told our correspondent that all the routes and roads leading to the mountain tops and hill settlements, are closed, being patrolled and monitored to prevent suspects from fleeing the mountain tops of Mandara Hills, which are under the surveillance of soldiers for 24 hours.

On the casualties of hill dwellers attacks, he said one of the community leaders reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Gwoza that 15 people were

killed by the terrorists.

He said that the roads and foot paths leading to the hill settlements will remain closed, until the suspected terrorists are smoked out with “starvation.”

Due to the total closure of GSM network services in Borno State for the past one month, the JTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa and the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gideon Jubrin, could not be reached for confirmation.

Also in Potiskum Yobe State, suspected Boko Haram sect members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night, a military source has revealed.

The source confirmed the incident to Premium Times in Damaturu on Friday.

The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.

“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was

killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said.

“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhood of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gunship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.

The source also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two others seriously injured two weeks ago during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu.

The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. They also attacked a military check-point.

The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed, a claim our source says is untrue.

Two die, 14 injured in Ogun auto crash ....as Amosun’s wife rescues accident victims 3-yr-old die, 14 others wounded in Ogun auto crash

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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three-year-old girl and an unidentified man yesterday died while 14 others were seriously wounded in a lone accident which occurred at Onipepeye village in Obafemi Owode local council of Ogun State.

The accident, which oc-

curred at about 6 p.m. involved an Ijebu Ode-bound 14-seater commercial Mazda bus with registration number (LAGOS) XW 274 EPE. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, who confirmed the accident also said the bus lost one of its

tyres due to over-speeding and somersaulted at the Onipepeiye Village.

Akinbiyi further stated that the vehicle took off from the popular Kuto Garage in Abeokuta with 14 passengers before the tragic accident.

He also explained that the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Olufunsho, was among the sympathis-

ers who rescued the other 14 victims, including the driver of the bus who all sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident.

TRACE PRO also said that the 14 persons that were injured had been taken to the State Hospital, Ijaye while the corpse of the two that died had also been deposited at the same hospital.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Building collapse caused by corrupt contractors’ YINK A A DEPARUSI

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mmediate past President of the Nigerian chapter of International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Mr. Tony Ezeaku, has attributed the spate of collapse of buildings in the country to those he described as corrupt contractors.

He said the trend would continue if such characters were not de-certificated in the building business.

Ezeaku spoke while addressing a press conference on the relevance of the professional body to development and management of infrastructure and property in Lagos, recently.

“Building collapse is a result of corrupted processes that are involved in building.

Most times you will see that the proper designs are made but at the construction stage, a lot of corner cuttings will happen. If a welltrained facility manager is in charge of a building he can actually warn of an impending danger,” he said.

Also at the conference, the IFMA, in a resolution affirmed the role of facility managers in the country as being tantamount to that of a whistle-blower as their functions involve raising the alarm whenever there is a sign of danger in order to protect the public interest.

Aminu Lamido docked

AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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minu, eldest son of Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, was in the dock for several hours during the continuation of hearing in the money laundering charge, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday.

The commission also tendered some of the exhibits recovered from the accused during his arrest, after which he was crossexamined over charges of money laundering before Justice Fatu Ramin of the Kano federal High Court EFCC also presented its officials who testified for the prosecution at Friday’s hearing. The case had accelerated hearing for three days beginning from Wednesday.

Justice Ramin adjourned the case after EFCC’s prosecutor had tendered $US 50, 000 and five Egypt air tickets as some of the exhibits.

During the presentation of the exhibits, the prosecutor had prayed the court to allow the EFFCC witness, Mr Ahmed Yahaya, to count the money in order to ensure that it was complete, after which the defence counsel examined the witness on all the items tendered as exhibits before the court.

Aminu Lamido had since been granted bail by the court. He was arrested

by EFCC operatives at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on December 11 last year when he attempted to transport $50,

000 out of the Country.

He declared $10,000 to the Nigerian Customs.

After considering the bail application, Justice Riman in his ruling averred that the opposed bail by the prosecuting counsel, S. H. Sa’ad, would not tamper with investigation because the accused was initially granted administrative bail by EFCC on December 13, 2012.

Despite enjoying the administrative bail conditions, Justice Riman acknowledged that the accused did not jump bail and had been reporting to the EFCC whenever he was requested to do so, which the EFCC did not oppose.

After establishing that the accused would not tamper with investigations, Justice Riman granted the bail application, arguing that what type of investigations would warrant the accused to gain access to such evidences, adding that the accused person only failed to appear in court on January 19, 2013, which was evidently established as due to ill-health.

He, however, granted him bail with conditions, which include the accused depositing N8 million, while the two sureties, which must be civil servants on Grade Level 14 will deposit N4 million each. They must be backed by evidence of tax clearance for the last three years, including an evidence of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction and to surrender their international passports.

Meanwhile, Justice Riman has adjourned for hearing to July 4, 2013.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday June 30, 2013

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Black Scorpions illness: Adebanjo, Agbaje, Fasoranti call for govt’s intervention AYO ESAN Some eminent Nigerians, among them the leader of the pan – Yoruba socio- political group, Afeniefere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Lagos lawyer, Barrister Fred Agbaje, have urged the Federal Government to come to the aid of one of the heroes of the Nigerian civil war, BrigadierGeneral Benjamin Adekunle, who has for the past five years been battling various ailments.

Adekunle, popularly known as ‘Black Scorpion’, was Commander of 3 Marine Commando of the federal troop during the Nigeria/ Biafra Civil War. He has been particularly suffering from memory lapses, according to his son, Abiodun Adekunle.

Fasoranti said the Federal Government should show interest in the welfare of General Adekunle, saying

his medical bills should be offset by government.

“The Federal Government should see to his welfare because he served the country well. He was prominent during the civil ear and I think the Government should pay his medical bill.

That would encourage other people to serve their country”, Fasoranti said.

Also speaking, another frontline Yoruba leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo said it would be unfortunate if the Federal Government failed to recognise the of caliber of General Adekunle.

“It will be unfortunate for the government not to recognize the need to take care of General Benjamin Adekunle. Government must come to his aid now and take over his medical treatment”, Adebanjo said.

Lagos Lawyer and Human Right Activist, Barrister Fred Agbaje also said Benjamin Adekunle must not die

•His condition is still critical –Son unsung, saying government must take care of his medical expenses immediately “It tells you how Nigeria treats her leaders. It shows how disrespectful we are. How will a man who has sacrificed his life for the unity of the country to remain sacrosanct, should be neglected and forgotten at a time he needs the country most? Agbaje asks.

Abiodun, in a chat with Sunday Mirror yesterday, said his father had been battling the illness for some years and was yet to get deserving attention.

“He is frail, mostly bedridden and suffers from memory lapses which are on and off,” he said, adding, ‘“Many people who are not close to the family have not heard of this because of the nature of the man (Black Scorpion); the family has been fiercely protective of his privacy, but

I feel things have come to a head and a strong action needs to be taken now to prolong his life.

“My father is currently receiving home treatment. In previous years, he went for some treatments in India. But rather, we are pleading with the necessary authorities such as the Nigerian Army for assistance, to fly him out to a facility, not in Germany, or Switzerland, but Ghana, where we have identified a facility where such conditions as he’s experiencing are treated and possibly reversed,” Abiodun solicited.

He said he had just returned from Army headquarters’ secretariat to deliver a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter for the Chief of Army Staff, saying that he was expectant.

He also urged the Federal Government to move in quickly to save the life of

80 suspected illegal aliens arrested in Bayelsa EMMA GBEMUDU

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L-R: Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Almakura; Chairman, Pace Setters Schools, Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon and Father of the Day, Chief Tony Anenih, during the school graduation ceremony in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

rested illegal aliens to certify their authentic countries before they would be deported.

An official of the Immigrations in Bayelsa State who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the arrested illegal aliens are mobile water vendors, mobile tailors, cobblers, private security men, drivers of

commercial tricycles, among other artisans.

In an interview, a resident and businessman, Mr. Dere Powei, blamed the ineffectiveness of the Immigration service to the large number of illegal aliens in the state.

Powei regretted that some of these aliens perpetrate acts of criminal activities

thereby posing as security risk in the state.

He said:”The Immigration service should wake up from the slumber. They should comb a nook and cranny of the state capital, Yenagoa and local communities in the local government areas to enable them identify more illegal aliens.”

into “wrong hands.”

Abiodun also lamented that his father has not been fairly treated considering all that he did for the country during the civil war, stressing that he ought to be honoured or immortalized.

“Look, during the American Civil war, there was a no holds barred soldiers’ soldier fighting for the Union side. He was a General, Sherman was his name. He is recorded as being one of President Abraham Lincoln’s most fearsome warriors. Do you know what he did when he got into the centre of confederate capital, Atlanta? He burned the whole city down to the ground. Slashed and burned, took no prisoners.

They considered him an American hero because of his tireless zeal and aggression, prosecuting the Unionist cause. The American government named its most fearsome tank after him,” he recounted.

JTF recovers vehicles, arms from Boko Haram –Spokesman

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YENAGOA.

ndications emerged at the weekend that officials of the Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service have arrested no fewer than 80 suspected illegal aliens at Kpansia, Yenagoa.

There are indications that the staff of the immigration service in the state may beam its searchlight on Aritalene street at Ovom and Yenezuegene axis of the state capital were many Hausa and Fulani natives reside to detect more illegal aliens .

Sunday Mirror was reliably informed that the suspects claimed to be natives of the Hausa and Fulani extraction in the country.

It was learnt the suspected illegal foreigners are believed to have hailed from Chad and Niger, neighbouring countries to Nigeria.

Authorities of the Immigrations in the state are said to be investigating the ar-

his father.” I have no choice but to be optimistic about favourable and timely response. I have to believe this current Federal Government though not perfect, in their wisdom understands the ramifications or even the perception of not going all out to do whatever is necessary to come to my father’s aid,” he said.

Abiodun thanked Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Chairman, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur; former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and General Alabi Isama, Adekunle’s former Chief of Staff, for the assistance so far rendered his ailing father.

Abiodun also thanked Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola who had been “sending some funds and inquiring about Black Scorpion’s wellbeing” but expressed regrets that “the funds” the governor had been sending were getting

he Joint Task Force (JTF) in Yobe said yesterday that it had smashed a Boko Haram group in Fune, recovering two vehicles, arms, ammunitions and other materials.

Lt. Lazarus Eli, JTF spokesman said this in Damaturu while displaying the items to newsmen.

He explained that the terrorists attacked a JTF checkpoint in Fune on Friday and took away a police vehicle conveying police items to Borno.

“The JTF pursued and engaged them in a gunfight and they were overpowered, thereby recovering the stolen vehicle as well as a similar one used by the group”.

“Other items recovered include one Ak47 rifle, three Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) bombs, three RPG chargers, one riot gun and 485 rounds of ammunition.”

Lazarus also said 42 police jackets, 44 police hel-

mets, six AK47 rifle magazines, 80 fragmentation blades and illicit drugs were recovered.

He said some of the suspects fled with gunshots and appealed to the public to report anyone found with gun wounds to security operatives.

Meanwhile, the people of the state have appealed to the federal authorities to lift the suspension of telephone services, to enable them to provide security operatives with useful and timely information.

Damaturu residents claimed that the attack on a college two weeks ago would have been averted, if there was telephone service.

“People noticed suspicious movements on that fateful day just about the commencement of the curfew, but one could not move out. ``Also, there was no telephone network for us to report to the security,” a source stated.

NIGERIA IN BRIEF tasks FG on low income houses NAFDAC DG bags US congressional award Institution ``Those selling foods and some of the social vices in the The Nigerian Institution of

The Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, has received the US Special Congressional Recognition for his global frontline role in the fight against drug counterfeiting.

The US Special Congressional Recognition award bestowal which took place at a colourful ceremony in the

Madison Hall of Prestigious Library of Congress, Capitol Hill, Washington DC, came as symbolic, coming after last year’s conferment of the National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on Dr. Orhii by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dr. Orhii’s recognition which was endorsed by Congress Member, Jalice Hahn was the initiative of National

Association for Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), headed by Dr. Shelton Hilary.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Orhii seized the moment to draw global attention to the growing menace of drug resistance strains caused by counterfeit medicines which currently has international market value of $200 billion annually, according to the World Custom Organization.

Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Learning Centre yesterday urged the Federal Government to find a solution to the funding of low income houses.

The Chairman of the centre, Mr. Williams Odudu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that finding a solution to the problem would go a long way to curb

society.

“The various tiers of government, especially the Federal Government should find a solution to how the housing industry should be funded to provide accommodation for the low income cadre in the society.

“Development of mass housing estates has a multiplier effects; it provides jobs for skilled and unskilled people.

other condiments will also benefit.

“When majority of the citizenry, especially youths are usefully engaged and have a means of livelihood, they will hardly have time to get involved in crimes and other social vices.”

He noted that the existing housing policies were not being effectively implemented.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Man in the News JUNE 30, 2013

Global anxiety over ailing Madiba K AYODE FASUA

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elson Mandela has become the latest victim of a celebrity death hoax, with Twitter buzzing with the incorrect information that the former South African president had died in his sleep.” That was an impassioned statement used by canberratimes. com.au, recently, to capture the death watch over South Africa’s former President and world renowned freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela.

An enigma par excellence, Mandela, who would be 95 on July 18, has entered life’s twilight, becoming the most revered African man alive.

However, the nonagenarian, who spent 27 years in prison fighting against the highly oppressive apartheid regime which dated to1948, also now, fights the battle of life as he contends with a recurring lung infection.

As discordant tunes greet Mandela’s state of health however, South Africans, both young and old, have given vent to various manifestations of empathy.

While children hit the streets releasing balloons to mark the upcoming birthday of Mandela, the adults have also been converging outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, singing and cheering.

Still, a lot more have taken to fervent prayers and songs of praise, beseeching the Almighty to spare the life of Madiba, as Mandela is famed.

Mandela, a Nobel Prize winner and former South African President, has been having challenges with his health condition in the last two years. His health problems started in 2011 and worsened in the summer of this year.

In February 2011, he was briefly hospitalised with a respiratory infection, attracting international attention. He was thereafter re-hospitalised for a lung infection and gallstone removal in December 2012. However, his successful medical procedure in March 2013 did not prevent his lung

infection from recurring.

On June 8, 2013, his lung infection worsened and he was re-hospitalized in Pretoria with medics describing his prognosis as bad and those who came on sympathy visit affirming that his condition was critical. After four days, it was reported that he had stabilized and that he remained in a “serious, but stable condition”.

While on his way to the hospital, the ambulance carrying Mandela broke down and was stranded on the roadside for 40 minutes. The South African government was criticized for the incident when it confirmed the report weeks later. President Jacob Zuma protested: “There were seven doctors in the convoy who were in full control of the situation throughout the period. He had expert medical care.”

On June 23, 2013 President Jacob Zuma issued a statement saying that Mandela’s condition had become “critical.” Zuma, who was accompanied by the Deputy President of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa, met with Mandela’s wife Graca Machel at the hospital in Pretoria and discussed his condition.

On June 25, 2013, Cape Town Archbishop Thabo Makgoba visited Mandela at the hospital and prayed with Graca Machel Mandela “at this hard time of watching and waiting.”

On June 26, 2013, Nelson Mandela was taken off life support after his condition deteriorated further.

But about two days ago, President Zuma opened a fresh vista on the Mandela health condition when he said his condition had improved. “He is much better today (Thursday) than he was when I saw him last night. The medical team continues to do a sterling job,” Zuma said. The Presidency also that day described Mandela’s condition as “critical but now stable.”

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama currently on tour of South Africa has called Nelson Mandela a “personal inspiration” ahead of a meeting with the ailing antiapartheid leader’s family.

The US President and his wife Michelle will both attend

the private meeting but will not see the 94-year-old former South African leader, who is critically ill in hospital.

“Out of deference to Nelson Mandela’s peace and comfort and the family’s wishes, they will not be visiting the hospital,” the White House said in a statement.

Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, a village near Mthatha in the Transkei, South Africa, on July 18, 1918, to Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Henry Mgadla Mandela.

After receiving a primary education at a local mission school, where he was given the name Nelson, he was sent to the Clarkebury Boarding Institute for his Junior Certificate and then to Healdtown, a Wesleyan secondary school of some repute, where he matriculated. He then enrolled at the University College of Fort Hare for the Bachelor of Arts Degree where he was elected onto the Students’ Representative Council. He was suspended from college for joining in a protest boycott, along with Oliver Tambo.

He later completed his BA through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1942, he commenced study for his LLB shortly afterwards (though he left the University of the Witwatersrand without graduating in 1948). He entered politics in earnest while studying, and joined the African National Congress in 1943.

Together with Sisulu and Tambo, Mandela participated in the founding of the African National Congress Youth League in 1944. And in December 1952, Mandela and Oliver Tambo opened the first African legal partnership in the country.

Mandela and others were in and out of prisons and were still unrelenting in being a thorn in the flesh of the apartheid regime, So, on August 5, 1962 the police finally ‘captured’ the elusive “Black Pimpernel” near Howick in what was then Natal province. He was tried and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for incitement to strike and illegally leaving the country.

While Mandela was in prison, police raided the ANC’s underground headquarters at Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, north of Johannesburg, and arrested several ANC leaders. Police found documents relating to the manufacture of explosives, Mandela’s diary and copies of a draft memorandum - Operation Mayibuye - which outlined a possible strategy for guerrilla struggle.

As a result, the Rivonia Trial began in October 1963 and Mandela joined the other accused - Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg and Wilton Mkwayi - being tried for sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government.

Mandela’s statement from the dock received worldwide publicity. On 12 June 1964, all eight of the accused were sentenced to life imprisonment. Goldberg was sent to Pretoria Prison, the rest to Robben Island.

Mandela spent the next 18 years on Robben Island, before being transferred in 1982 to Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town and then to Victor Verster prison, where it was discovered that he was suffering from tuberculosis.

On Robben Island, Mandela, who was kept in isolation along with other senior leaders, continued to play an important role as a political leader behind bars, maintaining contact with the ANC leadership in exile.

From July 1986 onwards, Mandela initiated contact with government representatives, which led eventually to his July 1989 meeting with President PW Botha at Tuynhuys. In December 1989 he met De Klerk.

Mandela was released from jail on Sunday, February 11, 1990. The first images of the president-to-be walking out of prison were relayed live via satellite to ecstatic audiences across the globe.

Mandela led the ANC in negotiations with the South African government which culminated in the adoption of the interim constitution in November 1993. In 1994, the ANC won the country’s first multiracial elections with an overwhelming majority.

Mandela’s inauguration as President brought together the largest number of heads of state since the funeral of former US President John Kennedy in 1963.

In the home front, however, Mandela had married three times. He was first married to Evelyn Ntoko Mase, with whom he had two sons and two daughters. They divorced after 13 years together. Again, he got married to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, with whom he had two daughters.

They divorced in 1996 following accusations of sex scandal against Winnie in the media. And finally, he married Graca Machel, widow of Mozambique President Samora Machel, in 1998. The two are still married.

11

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES JUNE 30 , 2013

Senate should compel President to execute findings of probe panels –Kaka P 12, 13

LET US PUT IT ON RECORD THAT THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING, WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL SO THAT 2015 DOES NOT END IN THIS MANNER WHERE PEOPLE WILL WIN DEMOCRATIC ELECTION AND THOSE IN POWER WILL NOT ACCEPT THE RESULT OF A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION –MR. ROTIMI AMAECHI

Amaechi, Jonathan and Tukur

PDP Special Convention: Beyond the Ramadan excuse One week after the Peoples Democratic Party announced its plans to conduct a zonal congress in South West and Special Convention, the party on Thursday reversed itself by postponing the exercises indefinitely, citing conflict with Muslim Ramadan fast. But Obiora Ifoh takes a look at why the convention is inevitable and other reasons why it was postponed indefinitely.

J

ust last Thursday at the Legacy House, the campaign headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja, over 80 eminent leaders and stakeholders of the party converged for about two hours obviously to discuss the task earlier assigned to them, which was to plan for the special convention of the party scheduled for July 20. But these men were disappointed as the agenda presented to them was simply, to endorse the indefinite postponement of the same special convention which was proposed only a week earlier.

The committee headed by Prof. Jerry Gana was taken aback because no one informed them that the assignment issued to them has been tampered with. There was no need for the excuse in any case because the order was by a presidential fiat.

After the meeting at the Legacy House, neither Professor Jerry Gana nor any other member of the committee volunteered

to speak to the media. Other members of the committee include Gov. Godswill Akpabio who is the deputy chairman while Senator Ike Ekweremmadu serves as the Secretary. All the 36 states nominated two members each to the committee. There are also 27 other members including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as well as governor of Delta, Abia, Katsina, Bauchi and Benue states.

Sunday Mirror gathered that at about 11am on that day, as the National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur was getting ready to address a conference, he was summoned to the presidency and a few hours later, the new directive was issued. It is really not very clear why the special convention slated after the 61st National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party meant to fill the vacant positions of National Working Committee that resigned

their offices was put on hold.

The PDP Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Okeke in a statement said, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby announces that the South West Zonal Congresses and the Special National Convention of the Party have been rescheduled in view of the Muslim Ramadan fasting. New dates for the South West Zonal Congresses and the Special National Convention of the Party will be announced”.

Only last week, the NEC replaced nine members of the NWC who resigned over complicity arising from their election in last year’s convention. It also constituted a 90 man committee to work out modalities to ensure that a special convention be successfully held.

That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in a report by its 12-member committee under the chairmanship of Col. M.K. Hammanga (rtd.), rejected the adoption/affirmation of some members of the PDP NWC because the process adopted by the PDP in electing the officials was faulty, arguing that it violated paragraph 6.5 of the guidelines used for conducting the 2012 congress and national convention of the party.

It however approved the election of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Briefly ‘Delta records N45.5bn IGR in 5 years’

Delta State Government said at the weekend that its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had increased from N12.2 billion in 2007 to N45.5 billion in 2012.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, made this known to newsmen on the outcome of the State Economic Advisory Committee meeting in Asaba.

Ogeah disclosed that the committee observed that the IGR of the state rose from N12.2 billion in 2007 to N37.4 billion in 2011, while in 2012 it increased to N45.5 billion.

He said the state was targeting N61 billion in 2013, adding that it had already realised N23 billion January and May. The commissioner said the committee commended the state for improving on its IGR, and advised that more should be done to further soar it up.

He said it also advised the state to improve on its financial status through aggressive media and tax campaign, saying this would boost the financial base of the state.

Ogeah noted that the committee approved the appointment of a consultant to handle the Biometric Data Capturing of workers to reduce the N6.8 billion and N7.1 billion monthly wage bills.

He said the committee was of the view that the wage bill of the state was “too high”, and advised the state government to work toward reducing it.

The committee, he added, believed that the outcome of the exercise would help to reduce the wage bill of the state when the “ghost workers” in the state civil service were flushed out.

The commissioner noted that the committee was of the opinion that the IGR of the state should be able to take care of the wage bill of the state.

Uduaghan

Sen. Esuene seeks stronger ties between Akwa Ibom, Cross River Senator Helen Esuene, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, has called for stronger ties between the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

She made the call at the launch of a book entitled: ‘Cross River State: First 45 years’, written by Chief Wilfred Inah, in Calabar at weekend Inah was the Head of Service in the administration of the late Brig.-Gen. Jacob Esuene, in the defunct South Eastern State.

Esuene, the widow of former governor, criticised those fanning the embers of disunity between the people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom using the issue of oil wells. ``It is unnecessary for people to whip up sentiments of disunity and acrimony using oil wells as issues,’’ she said.

She explained that the relationship between the two sister states predates the discovery of crude oil.

Represented by Mr Bassey Essien, a former Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, she said the issue was capable of causing disaffection between brothers and sisters in the two states.

The senator said the idea of creating Akwa Ibom out of Cross River was not for disunity and acrimony, but for even development.

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Politics

Senator Gbenga Kaka is a former deputy governor of Ogun State. He currently represents Ogun East in the Senate. In this interview with Ayo Esan, he says the Senate should enact a law compelling the President to execute findings of the various probe panels, among other issues. Excerpts: You are an advocate of the coming together of progressive politicians in the country. Would you say the formation of All Progressive Congress, APC, is a realisation of that dream?

The formation of APC has not satisfied that urge, it is just the beginning of that move. When God wants to do His own thing, He normally starts with difficulties and if that thing is going to be very great, it starts with impossibility, only for God to give succour and consolation to those that were patient. When anything happens to them they say we are from God and unto him alone we shall return. It is a quotation from the Holy Book, Koran.

What we are witnessing with the formation of APC is what was aforesaid by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1983 during the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) convention.

He proposed the dialectical principle of the best in all, that is thesis and anti-thesis. The dialectical principle of anti-thesis whereby the best in all the political tendencies then, he envisaged them coming together while the remainder, the conservatives would be mingled together to move the county forward. After that postulation, we have had similarities. We had the Progressive Governors which was thwarted by the devil incarnate called conservative elements. Then as God would have it, within their ranks under President Ibrahim Babangida, he brought about the NRC and the SDP. The whole world knew that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola was an ultra conservative personality. Yet that principle, God made it to become manifest as to allow Abiola to accept to run on the platform of the progressives. He also made it possible for the progressives to accept Abiola to run on their platform. Other progressively tainted NRC members then moved towards the SDP. The election was won handsomely with no religious coloration and no ethnic bias. But the devil had not finished with us hence the election was annulled. What we are witnessing under APC is another SDP, NRC scenario and that is what we are trying to reincarnate. God being on our side, it is going to be the beginning of good things. The dialectical principle of 1983, clearly 30 years ago, attempted materialising in 1993 with Abiola and the SDP, it was thwarted.

I want to believe that this is the appointed time. We are starting on a good note, people have realised that staying aside will continue to give the oppressors a leeway to oppress us to death. They are now coming together.

You will discover that within PDP, there are those who are progressively inclined and who are also on their way out with the implosion happening to them. We are praying to God for the implosion to be complete so that more progressive-minded people within PDP will come over.

You know that they are not in the APC right now. That is why I said it is just the beginning. It is the tip of the iceberg that we are witnessing. That prediction is going to come to pass and 2015 is the year. Whether they like it or not, the implosion shall be completed and many progressive-minded people in the PDP will come over.

If there are any reactionary elements within the APC movement right now, God will push them out to go to the PDP where they rightly belong so that we can march on undisturbed.

But many are sceptical about the success of APC because they believe it is a party of strange bedfellows.

What is your reaction to this?

That is what I have said that based on the dialectical principle, there will be reshuffling. People will come in and people will go out. At the end of the day, there will be refining of the system. You know that not everybody in PDP is bad, but the preponderance of the people there are nation wreckers. They are very unpatriotic. Among us also in ACN, CPC, we are not all saints, not all progressively minded. Some people find themselves in the

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Senate should compel President

Kaka

party they are in because that is the party that can win election in their community; they want power at all costs. We are praying that God will help us to sift the chaff from the corn so that we will be able to move forward and bring the nation to the destination envisaged by our forefathers.

You mentioned Chief Abiola and the June 12, 1993 election which he was believed to have won. The 20th anniversary of the election was celebrated recently. What are the lessons you think we can learn from the 1993 election to shape our democracy and future elections?

We have learnt so many lessons but we still have more to learn. One is the doggedness of Abiola. For being bold enough to sacrifice his life for the sake of the mandate given to him. If it was trillion Naira Abiola wanted from the military, they would have given him but he shunned all that to defend the mandate which was freely given to him. We can liken him to Jesus Christ, to Holy Prophet Abraham and we can even liken him to Holy Prophet Mohammed who against his own personal comfort and safety went to war against the khalfri, and he won and they accepted it. That big sacrifice is a lot of lesson.

Two, that a Muslim-Muslim ticket could win an election where we have religious bigotry. It is also a great lesson that we should not use religion to polarise the people. Whether you are a Muslim, Christian or pagan, hunger knows no religion or tribe. Poverty knows neither, so all we are clamouring for is good governance.

Whoever can deliver, that is what we want. If it is possible for an all Christian cabinet to give us what we want, why not, if not. There was a time that it was Christian schools all over the country. They were providing education and when some bigots among the Christians wanted to be forcing Muslims to get converted, the Muslims also started establishing schools. At the end of the day, both Christian and Muslim Schools are now cohabiting.

We are moving and those are part of the lessons that

people should come to the South-West to learn, as we don’t discriminate along that petty line.

Also, for democracy to grow we must have internal democracy. Under June 12, the NRC did their primaries, somebody emerged. No imposition. In the case of Abiola, it was a tough war between him and Kingibe and again they were able to resolve within the party and still combined. If it is today’s Nigeria, we would say because Kingibe had contested with him, he cannot be his running mate. They did it.

Then we learnt of betrayal of those who belonged to the same SDP, who sold the mandate. Within the party and the military, those set of people are still in government today. They are recycling themselves 20 years after.

That shows we haven’t learnt anything. If we have learnt to say no to the oppressors, we would have through the ballot boxes thrown those people out. They won’t still be the ones calling the shots. Some of them are over 80 years old, and for some, 50 years ago they were talking of leaders of tomorrow to the youth. Those youths are still being regarded as youths when they are close to 90.

They are no longer needed, they must be weeded out.

Since 1993, we have not had such election that is acceptable to all and sundry, why is this so and how can we have free and fair election in the country?

It is the INEC that should be up and doing. It tried in 2011 and we believe they can build on that. On the part of the electorate, vigilance is the word. In 1993, you saw people coming out. It was supposed to be rainy season; God Himself made it possible that across the country there was no rain. People stood in the sun and policed their ballots. The counting and collations were done in their presence and nobody molested them. We can still achieve that if INEC and the power-that-be will allow people to be the monitor of their votes and mandate so that there would be no writing of results in the bedrooms. With freedom we can still achieve it. One man,

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Politics

Sunday, June 30, 2013

13

to execute findings of probe panels –Kaka one vote is possible and achievable.

The Seventh Senate of which you are a member was inaugurated on June 6, 2011. Two years after, how would you assess the Senate?

I will start from the people’s assessment. You know when you write an examination you allow the examiners to do the marking. What the people have been talking about the seventh senate is that in terms of composition, work done, maintaining the stability of the nation, that it has done well. This is not because I am a member but that was the verdict of the people. When you look at what happened during the fuel subsidy removal, to our pensioners and the way the national assembly rose to the occasion, you will see other sensitive matters that we have been able to do the balancing, including the appropriation bills, the way they have been resolved, you will agree that we have been trying in our own way.

Even when you look at the state of emergency, when Mr. President decided to set an exam for himself, nobody obstructed. He got 100 per cent support to go ahead, if that is what he considered to be the ultimate solution to the intractable insecurity. We quickly approved the thing so that after six months we will come back to mark the script and know how far it has performed. There are other areas that could be improved upon. Many bills have been passed, others are in various stages of being passed. On the oversight functions, while some people are saying the probes are overshadowing the main issues, if there is no probe to unearth, then how can you correct it? I believe that the various probes are good enough only that we are not going down deep by compelling the executive to sanction all those that are guilty. I believe we should go a step further to enact a law that would compel Mr President or the executive to execute whatever is the finding from the various probe panels. It is not enough to say that N18 billion every month have been saved from ghost workers. If you are able to save N18 billion every month, some people introduced the ghost workers into the system. Some people were beneficiaries of the activities of the ghost workers, how many of them have been sent to prison for putting a very dangerous incision into the jugular vein of the nation?

Because if a few people could do such a thing, brought

in some fictitious names and are drawing money, it is not enough to block it, we should be able to retrieve the money. It is not only being able to retrieve the money but we should be able to punish the culprits so that it would serve as deterrent to would-be future offenders. We have not been able to do that. I am calling on the Minister of Finance to go a step further or Mr. President to call on her to go a step further to unearth those ghosts. They are not even real ghosts, they are human beings. They must also be brought to justice to serve as deterrent to others.

On oversight function, we also need to be up and doing because if nearly 70 per cent of our budget is going for recurrent expenditure, the capital one, 40 per cent are not being executed, then we need to put the executive on its toe so that the benefits of democracy we are talking about will penetrate to the grassroots and the people will feel the impact. The constitution review committee’s recommendation has been put forward. We are thinking of so many reforms that will bring succour to the people. We hope that we will be able to pass them.

There are actions by individuals that have heat up the polity. These include the Nigeria Governors Forum election and the crisis that followed it; the utterance of some individuals such as Alhaji Asari Dokubo who said if Jonathan is not returned in 2015, the country would not have peace. How do you see these as we progress in our democracy?

For God sake, Asari Dokubo, Jonathan, Nigeria Governors Forum crisis are all PDP affair. Penultimate Sunday, Bode George said that if PDP should collapse, Nigeria will collapse. I don’t expect that from him, so that is why we are saying that the PDP must go. We have had enough of them. They have inflicted too much pain on the nation. It is rather unfortunate that they are suffering from what I term auto immune diseases. They are self destructing themselves. If they must destroy themselves so be it but they must not destroy the nation. If you are talking of democracy, 35 out of 36 governors gathered, election was carried out, Mr President was fooling the nation that he has no interest in it, only for him to now be recognising the one that scored the lesser votes. It is clear that it is the PDP that is trying to destroy the nation. We need to warn them, that if they are com-

Beyond the Ramadan excuse CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; the Financial Secretary, Bolaji Anani; the sacked National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and the sacked National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha. Oyinlola and Mustapha were in February removed by the party, which relied on court judgments which were against them.

Those whose elections were rejected were the Deputy National Chairman, Sam Sam Jaja; National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha; and Deputy National Organising Secretary, Okechukwu Nnadozie, National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh; the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Binta Goje; the National Youth Leader, Garba Chiza; his Deputy, Dennis Alonge Niyi; the Deputy National Auditor, Senator Umar Ibrahim; the National Woman Leader, Kema Chikwe; her Deputy, Hannatu Ulam; the Deputy National Treasurer, Claudus Inengas; and the National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon.

The interim acting National Working Committee members include Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, National Secretary, Dr. Remi Akintoye, Deputy National Secretary, Sen. Emma Agboti, National Organizing Secretary, Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, National Publicity Secretary, Tony Ceaser Okeke, National Legal Adviser, Simon D. Jok Esq, National Youth Leader, Barr.

Tanko Beji, National Woman Leader, Barr. Oyibo Nwaneri and National Treasurer, Mohammed Dandari.

In an address shortly after the inauguration, Chairman of the party, Alhaji Tukur said that INEC saw defects in the previous election that was done; saying the circumstances led to the emergence of the present members of the NWC. Tukur said “They are here to ensure that our party could follow the rules and regulations of our party accord-

ing to our constitution; according to our electoral laws and guidelines. It is important because our party is democratic; our party believes in equity and justice; our party does not believe in imposition or anything that is illegal” The party national chairman explained that the PDP belongs to everybody; however added that “All I want to assure here is that PDP is working, PDP is one family in terms of its administration. What we have done is to regulate and to regularize what is being observed by INEC. “Even those who now resigned to make sure we regulate what was observed as irregular electoral practices are members of this party. They have done well. So, we appreciate them and we hope that they would continue supporting our party to follow the party of trust and justice so that we will move our country and really fulfill the mandate of the people who gave us the mandate too “ Tukur said.

Responding on behalf of other members of the NWC, Deputy national Chairman, Chibudom Nwuche said the new acting members of the NWC will work closely with the chairman and will give him maximum support to enable the PDP retain its position as the largest party in Africa.

The last-minute postponement of the convention according to a PDP source was at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan as the Presidency thinks that the reconstitution of the NWC should not be done in a hurry so as not to make similar mistake as was the case in the last year convention so as not to jeopardise the coming general election.

According to the source, “The president appears not to be satisfied with the tardy situation in the party leadership and he believes that security checks must be put in place to ensure that persons who are well qualified to hold party

ing from the bush carrying elephant meat on their head, they should stop using their legs to search for the ants on the floor so that they won’t lose everything. If they must lose everything, we pray they lose but they must lose the nation for us. They are the problem of this nation, and a problem well identified is 50 per cent solved.

We have identified them as the problem. All we needed to do now is to sweep them out of office and out of the service of this country. This is because they are undeserving of the positions they are holding.

How has the Ogun East Senatorial District benefitted from your representation in the upper chamber in the last two years?

To the glory of God, in our primary function I have been able to sponsor about four key bills in collaboration with my colleagues. For example, an act to provide for electronic fraud prohibition and punishment in all electronic fraud crimes. It is already awaiting the third reading, so after the public hearing, it will go for third reading. I led the sponsorship along with about 32 other senators. That for the harmonisation of the retirement age of armed forces was also led by me along with 21 other senators with the hope of conserving the wastage associated with it and then be able to keep the experiences of those military officers that we have used a lot of money to train. These are people-oriented bills. Another bill is the one on agricultural processing zone. It is awaiting the first reading.

On constituency project, I decided to go for key projects. Unfortunately, some are being delayed by the executive but it is worth mentioning. In 2012, an age-old bridge that links Ayepe with Agowa Ikosi was put as one of my constituency projects. But since 2012 it is only about two months ago that the preliminary survey and the soil test was completed. When the design will be done and the contractor would move to the site is left in the hands of the executive. Beyond that, we have the Emuren-Sagamu road about five kilometers, the people have been suffering for about 30 years. I believe doing that one will make it easy in terms of transportation. Also in Ogijo, we have 3.8 km road between the market and the garage there, that is also part of my 2013 constituency project. We hope the executive will still do and make it a reality. offices are brought on board. He thinks that the INEC intervention was a good omen which if left late could have messed up the chances of the party in 2015 election.

“The president believes that a party that wants to win election cannot go into such election with divided house and multiple litigations. The signs are clear and the opposition would have made a mince meat of the party had it not been for the special convention.”

The source also confirmed that only candidates that are true party loyalists will be fielded for the vacant offices and that the President would have control of those who will make it to the NWC. It is after his personal assent that the party will then begin to talk about a new date for the special convention but it would not be later than September.

The last NWC has as its members a few individual who are considered as not loyal to the president and whom they believe are moles hence the need to dispense with them without fouling the party laws or the law of the nation.

Sources available to Sunday Mirror has it that at meetings of both the Board of Trustees and the party caucus penultimate week, there was an agreement that more than half of the positions will be returned with exception of the Deputy National Chairman, the National Secretary, the National Youth Leader, the National Treasurer, National Legal Adviser and possibly the Woman Leader.

Their case against Dr. Sam Sam Jaja has nothing to do with his competence but for his relationship with the suspended Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi. Jaja was appointed by Amaechi, the governor who is seen as not being loyal to both the party leadership and the presidency.

The former National Youth Leader, Garba Chiza’s election has been faulted due to his age. At over 60 years of age, Chiza has been described as a square peg in a round hole.

It is expected that the party will go for a younger and more suitable person.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Captain Iheancho of anti-party activities.

But it was reliably gathered from sources that even though Iheancho is seen as the man of the people, it may not be easy for him to clinch the party gubernatorial ticket. He still has to contend with the likes of Ohakim and Ambassador Kema Chikwe, the current national leader of the PDP who is yet to forgive him for the role he played in 2011 general elections by backing the opposition Owelle Rochas Okorocha for the governorship post and Senator Chris Anyanwu, all members of APGA. It may not be easy for him in PDP even if he joins APC, he has Okorocha and former Governor Achike Udenwa to contend with. It was gathered that he has approached Governor Okorocha to know if he could switch over to APC. But Okorocha, a reliable source hinted is netting his love with his current deputy governor Prince Eze Madumere who incidentally is from Owerri zone.

L-R: Okorocha, Anyanwu, Iheanacho and Ihedioha

2015: Alliances, scheming as race for Imo governorship begins CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

T

here are serious underground meetings going on now in political circles in Imo State in preparation for the 2015 general elections. Some prominent Imo Stateborn politicians who are eyeing the Douglas House have started greasing their structures across the state while others are trying to make their impact felt in their constituencies, as well as forming new alliances in order to brighten their electoral chances in 2015.

Although, the election is still months away, the polity is heating up across the state, especially in Owerri Zone where aspirants have indicated interest in replacing the Governor, Rochas Okorocha, in 2015. The aspirants from the Owerri Zone, have one thing working for them - the zoning formula.

Again, interestingly most of those jostling for the Douglas House for the 2015 gubernatorial election are of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extract who are bent to recapture power which they lost in 2011 to the incumbent Governor of the then All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, now of yet-to-be-registered All Progressives Congress, APC. It was learnt that the state secretariat of PDP has now received a number of aspirants whose credentials are what the people are looking for in a leader. The party is putting all machinery together to ensure that the mistake of 2011 is not repeated.

Chairman of the PDP in Imo State, Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), told Sunday Mirror in his office recently that the party would not repeat the mistake it made in 2011 which cost them the governorship which they lost to Okorocha.

According to him, in the 2015 elections there would be no room for godfatherism as there would be no imposition of candidates on the people, a situation that characterised 2011 primaries in the state. Our correspondent learnt that most of those who won the primaries were not allowed to represent the party in the elections, a situation which resulted in defections and protest votes against PDP. “Now anybody who wins in the party’s primaries would be the candidate of the party,” Duruiheoma emphasised.

The PDP chairman also stated that as part of their strategies in the 2015 contest, the party would ensure that it presents popular candidates in all elective positions that would be acceptable to Imo people.

“What Imo people need now is a humble leader, a person who will not claim to know it all as in the present cir-

cumstance, somebody who will not be speaking from both sides of the mouth,” the party boss said.

It was gathered that some of the prominent aspirants who have indicated their interest include, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Chief Jerry Chukwueke. These aspirants will be contesting with the incumbent governor and Chris Anyanwu of APGA. Rochas Okorocha Governor Okorocha currently on the seat of power is playing a serious chess game. Although he has not indicated interest to come back for a second term, he never believes in zoning formula. He has lately said that the Imo people will decide who will be the next governor.

The governor who is under serious pressure to dump his second term ambition and run for the presidency, has always described the zoning system as anti-democratic as the best candidates may not likely emerge, maybe incuring the wrath of the people who believe in the zoning of key political positions, especially those who feel it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the next governor in 2015.

However, the people of the state are anxiously waiting for his next political moves, especially with his rumoured presidential ambition in 2015. But should Okorocha succumb to the second term temptation, he has to contend with so many hurdles if he wants to come back in 2015.

First, he is only in control of artisans, not elite of Imo State. Secondly, some people believe the incumbent governor has no respect for the rule of law which has resulted in some contractual mistakes and in the process stepped on many toes. But what he has however working for him is that those artisans are ready to die for him.

Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho Captain Iheancho is Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chairman/CEO of Integrated Oil and Gas. He was also a former Minister for Interior under President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, the oil mogul is considered to be a good and humble man, especially his selfless service within the short period he was the Interior minister, as many Imo State indigenes were employed in Customs, Immigration and Civil Defence. In fact, he was said to have broken employment protocol by going all out to ensure that his people were employed in these areas when the embargo on employment was not lifted. This has endeared him to the people. It was his growing political credential that was said to be responsible for his suspension from his ministerial appointment by President Jonathan at the request of the former governor, Ikedi Ohakim, who had accused

Chief Jerry Chukwueke The chairman of Germaine Group is another contender for the governorship and a man with enormous war chest. He was also in the race for the party’s governorship ticket in 2007 but he was stopped in his quest. Chief Chukwueke has also remained as one of the financers of the PDP, especially since the party lost power in the state.

It was gathered that the National Women Leader of the party, Ambassador Chikwe who is the in-law has already started mobilising party members in the state for the businessman.

Hon. Emeka Ihedioha Hon. Ihedioha who is currently the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and represents Ngor Okpala / Aboh Mbaise Federal Constituencies is also one of the prominent contenders for the Douglas House in 2015.

Before his election to the House of Representatives in 2003, he was the Special Adviser to former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar.

It was learnt that ex-governor Ohakim is working in his support to clinch the party ticket. The support of the former governor may not be unconnected with the enormous contributions the deputy speaker has rendered to the party, especially during the 2011 general elections in the state in which the party was nearly torn apart.

What has endeared the young man in the hearts of his people was the politics he played in 2011. Imo people would have been denied relevance in the party and since he became the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, he has continued to show unwavering commitment to the development of not only his constituency but the entire state.

He has not only empowered his people, he is still attracting development projects to the state. His office had facilitated at least two skills acquisition training programmes in the state and deepened his budgetary pursuit for infrastructural development of the state. So far, over 5,000 youths and women across the 27 local government areas of the state have benefitted from his various empowerment programmes.

But he has to work very hard to become the governor of the state in 2015 even though PDP may give him ticket in the primaries. However, many people are not in a hurry to forget the encounter they had with him when he was asked to step down after two tenures in the House of Representatives. Imo people still believe that once power is given to him it may be difficult to get it back. Moreover, for him to be the governor, he has to play a high level politics that would bring him in alliance with Orlu zone that is in the majority with 12 LGAs and Okigwe which has six LGAs. Another hurdle he has to cross is his case now in the Supreme Court. His opponent, Austin Ogogoro, has refused all entreaties to drop the case even though the deputy speaker won at the tribunal and appeal court.

Chris Anyanwu She is currently a serving senator and chairman, Committee on Navy. A former member of PDP, Anyanwu contested 2011 senatorial election under the platform of APGA after PDP chieftains denied her ticket in the primaries. She wants to contest for the governorship seat but people believe that her pomposity may not allow her to be there, especially her recent encounter with the incumbent governor which portrays her as someone who will not be easy to control. Even though she has done a number of projects for her constituency, like Ihedioha, the Mbaiseborn senator has Orlu zone which is in dominance in numerical strength to contend with. Unfortunately, this is the zone where the incumbent governor hails from.

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Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER JUNE 30, 2013

Corruption is endemic and it’s not Jonathan that’ll do the magic –Feyisetan, Bode George’s estranged wife Mrs. Feyisetan George was the First Lady in the old Ondo State when her husband, then Navy Captain Olabode George, was the military governor of the state between 1987 and 1990. Reputed as enigmatic and brilliant, Feyi, as she is fondly called, is an attorney with specialty in Oil and Gas Law. And in tandem with her discipline, she has held forte at the directorates and management of many companies in the oil and gas sector. However, this woman who is an adherent of the Grail Message breezed into the country recently, after having been in South Africa since 2008.

Today, she is separated from George and takes a different compliment of Mrs. Feyi Soluade-George, adding up her maiden name, ‘Soluade’. Feyi, in this interview with Deputy Editor, Kayode Fasua, speaks on life in South Africa and also offers pieces of advice on how to make Nigeria great. Besides, she recalls what led to separation between her and George, now a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain.

Excerpts:

Feyi George

Could you compare life in South Africa with Nigeria’s?

Life in South Africa is very different from life in any other typically African country. It is a western country in Africa. They have infrastructure as you would find in the western world. However, geographically, it is located in Africa, and the original occupiers of that country are black Africans. And so, the incursion of the western

civilization has impacted on them tremendously. So, they have good infrastructure. They have electricity, water, good roads. Their economy is structured against the pattern of western, capitalist principles, which I don’t personally necessarily agree with. So the weather also; we have the four seasons. Very distinct, as you would find in the western world. And in a more recent time, we even

have snow in Johannesburg. The people, however, are very different. When you stay in a country like South Africa, it is only then you appreciate the warmth, the love and the humaneness of Nigeria. And I also miss the foods (here).

You’ve attended many fora on human rights, anticorruption and other related issues; from your interactions, what can you deduce as general perception about Nigeria?

It is true that Nigeria ranks amongst the most corrupt countries in the world. But I’m also quick to add, that Nigeria has some of the best human beings in the world; in terms of humaneness, in terms of generosity, in terms of openness. And unfortunately for us, corruption has become an impediment as a result of oil boom which is going to constitute doom for us, if we are not careful.

But from the investment potential perspective, there is no country on the face of the earth like Nigeria. There is none where there is a spirit of entrepreneurship. It is unequalled in the world. There is no country in the world where you would find men women, old young, so full of energy. There is something that is peculiar in Nigeria.

Nobody can take that from us. And we have resilience; therefore, we are much more dependent on ourselves than we would on government. If we can only harness this energy, especially among the young people in this country; there are so many of them. The percentage of Nigerians today that are under 20 far outstrips those of us who are above 60. So government needs to take cognizance and a plan should be put in place for education.

Education becomes the cornerstone stone that can help in further development of this country. Not education of one plus one is two but skill acquisition becomes important. If you go to the rural areas, there are lots of women with cassava; we can get young engineers to device machines, as they used to do in Aba, eastern Nigeria in those days. Machines are given to the women so that we kind of push them to make their garri; those who make ogogoro (native gin), we get better machines for them. Those who are in poultry we get for them and then we give a lot of incentive to the young people to be able to be their own persons. Because employment really for a country of about 250 million is not going to be so easy except for selfemployment.

Agriculture again is key. This country can be a food basket. I was at Benin at the weekend; the soil is so fertile. We must also try and help with stable electricity. The electricity problem has become the bane of this country because if we had energy, I’m absolutely sure that our industrial base would have gone to higher level than what was left behind by those post-independent efforts that were made by people like Chief Adeyemi Lawson, Henry Fajemirokun, Michael Opara in the East and so on and so forth.

What is your assessment of the anti-corruption crusade under President Goodluck Jonathan?

You see, I’m not in a position to judge because I don’t live here. I only depend on what I hear and some that I read. But I don’t need to be told anything really. What I CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Interview

Sunday, June 30, 2013

‘My life with Bode George’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

know is that we are corrupt, we Nigerians. Whether it is Goodluck Jonathan, whether it is anybody else, we are corrupt because, if you send your driver to buy you fuel, he will shortchange you.

If you send your steward to the market, the same thing. It is not Goodluck Jonathan who is going to do the magic. It is us Nigerians that would do the magic. And the magic can only start at home with the women. If as women, we inculcate the right moral values into our children, if as wives or husbands, we ensure that our homes are well run, our husbands are happy and they are afraid to do the wrong thing, things will be better.

In those days in Nigeria, when a headmaster is riding his bicycle in the village, everybody will bow for him, anywhere in this country because they are the custodians of life and existence. So we must go back to the drawing board and do less of finger-pointing because we all are in this basket of corruption. And that does not mean that government doesn’t have a role but they have a very important role.

And their role is more in the example that they give. Those in public offices must know that they are not there to enrich themselves; they are there to serve the people, not only in terms of infrastructure but even in their moral standing. A lot of people talk about Zik (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe) in the East, in the North, we talk of Sardauna (Ahmadu Bello) and in the West, we talk of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It is because of what they stood for. We don’t have such real leaders that we can say ‘this is my role model’, today in Nigeria, which is unfortunate.

As a stakeholder in the oil sector, how would you rationalise the recent probe into frauds in the oil sector of the country?

I don’t know the detail of the statement that you have made because I was not here. I only tried to focus on what I’m doing in South Africa. But let me tell you something, as somebody who has been in the oil sector for almost 40 years, regardless of what has happened, when you compare us to other developing countries, where they have no clue.

Their whole assets in the hands of the western countries. They form what they give to the governments; the governments are not knowledgeable. I must say that the participation of young Nigerians in the oil and gas sector makes me very happy. I may not have benefitted but I am happy seeing my children doing well. So they will do very well, they will set up refineries. At least we will stop importing refined products. So the privatization of this sector is very important. And I think it has taken some leaps and bounds.

That is not to say that all is well, and I think those in charge must always remember that when they are given a position of Minister or even a President, it is only a tenure. It will not last forever. They must always remember that after now, how would they want to be remembered?

Every one of us who is in public office must think in that sense. Our politicians must stop scrambling only for positions

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an allegation that you, in the heat of rage, slapped a female civil servant while you were the First Lady of Ondo State?

I don’t know anything about that episode, I don’t know. It is one man, (the late) Godwin Adzuana-Daboh that had one newspaper; he wanted to scandalise Olabode George. I read it myself; it has nothing to do with me.

You never slapped any civil servant?

Never. Joke apart When Olabode George was leaving as military governor of Ondo State, he was reported to have said, as what to be remembered for, that, ‘A Lagos boy once passed through Ondo State’. That statement was interpreted to mean he had swept clean the state’s treasury. Please react.

He didn’t take their money. ’Bode did a lot for Ondo State. Salaries were always paid. There were developments all over the place, investments here and there.

Ondo State was not a rich state when we got there. That Bode did well in Ondo State is a definite ‘yes’. He is a Lagos boy, omo Eko ni now (He is of course a Lagos indigene). If you are an Ondo boy, won’t you proclaim it? So, what is wrong in calling himself a Lagos Boy?

George

and money. It’s the access to money, that’s what drives them (politicians); it’s not the love of the country.

What in your view can bring about peaceful co-existence in the Nigerian nation?

Antecedent is what informs the present. The past is what has informed the present situation. However, I know for real that if our politicians put the country first and self-interest at the back-burner, they will take better decisions as to the political framework that best suits us. And what the followers require is sincerity.

We all own this country. The people from the South-South have a right to be in government, the people from the SouthWest have a right to be in the government.

The people from the East have a right to be in the government. And the people from the North have a right to be in the government. The minorities in the Middle Belt also have a right to be in the government.

This country belongs to all of us. It is not a prerogative of a group of people. That much is clear.

How about the insurgency in the North, how can it be ended?

Well, I’m not in government. It is easy for people to sit down and be arm-chair critics. I learnt that word from Olabode George. He is the one who used to say it. I can’t sit here, not having all the informa-

tion as to what is happening and make a statement. That will not be correct.

However, Boko Haram is an unfortunate incident in the country; we are not alone though, because it is a wave that is flowing through many countries. We hope that those who are in charge and those who have the details will be helped to put paid to that unfortunate incident. So to that extent, I really cannot comment on what I do not know.

You were a First Lady in Ondo State between 1987 and 1990. How would you describe the era?

I enjoyed it. I love the women and I am sure you know the women love me. Even this last weekend I had a call from one of them. They are very much in touch with me. Somebody like Chief Okpako, the lady in Quintessence. She is still in close touch with Ogotun (now an Ekiti State community) women. She takes them abroad for exhibition. We have met many times at international fora, Chief Bisi Ogunleye. I learnt a lot in Ondo State. I learnt the value of honesty. The women are very honest people. The women are women of high moral value. The women are very hard working. It is as a consequence of their hard work that their children are professors and big people in this country today.

Could you set the record straight over

BUT WHAT I KNOW IS THAT IF THE CONVICTION (OF BODE GEORGE) IS NOT CORRECT, THEN TIME WILL RECTIFY EVERYTHING. THERE IS NOTHING THAT TIME WILL NOT RECTIFY. SO LONG AS WE ARE ALIVE, WE’LL LIVE TO SEE THINGS TURN AROUND

You seem to be very fond of Chief Olabode George; at what point did both of you separate?

We separated in 1993.

Why? Emm…you know, Bode would always be a special person in my life. I mean…but Yoruba ni enu eni lafi n ko me je (a Yoruba adage says you reject what you don’t want with your mouth). There comes a point where, if you cannot live together amicably any more-the marriage does not give you joy and mutual respects-then, the best thing is to go.

What is your opinion about the conviction and jailing of Chief George over fraud allegations?

Oh, the courts? Well, you know, I’m not a politician and I don’t know much about the case as such. But what I know is that if the conviction is not correct, then time will rectify everything. There is nothing that time will not rectify. So long as we are alive, we’ll live to see things turn around.

And I believe, if that is the case, that is what will happen. We have seen many of that in life. Yes, it’s not a one-sided thing.

Bode has his side, his opponents have their side but it’s the truth that must prevail. That is the law, spiritual law. And that is what is important.

What is your advice for the Nigerian youths?

The Nigerian youth has a brilliant future. But to get to that Eldorado, they must be disciplined. Discipline is the hallmark.

Perseverance, not these quick bucks.

Quick money is stealing. Work hard consistently and honestly and be disciplined.

Then, there is no way you will not be successful. But wheeling-dealing is not the way out. Above all, you must raise your gates up and ask for help; whether you are a Muslim, whether you are Christian…whatever your confession, look up to your Creator first, be disciplined, be consistent, remain focused and the rest is a question of time.

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Goodnight, Pa Benedict Odiase (1934 - 2013)

I

t is no longer news that Pa Benedict Odiase, the brain behind the Nigerian National Anthem, is gone. He reportedly died recently in his sleep at the age of 79.

It is noteworthy that he composed the current anthem in 1978, which was adopted from the award-winning lyrics of some Nigerian artistes. Before Odiase’s piece, there had been an anthem in use while the country groaned under British colonial rule as a subject of Great Britain. This was followed by the “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” piece, adopted as the national anthem from October 1, 1960, until 1978.

The lyrics were put together by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate that lived in Nigeria at the time, while Frances Berda composed it into a beautiful piece of song.

Pa Odiase’s work became the second indigenous post-independence anthem in 1978 and remains the swan-song till date.

The anthem is originally the fusion of the lyrics of five winning contestants, John Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P. O. Aderogbu in a national competition held for the purpose.

As the Director of Music in the Nigeria Police Band at the time, Benedict Odiase creatively put the pieces together and was selected as the best composer.

Pa Odiase should have been a public figure since 1978 when he achieved that feat; but like the first man in the moon, Neil Armstrong of the United States, he chose a humble, quiet life.

Indeed he admitted his fears for publicity in his lifetime. After serving in the police meritoriously as Director of Music, among other notable positions, he retired in 1992 as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, still living reclusively in Oregun, Lagos

without much recognition.

When the nation turned 52 years old in 2012, however, the media fished him out and brought him once again to public glare. Some pertinent information about the anthem composer was revealed for the very first time during interviews he granted newsmen within the period. The public got to know, for instance, that he had ceded the copyright of his work (the anthem) to the Musical Copyrights Society Nigeria (MCSN) for safety purposes, a decision which, he claimed, was earning him regular royalties.

Pa Odiase hailed from the former Bendel State, now split into Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. Born in 1935, he joined the Nigeria Police in March 1954 and served in the force based on instructions from the Police High Command. He was not commissioned by the Federal Government or any of its departments or agencies strictly for the purpose of writing and composing the anthem. When he sent in his entry for the competition in May 1978, it was open to all and sundry; and the police did not oppose his participation in his private capacity. The then Supreme Military Council (SMC) had sent all entries to the Federal Ministry of Information in Lagos, which did the shortlisting of only three best ones then announced

by Mr. Christopher Oyesiku, the then leader of the choir of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The shortlisted entries were those of Professors Laz Ekwueme and Akin Euba of the University of Lagos, and that of Odiase. When his was announced as the best and used for the October 1, 1978 National Day, it attracted no immediate reward or commendation. But

years later, in December 2001 to be precise, his reward came in the form of decoration as Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

From the humble story of Odiase, it can be deduced that reward for his patriotic contributions to the nation’s honour and pride came much later in his lifetime. What if he had died before 2001? It is, consequently, our candid opinion that Pa Odiase was not truly treasured or accorded the recognition he rightly deserved by the Nigerian government in his lifetime.

The state and its actors are to a troubling extent notorious for neglecting citizens that have made contributions of iconic value to the nation. This is condemnable. Therefore, the passage of Odiase should serve as a catalyst for the change of government’s attitude towards its citizens, no matter how modest their patriotic contributions to national development may be.

We also implore the powersthat-be, especially those foresworn to a do-or-die struggle for political power, to use the occasion of Pa Odiase’s death to reflect on the state of the nation and review positively their insensitive management of power to boost public motivation and enhance the survival of both the country’s fledgling democracy and the nation-state called Nigeria. In the meantime, we wish to acknowledge the immense contributions of the late Odiase to national honour and pride, and truly salute his heroic deeds. It is not too late, in any case. The federal and Edo State governments can still honour the fallen patriot even in death and through their contributions to the well-being of the family he left behind. Goodnight, Pa Odiase!

Reminiscences JUNE 30 IN HISTORY

1934: Hitler orders purge of political party Adolf Hitler ordered a purge of his own political party, assassinating hundreds of Nazis whom he believed had the potential to become political enemies in the future, later known as the Night of the Long Knives.

1954: World sees total eclipse of the sun The total eclipse of the sun was seen around the world in Europe, United States and Asia, including Pakistan and India. The longest duration of total eclipse was two minutes 35 seconds.

Solar eclipses are normally only seen by a small specific area of the world so this was unusual as it was seen from so many continents.

1969: Gowon bans food aid to Biafra Food aid and medical supplies from the International Committee of the Red Cross to war-torn Biafra was banned by Nigeria.

It was estimated as many as three million people were going to starve to death. Two weeks later, due to international pressure, Nigerian leader, General Gowon, allowed the Red Cross to airlift urgent medical supplies and food to Biafra.

1983: Gaddafi holds talks with King Hassan II of Morocco Colonel Muannar Kadhaffi also written in English as Gaddafi, Qadhafi, or Khadafy, president of Libya (officially his title since March 2, 1979 was ‘Leader of the Revolution’) flew to Rabat for talks with King Hassan II of Morocco (Mawlay al-Hasan II ibn Muhammad). Success ended a 14-year political rift between the two countries and led to a period (198486) of strong political union between the two countries.

1997: Hong Kong British flag lowered The colonial flag of Hong Kong was lowered for the last time prior to handover to China on July 1, 1997.

2007: Terrorists attack Glasgow Airport A green Jeep Cherokee filled with gas cylinders and fuel was crashed through the check in entrance at Glasgow Airport in Scotland where it burst into flames.

The unusual and worrying part of the attack was that the terrorists were working as doctors in the British Health Service.

2009: Car bomb kills 27 in Iraqi market At least 27 people were killed in an explosion after a car bomb was set off in a busy market in Kirkuk, Iraq. The attack came after a major troop withdrawal by the United States who had decided to end their six-year occupation of the country with the aim of all US troops to leave Iraq by 2011.

Opinion

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Sunday June 30, 2013

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Who wants to overstay in another man’s country?

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

N

igerians sometimes deserve the treatment they get from other nations. You pass by the passport office in Ikoyi in Lagos and see the place besieged with thousands of persons seeking international passports that will enable them travel abroad. Thousands endlessly wait on immigration officials who take undue advantage of the desperate situation of the applicants to exploit and shortchange them. All sorts of persons (crash photographers, hawkers of passport accessories, car park attendants, emergency immigration consultants, etc) lay siege to the corners and gates of the major passport offices in the country to attend to several ignorant and desperate thousands who will surely pay for one service or the other in the name of collecting passport to travel.

The Immigration Service itself engages these street urchins to carry out the dirty aspect of the passport issuance trade. The officials even charge a minimum of fifteen thousand naira as fee for a passport that legally costs a little above nine thousand naira. And there are other categories of fees: “emergency” (one week in the Lagos context) attracts between 25, 000 and 30, 000 naira, while “wait and get same day” can cost 30, 000 or more, and desperate Nigerians are willing to pay.

Interestingly, you find persons seeking passport to be mostly jobless people and those who look every inch what late Chief Obafemi Awolowo would call “flotsam and

jetsam” of the society: fresh secondary school leavers, spare parts sellers, poorly educated youths, groundnut and puff-puff hawkers, and such lowly placed persons that will keep you wondering what they are travelling for and whether consulates will ever issue such visas. Yet these are the same people you will see also besieging the visa offices of the western countries such as United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and so forth. Curiously, you will see them thronging the embassies of developing Asian nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and India. It is the same desperation that you feel when you sight Nigerian youths even at embassies and high commissions of African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Libya and Morocco.

You wonder why Nigerians also show so much desperation to go to neighbouring African nations like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Cameroon and you want to weep. The story is a sad one because the treatment citizens of these sons and daughters of the most populous and famous African country is that of indignation and total subjection to ridicule. South Africa would grandstand and throw Nigerians out or deport them right from the airport. Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea would physically assault Nigerians and hurl them in jail for no concrete reason. Smaller countries to whom Nigeria had been magnanimous with security and multiple aid would harass its citizens at their borders and on their streets. More ridiculous is the frequent practice of international flight operators exhausting dozens of cans of air-fresheners on planes in which majority of the travellers are Nigerians, apparently demonstrating that the hordes of Nigerian passengers in such flights are smelly.

The story from fellow African nations is most unbelievable. A friend in Calabar was telling me of his experience in neigh-

bouring Cameroon sometime ago. As he made to cross the border from Ekang (about 300 kilometres from Aningeje/ Oban in Cross River State) into the nearest town in Cameroon, the gendarmes got hold of him, beat the living daylight out of him and concealed him in a drum for three days without water or food. They were not punishing him; the intention was unto death! He survived after three days and was rescued by some villagers who heard his faint cry for help.

That is the extent to which a neighbour who is repulsed by your unwelcome stay in his country treats you. The recent disclosure by the British government to commit Nigerians to a return home in due course with a 3, 000 pound (750, 000) bond is a more civilized way of telling Nigerians to stop being a nuisance in another man’s country. The United Kingdom may have attracted diplomatic row and stirred the hornet’s nest with a country it has an age-long cultural and political ties with, but what it has done is not out of place to make Nigerians sit up and remain at home to grow their own economy.

Although I detest such and will spontaneously view it as an insult and assault on my great country, but when one thinks it through, the British proposition seems a blessing in disguise. When Nigeria expelled Ghanaians in the 1980s, who would have thought that it would stir developmental thinking and social pressures at home to compel a more responsible approach to public governance? Ghana was marooned in a social revolution that ended up making it the pride of Africa today. Ghanaian citizens may have been listed as “high risk” visitors to Britain as Nigerians, Pakistanis, Indians, and Bangladeshis; the country is one of the few African nations that have had a pull element for mass of Nigerians in recent times.

So, what is Britain telling us in parable? Stay in your country, stop glorifying other people’s cultures and level of

advancement, be proud of yours and if it is that bad, work towards growing it, by all means! If you have learnt anything from other people after your many travels to their advanced countries, you should bring it to the table in Nigeria and reenact it here.

What again is the UK telling us?

Stop transferring your capital to other countries while there are yawning gaps for national development at home. Plough your capital into your country and see what Malaysia or Singapore you will become. Stop being desperate to go and live in another man’s land; there is no place like home. No one is saying we should not travel; what they are communicating to us is that we should travel and return according to the social contract before the journey, travelling for a purpose and returning with purpose, in honour. Do not go and disgrace your country abroad by overstaying your welcome and playing hide and seek with immigration officials after expiration of your visa. Every ignoble act while abroad further undermines the image and stature of the country in international politics.

This is the message from Britain. I see no reason for diplomatic spat; every country has the right to compel people to return to their country after the expiration of their visa. The fact that our government has been careless enough not to do this, thus allowing all sorts of illegal immigrants in our midst who are now spearheading insurgencies and constituting serious security risk, does not mean every government abroad should behave like us. Countries should learn from our experience, more so when some reports about Nigerians travelling to or living in Britain in recent times have been in bad taste: drug peddling, money laundering, terrorist attacks!

•Dr. Folarin is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, Political Science/ International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

Why zoning may not work for A’Ibom USIERE MONDAY

T

he dynamics of the 2015 governorship race in Akwa Ibom state is as interesting as it is worrisome. Already, the polity is seriously heating up about who will emerge as Governor Godswill Akpabio’s successor. But sadly, the debate is not about the qualities of the person or his or her ability to continue with or even surpass Akpabio’s uncommon transformation agenda, rather the clash of interest has brought long-held ethnic sentiments to the fore under the guise of zoning.

In my opinion, the zoning formula should not characterise the rules of engagement in the current dispensation or at any other time for that matter. Choosing the next governor of Akwa Ibom State on the basis of zoning is completely wrong. Zoning should not replace merit, rather, the race should be a free and open contest for competent, educated and visionary folks, whatever part of the state they may hail from. The electorate should be allowed to make the final decision about who will be their next governor.

Let it be said that zoning, in the form it is being advocated, gives undue advantage to people on the basis of their ethnicity or in this case, senatorial zone. People should not be given more than they deserve. It is, indeed, appalling to note that in this day and

age when every country is trying to showcase its best to the world, some people are still clamouring for the zoning formula as the basis for choosing a high-ranking official of the level of a state governor.

But how, in God’s name did we get here in the first instance? And when did the zoning formula creep into our politics? If ever a rotational system was discussed among the three senatorial districts of the state, was there any communiqué to that effect? And was the final decision passed into law by the state House of Assembly? Was it ever documented in the edict of Akwa Ibom State? Where is sense in all of these? There are questions and more questions begging for answers.

The way I view the scenario, maybe a few friends got together, drank too much alcohol and held a debate in their drunken state in which they probably agreed on a rotational method for hosting their party, which they are now trying to foist on the rest of us. That may be the only way to explain the madness.

For the avoidance of doubt, the process of the emergence of a state governor should be by a free and open contest. Aspirants should be given equal opportunity and a level playing field regardless of the senatorial district they hail from or their ethnic orientation.

Furthermore, zoning encourages tribalism and division among the people as much as it promotes discrimination. It may even encourage corruption because whoever the

zoning formulation throws up feels that it is the turn of his tribe to enjoy the largesse of the state and at the expense of the people, and may go in with the intention to loot and plunder the system. The noise around rotational governorship is already beginning to create hatred among the people. We cannot afford the feeling of hatred among a people who have co-existed in peace, love and harmony for over a quarter of a century since the creation of Akwa Ibom State by the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida on 23rd September, 1987.

This turn-by-turn politics which is being advocated by the ethnic warlords implies that democracy has been a failure and we have to put a rotational arrangement in place before some voices can be heard. But if I may ask, where are the voices? And what is preventing them from coming forward to declare their intention? Are we practising democracy or zonacracy?

We should place the interest of the state and the future of its citizens over and above any primordial consideration. Every qualified candidate should come out and compete on equal levels and let the best candidate be chosen as governor. Zoning is not only bad for the present. Zoning is detrimental to our future as a people and is not the magic wand that its promoters think it is.

The principle of merit and competitiveness among the people of Akwa Ibom State should apply. Zoning defies all logic and we

cannot move forward as a people by putting round pegs in square holes, and preventing the best from emerging. The process of emergence of a state governor should be by fair and open contest. That is what democracy is all about. President Barack Obama of the United States of America did not become president because it was the turn of the African-Americans to produce the president of the United States. No, on the contrary, he was very qualified, competent and worked very hard for his eventual success.

Judging from the way the debate is going; proponents of the zoning formula are even ready to choose an incompetent candidate over a qualified one. Akwa Ibomites should never sacrifice our bright future on the altar of mediocrity just to soothe the fat egos of the ethnic warlords.

My verdict is that the door for the governorship race should be thrown open for everyone on the basis of merit. That is the only way we can guarantee justice, fair play and overall better results. What Akwa Ibom needs is a young, dynamic and visionary leader who will continue or even surpass the achievements of the Akpabio administration and not an ethnic bigot foisted on the state to execute the agenda of his godfathers. This zoning business will only further divide us and we cannot afford it.

•Monday contributed this piece from Uyo

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QUOTE

God has powerful and yet wonderful names, but He has decided to place His word above all His names.

–Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi

EDIFYING GOD Sunday, June 30, 2013

Nigerian clerics condemn US legalisation of gay marriage TAI ANYANWU

R

ecent United States Supreme Court verdict which has led to legalisation of same-sex marriage in more states of that country, has elicited condemnation from Nigerian clerics.

On June 26, a divided court struck down the US government Defence of Marriage Act and said that those who challenged a ruling overturning California’s gay marriage ban, known as Prop 8, had no standing to appeal.

According to Religious Link News Agency, the Supreme Court through that ruling dealt two major setbacks to gay-marriage opponents and has given a further boost to those who support legal recognition of same-sex unions.

The verdict, the news agency said, had been drawing quick responses from religious voices on both sides and they have reignited the debate over morality and same-sex marriage.

And that had effectively opened the door to allowing gay marriage in California, though it would have no immediate effect in states that have not legalised same-sex union.

“At this point, same-sex marriage seems increasingly ascendant in the court of public opinion, with polls showing a rapid rise in acceptance and particularly strong support among younger generations. Indeed, in recent months, as the apex court justices have been deliberating, three more states have legalised gay marriage,” Religious Link explained.

Considering the implications for both the civil and religious realms of society, clerics in Nigeria have strongly condemned the development in America, which is a major influence in the world today.

Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Kirikiri, Lagos, Venerable Levi Opara, described gay-marriage as the sickness of the white and not of the black, preferring not talk about it.

He, however, said that gay-marriage had been in practice in pre-Bible times pointing out that God declared it as an abomination, and destroyed the first cities that legalised it as a national practice.

His words: “Jesus in His discourse with His disciples (Matthew 24:15, quoting Daniel 9:27) said that whenever an abomination

Your foundation determines your wellbeing –Pastor Daniel 20

stands in the holy place, we must try and understand that destruction is imminent.

When a man and a man, or a woman and a woman stand before a Priest of God in the sanctuary of God to be joined together as husband and wife, abomination is standing in His Holy Place, because it has been legalised by both church and state. You can further buttress this scenario if you study the book of Daniel chapter 2 in the light of Matthew chapter 24, and particularly verse 44, regarding the march of world powers, beginning with Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar’s head of Gold) to British/American leg of partly clay and partly iron.”

The Vicar warned that the scripture could not be broken, adding that the world was running out of time, to be destroyed by itself, Britain and America being the denominators.

In his own contribution, itinerant preacher, Emmanuel Oje Ehimika, of Jesus Dream Organization based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, cited the case of Sodom and Gomorrah during pre-Bible era and maintained that if the parents of the generation of those who practised gay marriage had allowed it, they would not have been born.

He said that gay marriage was a demonic thing; it is from the pit of hell. You see what the devil is doing now is putting people in power, who can make these laws.

These, he explained, means that Christians have to rise up and begin to get into the places of power.

“We have to begin to get Christians come to power. Look at David Mark, President of Nigerian Senate; if he had been one of them he would have supported gay marriage. But he is a genuine child of God. This does not call for too much talking, but getting Christians or the Muslims who are morally sound that can be in such places and will not condone that. We should begin to find our ways into places of power where we can influence decisions,” Ehimika said.

Regional Secretary for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students for English and Portuguese Africa, Revd Gideon Paramalam, disclosed that the development in the US was an unfortunate one.

“It is an attempt to redefine civilisation.

When I think the Supreme Court taking a decision to accord the firm right to privileges to same sex marriages as have been giving to be enjoyed by the marriage of a man and a woman, I think it is a deliberate attempt to redefine marriage in a way that

Communication as a lubricant for blissful marriage –Pastor Amaefula 41

Briefly RCCG dedicates new parish All is set for the dedication of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) church, Higher Ground Parish (or Home of joyous people).

The programme began with a weeklong activities which started last Friday with a vigil and ran through Saturday with evangelism reaches a crescendo today with a dedication service at noon at RCCG Higher Ground Parish zonal headquarters, Efularuja Qtrs, Ojokoro New Site/Oriokuta, Ikorodu Lagos State.

The theme of the series of activities ism “Wonders of Higher Ground”. The chief host, Pastor (Mrs.) Mercy Abiodun, pastor-in-charge, Zone 11, Lagos Province 21, speaking on the programme, said, “It is scriptural, as it is the celebration of goodness of God on a higher ground.

Abiodun added: “We’re beckoning on the entire church community to celebrate with us.”

One of the anointed ministers expected at the event is Pastor Peter Egho (Pastor in charge of LP 21).

Awori Anglican Diocese holds Synod Ehimika

does not reflect the reality of who we are as human beings from the beginning of creation.

“My own view is heavily influenced by my biblical understanding. At the beginning of creation, God created man, then woman and then he gave them command to go and multiply, in other words to produce children of their kind. That is a man and a woman coming together to produce children, human beings in the very image of God. Now where I struggle with the gay marriage, to be very frank with you, is that is it is possible to pursue this biblical injunction by a man sleeping with a man or a woman sleeping with a woman?” Paramalam asked.

“I think those are the fundamental questions that we need to ask ourselves.

It is a question of conscience; it is a question that of honesty that we need to face unless again we want to turn the world into permit me to say a free for all where morals are completely out of equation and anybody just does what he wants. I must be honest with you; the first question I say to myself is that the Supreme Court is approving this just to escape in the wrong direction for the simple reason.

The Diocese of Awori (Anglican Communion) will begin its third session of the first synod on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, with the theme‘We will serve the Lord’.

Unveiling plans on the 4-Day Synod in a statement made available to newsmen, the Diocesan Communicator, Mr. Seyi Shodipo, stated that the 4-Day Programme will begin on Thursday, July 4, 2013 with an opening service and health talk by Dr. Mrs. Victoria Elegbede at 3:00p.m. while a Special Programme for Holy Communion Service, Bible Study Exposition and Presentation of the ‘Bishop’s Charge’ holds on Friday, July 5, 2013.

On Saturday, July 6, 2013, there will be committee meetings, presentation of reports and the issuance of Communiqué, while the programmes would be rounded-off with a Thanksgiving Service at 10:00 a.m on Sunday, July 7, 2013.

Sunday Mirror/Babcock University Bible Quiz: • Current and past winners can collect their prizes from the office of the Editor, Sunday Mirror, 151/161 Broad Street, Lagos anytime from Monday to Friday.

Participants should always indicate their names when sending their entries.

Marriage is for the favoured, says Bamidele 44

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Praise & Worship

Sunday June 30, 2013

Global Grace Church Choir after service

Your foundation determines your wellbeing –Pastor Daniel Pastor Samuel Daniel, Overseer of Global Grace Church, Lagos, teaches on the need to build your foundation on sound biblical precepts, so as to be exceptional. Excerpts:

F

oundation matters a lot in someone’s life and in everything we do.

The Bible says in Psalms 11:3, “If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” From this, you know that many people started life on a wrong foundation. The book of knowledge tells us that some people are founded on stony foundations, sandy foundations and other kinds of foundations.

But there is only one enduring foundation. Incidentally, every foundation would be tried with fire. The foundation that is found to have endured, the same will receive the reward. I want to talk about seven kinds of foundations. Let me read from the book of 1Corinthians 3: 10-15: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation and another build there on. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ.

“Now, if any man builds upon this foundation; gold, silver, precious stone, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it; because it shall be revealed by fire. And fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide in which he had built there upon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work be burnt he shall suffer loss but he himself shall be paid yet so as by fire.”

Have you seen it now that every work will be tried by fire on the last day? And that is why the true foundation of a child of God must be carefully laid. There are lots of things we are doing in life. We ought to lay there foundations meticulously, whether it is doing the Lord ministry’s work, doing business or building our career, our belief systems must be founded on enduring foundation.

There are many foundations but I want to limit this teaching to seven kinds of foundations that a child of God must be careful to build upon. The first foundation

Daniel

is marriage foundation. The book of Romans 7: 4 says, “Wherefore my brethren, ye also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ that you should be married to another even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit to God.” As for Foundation of marriage as a child of God, the Bible says you don’t have to get married to an unbeliever.

We should marry children of God so that the choice of life partner we make should guarantee that we choose someone who we would both abide in the house of God and that the fruit that your union would

bring will also abide in the house of God. Some people have chosen wife or husband from places where they ought not, in the name of love. It is a very dangerous trend for children of God to go outside the house of God to take marriage partners. Don’t go out of your way to marry an unbeliever with the hope that you can convert her or him. That only amounts to probability, because you cannot be sure that he or she can actually be converted.

From the outset, marry a born-again child of God. The second foundational issue a child

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of God must hold unto to boost his or her faith is family foundation. When you have got married, you are expected to bring up the family for God. The book of Deuteronomy, speaking in chapter 29: 11-13 says, “Ye little ones, your wives and the strange that is in your camp from the hayer of the wood and the drawer of thy water that thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God and into His oath which thy God maketh with thee this day that he may establish thee in the day for a people unto Himself and that He may be unto thee a God as He hath said unto thee and as He hath sworn unto thy fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Neither with t you only do I make covenant and this oath; but with he that standeth here with us this day before the Lord our God and also with hi that is not here with us this day.”

Family has a foundation. For instance, there are some families that live long but are not known for being among the wealthy. Members of such families may read higher than other people; they may also live and work in the finest cities; at the end of the day, while others are making it big; they just end up as financial mediocres. Why? Because, such families had entered into covenant with some shrines for guidance and long life, even if without riches. Every year, such families renew the covenant. But the Bible enjoins us to enter into covenant with God, because the covenant with God is not like the covenant you enter into with shrines. If you enter into a covenant with God, He will protect, guide, provide for your wife, children and anyone living under your roof. Watch out for true children of God that are covered with a covenant under God; their case is always different and their ways differ from the ways of those who are under the covenant of a shrine. Precisely, every family should rededicate their family back to God and God will call them His own people.

Then the foundation of the family would be based on God; from there, other things would be added which is the foundation which was laid by Jesus Christ.

The third foundation talks about laying solid foundation for children. You see that in the book of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when the child grows, the child will not depart from it. Every family should give a good foundation for their children after the model prescribed in this scriptural verse. The foundation you lay for your children determines how the children will go when they grow up. Adolescent age may come and the children may be swayed but when they would definitely find the proper rhythm, we should make sure that we bring up our wards in the way of the Lord.

The fourth one is what I want to describe as servant of God foundation. As a servant of God, what is your foundation?

Your foundation makes a lot of impact on your life. The relevant scripture is found in Romans 12:6-7: “Having then gift given according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophesy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith or ministry.

Let us wait on our ministry; or he that teacheth, on teaching.” What is this portion trying to say? If you are a servant of God, the gift of God in you determines the area you are to function in the body of Christ. If you don’t have that gift, if you like, go to Bible school. When you come back, you end up as a lecturer in the house of God; because your gift is your foundation as a servant of God. We continue with this teaching next Sunday. God bless you as you keep a date with us in this column.

•For counseling contact Pastor Samuel Daniel via email globalgracechurch@ ymail.com, www.globalgracechurch.org or phone:08060143296, 08164392405

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Sunday June 30, 2013

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The secret of inventors, by Pastor Okereke Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Global Success Ministry (GSM), Pastor (Dr.) Chima Emmanuel Okereke, in this sermon, explores the world of inventors to teach the Christians how to attain their goals in life. Excerpts:

Okereke

A

ll Glory to God for the success of the programme held last week Sunday in the church auditorium on ‘Eradication of diseases in Africa’. Those who were present in the service testified to the power of God that touched their lives through His servant, Dr. Emmanuel Chima Okereke.

The sick were healed, the oppressed were delivered and every one present was enlightened by some health experts and medical practitioners on how to live a healthy life. After they had facilitated the health issue, mosquito nets were distributed among the people. It was indeed a great service as all present in the service were richly blessed spiritually, physically and mentally. No knowledge is a waste; what the people acquired hopefully will stick to them forever, and also they will make use of the knowledge for prevention and control of diseases in their lives.

So many people are the cause of the sicknesses and diseases they are suffering from today; so they needed enlightenment to prevent them from contacting more deadly and infectious diseases in future.

By the grace of God, we will do our best not only with the anointing power of healing which God has given us to heal all

manner of sicknesses and diseases, but also with our finance and other means which God has blessed us with, to make sure that diseases are eradicated in order to reduce the mortality rate and make people live a healthy life. A woman who came to the church for the first time said, “today is my first time to worship here and God used His servant to deliver me, I am blessed and as well going home with mosquito net for myself and children; she said ‘I will keep worshiping in this ministry because everything I need both spiritual and otherwise are all in this place.”

Now back to our topic for the week, “The secret of inventors”. An Inventor is someone who puts into existence, something that had never existed before. An inventor can also be said to be a person who is engrossed in inventing. An inventor has passion for making out something new; and it is this passion for the invention that brings it to accomplishment.

Now before any invention, there is an existing picture of what the invention will look like; it is out of the picture that the Inventor begins to work and make it a reality. God is the Greatest Inventor. In the book of Genesis 1:1-31; God created the heaven and the earth. Before He began

creation, the earth was without form. He was not satisfied with the way it was so He started creating it in a way satisfactory to Him and at the end of every day He created something new. The Bible says “And God saw that it was good and evening came and morning came the next day”, and He continued until the 6th day He created man in His own image and likeness and gave them dominion over every living thing on earth. God is the Highest Inventor, our Creator and because He is our Creator, you too ought to be creative as said in the Bible, Psalm 82:6 “ye are gods”.

Today, so many people are being celebrated even after many years after their death because of the lasting Legacy they have bequeathed to mankind; something that the world is enjoying till date. For example, Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity and today, electricity is used all over the world; Airplane was invented

by Alberto Santos-Dumont, Karl Jatho, John Stringfellow, Wright brothers and today, Airplane still remains the fastest means of transportation which the world is using joyfully. Bill Gates invented a computer software that made computer operation easy. Now tell me why these great people will not be celebrated for their achievements when everyone is benefitting from what they had invented.

Inventing something is not a-day thing; it takes patience, continuity, hard work and sound mind to invent something. Most of these people we mention earlier, although some of their works are still being upgraded by other people or scientist, they remain the ones celebrated because they remain the first set of people that brought these things into existence. It is certain that everyone on earth may not be an inventor but you can stand out in whatever you are doing. For you to be an outstanding personality or an Inventor, you should possess the following attributes: • Desire • Separation •Imagination • Research Desire: You must desire to be outstanding or to do something new. Your desire will bring about the creative thoughts. It is the power of creativity that can make an invention or make you stand out in what you do. The book of Proverbs 18:1 states, “Through desire, a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom”. When you desire something, wisdom will come to play because it is only through wisdom that you can strategize ways you can achieve your desire.

Seperation: To pull out yourself from distractions inorder to achieve something awesome. When you are distracted, you cannot achieve anything meaningful. Distractions can come in different ways; they may be physical or spiritual, but do not give in to distractions. Try as much as you can to separate yourself from noisy people, people who will kill your dreams, people who do not have anything to contribute to your life positively. 2Timothy 2:16 “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness”.

The period of Separation is a period to be alone and think reasonably and see a picture of what you want to achieve. It is a time that God can speak to you based on what you want to achieve. In Genesis 13:14 “And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where

thou art Northward, and Southward, and Eastward, and Westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever”. It was when Abraham separated himself from Lot that he was able to see all the great things God had prepared for him. your Lot can be anything that wants to stop you from being greater than what you are now; your Lot may be your friends, family members, etc. afterall Lot was Abraham’s Nephew and because Abraham was with him, he could not achieve his greatness until he separated himself from him. Look around yourself, if anything is stopping you from achieving your desires, separate yourself from them or your dreams and desires of being great will die gradually. Separating yourself from them, gives you a clearer picture of what you want to do. I pray that every Lot trying to stop you from seeing the picture of what you want to achieve shall be destroyed in Jesus’ Name.

Imagination: Imagination comes in after separation. At the time of imagination, you see the picture of what you desire.

When you have an imagination of what you want to do, nothing can stop you. The book of Genesis 11:6 says “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do”.

Your imagination is a very important tool for accomplishment. So spend your time to imagine good things so that it will be of benefits to you, your family, nation and the world at large. See what you want to do and how to do it. Do not think vainly for vain thinking causes depression. Do not think of how to hurt people, steal or kill anyone or how to tarnish other people’s image or other evil deeds, but spend your time to have quality imagination that can give you a lasting joy and make you a Legend such that you will be celebrated forever. I pray that through your achievement, you will be celebrated forever in Jesus’ mighty name.

Research: This is a means of boosting your ideas on what you want to do. It is time to study and see other works of Inventors who have done something similar to what you intend to invent so that you can get motivated or encouraged to keep working until you bring your own invention into existence. Many people fail because they refuse to make research. Research makes you even greater than those who have already made an invention because you take ideas from them, coupled with what you have and things will be going on perfectly.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. Work hard and be diligent in your doings. See yourself as being greater than those that have made it to the top already and keep on pressing on until you get to the top. Read Phillipians 3:14.

I pray that God will give you the ability to be established in a greater way in Jesus’ name. Remain blessed •For more enquiries, please send text messages or call the following numbers: 07038638984, 08101597149 for prompt attention.

You can watch us on our own Television station as you scan your MITV decoder to Success TV; you can also watch us on our IPTV platform with your Android, PC, IPhones and IPads; Log on now to www.globalsuccesstv.org follow us on face book page: www.facebook.com/globalsuccesstv.

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Praise & Worship

Victory over rejection and dejection, by Pastor Adewunmi (1)

“

Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, the Holy One, To Him whom man despises. To Him whom the nation abhors, to the servant of the rulers, kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship. Because of the Lord who is faithful the Holy One of Israel. And He has chosen you.”

(Isaiah 49:7) Case study: Joseph (Genesis 37)

Hatred is a situation of dislike. When hatred is demonically induced, it is called “Rejection”. Rejection is a terrible social sickness that creates a situation whereby the victim is hated by nearly everybody around him for no just cause. Such a person could be hated by his parents, siblings and other members of his family. He does nothing right in the sight of the people. He is resented both at work and at home. He is the first suspect in the event of any negative occurrence. He is the subject of very wicked gossips and idle talks. He is always misunderstood, castigated and ridiculed for his verbal or physical contribution to any discussion. He does not do well in business because people will not patronize him.

A female victim may not have a suitor and where one surfaces, he leaves her in mysterious circumstances. What others get easily comes to the rejected person with serious efforts. He is underrated and bypassed for anything good. One of the biblical victims of rejection cried out as follows: “Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hair of my head. They are mighty who would destroy me. Being my enemies wrongfully. Though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it.” (Psalm 69:4) “I have become stranger to my brothers.

And an alien to my mother’s children.”

(Psalm 69:8) “I am a reproach among all my enemies.

But especially among my neighbours. And am repulsive to my acquaintances those who see me outside flee from me.” (Psalm 31:11) Yes indeed, the one suffering from Rejection is isolated, avoided and despised.

Causes of rejection

Rejection results from spiritual attack of the evil people. Usually, it is the family members who are envious of the star of the victim that turn such a victim into a spiritual slave for the purpose of manipulating his life. At birth, a divination is made about the life of the child and when the result of the enquiries shows that such a person has a special life assignment, he becomes object of attack. The purpose is to kill, destroy or steal the destiny of the person concerned.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy.” (John 10:10a) Joseph is an example of the Rejected.

His brothers hated him for the following reasons.

• He was loyal to his father by telling him the truth of what happened on the field.

Gen. 37:2 • His father loved him more than his other children.

• His father made him alone a coat of many colours. Gen. 37:3 • He told his brothers about his dream that shows he would have a throne and that the household would bow down to him.

Gen. 37:5-9 The brothers conspired to kill him for the purpose of aborting his destiny.

“And they said one to another. Behold this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say some evil beast hath devoured him, and we shall see what becomes of his dream” (Gen 37:19-20).

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Sunday June 30, 2013

Pastor Segun Adewunmi of House of Prayer Ministries, Lagos gives recipe on how to win victory over rejection and dejection.

Excerpts:

Adewunmi

Coat of many colours

The first target of the enemy against us is our “Coat of many colours” Coat of many colours could be the outstanding gift, competence and ability of individuals. What you have that others have not.

Removal of the coat translates to nonappreciation of that quality in the victim.

Instead of appreciation and praises, he receives condemnation and hatred. The pit of life is a situation of “inaction” or “failure” where life went on without such a victim having any progress. It is about the wasted years. For example a target of such attack may spend years seeking admission into the university, while others with less ability gained such admission easily. It is a situation when one is left behind in the race of life. In Genesis 38 verse 25, we can see that while Joseph was in the pit, his brothers sat down to eat.

Spiritual slavery

A slave is someone who has been degraded from human being into an animal.

He is not in control of his life. He is like any other property of his owner. He is not better than the domestic animals such as dog, goat, bird, etc. He could be sold and resold at will. The Bible says one’s enemies are the members of his own household.

Micah 7:6. The brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery. The so-called merchants into whose hand Joseph was sold are the witches (Isaiah 47:15). This is why it makes no difference when the person known as a witch in the family dies, because he had already transferred the legal rights over his or her victims into the congregation of the other witches (life manipulators) through a sale. If one’s life lacks direction, such a one may be a spiritual slave.

Spiritual attacks

One may become rejected through spiritual attack usually in his dream. Such dream experiences are as follows:

• When he falls into a latrine in his dream • When he is covered by human waste and people run away from him.

• When he visits the Leper Colony and associates with them.

• When the lepers rob their wounds on him • If he finds stinking sores on his body • If he finds himself on dirty refuse dump.

• Eating in dreams, sexual intercourse in dreams and being pressed down and suffocated could also translate into spiritual slavery.

The objectives of the devil

As stated earlier, rejection is aimed at derailing the will or the resolve of the victim so that he will not be able to meet the target of God in his life. As we have the examples of those that held out against the devil and thereby got the purpose of God in their lives fulfilled, we also have examples of those who gave in to Satan and lost the purpose of God in their lives. These are the dejected.

While Rejection is an external pressure mounted by the devil on his victims with the sole aim of frustrating the victims into submission, Dejection is the situation where the victim gives in to the devil. It is the failure of one’s inner will reminiscent of the malfunctioning of the central bolt of a lorry which makes the lorry to loose it’s shape and face a direction different from that which it is going.

Dejection is a state of gloom, confusion and submission to failure. One does not become a failure until he looses the desire to succeed. The dejected is worse than the dead because he is a burden to life. The essence of life is to advance the world a little forward than one met it. A man is positively dead the day he stops to struggle.

•For counselling, contact

Pastor Segun Adewumi on 08039425631 Email: past orsegunadewumi@gmail.com

Cleric urges church leaders to live less ostentatious lives

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cleric, Rev. Nathaniel Issah, has called on Christian leaders to exhibit Christlike attributes and shun ostentatious living to enable peace to reign in the country.

Issah, who is also the National Chairman of United Evangelical Church of Nigeria, made the call at the opening of the National Annual Reverend Ministers’ Retreat of the church in Lokoja over the weekend.

The cleric, who urged the ministers to lead by example, wondered what lessons a minister of God living extravagantly would teach his flock.

He warned the ministers not to emulate the ‘’bad habits” exhibited by some flamboyant pastors saying evil communication corrupts good manners and that moderation should be the watch-word of Christians.

Issah also urged the ministers to pray for the nation’s leaders in view of the security challenges faced so far and for the sustenance of the peace attained in the last few weeks. ‘’Let us bring the leaders in our country to the foot of the cross, let us pray for the peace of God to reign in our country,’’ he said.

He enjoined the ministers to be computer literate to enable them access information from the Internet which could be beneficial to their ministries.

He also advised them to avail themselves of training and re-training opportunities available.

He said that the theme for this year’s retreat : ‘’The Church for Evangelism’’ was in consonance with the general theme of the conference which is ‘’God in Evangelism,’’ calling on all to intensify efforts at evangelism.

The theme, according to him, is chosen to remind them that there is a lot of work for the ministers to do to salvage the present generation from the highway that leads to eternal condemnation.

In his speech, Dr Michael Okpanachi, Ejule Area Conference Chairman, thanked the National Retreat Committee for choosing Kogi as the host for this year.

Pope probes scandal-tainted Vatican bank

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scandal-tainted Vatican bank will be the target of a five-member investigative panel commissioned by Pope Francis, the Holy See said on Wednesday.

In its 71-year history, the Institute of Religious Works (IOR) has been linked to fraud and money laundering and is still under investigation by Italian Magistrates.

Four prelates - including two cardinals - and Mary Ann Glendon, a Harward Law School Professor and former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, will prepare a report for the Pontiff after scrutinising the bank’s work, a statement from the Holy See said.

The Pope was said to have set up the committee because he ``wants to know better the legal position and the activities of the institute so that they can be better harmonised with the mission of the Universal Church and of the Apostolic Seat.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Praise & Worship

Sunday June 30, 2013

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Makinde eulogises the late Mogaji TAI ANYANWU

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relate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde has described the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Iya Oloja of Lagos and the President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men as a “fearless and humane Leader whose qualities of consistency, commitment, honesty, public-spiritedness and social concern are worthy of emulation.

He was speaking during a condolence visit to the deceased’s

son, Senator Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in Lagos.

The Prelate noted that Alhaja Mogaji was no doubt one of the Nigeria’s most significant figures in trade and business adding that her influence on the well-being of the citizenry, especially in Lagos and south-west Nigeria, was profound.

His words, “The news of her death came to us as a rude shock knowing that she was in a good and healthy condition and a sound mind. But we are comforted because precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of

his saints.

“She was, a constructively engaging and outspoken person, a dogged fighter, a bridge builder, an activist and an effective mobiliser who stood up against tyranny, oppression, discrimination and exploitation, and she was passionate about the grassroots, the ‘hoi polloi’ and the ‘Talakawas’; a constituency to which she remained loyal, connected and was their voice till she passed on.”

Prelate Makinde said Alhaja Mogaji stood out because she spoke out on public issues and

always strove to emphasise the distinction between good and bad policies, and did so with a forcefulness that made many people sit up and take notice.

He added that it was heartwarming that Asiwaju Tinubu represented a worthy continuation of the ideals that distinguished the life of Alhaja Mogaji as he displays the same grassroots instincts, the same populist ethos, and the same forcefulness of speech and personality that characterised his mother.

The prelate charged the family to take solace in the words

When I came here, it was a jungle –Opara, Vicar of Lagos’ biggest Anglican Church OLUFEMI AJASA

Shepherdhill Baptist Church holds revival

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hepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, today begins a four-day power mid-year revival programme tagged, ‘God of Abundance.’

According to a statement by the Senior Pastor, Rev. Israel Olu Kristilere, the programme which begins today at 10am runs through Wednesday July 3. The programme after today starts at 6pm daily.

Ministers at the four-day revival include Rev. (Dr.) John Ojewole, the presiding Pastor of Agape Bible Fellowship, California, U.S.A and the host Pastor, Rev. Kristilere.

Kristilere enjoined people to attend as God is prepared to bless His people.

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ioneering aeronautic engineer, Igor Sikorsky must have had events like like last week’s which resulted in the dedication of a new edifice, St. Pauls Church, Kirikiri, Lagos in mind, when he stated that the work of an individual still remains the spark that moves mankind ahead, even more than teamwork.

This is one perfect quote that aptly tells of the amazing works done by the Archdeacon of Kirikiri, St. Paul Church, Venerable Levi Opara who was posted to the church on the 1st of January, 2005 due to usual clergy routine movements. At the time of his posting, he was embarrassed after many of his friends and admirers who had been following his ministries despaired and even broke down in tears.

He said they saw punishment and despair, but he saw opportunity and hope. “They saw a task too big to face but I saw a task too big to miss.

“Clasping their hands on their chest, and some holding their heads, stepped aside and murmured in disbelief and disappointment as the only thing they saw for me then was punishment.”

However, a giant edifice now stands on the one time dilapidated, ill-ventilated, sinking church building, a three, small room vicarage and vast weedy compound which he met years ago.

Today, the biggest Anglican Church in Lagos is celebrated under the leadership of Venerable Opara on the same ground. The dedication service which began at exactly 3 p.m. last week Sunday for the Largest Anglican Church in Lagos celebrates more than a new building. The event overflowed with speeches, worships and praises which allwelled out of the joyous congregation.

The event was graced by scores of eminent Nigerians, among whom are His Grace,

found in one of the books of the Holy Bible; Ecclesiastes 3 which says, ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.’

“So I urge you, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your grief is shared by so many of us even as we continue to pray that your faith will give you strength in these testing times. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”

Group leads global praises, prayers TAI ANYANWU

L-R: Patrons, the Light Bearers Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Bro Ade Sawyerr; Bro Kayode George and Bro Kweku Biwley, listening to the president, Aramide Tola Noibi’s address at the society’s 22nd annual anniversary celebrations at the church premises in Lagos, recently.

Most Revd. Ephraim Ademowo, Chief Olabode George, Evangelist Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, former Supreme Court Justice, Justice George Oguntade and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Most Revd. Ephraim Ademowo, who presided over the dedication service, commended the efforts of Ven. Opara and the entire members of St. Paul Church for all the supports given to him to assist in the accomplishment of the laudable project.

Also speaking on the leadership role of Archbishop Ademowo, whom he described as his role model, Ven Opara said, “He is the most senior bishop in the system today, but more importantly, he is a man of great value, wisdom and integrity.

“Whatever he says or does is didactic, and in fact, I dare to say that if I started with him in my ministry, I wouldn’t have made some of the honest mistakes I made early in my priesthood.

He is never in a hurry until he shapes you to know how he wants you to look.”

Similarly, Ven. Opara did not hide his joys, he explained that all the church needed when he joined them was motivation and commitment and he was there to supply it and he also attributed this as the factor which encouraged the church members to respond positively to the initiative of building the new church.

“Before I came, attempts had been made to erect a new church building, but it was grossly defective. We appointed Sir Lawson Onyebueke to the office of the building committee as chairman and one Engineer Professor Echeta was invited to handle the building project.

I expected it! A battalion of goats led by a lion will defeat a battalion of lions led by a goat.

And indeed all members of the Church became more enthusiastic than I to forge ahead this propelled us to the greatness achieved by the church today.”

He stated He further recounted how the former Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Orji

Ven Opara

Kalu visited and made a donation of 5 million naira which was one of the major funds that was used by the church to propel the new church.

“As we ponder in retrospect today one truth comes to mindthere is no mountain one cannot climb, no desert one cannot cross, if one sets one’s mind on it, ready to lose or have it as he may decide,” he added.

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or the first time, Christians all over the world would come together as one to render glorious praises to God and conduct prayers of thanksgiving.

Organiser of the programme, Pastor Emmanuel Oje Ehimika, an itinerant preacher based in Abeokuta and coordinator of Jesus Dream Project, said this during the week in a chat with press men.

Last year, the organisation led that entire world in a prayer of unity.

“This time round, we are going to thank God for reconciling us to himself. We are going to be asking for things and people are getting involved. This is the first time that Christians would come together to say ‘God, thank you for reconciling yourself to us.’ This is the greatest Christian event in Africa.

“From 8-9 pm Christians would participate in praise and prayer sessions from where they are. However, some churches are organising the event in their respective churches. For instance, all over the world, in India and China, churches are organising it. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president and I had a meeting over it and he announced that all Nigerians should pray.

“We are going to give God praise that night. He has been giving us houses, cars and children,” he enthused.

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Praise & Worship

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Many Christians may not make heaven –Pastor Chidi Many do not run the Christian race according to the rule. For this purpose, many believers will not make heaven, says Pastor Chidi Anthony of Kings in Christ Church, Ajao Estate, Lagos. Excerpts:

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hen you are in a race, you don’t look back. If you are running and look back, it will weigh you down. You must look straight because you have a target. Unfortunately, many people in the Christian race today do run and look back. When some run and remember their business, they look back; others run and when they remember that they have no child, they look back.

They fail to draw a lesson from what happened to Lot’s wife. She disobeyed God’s instruction. That biblical reference tells us that when God commanded Lot and his household to leave the land of Sodom and Gomorrah prior to destruction of the sinful cities, God instructed him not to look back. The scripture says that when Lot’s wife was running to the place of safety, she remembered her jewellery and the pleasure that she was enjoying in the city and looked back. When she did, contrary to the instruction of the Lord, the Bible records that she turned to a pillar of salt.

Hear me, brethren. Any time you turn back in your Christian race, there is problem. Listen to the live story of a lady who looked back in her Christian race.

This lady was a prayer warrior in her church. On Christmas season, she desired very much to kit up, look good like every other ladies. But when she could not afford the cost of Christmas clothes, shoes, bags and other things she needed, this prayer warrior decided to do what other ladies do.

Contrary to her Christian belief, she went to an unbeliever for help. The boy said he would give her any amount she would need she required to have a rollicking Christmas but on one condition.

And the condition was that she must go to bed with the unbelieving young man.

As the devil would have it, the prayer warrior decided to look back. The prayer warrior accepted to commit fornication with him and she got pregnant in the process. As a single sister, who would she say put her in a family way? Is it Angel Michael or Angel Gabriel? She chose to abort the pregnancy in order to cover her sin. Consequently, she died in the hospital theatre. It was a big blow to everyone that knows the sister.

The lady’s Pastor, being a very close friend, told me what had happened. He asked me to accompany him to convey the remains of the lady to her village.

We took the corpse precisely to Nanka in Aguata, Anambra State. At the funeral service, the servant of God preached salvation message. The power of the word hit the listeners powerfully. Incidentally, the young man who impregnated the late sister was also at the service. The young man could not stand the power of the message. Hence he confessed his role in the sister’s death.

He raised his hands up and shouted, “Man of God, please have mercy on me. I am not worthy to touch you or worthy to call your God. I am the one the devil used to send that girl to her untimely grave. I did it ignorantly and didn’t know. I have

Chidi

sinned against God, I have sinned against man. I have sinned against earth, I have sinned against heaven and I have sinned against this corpse lying down here. But I know your God is a merciful God. Please

ask your God to have mercy on me.”

As the young man was shouting, he was crying at the same time. When we, the ministers found out that the young man had repented genuinely, we gath-

Kings in Christ announces Pot of Gold TAI ANYANWU

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reparations to host the annual financial breakthrough programme of Kings in Christ church dubbed This Pot of Gold is Mine has reached an advanced stage.

Speaking at a press briefing during the week, Pastor Chidi Anthiny, General Overseer of the church, explained that the programme would include a threeday, power parked event.

“The opening session of This Pot of Gold is Mine will begin on Thursday, July 7 at 8 am and end about 1 pm,” Pastor Chidi said.

It would be followed by a vigil dubbed ‘Power Night’ on Friday, which he said would last from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.

An anointing service to be held on Sunday morning, will crown it. “During the service, every attendee’s hand would be anointed and if God be God, those hands would never ever lack again,” the servant of God assured.

Pastor Chidi, whose prophetic and deliverance gifts have been making waves,

said that the previous year’s programme was trailed followed by testimonies of financial blessings and lifting of many who attended.

He said; “Last time, we had the programme, people recorded lots of testimonies. God elevated many people in different areas of their businesses.

“And what did they do to attract such financial breakthrough? You may ask.

They simply attended the programme; usually, this programme is very informative, expository and prophetic; declarations also accompany every ministration.

“So, attendees who are able to grab the messages that applied to their peculiar situations and are diligent enough to do exactly what God expects them to do recorded amazing testimonies,” he recalled.

We don’t do magic here; but we also don’t try luck in this church; rather we are confident that when god locates your case, you will sing a new song; and that is because we hear from God before any proclamation is made, Pastor Chidi explained.

ered and led him to Christ. We prayed for him. Today he is a well known evangelist in the city of Onitsha, Anambra State. He is doing exploits and delivering people here and there. But my question is, ‘What about the sister today?’ She is dead and gone to hell. Do you know that sister you are hunting can lead you to hell? Sister, do you know that young man can lead you to hell and tomorrow he can change?

If you are in this Christian race, do not allow anything to make you to look back.

It is not easy to run a race. Determination is required to finish successfully. Patience and endurance are needed; there is no chance to listen to sidetalks. One that has signed on for the race must focus at the target. Where is your focus? What is your target? Hear me. On the last day, the greatest surprise most Christians will have to contend with is that most people we would expect to make heaven will be in hell. And those that everyone would think are candidates of hell fire will make heaven.

Do you know that title cannot take you to heaven? That you are answering Archbishop or ‘Dust-bishop’, that you wear a long chain, a very big cross and regalia with 30 or more people trailing your staff does not guarantee that you will make heaven. Those paraphernalia are synonymous with worldly titles. In heaven, there are nothing like titles. Check; what race are you running? Listen to me, many people who are watching our Christian race keenly. That is why the Bible says that we are compassed with a crowd of witnesses.

As a child of God, there are place you ought to go and where you ought not to go. It is unacceptable that married people will abandon their families to have groovy nights at the clubs on Friday nights. If you invite such people to crusades, they are quick to tell you, ‘Oh! I am not good in keeping late nights. But if it has to do with club activities, they will not hesitate to enjoy the ‘gyration.’

When you see all these things happening, the Bible says, ‘know that the coming of the son of man is at hand.’ Fathers, where do you always go on Friday and Saturday nights?

In Lagos, there are clubs where girls go nude, dancing for such crazy fathers.

How can a sound person pay a fee to enter into a strip, easy club just to watch prostitutes dancing? How can this insanity possibly give a responsible man joy and you derive satisfaction from it?

No wonder the Bible says that there is a way that seems right but the end leads to destruction. Think, brethren. What happens if the last trumpet sounds just when you step your feet into that wicked world of sensuality and the saints are taken up to meet with the Lord. What would be your gain and fate? Whether you like it or not, heaven is real and hell is real. As a Christian or a child of God, there is a price you must pay to end your race successfully. Are you ready to pay the price now?

PASSION A Lifestyle Magazine

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Sunday June 30, 2013

‘Desmond Elliot, Mike Ezuruonye... are actors I can be romantic with on stage’ >>27

My mum caught me wearing her bra –Toyin

Alausa >>29

Yes, I’m still legally married, but anything can happen –Alex Okoroji

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Passion

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Yes, I’m still legally married, but anything can happen –Alex Okoroji Alex Okoroji is the first daughter of Tony Okoroji, the president, Copyright Society of Nigeria. A Biochemist by profession, the mother of one has featured in so many movies and soaps. She shares her motherhood experience in this interview with Adaeze Amos.

You studied Biochemistry but have passion for acting.

Are you not missing your calling?

I’m not missing it because I have passion for acting.

Because of this passion, I still nurse the ambition of going back to school to acquire more knowledge in acting even though there are quite a number of people already in this industry who probably studied something different from Theatre Arts. I still feel it is still very important to have some sort of training on acting. It could be an informal training, do an online course on that or better still, opt for a film school for training. I have attended lots of workshops on this but I want to go to school and actually have a Bachelor degree in Arts. Biochemistry was not actually the course I had in mind to study. I wanted to be a doctor. But when I waited for too long and couldn’t gain admission to study Medicine, I opted for Biochemistry.

How did you now develop the enthusiasm for acting?

I think acting has always been in my blood. It has always been part of me. I didn’t realise it on time. Coming from a musical background, my father being a former musician and, I realised that art is in me. When I was in primary school, I belonged to a drama society. I started acting as a child and this continued even when I got into secondary school and all the way to tertiary institution.

But it didn’t occur to me that I would make it a career until Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), the popular actor, made me realise I could actually make a career in acting.

And how has it been in the acting world?

I’m enjoying it. Acting puts me on my toes. It wakes me up by 2 in the morning. At times I’ll be shooting till 6 a.m. I’m okay with it.

Sometimes we have issues at the location and we would rush up, doing almost 19 hours and I’m home with that because I’m doing what I enjoy. It’s a very tedious profession, especially stage drama because it takes a lot from you emotionally and mentally. For instance, it is not easy to take someone else’s world and sort of internalise and make it look as if it is yours and construct it to look believable. It’s a lot of work.

What movies have featured in?

I have done movies and I have acted on television. For movies, I have featured in Calabar Girl, State of the Heart. I’m still in Spider, a soap opera. I did Tinsel, a popular soap opera. I did Tinsel for two seasons. I also did Tales of Eve, a soap opera, Hero’s Pride, a movie. I have done a lot that I cannot even remember now. But stage drama is still one thing I’m really thinking of trying my hands on because I think as an actor, if you haven’t done stage, then maybe you haven’t really done everything. I want to do stage and I wish I would have the chance to go to Broadway and do Broadway, do complete reenactment with musicals, performance and all of that.

Are there some roles you won’t accept no matter the amount at stake?

I believe in being professional. I don’t think there aren’t roles I won’t take. The issue that I may have is the script, in terms of how the script comes together. Then also who is directing, who am I working with? These are the things I consider first before accepting a job. I would like to point out that it is not every script that has been given to me that I have accepted because as a good artiste, you want to go through the basic elements of the script that you have been given.

How about roles that have to do with nudity?

That is the only thing I’m not sure of. But nudity, depending on the context in which it is being used because sometimes you do a nude thing which is not exactly sexual. It could just be somebody whose clothes were burning or something like that. And you pull off your clothes.

I have done a movie where I had to take off my clothes. I remember when we were about doing it, they sent some of the crews out and I had to pull off but it wasn’t sexual.

But your under pant was seen?

I took off my top, so they had a shadow shot and a real shot and they started thinking which one to use.

But there was nothing hanging out. I’m not interested in showing my body.

What makes you happy? And how do you combine your career as an actor with motherhood?

Seeing my son makes me happy. Music, writing and working make me happy.

I’m always busy and when I’m active, I’m happy.

When

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I’m sick and can’t move, I feel so sad. I want to get up and do so many things.

You have to somehow blend it. I think in the first year after having my baby, I was out of the country for a while because I was confused. I can’t leave my son and travel to Abuja and shoot for 22 days.. I was worried about so many things. Yes, there were a lot of issues I had but after a while, I had to learn to deal with them. I think women are blessed with the ability to adjust and figure how to do all those things. I was just like a normal career woman who had a child and learn how to go back to work. I think that was what happened to me. Somehow, it’s been good.

What does motherhood entail?

Motherhood changes you absolutely. It teaches you how to be less selfish. It shows you how to be selfless, teaches you how to love the way you never thought you could love someone. Imagine having to change a diaper, you really have to be patient. Motherhood teaches you how to think about other people, hardworking because you have somebody dependent on you for survival. So, you have to work. You can’t be lazy. I think the most beautiful thing in life is motherhood. You can stop being a wife, you can stop being a girlfriend but you can’t stop being a mother. I have achieved a lot of things now because I have focused on my child. Before it was only just me that I cared for but now I have a responsibility and that makes me more focused and more responsible.

You wrote a movie that was nominated for AMAA? I have been writing for some time now. I wrote a movie for RMD and Stella Damasus which is titled State of the Heart. They produced it and that was the movie that was nominated for AMAA 2009. I wrote another movie for Kingsley Ogoro.

Most actors’ marriages have hit the rocks of late. What are you doing right to keep yours intact?

It is not actors alone that their marriage crashes. The truth is that generally, all over the world, marriages are breaking up every day. I think, again, today’s generation is not patient as we ought to. But within our industry, I think it takes a man to find, manage and keep a confident or successful woman. The reason is that after a while they get insecure, a lot of things happen and they part.

But truly, I believe that if something is not working, it’s not working. I don’t know what I’m doing right to keep my marriage.

It was once rumoured you were having some issues in your marriage, are you still married?

I don’t really like talking about my private life. I can’t answer that because I don’t really want to talk about my privacy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

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Sunday, June 30, 2013

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‘Desmond Elliot, Mike Ezuruonye... are actors I can be romantic with’ ADAEZE AMOS

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itilola Oshinowo has been in the make-believe world since 2006. She started her journey into the movie world with a soap opera entitled The Valley in Between. She also featured in Family Ties, Papa Ajasco by Wale Adenuga, Living Together and Crack in the Wall, a movie. She is also a face to be reckoned with in Yoruba movie genre. Oshinowo has done a lot of roles and she discloses that every role she had played was done with ease. “They are things that happen out there although there are some roles I have had to turn down - those that have to do with nudity. But I can accept romance roles with both hands because I can interpret them well. I can kiss on the set and that is the extent I can do. And it has to be someone that I like or I admire anyway. Somebody I feel we can really work together,” said Oshinowo.

This is unlike what some Nollywood acts say about their choice of actors in romance roles. They say it could be with any actor because they are merely interpreting a role. “Well, that is their opinion.

Mine has to be an actor I admire. It is not just any man I have soft spot for; it has to be somebody I like as a person, as an actor. If it is somebody I don’t like or one I have not worked with, I can as a professional but it won’t flow very well, and won’t bring out the best in me,” she explains.

Oshinowo mentioned some guys in the movie world she can easily accept to interpret romance roles with. “It has to be Desmond Elliot, Mike Ezuruonye…I can do a romance movie with them.

Then also somebody like Majid Michael, John Damelo. Yes, John Damelo, I can do that with him and the rest of other actors I mentioned because they are good in what they do and they are goodlooking as well,” she said.

Are these also the qualities of her ideal man? “Well, the person must also have good morals and God-fearing; somebody I should look up to. He should be like teacher. Thank God I have such a person in my life. I’m not searching. I have got somebody in my life. And there is strong hope of settling down in the nearest future. I’m not afraid it would crash which is common in the movie world,” she added, with a gentle smile.

So, she is getting her mind ready to ensure her marriage stands the test of time when the wedding bells come tolling. “When I’m married, I won’t carry stardom into my matrimony. I’m also advising my colleagues to do the same. When you leave movie locations and you are coming into your home, please drop stardom outside and be humble to your man. Humility pays.

When you are returning, enter as a married woman, wife and not as a star. This is what I will have at the back of my mind. I will not bring stardom into my matrimonial home because definitely it is going to affect it,” Oshinowo affirmed.

But can this actress settle down with a man who would stop her from acting if she genuinely loves the man? “Oh yes, I can stop acting because of him. Why won’t I stop when I want to keep my home? I have passion for acting but if I’m married and my hubby says he wouldn’t want me to continue, I would stop because I would prefer to keep my marriage to keeping my career. After all, it is not compulsory I become a star or anactress. If he says he is not comfortable with it, I would quit because I want to keep my home.”

If Titi, as she is fondly called, is not acting, she would be dancing. “I love dancing. I dance any kind of music that jells with my mood.”

The most scandalous story ever written of her is still green in her memory. “Yes, that was when they wrote that I was in love with one Tunde who works with Mike Adenuga. I didn’t have an affair with him, so it got me down. I don’t even know what he looks like and I haven’t seen him before. But my man still trusted me and believed that I didn’t do it. Because he believed me, I stopped giving a damn about what anybody thinks of me with regard to that scandal. Thank God I didn’t shed tears about that and nothing that has ever written about me that has made me cry. I normally laugh over them as one of those things. I hardly cry, I’m the kind of a person that takes life the way it comes. I don’t get disappointed or annoyed. The only thing that I remember and I feel like crying is that I have not seen my dad in the past 13 years. He is not in the country but he communicates,” Titi recalls What makes this her happy is not far-fetched. “My parents and my background make me happy. The training my parents gave me makes me happy. Till today, I hardly go out, and that was how I was brought up,” she said excitedly.

‘The most beautiful thing in life is motherhood’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 Yes, I’m still legally married but anything can happen tomorrow (laughs). I keep an open mind because the truth is that whether we like it or not, so many people are going to go through the journey of life but it is not everybody that would get to the end. So many things are going to take so many people away. It could be death, separation, or anything. You have to live your life with an open mind because something could happen tomorrow. We are not looking at it but if something happens tomorrow, what would you do?

Have you ever been broken-hearted?

Yes. What I did to wriggle out of the pain was to work. I focused on work. I tried to find a distraction from it. When such happens you could occupy yourself with work, a vacation with a friend or have a new catch that would just help you take your mind away from what happened. So whatever distraction that works for you, just stick to the distraction.

What is your son’s name?

Raymond.

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Perfect Cut

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

African pri on catwalk ADAEZE AMOS

A

frican prints will be hotter on fashio sion Fashion show unveils latest st to be fabulous because colourful A on red carpet and on runway. Nigerian take style to its peak no doubt as splendi

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ints hot ks

on runway today as Nigerian Televityles in the fashion world. It’s going African prints will really sizzle both models and fashion designers will d styles are unveiled.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Perfect Cut

33

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

35

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Pregnancy Talk with

Adaeze Amos 08023012293 (SMS ONLY)

Stages of labour in pregnancy

C

hildbirth is painful no doubt; it is not pleasurable. The Bible even ascertained this when Eve disobeyed God. “Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children….”

Whoever told you that childbirth with its strong contractions and dilating of cervix is a pleasurable experience is being economical with the truth.

The pleasure comes at the end when you are told to push and your baby slips out of you and then of course your placenta follows suit. But remember that what you should be concerned with is that the pains are endurable. Bear this in mind that if teenagers who are victims of accidental pregnancy could endure the pains before giving birth, you too can. Don’t behave like Sade my friend who told Nneka her pregnant friend that labour/ childbirth is not painful…that what she would observe is the slight movement of her unborn baby descending downwards and with just a little push, her baby is out.

When the young lady started having painful contractions and Sade was there with her in the labour ward to give her moral support, she was asking her in tears why her own contractions were painful unlike what she told her. That was when Sade told her the undiluted truth. “I was only joking with you so that you won’t be scared and worried. Try and endure now, mine was even more painful because my water didn’t break when my contractions became severe and my doctor said it was dry labour.”

It is wise to tell the truth about delivery so that you get your mind set to endure whatever pains you would encounter.

Let’s go to the nitty-gritty of today’s topic which is stages of labour in pregnancy. The first sign of labour is your water breaking.

Of course, this shouldn’t sound Greek to you. Water breaking simply means rupture of the membranes. This is when you need to be in the hospital because once your water breaks and amniotic fluid starts dripping, which you can’t control, your baby is no longer protected and there is a risk of infection.

It is then wise to be admitted in the hospital so that your doctor can check this risk. You could notice ‘Show’ which is when the plug of mucus from your cervix comes away. It is usually pink in colour because it is blood mixed with mucus. If you have not heard about these two signs, it means you have not been taking your antenatal classes very seriously. You would start having backache that feels like the heavy feeling you nor-

mally have when you want to observe your monthly flow. Of course, there would be an urge to use the toilet because of your baby’s head pressing in your bowel. Your unborn baby too is making effort or gathering momentum to slip out.

With time, the contractions become more regular, stronger and painful. Don’t get scared and try not to shout because if you do, chances are that you are going to shout all through. But you can breathe in and out with your mouth open like someone panting after running. Remember the painful contractions are endurable and they are needed to soften your cervix so that it gradually opens. But still communicate with your doctor how you feel. Ask questions if need be. But do remember that when you start having regular, painful contractions that feel stronger and last more than 30 seconds, proper labour has set in. If you place your palm on your tummy, you would feel your tummy getting harder. This is when you start gathering momentum because as contractions become longer, stronger, more painful and frequent, know that you would soon get to the end of the ‘battle’. The contractions are pushing your baby down and opening your cervix or entrance to your womb, ready for your baby to be pushed out.

All these experiences are classified under the first stage of labour because the first stage is when your contractions make your cervix gradually open up or dilated.

This honestly is the longest stage. If you are in doubt, ask some mothers who had gone through childbirth. Experience, they say, is the best teacher.

Health experts say that in the first stage of labour, the cervix needs to open about 10 cm, for your baby to pass through. That is when it would be said that your cervix is fully dilated. Sometimes this can take many hours before you get to the stage of ‘established labour’. At this stage, your doctor wouldbe checking you from time to time to see how you are progressing.

• Next week, we’ll treat what happens in the second stage of labour.

5 steps to finally remove cellulite for good

“A

sk any woman on the street what the definition of cellulite is and you’ll get a confused variety of answers. From “toxic fat pockets caught in the skin” to “bands of fiber pulling down on the skin” and many odd things in between…”

The truth is: most people really don’t know what “cellulite” actually is, or, what causes this odd appearance of the lower body trouble zones…”

This is no surprise as there actually is no such thing as ‘cellulite’… So how do we get rid of something which doesn’t exist?”

Here’s the answer: “The word, “cellulite”, was cleverly made-up several decades ago, in a European beauty-spa, to DESCRIBE the bumpy, shadowy and dimpled appearance of skin in the lower body trouble zones of the female body. (butt, hips, thighs, legs)” The beauty spas then started cashingin and profiting big-time by marketing “beauty” services and products to get rid of “cellulite”. And if you’re like most women who’ve been challenged by this issue, then you probably already know all of those passive and superficial beauty treatments do not get rid of the dented shadows and mushy dimples on your buns, legs and thighs.”

In order to make your lower-body smooth, tight and attractive, there are 5 steps to follow.

Here they are: •You cannot get rid of the dimples and shadows (cellulite) by rubbing an odd gel, weird lotion or goopy cream on your trouble zones and problem spots.

So, stop using them – as some can actually make your cellulite worse.Despite the fact that there are dozens of supposed ‘cellulite reduction creams’ on the market, there is no possible way for any one of them, no matter how expensive, to get rid of your cellulite. Cellulite is not a skin problem. Its an underlying structural issue, that can only be corrected by reversing the cause of atrophied muscle fibers directly beneath your “cellulite” trouble spots.”Since the squishy dimples and shadows are a superficial symptom of a problem below the surface; it’s impossible for the creams, lotions or gels to have any physiological impact on the cause of the issue…”

•Risky and expensive ‘medi-spa treatments’ can only reduce your bank account – not your cellulite problems.

And there are many consumer reports about women being seriously scarred or injured as well.Stay away from these as the FDA reports show women who’ve been scarred or injured for life.Painful, dangerous and uncomfortable services ranging from endermologie to bodywrapping have been proven to be totally ineffective when it comes to treating cellulite. However, advertising and market-

ing loopholes allow these services to be cleverly marketed to desperate women who are at wits end with the unattractive dimples and shadows on the lowerbody problem areas.”

•The unattractive dimples, shadows and saggy ripples known as cellulite are not ‘genetic’ and you are NOT stuck with them forever if you have them.

Falsely believing this will prevent you from getting rid of your cellulite. So, don’t entertain this nonsense for 1 second.These two ridiculous myths are often passed around by ‘neighborhood know-it-alls’ – and many women actually believe these 2 myths – especially if they haven’t found the right way to get rid of the cellulite. Whats even more alarming are the number of doctors who also believe in and foster these 2 demoralizing falsehoods.Yes – it is common to see a mother and daughter, both with the lower-body “orange peel” look, BUT this doesn’t mean cellulite is genetic – it simply means both women have not found a way to lift, tone and firm the muscle layers under the dimpled, saggy skin.”

•You can get rid of cellulite, regardless of your age – or when you began to notice it.”Since cellulite is a structural issue (muscle) – it can be fixed with simple and unique body movements which target the cellulite areas.”These types of moves can be followed by any woman, regardless of her age or fitness level. And it doesn’t matter if the cellulite started in the early teen years – or after pregnancy – or after menopause – it’s still a structural issue that results from soft, un-toned muscles underneath the saggy, dimpled, shadowy skin.”

•The only proven way to permanently get rid of the dimples and shadows of cellulite is through a series of simple, yet specifically targeted lower-body movements”These unique movements focus on lifting, shaping and toning the muscle layers so they gently push outward against the skin – to bring back the smooth, tight and sexy appearance, while burning off any excess flab, if there is any.”This is how regular women reverse the cause of cellulite dimples and shadows… AND, if there happens to be any excess fat in those zones – it will be burned off as fuel by the muscles. This bonus of losing any unhealthy excess body-fat is nice because it reveals a great body and it works wonders for your health profile.”BUT you won’t learn about these unique slow-tempo movements in the gym or your local health club.”These body movements are NOT done with typical weights and machine type exercises.”

“Most regular fitness instructors don’t even know about this type of targeted cellulite-killing method.These musclestimulating movements can be done right at home, in total privacy.”

Culled from The Mail

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Sunday, June 30, 2013

Connecting with

Vanessa

Vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

What name did your lover save your phone number with?

C

heck out this scenario with me for a moment: you are chilling out with your lover on a cool Saturday evening and then he/she excuses himself/herself to use the rest room and leaves the phone on the table. Suddenly, you get curious and decide to check whether she/he saved your number as ‘sweetheart or ‘honey’. You dial your number and it appears as ‘Rasheed plumber’. Please be honest, what would be your instant reaction?

Well, it’s time to get curious and do some snooping around if you ask me. They say curiosity killed the cat, but I always say it’s better than burying your head in the sand like the ostrich and believe in illusions. I know I may be criticised for asking you to do this today, but whoever says he/she has never snooped around before should go ahead and cast the first stone.

The arrival of GSM in Nigeria has truly turned its citizens to manufacturers of lies. Someone will be in a bus heading to Oshodi and receive a call only to blatantly lie in front of everybody that he is on his way to Lekki. It is now accepted as the norm in this country to lie using the mobile phone as cover.

It is no longer surprising to hear people make jest of how they tricked their partner into believing they were on their way to an important business meeting only to end up in a tryst with a lover in a hotel in the town’s suburb.

This coded lies have also been devised in the way names are being saved on mobile devices, especially for the purpose of covering up extracurricular rendezvous they don’t have the right to indulge in.

Cheating in relationships has become the order of the day and people o it covertly these days that even the wife or husband living ng together with them in the same house is obliviouss to their unfaithfulness.

Just on the side, someone made de a funny joke saying when you go o through a market woman’s phone, e,, you’ll find all kinds of names like: Iya Eja, Baba Okporoko, Mama Ororo and so on. Well, such funny names are also trickling into guys and ladies’ phones as well.

One guy said he was quite shocked ed to discover that his girlfriend had rereplaced his name with ‘mugu’ just because he failed to give her the money she asked asked for.

Another guy said he discovered that at his girlfriend had about four ‘pastors’ on her phone and she differentiated them with numerical and his own phone number was saved saved under number 4. The question now is, are re the other three “pastors’ real or just as fake as as he was?

Guys are also culpable in this coded phone names as well. Check out an average ge e guy’s phone and you’ll see “Mechanic” with different street tags. These streets or areas actually ually represent where all these girlfriends either stay stay or where he usually meets up with them. He would wo ould not want to put a lady’s name on his phone in n case his wife or girlfriend picks up the phone when n he steps out of the room or is taking a shower.

So it’s time to get smart and start rt decoding these phone languages to decipher where e you actually be-

long in the heart of your lover.

Names are powerful and what your lover calls you both in written or verbal form should matter to you.

If he confesses his undying love to you in private but fails to acknowledge this publicly on his phone, then that love is seriously experiencing a wave of insincerity and should be properly scrutinised.

If she tells you that she loves you and yet fails to use your name at least on her phone, then know my dear brother that your girl could be a ‘runz’ girl. I mean, how else would you want to explain it? How can she have the audacity to save your number as ‘James the electrician’ when you are a business executive?

If you are in a serious relationship, why do you still get romantically involved with another person that will make you want to start lying just to cover your tracks? It is said that once you tell a lie, you will need 10 more of it to cover your tracks.

When you meet people who joggle more than one relationship and ask them how they do it, they’ll sincerely tell you that it is hard work to keep up with the lies. You may think you are being smart and may even enjoy having the best of both worlds for now and it’s also likely you have never been caught, but bear in mind that truth always has a way or crawling out of the closet when you least expect it.

It’s time to straighten out your acts with people!

It’s time to stop all these lying and cheating in relationships. Stop the GSM lies and clean out your phones before you lose that valuable man or woman in your life for just one act of infidelity.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Heart-throb ...Find your soul mate here

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Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MusicMovies &

Stories by Olumide Segun-Oduntan 08189418761 e-mail: lumidezy@yahoo.com

Fatai Rolling Dollar’s r’s associate, Pa Sonesko launches album at 85 ...40 years after quitting music

This trajectory for old-time highlife musician, Pa Sonesko, has a tinge of how Fatai Rolling Dollar, who died on June 12, coursed his existence ultimately to stardom. Dollar died at 86 as the oldest performing musician in Nigeria. Now, Pa Sonesko, whose real name is Johnson Olusegun Soneye, living at 32, Iju Ogundimu Street, Iju Water-Works area of Ishaga, Lagos, seems headed for same. At that backwater setting, he runs a little church and has a moderate farm in a nearby jungle; but music remains his love. What strikes about Pa Sonesko is that he began music at a time Dollar started out. The two also shared similarities in being friends, and then, seem headed for a common destiny as Sonesko, 85, and leaving music 40 years ago amid the vicissitudes of life, is back again. He has launched back with an album composed by his ‘Pa Sonesko and Six Lovely Brothers Band of Nigeria.’ Deputy Editor, Kayode Fasua, had an encounter with him over the weekend. Excerpts: Background I was born on November 30, 1927. I’m a native of Ikija in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I attended Ita Oje Nawaruldeen Primary School, Abeokuta where I had my Standard Six in 1948. During that time, if you failed in one subject, you had failed in all. So, I failed in English as I didn’t grasp it like the other subjects. Immediately they gave me my certificate, I tore it publicly since it was worthless. From there, I came to Lagos. I went to stay with one of my seniors at Benson Transport Limited. His name is ‘Oni Kerosene’ (metaphorically equated with Kerosene’s fume). They gave him that name because he was very stubborn but his real name is Oluwole. Then, we were living at 33, Atidale Kiniun Street, Idioro, Mushin, Lagos. However, it is regrettable that for more than 30 years now, we’ve not seen. I wouldn’t know of his wellbeing.

Music I had developed interest in music since 1943, when I was in school. I was the band leader. I made the school’s drums.

Apart from being a drummer, I was also a drum-maker.

As for my relationship with Fatai Rolling Dollar…Oh, God bless his soul…I was a bus conductor from 1956 to ’58; there, I got to know him. Fatai was a musician then. As at that period, Ebenezer Obey and Vasco Da Gama were band members to Fatai Rolling Dollar. This is the way Fatai and I knew each other and became friends: After closing in the evening as a conductor, I would retire to Boundary Hotel, then located between Idioro and Alakara in Mushin, where I used to take Samson Stout to cool off at night. Actually, I didn’t learn music from Fatai. I would only sit back and be looking at his band as it played. Somehow, I made myself his friend because of the interest I had in what he was doing, especially his rendition and the way he was singing.

I didn’t know Rolling Dollar beyond the stage and the revelries we used to have on occasions; I know nothing about his family life. Inspired by his music and fame, I went to buy a box guitar and started learning how to play it on my own, without supervision. Overtime, I mastered the guitar and started singing also.

Stage plays Realising my potentials, I decided to form a music band.

So, I started with a two-man music band. My partner was one Olowu, living at Abule-Egba, Lagos; he was a panelbeater by profession. However, I realised that he was not a good vocalist. So I asked him to be playing the guitar while I sing but he declined. That was how we parted ways.

Later, I got other band members from Lagos localities.

We were four at first; later, we increased to five, six and at a stage 10. My first serious outing was at Abule-Egba, at a funeral. We played for hours, to the delight of those who invited us and at the end, we realised Two Pounds. We shared the money and that was it. We started having one play after the other.

Difficult moments Somehow, things became difficult at a time, with my band shrinking in membership. When there was no money to buy instruments, I went to a friend, Rabiu, who was into rug fabrication and erecting. I joined him to learn the business and he was giving me Four Shillings per day, which was a lot of money for an individual then. From there, I went into all sorts of odd jobs in my bid to buy musical instruments. I had a friend who got a contract at NEPA (National Electric Power Authority) in Alasia, Lagos. He knew that I had some knowledge of electrical works. He co-opted me and I made some good money. A friend suggested that I divide the money into two, that I should use part of it to buy instruments and the remainder, land. Another friend suggested that I should use everything to buy a land and build a house.

So I took the advice of my second friend. That was in 1973. I then came here and bought a plot of land for N8, 000. This area was like a thick forest then. When I told people the amount I bought it, they exclaimed, ‘Oh, you have been cheated!’ But I was not bothered as I always have the belief that God will make up for me; which is still my belief up till now.

So, as for music, I stopped playing in 1973. So counting from 1943 when I started music in school and 1973 when I

had a break, it was 30 years. But look at me today; counting from 1973, it is exactly 40 years that I left music. Today, I’m back into what I know best; I’m back on stage and I’m happy to wax my first album.

Evangelism Before I got to where I’m living now, in 1973, I always had problem with the survival of my children. I used to experience the Abiku syndrome (early child-mortality) concerning my children. So, to end the evil chain, I decided to move very close to God. I was born and bred in Cherubim and Seraphim Church. I started going to church and with time, the church authorities started giving me responsibilities. And to the glory of God, the Abiku thing stopped. In the process, I discovered the gifts of God in me, to the extent that I got to know that I have the gift of prophecy. As you can see, God has helped me to raise this church on my land and the gospel is progressing.

New album It really took time before this new album titled Olorunwa (God remains) could be waxed. Many people advised that I should play gospel music because of my background in the church in the last 40 years. I said ‘no’. This is because, there are so many people that are playing gospel music but fewer people are now left to play the real juju highlife. So, I opted to go secular, so as to bring back those good old days.

We did auditioning for about 15 times without success until the tracks were eventually approved by the producers. They are six in number. This could be because I was out of the stage for 40 years. But I’m happy that I have got my rhythm back. So when this album was ready last May, I went to Fatai Rolling Dollar and asked him to come and launch it. He promised launching it but said that he had a play in America. He said he would come back by June 15 after which we would fix a date for launching.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Big Brother: Seven housemates in eviction firing line For the second week in a row, seven housemates are in the eviction firing line after last Monday night’s Big Brother: The Chase nomination show. At least two housemates will leave The Chase tonight but the final decision is now all up to the viewers.

Once the nominations had been made and the Heads of House had their say, Ruby housemates Natasha, Bolt and Pokello and Diamond’s Annabel, Dillish, Hakeem and Maria found themselves in danger of eviction this Sunday.

Annabel and Dillish lead the Nomination list in the Diamond House, picking up four each. The Kenyan was cited as “always wanting her own way” by Hakeem, while Dillish’s perceived laziness has worn out her Housemates’ patience. Hakeem and Nando both received three Nominations - no doubt Nando’s status as Head of House drew a few of those. Following Biggie’s announcement of nominees, Nando was thoroughly displeased to find himself up for eviction and promptly saved himself and put Maria in his place.

Some things never change - particularly for Bolt, as he found himself up for eviction again, despite only having been in the Ruby House for a few days. The bulk of the nominations went to Natasha and Sulu.

The Malawian is up for eviction for the fourth consecu-

Sulu

Hakeem

tive week, while the Zambian’s disorderly behaviour earned him his first spot on the chopping block. Ruby’s Head of House, Feza saved first-time nominee Sulu and put Pokello up for eviction in his place.

The Chase is really heating up as the housemates up for eviction will know their fate tonight.

Pokello

Shuga, others put smiles on faces of physically-challenged kids

Shuga

Unfortunately, he had to cut short the US trip on health grounds, and on June 12, he died. It is really, really painful.

Dope, booze As for me, I don’t smoke Igbo (Indian hemp) or cigar. But I take some alcohol like ‘hot drinks’ (gin). I can take two shots, and that easily gives me inspiration. That’s normal in any music setting.

Family I have seven children; four sons and three daughters. Unfortunately, I lost one of my daughters last year. She died five days after her marriage-introduction. I have always had one wife.

My first wife is dead, following which I married another wife.

Expectation from government I know that government encourages musicians but nowadays, if you don’t have people at the top, you can hardly push through. I don’t have money. Apart from doing the work of God, I am a farmer and very advanced in age. I feed my family through farming and through the stipends I get from the work of God. If government can help me, I will appreciate.

All I need from government are musical instruments. Even if it’s a loan, I will pay back. I won’t run away. I am a free born of Nigeria. Look, if I wax records twice a year, I will pay back the loan.

Continuing its tradition of charity and support to the less privileged, especially the physically challenged, Shuga Limb Foundation teamed up with Nigeria-Britain Association and British Airways to put smiles on the faces of 70 physically challenged children across seven homes.

The obviously excited children participated in games such as train ride; volley ball, horse rides, and special games for the physically challenged were set up at Ikeja Saddle Club, Lagos, venue of the event.

Iyanya shines on BBC while on UK Kukere concert, As part of his just concluded ‘Kukere Concert’ in the United Kingdom, Made Men Music hit-maker, Iyanya and his crew dropped by at the BBC office in London for an interview on BBC’s popular Focus on Africa show.

Hosted by Komla Dumor, Focus on Africa spotlights the biggest African and international stories. The Kukere master was interviewed on his career so far, his success and his sold out Kukere concert.

Iyanya was accompanied by Made Men Music CEO, Ubi Franklin and label mate Emma Nyra. This would be the second time that the Kukere crooner would be featured on the BBC. His first time was on 14th December 2012 when he was interviewed by BBC Africa’s Fidelis Mbah.

The Kukere concert, which was organised

by Coko Bar, was held at the Indigo2 arena in London to a sold out audience and in Manchester at the HMV Ritz.

Iyanya

Besides the quiz competition, Akin Shuga solely sponsored the music competition among the homes, with the theme ‘Soar Higher’. The home with the most creative song was given cash prize of N20, 000 and a deal to record the song.

Center for Destitute Empowerment won the category.

Shuga Limb Foundation also donated a wheelchair to the home that won the quiz competition; other fabulous prices were also won. Other sponsors that supported this year’s event are Saddle Club, Tent Event, Blue World, & Shuga Band.

Crystle Gee blends with G-Cizzle in What The Deal Is

Gee

Malaysian based Nigerian Rapper/MC, Crystle Gee has recently released a hot lyric over a laid back beat. Crysle Gee teamed up with Empire Record’s G-Cizzle who delivered a catchy hook.

In this captivating freestyle titled What The Deal Is, Crysle Gee dedicated a shout out and a moment of silence to a friend(Sasha) whose mom recently passed, ending the record on a deeper note.

The freestyle is intended to create further awareness for Crysle Gee’s upcoming projects such as Murda Murda,a collaboration mix-tape with fellow rapper, Dynamo.

Tomi Thomas releases Suka Musica R&B singer and songwriter, Tomi Thomas from Nigeria’s foremost male group L.O.S is proud to present his brand new solo single titled Suka Musica for your listening pleasure.

Coming off from the success of L.O.S’ Wish You Could Stay which is still enjoying massive radio play across the country, this Tomi Thomas solo offering introduces an entirely new dimension to the tour de force that is L.O.S. Produced by Dubai-based DJ Dirty Business and crafted around a lush musical backdrop of heavy beat EDM, Suka

Thomas

Musica sees Tomi Thomas showcasing his infectious vocal tones, amazing versatility and aptitude to ride this dance instrumental to precision.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Lessons of Life

ANGELA DAVIES lessonsoflife2@yahoo.com 08023342083

TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART JUNE 30, 2013

‘I have fallen in love with my step-daughter’ A nnabel and I got married a year after we met at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Although she is four years older than I, I saw nothing wrong with it because for me, age is just a number. In fact, she looks younger than her age. Annabel may be older but she is submissive and respectful to me as her husband. I call her the virtuous woman.

Before we got married, she told me she had a 19-year-old daughter, Sarah, who lived with her father, Bobby, in Canada.

“Melvin, I have a 19-year-old daughter, Sarah, but she lives with her father, Bobby, in Canada. I gave birth to her when I was 17 years old. Although, we didn’t get married because of family issues, Bobby has been my first and only love. He accepted the pregnancy, however, his parents made sure he travelled to Canada to further his education and years later, he married a white woman and they have three children together,” she revealed.

Annabel also told me that because of the love she had for Bobby, she resolved not to love again much less get married as all she wanted in life was to love and take care of her daughter. Nevertheless, when she met me, she said I gave her every reason to love again. It took so much convincing, love and pampering to make Annabel love and eventually marry me.

We have been wedded for three years and Annabel just gave birth to our second son. This made me really happy. About four months after the birth of our son, she informed me that Sarah would be coming to Nigeria on vacation and she would like her to stay with us. “Melvin dear, Sarah will be coming to Nigeria on vacation and I would love her to stay with us, I hope you would not mind?” She asked. “No dear, she is welcome into our home. I will be glad to meet her,” I emphasised.

Three weeks later, Annabel and I went to the airport to pick Sarah home when she arrived. She looks exactly like her mother - tall, pretty and elegant. Immediately Annabel saw Sarah whom she last saw eight years earlier, they hugged and

pecked each other for minutes before letting go each other. Finally, she introduced me to Sarah as her husband and she gave me a hug. We drove home.

I must say that Sarah is a special lady.

In the three weeks she spent with us, I developed interest in her. I discovered that I had fallen in love with my step-daughter.

Sarah is the kind of lady who does and dresses however she likes not minding who is there. Most times, she wears just shorts or bum shorts in the house and all I do is stare helplessly at her because she has got a lovely figure and well endowed one too.

One Wednesday morning, as I was getting dressed for work, she stormed into our bedroom wearing just pant and bra. I was astonished as she nonchalantly

walked past me, and headed straight to the bed to meet her mother. Then realising she didn’t greet me, she turned around and said, “Good morning, Melvin, hope you had a good night rest?” Annabel was shocked to see her daughter come into our bedroom dressed in that manner and angrily, she asked, “Sarah, what is the meaning of this?” “Good morning mum, I just came to tell you that you have to take me to see my grandparents on Friday. I must see them before returning to Canada. In fact, I will like to spend at least a night with them,” she said. “Is that why you came into my bedroom dressed like this with my husband around? Now will you get out of here?” Before leaving the room, she looked at her mother and said, “What is wrong with how I am dressed. You should be hap-

RESPONSES

py I don’t walk around nude because of the respect I have for you and your husband.”

For the first time, I saw Annabel shed tears. “What has this girl turned into? I have to call her father and find out what has been happening to her. This is not my Sarah. My Sarah will never behave like this,” she sobbed. I pampered her and encouraged her to have a heart-to-heart talk with Sarah and she promised to do that.

At a point, I felt she was doing it to get my attention but I discovered that that was who she really is. She loves to be free wherever she is from the conversation I overheard her have with her mother.

Later that evening, Annabel called Sarah and they had a talk. “Sarah, dear I don’t like the way you dress, especially at home.

Remember, you are a lady now. You are 22 years old and I have a husband at home too. Most times, men are moved by what they see, that is not to say that I don’t trust my husband but he has blood flowing in his veins. But please try to dress properly at home, especially when he is at home,” Annabel pleaded. “Mum, I love to be free with the way I dress, particularly at home even in Canada and dad knows that. Alright, I will try. Thank God I have a few days to spend with you,” Sarah told her.

After that talk, Annabel started wearing three quarter jean trouser and sleeveless or spaghetti top at home but I noticed that I still desired to see her wearing bum short and mid-rib tops which make her look sexy. Sarah has long gone back to Canada but these days, I think about her a lot. These days I am so lost thinking about her that my Annabel has noticed my new attitude and she keeps asking me what the problem is. Am I in love or infatuated about Sarah or is it lust? I know I love my wife dearly but how do I get Sarah off my mind as there is no moment I don’t think of her. It is beginning to affect my relationship with my wife. What do I do?

Please send your advice to the phone number or e-mail address above. No calls, please.

Re: ‘I was betrothed to a man old enough to be my father’ This is a really difficult situation. It is just that you don’t love Duke with the kind of love that will make you marry him, if not his age is not really a problem. We have seen marriages of wider age differences making it. I also feel that you should have been told about this arrangement before now. Well, I think you have to take the matter to his village chief and also his pastor to appeal to him to change his mind or lessen the conditions. It is tough and I feel for you and Kola.

08034079550.

I think you should take your mother and Kola, the man you love away.

08142366023.

I can see that you are a victim of what you are not an architect of and your mother lacked the courage to tell you early. I suggest you get a lawyer. Also go to a genuine man of God to pray with you because uncle Duke can turn diabolic.

Pst J.M. Shekari -08036155161.

The best solution is for you and Kola to get married and join heads together and raise the money to pay him since it’s the money he wants. You and Kola, your husband- to-be can meet elders in the family and ask them to beg him. Lastly, you can back it up with prayers.

With God all things are possible.

Blessing Ekoja <splendidt94@yahoo.com>

Dear Martha, Traditionally and culturally, you are Duke’s wife. He never gave you any sign or statement that he is your husband neither did he sleep with you, even at 26. Remember Rachel and Leah, in the Bible.

Martha, covenant breaking is spiritual, therefore I advise you to approach your Pastor, narrate the whole story to him. He would pray for you and accompany you to Duke in order to finally break the covenant. Ordinarily, Duke is not too old for you; the main obstacle is that there is no romantic love for him. If God intervenes on your behalf, Duke may locate an ideal wife, forgo all that he had spent on you and allow you to marry Kola. Patrick Adiasor, Surulere – 08033452087.

Arrant rubbish! I will advise you to marry your heart’s desire. There is nothing Duke will do either to you or your family. Come to think of it, is he not ashamed of himself trying to marry his great-granddaughter? Please, marry your young Kola if you both love each other and forget that old Duke who wants you out of his selfish interest. It is disgusting please.

Elizabeth Unini Jonathan- lizjon777@yahoo.com My advice is that you should accept Uncle Duke since you cannot afford to pay him N5 million. Please, accept to marry uncle Duke to be on a safer side.

Adamu Leje <meetadamu4@yahoo.com>

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday June 30, 2013

Praise & Worship

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Communication as a lubricant for blissful marriage Family FORA wit Pastor N. C with

Amaefula

E-mail: familyfora@yahoo.com Phone:08060315052,

“S

ay just a simple ‘yes, I will’ or ‘no, I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong” Matt. 5:37

I have a teaching on Communication as a life-wire in marriage. However, judging from the teeming problems and challenges facing homes and families as a result of communication deficiencies, I am constrained to review ‘Communication in Marriage’ from a different perspective. In this issue, we are discussing communication as a lubricant for blissful marriage. Lubricant in this context will be used as an oil or grease that reduces or prevents friction in marriage.

Communication breeds potential problems in relationship when it is not properly handled. Most of the divorce cases and collapsed marriages in the society at large boil down to lack of communication, undercommunication or misunderstanding in communication. When the encoder does not get the required or expected response from the decoder, there is said to be communication breakdown. And suffice it to say that when such breakdown occurs in marriage relationship, the aftermath is always difficult to handle. Therefore, I will advise everyone in marriage to apply the wisdom of preventive measures to suit your relationship than struggling to amend or cure it when it will be futile.

At this juncture, I have to address the

minds of our singles and intending couples (that is, those who are courting or engaged). Do not spend most of your time in a venture that will not yield dividend to your relationship. More often than not, you use your God-given time talking about ‘I love you’, ‘I really love you too much’, ‘since I set my eyes on you, I have never stopped loving you’; ‘I have never Loved anyone like this before’ etc. While I will agree with you that there is nothing wrong with this act, however, you must know this hard truth that you can NEVER build a lasting and blissful marriage relationship or home by saying ‘I love you’. You can only succeed in building your courtship on ‘I love you’ but never marriage.

From the time you say ‘Yes, I do, you will discover that I love you will grow old faster, especially if there is no action to substantiate the words. How many faithful husbands still tell their wives ‘I love you?’ How much less drinking that expression like water and eat it like food as they did during courtship? This in many cases does not mean that you do not love one another anymore; rather, it denotes that there are other things to talk about. Be that as it may, I charge every husband to meticulously ensure that you appreciate your wife by simply telling her, ‘I love you.’

Yet you must back it up with a convincing attitude and action indicating agreement between your words and acts.

Socrates, the father of philosophy once said that “for two intelligent people to discuss any matter, they first of all have to define their terms so that each knows what the other is talking about.” Therefore, true and real communication must define its terms. Consider the following: You must use words. Does your spouse know exactly what the words mean in your own context and not his or hers? Can he or she interpret the word according to your use

without distorting the meaning by wrong response? If your sincere answers to the above questions are on the negative, then there is difficulty in your communication.

You must know that semantics in communication allows people to use same words from different perspectives. One may be interpreting a word in upward meaning while another will be interpreting the same word with a downward meaning. So you must be ready to work hard on your words to ensure that it means the same to your spouse. Mmm…, what a herculean task? Yet it is achievable when you work at it. Note the following factors of communication in relationship: One person talks per time. The other person listens till the end of the talk per time.

And the person who listened responds accordingly per time. From the above, you will notice that one word is common in all the sentences – that is Time. Time is taken and sacrificially at that. Communication is both ways (to and from) on the same issue.

It involves dialogue and not monologue.

Judging from the above definition of communication, I want to ask you as a spouse or one in a relationship, ‘when last did you actually communicate with your spouse? Most men listen to their wives to avoid trouble without actually hearing what the woman had to say. How do I know? They can never remember what the issue was or the conclusion? You can indeed talk at each other, without talking to each other. This makes husbands/ wives strangers to each other, the number of years they have lived together notwithstanding.

Today’s society does not encourage the needed time for communication in relationships. There is pressure to catch up with one thing or the other. Ours is indeed is a society full of impatience. They run against the traffic to meet up even by the

so-called law enforcement agents. There are so many instant things: food, pictures, etc, and people want instant marriage. Indeed, this is out of stock. Communication in marriage cannot be instant. It takes time to understand one another. Communication is a lubricant for your blissful marriage. Establish lines of communication. Talk and keep talking.

Talk about everything. Ensure that your partner knows and understands your words according to their meaning.

Define your terms; it blocks the room for doubt and suspicion. You will never wonder what the other person is thinking, because you already know by communication. People often exonerate themselves by saying that they are not the talking type.

However, they quickly forgot that it was in their ability to talk that brought the two of them together.

If you, as a man did not talk to the woman, and the woman talked back by giving her consent, how would you be living as husband and wife? You may not talk outside, but you must talk in your home. The pretence of courtship, more often than not, deludes people when the reality of coming together shows up.

Finally, you must know that when you start living together, it is time to address issues as they show up. Do not lie in disguise. Do not mistake your wife’s silence as consent. All silence may not necessarily be consent. Some could be fear and avoidance of trouble in the home. You cannot change things by sign language but by the right words. Stop shouting, yelling, complaining, and bulling one another; but talk to each other. It is in the talking that issues are handled by good understanding. Your ability to say no or yes when you mean so with good attitude is a high level of integrity and positive contribution to your blissful marriage.

Godliness and friendliness, keys to successful marriage –Rev. Izuchukwu To enjoy the blessings of marriage, work on your relationship as you don’t need to submit yourself for deliverance from ‘marital demons’, says Rev Chukwudebelu Izuchukwu, presiding Minister of Assemblies of God Church, FESTAC Town, Lagos. Excerpts:

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arriage is relational. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. 1 Sam. 25: 23-24.

Often, we hear young people say, I am in a relationship, though they are ignorant of what it actually means in marriage context.

Until a husband and wife develop the art of relating to each other based on biblical marital injunctions, the blessings of marriage shall be far from them. Observation and literature have shown that most couples are in a union instead of relationship. Characteristically, union is known for disagreement and ‘aluta continua’. People in union are known for fault-finding, but in a relationship it should be fault-mending.

If all a couple sees in the partner is more of fault, then he is a unionist and the home is nothing but a gathering of labour and trade union congress like-minds. The shortcomings, limitations or errors of a marriage partner notwithstanding, when in a seasoned true relationship, you are blind to vices and negativities. Friend, to enjoy the blessings of the Lord that make marriage rich and void of sorrow, you need to heartily relate with your partner as a gift from God to you.

When you see your spouse the same way with your sibling, friend, colleague or neighbour, your relationship requires a second touch. To shout at your spouse in the presence

of your parents, siblings, children, friends or neighbours, a deliverance session is essential for you. Couples who know how to relate effectively are usually in command in their homes. When a man screams to establish his authority in the home, he has a ‘kwashiokored’ relationship.

A couple who relates well at home exhibits it in church, office, market, bus, school and the like. Couples who remove clothes and fight in the street or any public place, without mincing words, they are Mighty Igor and Bulldog at home. Beloved, work on your relationship and you do not need to submit yourself for deliverance from marital demons, as it were. A Bible-based relationship such as the type Abigail initiated can take you across marital mountains and valleys, environmental demons notwithstanding. A critical examination of Abigail’s strategy shows that godliness and friendliness are the keys to relational success in marriage.

Marriage is legal Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. Rev. 1:19.

Christianity encourages and does not discourage legalisation of marriage. A visit to a magistrate’s court and social welfare department will reveal the menace of non-legalisation of marriage. This modern contraption of marriage at eateries, recreational centres, hotels, among others, is nothing but making mockery of marriage institution. The high rate of divorce as evidenced in our part of the world today is traceable to lack of marriage legalisation. God in spite of His Almightiness

is a diligent records’ keeper. Couples have paid dearly for spiritualising or ignoring the aspect of legalising their marriage; may you not join them!

Basically, there are three recognised marriages in the Nigerian statute book– traditional, religious and legal. The traditional one has to do with both families with their kinsmen formally giving and receiving all traditional rites as it pertains to their culture on the bride. A marriage that lacks parental consent is an error. As a matter of fact, a marriage that did not receive parental blessing, hitting the rock is inevitable. All over the urban centres in Nigeria, including churches, there are many people who are co-habiting whereas they assume they are married.

For a marriage to be recognised traditionally, all the norms required in that traditional setting must be met. When this is satisfied, there should be proper documentation. An annoying aspect is the one that is most rampant now among young people. The lady becomes pregnant before introducing her would-be husband to her family. Yet, they had home upbringing in a traditional setting and even sing in their church choir. This is the height of palpable irresponsibility.

Parents of such usually hide their face in shame before their kinsmen. The lady in question is smuggled into the man’s house without announcing it pending when she offloads. In one of my pastorates, an octogenarian whose wife passed on as a septuagenarian, was held to ransom by the wife’s family to pay a fresh bride price. The reason was that there was no proof or evidence that he did so when he mar-

Izuchukwu

ried her over five decades ago. To graduate his conflict, all the adults who were around when he married her had joined their ancestors. He eventually paid from his nose before they allowed him to bury his wife.

My counsel is this: do not joke with documentation, even if you are marrying in a hurry, as young people do.

•Presiding Minister, Assemblies of God FESTAC 2, Plot 268A&B, 4th Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos. izuchukwudebelu@yahoo.com +2348028390885, +2348056027044, +234704414424.

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Praise & Worship

Sunday June 30, 2013

Worshippers during sermon

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Muoka

Day of God’s wrath at hand, says Pastor Muoka General Overseer of the Lord Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this special sermon admonishes the faithful to always remain in the hands of God and avoid the wrath and vengeance which He will inflict on sinners.

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eremiah 7 : 7- 8 say, “The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. 8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations”

Brethren, anybody who is into sin and assuming that God is complacent about it has not heard or read what He did in the Bible days, in the days of Lot, Noah, etc and how He dealt with Pharaoh and his armies, how He destroyed the five heathen nations and how three thousand men that did not declare to be on the Lord’s side fell one day.

If you are into sin and thinking that God is not worried about you, then you have not heard that even His own people that transgressed against Him in Baalpeor were asked to be slained by Moses and tens of thousands were killed. The iniquities of those people provoked God to destroy them. And the iniquities of the people of this generation have superseded all their iniquities put together and who says God will not pour His wrath upon this generation. We should know that God drove Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and punished them because of sin. When Satan as Angel Lucifer became so proud, God judged him and drove him and other disobedient angels from heaven and prepared hell for their punishment for eternity. Yet, God has not changed. And if there is no repentance, God will pour His wrath on humanity again.

Zeph. 1: 14 says, “The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly” Beloved, this warning of approaching destruction, is enough to make the sinners

tremble. The great day of the Lord is coming, the day in which He will manifest Himself by taking vengeance on careless sinners. That day, which is a day of God’s wrath, wrath to the utmost is very near.

It will be a day of trouble and distress to stubborn sinners who have lain asleep by the patience of God. They shall justly be left to walk as blind men, in the dark, without any guide and falling at length into the consuming wrath of the Lord because they refused to repent.

On that day of the Lord’s wrath, there shall be no escaping, neither their silver nor their gold, which they have hoarded up, shall be able to deliver them. The iron barricades and fears looking guards at their gates will not save them neither political maneuvering can extricate them from the wrath of God on that great day.

Ezekiel 7: 8- 12 say, “Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth. Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded. Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them. The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.”

Whether the world believe me or not, the truth is that God is angry with the people of this generation and is determined to destroy it if we heed not this warning and repent from our sin. Our

feeling about the caution is immaterial and will not change God’s position on matter of sin. The only thing that will pacify the Righteous God is absolute repentance, otherwise, the end will consume us. We must take heed that the end is near, for God is going to punish those engaged in abominations. It is time to do something to ensure that you and your family are saved.

There is no more time; your decision must be made now for the day of trouble is at hand. The day of real trouble is near, not a mere echo or rumour of troubles.

The approaching ruin of the people of this world has been foretold, that if possible they might be awakened by repentance to prevent it. And where they failed to repent, they will repent in hell fire and then it would be too late to obtain the grace of God for now is the hour of salvation. The final ruin will be a complete utter destruction, which would make an end of them, a miserable end, because they have by sin brought it upon themselves.

When the inhabitants of the land of Israel were wallowing in sin, God through prophet Ezekiel, not only sent notice of it, but have it inculcated in the expressions of the prophet, to show that the thing was certain, that it was near, and the prophet himself was affected with it and desired it should not be so, but found them deaf, and stupid, and unaffected. So he proclaimed to them that the end to their wickedness which God had often told them would come has actually come at last. That end which all their wickedness will be brought for judgments, which they have been so often warned of, that last end which Moses told them to consider, and which, Jerusalem remembered not, that end that was long in coming, has now come. It is a clear warning that though the ruin of sinners comes slowly, it comes surely. An adage says that when the town

is on fire men do no seek for fine words and pretty expressions in which to give an account of it, but cry about the streets, with a loud and lamentable voice.

The cup of iniquity of the people of our generation has filled up, and its destruction is imminent. It has come and is now waiting for us and ready to receive us. Indeed, the end of all things is at hand, God is about to pour His wrath upon this generation. How I wish we could all see that end of time and day that is near, and the end of our own time even death, that we may secure a happy lot at the end of the day!

For certainty, the destruction is not going to be in part, it is coming upon the four corners of the world. No part of the land shall escape, not even the remotest part will be spared. You that are reading this message will not escape except you repent. Such will the destruction of this generation be.

Such will the destruction of sinners be; none can avoid it. I wish the wickedness of the wicked might come to an end so that the anger of the Lord shall be averted.

But those that strengthen themselves in their wickedness will be found not only in gnashing of teeth but in total ruin.

Beloved, I don’t know the kind of life you are living now, neither do I know if you have resolved to remain unrepentant and continue in that evil. But what I will not fail to let you know is that, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of God” (Heb. 10: 31). If man or devil plans to destroy you, God can deliver you. But if it is God that plans to destroy you as a sinner, neither devil nor man can deliver you. So, it is a fearful thing for the sinner who has despised God’s mercy and ignored this warning or the apostate who has trampled it under foot to fall into the wrath and vengeance which the everliving God will certainly inflict upon all wicked sinners in general, and upon all wretched apostates in particular.

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Sunday June 30, 2013

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Let’s show mercy to one another –Pastor Oloruntimilehin Founder of Omnipotence Mission of God, Pastor Joshua Oloruntimilehin Daramola, teaches on the importance of showing mercy to one another. Excerpts:

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prayer point says “help us and have mercy on us”. The Bible also says in the book of Psalms, 28 verse 2, “Hear my cry for mercy as I call, help.” Anyone God shows mercy, He also helps. In view of this, we ask for God’s help and mercy. God always helps us every day; but we do not understand the way He is helping us. Similarly, He is showing us mercy but we do not know too.

Why do we not know? As God is showing us mercy, do we also show mercy to other people and help them just as God does to us? There is the need for people to help and show mercy to the children of God. Whoever has compassion on others must get help from God. If one does not help other people of God, he or she does not help God. Who are the people of God? It is the human beings He created the sixth day. All human beings are the same before God. Nobody has power or edge over others. God only appointed some people to be leaders and coordinate the affairs of others. Nobody is special before God because every person God created will die and his or her body will decay. Be you a king, prophet, visioner, famous person or the wealthy, inasmuch as the person would die, then we are all equal and the same before Him. We all have something in common and that is ‘death.’

The Bible says in the book of Genesis

3 verse 10 “…for dust you are and to dust you will return”. Even Jesus died and resurrected the third day but He died because He was a human being. Now are we helping God? Giving a person food is not all the help one requires. Some people think they have rendered help by doing so. Likewise some think giving people clothes or money is help. No. All these are regarded as exchanges because people were giving clothes to people or receiving from people before. Therefore, if a child buys a car or builds a house for his or her parent, what he or she had done is returning the money the parent had spent on the child before. If you should calculate the amount of money spent on your education and the money was deposited in the bank, you would know what it would have yielded by now. So if a person is boasting that he or she has done much for the parent, the person would suffer.

People that do not give to their father and mother are ungrateful .You give things to people and others will give to you too.

This should not be regarded as help.

What is really meant as mercy and help is what concerns human beings. Have you shown mercy and help to a fellow human being, showing him or her the true way or to take care of another person or prevent people from falling when they are about to fall? Imagine, somebody was sick and

a man came to the person, inquired if the person was being taken care of. Drugs were administered on the sick person but there was no improvement. The concerned man was not happy with the condition; he went and invited a medical doctor and a nurse to go there and carry out necessary medical examination to determine what treatment would be required for the man because the sick man would not like to go to the hospital. This concerned man gave the doctor money needed to treat the sick man and get well. The medical doctor and the nurse went to the sick man and did all that were medically required to treat the man.

About three days later, the health condition returned to normalcy.

The man could as well not have given money to the sick man and left him alone to take care of himself or buy drugs for him; but he invited medical experts to take charge of the sick man. What he did is showing mercy and helping the sick man. I In the vein, Jesus narrated a parable to a man of law where a man was a victim of armed robbery; he was battered and halfdead. Out of the three persons that passed by, only one man, the Good Samaritan, showed mercy on the victim and helped him.

Luke 10 verses 30 – 37 states, “...But a Samaritan who was travelling came to where the man was, and when he saw him, he

Oloruntimilehin

took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine…” So the man that ensured that the sick man had proper medical treatment was his helper.

Brethren, do you show mercy and help to others? Some people need God’s help but they are callous. Some people would give out money or food to people but they are not merciful. Help people so that God can help you. It is not through money, food and clothes alone but turning around the life of people positively. Let us be merciful to others so that God can be merciful and helpful to us, because the Bible says in the book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 7, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.”

Without Holy Spirit, you are nothing, says Pastor Olusore “If there is any person you must not toy with, it is the Holy Spirit. Without him in your life, your destiny will not be fulfilled,” says Pastor Israel Olusore of Livinglight International Church, Lekki, Lagos. Excerpts:

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here is no fulfilled destiny without the involvement of the Holy Spirit. There can be no greatness anywhere without the spirit of God at work in a man’s life. Those who have the spirit of God are the ones that stand in the day of battle. Jesus speaking said, “In me, you shall have peace but in the world you will have tribulation.”

So, it is the Holy Spirit that gives us strength to stand that makes our destiny to remain intact, preserved, and secure.

It does not matter how battered the life is.

When the spirit of God takes over, He is a perfect finisher. He perfects everything.

Let’s look at some scriptures beginning with Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the surface of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the surface of the waters and God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light.”

In the beginning, the destiny was corrupted, destroyed; no form, no shape, no complements, and no order. And the spirit of God was present, observing, waiting for something to happen; and God spoke forth, then the spirit of God went into creation. He was there but he could not move until God spoke; because he is the creative power of God. Who then is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the power behind creation. Without the Holy Spirit, nothing could be created. God said ‘let there be light…” I don’t know the area of your life that is battered, that void that is formless, let’s look at the

amplified version, “The earth was without form and an empty waste. And darkness was upon the face of a very great deep.”

Somebody might be saying, ‘no hope for me’ but God is saying ‘when the spirit of God takes over, there is hope for you.’ The spirit of God was hovering, brooding over the surface of the waters and God spoke, ‘let there be light.’ The Holy Spirit was working, trying to make order out of disorderliness and out of chaos. A life that is chaotic, when it comes in contact with the spirit of God, order will take place. Progress will emerge. Success will be the order of the day. Failure will disappear.

God looked at the earth he created and destroyed out of shape; in other words, you can say that God failed. But then, God is not a failure. He made an attempt to create a beautiful place; but the devil came and destroyed it. Maybe there are certain things in your life that have been destroyed; tonight, God will recreate them, in the name of Jesus.

A man is not a failure as far as he has the spirit of God in him. You are a failure because you have not given the creator an opportunity in your life. God came to be and said ‘now, what must I do?’ And the spirit was moving. What must we do? We must put a lasting solution in place. And the first thing that came to be was light; because everything evil operates inside darkness. So as long as there is light in your life, no darkness can be in your life.

As long as there is light in your life, no darkness can survive in your life. Say to

yourself, ‘Darkness disappears from my life forever, in Jesus name’.

The Bible says in Psalm 74:20, that we should have respect for the covenant for the dark places of the air. Let’s read, “the dark places of the air are full of the hunts of cruelty’. The other version says, “Remember your promises, the city is in darkness, the country side violent.” Now, let’s see NIV version, “Have regard for your covenant because hunts of violence fill the dark places in the land.”

There is nowhere you turn without the spirit of God in that place that is safe. Jacob got to a place and said “Ah! There is no fear of God in this place. So he became afraid and said ‘let’s park out from this place because there is no fear of God here.’

Destiny is doomed without the Holy Spirit at work. The Bible says that ‘everywhere is without form, without shape; there is no future. Now let’s give it a future.’

Your life is going to have a future. God is going to put other parts into your life, in the name of Jesus Christ. He said in 2nd Colossians 3:18, “As we behold him as in a glass, we are changed from glory to glory, even by the spirit of the Lord.” So anywhere the spirit of the Lord is, that destiny must be glorified. You won’t have a battered destiny again and forever. The Holy Spirit has my destiny. My destiny is doomed without active involvement of the Holy Spirit in my life; because he that created me is the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our creator. Job 33: 4, “The Spirit of God has made me; and the

Olusore

breath of the almighty gives me life. So the Holy Spirit is not a feeling, The Holy Spirit is not fire; the Holy Spirit is not a dove. The Holy Spirit is a person. Hear me today; as long as you are breathing, you are breathing the breath of life. Genesis 2:7, “And God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. And man became a living soul.’ Let’s go back to that Job 33: 4: “The spirit of god has made me.” The Holy Spirit is my maker and that is the person I must never toy with. The breath of the almighty has given me life. So when God breathes into man, God empties His spirit into him.

•For counseling contact email: info@livinglightng.com or phone 08028425555

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Praise & Worship Desti Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

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ast week, we looked at the Christian life and the struggles many children of God have faced ever since they gave their lives to Christ and we also mentioned that there is an inter– dependence between the body and the soul that causes this difficulty. By the grace of God, today we shall look at this inter – dependence and understand why they behave the way they do. You are blessed as you read in Jesus name.

The body and soul interaction and interdependence The body or the human flesh is what we see physically and it is charged with the responsibility of assisting us to interact with our physical environment where we are to carry out our primary assignment. Understand that as children of God, we are ambassadors of heaven therefore our God given purpose is our primary assignment which we have to carry out on earth. The license we have that allows us to practice on earth is our physical body, it is what we have in come with others who are un – regenerated.

Jesus rightly stated that His meat (which should be ours also) is to do the will of God John 4:34.The body is also primarily charged with feeding us the right food until we are matured 1 Peter 2:2. Hitherto, up until new birth, the body had fed itself with all sort of junks it had desired through the senses. The five senses as found on the human body are primarily to bring in food or data; the skin brings in feeling, the tongue brings in taste, the nose brings in smell, the ear brings in sound and the eyes bring in sight.

These primary senses physically assist

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The path to maturity (2) our body to survive on earth and also communicate with our environment. However, they also bring food to our souls and our spirit man. Also, up until new birth, the junk food provided by the body had affected the soul which has been left with head servant position to monitor the activities of the body. Now as a tutor to our spirit man, it has nothing to teach except what has been accumulated.

Hence, the need to take in new food.

Every sense affects the soul; what you smell can disgust you, what you see can make you happy or sad, what you hear can make you depressed or lifted, what you feel can bring you love or otherwise and what you taste can make you optimistic, expectant or the opposites. This goes to show that every sense as it brings in physical meals also brings in meal for the soul. Jesus rightly understood this and told the devil that even though bread is essential, it is also quintessential to live by the word of God Matthew 4:4. The responsibility of the body is for survival, interaction and feeding (spirit, soul and body).

The food of the soul and the spirit that comes from the bodily senses is knowledge, knowledge is the same as data for the soul while information is the same as understanding. Information is used for decision making, the same way understanding is used in the area of applying wisdom. So the kind of knowledge you acquire will determine the kind of understanding you will get and ultimately the kind of wisdom you will apply.

The difference however in the various meals provided by the body, that is the difference between physical food and knowledge is the area of processing. Physical food is processed by the physical body but knowledge is processed by the mind in the soul. Physical food is used to make the body strong, knowledge when processed is used for decision making that affects and impacts on the will, emotions and intellect of man. So when you make weak decisions, when you will is weak

or strong in the wrong areas, when your intellect is not as sharp as you want it to be, check the knowledge you acquire consistently.

If you eat once in a week, you can’t be as strong as someone who eats three times a day, the same way if you take in the right knowledge once a week then you can’t be as strong as someone who takes it in every day. Consistency is the key. The kind of knowledge you take in constantly determines what controls your life. Jesus said it is what comes out of a man that defiles him Matthew 15:11, but I must tell you that what goes into you to a large extent determines what comes out of you.

An area that the enemy has fought for control of since the creation of man is what goes into the soul. Because in it resides man’s most powerful tools; his will, his emotions and his intellect. In the soul resides the mind a fertile ground for breeding, for thoughts and decision making.

I believe that man’s control box is not in the brain but in the soul. The brain receives information for the mind to process and it also carries out the decisions of the mind.

No matter how big and powerful a man is, if you have control of what enters his mind constantly, you have total control of him.

Whenever you want a man to perform certain duties just work on his mind. Feed his emotions with things that will support your course, have a firm hold on his intellect and his will definitely will bow to you.

The mind resides in the soul, the body cannot of its own make any decision, the body is like a child with its many wants and desires. It needs the soul’s ratification to get things done. That is why at most times what you eat depends to a large extent on how you feel about it; whether it looks good, smells nice, tastes well and the presentation is acceptable. All these are ways of having you soul manage what comes into you.

When you look at a man, what you see his

is physical make up but what controls him is the un-seen part of him and the real him because the scriptures say as a man thinketh in his heart so is he, Proverbs 23:7.

Whatever knowledge comes into your mind is processed and then absorbed for decision making. Therefore watch what you take in, see, feel, smell, hear and even taste because, they ultimately lodge in your mind and affect how you conduct the affairs of your life.

Next week by the grace of God we will consider how these knowledge also affect the re- generated spirit and how to ensure that we feed on the right things that will enable us grow.

Remember, only a child of God has the opportunity to say no to the things that defile, only salvation purifies your conscience and helps you to walk with God. You cannot do anything about the desires of your flesh until you know Jesus as your Lord and savior.

The process is simple: • Believe in your heart that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

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

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

•Welcome into God’s family.

Please locate a bible believing church and share you new birth experience with the church leaders.

•For further prayer & counseling Pls contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Ibadan, Oyo state 2348030752799, 2348053695097 Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

Marriage is for the favoured, says Bamidele Are you ripe for marriage but not yet married? Listen to this. “Marriage is not for the most beautiful; but marriage is for the most favoured of God. Learn how to attract God’s favour through praise,” says Pastor Lai Bamidele of Christ Glorious End-time Evangelical Church, Lagos. Excerpts:

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he book of 1 Samuel 16:20 says, “And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

And David came to Saul and stood before him .And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour bearer.”

Any time you praise God, you become an armour bearer. Listen; one of the instruments that you can use to withstand the devices of the devil is the instrument of praise. Verse 22 says, “And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. Listen to me today; every time you praise God, you are a candidate of favour.

Few years ago, I met a lady in Kano where I went to minister. When I laid hands on her and I want to pray for her, the spirit of God said to me, that this lady had prayed and that people with higher anointing than you had prayed for her. What is required now is, “Let her pray for seven days and praise me,” the Spirit of God told me. And the lady obeyed.

The lady had been barren for eight years. And after praising God for seven days, she took in. Listen to me, praise attracts favour from God. Through praise, David attracted the favour of King Saul.

Let’s read verse 23: “and it came to pass when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul that David took his harp and played

with his hand, so Saul was refreshed.

Every time you are praising God, your life and destiny are refreshed. There are three main secretes I have in the ministry.

The first one is that everything about my ministry is bound or powered with covenant. There are certain things I told God that all the rest of my life, I would never put my hand in them. It was the day I stumbled on the scripture, that God respected His covenant more than His words.

The second key thing about my ministry is that by the privilege of God, I am a man of praise. Hear me well. I went out on an evangelism assignment with a brother to FESTAC, Lagos and environs. We were in an air-conditioned car when we saw an Ibo man who was selling music CDs by the roadside. I heard melodious Igbo gospel songs. I told the brother who was with me in the car to stop and open the central door lock. I went out and told the brother that he could go if he wanted to go; but as for me, I longed to get some copies of those melodies beautifully rendered songs in Igbo language. I went to the Igbo roadside trader and enquired how much the CDs were going for; and I got some for my enjoyment.

Any time you are praising God, He waves away evil from you. The scripture we have just read says, “And Saul was refreshed and was well, the evil spirit departed from him. Everyone that the evil spirit

followed to this church, if I be a prophet of God, because you are in this auditorium, after singing and dancing unto God in this church, I command that easy spirit to disappear, in the name of Jesus.

Those of you that are single, that are qualified to marry but you are not married, after you put instrument of praising God, eligible suitor will begin to send in applications. This is not a prayer but a prophetic declaration. Listen, marriage is not meant for the most beautiful. Marriage is meant for the most favoured. When God favours you, you are as lucky as anything and one man will see you and say. ‘I love you and will die if I don’t spend the rest of my life with you.’

There are times you see some men. If you see the woman beside them, you shout ‘Chai! Is this man blind?’ When you see some women that are so beautiful, the man you see beside will make you exclaim, ‘ wetin make this one marry this man, abi she blind? This is to show you that marriage is not for the most beautiful ones but for the most favoured.

After today’s message, you shall be favoured, in the name of Jesus. I like to encourage all of you that you are a marriageable candidate, but some feel they are “over-aged.” Hear me; there are people that are looking for some people that are overaged. Who told you that you are over-aged?

Who told you that you cannot marry? Who

Bamidele

told you that you cannot give birth?

I met one lady few years ago. She was actually the younger sister of my landlord then. She had been wedded for nine years without a child. He was a Muslim and the husband was also a Muslim. After listening to their plight and ministering to them, I told her to go and praise God for seven days. She obeyed. The following year, she gave birth. Listen to me. Because you praise him, God will give unto you something that make people join you to praise your God, in the name of Jesus.

•For counselling contact: pst_lai@yahoo.com, phone 08074484415, 08027502864 and 08161285586

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Understanding the master key to exploits! (5) T The Voice o of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org Phone: 7747546-8

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elcome to the concluding part of our teaching. Last week, we considered how to engage revelation for exploits, and revelation as master key to exploits. This week, we shall be looking at How Revelation Ends Your Struggles, Proofs Of Revelation, and Why we need the Spirit Of Wisdom and Revelation.

How does revelation end your struggles?

All your inheritance is in the Word of God, and the Spirit of wisdom and revelation help you to see it. When you see it, you believe it and when you believe it, you become it. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name(John 1:12).

Revelation also brings you into your

rest(Hebrews 4:11).It takes revelation to be still in the midst of crisis, and you cannot experience divine intervention until you are still. So, you need the impartation of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, to give you peace and keep you at rest. This will trigger God’sintervention on your behalf.

You may have to pray and fast to access light; but you cannot pray for light to overcome darkness. Light automatically overcomes darkness. Hence, revelation brings you to the automatic realm of life.

Proofs Of Revelation: Revelation is the breaking forth of light in your spirit from the Word of God. Revelation means divine secret or insight. The following happens when you encounter revelation: •Divine Health (Proverbs 4:20-22): You need strength and stamina to command exploits. There is no man of exploit that will not require strength and Supernatural stamina(Daniel 11:32).

•Supernatural Exploits (Isaiah 60:1-3, 8, 22): By revelation, you command the attention of kings. God gave Solomon the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that made him wiser than all men. He commanded the attention of all the Kings on

earth (1 Kings 4:29-34).

•Peace (2 Peter 1:2): When you have revelation, you live continuously in peace. Knowledge is the channel for peace; the deeper the revelation, the calmer you will be (Psalm 119:165).

People of revelation are are calm at all times. Finding the Word is finding rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

•Joy (Jeremiah 15:16): Anyone flowing in revelation automatically and naturally flows in joy. You cannot flow in revelation and still be held down by depression. Revelation triggers the joy of the Lord in you.

Why do we need the Spirit Of Wisdom and Revelation?

•It supernaturally quickens our spiritual understanding (Isaiah 11:1-3). It is impossible to comprehend spiritual things intellectually because intellectualism is in the natural realm. Therefore, it takes the operation of the Spirit of God to comprehend spiritual things(Genesis 41:38-39).

•It determines our level of result (Matthew 13:23):If you must change your level of result, you must change your level of understanding. So, the more you un-

Wonders of the Bible Shepherd Life with Bishop Kingsley

Enakirerhi

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onders are things that fill our minds with surprises. There are seven wonders, which history claim to know, among which are the Hanging Garden built by the ancient Babylonians, the pyramid of Egypt and the Great Walls of China.

Over the time, people have glorified the creatures rather than the creator.

They have given greater concern to the creatures rather than He who created all things. Many a time have they challenged the superiority of His wonderful works and have His good name besmirched.

The Bible which contains the infallible words of God is full of mind blowing wonders. It is a book which no man has the proprietary right to edict.

The Bible is the only book that disqualifies the qualifications of the intelligent ones. It nullifies the wisdom borne out of human philosophy and principles. No matter how scholarly you are, if youdare add or remove from it, the verdict in Revelation 22:18-21 will have dire consequences in your life.

Let us quickly run through some of the outstanding qualities which have remained as a wonder in the glorious history of human kind.

The Bible is the only book which has received and is still receiving constant and destructive warning attacks from the enemies of the truth. They mustered over – whelming momentum to put it out of circulation. The enemies of the truth have launched aggressive crusade to eliminate all the propagators and dispensers of the

Bible yet their heinous attempts have all proved totally abortive. The Bible is indestructible.

Other books may lose relevance, they may go out of circulation, but the word of God is new every day.

When the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to confirm the ‘messiahship’ of Jesus Christ, he (Peter) and other believers as a matter of faith was established and commissioned as a church built upon a solid rock.

The rock, according to Jesus, can never be prevailed against by any organised force. Matthew 16:17-19. That which cannot prevail over the church cannot prevail over the word (Bible) on which it was laid upon.

Mr. Votary, an atheist, predicted that in hundred year’s time, the Bible will go out of circulation. He proposed the death and extinction of the Bible.

Unfortunately, when he died, a Bible publishing company bought over his house and today, millions of Bibles are being shipped from his house. Praise God! That is the indestructibility nature of the Bible.

It has been burnt before, disbanded with those carrying it convicted. Others sent to concentration camps, yet it survived those turbulent times. This is a wonder of wonders, “persecuted but not destroyed”.

Irrespective of the vast period which spanned before the completion of the Bible, it remains the only book which does not contradict itself.

In James 1:17, the scripture says, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

There is no variation in the historic and prophetic accounts in the Bible.

Archeological discoveries have proved secularly, the conformity of the Bible records and historical accounts.

Beyond doubt, irrespective of the fact that some of the inspired writers never knew themselves, it is a true testimony to know that there is conformity and uniformity in the separate write up.

Written in three continents, Asia, Africa and Europe; compiled and written by fishermen, shepherds, scholars and warriors with little or no educational background, yet, records compiled over 1,500 years had the accuracy to agree with each other. What a wonderful book it is! If there is any reason Satan and his cohorts would want to destroy the Bible (word of God,) it is on account of that which is written in Psalms 138:2. The scripture says: “I will worship towards your holy temple, and praise your name for your loving kindness and your truth, for you have magnified your word above all your name”.

God has powerful and yet wonderful names, but He has decided to place His word above all His names. The word of God itself is a wonder.

The kingdom of darkness reasoned that if they can destroy the Bible on earth, then, they have succeeded in destroying God. Every child of God should learn how to put this wonder to effective use. The wonders of the Bible; a book through whose counsel earthly constitutions are drawn. No one can graduate from Bible study until he meets the author face-to-face - Harris The Bible continues to be the best-selling book. Let it be a harbour where you can drop down your anchor. Read it and you will become a wonder to your generation. Psalms 71:7 says, “I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge”.

derstand, the better your blessings and results are enhanced.

•To escape the region of death (Proverbs 21:16):The Spirit of wisdom and revelation takes you from the region of death to the realms of life.

Friend, the grace to benefit from the Spirit of wisdom and revelation for exploits, is available to those born again.

You get born again as you confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again!

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6.30 a.m., 8.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 a.m. respectively.

•I know this teaching has blessed you.

Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Archbishop urges NASS to reject Grazing Bill A clergyman at the weekend urged the National Assembly (NASS) to drop the proposed bill seeking to allocate grazing land to herdsmen across the country.

The Archbishop of Bendel Province of the Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Friday Imaekhai, made the call in Ekpoma, Edo, at the second session of fourth Synod of Esan Diocese.

Imaekhai said the proposed legislation was capable of disrupting the fragile peace in the country as well as its unity.

The clergyman said it was politically dangerous to pass such a bill in a diverse and multi-ethnic nation as Nigeria.

He advised traditional rulers against allocating land for the purpose and that that would amount to mortgaging the future of their children.

Rather, the archbishop advised that the pastoralists be trained on modern methods of animal husbandry. ``Even when such legislation has not been passed, some Nigerians have been attacked, maimed and killed in their farmlands for daring to question why their crops have been destroyed by cattle. ``Worse still is that some women have been raped and killed on their farms by some of these herdsmen. ``We have been eyewitnesses to these dastardly acts and to pass a bill on it is to plant a bomb that will detonate in the future,’’ he warned.

Imaekhai commended President Goodluck Jonathan for declaring emergency rule in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno.

He urged the Federal Government to concentrate on the delivery of health care, education, agriculture and power services, adding that the president should also redouble his efforts at reducing unemployment and eradicating poverty.

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Creeping compromise T

he greatest threat to Christianity is not from outside but from inside Christianity. It is not from avowed enemies of Christianity and Christians or evil regimes that outlaw the Bible. Christians themselves constitute the greatest undoing of pure Christianity by their worldliness and creeping compromise.

Take honest look at many professed believers and worship centres.

While recognising cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, of moral virtue, neat, healthful, practical and economical befitting those whose true beauty are not of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It is the fad for ladies dress to be a little bit too short and show some cleavage. Remember, though we are in the world, we are not of the world! (John 17:15-16). Scripture associates gaudy cosmetics with paganism and apostasy (2 Kings 9:30; Jer 4:30). Do not dress like Jezebel (1 Kgs 21:25; Rev 17:1-6). Maintain a natural, graceful, and healthful appearance, proven to magnetize people to Christ rather than self. Simplicity harmonizes with reformation and revival, our greatest need in these last days (Gen 35:2, 4; 33:5-6; 1 Cor 10:11). Outward adornment with jewelry should be minimized in favor of modesty, decency, and propriety (1 Tim 2:9-10; 1 Pet 3:1-4).

Christians are called to be uniquely different, yet attractive; in stark contrast to the greed, materialism, and selfishness of this rotten age.

It used to be that “tolerance” involved respect for other people’s opinions while holding on to yours. It presupposed the hierarchy of opinions and the existence of right and wrong. In today’s world, the new “tolerance” eliminates all

Holy Inquiry with Pastor Paul

Nkirukah E-mail: pstpaul11@yahoo.com

Dear Pastor, I don’t miss reading you every Sunday on this page. Keep the good work and permit me to ask; why are pastors’ wives called mummy in the lord, and that is what you hear in churches. Is that what the Bible says?

Chukwuka from Aba. Dear reader, There is nothing wrong in calling pastors wives ‘mummy in the Lord.’ I will also like to inform you that even God himself recognised them like that. To prove beyond every reasonable doubt, let’s examine carefully the scriptures below.

the above. Now they teach that what is right for you may be wrong for me. No more moral absolutes! Who are you to say that sexual discrimination must be maintained? I can do anything with my body! This is the devil’s way of undermining the Bible: the source of absolute moral authority and rule of life and society!

It is a shame that many polls show that an alarming number of Christian youths today see nothing wrong in homosexuality. More and more tolerate it as an alternative lifestyle to be protected by law. How many unwed Christian youths are living together in “trial marriage?” This social vice has become common practice among professed believers!

Immorality has sapped our spiritual strength! The Churches are filled with youths with “out-of-wedlock” children and incest! We have sowed to the wind and are now reaping the whirlwind! (See Hosea 8:7; Prov 22:8; Job 4:8). “Whatever a man sows that he will also reap (Gal 6:7).

Watch out before your own children are also swept off by this torrential creeping compromise!

The Bible mandates personal spiritual examination. “Examine yourself as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourself that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless you are indeed disqualified” (2 Cor 13:5). I recommend this personal checklist to help us to recognize when we are slipping into spiritual and lifestyle compromise.

• When was the last time I made a crude joke or laughed at one? Three days ago? Three months? Three years? Do people think I will tolerate it?

•When was the last time I sat through a sexual scene on television completely undisturbed?

• Men especially: do my eyes look over someone attractive in a way that would make them uncomfortable if they noticed?

• Are there words in my vocabulary that link me to the world and not to Christ?

• Do I rationalize my enjoyment of books that tell immoral stories?

• Do I go places where the atmosphere is sexually-charged or in some other way worldly and yet it does not bother me?

• Am I struggling with an attraction or a relationship with a person who is not my spouse, or someone who is not a practising Christian as a single?

• Are my topics of conversation honoring to others? Do they give grace to those who hear? (Ephesians 4:29b.).

•How do my convictions about appropriate entertainment differ from someone who does not follow Christ?

• What do I do that I would not do if Jesus Christ were visually present with me? (I say “visually;” because He is present whether you recognize it or not.)

•Are you fantasizing about a different lifestyle outside of Christ?

•Does your comportment and interaction at your work or school or business

Answer these questions and win a prize 1.

According to Paul’s teaching to Timothy, who should be the first to receive a share of the crops?

2.

What name is given to the last tree mentioned in the Bible?

3.

The fruit of the spirit is listed in which book of the Bible and how many are they?

•Please, be informed that the first correct entry via text message wins the prize.

See next week’s column for answers to the quiz. Send your answers with your names to 08054238905. Gifts: courtesy Babcock University.

or neighborhood correlate or conflict with your Christian beliefs?

•Are you excusing yourself from fervent prayer time, in-depth Bible study, fellowship with believers, and sharing your faith?

No matter how genuine you think your excuses are, they are spinning you in downward spiral.

How do you fair in this personal inquiry? Your answer may tell tall signs of creeping compromise. May we be able to testify like Paul: “our consciences testify that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (2 Cor 1:12).

Avoid duplicity, live in simplicity and godly sincerity. Do not allow the world to gradually change you into its mold.

Someone described how a frog is cooked: it is put into a pot of cold water and it enjoys the temperature as normal. The pot is put on fire, and the heat is turned on so gradually, and the frog likes it unsuspectingly. Before the frog knows it is in danger, the pot is hot and the frog is cooked! Avoid creeping compromise or become “frog soup!” God Almighty shall hold your hands steady.

You shall not fall into perdition in Jesus’ name. Amen. Wake up! Buckle up!

Watch out! Cry out to God! He will deliver you! Christian people are not called to fit in but to stand out!

Concluded.

•Tunde Ojewole, PhD, is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. For enquiries, contact: ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng or call/SMS 08058299434/08060376577

Answers to June 9, 2013 Quiz 1.

True.

2.

Nathan.

3.

Achan.

Should I call my pastor’s wife Mummy ?

Ephesians 6: 1 – 3: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right, 2 Honour thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, 3 That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth.

According to the scripture above, the Bible says that we should obey our parents in the Lord for this is right. ‘Parents’ here is plural, something or someone that is more than one person. I believe that comprises father and mother because it takes a man and woman to make up parents. So, if God himself can call them parents or father and mother in the Lord, I don’t think there is anything wrong in calling both of them Mummy and Daddy in the Lord.

Or what do you think? Is it right to call ‘Daddy in the Lord’ only without calling the wife ‘Mummy in the Lord’? To me, I believe that if God can recognise them as parents in the Lord, who am I not to call the pastor’s wife the same?

Moreover, Matthew 19: 4 - 6 read, “And he answered and said unto them, have ye not read, that he which made them at the

beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they twain shall be one flesh, 6 Wherefore, they are no more twain, but one flesh, what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Genesis 2: 25 reads; And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. This also can mean that if husband and wife are one, they ought to work together in unity to achieve success.

(Behind every successful man, there is a woman) if that should be, ‘Mummy in the Lord’ also can be recognized in the church In Isaiah 51 verses 1 to 2, the Bible says in verse 2 that we should look unto our father Abraham and Sarah, our mother, ‘for I called him alone. Do you see God say I called him [Abraham] alone but he said we should also look unto Sarah his wife as our mother, which means we should recognise and emulate them.

I hope you know that Abraham was a man of God. See Genesis 20 verse 7, God called Abraham a prophet.

My dear, I will conclude that you obey, honor and recognize both as your spiritual parents.

Brethren, I will advise you to always obey, see and call your pastor’s wife mummy in the Lord, thus God said you should obey your parents in the Lord that it might be well with you and that you may live long on the earth. That means that one of the things that make people to die untimely death is that they don’t obey or acknowledge their pastor and his wife as their spiritual father and mother. It takes father and mother to have a child; so you cannot only recognise your pastor as your father in the Lord, without recognising the wife as your mother in the Lord. Otherwise, you may be putting them asunder, which is contrary to the word of God. Endeavour to do the word of God, as this cannot remove anything from you.

Pride goeth before destruction. (Proverbs 16: 18) It is pride that makes people not to call their pastor’s wife ‘mummy’.

Thanks and God bless.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday June 30, 2013

47

Of doctors’ 72-hour needless strike

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t the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Gbobi, Lagos last Thursday, the mood was foul. Lachrymose faces of stranded patients in dire need of attention became a virtual mesh of impossibility, as they asked one another in hush tones, ‘Is it true that the doctors are on strike?” At the casualty ward, a woman whose child’s legs were cast in Plaster of Paris (PoP), upon being told by a chirpily indifferent nurse that the doctors have called a strike, simply staggered back but was either saved from landing with a thud by the wall or there was method in her action. At one of the wards, a patient with a leg hung who was neck-deep in predictable, silent conversation with the next-bed neighbour, afterwards made as if to swoon.

Across the country, at all federal medical institutions, same scenario of anguish and lamentable neglect was bound to play out, as doctors, under the aegis of National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) declared a three-day warning strike, which terminated last Friday.

While naturally hoisting, from time to time, an avalanche of acclaimed rights’ denial from government, the NARD last week virtually averred that its water of patience had cascaded out of a tumbling gourd. The kernel of its latest action in asking its members to stay at home was double-pronged. According to the union’s national president, Dr. Ismail Lawal, the doctors resolved to withdraw their services over the lackadaisical attitude of the

Federal Government towards the issue of residency training for resident doctors across the country.

Apart from that, the doctors’ union boss said they saw the need to shun work because the Federal Government had also turned deaf ears to its strident call for the suspension of Prof. George Akpede, the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, for “his act of mischief, insubordination and impersonation, which amount to gross misconduct and which are not expected of a chief executive.” Whatever it means.

But it must also be noted that the doctors’ demand for residency training was best expressed in their disappointment over “the unbecoming attitude of the Federal Government to the issue of residency training’s funding and the failure to yield to our demand for a supplementary budget for the training.” With such, it was clear that the need for the training was not captured in the N279.23bn proposed for the health sector in the 2013 appropriation bill.

Curiously, however, the same medics who were so wrought as to hang up their stethoscopes and walk away for three days ended their declaration of ‘aluta’ by commending the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, “for his intervention in the crisis and the wisdom with which he is handling the issue.”

Tut, there is no basis to dance in the courtyard of equivocation as one should unbundle the merits of the doctors’ contraption of a raison d’être, in deciding to

Kayode de

strike, this time round. But before then, is it not numbing knowing that there was no visible input of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) or its alter ego, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the decision of the medics to embark on the last 72-hourold industrial action? The NLC, as the umbrella body of all industrial unions in the country, should have rationalised the medics’ complaints with a view to wading in. Assuredly, the NLC should have played an oversight function in tackling the Federal Government over the doctors’ complaints and even threaten nationwide strike if the demands were not met in record time. Perhaps, it could be taken that the labour leaders were alien to the sensitivity of health workers’ relevance to the socio-economic and even political wellbeing of the country.

After all, Nigerian politicians and other sundry heavyweights, whenever struck dumb by one debilitating ailment or the other, are usually flown abroad for medical attention, as there are no requisite facilities to bail them out in all our hospitals, ether owned by the federal or state government.

Getting, therefore, down to the brass tacks, it is incumbent on the national psyche for all to now realise that, anytime there is the need for the medics to proceed on strike, other professionals should undertake the action on their behalf, in sympathy, as doctors and nurses’ services are essential to human existence. A recapitulation of past similar strikes in the health sector leaves in its wake, tales of deaths running into hundreds of thou-

Fasua ua

kayodefasua@nationalmirroronline.net (08034101207; SMS only, pls)

sands at the various Nigerian hospitals.

That is exactly where the doctors who declared last week’s nebulous strike deserve blame. Should failure by government to craft a supplementary budget to enable doctors benefit training funds resonate in a strike while the same doctors were commending the Minister of Health for wading into the crisis? That is the height of incongruity. Again, that a Prof Akpede somewhere in an Irrua hospital had possibly run afoul of one law or the other or that he was purportedly enmeshed in some misdemeanour cannot be justified for shutting down a crucial department in the over 50 federal government hospitals across the country. Wherein then is the adherence to the doctor’s Hippocratic Oath of giving their all to save their patients’ lives?

This is, however, not to justify government’s palpable insensitivity to the infrastructural decay and poor treatment of workers not only in the health sector but everywhere in the country. Nonetheless, last week’s three-day warning strike over two issues that lack national grip as to merit a touch of even the doctors’ toga, was rather disappointing.

Between Andy Ubah and others DENNIS SAMI

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head of next year’s governorship poll in Anambra State, there has been an avalanche of analyses on the expectations of Anambrarians, their fears and who must not succeed Governor Peter Obi.

In the countdown to historic events of such proportions anywhere worldwide, such developments as above are common.

But the peculiarity of the forthcoming exercise in the state makes it of interest to every indigene of the state, nay Nigerians all over.

The fact that Anambra State is a very important fulcrum that connects all parts of the country courtesy the River Niger bridge, throws it up as the state to watch whenever important elective exercise like the forthcoming governorship election approaches. And given the strengths, categorizations and character of the contestants that the exercise throws up for the contest, the gripping effects of the campaigns that lead to the poll proper, are way out of the ordinary.

For the 2014 contest for instance, no fewer than 18 people have indicated interest to govern the highly commercially vibrant state; a state made up of successful business, locally and off-shore; many selfmade; a state where the political awareness stands very tall in the south east geo-political zone and one that in terms of political sagacity, its people cannot be counted among the bench warmers.

They include personalities like the following: Chief Andy Ubah, Comrade Tony Nwoye, Paul Odenigbo, Chukwuma Soludo, Nicholas Ukachukwu and Emmanuel Anosike among others of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP fold. There are also aspirants from other political parties, especially from the ruling party

in the state, APGA. But put together, observers believe that the PDP looks set to take the reins of government in the state if only the party can conduct its primaries very well devoid of rancour and bad blood given the fact that current senator representing Anambra south zone and former governor (for 16 days,) Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba stands out among the rest; and highly favoured to pick the party’s ticket.

Born on December 14, 1958 in Enugu, Enugu State, to the family of Mr. & Mrs. Philip Ubawhose parentage was from Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, the governorship hopeful witnessed and survived the Nigerian civil war which ended in 1970, with his parents and siblings.

Senator Uba continued his education after the war at Boys High School Awkunanaw, Enugu State where he obtained his senior school certificate (SSCE). He gained admission abroad and was engaged in geological studies at Concordia University, Montreal Canada where he graduated with honors in 1984.

Dr Uba, who had further academic studies at the California State University, later proceeded to Buxton University in the United Kingdom, where he earned a Doctorate in Bio-Sciences in 1996.

He lived and worked most of his professional life in the United States. Between 1985 and 1992 he worked for the Golden State Mutual Insurance of California.

With his team, he established a chain of health clinics in different parts of United States. His duties involve conducting evaluations for the United States government on workers’ compensation claims.

A man of high patriotic disposition refusing to allow the allure and attractions in foreign countries to which his endeavours took him to distract him, Uba maintained contact with situations in Ni-

geria; and that accounts for his interest in philanthropic and developments projects he carried out in the country soon after his return.

It was this pursuit to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of the Nigerian people that encouraged him to join in the United States the presidential campaign of PDP in 1998.

Also, given the benefit of hindsight, many underscore the foregoing adding that it was Ubah’s zeal and dedication to the people of Nigeria in Diaspora for example, that earned him the recommendation of the then presidential candidate of PDP, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who invited him to serve in Nigeria having noticed his deep sense of loyalty, philosophical beliefs, and originality. Subsequently, he was appointed the Special Presidential Assistant to the President on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs.

He was then to work with the then president to make good policies and appointments, which impacted positively on many interests groups in Nigeria.

He had cause not too long ago to debunk claims by a few critics on his role in the Obasanjo administration. Hear him: “I did not disgrace the Igbo race, when we came in, some people said give this Igbo man just six months, he will do one thing or the other and he will be removed.

But I trusted in God, and did what I was supposed to do and remained there for eight years”.

Calling for unity among Ndigbos, Uba said, “we need to go back to where we started, we need to start again as one family, that’s the best thing for Ndigbo.”

Armed with the goal of rendering public service to his people, Uba as PDP candidate in the 2007 gubernatorial election in Anambra contested and won the governorship ticket but was removed few days later through a court order which

faulted INEC for conducting election in the state when Governor Peter Obi’s tenure was still running.

But he took the development with a good measure of philosophical calmness preferring to allow God have His way.

“In 2007 when I ran for governor, I had a vision for Anambra state, within the few days I stayed, people got an insight into my plans, my vision was to change the face of Anambra, I was pushing for a plan to transform Anambra but unfortunately, it didn’t work. However, I see everything that happened then as the will of God. May be I wouldn’t have been alive now.

Also it made me to learn the character of our people because I just came from abroad and joined Obasanjo’s administration, from there I moved to the Anambra government house, so by then I didn’t really understand the character of our people so well”, Uba noted.

But he was not done as he went on to indicate his interest to deliver democracy dividends to the people of his state from 2014: “One day, I will show what I want to do for Anambra State, I know that we are starting another race in Anambra, if it is God’s will, I will be there to showcase the plan I have for the people”.

But before then, Uba remains a cheerful philanthropist to the needy and under privileged, as well as supporter of noble goals and initiatives. Amongst his contributions to the Nigerian people and to the good people of Anambra state includes; the construction of the Nze Philip Uba endowment building for Mass Communication, named after his late father at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; the building of multipurpose hall for the people of Uga and his numerous donations to various charity homes and organisations in Nigeria.

•Sami lives in Awka, Anambra State.

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Sunday, June 30, 2013

Wellness

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES JUNE 30, 2013

Too much sugar causes early tooth decay in children –Dentists Feeding tips to prevent tooth decay

VANESSA O KWARA

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fter cleaning her son’s teeth one night since the first tooth pushed through the gums, Ijeoma Onyeama said she was quite dismayed to discover that her son’s front teeth have started showing signs of decay. He is only three years old, so how could he even show any sign of tooth decay at this early stage of his life and what could be the cause of it? she wondered.

“The widespread practice of putting a child to bed with a bottle of juice is a major factor causing the rise of early childhood dental caries, says Dr Amarachi Udo, Medical Director of Dental White Clinics, Lagos.

According to him, “these days, you would be shocked the kinds of food pack kids carry to school. Parents fill their lunch boxes with all manner of biscuits, chocolates and fruit juice, all in the name of pampering their child but they don’t know the harm they are inflicting on the gums and teeth of that child. Tooth decay can occur when your child’s teeth come in contact with too much sugar. This sugar helps bacteria grow. Acids that the bacteria make cause the teeth to decay. Many of the liquids that your child drinks contain sugar, including milk, formula, and fruit juices. Eating snacks with sugar also places more sugar on your child’s teeth. How often your child drinks liquids containing sugar, and how long the sugar stays in the mouth are also important. When children sleep or walk around with a bottle or sip juice from a can, its sugar coats their teeth for longer periods of time, causing teeth to decay more quickly.”

Breast milk by itself is the healthiest food for babies’ teeth. It tends to slow bacterial growth and acid pro-

Do NOT fill your child's bottle with fluids that are high in sugar, such as juice or soft drinks.

Put your child to bed with a bottle of water only - not juice, milk or other drinks.

Give children between the age of six and 12 months only formula to drink in bottles.

Remove the bottle or stop nursing when your child has fallen asleep.

Avoid letting your child walk around using a bottle of juice or milk as a pacifier. Avoid prolonged use of pacifiers and do NOT dip the pacifier in honey, sugar or syrup.

Tooth decay, a result of sweet things

Limit juice to fewer than 6 ounces per day during meals.

After each feeding, gently wipe your child's teeth and gums with a clean washcloth or gauze to remove plaque.

Inspect your child's teeth regularly and begin dental visits when all of the baby teeth have erupted or at age 2 or 3, whichever comes first.

Begin tooth brushing as soon as your child has teeth.

Supervise your child when he is brushing his teeth

Badly affected teeth

duction. However, when breast milk is alternated with sugary foods or drinks, the rate of tooth decay can be faster than with sugar alone.

In a research conducted in Canada, it was discovered that severe early childhood caries, in which several teeth have cavities or signs of decay, “seem to be on the rise”, says Robert

NDLEA seizes 1407.98kg of drugs in Imo The Imo command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 1407.98 kilogrammes of drugs from 2011 to date.

The agency’s Commander in the state, Mr. Kaku Mashelia, announced the figure in Owerri

Begin teaching your child to drink from a cup at around six months of age. Try to stop using a bottle by age 12 - 14 months.

recently at an event marking the 2013 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

Mashelia said the quantity comprised 1406.78kg of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), 861.9gm of cocaine and 384.3gm of

heroin.

He said the command arrested 185 male and 60 female drug users, prosecuted 50 and counseled 158 within the period.

The commander said the high figure portended danger because all major drugs of abuse were available in the state, in spite of the agency’s efforts and other security agencies.

Sutherland, president of the Canadian Dental Association. A total 36,000 children under 16 go to hospital every year for tooth extractions caused by decay and more than one million under-fives have at least two fillings.

Dr Udo said the popularity of fruit juices is partly to blame because parents believe they are healthier. “In

fact, fructose in juice and lactose in milk bathe the teeth in sugars that increase acid production in the mouth, leading to demineralisation and tooth decay. Left untreated, baby teeth may break, rot or fall out prematurely. Infection can get into the nerve of the tooth and affect the development of underlying adult teeth, which may put the child at risk for lifelong dental problems.

Dr Udo further explained the processes that can lead to a a child’s teeth decaying at an early age. “Early childhood tooth decay is that which affects the teeth of babies and young children. At birth, babies do not have decay causing germs in their mouths.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

HEALTH NEWS

Lassa Fever: JUTH CMD calls for screening centre in Plateau Dr Ishaya Pam, the Chief Medical Director, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has called on the Federal Government to establish a Lassa Fever diagnostic centre in Plateau. ``The first case of Lassa Fever was diagnosed in Plateau in the late ‘60s when some medical staff died after looking after a

Lassa Fever patient that came from Lassa in Borno State. ``For us to increase the survival rate of the victims, it is important that we have a diagnostic centre that will serve the Middle Belt region because a quick diagnosis very important since the symptoms could be that of any other fever until it reaches the stage

of haemorrhage and by then, it is late,’’ Pam said in Jos. Pam called for more health consciousness among Nigerians toward a more proactive attitude that would minimise the dangers posed by diseases that should normally be handled with ease, if reported and diagnosed early enough.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

51

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Know your organs The penis is the male sex organ, reaching its full size during puberty. In addition to its sexual function, the penis acts as a conduit for urine to leave the body.

The skin of the penis is hairless, thin, elastic and very sensitive, particularly so on the upper- and undersides. In uncircumcised men it fits loosely over the shaft and slips back and forth during sexual activity. When it is pulled back it reveals the glans or tip of the penis, which is generally cone-shaped, at the base of which there is a ridge known as the corona. The glans is the most sensitive part of the phallus, richly endowed with nerveendings, and it is highly responsive to stimulation during sexual foreplay.

Its parts The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root, which attaches to the wall of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which is the cone-shaped end of the penis. The glans, which also is called the head of the penis, is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin. (This skin is sometimes removed in a procedure called circumcision.)

The opening of the urethra, the tube that transports semen and urine, is at the tip of the glans penis. The penis also contains a number of sensitive nerve endings.

The body of the penis is cylindrical in shape and consists of three internal chambers. These chambers are made up of special, sponge-like erectile tissue. This tissue contains thousands of large spaces that fill with blood when the man is sexually aroused. As the penis fills with blood, it becomes rigid and erect, which allows for penetration during sexual intercourse. The skin of the penis is loose and elastic to accommodate changes in penis size during an erection.

Semen, which contains sperm, is expelled (ejaculated) through the end of the penis when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm). When the penis is erect, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.

The Penis

How erection occurs An erection results from changes in blood flow in the penis. When a man becomes sexually aroused, nerves cause penis blood vessels to expand. More blood flows in and less flows out of the penis, hardening the tissue in the corpus cavernosum.

The entire male reproductive system is dependent on hormones, which are chemicals that stimulate or regulate the activity of cells or organs. The primary hormones involved in the functioning of the male reproductive system are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone.

FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. FSH is necessary for sperm production (spermatogenesis), and LH stimulates the production of testosterone, which is necessary to continue the process of spermatogenesis. Testosterone also is important in the development of male characteristics, including muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass and sex drive.

If testosterone levels are low, hormone replacement therapy may help relieve symptoms, such as the loss of interest in sex, depression and fatigue. However, replacing male hormones can worsen prostate cancer and, perhaps, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Making of sperm The testes, unlike the ovaries, do not lose the ability to make hormones. If a man is healthy, he may be able to make sperm well into his 80s or longer. The testes are oval organs about the size of large olives that lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. Most men have two testes. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm.

‘Tooth cleaning alone, not guarantee against decay’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51 These germs are passed from parents to their babies through kissing and sharing utensils, like spoons. The more germs the parents have in their mouths, the more germs will be passed on to the baby. When the baby’s mouth and teeth are not cleaned daily, decay causing acids are formed from most liquids that are fed to the baby. These liquids include formula, cow’s milk and fruit juices. Repeated acid attacks break down the tooth surface and cause decay,” Dr Udo explained.

Dentists believe that kids who consume too much soda and not enough nutritional beverages are prone to tooth decay in addition to serious ailments later in life, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Foods that are high in carbohydrates including some fruits, juices and sodas, peanut butter, crackers and potato chips are culprits. Enamel breakdown leads to cavities. If erosion spreads beneath the enamel, pain and sensitivity may eventually result. This can cause nerve infection, which can result in the need for a root canal.

Tooth cleaning alone is therefore not a guarantee against tooth decay. The types of food and drink you give your child can affect the development of tooth decay. Preventing tooth decay with healthy eating and drinking habit is of utmost importance if you want to protect your child’s teeth from developing tooth decay in future. Cleaning and caring for children’s teeth early sets up good dental habits for life, and create good dental patients.

The expert advised mothers to stop the habit of giving out gifts such as biscuits and fruit juice as pacifiers any time the child cries or they want to

distract the child from something. “By constantly handing out goodies such as sweets which stick to the teeth every time your child opens his mouth to cry is an emotional tug that parents find hard to resist, but they need to reverse that habit and alternate it with foods such as oranges, carrots and apples. When children learn to eat fruits early in life; they form a better eating habit rather than filling their tummies with junk that not only affects their teeth but also their total wellbeing” he advised.

How can a mother help her child prevent tooth decay? Dr Udo gave this advice: “After each feeding, gently wipe your child’s teeth and gums with a clean washcloth or gauze to remove plaque. Begin tooth brushing as soon as your child has teeth.

Brush your teeth together, at least at bedtime. If you have an infant or toddler, place a small amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste on a washcloth and rub gently on their teeth. You can switch to fluoridated toothpaste when you are sure that your child spits out all of the toothpaste after brushing. Older children can use a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles employing very small amount of toothpaste”.

The medical expert also advised parents to take their child to the dentist just after the first tooth appears. Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing and fluoride treatments are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. “Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is that when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be supervised in proper flossing techniques until the age of 10. If you have any concerns about your child’s dental health or want some tips on preventing tooth decay, go and ask your dentist.

Your

BONE Health

with Dr. Olatunji Idowu

Plantar Fasciitis (3) Night Splints Night splints are worn to keep the heel stretched out when you sleep. By doing so, the arch of the foot does not become contracted at night, and is hopefully not as painful in the morning.

These modalities alone will cure the plantar fasciitis pain in most patients. Be forewarned that the symptoms will not resolve quickly. Most patients find relief within about three months, and over 90% within one year.

If the pain does not resolve, an injection of cortisone can decrease the inflammation of plantar fasciitis. However, many physicians do not like to inject cortisone because there are potentially serious problems with cortisone injections in the heel area. The two problems that cause concern are fat pad atrophy and plantar fascial rupture. Both of these problems occur in a very small percentage of patients, but they can cause a worsening of heel pain symptoms.

After successful treatment, how can I prevent plantar fasciitis from coming back?

To prevent the recurrence of plantar fasciitis after treatment, proper fitting footwear is essential. Many people use shoe inserts to relieve pressure over the tender area. Custom orthotics can also be made if there appears to be a problem with the mechanical structure of the foot. It is also important to continue the stretching and exercises. These simple exercises will help maintain the flexibility of the foot and prevent the plantar fasciitis pain from returning.

What if the symptoms of plantar fasciitis do not resolve?

In a small number of cases (usually less than 5%), patients may not experience relief after trying the recommendations listed above. It is important that conservative treatments (such as those listed above) be performed for AT LEAST a year before considering surgery. Time is very important in curing the pain of plantar fasciitis, and insufficient treatment before surgery may subject you to potential complications of the procedure. If these treatments fail, your doctor may consider an operation to loosen the plantar fascia, called a plantar fascia release.

For more information about plantar fascia release: Plantar Fascia Release Because the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis can be confused with tarsal tunnel syndrome (as described earlier), most surgeons advocate performing a tarsal tunnel release (or at least a partial tarsal tunnel release) along with the plantar fascia release. This surgery is about 80% successful in relieving pain in the small group of patients who do not improve with conservative treatments.

Surgery is rarely needed in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The vast majority of patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis will recover given ample time. With some basic treatment steps, well over 90% of patients will achieve full recovery from symptoms of plantar fasciitis within one year of the onset of treatment.

What if my symptoms of plantar fasciitis do not resolve with time?

As stated above, simple treatment measures will usually work in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. These treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, shoe inserts, and stretching exercises. In cases where a good effort with these treatments fails to provide adequate relief, some more aggressive treatments may be attempted. These include cortisone injections or extracorporeal shock wave treatments.

If you have any problem or question about your musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and muscles) do send me a mail at tunjiidowu@live.com for advice.

Meanwhile, your comments and feedback on the issues discussed are highly welcomed.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

52

STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU

Tears in Isoko as community buries slain youths JUNE 30, 2013

AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA A SABA

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il-rich Uzere kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State was over the weekend thrown into mourning and uncontrollable weeping following the arrival of corpses of four youths shot dead in November, 2011 allegedly by soldiers posted to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) during a protest over alleged SPDC refusal to sign a MoU with the community.

In November 29, 2011, the community had protested to the Shell flow station in a bid to meet with some officials of the multinational oil company over what they termed gross neglect, reckless abandonment of their plight and refusal to sign MoU with them.

But on arrival, there was a clash between the soldiers posted to provide security in the facility and the protesters from the community. In the process four indigenes of the community were killed.

When it was later discovered by the irate youths that the self exiled deposed king of the kingdom, a former chairman of the council and others connived with the company to short-change the kingdom, the youth razed the palace of the dethroned monarch and his wife’s provision store.

Following the bloody crisis, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State whom the people alleged was supporting the dethroned monarch and his cohorts, set up a judicial panel of enquiry headed by Justice Sylvester Ehiwario to probe the cause of the crisis.

The names of the dead were given as Mr. Ogbeye Onome, Mr. Sunday Omodhi, Mr. Emu Udevieme and one Mr. Festus Idolo, a security guard of the new traditional ruler, Henry Etuwede III, who was shot dead by gunmen allegedly hired by an opposition camp.

In his address during the burial ceremony, President General of the community, Dr. Emeakpor Owhe, paid glowing tributes to the dead describing them as ‘gallant youths’.

“On behalf of the Executive and Uzere leadership, I welcome you all to this solemn but remarkable occasion. It is indeed a sad day in the history of Uzere Kingdom that we are laying to rest the body of four gallant youths who have shed their precious blood for the good people of Uzere.

“Lo, these youths have paid the supreme price for the collective desire to free all of us from the shackles of oppression and exploitation. But I tell you my brothers and sisters, these youths may have physically passed away, I can assure you that their spirits will always rejoice because in their death, we have found a watershed in breathing a new life to Uzere. These unforgettable youths we bury today are heroes of our time and their memory shall remain indelible as long as Uzere lives. To the respective families, we condole with you just as our heart goes to the siblings, children and spouse they have left behind to bear the irreparable loss. May God Almighty, the omnipotent provider, comfort and protect you in these challenging times,” Owhe said.

The president general noted that it was the sol-

Caskets bearing the corpses of the four youths lying in state at the Community Square before their burial

Uduaghan

emn pledge of leadership that family members of the deceased would be duly considered for employment and labour slots as well as scholarship for their siblings or children. He added that this resolution would not in any way end with this administration as it was a cross that they must carry along to further affirm that these heroes of

justice, liberation and champions of Uzere freedom did not die in vain.

While thanking and commending various groups, clergy, persons, corporate organisations, press and others who had given support to their struggle, the community leader praised the steadfastness and courage of the youth, saying that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, gave the approval for the burial of the youth.

Owhe disclosed that the community had opened discussions on the MoU for which the slain youths gave their lives. “You can be sure that we will do our best in all the negotiations to secure our Godgiven rights and shame the agents of darkness and all enemies of Uzere,” Owhe added.

Sunday Mirror reliably gathered that the relative peace being enjoyed in the community and the burial of the deceased were facilitated by a non-governmental organization, AA Peace Works, which stood as a mediator between the community and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company which would soon take over the operation of the flow station from SPDC. Also, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Governor Uduaghan’s first tenure who is also the community counsel, Chief Victor Otomiewo, has challenged the governor to as a matter of importance make public the recommendations of the panel set up by his government to look into the crisis.

Our correspondent recalls that Uzere community is the second place where oil and gas were discovered in 1958 after Oloibri in Bayelsa State, but till this day the community has little to show for it.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SM Extra

Sunday, June 30, 2013

53

Ex-cop stabs wife, absconds

Moyosore

OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

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oyosore Ademeso, a 35-year-old kerosene seller, had retired to bed after the day’s work. Nothing gave her any inkling of a lurking danger around the corner. Suddenly, three men broke into her room at a house along Plaza Motel Road, Akure. It was about 11 p.m.

“Immediately they entered, I thought they were thieves,” she faintly said on her hospital bed. But Moyosore was wrong. The three men were her commercial motorcyclist husband, Tajudeen Adeniyi, and two of his friends. Tajudeen, a dismissed police officer, returned home apparently with a mission to kill his wife after abandoning the house and his family for two weeks.

Without wasting time, Tajudeen allegedly inflicted injuries on Moyosore with cutlass and broken bottles, leaving the woman with huge gaping gashes on her head. After the savage deed was done, the assailant and his accomplices bolted.

Narrating her ordeal to journalists, Moyosore said: “On Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at about 11 p.m., when everyone had gone to bed, he broke into my room. I saw two men and my husband who was armed with a cutlass and broken bottles.

“Before I realised what was happening and raised alarm, he started beating and stabbing me with the machete and broken bottles he brought while his friends watched. He threatened that he would kill me. That was all I knew. The only woman at home at that time was able to give me first aid until the following morning that I was assisted to the hospital by my relatives,” the victim recalled.

Although Moyosade’s relationship with her husband had been strained for a while, she never thought the father of her four children would want to take her life.

What then could have been responsible for Tajudeen’s brutal action?

She explained: “The only thing that has always been causing disagreement between us is money to take care of the family. The reason why I thought he decided to do this to me is that he got annoyed that the landlord went to him to ask for payment of my house rent.

“My husband, in the recent years, has decided to abandon his responsibilities. I bore him four children only for me to start looking for how they would eat and have formal education.

“Because of my inability to fend for the four children alone, my mother-in-law decided to adopt and take over the responsibility of one of them. During the last Easter break in school, they all went to my mother-in-law at Ogotun in Ekiti State who finally decided that all of them should be with her.

“She told me that she understood my predicament and my financial incapability to raise the children alone without the support of the husband. We agreed that whatever I realised from my struggle would be sent to them occasionally.

“When I left Ogotun-Ekiti the following Saturday, my husband went to pick my children and subjected them to the guardianship of his mistress. Throughout this period, he was no longer comfortable seeing me and had decided to either put up in friends’ apartments or that of his mistress.”

Moyosore has been discharged from the hospital and she is recuperating. The medical doctor, who attended to her at the private hospital where she was rushed to, Ayodele Adeyeri, said it was a miracle that she lived to tell the story. He said the woman was very lucky to have come to the hospital alive despite the depth of the cuts on her head.

The Ondo State Police Command said it has been trailing the assailant who has been at large since then.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, assured that the man would be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.

How Ogun State TRACE official manhandled pregnant woman FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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n official of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has assaulted a pregnant woman in Abeokuta, the state capital, for allegedly disobeying him at a traffic junction on Thursday night.

The officer who was identified as Mukaila Ibikunle allegedly slapped the pregnant woman, Mrs. Yetunda Alade, at the Elite junction of Abeokuta metropolis when she was returning after seeing her doctor.

Sunday Mirror gathered that the traffic management officer had ordered Mrs. Alade to reverse her vehicle after allegedly crossing the junction but the woman explained that doing so would further compound the traffic situation.

While attempting to give further explanation that the second TRACE officer at the scene had passed her line, Ibikunle was said to have been angered and attempted to force the pregnant woman down from her car.

Speaking with newsmen from the hospital bed where she was receiving treatment after the assault, Mrs. Alade explained that the officer broke the door handle of her car when he attempted to drag her out of the car before he eventually landed a slap on her face behind the wheel.

“At that point, car, came down and held his point I opened the car cloth to prevent him from running away. I said if he had no respect for women, then he ought to have respected my condition as a pregnant woman. What have I done to deserve being slapped?” She retorted.

Mrs. Alade stressed that the officer eventually went ahead and removed the number plate of her car while sympathisers were still consoling her.

When contacted over the matter, however, the Corp Commander of TRACE, Ayo Sangofadeji, told newsmen that his organisation had registered the incident with the registry of the Mobile Court of the corp.

Sangofadeji added that the pregnant woman, who was assaulted on her Expected Delivery Day (EDD) would have to appear before the Magistrate of the mobile court before the number plate would be released.

Sunday Mirror gathered that the husband of the woman, Mr. Akin Alade, who works with Global Excellence magazine had also lodged a complaint over the assault against his wife with the police at Kemta/Idi - Aba Police Divisional headquarters in Abeokuta.

Our correspondent recalls the notoriety of the TRACE officers who habitually assault motorists on flimsy traffic offences in the state for which some had led to death without sanction of any of the officers.

It would be recalled that an ex-police officer was in May 2012 clubbed to death by some TRACE officers at the So-

kori/Akin Olugbade bridge in the metropolis over a traffic offence. It was learnt that no one was sanctioned for doing so.

Though eight of the officials were arraigned in court over the incident, they were later let off the hook after spending four days in detention.

Amosun

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Sunday June 30, 2013

Business

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRESH RESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday June 30, 2013

TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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learly and determinedly, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may have rubbished all negative presumptions about its lack of capacity to pursue the cashless banking policy to logical conclusion as the frontiers of its implementation will cover five more states and the Federal Capital Territory tomorrow.

With about 18 months into the implementation journey of the innovative policy, indications have shown clearly that the project is on course, despite initial fears by pessimists that the project would be hampered by operational hiccups and the political whirlwind that had caused many similar beneficial policies to crash in the past.

Expectedly, the Board and management of the regulatory bank have over the past few months proved that they were determined to ensure that the policy succeeds by learning through mistakes of the pilot project in Lagos, listening to constructive criticisms and adopting best global practices to gradually integrate the Nigerian financial system into the world financial operational portal.

Even when the journey has not been smooth all through, the gains of the daring adventure being championed by Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and his team are beginning to show for all as one of the best options open to the country in improving the efficiency of the financial system.

The apex bank had projected that the operations of ‘Cashless Lagos’ project and the subsequent phased extension of the implementation of policy into other parts of the country would substantially reduce the cost of banking services (including cost of credit), drive financial inclusion agenda by providing more efficient transaction options and improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in managing inflation and driving economic growth.

According to the CBN, the take-off of the cashless project in Lagos by December 2011 would be supported with the deployment of about 40,000 ATMs per 100,000 persons in different parts of Lagos.

In addition, the architects of the project also projected that by June 2012 the number of ATMs in Lagos would have increased to 75,000 ATMs per 100,000 persons and by December the installed capacity of 150,000 ATMs per 100,000 persons would have achieved to drive the drive the ambitious cashless banking project in the country.

The medium term projection is to have 375,000 ATMs deployed nationwide by 2015.

The Director of Banking Supervision of the, Mr. Joe Adewole, had at the end of the Bankers’ Committee on June 7, 2011, assured Nigerians and members of the public that the bank will implement the policy with all sense of responsibility to ensure that banking transactions go on without any problem.

Despite all its hiccups, the policy has achieved some level of success when analysed within the context of customers’ awareness, reduction in banking operations costs and reduction of frauds within the banking system following the introduction of the KYC policy about a year ago.

For instance, the Governor of the apex bank had at the Strategy Execution Master Class of the FSS 2020 held on September 14, 2011 said reports indicated that

Cashless Policy

Stakeholders Stakeholders laud laud CBN CBN as as operations operations extend extend to to more more states states

ATM-related frauds reduced by 90 per cent, even as he disclosed that the apex bank was also deepening the yield curve in the financial markets and the level of transparency.

Although complaints about malfunctioning ATMs, POS and other platforms being used to drive the policy still remain, the CBN has continued to respond to such complaints with appropriate policy statements and actions that suggest that if embraced fully, the economy would be better for it in the years ahead.

Available statistics captured by Financial Derivates Company (FDC), one of Nigeria’s leading financial and economic consulting companies in the country, in its latest presentation at the Monthly Economic News and Views at the Lagos Business School Executive Breakfast Meeting of June 5, indicated that there had been remarkable increase in card-based transactions.

The FDC also noted that electronic transactions on the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement had also reached N80,000 daily (about N2.4 billion monthly) just at it observed that the implementation of the restriction on third party cheques not to exceed N150,000 across the country may have begun to rob on positively on the implementation of the policy.

The Bankers Committee of the CBN had on June 11 this year hinted of plans by the apex bank to extend the policy to five additional states in view of the achievements recorded in Lagos and the need to engender the culture of card and expand the frontiers of the financial inclusion drive nationwide.

Speaking on the plan, the Acting Director Banking Supervision of the CBN, Mr. Fakunle Adeoye, said the decision by the Committee to extend the operations of the cashless transactions to five states, namely Ogun, Kano, Abia, Anambra and Rivers and the FCT was informed by the progress and the success recorded in Lagos and an attempt to ensure that the use of cash transactions is discouraged in the economy.

With less than 24 hours of the extension of policy to the Federal Capital Territory and five other states, analysts have rated the implementation of the cashless policy as desirable for the economy in view of its long term benefits.

Just a few days ago, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State declared support for the cashless policy of which the introduction will kick off this tomorrow in the five targeted states, stressing that the policy will curb corruption in Nigeria.

The Governor stated this when he received a delegation of the apex bank led by the Deputy Governor Operations, Mr. Tunde Lemo in his office which was in the state as part of the Bank’s sensitization programmes ahead of the commencement of the policy in the state.

According to him, his support for the cashless policy stemmed from his conviction that the policy, as designed, would reduce the volume of physical cash in circulation, thereby narrowing the window of corruption.

“The CBN and its Governor (Sanusi) have my 100 per cent support if they are putting in place policies that will curtail unfettered access to the assets of Nigeria,” he stated.

Governor Amaechi, however, emphasized the need to fast-track the roll-out of the policy across other states of the federation in order to ensure uniformity and a level-playing field for all.

Speaking further, the Governor pointed out certain peculiarities, particularly in coastal communities of Rivers State, which he noted would pose huge challenges to the success of the policy. While disclosing that the Rivers State government had made efforts to provide infrastructure to link the riverine communities with the mainland, he expressed the view that the ordinary fisherman in these communities would still need to be fully educated in order to embrace the policy.

He therefore urged the CBN to increase the tempo of its campaign for behavioral change among the banking public as well

Sanusi

as ensure that the necessary banking infrastructure are put in place to ensure that the populace is not short-changed.

Mr. Lemo, while explaining the benefits of the cashless policy, emphasized that the policy did not in any way denote a zero cash policy but a demonstration of the Bank’s commitment to increase the number of cashless platforms as well as improve on available infrastructure in order to meet the demands of customers and ensure the success of the policy.

Taking the Governor through a presentation, the CBN chief said the policy had recorded success in Lagos and other climes where the cash volume in the economy was low, adding that the volume of cash transactions necessitated the choice of Rivers and five States, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to go live with the cashless policy next week.

In his reaction to the planned extension of the policy to more states, an Abujabased financial analyst, Ibrahim Dauda, told Sunday Mirror that “doing so will translate to gains for the economy as we have realized now that the security of the transactions platforms are being beefed up by the regulatory authorities and thereby minimizing the risks of electronic transactions.

Adamu, who said he was optimistic that what had been done in Lagos and the lessons would facilitate successful implementation of the policy in other states, however urged the CBN to continue to encourage the building of technological infrastructure required to ensure hitch-free implementation of the policy in the years ahead.

“I think so far the progress made has been remarkable as those in the grassroots and farmers in some areas now know how to use card for their transactions. I foresee that within the next two years, the whole country could be covered. Despite all the gains, involvement of private sector in providing the infrastructure is crucial. This is an area the authorities should focus on as they go on with the laudable agenda” Adamu advised.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business

Sunday June 30, 2013

Cash transfer: CBN denies ordering $10,000 ceiling UDO ONYEKA

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has said that it did not prohibit transfer of cash or negotiable instruments in excess of $10,000 in and out of the country.

In a circular to all banks and other financial institutions posted on its website at the weekend and signed by Acting Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Y.B Duniya, the CBN said all international transfer of funds, transportation of cash or negotiable instruments in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent must however be declared.

According to the circular, the

CBN said it has become necessary to make the clarification as market information at its disposal, on the implementation and enforcement of section 2 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act (MLPA) 2011 (as amended) revealed some misinterpretation\misapplication of the provision to mean that carrying of funds or negotiable instruments to and from a foreign country in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent is prohibited.

The circular read in part, “you may wish to recall that section 2(3) of the MLPA, 2011 (as amended) provides that transport of cash or negotiable instrument in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent by in-

dividuals in or out of the country shall be declared to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), while section 2(5) provides that any person who falsely declares or fails to make a declaration to the NCS pursuant to section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions)Act, Cap. F34, LFN, 2004 is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to forfeit the undeclared funds or negotiable instrument or to imprisonment of not less than two years or both. The Act under reference further requires the NCS to forward such declarations made to both the CBN and the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC).”

The CBN said section 2(5) of the Act specifically states that false declaration or failure to make a declaration to the NCS is an offence, adding that, “the import of the above provisions is that it is mandatory for only the holder of cash or negotiable instruments in excess of $10,000 to declare such funds or their equivalent to the NCS.” According to the circular, the provision in question do not imply, in any manner that genuinely owned or obtained funds or negotiable instruments in excess of $10, 000 or its equivalent cannot be brought into Nigeria or taken outside the country.

Director General, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii (middle), his wife, Eugenia (2nd right) and others, after Orhii bagged the special Congressional Award in Washington.

FG tasks Nigerians on agric sector investments TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND FEMI OYEWESO, ABEOKUTA

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he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has restated the need for Nigerians to support the ongoing Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in order to ensure macroeconomic stability in the country.

The Minister who stated this in his keynote address at the 40th meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development (NCARD) which was concluded at the weekend in Abeokuta, Ogun State, pointed that exploring the agricultural sector investment opportunities would help in achieving a stable exchange rate for the Naira even as he lamented that continuous importation of agricultural products could aggravate the unemployment rates in the country.

He described the continuous importation of agricultural products most of which can be

produced locally as totally unacceptable and that in view of the deleterious effects on the nation’s foreign reserves and other negative multiplier effects on the economy, government was determined to partner willing investors to boost domestic food capacity and use the ATA to ensure that Nigerian farmers get adequate returns on their labour and other investments in the sector.

Adesina, who pointed out that the nation’s future can no longer depend on proceeds from oil, recalled the achievements recorded so far through the ATA, particular in terms of productive capacity achieves through the rice, cassava, sorghum, maize and cotton, cocoa and palm produce value-chains and revenue savings of about N591 billion from products’ imports within two years.

“The future can no longer be in oil but something we have comparative advantage in and it has to be agriculture so there is no future for Nigeria without Agriculture. Nigeria can no longer continue to be a sleeping gi-

ant. We have to wake up. And if we wake up, we must begin to do things differently”, he added.

While speaking elaborately on the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) which, he said, had eliminated middlemen in the distribution of farm inputs to farmers and enabled government to save millions of Naira within the past year, the minister disclosed that farmers in 10 northern states of who engaged in rice production during the dry season were able to rake in about N32 billion as earnings within the farming season.

To consolidate on the achievements of the ATA and realise one of its primary objectives of turning Nigeria from a net importer of foods to a leading player in the global food supply markets, Adesina canvassed the support of all stakeholders, particularly the state and local governments, local farmers, to consume what is produced locally in order to create jobs and improve the contributions on the agricultural sector to the nation’s GDP exponentially.

In his remarks at the opening session of the NCARD which attracted over 5,000 stakeholders nationwide, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun charged participants to evolve policies and programmes that would not only guarantee adequate and quality food supply but also consolidate on the recent achievements in the agricultural sector.

Amosun also solicited the support of the federal government, private sector and other stakeholders in his government’s efforts targeted at boosting production of rice, cassava, and maize which, he identified as areas where the state has comparative advantage in productivity over other states.

He said: “There appears to be a new sunshine in the horizon. Suffice to mention that there is need to deviate from the traditional approach. Agriculture should be seen as a viable business venture and should be well funded. This will help us to realize our dream of making Nigeria an agricultural industrialized economy”.

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NANTS lauds FG over MDG1

targets

TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has described Nigeria’s meeting the Millennium Development Goal 1(MDG 1), which seeks to reduce extreme hunger by half by the year 2015 two years ahead of the target year, as a welcomed development that could translate to socio-economic benefits if the ongoing initiatives by the government to improve the productive capacity in the agricultural sector is sustained.

The feat was announced at a high level ceremony organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome - Italy on 16th June 2013, during which Nigeria along with 37 other countries were presented with Diplomas by the FAO’s Director-General, Jose Graziano da Silva, for their success in meeting the MDG 1, well two years ahead of deadline of year 2015.

In a statement by the National President of the association, Mr. Ken Ukaoha, made available to Sunday Mirror at the weekend, the NANTS noted that despite formidable constraints to its transformational agenda, the country was still about to focus on the key area of its most critical national needs – commitment to food security.

The association therefore commended the present administration for its various policies on agricultural sector which have helped in achieving the feat even as it urged the government and other stakeholders to support the ATA and other related povertyalleviating programmes of government since solving the hunger problem half way could not in real terms have meant that the ravaging incidence of poverty has been tackled.

NANTS stated: “We note with satisfaction that despite popular perception of so much hunger and poverty in Nigeria, the United Nation’s FAO commended Nigeria for reducing the number of people living in absolute poverty and extreme hunger by half. The implication of this is that Nigeria has met the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) about 3 years well ahead of the deadline which is 2015.

“This is no doubt, a reflection of the political commitments, innovative and pro-poor programmes as well as small scalefarmers-based interventions approach of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s Agriculture Transformation Agenda. NANTS believes that with strong political will, sustained coordination and cooperation as demonstrated by Mr. President, Nigeria can lead the achievement of a total eradication of poverty and hunger in the country and in the continent”, it added.

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Politics

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun/Ekiti 2014: South-West PDP elders brace up for success AYO ESAN

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eaders of the South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are determined to regain the states which they lost to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2007 and 2011 general elections.

They have therefore resolved to reconcile their aggrieved members which they believe is the first task if the party would regain its lost glory in the region.

As part of the effort to achieve this, a meeting of the elders of the zone took place at Lugard Avenue, Lagos office of the former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, Chief Olabode George.

The meeting which according to Senator Bode Olajumoke was a follow up to the one held by the elders in Abuja deliberated for several hours last Tuesday on what the delegates to the meeting described as “a deliberate and conscious effort to re-strategise and reposition the party towards regaining and reclaiming the South-West states in the forthcoming elections”.

Attended by elders and key stakeholders in the zone, the gathering at the end declared that, “having been briefed of the outcome of the leaders’ meeting with the President, the stakeholders resolved that the BoT members should continue to pressurise the Presidency on the need to accommodate the South-West in the remaining executive positions in the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies”.

The elders also agreed that there was need for peace and unity in the zone and that everyone should see the 2014 elections in Osun and Ekiti states as a starting point for the return of PDP to governance and relevance.

The zonal leadership upheld the status quo as regard the present zonal offices

Folarin

Filani

and positions in strict compliance with approved guidelines of the NEC as announced by the convention committee and called on the leaders in each state to encourage candidates with requisite experience, integrity and loyalty to the party to contest.

The leaders also resolved to support and respect the decision of the national leadership to reposition the party; acknowledged and support the guidelines approved by NEC which disqualify all members of the caretaker committee from contesting any of the position in the forthcoming zonal congress and national convention and adopted Elder Wole Oyelese’s motion which acknowledges the significant selfless leadership of Chief George in the South-West PDP. The meeting commended him for steps in the resolution of the challenges facing the South-West as he was endorsed to con-

tinue to lead the zone in the interface with the Presidency.

Earlier, in his address to the meeting entitled “ Yoruba people: Time for action” , George urged the leaders that they must ensure that the PDP won across the South-West in the next elections , insisting that they must win the 2014 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti as a starting point.

He also tasked the leaders to ensure that the party won all elective positions in the zone in 2015.

George reiterated that the PDP must regain its glory in the region, including Lagos State.

“We have no excuse to lose in any position again in the South-West”, he told the meeting.

“We must all go back to our wards, local governments and senatorial districts to rejuvenate our party structures to en-

Beyond the Ramadan excuse CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Bala Kaoje was a former minister for sports and a trained engineer but his appointment to serve as the party’s exchequer raised an eyebrow. Petitioners who objected to his election demanded to know why an engineer should usurp the office meant for not just an accountant but for one who must have chattered in the profession.

The National Legal Adviser Victor Kwom is no doubt a very intelligent lawyer.

In his short stay in office, he rarely worked like a politician but preparing to work as a true professional. Unlike in the past, the National Legal Adviser has personally pursued cases involving the party rather than contracting them out at huge financial burden to the party. But the only sin of this Plateau-born politician is short experience in the bar. It is expected that to be qualified to fill that position, one is expected to have spent at least 10 active years in the bar.

The Woman Leader, Ambassador Kema Chikwe acquitted herself in the last 15 months in charge of that office but it is believed that most of his problems are connected to the politics in her state where most of the top players in Imo state appear not to appreciate her. Recently, her relationship with the first lady has improved tremendously and she has won several recognitions from many quarters more than any other NWC members.

There is also the issue of the National Secretary which is vacant and which the South West may have to field a fresh candidate should the candidacy of past occupant, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola not fly.

The former governor of Osun State, a few days ago faulted the position canvassed by the South-west zonal caretaker committee chairman of PDP, Chief Isola Filani which declared the position of the party’s National Secretary vacant; describing the assertion as “disappointing, illogical, pedestrian and unfortunate in view of its moral and legal implications as well as the attendant obvious violation of the party’s constitution and disrespect for the rule of law.”

Onyilola said that It is true that a motion was filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, which ordered the nullification of the South-west zonal congress of the PDP held in Osogbo in March, 2012 but he contended that he was never produced by the said South-west zonal congress of the PDP. In fact one of the issues being contested by Oyinlola is whether the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Abdu Kafarati had the power to set aside a subsisting ruling of the Court of Appeal, a superior court which granted a Stay of Execution on the same matter.

Chapter 4, Part 10, Article 33 (10) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2012 states that ‘a special National Convention may be convened at any time at the instance of the National Executive Committee or if

requested for by two-third of all State Congress and the Special National Convention shall meet to discuss only special matters which shall be specified in the notice summoning the convention.’

Article 33 (5) (j) also states that the convention will ‘exercise control and take disciplinary action against all officers and members of the party.’ It is believed that these relevant sections of the party constitution may be invoked at the special convention for the purposes of checking high level of indiscipline in the party.

Since the emergence of the Tukur leadership, party discipline has been at its lowest ebb with notable party leaders, including the state governors and lawmakers openly challenging the party supremacy.

Such instances include the running battle between the Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi who incidentally is the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, and the Presidency over who controls the Forum. While the presidency and the leadership of the party are supporting the Plateau state governor, Jonah Jang for the position, Governor allied himself with mainly the opposition governors to insist on his continued stay in office, a development that has polarised the forum.

Similarly, speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has remained a pain in the neck of the party some hawks in the party have frowned at the way and manner he associated with the

sure victory both in Osun/Ekiti and for President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015,” he demanded.

He said he was gladdened by the reconciliations in the party across the region pointing out that the intra party disagreements were responsible for its defeat in previous elections.

“Come 2014, victory is ascertained if we remain one indivisible house. The major task ahead of all of us is to bring back our brothers who left the fold in the past due to certain indifferences,” he said.

On the party zonal congresses billed for July 2014, George urged the South-West leaders to ensure a level playing ground for all aspirants for the zonal leadership.

“The PDP is known for non imposition and violence-free conventions. We want these replicated at the zonal congress,” he urged.

Present at the meeting were former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo; former Minister of Power, Elder Wole Oyelese; former Minister of Sports/Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja; former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin.

Others include former Oyo SSG, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo; Senator Iyiola Omisore; Senator Bode Olajumoke; wife of the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, Bose Adedibu; Professor Bimbo Ogunkelu; Oyo State Minority Leader, Hon. Adekunle Rafiu; Prince Dayo Adeyeye; Senator Ayo Arise; Ambassador Yomi Akintola and Lagos State PDP Chairman, Tunji Shelle.

Others at the meeting are Dr. Ademola Dominic, Dr Ade Dosunmu, the 2011 PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State in 2011; Chief Bode Oyedele; Chief Saka Balogun; Engr. Seyi Makinde; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, among others. opposition rank PDP governors who are rebelling alongside Gov. Amaechi include Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Babangida (Niger) Saidu Dakingari (Kebbi), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).

These governors have overheated the polity with their alleged anti-party activities and in most instances raining abuses on the leadership of the party and refusing to toe the line of the party’s directives. Prior to the NEC, these governors had vowed that Tukur must not retain his job as national chairman. They had accused him of being responsible for the crises rocking the party.

In his welcome speech at the last NEC, Tukur had cause to appeal to the errant governors to treat President Jonathan with respect and dignity because he is the symbol of the county, saying that everywhere across the globe, Presidents are treated with dignity and respect and wondered why Jonathan was not being treated like that in Nigeria.

He said, “Ample evidence within the territory of democracy have shown that democratically-elected Presidents are symbol of every nation. Undermining the leader for no just reasons can nowhere bring us good results. This observation is necessary to remind PDP members that we owe ourselves a duty to protect, project and support our President to leave a lasting legacy for Nigerians. Here in Nigeria, President Jonathan is our symbol. He must therefore be respected and treated with dignity.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Edo to boost creative talents of children

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he Edo Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, says it is committed to improving creativity especially in children.

The Director of Culture in the ministry, Mrs Kate Ebie, said this during the launch of the maiden edition of the Edo Children Arts Festival held at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin, at the weekend.

Ebie said the festival was organised in collaboration with Arts and The African Child (ATAC), an NGO, to create more awareness of the importance of developing the writing, painting and other inborn talents in children.

She urged parents to support their children, who had a flair for arts and crafts, to enable them to utilise their God-given talents in their areas of passion.

The founder of ATAC, Mr Vincent Odigie, said that the festival was organised to promote the spirit of creativity among children in the state “We want to enhance and develop the creative potential of children in the state.

“We want to also encourage them to improve on their writing, painting and other creative abilities, so that they would be arts inclined and contribute to the creative industry in the future.

“Our vision is to create a platform where children can express their creativity through Arts,” he said.

In a separate interview, Miss Faith Omonzokpia, the founder of Arts Elixir Nigeria, stressed the need to encourage arts as a profession with a view to generating employment.

She called for more investment in the arts and entertainment industry, saying that it would contribute to more revenue generation in the country.

The Edo Children Arts Festival began with the visual and literary arts competition with primary and secondary schools participating.

The festival is expected to feature arts exhibitions, workshops, fashion display and the grand finale to hold in August.

News

Sunday June 30, 2013

Lagos decries encroachment of drainage, channels MURITALA AYINLA

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agos State government yesterday decried encroachment of the natural drains and major drainage channels in Agboyi-Ketu area of the state, saying it would embark on demolition of illegal structures built on drainage channels and wetlands in the area.

Speaking while monitoring the June edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Agboyi –Ketu Local Council Development Area, the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, who disclosed this, said the illegal structures are blocking free flow of flood

in the area.

He said: “A lot of demolition will have to go on in those areas. There are many houses that have to be demolished. Places where structures shouldn’t have been erected, residents have done that. There is no way that this can continue in Lagos.

“That area has already been marked for demolition. And we have all seen that a lot of houses will have to be pulled down. We saw many houses erected on this canals already sinking. We cannot allow this to continue in the state.

“In the past, the wetland in Agboyi-Ketu was very beautiful but today people have encroached on it. And this is a two-way issue. If one

encroaches on such land, nature will strike back”.

Bello explained that the demolition is necessary to avert looming danger as a result of flooding, saying if nature is allowed to strike; a lot of lives will be lost.

He added that government will soon embark on massive construction and dredging of canals in the state.

“Last year, the drainages were dredged effectively.

That was why at that place when I was addressing the residents, I told them that we are disappointed with the level of sanitation.

“The government can only support them to some certain level. But the government will not encourage dumping of refuse into

the canals.

“However, we will go back and dredge the canals again. The resident must then play their own part by ensuring that the places are cleaned always and desist from dumping refuse into the canals”.

The commissioner, therefore, appealed to the council leaders and residents not to wait until government officials visit their council before they partake in the environmental sanitation exercise.

Charging the council chairmen to sensitise the public on the danger of environmental degradation, Bello said that such information will help the government act faster on such challenges.

‘Mental depression due to increased marital challenges’

M

r Biodun Idowu, a psychiatrist at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, said on Saturday that more women were falling into mental depression due to increased marital challenges.

Idowu, who made the assertion in Osogbo, said: “There are now more cases of women suffering from mental depression. ‘’Investigations point to the fact that many young career ladies are pressed to get married, while those married are struggling to keep their homes. ‘’There are cases of many of them suffering from insomnia due to long prayer sessions and night vigils. ‘’Many mentally challenged people are said to be suffering from spiritual attacks, when in actual fact they are suffering from ailments induced by sleeplessness.’’

He said that while most men let out depression through social gatherings, women kept emotions bottled inside of them.

Idowu urged women not to be ashamed to seek counsel or psychiatric assistance before they suffer emotional breakdown.

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh (right), and the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Tasiu, during a condolence visit to Tasiu over the death of his son, Nasiru Mohammed, in Azare area of Bauchi, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ex-HOS advocates return of sanitary inspectors

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rof. Afolabi Oladejo, a former Head of Service of the Federation, has advocated the return of the dreaded sanitary inspectors to ensure a cleaner environment.

Oladapo made the suggestion while speaking at the 2013 National Environmental Sanitation Day commemoration held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He urged Nigerians to engage in regular environmental sanitation to ensure a healthy living.

“I want a return of the days of the dreaded Environmental Sanitation Officers (popularly called “Wole Wole”) when residents will take to their heels on mere hearing of their arrival,” he said.

The retired civil servant, who said that he was

once a sanitation officer, appealed to the market leaders in Oyo State to help ensure cleanness in the markets The theme of the event: “Our Environment, Our Life: Keep It Clean and Green” was jointly organised by the Federal and Oyo State ministries of environment The Minister, Mrs Hadiza Mailafia, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Taye Haruna, urged Nigerians to ensure a clean environment at all times.

“I urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of ensuring a clean environment so that they can have a healthy living,’’ Also speaking, Ms Amal Pepple, the Minister of Lands, Housing, Urban

and Urban Development, observed that Nigeria was facing enormous and compelling environmental challenges such as forest reserve shortfalls, desertification, flood disaster and unclean atmosphere.

In his remark, the Zonal Director, National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), SouthWest, Mr Olufunbi Sode, said that hundreds of Nigerians died annually, with children less than five years being the most vulnerable.

“The direct consequence of poor environmental sanitation is high morbidity and mortality rates due to sanitation-related diseases like cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery and typhoid,” he said.

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Yoruba teachers make case for mother tongue ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

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eachers and students of African Church Grammar School on Friday celebrated Yoruba culture with a call from the principals of both senior and junior of the school, Mrs. Oladimeji Arinola and Mrs. Micah Iyabo that parents should always speak Yoruba language to their children at home.

The duo, who spoke separately at the programme held at the school premises, noted that many parents have seized to speak in mother-tongue to their children as it used to be in the past, describing the development as retrogressing to the Yoruba culture and religious traditions.

They charged parents to right all wrongs concerning this to be able to give children the Yoruba norms, culture and tradition that will make them to be self reliance in their language.

They both argued that if the language is spoken to them, it would expose them to the practices of the past, which would allow them to face the present and use it to re-shape their future.

Also speaking, Yoruba teachers of the senior and junior school, Mrs. Ayo Oladimeji and Mrs. Funmilola Adeyemo, stated that people should not allow foreign language to dominate their local and indigenous language.

They said that Yoruba language has been in existence before the introduction of English language to our people and that is why they should not forget their own language.

GOtv vows to partner FG on digital transformation A ZA MSUE KADUNA

The General Manager GOtv, Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa, yesterday said the organisation would partner with the Federal Government and Nigerians to ensure speedy migration to digital using the latest DVB-T 2 technology to transform the country.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna to launch GOtv, Mrs Amkpa saidthe journey to provide world-class digital television services to Nigerians remained the outfit’s top priority and would continued to expand its services across the country to empower people.

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Sunday June 30, 2013

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Prostitutes assault sanitation officials in Ondo HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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wo Security officials attached to the Ondo State Environmental Task Force for the monthly sanitation exercise yesterday received the beating of their lives when prostitutes from a brothel in the capital city, Akure, descended on them.

The State Commissioner for Environment in the state, Barrister Sola Ebiseni has ordered the seal off of the hotel.

The two security officials, who sustained various degrees of injuries, were on duty to monitor the monthly exercise when the prostitutes, who failed to observe the monthly exercise, ordered them out of their premises.

Ebiseeni, who led the task force team, had set out as early as 8am to ensure strict compliance with the monthly environmental exercise.

The commissioner and his team visited some towns and villages while some arrests were made

while pleading with the people to comply with the environmental law.

The monitoring exercise however, turned sour when the team got to Inner Circle Hotel at Oke padi off Lao street in Akure, the state capital, when they met the prostitutes and their customers drinking and dancing.

The task force called on the manager of the brothel to call the prostitutes and their customers to order by observing the sanitation exercise but the pros-

titute and their customers descended on the two officials saying the officials are disturbing them.

One of the officials while speaking with our correspondent said some of the people around the compound, who were ready to comply with their order, were prevented by the prostitutes.

The official said further that the prostitute started to beat them when they tried to arrest them and their customers and the Civil Defence officials and one of the security per-

sonnel attached to the task force were equally beaten mercilessly by the prostitutes and their clients.

A female Civil Defence officer had her uniform torn into shreds by the irate women of easy virtue and it took the intervention of additional security men comprising of policemen, State Security Service official and Civil Defence to bring the situation under control.

When the commissioner visited the scene, he ordered the hotel premises

to be sealed off and asked the prostitutes and their clients to be arrested and taken to police station for interrogation.

He said the offenders aside from facing environmental court would also be prosecuted for assault on government officials Speaking at the end of this month’s edition of the environmental exercise, Ebiseeni said 22 persons caught violating environmental law were arrested and taken to court immediately.

Amosun Inspects First Ijebu Ode flyover O

L-R: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; World Bank Team Leader, Professor Foluso Okumadewa; representative of Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Peter Papka and Team Leader, Youth Empowerment Scheme of Osun [YES’O] Abuja, Mrs. Roseline Olaoni, during a dinner party marking the round off of sensitisation workshop on [YES’O], in Osun State on Thursday.

Violence, irregularities mar Imo re-run election

...DSP wounded, four lorry load of militants arrested, agents attacked CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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iolence, sporadic shootings and ballot snatching yesterday marred the House of Assembly re-run election for Oguta Constituency in Imo State.

The heavy presence of security personnel comprising of heavily armed soldiers from the 34 Artillery Brigade and stern looking policemen led by the Army Commander, Madibbo Akali, and the state Commissioner of Police, Katsina Musa Muhammed, was not enough to prevent the chaos.

Late arrival of voting materials and late accreditation were also witnessed in many of the wards in the local government area.

In some of the communities, like Osemoto, Obidiagwa, Oguta and Izombe, there were heavy shooting by armed thugs, who invaded the voting centres, while four bus loads of armed militants

were arrested by the police.

The election, which was between the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was a supremacy battle as both made frantic efforts to ensure victory for their candidate.

PDP chieftains including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha and Senator Hope Uzodinma, arrived Oguta with their security details and as a morale booster for their party members, while APGA chieftains were equally on ground to ensure victory for its candidate.

Reacting, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Chinedu Offor, accused the PDP Chieftains of intimidating the voters with their retinue of security aides, stressing that, “Ihedioha and Uzodinma are not from the Oguta but invaded the place to harass and intimi-

date the voters.”

He further alleged that the security operatives attached to the lawmakers clamped down on APGA supporters and prevented them from casting their votes.

“The state government is concerned about the activities of the Deputy Speaker and the Senator who were not supposed to be there,” he said.

The state Chairman of APGA, Okoroafor Anyanwu, also alleged that the PDP Chieftains were responsible for the multiple violence that erupted during the election, saying “this is an internal election and the interference by Abuja-based PDP Chieftains is highly disturbing. The influx of security men from Abuja was designed to intimidate the electorate. But Oguta has been disenfranchised for a long time; the people should be allowed to elect their own representative”.

Meanwhile in some of the communities in the hin-

terland, there was no presence of INEC officials as the people waited endlessly for voting materials. As at 4.30 pm some of the voters blamed the leadership of APGA for the irregularity.

Efforts to reach the PDP candidate, Eugene Dibiagwu were abortive as his phone rang repeatedly without response.

Also violence took over Ose Moto community at Izombe, the home town of the PDP candidate as a police deputy superintendent of police (DSP) was attacked and wounded by thugs. The DSP who is now hospitalised at Igbidi Hospital was trying to prevent the thugs from causing chaos when he was attacked.

Back in Owerri, the state capital, armed security men took over the secretariat of INEC to forestall any breakdown of law and order as party loyalists besieged the office calling for the cancellation of the election.

gun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday inspected the flyovers under construction in Ijebu Ode and urged the construction firm to redouble its effort in order to complete the projects in a record time.

The governor also monitored the monthly environmental sanitation where he urged law enforcement officers to arrest and prosecute offenders of the exercise in accordance with the law.

The two flyovers, according to a statement by media aide of the governor, Funmi Wakama, are located at Mobalufon junction, along Sagamu-Benin road and Bobasua/Lagos Garage.

When completed, the Mobalufon Bridge will

end the regular carnage on the expressway as vehicles moving to Ijebu Ode will now use the flyover instead of risking head-on collision with those coming from the Benin end of the expressway.

The flyover descends into the 6-lane international standard MoblufonFolagbade-Imepe-Ibadan Road being constructed by the current administration.

Commuters along the Ondo-Benin Road will not experience any traffic gridlock at Bobasua/Lagos Garage as another flyover is being constructed at the T-junction.

While addressing residents of Ijebu Ode, Amosun promised to transform the old city through provision of infrastructural facilities.

Fashola speaks on virtues at students union’s confab L agos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on Saturday attended the first Lagos State University Students Union Leadership Conference as the Guest Speaker.

He expressed the confidence that the nation will be safe in the hands of the youth in whose hands the future of the nation lies if they imbibed the virtues of dreaming, organising and planning.

The governor, who spoke at the Medical Research Centre Hall at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja on the leadership conference with the theme, “The Future of Our Nation in the hands of the Nigerian Youth” added that what is needed from youths is to properly dimension their responsibilities towards

determining what role each person has to play.

He said as prospective leaders, the students should be concerned about the relationship between the town and the gown and how every student as a potential leader can be part of the future that he sees.

Fashola stressed that as medical doctors in a number of years, the students will graduate and take on leadership positions and roles, adding that the question to be asked is, “How ready are you to take over from us”.

He explained that as leaders, the youth must always be selfless and always thinking about the welfare of the next person and that it is only those who are always concerned about the welfare of others that naturally emerge as leaders.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday June 30, 2013

Kwankwaso biased against Igbo –Eze Ndigbo AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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lleging neglect against the Igbo race in Kano, the leader of the Igbo community in the state, Eze J.C Nnaji, yesterday descended heavily on Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing him of gross bias against Ndigbo.

Addressing newsmen in his palace, the Igbo leader accused the governor of bias, claiming that Igbos in Kano have suffered more under the administration of Kwankwaso, who, according to him, is being misled into taking some unpopular position on issues affecting the race, especially in the Sabon Gari area of the city populated predominantly by non-natives and non-Muslims.

Apparently disturbed over appalling state of the roads in Sabon Gari, where he claimed Ndigbo constitute about 80 per cent of the population with huge economic investments, Nnaji said the area has suffered serious neglect, adding that it lacks potable water, good road network and other facilities, including health centres required for a standard life.

He noted that by the huge investments of the Igbo community in the state, they have assumed the status of a major stakeholder, pointing out that in the last election, Sabon Gari produced 34, 000 votes, which differentiated the PDP from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the last election, thus giving Kwankwaso the mandate in the

2011 gubernatorial race.

He traced what he described as disrespect and disregard to the leadership of the Igbo community to what he termed, “his emotional relationship with Chief Boniface Ibekwe, a disputed leader of Ndigbo in Kano, who has been feeding him with tissues of lies, masquerading himself as Eze Ndigbo in Kano.

“Ibekwe is believed to have influenced the appointment of Special Adviser on Igbo matters, who now owes his allegiance to him rather than the community; so, how do you expect things to work for us?, he queried.”

“And so, as far as we are concerned, his recognition of the Ibekwe’s faction is based purely on sentiments, rather than on merit because he claimed to have worked

for him during his campaign, which is all false.”

However, the Igbo Community Association in Kano yesterday protested the planned award ceremony scheduled for today in Kano by the Ibekwe faction of the Igbo leadership, warning the prospective awardees against receiving any award from the group “because it is illegal”.

“On no known occasion had Ibekwe been made the custodian of the tradition of Ndigbo in Kano, rather Ndigbo in Kano recognize the traditional leadership of Chief J.C Nnaji, whose throne was blessed by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and the South East Council of Traditional rulers, which has abolished the Eze status for Igbo leaders in Diaspora, preferring them to be called Onye-Ndu Ndigbo.

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Diplomat calls for regulation of religious preaching in Nigeria A

former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Abdullahi Aminchi, has called for the regulation of religious preaching in the country, to stop the excesses of some clerics, who mislead their followers.

Aminchi made the call on Saturday in Kaduna on the sideline of a seminar organised for Imams by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’iqamatis Sunnah, an Islamic sect.

He noted that some clerics take advantage of the weaknesses of their followers, especially the young ones, to mislead them into violence in order to advance their selfish agenda.

Aminchi said religious leaders should be agents of positive change and not promoting divisions and schism in the society.

According to him, the mode of preaching always inspires followers; as such, the religious leaders must learn to guide the followers to be tolerant, peaceful and

responsible at all times.

The former envoy particularly appealed to Muslim clerics to contribute positively to government’s efforts to end the current insurgency in parts of the country.

He also urged political leaders to be fair and just to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political, religious and ethnic affiliation, in order to engender patriotism and respect for the rule of law.

Meanwhile, the leader of the sect, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, has said that the group had established a foundation to cater for the needy, particularly widows and children.

He said that the sect would soon set up another body that would be responsible for taking the Almajiris off the street.

Bala-lau said the aim was to offer the Almajiris Islamic and western education, as well as moral lessons to make them better citizens.

Code of conduct boss escapes death C

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (middle) with the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah (left) and the Chairman, Niger Delta Young Professionals, Mr. Moses Siasia, arriving Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resorts, venue of Niger Delta Economic Summit organised by Niger Delta Young Professionals in Uyo.

Kano NDLEA arrests 278, convicts 148 AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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he Kano command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said yesterday in Kano that its clamp down on suspected illicit drug dealers and traffickers has led to the arrest of 278 drug suspects in the state, out of which 148 have been convicted to various jail terms by the Kano Federal High court.

This was disclosed by the Kano Commander of the Agency, Mr. Ahmed Garba, in a chat with Sunday Mirror during which he reviewed that 1200kg of weeds suspected to be In-

dian hemp was intercepted while 220kg of psychotropic substances were seized by the agency in various raids within and outside the commercial city by NDLEA operatives in the state.

Garba also disclosed that over 200grams of cocaine and 80grams of heroin were seized by the Agency.

The NDLEA Boss said cannabis, (Indian hemp) top the list of illicit drugs commonly abused by addicts even as he noted that the drug situation in Kano has recorded a marginal decline despite the various effort put in place to address the situation.

The commander noted however, that despite the challenges faced by the command in the course of prosecuting its assignment, the Kano office has recorded commendable achievement in the task of reading Kano of hard and dangerous drugs. “we are on course;

though, the challenge is still there, taking such volume of illicit drugs off the street is a huge effort and again for us to have secured conviction of offenders from the court is also an achievement as we believe that one day we will achieved the ultimate result, which is to eradicate illicit drugs completely.”

hairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, at the weekend escaped death on the KeffiGitata Road in Nasarawa State, as his convoy was attacked by gunmen.

A shootout between his security aides and the gunmen led to the death of one of the assailants.

As the Federal Ministry of Information broke the news, a statement issued in Abuja by Ibraheem Al-Hassan, head of press and public relations of the tribunal said that security personnel attached to the chairman engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of gun fire, which led to the death of one of the bandits.

Other members of the gang escaped through the bush around the spot, with some of them sustaining

various degrees of injury.

The statement said the chairman and members of his entourage were on their way to Bauchi for an official assignment when the incident occurred.

The Code of Conduct Bureau did not record any casualty from the attack.

The statement noted that “there is the temptations for some politicians whose cases are pending before the judges to be mischievous, especially as the 2015 elections draw nearer.”

It commended the security details attached to the chairman for displaying a rare professional excellence by overpowering the bandits, and stressed the need to strengthen security around judges in the country, to mitigate recurrence.

LG introduces measures to check fertiliser diversion T he Zaria Local Government Council of Kaduna State has introduced measures to check fertiliser diversion during this year’s farming season, Alhaji Lawal Balarabe, the council Chairman, said on Saturday.

Balarabe made this

known shortly after the launch of the 2013 fertiliser sales at Tudun-Kusa in Wucicciri ward, Zaria.

He said the council had set up an eight-man distribution committee in each ward comprising representatives of farmers, tradition-

al institutions, SSS, police and political parties, while the councillor in every ward would chair the committee.

“Members of the committee are now saddled with the responsibility of distribution. ``If anything goes wrong, the committee members

should be held accountable because they are trusted people.

“As far as I am concerned, I will not spare anybody found guilty. ``This measure has come to stay and I will ensure that the committee goes by the set rules.”

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Sport

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Messi can’t be compared to Maradona –Suker P. 62 KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS

Sport

Ardiles: Higuain can be Arsenal’s new RVP P. 63

June 30, 2013

PROBABLE LINEUPS BRAZIL César Alves • Silva • Luiz • Marcelo Paulinho • Gustavo Hulk • Oscar • Neymar Fred SPAIN Casillas Arbeloa • Piqué • Ramos • Alba Xavi • Busquets • Fàbregas Pedro • Soldado • Iniesta

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Battle of Maracana!

Neymar (left) of Brazil and Fernando Torres of Spain (right) looking set for today’s FIFA Confederations Cup final

Brazil out to halt Spanish juggernaut ANDREW EKEJIUBA

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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he stage is set today for the five-time World Cup winners, Brazil, and the reigning world champions, Spain, to battle it out for the final of FIFA Confederations Cup at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic footballing cathedral, the prestigious Maracana Stadium.

Sunday Mirror gathered that Brazil have no injury worries ahead of the final match and are expected to field the same team that beat Uruguay in today’s showpiece.

Selecao boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has named the same starting XI in three of his side’s four matches and is unlikely to make changes, although out-of-form striker Hulk’s place may come under threat.

Spain are also expected to play at full

strength for the Maracana clash because Cesc Fabregas and Roberto Soldado have shaken off muscle injuries and could return to the side after sitting out the 7-6 penalty shoot-out victory over Italy.

Already, Brazil are unbeaten in 10 matches prior to today’s cracker, winning their last five. They have not lost a competitive game at home since 1975.

Selecao have also won four of eight previous meetings with Spain, drawing two and losing two matches, but the two countries have not faced each other since 1999.

It is also on record that Brazil handed the Spanish team their heaviest-ever World Cup defeat in 1950, when they stunned them with an emphatic 6-1 win at the Maracana before going on to lose to Uruguay in the final.

However, four of Brazil’s 2013 Confederations Cup squad play their club football

Tevez P. 63 lawyers back Juve move

in Spain, which makes today’s final match very intriguing.

On the other side, Spain are on a record 29-match unbeaten run in competitive matches, stretching back to the 2010 World Cup. They have so far won 24 matches and drawn 5.

La Roja’s only competitive win over Brazil came in the first round of the 1934 World Cup. It is also on record that Spain have won their last six encounters against South American opponents in all competitions, including friendlies. The last Latin American side to beat Spain was Argentina in a friendly in September 2010.

Former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has backed the current side to end Spain’s era of dominance by winning today’s Confederations Cup final.

The Selecao reached the showpiece event

Liverpool slams P. 63 Suarez, Real speculation

with a 2-1 win over Uruguay in the semifinals, while Spain edged out Italy on penalties after a pulsating 0-0 draw on Thursday.

Parreira, who coached Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994, believes Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side can take heart from Italy’s performance against the reigning world and European champions and bring their remarkable run of success to an end.

“It is now the time to end the era of Spain. I have been talking with Scolari and the coaching staff, and now is not time to change tactics.

“We have to maintain the line we have taken so far. Brazil are playing at home and have to keep the initiative in the game.

“This is the game that everyone hoped for, but the fans would not have chosen this opponent for the final, but, since it is Spain, we welcome them. Brazil are in an excellent moment, they have confidence, it is easy to see.

“Scolari has done a wonderful job this past month. We have played against five world champions and not lost a game. We look ahead knowing that we will play very well.

“We know also that Italy had a wonderful first half against Spain on Thursday, showing that with will, determination and intelligence, it is possible to beat Spain,” Parreira, now technical director of the Selecao, told reporters in Brazil yesterday.

Meanwhile, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque, is optimistic that his team will surmount all pressure and come out victorious in today’s final match against Brazil. He revealed that the clash is indeed a dream final.

“We’re going to face up to them. We have to put on a show and make it a good advertisement for football.

“Brazil have won five World Cups and three Confederations Cups and they’ll be playing at the Maracana in front of their own fans. For us it’s a dream game. Come Sunday, a new chapter will begin. We’ll start all-square and see who seizes the initiative,” he said.

Sunderland, Arsenal P. 63 agree Mannone fee

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Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

Boxers set for showdown with NBB of C N igerian boxers are spoiling for war with newly elected executives of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) following the re-election of some board members whom the boxers accused of not adding any value to the game.

Most of the aggrieved boxers who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, decried the leadership style of the board’s President Dr. Godwin Kanu whom they accused of not moving the game forward.

They also accused the board of planning to invite the police in today’s executive meeting to prevent them

from attending as observers; an action which they say is capable of truncating the cordial relationship between the boxers and the board members.

According to them, a situation where board members who have served four years without contributing anything to the development of professional boxing in the country, found themselves back to the board is not only condemnable, but regrettable.

The boxers noted that unless concerted efforts are made to replace non performing board members with technocrats, professional boxing will never move forward in the country.

Ajose to fight July 19 F ormer WBC mandatory challenger, Segun Ajose (31-1, 14 KOs), will face Hank Lundy (22-3-1, 11 KOs), on July 19 in a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight fight.

The fight which was announced by promoter Lou DiBella will take place at Rockingham Park New Hemisphere, United States.

Ajose was originally scheduled to face former lightweight title challenger Mercito Gesta (21-1-1, 14 KOs) of the Philippines, but he withdrew from the bout after suffering a rib injury during training.

“This fight is a great opportunity for both of us to show the world just how

good we are,” Ajose said. “It is going to be a fire-for-fire fight, an exciting one that the boxing fans want to see. I am excited and I can’t wait to put on a great performance.”

The 33-year-old Englandbased Nigerian boxer suffered his only professional defeat last September, when he was stopped in the 10th round by Lucas Matthysse in an interim title bout. Ajose bounced back on April 20 with an eightround decision victory against Rynell Griffin.

Lundy, 29 was a longtime lightweight contender but he will be fighting as a junior welterweight for the second consecutive time having lost two bouts in a row.

Segun Ajose (right) throws a punch at Ali Chebah during their WBC elimination bout.

Haye accuses Fury of avoiding him Former WBA heavyweight champion, David Haye has denied rumours that he is about to finalise arrangement for a bout with undefeated heavyweight boxer, Tyson Fury.

Haye noted that Fury has been avoiding him even when he has been offered a split of the fight purse on equal basis.

“I did everything in my power to get Fury in the ring; even offering him a 50/50 split of the fight money but he still doesn’t want to sign a contract. I think he is avoiding me because he knows he can not face me in

Sport

Sunday June 30, 2013

the ring,” Haye twitted.

However, Fury’s team has reacted to the allegation accusing the former champion of unprofessional behavior by taking to twitter.

“I can’t believe that Haye chose his twitter to attack me which is not professional.

“Haye knows how to get me. My team has been ready from day one and still are,” replied Fury.

Fury went on to mention that his next opponent may be Puerto Rican Fres Oquendo, the NABA heavyweight champion based in the United States of America.

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Glo League: Owumi wants security stepped up for match officials

D

avidson Owumi, former Chairman of the defunct Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has called on the League Management Company (LMC) to strengthen security at match venues during the second stanza of the league.

Owumi, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday, urged the LMC to strike a balance between administering the league and ensuring that the technicality of soccer was not ignored.

“They should not be carried away with looking for funds: They should also be concerned about what happens on the pitch.

“In modern soccer management, goals are scored on all

fronts; you score the financial goal talking about the financial development of the league.

“And you will also talk about the real goal which is on the field of play; they shouldn’t forget about the technicalities of the game, they have a lot of responsibilities. The two must go hand in hand. One should not suffer for the other. I wish they will balance the administrative setup.

“Match officials try their best to be fair during officiating, but they need to be rest assured that their lives are secure from restless fans,” Owumi said.

The league went on a two-week break after their week 19 fixtures; the second stanza will commence on July 3.

Moses advocates for grassroots tennis development IFEANYI EDUZOR

F

ormer Nigerian tennis star, Paul Moses has advocated for grassroots development of tennis to enable Nigeria produce great tennis players that will rule the world in future.

He told our correspondent at the just concluded Lagos Country Club Tennis Clinic which he organized for kids that there is the need for regular clinics for kids to enable them become future champions.

“The clinic has really helped the kids as they were introduced to some of the latest rudiments of the sport.

“Tennis like other sports have gone scientific and the earlier we make them familiarize with what other kids are being thought at this stage in countries like the USA, Russia and Spain, the better for them .

“I’m sure that this set of generation of Nigerian players will be competing at the highest level with their counterparts from the top tennis-playing countries,” he enthused.

Moses, a United Kingdom professional tennis certified coach expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the clinic, stating that Nigeria can produce world beaters in tennis.

Owumi

Stationery Stores set to return to top flight ANDREW EKEJIUBA

S

tationery Stores Football Club of Lagos is set to make a return to the Nigeria Glo Premier League.

The Executive Director of the club, Tilewa Adebajo, revealed the cheering news to our correspondent yesterday in Lagos.

He said plans are on the way for the club to take over one of the slots available from any of the teams doing battle at the country’s elite league.

“Stationery Stores will soon be back in action in the Glo Premier League and we are working hard to actualize this dream. Remember this is one club that is dear to the heart of Lagosians following it’s exploits in the past. We have gone far in registering

it with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a limited liability company and we are set to go.

“In a recent board meeting, a resolution was passed to bring the club to top flight football and also reconstitute the board by bringing in outsiders or listing the company to help broaden the ownership of the club,” Adebajo said.

He also confirmed that the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has given them support and assured them of using the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, as the club’s base.

Adebajo however regretted that Lagos State which use to be the home of football in the country does not have a club in the elite league and promised Lagosians that the glorious days of the ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ will soon be back.

Ladipo explains Brazilian trip IFEANYI EDUZOR

P

resident General of Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club Dr. Rafiu Ladipo says his decision to travel to Brazil and watch the FIFA Confederations Cup finals was to enable him put adequate logistics on ground for members of the club that will be travelling to the South American country to cheer the Super Eagles to victory in next year’s FIFA World Cup. Speaking in an interview with our correspondent before he boarded a flight to Rio de Janeiro to watch the final match between Spain and Brazil, he noted that although the Super Eagles crashed out of the competition

at the group stage, there is the need for him to attend the final to enable him liaise with the Brazilian branch of the club and make adequate preparation ahead of the 2014 mundial.

“I am attending the FIFA Confederations Cup finals not only to watch the final game but to have a high level discussion with my counterparts in Brazil on the need to make adequate preparations for the club ahead of next year’s world cup.

“Although it is true that the Super Eagles crashed out at the group stage of the competition, but it is still necessary that I travel to Brazil to work out modalities on the club’s preparation towards travelling to the South America country for next year’s FIFA World Cup,” he said.

Ladipo

62

Sport

Sunday June 30, 2013

“YOU REMEMBER PELE, MARADONA, BUT

Messi can’t be compared to Maradona –Davor Suker

HOW DO YOU COMPARE THEM?

OF CAMERAS FILMING MATCHES, WHEREAS

NOW YOU’LL HAVE

I

If you had to pick one memory from that competition, what would it be?

The goals! All six that I scored. The last one came against the Netherlands (in a 2-1 win in the match for third place), and the day after that we headed for home. I can remember watching the Final between Brazil and France on TV: at that point I was leading [the scorers chart], but Ronaldo only needed one goal to draw level. I knew that if he didn’t score during those 90 minutes, I’d be on top of the world. But just one goal could have changed everything! And I can not mention all those Croatians who travelled to France to support us. They proved that we’re a small but great nation.

The war will have been very fresh in the minds of that generation of Croatian players. Did that fact help generate a special spirit within the squad?

Of course, for us it was a good opportunity to show what our country was about.

Prior to 1998, very few people knew about

How important can football be to people who’ve been through a situation like that?

Very important. I’m very proud of having played in 1998. Being there wearing your country’s badge, their colours and representing your nation, as well as experiencing the symbiosis that’s generated between the players and fans. Just as some people had fought within our country, there we were, battling it out on the pitch.

Turning to the modern game, and given the goalscoring feats of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, can strikers still be prolific without being quick?

First and foremost, it has to be said that Messi and Cristiano are out of this world – they’re so far ahead of the pack. They can be compared with the likes of Pele, Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer – this era belongs to them. As for the others, speed is part of the game but you also need talent, control, footballing intelligence and effectiveness in front of goal. If you don’t have those, you’ll struggle to score.

Is there a striker like you in football nowadays?

I think the one that’s most like me is Karim Benzema, who’s got a real talent for keeping the ball under control. Yes, I’d say he’s the most similar.

You played for clubs in Germany and

24

RECORDING THE WARMUP!

EVEN SO, I THINK

MARADONA IS BETTER THAN MESSI.”

Fifteen years have now passed since Croatia wrote the finest chapter in their short footballing history, when seizing bronze at France’98 FIFA World Cup. The golden generation including the likes of Robert Prosinecki, Zvonimir Boban and Mario Stanic was spearheaded by the goalgetting genius of Davor Suker, who also claimed the Adidas Golden Boot as the competition’s top scorer. Long retired and now working as the President of the Croatian Football Federation (CFF), the former Sevilla, Real Madrid and Arsenal player discussed a host of topics with FIFA.com, including those feats at France 1998, the war in the Balkans and playing with Diego Maradona.

Croatia. Everyone knew it was a small nation that had previously been part of Yugoslavia, but nothing else. It’s very important, and very difficult, to gain recognition as a country, but I think that we achieved it.

BACK THEN

YOU’D HAVE A COUPLE

Diego Maradona in action for Argentina at Mexico’86 FIFA World Cup. INSET: Davor Suker

t is exactly 15 years ago that you starred at the FIFA World Cup in France. Do you think about that tournament on a daily basis or is it already a distant memory?

It might seem distant time-wise, but it’s certainly not that way in my mind or in the memories of Croatian football fans. We made history by finishing third, which is an incredible feat for a country of four million people which had only recently been through war in the Balkans. We’re very proud to have been part of that team. And I’m proud on an individual note too, as I achieved every footballer’s dream of playing at a World Cup and finishing top scorer.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Spain, two countries that are currently on a high in footballing terms. Could you see this trend emerging even back then?

Yes, absolutely. Germany always invest for the future, which is something we should all learn from them. And as far as Spain are concerned, when I arrived in the ‘90s they’d started investing in everything: football, basketball, handball, even water polo! The thing is, it’s hard to get results on a shortterm basis, as you need ten or 15 years to get results, and who wants to wait so long nowadays? But that’s the key to success.

Diego Maradona is a friend of yours, you were team-mates at Sevilla and you even played in his farewell match. As you know him so well, do you think comparisons with Messi are reasonable?

It’s difficult, as the game changes so much every decade. You remember Pele, Maradona, but how do you compare them? Back then you’d have a couple of cameras filming matches, whereas now you’ll have 24 recording the warm-up!

Even so, I think Maradona is better. Messi’s time will come though: he’ll score loads of goals, break even more records, but he needs to win something with Argentina. He’s very young and his time will come – I wish him all the best.

Can you tell us any anecdotes about your time alongside Maradona?

When I was at Sevilla with him, Carlos Bilardo and Diego Simeone, there’d generally be between 3,000 and 5,000 people watching us train. I remember one morning Diego arriving late and in trademark fashion: behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

Immediately, all the people watching us disappeared and ran off to mob him in the car park. That shows how popular he was. And there’s another story I like to tell. When I was a kid I used to watch Diego on TV in my room. But suddenly I found myself having breakfast with him, training with him and sharing a dressing room – it was incredible. I just waited for him to speak to me, to say something, and finally one day he called me over. He just said, ‘Davor, I don’t want you looking out wide or anything. Just get your head down and run towards goal and I’ll put the ball in front of you, ready for you to knock it in.’ There aren’t many players in the world who can say something like that, but he was one of them. And if you watch the goals he set up for me with Sevilla, that’s what happened. It’s something that will stay with me forever.

When you see your former Real Madrid team-mate Clarence Seedorf still playing in the Brazilian top flight, does it make you think you could have carried on a bit longer?

I’ll be honest: the issue isn’t just about playing. When you’re a goalscorer you’ve got to keep scoring year in, year out – you’ve got a lot to lose. Midfielders and defenders have got more chance of having longer careers. And football’s not just about playing matches, having a Ferrari, a nice watch and meeting pretty women. To succeed you need to train every day. You need a lot of ability, and also a lot of hard work.

Finally, we want to know why you opted to become President of the CFF, rather than a coach or an analyst like many of your former colleagues?

Even if you’re a great goalscorer or the best player in the world, it doesn’t automatically make you a great coach. It’s not something I’m suited to. I haven’t even done any coaching courses. I’m aware that the wages can be good and it’s a good job, but it’s also tough. Especially when you’ve already been in football for 20 years, when you’ve missed out on all those weekends and holidays, without even being able to go to church on Sundays (laughs). And on top of that there’s another change to consider: when you’re a goalscorer you’re always making headlines in the newspapers, but when you’re starting out as a coach you’ve got to get used to being hidden away on the inner pages. Personally speaking, I feel like I can do more for my country’s football this way, thanks to my gift for languages and all the friendships I’ve made in the game. I want to give as much back to football as it’s given to me, and that’s what I’m working towards.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday June 30, 2013

Ardiles: Higuain can be Arsenal’s new RVP

F

ormer Argentina international and Tottenham manager Osvaldo Ardiles believes that Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain could emulate Robin van Persie at Arsenal.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Ardiles was keen to emphasise the similarities between Higuain and former Arsenal star Van Persie, whose departure left the Gunners lacking in firepower last season.

“Van Persie is a super player, one of my favourites and one of the best in the Premier League last season, along with Gareth Bale,” Ardiles said.

But the 1978 World Cup

winner suggested that, given time, Higuain could be as good, if not better, than the iconic Dutchman.

“As good as Van Persie?

Of course he can, that’s how good Higuain is.

You remember when Van Persie arrived he was not exactly, immediately, the best player, it took a bit of time. But he was younger - Higuain is much more experienced.”

Arsenal officials travelled to Madrid last Friday in order to finalise a move for the 25-year-old, while Higuain’s father admitted talks with the Gunners are at an advanced stage.

And Ardiles believes Ar-

Tevez lawyers back Juve move

J

uventus new boy Carlos Tevez’s lawyers insists “no rules have been broken” following his transfer from Manchester City to Turin, despite having outstanding community service to serve in the United Kingdom.

The 29-year-old finalised a deal to join the Serie A champions on Wednesday after spending four seasons at Manchester City, for a fee of around £10 million.

But the Argentina international still has a significant portion of the 250 hours of community service he received in April to carry out, and will be unable to complete his sentence before preseason starts with Juventus in two weeks’ time.

But Tevez’s lawyer,

Higuain

sene Wenger can be sure of a fantastic return on his investment should the French-born Argentina international make the switch to north London.

“He’s a top, top player.

Tevez

Gwyn Lewis, insists the former West Ham and Manchester United striker has done nothing wrong and will endeavour to follow the appropriate procedures.

“No rules or regulations have been broken in relation to Carlos Tevez’s community service order,” said Tevez’s legal team.

“We are acting on behalf of Mr Tevez to make sure he abides by all the rules.”

hristian Maggio is hopeful of convincing team-mate Edinson Cavani to stay at Napoli for another season amid strong interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international recently voiced his frustration with Napoli’s £54 million asking price following Aurelio De Laurentiis’ comments that interested clubs will have to meet his buy-out clause and demanded face-to-face talks with the club president once he returns from his holiday after the Confederations Cup. Nevertheless, Maggio is refusing to give up on

Liverpool slams Suarez, Real speculation

L

iverpool have slammed reports claiming star attacker Luis Suarez has been negotiating terms to switch to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

The controversial Uruguayan has been on national duty at the Confederations Cup in Brazil recently, and a Spanish a daily chose to publish Suarez had been in talks with Madrid behind the backs of the Anfield chiefs.

The Reds slammed the speculation, saying Suarez had not handed in a trans-

fer request and has three years remaining on his contract and is not for sale.

However, Liverpool are reportedly concerned by the report and if the rumours do have any substance, a potential move would have a direct flowon effect on Tottenham and their electrifying winger Gareth Bale.

Real assistant Zinedine Zidane is a known admirer of the Welsh magician, but the Bernabeu club would obviously only chase one of Suarez or Bale.

Suarez

EURO BRIEFS

Fowler confident on Liverpool chances L iverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes the club can challenge for a UEFA Champions League place next season. The Merseyside club have failed to finish in the top five of the Premier League table for the last four seasons and Fowler thinks that the club’s new signings – Spanish pair Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto, Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and veteran Ivorian defender Kolo Toure will improve consistency at Anfield.

Fowler

Gunners set sights on Cesar

A

He will always score goals.

He likes to be in the box all the time and he works hard for his team - wherever he goes he’s going to be great for the team he’s joining,” Ardiles concluded.

I will convince Cavani to stay at Napoli, says Maggio

C

63

the prolific attacker and wants Cavani to stay put.

“We have not spoken to each other recently. There has simply not been any time. But we will have a calm and relaxed talk about his situation,” Maggio said.

“I don’t know yet when we will meet, but we have always had a good relationship. I will try to convince him to stay put. It’s then up to him to make a decision, but I obviously want him to stay at Napoli.”

Cavani scored 29 goals in 34 Serie A appearances last season, and the 26-year-old’s current Napoli deal is due to expire in the summer of 2017.

Cesar

rsenal are reportedly chasing QPR custodian Julio Cesar, to complement Polish shot-stoppers Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski. Cesar on national duty with Brazil at the Confederations Cup in his homeland - is being watched by scouts from the Emirates Stadium, and could come cheap for an estimated 1.5-million-pound fee.

Casillas: Lopez deserves starting berth in Real

R

eal Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has admitted that he understands Jose Mourinho’s decision not to drop Diego Lopez from the starting XI last season and feels his team-mate’s performances merited a spot as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The 32-year-old missed a large part of the second half of the 2012-13 campaign after first being dropped at Christmas and then picking up a hand injury on his return to the side in the New Year.

Lopez

Carrick targets positive pre-season

M

anchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is eyeing a productive preseason ahead of the Red Devils’ 2013-14 title defence.

The 31-year-old believes building up fitness and staying injury free is “vital” to ensuring the squad hit the ground running in August.

Sunderland, Arsenal agree Mannone fee

S

underland have moved on a couple of key signings ahead of the Premier League season, agreeing to a fee for Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone.

The Wearside club have also opened talks for Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who will reportedly cost the North-East club five million pounds.

But Mannone will definitely depart the Emirates - with Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski both ahead of him, and the club chasing the services of QPR’s Julio Cesar - and will fill the absence

Mannone

left by the departing Simon Mignolet, who joined Liverpool recently.

The former Italy Under-21 representative will compete against Kieren Westwood for the number one spot under Paolo Di

Canio.

Huddlestone, 26, could have been Sunderlandbound last season, but then-manager Martin O’Neill only wanted the Englishman on loan, and knocked back the offer.

N I G E R I A

$27 Vol. 3 No. 29

Sunday, June 30, 2013

www.nationalmirroronline.net

N150

m, sum the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, said is missing from proceeds from sale of Federal Government properties in America.

I N

F I G U R E S

bn, amount the Attorney General of the Federation N5.5 and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, said FG recovered from the late Gen. Sani Abacha’s loot.

Budget squeeze from Reps

Back Page

Comment

E-mail: nwaunah@yahoo.com Unah is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lagos

with Jim Unah

T

he need for Executive-Legislature understanding, cordiality and synergy in driving regime policy and stimulating growth and development in the country has been negated by the feuding and cold war between the two most critical organs of government in the last few days. And to think that the 2013 budget Amendment bill, right in the middle of 2013, is the bone of contention rubbishes the whole idea and practice of budgeting.

That a budget estimate which was ready in the last quarter of 2012, that many analysts lauded as a pleasant departure from the norm, envisaged to correct the practice of undue delays in the passage of the nation’s annual budgets — a practice that had consistently dogged meaningful implementation of past budgets, is still an issue and a dingdong affair, makes the heart bleed for the country.

Late last year, the Presidency, according to reports, sent the 2013 budget estimates to the National Assembly for Appropriation and approval; but there were gray areas about which the legis-

lators wanted clarifications, I suppose.

That caused unnecessary delays. Then came the 2013 Budget Amendment Bill transmitted by the Presidency to the National Assembly for Appropriation in mid March this year; but the lawmakers altered and tampered significantly with the budget proposals from the executive arm of government; not just to demonstrate that the legislative assembly is not a rubber stamp for executive whims and caprices, but mainly to get back at the executive for its high-handedness towards the legislature.

This again prompted the President to re-send the Amendment Budget proposal, apparently after further consultations with the relevant stakeholders; pleading with the lawmakers to restore capital projects allocations which they had reduced earlier to make implementation practicable. The projects particularly affected by the legislators’ reduction of the budget proposal are of critical importance to the nation if they are executed.

They are the major road construction projects such as the Abuja-Lokoja Road; the Kano-Maiduguri Road; the IbadanIlorin Road; the burnt Marine and Iddo Bridges, among others. The reduced estimates will also adversely affect power projects and rail construction projects, as well as the rehabilitation and procurement of train locomotives and wagons.

There are several other areas of infrastructure needs of the nation such

as education and health that the Reps’ indiscriminate reduction of the budget proposals would affect adversely, if the situation is not reversed. In doing this, the contention of the lawmakers is that the presentation of the 2013 budget runs counter to the provisions of section 81 of the 1999 Constitution; claiming that the structure of the budget proposal “is alien, a stranger and an interloper as far as the constitution is concerned”.

I took time off yesterday to read section 81 of the 1999 Constitution, and I could not find anything wrong with the provision of that section of the Constitution and the proposal made by the executive arm to the legislature. Titled, Authorisation of expenditure from Consolidated Revenue Fund, section 81 subsection (1), it states:- “The President shall cause to be prepared and laid before each House of the National Assembly at any time in each financial year estimates of revenues and expenditure of the Federation for the next following financial year.” Sub-sections (2), (3), and (4)a&b state what is known by everybody about the responsibility of the Presidency to prepare budgets and supplementary estimates for approval by the legislature.

My point here is that the grouse of the lawmakers for tampering with the budget proposal is different from what they are alleging. It has nothing to do with what Mr. President has done wrong in the manner of presentation of the 2013

budget estimates. On March 31, 2013, I had tried to mediate the feud between the executive and the legislature over the Constituency matter, in this column; arguing that it is not the business of the lawmakers to saddle themselves with the task of executing constituency projects, but that their job is largely that of supervision and oversight function, and that they should allow the executive arm to face the task of the execution of laws.

It does not appear to me that our lawmakers have matured to the point of separating personal interests from national interest. The slashing of the proposal for capital projects in the 2013 budget cannot be regarded by any stretch of the imagination to constitute the performance of an oversight function on the executive. It has rather constituted a clog in the wheel of performance for the executive arm of government. Power should not be used as a hindrance to the realisation of national development policies and objectives.

I can understand the rejection of the funding of the First Ladies African Peace Mission Building on grounds that it is not a national priority; but I find it difficult to comprehend the indiscriminate reduction of capital projects proposal in the 2013 budget estimates; given that infrastructure deficits have been the bane of development in this country. Let the Reps support the President to get the 2013 budget off the ground for the benefit of the nation.

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles to battle Uruguay Glo League: IFEANYI EDUZOR

N

igeria Flying Eagles will on Tuesday, July 2, continue their campaign at the on-going FIFA U-20 World Cup holding in Turkey when they confront Uruguay in the second round of the competition.

Coach John Obuh- tutored side booked a ticket in the second round of 16 after finishing second behind Group B leaders, Portugal, while the South American country, Uruguay, also came second in Group F behind Croatia.

The match which is scheduled for Istanbul promises to be action packed, as the two countries are expected to re-enact the

soccer rivalry between them.

While the Flying Eagles will be aiming to revenge the 1-2 loss suffered by the Super Eagles to the Uruguay national team at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, their opponents will be using the match to assert their superiority over Nigeria to show that their senior team’s win was not a fluke.

It is expected that the Flying Eagles which rediscovered their scoring form after their 2-3 loss to Portugal in their opening match, will re-enact the form that made them demolish Cuba 3-0 before recording a 1-0 victory over South Korea.

Meanwhile, Flying Eagles captain, Abduljeleel Ajagun, has expressed optimism that

Owumi wants P. 61 security stepped up for match officials FIFA CONFED CUP FIXTURES Today’s Matches

Ajagun

they will beat Uruguay and earn a quarter- final ticket in the tournament.

Ajagun, who has scored three goals in the competition, noted that the team has improved greatly after their second match and are looking forward to having a good outing against the South Americans on Tuesday.

Uruguay v Italy (3rd Place Match) 13:00

Brazil v Spain (Final) 19:00 FIFA CONFED CUP RESULTS

Croatia 2-1 New Zealand Uzbekistan 0-4 Uruguay Egypt 2-0 England Iraq 2-1 Chile

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